bending before death contested ready

Corrupted Rat

Monsters Stranger Things: Welcome to the Hellfire Club

Agile. The rat doesn’t provoke Opportunity Attacks when it moves out of an enemy’s reach. Death Burst. The rat explodes when it dies. Constitution Saving Throw: DC 9, each creature in a

damage.Slinking Vermin Befouled by Magic Corrupted by a malevolent ex-adventurer’s magic, the rats of Elmshire are mottled and sickly. Their organs glow and bubble beneath their scabby hides as if ready to pop. These pests sometimes gather in squeaking tides, devouring everything in their path.

Death's Head

Monsters Van Richten’s Guide to Ravenloft

Beheaded Form. When created, a death’s head takes one of three forms: Aberrant Head, Gnashing Head, or Petrifying Head. This form determines the creature’s attack. Unusual Nature. The

death’s head doesn’t require air, food, drink, or sleep.Gnashing Bite (Gnashing Head Only). Melee Weapon Attack: +3;{"diceNotation":"1d20+3","rollType":"to hit","rollAction":"Gnashing Bite

Green Abishai

Monsters Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

ensure they can manipulate even the shrewdest opponents. Abishais Each abishai was once a mortal who somehow won Tiamat’s favor before death and, as a reward, found its soul transformed into a

responsibilities, such as leading large groups, assassinating targets, and serving in armies. In all cases, abishais are fanatically loyal to Tiamat, ready to lay down their lives if needed. Abishais stand

Black Abishai

Monsters Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

abishai was once a mortal who somehow won Tiamat’s favor before death and, as a reward, found its soul transformed into a draconic devil to serve at her pleasure in the Nine Hells. Each type of

armies. In all cases, abishais are fanatically loyal to Tiamat, ready to lay down their lives if needed. Abishais stand outside the normal hierarchy of the Nine Hells, having their own chain of command

Blue Abishai

Monsters Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

before death and, as a reward, found its soul transformed into a draconic devil to serve at her pleasure in the Nine Hells. Each type of abishai is associated with one of Tiamat’s five dragon

, ready to lay down their lives if needed. Abishais stand outside the normal hierarchy of the Nine Hells, having their own chain of command and ultimately answering to Tiamat (and Asmodeus, when he

Eldritch Lich

Monsters Monstrous Compendium Vol. 1: Spelljammer Creatures

One whispers promises of reality-defying knowledge and world-bending power. When a wizard or a warlock hears that whisper and listens too intently, they might set foot on the twisting path toward

becoming an eldritch lich. Like other liches, eldritch liches are spellcasters who have cheated death, but an eldritch lich does so by allowing a Great Old One to implant a Far Realm parasite in the lich

White Abishai

Monsters Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

destruction on the battlefield. Abishais Each abishai was once a mortal who somehow won Tiamat’s favor before death and, as a reward, found its soul transformed into a draconic devil to serve at her

groups, assassinating targets, and serving in armies. In all cases, abishais are fanatically loyal to Tiamat, ready to lay down their lives if needed. Abishais stand outside the normal hierarchy of the

Sword of Kas Legacy

Magic Items Dungeon Master’s Guide (2014)

) from it: call lightning, divine word, or finger of death. Once you use the sword to cast a spell, you can’t cast that spell again from it until the next dawn. Sentience. The Sword of Kas is a

Kas. The creature must cast the wish spell and make a Charisma check contested by the Charisma check of the sword. The sword must be within 30 feet of the creature, or the spell fails. If the sword

Ulitharid

Monsters Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

, taking a group of mind flayers with it, and moves to another location to form a new colony. After the death of the ulitharid’s body, a special process transforms its brain into a new elder brain for

the colony. This process doesn’t work on the brain of an ulitharid that dies a natural death, as such brains are too decrepit to be used. Instead, each ulitharid carries a psionically enhanced

Red Abishai

Monsters Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

somehow won Tiamat’s favor before death and, as a reward, found its soul transformed into a draconic devil to serve at her pleasure in the Nine Hells. Each type of abishai is associated with

, abishais are fanatically loyal to Tiamat, ready to lay down their lives if needed. Abishais stand outside the normal hierarchy of the Nine Hells, having their own chain of command and ultimately answering

Kobold Legacy

Species Volo's Guide to Monsters

moves its tribe to another area, ceding the contested territory to its more successful neighbors. As demonstrated by their hatred of gnomes, kobolds have a persecution complex and easily take offense

room to dig, and ready sources of food. Although lairing in these locations puts kobolds in competition with surface-dwelling humanoids, their ability to avoid detection often means their warrens go

Rosimyffenbip “Rosie” Wuzfeddlims

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

far faster than one would expect; it’s unclear whether this is due to magic, a gnomish technological contraption, or just the laws of physics bending to Rosie’s force of personality. Rosie referees

insists on roleplaying only “monsters” and delights in chasing down participants to “eat” them. Many a participant has heard giggling approaching them at high speed before their character’s death

Acquisitions

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

description of the different locations throughout the outpost as a guide to opportunities. Taking something without being noticed requires a successful Dexterity (Sleight of Hand) check contested by the

of death. What equipment and treasures the characters claim during their escape depend on how much of the outpost they are able to explore before fleeing. For some characters, it might be a fun

Abishais

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

Abishais Each abishai was once a mortal who somehow won Tiamat’s favor before death. As a reward, the dragon god transformed the mortal into a draconic devil to serve at Tiamat’s pleasure in the Nine

as leading large groups, assassinating targets, and serving in armies. In all cases, abishais are fanatically loyal and ready to lay down their lives for Tiamat.

5. Overpass

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Lost Mine of Phandelver

, bending eastward as it goes. A waterfall sounds out from a larger cavern somewhere ahead of you. If the characters didn’t spot the bridge while navigating area 4, they spot it now. Add: A rickety

) check contested by the goblin’s Dexterity (Stealth) check. This guard is lazy and inattentive. If no characters are using light sources, each character can attempt a Dexterity (Stealth) check

Dealing with Amrik

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

paying it back. Characters who plan to rip off Amrik must succeed on a Charisma (Deception) check contested by Amrik’s Wisdom (Insight) check, as described under “Contests” in chapter 7 of the

the death, and he surrenders if he can’t fight, talk, or slither his way out of a perilous situation. If the characters defeat Amrik’s bodyguards and take him prisoner, he does what he’s told until an

Remarkable Villains

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

Remarkable Villains Eberron is rich in villains, from two-bit hoods to continental masterminds. It might be a long time before you’re ready to face the sinister leader behind the Order of the Emerald

, when a pulp villain appears to die, they can devise remarkable escapes from death. Perhaps Halas had a ring that cast an illusion of his death while stabilizing him or cast feather fall when he leapt

Athreos's Villains

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Mythic Odysseys of Theros

result, Athreos’s followers make grim opponents when they prioritize the needs of the dead over the living. Their mission also makes them ready foes of the Returned and their allies. Some seek to achieve

greater efficiency in the transition of the doomed into death, such as by impeding medical treatment or wrecking warships destined for hopeless wars. Athreos doesn’t approve of utter cruelty, but

Tavern Brawl

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

whose shaved head is covered with eye-shaped tattoos. Four other humans stand behind him, ready to jump into the fray. The half-orc cracks her knuckles, roars, and leaps at the tattooed figure — but

successful Strength check contested by Yagra’s Strength check. Yagra thanks the characters if they help her, but is disappointed that they interfered in the fight. Remember how the characters deal with Krentz

Treant

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Monster Manual (2014)

, and long branches bending downward to serve as its arms. When it is ready, the tree pulls its legs free from the clutching earth and joins its fellows in protecting its woodland home. Legendary

Battle Begins

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

Wall table. These encounters are described below. Once you’re ready for the characters to begin their infiltration of the flying citadel, proceed with the “Dragonnel Reinforcements” section. Defending

the Wall d4 Encounter 1 Ballista Breakers 2 Daring Riders 3 Death Dragon Attack 4 Draconian Assassins Ballista Breakers A flight of dozens of sivak draconians soars from the flying citadel toward

Types of Cultists

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Monster Manual

supernatural beings. Cult members often have abilities tied to the forces they worship. Aberrant Cultist Aberrant cultists pursue mind-bending powers from alien forces. Aberrant cultists align with

spellcasting ability as Spellcasting. Death Cultist Death cultists revel in nihilistic forces, embracing them as paths to undeath, multiversal purity, or entropic inevitability. These cultists serve

Small Groups

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

can be a good idea in a game that features nonstop peril and a high rate of character death. If your group agrees to the premise, have each player keep one or two additional characters on hand, ready

Environment

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

, and ready sources of food. Although lairing in these locations puts kobolds in competition with surface-dwelling humanoids, their ability to avoid detection often means their warrens go unnoticed by

invaders and in return providing services such as excavating new living spaces and disposing of trash. If it’s unlucky, the tribe is enslaved by the other humanoids, and the kobolds serve similar roles but under threat of death.

Running the Adventure

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Vecna: Nest of the Eldritch Eye

man is found clutching a withered eyeball, the characters are tasked with uncovering the cause of the man’s death. This leads the characters to investigate the city’s old catacombs and confront

circumstance, as described in the text. When a creature’s name appears in bold type, that’s a visual clue pointing you to its stat block as a way of saying, “Hey, DM, get this creature’s stat block ready

Githzerai Zerths

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

Githzerai Zerths Four githzerai zerths have taken refuge in the Obstacle Course. They use their psychic abilities and natural stealth to hide from Halaster’s magical gaze and the death tyrant’s

see the outcome of the Seadeeps conflict but stand ready to assist should the githyanki need help. The leader of this githzerai band, Yrlakka, is a member of the Sha’sal Khou, a faction of renegade

Courthouse: Summer

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

uses their keys to open the characters’ cells. “Hyustus” warns them that the magister is corrupt and suggests they flee the city before they’re sentenced to death. “Hyustus” offers to deliver messages or

and two veterans) down upon the characters, whom “Hyustus” accuses of beating the cell block guards to death. These reinforcements have no reason to believe that Captain Staget isn’t who he appears to

No Sleep in Kalaman

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

throughout the night. When you’re ready to conclude this section, move on to the “Bakaris Defects” encounter. Night Encounters d4 Encounter 1 Six kapak draconians scale the walls and attack a group of

forth in the form of a massive skeletal dragon. This lesser death dragon (see appendix B) has come specifically for the characters. After its dramatic crash landing, it starts the battle with 160

Syndra Silvane's Curse

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Tomb of Annihilation

well as treasure with which to reward characters for their assistance. When you’re ready for the characters to meet with Syndra, read: You have been invited to the home of Syndra Silvane, a retired

Tethyrian human archmage, with these changes: Syndra is lawful neutral and speaks Common, Dwarvish, Elvish, and Halfling. Syndra’s hit point maximum has been reduced to 79 by the Soulmonger’s death curse

Death in the Mines

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

Death in the Mines Soon after the giant scorpions are defeated, the crowd throngs Prince Simbon and Prince Kirina, lauding their heroics and asking what they’ll do next. Uzoma ignores the chaos and

, when the characters are ready, guides them to a young human at the crowd’s edge whom she introduces as Awa—a young miner who escaped the Goldwarren. At Uzoma’s prompting, Awa shares the following

Chapter 1: Fool

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

Chapter 1: Fool Harry Conway Welcome to The Book of Many Things, whose twenty-two chapters give you character options, magic items, spells, monsters, ready-to-play adventures, DM advice, and setting

, DMs have used this infamous deck in their games, often with explosive results. Characters have been whisked off to extradimensional prisons, slain by death itself, lost levels, and earned the enmity

Thundering Observatory Adventures

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

component. Once they do, an adult gold dragon warns them the giant intends to use the component to activate the Thundering Observatory as a doomsday weapon. Fire When Ready A frost giant plans to use

the observatory’s Death Ray to destroy her rivals in Hiatea’s Hearth (in this chapter). The current ruler of Hiatea’s Hearth has learned of the giant’s plan and implores the characters to thwart it

Monastic Orders

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

they bestow on those who are ready for it. Their means of determining readiness vary from one sect (or even one monk) to another. The monks suffer no moral qualms about these deeds, for death is the most

and taking new chances as similar to Lathander’s emphasis on new beginnings. Long Death Monks Followers of the Way of the Long Death worship the principle of death more so than any deity of death

Undead

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Tomb of Annihilation

, the skeletons are either lying on the ground or buried under it, ready to spring up when wayward explorers pass by. If the party is camped, the skeletons wander into the camp and attack. Specter The

. Zombies Characters catch the scent of death on the air and hear the undead lumbering through the jungle. Roll a d10 to determine what appears: 1–3. 3d6 zombies 4–5. 1 ankylosaurus zombie (see

Arveiaturace Arrives

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

immense dragon fills the bowels of the ship. “I smell warm flesh and hear the panic of beating hearts. Ready your spells, Meltharond! We have uninvited guests.” If one or more characters are topside

Meltharond to ready his spells. If she suspects that intruders are still aboard the vessel but hiding in places she can’t reach, she breaks through walls to get at them. The characters are no match

D&D Beyond

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