monsters some with only arise focus for land

Deck of Many Things

Magic Items Dungeon Master’s Guide

magic items, are lost to you. Portable property vanishes. Businesses, buildings, and land you own are lost in a way that alters reality the least. If you have a Bastion (see the Dungeon Master’s

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

Ruin Spider

Monsters The Book of Many Things

remains in one place for a long time. Ruin spiders arise when the magic of the deck transforms giant spiders into even more dangerous monsters whose acidic venom disintegrates everything it touches

Doomwake Giant

Monsters Mythic Odysseys of Theros

wonders and changing the world—but not always for the better. Doomwake giants arise from pernicious fears that infect a whole city or region. If enough mortals dread destruction for long enough, their

dreams of mortals, but to natural forces in the land. As a result, Theran giants are typically infused with the elements they embody, which might manifest as flaming beards, frozen skin, hair

Ironscale Hydra

Monsters Mythic Odysseys of Theros

legendary hydra Polukranos. Territorial Terrors. During their early years, hydras feed their rapid growth by terrorizing the land. When they grow large enough, they look for a territory to claim as

their own. Often, they steal lairs from other monsters in prolonged, devastating battles. Vicious Growth. Soon after a hydra claims a territory, it typically buries itself, entering a period of

Anvilwrought Raptor

Monsters Mythic Odysseys of Theros

the land while carrying or seeking vital information for their masters.The first anvilwroughts were created by the god of the forge, Purphoros. He gave the secret of breathing life into these metal

sands of time or are guarded by ancient monsters. Constructed Nature. An anvilwrought doesn't require air, food, drink, or sleep. VARIANT: ANVILWROUGHT RAPTOR FAMILIAR Some anvilwrought raptors are

Daemogoth Titan

Monsters Strixhaven: A Curriculum of Chaos

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

Polukranos

Monsters Mythic Odysseys of Theros

gods, like the legendary hydra Polukranos. Territorial Terrors. During their early years, hydras feed their rapid growth by terrorizing the land. When they grow large enough, they look for a

territory to claim as their own. Often, they steal lairs from other monsters in prolonged, devastating battles. Vicious Growth. Soon after a hydra claims a territory, it typically buries itself, entering a

Rictavio

Monsters Curse of Strahd

Richten’s tale is a sad one. A scholar and doctor from a land called Darkon, he married his childhood sweetheart, Ingrid, and together they had a son, Erasmus. When he was fourteen, Erasmus was

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

Halaster Blackcloak

Monsters Waterdeep: Dungeon of the Mad Mage

attunement). It can be used as an arcane focus. Whoever is attuned to the blast scepter gains resistance to fire and lightning damage and can, as an action, use it to cast thunderwave as a 4th-level spell

casting elder runes on them. Halaster’s gates connect the different levels of Undermountain, thus enabling him to bring new monsters into the dungeon to replenish those that die or escape. Even as

Adult Emerald Dragon

Monsters Fizban's Treasury of Dragons

adventurers in the hopes of pitting them against fire giant rivals. Hoarded Histories Emerald dragons prize knowledge, particularly local histories that focus on magical events and individuals. They usually

, particularly in volcanic regions. Over time, their psychic presence seeps into the land surrounding their lairs, expanding their awareness and subconsciously luring their favorite food—giant

Ancient Emerald Dragon

Monsters Fizban's Treasury of Dragons

of pitting them against fire giant rivals. Hoarded Histories Emerald dragons prize knowledge, particularly local histories that focus on magical events and individuals. They usually know of places

, and tunnel networks deep within the earth. They favor warm spaces, particularly in volcanic regions. Over time, their psychic presence seeps into the land surrounding their lairs, expanding their

Witherbloom Student

Backgrounds Strixhaven: A Curriculum of Chaos

You filled your childhood with rudimentary alchemical experiments, all in the hope of becoming a student of Witherbloom College. The life sciences are the focus of your reading, which include biology

and necromancy. Brewing strange concoctions with medicinal properties, exploring the anatomies of monsters, and cataloging swamp flora are the kinds of studies you might pursue at Witherbloom College

Mite

Monsters Mordenkainen's Fiendish Folio Volume 1

quickly become a brawl. Heralds of Frustration. Mites are natives of the Feywild that arise when a creature becomes so irritated with a situation or event that it lashes out in violence. That

that wrap around existing passages and chambers. They use these hiding spots to watch the comings and goings of monsters and adventurers, setting traps to vex and annoy whenever possible. A trip wire

Mark of Handling Human

Species Eberron: Rising from the Last War

dragonshard focus items, Vadalis has found ways to create magical creatures. Typically, this results in a superior version of a creature—an animal that is stronger, faster, and smarter. But

rumors claim that Vadalis has crafted monsters of its own. Some rumors even insist that Vadalis is trying to magebreed better humans.

Athlete

Backgrounds Mythic Odysseys of Theros

respect bordering on reverence. Athletes arise from all walks of life and all cultures and quite often cross paths with one another. Skill Proficiencies: Acrobatics, Athletics Tool Proficiencies

: Vehicles (land) Languages: One of your choice Equipment: A bronze discus or leather ball, a lucky charm or past trophy, a set of traveler’s clothes, and a pouch containing 10 gp Favored Event

Deck of Many Things Legacy

Magic Items Basic Rules (2014)

-handedly defeat the next hostile monster or group of monsters you encounter, you gain experience points enough to gain one level. Otherwise, this card has no effect. Donjon. You disappear and become

property vanishes. Businesses, buildings, and land you own are lost in a way that alters reality the least. Any documentation that proves you should own something lost to this card also disappears

Halfling Legacy

Species Basic Rules (2014)

marauding monsters and clashing armies; a blazing fire and a generous meal; fine drink and fine conversation. Though some halflings live out their days in remote agricultural communities, others form

land beyond their quiet shires. They typically don’t recognize any sort of halfling nobility or royalty, instead looking to family elders to guide them. Families preserve their traditional ways

Dhampir

Species Van Richten’s Guide to Ravenloft

. Their reasons are often deeply personal. Some seek danger, imagining monsters as personifications of their own hungers. Others pursue revenge against whatever turned them into a dhampir. And still

or raw meat 3 Cerebral spinal fluid 4 Psychic energy 5 Dreams 6 Life energy Dhampir Origins Dhampirs often arise from encounters with vampires, but all manner of

Mark of Passage Human

Species Eberron: Rising from the Last War

the blink of an eye. House Orien Leader: Kwanti d’Orien Headquarters: Journey’s Home (Passage, Aundair) The House of Passage manages land transportation. The lightning rail is the house

’s most dramatic tool, but Orien also runs caravans and coaches across the length of Khorvaire. Dragonshard focus items ensure that the fastest vehicles are those driven by heirs with the Mark

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

no one can steer me away from my higher calling. (Any) d6 Bond 1 I have a family, but I have no idea where they are. One day, I hope to see them again. 2 I worked the land

Warforged

Species Eberron: Rising from the Last War

a soul?” Gerrion said. “What makes you think you do?” —Keith Baker, The Shattered Land The warforged were built to fight in the Last War. While the first warforged were

. Warforged Personality The warforged were built to serve and to fight. For most of their existence, warforged had a clearly defined function and were encouraged to focus purely on that role. The Treaty

Kalashtar

Species Eberron: Rising from the Last War

kalashtar communities focus on acts of devotion known as the Path of Light. But the dark powers of Dal Quor have their own plans for Eberron. Through the force known as the Dreaming Dark, these monsters

Step-by-Step Adventures

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

Adventures A published adventure includes a pregenerated scenario with the maps, NPCs, monsters, and treasures you need to run it. This allows you to focus your preparation time on plot developments

that arise from the characters’ actions. You can adjust a published adventure so it better suits your campaign and appeals to your players. For example, you can replace the villain of an adventure

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

sort looking for a fresh start and a new family among the bold Bloodaxes. Skill Proficiencies: Athletics, PersuasionTool Proficiencies: One type of gaming set, vehicles (land

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

Proficiencies: One type of artisan’s tools, vehicles (land) Equipment: A set of artisan’s tools (one of your choice), a shovel, an iron pot, a set of common clothes, and a pouch containing 10 gp

Adolescence

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

Adolescence Most elves experience their First Reflection in their second or third decade. It marks the beginning of the period when an elf must focus on acquiring the knowledge and skills needed for

world and to reinforce the principles of any training or practice undertaken while awake. At the same time, the memories of long ago that came so easily during childhood now arise less and less

Settlements and Sites

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

Settlements and Sites Darkon is a land of dark wonders and apathy. The ruins of forgotten magical empires and impossible architecture litter the land, but the jaded people ignore these marvels to focus on daily concerns. Map 3.3: darkon View Player Version

Klothys's Villains

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

free one of those ancient terrors. Klothys’s Monsters A variety of monstrous creatures might arise in an area as a result of Klothys’s influence, particularly those presented on the Klothys’s

god or her agents if they stand in opposition to destiny. Various monsters rose from the Underworld when Klothys entered the mortal realm, and her most zealous followers often see them as

Mythic Monsters

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

greatest myths arise from storied terrors—like the hydra Polukranos or the dreaded titans—the monsters in this section have a feature that sets them apart: mythic traits. Mythic traits transform battles

Mythic Monsters This section describes three of Theros’s most infamous terrors, beings whose might and dreadful deeds set them apart as menaces of legendary proportions. While many of Theros’s

Set Expectations

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

Set Expectations Well before you assemble a group around a game table, pitch the adventures you’re thinking about running to your prospective players. Note the types of conflicts that might arise

. 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

Appendix D: Monsters and NPCs

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Curse of Strahd

Appendix D: Monsters and NPCs Barovia is a land of vampires, ghosts, and werewolves. In addition, adventurers who explore this unholy realm encounter other things that go bump in the night, including

creatures born out of Strahd’s evil. The new monsters that appear in this adventure are described below, along with several of the vampire’s allies and enemies—souls whose fates are entwined with

Kruphix's Villains

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

that might arise from among the god’s followers. Kruphix’s Villains d6 Villain 1 An oracle (see chapter 6) seeks to erase the memories of an entire community, reducing them to a simpler

discovered knowledge mortals were not meant to know and works to silence them. Kruphix’s Monsters Kruphix is rarely associated with monsters, but those most likely to serve him appear on the

Brevity

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

Brevity Keep your descriptions short and evocative. Focus on the more important information to keep players’ interest and to highlight important clues and details. Players need to know about

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.

Droaam

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

chance to explore a land untethered by the laws of the treaty nations, a realm where they are the outsiders and the monsters are at home. Adventurers might have to pursue a fugitive or a war criminal

into Droaam, or go there in search of unusual services or information found only in the land of monsters.

School Is in Session

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Strixhaven: A Curriculum of Chaos

. In these adventures, the player characters are students attending the university, and they become heroes in their own right as they navigate plots, overcome monsters, and thwart dangers that arise

D&D Beyond

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