1286380-Tyranny of Dragons DM Guide
1286380-Tyranny of Dragons DM Guide
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Tyranny of Dragons: DM Guide
The first adventure to be published for 5th edition Dungeons & Dragons, Tyranny of
Dragons is a great adventure but requires a greater amount of DM planning than others.
That is where this guide comes in – it cuts down on the planning with updated and simple
descriptions, fixes and suggestions to make each chapter come alive for you and your
players with minimal effort from you – the DM.
by Mark Comfort
DUNGEONS & DRAGONS, D&D, Wizards of the Coast, Forgotten Realms, the dragon ampersand, Player’s Handbook, Monster Manual, Dungeon Master’s Guide, D&D
Adventurers League, all other Wizards of the Coast product names, and their respective logos are trademarks of Wizards of the Coast in the USA and other countries.
All characters and their distinctive likenesses are property of Wizards of the Coast. This material is protected under the copyright laws of the United States of America.
Any reproduction or unauthorized use of the material or artwork contained herein is prohibited without the express written permission of Wizards of the Coast.
©2016 Wizards of the Coast LLC, PO Box 707, Renton, WA 98057-0707, USA. Manufactured by Hasbro SA, Rue Emile-Boéchat 31, 2800 Delémont, CH. Represented by
Hasbro Europe, 4 The Square, Stockley Park, Uxbridge, Middlesex, UB11 1ET, UK.
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Initial DM Preparation
The entirety of this Tyranny of Dragons: DM Guide is
written to be used for both in-person and online Make it your Own
campaigns. It should be used, adapted and ignored Approach any perceived lack of detail in Tyranny of
dependent on what would suit your campaign and Dragons as an opportunity to develop a game better
players best. If running this campaign online, I tailored to your group. Against the exciting backdrop
recommend copy and pasting relevant sections from of the Sword Coast being ravaged by dragons and the
the official campaign books and this guide into a word cult, you can make quests that tie into the wider
processing doc before combining and adapting them to narrative and provide a fuller experience.
suit your campaign. If you are running this campaign
in person, I recommend printing out specific sections
to support running the campaign from the book. Other Key Points
To introduce the setting and foreshadow the campaign, ❖ Levels 1 to 20 the adventure as written takes
share the below with your players for your session 0. player characters from levels 1 to 16. This guide
adjusts Tyranny of Dragons at certain points to
bring player characters from level 1 to 20
A shadow is falling across the Sword Coast, land of throughout the course of the campaign,
heroes and adventure. Word is spreading of a cult that ultimately leading to a level 20 showdown with
preys on the weak, infiltrates the ruling class and Tiamat. This is done by adjusting encounters
silences dissent. With their growing power, the land will and suggesting specific points at which to award
soon fall to their claws if no one stands in their way… XP for specific actions. As a result, extra content
has been added in sections. However. There are
also 4 points recommended in the guide for a
DM to develop a player backstory arc (assuming
Character Motivation a 4-character party). This assumes the DM will
combine the adventure with additional sandbox
This adventure expects player characters to be heroes elements by providing additional story hooks to
already, willing to risk their lives. This automatic explore linked to character backstories. In each
assumption of characters wanting to save the world is case, it is recommended that these result in a
now perhaps a little dated (despair for the lawful good level-up per player character arc.
paladin of yore). If the players feel they are in a story
that is not their own, this can lead to disengagement.
Here are a few key points to combat this: ❖ Side quests incorporate content from other
adventures or homebrew to either flesh out
❖ Use the campaign's background bonds to tie sections of the adventure or create side quests for
them into the world. This could be in addition when your players need a break from the main
to a character's other bond. story quest. Different points in the following
chapters have suggested hooks and diving off
❖ Use the campaign’s optional background points from which to develop side quests for the
features (Cult of the Dragon Infiltrator or party.
Dragon Scholar) to strengthen the player
character’s ties to the story through the ❖ Downtime while the adventure moves at a brisk
mechanical benefits outlined in this guide. pace in the race to defeat the cult's goals, there are
sections where downtime would improve the
campaign – primarily when visiting cities.
Establish downtime rules during session 0 and
Railroad vs. Sandbox support each player to identify what their
As written, the party travel from point A to B to C... character does in their spare time.
To introduce more variety, present players with
multiple paths to achieving the same goal and do not ❖ Lore and Art many locations visited in the
shy away from player plans. Various points in this campaign are well-known in the Forgotten Realms
guide detail player options but only you will know with much already written about them. Search for
your players and be able to adjust accordingly. lore and art online to supplement the adventure's
descriptions of locations and characters.
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Rumors in 1489 DR Factions
For session 0, roll or select a rumor from the table The rules from the DMG (p. 21) regarding factions can
below to share with each player to introduce them to be incorporated into the campaign from session 0
the current tense state of play on the Sword Coast. onwards. This helps players become invested with the
campaign’s stakes and provides mechanical benefits to
D20 Rumor completing missions through the form of renown.
1 A splinter sect of red wizards defected from Different points in the following chapters have
Thay and seek vengeance against Szass Tam. suggestions regarding when, how and to what effect
2 Dragons are growing bolder and more violent, characters can gain renown with different factions.
laying claim to more riches and territory.
3 A fell cabal of mages trying to animate a dragon Harpers
skeleton at Dragonspear were foiled by paladins Characters who are a member of the Harpers are
from Elturel a 100 years ago. already aware of who Leosin Erlanthar is and some of
4 A shadowy group known as the Scaled Fist has the Cult of the Dragon’s activities and modus operandi.
been abducting and indoctrinating the Other benefits may include:
vulnerable.
5 There are tales of unrest and family strife in the ❖ The ability to secure information from an
elven court of the misty forest. informant in any civilized outpost or city.
6 Homesteads in the Greenfields have been
massacred, destroyed, and abandoned. Emerald Enclave
7 The kobold tribes have united behind a single Characters who are a member of the Emerald Enclave
charismatic leader and are on the warpath. understand the dangers of the wild and gain benefits
8 Several eminent dragon scholars have been for travelling on the road in chapter 4. Other benefits
assassinated but nobody can figure out why. may include:
9 The libraries of Candlekeep were burgled for
arcane research on the origins and properties of ❖ The ability to cast the Animal Messenger spell
dragons. once every 5 days.
10 A powerful relic rests within the temple of
Chauntea at Greenest useable only by a "true Zhentarim
defender and hero of Greenest".
Characters who are a member of the Zhentarim
11 A powerful dragon artifact was uncovered in the
already know Jamna Gleamsilver from chapter 4 as
Kryptgarden forest.
another agent investigating the cult and may request
12 The Zhentarim have been involved in skirmishes
assistance from her. Other benefits may include:
with another shadow organization.
13 Efforts to rebuild trade between Neverwinter
❖ The ability to use their connections to gain
and Waterdeep have been hindered by
advantage on an intimidation check once
lizardfolk raiders.
every 5 days.
14 Mercenaries all over the realms are answering the
call of gold on the Sword Coast but who is hiring
them? The Lords’ Alliance
15 With the end of the era of upheaval, the gods’ Characters who serve the Lord’s Alliance likely serve a
influence has lessened – some say that they have particular Lord of the Alliance and gain more benefits
even abandoned us! when within their domain. Other benefits may include:
16 New religious orders are being formed across
the realms to adapt and interpret the teachings ❖ The ability to secure meetings with a leader of
of the gods. any civilized outpost or city that is a member
17 Nobles in Baldur’s Gate are consorting with of the Lords’ Alliance.
devils and devil-worship.
18 One of the frost giant’s floating fortresses has Order of the gauntlet
gone missing – presumed stolen. Characters who are a member of the Order of the
19 Demonic abishai have been unleashed with Gauntlet already know Ontharr Frume and can gain
greater frequency, causing carnage and mayhem. military assistance. Other benefits may include:
20 It is said that the great sage Alaundo foresaw a
duel between Bahamut and Tiamat in 1489 DR. ❖ The ability to secure shelter and support from
other members of the Order of the Gauntlet.
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Key Factions
Lord Dagult
Neverember
The Order of the The Emerald Enclave Red Wizards of Thay
The Harpers The Zhentarim Nymmurh
Gauntlet Neverwinter
Bronze
Lady Laeral
Silverhand
Remallia Ontharr Rian Delaan Szass Tam
Winterhound Waterdeep Protanther
Haventree Frume Nightshade
Wise Owl* Vindicator* Ardragon* Winterstalker* Gold Zulkir
Connerad
Brawnanvil Eseldra
Carlon Leda
Clementine Jamna Tazmikella Yeth
Amoffel Mount* Clawbirth* Mithral Hall
Gleamsilver
Harpshadow* Viper* Autumnreaver Copper Tharchion
Whitehawk*
King
Melandrach
Leosin Erlanthar Biff Witt Borea lleuthra Nyh Ilmichh
Misty Forest
Longsteel* Strayson* Candles*
Harpshadow* Marcheon Wolf Summerstrider Brass Red Wizard
Taern
Hornblade
Silverymoon Otaaryliakarnos
A Cult by any other Name Members of the Cult of History of the Cult the Cult was founded in 10th
the Dragon would be unlikely to refer to Century DR by the archmage Sammaster the Mad; they
themselves as a “cult” due to its negative originally worshipped undead dragons due to
connotations. Some other ideas for replacement Sammaster’s translation of the Chronicles of Years to
names include: Come. They became a considerable threat before
The Scaled Fist Sammaster was defeated. Severin Silrajin translated
Draconis Veritas the Chronicles of Years to Come differently - the world
The Five Flames would be ruled by living dragons, setting in motion his
Keepers of the Secret Hoard* leadership of the cult. Currently, the cult is not well-
Followers of the Scaly Way** known: a relic of history to most people.
*According to canonical Forgotten Realms lore, this Why be a cultist? consider an NPC’s motivation for
was an upper tier of the cult – comprised of joining the cult to when roleplaying cultists. Cult
spellcasters devoted to the cause – they had the recruiters target anyone searching for new meaning in
magical knowledge necessary to serve dragons life or those in a precarious situation with seemingly
more effectively. few avenues of recourse. Alternatively, they are using
**According to canonical Forgotten Realms lore, this their ties to the cult for their own gain.
was a lower tier of the cult – comprised of martial Below is a table of cultist NPCs for your use. You can
fighters and stealthy operatives to further the use the stock NPCs of each line or generate random
cult’s goals. They fulfilled the security and cultist NPCS by rolling. New cultist NPCs are also
espionage requirements of the cult. introduced in the subsequent chapters at convenient
moments to support the adventure.
Funding
Lawful mercantile activities.
Raiding caravans and homes.
Forced donations of members.
Reconnaissance
Gathering information on enemies.
Researching dragon lore.
Making alliances with dragons.
Combat
Assassinating opponents/investigators.
Guarding dragon lairs, hoards and eggs.
Assaulting known enemies.
Greenfields Cell Mere of Dead Men Greypeak Mountains Oyaviggaton Cell Misty Forest Cell Xonthal Tower Cell Well of Dragons Cell
Cell Cell
gVoaraghamanthar Jorgen
Lennithon Glazhael Arauthator Chuth Hoondarrh
Waervaerendor Pawl
Stormrage* Black Death Cloudchaser Frostspawn* Green Hell* Dragonsoul Red Rage
Rezmir Severin
Galvan Talis Varramzord Neronvain Lieutenant
Orogoth Iskander Silrajin
Kasterel
Wyrmspeaker Wyrmspeaker Wearer of Purple Wyrmspeaker Wyrmspeaker Dragonfang Wyrmspeaker
These 4
Dragonwing ranks can
be found in
each cell of
Dragonclaw the cult.
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Initiate
Treasure
As the adventure is light on treasure, below are
recommended methods to supplement the players’
income:
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Claw Finger of Potency
Wondrous item, uncommon (requires attunement by a spellcaster).
This claw finger is etched with draconic runes and can be used as an
arcane focus. While you use the claw finger as an arcane focus, you gain
a +1 bonus to spell attack rolls and the saving throw DCs of your spells.
While you use the claw finger as an arcane focus, you can use an action
to cast the Chromatic Orb spell with it. When you make the spell's
attack, you do so with an attack bonus of +5. The claw finger cannot be
used this way again until the next dawn.
Pendant of Tiamat
Wondrous item, uncommon.
This elegant garment is made from the scales of a moon dragon and
adorned with silvery runes. It is said that the dragon Hayliatharix slew
a rival moon dragon and crafted this robe from their corpse to disgrace
their memory and celebrate their victory forever more.
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Redscale Bracers
Wondrous item, rare (requires attunement).
While wearing these bracers, you gain resistance to fire damage and
you can speak, read and write Draconic.
Armring of Jörmungandr
Wondrous item, rare, (requires attunement).
Drakestaff
Staff, very rare, (requires attunement by a sorcerer, warlock or wizard).
This staff has 10 charges for the following properties. It regains 1d6 +
4 expended charges daily at dawn. If you expend the last charge, roll a
d20. On a 1, the staff becomes a nonmagical quarterstaff.
Spells. You can use an action to expend 1 or more of the staff’s charges
to cast one of the following spells from it, using your spell save DC: fly
(3 charges), fireball (3 charges), cone of cold (5 charges), lightning bolt
(3 charges), Melf’s acid arrow (2 charges) or cloudkill (5 charges).
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Forging Dragon Armor & Weapons
Harvesting parts of a dragon carcass requires a medicine check as per the DC in the table below. If a member of the
party holds the dragon scholar background, they can add +2 to the roll. Only young, adult and ancient dragons can be
harvested in this way – wyrmlings are too immature to provide the necessary components.
These parts can be sold for the amount mentioned underneath or used to craft an item if the party has the formula for
the item. Example locations for each item’s formula are spread throughout the chapters of this guide. If a party member
holds the associated tool/proficiency, they can attempt to craft it. Otherwise, they will require an NPC to do so.
Example NPCS are spread throughout the chapters of this guide who can offer this service.
Part DC This can be used to craft Crafting requirements Time Cost (gp)
Scales 14 Dragon Scale Mail Smithing tools/proficiency 25 Enchantment
100 gp workweeks service* - 2,000
Blood 10 Potion of Healing** Herbalism kit/proficiency 2/10/25** Enchantment
75 gp workweeks service**
Claws 14 +1/+2/+3 Weapon*** Smithing tools/proficiency 2/10/25** Enchantment
100 gp workweeks service***
Eyes 18 Eyes of the Eagle Jeweler’s tools/proficiency 2 Enchantment
400 gp workweeks service* - 1,500
Heart 18 Periapt of Wound Closure Jeweler’s tools/proficiency 2 Enchantment
400 gp workweeks service* - 2,500
Gland 16 Potions of Fire Breath x5 Herbalism kit/proficiency 10 Enchantment
600 gp workweeks service* - 125
*This fee can be halved if a willing party member or friendly NPC is an artificer or enchantment wizard.
** If young: greater (2 weeks/50 gp), adult: superior (10 weeks/125 gp), or ancient: supreme (25 weeks/500 gp).
*** If young: +1 (2 weeks/500 gp), adult: +2 (10 weeks/2500 gp), or ancient: +3 (25 weeks/5000 gp).
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Dragon Research Handouts
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Dragon Research Handouts – Metallic Dragons
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16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
Dragon Research Handouts – Chromatic Dragons
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26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
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Hoard of the Dragon Queen
Chapter 1: Greenest in Flames
Coming Next…
by Mark Comfort
DUNGEONS & DRAGONS, D&D, Wizards of the Coast, Forgotten Realms, the dragon ampersand, Player’s Handbook, Monster Manual, Dungeon Master’s Guide, D&D
Adventurers League, all other Wizards of the Coast product names, and their respective logos are trademarks of Wizards of the Coast in the USA and other countries.
All characters and their distinctive likenesses are property of Wizards of the Coast. This material is protected under the copyright laws of the United States of America.
Any reproduction or unauthorized use of the material or artwork contained herein is prohibited without the express written permission of Wizards of the Coast.
©2016 Wizards of the Coast LLC, PO Box 707, Renton, WA 98057-0707, USA. Manufactured by Hasbro SA, Rue Emile-Boéchat 31, 2800 Delémont, CH. Represented by
Hasbro Europe, 4 The Square, Stockley Park, Uxbridge, Middlesex, UB11 1ET, UK.
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