branch before death chained rule

Eye and Hand of Vecna

Magic Items Dungeon Master’s Guide

Vecna the Archlich;Vecna was a mighty wizard who, through magic and conquest, forged a terrible empire. For all his power, however, Vecna feared death and took steps to prevent his demise by becoming

a lich. A treacherous lieutenant named Kas the Betrayer;Kas brought Vecna’s rule to an end in a terrible battle. Of Vecna, all that remained were one hand and one eye, grisly Artifacts that

Fighter

Classes Player’s Handbook

Armor, Scimitar, Shortsword, Longbow, 20 Arrows, Quiver, Dungeoneer's Pack, and 11 GP; or (C) 155 GP Fighters rule many battlefields. Questing knights, royal champions, elite soldiers, and hardened

mercenaries—as Fighters, they all share an unparalleled prowess with weapons and armor. And they are well acquainted with death, both meting it out and defying it. Fighters master various

Tree Blight

Monsters Curse of Strahd

Branch attack and one Grasping Root attack. Branch. Melee Weapon Attack: +9;{"diceNotation":"1d20+9","rollType":"to hit","rollAction":"Branch"} to hit, reach 15 ft., one target. Hit: 16 (3d6 + 6

);{"diceNotation":"3d6+6","rollType":"damage","rollAction":"Branch","rollDamageType":"bludgeoning"} bludgeoning damage. Grasping Root. Melee Weapon Attack: +9;{"diceNotation":"1d20+9","rollType":"to hit

Syndra Silvane

Monsters Tomb of Annihilation

spells on herself before combat. Death Curse. Syndra’s hit point maximum has been reduced to 79 by the Soulmonger’s death curse, and it decreases by 1 every midnight. If her hit point

maximum drops to 0, Syndra dies and can’t be brought back from the dead until the death curse has ended (and if her soul hasn’t been devoured). Destroying the Soulmonger is the only way to halt

Death Kiss

Monsters Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

. Lacking the egotism of their stronger kin, a death kiss usually submits to the rule of its creator or any other beholder it encounters, but it tries to escape as soon as the beholder is preoccupied. A

Lightning Blood. A creature within 5 feet of the death kiss takes 5 (1d10);{"diceNotation":"1d10", "rollType":"damage", "rollAction":"Lightning Blood", "rollDamageType":"lightning"} lightning damage

Rime Hulk

Monsters Bigby Presents: Glory of the Giants

Death Burst. When the rime hulk dies, it explodes in a 10-foot-radius sphere of frigid air and frost centered on itself. Each creature in that area must succeed on a DC 15 Constitution saving throw

or take 10 (3d6);{"diceNotation":"3d6", "rollType":"damage", "rollAction":"Death Burst", "rollDamageType":"cold"} cold damage.Multiattack. The rime hulk makes two Slam attacks. Slam. Melee Weapon

Eye and Hand of Vecna Legacy

Magic Items Dungeon Master’s Guide (2014)

power, Vecna couldn’t escape his own mortality. He began to fear death and take steps to prevent his end from ever coming about. Orcus, the demon prince of undeath, taught Vecna a ritual that

would allow him to live on as a lich. Beyond death, he became the greatest of all liches. Even though his body gradually withered and decayed, Vecna continued to expand his evil dominion. So formidable

Eldritch Lich

Monsters Monstrous Compendium Vol. 1: Spelljammer Creatures

becoming an eldritch lich. Like other liches, eldritch liches are spellcasters who have cheated death, but an eldritch lich does so by allowing a Great Old One to implant a Far Realm parasite in the lich

lich against destruction, reviving the lich a few days after death. Canny foes can sabotage an eldritch lich’s revival by slaying the lich in a magic circle, thereby forcing the lich to return in

Zariel Legacy

Monsters Mordenkainen’s Tome of Foes

), detect evil and good, fireball, invisibility (self only), wall of fire 3/day each: blade barrier, dispel evil and good, finger of death Legendary Resistance (3/Day). If Zariel fails a saving throw

Teleport action.Zariel’s Lair Zariel makes her lair in a basalt citadel that rises up in Avernus. From nearly a mile away, one can hear the screams and moans coming from the burned victims chained

Sword of Kas Legacy

Magic Items Dungeon Master’s Guide (2014)

power grew, so did his hubris. His sword urged him to supplant Vecna, so that they could rule the lich’s empire in Vecna’s stead. Legend says Vecna’s destruction came at Kas’s

) from it: call lightning, divine word, or finger of death. Once you use the sword to cast a spell, you can’t cast that spell again from it until the next dawn. Sentience. The Sword of Kas is a

Hadozee

Species Spelljammer: Adventures in Space

Hadozees’ progenitors were mammals no bigger than house cats. Hunted by larger natural predators, they took to the trees and evolved wing-like flaps that enabled them to glide from branch to

branch. Today, hadozees are sapient, bipedal beings eager to leave behind the fearsome predators of their home world and explore other worlds. In addition to being natural climbers, hadozees have feet

Aarakocra

Species Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

birdfolk. Only when they roost on a branch or walk across the ground is their Humanoid nature clear. Standing upright, aarakocra are typically about 5 feet tall, and they have long, narrow legs that

. Ability Score Increases When determining your character’s ability scores, increase one score by 2 and increase a different score by 1, or increase three different scores by 1. Follow this rule

Yakfolk Warrior

Monsters Storm King's Thunder

face is worn smooth into a featureless mask. The deity is appeased by sacrifice, which its followers carry out by capturing Humanoids and putting them to death by fire (immolation), earth (live burial

that image until the strangers can be disarmed and taken prisoner. In their seemingly idyllic hideaways, the yakfolk rule with iron fists, and for all their learning and culture, they are enormously

Yakfolk Priest

Monsters Storm King's Thunder

a male Yikaria, but its face is worn smooth into a featureless mask. The deity is appeased by sacrifice, which its followers carry out by capturing Humanoids and putting them to death by fire

, and the yakfolk foster that image until the strangers can be disarmed and taken prisoner. In their seemingly idyllic hideaways, the yakfolk rule with iron fists, and for all their learning and

Forlarren

Monsters Mordenkainen's Fiendish Folio Volume 1

, set itself up as a petty lord, and rule over all those who fall into its grasp. A Sinister Cycle. A forlarren in its fey aspect demonstrates self-destructive urges that reflect the inherent tension in

its nature. That aspect might drive it to drink itself nearly to death, or to throw itself into caring for others with such relentless energy that it eventually collapses from exhaustion

Zariel

Monsters Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

evil and good, fireball, invisibility (self only), major image, wall of fire 3/day each: blade barrier, dispel evil and good, finger of death Teleport. Zariel teleports, along with any equipment

dangerous.Zariel’s Lair Zariel makes her lair in a basalt citadel that rises up in Avernus. From nearly a mile away, one can hear the screams coming from burned victims chained to the stronghold

Mark of Shadow Elf

Species Eberron: Rising from the Last War

Thuranni, Regalport (Lhazaar Principalities) Elves have carried the Mark of Shadow for thousands of years. The mark’s bearers left Aerenal after the conflict that wiped out the Mark of Death

espionage in the lands west of the Mournland, while Thuranni operates in the eastern lands. As a rule, Phiarlan elves are the better spies and Thuranni agents are superior assassins. Thuranni and Phiarlan

Shadar-kai

Species Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

Material Plane to forge their own destinies. Once shadar-kai were Fey like the rest of their elven kin; now they exist in a state between life and death, thanks to being transformed by the Shadowfell

by 1, or increase 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

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

Might. The strong train so that they might rule those who are weak. (Evil) 5 Bravery. To act when others quake in fear — this is the essence of the warrior. (Any) 6

Druid Legacy

Classes Basic Rules (2014)

out of sight on a high tree branch in the form of a leopard, a human peers out of the jungle at the strange construction of a temple of Evil Elemental Air, keeping a close eye on the cultists&rsquo

. Similarly, a druid uses such woods to make other objects, such as weapons and shields. Yew is associated with death and rebirth, so weapon handles for scimitars or sickles might be fashioned from it

Orc Legacy

Species Volo's Guide to Monsters

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

, injury, or age) often join these cults instead of facing daily humiliation, exile, or death. Serving as the bridge between the two parts of the tribe are the priestesses of Luthic, the orc goddess who

Elder Evils

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

-Ortheel, the Elf-Eater; Kezef, the Chaos Hound; Kyuss, the Worm That Walks; the Queen of Chaos; Tharizdun, the Chained God; Tyranthraxus, the Flamed One; and Zargon, the Returner. They are all forces of

corruption and evil. Nothing good can come from their influence. Bargains made with them end in catastrophe or death.

Nobles of Borca

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

Nobles of Borca From their decadent manors and lofty business offices, twelve prominent noble families rule over Borcan politics, industry, art, entertainment, religion, and every other aspect of

life in the domain. The following families are Borca’s most prominent, though dozens of lesser branch families orbit each: Boritsi. The Boritsi name is a mark of quality and innovation, appearing across

The Mortuary

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Adventure Atlas: The Mortuary

shaped loosely like a massive stone tree or open-air monument. Low, gloomy domes spiked with bladed buttresses branch from the towers, belching ash, crematorium smoke, and incense day and night

elegies, and weeping with remorse. The stench of embalming fluids and rotting flesh wafts from its numerous morgues to stuffy undercrofts and dusty libraries filled with death certificates, funerary tomes, and grimoires bound in still-living flesh.

Blight, Tree

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

blight feeds on warm-blooded prey and takes perverse delight in causing carnage. It strikes with its heavy branches and crushes prey to death with its roots. It can open its gaping, tooth-filled mouth

Multiattack. The blight makes one Branch attack and one Grasping Root attack. Branch. Melee Weapon Attack: +9 to hit, reach 15 ft., one target. Hit: 16 (3d6 + 6) bludgeoning damage. Grasping

Explorer, Dead

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

was stomped to death by a rampaging dinosaur. 4 The gnawed and charred bones of a humanoid. (This unfortunate was murdered and cannibalized by his starving, delirious companions.) 5 The mangled body of

a half-elf, seemingly bludgeoned to death. (She was dropped from high altitude by pterafolk.) 6 The scattered bones of a dwarf, torn to pieces before being devoured. (A hunting pack of velociraptors

Tayyib Empire

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

. The war began in response to the death of Emperor Tasneem, whose older heirs turned to sinister magic in their attempts to rule. These heirs burned the former capital and unleashed legions of

Yongjing Gazetteer

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

citizens—concealing a turbulent past marked by war, subjugation, and famine. The rule of the Xing dynasty has brought wealth, stability, and peace to Great Xing. But now the imperial secret of longevity

has been exhausted, which means the White Jade Emperor’s long reign will end soon. The Grand Secretary who governs Great Xing according to the emperor’s command knows that it’s only a matter of time before word of the emperor’s impending death gets out and the stability of the empire is put to the test.

Gods of Har'Akir

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

worshiped a true deity that offers the death domain. Despite their distinct roles, traditions, and places within the lives of Har’Akir’s people, these gods are all especially aloof, cryptic, morbid, and supportive of the pharaoh’s rule.

presides over life and the living Neb, who guards the path of the dead Oru, who orders the heavens and all beneath Ousa, who controls death and the dead Sek, who heals the sick and cultivates life Sute

Ysgard

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

not only against the plane itself, but also against giants, dragons, and other terrible creatures that thunder across Ysgard’s vast terrain. Optional Rule: Immortal Wrath Ysgard is the home of slain

creature has all its hit points restored, and all conditions and afflictions it suffered before its death are removed.

Roleplaying Vladeska

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

Roleplaying Vladeska Steely and fierce, Vladeska Drakov views softness as weakness and resents having her time wasted. She values cold competency and makes life-and-death decisions mercilessly. Her

isolation and the stress of rule weigh heavily upon her, but daily catastrophes keep her focused on her nation’s needs and not her failures. She believes a foe from her past is responsible for the

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

(Titus Lunter) A pantheon of fifteen gods guides religious life on Theros. From the sun and agriculture to death and passage into the Underworld, the gods oversee the forces of nature and the most

Ankhtepot

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

place, one with knowledge of rule and the deities’ blessing. On the day of the ritual that would consecrate the pharaoh’s connection with the gods, Ankhtepot rallied his loyal priests and murdered their

gods. As he stood before them in death, the immortals forsook him, cursing him and denying him entry to the afterlife. Instead, they returned him to the world, but stripped away a piece of his soul

Death Kiss

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Monsters of the Multiverse

high-pitched, nasal voice. Death kisses fear true beholders, which can easily kill or subdue them. Lacking the egotism of their stronger kin, a death kiss usually submits to the rule of its creator or

Death Kiss A death kiss is a lesser beholder that can come into being when a true beholder has a vivid nightmare about losing blood. Its coloration and shape resemble those of the beholder that

Optional Rule: Loyalty

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

death for them. Loyalty can be roleplayed or represented by this rule. Loyalty Score An NPC’s loyalty is measured on a numerical scale from 0 to 20. The NPC’s maximum loyalty score is equal to the

Optional Rule: Loyalty Loyalty is an optional rule you can use to determine how far an NPC party member will go to protect or assist the other members of the party (even those he or she doesn’t

D&D Beyond

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