before building define creatures realizes

Spiderdragon

Monsters Vecna: Eve of Ruin

most numerous in Underdark areas that Lolth’s faithful claim as their own. Lolth worshipers might employ spiderdragons as guards or treat them as venerated guests. The creatures aren’t as

powerful as their black dragon progenitors, though, and they often drain the enclaves’ resources with their selfish demands. Uninterested in building lairs, spiderdragons weave powerful webs and

Ancient Red Dragon Legacy

Monsters Basic Rules (2014)

horns and spinal frill define its silhouette. Its beaked snout vents smoke at all times, and its eyes dance with flame when it is angry.A Red Dragon’s Lair Red dragons lair in high mountains or

’s lair form portals to the Elemental Plane of Fire, allowing creatures of elemental fire into the world to dwell nearby. If the dragon dies, these effects fade over the course of 1d10;{"diceNotation":"1d10","rollAction":"Days","rollType":"roll"} days.Fire

Tortle Legacy

Species The Tortle Package

put to use when building forts to contain their offspring. Although they spend a considerable portion of their lives in isolation, tortles are social creatures that like to form meaningful

Yondalla relate to tortles most of all. Tortles believe that night and day watch over them and other creatures. The moon is the eye of night that watches over them in darkness, and the sun is the

Auril (Third Form)

Monsters Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden

to be cautious and avoid contact with other creatures that can harm her. Auril’s worshipers know better than to disturb her self-imposed isolation. Terrible blizzards have cut off Icewind Dale

, define her. Lesser gods in the D&D multiverse are extremely powerful and arrogant, but also fallible and blind to their own flaws. It’s appropriate for Auril to act as though she’s

Adult Red Dragon Legacy

Monsters Basic Rules (2014)

spinal frill define its silhouette. Its beaked snout vents smoke at all times, and its eyes dance with flame when it is angry.A Red Dragon’s Lair Red dragons lair in high mountains or hills

lair form portals to the Elemental Plane of Fire, allowing creatures of elemental fire into the world to dwell nearby. If the dragon dies, these effects fade over the course of 1d10;{"diceNotation":"1d10","rollAction":"Days","rollType":"roll"} days.Fire

Young Topaz Dragon

Monsters Fizban's Treasury of Dragons

to ask for help getting home. 6 A topaz dragon is building a tableau of desiccated creatures and has grown obsessed with catching one treasure hunter who escaped the dragon’s clutches

creatures. 8 I secretly enjoy conversing with lesser beings, although I usually do so only to find their weaknesses. Topaz Dragon Ideals d6;{"diceNotation":"1d6","rollType":"roll

Drow Mother of Rebellion

Monsters Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

mother is almost never encountered alone. She is typically accompanied by a drow favored consort and a drow house captain. Other Underdark creatures might also be in the priestess’s presence

, providing protection or advice.A Matron Mother’s Lair The palace of a drow matron mother is her home and fortress. Sigils throughout the building allow the matron mother to use the following

Topaz Dragon Wyrmling

Monsters Fizban's Treasury of Dragons

, but the dragon is too proud to ask for help getting home. 6 A topaz dragon is building a tableau of desiccated creatures and has grown obsessed with catching one treasure hunter who escaped the

hone them on other creatures. 8 I secretly enjoy conversing with lesser beings, although I usually do so only to find their weaknesses. Topaz Dragon Ideals d6;{"diceNotation

Rahadin

Monsters Curse of Strahd

, Rahadin can force all creatures that can hear the screams to make a DC 16 Wisdom saving throw. Each creature takes 16 (3d10);{"diceNotation":"3d10","rollType":"damage","rollAction":"Deathly Choir

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

Auril (First Form)

Monsters Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden

weak and vulnerable. In her self-inflicted weakened state, Auril is inclined to be cautious and avoid contact with other creatures that can harm her. Auril’s worshipers know better than to

demystifying her in the eyes of your players. Let her actions, not her words, define her. Lesser gods in the D&D multiverse are extremely powerful and arrogant, but also fallible and blind to their

Drow Matron Mother

Monsters Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

typically accompanied by a drow favored consort and a drow house captain. Other Underdark creatures might also be in the priestess’s presence, providing protection or advice. Drow Mother of Rebellion

Underdark armies arrayed against the followers of Lolth. A Matron Mother’s Lair The palace of a drow matron mother is her home and fortress. Sigils throughout the building allow the matron

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

arrogant. They see themselves as caretakers of the sea, and they expect other creatures to pay them deep respect, if not complete deference. This attitude might grate on others, but it arises from a seed

Ancient Deep Dragon Legacy

Monsters Fizban's Treasury of Dragons

no creatures are within reach, or the target can’t take a reaction, it takes 11 (2d10);{"diceNotation":"2d10", "rollType":"damage", "rollAction":"Commanding Spores", "rollDamageType":"psychic

Personality Traits d8;{"diceNotation":"1d8","rollType":"roll","rollAction":"Trait"} Trait 1 I will not risk injury at the hands of weaker creatures—especially while I can turn

Auril (Second Form)

Monsters Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden

night while also granting spells to her devoted followers leaves Auril weak and vulnerable. In her self-inflicted weakened state, Auril is inclined to be cautious and avoid contact with other creatures

. The less she talks, the less risk you have of unintentionally demystifying her in the eyes of your players. Let her actions, not her words, define her. Lesser gods in the D&D multiverse are

Klauth

Monsters Storm King's Thunder

damage and be knocked prone. Klauth can then fly up to half his flying speed.The odor of sulfur and pumice surrounds a red dragon, whose swept-back horns and spinal frill define its silhouette. Its

about the deeds and whereabouts of surface-world creatures in the North and along the Sword Coast than any other being alive today. Old Snarl obeys strange whims that prompt him to perform acts of

Goblin Legacy

Species Volo's Guide to Monsters

appreciation for the finer things! — Volo Goblins occupy an uneasy place in a dangerous world, and they react by lashing out at any creatures they believe they can bully. Cunning in battle and

. Beast Masters and Slave Drivers Goblins know they are a weak, unsophisticated race that can be easily dominated by bigger, smarter, more organized, more ferocious, or more magical creatures. Their god

Adult Topaz Dragon

Monsters Fizban's Treasury of Dragons

from the sea, but the dragon is too proud to ask for help getting home. 6 A topaz dragon is building a tableau of desiccated creatures and has grown obsessed with catching one treasure hunter

to meet one, I hone them on other creatures. 8 I secretly enjoy conversing with lesser beings, although I usually do so only to find their weaknesses. Topaz Dragon Ideals d6

Ancient Topaz Dragon

Monsters Fizban's Treasury of Dragons

injured and stranded far from the sea, but the dragon is too proud to ask for help getting home. 6 A topaz dragon is building a tableau of desiccated creatures and has grown obsessed with catching

bronze dragons; while I wait to meet one, I hone them on other creatures. 8 I secretly enjoy conversing with lesser beings, although I usually do so only to find their weaknesses. Topaz

Horizon's Edge Features

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

Horizon’s Edge Features Dyson Logos Map 4.10: Horizon’s Edge Map 4.10 depicts Horizon’s Edge, including the following features: Building Platforms. Massive plates made of meticulously fitted stones

studies the runes and succeeds on a DC 15 Intelligence (Investigation) check realizes their rotation marks out repeating 12-hour cycles, allowing visitors to keep time with the Material Plane worlds

Simic Scientist

Backgrounds Guildmasters’ Guide to Ravnica

alterations in yourself or others, the result often displays the characteristics of fish, amphibians, or other water-dwelling creatures. Blue-green eddies of magical energy sometimes accompany your

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

Kobold Legacy

Species Volo's Guide to Monsters

Kobolds are a lot less cute when they learn how to cast fireballs. — Volo Kobolds are often dismissed as cowardly, foolish, and weak, but these little reptilian creatures actually have a

a perfect world, the creatures would be left alone to dig their tunnels and raise the next generation of kobolds, all the while seeking the magic that will free their imprisoned god (see the &ldquo

Settlements

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

Settlements The places where people live — bustling cities, prosperous towns, and tiny villages nestled among miles of farmland — help define the nature of civilization in your world. A single

settlement — a home base for your adventurers — is a great place to start a campaign and begin your world building. Consider the following questions as you create any settlement in your world: What purpose

The Infernal Machine of Lum the Mad

Magic Items Infernal Machine Rebuild

Lum. By experimenting with its many controls, he was able to achieve astounding and destructive magical effects in the building of his empire, and so the artifact came to be known as the Infernal

. 07 You can cast the speak with animals spell at will, but can use it to communicate only with insects. Disturbing whispers on the edge of hearing haunt all creatures within 30 feet of you

Starting the Adventure

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

great breath. The fog emanating from within Yeonido encompasses the city, lightly obscuring every street and building, including the interiors. This fog is unnatural, which a character who succeeds

on a DC 12 Intelligence (Nature) check realizes. The detect magic spell also reveals that the fog emanates an aura of enchantment magic. As the characters near the city gate, they notice the guards

Destruction in Kalapang

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

constellations surveys the destruction. She waves in your direction, then approaches. “You arrived at a difficult time. I’d hoped to prevent exactly this,” she says, gesturing at the fallen building. “I am

character who investigates realizes someone’s trapped in the rubble. Clearing the rubble safely requires a character to make a DC 14 Strength (Athletics) check. On a failed check, they find one of the

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

Nobles of Borca

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

line. She pours her family’s wealth into supporting art in Levkarest and endlessly building her estate both taller and deeper. Ivliskova. The Ivliskovas run dozens of orphanages and the elite Ivliskova

of bizarre sea creatures and a complete megalodon skeleton. Olzanik. This family of metalworkers obsesses over war. To them, every success is a conquest, but no Olzanik has ever seen battle in

Chapter 7: Using Ability Scores

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

? Brilliant and charming? Nimble and hardy? Ability scores define these qualities — a creature’s assets as well as weaknesses. The three main rolls of the game — the ability check, the saving throw

compare the total to a target number. This chapter focuses on how to use ability checks and saving throws, covering the fundamental activities that creatures attempt in the game. Rules for attack rolls appear in chapter 9, “Combat.”

Dragons in Play

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

-shifting and organizations. “Followers” explores the relationships between dragons and the various creatures that might serve their interests. “Dragon Encounters” offers suggestions for building encounters

Dragons in Play This chapter is intended for the Dungeon Master. The ideas and tables herein can help inspire you as you prepare to use dragons in your D&D game, whether you’re building a single

Monsters and Motivations

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

adventurers. Characters might be able to appease a hungry beast by offering it food, and smarter creatures have complex motivations. The Monster Motivation table lets you use a monster’s goals to define its

with a few coins from its hoard. Not all monsters are automatically hostile. When placing monsters in your dungeon, consider their relationships to nearby creatures and their attitudes toward

Idea Decks

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

Idea Decks Consider building multiple custom decks to keep on hand for quick inspiration. Depending on the cards you have available, you might build decks of specific characters, creatures, events, spells, treasures, or anything else you need.

Dragon Adventures

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

Dragon Adventures Building on “Dragon Adventures” in chapter 3, this section starts with a collection of adventure hooks that might bring characters into contact with a dragon of a particular kind

, whether in conflict or as an ally or patron. Then, additional tables explore the relationships each kind of dragon has to other creatures of a similar challenge rating in their preferred environment

Orc Legacy

Species Volo's Guide to Monsters

to be invincible. They see the principles that define them and their deities at work every day in the world around them — nature rewards the strong and mercilessly eliminates the weak and the

, orcs breed prodigiously (and they aren’t choosy about what they breed with, which is why such creatures as half-orcs and ogrillons are found in the world). Females that are about to give birth are

Time Gates' Environments

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Netheril’s Fall: Tales of Terror, Treasure, and Time Travel

that of the present day, often creating unusually colored fog, erratic rain, incongruous wind, or rainbows. Nature out of Time. Long-extinct creatures, such as Mammoths or Saber-Toothed Tigers

, wander the area. Other creatures in the area might be heavily evolved and strangely shaggy or oddly patterned. Alien Features. Potent temporal magic saturates colors and exaggerates the land’s physical

Lizardfolk Names

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

always literal. They might pick up idioms, but only with some difficulty. Names confuse them, unless they are descriptive. They tend to apply their own naming conventions to other creatures using

Common words. Lizardfolk use active verbs to describe the world. A lizardfolk in cold weather might say, “This wind brings cold” rather than “I feel cold.” Lizardfolk tend to define things in terms of actions, rather than effects.

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