branch before defenses cantrips rarely

Flabbergast

Monsters Acquisitions Incorporated

with spell attacks). He has the following wizard spells prepared: Cantrips (at will): fire bolt, light, mage hand, prestidigitation 1st level (4 slots): detect magic, mage armor, distort value,* sleep

physical labor, Flabbergast is a bit of a bridge builder in his own way, always striving to bring people together and flexing his diplomatic muscles. A pacifist bureaucrat, he abhors violence, and rarely

Dzaan's Simulacrum

Monsters Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden

hit with spell attacks). It has the following wizard spells prepared: Cantrips (at will): acid splash,* light, minor illusion, shocking grasp* 1st level (2 slots): detect magic, disguise self, magic

rarely travel abroad without an escort. They generally favor undead servants and bodyguards, since they find that undead tend to be more obedient than the living. Dzaan's bodyguard is a Thayan wight

Dzaan

Monsters Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden

spell attacks). He has the following wizard spells prepared: Cantrips (at will): acid splash,* light, minor illusion, shocking grasp* 1st level (4 slots): detect magic, disguise self, magic missile

effectively becomes a clone of Dzaan, authentic in every way. Companion. Because they’re so despised throughout Faerûn, Red Wizards often adopt disguises and rarely travel abroad without an escort

Goblin Legacy

Species Volo's Guide to Monsters

the fringes of a society first test its defenses by stealing objects, and if these crimes go unpunished, they begin stealing people. Enslaved creatures receive the worst treatment the goblins can dish

the symbols used are rarely the same between different tribes and often make little sense to other creatures. Some possible status symbols are given in the Status Symbols table. A caste or a boss

Bard Legacy

Classes Basic Rules (2014)

set bards apart from their fellows. Only rarely do bards settle in one place for long, and their natural desire to travel—to find new tales to tell, new skills to learn, and new discoveries

highest ability score, followed by Dexterity. Second, choose the entertainer background. Third, choose the dancing lights and vicious mockery cantrips, along with the following 1st-level spells: charm

Ki-rin Legacy

Monsters Volo's Guide to Monsters

spellcasting ability is Wisdom (spell save DC 17, +9;{"diceNotation":"1d20+9","rollType":"to hit","rollAction":"Spellcasting"} to hit with spell attacks). It has the following cleric spells prepared: Cantrips

idealized form. Such creatures are rarely aggressive toward others that aren't normally prey. Evil creatures can't tolerate the holy atmosphere within the same distance, and usually choose to live much

Claugiyliamatar (possessed)

Monsters Divine Contention

":"Spellcasting"} to hit with spell attacks). She has the following druid spells prepared: Cantrips (at will): druidcraft, mending, produce flame 1st level (4 slots): cure wounds, detect magic, entangle

earned her nickname from her habit of gnawing on old kills, and is often seen with a mangled corpse hanging from her mouth. Other dragons rarely remain in Kryptgarden Forest for long, because

Aarakocra Legacy

Species Elemental Evil Player's Companion

. Beak and Feather From below, aarakocra look much like large birds. Only when they descend to roost on a branch or walk across the ground does their humanoid appearance reveal itself. Standing

aarakocra. To be grounded, trapped underground, or imprisoned by the cold, unyielding earth is a torment few aarakocra can withstand. Even when perched on a high branch or at rest in their mountaintop

Lorinda's Powers and Dominion

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

figure wearing a cloak of moth wings and bearing a branch burning with torches. Using her control of the land as Tepest’s Darklord, Mother brings bounty to fields and flocks, or curses farms with

famine and aberrant livestock. Those in her service rarely produce offspring and so petition her for hexblood children (see chapter 1). All Mother asks of her followers in return for her blessing is that

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

mortal eyes to witness. Lidia rarely took time to step outside her home and watch the heavens, but now there was no place else to rest her eyes. Tonight the god-forms were vivid, and her heart beat faster

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

Kobold Legacy

Species Volo's Guide to Monsters

, the kobolds are usually put to work enlarging their masters’ living area and protecting vital areas of the lair with traps and other defenses. Some human communities hire kobolds to dig their

responsible for blocking tunnels to deter pursuit. Kobolds feel a cool affinity or something like kinship for other members of their tribe, but they are rarely affectionate with each other. Two kobolds

Flabbergast

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

together and flexing his diplomatic muscles. A pacifist bureaucrat, he abhors violence, and rarely puts his magical prowess on display. One thing that is known (though it’s seldom spoken of) is that

save DC 13, +5 to hit with spell attacks). He has the following wizard spells prepared: Cantrips (at will): fire bolt, light, mage hand, prestidigitation 1st level (4 slots): detect magic, mage

Tortles

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

pounds. Males and females are nearly identical in size and appearance. They don’t wear clothing other than belts and harnesses for carrying tools and supplies. Natural Defenses. A tortle can retreat into

hit with spell attacks). It has the following druid spells prepared: Cantrips (at will): druidcraft, guidance, produce flame 1st level (4 slots): animal friendship, cure wounds, speak with animals

Vajra Safahr

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

office. Vajra isn’t the city’s most powerful wizard, but she can hold her own. Despite her many gifts, she still questions her ability to meet the demands of her role, and she rarely makes a decision

the following wizard spells prepared: Cantrips (at will): fire bolt, light, mage hand, message, prestidigitation 1st level (4 slots): detect magic, identify, mage armor, thunderwave 2nd level (3

Reaching Lyn Armaal

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

Reaching Lyn Armaal Lyn Armaal (shown on maps 9.1 and map 9.2) hangs in the sky, rarely coming within a mile of the ground. To reach it, characters need an airship, flying mounts, or spells and magic

items that grant flight. They can also ask one or more helpful metallic dragons to fly them to Sansuri’s castle, although there’s rarely a dragon around when they need one (see “Metallic Dragons

Cult of the Crushing Wave

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

almost as patient and stoic as the followers of the earth cult. They understand the value of outlasting formidable foes and slowly eroding their defenses. However, they are far more flexible and

prizes and use their ill-gotten loot to develop their schemes. In combat, Crushing Wave cultists excel as skirmishers. They value mobility and opportunism, rarely making a stand in one place for long

Sharn Watch NPCs

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

forget that the Guardians of the Gate have a civilian branch that handles administrative issues and special customs investigations. Tethyn Olar has led that arm of the Sharn Watch for more than a decade

soldiers to show complete loyalty to their country and its king. Because of his experiences in the war, he has a deep dislike for Thranes and followers of the Silver Flame, but he rarely lets these

Eternal Flame Cultists

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

annoying merchant — is set ablaze. Like the flames they adore, Eternal Flame cultists are quick to act. In a fight, they rarely take prisoners or retreat; they strive to be like an ever-advancing

(spell save DC 13, +5 to hit with spell attacks). It knows the following sorcerer spells (an asterisked spell is from appendix B): Cantrips (at will): control flames,* create bonfire,* fire bolt, light

The Path to Perfection

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

. Dwarves don’t change their minds easily, and once set on a course rarely alter their strategy. Their commitment to following a plan serves them well when they build a stone bridge designed to last for

been used for centuries, without considering the possibility that its enemies have discovered how to overcome those defenses. The dwarves’ way of thinking leads to difficulties in their relationships

When Clans Collapse

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

their defenses and the security of their homes, no clan is immortal and no stronghold unassailable. Threats to a clan can come from the outside or the inside, and it’s often the latter variety that

compromise their principles from time to time. Minor turmoil of this sort rarely leads to civil war or a rapid decline of the clan’s strength. But in the worst cases, a clan’s collective lack of

Terror from the Sky

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

return with the spoils of war. The githyanki sky ships attack from above in the dead of night, gaining an instant advantage since communities on the surface rarely offer strong defenses against

One for All: The Stronghold

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

. Dwarves use a variety of approaches and devices in setting their defenses. The strongholds of many clans are honeycombed with secret passages designed to enable the dwarves to ambush and flank enemies

other races that guard their territory by creating features that actively deter invaders, dwarves rarely use arrow traps, pit traps, and other such measures that could cause harm to clan members. They

Manshoon

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

years ago by the two wizards who built it. The edifice is surrounded by a magical barrier that has the properties of a wall of force. Manshoon rarely leaves the towers and uses a teleportation circle

prepared: Cantrips (at will): fire bolt, light, mage hand, prestidigitation, shocking grasp 1st level (4 slots): detect magic, mage armor, magic missile, shield 2nd level (3 slots): detect

Aristocrat

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything

the locale if necessary, but you’re largely afforded time to relax as you please. However, poor (or outright destructive) guests rarely receive invitations to stay again. Salary. Your employment

professional ventures. 4 Lost Lineage. You seek evidence of a lost branch of a noble family or proof that individuals don’t possess a noble pedigree. 5 Origin of Nobility. You reveal the secret reason why

Arkhan's Tower

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

. Spellcasting. Krull is a 14th-level spellcaster. His spellcasting ability is Wisdom (spell save DC 16, +8 to hit with spell attacks). He has the following cleric spells prepared: Cantrips (at will

reactions, and the only action he can take is to emerge from his shell. In addition to its undead defenses, the tower has four smaller dragons living inside it: a young black dragon named Slarkas

Attack on Goldenfields

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

their outer defenses and militia. Lob and Ogg spent the next month lost in the hills, trying to find their way back to Grudd Haug. When they got there, they told Guh about the “big farm.” Guh

Goldenfields’ defenses and can run to get help, if that’s what the players want them to do. For more information on how to use and run these NPCs, see the “Special NPCs” section at the start of this chapter

Enemies All Around

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

, one rarely makes a lair close to a stronghold. When a black dragon does cross paths with dwarves, it might attempt to isolate a settlement by making the roads leading to it impassable. The terrain

off, the dragon might start to test its outer defenses in advance of mounting a larger assault. This strategy can take years to come to fruition, but from the dragon’s perspective it is time well

Crushing Wave Cultists

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

spellcaster. Its spellcasting ability is Charisma (spell save DC 13, +5 to hit with spell attacks). It knows the following sorcerer spells (an asterisked spell is from appendix B): Cantrips (at will): chill

surprise, and look for chances to launch sudden attacks from positions of concealment whenever possible. The soldiers of the Crushing Wave cult are highly loyal to the cult priests, but they rarely fight to

Mayor Duvezin's House

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

branch off into the gloom. Ahead, a stairway leads up to the second floor, and a door stands beneath the stairs, seemingly leading to the back yard. Dim light filters in through the dust-covered

Bedroom Empty except for a bed and a fireplace, this room is cold and has an air of loneliness about it. Intended as a guest bedroom, this chamber rarely saw much use. H11. Son’s Bedroom This bedroom

The Glitterhame

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Tales from the Yawning Portal->a2

maintain an uneasy peace, although skirmishes occur. The troglodytes usually use the old orc tunnel (see area 21) to hunt on the surface and leave the orcs alone. In return, Great Ulfe’s followers rarely

, occupying three caves that branch off the warren’s central area to the northwest, southwest, and southeast. The passage opens into a long, low cavern that has three narrow, twisting passages leading off into

NPCs by Guild

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Guildmasters' Guide to Ravnica

Azorius spellcaster. Her spellcasting ability is Wisdom (spell save DC 23, +14 to hit with spell attacks). Isperia has the following cleric spells prepared: Cantrips (at will): guidance, light

). The lawmage has the following wizard spells prepared: Cantrips (at will): fire bolt, friends, light, message 1st level (4 slots): alarm, expeditious retreat, shield 2nd level (3 slots): arcane

Life as a Halfling

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

visitors who have interesting items to swap. Life of Leisure. Halflings rarely consider leaving the security of their villages, because they already have all the comforts they could want — food

not dozing off and dreaming of chasing butterflies, halflings spend time on simple creative activities, such as whittling a pipe from a branch, braiding yarn into a thick rope, or composing a jaunty

Arcane Brotherhood

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

is Intelligence (spell save DC 14; +6 to hit with spell attacks). She has the following wizard spells prepared: Cantrips (at will): fire bolt (see “Actions” below), mage hand, message, minor

. Because they’re so despised throughout Faerûn, Red Wizards often adopt disguises and rarely travel abroad without an escort. They generally favor undead servants and bodyguards, since they find that

Maglubiyet's Will Be Done

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

the battlefront. Auxiliary Units. A host rarely consists of nothing but goblinoids, especially if it has been on the move for a while. In addition to wolf and worg mounts and flocks of squawking ravens

penetrate the foe’s defenses. Murderers carry many javelins with them, which they throw from hiding and wield in melee, and they also carry garrotes to cut off sounds of screaming. The Host on the March

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