best before dead change rather

Alter Self

Spells Player’s Handbook

. Aquatic Adaptation. You sprout gills and grow webs between your fingers. You can breathe underwater and gain a Swim Speed equal to your Speed. Change Appearance. You alter your appearance. You decide

another species, though none of your statistics change. You can’t appear as a creature of a different size, and your basic shape stays the same; if you’re bipedal, you can’t use this

Wand of Orcus

Magic Items Dungeon Master’s Guide

some fell goal. The wand is topped with a skull that once belonged to a human hero slain by Orcus. The wand can magically change in size to better conform to the grip of its user. All Holy Water

from it (save DC 18). The table indicates how many charges you must expend to cast the spell. Spell Charge Cost Animate Dead 1 Blight 2 Circle of Death 3 Finger of

Cultist of Bhaal

Monsters Forgotten Realms: Adventures in Faerûn

. Cultists of Bhaal sometimes form cabals of assassins or mercenaries, but they perform their brutal slaughter for the perverse love of bloodshed and honor to their sinister god rather than for

adventurers Bane, Bhaal, and Myrkul seized divinity but were slain for their hubris. All three have been reborn and are now known as the Dead Three. Each of the Dead Three has inspired wicked cults that

Narthus

Monsters Heroes of the Borderlands

before the end of Narthus’s next turn has Advantage.A craven lackey, Narthus serves Ivlis out of fear rather than loyalty. Narthus spends his days groveling before Ivlis and cruelly whipping new

fascinations. He grows the cult’s ranks through macabre rituals, conscripting the dead to serve the cult’s depraved goals.

Manshoon

Monsters Forgotten Realms: Adventures in Faerûn

. That Manshoon is dead, and the current Manshoon is one of the original’s many clones. Being a magical copy rather than an original doesn’t make Manshoon any less of a threat, as he’s

someone else in disguise, which is just as Manshoon prefers. Manshoon seeks power and is checked only by the many enemies who want to see him dead. He recently failed to seize control of Waterdeep in a

Dead Magic Dweller

Backgrounds Forgotten Realms: Heroes of Faerûn

Tools, Bedroll, Blanket, Healer's Kit, Pole, Rations (3 days’ worth), Tent, Tinderbox, 5 Torch;Torches, Traveler's Clothes, Waterskin, 32 GP; or (B) 50 GP The dead magic zones of the Anauroch

powerful djinni in Calimshan. Whatever the case, you decided that living in Anauroch was your best option. After long months or years, you’re stronger, wiser, and armed with hard-earned knowledge of desert medicine and wasteland survival.

Sammaster (Dracolich Form)

Monsters Forgotten Realms: Adventures in Faerûn

, Speak with Dead 1/Day Each: Create Undead (level 8 version), Power Word KillLegendary Action Uses: 3. Immediately after another creature’s turn, Sammaster can expend a use to take one of the

efficiently as he can. Sammaster personally checks in on the cult’s most important plots, often surprising his minions with his presence. Rather than keep a soul jar as liches do, Sammaster keeps

Sammaster (Lich Form)

Monsters Forgotten Realms: Adventures in Faerûn

, Prestidigitation 2/Day Each: Speak with Dead, Wall of Force 1/Day Each: Create Undead (level 8 version), Disintegrate, Power Word KillProtective Magic. Sammaster casts Counterspell or Shield in

can. Sammaster personally checks in on the cult’s most important plots, often surprising his minions with his presence. Rather than keep a soul jar as liches do, Sammaster keeps a magical soul

Spore Servant Octopus

Monsters Dragons of Stormwreck Isle

was creating a spore servant from a dead giant octopus to protect the caves while the leader could not. Unlike a living octopus, this guardian has only basic control over its tentacles. Rather than coiling around intruders to immobilize them, the spore servant simply bludgeons them.

"} bludgeoning damage.Spore servants are dead creatures reanimated by the magical spores of a myconid leader. The final act of the myconid leader in Seagrow Caves before lapsing into its current comatose state

Reincarnate Legacy

Spells Basic Rules (2014)

You touch a dead humanoid or a piece of a dead humanoid. Provided that the creature has been dead no longer than 10 days, the spell forms a new adult body for it and then calls the soul to enter that

body. If the target's soul isn't free or willing to do so, the spell fails. The magic fashions a new body for the creature to inhabit, which likely causes the creature's race to change. The GM rolls

Haint

Monsters Journeys through the Radiant Citadel

sorrowful dead, haints are spirits that change their shape in tragic imitation of what they once were. A haint can shift from its spectral form to appear as the corporeal Humanoid it was in life, passing as

creature. Hit: 21 (4d8 + 3);{"diceNotation":"4d8+3","rollType":"damage","rollAction":"Sorrowful Touch","rollDamageType":"force"} psychic damage. Change Shape. The haint magically assumes the

Deva Legacy

Monsters Basic Rules (2014)

, requiring only verbal components: At will: detect evil and good 1/day each: commune, raise dead Magic Resistance. The deva has advantage on saving throws against spells and other magical

"} hit points and is freed from any curse, disease, poison, blindness, or deafness. Change Shape. The deva magically polymorphs into a humanoid or beast that has a challenge rating equal to or less than

Winter Eladrin

Monsters Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

, provided they aren’t incapacitated. When the eladrin makes this change, they use the stat block of the new season rather than their old stat block. Any damage the eladrin sustained in their

to their emotional state by transforming them into different seasonal aspects, with behaviors and abilities that change with their forms. Some eladrin might remain in a particular aspect for years

Strahd, Master of Death House

Monsters Vecna: Eve of Ruin

flaws: Harmed by Running Water. While in running water, Strahd takes 20 acid damage if he ends his turn there, and he can’t use his Change Shape. Sunlight Hypersensitivity. While in sunlight

, Strahd takes 20 radiant damage at the start of his turn, has disadvantage on attack rolls and ability checks, and can’t use his Change Shape bonus action.Multiattack. Strahd makes two Death Strike

Swarmkeeper

Classes Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything

force in battle, as well as helpful company for the ranger. Some Swarmkeepers are outcasts or hermits, keeping to themselves and their attendant swarms rather than dealing with the discomfort of others

into the swarm, instead of a cloud of mist, or the arcane eye spell could create an extension of your swarm that spies for you. Such descriptions don’t change the effects of spells, but they are

Master of Souls

Monsters Baldur’s Gate: Descent into Avernus

Grave Magic. When the master of souls cast a spell that deals damage, it can change the spell's damage type to necrotic. Spellcasting. The master of souls is a 5th-level spellcaster. Its spellcasting

): darkness, misty step, scorching ray (see “Actions” below) 3rd level (2 slots): animate dead, fireballMultiattack. The master of souls attacks twice with its flail. Silvered Skull Flail. Melee

Vampiric Mist Legacy

Monsters Tales from the Yawning Portal

without squeezing. Each foot of movement in water costs it 2 extra feet, rather than 1 extra foot. The mist can’t manipulate objects in any way that requires fingers or manual dexterity. Sunlight

first encountered, a vampiric mist appears as a billowing mass of light clouds. As the creature feeds, its coloration darkens to a deep crimson. In the Temple of Blood inside the Doomvault (Dead in Thay

Elkhorn

Monsters The Wild Beyond the Witchlight

dead.” Combat Notes Elkhorn’s challenge rating is based on him using Feint to improve his rather weak sword attack. Having been trained in his youth to fight ogres and trolls, he&rsquo

destruction of evil in all its forms. He’s not especially bright, so he fights with his heart rather than his wits. Age has drained much of the strength from Elkhorn’s body. Strongheart

Spring Eladrin

Monsters Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

they aren’t incapacitated. When the eladrin makes this change, they use the stat block of the new season rather than their old stat block. Any damage the eladrin sustained in their previous form

their emotional state by transforming them into different seasonal aspects, with behaviors and abilities that change with their forms. Some eladrin might remain in a particular aspect for years, while

Summer Eladrin

Monsters Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

associate themself with a different season, provided they aren’t incapacitated. When the eladrin makes this change, they use the stat block of the new season rather than their old stat block. Any

. The magic flowing through eladrin responds to their emotional state by transforming them into different seasonal aspects, with behaviors and abilities that change with their forms. Some eladrin

Vampirate

Monsters Spelljammer: Adventures in Space

","rollDamageType":"piercing"} piercing damage.Vampirates are the walking, talking husks of dead pirates who refused to go quietly into the afterlife. They ply the void in their ships, plundering unsuspecting

vampire’s but doesn’t use them to draw vital fluids from prey, which vampirates consider an unsavory act. Rather, a vampirate drains life energy from another creature by touching it or by

Autumn Eladrin

Monsters Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

eladrin makes this change, they use the stat block of the new season rather than their old stat block. Any damage the eladrin sustained in their previous form applies to the new form, as do any conditions

different seasonal aspects, with behaviors and abilities that change with their forms. Some eladrin might remain in a particular aspect for years, while others run through the emotional spectrum each

Ras Nsi

Monsters Tomb of Annihilation

can use his action to polymorph into a Medium snake or back into his yuan-ti form. His statistics are the same in each form. Any equipment he is wearing or carrying isn't transformed. He doesn't change

level (4 slots): expeditious retreat, false life, magic missile, shield 2nd level (3 slots): blindness/deafness, hold person, misty step 3rd level (3 slots): animate dead, counterspell, fireball 4th

Bugbear Legacy

Species Volo's Guide to Monsters

rather than perform the work or confront the foe. Even when subsumed into a goblinoid host and drawn into war, bugbears must often be roused from naps and bribed to get them to do their duties. This

natural state. Thanks to Grankhul, they can use their size and strength to work as stealthy assassins rather than blundering around like ogres. Bullying, murder, and engaging in battle are all holy

Young Deep Dragon Legacy

Monsters Fizban's Treasury of Dragons

seeing the deepest places in the ocean. 8 I find I rather enjoy the company of people—as long as they remain unaware of my true nature. Deep Dragon Ideals d6;{"diceNotation

rather than acting in haste. (Good) Deep Dragon Spellcasting Age Spell Save DC Spells Known Young Deep Dragon;Young 14 command, dissonant whispers, faerie fire

Gladiator Legacy

Backgrounds Player’s Handbook (2014)

perfection. 8 I change my mood or my mind as quickly as I change key in a song. D6 IDEAL 1 Beauty. When I perform, I make the world better than it was. (Good) 2

. 4 I once satirized a noble who still wants my head. It was a mistake that I will likely repeat. 5 I have trouble keeping my true feelings hidden. My sharp tongue lands me in trouble. 6 Despite my best efforts, I am unreliable to my friends.

Vampirate Captain

Monsters Spelljammer: Adventures in Space

as a crawling claw or a Will-o'-Wisp;will-o'-wisp. Vampirate Vampirates are the walking, talking husks of dead pirates who refused to go quietly into the afterlife. They ply the void in their

parchment. A vampirate has fangs like a vampire’s but doesn’t use them to draw vital fluids from prey, which vampirates consider an unsavory act. Rather, a vampirate drains life energy from

Caradoc

Monsters Dragonlance: Shadow of the Dragon Queen

at his core, the seneschal didn’t return as a skeletal knight but rather as an intangible spirit. Caradoc’s Undead form suits him well, allowing him to possess the living and use unwilling

’s swiftly pulled back if caught beyond its walls without a host. Personality Trait. “I might be dead, but there’s no reason I can’t live it up a little.” Ideal. &ldquo

Simon Aumar

Monsters Thieves’ Gallery

with dead (Simon must be holding his deathly token to cast this spell) 2/day each: fog cloud, mage armor, magic missile, spider climb 1/day each: Bigby's hand, major imageSheltering Shield (3/Day

’s dogged by doubt, the brave young mage has earned his place in Edgin Darvis;Edgin's crew. He performs best under pressure, instinctively unleashing his magic in dire moments. How he will continue to unlock his potential and what he will do with his volatile gift are yet to be seen.

Vampirate Mage

Monsters Spelljammer: Adventures in Space

Vampirates are the walking, talking husks of dead pirates who refused to go quietly into the afterlife. They ply the void in their ships, plundering unsuspecting vessels and feeding on the life

use them to draw vital fluids from prey, which vampirates consider an unsavory act. Rather, a vampirate drains life energy from another creature by touching it or by siphoning off its energy from a

Eater of Hope

Monsters Mythic Odysseys of Theros

’ greed to turn them against one another and their own best interests. Some foul souls can’t let go of the miserable lives they had. Having been despicable in life, these spirits fester in

death. The worst of these hateful dead, through ages of bitterness, gradually transform into fiends, the tormentors of the Underworld. The people of Theros know these fiends as demons. Immortal Nature

Stone Cursed

Monsters Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

they obey that being’s orders to the best of their ability. In combat, stony claws that drip with thick, gray sludge emerge from a stone cursed’s fingers. This alchemical sludge

would be lost. Cryptic Whispers Even though a creature transformed into a stone cursed is long dead, a vague whisper of their memories lives on in the obsidian skull embedded within the stone cursed

Soul Cage

Spells Xanathar's Guide to Everything

for the sixth time, it is released, and the spell ends. While a soul is trapped, the dead humanoid it came from can’t be revived. Steal Life. You can use a bonus action to drain vigor from

. The soul knows only what it knew in life, but it must answer you truthfully and to the best of its ability. The answer is no more than a sentence or two and might be cryptic. Borrow Experience.

Entertainer Legacy

Backgrounds Player’s Handbook (2014)

I get bitter if I’m not the center of attention. 7 I’ll settle for nothing less than perfection. 8 I change my mood or my mind as quickly as I change key in a song

likely repeat. 5 I have trouble keeping my true feelings hidden. My sharp tongue lands me in trouble. 6 Despite my best efforts, I am unreliable to my friends.

Adult Silver Dragon Legacy

Monsters Basic Rules (2014)

turns, ending the effect on itself on a success. Change Shape. The dragon magically polymorphs into a humanoid or beast that has a challenge rating no higher than its own, or back into its true form

mines, silver dragons covet the lost outposts of humanoid civilization. An abandoned mountaintop citadel or a remote tower raised by a long-dead wizard is the sort of lair that every silver dragon

D&D Beyond

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