both battle diffusing clad reason

Harshnag the Grim

Monsters Storm King's Thunder

that he’s clad in plate armor and wears the skull of a white dragon as a helm. His jagged axe also looks quite formidable. He’s a giant of few words who prefers to let his actions do his

talking. When he does speak outside of combat, he comes across as surprisingly calm and soft-spoken. While swinging his axe in battle, however, he bellows and laughs like a berserker. Harshnag knows the

Howler

Monsters Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

around the battlefield in a search for safety. Fiends especially prize howlers for this reason, because for a few crucial moments in a battle, their howls can neutralize an enemy.Cold, Fire, Lightning; Bludgeoning, Piercing, and Slashing from Nonmagical Attacks

Mercenary Veteran

Backgrounds Sword Coast Adventurer's Guide

possibilities.) Now you’re looking for something else, perhaps greater reward for the risks you take, or the freedom to choose your own activities. For whatever reason, you’re leaving

behind the life of a soldier for hire, but your skills are undeniably suited for battle, so now you fight on in a different way. MERCENARIES OF THE NORTH Countless mercenary companies

Lizardfolk Legacy

Species Volo's Guide to Monsters

in the other humanoids and makes them less helpful in battle. Utility and Survival The lizardfolk mindset might seem unnecessarily cruel, but it helps them survive in a hostile environment. The

quirk for a lizardfolk character or to inspire a unique mannerism. Lizardfolk Quirks d8 Quirk 1 You hate waste and see no reason not to scavenge fallen enemies. Fingers are tasty and

Giff Legacy

Monsters Mordenkainen’s Tome of Foes

refuse to fight other giff, and will never agree to a contract unless it stipulates that they can sit out a battle rather than wage war against their kin. A giff prizes the reputation of its unit above its

brighter the flash, and the thicker the smoke it produces, the more giff love a weapon. Their skill with gunpowder is another reason for their popularity as mercenaries. Giff revel in the challenge of

Eye and Hand of Vecna Legacy

Magic Items Dungeon Master’s Guide (2014)

’s lieutenant Kas coveted the Spider Throne for himself, or that the sword his lord made for him seduced him into rebellion. Whatever the reason, Kas brought the Undying King’s rule to an

end in a terrible battle that left Vecna’s tower a heap of ash. Of Vecna, all that remained were one hand and one eye, grisly artifacts that still seek to work the Whispered One’s will in

Deck of Many Things Legacy

Magic Items Basic Rules (2014)

. Skull. You summon an avatar of death--a ghostly humanoid skeleton clad in a tattered black robe and carrying a spectral scythe. It appears in a space of the GM's choice within 10 feet of you and attacks

you, warning all others that you must win the battle alone. The avatar fights until you die or it drops to 0 hit points, whereupon it disappears. If anyone tries to help you, the helper summons its

Orc Legacy

Species Volo's Guide to Monsters

the plane of Acheron. It is there in the afterlife where the chosen ones will join Gruumsh and his armies in their endless extraplanar battle for supremacy. Gods of the Orcs Orcs believe their gods

gather and celebrate, dwell the followers of Yurtrus, the god of disease and death, and Shargaas, the god of darkness and the unknown. Orcs too weak for battle (because of bodily weakness, malformation

Kobold Legacy

Species Volo's Guide to Monsters

undetected and don’t give their targets reason to harm them. For example, a group of city kobolds might sneak into a cobbler’s house at night to loot it of knives, leather bits, nails, and

, giving each individual and every generation a reason to feel pride and self-respect. The kobolds prefer to run away than fight, to live off the scraps of others, and they are often dominated by larger

Monk Legacy

Classes Basic Rules (2014)

, knocking their blows aside and sending them reeling, until at last she stands alone. Taking a deep breath, a human covered in tattoos settles into a battle stance. As the first charging orcs reach him, he

exhales and a blast of fire roars from his mouth, engulfing his foes. Moving with the silence of the night, a black-clad halfling steps into a shadow beneath an arch and emerges from another inky

Aarakocra Legacy

Species Elemental Evil Player's Companion

letting the thermals hold them aloft. In battle, they prove dynamic and acrobatic fliers, moving with remarkable speed and grace, diving to lash opponents with weapons or talons before turning and flying

. Great Purpose Aarakocra enjoy peace and solitude. Most of them have little interest in dealing with other peoples and less interest in spending time on the ground. For this reason, it takes an

Deck of Several Things

Magic Items Lost Laboratory of Kwalish

Kwalish’s lab in Daoine Gloine (area O7), whichever comes later in the adventure. Skull. You summon an avatar of death — a mechanical skeleton (use bone naga statistics) clad in a

tattered black robe. It appears in a space of the DM’s choice within 10 feet of you and attacks you, warning all others that you must win the battle alone. The avatar fights until you die or it

Iroas

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

Iroas God of Victory Iroas is the steadfast god of honor and victory in war. When soldiers march to battle, his voice is the thunder of their footsteps and the crash of spear on shield. Soldiers

, mercenaries, and athletes all pray for Iroas’s favor in securing victory. Common folk pray to Iroas for courage and fortitude in times of struggle, for his is the battle nobly fought and won. Bold and

Monk

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

, knocking their blows aside and sending them reeling, until at last she stands alone. Taking a deep breath, a human covered in tattoos settles into a battle stance. As the first charging orcs reach

him, he exhales and a blast of fire roars from his mouth, engulfing his foes. Moving with the silence of the night, a black-clad halfling steps into a shadow beneath an arch and emerges from another

Knight

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Storm King's Thunder

Knight The Order of the Gauntlet is taking strides to deal with the giant threat. The characters encounter a knight of the order mounted on a warhorse clad in chain mail barding (AC 16). There is a

battle against two frost giants. Jordeth managed to kill one giant, but the other got away. He wants justice and asks the characters to join him on his quest to slay the wounded giant.

Mogis

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

. Akroan soldiers are warned that to give in to his seductive battle rage is to risk becoming an androphage—a bloodthirsty killer wholly consumed by Mogis’s fury. Mogis cuts a terrifying figure

, appearing as a four-horned minotaur of incredible size clad in spiked bronze armor and wielding a massive ebon greataxe. He doesn’t debase himself by appearing in other guises to mortals—to behold him is

Monk

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

, knocking their blows aside and sending them reeling, until at last she stands alone. Taking a deep breath, a human covered in tattoos settles into a battle stance. As the first charging orcs reach

him, he exhales and a blast of fire roars from his mouth, engulfing his foes. Moving with the silence of the night, a black-clad halfling steps into a shadow beneath an arch and emerges from another

The Final Boat

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

the smoke-shrouded street. A man runs through the haze toward the wharf, clad in the armor of an Ironclad Regiment mercenary and gripping a horned helmet in his hand. Characters recognize this man

as Jeyev Veldrews, Cudgel’s lieutenant. He says he’s been sent by Becklin to pass on the following information: The battle with the Red Dragon Army went poorly, but a few of the Ironclad Regiment

28. Hospital and Armory

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

28. Hospital and Armory Drow in the service of House Auvryndar come here to equip themselves for battle and to have their wounds treated. 28a. Hospital This chamber contains two dozen wooden cots in

rows. Resting in six of them are wounded drow (three females and three males), each with 1d12 hit points remaining. They are still clad in armor, and they keep their weapons within arm’s reach

Dwarves and Dragonmarks

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

Dwarves and Dragonmarks House Kundarak carries the Mark of Warding. In addition to providing all manner of security, House Kundarak dominates the banking industry. Mror Past 1d6 Reason for Leaving

vendetta with a personal rival. Are you seeking to defeat them in battle or in business? 5 You’re searching for a legendary dwarven artifact, removed from the Mror Holds centuries ago by a

Adventure Hooks

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Descent into the Lost Caverns of Tsojcanth

hooks: Iggwilv’s Rival. An archmage who was once embroiled in a heated rivalry with Iggwilv has reason to believe she isn’t dead. The archmage recruits the characters to search the Lost Caverns for

successful expeditions in recent years. Most of the agents the margrave sent came back battle worn and empty-handed, if they returned at all. The margrave hires the characters to recover Iggwilv’s hoard before it falls into the hands of his rivals.

Morale

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

circumstances: The creature is surprised. The creature is reduced to half its hit points or fewer for the first time in the battle. The creature has no way to harm the opposing side on its turn. A

removed from battle. The group is reduced to half its original size with no losses on the opposing side. To determine whether a creature or group of creatures flees, make a DC 10 Wisdom saving throw for

Preparing for Battle

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

, if for no other reason than to honor Ispin Greenshield’s last wishes. If a character refuses, Mayor Raven offers to pay them 5 gp to be a judge during the battle, making sure no one uses real weapons

Preparing for Battle When the characters and people of Vogler arrive at High Hill, read the following description: Passing through woods and fields, Vogler’s parade of militia members and reenactment

Rakshasa

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

revere the couatls. Unlike other rakshasas with their luxurious robes and fineries, zakya rakshasas are almost always clad in battle gear: well-worn scale mail, a razor-sharp longsword, and a heavy

with demonic fury, rushing into battle seeking vengeance against those who bound their fiendish masters. Rakshasas are described in the Monster Manual. A martial variant—the zakya rakshasa—is

Amphail

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

precariously to the high, tilted saddle, waving their arms and commanding imaginary armies into battle. Within spitting distance of the statue is the Stag-Horned Flagon, a cozy tavern. Reason to Visit

Trial by Combat

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

. Bring forth the zodar!” The crowd gives out a collective gasp as the guards part ranks to make way for a creature clad head to toe in a suit of obsidian armor. As it floats toward you, you realize the

the zodar to 0 hit points. The zodar wins the battle if all the characters are at 0 hit points at the start of the zodar’s turn or if the characters who are still standing concede defeat. The

20. Pillared Hall

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

new arrivals. Characters must present a plausible reason for their presence and succeed on a DC 20 Charisma (Deception or Persuasion) check to convince the will-o’-wisps not to attack them. If they

don’t like what they hear, three of the wisps attack. The other two break away to warn Vertrand (area 17) and Berlain (area 18b), who, along with Berlain’s grell valets, converge on this area. If a battle

Mercenary Veteran

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

possibilities.) Now you’re looking for something else, perhaps greater reward for the risks you take, or the freedom to choose your own activities. For whatever reason, you’re leaving behind the life

of a soldier for hire, but your skills are undeniably suited for battle, so now you fight on in a different way. Skill Proficiencies: Athletics, Persuasion Tool Proficiencies: One type of gaming set

News from the Front

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

News from the Front When you’re ready to begin this section, give the characters a reason to be near the River Gate, such as fetching Becklin’s box from Thornwall Keep or looking for a lost villager

and rider tumbling. The rider is a scout sent by Becklin to alert Vogler to evacuate immediately. When the characters arrive, the rider’s horse is dead and she is locked in battle with her attacker, a

Summit Hall

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

nearby lands. They are always ready for battle, and fully armed and armored if encountered outside their walls. Reason to Visit. Characters who track the Mirabar delegation from Beliard find that the

Barbarian

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

Barbarian I have witnessed the indomitable performance of barbarians on the field of battle, and it makes me wonder what force lies at the heart of their rage. — Seret, archwizard The anger felt

all others; see the following sections for some ideas. Rawr! I’m really angry! Funny, I don’t feel any stronger. Maybe because I’m always angry, I’m always in top condition. Stands to reason.

Meeting Vocath

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

robes, sits on a large throne flanked by two bodyguards: a battle-scarred giff and a githyanki with an eye patch. Both are clad in plate armor. “I can’t say you look particularly important,” drawls

Giants and Other Ancients

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

thousand years for good reason: neither giants nor dragons were ever particularly numerous, and actual skirmishes between giants and dragons were rare. For this reason, you could run a campaign where battles

between the warring parties are isolated events along the lines of the world-shaking events described in “Campaign Events.” You might begin the campaign with one such battle, have the adventurers

D7. Temple

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

to him, tapping its foot impatiently, is a blue-skinned ogre. Grumink the Renegade The leather-clad dwarf is Grumink the Renegade (see “Other Villains” in chapter 7), and the “blue-skinned ogre” is

two dwarf guards, ready to make his final stand. If the oni survived the courtyard battle, it is here as well, in the guise of a female dwarf. Development Grumink carries fragmentary maps and partial

Life Events

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

your DM to come up with the reason for the battle and the factions involved. It might have been a small conflict between your community and a band of orcs, or it could have been a major battle in a

encountered. 81–85 You had a supernatural experience. Roll on the Supernatural Events table to find out what it was. 86–90 You fought in a battle. Roll on the War table to learn what happened to you. Work with

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