before build dealing current reason

Nine-Fingers Keene

Monsters Baldur’s Gate: Descent into Avernus

be able to see the attacker.The current leader of the Guild, Nine-Fingers Keene, disdains flashy garb and illusion magic. She appears to the world as she is: an unassuming woman of middling age and

build. Her forgettable looks have proven her greatest asset as a thief, as her victims have trouble recognizing her even when they meet her again face-to-face. Keene’s leadership over the years

Vertebrae Sword

Equipment

construction is the reason it’s not often a weapon seen on land, though when used by a skilled fighter, it most certainly can be a formidable tool. When you successfully hit a creature with a

vertebrae sword, you can use a bonus action to rake and twist the weapon, breaking off some of the sword’s boney barbs and dealing an extra 1d8 piercing damage. The vertebrae sword can only be used in this way 5 times before it becomes unusable as a weapon.

Returned Kakomantis

Monsters Mythic Odysseys of Theros

’t build meaningful relationships or establish new lives. Instead, most experience fleeting emotions and follow hollow routines, their existences reduced to shadow plays without weight or substance

. Convincing a merchant to buy a Returned mask, or dealing with the ramifications of such a sale, might prove to be an adventure in itself. Returned Nature. The Returned are undead. They need water

Returned Drifter

Monsters Mythic Odysseys of Theros

long-term memories, they generally can’t build meaningful relationships or establish new lives. Instead, most experience fleeting emotions and follow hollow routines, their existences reduced to

effectively another sapient being’s face. Convincing a merchant to buy a Returned mask, or dealing with the ramifications of such a sale, might prove to be an adventure in itself. Returned Nature. The

Returned Sentry

Monsters Mythic Odysseys of Theros

’t build meaningful relationships or establish new lives. Instead, most experience fleeting emotions and follow hollow routines, their existences reduced to shadow plays without weight or substance

. Convincing a merchant to buy a Returned mask, or dealing with the ramifications of such a sale, might prove to be an adventure in itself. Returned Nature. The Returned are undead. They need water

Auril (First Form)

Monsters Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden

can’t truly die (although the characters can rid the world of her for a time). Thus, she has no reason to capitulate to mortals’ demands. As the embodiment of winter’s cruelty, she is

own flaws. It’s appropriate for Auril to act as though she’s invincible while underestimating her mortal enemies, even in her current weakened state. Auril’s Three Forms In her

Auril (Third Form)

Monsters Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden

time). Thus, she has no reason to capitulate to mortals’ demands. As the embodiment of winter’s cruelty, she is incapable of showing mercy or compassion. Play her as a supremely cold and

invincible while underestimating her mortal enemies, even in her current weakened state. Auril’s Three Forms In her current weakened state, Auril can assume three different forms. To destroy her

Returned Palamnite

Monsters Mythic Odysseys of Theros

they cover with distinctive golden masks. Returned reenter the world blank and undead. No longer possessing the ability to form long-term memories, they generally can’t build meaningful

a Returned mask, or dealing with the ramifications of such a sale, might prove to be an adventure in itself. Returned Nature. The Returned are undead. They need water and air but not food or sleep

Lizardfolk Legacy

Species Volo's Guide to Monsters

rage against their enemies. They simply observe and react as a situation warrants. Lizardfolk lack meaningful emotional ties to the past. They assess situations based on their current and future

into the future. This approach allows them to maintain their current level of influence in the world, but it limits their growth. Lizardfolk have no interest in developing writing, making long-term

Blue Greatwyrm

Monsters Fizban's Treasury of Dragons

Chromatic Awakening (Recharges after a Short or Long Rest). If the greatwyrm would be reduced to 0 hit points, its current hit point total instead resets to 425 hit points, it recharges its Breath

the greatwyrm’s choice it can see within 120 feet of it, dealing 12 (1d8 + 8);{"diceNotation":"1d8+8","rollType":"damage","rollAction":"Arcane Spear","rollDamageType":"force"} force damage to

Black Greatwyrm

Monsters Fizban's Treasury of Dragons

Chromatic Awakening (Recharges after a Short or Long Rest). If the greatwyrm would be reduced to 0 hit points, its current hit point total instead resets to 425 hit points, it recharges its Breath

greatwyrm’s choice it can see within 120 feet of it, dealing 12 (1d8 + 8);{"diceNotation":"1d8+8","rollType":"damage","rollAction":"Arcane Spear","rollDamageType":"force"} force damage to its target

Auril (Second Form)

Monsters Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden

might prove helpful: So long as she has mortal worshipers, Auril can’t truly die (although the characters can rid the world of her for a time). Thus, she has no reason to capitulate to mortals

her current weakened state. Auril’s Three Forms In her current weakened state, Auril can assume three different forms. To destroy her, heroes must reduce each of her forms to 0 hit points one

Green Greatwyrm

Monsters Fizban's Treasury of Dragons

Chromatic Awakening (Recharges after a Short or Long Rest). If the greatwyrm would be reduced to 0 hit points, its current hit point total instead resets to 425 hit points, it recharges its Breath

greatwyrm’s choice it can see within 120 feet of it, dealing 12 (1d8 + 8);{"diceNotation":"1d8+8","rollType":"damage","rollAction":"Arcane Spear","rollDamageType":"force"} force damage to its

Red Greatwyrm

Monsters Fizban's Treasury of Dragons

Chromatic Awakening (Recharges after a Short or Long Rest). If the greatwyrm would be reduced to 0 hit points, its current hit point total instead resets to 425 hit points, it recharges its Breath

greatwyrm’s choice it can see within 120 feet of it, dealing 12 (1d8 + 8);{"diceNotation":"1d8+8","rollType":"damage","rollAction":"Arcane Spear","rollDamageType":"force"} force damage to its target

White Greatwyrm

Monsters Fizban's Treasury of Dragons

Chromatic Awakening (Recharges after a Short or Long Rest). If the greatwyrm would be reduced to 0 hit points, its current hit point total instead resets to 425 hit points, it recharges its Breath

greatwyrm’s choice it can see within 120 feet of it, dealing 12 (1d8 + 8);{"diceNotation":"1d8+8","rollType":"damage","rollAction":"Arcane Spear","rollDamageType":"force"} force damage to its target

Firbolg Legacy

Species Volo's Guide to Monsters

Reason for Adventuring 1 Outcast for murder 2 Outcast for severely damaging home territory 3 Clan slain by invading humanoids 4 Clan slain by a dragon or demon 5

forest’s children by their deeds, habits, and other actions. By the same token, their tribe names merely refer to their homes. When dealing with other races, firbolgs refer to their lands by

Water Genasi

Species Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

scales. Their hair can resemble seaweed, waving as if in a current, or it can even be like water itself. Genasi Tracing their ancestry to the genies of the Elemental Planes, each genasi can tap into

determine the scores, such as rolling or point buy. The “Quick Build” section for your character’s class offers suggestions on which scores to increase. You can follow those

Sul Khatesh

Monsters Eberron: Rising from the Last War

rose up against them. Armies of dragons fought against the fiends of Khyber. And though the overlords couldn't be destroyed, the couatl sacrificed their lives to build a prison of celestial light: a

Khatesh understand what forces they are dealing with, or recognize the danger inherent in her gifts. The Queen of Shadows. An entity of shadow, Sul Khatesh can assume any form. Her favored shape is a twelve

Giff

Species Spelljammer: Adventures in Space

divine beings who created giff have likewise been forgotten. Their titanic petrified bodies drift on the Astral Sea, isolated and unrecognizable in their current forms. Although they don’t realize

. 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

Tortle Legacy

Species The Tortle Package

dozen) in a fortified compound enclosed by stone walls that are easily defensible. If no such compound exists, they build one. The parents spend the remainder of their lives guarding the compound

prefer simple, non-gender-specific names that are usually no more than two syllables. If a tortle doesn’t like its name for whatever reason, it can change it. A tortle might change its name a dozen

Aarakocra Legacy

Species Elemental Evil Player's Companion

. Great Purpose Aarakocra enjoy peace and solitude. Most of them have little interest in dealing with other peoples and less interest in spending time on the ground. For this reason, it takes an

Kobold Legacy

Species Volo's Guide to Monsters

sewer tunnels, paying them with food and tools the kobolds wouldn’t have access to on their own. If they are treated well and left alone to do the job, the kobolds work industriously and build a

, they might build a warren and make a permanent home there, while continuing to expand the town’s sewers as the community grows. These so-called “city kobolds” live underground but

Izzet Engineer

Backgrounds Guildmasters’ Guide to Ravnica

it was sabotage that destroyed my first laboratory and killed many of my friends, and I seek revenge against whoever did it. 4 I have the schematics for an invention that I hope to build one day

An Orzhov banker financed my laboratory’s current work and expects great returns. 8 I have a cousin in the Cult of Rakdos, and we get along quite well. 9 A former attendant from the

Strong Room Burglary

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Princes of the Apocalypse

Strong Room Burglary While everyone is dealing with Kendrin, Inglor takes the opportunity to find out what’s hidden in Nalaskur’s strong room. To discredit Chalaska, for allowing the burglary, and

usually act in a suspicious way. He’s a handyman, and he has a reason to be just about anywhere in the inn.

Giants and Other Ancients

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

—both in history and in their current form—can be an interesting way to develop a campaign that prominently features giants. Ancient History The history of the giants and these other ancient peoples

. You could build an entire campaign in the shadow of such a conflict, which is basically taking the ideas described under “Clash of Titans” earlier in this chapter and extending them through many

Yuan-ti Pureblood Legacy

Species Volo's Guide to Monsters

the blood, as it once did. Because their population is so small, the yuan-ti are aware they are vulnerable in open warfare. Instead, their current plans assume they will never rule outwardly in

get into places their normal forms couldn’t enter. Their immunity to poison gives all yuan-ti a tactical advantage in dealing with other creatures. A pureblood serving as a food taster for a

Wearing and Wielding Items

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

magic item that's meant to be worn can fit a creature regardless of size or build. Many magic garments are made to be easily adjustable, or they magically adjust themselves to the wearer. Rare

exceptions exist. If the story suggests a good reason for an item to fit only creatures of a certain size or shape, you can rule that it doesn't adjust. For example, drow-made armor might fit elves only

Other Heads of State

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Eberron: Rising from the Last War

Brelish crown in dealing with matters beyond the capabilities of local law enforcement. 6 As emissaries of Darguun’s Lhesh Haruuc, work to build respect for Darguun as a nation. 7 As agents of the

trade pacts with the nations of Khorvaire. 2–3 As agents of Queen Aurala, help her build Aundair’s strength in preparation for the next war, without alerting other nations to her ambitions. 4–5 Assist the

Bugbear Traits

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Monsters of the Multiverse

melee attack on your turn, your reach for it is 5 feet greater than normal. Powerful Build. You count as one size larger when determining your carrying capacity and the weight you can push, drag, or

with an attack roll, the creature takes an extra 2d6 damage if it hasn’t taken a turn yet in the current combat.

Waterdeep

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Princes of the Apocalypse

identities are largely unknown. The public face of this ruling body is the Open Lord of Waterdeep. The current Open Lord, Laeral Silverhand, has held the position for only a few months, and many of the city’s

chaos is “business as usual” for most city residents. Reason to Visit. Characters who need rare items, sage advice, or other services found only in large cities might say “we’re going to Waterdeep.”

Yartar

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Princes of the Apocalypse

prosperous and increasingly crowded, so buildings have been torn down and taller ones built — four stories high in some instances. A Waterbaron who rules for life leads Yartar. The current Waterbaron is

). Reason to Visit. The “Dark Dealings in Yartar” side trek (chapter 6) brings the characters here. More broadly, characters affiliated with the Lords’ Alliance can readily receive support in Yartar, and Harpers and Zhentarim can get aid, too, if they’re discreet and know how to contact an agent in town.

The Role of Rules

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

D&D. The direction we chose for the current edition was to lay a foundation of rules that a DM could build on, and we embraced the DM’s role as the bridge between the things the rules address and the

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

The Darklake

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

The Darklake To move their expeditionary force across the Darklake, the characters must build rafts or coracles from Underdark materials, or seek out duergar or kuo-toa ferries for hire. Each ferry

chapter 1) was not killed in a previous chapter of the adventure, the characters find him among Sloobludop’s survivors. He is the sole point of calm and reason in the ruined settlement, and the various

Monster Behavior

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

course of combat. Brian Valeza Kobolds build a barricade to keep adventurers at bay Initial Attitudes A published adventure typically notes or implies whether a creature’s initial attitude toward the

’ presence. (Creatures that can’t hear might be alerted by vibrations or other sensory cues.) Once alerted, a creature has several options: Ambush. The creature leaves its current location and takes up a

Preparing for Battle

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

, if for no other reason than to honor Ispin Greenshield’s last wishes. If a character refuses, Mayor Raven offers to pay them 5 gp to be a judge during the battle, making sure no one uses real weapons

are given wooden spears with padded tips to prevent them from dealing damage. The mayor reminds everyone not to use real weapons during the reenactment so nobody gets hurt. Mercenaries of the Ironclad

D&D Beyond

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