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Returning 35 results for 'spies of runes defense variant'.
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Monsters
Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse
other houses. In communities free of Lolth’s sway, they serve as spies tasked with foiling the plots of that demon lord’s cult. In any role they take on, they move undetected until the
-forming in the Abyss, siphoning its essence into themselves.
drow shadowblade (summoner variant);Variant: Demon Summoning
Some drow shadowblades have an action that allows them to summon a demon
classes
Use Powerful Runes to Weaken Enemies and Escape from Harm
You concentrate your efforts on perfecting your art, developing special marks to claim and cripple your targets. Rebel leaders, artists
, spies, and other members of the political underworld might belong to this archetype. Originally a tactic for subterfuge and assassination for denizens of the Festerwood, those who employ these powerful
Monsters
Mythic Odysseys of Theros
"} piercing damage.Prized among Meletis's thaumaturges, anvilwrought raptors are often crafted in the form of a hawk or an owl. Most serve as messengers and spies, flying over the busy streets or high over
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
Backgrounds
Sword Coast Adventurer's Guide
You have served the community where you grew up, standing as its first line of defense against crime. You aren’t a soldier, directing your gaze outward at possible enemies. Instead, your
easily pick out the dens of criminal activity in a community, although you’re more likely to be welcome in the former locations rather than the latter.
Variant: Investigator
Rarer
Magic Items
Waterdeep: Dragon Heist
weapon is searching for a new owner.
Azuredge has a solid steel handle etched with tiny runes, wrapped in blue dragon hide with a star sapphire set into the pommel. The axe head is forged from silver
defense against the axe, which passes through that spell’s barrier of magical force.
When you hit a fiend or an undead with the axe, cold blue flames erupt from its blade and deal an extra 2d6
Monsters
Mythic Odysseys of Theros
within her hair, and sacrificing themselves in her defense if they must.
See “Myths of Nylea” in chapter 2 for more details on the tragedy of Arasta.
Arasta as a Mythic Encounter
Arasta
those who enter her domain unbidden almost never go unnoticed, for Arasta can sense the slightest vibration along her web hair, and her children act as spies on her behalf.
Lair Actions
On initiative
Hobgoblin
Legacy
This doesn't reflect the latest rules and lore.
Learn More
Species
Volo's Guide to Monsters
Hobgoblins are relentless soldiers that cleave to rigid tactics and orders. I fear their less-predictable scouts and spies more.
— Volo
War is the lifeblood of hobgoblins. Its glories are
a powerful magic item), by fine performances (writing and performing a great ballad about the legion), by designing and constructing a great defense or monument, and through other means. But the
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Hold Back The Dead
Waterdeep (Northeast) The siege weapon in Waterdeep’s defense zone (see Map 1.5) is a small bronze cannon inlaid with arcane runes and mounted on a heavy tripod. It launches balls of crackling
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Princes of the Apocalypse
call themselves Feathergale Knights. Secretly, the knights are dedicated to Yan-C-Bin. They occupied the keep when the air cult established itself in the dwarven ruins beneath the Sumber Hills. The knights serve the cult as lookouts, messengers, spies, and a first line of defense.
Yuan-ti Pureblood
Legacy
This doesn't reflect the latest rules and lore.
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Species
Volo's Guide to Monsters
with that of snakes, producing a caste-based society of hybrids in which the most snakelike are the leaders and the most humanlike are spies and agents in foreign lands.
Humans Transformed
The
can more easily pronounce the name in this altered form. An adopted name of this sort is recognized as a variant of the birth name, rather than a unique name unto itself. A yuan-ti might refer to
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Dungeon Master’s Guide (2014)
create a defense-focused dwarf paladin, only to find he is out of place among elf diplomats and tiefling spies. The Brimstone Angels novels by Erin M. Evans focus on intrigue in the Forgotten Realms
Intrigue The corrupt vizier schemes with the baron’s oldest daughter to assassinate the baron. A hobgoblin army sends doppelganger spies to infiltrate the city before the invasion. At the embassy
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Out of the Abyss
Menzoberranzan Population: 20,000 drow plus thousands of slaves (of various races)
Government: Matriarchal theocracy worshiping Lolth, the Demon Queen of Spiders
Defense: Large standing army of
city), the Church of Lolth (based in Arach-Tinilith), Bregan D’aerthe (company of drow spies, mercenaries, and assassins)
The City of Spiders is carved out of and built within a great cavern the
classes
Basic Rules (2014)
serve as spies or assassins at the command of their leader, a noble patron, or some other mortal or divine power.
The majority of monks don’t shun their neighbors, making frequent visits to
Defense, Martial Arts
2nd
+2
1d4
2
+10 ft.
Ki, Unarmored Movement
3rd
+2
1d4
3
+10 ft.
Monastic Tradition, Deflect Missiles
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Guildmasters' Guide to Ravnica
secret: behind a facade of respectable messengers and reporters lurks an association of spies and assassins whose existence is barely suspected by the populace at large. Secrecy is both House Dimir’s best
weapon and its best defense, and much of the guild’s work is hidden even from other members. Dimir agents leave no trace of their covert activities, warping the memories of witnesses to their crimes
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Locathah Rising
in her head and pull her tentacles up into the shell protectively, like a strange hermit crab. Whymsee (Kraken Priest Variant)
Medium humanoid (human), neutral evil
Armor Class 17 (natural armor
next turn.
Shell Defense. Whymsee withdraws into her shell. Until she emerges, she gains a +4 bonus to AC and has advantage on Strength and Constitution saving throws. While in her shell, Whymsee is
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Waterdeep: Dragon Heist
Force Grey named Meloon Wardragon (see appendix B), but the weapon is searching for a new owner. Azuredge has a solid steel handle etched with tiny runes, wrapped in blue dragon hide with a star
made with this magic weapon. The shield spell provides no defense against the axe, which passes through that spell’s barrier of magical force. When you hit a fiend or an undead with the axe, cold blue
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Lost Mine of Phandelver
approaching, Iarno the evil mage grabs his staff of defense (see appendix A) and the scrolls in his chest (see the “Treasure” section), and flees through the secret door in the northeast corner of the room
entertainment for their visit. Beneath his genteel demeanor, however, Iarno is just as thuggish and arrogant as any Redbrand outlaws. If threatened, Iarno uses his staff of defense to cast mage armor on
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse
serve as spies tasked with foiling the plots of that demon lord’s cult. In any role they take on, they move undetected until the moment they attack—and then they are the last thing their victims see
. A shadowblade gains their powers over shadow via a ritual in which they kill a shadow demon and mystically prevent it from re-forming in the Abyss, siphoning its essence into themselves. Variant
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Monster Manual (2014)
or until its concentration ends (as if concentrating on a spell). Any equipment the imp wears or carries is invisible with it.
VARIANT: IMP FAMILIAR
Imps can be found in the service to mortal
spellcasters, acting as advisors, spies, and familiars. An imp urges its master to acts of evil, knowing the mortal’s soul is a prize the imp might ultimately claim. Imps display an unusual loyalty to
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Acquisitions Incorporated
successful DC 15 Wisdom (Perception) check notices that the lock of the stone door is connected to wires that run into the tower’s stone walls. This custom-built franchise defense system is rigged to
, and both wear ornate collars of silvery metal. Each stands within a square scribed onto the floor, ten feet on a side and edged with runes. The rune-marked boundaries appear to push the creatures back
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Tyranny of Dragons
middle of this frost-glazed room stands a nine-foot-tall table of carved stone surrounded by three giant-sized chairs, also carved from stone. A fat iron cauldron etched with runes rests upon the table
and gladly aid in its defense. Presently, Wiglof is using a magic cauldron (see “Treasure” below) to perform an augury ritual and hopes to ascertain the most likely outcome of Blagothkus’s alliance
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Waterdeep: Dungeon of the Mad Mage
molds and repeat the process. Without their armor, Brok and Fumira have AC 10. They keep their war picks and javelins close by, but fight only in self-defense. If they detect intruders, they stop working
out tremendous heat thanks to a fire elemental magically trapped inside it. Runes carved on the inside walls of the forge prevent the elemental from escaping or harming anyone outside the forge
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Hoard of the Dragon Queen
middle of this frost-glazed room stands a nine-foot-tall table of carved stone surrounded by three giant-sized chairs, also carved from stone. A fat iron cauldron etched with runes rests upon the table
gladly aid in its defense. Presently, Wiglof is using a magic cauldron (see “Treasure”) to perform an augury ritual and hopes to ascertain the most likely outcome of Blagothkus’s alliance with the
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Waterdeep: Dungeon of the Mad Mage
creatures that enter the room using their Psychic Crush action option (see the “Variant: Psychic Gray Oozes” sidebar in the “Oozes” entry in the Monster Manual). While contained in the altar, the oozes
Plane. An oath of service binds the ghost to the temple for as long as it stands. The ghost is unaligned and fights only in self-defense. If reduced to 0 hit points, the ghost is destroyed for 24 hours
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Mordenkainen's Tome of Foes
concern of any stronghold is defense, but older and prosperous strongholds can grow to become wondrous underground cities filled with generations of exquisite dwarven artisanship. Regardless of a
composed recounting of deeds, events, and important persons. Dwarves combine their runes into patterns, present pictorial histories in seemingly unconnected murals and images, and otherwise leave their
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Keoland have observed the Wild Flame Pact — a treaty that calls for mutual defense against the Dreadwood’s horrors. The outpost is commanded by its castellan, Kiara Shadowbreaker (LG female half-elf
surreptitiously seeks to hire spies who could investigate him in search of proof. Burle provides a safe resting place before and during expeditions into the Hool Marshes or the Dreadwood. Kiara offers a bounty
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Dungeon Master’s Guide (2014)
faith, making them proficient with the quarterstaff and nothing else. You could give them a benefit to make up for the loss of proficiencies—something like the monk’s Unarmored Defense class feature, but
an existing feature that can be used as a model? How does the new class feature compare to other features of the same level? Variant: Spell Points One way to modify how a class feels is to change how
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Waterdeep: Dungeon of the Mad Mage
Having eluded the drow so far, ten grimlocks huddle in the back of this 10-foot-high cavern. They feed on fish from the River Sargauth and fight only in self-defense. 10c. Sea Hag Coven This 30-foot
damages the cauldron, an elder rune materializes above it (see “Elder Runes”). Draw from the Elder Runes Deck (see appendix B) to determine which rune appears. The elder rune targets a random creature
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Out of the Abyss
immediately. Otherwise, they mock the party but don’t fight except in self-defense. Roaming Ooze The presence of the Pudding King (see “The Pudding Court” later in this chapter) is drawing oozes to
Blingdenstone. Roll a d4 and consult the Roaming Ooze table to determine what appears. d4 Encounter 1 1 black pudding 2 1 gelatinous cube 3 1d4 + 1 gray oozes, one of which is a psychic gray ooze variant (as
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Xanathar's Guide to Everything
blades’ attack bonus increases by 2, and their damage increases by 3 (1d6). These benefits apply until the blades hit a target, after which the values return to normal. Rune’s Defense. Tampering with the
it takes time. Faint runes in the ceiling and floor at both ends of the hallway are involved in the functioning of the portals. A creature must first use an action to examine a set of runes, then use a
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Domains of Delight: A Feywild Accessory
. Both Fey courts have spies who dig up dirt, sow seeds of dissent, and cause mischief. Captured spies are either ransomed or made examples of in various humiliating, nonlethal ways. Much of the gossip
have nothing akin to a mutual defense pact, and the very thought of one is greeted by jeers on both sides. If a rising army of fomorians or some other threat endangers one court, it’s widely understood
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Storm King's Thunder
are justly concerned, and some have important roles to play in events yet to unfold. The Harpers The Harpers are spellcasters and spies who covertly oppose the abuse of power, magical or otherwise
, and aiding in the defense of settlements. The Zhentarim The Zhentarim, also known as the Black Network, is an unscrupulous shadow network that seeks to expand its influence and power base throughout
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Waterdeep: Dungeon of the Mad Mage
Kestellharp”). The first creature to pass through the gate triggers an elder rune (see “Elder Runes”). A creature that passes through the gate appears in area 10 on level 6, in the closest unoccupied
Wyllowwood. Wherever she is, Wyllow hears the roar and comes to the dragon’s defense. The dragon, Valdemar, refers to itself as Tearulai and won’t willingly part with the sword stuck in its skull. Nor
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Waterdeep: Dungeon of the Mad Mage
14th level or higher to pass through this gate (see “Jhesiyra Kestellharp”). The first creature to pass through the gate triggers an elder rune (see “Elder Runes”). A creature that passes through the
gown and a gold tiara.
The living unseen servant plays the harpsichord tirelessly and fights only in self-defense. A detect magic spell reveals auras of transmutation magic around the dancers who, in
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Mythic Odysseys of Theros
god favors towers and hanging gardens that lift the verdant natural world up toward Nyx in her honor. In the Nessian Wood, Setessans build watchtowers that serve the dual purpose of military defense
watchtower as spies.
6 Clear out monsters than have taken over the place.
7 Steal a legendary weapon.
8 Steal griffon mounts.
9 Find a spy among the soldiers stationed at a