both being death concerns 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.

The Undead

Classes Van Richten’s Guide to Ravenloft

You’ve made a pact with a deathless being, a creature that defies the cycle and life and death, forsaking its mortal shell so it might eternally pursue its unfathomable ambitions. For such

beings, time and morality are fleeting things, the concerns of those for whom grains of sand still rush through life’s hourglass. Having once been mortal themselves, these ancient undead know

The Undead (VRGtR)

Classes Van Richten’s Guide to Ravenloft

You’ve made a pact with a deathless being, a creature that defies the cycle and life and death, forsaking its mortal shell so it might eternally pursue its unfathomable ambitions. For such

beings, time and morality are fleeting things, the concerns of those for whom grains of sand still rush through life’s hourglass. Having once been mortal themselves, these ancient undead know

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

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

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

Marine

Backgrounds Ghosts of Saltmarsh

injured marine for miles to avoid capture and death. Suggested Characteristics Marines are looked up to by other soldiers and respected by their superiors. They are veteran warriors

, you are friends of Tom and Will Stoutly and can turn to them for help and support. Eliander Fireborn, captain of the guard, also makes time to listen to your concerns.

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

City Watch / Investigator

Backgrounds Sword Coast Adventurer's Guide

constables and police forces, and even smaller communities have sheriffs and bailiffs who stand ready to protect their community. Skill Proficiencies: Athletics, InsightLanguages: Two of your

suit your identity as a member of the city watch. Your bond is likely associated with your fellow watch members or the watch organization itself and almost certainly concerns your community. Your

Roleplaying Strahd

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

, with barely a hint of emotion left. He is above the concerns of the living. The only event that occasionally haunts him is the death of Tatyana, but his view of the past is bereft of romance or regret

. In his mind, her death couldn’t have been prevented, and what is done cannot be undone. In life, Strahd lived to conquer. In undeath, he conquers still—not realms, but people, driving good souls to

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.

Monastic Orders

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

. These monks seek the secrets of life by studying death itself. It is the condition of being dead that concerns them most, and not what lies beyond; the afterlife holds little interest for them. Their

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

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

Enter the Giant

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Heroes’ Feast: Saving the Children’s Menu

coveted her power. When Ignis disregarded Invido’s feigned concerns, Invido took matters into his own hands. He had her consort killed and tried to abduct the heirs, intending to raise them as his own

. Ignis was ready to fight for her family and throne, but Invido had already turned the other nobles against her. Outnumbered and afraid for her children, she fled. Arthur and Ignis could never

Campaign Theme

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

mortality, whether embodied in undead monsters or expressed through the death of loved ones. A campaign revolving around an insidious evil, whether dark gods, monstrous races such as the yuan-ti, or

creatures of unknown realms far removed from mortal concerns. As heroes confront this evil, they must face the selfish, cold tendencies of their own kind as well. A campaign featuring troubled heroes who

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

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

Village Green

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Dragon Delves

. Rumors When the characters interact with NPCs anywhere in Redwood Watch, villagers voice their concerns about recent local events. Roll on the Village Green Rumors table to determine which rumor an

.” [Partially true; the dragon’s influence has encouraged the growth of many forest blights, including the Vine Blight and Twig Blight in area L4.] 4 “Remember Ethvarn, who died fighting Death-at-Sunset

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.

Darklords

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

. Darklords Are Prisoners. Darklords cannot leave their domains. If a Darklord enters the Mists or uses another method to attempt an escape, the Dark Powers return them to their domain. Even death rarely

agendas, obsessions, and egotism distract them from focusing on the strangeness of the world and petty concerns such as eerie fog. Darklords Are Immortal. Darklords are casually immortal, many having no

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

Second Session

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Tyranny of Dragons

involved with investigations into recent dragon attacks in the Misty Forest. King Melandrach waves away Delaan’s concerns, saying that dragon attacks in the area have stopped since his elves increased

their patrols and fortified their positions. Discovering the truth will lead the adventurers to “Neronvain,” part of “Chapters 11 and 12: Death to the Wyrmspeakers.” Setup: Metallic Dragons, Arise

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

Second Session

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Rise of Tiamat

is involved with investigations into recent dragon attacks in the Misty Forest. King Melandrach waves away Delaan’s concerns, saying that dragon attacks in the area have stopped since his elves

increased their patrols and fortified their positions. Discovering the truth will lead the adventurers to ”Neronvain,” part of “Chapters 11 and 12: Death to the Wyrmspeakers.” Setup: Metallic Dragons, Arise

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

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

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

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

Kobold Legacy

Species Volo's Guide to Monsters

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

serve similar roles but under threat of death. URDS: WINGED KOBOLDS Winged kobolds, known as urds, hatch seemingly at random from kobold eggs, even in a tribe that has no adult urds. Although

Mutual Respect

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

question mark for a soft limit, indicate any potentially sensitive elements that are problematic. Add any other elements to avoid. Hopes, Expectations, and Concerns. In the last two boxes, share any

hopes and expectations for the game, and list any concerns about behavior at the table. Collect all the sheets, and gather your players’ limits into a separate, anonymous document the whole group can

Adventure Background

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

Scroll. The blue dragon Zikzokrishka discovered the scroll’s location, and she arrived at the vault ready to destroy any and all in her path. In the ensuing battle, the golem gravely wounded Zikzokrishka

dearly loved him, the prince ordered his wizards to perform a ritual that would keep him on the brink of death for millennia. His magically sustained life force would maintain the shield that would

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

D&D Beyond

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