contrast cluster whether

Deathless Rider

Monsters Monstrous Compendium Vol. 4: Eldraine Creatures

Queen, who rules from a castle called Dynnistan. It isn’t known whether these legends are based on any true experience or are simply the result of imagination trying to account for a terrifying and

called lich-knights or fell horsemen. In stark contrast to the knights of Eldraine, the deathless riders are without virtue of any kind. They are few in number—unless many more lurk in the dark

Salvage Operation

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Spelljammer Academy

Salvage Operation Once their ship passes through the asteroid cluster, the characters reach the wreckage of a flying fish ship, torn apart by the celestial debris. The longer the characters take to

problem, whether it’s using mage hand, tying a rope around a character’s waist and leaping out toward the logbook, or other similar efforts—assigning a DC 13 check using an ability and skill that you

Cult of the Obelisk

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

obelisk provides them a conduit to an entity from the Far Realm. A malevolent Aberration called an encephalon cluster (see appendix A) never leaves the obelisk’s side. The encephalon cluster occasionally

individuals they find in Talhundereth and feed them to the encephalon cluster as sacrifices to their strange god—if the gemmules don’t eat the captives first. The Cult of the Obelisk is led by Ontharyx

Genasi Legacy

Species Elemental Evil Player's Companion

into the mortal world. They adapt well to the mingled elements of the Material Plane, and they sometimes visit—whether of their own volition or compelled by magic. Some genies can adopt mortal

, elemental forces hold greater sway than they do on other worlds. As a people touched by elemental power, genasi are viewed as seers, prophets, and chosen ones. The birth of a genasi, whether a slave, a noble

Moving Around Other Creatures

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Basic Rules (2014)

Moving Around Other Creatures You can move through a nonhostile creature's space. In contrast, you can move through a hostile creature's space only if the creature is at least two sizes larger or

smaller than you. Remember that another creature's space is difficult terrain for you. Whether a creature is a friend or an enemy, you can't willingly end your move in its space. If you leave a hostile creature's reach during your move, you provoke an opportunity attack, as explained later in the section.

Druid Legacy

Classes Basic Rules (2014)

. Whether calling on the elemental forces of nature or emulating the creatures of the animal world, druids are an embodiment of nature’s resilience, cunning, and fury. They claim no mastery over

, animals, or elemental forces. The ancient druidic traditions are sometimes called the Old Faith, in contrast to the worship of gods in temples and shrines. Druid spells are oriented toward nature and

Yuan-ti Pureblood Legacy

Species Volo's Guide to Monsters

cluster of allied city-states. Conquered neighbors were allowed to keep their leaders and culture so long as they paid tribute, swore allegiance to the victors, and incorporated their conquerors

others can be exploited through bribes, favors, or threats. As creatures devoid of emotion, yuan-ti exhibit behavior and use tactics that exemplify that outlook (or lack of one). Whether in combat

Developments

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Tyranny of Dragons

Developments If the characters defeat Arauthator, the reactions of Oyaviggaton’s other inhabitants are dependent on whether the dragon is killed or driven off. If Arauthator is killed, the ice toads

grieve, but they won’t take any action against the characters. In contrast, the kobolds are furious with grief, throwing themselves at the characters in frenzied, suicidal attacks. The ice trolls

Marcher Characters

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

nations are blinded by their civilized ways. You have heard the truth in the voices of croaking frogs and seen it in the shadows shifting on the water. Whether you’re loyal to the Gatekeepers, the

contrast, the Marcher tribes maintain traditions that predate humanity. As nomadic hunter-gatherers, they don’t work metals; they make their tools from stone, hide, wood, and bone. If your character

Ability Checks

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

Ability Checks An ability check is a test to see whether a character succeeds at a task that he or she has decided to attempt. The Player’s Handbook includes examples of what each ability score is

whether both sides use the same ability or whether different abilities should counter each other. For example, when a creature tries to hide, it engages in a contest of Dexterity against Wisdom. But if two

Developments

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Rise of Tiamat

Developments If the characters defeat Arauthator, the reactions of Oyaviggaton’s other inhabitants are dependent on whether the dragon is killed or driven off. If Arauthator is killed, the ice toads

grieve, but they won’t take any action against the characters. In contrast, the kobolds are furious with grief, throwing themselves at the characters in frenzied, suicidal attacks. The ice trolls

Multiclassing

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

Proficiencies table. No saving throw proficiencies are included in that table. Regardless of whether a class is your first, you do gain any proficiencies that the class grants through its features. For

strikes? The Sneak Attack feature works with a weapon that has the finesse or ranged property. An unarmed strike isn’t a weapon, so it doesn’t qualify. In contrast, a rogue/ monk can use Sneak Attack with a

Moving Around Other Creatures

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

Moving Around Other Creatures You can move through a nonhostile creature’s space. In contrast, you can move through a hostile creature’s space only if the creature is at least two sizes larger or

smaller than you. Remember that another creature’s space is difficult terrain for you. Whether a creature is a friend or an enemy, you can’t willingly end your move in its space. If you leave a

Folk Horror

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

adventures, particularly as they contrast with what majorities consider the status quo. In folk horror tales, characters often discover that their beliefs aren’t as universally held as they assumed, and

beliefs, whether physically obscuring them or by manipulating others in power. Communities in folk horror stories often serve as a grim mirror of some aspect of accepted society. Beliefs highlighted

Briny Maze Locations

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

ashenwights. Characters who investigate the corpses determine the duergar died from weapon wounds a few months ago. They all have postmortem head wounds; the encephalon cluster that lairs in area B12

. Two phase spiders live here and are responsible for the flimsy webbing. The spiders can’t use their Ethereal Jaunt ability in the Briny Maze and scuttle from known dangers like the encephalon cluster

Myths and Deeds

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

come into being when Purphoros tried to steal the secrets of Kruphix? To the people of Theros, it doesn’t matter whether these tales describe historical facts, and each of them is true in its own way

, by contrast, is about the exploits of a single mortal hero, Callaphe the Mariner, who snuck into Mount Velus and stole Purphoros’s tears, hid behind Phenax and wrote down his secrets, and raced Thassa

The Wilds

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

The Wilds Past the courts, across the stream, into the woods—there lie the wilds, the most magical, strange, and dangerous lands in all Eldraine. In contrast to the order and structure of the realm

, including humans. In addition to those described in this collection, many creatures from the Monster Manual and other sources live in the wilds of Eldraine: Humans. Whether driven by desperation or a

Creating Factions

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

interact with, whether as allies, members, or enemies. As a starting point, decide what role you want an organization to play in the world. What is it all about? What are its goals? Who founded it and why

organization as you’ve defined it. Consider the motto of the Harpers: “Down with tyranny. Fairness and equality for all.” The Harpers have a straightforward message of freedom and prosperity. Contrast

Creature Size

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Basic Rules (2014)

. Because larger creatures take up more space, fewer of them can surround a creature. If four Large creatures crowd around a Medium or smaller one, there's little room for anyone else. In contrast, as many as

between two things—whether creatures or objects—start counting squares from a square adjacent to one of them and stop counting in the space of the other one. Count by the shortest route.

Setessa's Surroundings

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

Setessa’s Surroundings Beyond the city’s encircling trees, the territory of Setessa extends to cover about a third of the Nessian Wood and a wide swath of the open chaparral. In contrast to Meletis

the fortress when there is reason to suspect danger from the east. More than once, though, patrols have reached the fort only to find something else has taken up residence, whether it be rowdy satyrs

Deathless Rider

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

deathless riders serve a warlock-queen, known simply as the Shadow Queen, who rules from a castle called Dynnistan. It isn’t known whether these legends are based on any true experience or are simply the

through the remotest parts of the wilds. They are sometimes called lich-knights or fell horsemen. In stark contrast to the knights of Eldraine, the deathless riders are without virtue of any kind. They are

Dungeon Inhabitants

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

, hobgoblins, and bugbears to revolt against their illithid masters. Dungeon Factions A dungeon is sometimes dominated by a single group of intelligent humanoids, whether a tribe of orcs that have taken

canny monsters seek to exploit. Intelligent creatures in a dungeon have goals, whether as simple as short-term survival or as ambitious as claiming the entire dungeon as the first step in founding an

Clockwork Dragon

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

creature is a unique form of avian insect. Seen up close, it can easily be discerned from any other giant bird by its insectoid maw, its four-clawed feet, and the cluster of red eyes that are the most

, emerging from the lair only to hunt, to look for potential threats, and to mate. Mating is a once-in-a-lifetime urge that sees each deep crow involved in the pairing produce a cluster of four to eight

Church of the Silver Flame

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

Khorvaire. In contrast to the Sovereign Host, the church maintains a defined structure and creed. Archbishops monitor regions; cardinals lead the church; and the ultimate authority is the Keeper of the

politics means that some come to the faith seeking power rather than purely to do good. In creating a follower of the Silver Flame, decide whether you are bound to the church or simply inspired by its

Knights of Solamnia

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

Honor Is My Life.” This principle—to sacrifice all for the sake of honor—guides the actions of every knight, at least in theory. The Measure. In contrast to the Oath, the Measure is a staggeringly

honor the god Habbakuk as their patron. The order emphasizes ideals of loyalty and obedience that serve as a bedrock whether a knight chooses to remain within the order or move beyond it. Knights of the

Overkill Attacks

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

. Overkill Range Minions must be within a certain range to qualify for an overkill attack, determined by whether the attack is a melee or ranged attack. In addition to the examples below, the “Overkill

creatures succeeding on their saving throw. By contrast, under this book’s minion rules, spellcasters still have a good reason to use high-level spells against minions.

Dragon Encounters

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

Dragon Encounters Often, a dragon who is merely hungry is perceived as angry. The outcome for the observing creatures is the same, but I think it’s important to clarify motives. -Fizban Whether

seeing the inside of the dragon’s home. This scenario also means an adult or older dragon has access to lair actions. In contrast, a dragon fighting outdoors can more easily fly out of reach of opponents

Above the Ashen Spires

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Fated Flight of the Recluse

Above the Ashen Spires Drawing ever closer to their journey’s end, the Recluse eventually passes over the Ashen Spires, a cluster of mountains 250 miles to the east of Korth. Long suspected to be a

determine whether a complication occurs. If it does, it affects the next chase participant in the Initiative order, not the participant who rolled the die. Brynshal’duun isn’t affected by

Combat

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

Combat Does surprise happen outside the initiative order as a special surprise round? No, here’s how surprise works. The first step of any combat is this: the DM determines whether anyone in the

creature is no longer surprised. In short, activity in a combat is always ordered by initiative, whether or not someone is surprised, and after the first round of combat has passed, surprise is no longer a

The Greyhawk Setting

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

wield magic. What normal folk know of magic depends on where they live and whether they know people who practice magic. Citizens of an isolated hamlet might not have seen true magic used for generations

except the strange powers of the old hermit living in the nearby woods, which they regard with suspicion and mention only in whispers. By contrast, magic is common enough in the Free City of Greyhawk

Talhundereth Locations

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

gemmule attack in a fury. If the characters don’t do anything about the gemmule within a week of encountering Falfark, the gemmule transforms into an adult encephalon cluster that consumes Falfark as its

and maybe even making allies. Talking with the Drow. Unless the characters speak Elvish or Undercommon, the drow call their leaders in area T15 to translate. Whether they talk or fight, their leaders

Specific Spells

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

the target it hits from regaining Hit Points until the end of your next turn. This is true even if the target takes none of the Necrotic damage, whether because of Immunity or some other reason. Using

whether a spell’s effects can be dispelled or suspended, you need to answer one question: is the spell’s duration instantaneous? If the answer is yes, there is nothing to dispel or suspend. Here’s why: the

Life as a Halfling

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

small folk than meets the eye. The members of a halfling community have a set of shared values and purposes, whether they are tucked away in a hillside burrow or occupying a neighborhood of their own

halfling village is a cluster of small, stone houses with thatched roofs and wooden doors, or burrows dug into hillsides with windows that look out onto gardens of flowers, beans or potatoes. Since a

Death Tyrant

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

pinpoint of red light gleaming in its hollow eye socket. With its eyestalks rotted away, ten spectral eyes hover above the creature and glare in all directions. “A cluster of tiny lights descended from a

invisible, magical 150-foot cone of negative energy. At the start of each of its turns, the tyrant decides which way the cone faces and whether the cone is active. Any creature in that area can’t

Other Religious Systems

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

), or even forces and philosophies that don’t center on deities. Tight Pantheons In contrast to a loose pantheon, a tight pantheon focuses on a single religion whose teachings and edicts embrace a small

decide whether other gods exist. Even if they don’t, other religions can exist side by side with the monotheistic religion. If these religions have clerics with spellcasting ability, their spells might be

D&D Beyond

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