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Strahd, Master of Death House

Monsters Vecna: Eve of Ruin

his speed without provoking opportunity attack;opportunity attacks. Strike (Costs 2 Actions). Strahd makes one Death Strike attack.Strahd von Zarovich is the Darklord of Barovia, a Domain of Dread

. He had become a vampire, and Barovia became a Domain of Dread. Now the Dark Powers keep Strahd trapped in his realm, tormenting him with his inability to escape for all eternity. He spends his days

Elf Legacy

Species Basic Rules (2014)

insults with vengeance. Like the branches of a young tree, elves are flexible in the face of danger. They trust in diplomacy and compromise to resolve differences before they escalate to violence. They

, sophistication, and manners, they make up in valor. And I must admit, their best smiths produce art that approaches elven quality.” Halflings. “Halflings are people of simple pleasures, and

Shadar-kai

Species Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

Shadar-kai are the elves of the Shadowfell, originally drawn to that dread realm by the Raven Queen. Over the centuries, some of them have continued to serve her, while others have ventured into the

weight that humans have in our world. If you’d like to determine your character’s height or weight randomly, consult the Random Height and Weight table in the Player’s Handbook, and choose the row in the table that best represents the build you imagine for your character.

Kobold

Species Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

a scale color more akin to that of a chromatic or a metallic dragon. A kobold’s cry can express a range of emotion: anger, resolve, elation, fear, and more. Regardless of the emotion expressed

that humans have in our world. If you’d like to determine your character’s height or weight randomly, consult the Random Height and Weight table in the Player’s Handbook, and choose the row in the table that best represents the build you imagine for your character.

Domains of Dread

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

Domains of Dread In remote corners of the Shadowfell, it is easy to reach horrific demiplanes ruled over by accursed beings of terrible evil. The best known of these is the valley of Barovia

Vistani Lore

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Candlekeep Mysteries

prosperity, sharing their good fortune with friends and strangers alike. Vistani resolve disagreements through contests that end with reconciliatory singing, dancing, and storytelling. Vistani families can

Domains of Dread, where creatures born in darkness dwell. This “gift” was thrust upon them by mysterious entities called the Dark Powers, as a boon for their kindness toward strangers. The Vistani

Character Creation

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

of the corruptible, the resolve of the truly heroic—the Dark Powers savor these traits. Whether for a night or an eternity, Ravenloft seeks heroes of all sorts and pits them against their greatest

nightmares. This chapter explores how to create a character prepared to face the horrors of Ravenloft, while also forging ties to the haunted pedigrees and grim fates common to the Domains of Dread

A Tragedy in the Making

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->The Wild Beyond the Witchlight

the best way to keep Endelyn and her minions preoccupied. While the play is going on, one or more characters might try to sneak off and explore other areas of Motherhorn on their own, splitting the

party. If that occurs, resolve what happens to these wandering characters after the play has run its course.

Rudolph van Richten

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

Rudolph van Richten A scholar and monster hunter, Rudolph van Richten has traveled to dozens of Domains of Dread in the Shadowfell (see chapter 6), investigating reports of monstrous beings and

documenting them in a series of published guides, the best known of which is Van Richten’s Guide to Vampires. In kinder days, Rudolph lived with his wife, Ingrid, and son, Erasmus, but he lost them both to

The Dark Powers

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

The Dark Powers Unfathomable, hidden forces manipulate life, death, and reality within Ravenloft. These mysterious, deathless beings are the architects of the Domains of Dread, and have secreted

hint at ways to escape the Domains of Dread. Consider the following possibilities when developing your perspective on the Dark Powers: Amoral Guardians. The Dark Powers are a group of powerful beings

Shades of Gray

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

hobgoblin general, whose descendants want it back. The ways to resolve these problems aren’t always simple. Certain situations demand straightforward decisions. If Emerald Claw cultists are about to

detonate a necrotic resonator that will kill half of Sharn, they need to be stopped. But in a good Eberron story, the simplest solution may not be the best one.

Devils: Archdevils

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

betters. Many dread names are included in the rolls of the archdevils; the few described here are among those that adventurers are most likely to encounter. Wish Fulfillment. All devils seek control

, Moloch — they are pawns. Even the lords of layers such as Zariel and Mammon are merely more powerful pieces. Archdevils may make dramatic moves, but it is Asmodeus who plays the game best.

Breaking the Archetypes

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

lead a long road journey than an experienced cavalier with a reliable mount? As a cavalier, you’re one of the best warriors around for protecting less hardy allies, even off your mount, making you a

, providing a boon to your franchise’s standing in the community. Any franchise could do worse than having you as its public face — especially when your sense of quiet resolve is needed to quietly resolve some unexpected business disaster.

Darklord's Shadows

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

Darklord’s Shadows A Darklord lurks at the heart of every Domain of Dread. Everything in their realm is inspired by or personalized to them in some way. Some domains might be dismal ruins reflective

committed. Consider selecting those that best complement the players’ characters and that don’t conflict with any boundaries discussed in your group’s session zero (see “Preparing for Horror” in chapter 4

Other Groups

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

the Shadowlands (detailed in “Other Domains of Dread”) in search of evil to vanquish. Bold and proud, many members of the Circle inadvertently race toward dramatic tragedies. The more successful

struggle to contain. Guardian monasteries are hidden in multiple domains, with the best known being Watchers’ Stronghold in Darkon. Power-hungry groups and unscrupulous lore seekers, such as the Kargat and

Strixhaven Tracking Sheet

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

combine with the adventures in this book to enhance the flavor of life at a university of magic. If you find these rules aren’t the best fit for your group, you can run this book’s adventures without those rules, simply narrating the effects of related encounters without using rules to resolve them.

Handling Mobs

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

needs in order to hit a target by subtracting its attack bonus from the target’s AC. You’ll need to refer to the result throughout the battle, so it’s best to write it down. Look up the minimum d20 roll

attack bonus, assume that it hits once with each of those attacks. If a creature’s attacks have different attack bonuses, resolve each attack separately. This attack resolution system ignores critical

Neo-Noir Intrigue

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

. There are ways to resolve these problems, but the answers aren’t always simple or obvious. There can certainly be times when decisions are straightforward. If the Emerald Claw is about to detonate a

necrotic resonator that will kill half of Sharn, they need to be stopped. But a good Eberron story challenges you to think about your actions, and the simplest solution may not be the best one. Human

Mutual Respect

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

Conflict. Conflicts between characters sometimes surface conflicts between players. These conflicts are best handled away from the gaming table. Encourage the players to resolve their conflict outside the

Mutual Respect Whether you’re playing with long-time friends or strangers, it’s important to create a foundation of mutual trust. The best games happen when everyone at the table feels safe enough to

Decisionist

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

who’ve done the things you haven’t quite gotten around to yet. Many decisionists go on to publish famous tomes, such as the best-selling Habits of Effective Adventuring Parties and I Don’t Care If

franchise party. Noteworthy Decisionists: Donaar Blit’zen (“C” Team), Kelshi Annab Essential Functions: Receive one extra vote on franchise matters; resolve interparty conflicts Position Proficiencies: In

Mutual Respect

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

Mutual Respect Whether you’re playing with long-time friends or strangers, it’s important to create a foundation of mutual trust. The best games happen when everyone at the table feels safe enough to

behavior is interfering with everyone else’s enjoyment, everyone has a stake in helping to resolve the issue. Setting Expectations Before you assemble a group around a game table, pitch the

Running Allies

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

this case, you can explain the ally’s capabilities to the players so that the party can best use the ally. Keep Allies Less Powerful Players can feel undervalued if an ally is outperforming their

, gather valuable loot or information, or resolve old problems the characters have forgotten about or left behind.

Roleplaying

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Basic Rules (2014)

of the game, and it comes to the fore during social interactions. Your character’s quirks, mannerisms, and personality influence how interactions resolve. There are two styles you can use when

roleplaying your character: the descriptive approach and the active approach. Most players use a combination of the two styles. Use whichever mix of the two works best for you. Descriptive Approach to

Roleplaying

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

of the game, and it comes to the fore during social interactions. Your character’s quirks, mannerisms, and personality influence how interactions resolve. There are two styles you can use when

roleplaying your character: the descriptive approach and the active approach. Most players use a combination of the two styles. Use whichever mix of the two works best for you. Descriptive Approach to

Using Survivors

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

Domains of Dread. They don’t always claim their victims bodily, though. Rather, the Mists might steal characters’ minds, placing them into survivors involved in specific terrifying scenarios. Perhaps

adventureDwindling resources contribute to terrifying situations. When a group runs out of hit points, spells, food, or other vital reserves, tension and dread increase. High-level characters, though, have such

Wandering Outsiders

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->The Wild Beyond the Witchlight

committed to causing trouble. Kettlesteam uses disguise self to assume whatever form best enables her to mingle in crowds. Characters can encounter Kettlesteam in more than one location; if they corner her

thieves as you please to add an undercurrent of dread or mystery to the carnival’s frivolities. The three thieves are fiercely loyal to their hag mistresses and won’t willingly reveal anything if

Twenty-Two Riddles

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

! Jester I’m the grim orb atop one’s neck. Your own you wish whole; your enemy’s wrecked. My form inspires dread, yet without me you’re dead. Click to see the answer! Skull I arrive every day and

all, I’m only as strong as whoever calls me their own. Click to see the answer! Throne Upon my head a serpent’s nest, my friend and sister loved me best. Istus made the deck for us, and all its

Creating a Rival

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Xanathar's Guide to Everything

the others might be neutral or good; conflicts with those rivals might be social or political, rather than manifesting as direct attacks. The best rivals have a connection with their adversaries on a

personal level. Find links in the characters’ backstories or the events of recent adventures that explain what sparked the rival’s actions. The best trouble to put the characters in is trouble they

The Dead Three

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

place in Baldurians’ fears, their faiths currently have only the shallowest roots in the city. Followers of the Dead Three have done more to incite dread than faith. As a result, their numbers remain

rages, and a propensity for biting off the fingers of those who disappoint him. Behind his viciousness, though, Goblin Behnie has a keen eye, making him and his forgers the city’s best source of illicit

The Dead Three

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Baldur’s Gate Gazetteer

place in Baldurians’ fears, their faiths currently have only the shallowest roots in the city. Followers of the Dead Three have done more to incite dread than faith. As a result, their numbers remain

rages, and a propensity for biting off the fingers of those who disappoint him. Behind his viciousness, though, Goblin Behnie has a keen eye, making him and his forgers the city’s best source of illicit

Strahd von Zarovich

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

, and Barovia became a Domain of Dread. Now the Dark Powers keep Strahd trapped in his realm, tormenting him with his inability to escape for all eternity. He spends his days amusing himself as best

Strahd von Zarovich Martin Mottet Strahd von Zarovich is the Darklord of Barovia, a Domain of Dread. Little happens there without the Darklord’s knowledge, although Strahd rarely pays

Longsaddle

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

generations, and influence most of the daily life there. They set the market days, help resolve disputes among families, and broker purchases when a farmer or businessperson dies without an heir. They settle

smaller matters and keep the peace as best they can, knowing full well that if the Harpells need to get involved in a dispute, there is always the possibility of an offender’s being blasted into

Small Stalls

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->The Wild Beyond the Witchlight

Contest A participant must outperform a gnome in a best-of-five poetry contest. Doing so requires three successful DC 15 Charisma (Performance) checks in five or fewer attempts. Someone who wins the

by the goblin; two goblins working together make one check with advantage. Resolve a tie by rerolling. A victorious participant earns one roll on the Carnival Prizes table. Guess the Number of

Temple of Light

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Spelljammer: Adventures in Space->Light of Xaryxis

their grievances against the Xaryxian Empire, while Xeleth attempts to twist every point against them. Resolve this debate by having one of the characters—whichever one is leading the argument in favor

rescue Xedalli by force, they find themselves up against overwhelming odds. Xeleth uses Starlight Step and fly to evade their attacks, while the imperial guards do their best to subdue and apprehend

Reaching the Bottom

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->The Wild Beyond the Witchlight

. She demands that each character surrender the feeling of delight they remember from when they were given the best gift they ever received. Jebbek produces a stoppered gourd that can hold these

(Intimidation) group check. If the group check succeeds, the brigands are cowed by the characters’ resolve and retreat into the swamp rather than risk getting whomped by the party. On a failed check, the

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