before being devote comes rule - Search

Raezil

Monsters The Wild Beyond the Witchlight

on the politics of Prismeer. Once she is no longer petrified, Raezil is bound by the rule of reciprocity (see “Rules of Conduct” in chapter 2) to help the characters complete any

outstanding quests they might have. Raezil comes from a highborn elf family with influence in the Summer Court, making her a useful retainer if the characters choose to remain in the Feywild after their adventures in Prismeer have ended.

Sage Legacy

Backgrounds Basic Rules (2014)

can obtain it. Usually, this information comes from a library, scriptorium, university, or a sage or other learned person or creature. Your DM might rule that the knowledge you seek is secreted away in

Yakfolk Warrior

Monsters Storm King's Thunder

that image until the strangers can be disarmed and taken prisoner. In their seemingly idyllic hideaways, the yakfolk rule with iron fists, and for all their learning and culture, they are enormously

that yakfolk are lazy—quite the contrary. They simply consider most menial tasks beneath them. Yakfolk have a drive for learning, particularly when it comes to the secrets of elemental magic

Yakfolk Priest

Monsters Storm King's Thunder

, and the yakfolk foster that image until the strangers can be disarmed and taken prisoner. In their seemingly idyllic hideaways, the yakfolk rule with iron fists, and for all their learning and

laboring oneself. It’s not that yakfolk are lazy—quite the contrary. They simply consider most menial tasks beneath them. Yakfolk have a drive for learning, particularly when it comes to the

Rogue Legacy

Classes Basic Rules (2014)

their target — a notorious slaver — passes the alleyway, the accomplice cries out, the slaver comes to investigate, and the assassin’s blade cuts his throat before he can make a sound

any problem, demonstrating a resourcefulness and versatility that is the cornerstone of any successful adventuring party. Skill and Precision Rogues devote as much effort to mastering the use of a

Sage - Baldur's Gate

Backgrounds Baldur’s Gate: Descent into Avernus

: RESEARCHER When you attempt to learn or recall a piece of lore, if you do not know that information, you often know where and from whom you can obtain it. Usually, this information comes from a

library, scriptorium, university, or a sage or other learned person or creature. Your DM might rule that the knowledge you seek is secreted away in an almost inaccessible place, or that it simply cannot

House Rules

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->D&D Beyond Basic Rules

rule comes up in your game, record how you decide to interpret it. Add that to your collection of house rules so you and the players can reference it when the rule comes up again later.

House Rules House rules are new or modified rules you add to your game to make it your own and to enhance the style you have in mind for your game. Before you establish a house rule, ask yourself two

House Rules

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Dungeon Master’s Guide

rule comes up in your game, record how you decide to interpret it. Add that to your collection of house rules so you and the players can reference it when the rule comes up again later.

House Rules House rules are new or modified rules you add to your game to make it your own and to enhance the style you have in mind for your game. Before you establish a house rule, ask yourself two

Simic Scientist

Backgrounds Guildmasters’ Guide to Ravnica

scientific fact, if you don’t know that information, you know where and from whom you can obtain it. Usually, this information comes from a Simic laboratory, or sometimes from an Izzet facility, a

offer bribes, favors, or other incentives to induce people to reveal their secrets. Your DM might rule that the knowledge you seek is secreted away in an inaccessible place, or that it simply can

Skill and Precision

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Player's Handbook (2014)

Skill and Precision Rogues devote as much effort to mastering the use of a variety of skills as they do to perfecting their combat abilities, giving them a broad expertise that few other characters

comes to combat, rogues prioritize cunning over brute strength. A rogue would rather make one precise strike, placing it exactly where the attack will hurt the target most, than wear an opponent down

Giff

Species Spelljammer: Adventures in Space

own, which giff have learned to channel through their weapons. Most giff have no idea where this so-called astral spark comes from, but they feel its presence most strongly when they are in Wildspace

. Follow this rule regardless of the method you use to determine the scores, such as rolling or point buy. The “Quick Build” section for your character’s class offers suggestions on which

Skill and Precision

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Basic Rules (2014)

Skill and Precision Rogues devote as much effort to mastering the use of a variety of skills as they do to perfecting their combat abilities, giving them a broad expertise that few other characters

comes to combat, rogues prioritize cunning over brute strength. A rogue would rather make one precise strike, placing it exactly where the attack will hurt the target most, than wear an opponent down

Goblin Legacy

Species Volo's Guide to Monsters

opportunity to supervise and dominate such creatures, which have no status at all. WHO'S THE BOSS? Goblins pattern the rule of their tribes after the whip-cracking rule of their god, Khurgorbaeyag

, or secret backstabbing and outright fights over the title. Most often, the victor in such a struggle comes from another family of the lasher caste, and any allies of the previous boss count themselves

Valor's Call

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Dungeon Master’s Guide

determines who can become a member of this prestigious group, and he is always looking for courageous heroes willing to devote themselves to a good cause. Only good-aligned characters can join Valor’s Call

the Book of Vile Darkness (described in chapter 7). Armed with that dread tome, he forged a kingdom to rule, with the vampire Kas as his lieutenant. But Kas betrayed and killed him, leaving only one

Paladin

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Xanathar's Guide to Everything

devote themselves expressly to protecting the innocent and spreading justice in the world, while others resolve to attain that goal by conquering those who stand defiant and bringing them under the rule of

Wizardry

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Mordenkainen's Tome of Foes

Wizardry There’s a reason most powerful wizards are old. The special formulas of action, item, and sound that produce wizardly magic require precision, and such precision comes only from long

mental barriers in order to achieve ever greater mastery. Of all peoples, elves are perhaps best suited to wizardry. They have centuries of life to devote to their studies, and their trance effectively

The Role of Rules

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Sage Advice Compendium

running. There are times, though, when the design intent of a rule isn’t clear or when one rule seems to contradict another. Dealing with those situations is where Sage Advice comes in. This column

. RAI. Some of you are especially interested in knowing the intent behind a rule. That’s where RAI comes in: “rules as intended.” This approach is all about what the designers meant when they wrote

Ancient Deep Dragon Legacy

Monsters Fizban's Treasury of Dragons

1 Understanding. True power comes from the ability to discern other creatures’ motivations better than they can discern yours. (Any) 2 Kindred. All dragons are kin to one another, and

, they use local settlements—and any competent visitors—as pawns in their struggle. 4 An ancient deep dragon has put the folk of a city to work building the dragon a metropolis to rule

Bugbear Legacy

Species Volo's Guide to Monsters

bugbears recognize two other gods, both of which they disdain and fear: Maglubiyet and Skiggaret. Maglubiyet, the leader of the goblinoid pantheon, forced both brothers to submit to his rule, but

believe that this feeling of fear comes from being possessed by Skiggaret, and they don’t relish experiencing it. After the madness has passed, bugbears don’t dwell on things that were done

The Role of Rules

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Sage Advice & Errata

, though, when the design intent of a rule isn’t clear or when one rule seems to contradict another. Dealing with those situations is where Sage Advice comes in. It doesn’t replace a DM’s adjudication

you are especially interested in knowing the intent behind a rule. That’s where RAI comes in: “rules as intended.” This approach is all about what the designers meant when they wrote something. In a

Knowledge of Barovia

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Vecna: Eve of Ruin

Domains of Dread, and the Darklords, who each rule a domain created to torment them. Strahd the Vampire. As Barovia’s Darklord, the vampire Strahd von Zarovich wields immense power and usually has the final say over who comes and goes in his domain.

Asphodel and the Despair Lands

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Mythic Odysseys of Theros

tragically ironic home for those who risked so much to escape the land of the dead. Coliseum of the Aphonai Three ancient Returned called the Aphonai rule Asphodel. They wear simple, identical golden masks

Returned never speak, rendering their judgments only in gestures. Order of Phaios A cabal of mages known as the Order of Phaios defend Asphodel with their magic. The mages of the order devote themselves to

Every DM Is Unique

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->D&D Beyond Basic Rules

. The Rule of Fun D&D is a game, and everyone should have fun playing it. Everyone shares equal responsibility in moving the game along, and everyone contributes to the fun when they treat each other

many different ideas about what makes D&D fun. The “right way” to play D&D is the way you and your players agree to and enjoy. If everyone comes to the table prepared to contribute to the game, the entire table is likely to have a wonderful and memorable time.

Chapter 8: Winter Wizardry

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Waterdeep: Dragon Heist

Chapter 8: Winter Wizardry Manshoon yearns to rule Waterdeep as a tyrant, take over the Zhentarim, and use both seats of power to plunder and control the Sword Coast. He needs the gold in the Vault

of Dragons to pay off Masked Lords and Zhentarim leaders whose support will be instrumental when the time comes to oust Lady Laeral Silverhand as Open Lord. Manshoon has a long list of powerful

Depth

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Ghosts of Saltmarsh

. Illumination When it comes to light, the sea is divided into three layers: Sunlight Zone. The sunlight zone extends from the water’s surface to a depth of 650 feet. This area of the sea has the same natural

Dungeon Master’s Guide. Optional Rule: Pressure and Objects With this optional rule, characters who dive deep in the ocean require specialized equipment that can withstand the ocean’s pressure. Nonmagical

Invalid Spell Targets

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Xanathar's Guide to Everything

is in fact a vampire. If this issue comes up, handle it using the following rule. If you cast a spell on someone or something that can’t be affected by the spell, nothing happens to that target, but if

The Horror of Defeat

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Rise of Tiamat

The Horror of Defeat A victory for the Cult of the Dragon is a real possibility in this adventure, and would be catastrophic for Faerûn. With Tiamat ascendant, the age of mortals comes to an end and

mortals her draconic subjects hunt, consume, and enslave. The glorious reign of dragons that Severin hoped to usher in and rule becomes a brutal world where evil dragons dominate all. This need not mean

Orc Legacy

Species Volo's Guide to Monsters

infirm. Orcs don’t revere their gods as much as they fear them; every tribe has superstitions about how to avert their wrath or bring their favor. This deep-seated uncertainty and fear comes forth

Luthic. He predicts that the war will end with Luthic the only deity standing, as the cave mother ascends to rule her warrior children. Life in the Tribe Orcs survive through savagery and force of

Every DM Is Unique

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Dungeon Master’s Guide

successful as a DM if you choose a play style that works best for you and your players. The Rule of Fun D&D is a game, and everyone should have fun playing it. Everyone shares equal responsibility in

to and enjoy. If everyone comes to the table prepared to contribute to the game, the entire table is likely to have a wonderful and memorable time.

The Horror of Defeat

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Tyranny of Dragons

The Horror of Defeat A victory for the Cult of the Dragon is a real possibility in this adventure, and would be catastrophic for Faerûn. With Tiamat ascendant, the age of mortals comes to an end and

mortals her draconic subjects hunt, consume, and enslave. The glorious reign of dragons that Severin hoped to usher in and rule becomes a brutal world where evil dragons dominate all. This need not mean

Halflings

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Sword Coast Adventurer’s Guide

being deft and plucky. Halflings, or hin as they call themselves, exhibit a natural adroitness that often surprises larger folk. This nimbleness regularly comes in handy when their courage outruns their

travelers as a rule, with tongues and hearts as nimble as their feet. Whereas if strongheart halflings are on the move, it always seems driven by a desire to return to home or find and settle in a

Bag Jelly

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Bigby Presents: Glory of the Giants

smaller creature, it has the grappled condition (escape DC 11). Ability checks made to escape this grapple have disadvantage. Tony Foti I’m not one to discount Dwarvish sagas as a rule, but everyone

knows that food left in a bag too long sometimes comes alive. “Eat it before it eats you.” That’s my motto. —Diancastra

Dracolich

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Monster Manual (2014)

, driven to rule over all. A dracolich is a fiendishly intelligent tyrant that crafts complex webs of foul schemes, attracting servants motivated by greed and a lust for power. Acting from the shadows

destroyed, its spirit returns to the gem as long as the two are on the same plane. If the gem comes into contact with another dragon’s corpse, the dracolich’s spirit can take possession of that corpse to

The Dual Role of Abbathor

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Mordenkainen's Tome of Foes

ambitions. They devote their lives to the pursuit of perfection, and the best come close to realizing that goal. But for all their dedication, dwarves are mortal, which means they are fallible. And that’s

where Abbathor comes in. The dwarves’ attachment to their creations has a dark side: many of them fall victim to feelings of selfishness and greed. The culprit is Abbathor, the black sheep of the

If It Exists In D&D, There's A Place for It in Eberron

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Wayfinder's Guide to Eberron

driven by Gruumsh’s fury, and the gnolls aren’t tied to Yeenoghu. The exceptions to this rule are creatures whose identities are shaped by magic. Fiends and celestials embody pure ideals of good and

that’s ever been suggested. Chapter 3 provides advice on adding new races to Eberron. Here’s a few other ways that you can add something into Eberron with minimal impact on the setting. It comes from

Search Results