Throughout this section, the rules address you, the player or Dungeon Master. This section provides the rules you need for your characters and monsters to engage in combat, whether it is a brief skirmish or an extended conflict in a dungeon or on a field of battle. Combat in D&D can be chaotic, deadly, and thrilling. Roars of fury, shouts of triumph, cries of pain. The sharp tang of blood in the air, cutting through the stench of vile monsters. A brilliant flash of light as a ball of flame blossoms from a wizard’s spell.

The terrible rending sound as monstrous claws tear through armor. The clatter of a sword striking against a shield.