concept way resulting

Psionic Ashenwight

Monsters Phandelver and Below: The Shattered Obelisk

. While charmed in this way, the target’s thoughts are sluggish; it can’t take reactions, its speed is halved, and it takes 9 (2d8);{"diceNotation":"2d8", "rollType":"damage", "rollAction

for the ashenwight to develop psionic abilities. A psionic ashenwight is markedly more sapient than other ashenwights, though the resulting consciousness is a new creation separate from who the

Cloaker Mutate

Monsters Phandelver and Below: The Shattered Obelisk

poisoned condition for 1 minute. While poisoned in this way, a creature can’t regain hit points. Tail. Melee Weapon Attack: +8;{"diceNotation":"1d20+8", "rollType":"to hit", "rollAction":"Tail"} to

causes a cloaker to merge with the rotted corpse of its last meal, resulting in a hideous puppeteering Aberration. The cloaker mutate shrouds its actions in a miasma of phantasmic duplicates. It uses the

Skull Lord

Monsters Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

way roll initiative, act in the next available turn, and obey the skull lord. The skull lord can have no more than five Undead summoned by this ability at a time.Skull lords have claimed vast regions

first of them appeared in the aftermath of Vecna’s bid to conquer the world of Greyhawk, after the vampire Kas betrayed Vecna and took his eye and hand. In the confusion resulting from this turn

Rod of Seven Parts

Magic Items Vecna: Eve of Ruin

annihilation. Desperate to save themselves and their allies, powerful elemental beings called the Wind Dukes of Aaqa rose against Miska. Committed to the concept of law, the Wind Dukes descended from a

rod, you can use an action to cast the spell associated with that piece, as listed on the Rod Pieces table. Once that piece of the rod has been used to cast a spell, it can’t be used that way

Tiefling Legacy

Species Basic Rules (2014)

“But you do see the way people look at you, devil’s child.” Those black eyes, cold as a winter storm, were staring right into her heart and the sudden seriousness in his voice

their own way in the world and that they have to be strong to survive. They are not quick to trust anyone who claims to be a friend, but when a tiefling’s companions demonstrate that they trust

Gnome Legacy

Species Basic Rules (2014)

habitations in Oeble, that particular tenement had been built for humans, and smaller residents coped with the resulting awkwardness as best they could. But at least the relative largeness of the apartment

surprise and appreciation along the way. Though gnomes love jokes of all kinds, particularly puns and pranks, they’re just as dedicated to the more serious tasks they undertake. Many gnomes are

Feral Tiefling

Species Sword Coast Adventurer's Guide

“But you do see the way people look at you, devil’s child.” Those black eyes, cold as a winter storm, were staring right into her heart and the sudden seriousness in his voice

their own way in the world and that they have to be strong to survive. They are not quick to trust anyone who claims to be a friend, but when a tiefling’s companions demonstrate that they trust

Warforged Legacy

Species Eberron: Rising from the Last War

deeper meaning. The typical warforged has a sexless body shape. Some warforged ignore the concept of gender entirely, while others adopt a gender identity. The more a warforged develops its

chosen new names as a way to express their path in life. A few take on human names, often the name of a fallen friend or mentor. Warforged Names: Anchor, Banner, Bastion, Blade, Blue, Bow, Cart

Goliath Legacy

Species Elemental Evil Player's Companion

elements that can tip the balance one way or the other. Goliaths happily rely on such benefits, but they are careful to remember that such an advantage can always be lost. A goliath who relies too

the goliath concept of fair play. A permanently injured goliath is still expected to pull his or her weight in the tribe. Typically, such a goliath dies attempting to keep up, or the goliath slips

Kobold Legacy

Species Volo's Guide to Monsters

hidden that the surface-dwelling citizens in the area often don’t know what lies beneath them. Because the kobolds make sure they stay out of the way of anyone more dangerous than themselves, grow

abandon this careful approach. First, because of their hatred of gnomes, city kobolds often go out of their way to target gnomes’ houses and shops. Even in such cases, the kobolds’ fear of

Haunted Traps

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

Haunted Traps Like other traps, haunted traps represent threats leveled toward trespassers. They originate in an area spontaneously, often resulting from overwhelming negative emotions, tragedy, or

. Such traps provide a way to theme the dangers and monsters of a haunted place to reveal a grim history or frightening tale. When creating haunted traps, consider what events brought them into being and how the trap’s effects suggest those origins.

Into the Caves of Hunger

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

Into the Caves of Hunger When the floating city of Ythryn plummeted from the sky into the Reghed Glacier centuries ago, the impact of the collision (and the resulting heat) drove the city deeper into

Reghed Glacier. Some of its caves and tunnels formed naturally, some formed as a byproduct of Ythryn’s fall, and still others are the work of creatures such as remorhazes that can dig or melt their way

Dragonflesh Grafters

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

Dragonflesh Grafters The best way to identify one of these grafters is if you see someone running around chanting, “Look at me! I’m a dragon! I’m a draaaaaagon!” -Fizban Dragonflesh grafters

twisted by magical malevolence, with only a shadow of their former selves remaining. In the most extreme cases, the resulting abomination holds no remnant of the person it once was and is utterly ruled by a dragon’s lust for treasure.

During the Interim

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Vecna: Eve of Ruin

during this time. The party might have stayed together and gone on further adventures, or each character could have gone their own way. If the players aren’t sure or you’d like to offer them suggestions

. Adventure became less of a priority as they settled into domestic life. 5 Obsessed with the concept of the multiverse, the characters studied the realms that make up existence, traveling between

Skyway

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

were seized by the crown during the Last War and sold to wealthy citizens of Breland. The resulting influx of residents has brought more diversity to the district, with dragonmarked heirs and even

to do that. No bridges or lifts connect Skyway to the rest of the city, so the usual way to reach the floating district is by taking a skycoach or hiring a flying mount.

Chapter 1: Acquisitions Incorporated

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

the time, was an unusual way to play Dungeons & Dragons. The intervening decade saw Acq Inc take on many forms — streams, recorded content, comics, and, of course, live roleplaying shows. While these

, detailing how to start a game and play the Acquisitions Incorporated way. Chapter 2 explores the various positions within an Acq Inc franchise, introducing a variety of roles vital to an adventuring

Warlock

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Sage Advice & Errata

melee theme of the feature? It sure does, but we’re willing to occasionally bend a design concept if doing so is likely to increase a player’s happiness. If you’re a Pact of the Blade Warlock, can

than 5 feet away from the Warlock for 1 minute or more. Does the Awakened Mind feature of a Warlock with a Great Old One Patron allow two-way telepathic communication? Yes. See “Telepathy” in appendix C of the Player’s Handbook.

Character Advancement

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

designed to take 2 hours, the character reaches 3 checkpoints. Playing time might seem like an odd way to measure experience awards, but the concept is in keeping with how a shared campaign is meant to

Secret

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

it could be rooted in the way you feel about the world and your role in it. Secrets d6 Secret 1 An imp offers you counsel. You try to ignore the creature, but sometimes its advice is helpful. 2

cosmic force, such as life or death, or a philosophy or concept, such as love, peace, or one of the nine alignments. Chapter 1 of the Dungeon Master’s Guide explores options like these, in the section

Warlock

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Sage Advice Compendium

weapons appear in a campaign. Does this versatility extend outside the melee theme of the feature? It sure does, but we’re willing to occasionally bend a design concept if doing so is likely to increase

warlock’s Awakened Mind feature allow two-way telepathic communication? The feature is intended to provide one-way communication. The warlock can use the feature to speak telepathically to a creature

Heliod as Campaign Villain

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

themselves the targets of Heliod’s agents, marked as a threat to order and stability in the poleis. Such a campaign might end with the characters appeasing Heliod in some way, convincing the other gods

decides to end their conflict by banishing Mogis. To his surprise, both gods turn against him. The resulting conflict causes the sun to rain divine blood, producing bizarre effects. 3 Angry at the

Psionic Ashenwight

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

abilities. A psionic ashenwight is markedly more sapient than other ashenwights, though the resulting consciousness is a new creation separate from who the ashenwight was in life. Some psionic

charmed in this way, the target’s thoughts are sluggish; it can’t take reactions, its speed is halved, and it takes 9 (2d8) psychic damage at the start of each of its turns. The target can repeat the

Darklords

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

allows a Darklord to escape their prison for long. Darklords Are Tormented. Every domain torments its Darklord in a poignant way tied ironically to their past crimes, failures, or unattainable ambitions

concept of how long they’ve lived, how many times they’ve died, or why they returned to life. Should a Darklord fall, the temporary defeat lasts until they’re restored by the Dark Powers. In their

Orog

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Monster Manual (2014)

any attack, relying on their superior strength and tactical insight to overcome anything that stands in their way. Few orc tribes actively seek out orogs to bolster their ranks. The orogs’ superiority

terrifying presence on the battlefield. They form no attachments, even to their parents and siblings, and have no concept of love or dedication. They worship the orc pantheon of gods — Gruumsh and Luthic

Cloaker Mutate

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

Cloaker Mutate The malign energy of the Far Realm causes a cloaker to merge with the rotted corpse of its last meal, resulting in a hideous puppeteering Aberration. The cloaker mutate shrouds its

, it must succeed on a DC 16 Constitution saving throw or have the poisoned condition for 1 minute. While poisoned in this way, a creature can’t regain hit points. Tail. Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to

Age of Heroes

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

queen Korinna, and the resulting birth of the Dakra Isles from Thassa’s falling tears, is a tale told incidentally, by way of comparison to the grief of the Olantian king. The tale of Phenax escaping

Modifying a Class

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

ideas and make changes if things aren’t playing out the way you want them to. Once you have the concept for the class option in mind, it’s time to design the specifics. If you’re not sure where to

modify existing classes to better serve your game’s needs. Changing Proficiencies Changing a class’s proficiencies is a safe and simple way to modify a class to better reflect your world. Swapping

Evil Inchoate

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

absolute evil, demons have no concept of empathy. Each demon believes that only its needs and desires matter. This self-centeredness applies even with regard to other demons. These fiends have no

powerful demon usually has an intent that goes beyond merely causing carnage, and a plan to achieve it. DEMONIC AMULETS: BLESSING AND CURSE Some demon lords have a way of cheating death, but this great

It's Just Business

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

. What better way to think of the big bad monster at the center of a web of even bigger and badder plans than as the CEO of a megacorporation, using every resource to dominate the market? What is an

-reaching power of global corporations allied with political power doesn’t just inform our own real world — it molds it. Bringing that concept of powerful corporations working with or against nobility to

Personal Characteristics

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Player's Handbook (2014)

against your best interests. More significant than negative personality traits, a flaw might answer any of these questions: What enrages you? What’s the one person, concept, or event that you are terrified

of? What are your vices? TIKA AND ARTEMIS: PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS Tika and Artemis have distinct personality traits. Tika Waylan dislikes boastfulness and has a fear of heights resulting from a

Circles

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Out of the Abyss

with this new and unusual concept, swayed by Phylo’s claims that a higher level of communal harmony will be achieved. Basidia believes that Phylo’s separation of the circles is contrary to the unity and

harmony of the myconid way of life, and that this segregation isolates individuals from the experiences of others outside their circle. Basidia has likewise expressed concern about the unnaturalness

Introduction

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Mordenkainen's Fiendish Folio Volume 1

you receive a cancer diagnosis or a similar health news, you probably appreciate that concept a little more than other people. Watching someone you love waste away is a terrible thing. You want a

magic button to bring things back to the way they should be, this person you love so much restored to who they really are rather than what cancer is grinding them down into. It’s easy to give in to

The Age of Humanity

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

the role of the goddess of magic. The resulting disruption in the fabric of magic sent Netheril’s floating cities crashing to the ground, destroyed a host of other wards and enchantments, and brought

Sword Coast, forming a chain along the Trade Way from Illusk in the far north to Baldur’s Gate in the south, near the borders of Amn. Like their elven and dwarven predecessors, they fought off attacks by

Warnings

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->The Book of Many Things

seriously, or seize property and goods from others to prepare for the disaster to come. The resulting chaos creates an opening for opportunistic evil organizations to increase their activities at a time

can’t be averted; the warning is the prelude to an inevitable cataclysm. This can be a good way to radically transform your campaign. For example, if the characters survive disaster only to see their world destroyed, they might seek refuge in the stars of a Spelljammer campaign or among the many planes.

Skull Lord

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

. In the confusion resulting from this turn of events, Vecna’s warlords turned against each other, and his plans were dashed. In a rage, Vecna gathered up his generals and captains and bound them in

summoned in this way roll initiative, act in the next available turn, and obey the skull lord. The skull lord can have no more than five Undead summoned by this ability at a time.

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