creature writing reasons

Illusory Script

Spells Player’s Handbook

You write on parchment, paper, or another suitable material and imbue it with an illusion that lasts for the duration. To you and any creatures you designate when you cast the spell, the writing

appears normal, seems to be written in your hand, and conveys whatever meaning you intended when you wrote the text. To all others, the writing appears as if it were written in an unknown or magical

Book of Exalted Deeds

Magic Items Dungeon Master’s Guide

magical nature or translate the benefits it offers to those pure of heart and firm of purpose. A heavy clasp, wrought to look like angel wings, keeps the book’s contents secure. Only a creature

that is attuned to the book can release the clasp that holds it shut. Once the book is opened, the attuned creature must spend 80 hours reading and studying the book to digest its contents and gain its

Book of Vile Darkness

Magic Items Dungeon Master’s Guide

evil have added their own input to the book’s catalog of vile knowledge. Their additions are clear, for the writers of later works stitched whatever they were writing into the tome or, in some

stone cracks and turns to powder if the book rests on it long enough. Whenever a creature that isn’t a Fiend or an Undead attunes to the Book of Vile Darkness, that creature makes a DC 17

Demonomicon of Iggwilv

Magic Items Dungeon Master’s Guide

’s blank pages, which fills with writing detailing the trapped creature’s widely known name and depravities. Once used, this action can’t be used again until the next dawn. When you

finish a Long Rest, if you and the Demonomicon are on the same plane of existence, one trapped creature within the book can attempt to possess you. You make a DC 20 Charisma saving throw. On a failed

Scribe's Pen

Magic Items Wayfinder's Guide to Eberron

You can use this pen to write on any surface. You decide whether the writing is visible or invisible, but the writing is always visible to a person with the Mark of Scribing. Any creature with the

Mark of Scribing can use an action to touch the invisible writing, making it visible to all. If you use the pen to write on a creature that isn’t a construct, the writing fades after 7 days.

Inkling Mascot

Monsters Strixhaven: A Curriculum of Chaos

ink at one creature within 15 feet of itself. The target must succeed on a DC 12 Constitution saving throw or be blinded until the end of the inkling’s next turn.Squelching slightly as they

wriggle through the air, inklings serve as the mascots for Silverquill College. These living blobs of shadowy ink are often summoned by professors who require assistance in their writing workshops—the

Illuminator's Tattoo

Magic Items Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything

fingertip as if it were an ink pen that never runs out of ink. As an action, you can touch a piece of writing up to one page in length and speak a creature’s name. The writing becomes invisible to

Produced by a special needle, this magic tattoo features beautiful calligraphy, images of writing implements, and the like. Tattoo Attunement. To attune to this item, you hold the needle to your

Barnibus Blastwind

Monsters Waterdeep: Dragon Heist

slots): comprehend languages, identify, mage armor, shield 2nd level (3 slots): detect thoughts, suggestion 3rd level (3 slots): clairvoyance, sending 4th level (1 slot): locate creature, Otiluke's

inherited from his grandmother. When not serving the Watchful Order, he spends his days reading and writing books in his library. Barnibus uses spells that help him investigate crimes, pry secrets

Degloth

Monsters Vecna: Eve of Ruin

", "rollDamageType":"slashing"} slashing damage, and if the target is a Medium or smaller creature, the target has the grappled condition (escape DC 18). Until this grapple ends, the target has the

used as shock troops on the front lines of wars waged in the Abyss and other Outer Planes. Degloths gravitate toward violence and mayhem without caring about the reasons behind the bloodshed. They enjoy

Outlander - Baldur's Gate

Backgrounds Baldur’s Gate: Descent into Avernus

Coming to Baldur’s Gate might seem like a good idea for a spectrum of reasons. Profit, excitement, and cosmopolitan opportunities all present tempting prospects, but rarely does one start on

, survived weather more extreme than any city-dweller could comprehend, and enjoyed the solitude of being the only thinking creature for miles in any direction. The wilds are in your blood, whether you were a

Gnome Ceremorph

Monsters Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden

Weapon Attack: +7;{"diceNotation":"1d20+7","rollType":"to hit","rollAction":"Tentacles"} to hit, reach 5 ft., one creature. Hit: 15 (2d10 + 4);{"diceNotation":"2d10+4","rollType":"damage","rollAction

","rollType":"recharge","rollAction":"Mind Blast"}. The ceremorph magically emits psychic energy in a 60-foot cone. Each creature in that area must succeed on a DC 15 Intelligence saving throw or take 22

Marut

Monsters Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

smaller. Blazing Edict (Recharge 5–6);{"diceNotation":"1d6","rollType":"recharge","rollAction":"Blazing Edict"}. Arcane energy emanates from the marut’s chest in a 60-foot cube. Every creature in

that area takes 45 radiant damage. Each creature that takes any of this damage must succeed on a DC 20 Wisdom saving throw or be stunned until the end of the marut’s next turn. Plane Shift (3/Day

False Lich

Monsters Vecna: Eve of Ruin

. Bloodcurdling Lament (Recharge 5–6);{"diceNotation":"1d6", "rollType":"recharge", "rollAction":"Bloodcurdling Lament"}. The false lich emits a hideous shriek charged with malignant energy. Each creature within

30 feet of the false lich must succeed on a DC 22 Wisdom saving throw or have the frightened condition for 1 minute. While frightened in this way, a creature also has the unconscious condition. An

Yagnoloth

Monsters Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

", "rollAction":"Massive Arm", "rollDamageType":"force"} force damage. If the target is a creature, it must succeed on a DC 16 Constitution saving throw or become stunned until the end of the yagnoloth

can hear it can use their reactions to make one melee attack each. Life Leech. The yagnoloth touches one incapacitated creature within 15 feet of it. The target takes 36 (7d8 + 4);{"diceNotation":"7d8

High Fae Impostor

Monsters Monstrous Compendium Vol. 4: Eldraine Creatures

", "rollAction":"Fae Blade", "rollDamageType":"force"} force damage. Vexing Prank. The high fae targets one creature it can see within 60 feet of itself with a magical trick. The target must make a DC 18 Wisdom

mischievous manipulators who delight in disguising themselves with magic to vex other creatures. Their reasons for deception vary, ranging from harmless pranks to malicious infiltration. When a high fae

Zodar

Monsters Spelljammer: Adventures in Space

to say, and the message can be understood by any creature that has an Intelligence score of 2 or higher. Legendary Resistance (3/Day). If the zodar fails a saving throw, it can choose to succeed

. Forced Teleport. The zodar magically warps space around one creature it can see within 60 feet of itself. The target must make a DC 21 Constitution saving throw. On a failed save, the target takes 22 (4d10

Sea Spawn

Monsters Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

: Poison Quills. Melee Weapon Attack: +4;{"diceNotation":"1d20+4", "rollType":"to hit", "rollAction":"Poison Quills"} to hit, reach 5 ft., one creature. Hit: 3 (1d6);{"diceNotation":"1d6", "rollType

grappled (escape DC 12) if it is a Medium or smaller creature. Until this grapple ends, the sea spawn can’t use this tentacle on another target.Many of the stories sung as sea chanteys and

Relentless Juggernaut

Monsters Van Richten’s Guide to Ravenloft

":"damage","rollAction":"Slice","rollDamageType":"piercing"} piercing damage, and if the target is a creature, its speed is reduced by 10 feet until the start of the juggernaut’s next turn. Fist. Melee

":"Fist","rollDamageType":"bludgeoning"} bludgeoning damage, and if the target is a Large or smaller creature, it must succeed on a DC 18 Strength saving throw or be knocked prone. Deadly Shaping

Relentless Slasher

Monsters Van Richten’s Guide to Ravenloft

the target is a creature, it suffers a lingering wound that causes it to take 7 (2d6);{"diceNotation":"2d6","rollType":"damage","rollAction":"Slasher's Knife","rollDamageType":"necrotic"} necrotic

","rollAction":"Slasher's Knife","rollDamageType":"necrotic"}. The wound ends if the target regains hit points or if a creature uses an action to stanch the wound, which requires a successful DC 15 Wisdom

Astral Elf Star Priest

Monsters Spelljammer: Adventures in Space

;Magical, flame-like radiance rains down on a creature that the elf can see within 60 feet of itself. The target must make a DC 16 Dexterity saving throw, taking 22 (5d8);{"diceNotation":"5d8","rollType

their ships and citadels in orbit around stars. Astral elves do this for several reasons. Proximity to a star allows the astral elves to forge pacts with solar dragons and to collect starlight, which the

Soul Coin

Magic Items Baldur’s Gate: Descent into Avernus

Soul coins are about 5 inches across and about an inch thick, minted from infernal iron. Each coin weighs one-third of a pound, and is inscribed with Infernal writing and a spell that magically binds

a single soul to the coin. Because each soul coin has a unique soul trapped within it, each has a story. A creature might have been imprisoned as a result of defaulting on a deal, while another might

Astral Elf Aristocrat

Monsters Spelljammer: Adventures in Space

from the elf’s hand in a 5-foot-wide, 60-foot-long line. Each creature in the line must make a DC 16 Constitution saving throw, taking 18 (4d8);{"diceNotation":"4d8","rollType":"damage

citadels in orbit around stars. Astral elves do this for several reasons. Proximity to a star allows the astral elves to forge pacts with solar dragons and to collect starlight, which the elves use to grow

Dimir Operative

Backgrounds Guildmasters’ Guide to Ravnica

journals or hidden away in someone’s mind. Even you might not be aware of all the reasons behind the missions you carry out. Sometimes a mission’s sole purpose is to conceal the

it might pull shadows or clouds of mist around you as you cast your spells. Using the encode thoughts cantrip described below, you can turn a creature’s thoughts (including your own

Book of Vile Darkness (Variant)

Magic Items Keys from the Golden Vault

added their own input to its catalog of vile knowledge. Their additions are clear, for the writers of later works stitched whatever they were writing into the tome or, in some cases, made notations

powder if the book rests on it long enough. A creature attuned to the book must spend 80 hours reading and studying it to digest its contents and reap its benefits. The creature can then freely modify

Demonomicon of Iggwilv Legacy

Magic Items Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything

saving throw with disadvantage or become trapped within one of the Demonomicon’s empty blank pages, which fills with writing detailing the trapped creature’s widely known name and

depravities. Once used, this action can’t be used again until the next dawn. When you finish a long rest, if you and the Demonomicon are on the same plane of existence, the trapped creature of the

Adult Deep Dragon

Monsters Fizban's Treasury of Dragons

of writing within 6 miles of the dragon’s lair become magically charged and can’t be damaged by nonmagical means. Restless Sleep. When a creature finishes a long rest within 6 miles of the

", "rollType":"damage", "rollAction":"Tail", "rollDamageType":"bludgeoning"} bludgeoning damage. If the target is a creature, it must succeed on a DC 17 Strength saving throw or be knocked prone. Change Shape

Ancient Deep Dragon

Monsters Fizban's Treasury of Dragons

", "rollType":"damage", "rollAction":"Tail", "rollDamageType":"bludgeoning"} bludgeoning damage. If the target is a creature, it must succeed on a DC 20 Strength saving throw or be knocked prone

. Change Shape. The dragon magically transforms into any creature that is Medium or Small, while retaining its game statistics (other than its size). This transformation ends if the dragon is reduced to 0

Illusory Script Legacy

Spells Basic Rules (2014)

You write on parchment, paper, or some other suitable writing material and imbue it with a potent illusion that lasts for the duration. To you and any creatures you designate when you cast the spell

, the writing appears normal, written in your hand, and conveys whatever meaning you intended when you wrote the text. To all others, the writing appears as if it were written in an unknown or magical

Book of Exalted Deeds Legacy

Magic Items Dungeon Master’s Guide (2014)

a creature of good alignment that is attuned to the book can release the clasp that holds it shut. Once the book is opened, the attuned creature must spend 80 hours reading and studying the book to

digest its contents and gain its benefits. Other creatures that peruse the book’s open pages can read the text but glean no deeper meaning and reap no benefits. An evil creature that tries to read

Halfling Legacy

Species Basic Rules (2014)

among them usually venture into the world for reasons of community, friendship, wanderlust, or curiosity. They love discovering new things, even simple things, such as an exotic food or an unfamiliar

despite the rise and fall of empires. Many halflings live among other races, where the halflings’ hard work and loyal outlook offer them abundant rewards and creature comforts. Some halfling

Book of Vile Darkness Legacy

Magic Items Dungeon Master’s Guide (2014)

added their own input to its catalog of vile knowledge. Their additions are clear, for the writers of later works stitched whatever they were writing into the tome or, in some cases, made notations

powder if the book rests on it long enough. A creature attuned to the book must spend 80 hours reading and studying it to digest its contents and reap its benefits. The creature can then freely modify

Laneshi

races

unknown reasons. Perhaps some new and greater threat stirs in the dark depths of the sea, and the laneshi seek aid from their air-breathing cousins. Or perhaps there’s truth in the fearful whispers

that these aquatic visitors have wrought blasphemous pacts with ancient evils, and the laneshi search for new lands to conquer to appease the hunger of an unnamable master. Laneshi Traits Creature

Powered Armor

Magic Items Lost Laboratory of Kwalish

). Translate any writing you can see in any nonmagical language, to a total of one thousand words over 1 minute (1 charge or 5 hit points). Fill the armor with air, allowing you to breathe normally in

), but doesn’t gain access to the user’s knowledge, features, or proficiencies. Freeing a creature trapped inside the armor first requires defeating the armor’s automatic defenses

Lizardfolk Legacy

Species Volo's Guide to Monsters

’t scared of a troll; instead, they understand that a troll is a fearsome, dangerous creature and react accordingly. Lizardfolk never become angry in the way others do, but they act with

into the future. This approach allows them to maintain their current level of influence in the world, but it limits their growth. Lizardfolk have no interest in developing writing, making long-term

Scribe's Pen

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Wayfinder's Guide to Eberron

Scribe’s Pen Wondrous item, common (requires attunement by a creature with the Mark of Scribing) You can use this pen to write on any surface. You decide whether the writing is visible or invisible

, but the writing is always visible to a person with the Mark of Scribing. Any creature with the Mark of Scribing can use an action to touch the invisible writing, making it visible to all. If you use the pen to write on a creature that isn’t a construct, the writing fades after 7 days.

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