blessings before done concept rolling

Rictavio

Monsters Curse of Strahd

carnival wagon, with a pet monkey on his shoulder. He took over an abandoned tower on Lake Baratok before rolling into the town of Vallaki several months later. Claiming to be a carnival ringmaster

hunting evil monsters. The Waiting Game. Van Richten isn’t a young man anymore. He knows his road is coming to an end, but his work isn't done. He has come to Barovia to kill Strahd von Zarovich

Verdan

Species Acquisitions Incorporated

discoveries is that their physical forms change as they age, signifying that the mutative power of That-Which-Endures is not done with them. The first verdan emerged from the Underdark as creatures of goblin

the head with a single ring to keep them from flapping about. Changes in gender are also a known and accepted part of verdan life. These fluid aspects of form and identity are seen as blessings

Bugbear Legacy

Species Volo's Guide to Monsters

believe that this feeling of fear comes from being possessed by Skiggaret, and they don’t relish experiencing it. After the madness has passed, bugbears don’t dwell on things that were done

in the presence of Skiggaret. Talking about such acts might call him back. Blessings of the Bugbear Gods Bugbears have no use for priests or shamans. No one needs to tell them what their gods want

Orc Legacy

Species Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

order from the encroachments of Fiends and other extraplanar threats. Gruumsh’s blessings have made orcs tireless guardians and mighty allies wherever they are found, even when they turn their

three different scores by 1. Follow this rule regardless of the method you use to determine the scores, such as rolling or point buy. The “Quick Build” section for your character’s

Dimir Operative

Backgrounds Guildmasters’ Guide to Ravnica

guildless masses of the city. Consider why you’re embedded in the secondary guild. Create a story with your DM, inspired by rolling on the following table or choosing a reason that suits you

identity. 3 I have trouble trusting anyone but myself. 4 I have a particular vice that puts all my secrets at risk if I’m not careful. 5 I’m pretty sure I’ve done

Senses Legacy

Rules

Passive ChecksA passive check is a special kind of ability check that doesn't involve any die rolls. Such a check can represent the average result for a task done repeatedly, such as searching for

secret doors over and over again, or can be used when the DM wants to secretly determine whether the characters succeed at something without rolling dice, such as noticing a hidden monster. Special

Passive Checks

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

Passive Checks A passive check is a special kind of ability check that doesn't involve any die rolls. Such a check can represent the average result for a task done repeatedly, such as searching for

secret doors over and over again, or can be used when the DM wants to secretly determine whether the characters succeed at something without rolling dice, such as noticing a hidden monster. Here's how

Passive Checks

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

Passive Checks A passive check is a special kind of ability check that doesn’t involve any die rolls. Such a check can represent the average result for a task done repeatedly, such as searching for

secret doors over and over again, or can be used when the DM wants to secretly determine whether the characters succeed at something without rolling dice, such as noticing a hidden monster. Here’s how

Ongoing Mutations

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

they age, signifying that the mutative power of That-Which-Endures is not done with them. The first verdan emerged from the Underdark as creatures of goblin stature. But they soon learned that their

about. Changes in gender are also a known and accepted part of verdan life. These fluid aspects of form and identity are seen as blessings, allowing an individual to experience more of the world and grow

It's Your World

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

, but they’re not the only set of assumptions that can do so. You can build an interesting campaign concept by altering one or more of those core assumptions, just as well-established D&D worlds have done

Evil Inchoate

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

Evil Inchoate I will be the last creature when I am done. The cosmos will then be perfect, free of the braying abominations that are all other living things. — Orcus As beings of utter chaos and

absolute evil, demons have no concept of empathy. Each demon believes that only its needs and desires matter. This self-centeredness applies even with regard to other demons. These fiends have no

Talenta Halflings

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

concept of “facts.” To you, everything is a story, and truth is in how you tell it. 7 You are annoyed by buildings and tools designed without consideration for small people. 8 You seek vengeance for a

wrong done to your people. 9 You never forget an insult or injury. 10 You ascribe everything to the work of spirits.

Talenta Halflings

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

. 6 You don’t understand the concept of “truth.” To you, everything is a story and it’s all about how you tell it. 7 You are annoyed by buildings and tools designed without consideration for

small creatures. 8 You seek vengeance for a wrong done to your tribe or family. 9 You never forget an insult or injury. 10 You see the hand of the spirits in everything that occurs

The Northlook

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

or two, which you can determine by rolling on the Ten-Towns Rumors table (See "Ten-Towns Rumors"). The inn’s proprietor, a retired sellsword named Scramsax (neutral human veteran), knows full well

fish unless he’s well compensated, and unless the deed can be done without ruining his trophy. (The ring, if you decide it’s here, is stuck in the fish’s throat and can be retrieved without surgery.)

Mordent

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

, Mordent is a quiet domain of peaceful country estates that sprawl across rolling moors. Landowners of the aristocratic class maintain a pretense of being the benevolent custodians of the land and

. They do things “the way they have always been done,” because the old ways offer stability and security in an uncertain world. Beneath that peaceful veneer lies a troubled society trapped in the

Senses (Passive Checks) Legacy

Rules

Passive Checks A passive check is a special kind of ability check that doesn't involve any die rolls. Such a check can represent the average result for a task done repeatedly, such as searching for

secret doors over and over again, or can be used when the DM wants to secretly determine whether the characters succeed at something without rolling dice, such as noticing a hidden monster. Here's

Initiative Variants

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

has an initiative score, which is a passive Dexterity check: 10 + Dexterity modifier. By cutting down on die rolls, math done on the fly, and the process of asking for and recording totals, you can

initiative that introduces more uncertainty into combat, at the cost of speed of play. Under this variant, the participants in a battle roll initiative each round. Before rolling, each character or

Modifying a Class

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

to help a player express a particular character concept, and any class feature you replace is also removing an aspect of that character. Substituting a class feature should be done only to fit a

, paladins might not swear their oaths to ideals, but instead swear fealty to powerful sorcerers. To capture this story concept, you could build a new paladin spell list with spells meant to protect

Cleric

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

Faith in Diversification Despite their supposed wisdom, many common clerics fail to grasp the simple concept of using the best tool for the job. To the devoted priest of Tempus, every problem is just

the dark of the moon, or whenever the fighter kicks you awake to tell you your long rest is done, get healing already! Either way, it’s good to incorporate a regular ritual into your daily devotions

Labyrinth of Eyes Locations

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

withdrew its gaze, smashed nearly all the viewing rods (every rod except the one to the Briny Pool), and fled this room. Yet the damage was done. Golcuus became increasingly reclusive and obsessive

on the eyepiece causes the eyepiece to become inactive for 24 hours. Breaking off the eyepiece requires only a firm blow, which destroys its magic for good. L3: The Rolling Eye The center portion of

Example of Play

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

advice about rolling and tracking Initiative. Jared: Mirabella, you’re first. What do you do? Maeve: How many of these walking bundles of kindling can I get in a 15-foot Cone? 4 Jared

? Maeve: My work here is done. (She mimes blowing smoke away from her fingertips.) 6 Asking for the spell’s damage allows the DM to roll a saving throw for each monster and mark off the right

Bard: College of Spirits

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

target of the tale’s effect. Once you do so, you can’t bestow the tale’s effect again until you roll it again. You can retain only one of these tales in mind at a time, and rolling on the Spirit

of the Clever Animal. For the next 10 minutes, whenever the target makes an Intelligence, a Wisdom, or a Charisma check, the target can roll an extra die immediately after rolling the d20 and add the

Nettlebee Ranch

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Princes of the Apocalypse

Nettlebee Ranch Nettlebee Ranch sprawls over a series of low, rolling hills where the forest has been cleared away for crops of oats and barley. The Nettlebees’ prize livestock — sheep, ponies, and

of the way unless he is called upon to speak. Then, he makes a blustering speech about how confident he is the characters can make the fire witch pay for what she has done. Jayne, Darrow, Elisa, and

Alterations to Magic

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

sidebar outlines several possible goals for Halaster. Choose one you like, or randomly determine Halaster’s goal by rolling a d6. His goal can change at any time without explanation; he is the Mad

he’s done with all his previous apprentices: teach them ways to mutilate and destroy themselves. Goal 6: Locate Jhesiyra. Somewhere in the back of his twisted, paranoid mind, Halaster believes that

Introduction

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

not decorations? DM: Make an Intelligence check. Phillip: Does my Investigation skill apply? DM: Sure! Phillip (rolling a d20): Ugh. Seven. DM: They look like decorations to you. And Amy, Riva

. Together, the DM and the players create an exciting story of bold adventurers who confront deadly perils. Sometimes an adventurer might come to a grisly end, torn apart by ferocious monsters or done in

Introduction

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

decorations? DM: Make an Intelligence check. Phillip: Does my Investigation skill apply? DM: Sure! Phillip (rolling a d20): Ugh. Seven. DM: They look like decorations to you. And Amy, Riva is

. Together, the DM and the players create an exciting story of bold adventurers who confront deadly perils. Sometimes an adventurer might come to a grisly end, torn apart by ferocious monsters or done in by a

Gate of Illumination Locations

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

the ages receiving blessings from the gods. A stone double door stands at the far end of the room, while stairs rise to the west and another hall opens to the east. People who bring their offerings to

unconscious, and will die if they don’t receive healing within the next hour. I3: Blessings Memorial Murals of people making offerings to the gods cover this room’s walls. At the chamber’s center stand

Traps in Play

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

. You might call for an Intelligence (Investigation) check for a character to deduce what needs to be done, followed by a Dexterity check using thieves' tools to perform the necessary sabotage. Any

description is clear enough that you can adjudicate whether a character's actions locate or foil the trap. As with many situations, you shouldn't allow die rolling to override clever play and good planning

Carousel

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

“Pride goes before a fall.” Fall’s name tag is complete, but Pride’s name tag reads PR _ _ _. Third Pair. These unicorns’ names are Stone and Moss, from the proverb “A rolling stone gathers no moss

/Sunrise (S _ _ _ I S _). Otherwise, choose names from idioms or proverbs with which your players are familiar. When the characters are done painting names on the unicorns, Diana offers them a free ride on

Rictavio

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Curse of Strahd

Rictavio Several months ago, a colorfully dressed half-elf bard came to Barovia in a carnival wagon, with a pet monkey on his shoulder. He took over an abandoned tower on Lake Baratok before rolling

sought revenge against the Vistani and took up a life of hunting evil monsters. The Waiting Game. Van Richten isn’t a young man anymore. He knows his road is coming to an end, but his work isn't done

Traps in Play

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

it. You might call for an Intelligence (Investigation) check for a character to deduce what needs to be done, followed by a Dexterity check using thieves’ tools to perform the necessary sabotage. Any

description is clear enough that you can adjudicate whether a character’s actions locate or foil the trap. As with many situations, you shouldn’t allow die rolling to override clever play and good planning

Bugbears

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

they don’t relish experiencing it. After the madness has passed, bugbears don’t dwell on things that were done in the presence of Skiggaret. Talking about such acts might call him back. Blessings of

Triton

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

life to another, or after significant life events. Leaving a home community or transitioning to live among dryfolk might constitute such life changes. Tritons also have a fluid concept of gender and

. Your size is Medium. Here’s how to determine your height and weight randomly, starting with rolling a size modifier: Size modifier = 2d10 Height = 4 feet + 6 inches + your size modifier in inches Weight

Trielta Hills

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

Trielta Hills In the rolling terrain of the Trielta Hills, scattered with small settlements of gnomes and halflings, life seems pastoral and idyllic. Halfling farmers tend to their plots, and gnome

— not to mention monsters that prey on unlucky or ill-prepared miners who unknowingly invade their territory. The most intense traveling I’ve done through these hills was in pursuit of a band of

Respect for the DM

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

(with their input), arbitrate the rules, and settle arguments. And when you’re narrating the action of the game, the players should be paying attention. Player Die Rolling Players should roll their dice

OK for them to invalidate the hard work you’ve done preparing the adventure by willfully going in a different direction. If you feel like you’re keeping up your end of the bargain but your players

D&D Beyond

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