monsters some with openly alone for 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

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

Girallon

Monsters Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

language to communicate with one another over distance. Each individual typically hunts alone and widely separated from the others to ensure that everyone gets adequate fodder. The leader might

out across the world. Numerous creatures have tried to tame, subjugate, or cooperate with the monsters. For instance, some forest-dwelling peoples capture girallons and train them to serve as sentinels

Changeling Legacy

Species Eberron: Rising from the Last War

in stable communities where changelings are true to their nature and deal openly with the people around them. Some are orphans, raised by other races, who find their way in the world without ever

with people around them. Does the character conceal their true changeling nature? Do they embrace it? Do they have connections to other changelings or are they alone and in search of companions

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

Demilich (Variant) Legacy

Monsters Monster Manual (2014)

assume a wraithlike form. The skull then emits a terrifying howl that can slay the weak-hearted and leave others trembling with fear. Left alone, it sinks back down and returns to the empty peace of

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

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

Rictavio

Monsters Curse of Strahd

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

, he will do so. Van Richten works alone. A curse placed on him long ago by a Vistani seer brings doom to those he befriends. Furthermore, he believes too much is at stake to risk exposure. Consequently

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

you, warning all others that you must win the battle alone. The avatar fights until you die or it drops to 0 hit points, whereupon it disappears. If anyone tries to help you, the helper summons its

Monk Legacy

Classes Basic Rules (2014)

, knocking their blows aside and sending them reeling, until at last she stands alone. Taking a deep breath, a human covered in tattoos settles into a battle stance. As the first charging orcs reach him, he

nearby towns or villages and exchanging their service for food and other goods. As versatile warriors, monks often end up protecting their neighbors from monsters or tyrants. For a monk, becoming an

Bugbear Legacy

Species Volo's Guide to Monsters

; Elminster Bugbears feature in the nightmare tales of many races — great, hairy beasts that creep through the shadows as quiet as cats. If you walk alone in the woods, a bugbear will reach out

remove opposition or exile weaker or unpopular members to keep the rest of the gang strong. Fortunately for the race as a whole, even young and elderly bugbears have the ability to survive alone in the

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

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

disaster. 3 I stood alone against a terrible monster. 4 I stole from a corrupt merchant to help the poor. 5 I led a militia to fight off an invading army. 6 I broke into a tyrant

Urchin - Baldur's Gate

Backgrounds Baldur’s Gate: Descent into Avernus

Bands of orphans and runaways band together in the Outer City, running after passersby in ragged throngs to plead for scraps. In the Lower City, urchins are often recruited into the lowest echelons

of the Guild or pressed into dirty and dangerous work by unscrupulous masters. You grew up on the streets alone, orphaned, and poor. You had no one to watch over you or to provide for you, so you

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

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

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

Ranger Legacy

Classes Basic Rules (2014)

Rough and wild looking, a human stalks alone through the shadows of trees, hunting the orcs he knows are planning a raid on a nearby farm. Clutching a shortsword in each hand, he becomes a whirlwind

trackless forests and across wide and empty plains, rangers keep their unending watch. Deadly Hunters Warriors of the wilderness, rangers specialize in hunting the monsters that threaten the edges of

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

Arasta

Monsters Mythic Odysseys of Theros

her hatred of the gods and their servants. She doesn’t do so alone, though, as innumerable arachnids fawn over her, serving as her eyes throughout the wilderness, disposing of victims trapped

Arasta’s Web of Hair must succeed on a DC 21 Constitution saving throw, or the creature takes 26 (4d12);{"diceNotation":"4d12","rollType":"damage","rollDamageType":"force"} force damage and any spell of 6th level or lower on it ends.

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

homeless and unfortunate. You know where to go in the Lower City and Outer City for anonymity. In these slums and alley camps, you can get a damp bed and a bad meal, but also a degree of privacy and no

Cycle of Dread

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

Cycle of Dread Monsters and wild beasts mysteriously appear to menace the people of Yeonido A bitter spirit and strict local traditions trap Yeonido in a cycle of quiet suffering. While spirits

called gwishin are well known among the city’s populace, social mores prevent people from speaking openly about their dead ancestors. One vengeful gwishin takes advantage of this custom to torment the city.

Harpers

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

Harpers The Harpers are spellcasters and spies who covertly oppose any abuse of power, magical or otherwise. Working alone or in small cells, they gather information throughout Faerûn, analyze the

political dynamics in each region or realm, and use what they uncover to help the weak, the poor, and the oppressed from behind the scenes. Harpers act openly only as a last resort. Artus Cimber, a

Hidden People

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Wayfinder's Guide to Eberron

where changelings are true to their nature and deal openly with the people around them. Some are orphans, raised by other races, who find their way in the world without ever knowing another like

their true changeling nature? Do they embrace it? Do they have connections to other changelines or are they alone and in search of companions?

A Hidden People

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

where changelings are true to their nature and deal openly with the people around them. Some are orphans, raised by other races, who find their way in the world without ever knowing another like

the character conceal their true changeling nature? Do they embrace it? Do they have connections to other changelings or are they alone and in search of companions?

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

Gothic Horror Villains

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

creating the perfect poison, machine, or lifeform 4 A beloved magnate who abducts commoners to steal their blood for his beauty rituals 5 A celebrity who openly murders innocents but uses

terrible deeds 8 A poisoner who seeks to manipulate history through targeted killings 9 An artist who manufactures terrible accidents to provide inspiration and reference for her art 10 A monster hunter who accuses those they consider sinful of being monsters

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

Features of the Skola Vale

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

antics. During the day, the copses are idyllic forests, filled with the music of panpipes. At night, though, the forests grow more menacing. Nocturnal monsters roam the wood—particularly chimeras

, cockatrices, and harpies—striving to pick off drunken satyrs wandering alone after a revel. Satyrs rarely travel alone at night, believing that noise and music scare away evil, but revelers aren’t always as wary as they should be.

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.

Low-Level Followers

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

monsters that are an appropriate challenge for higher-level characters can deal enough damage to instantly kill or incapacitate a low-level follower. The adventurers should expect to spend effort and resources protecting lower-level NPC party members and to provide healing when this protection fails.

Low-Level Followers Your campaign might allow player characters to take on lower-level NPCs as followers. For example, a paladin might have a 1st-level paladin as a squire, a wizard might accept a

The Harpers

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Tyranny of Dragons

using knowledge to win the day over brute force. However, as the Cult of the Dragon grows more brazen and destructive, the Harpers are forced to act more openly in their opposition. If the characters

effectively alone or in small groups, much like adventurers. When on a mission, they are independent and self-reliant. The ideal Harper is a keen observer, persuasive, and able to go almost anywhere

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