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)