Deez Nuts Synergies & Abilities

Party Member Guides

Quick links to each character's full player guide:

Character	Class & Subclass	Party Role	Player Guide
Alexios	Cleric (Light Domain)	Battlefield controller, radiant artillery, healer, party Face	Alexios's Guide
Gootcha	Rogue (Raven's Shadow)	Stealth striker, anti-heal assassin, lore/skill specialist	Gootcha's Guide
Karma	Druid (Circle of the Moon)	Wild Shape tank, versatile caster, healer	Karma's Guide
Keyleth	Ranger (Swarmkeeper)	Ranged controller, anti-caster (Mage Slayer), skirmisher	Keyleth's Guide
Shadier	Wizard (Order of Scribes)	Arcane artillery, controller, counter-magic, knowledge specialist	Shadier's Guide
Xanphina	Barbarian (Path of the Ancestral Guardian)	Front-line tank, damage dealer, ancestral protector	Xanphina's Guide

This page serves as a quick combat and utility reference for the Deez Nuts party. Use the sections below to quickly find what each character can do during combat and when solving problems outside of battle.

All stats below reflect the current rebuilt Level 7–8 characters. Each character name links to their individual player guide.

Combat Stats Summary

Character	AC	HP	Initiative	Speed	Prof Bonus	Special Senses
Alexios	21	75	+0 (Adv 1/LR)	25 ft	+3	Darkvision 60 ft
Gootcha	18	59	+4	30 ft	+3	Darkvision 60 ft
Karma	19 (+21 temp in Wild Shape)	52	+4	30 ft (climb 30)	+3	Darkvision 60 ft
Keyleth	18	76	+4 (Adv 1/LR)	45 ft (all)	+3	Darkvision 120 ft
Shadier	17–18	42	+3	30 ft	+3	Darkvision 60 ft
Xanphina	21	101	+3 (Adv)	40 ft	+3	Darkvision 120 ft

Passive Senses

Character	Perception	Insight	Investigation	Notes
Alexios	14	12	9	—
Gootcha	17	14	19	Expertise + Reliable Talent
Karma	18	15	12	Best Perception
Keyleth	15	18	14	Elite Insight (lie detector)
Shadier	9	9	21	Investigation king; Perception is poor (don't scout)
Xanphina	13	10	10	—

Saving Throw Bonuses

Character	STR	DEX	CON	INT	WIS	CHA	Special
Alexios	+1	+0	+3	-1	+6	+8	Adv on CON (concentration) & Poison; resist Cold/Poison; Aura +5 to allies
Gootcha	+1	+9	+4	+8	+3	+2	Evasion; Adv on DEX & vs Charm; +1 all saves (Cloak)
Karma	+0	+4	+2	+5	+8	-1	—
Keyleth	+3	+7	+3	+1	+5	-1	Adv vs Charm & dragon breath; Guarded Mind (reroll INT/WIS/CHA 1/SR)
Shadier	+0	+3	+1	+8	+2	+1	Adv vs Charm; resist Fire; Disadv on DEX saves vs non-magical (Curse of the Eye)
Xanphina	+8	+4	+7	+1	+1	+0	Adv on STR (raging) & DEX vs seen effects (Danger Sense) & vs dragon breath; +1 all saves (Cloak)

Quick Combat Reference by Turn Phase

On Your Turn - Actions ⚔️

Character	Action	Effect	Resource Cost	Attack/DC
Alexios	Spirit Guardians	3d8 radiant aura (15 ft), slows enemies; concentration	3rd-level slot	WIS DC 16
	Radiance of the Dawn	30-ft burst, 2d10+8 radiant (half on save), dispels darkness	Channel Divinity	CON DC 16
	Fireball	8d6 fire, 20-ft radius	3rd-level slot	DEX DC 16
	Guiding Bolt	4d6 radiant, next attack vs target has Advantage	1st-level slot	+8 to hit
	Hold Person	Paralyze a humanoid (melee auto-crits)	2nd-level slot	WIS DC 16
	Banishment / Command	Remove a foe 1 min / one-word command	4th / 1st slot	CHA / WIS DC 16
Gootcha	Shadowfell Crossbow	1d8+5 piercing (+4d6 Sneak Attack)	—	+8 to hit
	Assassins Shortbow	1d6+4 piercing (Vex) (+4d6 Sneak Attack)	—	+7 to hit
	Sneak Attack	+4d6 necrotic (Reaper's Strike: no healing on target)	Once/turn	—
	Raven's Reach (cantrip)	1d10 necrotic, 120 ft	—	+6 to hit
	Cause Fear / Tasha's Hideous Laughter	Frightened / prone + incapacitated	1st-level slot	WIS DC 14
Karma	Wild Shape	Beast form, +21 temp HP, AC ~varies	3/Long Rest	Self
	Beast Attack + Elemental Fury	1d8+5 (or beast's) + 1d8 cold/fire/lightning/thunder once/turn	Free in Wild Shape	vs beast bonus
	Starry Wisp (cantrip)	2d8 radiant	—	+8 to hit
	Erupting Earth / Tidal Wave	3d12 bludgeoning / 4d8 + prone	3rd-level slot	DEX DC 16
	Blight	8d8 necrotic, single target	4th-level slot	CON DC 16
	Staff: Cone of Cold	8d8 cold, 60-ft cone	5 charges	CON DC 16
Keyleth	Extra Attack (Longbow +1)	Attack twice; 1d8+7 piercing (Slow)	—	+10 to hit
	Gathered Swarm	After a hit: +1d6, OR push 15 ft (STR DC 16), OR move self 5 ft	Once/turn	STR DC 16
	Thorn Whip (cantrip)	2d6 piercing, pull 10 ft	—	+8 to hit
	Faerie Fire / Entangle	Outline (Adv vs them) / restrain 20-ft square	1st-level slot	DEX / STR DC 16
	Web	Restrain, difficult terrain, 20-ft cube	2nd-level slot	DEX DC 16
Shadier	Fire Bolt (cantrip)	2d10 fire; ignores fire resistance (Elemental Adept)	—	+10 to hit
	Chromatic Orb / Magic Missile	3d8 chosen element / 3×1d4+1 auto-hit force	1st-level slot	+10 / auto
	Fireball	8d6 fire (ignores fire resistance)	3rd-level slot	DEX DC 18
	Storm Sphere	2d6 + 4d6 lightning/turn, sustained AoE	4th-level slot	DEX DC 18
	Slow	Cripple up to 6 foes (half speed, -2 AC, 1 action)	3rd-level slot	WIS DC 18
	Banishment / Blight [item]	Remove a foe / 8d8 necrotic	4th slot / item	CHA / CON DC 18
Xanphina	Extra Attack (Garmok's Flail)	Attack twice; 1d8+6 +1d6 psychic (Sap, Reach 10 ft)	—	+9 to hit
	Greataxe +1 / Greatsword +1	1d12+5 (Cleave) / 2d6+5 (Graze)	—	+8 to hit
	Reckless Attack	Advantage on STR melee (enemies get Adv vs you)	—	Self
	Improved Javelin of Lightning	1d6+4 +4d6 lightning, thrown burst	3 charges	+7 to hit
	Staff: Shield / Mage Armor	+5 AC 1 round / AC 13+DEX	2 / 1 charge	Self

On Your Turn - Bonus Actions 💫

Character	Bonus Action	Effect	Resource Cost
Alexios	Healing Word	Heal 2d4+5 at range	1st-level slot
	Misty Step	Teleport 30 ft (1 free/LR via Fey Touched)	2nd-level slot
	Lesser Restoration	Cleanse blinded/deafened/paralyzed/poisoned	2nd-level slot
Gootcha	Cunning Action	Dash, Disengage, or Hide	—
	Steady Aim	Advantage on next attack (Speed becomes 0)	—
	Hex of the Fated	+1d6 necrotic, Disadvantage on chosen save	Rogue slot / item charge
Karma	Wild Shape	Transform into beast (+21 temp HP)	3/Long Rest
	Healing Word	Heal 1d4+5 at range	1st-level slot
	Feline Agility	Double speed until end of turn	Once until reset
Keyleth	Hunter's Mark	+1d6 per hit; move on kill	3/LR free or 1st slot
	Writhing Tide	Fly 10 ft, hover, 1 min	3/Long Rest
	Ensnaring Strike / Zephyr Strike	Restrain target / +1d8, +30 ft, no OA	1st-level slot
Shadier	Misty Step	Teleport 30 ft	2nd-level slot
	Manifest Mind	Summon spellbook spirit; cast from its space	prof bonus/LR
Xanphina	Rage (Enter)	+2 melee dmg, resist physical, Adv STR	4/Long Rest
	Instinctive Pounce	Move up to 20 ft when entering rage	Part of Rage
	Adrenaline Rush	Dash + 3 temp HP	3/Short or Long Rest
	Shield of Faith	+2 AC to an ally, 10 min	1/Long Rest

Reactions & Off-Turn Abilities ⚡

Character	Reaction	Trigger	Effect	Resource Cost
Alexios	Aura of Protection (PASSIVE)	Always active	Allies in 10 ft get +5 to ALL saves	—
	Warding Flare	Visible attacker within 30 ft	Disadvantage on the attack + 2d6-1 temp HP	1/Short or Long Rest
	Battlefield Command	After an enemy attacks	Command it to move 15 ft (ignores OA)	1/Long Rest (WIS DC 16)
	Reactive Spell / Bane	Enemy provokes OA / commits to turn	Cast a single-target spell / -1d4 to 3 foes	Spell slot
Gootcha	Uncanny Dodge	Hit by a visible attacker	Halve the damage	1/round
	The Queen's Veto	Ally/you would hit 0 HP within 60 ft	Heal them to half max HP	Soul Token
	Opportunity Attack	Enemy leaves reach	Ranged/finesse attack	—
Karma	Tranquil Rebuke	Ally in 10 ft takes damage	Attacker WIS save or pacified	1/Long Rest (DC 16)
	Eldath's Sanctuary	Ally in 60 ft gets a condition	End charmed/frightened/paralyzed/poisoned	3/Long Rest
	Absorb Elements (Staff)	Take elemental damage	Resistance + 1d6 next hit	1st-level slot
Keyleth	Mage Slayer: Concentration Breaker	You damage a concentrating creature	It rolls the concentration save at Disadvantage	Passive
	Absorb Elements	Take elemental damage	Resistance + 1d6 next melee hit	1st-level slot
	Opportunity Attack	Enemy leaves reach	Attack (can trigger Gathered Swarm)	—
Shadier	Counterspell	Enemy casts a spell	Negate it (your best reaction)	3rd+-level slot
	Shield	You are hit / targeted by Magic Missile	+5 AC, block Magic Missile	Staff charge / slot
Xanphina	Spirit Shield	Creature in 30 ft (60 vs dragons) takes damage while raging	Reduce damage by 2d6 (4d6 vs dragons)	1 reaction/round
	Rally the Line	Ally in hearing fails a save	Let them reroll	3/Long Rest
	Restraining Ward (Garmok's Flail)	Creature attacks/uses ability	Spectral chains restrain (STR DC 17)	3/Long Rest

Crowd Control Abilities 🎯

Movement Restriction

Ability	Character	Range	Save/DC	Duration	Resource
Web	Keyleth / Shadier	20-ft cube	DEX DC 16 / 18	Conc, 1 hr	2nd-level slot
Entangle	Keyleth / Karma	20-ft square	STR DC 16	Conc, 1 min	1st-level slot
Ensnaring Strike	Keyleth	Self/next attack	STR DC 16	Conc, 1 min	1st-level slot
Earthbind	Karma	300 ft	STR DC 16	Conc, 1 min	2nd-level slot
Gathered Swarm (Push)	Keyleth	After hit	STR DC 16	Instant (15 ft)	Free (1/turn)
Longbow Slow / Crossbow Slow	Keyleth / Gootcha	Ranged	—	-10 ft speed	Free
Grappling	Xanphina, Karma (octopus)	Melee	Athletics contest	Until escaped	—

Action Denial (Paralysis, Incapacitation, Charm)

Ability	Character	Range	Save/DC	Duration	Resource
Hold Person	Alexios / Shadier	60 ft / touch	WIS DC 16 / 18	Conc, 1 min	2nd-level slot
Tasha's Hideous Laughter	Gootcha / Shadier	30 ft	WIS DC 14 / 18	Conc, 1 min	1st-level slot
Banishment	Alexios / Shadier	60 ft	CHA DC 16 / 18	Conc, 1 min	4th-level slot
Command	Alexios	60 ft	WIS DC 16	1 round	1st-level slot
Slow	Shadier	120 ft	WIS DC 18	Conc, 1 min	3rd-level slot
Polymorph	Karma / Shadier	60 ft	WIS DC 16 / 18	Conc, 1 hr	4th-level slot
Charm Person / Monster	Shadier / Gootcha (Cause Fear/Charm)	30 ft	WIS DC 14–18	varies	slot
Tranquil Rebuke	Karma	10 ft	WIS DC 16	Until next turn	1/Long Rest

Forced Movement (Pushes, Pulls)

Ability	Character	Range	Save/DC	Distance	Resource
Thunderwave	Karma / Shadier	15-ft cube	CON DC 16 / 18	10 ft	1st-level slot
Tidal Wave	Karma / Shadier	line/area	DEX DC 16 / 18	prone	3rd-level slot
Gathered Swarm (Push)	Keyleth	after hit	STR DC 16	15 ft	Free (1/turn)
Thorn Whip	Keyleth	30 ft	+8 to hit	Pull 10 ft	Cantrip
Battlefield Command	Alexios	visual	WIS DC 16	15 ft	1/Long Rest
Returning Trident (Topple) / Maul	Xanphina	thrown/melee	STR save	prone	—

Debuffs (Disadvantage, Reduced Effectiveness)

Ability	Character	Range	Save/DC	Effect	Resource
Bane	Alexios	30 ft	CHA DC 16	-1d4 attacks & saves	1st-level slot
Faerie Fire	Karma / Keyleth	60 ft	DEX DC 16	Outlined, Adv vs them	1st-level slot
Hex of the Fated	Gootcha	90 ft	—	+1d6 necrotic, Disadv on a save	Rogue slot
Bestow Curse	Shadier	touch	WIS DC 18	Various debuffs	3rd-level slot
Ancestral Protectors	Xanphina	first target hit	—	Disadvantage vs allies	While raging
Sap (Garmok's Flail / Wyrmreaver)	Xanphina / Keyleth	melee	—	Disadv on next attack	—
Heat Metal	Karma	60 ft	CON DC 16	2d8 fire, disadv if holding	2nd-level slot
Ray of Enfeeblement	Gootcha	60 ft	CON DC 14	Halve STR-weapon damage	2nd-level slot

Fear Effects

Ability	Character	Range	Save/DC	Duration	Resource
Cause Fear	Gootcha	60 ft	WIS DC 14	Conc, 1 min	1st-level slot
Fear	Shadier	30-ft cone	WIS DC 18	Conc, 1 min	3rd-level slot
Turn Undead	Alexios	30 ft	WIS DC 16	1 min	Channel Divinity
Dissonant Whispers	Alexios	60 ft	WIS DC 16	Instant (flee)	1/LR free (Fey Touched)

Blinding & Sensory Denial

Ability	Character	Range	Effect	Resource
Darkness	Shadier (1/LR free)	60 ft	Magical darkness, 10 min	2nd-level slot
Fog Cloud	Karma / Shadier	120 ft	Heavily obscured	1st-level slot or staff
Silence	Keyleth / Gootcha	120 ft	No sound; blocks Verbal spells (no save)	2nd-level slot
Blindness/Deafness	Alexios / Shadier	30 ft	Blind a target (CON save)	2nd-level slot
Color Spray	Gootcha / Shadier	15-ft cone	Blind a cluster (HP-based)	1st-level slot
Erupting Earth	Karma / Shadier	20-ft cube	Difficult terrain	3rd-level slot

Restraining (Special)

Ability	Character	Range	Save/DC	Duration	Resource
Restraining Ward (Garmok's Flail)	Xanphina	visual	STR DC 17	Until next turn	3/Long Rest
Web	Keyleth / Shadier	20-ft cube	DEX DC 16 / 18	Conc	2nd-level slot
Rime's Binding Ice	Shadier	cone	CON DC 18	restrain + 3d8 cold	2nd-level slot

Saving Throw Reference 🎲

Spells by Save Type

STRENGTH: Entangle (Karma/Keyleth, DC 16) · Earthbind (Karma, DC 16) · Ensnaring Strike & Gathered Swarm push (Keyleth, DC 16)

DEXTERITY: Faerie Fire (Karma/Keyleth, DC 16) · Web (Keyleth DC 16, Shadier DC 18) · Fireball (Alexios DC 16, Shadier DC 18) · Erupting Earth / Tidal Wave (Karma DC 16, Shadier DC 18) · Storm Sphere / Ice Storm (Shadier, DC 18) · Wall of Fire (Alexios/Shadier)

CONSTITUTION: Radiance of the Dawn (Alexios, DC 16) · Thunderwave (Karma DC 16, Shadier DC 18) · Heat Metal (Karma, DC 16) · Shatter (Shadier, DC 18) · Blight (Karma DC 16, Shadier DC 18) · Cone of Cold (Karma staff, DC 16) · Poison/Ray of Sickness (Gootcha, DC 14)

WISDOM: Command / Hold Person (Alexios, DC 16) · Slow / Bestow Curse / Charm Monster / Hold Person (Shadier, DC 18) · Cause Fear / Tasha's (Gootcha, DC 14) · Polymorph / Tranquil Rebuke (Karma, DC 16) · Hex of the Fated chosen save (Gootcha)

CHARISMA: Bane (Alexios, DC 16) · Banishment (Alexios DC 16, Shadier DC 18)

Note: Gootcha's and Shadier's spells are now INT-based subclass/wizard casting; Keyleth's and Karma's are WIS-based; Alexios's are CHA-based.

Helping Ally Saves

Character	Ability	Effect	Resource	Range
Alexios	Aura of Protection	+5 to ALL saves	Passive	10 ft aura
Alexios	Bless	+1d4 to saves (3 allies)	1st-level slot	30 ft
Xanphina	Rally the Line	Reroll a failed save	3/Long Rest	Hearing
Karma	Eldath's Sanctuary	End a condition on an ally	3/Long Rest	60 ft
Karma	Tranquil Rebuke	Pacify the attacker	1/Long Rest	10 ft
Shadier	Intellect Fortress	Resist psychic + Adv on INT/WIS/CHA saves (party)	3rd-level slot	30 ft
Keyleth	Guarded Mind (self)	Auto-succeed a failed INT/WIS/CHA save	1/Short Rest	Self

Note: Shadier no longer grants Bardic Inspiration or Countercharm (she is now a Wizard, not a Bard).

Maximum Save Bonus Stacking

Single target: Alexios Aura of Protection (+5) + Bless (+1d4, avg +2.5) ≈ +7–8 average, with Xanphina's Rally the Line reroll and Karma's Eldath's Sanctuary as backstops.

Damage Reduction & Protection 🛡️

Self-Protection

Character	Ability	Effect	Resource
Alexios	Aura of Protection / Warding Flare	+5 to saves / Disadvantage on an attacker	Passive / 1 per rest
Alexios	Resistance: Cold & Poison	Half damage; Adv on Poison saves	Passive
Gootcha	Uncanny Dodge / Evasion	Halve one hit / no damage on DEX-save success	Reaction / Passive
Gootcha	Blessing of the Raven Queen	Teleport 30 ft + resistance to ALL damage	3/Long Rest
Gootcha	Resistances: Cold, Fire, Necrotic	Half damage	Passive
Karma	Wild Shape	+21 temp HP, AC 19	3/Long Rest
Karma	Protection from Energy / Ring of Evasion	Resistance / auto-succeed DEX save	3rd slot / charges
Keyleth	Gathered Swarm (half cover) / Dragon Scale Mail	+2 AC / Adv vs dragon breath, fire resist	Once/turn / Passive
Keyleth	Guarded Mind / Absorb Elements	Save vs mind effects / elemental resistance	1/SR / 1st slot
Shadier	Mirror Image / Shield / Mage Armor	Decoys / +5 AC / AC 13+DEX	Item charges / slots
Shadier	Resistance: Fire (Infernal Legacy)	Half fire damage	Passive
Xanphina	Rage / Relentless Endurance	Resist physical / drop to 1 HP instead of 0	4/LR / 1/LR
Xanphina	Danger Sense / Staff Shield	Adv on DEX saves / +5 AC	Passive / 2 charges

Ally Protection

Character	Ability	Target	Effect	Resource
Alexios	Aura of Protection	Allies in 10 ft	+5 to all saves	Passive
Alexios	Warding Flare	1 ally	Disadvantage on attacker + temp HP	1 per rest
Alexios	Bless / Bane	3 allies / 3 foes	+1d4 / -1d4 to attacks & saves	1st-level slot
Xanphina	Ancestral Protectors	Allies	Enemy Disadvantage vs them; allies resist its damage	While raging
Xanphina	Spirit Shield	30 ft (60 vs dragons)	-2d6 (-4d6 vs dragons) damage	Reaction
Karma	Protection from Energy / Eldath's Sanctuary	Touch / 60 ft	Resistance / end a condition	3rd slot / 3/LR
Karma	Revivify	Touch	Return from dead (1 min)	3rd-level slot
Shadier	Haste / Protection from Energy / Intellect Fortress	ally / party	+2 AC & action / resistance / save boost	3rd-level slot
Gootcha	The Queen's Veto / Stolen Vitality	ally	Heal a dying ally to half / restore HP/slots	Soul Token

Party Synergies & Combos 🔥

Every combo below is drawn from the current (rebuilt) Level 7–8 player guides. Click any character name to jump to the exact ability on their guide. The party's builds changed significantly, so these replace the old smite/bard/warlock-era combos.

Advanced Combat Combos

1. The Concentration-Breaker Lockdown (Keyleth + Shadier + Gootcha)

• Setup: Keyleth marks the enemy caster with Hunter's Mark and attacks twice; her Mage Slayer / Concentration Breaker makes every hit force a concentration save at Disadvantage (see Keyleth, Mage Slayer Feat).
• Layer 2: Shadier holds Counterspell (DC 18) for the enemy's big spell and uses Magic Missile to auto-break concentration (see Shadier, Control / Counter).
• Layer 3: Either caster drops Silence (Keyleth 2nd-level / Gootcha 2nd-level) on the enemy mage to shut off Verbal-component spells with no save.
• Payoff: Enemy spellcasters lose their buffs, summons and control almost immediately.

2. The Control-and-Punish Zone (Keyleth or Karma + Shadier)

• Setup: Keyleth casts Web or Entangle (DC 16), or Karma casts Entangle (DC 16), to restrain a cluster (see Keyleth, Battlefield Control / Karma, Control/Debuff Spells).
• Combo: Restrained = auto-fail STR and grants attackers Advantage. Keyleth's Gathered Swarm push (DC 16) slides escapees back into the area each turn.
• Payoff: Shadier drops Fireball or Storm Sphere (DC 18) into the trapped cluster for maximum value.

3. The Faerie Fire Alpha Strike (Karma / Keyleth + party)

• Setup: Karma or Keyleth casts Faerie Fire — the whole party gets Advantage on the lit targets and invisibility is cancelled (see Karma / Keyleth, Control/Debuff Spells).
• Combo: Gootcha converts that Advantage into a guaranteed Sneak Attack (4d6 necrotic) and Alexios buffs strikers with Bless.
• Payoff: Coordinated focus-fire with everyone hitting at Advantage.

4. The Anti-Heal Execution (Gootcha + party)

• Setup: Gootcha's Reaper's Strike makes a Sneak Attack Necrotic AND stops the target regaining HP until her next turn (see Gootcha, Sneak Attack); Chill Touch does the same at range.
• Combo: The party dog-piles the no-heal target — devastating against trolls, vampires, and self-healing bosses.
• Finisher: If the foe has cheated death before, Gootcha spends a Soul Token → Reaper's Verdict for a maximized auto-crit to delete it.

5. The Ancestral Bunker (Xanphina + Alexios)

• Layer 1: Xanphina attacks the priority target while raging; Ancestral Protectors gives it Disadvantage vs everyone but her and grants allies resistance to its damage (see Xanphina, Ancestral Protectors).
• Layer 2: Xanphina uses Spirit Shield (reaction, -2d6, or -4d6 vs dragons) to cut big hits to a squishy.
• Layer 3: Alexios's Warding Flare imposes Disadvantage on an attacker and hands the target temp HP; Bless / Bane swing the math further (see Alexios, Defensive Abilities).
• Payoff: A nearly unkillable front line with Xanphina's 101 HP and rage resistance anchoring it.

6. The Concentration Protection Stack (protect a key concentrator)

• Layer 1: Xanphina Spirit Shield reduces incoming damage (lower damage = lower save DC) and Ancestral Protectors gives the attacker Disadvantage.
• Layer 2: Karma Protection from Energy grants resistance to an expected element (see Karma, Healing/Support Spells).
• Layer 3: Shadier Protection from Energy / Intellect Fortress, or Alexios standing near for support, further buffer the caster.
• Payoff: Spirit Guardians, Web, Slow, or another concentration spell almost never drops.

7. The Battlefield Command Drag (Alexios + reach/OA party)

• Setup: Alexios uses Battlefield Command (reaction, 1/LR) to force an enemy to move up to 15 ft, ignoring opportunity attacks for itself (see Alexios, Reactions).
• Combo: Drag a foe off a downed ally, into Keyleth's Web/Entangle, or into Xanphina's 10 ft reach (Garmok's Flail) for a punishing opportunity attack.

8. The Stealth Strike Opener (Keyleth + Gootcha)

• Setup: Keyleth casts Pass without Trace (+10 Stealth to the party, 1/LR free; see Keyleth, Utility Spells).
• Result: Gootcha reaches roughly +20 Stealth and the party gains a surprise round.
• Payoff: Gootcha opens with a guaranteed Sneak Attack (Steady Aim or Advantage from surprise).

9. The Hex of the Fated Combo (Gootcha solo signature)

• Setup: Gootcha casts Hex of the Fated, naming an ability (e.g. WIS); the target now has Disadvantage on those saves (see Gootcha, Subclass Magic).
• Payoff: Her follow-up Cause Fear / Tasha's Hideous Laughter (and the party's WIS-save control like Alexios's Hold Person) land far more reliably, plus +1d6 necrotic on every hit.

10. The Save Bonus Stack (Alexios single-target rescue)

• Setup: Alexios's Aura of Protection (allies in 10 ft, +5 to all saves with CHA 20) plus Bless (+1d4) keep allies' saves high (see Alexios, Support / Healing Spells).
• Note: Shadier no longer has Bardic Inspiration (she is now a Wizard), so the old +1d8 Inspiration layer is gone; lean on Xanphina's Rally the Line (reroll a failed save, 3/LR) and Karma's Eldath's Sanctuary (end a condition) instead.

11. The Buff-a-Striker (Shadier / Karma + Keyleth)

• Setup: Shadier casts Haste (+2 AC, extra action, double speed) on a frontliner like Xanphina (see Shadier, Buff / Defense).
• Combo: Karma casts Flame Arrows on Keyleth, adding +1d6 fire to her next 12 bow hits (see Karma, Damage Spells (3rd-level) — it explicitly names Keyleth).
• Payoff: Layered, slot-efficient damage buffs on the party's best weapon users.

12. The Heal & Revive Chain

• In-combat pickups: Alexios Healing Word (2d4+5, bonus action) and Karma Healing Word (1d4+5, bonus action).
• Sustained: Karma Aura of Vitality (2d6/turn) and Healing Spirit (see Karma, Healing/Support Spells).
• Anti-death: Alexios or Karma Revivify (1-min window), with Gootcha's Soul Token → Queen's Veto (reaction, heal a dying ally to half) and Stolen Vitality as emergency insurance (see Gootcha, Soul Tokens).

13. The Investigation Dream Team (Shadier + Gootcha)

• Shadier: passive Investigation 21 (Expertise + Order of Scribes Scholar).
• Gootcha: passive Investigation 19 (Expertise + Reliable Talent).
• Effect: The party almost never misses clues, traps, or hidden mechanisms. (Note: Shadier's passive Perception is only 9 — let Karma or Gootcha watch for mundane ambushes.)

14. The Slow / Banish Boss Strip (Shadier + Alexios)

• Setup: Shadier casts Slow (DC 18, up to 6 foes: half speed, -2 AC, one action) or Banishment to delete a boss phase (see Shadier, Boss Fight Day loadout).
• Combo: Alexios adds Banishment / Hold Person / Command to neutralize a second threat, while strikers focus the slowed boss.

Buff Stacking Guide

Maximum Save Bonus (single target):

• Alexios Aura of Protection: +5 (CHA 20, allies within 10 ft)
• Alexios Bless: +1d4 (avg +2.5)
• Xanphina Rally the Line / Karma Eldath's Sanctuary: reroll / condition removal as a backstop
• Total: roughly +7 to +8 average on a save, before rerolls.

Maximum Attack/Damage Boost (single target):

• Advantage from Faerie Fire (Karma / Keyleth) or Gootcha's setup
• Alexios Bless: +1d4 to attacks
• Keyleth Hunter's Mark: +1d6/hit; Gootcha Sneak Attack: +4d6; Karma Flame Arrows on Keyleth: +1d6 fire/hit
• Shadier Haste on a frontliner for an extra attack

Maximum Survivability Stack:

• Xanphina Rage (resistance to physical) + Ancestral Protectors (Disadvantage on attacks) + Spirit Shield (-2d6 / -4d6 vs dragons)
• Alexios Warding Flare (Disadvantage + temp HP) and Aura of Protection
• Karma Wild Shape (+21 temp HP) for self-tanking; Gootcha Blessing of the Raven Queen (resistance to all damage after a teleport)
• Result: a front line that is extremely hard to drop.

Skill Expertise & Proficiency Reference 🔧

Best Skills by Category

Physical: Athletics: Xanphina +7, Alexios +1 · Acrobatics: Gootcha +7, Keyleth +7, Xanphina +6 · Stealth: Gootcha +10, Keyleth +7, Karma +7, Xanphina +6 · Sleight of Hand: Gootcha +10

Mental: Investigation: Shadier +11, Gootcha +9 · Arcana: Gootcha +9, Shadier +8, Karma +7 · Religion: Shadier +8 · Nature: Karma +10, Gootcha +6 · History: Shadier +5

Social: Persuasion: Alexios +8 · Deception: Alexios +5, Gootcha +3 · Intimidation: Alexios +5, Xanphina +2 · Insight: Keyleth +8, Karma +5, Gootcha +4

Wisdom: Perception: Karma +8, Gootcha +7, Keyleth +5 · Survival: Keyleth +11, Karma +5 · Animal Handling: Karma +8, Keyleth +5 · Medicine: Karma +8, Keyleth +5

Who to Use for What

Task	Best Character	Bonus	Notes
Finding traps/secrets	Shadier or Gootcha	+11 / +9 Investigation	Shadier passive 21; Gootcha Reliable Talent
Tracking / wilderness	Keyleth	+11 Survival	Expertise
Breaking down doors / grappling	Xanphina	+7 Athletics	Adv while raging
Sneaking / pickpocketing	Gootcha	+10 Stealth / Sleight	Expertise + Reliable Talent
Talking to nobles (Face)	Alexios	+8 Persuasion	CHA 20 – the new party face
Reading people (lies)	Keyleth	+8 Insight (pass. 18)	Best lie detector
Spotting enemies	Karma	+8 Perception (pass. 18)	Best passive
Nature knowledge	Karma	+10 Nature	Expertise
Arcane / magic-item lore	Gootcha / Shadier	+9 / +8 Arcana	Shadier sees all magic
Healing wounds	Karma	+8 Medicine	Healer feat

Ritual Spell Catalog

Spell	Character	Level	Use Case
Detect Magic	Karma, Shadier (at will via Eye)	1st	Find magic items / traps
Comprehend Languages	Shadier (at will via Eye)	1st	Read any language
Find Familiar	Shadier, Gootcha (raven), Karma (Wild Companion)	1st	Scout, Help for Advantage
Silence	Keyleth	2nd	Shut off enemy Verbal spells; safe scouting
Speak with Animals	Karma, Keyleth	1st	Gather info from wildlife
Leomund's Tiny Hut	Shadier	3rd	Safe rest in hostile terrain
Detect Poison and Disease / Purify Food	Karma	1st	Safety checks
Water Breathing	Karma, Shadier	3rd	Underwater exploration
Beast Sense	Karma	1st	Scout through a beast's eyes
Divination	Karma	4th	Ask a deity a question
Gentle Repose / Tenser's Floating Disk / Unseen Servant	Shadier	1st–2nd	Preserve body / hauling / trap-triggering

Magic Item Quick Reference

Attuned Items by Character

Alexios: Jaunty Boots (Dimension Door 3/day, 500 ft) · Gauntlet of Gemforged Will (Revivify & emergency magic) · Spider Staff (Spider Climb, Web) · Apostate's Rosary (Ray of Sickness, Hold Person, Bestow Curse) · Ring of Evasion · Sentinel Shield (Adv on Initiative & Perception)

Gootcha: Vaartox Studded Leather (AC) · Cloak of Protection (+1 AC & saves) · The Patron's Signet (Hex / Shadow Blade / Hypnotic Pattern, 5 charges) · Harpers Signet Ring (Disguise Self / Gaseous Form, 3 charges) · Ring of Warmth

Karma: Animated Shield (AC 19) · Ring of Evasion · Improved Staff of Iskralathrax's Horn (Fog Cloud, Cure Wounds, Cone of Cold, Wall of Ice; 10 charges)

Keyleth: Bracers of Archery (+2 attack & damage with bows) · Dragon Scale Mail of the Wyrmwood (AC 18, fire resist, Adv vs dragon breath) · Cloak of Elvenkind (Adv Stealth) · (situational: Wyrmreaver +3d6 radiant vs dragons; Ring of Spell Storing)

Shadier: Tome of Zariel's Lament (+2 spell DC/attack — keep attuned & in hand!) · Staff of Defense (Mage Armor, Shield) · Improved Eye of Gilbraxius (detection at will) · The Bound Grimoire (Sleep, Mirror Image, Slow) · Necromancer's Spellbook · Wand of Suggestion · Robe of Eyes · Bracers of Defense

Xanphina: Dragonguard Breastplate · Shield +1 · Cloak of Protection (+1 AC & saves) · Garmok's Flail of Restraining (Restraining Ward) · Returning Trident · Improved Javelin of Lightning · Staff of Defense (Mage Armor, Shield) · Boots of the Winterlands (cold resist) · Bracers of the Bound Devil

Daily Powers & Charges

Item	Owner	Charges	Abilities
Jaunty Boots	Alexios	3/day	Dimension Door (500 ft)
Apostate's Rosary	Alexios	5	Ray of Sickness, Hold Person, Bestow Curse
Tome of Zariel's Lament	Shadier	passive	+2 spell DC & attack (wizard spells)
Staff of Defense	Shadier, Xanphina	10	Mage Armor (1), Shield (2)
Staff of Iskralathrax's Horn	Karma	10 (5 left)	Fog Cloud (1), Cure Wounds (1), Cone of Cold (5), Wall of Ice (4)
The Patron's Signet	Gootcha	5	Hex, Shadow Blade, Hypnotic Pattern
Harpers Signet Ring	Gootcha	3	Disguise Self, Expeditious Retreat, Gaseous Form
Garmok's Flail	Xanphina	10	Restraining Ward reaction
Improved Javelin of Lightning	Xanphina	3	+4d6 lightning thrown burst
Wyrmreaver	Keyleth	1	+3d6 radiant vs dragons

Resource Management by Character

Short Rest Recovery

• Shadier: Arcane Recovery (recover slots, 1/LR); Memorize Spell (swap one prepared spell)
• Karma: Wild Shape (3 uses)
• Keyleth: Guarded Mind (1)
• Xanphina: Adrenaline Rush (3 uses)
• Alexios: Channel Divinity (regain 1); Warding Flare

Long Rest Recovery

Alexios: Slots 4/3/3/2 (1st–4th) · Lay on Hands/Battle Medic · Channel Divinity (3) · Warding Flare · Battlefield Command (1) · Athena's Sight (Initiative Adv)

Gootcha: Slots 4/2 (1st–2nd) · Blessing of the Raven Queen (3) · Queen's Guidance (1) · Soul Tokens (earned, not on rest)

Karma: Slots 4/3/3/1 (1st–4th) · Wild Shape (3) · Wild Resurgence (1) · Tranquil Rebuke (1) · Eldath's Sanctuary (3) · Healer (3)

Keyleth: Slots 4/3 (1st–2nd) · Hunter's Mark free (3) · Writhing Tide (3) · Pass without Trace (1) · Longstrider (1) · Speak with Animals (3)

Shadier: Slots 4/3/3/2 (1st–4th) · Arcane Recovery (1) · Manifest Mind (prof bonus) · Witch Bolt / Hellish Rebuke / Darkness (1 each) · Zariel's Whisper

Xanphina: Rage (4) · Relentless Endurance (1) · Rally the Line (3) · Restraining Ward (3) · Shield of Faith (1)

Out of Combat Utility 🔧

Exploration & Survival

Character	Ability	Use Case
Karma	Wild Shape	Scout/infiltrate as a small or flying/aquatic beast
Keyleth	Survival +11, Roving, Pass without Trace	Tracking, navigation, party stealth; 45 ft all-speeds
Gootcha	Stealth/Sleight +10, raven familiar	Best infiltrator; scout via shared senses (100 ft)
Shadier	Arcane Eye / Find Familiar / Tiny Hut	At-will detection, scouting, safe camps
Alexios	Summon Steed / Dimension Door	Fast travel, scouting, 500-ft teleport
Xanphina	Athletics +7, Fast Movement, Danger Sense	Climbing, hauling, surviving traps

Social & Problem Solving

Character	Ability	Use Case
Alexios	Persuasion +8, Command, Lay on Hands	Party face now (CHA 20); diplomacy, cure poison
Shadier	Investigation +11, Suggestion (Wand), Detect Thoughts	The analyst/spy; magical persuasion despite CHA +1
Gootcha	Disguise Self, Deception, Raven Queen's Counsel	Infiltration & the party's lore engine
Keyleth	Insight +8, Speak with Animals, Guidance	Lie detector; buff the negotiator
Karma	Nature +10, Speak with Animals	Nature authority, animal info

Information Gathering

Character	Ability	Use Case
Shadier	Passive Investigation 21; Detect Magic/Thoughts	Auto-notices clues; reads minds & magic
Gootcha	Passive Investigation 19; Raven Queen's Counsel	Never miss hidden things; one truthful answer (Soul Token)
Keyleth	Passive Insight 18; Speak with Animals	Catch lies; wildlife intel
Karma	Passive Perception 18; Wild Shape / Beast Sense	Best spotter; scout as an animal

Quick Reference Tables

Movement Options

Character	Ability	Speed/Effect	Resource
Alexios	Dimension Door / Misty Step	500 ft / 30 ft teleport	Boots (3/day) / 2nd slot
Karma	Feline Agility	Double speed	Once until reset
Keyleth	Roving / Writhing Tide	45 ft all / fly 10 ft hover	Passive / 3-LR
Gootcha	Blessing of the Raven Queen / Cunning Dash	30 ft teleport + resist / up to 60 ft	3-LR / at will
Shadier	Misty Step / Dimension Door / Fly	30 ft / 500 ft / flight	spell slots
Xanphina	Fast Movement / Instinctive Pounce / Adrenaline Rush	40 ft / 20 ft on rage / Dash	Passive / rage / 3-rest

Healing Sources

Character	Ability	Amount	Resource
Alexios	Healing Word / Lay on Hands / Battle Medic	2d4+5 / pool / Hit Die +3	slot / pool / kit
Karma	Healing Word / Cure Wounds / Aura of Vitality / Revivify	1d4+5 / 1d8+5 / 2d6/turn / from death	slots
Keyleth	Cure Wounds	2d8+5 (1st) / 4d8+5 (2nd)	spell slot
Gootcha	Spare the Dying / Stolen Vitality	Stabilize / full HP	cantrip / Soul Token
Shadier	Arcane Vigor	Spend Hit Dice to self-heal	2nd-level slot

Note: Shadier's old Song of Rest and Bardic healing are gone (now a Wizard).

Condition Removal

Condition	Character	Ability	Resource
Dying	Gootcha / Karma	Spare the Dying	Cantrip
Dead	Alexios / Karma	Revivify (within 1 min)	3rd-level slot
Dead/dying	Gootcha	The Queen's Veto	Soul Token
Blinded/Deafened/Paralyzed/Poisoned	Alexios / Karma	Lesser Restoration	2nd-level slot
Charmed/Frightened/Paralyzed/Poisoned	Karma	Eldath's Sanctuary	3/Long Rest
Various (any prepared)	Shadier	prepare from spellbook	—

Notes & Strategy Tips

Combat Priorities

• Alpha Strike: Karma/Keyleth open with Faerie Fire; Alexios casts Bless; focus fire at Advantage.
• Lock Down Casters: Keyleth (Mage Slayer) marks the enemy mage; Shadier holds Counterspell; either drops Silence.
• Protect Squishies: Xanphina attacks the priority target (Ancestral Protectors) and holds Spirit Shield; Alexios's Aura gives +5 saves in 10 ft.
• Resource Conservation: Shadier uses cantrips/item spells for routine turns; Gootcha spends rogue slots freely; Karma uses 1 Wild Shape per serious fight.
• Emergency Buttons: Xanphina Relentless Endurance, Gootcha Uncanny Dodge / Queen's Veto, Karma Wild Shape, Keyleth Guarded Mind.

Frequently Overlooked Abilities

• Alexios: Spirit Guardians (walk through enemies); Radiance of the Dawn is no-slot AoE; Warding Flare; Battlefield Command; he is the new party Face (Persuasion +8). No more Divine Smite, Vow of Enmity, or Extra Attack.
• Gootcha: Reaper's Strike anti-heal; Hex of the Fated + control combo; Cunning Strike (Trip/Withdraw/Poison); Soul Tokens. No more Warlock Pact Magic, Hellish Rebuke, or Wails from the Grave.
• Karma: Elemental Fury (+1d8 every turn in Wild Shape); Flame Arrows buffs Keyleth; concentrate while Wild Shaped; Staff AoE ice.
• Keyleth: Mage Slayer Concentration Breaker (two hits = two saves at Disadvantage); Gathered Swarm push DC 16; Web/Entangle/Silence control. Melee is dead (STR 10) — she's a ranged controller now.
• Shadier: Counterspell, Slow, and Haste swing fights; Elemental Adept makes Fire reliable; Memorize Spell adapts the loadout; items cast spells for free. No more Bardic Inspiration, Cutting Words, Iron Rebuke, or Song of Rest — she is now an Order of Scribes Wizard.
• Xanphina: Spirit Shield (-4d6 vs dragons); Ancestral Protectors works vs breath weapons; Graze deals damage on a miss; Rally the Line; Restraining Ward. No more "Savage Attacks" extra crit die.

Party Roles Summary

• Tank: Xanphina (Ancestral Protectors, Rage, 101 HP), Karma (Wild Shape)
• Striker: Gootcha (Sneak Attack + anti-heal), Keyleth (bow + Hunter's Mark)
• Controller: Shadier (Slow, Counterspell, Web), Keyleth/Karma (Web, Entangle, Faerie Fire), Alexios (Hold Person, Banishment)
• Artillery: Shadier (Fireball, Storm Sphere), Alexios (Fireball, Radiance of the Dawn, Spirit Guardians)
• Support / Saves: Alexios (Aura +5, Bless, Warding Flare), Xanphina (Rally the Line), Karma (Eldath's Sanctuary)
• Scout: Karma (Wild Shape), Keyleth (Survival, speed), Gootcha (Stealth, raven)
• Face: Alexios (Persuasion +8); Brain/Lore: Shadier (Investigation +11), Gootcha (Arcana +9)
• Healer: Karma (multiple sources), Alexios (Lay on Hands), Gootcha (Soul Token life-insurance)