before building derived creatures retreat

Vegepygmy Thorny Hunter

Monsters Quests from the Infinite Staircase

saving throw or have the prone condition.Thorny hunters are bestial vegepygmies derived from the corpses of bears, dogs, and other quadrupedal Beasts. Thorny hunters act like bloodhounds, following

their master’s orders to hunt prey with deadly ferocity. Vegepygmies Also called mold folk, vegepygmies are fungal creatures that spring forth from the body of a Humanoid or Giant killed by

Simic Scientist

Backgrounds Guildmasters’ Guide to Ravnica

commoner’s clothes, a book of research notes, an ink pen, a bottle of squid ink, a flask of oil (made from blubber), a vial of acid (derived from digestive juices), a vial of fish scales, a vial

.) Simic Guild Spells Spell Level Spells Cantrip acid splash, druidcraft 1st detect poison and disease, expeditious retreat, jump 2nd alter self, enhance

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

Storm Herald

Monsters Bigby Presents: Glory of the Giants

", "rollType":"recharge", "rollAction":"Psychic Wave"}. The herald unleashes a blast of psionic energy into the minds of up to three creatures it can see within 90 feet of itself. Each target must make a DC

: control water, control weather (as an action), sendingAncient and alien beings dwell or slumber in ocean depths, awaiting some cosmic circumstance that signals their time to rise. In their retreat

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

Nosferatu

Monsters Van Richten’s Guide to Ravenloft

stables turned into slaughterhouses are typical first signs of a nosferatu’s predation. When the sun interrupts their hunts, nosferatu retreat to favored ruins, sewers, or caves, caring nothing for

momentarily be convinced to converse with other creatures. However, those who talk with nosferatu typically find them selfish, duplicitous creatures whose memories are faded and whose basic respect for life is long dead.Necrotic

Undercity Medusa

Monsters Guildmasters’ Guide to Ravnica

: expeditious retreat, fog cloud, misty step Magic Resistance. The medusa has advantage on saving throws against spells and other magical effects. Surprise Attack. During the first round of combat, the

medusas of Ravnica, often called gorgons, are a monstrous race of creatures that appear superficially similar to human women. In place of hair, a gorgon has a writhing mass of black, serpentine

Demilich (Variant) Legacy

Monsters Monster Manual (2014)

16 Constitution saving throw or drop to 0 hit points. On a successful save, the creature is frightened until the end of its next turn. Life Drain. The demilich targets up to three creatures that it

it to retreat into its ancient tomb and forget to feed on souls. The spells it once knew fade from its mind, and it no longer channels the arcane energy it wielded as a lich. However, even as a mere

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

Leucrotta

Monsters Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

kills transformed into gnolls, others underwent more bizarre changes; leucrottas were the most numerous of these. As clever as it is cruel, a leucrotta loves to deceive, torture, and kill. Creatures who

are confused or unaware of the actual threat.Kicking Retreat. Immediately after the leucrotta makes a Hooves attack, it takes the Disengage action.

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

Forlarren

Monsters Mordenkainen's Fiendish Folio Volume 1

). It can innately cast the following spells, requiring no material components:At will: expeditious retreat, false life, minor illusion, prestidigitation3/day each: aid, misty step, Tasha's hideous

);{"diceNotation":"1d6","rollType":"damage","rollDamageType":"cold"} cold damage.The descendants of satyrs corrupted by infernal power, forlarren are miserable creatures—an unhappy union between the rigid

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

Yuan-ti Pureblood Legacy

Species Volo's Guide to Monsters

; Elminster The serpent creatures known as yuan-ti are all that remains of an ancient, decadent human empire. Ages ago their dark gods taught them profane, cannibalistic rituals to mix their flesh

interest of maintaining the strength of their personal bloodline. The yuan-ti have abandoned their humanity and consider non-serpentine humanoids to be lesser creatures, barely more civilized than

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

Tabaxi Legacy

Species Volo's Guide to Monsters

. Fleeting Fancies Wandering tabaxi are mercurial creatures, trading one obsession or passion for the next as the whim strikes. A tabaxi’s desire burns bright, but once met it disappears to be

, prophecy, clan history, and other esoteric factors. Tabaxi names can apply to both males and females, and most use nicknames derived from or inspired by their full names. Clan names are usually based

Chapter 7: Using Ability Scores

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

, and the attack roll — rely on the six ability scores. The Introduction describes the basic rule behind these rolls: roll a d20, add an ability modifier derived from one of the six ability scores, and

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.”

Strahd von Zarovich

Monsters Curse of Strahd

’t up. While outdoors, Strahd can call 3d6;{"diceNotation":"3d6","rollType":"roll","rollAction":"Children of the Night"} wolf;wolves instead. The called creatures arrive in 1d4;{"diceNotation":"1d4

the reach of melee combatants and spellcasters, or he flies away (using summoned wolf;wolves or swarm of bats;swarms of bats or swarm of rats;rats to guard his retreat). Strahd observes the characters

Plan of Attack

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

Plan of Attack This encounter should challenge the adventurers in every way. The characters should be no easy match for the attacking force, such that retreat and escape might be their best option if

they hope to survive. However, if the characters haven’t made escape plans ahead of time, the attackers will have taken steps to make retreat impossible. The specifics are up to you, but should be

Plan of Attack

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Rise of Tiamat

Plan of Attack Dragon Cultist This encounter should challenge the adventurers in every way. The characters should be no easy match for the attacking force, such that retreat and escape might be

their best option if they hope to survive. However, if the characters haven’t made escape plans ahead of time, the attackers will have taken steps to make retreat impossible. The specifics are up to

Approaching the Cabin

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

Approaching the Cabin Perched on the edge of a snowy ridge above a gorge is a black lodge on wooden stilts. Whatever path might have led to this ramshackle retreat lies buried under snow. Icy steps

the old building can tell that its wooden floors are in poor condition, perhaps even in danger of collapse in one location (see area B4). It’s clear to anyone surveying the Black Cabin that part of the

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

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

A Hasty Retreat

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

A Hasty Retreat While the Red Dragon Army recovers from the destruction of the City of Lost Names, Darrett Highwater and the troops from Kalaman retreat and make camp a safe distance away. Begin this

Army forces. The island holds aloft a sinister temple with otherworldly violet light gleaming from its cracked walls. Its exposed foundations crawl with creatures of blackened bone and violet flame

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

Cult of Zariel

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

Cult of Zariel Goals: Conquest, glory in battle, fame and fortune derived from military victory Typical Cultist: Berserker, cult fanatic, cultist, gladiator, guard, knight, veteran Signature Spells

initiative, it can choose itself and up to three allies it can see if it isn’t incapacitated. It can swap the initiative results of the chosen creatures among them. WHY DEVILS WANT CULTS For all

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

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

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