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Cradle of the Frost Scion

Monsters Bigby Presents: Glory of the Giants

envelops the land within 6 miles of the scion (see the Dungeon Master’s Guide for rules on extreme cold). If the climate in the area already features extreme cold, the cold is numbing—creatures

, Piercing, and Slashing from Nonmagical AttacksChilling Mist. The cradle magically conjures a cloud of chilling mist that fills a 30-foot-radius sphere centered on a point it can see within 90 feet of

High Fae Noble

Monsters Monstrous Compendium Vol. 4: Eldraine Creatures

until the end of the high fae’s next turn. Ridicule. When a creature misses the high fae with an attack roll, the high fae magically mocks the creature, dealing 5 (2d4);{"diceNotation":"2d4

untamed wilderness. High fae have no regard for mortal values of honor and law, but they nonetheless operate under inviolable rules of their own: gifts must always be repaid, promises must be honored

Strahd von Zarovich

Monsters Curse of Strahd

","rollAction":"Unarmed Strike","rollDamageType":"necrotic"} necrotic damage. If the target is a creature, Strahd can grapple it (escape DC 18) instead of dealing the slashing damage. Bite. Melee Weapon

reestablish his link to the Heart of Sorrow as a bonus action on his turn, but only while in Castle Ravenloft. The effect of the protection afforded by the Heart of Sorrow can be chilling to behold, as damage

Special Weapons

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

Special Weapons Weapons with special rules are described here. Lance. You have disadvantage when you use a lance to attack a target within 5 feet of you. Also, a lance requires two hands to wield

creature can use its action to make a DC 10 Strength check, freeing itself or another creature within its reach on a success. Dealing 5 slashing damage to the net (AC 10) also frees the creature without

The Role of Rules

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

The Role of Rules Why even have a column like Sage Advice when a DM can just make a ruling? Rules are a big part of what makes D&D a game, rather than simply improvised storytelling. The game’s rules

are meant to help organize, and even inspire, the action of a D&D campaign. The rules are a tool, and we want our tools to be as effective as possible. No matter how good those tools might be, they

The Role of Rules

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

The Role of Rules Why even have Sage Advice when a DM can just make a ruling? Rules are a big part of what makes D&D a game, rather than simply improvised storytelling. The game’s rules are meant to

help organize, and even inspire, the action of a D&D campaign. The rules are a tool, and we want our tools to be as effective as possible. No matter how good those tools might be, they need a group of

Using This Book

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

process of creating characters, domains, and stories ripe for chilling D&D adventures. Chapter 1 details how players can create characters primed for fright-filled adventures. It presents options for

on the characters and adventures found in these haunted lands. Chapter 4 offers tools for Dungeon Masters running frightening adventures, from rules for creating curses and running out-of-body

Respect for the DM

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

“Know Your Players” in chapter 2), but it can cross a line into being exploitative, interfering with everyone else’s fun. Setting clear expectations is essential when dealing with this kind of rules

(with their input), arbitrate the rules, and settle arguments. And when you’re narrating the action of the game, the players should be paying attention. Player Die Rolling Players should roll their dice

Respect for the DM

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

everyone else’s fun. Setting clear expectations is essential when dealing with this kind of rules exploitation. Bear these principles in mind: Rules Aren’t Physics. The rules of the game are meant to

(with their input), arbitrate the rules, and settle arguments. And when you’re narrating the action of the game, the players should be paying attention. Player Die Rolling Players should roll their dice

Goblin Ambush

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Lost Mine of Phandelver

feet ahead of you, blocking the path. Each has several black-feathered arrows sticking out of it. The woods press close to the trail here, with a steep embankment and dense thickets on either side. If

than the goblins’ check total is surprised and therefore can’t do anything on his or her first turn in the combat (see “Surprise” in the Basic Rules). Use the initiative rules in the Basic Rules to

Eye of the All-Father

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Storm King's Thunder

creature must use an action to push or pull on the heavy door, opening it with a successful DC 12 Strength (Athletics) check. See area 6 for rules on dealing with giant doors that are frozen shut. Frost

Weapon Properties

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

effectively. Light. A light weapon is small and easy to handle, making it ideal for use when fighting with two weapons. See the rules for two-weapon fighting in chapter 9. Loading. Because of the time required

has unusual rules governing its use, explained in the weapon’s description (see "Special Weapons" later in this section). Thrown. If a weapon has the thrown property, you can throw the weapon to make a

Example Simple Traps

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

creature that steps on the pressure plate triggers the trap. Effect. An iron portcullis drops from the ceiling, blocking an exit or a passageway. Countermeasures. A successful DC 20 Wisdom (Perception

to try to free itself or another creature in the net. Dealing 5 slashing damage to the net (AC 10, 20 hp) also frees a creature without harming the creature. Countermeasures. A successful DC 15 Wisdom

Overkill Attacks

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Flee, Mortals! Rule Primer

of goblin minions (each with 6 hit points). She hits a goblin minion with her longsword and uses Divine Smite, dealing 8 slashing damage and 11 radiant damage to the target for a total of 19 damage

rogue is hidden and takes aim at a group of zombie minions (each with 6 hit points) with his light crossbow (which has a short range of 80 feet). He hits a zombie minion with his crossbow, dealing

Northlander Isles

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

suffer biting, bone-chilling cold for most of the year. In deepest winter, the inlets are choked with ice, and fog lingers late into the day, if it breaks at all. Most wear furs to keep out the cold

like any sailor with sense, I’ve avoided the island by a great distance, so I can’t tell you which bloodthirsty knave currently rules the roost. The Whalebones The tiny outcrops that make up the

Tips for Dungeon Masters

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Borderlands Quest: Goblin Trouble

Tips for Dungeon Masters Rule 0. Rule 0 of D&D is simple: Have fun. It’s fine if everyone agrees to change the rules as long as doing so means the game is more fun for everyone. Be Supportive. The

into a part of the ongoing story. What does it look like when a monster is defeated? What does the Gnome Barbarian say or do if the heavy boulder blocking the cave doesn’t budge? These points in the

Demons

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

and a day. Demonic Cults. Despite the dark risks involved in dealing with fiends, the mortal realm is filled with creatures that covet demonic power. Demon lords manipulate these mortal servants into

with unholy incantations and innocent blood. It radiates a palpable evil, chilling and fouling the air around it. A creature that handles such an object experiences unsettling dreams and wicked

Blade Bazaar

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

different prices to buy or sell every time they are asked about the same items, and insist that the characters dealing with them are the ones changing their terms. A duergar merchant suddenly turns

somehow follow him here, use the chase rules in chapter 8 of the Dungeon Master’s Guide, adapting the results for urban complications to a cave full of hateful derro. If Droki loses them, the

Fireside Contests

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Giants of the Star Forge

Fireside Contests The Fireside contests are described below. They can be run in any order. The rules of the Fireside contests are as follows. Competitors. Any number of characters can partake in each

wrestler competes in each contest against any characters who take part. Purposefully dealing damage to another competitor immediately disqualifies the attacker. Other forms of interference—such as

Airship Locations

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Storm King's Thunder

ballista (see the “Siege Equipment” section in chapter 8 of the Dungeon Master’s Guide). Tying a rope to a harpoon, if desired, takes an action. In addition to dealing 16 (3d10) piercing damage on a hit

dozen bolts. For ballista rules, see the “Siege Equipment” section in chapter 8 of the Dungeon Master’s Guide. 4. Propeller Hatch A wooden door behind the furnace (area 1) on the upper deck pushes open

When Elves Attack

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Spelljammer: Adventures in Space->Light of Xaryxis

Boo’s Astral Menagerie for the astral elf and plasmoid stat blocks). The Dark Star Ship-to-Ship Battle See chapter 2 of the Astral Adventurer’s Guide for rules on ship-to-ship engagements. Captain

Star’s opportunity to fire on the Moondancer. It then takes another minute for the two ships to come within boarding distance. Dealing with the Dark Star Once the ships are close enough, the three astral

Inspiration

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

person would avoid the noble’s intrigues and the haunted house, but in film noir or horror, we’re not dealing with sensible people; we’re dealing with protagonists in a particular type of story. For

your campaign is one where you let the dice fall where they may. It’s a good option for gritty campaigns or ones where the DM focuses on playing an impartial role as a rules arbiter. Variant: Only

Zariel

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

Zariel Zariel rules Avernus, the first layer of the Nine Hells. Once a mighty angel charged with watching the tides of the Blood War, she succumbed to the plane’s corrupting influence and fell from

, and mortals end up worse for dealing with her, because she holds all the cards. A bargain with Zariel is eternal; there is little hope of wriggling out of it. However, she does expect the best from

Introducing Characters

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Borderlands Quest: Goblin Trouble

do things. Encourage the other players on their turns and give suggestions when they ask for them. Be respectful if another player decides to do something that you wouldn’t do. More Rules Detail

an ability check or saving throw is the number that a player’s roll must equal or exceed to succeed. For example, if the Barbarian wants to move a heavy boulder blocking the mouth of a cave, that

Cottage Locations

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->The Wild Beyond the Witchlight

desperation compels you to enter my home, little darlings?” See “Dealing with Bavlorna” below for advice on how to run an encounter with the hag, keeping in mind the rules of hospitality, ownership, and

dealing damage to the target or enveloping its head. Magic Mirror. A detect magic spell reveals an aura of conjuration magic around the freestanding mirror, which acts as a portal. Touching the reflective

Monsters

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

breath weapon actions allowed? A monster follows the normal opportunity attack rules, which specify that an attack of opportunity is one melee attack. That means a monster must choose a single melee

. A monster like a dragon exists because of that magic-enhanced nature. The second type of magic is what the rules are concerned about. When a rule refers to something being magical, it’s referring to

The Moonshaes

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

Northlander culture. There’s no safe harbor for outsiders; you just have no idea what you are dealing with. For other Northlanders, the settlement of Westhaven on Pandira serves as a neutral ground where

of Alaron, is a possession of Amn, where Lady Erliza rules from Caer Westphal. She is the second of her name, noted for her striking resemblance to her great-grandmother, the first Amnian ruler of the

Exploration Example

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Player’s Handbook

use Wisdom checks to find things—see the Search action in the rules glossary—but sometimes they stumble on them accidentally, as Auro did here. Jared: Past the flames and smoke, you see a glimmering

Spells. Many characters have the ability to cast spells, which have a huge variety of effects. Some spells are mostly useful in combat, by dealing damage or imposing conditions. Other spells have

Hags

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

cunning of creatures, and they treat all others as inferior. Even so, a hag is open to dealing with mortals as long as those mortals show the proper respect and deference. Over their long lives, hags

given to other hags — as long as the oath isn’t given with the fingers crossed. Some humanoids make the mistake of thinking that the hags’ rules of conduct apply to all creatures. When confronted by such

Southern Isles

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

pirates hold to their own code of conduct, the folk of Nelanther care nothing for rules, honor, or even good, neighborly sense: they attack each another as often and as viciously as they do any

start over anyway. For another, it’s dirty, dangerous work, and dealing with pirates is a task best left to swift ships, well-armed navies, and the kinds of fools that would want to count them in the

Shipwreck Locations

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Dragons of Stormwreck Isle

seconds. C4: Captain’s Quarters The door to the captain’s quarters is barricaded from the inside, though the heavy wooden bar blocking the door is half rotten. A character who tries to force the door

makes the entire lower deck difficult terrain (see “Difficult Terrain” in the Basic Rules). Hole to the Hold. A hole in the ceiling in the northwest part of the area leads up to the captain’s quarters

Combat

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

factor. You can still try to hide from your foes and gain the benefits conferred by being hidden, but you don’t deprive your foes of their turns when you do so. Surprise rules work for two opposing

fight use the rules for Dexterity (Stealth) checks. If a wizard casts a spell like fireball during a surprise round, do the enemies get disadvantage on their saving throw? Being surprised has no effect

Locations on the Upper Level

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Tales from the Yawning Portal->a6

place is the home of six yetis that act as scouts for the frost giants. The yeti leader at the location marked A has a frost brand greatsword. It fights with this weapon instead of its claws, dealing

11 (2d6 + 4) slashing damage plus 3 (1d6) cold damage on a hit, and carving great chunks out of those held fast by his Chilling Gaze. Treasure. The yeti leader has a hoard of eleven ivory tusks, each

Strahd von Zarovich

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Curse of Strahd

as a bonus action on his turn, but only while in Castle Ravenloft. The effect of the protection afforded by the Heart of Sorrow can be chilling to behold, as damage to Strahd is quickly undone. For

, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 8 (1d8 + 4) slashing damage plus 14 (4d6) necrotic damage. If the target is a creature, Strahd can grapple it (escape DC 18) instead of dealing the slashing damage. Bite

Example Complex Traps

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

+5 bonus to the attack roll and dealing 11 (2d10) slashing damage on a hit. Crushing Pillars (Initiative 10). Each creature in the 50-foot-long area beyond the first 80 feet of the hallway must make a

, a successful DC 20 Strength (Athletics) check is needed to push the door open. Each check requires an action. Disable the Statues. A statue can be disabled by blocking the flow of gas from its mouth

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