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Returning 35 results for 'defense spies runes'.
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Use Powerful Runes to Weaken Enemies and Escape from Harm
You concentrate your efforts on perfecting your art, developing special marks to claim and cripple your targets. Rebel leaders, artists
, spies, and other members of the political underworld might belong to this archetype. Originally a tactic for subterfuge and assassination for denizens of the Festerwood, those who employ these powerful
Magic Items
Waterdeep: Dragon Heist
weapon is searching for a new owner.
Azuredge has a solid steel handle etched with tiny runes, wrapped in blue dragon hide with a star sapphire set into the pommel. The axe head is forged from silver
defense against the axe, which passes through that spell’s barrier of magical force.
When you hit a fiend or an undead with the axe, cold blue flames erupt from its blade and deal an extra 2d6
Monsters
Mythic Odysseys of Theros
within her hair, and sacrificing themselves in her defense if they must.
See “Myths of Nylea” in chapter 2 for more details on the tragedy of Arasta.
Arasta as a Mythic Encounter
Arasta
those who enter her domain unbidden almost never go unnoticed, for Arasta can sense the slightest vibration along her web hair, and her children act as spies on her behalf.
Lair Actions
On initiative
Hobgoblin
Legacy
This doesn't reflect the latest rules and lore.
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Species
Volo's Guide to Monsters
Hobgoblins are relentless soldiers that cleave to rigid tactics and orders. I fear their less-predictable scouts and spies more.
— Volo
War is the lifeblood of hobgoblins. Its glories are
a powerful magic item), by fine performances (writing and performing a great ballad about the legion), by designing and constructing a great defense or monument, and through other means. But the
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Hold Back The Dead
Waterdeep (Northeast) The siege weapon in Waterdeep’s defense zone (see Map 1.5) is a small bronze cannon inlaid with arcane runes and mounted on a heavy tripod. It launches balls of crackling
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Princes of the Apocalypse
call themselves Feathergale Knights. Secretly, the knights are dedicated to Yan-C-Bin. They occupied the keep when the air cult established itself in the dwarven ruins beneath the Sumber Hills. The knights serve the cult as lookouts, messengers, spies, and a first line of defense.
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Dungeon Master’s Guide (2014)
create a defense-focused dwarf paladin, only to find he is out of place among elf diplomats and tiefling spies. The Brimstone Angels novels by Erin M. Evans focus on intrigue in the Forgotten Realms
Intrigue The corrupt vizier schemes with the baron’s oldest daughter to assassinate the baron. A hobgoblin army sends doppelganger spies to infiltrate the city before the invasion. At the embassy
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Out of the Abyss
Menzoberranzan Population: 20,000 drow plus thousands of slaves (of various races)
Government: Matriarchal theocracy worshiping Lolth, the Demon Queen of Spiders
Defense: Large standing army of
city), the Church of Lolth (based in Arach-Tinilith), Bregan D’aerthe (company of drow spies, mercenaries, and assassins)
The City of Spiders is carved out of and built within a great cavern the
classes
Basic Rules (2014)
serve as spies or assassins at the command of their leader, a noble patron, or some other mortal or divine power.
The majority of monks don’t shun their neighbors, making frequent visits to
Defense, Martial Arts
2nd
+2
1d4
2
+10 ft.
Ki, Unarmored Movement
3rd
+2
1d4
3
+10 ft.
Monastic Tradition, Deflect Missiles
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Guildmasters' Guide to Ravnica
secret: behind a facade of respectable messengers and reporters lurks an association of spies and assassins whose existence is barely suspected by the populace at large. Secrecy is both House Dimir’s best
weapon and its best defense, and much of the guild’s work is hidden even from other members. Dimir agents leave no trace of their covert activities, warping the memories of witnesses to their crimes
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Waterdeep: Dragon Heist
Force Grey named Meloon Wardragon (see appendix B), but the weapon is searching for a new owner. Azuredge has a solid steel handle etched with tiny runes, wrapped in blue dragon hide with a star
made with this magic weapon. The shield spell provides no defense against the axe, which passes through that spell’s barrier of magical force. When you hit a fiend or an undead with the axe, cold blue
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Lost Mine of Phandelver
approaching, Iarno the evil mage grabs his staff of defense (see appendix A) and the scrolls in his chest (see the “Treasure” section), and flees through the secret door in the northeast corner of the room
entertainment for their visit. Beneath his genteel demeanor, however, Iarno is just as thuggish and arrogant as any Redbrand outlaws. If threatened, Iarno uses his staff of defense to cast mage armor on
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Acquisitions Incorporated
successful DC 15 Wisdom (Perception) check notices that the lock of the stone door is connected to wires that run into the tower’s stone walls. This custom-built franchise defense system is rigged to
, and both wear ornate collars of silvery metal. Each stands within a square scribed onto the floor, ten feet on a side and edged with runes. The rune-marked boundaries appear to push the creatures back
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Tyranny of Dragons
middle of this frost-glazed room stands a nine-foot-tall table of carved stone surrounded by three giant-sized chairs, also carved from stone. A fat iron cauldron etched with runes rests upon the table
and gladly aid in its defense. Presently, Wiglof is using a magic cauldron (see “Treasure” below) to perform an augury ritual and hopes to ascertain the most likely outcome of Blagothkus’s alliance
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Waterdeep: Dungeon of the Mad Mage
molds and repeat the process. Without their armor, Brok and Fumira have AC 10. They keep their war picks and javelins close by, but fight only in self-defense. If they detect intruders, they stop working
out tremendous heat thanks to a fire elemental magically trapped inside it. Runes carved on the inside walls of the forge prevent the elemental from escaping or harming anyone outside the forge
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Hoard of the Dragon Queen
middle of this frost-glazed room stands a nine-foot-tall table of carved stone surrounded by three giant-sized chairs, also carved from stone. A fat iron cauldron etched with runes rests upon the table
gladly aid in its defense. Presently, Wiglof is using a magic cauldron (see “Treasure”) to perform an augury ritual and hopes to ascertain the most likely outcome of Blagothkus’s alliance with the
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Mordenkainen's Tome of Foes
concern of any stronghold is defense, but older and prosperous strongholds can grow to become wondrous underground cities filled with generations of exquisite dwarven artisanship. Regardless of a
composed recounting of deeds, events, and important persons. Dwarves combine their runes into patterns, present pictorial histories in seemingly unconnected murals and images, and otherwise leave their
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Keoland have observed the Wild Flame Pact — a treaty that calls for mutual defense against the Dreadwood’s horrors. The outpost is commanded by its castellan, Kiara Shadowbreaker (LG female half-elf
surreptitiously seeks to hire spies who could investigate him in search of proof. Burle provides a safe resting place before and during expeditions into the Hool Marshes or the Dreadwood. Kiara offers a bounty
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Waterdeep: Dungeon of the Mad Mage
Having eluded the drow so far, ten grimlocks huddle in the back of this 10-foot-high cavern. They feed on fish from the River Sargauth and fight only in self-defense. 10c. Sea Hag Coven This 30-foot
damages the cauldron, an elder rune materializes above it (see “Elder Runes”). Draw from the Elder Runes Deck (see appendix B) to determine which rune appears. The elder rune targets a random creature
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Xanathar's Guide to Everything
blades’ attack bonus increases by 2, and their damage increases by 3 (1d6). These benefits apply until the blades hit a target, after which the values return to normal. Rune’s Defense. Tampering with the
it takes time. Faint runes in the ceiling and floor at both ends of the hallway are involved in the functioning of the portals. A creature must first use an action to examine a set of runes, then use a
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Domains of Delight: A Feywild Accessory
. Both Fey courts have spies who dig up dirt, sow seeds of dissent, and cause mischief. Captured spies are either ransomed or made examples of in various humiliating, nonlethal ways. Much of the gossip
have nothing akin to a mutual defense pact, and the very thought of one is greeted by jeers on both sides. If a rising army of fomorians or some other threat endangers one court, it’s widely understood
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Storm King's Thunder
are justly concerned, and some have important roles to play in events yet to unfold. The Harpers The Harpers are spellcasters and spies who covertly oppose the abuse of power, magical or otherwise
, and aiding in the defense of settlements. The Zhentarim The Zhentarim, also known as the Black Network, is an unscrupulous shadow network that seeks to expand its influence and power base throughout
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Waterdeep: Dungeon of the Mad Mage
Kestellharp”). The first creature to pass through the gate triggers an elder rune (see “Elder Runes”). A creature that passes through the gate appears in area 10 on level 6, in the closest unoccupied
Wyllowwood. Wherever she is, Wyllow hears the roar and comes to the dragon’s defense. The dragon, Valdemar, refers to itself as Tearulai and won’t willingly part with the sword stuck in its skull. Nor
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Waterdeep: Dungeon of the Mad Mage
14th level or higher to pass through this gate (see “Jhesiyra Kestellharp”). The first creature to pass through the gate triggers an elder rune (see “Elder Runes”). A creature that passes through the
gown and a gold tiara.
The living unseen servant plays the harpsichord tirelessly and fights only in self-defense. A detect magic spell reveals auras of transmutation magic around the dancers who, in
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Mythic Odysseys of Theros
god favors towers and hanging gardens that lift the verdant natural world up toward Nyx in her honor. In the Nessian Wood, Setessans build watchtowers that serve the dual purpose of military defense
watchtower as spies.
6 Clear out monsters than have taken over the place.
7 Steal a legendary weapon.
8 Steal griffon mounts.
9 Find a spy among the soldiers stationed at a
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Waterdeep: Dragon Heist
runes. The doors have neither handles nor hinges. The writing on them reads, “THE THREE KEYS. BRING THEM FORTH.” The doors part, sliding back into the walls, when the three correct keys are brought
side of the hammer that was facing the wall is the following inscription in Dwarvish runes: “Let hearts be lifted and battles won.” The hammer must be removed from its indentation for the inscription
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Phandelver and Below: The Shattered Obelisk
. Stone shelves bearing books and ornamental ceramic jars line the walls alongside dust-covered banners embroidered with Dwarven runes. In one corner stands an elegant mahogany desk, on top of which is a
larger vault. Hjoldak knows the location of both stashes as well as how to open them. The bed frame’s compartment was used to store weapons and other means of defense in case of an emergency. A character
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Out of the Abyss
whenever a non-drow passes by it. A drow glyph of warding has a spell save DC of 13 and an explosive runes effect (see the spell’s description in the Player’s Handbook). Intellect Devourers Mind flayers
like to send intellect devourers into the Dark Dominion in search of hosts, using them as spies to keep an eye on the drow city. These intellect devourers creep up behind the party and use their
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden
-Konig make it all the way to Bryn Shander. Dragon Damage. Trovus was the town’s best hope for defense. Because he was unconscious during the attack, no organized resistance was mounted. Consequently
. Bremen’s militia puts up a good fight, reducing the dragon’s hit points by 5. Target 9: Targos Speaker Maxildanarr’s network of spies throughout Ten-Towns alerted him to the dragon shortly after its
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Mordenkainen's Tome of Foes
blood vessels that circulate the conflict throughout the Lower Planes.
Agents of Treachery Both sides in the Blood War employ spies and soldiers drawn from the ranks of other evil creatures of the
devils extended a tenacious defense out to the planes beyond Avernus, they could keep the demons away from Hell’s doorstep, but such a strategy would place a great strain on supplies, reinforcements, and
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Acquisitions Incorporated
faint runes etched among the ornate carvings on the lock. A subsequent DC 16 Intelligence (Arcana) check to study the runes reveals that they can emit a wave of transmutation magic throughout the room
character notices that the floor in this area shows signs of charring that obscures faint runes. A weak fire trap triggers if any creature enters the area, which radiates evocation to a detect magic spell or
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Dungeon Master’s Guide
Greyhawk by the archmage Zagig Yragerne. The newly freed Iuz aims to lay waste to the kingdoms, steadings, temples, and outposts of his rivals. To that end, Iuz’s spies are searching for powerful
, overwhelming its defenses and moving toward Furyondy. The characters might have adventures to muster forces in surrounding lands and bring them to Furyondy’s defense or hinder Iuz’s advance.
Levels
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden
offense gets more successes than the team on defense, one player on offense can try either to hurl the ball between the metal tines of an electrified mast, hoping to impart an electrical charge to the ball
, or make a ranged weapon attack with the ball against a player on defense. Each option is described below:
Hurling the ball between the tines of an electrified mast requires a successful ranged
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Dungeon Master’s Guide
fiefdoms that serve as the Great Kingdom’s navy Shar, the Hidden Empire of Father of Obedience Korenth Zan (human?) Isolated order of Suloise militants whose spies operate across the Flanaess Spindrift
Valenta (elf) Independent fiefdom; member of the Iron League Tenh, the Duchy of Duchess Ehliyah Raynar III (human) Independent fiefdom allied with Nyrond for defense against Iuz Urnst, the County of
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Baldur's Gate: Descent into Avernus
shell is carved with Draconic runes that spell out prayers to Tiamat, is joined by four ghouls that serve as his assistants. The ghouls gnaw on bones and eye the characters hungrily as Krull negotiates
hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 13 (2d6 + 6) bludgeoning damage plus 9 (2d8) necrotic damage.
Shell Defense. Krull withdraws into his shell. Until he emerges as a bonus action, he has a +4 bonus