branch bards diffusing constructed real

Constructed Commoner

Monsters Candlekeep Mysteries

makes them look like flesh-and-blood people, and the constructs conduct themselves as convincingly real humanoids who are simply living their lives in Wisteria Vale. Detect magic spells do not reveal

their true nature, as each construct is shielded by a spell that makes it seem nonmagical. Though these constructed villagers can physically interact with the environment around them and hold lengthy

Dream Eater

Monsters Monstrous Compendium Vol. 2: Dragonlance Creatures

dream eater lies not in brute force but in the ability to pierce its illusions and wrest others from its terrors. As such, bards and other persuasive adventurers find themselves uniquely poised to

) check to convince the engulfed target the nightmare isn’t real, with the target escaping on a success. The creature making the check takes 10 (3d6);{"diceNotation":"3d6", "rollType":"damage

Bard Legacy

Classes Basic Rules (2014)

—knowledge of the people who constructed the monument and the mythic saga it depicts. A stern human warrior bangs his sword rhythmically against his scale mail, setting the tempo for his war chant

of song, speech, and the magic they contain. Bards say that the multiverse was spoken into existence, that the words of the gods gave it shape, and that echoes of these primordial Words of Creation

Constructed Commoners

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

Constructed Commoners To populate the demiplane without endangering any innocents, the Harpers created constructs out of wooden mannequins to act as villagers (see the accompanying stat block). Magic

makes them look like flesh-and-blood people, and the constructs conduct themselves as convincingly real humanoids who are simply living their lives in Wisteria Vale. Detect magic spells do not reveal

Instrument

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

critical factor, of course; the best ones make the best music, and some bards are continually on the lookout for an improvement. Perhaps just as important, though, is the instrument’s own entertainment

value; those that are bizarrely constructed or made of exotic materials are likely to leave a lasting impression on an audience. You might have an “off the rack” instrument, perhaps because it’s all you

Quill's Party

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

harpsichordist, a cellist, a violinist, a flutist, and a fiddler. Milling through the crowd are four waiters. All the guests, performers, and waiters are unarmed constructed commoners that do not

engage in battle and flee if combat erupts. Renekor can tell the real Quill from the fake one. When it notices the characters and the real Quill, the beholder attacks, hovering just out of reach of melee

Arriving at the Casino

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Keys from the Golden Vault

Arriving at the Casino The characters can take the carriage offered to them by Verity or find their own way to the casino. At a branch in the road, they see a freshly painted and lacquered sign

declaring, “This way to the Afterlife!” in gaudy, gold lettering, with an arrow pointing down the narrower branch. Characters who follow this route for a short distance come to a cobbled turnaround and lot

Mapping a Dungeon

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

you need further inspiration, you can find maps that have been made freely available for use on the Internet, or even use a map of a real-world location. Alternatively, you can borrow a map from a

make interesting obstacles. Incorporate natural features into even a constructed dungeon. An underground stream might run through the middle of a dwarven stronghold, causing variation in the shapes

Gods of Theros

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

Gods of Theros A bird shrieked as it took flight from a branch above her. Through the gaps in the rustling canopy, she could see the god-forms shift in and out of focus. The night sky was known as

important aspects of mortal life. These gods are quite real to the people of Theros, who see them moving across the sky at night and sometimes encounter them face to face. Thus, most people perform

House Cannith

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Eberron: Forge of the Artificer

control. Cannith East Headquartered in Korth (in Karrnath) and led by Zorlan d’Cannith, Cannith East enjoys close ties to the government of Karrnath and the faith of the Blood of Vol. This branch of

the house specializes in siege weaponry and defenses, though its most innovative experiments explore the creation of constructed undead—a hybrid of warforged and zombie. In addition to Karrnath, Cannith

10. Prison Cells

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Infernal Machine Rebuild

. Five of the doors are constructed from iron bars, with the exception of what appears to be a glass door at the end. The doors to the cells are locked, and Stolos (in area 11) has the keys. They can

themselves. They vehemently claim to be the real thieves. The two join the characters if allowed, seeking to rescue and rejoin the other thieves to complete their original mission. Their evil nature inspires

Locations in Wisteria Vale

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

real village. Three traveling merchants visit regularly. Each of these constructed commoners never stays longer than a day, and one appears only once every few weeks to break up the monotony of the

for feasts on holidays and for village gatherings. While in the forest, the characters might encounter Ki’lara, a half-elf hunter and a constructed commoner who knows how to navigate the woods and

House Thuranni

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Eberron: Forge of the Artificer

wicked plot that would have ended the Last War and exterminated the leaders of the other dragonmarked houses, leaving the Paelions as absolute rulers of Khorvaire. Was the Paelion plot real or

house that is a shadow of its united predecessor, similar in many ways to House Phiarlan. But while spies and assassins are contained within a secret sixth branch of House Phiarlan, separate from the

Adventure Setting

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

notes than you’ll find in one of the short adventures at the end of this chapter. Adventure Maps An adventure location almost always benefits from a map, and the more thoughtfully constructed the

flowchart since each decision point (a branch in a corridor, a room with multiple exits) leads to new decision points. If the characters leave a room by the north door, you check your map and determine it

Torch

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Planescape: Adventures in the Multiverse->Sigil and the Outlands

upper and lower subdistrict. The gaudy buildings along the upper slopes are typically constructed from stone or metal, while the moldy piers of Torch’s lowest districts feature glassless windows and

rotten, waterlogged planks. Bank of Abbathor Headquartered in the city of Sigil, the Bank of Abbathor (detailed in chapter 2) services customers across the planes. Account holders can visit a branch of

Dream Eater

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Monstrous Compendium Volume Two

engulfing its prey in a phantasmagorical nightmare. The key to defeating a dream eater lies not in brute force but in the ability to pierce its illusions and wrest others from its terrors. As such, bards

requires the creature to use its action to make a DC 16 Charisma (Persuasion) check to convince the engulfed target the nightmare isn’t real, with the target escaping on a success. The creature

Core Assumptions

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

Core Assumptions The rules of the game are based on the following core assumptions about the game world. Gods Oversee the World. The gods are real and embody a variety of beliefs, with each god

by magic traps, as well as magically constructed dungeons inhabited by monsters created by magic, cursed by magic, or endowed with magical abilities.

The Ruins: General Features

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Tales from the Yawning Portal->a3

The Ruins: General Features The walls inside the ruins are constructed of blocks of unmortared stone covered by stucco. The ceilings are of the same material, supported by corbel arches. Ceilings

/Toltec mythology and society. In the original publication, Dungeon Masters were encouraged to research these real-world background elements to add depth and realism to the characters’ experience.

4. Fresco of the Wizardly Work Room

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Tales from the Yawning Portal->a7

4. Fresco of the Wizardly Work Room The most outstanding feature in this location is actually outstanding! Two jackal-headed human figures are painted so as to appear to be holding a real bronze

tomb, except where otherwise noted, are constructed as covered pits. Each one is 10 feet deep and concealed by a counterweighted trapdoor that looks like the floor and opens as soon as any person steps

Manor Occupants

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

, the beholder has used its reality-altering dreams to create a twin of Quill that feels real to the touch. A detect magic spell reveals an aura of illusion magic around the fake Quill, which otherwise

looks and behaves exactly like the real Quill. The fake Quill can’t do anything except move and talk, and it is dispelled if it takes damage from a spell or a magic weapon. No other magic or damage

Build Your Group

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

this character’s divine connection. The Prophet is often a cleric or druid, but could also be an NPC with no real adventuring skills, who needs the group’s protection. Scholar. The Scholar brings

Persuasion (or sometimes Intimidation) and Religion can be useful for this character. Many clerics fill this role, but devout bards can also be effective Teachers. Some Teachers bring skills from the

6. Moa's Shrine

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Tomb of Annihilation

Master’s Guide) at the bottom of it. A character who searches the hallway floor for traps finds a pit trap with a successful DC 15 Wisdom (Perception) check. The lids are cleverly constructed and can be

cube on the pedestal is illusory, though it feels real to the touch. A detect magic spell or similar effect reveals an aura of illusion magic around the cube. When taken from the shrine, it vanishes in a

Elements of a Great Adventure

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

an orc guard is just as fun for your players. Useful Maps A good adventure needs thoughtfully constructed maps. Wilderness areas sprinkled with interesting landmarks and other features are better than

that have been made freely available for use, as well as floor plans of real-world buildings and images that can inspire your mapmaking. You can also use software to help put your maps together.

Baldur's Gate

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

patriars. Sitting atop their hill, the patriars look down on the rest of Baldur’s Gate in every real sense, wielding their wealth and influence to push the Council of Four to protect their lifestyle

the Lower City, where stone, slate-roofed houses stand (sometimes unsteadily), and the folk who have long performed the real work of the city reside. Baldur’s Gate depends on trade, and that trade flows

Locations in Vogler

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

time, but if asked, Yalme says she named the crabs Fancy and Gorgeous George. Four short halls branch off the common room, each lined with rooms for rent. The Fishbowl After a long day on the river

. Vogler’s Crossing South of Vogler, an incomplete stone bridge begins to stretch across the Vingaard River. Half-constructed before the Cataclysm using techniques lost in the ages since, the bridge

Manor Locations

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

alongside a bowl of magenta punch. Damien, a constructed commoner, is here preparing food for Quill’s party. If he notices the characters and they appear to be friendly, he offers to take them to

ballroom’s stage is filled with set pieces, props, and costumes. Treasure. Among the many other instruments stored here is Quill’s instrument of the bards (Cli lyre), which is kept in an ornate wooden case

Upper City Gazetteer

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

friends make cruel sport of them until they can escape at daybreak. As yet, none of Nysene’s playthings have suffered any real harm, but her games grow ever bolder and more vicious, and it’s only a

patriars, traveling nobles, famed bards, and socially ambitious Lower City residents hoping to rub shoulders with the elite. The inn is unfussy, but conducts its service with flawless technique and the

Clockwork Dragon

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

being capable of wholly independent reactions to potential threats. Though most clockwork dragons have a breath weapon that deals fire damage, some might be constructed to deal acid, cold, or lightning

meal for one of these monstrosities is a too-real threat for those who stumble into their deadly lairs. Though the deep crow most immediately resembles a massive version of its namesake bird, this

Upper City Gazetteer

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

friends make cruel sport of them until they can escape at daybreak. As yet, none of Nysene’s playthings have suffered any real harm, but her games grow ever bolder and more vicious, and it’s only a

patriars, traveling nobles, famed bards, and socially ambitious Lower City residents hoping to rub shoulders with the elite. The inn is unfussy, but conducts its service with flawless technique and the

Areas of Kolat Towers

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Waterdeep: Dragon Heist

marble table in a reading nook. A stone staircase spirals up to area K6. Gargoyles. The two real gargoyles are indistinguishable from the inanimate gargoyle statues in the high alcoves. When intruders

wooden chests sits atop the ledge. (One chest is real. The other is a mimic.) Ledge. There’s no easy way to access the ledge, which is 8 feet away from the landing and at the same height. Characters can

The Cellar

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Ghosts of Saltmarsh

-looking bed in the northwest corner has a wooden locker at its foot. A small wooden table stands against the east wall, with a padded leather chair beside it. On the table, a brass three-branch

successful experiments with the philosopher’s stone, the truth is that the alchemist had them crafted to deceive a potential buyer into believing that the stone was real. The collection includes the

Journey Locations

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

townspeople from the larger group. The side passage splits after several feet. One branch leads steeply upward while the other abruptly ends at a chasm (area J2). J2: Tunnel Chasm This passage drops

following statements using the corpse’s mouth: “I faked my death because too many eager scribes would follow me into danger. But my death was real when I ventured too close to Illithinoch. Yet I am still

City Celebrations

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Waterdeep: Dragon Heist

. Although some of the dancing is wanton and performed for show, large-scale ring dances in the street for all ages are also popular. All the dancing ends at dusk, after which bards and minstrels perform at

, on his statue in the City of the Dead, and atop the altars of the House of Wonder. Bards perform songs in honor of the wizard all over the city. The Open Lord visits taverns and inns throughout

Temple of Tharizdun

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Ghosts of Saltmarsh

its Enslave attack from under the water against a creature it can see. If all four chuuls are killed and the characters are aware that their real enemy is in the water, Sgothgah awaits the characters

a tightly sewn oilcloth — an instrument of the bards (Cli lyre) found by a cultist years before. The lyre is the cult’s greatest treasure, and has been kept as a gift for the leader that the cultists

Lesser Cavern Locations

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

from the shores of areas L9 and L14. Treasure. The vessel is a Folding Boat created to traverse the lake and the rivers that branch from it. In addition to its usual properties, the boat has an extra

they cover and feel real if touched. To pierce the dao’s ruse, a character examining the chamber’s fixtures must succeed on a DC 20 Intelligence (Investigation) check. The nobles, however, fail to hold

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