monsters some with only allows from for lived

Sivak Draconian

Monsters Dragonlance: Shadow of the Dragon Queen

. Sivaks can magically change their features to mimic the appearance of those they’ve slain. This allows these cunning soldiers to sow confusion and despair among their enemies. When sivaks are

killed, their crumbling bodies mimic the form of their killers and shriek in agony. Draconians Draconians are bipedal monsters born from metallic dragon eggs that have been corrupted by a

Draconian Dreadnought

Monsters Fizban's Treasury of Dragons

. Their magical ability to change their appearance to mimic those they’ve slain allows them to sow confusion and despair among their enemies. When dreadnoughts are killed, their bodies burst into

flames, scorching everything around them. On the world of Krynn, draconian dreadnoughts formed from silver dragon eggs are called sivak draconians. Draconians Draconians are bipedal monsters born

Halaster Blackcloak

Monsters Waterdeep: Dungeon of the Mad Mage

sight, and allows him to see invisible creatures and objects, as well as into the Ethereal Plane, out to a range of 120 feet. Halaster wields a blast scepter (a very rare magic item that requires

(save DC 16) without expending a spell slot. Halaster also wears a horned ring (a very rare magic item that requires attunement), which allows an attuned wearer to ignore Undermountain’s magical

Rictavio

Monsters Curse of Strahd

, and van Richten has lived with the horror of his family’s destruction ever since. After destroying Baron Metus in turn, van Richten sought revenge against the Vistani and took up a life of

hunting evil monsters. The Waiting Game. Van Richten isn’t a young man anymore. He knows his road is coming to an end, but his work isn't done. He has come to Barovia to kill Strahd von Zarovich

Belashyrra

Monsters Eberron: Rising from the Last War

, if available, to move as far as its speed allows away from Belashyrra. Rend Reality (Costs 3 Actions). Belashyrra rips at the bonds of reality in its immediate area. Each creature within 10 feet of

“I perceive certain types of people — vocations or entire societies — as hideous monsters.” 3 “Someone is watching everything I do.” 4 “When I

Demilich Legacy

Monsters Monster Manual (2014)

Avoidance. If the demilich is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half

turns, ending the curse on a success.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

Mark of Handling Human

Species Eberron: Rising from the Last War

purely natural animals; the mark allows its bearer to guide a hippogriff as easily as a horse. House Vadalis Leader: Dalin d’Vadalis Headquarters: Foalswood (near Varna, Eldeen Reaches

Mark of Handling allows Vadalis to work with more exotic creatures as well. Griffons, hippogriffs, and even bulettes can be bred and trained. Even with the Mark of Handling, this is dangerous work

Hermit Legacy

Backgrounds Player’s Handbook (2014)

You lived in seclusion—either in a sheltered community such as a monastery, or entirely alone—for a formative part of your life. In your time apart from the clamor of society, you found

contemplative sort of seclusion that allows room for study and prayer. If you want to play a rugged wilderness recluse who lives off the land while shunning the company of other people, look at the outlander

Demilich (Variant) Legacy

Monsters Monster Manual (2014)

Avoidance. If the demilich is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half

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

Rakdos Cultist

Backgrounds Guildmasters’ Guide to Ravnica

standard circus-style acrobatics with fire, wrought-iron spikes and hooks, and monsters. You can roll a d8 or choose from the options in the Performance Options table to determine your preferred

in different troupes, which allows for the possibility of a widespread network of contacts. Roll twice on the Rakdos Contacts table (for an ally and a rival) and once on the Non-Rakdos Contacts table

Elf Legacy

Species Basic Rules (2014)

enjoy simple yet lovely jewelry. A Timeless Perspective Elves can live well over 700 years, giving them a broad perspective on events that might trouble the shorter-lived races more deeply. They are

. Since they are so long-lived, they can enjoy centuries of exploration and discovery. They dislike the pace of human society, which is regimented from day to day but constantly changing over decades, so

Hermit - Baldur's Gate

Backgrounds Baldur’s Gate: Descent into Avernus

souls who manage to find isolation amid its tumult. You lived in seclusion — either in a sheltered community such as a monastery, or entirely alone—for a formative part of your life. In your

contemplative sort of seclusion that allows room for study and prayer. If you want to play a rugged wilderness recluse who lives off the land while shunning the company of other people, look at the outlander

Saving Throws Legacy

Rules

bonus to saving throws made using a particular ability score. Some monsters have saving throw proficiencies as well. The Difficulty Class for a saving throw is determined by the effect that causes it

detailed in the effect that allows the save. Usually, a successful save means that a creature suffers no harm, or reduced harm, from an effect.

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

Proficiency Bonus Legacy

Rules

Characters have a proficiency bonus determined by level, as detailed in chapter 1. Monsters also have this bonus, which is incorporated in their stat blocks. The bonus is used in the rules on ability

more than once to the same roll, you still add it only once and multiply or divide it only once. By the same token, if a feature or effect allows you to multiply your proficiency bonus when making an

Level 8: Slitherswamp

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

Level 8: Slitherswamp Slitherswamp is designed for four 10th-level characters, and characters who defeat the monsters on this level should gain enough XP to reach halfway to 11th level. This level

consists of muck-filled caverns and decaying temples dedicated to evil deities of the yuan-ti. The serpent folk lived here until they were defeated by nagas known as the Ssethian Scourges. Afterward, Halaster replaced the yuan-ti with a bullywug tribe governed by a cruel death slaad overlord.

Cities and Sites

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Eberron: Rising from the Last War

Cities and Sites In the past, particular creatures dominated the communities of Droaam. The harpy flights lived in mountain peaks, while the medusas remained isolated in the citadel of Cazhaak Draal

border to Breland. Though dominated by monsters and ruled by a mind flayer, Graywall is both a center for trade and a haven for deserters and fugitives. The dragonmarked houses maintain outposts in

Rudolph van Richten

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

documenting them in a series of published guides, the best known of which is Van Richten’s Guide to Vampires. In kinder days, Rudolph lived with his wife, Ingrid, and son, Erasmus, but he lost them both to

a wicked vampire. In the process of hunting the vampire, Rudolph came under a terrible curse: “Live you always among monsters, and see everyone you love die beneath their claws.” In the decades since

Living the Giant Life

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

Living the Giant Life Giants are exceptionally long-lived compared to humans, but none are immortal. A peaceful death from old age is a common occurrence among cloud giants and storm giants and isn’t

unusual among stone giants and fire giants. It’s the exception among hill giants and frost giants, most of which die violently in battle against humans, dragons, other monsters, or their own kind

Ephara's Villains

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Mythic Odysseys of Theros

it will displace wildlife that has lived there for millennia. 4 A soldier begins killing people who have committed terrible crimes but have been acquitted because of loopholes in the judicial

work that they deem antithetical to proper society. Ephara’s Monsters Ephara isn’t often associated with monsters. Even so, a few monsters common in urban settings might be involved with the

Reaching the Radiant Citadel

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Journeys through the Radiant Citadel

Radiant Citadel is a hub for those seeking adventure, but it’s also home to thousands. Either the characters have lived in the city all their lives, or they’re stationed there by a world-hopping

Citadel remains. Sanctuary Seekers. A disaster threatens the characters’ home, but their timely discovery of a Concord Jewel allows them and their community—a forgotten founding civilization—to escape.

Mount Velus

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Mythic Odysseys of Theros

Purphoros, and lived, the god’s anger isn’t the only danger. A red dragon called Thraxes makes his home in the halls of Purphoros’s first residence, which the god abandoned to create a larger and

offerings. In exchange the god allows the dragon to stay in the volcano. Purphoros’s forge lies in the deepest part of Mount Velus, near a vast lava pool. The massive iron forge is surrounded by the

Listening Post Conversations

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Dragon Delves

or an Intelligence (Nature) check to impress Zakia with knowledge about rare herbs or monsters. A person who is Friendly toward a character helps decipher clues in the song lyrics and imparts the

called the Rattle. We sometimes call its bald hills ‘hills of gold’ because of their color. The phrase ‘beyond the settled land’ must refer to the Rattle—a land of monsters.” Hurch Henley Hurch Henley

Exploration and Adventure

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

Exploration and Adventure Elves take up adventuring out of wanderlust. Since they are so long-lived, they can enjoy centuries of exploration and discovery. They dislike the pace of human society

gaining greater magical power, and adventuring allows them to do so. Some might join with rebels fighting against oppression, and others might become champions of moral causes. HAUGHTY BUT GRACIOUS

Dragon

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Mythic Odysseys of Theros

favor and protection. Immortal Perspective Despite their arrogance and viciousness, dragons are long-lived and perceptive. Their age and patience allows them to divine signs amid violent weather and

Exploration and Adventure

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

Exploration and Adventure Elves take up adventuring out of wanderlust. Since they are so long-lived, they can enjoy centuries of exploration and discovery. They dislike the pace of human society

gaining greater magical power, and adventuring allows them to do so. Some might join with rebels fighting against oppression, and others might become champions of moral causes. HAUGHTY BUT GRACIOUS

Reaching the Radiant Citadel

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->The Radiant Citadel

Radiant Citadel is a hub for those seeking adventure, but it’s also home to thousands. Either the characters have lived in the city all their lives, or they’re stationed there by a world-hopping

Citadel remains. Sanctuary Seekers. A disaster threatens the characters’ home, but their timely discovery of a Concord Jewel allows them and their community—a forgotten founding civilization—to escape.

Tracking Initiative

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

monsters, placed in Initiative order in a stack you cycle through A hidden list allows you to track combatants who haven’t been revealed yet, and you can use the list as a place to record the current

Hit Points of monsters, as well as other useful notes. If you use this approach, you tell the players when it’s their characters’ turn. When you call out the character whose turn is starting, consider

Gibbet Crossing

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

Gibbet Crossing Gibbet Crossing is a forlorn place. It was once a crossroads of the Underdark where drow, duergar, and svirfneblin communities lived in uneasy peace. The duergar had a lucrative

mind flayers attacked the area long ago, the groups didn’t fight alongside one another and were individually annihilated. Only monsters live in the crossroads region today. Humanoids rarely travel

Tracking Initiative

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

of paper behind a DM screen or a spreadsheet on a tablet computer. This method allows you to keep track of combatants who haven’t been revealed yet, and you can use the initiative list as a place to

record the current hit points of monsters, as well as other useful notes. A downside of this approach is that you have to remind the players round after round when their turns come up. Visible List You

Chamber Contents

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

Chamber Contents Once you have a sense of the purpose of the various dungeon chambers, you can think about the contents of those areas. The Dungeon Chamber Contents table allows you to randomly roll

controls an area. Pets and allied creatures are subservient to the dominant inhabitant. “Random creatures” are scavengers or nuisances, usually lone monsters or small groups passing through the area. They

Level 7: Maddgoth's Castle

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

monsters on this level. Award XP for these creatures as if the characters had defeated them in combat. The level is named after a miniature, one-twelfth-scale fortress in one of its caverns. This

: Maddgoth’s Castle, written by Steven E. Schend and published in 1996, was the second of three modules in the short-lived “Dungeon Crawl” series of adventures designed for the second edition D&D game

Set Expectations

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

. You don’t need to reveal the major plot points or twists in your story, but share the kinds of monsters and general themes you’re interested in using, other horror stories you’re inspired by, and which

genres of horror from chapter 2 interest you. Being transparent with your players allows them to decide if this is a game they want to play, which is best to know before play begins.

Rudolph van Richten

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

, the best known of which is Van Richten’s Guide to Vampires. In fairer days, Rudolph lived with his wife, Ingrid, and son, Erasmus, in their family home outside Rivalis in the domain of Darkon. Brash

their criminal operation, and brought Irena to justice, but not before suffering her curse: “Live you always among monsters, and see everyone you love die beneath their claws.” In the weeks that

Proficiency Bonus

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

Proficiency Bonus Characters have a proficiency bonus determined by level, as detailed in chapter 1. Monsters also have this bonus, which is incorporated in their stat blocks. The bonus is used in

applies more than once to the same roll, you still add it only once and multiply or divide it only once. By the same token, if a feature or effect allows you to multiply your proficiency bonus when making

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