building before down creatures roles

Spirit Statue Mascot

Monsters Strixhaven: A Curriculum of Chaos

call upon the spirits of dead creatures. Mages seeking longer-term assistance from ancient spirits have learned to house these spirits in statues, giving them a more permanent residence from which to

assist the living. Some of these spirit statues bond with and mentor a specific mage, but most serve in a variety of roles for numerous individuals, ranging from research colleagues to martial

Plasmoid Boss

Monsters Spelljammer: Adventures in Space

boss around smaller, weaker creatures can easily end up in positions of power, surrounded by loyal underlings, sycophants, and would-be usurpers. A plasmoid boss might be the master of a guild, the

leader of a criminal enterprise, the lord of a plasmoid community, or the captain of a spelljamming ship. Regardless of the roles they secure for themselves, plasmoid bosses need no small amount of charm

Worker Robot

Monsters Quests from the Infinite Staircase

condition (escape DC 15). The robot has two cargo tentacles, each of which can grapple one target. Tractor Beam. The robot casts Telekinesis, targeting only creatures with the incapacitated condition

worker robots fill public-facing service roles. Antigravity technology and built-in tractor beams allow worker robots to effortlessly lift cargo and other heavy objects with their mechanical tentacles

Duergar Kavalrachni

Monsters Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

early on the mount immediately after it attacks.Kavalrachni are duergar cavalry trained to fight while riding female steeder;female steeders or other Underdark creatures as mounts. Duergar Duergar

many who dwell in the Underdark, duergar must constantly be on guard against the raids and plots of their neighbors. To this end, duergar warriors fulfill a variety of combat roles, often marrying

Spiderdragon

Monsters Vecna: Eve of Ruin

most numerous in Underdark areas that Lolth’s faithful claim as their own. Lolth worshipers might employ spiderdragons as guards or treat them as venerated guests. The creatures aren’t as

powerful as their black dragon progenitors, though, and they often drain the enclaves’ resources with their selfish demands. Uninterested in building lairs, spiderdragons weave powerful webs and

Duergar Stone Guard

Monsters Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

neighbors. To this end, duergar warriors fulfill a variety of combat roles, often marrying their fury in battle with their psionic abilities or training dangerous Underdark creatures as mounts. Denigrated by

Tortle Legacy

Species The Tortle Package

put to use when building forts to contain their offspring. Although they spend a considerable portion of their lives in isolation, tortles are social creatures that like to form meaningful

Yondalla relate to tortles most of all. Tortles believe that night and day watch over them and other creatures. The moon is the eye of night that watches over them in darkness, and the sun is the

Duergar Despot

Monsters Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

many who dwell in the Underdark, duergar must constantly be on guard against the raids and plots of their neighbors. To this end, duergar warriors fulfill a variety of combat roles, often marrying their

fury in battle with their psionic abilities or training dangerous Underdark creatures as mounts. Denigrated by some as joyless, duergar are in fact deeply passionate in all that they do—even if

Ember

Monsters Monstrous Compendium Vol. 2: Dragonlance Creatures

Calescent Aura. At the start of Ember’s turn, Ember can force any number of creatures of his choice within 10 feet of himself to make a DC 22 Constitution saving throw. On a failed save, a

who serves the Dragon Queen Takhisis. In his service to the Dragon Queen, Ember has taken on many roles at her behest—including that of a black-robed human member of the Mages of High Sorcery

Star Spawn Mangler

Monsters Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

summon these creatures to serve as guards and assassins, two roles at which they excel. Star Spawn The Material Plane represents only one small part of the multiverse. Beyond the best-known planes

: entities that are ever hungering, searching, warring, and sometimes dreaming. These Elder Evils are far older than most of the mortal peoples and always inimical to such creatures’ minds. However

Duergar Soulblade

Monsters Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

Underdark, duergar must constantly be on guard against the raids and plots of their neighbors. To this end, duergar warriors fulfill a variety of combat roles, often marrying their fury in battle with

their psionic abilities or training dangerous Underdark creatures as mounts. Denigrated by some as joyless, duergar are in fact deeply passionate in all that they do—even if that passion rarely

Duergar Xarrorn

Monsters Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

guard against the raids and plots of their neighbors. To this end, duergar warriors fulfill a variety of combat roles, often marrying their fury in battle with their psionic abilities or training

dangerous Underdark creatures as mounts. Denigrated by some as joyless, duergar are in fact deeply passionate in all that they do—even if that passion rarely manifests as mirth. They bring an

Grung

Species One Grung Above

humanoids found in rain forests and tropical jungles. They are fiercely territorial and see themselves as superior to most other creatures. Tree-Dwelling Amphibians. Grungs live in trees and prefer shade. A

, and blue grungs work as artisans and in other domestic roles. Supervising and guiding both groups are the purple grungs, which serve as administrators and commanders. Red grungs are the tribe&rsquo

Young Topaz Dragon

Monsters Fizban's Treasury of Dragons

to ask for help getting home. 6 A topaz dragon is building a tableau of desiccated creatures and has grown obsessed with catching one treasure hunter who escaped the dragon’s clutches

creatures. 8 I secretly enjoy conversing with lesser beings, although I usually do so only to find their weaknesses. Topaz Dragon Ideals d6;{"diceNotation":"1d6","rollType":"roll

Drow Mother of Rebellion

Monsters Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

mother is almost never encountered alone. She is typically accompanied by a drow favored consort and a drow house captain. Other Underdark creatures might also be in the priestess’s presence

, providing protection or advice.A Matron Mother’s Lair The palace of a drow matron mother is her home and fortress. Sigils throughout the building allow the matron mother to use the following

Topaz Dragon Wyrmling

Monsters Fizban's Treasury of Dragons

, but the dragon is too proud to ask for help getting home. 6 A topaz dragon is building a tableau of desiccated creatures and has grown obsessed with catching one treasure hunter who escaped the

hone them on other creatures. 8 I secretly enjoy conversing with lesser beings, although I usually do so only to find their weaknesses. Topaz Dragon Ideals d6;{"diceNotation

Duergar Mind Master

Monsters Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

this end, duergar warriors fulfill a variety of combat roles, often marrying their fury in battle with their psionic abilities or training dangerous Underdark creatures as mounts. Denigrated by some

make one weapon attack against another creature the duergar can see or to move up to 10 feet in a direction of the duergar’s choice. Creatures that can’t be charmed are immune to this

Bard Legacy

Classes Basic Rules (2014)

, decipher old tomes, travel to strange places, or encounter exotic creatures. Bards love to accompany heroes to witness their deeds firsthand. A bard who can tell an awe-inspiring story from personal

experience earns renown among other bards. Indeed, after telling so many stories about heroes accomplishing mighty deeds, many bards take these themes to heart and assume heroic roles themselves

Rahadin

Monsters Curse of Strahd

, Rahadin can force all creatures that can hear the screams to make a DC 16 Wisdom saving throw. Each creature takes 16 (3d10);{"diceNotation":"3d10","rollType":"damage","rollAction":"Deathly Choir

his attention to building Castle Ravenloft, Rahadin saw to it that wizards and artisans were brought to Barovia. Years later, Strahd appointed Rahadin his castle chamberlain. Rahadin was pleased to do

Drow Matron Mother

Monsters Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

typically accompanied by a drow favored consort and a drow house captain. Other Underdark creatures might also be in the priestess’s presence, providing protection or advice. Drow Mother of Rebellion

Underdark armies arrayed against the followers of Lolth. A Matron Mother’s Lair The palace of a drow matron mother is her home and fortress. Sigils throughout the building allow the matron

Duergar Warlord

Monsters Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

dwell in the Underdark, duergar must constantly be on guard against the raids and plots of their neighbors. To this end, duergar warriors fulfill a variety of combat roles, often marrying their fury in

battle with their psionic abilities or training dangerous Underdark creatures as mounts. Denigrated by some as joyless, duergar are in fact deeply passionate in all that they do—even if that

Triton Legacy

Species Volo's Guide to Monsters

and worse, so you know you can count on them in a fight. — Brego Stoneheart, sea captain Tritons guard the ocean depths, building small settlements beside deep trenches, portals to the

arrogant. They see themselves as caretakers of the sea, and they expect other creatures to pay them deep respect, if not complete deference. This attitude might grate on others, but it arises from a seed

Ancient Deep Dragon Legacy

Monsters Fizban's Treasury of Dragons

no creatures are within reach, or the target can’t take a reaction, it takes 11 (2d10);{"diceNotation":"2d10", "rollType":"damage", "rollAction":"Commanding Spores", "rollDamageType":"psychic

Personality Traits d8;{"diceNotation":"1d8","rollType":"roll","rollAction":"Trait"} Trait 1 I will not risk injury at the hands of weaker creatures—especially while I can turn

Kobold Legacy

Species Volo's Guide to Monsters

Kobolds are a lot less cute when they learn how to cast fireballs. — Volo Kobolds are often dismissed as cowardly, foolish, and weak, but these little reptilian creatures actually have a

a perfect world, the creatures would be left alone to dig their tunnels and raise the next generation of kobolds, all the while seeking the magic that will free their imprisoned god (see the &ldquo

Dragons in Play

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Fizban's Treasury of Dragons

-shifting and organizations. “Followers” explores the relationships between dragons and the various creatures that might serve their interests. “Dragon Encounters” offers suggestions for building encounters

Dragons in Play This chapter is intended for the Dungeon Master. The ideas and tables herein can help inspire you as you prepare to use dragons in your D&D game, whether you’re building a single

Goblin Legacy

Species Volo's Guide to Monsters

appreciation for the finer things! — Volo Goblins occupy an uneasy place in a dangerous world, and they react by lashing out at any creatures they believe they can bully. Cunning in battle and

. Beast Masters and Slave Drivers Goblins know they are a weak, unsophisticated race that can be easily dominated by bigger, smarter, more organized, more ferocious, or more magical creatures. Their god

Adult Topaz Dragon

Monsters Fizban's Treasury of Dragons

from the sea, but the dragon is too proud to ask for help getting home. 6 A topaz dragon is building a tableau of desiccated creatures and has grown obsessed with catching one treasure hunter

to meet one, I hone them on other creatures. 8 I secretly enjoy conversing with lesser beings, although I usually do so only to find their weaknesses. Topaz Dragon Ideals d6

Ancient Topaz Dragon

Monsters Fizban's Treasury of Dragons

injured and stranded far from the sea, but the dragon is too proud to ask for help getting home. 6 A topaz dragon is building a tableau of desiccated creatures and has grown obsessed with catching

bronze dragons; while I wait to meet one, I hone them on other creatures. 8 I secretly enjoy conversing with lesser beings, although I usually do so only to find their weaknesses. Topaz

Simic Scientist

Backgrounds Guildmasters’ Guide to Ravnica

alterations in yourself or others, the result often displays the characteristics of fish, amphibians, or other water-dwelling creatures. Blue-green eddies of magical energy sometimes accompany your

1 I helped create a krasis that I love like a pet and would carry with me everywhere … except it’s the size of a building, and it might eat me. 2 In my laboratory, I

Appendix B: Monsters and NPCs

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

Appendix B: Monsters and NPCs This appendix describes various nonplayer characters and monsters that have roles to play in the adventure. These creatures are presented in alphabetical order.

Appendix B: Monsters

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

Appendix B: Monsters This appendix details a few creatures that have roles to play in this adventure, and which can play an ongoing part in an Acquisitions Incorporated campaign.

The Infernal Machine of Lum the Mad

Magic Items Infernal Machine Rebuild

Lum. By experimenting with its many controls, he was able to achieve astounding and destructive magical effects in the building of his empire, and so the artifact came to be known as the Infernal

. 07 You can cast the speak with animals spell at will, but can use it to communicate only with insects. Disturbing whispers on the edge of hearing haunt all creatures within 30 feet of you

Creature Roles

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Flee, Mortals! Rule Primer

Creature Roles Each creature has a role listed next to their challenge rating. Roles are descriptive and most don’t follow special rules—they simply help you build encounters and use the creature

effectively in combat. Ambusher Ambushers are creatures who hide well—not just before an encounter, but during it. They utilize surprise and stealth to gain the upper hand. Artillery Artillery creatures

Undead Attack

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Storm Lord’s Wrath

Undead Attack This encounter occurs at night. As the characters approach the junction of the Triboar Trail and the High Road, set the scene: An oddly shaped building sits at the juncture of the

Triboar Trail and the High Road. Two entrances into the building are apparent: a smaller one at the northern corner, and a larger one, suitable for beasts of burden and wagons, near the first. Right now

The Dungeon Master

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

helps the other players visualize what’s happening around them, improvising when the adventurers do something or go somewhere unexpected. As an actor, the DM plays the roles of the monsters and

, refereeing — every DM handles these roles differently, and you’ll probably enjoy some more than others. It helps to remember that Dungeons & Dragons is a hobby, and being the DM should be fun. Focus

D&D Beyond

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