The Lich's Legendary Action

I remember when i was newer to dungeons and dragons, the embarrassment of me, a newbie, trying to correct my very experienced Dungeon Master over how turns worked. so i guess i would be the monk in this dnd animatic!
legendary actions are kinda cool, i just wish it was more than "use ability" or "move" but then again im not a game dev for D&D so what do i know
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[@mortalitydoesstuff8965]

*WAIT A MINUTE I DON'T NEED TO EXPLAIN MYSELF TO YOU*

[@jy.creator]

RAY OF FROOOOOOOOST

[@brianrussell2441]

monk :0

[@stefanomartinelli7344]

Litterally me while preparing the final encounter for a oneshot at lvl 20 with Epic feats, as I put 2 ancient Red dragons with spellcaster variant (9 spell each, any lvl) and also giving them powerfull items + class lvls. For those curious, the First dragon Is bait. Players know of One of them and they know he keeps resurrecting and think It Is becouse he Is a Cleric of tiamat, but In reality It was 2 dragons resurrecting each other. At the start of the fight, in the open, the First one arrives and baits the players to come in range. The second One Is invisible while Flying, he comes down the second round. This second One is a sorcerer while the First One Is a cleric, so the second this round casts the spells for draconic spells with quicken metamagic, quickened meteor swarm to be precize, and also uses the breath weapon. This After the First alredy used the breath weapon, so this round he also can either cast a spell (like reverse Gravity or Power Word heal, depends, yeah they have about 1200 hp thoghether and both have healing lvl spells to refill their hp completely). So, yeah. First 2 rounds, about 100+ aoe d6 of damage. But Hey, I remuved legendary actions to "balance" this. I Just gave the One with metamagic the invulnerability spell from Xanathar, and I know the players don't have dispel magic or counterspell, and Just in case of bullshit I also gave him counterspell as a sorcerer. "Balanced". Also, as to not look as an evil goblin dungeon dm, they know It Is a Red Dragon. They are making characters hyper resistent to Fire, with also the Epic feat to have Fire immunity, Monks and theifs. So most of the Fire damage Is Just for scene and big scary dragon effect. Did I also mention that the dragons also have advantage of saves, extra proficiency, extra bonuses to saves and extra legendary resistances? Yeah, the players aren't meant to win. The Plan Is Just for the players to not die to Fire the First round, realize they can't win and get out of there. I gave them a homebrew teleport spell, their Mission Is to get It, steal a giant piece of rock, survive a few rounds in this fight, then get away safely. I also have the guy that gives them the Mission telling them to not kill the Red Dragon, becouse even if It doesn't ressurects and comes back for vegance, right now that dragon Is the religious figure of a country were cleric spells are needed in everyday life. Alias, killing him cuts of the spells and everyone in the country dies (the country Is basically a glorified Fire pit were water making spells are a must, they cannot naturally leave becouse geography, this population ended up there becouse wars and appealed to the dragon to survive). The meteor Is important becouse It Is a metal similar to adamantine, which is really rare. There Is a big enought meteorite to single handedly create an army with decent armors of adamantine, like a few thousands of armed soldiers, and that Is the reason they Need to steal It now that the dragon has managed to set up a proper mining site. Before he makes an army that can take out most of the world, and finds a way to have the army surpass the mountain range and the close by countries that have for now stopped the dragon's assaults.

[@noskalborg723]

@@stefanomartinelli7344 nice

[@YourButHed]

The monk baited him into using a legendary action for ray of frost instead of a super dangerous spell. Total genius move right there.

[@coranbaker6401]

Well usually there are multiple options that each cost 1 to 3 legendary actions. Maybe he's saving for a 2-cost, or just taking it easy this turn.

[@catalin2766]

One of the lich's legendary action is to cast a cantrip, the base lich has one damaging cantrip which is Ray of Frost. Personally I would've used the Paralyzing Touch for that juicy chance to annoy the monk for 10 turns.

[@youtubeuniversity3638]

​@@catalin2766 Paralyze the Paralyzer!

[@thornangel16]

Ray of Frost reduces the target’s speed by 10 feet, and at 17th level and up does 4d8 cold damage. Since cantrip damage increases at certain levels.

[@thegreatdreamer8377]

And is an attack roll, do it is more likely to hit

[@teal_m_101]

I'm gonna use my legendary action to do my villain monologue.

[@DrMDHyde]

Psychic damage

[@noskalborg723]

@@DrMDHyde [brain fizzles out of ears]

[@Xyronyte]

best use of invulnerability and ottiluke's resilient sphere

[@Merilirem]

DM: Roll to see if you get distracted and listen to the whole monologue.

[@sharemation5339]

Very short monologue. Its still the same 6 seconds.

[@Zorae42]

Monk is going to be so upset when he learns about legendary resistances

[@entropy11]

honestly though Stunning Strike spam is a great way to force the BBEG to burn their legendary resistances.

[@johnnyhorsewhale3116]

​@@entropy11for the inexperienced dm sure but for those who know that's like the meta of the monk class they'd just riposte/legendary resistance their attack/DC and then either legendary action or stun them back

[@jy.creator]

That Ray of Frost was well-deserved. Touche, lich, touche.

[@thornangel16]

The Monk finally gets what he deserves. This pleases me.

[@talkinggibberish]

I like that you can see the monk take 2 attacks and the flurry of blows as a bonus action

[@RenoKyrie]

Legendary Moves as telegraphed attack like what Zee Bashew did was kinda cool Other than "Things happened"

[@Alhelir]

Well, you see… the (action) economy is in shambles these days.

[@Corvothing24]

Those angry lich eyebrows give me life

[@Bluecho4]

Also, the Monk saying "that's totally unfair" is rich coming from the party that outnumbers the boss at least four to one. The whole POINT of Legendary Actions is to compensate the big solo monster for the fact they're woefully outpaced in the Action Economy. It doesn't matter if their actions are individually powerful, the PCs get an entire round to go nova before the monster gets to go again. Legendary Actions are them being allowed to clap back throughout the round.

[@noskalborg723]

i love this fourth wall break.

[@zbubbles4126]

Technically the party is jumping the lich so I think that is more unfair to them.

[@Bluecho4]

Yep. They're the ones ganging up on the Lich, getting 4+ turns per round for every 1 of the Lich's. Getting a couple extra actions is only fair.

[@ZurigaSungama]

Really gave 'em the COLD shoulder, eh?

[@MM-sx7zs]

'Ray of Frost' sounds like the older brother to 'Cone of Cold'

[@greatazuredragon]

Legendary action = DM panicking because the boss isn't suposed to die yet.

[@socksthecat13]

The end part of "Wait, I don't need to explain myself to you!", there's a reason the DM Screen was made, cause in these days where everyone knows all the rules, surprises rarely happen and it's almost delightful when they do. Obviously, rule of thumb, don't be mean spirited and be upfront with your players, don't try to big brain them. BUUUUUT, small surprises can be fun! Make an enemy not designed to kill, but just get the players to step out of their comfort zone. Wizard throw fireballs on reflex? Iron Golem has something to say. Barbarian smashes enemies too fast? Make a bunch of fliers or Incorporeal dudes for the rest of the team while the barbarian does his thing. Suprise the players, don't let glory hogs go crazy, remember it's literally just a game and the rules are yo bish.

[@youtubeuniversity3638]

I like the idea of tbe Iron Golem literally having something to say, like it mistakes the fireball as a kind gesture assuming the Wizard knows what fire does to an Iron Golem.

[@Aurilion44]

Hahaha yeah. You hit an Iron Golem with Fireball? Congrats, now it's the Heated Iron Golem and all of its attacks deal additional +2d8 damage and he has a no-save aura of 3 damage 5 ft around him :D This is exactly the thing our DM would throw at us. I still dread Eaglebear who had 4 attacks, 2 beaks +10 for 2d10+7, 2 claws +10 for 2d8+7 and bonus damage of 2d8 if both claws hit the same person. We were a party of 5 5-6 lvls and we barely suceeded. 2 smite happy paladins with lucky multiple crits helped a lot!

[@phillipstryker5250]

Always the monk complaining LOL!

[@underagedrinking69]

when the DM gets that look in their eye.

[@Springy05]

The lich was basically saying "Listen here you little shit" at the end, and its amazing

[@jblask2]

also known as Ray of DON'T INTERRUPT ME

[@ButFirstHeLitItOnFire]

0:06 “Boi, if you were about to snap your fingers like last time, then we’d have to see how well you counterspell _these hands!”_

[@LordMrF]

The face of the lich at the end is fantastic

[@demogorghon]

I'm happy you are dropping bunch of those DnD shorts again

[@BirdCyclops]

hehe

[@MaelraJade]

Having fought a Defiler in Solasta recently who did in fact get up to 3 legendary actions each turn ... yeah, that sure was fun. I love having someone succeed on a death saving throw, getting up and the boss getting a free action to slap them back down instantly again.

[@metaridley2911]

Fking course it's the monk calling shenanigans about this shit, again, lol

[@gaidencastro9706]

I vibe with this lich

[@thedeaforc]

I didn't know that Death was such a cheater.

[@lightning_bishop260]

Am I glad he's frozen in there, and that we're out here, and that he's the sheriff, and that we're frozen out here, and that we're in there, and I just remembered we're out here. What I want to know is, *where's the caveman?*

[@katelundberg2029]

This kind of reminds me of Sans Undertale and just the general vibe of "your turn? Sorry I don't understand since when was I obligated to give you a turn"

[@michaelramos7026]

Fucking love the lich

[@lumberluc]

Their called Legendary Actions for a reason. In the 6 second time period, the boss overclocks, and fires off an action. Players don't get overclocks unless they earned them.

[@MrGamerCaptain]

just let me have fun

[@lostmarble540]

monk dude, just let it go (cuz he's frozen)

[@BirdCyclops]

i get it!

[@user-yg7sh9fh2y]

Imma use Legendary gun! *Pulls out .50 MG42*

[@danielmartinontiverosvizca7325]

Monk use "Flury of Misses". Monk miss.

[@BirdCyclops]

Read this as flury of kisses and I was like AYO???

[@TrueLimeyhoney]

Should’ve PWK’d, smh my head my head

[@RedwoodAmaril]

RAY OF FROST

[@_eggtart_]

Hello Adan, I wanted to say thank you for drawing me that Goodluck charm for my Math Test, I got a 97% Life is good thanks to you

[@BirdCyclops]

[@saintpres4ge533]

It makes sense in terms of every turn is meant to be happening within 6 seconds, but it means that every player has to choose what to do then it all happens at once, which sucks if one player goes down, so the cleric doesn't know until the next turn. Another player kills a monster with a spell, but another player tries to kill the same monster with a weapon. Turns just became an easier way of doing stuff. Legendary actions/reactions make less sense in this case, but the alternative is to give a boss enemy like 7 attacks or 4 spells a turn, which is just begging for a TPK

[@jackg1135]

😂 love this one!

[@dreamwanderer5791]

Oh boy, already flooding in with people who don't know the sheet lol

[@Demolitiondude]

More proof that 5th ed is super weenie hut Jr's. Credit where credit is due, this was in combat rather than opting to halt traveling to braid hair. Or prom.

[@Limbergem]

another video so soon?! you spoil us.

[@BirdCyclops]

i aim to entertain

[@phobia7411]

My pc is a lich and I love this lol

[@safirasart]

Legendary actions for players when??? I demand justice

[@BirdCyclops]

Legendary actions for thee but not for me!!!

[@brandongalvan6603]

My Fairy Barbarian teaming up with a Draconic Shard in order to basically grant her legendary actions, free spellcasting, and long-ranged attacks: "Personally, I don't see a problem."

[@happybrain2674]

Lich be like: "ok ok you got me. if you wanted it that way, simulacy comeone get out of here. your fine if we do a 5v1 right i mean seconds ago you did the same to me?" "no nr. 52 today is not your turn"

[@XperimentorEES]

I know I'm in the minority, but legendary actions & resistances were a bandaid fix for the problem they created in 5th; by oversimplifying everything into just two things you could do per turn, it's no surprise singular boss monsters are underwhelming without some abusable mechanic thanks to the stilted action economy rework.

[@BirdCyclops]

nah i agree, pathfinder 2e three overall action system presents itself as a superior option for adding variety and meaningful choice to combat

[@XperimentorEES]

​@@BirdCyclops DnD 3rd (and 3.5) were the other extreme, having too many things every character could do per turn, but the one thing I liked in their system was interchangeability. You could still burn your action to move again, but conversely you could stay in place to make another attack action. So on and so forth with the other things you could do, though in a tier of temporal importance; for example you could spend your action to instead perform a second bonus action in the same turn, but not the other way around. I think something like this would've helped 5th quite a bit . . .

[@doubleac5561]

Why Ray of frost? Why not firebolt?

[@BirdCyclops]

LIches dont have firebolt as a cantrip! you can homebrew it that way tho im not gonna tell the rules lawyers about it

[@JosiahAkaBrick]

Less damage, but less movement might be better in some situations. Also less creatures resist cold damage than fire damage. TL;DR, meta pick for the ancient wizard

[@doubleac5561]

@@JosiahAkaBrick sure Ray of frost is technically better overall, but firebolt is TRADITION!

[@andersasblom6452]

@@doubleac5561 Pfft, tradition.. That's just a load of- RAY OF FROST!

[@Sigwion]

And here is their attempt at solving BBEG action economy. While it does help prevent the adventuring party from completely overwhelming the opponent... It IS inherently unfair, in the sense that the mechanic solely exists for that purpose. Should the enemies play fair? No, no they should not; See 3.5's True Dragon progression. D12 HD, Full BAB, All Good Saves, 6 Natural Weapons, Natural Armor, Inherent Spellcasting, Blindsense, Spell Resistance, Fear Aura, Status and Energy Immunity, SU AoE damage, and exclusive Feats to compound on these advantages. It'd be boring if it was a fair fight! ;p

[@Alex-yv5do]

Hilarious

[@IllShitYourPants]

In my last campaign i forgot to use legendary actions for most most of it. Then I made a bossfight that used them and whole party immedietaly started saying that this is bullshit and OP even when they had the guy outnumbered 6 to 1. They might have been somewhat right becuse that session ended with a TPK.

[@GodofLoveandLust1998]

But Ray of Frost doesn't freeze things... *The DM changing the rules but forgetting to tell everyone*

[@BirdCyclops]

it kinda does, not entirely but it does semi-freeze if the person fails the check! still it was an aesthetic choice for me lmao

[@rangedpicasso9894]

OK, so what legendary action does it take to release 3 videos in 48 hours?

[@BirdCyclops]

it just takes a brave heart and bottomless spite!

[@michaelclark6941]

they always bitch about legendary actions. they just want to kill an ancient dragon that sits there and does nothing.

[@alessandropereira4976]

If everyone is cheating except me, then Am I the one cheating?

[@cynderburn4299]

Hey Adan, are you planning on playing Baldur's Gate 3?

[@BirdCyclops]

Player it a couple of times, been waiting for full release for a while now cause I don't wanna burn out lmao

[@GigachadVTuberEnjoyer]

Haha, I have a player like that monk. I hate him.

[@DallasBrownridge]

Content generation goes crazy

[@BirdCyclops]

video machine got fixed yesterday so im cranging the little lever that makes it generate videos again

[@kenkubard]

Action surge?

[@thewonderfullymadejaraid7015]

I'm a veteran min/maxer, rules lawyer, and dungeon master, and I syill think that legendary actions are completely unfair BS means of padding the action economy. It really makes me feel like I'm cheating whenever I use a monster's legendary actions.

[@treyflorek8592]

Lol

[@wahoobidy4912]

Personally, I just give the lich more turns and explain it as time-space dilation. In other words, I'm gods and your concepts of gods that exist only to entertain. (When you think of it that way with actual God, that were literally OC of some cosmic horror, kinda insane to think about. Also 99% sure if a fictional character saw our true form they'd drop dead like in the Bible from brain death or something metal. Your welcome for existential crisis!)

[@KuaEtus]

🐱

[@GlitchGhost1285]

Lich: I am a lich and I do not need to explain myself . I am beyond the rules of mortal man! ❄️RAY OF FROST❄️ Sorcerer: 🛡️COUNTERSPELL🛡️ Lich: Fffffffffuuuuuuuu!!!! 😠🤬 Monk: Thx Sorcerer! 😁👍

[@BirdCyclops]

Luch: NOT AGAIN

[@GlitchGhost1285]

Sorcerer: Unearned powers baby! (fortnite dances)

[@youtubeuniversity3638]

​@@BirdCyclops Oo, Luch the Lich!

[@DrMDHyde]

Ray, of frost? Are you serious? No, no! Finger of death! Turn his pathetic underpowered ass into a zombie, him and all his 28 HP at level 10. Teach them why you don’t play monk.

[@BirdCyclops]

dude, as a forever DM i WISH i could use finger of death as a legendary action

[@mortalitydoesstuff8965]

@@BirdCyclops you can do whatever you want, it's your game. Reduce the damage to be somewhere between 1/2 and 3/4 of the highest max hp of your players and set it on a recharge like it's a breath weapon. Simultaneously freak your players out when you blast them with it and make them feel really powerful when they survive it

[@ArtiomSigma]

Wait, am I first?

[@BirdCyclops]

maybe!

[@realdragon]

No, I use my legendary action to be first here

[@zekkelucas5588]

Yes! And now you DDDIIIIIEEEEE