before building dealing called readily

Swarmkeeper

Classes Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything

force in battle, as well as helpful company for the ranger. Some Swarmkeepers are outcasts or hermits, keeping to themselves and their attendant swarms rather than dealing with the discomfort of others

. Other Swarmkeepers enjoy building vibrant communities that work for the mutual benefit of all those they consider part of their swarm. A Swarmkeeper’s swarm and spells are reflections of the

Baba Lysaga's Creeping Hut

Monsters Curse of Strahd

attacks with its flailing and stomping roots. It can also use its roots to fling large rocks. Hut Interior. The hut is a 15-foot-square, ramshackle wooden building with a gently sloping thatch roof. Its

contained in a cavity in the stump, beneath the rotted floorboards of the hut. The floorboards can be ripped up with a successful DC 14 Strength check or smashed by dealing 10 damage to them. Once the

Vertebrae Sword

Equipment

The jagged vertebrae sword of a fishfolk warrior can barely be called a sword. Locals would say it’s better described as a makeshift weapon crafted from a fish skeleton and sea trash. Its poor

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.

Swarmkeeper (TCoE)

Classes Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything

force in battle, as well as helpful company for the ranger. Some Swarmkeepers are outcasts or hermits, keeping to themselves and their attendant swarms rather than dealing with the discomfort of others

. Other Swarmkeepers enjoy building vibrant communities that work for the mutual benefit of all those they consider part of their swarm. A Swarmkeeper’s swarm and spells are reflections of the

Triton Legacy

Species Volo's Guide to Monsters

and worse, so you know you can count on them in a fight. — Brego Stoneheart, sea captain Tritons guard the ocean depths, building small settlements beside deep trenches, portals to the

. The tritons’ limited view of the world leaves them ignorant of the kingdoms, wars, and other struggles of the surface world. Tritons readily see such concerns as minor events, a sideshow to

Returned Kakomantis

Monsters Mythic Odysseys of Theros

Returned, called kakomanteis, use their magical prowess to control the energy that suffuses the Underworld. Returned have escaped the Underworld and dwell among the living once more, but their second

. 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

Astral Elf Warrior

Monsters Spelljammer: Adventures in Space

numerous invaders, including psurlons, mind flayers, and githyanki. When dealing with others, astral elves customarily cover their faces with ornate visors, becoming faceless extensions of their gods

Xaryxis features an amoral astral elf society called the Xaryxian Empire. This empire is based in Xaryxispace, a Wildspace system illuminated by an enormous radiant sun named Xaryxis.

Rahadin

Monsters Curse of Strahd

his attention to building Castle Ravenloft, Rahadin saw to it that wizards and artisans were brought to Barovia. Years later, Strahd appointed Rahadin his castle chamberlain. Rahadin was pleased to do

desired above all. She told him of a vault of forbidden lore called the Amber Temple, where the secret of gaining immortality was hidden. While Strahd was off exploring the temple, Rahadin handled

Tloques-Popolocas

Monsters Tales from the Yawning Portal

., one creature. Hit: 8 (2d4 + 3);{"diceNotation":"2d4+3","rollType":"damage","rollAction":"Claws","rollDamageType":"slashing"} slashing damage. Instead of dealing damage, Tloques-Popolocas can grapple

":"roll","rollAction":"Children of the Night"} swarm of bats;swarms of bats, provided that the sun isn't up. The called creatures arrive in 1d4;{"diceNotation":"1d4","rollType":"roll","rollAction

Astral Elf Honor Guard

Monsters Spelljammer: Adventures in Space

psurlons, mind flayers, and githyanki. When dealing with others, astral elves customarily cover their faces with ornate visors, becoming faceless extensions of their gods. Their fierce devotion to the

astral elf society called the Xaryxian Empire. This empire is based in Xaryxispace, a Wildspace system illuminated by an enormous radiant sun named Xaryxis.

Alustriel Silverhand

Monsters Vecna: Eve of Ruin

fails.Lady Alustriel Silverhand, called the Shining Lady, has been an influential wizard and proponent of good across Toril for centuries. Alustriel is one of the Seven Sisters—immortal daughters

are to spread kindness, reward virtue, and promote a culture of compassion throughout the multiverse. She is good at building alliances and quick to intervene when she senses a threat to the forces of

Vampire Warrior Legacy

Monsters Monster Manual (2014)

: 8 (1d8 + 4);{"diceNotation":"1d8+4","rollType":"damage","rollAction":"Unarmed Strike","rollDamageType":"bludgeoning"} bludgeoning damage. Instead of dealing damage, the vampire can grapple the

;{"diceNotation":"3d6","rollType":"roll","rollAction":"Children of the Night"} wolf;wolves instead. The called creatures arrive in 1d4;{"diceNotation":"1d4","rollType":"roll","rollAction":"Children of

Vampire Legacy

Monsters Basic Rules (2014)

damage. Instead of dealing damage, the vampire can grapple the target (escape DC 18). Bite. (Bat or Vampire Form Only). Melee Weapon Attack: +9;{"diceNotation":"1d20+9","rollType":"to hit","rollAction

;wolves instead. The called creatures arrive in 1d4;{"diceNotation":"1d4","rollType":"roll","rollAction":"Children of the Night"} rounds, acting as allies of the vampire and obeying its spoken commands

Vampire Spellcaster Legacy

Monsters Monster Manual (2014)

);{"diceNotation":"1d8+4","rollType":"damage","rollAction":"Unarmed Strike","rollDamageType":"bludgeoning"} bludgeoning damage. Instead of dealing damage, the vampire can grapple the target (escape DC 18

":"3d6","rollType":"roll","rollAction":"Children of the Night"} wolf;wolves instead. The called creatures arrive in 1d4;{"diceNotation":"1d4","rollType":"roll","rollAction":"Children of the Night"} rounds

Astral Elf Commander

Monsters Spelljammer: Adventures in Space

, and githyanki. When dealing with others, astral elves customarily cover their faces with ornate visors, becoming faceless extensions of their gods. Their fierce devotion to the pantheon of elven

called the Xaryxian Empire. This empire is based in Xaryxispace, a Wildspace system illuminated by an enormous radiant sun named Xaryxis.

Astral Elf Star Priest

Monsters Spelljammer: Adventures in Space

visitors. Over the eons, astral elves have clashed with numerous invaders, including psurlons, mind flayers, and githyanki. When dealing with others, astral elves customarily cover their faces with

. ASTRAL ELVES OF XARYXIS The adventure, Light of Xaryxis features an amoral astral elf society called the Xaryxian Empire. This empire is based in Xaryxispace, a Wildspace system illuminated by

Astral Elf Aristocrat

Monsters Spelljammer: Adventures in Space

eons, astral elves have clashed with numerous invaders, including psurlons, mind flayers, and githyanki. When dealing with others, astral elves customarily cover their faces with ornate visors, becoming

XARYXIS The adventure, Light of Xaryxis features an amoral astral elf society called the Xaryxian Empire. This empire is based in Xaryxispace, a Wildspace system illuminated by an enormous radiant

Cradle of the Hill Scion

Monsters Bigby Presents: Glory of the Giants

by dealing 15 or more slashing damage to it on one attack. Cutting the root doesn’t hurt the cradle but ends the grapple. Rolling Hills (Recharge 6);{"diceNotation":"1d6", "rollType":"recharge

and have become part of the landscape. In this case, each scion is enclosed in stasis inside a powerful Elemental called a cradle. The cradle protects the slumbering scion and follows its subconscious

Returned Palamnite

Monsters Mythic Odysseys of Theros

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

recall little of their lives, some have an obsession with magic that survives both death and rebirth as a Returned. These Returned, called kakomanteis, use their magical prowess to control the energy

Zorak Lightdrinker

Monsters Waterdeep: Dungeon of the Mad Mage

":"1d8+4","rollType":"damage","rollAction":"Unarmed Strike","rollDamageType":"bludgeoning"} bludgeoning damage. Instead of dealing damage, Zorak can grapple the target (escape DC 18). Bite. (Bat or Vampire

;rats, provided that the sun isn't up. While outdoors, Zorak can call 3d6;{"diceNotation":"3d6","rollType":"roll","rollAction":"Children of the Night"} wolf;wolves instead. The called creatures arrive

Goblin Legacy

Species Volo's Guide to Monsters

goblin tribe has to nobility is the caste of lashers — families of goblins trained in the ways of battle, and also possessed of key skills such as strategy, trap-building, beast taming, mining

called out as a traitor. Status Symbols Goblins love symbols of authority, and thus the tribe’s boss often has such trappings wherever he or she goes. Such a symbol can take a typical form

Keresta Delvingstone

Monsters Waterdeep: Dungeon of the Mad Mage

);{"diceNotation":"1d8+4","rollType":"damage","rollAction":"Unarmed Strike","rollDamageType":"bludgeoning"} bludgeoning damage. Instead of dealing damage, Keresta can grapple the target (escape DC 18). Bite

centipede;giant centipedes. The called creatures arrive in 1d4;{"diceNotation":"1d4","rollType":"roll","rollAction":"Children of the Night"} rounds, acting as allies of Keresta and obeying her spoken

Kenku Legacy

Species Volo's Guide to Monsters

at the burned-out building, a sudden cacophony erupted around us. Birds squawked, cats hissed, and dogs growled. Lidda hustled us back to the city’s safer avenues. Only when we were back within

groups called flocks. A flock is led by the oldest and most experienced kenku with the widest store of knowledge to draw on, often called Master. Although kenku can’t create new things, they have

Undead Attack

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Storm Lord’s Wrath

Undead Attack This encounter occurs at night. As the characters approach the junction of the Triboar Trail and the High Road, set the scene: An oddly shaped building sits at the juncture of the

Triboar Trail and the High Road. Two entrances into the building are apparent: a smaller one at the northern corner, and a larger one, suitable for beasts of burden and wagons, near the first. Right now

Aarakocra Legacy

Species Elemental Evil Player's Companion

Sequestered in high mountains atop tall trees, the aarakocra, sometimes called birdfolk, evoke fear and wonder. Many aarakocra aren’t even native to the Material Plane. They hail from a world

. 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

Arrival

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Storm Lord’s Wrath

has been cracked open like an egg, with a fissure extending down one side of the building. Wooden scaffolds have been recently erected along this flank and work is clearly apace to rebuild the

structure. At the foot of the tower, two ruined arches open into the interior. The tower is unguarded, and the only person present is the wizard Gallio Elibro. Refer to “Dealing with Gallio Elibro” if the

16. Gyudd's Distillery

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

16. Gyudd’s Distillery This dwarven distillery is a three-story stone building with a sagging roof. Gyudd, the shield dwarf distiller, makes Amberjack (a sherry), bitter Goat’s Head Ale, and a muddy

alcoholic swill called Wyrmwizz. The cost of a 5-gallon cask is 20 gp for Amberjack, 10 gp for Goat’s Head Ale, and 5 gp for Wyrmwizz.

Psychological Horror

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

between what characters think and how they behave. When creating adventures rooted in psychological horror, consider common fears and anxieties. These readily become metaphors for villains and monsters

perceptions and how characters might overcome them. The “Fear and Stress” section of chapter 4 provides options for dealing with the stress of adventuring. If some force is actively trying to cause stress for

Settlements (Towns, Villages, Cities)

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

Settlements (Towns, Villages, Cities) A village, town, or city makes an excellent backdrop for an adventure. The adventurers might be called on to track down a criminal who’s gone into hiding, solve

a murder, take out a gang of wererats or doppelgangers, or protect a settlement under siege. When creating a settlement for your campaign, focus on the locations that are most relevant to the adventure. Don’t worry about naming every street and identifying the inhabitants of every building.

Simic Scientist

Backgrounds Guildmasters’ Guide to Ravnica

1 I helped create a krasis that I love like a pet and would carry with me everywhere … except it’s the size of a building, and it might eat me. 2 In my laboratory, I

abundant connections among the Simic. The guild members live in watery sinkholes called zonots, and their isolation shelters them from much contact with outsiders. Nonetheless, a fair number of Simic

The Companion

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Baldur's Gate: Descent into Avernus

offered him a deal, which Thavius readily accepted. In the sky over Elturel, a radiant sphere called the Companion appeared, blazing like a second sun. Powered by a planetar imprisoned within it, the

Using the Maps

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

rendered. You can omit details that are not readily visible (such as secret doors and other hidden features) until the characters are able to detect and interact with them. Slopes and Staircases. On all

Icewind Dale, including Ten-Towns and other sites and features in the region that are common knowledge. The reverse side has player-friendly maps of the ten settlements that comprise Ten-Towns, with prominent locations called out in each town for the players’ benefit.

2. Stables

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Hoard of the Dragon Queen

2. Stables In some ways, the stables are the most comfortable area of the compound. When the stables are crowded, the horses’ and mules’ body heat keeps the building warm. Four stable boys take care

of the animals and sleep here. Only the youngest, a quick-witted boy called Wump, has any suspicion that something mysterious is going on. He knows nothing about the Cult of the Dragon, but he’s sharp enough to wonder why anything used by the road builders needs to be locked up.

2. Stables

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

2. Stables In some ways, the stables are the most comfortable area of the compound. When the stables are crowded, the horses’ and mules’ body heat keeps the building warm. Four stable boys take care

of the animals and sleep here. Only the youngest, a quick-witted boy called Wump, has any suspicion that something mysterious is going on. He knows nothing about the Cult of the Dragon, but he’s sharp enough to wonder why anything used by the road builders needs to be locked up.

Session Zero

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything

run a special session—colloquially called session zero—to establish expectations, outline the terms of a social contract, and share house rules. Making and sticking to these rules can help ensure

that the game is a fun experience for everyone involved. Often a session zero includes building characters together. As the DM, you can help players during the character creation process by advising them to select options that will serve the adventure or campaign that awaits.

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