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Deathless Rider

Monsters Monstrous Compendium Vol. 4: Eldraine Creatures

Queen, who rules from a castle called Dynnistan. It isn’t known whether these legends are based on any true experience or are simply the result of imagination trying to account for a terrifying and

called lich-knights or fell horsemen. In stark contrast to the knights of Eldraine, the deathless riders are without virtue of any kind. They are few in number—unless many more lurk in the dark

Half-Elf Legacy

Species Basic Rules (2014)

contrast, throw themselves into the thick of society, putting their charisma and social skills to great use in diplomatic roles or as swindlers. Half-Elf Names Half-elves use either human or elven

. 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

Diplomats or Wanderers

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

, wandering the wilds as trappers, foresters, hunters, or adventurers and visiting civilization only rarely. Like elves, they are driven by the wanderlust that comes of their longevity. Others, in contrast

get along with everyone, defusing hostility and finding common ground. As a race, they have elven grace without elven aloofness and human energy without human boorishness. They often make excellent

Diplomats or Wanderers

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

, wandering the wilds as trappers, foresters, hunters, or adventurers and visiting civilization only rarely. Like elves, they are driven by the wanderlust that comes of their longevity. Others, in contrast

get along with everyone, defusing hostility and finding common ground. As a race, they have elven grace without elven aloofness and human energy without human boorishness. They often make excellent

Using These Rules

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Strixhaven: A Curriculum of Chaos

Using These Rules Each of the book’s adventures includes Exams. Though each character might be a member of a different college at Strixhaven, the adventures assume that the characters take at least

one general education or interdisciplinary course together each year. It is this course that the Exam rules represent. Each Exam encounter has a Studying phase followed by a Testing phase. In general

Mounted Combat

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

Mounted Combat A willing creature that is at least one size larger than a rider and that has an appropriate anatomy can serve as a mount, using the following rules. Mounting and Dismounting During

. A controlled mount can move and act even on the turn that you mount it. In contrast, an independent mount—one that lets you ride but ignores your control—retains its place in the Initiative order

Mounted Combat

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

a mount, using the following rules. Mounting and Dismounting During your move, you can mount a creature that is within 5 feet of you or dismount. Doing so costs an amount of movement equal to half

only three action options during that turn: Dash, Disengage, and Dodge. A controlled mount can move and act even on the turn that you mount it. In contrast, an independent mount—one that lets you ride

Raiders of Clan Ironeye

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Waterdeep: Dungeon of the Mad Mage

contrast to the usual duergar focus on utility. The duergar she leads are content to follow her for the sake of what their raids will earn them, and they care nothing for the historical value of the relics

stole from Azrok, the hobgoblin warlord who rules Stromkuhldur on level 3 of Undermountain (see “Legion of Azrok”). Returning this dagger to Azrok completes a side quest.

Monsters with Classes

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

Monsters with Classes You can use the rules in chapter 3 of the Player’s Handbook to give class levels to a monster. For example, you can turn an ordinary werewolf into a werewolf with four levels of

little or increase dramatically. For example, a werewolf that gains four barbarian levels is a much greater threat than it was before. In contrast, the hit points, spells, and other class features that an ancient red dragon gains from five levels of wizard don’t increase its challenge rating.

Creature Roles

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

Creature Roles Each creature has a role listed next to their challenge rating. Roles are descriptive and most don’t follow special rules—they simply help you build encounters and use the creature

fight best from afar. Whether they wield arrows or magical rays, these creatures always try to keep a distance from their foes. Brute Brutes are hardy creatures who have lots of hit points and deal

Using Malaxxix in a Game

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

Using Malaxxix in a Game Malaxxix is a powerful and violent brute, an ideal enemy for a deadly high-level combat encounter anywhere in the multiverse. The best way to presage such a confrontation is

to present the party with one or more of Malaxxix’s custom-made cursed items, exposing characters to the curse of Malaxxix. Sample cursed items and rules for the curse of Malaxxix are included below

Chapter 3: Classes

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

terms of strategy and maneuvering, and see herself as just a pawn in a much larger game. A cleric, by contrast, might see himself as a willing servant in a god’s unfolding plan or a conflict brewing

continuing to advance as a barbarian. Elves are known to combine martial mastery with magical training and advance as fighters and wizards simultaneously. Optional rules for combining classes in this

Multiclassing

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

strikes? The Sneak Attack feature works with a weapon that has the finesse or ranged property. An unarmed strike isn’t a weapon, so it doesn’t qualify. In contrast, a rogue/ monk can use Sneak Attack with a

they are on the sorcerer spell list, or do they have to gain them from sorcerer to trigger? From the multiclassing rules: “Each spell you know and prepare is associated with one of your classes”. This rule means only the spells gained from levels in sorcerer trigger Wild Magic Surge.

Strength

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

break something, to force your body through a space, or to otherwise apply brute force to a situation. The Athletics skill reflects aptitude in certain kinds of Strength checks. Athletics. Your Strength

a Tiny creature, halve these weights. Variant: Encumbrance The rules for lifting and carrying are intentionally simple. Here is a variant if you are looking for more detailed rules for determining how

Strength

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

break something, to force your body through a space, or to otherwise apply brute force to a situation. The Athletics skill reflects aptitude in certain kinds of Strength checks. Athletics Your Strength

lift. For a Tiny creature, halve these weights. Variant: Encumbrance The rules for lifting and carrying are intentionally simple. Here is a variant if you are looking for more detailed rules for

Moving Around Other Creatures

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

Moving Around Other Creatures You can move through a nonhostile creature’s space. In contrast, you can move through a hostile creature’s space only if the creature is at least two sizes larger or

, there’s little room for anyone else. In contrast, as many as twenty Medium creatures can surround a Gargantuan one. Squeezing into a Smaller Space A creature can squeeze through a space that is

Creature Size

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

. Because larger creatures take up more space, fewer of them can surround a creature. If four Large creatures crowd around a Medium or smaller one, there's little room for anyone else. In contrast, as many as

miniatures or other tokens, follow these rules. Squares. Each square on the grid represents 5 feet. Speed. Rather than moving foot by foot, move square by square on the grid. This means you use your speed

Deathless Rider

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Monstrous Compendium Volume Four

deathless riders serve a warlock-queen, known simply as the Shadow Queen, who rules from a castle called Dynnistan. It isn’t known whether these legends are based on any true experience or are simply the

through the remotest parts of the wilds. They are sometimes called lich-knights or fell horsemen. In stark contrast to the knights of Eldraine, the deathless riders are without virtue of any kind. They are

Knights of Solamnia

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Dragonlance: Shadow of the Dragon Queen

rules for the organization and conduct of the knighthood. The Oath. The Oath of the Knights of Solamnia has been the same since Vinas Solamnus founded the knighthood: “Est Sularus oth Mithas,” or “My

Honor Is My Life.” This principle—to sacrifice all for the sake of honor—guides the actions of every knight, at least in theory. The Measure. In contrast to the Oath, the Measure is a staggeringly

Blue Dragon Adventures

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Fizban's Treasury of Dragons

Creatures In contrast to most chromatic dragons, blue dragons see value in relationships with other creatures, even if the power balance in those relationships is always weighted in the dragon’s favor

sign of power. Adult Blue Dragon Connections d8 Connected Creatures 1 An adult blue dragon rules a city and applies exacting standards of aesthetic perfection to everything and everyone

Enemies All Around

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

reminisce over the defeat of a dragon, or weep as they recall the death of a beloved elder. In contrast to clan gatherings, dwarves who drink alone invariably become morose and sullen — when

war wagon laden with gold, gems, stout armor, and sharp weapons. Given the orcs’ propensity to rely on brute force rather than cunning, they can overcome only severely weakened dwarven strongholds

Zariel

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

, that change signaled a major shift in the devils’ tactics. Zariel’s fiery temperament and reckless maneuvering stand in stark contrast to Bel’s approach, which relied on his expertise in logistics and

needs souls that yearn to prove their worth on the battlefield. Lady of Ruin Zariel rules over the ruin that Avernus has become. Once it was a bustling realm filled with cities, trade outposts, and

Index of Stat Blocks — Monsters and NPCs

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Guildmasters' Guide to Ravnica

Member Golgari Shaman Guardian Giant Horncaller Hybrid Brute Hybrid Flier Hybrid Poisoner Hybrid Shocker Hybrid Spy Indentured Spirit Isperia Jarad Vod Savo Kraul Death Priest

items are D&D interpretations of specific Magic artifact cards — not literal translations of their mechanics from one rules system to the other, but game elements inspired by the flavor and abilities

Overkill Attacks

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

creatures succeeding on their saving throw. By contrast, under this book’s minion rules, spellcasters still have a good reason to use high-level spells against minions.

Fierna and Belial

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

arises, the seeming enemies cooperate to dispatch pretenders to their shared throne. Fiery Realm of Dark Delights The pair rules over Phlegethos, an expanse filled with immense volcanoes that expel

contrast to the stiff regimentation of the rest of the Nine Hells, the laws that govern Abriymoch allow the place to operate as a carnival in which any wanton desire can be fulfilled. Justice in All Its

Combat

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

weapons? Things designated as weapons by the rules, including natural weapons, are indeed weapons. In contrast, unarmed strikes are not weapons. They are something you do with an unarmed part of your

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

Demon Lords

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

demon lords rule through cunning or brute force, hoping to one day claim the prize of absolute control over all the Abyss. Reward for Outsiders. Although most demon lords rise up from the vast and

fate. Baphomet The demon lord Baphomet, also known as the Horned King and the Prince of Beasts, rules over minotaurs and other savage creatures. If he had his way, civilization would crumble and all

The Greyhawk Setting

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

an organization might come with concrete benefits such as access to an organization’s information, equipment, magic, and other resources. See “Renown” in chapter 3 for rules you can use to track

except the strange powers of the old hermit living in the nearby woods, which they regard with suspicion and mention only in whispers. By contrast, magic is common enough in the Free City of Greyhawk

Mind Flayer Thralls

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

psionic ability to send visions to a humanoid shaman, causing it to proclaim the mind flayers as emissaries of the gods. With that ruse in place, the “gods” then dictate strict rules that cause some

to use humanoids as thralls, since they have a good balance of physical attributes and proper anatomy. Animals, in contrast, require a lot of direct oversight and lack the ability to use tools to help

Reaching Svardborg

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

ethnicities) and sixty raw recruits (commoners). Draevyn’s first mate is an affable brute, Kodd (NG male orc bandit captain), whose main tasks are to supervise the crew and keep everyone in good

5,000 gp in its present condition. (For rules on ship repair, see the “Owning a Ship” section in chapter 5 of the Dungeon Master’s Guide.) The longship’s bow is carved and painted to look like the head

Specific Spells

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

Antimagic Field! In contrast, a spell like Conjure Woodland Beings has a non-instantaneous duration, which means its effect can be ended by Dispel Magic and temporarily disappears within an Antimagic

resumes if it has not expired or been removed. Can you use a Shield with Mage Armor? Mage Armor works with a Shield. Shields are grouped with armor in the equipment rules in the Player’s Handbook, but

Specific Spells

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

step into an antimagic field ! In contrast, a spell like conjure woodland beings has a non-instantaneous duration, which means its creations can be ended by dispel magic and they temporarily

“Identifying a Magic Item” in the Dungeon Master’s Guide). In contrast, casting the identify spell takes only 1 minute (or 11 minutes if it is cast as a ritual) and can be done when a quick

Appendix: Roleplaying Cards

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Domains of Delight: A Feywild Accessory

, Endelyn Moongrave confirmed what Hurly knew to be true: that Witch and Light were right all along. Alignment. Chaotic good. Personality Trait. “If ‘dumb brute’ is the only role I can play well, I

. “Hospitality, ownership, reciprocity—the rules of conduct must be respected.” Bond. “I have pledged my fealty to Zybilna of Prismeer, and I am nothing if not her loyal servant.” Flaw. “Don’t expect

Appendix D: Roleplaying Cards

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

, Endelyn Moongrave confirmed what Hurly knew to be true: that Witch and Light were right all along. Alignment. Chaotic good. Personality Trait. “If ‘dumb brute’ is the only role I can play well, I

. “Hospitality, ownership, reciprocity—the rules of conduct must be respected.” Bond. “I have pledged my fealty to Zybilna of Prismeer, and I am nothing if not her loyal servant.” Flaw. “Don’t

Necropolis Locations (Y10-Y18)

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden

Necropolis Locations (Y10-Y18) Y10. Arboretum A canopy of golden leaves crowns the trees inside a sunken basin. The trees grow in stark contrast to their bleak surroundings, their branches swaying

inside the orb (see “Injuries” in the Dungeon Master’s Guide for rules on losing an eye). If asked for the whereabouts of the missing wall engraving needed to complete the Rite of the Arcane Octad (see

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