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Returning 35 results for 'being battle diffusing contested runes'.
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Magic Items
Princes of the Apocalypse
A mighty axe wielded long ago by the dwarf king Torhild Flametongue, Orcsplitter is a battered weapon that appears unremarkable at first glance. Its head is graven with the Dwarvish runes for &ldquo
;orc,” but the runes are depicted with a gap or slash through the markings; the word “orc” is literally split in two.
You gain the following benefits while holding this magic weapon
Kobold
Legacy
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Species
Volo's Guide to Monsters
populated areas, practice cannibalism, believing it is foolish to waste good meat.
In any case, kobolds that eat humanoids don’t simply start consuming corpses or prisoners right after a battle
gnomes and other humanoids, the kobolds instinctively attack the gnomes. Kobolds in battle with gnomes are much less likely to run away because their hatred overrules their sense of self-preservation
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Baldur's Gate: Descent into Avernus
two sections. The riotous din of the battle taking place far below the city is louder here, echoing up and through the jagged open chasm.
A bridge twenty feet wide and more than a hundred feet long
spans the chasm. Holy runes etched into the stonework of the bridge indicate that the structure has been consecrated in the name of Torm, god of courage and self-sacrifice. Six infernal creatures stand
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->The Book of Many Things
: Creatures. Not every adversary wants to engage in mortal combat. Certain creatures might delight in a battle of wits. The reward for answering a creature’s riddle might be a small treasure, a bit of
inscrutable runes carved onto a cursed bow might hold the key to undoing the weapon’s evil magic. Locations. Mystical grottoes, forgotten temples, and secret hideouts might all be locked behind befuddling
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Princes of the Apocalypse
battle-helm consists of a sturdy open-faced steel helmet, decorated with a golden circlet above the brow from which seven small gold spikes project upward. You gain the following benefits while
Dwarvish runes for “orc,” but the runes are depicted with a gap or slash through the markings; the word “orc” is literally split in two. You gain the following benefits while holding this magic weapon
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Eberron: Rising from the Last War
islands, who shares tales of mighty wyrms. Battle a dragon who guards a hidden vault. Some say the mysterious dragons of Argonnessen hide in plain sight, that shapechanged dragons scattered across
leather cords 5 A dagger carved from a dragon’s talon 6 A brass disk bearing the silhouette of a black dragon 7 A small egg-shaped piece of polished bone 8 A bone fragment with brass inlaid runes 9 A leather pouch filled with tiny draconic teeth 10 A single large seed that’s warm to the touch
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Waterdeep: Dungeon of the Mad Mage
15. Way to Wyllowwood The drow cornered and killed several troglodytes in these caves after the reptilian creatures refused to be enslaved. 15a. Battle Scene The floor here is stained with blood and
. Characters must be 8th level or higher to pass through this gate (see “Jhesiyra Kestellharp”). The first creature to pass through the gate triggers an elder rune (see “Elder Runes”). A creature that passes
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Journeys through the Radiant Citadel
battle, both princes thank the characters for their assistance. Kirina, Prince of Niba As the eldest son of the king of Niba, Kirina (chaotic evil, human veteran) was raised knowing he might be named
, the least you can do is fake it.” Bond. “I respect my father even as he grovels to the empress on my behalf.” Flaw. “I don’t want the life I’m supposed to want.” Searching the Alley After the battle
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Player's Handbook (2014)
making a grapple check instead of an attack roll: a Strength (Athletics) check contested by the target’s Strength (Athletics) or Dexterity (Acrobatics) check (the target chooses the ability to use). You
whenever you like (no action required). Escaping a Grapple. A grappled creature can use its action to escape. To do so, it must succeed on a Strength (Athletics) or Dexterity (Acrobatics) check contested
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Waterdeep: Dungeon of the Mad Mage
if needed. Hanging on a stone peg that juts from the wall, the gold-plated shield is etched with arcane runes. A detect magic spell reveals an aura of necromancy magic radiating from the shield. A
character who examines the runes and succeeds on a DC 18 Intelligence (Arcana) check can ascertain that the runes give the shield the magical ability to trap creatures inside it. Any creature that
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Waterdeep: Dungeon of the Mad Mage
17. Battlefield Cavern This 30-foot-high cavern was the main front of the battle between the yuan-ti and the nagas. 17a. Bones in the Mud The water here is 2 feet deep, and the cavern floor beneath
to 0 hit points during this fight immediately come to their senses and take 22 (4d10) psychic damage from the shock of their illusory demise. Unlike any damage sustained in the battle, this psychic
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Basic Rules (2014)
. Contests in Combat Battle often involves pitting your prowess against that of your foe. Such a challenge is represented by a contest. This section includes the most common contests that require an action
size larger than you and must be within your reach. Using at least one free hand, you try to seize the target by making a grapple check instead of an attack roll: a Strength (Athletics) check contested
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Acquisitions Incorporated
code, a faith, or an ideal. But a true pragmatist fights only for coin, understanding that battle is a means to an end and not an end in itself. A fighter in an Acquisitions Incorporated campaign
fighters use any means necessary to gain the edge in battle, whether those tricks were learned from a long-gone drill instructor, first used by an opponent against you, or an original tactic perfected by
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Waterdeep: Dungeon of the Mad Mage
Charisma (Deception) check contested by the golems’ Wisdom (Insight) check, with advantage on the check if the portrayal is particularly convincing. On a successful check, the golem won’t attack that
first creature to pass through the gate triggers an elder rune (see “Elder Runes”). A creature that passes through the gate appears in area 15 on level 15, in the closest unoccupied space next to the
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Waterdeep: Dungeon of the Mad Mage
12. Drow Battle Characters who approach this 50-foot-high cavern for the first time hear the sounds of battle ahead. Demons. In the narrower section between the north and south halves of the cavern
cavern is the site of a heated battle between House Freth (to the north) and House Auvryndar (to the south). House Freth’s forces are nine male drow led by a male drow mage named Spirreth Dalambra. The
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Storm King's Thunder
grants immortality to its wearer, was last seen in the possession of a human adventurer (and former Harper) named Artus Cimber. Guided by magical runes of tracking, Storvald plans to find the ring and
empower his runes. Unbeknown to Storvald, the runes are steering the frost giants not to Artus Cimber but to other, closer individuals who carry the Cimber bloodline — Artus’s living relatives, most of whom
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Tales from the Yawning Portal->a5
the demons fight, the battle can be heard in every chamber in this zone (see “Pit Battle” in area 2 to aid in narrating the noise). 1. Chandelier Chamber Scorched and shattered plaster shows faint
can’t leave the pit until all the demons within it are destroyed. The pit is otherwise easy to climb. Shalendra Floshin Pit Battle. In the pit, a reduced-threat vrock (see “Reduced-Threat Monsters
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Xanathar's Guide to Everything
into battle. You can give yourself a bonus to your initiative rolls equal to your Charisma modifier. You also gain an additional way to use your Sneak Attack; you don’t need advantage on the attack roll
Sneak Attack still apply to you. Panache At 9th level, your charm becomes extraordinarily beguiling. As an action, you can make a Charisma (Persuasion) check contested by a creature’s Wisdom (Insight
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Waterdeep: Dungeon of the Mad Mage
9. Contested Caves The drow of House Freth maintain a tenuous hold over these caves. Their defenses are tested daily by troglodytes, trolls, and infiltrators loyal to House Auvryndar. 9a. Hidden
12 in exchange for his freedom. If he is treated with respect, Zaztorrl might befriend the characters and help them in battle. A successful dispel magic spell (DC 18) cast on the troll renders it
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Sword Coast Adventurer’s Guide
at 3rd level, your confidence propels you into battle. You can give yourself a bonus to your initiative rolls equal to your Charisma modifier. You also gain an additional way to use your Sneak Attack
contested by a creature’s Wisdom (Insight) check. The creature must be able to hear you, and the two of you must share a language. If you succeed on the check and the creature is hostile to you, it has
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Storm Lord’s Wrath
thieves’ tools. Also, the doors and windows have an AC of 12 and break with 25 points of damage. Magical runes, as per the glyph of warding spell, protect the cloak room and barn doors. If the party
opens the doors without first removing or disabling the runes, they take thunder damage as per the spell. A window at the back of the inn on the second floor is open (see “The Upstairs” below). A
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Waterdeep: Dungeon of the Mad Mage
Kestellharp”). The first creature to pass through the gate triggers an elder rune (see “Elder Runes”). A creature that passes through the gate appears in area 10 on level 6, in the closest unoccupied
contested by the character’s Charisma (Deception) check to see through the deception. A character who is caught lying to the dragon can never win back its trust. If the dragon is incapacitated, a
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Waterdeep: Dungeon of the Mad Mage
doesn’t rejoin the battle. It might reappear later to exact its revenge on those who harmed it, in a place and form of your choosing. 9b. Shapes in the Fog As the characters move through this 10-foot
higher to pass through this gate (see “Jhesiyra Kestellharp”). The first creature to pass through the gate triggers an elder rune (see “Elder Runes”). A creature that passes through the gate appears in area 34a on level 6, in the closest unoccupied space next to the identical gate located there.
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Divine Contention
speed of 25 feet. When characters enter the inner circle of moon runes, Sister Silvergranite emerges from the moonstone to assess the situation, then withdraws and animates her sacred statue. She attacks
Dumathoin. If any adventurers took control of the sacred statue during the battle, the eidolon allows the party to leave unharmed. If not, a successful DC 15 Charisma (Persuasion) check is required to
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Acquisitions Incorporated
desiccated and skeletal humanoid corpses litter the floor of this small chamber. The stone of the north wall has been etched with intricate runes, but the pattern ends abruptly.
Bodies and Runes. A closer
examination of the still-intact bodies reveals that each bears tattoos matching the runes carved on the walls. The corpses wear a wide range of clothing and armor, but have been stripped of all
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Heroes of the Borderlands
demon worshiper.” (Partially true; Xanthe is referring to Ivlis, the former priest)
Occult Ritual Eventually, you come across an eerie statue in a forest clearing. Strange runes are etched into
refuses.
Completing the Ritual. If the characters join the ritual—or observe it without drawing attention—the statue’s runes begin to glow with an eerie red light. After 10 minutes, the sky darkens
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Waterdeep: Dungeon of the Mad Mage
. Inscribed on the floor in the middle of the room is a 40-foot-diameter circle of glowing runes. Halaster uses it to summon an empyrean who owes him a favor. (The circle serves no other purpose
of runes on the floor to summon Nalkara (see “Nalkara the Empyrean” below). He then uses the power of the throne to throw his voice so that he doesn’t betray his location when he speaks to the empyrean
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Volo's Guide to Monsters
, practice cannibalism, believing it is foolish to waste good meat. In any case, kobolds that eat humanoids don’t simply start consuming corpses or prisoners right after a battle; they’re more inclined
instinctively attack the gnomes. Kobolds in battle with gnomes are much less likely to run away because their hatred overrules their sense of self-preservation. A kobold’s cautious nature doesn’t mean it
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Prisoner 13
without being caught by guards. In battle she poses a potent threat, creating blasts of flame and striking with magical force in both melee and ranged combat. She spends her time contemplating the web
down her left arm, ending in runes on the fingers of her left hand. Knotwork. Purple and blue knotwork and runes run down her right arm, across the back of her right hand, and down the length of each
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Keys from the Golden Vault
without being caught by guards. In battle she poses a potent threat, creating blasts of flame and striking with magical force in both melee and ranged combat. She spends her time contemplating the web
down her left arm, ending in runes on the fingers of her left hand. Knotwork. Purple and blue knotwork and runes run down her right arm, across the back of her right hand, and down the length of each
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Waterdeep: Dungeon of the Mad Mage
outward from its circumference (Xanathar’s symbol).
Noise. Sounds of mock battle emanate from the tunnel to the west (leading to area 20b).
The beholder zombie attacks anyone who enters the room
her out of the circle. Nadia relishes any opportunity to fight and kill, and she hurls herself and her forces into battle without a second thought. 20c. Arch Gate to Level 6 This hallway has three
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Waterdeep: Dungeon of the Mad Mage
close examination of the work. Kavil won’t start a fight, but he sides with the nycaloths if a battle erupts, which is likely since the fiends have orders to slay intruders. If reduced to 33 hit points
through the gate triggers an elder rune (see “Elder Runes”). A creature that passes through the gate appears in area 16 on level 18, in the closest unoccupied space next to the identical gate located
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Volo's Guide to Monsters
Pack Lord Most war bands are led by pack lords. These champions of Yeenoghu curry their lord’s favor with living sacrifices. They mark their hides with bloody runes, which sometimes grant supernatural
battle, the better to imbue their victims with the magic needed to spawn more gnolls. Gnoll Warriors Common gnolls comprise the bulk of a war band. They fight mainly with spears fashioned from wood and
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Waterdeep: Dragon Heist
runes. The doors have neither handles nor hinges. The writing on them reads, “THE THREE KEYS. BRING THEM FORTH.” The doors part, sliding back into the walls, when the three correct keys are brought
side of the hammer that was facing the wall is the following inscription in Dwarvish runes: “Let hearts be lifted and battles won.” The hammer must be removed from its indentation for the inscription
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Dungeon Master’s Guide (2014)
to the surface or the Sea of Light. Krakens and other mighty leviathans claim this realm. Any land that rises above the surface of the sea is hotly contested by the few air-breathers that live on the
inhabitants of the plane engage in a never-ending battle to prove their strength and ensure their survival. Its dangerous monsters and bitter cold make the Frostfell a dangerous place to travel. Most






