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Returning 35 results for 'defeated instead are bad'.
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defeat instead are bad
Monsters
Mythic Odysseys of Theros
succeeds and the spell is of 4th level or lower, the spell has no effect on the lion and instead targets the caster.Multiattack. The lion makes two attacks: one with its bite and one with its claw
these massive lions' connection to Nyx is unclear, many myths tell of the deadly predators stalking mortals and spreading fear until they're ultimately defeated by a brave hunter. As a result, overcoming a fleecemane lion is widely considered an early step on the road to becoming a true hero.
Monsters
Eberron: Rising from the Last War
Evasion. If the dolgaunt is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, the dolgaunt instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw
into intelligent, cold, and efficient killers.
When the daelkyr were defeated, the dolgaunts descended into the depths of Khyber with their masters. There, they study in cavernous monasteries, forging
Monsters
Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse
", "rollAction":"Death Ray", "rollDamageType":"necrotic"} necrotic damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one. If the saving throw fails by 5 or more, the target instead takes 64
the creature has such a feared reputation that stories about it are ingrained in the popular culture. Any rumor of a catoblepas taking up residence nearby is taken to be a bad omen, even if the rumor is
Monsters
Monstrous Compendium Vol. 4: Eldraine Creatures
must repeat the saving throw. On a failed save, it has the unconscious condition instead of the restrained condition caused by the tendrils. On a successful save, the effect ends on the creature. An
curse. Even with the Phyrexians defeated, the curse remains and spreads unchecked through Eldraine due to interference from the planeswalker Ashiok and Eriette, one of the witches who helped create the
Monsters
Baldur’s Gate: Descent into Avernus
throw, she can choose to succeed instead.
Magic Resistance. Zariel has advantage on saving throws against spells and other magical effects.
Regeneration. Zariel regains 20 hit points at the start of
.
Matalotok. Zariel recently defeated the demon lord Kostchtchie and took his hammer, Matalotok, which grants Zariel immunity to cold damage. Without this hammer, Zariel has resistance to cold damage
Monsters
Curse of Strahd
, instead assuming that the guests had died in their sleep.
But Strahd was not fooled. He came to realize fairly quickly that the clockwork effigy had begun to display a murderous nature. Rather than have
Ideal. “I wish I could make people happy.”
Bond. “I would like to find someone—anyone—who isn't afraid of me and who enjoys my company.”
Flaw. “When I'm upset, I do bad things.”Poison
Monsters
Van Richten’s Guide to Ravenloft
Legendary Resistance (4/Day). If the emissary fails a saving throw, it can choose to succeed instead.
Unusual Nature. The emissary doesn’t require air, food, drink, or sleep.Multiattack. The
in its lesser form. When this form is destroyed, the emissary’s body collapses into a gory slurry. It then instantly returns in its greater form. Only if the emissary is defeated in its greater
Monsters
Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden
weather, detect thoughts, ice storm
Legendary Resistance (2/Day in This Form). If Auril fails a saving throw, she can choose to succeed instead.
Magic Resistance. Auril has advantage on saving throws
current weakened state, Auril can assume three different forms. To destroy her, heroes must reduce each of her forms to 0 hit points one after another. After she’s defeated in her third and final
Monsters
Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden
to succeed instead.
Magic Resistance. Auril has advantage on saving throws against spells and other magical effects.
Unusual Nature. Auril doesn’t require air, food, drink, or
, heroes must reduce each of her forms to 0 hit points one after another. After she’s defeated in her third and final form, Auril dies. As long as she has mortal followers who worship her, however
Monsters
Curse of Strahd
","rollDamageType":"bludgeoning"} bludgeoning damage. Instead of dealing damage, Vladimir can grapple the target (escape DC 14) provided the target is Large or smaller.
+2 Greatsword. Melee Weapon Attack
memory shrouded by his hate.
Were Vladimir to let go of his hatred, his spirit would find peace and could remember the warmth of love. Were Strahd to be defeated, even temporarily, the mists surrounding
Monsters
Van Richten’s Guide to Ravenloft
disappeared. The greater emissary uses the lesser emissary’s initiative count.
Legendary Resistance (3/Day). If the emissary fails a saving throw, it can choose to succeed instead.
Unusual
slurry. It then instantly returns in its greater form. Only if the emissary is defeated in its greater form does the star spawn die.
After finishing a long rest, a greater star spawn emissary regains
Monsters
Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden
.
Legendary Resistance (2/Day in This Form). If Auril fails a saving throw, she can choose to succeed instead.
Magic Resistance. Auril has advantage on saving throws against spells and other magical
her to explode and die. A mephit that dies in this way does not use its Death Burst. Instead, each creature within 10 feet of the exploding mephit must succeed on a DC 21 Dexterity saving throw, taking
Monsters
Princes of the Apocalypse
instead.
Magic Resistance. Olhydra has advantage on saving throws against spells and other magical effects.
Water Form. Olhydra can enter a hostile creature’s space and stop there. She can move
— bad weather, strong tides, and increasing aggression from dangerous sea life.
Violent downpours become frequent within 10 miles of the lair. A downpour occurs once every 2d12;{"diceNotation
Magic Items
Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything
wizard Tasha). Although she was defeated, Iggwilv managed to damage the crook during the battle, infecting it with an insidious curse—and the potential for future victory. In the aftermath, the
1 balor and 1 pit fiend appear. At the DM’s discretion, a portal opens into the presence of an archdevil or demon lord instead, then closes after 5 minutes.
91–00
Iggwilv’s
Monsters
Fizban's Treasury of Dragons
Legendary Resistance (3/Day). If the dragon fails a saving throw, it can choose to succeed instead.
Spider Climb. The dragon can climb difficult surfaces, including upside down on ceilings, without
discuss how they might reunite and restore Sardior, the Ruby Dragon.
2
A horde of revenant;revenants led by a death knight has one goal—destroying the ancient sapphire dragon who defeated
Monsters
Infernal Machine Rebuild
Demogorgon’s heads.
Much like the true Demogorgon, the ettin’s two heads constantly clash and refuse to speak directly with one another, instead relaying messages through their assigned
stewards.
If the ettin is defeated, examining the pouches around his necks reveals a collection of eyeballs and still-beating dragon hearts. The silver wires connect those living tissues to the ettin
Yuan-ti Malison (Type 3)
Legacy
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Monsters
Monster Manual (2014)
spells and other magical effects.
Malison Type. The yuan-ti malison (type 3) has a Human head and upper body with a serpentine lower body instead of legs.Multiattack (Yuan-ti Form Only). The yuan-ti makes
or were defeated by those who fought against their cannibalism and slavery, and the serpent folk were left in the ruins of their great capitals, far removed from other races.
Cold of Heart. Humanoid
Sailor
Legacy
This doesn't reflect the latest rules and lore.
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Backgrounds
Player’s Handbook (2014)
more than one deserving soul to a briny grave. Fear and bloodshed are no strangers to you, and you’ve garnered a somewhat unsavory reputation in many a port town.
Variant Feature: Bad
Reputation
If your character has a sailor background, you may select this background feature instead of Ship’s Passage.
No matter where you go, people are afraid of you due to your reputation. When
Lizardfolk
Legacy
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Species
Volo's Guide to Monsters
; Instead, aggressive, stronger creatures register to the lizardfolk as fearsome beings to be avoided if possible. If such creatures attack, lizardfolk flee, fighting only if cornered. Lizardfolk aren
’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
Backgrounds
Baldur’s Gate: Descent into Avernus
. Fear and bloodshed are no strangers to you, and you’ve garnered a somewhat unsavory reputation in many a port town.
Variant Feature: Bad Reputation
If your character has a sailor
background, you may select this background feature instead of Ship’s Passage.
No matter where you go, people are afraid of you due to your reputation. When you are in a settlement, you can get away with
Orc
Legacy
This doesn't reflect the latest rules and lore.
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Species
Volo's Guide to Monsters
, injury, or age) often join these cults instead of facing daily humiliation, exile, or death.
Serving as the bridge between the two parts of the tribe are the priestesses of Luthic, the orc goddess who
; their loyalty by turning them into slaves.
If a tribe is defeated and driven from its lair, the survivors might come under the sway of a strong but dimwitted creature, such as a hill giant or an ogre
Bugbear
Legacy
This doesn't reflect the latest rules and lore.
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Species
Volo's Guide to Monsters
instead of killing them, he showed mercy and even honored them in a way by setting them free — under his control — so that bugbears could continue to employ their talents against his enemies
heads of defeated foes, cut away or stitch open the eyelids, and leave the mouths hanging open. The heads are then placed on spikes or hung from cords around a bugbear den. The heads themselves are
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Dungeon Master’s Guide
your players agree to avoid character death in your game, you might consider an alternative: a character who would otherwise die is instead “defeated.” The following rules apply to a defeated character
. Conversely, using only low-difficulty encounters is less likely to lead to character death, especially if characters have ample opportunity to rest during the adventure. Defeated, Not Dead If you and
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Princes of the Apocalypse
Triboar, met and defeated the cultists in the nearby hills. Not knowing what the cultists were carrying, they brought the devastation orb in its containment case back to Triboar. Shortly thereafter, it
them the orb. They just need to eliminate Nareen and leave the Harpers, Zhentarim, and anyone else interested in the orb blaming one another for dealing in bad faith. Map 6.8: YartarView Player Version
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Spelljammer: Adventures in Space->Light of Xaryxis
break for the citadel. If the characters surrender to the astral elves or are defeated, read: You watch as your allies lay down their arms and surrender. Now prisoners of the Xaryxian Empire, you are
for the citadel, read the following text instead: The imperial citadel looms large, its crystal spires reflecting the light of Xaryxis. It is here, in the heart of the Xaryxian Empire, that you will decide the fate of your world.
Here ends chapter 10.
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Infernal Machine Rebuild
free the dryads to set the woods back to order. Instead of the hags being disguised as goodly dryads, you might instead choose to reverse the scenario. The Three Mothers might really be dryads in need
of help, with Banrion the unicorn an evil creature that must be defeated to save the woods. The unicorn might even be using its dark magic to cause the dryads to appear as hags.
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Heroes of the Borderlands
, they quickly rouse themselves and commend the characters on their tactical prowess. If all the characters are defeated instead, the sprites wait for the characters to wake up—1 hour later and with 1 Hit
Stat Block: Commoner
One of the Borderlands’ oldest and wisest residents was banished from the keep for crimes she didn’t commit.
Bad Reputation. Xanthe was wrongfully exiled for using occult magic
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Lost Laboratory of Kwalish
deal an extra 6d8 slashing damage instead. You might also have the shards be from a polymorph blade, a blade of the medusa, or some other type of weapon. Another option is to allow decapitated
bad for it in combat, it might choose to do so in order to escape (if you wish to preserve the Grand Master as a future villain), or to summon an ally (if the fight against it proves too easy).
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Rise of Tiamat
Otaaryliakkarnos Female Silver Dragon The representative of the silver dragons believes that among the lesser races, neither good nor bad is ever absolute. The humanoids are in need of protection and
instead unfriendly. Desire. Otaaryliakkarnos would like the metallic dragons to strike now as Protanther suggests, but she does not know if they can succeed alone. An alliance would reduce casualties for
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Tyranny of Dragons
Otaaryliakkarnos Female Silver Dragon The representative of the silver dragons believes that among the lesser races, neither good nor bad is ever absolute. The humanoids are in need of protection and
in a Dragonmoot, and with the long ancestral memory of the metallic dragons, she holds all dwarves responsible. Attitude. Neutral. If the party includes one or more dwarves, Otaaryliakkarnos is instead
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Curse of Strahd
, read the following text instead: Green-glowing wisps of steam bubble up from a fat, black cauldron in the center of this dark, oppressive room. Surrounding the cauldron are seven tall wooden stools
that might have been encountered and defeated in area K50. If the witches are expecting the characters, they cast invisibility spells and stand quietly in the corners of the room, hoping that the
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Princes of the Apocalypse
. “Not a bad place to die,” the mage says with mild amusement. The doppelganger posing as Gargosh doesn’t take part in the fight, remaining on the fringes of the battle and rooting for the characters to
triumph. Once three of the thugs are defeated, the remaining two surrender and the mage casts fly on himself to escape. Interrogations. If the characters take prisoners, they can interrogate their
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything
convey your puzzle. When an elemental is defeated, it might leave behind a valuable gemstone, a map fragment, a clue to some other puzzle, or something similar. Raising the Difficulty To increase the
difficulty by having statues depict genies instead of elementals. In this case, replace the four elementals with a dao, a djinni, an efreeti, and a marid. These genies are compelled to attack the characters and can’t be reasoned with.
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Curse of Strahd
damage instead of necrotic damage. The snow maidens don’t speak, nor are they interested in hearing what the characters have to say. If the characters don’t leave at once, the snow maidens attack. When
the last snow maiden is defeated, the treasure that the characters seek magically appears in the swirling snow on the rooftop.
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Vecna: Eve of Ruin
would be difficult to resolve in the location, choose an unencountered result instead. Death House Encounters d12 Encounter 1–4 Meeting with Sarusanda (see below)* 5–8 Three priests of Osybus
. †If the characters don’t face this encounter before leaving Death House, assume that Sarusanda defeated these three priests on her own.