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Saving Throws

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

Saving Throws In contrast to an ability check, a saving throw is an instant response to an effect and is almost never made by choice. A saving throw makes the most sense when something bad threatens

what kind of saving throw is involved and providing a DC for it. In other situations that call for a saving throw, it’s up to you to decide which ability score is involved. The Abilities, Ability Checks, and Saving Throws table offers suggestions.

Paladin Legacy

Classes Basic Rules (2014)

an orc war band celebrating its recent victory. Silently, he stalks into their midst and whispers an oath, and two orcs are dead before they even realize he is there. Silver hair shining in a shaft

while you were at prayer? Did another paladin sense the potential within you and decide to train you as a squire? Or did some terrible event—the destruction of your home, perhaps—drive you to

Duration

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

points. In contrast, a feature like the wizard’s Arcane Ward can take damage for you, potentially eliminating the need to make a Constitution saving throw or, at least, lowering the DC of that save. Can a

spellcaster dismiss a spell after casting it? You can’t normally dismiss a spell that you cast unless (a) its description says you can or (b) it requires concentration and you decide to end your

Franchise Downtime

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Acquisitions Incorporated

defeat) and to set the course for the campaign to come. The characters might enjoy changing cosmetic elements of their franchise headquarters to reflect their recent victories, spread their reputation

as heroes, cement recent alliances, wrap up open plot hooks, or deal with debts or obligations incurred while saving the world. Friends and Enemies The characters’ heroics might have changed the

Developments

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

grieve, but they won’t take any action against the characters. In contrast, the kobolds are furious with grief, throwing themselves at the characters in frenzied, suicidal attacks. The ice trolls

’ reaction will likely be influenced by whatever interaction the characters had with them earlier. The trolls might flee without a word, or they might decide they like Oyaviggaton and make it their

Developments

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

grieve, but they won’t take any action against the characters. In contrast, the kobolds are furious with grief, throwing themselves at the characters in frenzied, suicidal attacks. The ice trolls

’ reaction will likely be influenced by whatever interaction the characters had with them earlier. The trolls might flee without a word, or they might decide they like Oyaviggaton and make it their

Shipwreck Overview

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Dragons of Stormwreck Isle

. OTHER SHIPWRECKS This chapter assumes the characters heed Runara’s advice and search Compass Rose for clues to the recent shipwrecks. If the characters decide to explore other recent wrecks, you can

Arrival in Phandalin

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Acquisitions Incorporated

replaced by a council of three prominent citizens, elected every two years. However, the recent abdication of one councilor and the town’s growing size have prompted the townsfolk to decide that it’s

old manor house. Most of its walls have collapsed in what appears to be a recent disaster, with traces of smoke still rising from piles of tumbled stone. When the characters approach the stage or try

The Golden Vault

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Keys from the Golden Vault

can provide unexpected help. For instance, if the characters lack vital information needed for a heist, their handler might share a recent discovery. If the characters need special equipment, their

handler might be able to obtain it for them, provided the equipment is readily available and not too expensive. If you decide to use the Golden Vault as the characters’ patron organization, work with

If It Exists In D&D, There's A Place for It in Eberron

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Wayfinder's Guide to Eberron

the underworld of Khyber, the source of many aberrations and monsters. It’s the result of recent experiments by one of the dragonmarked houses or a mad artificer. It comes from one of the planes and

slipped into the world during a recent convergence. Not everything has to exist in Eberron. You can find a place in Eberron for anything. But it’s also possible to say that something doesn’t exist in

Goblin Ambush

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Phandelver and Below: The Shattered Obelisk

, you stumble upon the scene of a recent battle. The woods press close to the trail here, with a steep embankment and dense thickets on either side. Two horses wander the road, sniffing at ransacked

Phandalin” adventure hook, any character who approaches the scene identifies the horses as belonging to Gundren Rockseeker and Sildar Hallwinter. It’s up to the players to decide whether to bring the

What Renaer Knows

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Waterdeep: Dragon Heist

What Renaer Knows At some point during their investigation, the characters might want to speak to Renaer Neverember about the fireball, given his own recent brush with the Zhentarim. Conversely, he

could decide to pay them a visit at their tavern. If he’s told that a gnome and two Zhents were killed in the blast, Renaer drops a bombshell: When the Lords of Waterdeep ousted my father, I thought

Eberron and the Multiverse

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

them in their new world, but allowed them to develop beyond the reach of Gruumsh, Corellon, Lolth, and other influences for good and ill. In your campaign, you might decide that the barrier formed by

disrupted the Ring of Siberys, or perhaps a disruption of the Ring of Siberys actually caused the Mourning! If contact between Eberron and the wider multiverse is recent and limited, consider the implications

Ability Checks

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

different way to get past the guard or try the check again against another guard at a different gate. But you might decide that the initial failure makes those checks more difficult to pull off

. In contrast, a character with high Intelligence and low Wisdom is probably oblivious but clever. The character might not spot the clean section of wall but, if asked about it, could immediately

Arrival at the Island

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Ghosts of Saltmarsh

island — always giving it a wide berth — so the characters can disembark somewhere else along the perimeter. After the characters take to their boats, they can decide to come ashore on the mainland and

mollusks. In stark contrast to other sites along the coast, no seabirds can be seen near the island. As reported by the scouts, a long stone causeway leads southward from the marshy coastline, crossing

Creating Factions

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

interact with, whether as allies, members, or enemies. As a starting point, decide what role you want an organization to play in the world. What is it all about? What are its goals? Who founded it and why

organization as you’ve defined it. Consider the motto of the Harpers: “Down with tyranny. Fairness and equality for all.” The Harpers have a straightforward message of freedom and prosperity. Contrast

Drowned Sailors

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Dragons of Stormwreck Isle

toward you. The three shambling sailors are zombies, the animated corpses of sailors who died in a recent shipwreck. The characters face a choice: they can turn and fight the zombies, or they can

Rest). Runara explains that she heard the sounds of combat and arrived just in time to prevent the zombies from dragging the characters into the sea. Avoiding the Zombies. If the characters decide not

The Dark Powers

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

ignored or worse. For residents of Ravenloft, ignorance provides a well-defended shelter against unfathomable truths. The Secret of the Dark Powers The true nature of the Dark Powers is for you to decide

know I’m not prone to superstition or mystical flights of fancy. Yet that’s exactly what my recent experiences have led me to. When these Keepers of the Feather first hired me, I took them for a

New Characters

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Vecna: Eve of Ruin

Neverwinter. The emergency involving the missing nobles is the character’s most recent assignment. 2 After a long struggle, the character defeated a powerful sorcerer. In the throes of death, the sorcerer’s

Neverember’s villa. It’s up to you to decide why; perhaps a god’s or spellcaster’s intervention is involved. 4 The character defeated an evil leader and was given the pick of the spoils from the villain’s

Corlie's Briefing

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Hold Back The Dead

behalf of one of the five cities. You can decide which.” Corlie asks the characters to serve on behalf of Baldur’s Gate, Mithral Hall, Neverwinter, Silverymoon, or Waterdeep. She has already

ancestral dwarven city reclaimed from evil occupiers in recent years. Its mines and forges make it a growing economic powerhouse. This city’s defense zone is the northwest part of the fortress

Drowned Sailors

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Intro to Stormwreck Isle

toward you. The three shambling sailors are zombies, the animated corpses of sailors who died in a recent shipwreck. The characters face a choice: they can turn and fight the zombies, or they can

dragging the characters into the sea. Avoiding the Zombies. If the characters are faring poorly against the zombies or decide not to fight them, the characters can easily escape from the slow

Foul Play

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Strixhaven: A Curriculum of Chaos

of the adventure). Dean Tullus spread the curse to several students during the recent reception, and Murgaxor is now testing his magic’s power. The one remaining opponent reacts as follows: “What… what

point, the opponent accepts blame for summoning the oni and helps the characters defeat it. Aftermath Once the danger is dealt with, the characters must decide what to do about the unconscious students

Menzoberranzan

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

Menzoberranzan The characters might decide to visit Menzoberranzan before heading to Gravenhollow, either to learn what the drow know about the arrival of the demon lords or to assess their

involvement in recent events. March on Menzoberranzan If the characters advance their expeditionary force toward the drow city, word of their approach reaches Menzoberranzan two days before their arrival, and

Getting the Quest

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

a herd of moose. But today the local tavern is abuzz with news about a series of recent killings. Before the murders, the only question on everyone’s mind was, “Will summer ever return to Icewind

Icewind Dale. Out of boredom and a sense of moral decency, Hlin has taken it upon herself to investigate the recent murders because no one else—not even the Council of Speakers—can be bothered. Hlin

Upper Northedge

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

district of Holdfast. In contrast to the residents of Highhold in Upper Dura, the dwarves of Holdfast have deep roots in Sharn and feel no strong connection to the Mror Holds or its traditions. High

every expectation. Month after month in recent times, the Diamond has struck us to the quick with emotional works about the Last War and the psychic wounds we’re still struggling with. Who is the

Zariel

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

, that change signaled a major shift in the devils’ tactics. Zariel’s fiery temperament and reckless maneuvering stand in stark contrast to Bel’s approach, which relied on his expertise in logistics and

other features, but recent activity in the Blood War has reduced it to a blasted wasteland. The few structures still standing are citadels constructed by the devils to repel attackers, to be rebuilt

Dragon Factions

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

to amass as much wealth and power as possible. The Gem Circle, by contrast, might be dedicated to the pursuit of knowledge, while the Metallic Circle is more altruistic, working to further the

need to decide how they fit into this system of fealty. Some characters might swear allegiance to a dragon overlord and end up as important agents enforcing that dragon’s will in the world—perhaps even

Church of the Silver Flame

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

Khorvaire. In contrast to the Sovereign Host, the church maintains a defined structure and creed. Archbishops monitor regions; cardinals lead the church; and the ultimate authority is the Keeper of the

politics means that some come to the faith seeking power rather than purely to do good. In creating a follower of the Silver Flame, decide whether you are bound to the church or simply inspired by its

Fishbone Tavern

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Acquisitions Incorporated

characters decide to enter, Zurb opens the door for them. If the characters have befriended him, Zurb announces them as “really nice people that talked a lot.” This causes Fryer to shake her head in

“The Peg and Hook” below for more on Arla.) Recent word on the street is that Arla continues to be a thorn in Dran Enterprises’ side — and that she’s been marked for exile or elimination. A character

The Lords' Alliance

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Sword Coast Adventurer’s Guide

then, events such as the growth of Elturgard into a power in its own right, and the recent fall of the Silver Marches, have caused the group to draw in on itself, restricting its membership to powers

to a narrow conception of the world. You might decide to change some of the details, either to surprise your players or to account for events that have transpired since they obtained the information herein. You’re encouraged to take what’s presented here and make it, and the Forgotten Realms, your own.

Daask Campaign Themes

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

acts as though Daask is a problem only for Malleon’s Gate, and not a threat to law-abiding citizens, there is clear cunning in the criminal cabal’s actions. Their recent attacks have targeted

saboteurs using their criminal activities as a cover for their true agenda. What is Sora Katra really trying to accomplish in Sharn? This question ties to how you decide to use the Daughters of Sora

The Greyhawk Setting

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

line of defense against these varied threats. In recent years, they have mobilized against the rising threats of Iuz and Elemental Evil, forcing them to broaden the scope of their operations into

except the strange powers of the old hermit living in the nearby woods, which they regard with suspicion and mention only in whispers. By contrast, magic is common enough in the Free City of Greyhawk

Trielta Hills

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Sword Coast Adventurer’s Guide

newness of the world as a contrast to the familiarity of their homeland. Few dangerous creatures lurk in the hills — they are so densely settled (on and beneath the surface) that there is little space

. According to recent letters I have received from friends in these hills, parties of Najaran raiders have become more common and numerous. My friends fear that the threat from the Serpent Kingdom to the

World-Shaking Events

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

disaster takes whatever form you want, but it’s always a big, bold, unsubtle sign of a deity’s displeasure. You might decide to wipe a town, region, or nation off the map of your world. A disaster ravages

. What are the ongoing effects of this cataclysm? The following points can help you define the nature and consequences of the disaster: Decide what caused this cataclysm and where it originated. An omen

Barbarian Class Features

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->D&D Beyond Basic Rules

Incapacitated condition. Level 2: Reckless Attack You can throw aside all concern for defense to attack with increased ferocity. When you make your first attack roll on your turn, you can decide to attack

next turn. A target can be affected by only one Hamstring Blow at a time—the most recent one. Level 11: Relentless Rage Your Rage can keep you fighting despite grievous wounds. If you drop to 0 Hit

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