before best defusing changing response

Glaive

Monsters Vecna: Eve of Ruin

":"Serrated Bolt Removal","rollDamageType":"slashing"} slashing damage.Self-Preservation. In response to being hit by a weapon attack, Glaive reduces the damage by 11 (2d10);{"diceNotation":"2d10

blighted region. Among the blades, Glaive is best known for her talent at self-modification. “Glaive” is etched onto the back of her neck-plate. It is the only name Glaive has ever known

Hutijin Legacy

Monsters Mordenkainen’s Tome of Foes

DC 22). He can innately cast the following spells, requiring no material components: At will: alter self (can become Medium when changing his appearance), animate dead, detect magic, hold monster

);{"diceNotation":"1d6","rollType":"recharge","rollAction":"Fearful Voice"}. In response to taking damage, Hutijin utters a dreadful word of power. Each creature within 30 feet of him that isn't a devil must succeed

Stone Cursed

Monsters Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

they obey that being’s orders to the best of their ability. In combat, stony claws that drip with thick, gray sludge emerge from a stone cursed’s fingers. This alchemical sludge

’s body. At the end of a short rest, a character can make a DC 20 Intelligence (Arcana) check to attempt to extract a memory from the skull that is a response to a verbal question posed to the

Hutijin

Monsters Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

material components and using Charisma as the spellcasting ability (spell save DC 22): At will: alter self (can become Medium when changing his appearance), animate dead, detect magic, hold monster

unoccupied space he can see.Fearful Voice (Recharge 5–6);{"diceNotation":"1d6","rollType":"recharge","rollAction":"Fearful Voice"}. In response to taking damage, Hutijin utters a dreadful word of power

Half-Elf Legacy

Species Basic Rules (2014)

, Dragons of Autumn Twilight Walking in two worlds but truly belonging to neither, half-elves combine what some say are the best qualities of their elf and human parents: human curiosity

. EXCELLENT AMBASSADORS Many half-elves learn at an early age to get along with everyone, defusing hostility and finding common ground. As a race, they have elven grace without elven aloofness and

Triton

Species Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

Originally from the Elemental Plane of Water, many tritons entered the Material Plane centuries ago in response to the growing threat of evil elementals. Those tritons spread across the worlds&rsquo

’s Handbook, and choose the row in the table that best represents the build you imagine for your character.

Zariel

Monsters Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

the following spells, requiring no material components and using Charisma as the spellcasting ability (spell save DC 26): At will: alter self (can become Medium when changing her appearance), detect

collecting souls from the greatest warriors on the Material Plane. She bargains hard, and there is little hope of wriggling out of a pact. However, she expects the best from her servants, so she

Soul Coin

Magic Items Baldur’s Gate: Descent into Avernus

temporary hit points. Query. You telepathically ask the soul a question and receive a brief telepathic response, which you can understand. The soul knows only what it knew in life, but it must

answer you truthfully and to the best of its ability. The answer is no more than a sentence or two and might be cryptic. Freeing a Soul. Casting a spell that removes a curse on a soul coin frees the soul

Geryon

Monsters Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

: alter self (can become Medium when changing his appearance), detect magic, ice storm, invisibility (self only), locate object, suggestion, wall of ice 1/day: banishment Teleport. Geryon magically

times. Currently, Levistus claims lordship over Stygia, but he has been trapped in an enormous block of ice at the command of Asmodeus. In response, Geryon is marshaling his followers, hoping to use this

Geryon (Variant)

Monsters Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

: alter self (can become Medium when changing his appearance), detect magic, ice storm, invisibility (self only), locate object, suggestion, wall of ice 1/day: banishment Teleport. Geryon magically

innumerable times. Currently, Levistus claims lordship over Stygia, but he has been trapped in an enormous block of ice at the command of Asmodeus. In response, Geryon is marshaling his followers, hoping to

Orthon

Monsters Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

knows which one, but not the exact location there.Explosive Retribution. In response to dropping to 15 hit points or fewer, the orthon explodes. All other creatures within 30 feet of it must each make

often unaware of being hunted until the orthon strikes. This invisibility can be disrupted when the devil is attacked, however, so a strong counterattack is often the best defense against it. Orthons

Triton Legacy

Species Volo's Guide to Monsters

the world above. Aquatic Crusaders Centuries ago, tritons entered the world in response to the growing threat of evil elementals. Tritons waged many wars against their enemies on the Plane of Water

have never been to the surface world. They struggle with the idea that they can’t easily move up and down out of water, and the changing of the seasons mystifies them. Tritons also find the

Elf Legacy

Species Basic Rules (2014)

. Since they are so long-lived, they can enjoy centuries of exploration and discovery. They dislike the pace of human society, which is regimented from day to day but constantly changing over decades, so

, sophistication, and manners, they make up in valor. And I must admit, their best smiths produce art that approaches elven quality.” Halflings. “Halflings are people of simple pleasures, and

Lizardfolk Legacy

Species Volo's Guide to Monsters

, if other creatures prove useful to lizardfolk, those creatures can trigger a protective response made all the stronger by their apparent weakness. The lizardfolk assess such beings as hatchlings

portable! 2 You sleep best while mostly submerged in water. 3 Money is meaningless to you. 4 You think there are only two species of humanoid: lizardfolk and meat. 5 You have

Human Legacy

Species Basic Rules (2014)

, striving to leave a lasting legacy. Individually and as a group, humans are adaptable opportunists, and they stay alert to changing political and social dynamics. EVERYONE’S SECOND-BEST FRIENDS

; Elves. “It’s best not to wander into elven woods. They don’t like intruders, and you’ll as likely be bewitched as peppered with arrows. Still, if an elf can get past that damned

Satyr Legacy

Species Mythic Odysseys of Theros

all, and the proper response to such a gift, as far as most satyrs are concerned, is to accept it with relish. Born of the Wild In their physical forms, satyrs embody a fusion of humanoid

that my clothes are my glorious soul on display for all the world to behold, and I dress accordingly. 7 Having horns is the best. They are fun to decorate, and they can pop open an amphora, no

Changeling

Species Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

With ever-changing appearances, changelings reside in many societies undetected. Each changeling can supernaturally adopt any face they like. For some changelings, a new face is only a disguise. For

character’s height or weight randomly, consult the Random Height and Weight table in the Player’s Handbook, and choose the row in the table that best represents the build you imagine for your character.

The Silver Sliver

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Acquisitions Incorporated

fine. But if there’s no money changing hands, how do you measure the value of the work? The Silver Sliver exemplifies what goes wrong when good people fail to grasp the complexities of the world. They

Silver Sliver on multiple occasions that I’m available for consulting on things like this. No response, though. The organization is said to be headed up by someone named Glimmr Violente: a woman

Lizardfolk Personality

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Volo's Guide to Monsters

waste and see no reason not to scavenge fallen enemies. Fingers are tasty and portable! 2 You sleep best while mostly submerged in water. 3 Money is meaningless to you. 4 You think there are only two

species of humanoid: lizardfolk and meat. 5 You have learned to laugh. You use this talent in response to all emotional situations, to better fit in with your comrades. 6 You still don’t understand how

Fifth Edition

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->The Book of Many Things

deck has been in every edition of D&D, but there is no single “best” version of the deck. It has always been changing, and it always will. When you include the deck in your game, tailor it to your table

Exploration and Adventure

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

, which is regimented from day to day but constantly changing over decades, so they find careers that let them travel freely and set their own pace. Elves also enjoy exercising their martial prowess or

. “Dwarves are dull, clumsy oafs. But what they lack in humor, sophistication, and manners, they make up in valor. And I must admit, their best smiths produce art that approaches elven quality.” Halflings

Using the Adventures

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Candlekeep Mysteries

larger or smaller groups as well as for characters of higher or lower level by swapping one monster or trap for another, changing the number of foes in an encounter, and adjusting DCs to make

. During their research, they uncover a book and the mystery it contains, which leads to adventure. These short adventures work best with players who like mysteries and discovering their secrets. That

Describing Monsters

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Van Richten’s Guide to Ravenloft

its description. You could tell the players that they see a merrow or hold up the creature’s picture from the Monster Manual. But that first moment of revelation is the best time to paint a

curves to a point suggestive of a sickle. Engage All the Senses. Describe elements of the creature that are likely to provoke a visceral response, such as the smell of rot that its oily flesh exudes

Exploration and Adventure

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

, which is regimented from day to day but constantly changing over decades, so they find careers that let them travel freely and set their own pace. Elves also enjoy exercising their martial prowess or

. “Dwarves are dull, clumsy oafs. But what they lack in humor, sophistication, and manners, they make up in valor. And I must admit, their best smiths produce art that approaches elven quality.” Halflings

Using the Adventures

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Journeys through the Radiant Citadel

can adjust it for larger or smaller groups as well as for characters of higher or lower level by making a few changes, like swapping one monster or trap for another, changing the number of foes in an

individuals or organizations there lead them to investigate the plot. A character hails from the land where the adventure takes place and has a connection to the plot. These short adventures work best

Disaster Horror

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Van Richten’s Guide to Ravenloft

or villain might be replaced by cascading catastrophes like those brought about by a meteor strike or volcanic eruption. Regardless of a hero’s power, the best-timed critical hit or the most powerful

interplanar rifts might sow all manner of supernatural chaos. Wars and relentless monster hordes—like legions of zombies or fiends—can also cause region- or world-changing ruin. In all these cases, society

Personalities

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

unique mannerism. Lizardfolk Quirks d8 Quirk 1 You hate waste and see no reason not to scavenge fallen enemies. Fingers are tasty and portable! 2 You sleep best while mostly submerged in water

— particularly warm, stagnant water. 3 Money is meaningless to you. 4 You think there are only two species of humanoid: lizardfolk and meat. 5 You have learned to laugh. You use this talent in response

Reaching the Tower

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Quests from the Infinite Staircase

them to the island. During the crossing, he uses the opening phrase twice more. If the characters still fail to offer the proper response, Hadley takes them to the outpost (area T1) without further

conversation. Hadley Confides in the Party. If the characters give the appropriate response to the secret phrase, Hadley trusts them and assumes they’re allies of Shalfey. Read or paraphrase the following

Angels

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

great power and foresight. Angels act out the will of their gods with tireless devotion. Even chaotic good deities command lawful good angels, knowing that the angels’ dedication to order best allows

command. The gods of good therefore send their angels among mortals only in response to the most dire circumstances. Fallen Angels. An angel’s moral compass grants it a sense of infallibility that can

Modifying a Class

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Dungeon Master’s Guide (2014)

modify existing classes to better serve your game’s needs. Changing Proficiencies Changing a class’s proficiencies is a safe and simple way to modify a class to better reflect your world. Swapping

presented as a divine blessing. Changing Spell Lists Modifying a class’s spell list usually has little effect on a character’s power but can change the flavor of a class significantly. In your world

13. Ice Toad Workplace

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

“Random Encounters” (earlier in this chapter) for guidelines on how the giant ice toads respond to intruders. The characters’ best chance to avoid a fight in this area—and to keep the toads from

ever-changing Sea of Moving Ice, the weather north of the Spine of the World, and the culture of the elusive Ice Hunters. Marfulb feels great satisfaction in her life’s work, but she knows too little

Keeping Combat Moving

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

Keeping Combat Moving Sometimes even the best-planned combat encounter can turn into a slog, where no one’s moving and neither side is hitting or dealing much damage to the other. When that happens

changing a battle’s terrain to introduce a new element and give combatants reasons to move around. Perhaps a powerful attack or an explosive spell topples a column, shatters a wall, or breaks up the

Outer Planes

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Dungeon Master’s Guide (2014)

Planes are best known as the homes of deities. When discussing anything to do with deities, the language used must be highly metaphorical. Their actual homes aren’t literally places at all, but

Elysium, the Blessed Fields of NG The Beastlands, the Wilderness of NG, CG Arborea, the Olympian Glades of CG Ysgard, the Heroic Domains of CN, CG Limbo, the Ever-Changing Chaos of CN Pandemonium, the

Roleplaying

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

that best describe the creature. Knowing the creature’s alignment can also help with your portrayal. The classic advice for writers holds true: show, don’t tell. For example, rather than describe an

your head and chin high conveys confidence. Use Voices. Changing the volume of your voice and borrowing speech patterns from real life, movies, or television can make NPCs distinctive. Engaging the

8. The Ruby in the Rough

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Out of the Abyss

young novice doing his best in a situation requiring a much older and more experienced cleric (use the acolyte statistics in the Monster Manual, but also give Glyphic the Stone Camouflage, Gnome

services (see “Changing Svirfneblin Attitudes” earlier in this chapter), as certain svirfneblin ask for their help. If the characters leave the svirfneblin without providing them assistance in dealing with

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