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Giff

Species Spelljammer: Adventures in Space

blossom into hard feelings, loud arguments, and head-butting contests, but they rarely escalate beyond that. Creating Your Character When you create your D&D character, you decide whether your

rules themselves, but some rules in the game affect creatures of certain types in different ways. For example, the text of the cure wounds spell specifies that the spell doesn’t work on a

Ability Checks

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

element of chance in the situation. For example, your DM can call for a Charisma check at any point during an interaction if he or she wants the dice to play a role in determining an NPC’s reactions. Other

favor by using an approach that relies on your best bonuses and skills. If the group needs to trick a guard into letting them into a castle, the rogue who is proficient in Deception is the best bet

Ability Checks

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Player’s Handbook

thinking of how you will interact with an NPC; use an approach that relies on your group’s skill proficiencies. For example, if the group needs to trick a guard into letting them into a castle, the Rogue who is proficient in Deception should lead the discussion.

Ability Checks

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->D&D Beyond Basic Rules

thinking of how you will interact with an NPC; use an approach that relies on your group’s skill proficiencies. For example, if the group needs to trick a guard into letting them into a castle, the Rogue who is proficient in Deception should lead the discussion.

Ability Checks

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

element of chance in the situation. For example, your DM can call for a Charisma check at any point during an interaction if he or she wants the dice to play a role in determining an NPC’s reactions. Other

favor by using an approach that relies on your best bonuses and skills. If the group needs to trick a guard into letting them into a castle, the rogue who is proficient in Deception is the best bet

Contests

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

Contests Sometimes one character's or monster's efforts are directly opposed to another's. This can occur when both of them are trying to do the same thing and only one can succeed, such as

attempting to snatch up a magic ring that has fallen on the floor. This situation also applies when one of them is trying to prevent the other one from accomplishing a goal--for example, when a monster tries

Contests

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

Contests Sometimes one character’s or monster’s efforts are directly opposed to another’s. This can occur when both of them are trying to do the same thing and only one can succeed, such as

attempting to snatch up a magic ring that has fallen on the floor. This situation also applies when one of them is trying to prevent the other one from accomplishing a goal — for example, when a monster tries

Skill Variants

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

of the six ability scores. For example, Acrobatics and Stealth are two different aspects of Dexterity, and a character can specialize in either or both. You can dispense with skills and use one of

distinction among characters. For example, a character can’t choose to emphasize persuasion or intimidation; he or she is equally adept at both. Background Proficiency With this variant rule, characters don’t

Melee Attacks

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

. For example, you don’t provoke an opportunity attack if an explosion hurls you out of a foe’s reach or if gravity causes you to fall past an enemy. Two-Weapon Fighting When you take the Attack action

smaller than you. CONTESTS IN COMBAT Battle often involves pitting your prowess against that of your foe. Such a challenge is represented by a contest. This section includes the most common

Curses

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

, whether as part of their origins or due to their ability to spread curses—werewolves being a prime example. You decide how a spell like Remove Curse affects a creature with accursed origins. For

example, you might decide that a mummy was created through a curse and it can be destroyed permanently only by casting Remove Curse on its corpse. Cursed Magic Items Cursed magic items are created

Gaining a Sidekick Class

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything

1. Ability Score Increases Whenever the sidekick gains the Ability Score Improvement feature, adjust anything in its stat block that relies on an ability modifier that you increase. For example, if

class contains a choice, you may make the choice or let the players make it. Starting Level The starting level of a sidekick is the same as the average level of the group. For example, if a 1st-level

Tracking Time

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

relies on 6-second rounds. Minutes. In a dungeon or settlement, movement happens on a scale of minutes. In the Free City of Greyhawk, getting from the Silver Dragon Inn to the wharf takes about 10 minutes

spell or similar effect runs out. For example, they might use the Locate Object spell to point them in the direction of an item they seek, so you need to know how far they get in the 10 minutes the

Ability Checks

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

successful one. In other cases, failing an ability check makes it impossible to make the same check to do the same thing again. For example, a rogue might try to trick a town guard into thinking the

. Contests A contest is a kind of ability check that matches two creatures against each other. Use a contest if a character attempts something that either directly foils or is directly opposed by another

Melee Attacks

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

. For example, you don't provoke an opportunity attack if an explosion hurls you out of a foe's reach or if gravity causes you to fall past an enemy. Two-Weapon Fighting When you take the Attack action

. Contests in Combat Battle often involves pitting your prowess against that of your foe. Such a challenge is represented by a contest. This section includes the most common contests that require an action

Curses

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->D&D Beyond Basic Rules

—werewolves being a prime example. You decide how a spell like Remove Curse affects a creature with accursed origins. For example, you might decide that a mummy was created through a curse and it can be

. Environmental Curses Some locations are so suffused with evil that anyone who lingers there is burdened with a curse. Demonic Possession is one example of an environmental curse. Demonic Possession Demonic

Spellcasting

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

such spells. Some spells are so subtle that you might not know you were ever under their effects. A prime example of that sort of spell is suggestion. Assuming you failed to notice the spellcaster

perceptible effect or if its text says you’re aware of it (see PHB , under “Targets”). Most spells are obvious. For example, fireball burns you, cure wounds heals you, and command forces you to

Difficulty Class

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

checks that are contests between two creatures. For example, if one creature is holding a door shut, use its Strength modifier and Proficiency Bonus to set the DC for opening the door. When another

creature’s check. That’s how hiding works, for example: a hiding creature’s total Dexterity (Stealth) check sets the DC for Wisdom (Perception) checks made to find the hidden creature.

Difficulty Class

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

succeeds on any ability check with a DC less than or equal to the relevant ability score minus 5. So in the example above, the fighter would automatically kick in the door. This rule doesn’t apply to

contests, saving throws, or attack rolls. Having proficiency with a skill or tool can also grant automatic success. If a character’s proficiency bonus applies to his or her ability check, the character

Izzet League

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Guildmasters' Guide to Ravnica

a methodology that relies on unexpected outcomes: all results are informative, even if they completely defy expectations. For example, an experiment that begins as the creation of a “hypermana

Spellcasting

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

. For example, if you know the 1st-level spell burning hands and have a 1st-level and a 2nd-level spell slot available, you can cast burning hands using either slot. Spells Known of 1st Level and Higher

Ability Charisma is your spellcasting ability for your sorcerer spells, since the power of your magic relies on your ability to project your will into the world. You use your Charisma whenever a spell

Lay Out the Premise

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

are coauthors of the story with you, and the events of the story shouldn’t be predetermined; the actions of the players’ characters have to matter. For example, if a major villain shows up before the

as you’re planning adventures. If your adventure relies on certain events, plan for multiple ways they might come about, or be prepared for clever players to prevent those events from happening as

Spellcasting

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

. For example, if you know the 1st-level spell burning hands and have a 1st-level and a 2nd-level spell slot available, you can cast burning hands using either slot. Spells Known of 1st Level and Higher

Ability Charisma is your spellcasting ability for your sorcerer spells, since the power of your magic relies on your ability to project your will into the world. You use your Charisma whenever a spell

Cleric Subclass

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->D&D Beyond Basic Rules

sustain all life in the multiverse. Clerics who tap into this domain are masters of healing, using that life force to cure many hurts. Existence itself relies on the positive energy associated with this

; instead use the highest number possible for each die. For example, instead of restoring 2d6 Hit Points to a creature with a spell, you restore 12.

Spell Attacks

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

by several classes, including the Fighter and Paladin) doesn’t let you cast extra attack spells. That feature specifically relies on the Attack action, not the Magic action or any other action. In

spell has a casting time. For example, the Chill Touch spell has a casting time of an action. A game mechanic, such as Opportunity Attack, doesn’t let you alter that casting time unless a feature says

Low-Level Challenges

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Forgotten Realms: Adventures in Faerûn

lieutenants and minions appropriate to the party’s level. For example, Venger is an epic foe, but he relies on a Shadow Demon (CR 4) to be his eyes and ears, and he makes extensive use of bullywugs and

higher level for a new adventure. Connect to the Greater Story To help make a low-level adventure feel epic, give it a clear connection to the campaign’s greater story. For example, if your campaign

Beshaba

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

which good luck wouldn’t play a part but bad luck might. For example, someone rolling dice would invoke Tymora because they want random chance to fall in their favor, but someone about to cross a

, contests of sport or martial prowess, and at the naming ceremonies of children. If she isn’t invited to such an event, she might take offense and wreak misfortune on those involved. Temples to Beshaba

25. Creature Storage

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Waterdeep: Dungeon of the Mad Mage

magic. A restored creature acts in accordance with its nature. For example, the grick in area 25b is likely to attack all other creatures out of hunger. When Halaster wants to restore a petrified

creature to flesh, he uses a telekinesis spell to transport it to area 25a, then relies on the magic of the pillars there. Area 25h. This room is hidden behind a secret door and contains a lifelike statue

Adventure Summary

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Tomb of Annihilation

pursue godhood as other liches have done (Vecna being a prime example), Acererak has no interest in being a god or being worshiped. He prefers to create evil gods and unleash them on mortals and

Adulthood

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

that invokes gods such as Alobal Lorfiril and Zandilar. After the Drawing of the Veil, an elf enters the prime of life, a span of centuries during which most elves strive to engage with the world. An

. Many elves, especially the younger ones, view the existence of half-elves as a sign of hope rather than as a threat — an example of how elf souls can experience the world in new ways, not bound to a single physical form or a particular philosophy.

Perception

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

Perception April Prime In a courtyard full of monsters, will characters even notice that the tree has eyes? As the DM, you’re the interface between your players and the world of the game. You tell

into a secret compartment, and so on. Don’t use the Investigation skill to determine if a character notices something—that’s the purview of Perception. For example, a successful Wisdom (Perception) check

Children of the All-Father

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Volo's Guide to Monsters

regional, and usually involved bragging rights or hunting territory. Differences were settled by individual contests of might, wits, or skill. That situation persisted for generations, until the red

WORLDS The tale of Ostoria is drawn from the Forgotten Realms. Think of it as a good example of how giants developed on many worlds, as it captures their rise and fall from prominence in a manner that

Spell Attacks

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

used. By extension, the Extra Attack feature (given by several classes, including the fighter and paladin) doesn’t let you cast extra attack spells. That feature specifically relies on the Attack

Caster feat is an example of a feature that does let you bypass a 1-action casting time to cast a spell in place of making an opportunity attack. A few monsters can make opportunity attacks with melee

Rejecting the Ordning

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Bigby Presents: Glory of the Giants

one their kind traditionally values. These are often giants whose ranking within their kind is low. For example, a contemplative cloud giant might pursue knowledge rather than wealth, or a weak frost

same crafting skill. These efforts rarely have any lasting impact, but some have managed to upset the ordning at a local level for a few centuries. Because their sense of the ordning relies on physical

Renown

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

renown separately for each organization his or her character is a member of. For example, an adventurer might have 5 renown within one faction and 20 renown within another, based on the character’s

by 2 instead. For example, characters with connections to the noble Order of the Gauntlet complete a mission in which they free a town from the tyranny of a blue dragon. Because the order likes to

Battle Tactics

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Volo's Guide to Monsters

example, if a beholder intends to shoot charm, slowing, and sleep rays at a ranger, and the ranger succumbs to the charm, the beholder could use its remaining rays against other targets. Use Legendary

fashion, a beholder might station some of its minions in a prime spot for an ambush, or it might send forth a bunch of its servants to overrun a group of enemies that have been weakened by traps and

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