monsters some with only advisors follow for lower

Orc

Species Player’s Handbook

, and churning seas and to face the monsters that lurk there. Even when they turn their devotion to other gods, orcs retain Gruumsh’s gifts: endurance, determination, and the ability to see in

darkness. Orcs are, on average, tall and broad. They have gray skin, ears that are sharply pointed, and prominent lower canines that resemble small tusks. Orc youths on some worlds are told about their

Deck of Many Things

Magic Items Dungeon Master’s Guide

one of your ability scores by 2. You can’t decrease an ability that has a score of 5 or lower. Alternatively, you can choose not to adjust your ability scores, in which case this card has no

your choice of History, Insight, Intimidation, or Persuasion. In addition, you gain rightful ownership of a small keep somewhere in the world. However, the keep is currently home to one or more monsters

Blazebear

Monsters Vecna: Eve of Ruin

, reach 10 ft., one creature casting a spell of 3rd level or lower. Hit: 22 (4d10);{"diceNotation":"4d10", "rollType":"damage", "rollAction":"Antimagic Swipe", "rollDamageType":"force"} force damage

;terrifying!” —Clank, Warforged Merchant from Sharn On the world of Eberron, many strange, magic-warped monsters have emerged from the depths of the war-wracked Mournland. The blazebear is

Draconian Mastermind

Monsters Fizban's Treasury of Dragons

commanders or as advisors to those who created them. They emerge from gold, red, or amethyst dragon eggs, wingless but possessed of an arsenal of eldritch power. Like their dragon progenitors

. Draconians Draconians are bipedal monsters born from dragon eggs that have been corrupted or warped by powerful magic. Most often, this corruption is a deliberate act, the work of an aspiring tyrant

Gold-Forged Sentinel

Monsters Mythic Odysseys of Theros

sentinel has advantage on saving throws against any spell that targets only the sentinel (not an area). If the sentinel’s saving throw succeeds and the spell is of 4th level or lower, the spell has

creations are now heirlooms of monarchs; others are lost to the sands of time or are guarded by ancient monsters. Constructed Nature. An anvilwrought doesn’t require air, food, drink, or sleep.Fire, Poison

Gray Render

Monsters Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

willingly harms its master, but outside battle, it might cause considerable difficulties. It might follow its master despite being told to stay put, destroy its master’s house, burrow holes through a

ground 8 Attacks carts and wagons as if they were terrible monsters 9 Howls when it rains 10 Whines piteously in the dark 11 Buries treasure it finds 12 Chases birds, leaping into the air to catch them, heedless of the destruction it causes

Daemogoth Titan

Monsters Strixhaven: A Curriculum of Chaos

necromancy or enchantment school that is 8th level or lower. The bound creature can cast that spell using this pact, requiring no material components and using Intelligence as the spellcasting ability. When it

the titan doesn’t heal.Daemogoth titans are towering monsters that blight the land around them. A daemogoth grows in power over the course of decades spent feeding on sorrow and draining life from

Kolyarut

Monsters Planescape: Adventures in the Multiverse

hits a creature with an Unerring Blade attack during this movement, each spell of 5th level or lower on the creature ends, and the creature has the incapacitated condition until the end of the kolyarut

: Monsters of the Multiverse) and punished in brutally decisive fashion. In cases where the terms of a contract or a foundational truth of an agreement come into question, the Kolyarut sends a component part

Halaster Blackcloak

Monsters Waterdeep: Dungeon of the Mad Mage

restrictions (see “Alterations to Magic”). Arcane Recovery (1/Day). When he finishes a short rest, Halaster recovers all his spell slots of 5th level and lower. Legendary Resistance (3

legendary actions at the start of his turn. Cast Spell. Halaster casts a spell of 3rd level or lower. Spell Ward (Costs 2 Actions). Halaster expends a spell slot of 4th level or lower and gains 5

Theran Chimera

Monsters Mythic Odysseys of Theros

level or lower, the spell has no effect on the chimera and instead targets the caster.Multiattack. The chimera makes three attacks: one with its claws, one with its head, and one with its tail. When its

"} fire damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.The term chimera applies to a wide variety of disparate monsters that combine the features of multiple beasts. While many

Alhoon

Monsters Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

alhoon targets one creature it can see within 60 feet of it that is casting a spell. If the spell is 3rd level or lower, the spell fails, but any spell slots or charges are not wasted.Mind flayers that

reality, a group of nine mind flayer arcanists used their arcane magic and psionics to weave a new truth. These nine called themselves the Alhoon, and those who follow in their footsteps are referred to by

Hallow Legacy

Spells Basic Rules (2014)

in the area; you can designate whether the effect applies to all creatures, creatures that follow a specific deity or leader, or creatures of a specific sort, such as orcs or trolls. When a creature

leaves the area. Courage. Affected creatures can't be frightened while in the area. Darkness. Darkness fills the area. Normal light, as well as magical light created by spells of a lower level than

Demilich (Variant) Legacy

Monsters Monster Manual (2014)

souls of the insolent intruders to his tomb, magically transferring them to his phylactery. Liches who follow Acererak’s path believe that by becoming free of their bodies, they can continue

hit points.A Demilich’s Lair A demilich hides its earthly remains and treasures in a labyrinthine tomb guarded by monsters and traps. At the heart of this labyrinth rests the demilich’s

Soldier Legacy

Backgrounds Basic Rules (2014)

organization still recognize your authority and influence, and they defer to you if they are of a lower rank. You can invoke your rank to exert influence over other soldiers and requisition simple equipment or

authority. (Lawful) 3 Independence. When people follow orders blindly, they embrace a kind of tyranny. (Chaotic) 4 Might. In life as in war, the stronger force wins. (Evil) 5 Live and

Folk Hero - Baldur's Gate

Backgrounds Baldur’s Gate: Descent into Avernus

their champion, and your destiny calls you to stand against the tyrants and monsters that threaten the common folk everywhere. Skill Proficiencies: Animal Handling, Survival Tool

: SOCIAL VENGEANCE You’ve lived your entire life in the Lower or Outer City of Baldur’s Gate. You grew up seeing arrogant patriars flaunt their wealth while your hardworking neighbors

Giff Legacy

Monsters Mordenkainen’s Tome of Foes

of giff society is organized along military lines. From birth until death, every giff has a military rank. It must follow orders from those of superior rank, and it can give orders to those of lower

Yuan-ti

Species Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

Yuan-ti were originally humans who transformed themselves into serpent folk through ancient rituals. Most yuan-ti were corrupted into monsters by those rites, but some yuan-ti instead became a new

. Creating Your Character At 1st level, you choose whether your character is a member of the human race or of a fantastical race. If you select a fantastical race, follow these additional rules

Simic Scientist

Backgrounds Guildmasters’ Guide to Ravnica

advancing civilization, nature needs some help from biomancers and terraformers. If, along the way, you happen to create super-soldiers and mutant monsters that can bolster the combine’s defenses

protection and durability 2 Fin Clade, focused on movement 3 Gyre Clade, focused on cyclical patterns and metamagic 4 Guardian Project, focused on creating guard monsters and super

Goblin Legacy

Species Volo's Guide to Monsters

cruel in victory, goblins are fawning and servile in defeat, just as in their own society lower castes must scrape before those of greater status and as goblin tribes bow before other goblinoids

out while still getting decent performance out of the slaves. But humanoids and monsters that are especially capable or that provide unusual services find themselves treated like favored (though

Folk Hero Legacy

Backgrounds Basic Rules (2014)

tyrants and monsters that threaten the common folk everywhere. Skill Proficiencies: Animal Handling, Survival Tool Proficiencies: One type of artisan’s tools, vehicles (land

lend help. 3 When I set my mind to something, I follow through no matter what gets in my way. 4 I have a strong sense of fair play and always try to find the most equitable solution to

Sailor - Baldur's Gate

Backgrounds Baldur’s Gate: Descent into Avernus

Baldur’s Gate was founded by sailors, and its harbor is still the city’s beating heart. Several patriars are descended from captains of yore, the commerce of the Lower City is built on

, characters with this background are common. You sailed on a seagoing vessel for years. In that time, you faced down mighty storms, monsters of the deep, and those who wanted to sink your craft to

Soldier - Baldur's Gate

Backgrounds Baldur’s Gate: Descent into Avernus

influence, and they defer to you if they are of a lower rank. You can invoke your rank to exert influence over other soldiers and requisition simple equipment or horses for temporary use. You can also

regular shift patrolling either the Lower City or the Outer City. In return, you have access to the Flaming Fist’s fortresses and a direct line of communication with Flaming Fist officers and

Mercenary Veteran

Backgrounds Sword Coast Adventurer's Guide

operate up and down the Sword Coast and throughout the North. Most are small-scale operations that employ a dozen to a hundred folk who offer security services, hunt monsters and brigands, or go to war in

defense of others. (Good) 2 Responsibility. I do what I must and obey just authority. (Lawful) 3 Independence. When people follow orders blindly, they embrace a kind of tyranny. (Chaotic

Hobgoblin Legacy

Species Volo's Guide to Monsters

its officers. For instance, the captains of the highest-ranking banners can expect their orders to be followed by the captains of any banners of lower rank. Rank and responsibility aren’t

hobgoblin legion has a distinct code of honor and law, but all follow a few general precepts that are at the heart of the hobgoblin honor system. Follow Orders. Carrying out orders without question is

Deck of Several Things

Magic Items Lost Laboratory of Kwalish

defeat the next hostile monster or group of monsters you encounter, you have advantage on ability checks made using one skill of your choice for the duration of the adventure. Otherwise, this card has no

to cast any spell of 5th level or lower, and can use that ability 1d3 times for the duration of the adventure. Rogue. An NPC of the DM’s choice becomes secretly hostile toward you. The

Tips

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

Tips Follow these tips to smooth a combat encounter with a large number of monsters: Damage. Use the average damage specified in a monster’s stat block. Hit Points. If a spell or attack reduces a

monster to a handful of Hit Points, assume the monster is killed or otherwise taken out of the fight. Monster Mobs. Divide a large number of identical monsters into smaller mobs and spread their turns

Gothic Horror Monsters

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

Gothic Horror Monsters Creatures imbued with tragedy or abominable origins work well in gothic horror adventures. Often, lower-level monsters embody aspects of a more powerful villain’s evil, powers

, or background. For example, swarms of bats suggest a vampire’s connection to the creatures of the night, while werewolves speak toward a vampire’s bloodthirsty nature. Gothic Horror Monsters

Journey Stage Challenges

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

possibilities: Ambush. Monsters set up an ambush along a route they expect travelers to follow. Attack from Above. Flying monsters swoop down to attack the characters. Distant Sighting. The

Journey Stage Challenges Challenges that adventurers might face during a journey stage include the following, which are discussed in the sections that follow: Encounters with Other Creatures The

Wave Echo Cave

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

Wave Echo Cave Once a thriving mine bustling with activity, Wave Echo Cave is now a dangerous place overrun with monsters. Whether the characters follow Gundren’s map or receive directions to Wave

Duergar Calassabrak

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

. Valtagar’s gesture of self-sacrifice moved Fazrian, who judged him worthy of remaining alive. Valtagar now holds a tenuous position as Lord of the Mines, one of the fallen angel’s advisors. Despite

now being “vassals” of Fazrian, all the duergar on this level remain loyal to their prince and follow Valtagar’s orders without question. Valtagar intends to overthrow Fazrian, buy off the yugoloths

Customizing the Puzzle

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

Customizing the Puzzle You can replace the monsters in the artwork with distinctive objects, members of obvious professions, and anything else that might logically be in a group. Then, follow the

Brevity

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

significant features their characters can perceive—especially things like monsters in a room—before they decide what to do. Allow your players to ask follow-up questions, and provide additional description as needed.

Creating a Combat Encounter

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

2,400 4,900 7,300 10,900 20th 2,800 5,700 8,500 12,700 CHALLENGE RATING When putting together an encounter or adventure, especially at lower levels, exercise caution when using monsters whose

of 2, but it can kill a 1st-level wizard with a single blow. In addition, some monsters have features that might be difficult or impossible for lower-level characters to overcome. For example, a

Challenge

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Lost Mine of Phandelver

. Monsters that are significantly weaker than 1st-level characters have challenge ratings lower than 1. Experience Points (XP) The number of experience points a creature is worth is based on its Challenge. Typically, XP is awarded for defeating the monster.

Character Advancement

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Quests from the Infinite Staircase

Character Advancement If you want to use story-based level advancement, the characters receive experience points for achieving the following milestones rather than defeating monsters: Entering the

Garden. The characters gain 1 level when they enter the ship’s third level for the first time. Completing the Adventure. The characters gain 1 level upon completing the adventure. If you follow this

D&D Beyond

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