Rules Glossary

Source: Player’s Handbook (2024), p. 360

Glossary Conventions

The glossary uses the following conventions:

  • Tags in Brackets. Some entries have a tag in brackets after the entry’s name, as in “Attack [Action].” A tag—Action, Area of Effect, Attitude, Condition, or Hazard—indicates that a rule is part of a family of rules. The tags also have glossary entries.
  • “You. ” The game’s rules—in this glossary and elsewhere—often talk about something happening to you in the game world. That “you” refers to the creature or object that the rule applies to in a particular moment of play. For example, the “you” in the Prone condition is a creature that currently has that condition.
  • “See Also. ” Some glossary entries include a See also section that points to other entries in the glossary, to chapters in this book, or both.
  • No Obsolete Terms. The glossary contains definitions of current rules terms only. If you’re looking for a term from an earlier version of the fifth edition rules, consult the index.
  • Abbreviations. The abbreviations listed below appear in this glossary and elsewhere in the rules.

Glossary Conventions

Glossary Conventions

Source: Player’s Handbook (2024) p. 360

ACArmor Class
CConcentration
CEChaotic Evil
CGChaotic Good
Cha.Charisma
CNChaotic Neutral
Con.Constitution
CPCopper Piece(s)
CRChallenge Rating
DCDifficulty Class
Dex.Dexterity
DMDungeon Master
EPElectrum Piece(s)
GPGold Piece(s)
HP[hit-points-xphb|Hit Point]
Int.Intelligence
LELawful Evil
LGLawful Good
LNLawful Neutral
MMaterial component
NNeutral
NENeutral Evil
NGNeutral Good
NPCNonplayer character
PBProficiency Bonus
PPPlatinum Piece(s)
RRitual
SSomatic component
SPSilver Piece(s)
Str.Strength
VVerbal component
Wis.Wisdom
XP[experience-points-xphb|Experience Point]
Link to original

Rules Definitions

Here are definitions of various rules.

Embed variantrule

Cone [Area of Effect]

Cone [Area of Effect]

Source: Player’s Handbook (2024) p. 364. Available in the SRD and the Free Rules (2024)

A Cone is an area of effect that extends in straight lines from a point of origin in a direction its creator chooses. A Cone’s width at any point along its length is equal to that point’s distance from the point of origin. For example, a Cone is 15 feet wide at a point along its length that is 15 feet from the point of origin. The effect that creates a Cone specifies its maximum length.

A Cone’s point of origin isn’t included in the area of effect unless its creator decides otherwise.

Link to original

Embed variantrule

Cube [Area of Effect]

Cube [Area of Effect]

Source: Player’s Handbook (2024) p. 364. Available in the SRD and the Free Rules (2024)

A Cube is an area of effect that extends in straight lines from a point of origin located anywhere on a face of the Cube. The effect that creates a Cube specifies its size, which is the length of each side. A Cube’s point of origin isn’t included in the area of effect unless its creator decides otherwise.

Link to original

Embed variantrule

Cylinder [Area of Effect]

Cylinder [Area of Effect]

Source: Player’s Handbook (2024) p. 364. Available in the SRD and the Free Rules (2024)

A Cylinder is an area of effect that extends in straight lines from a point of origin located at the center of the circular top or bottom of the Cylinder. The effect that creates a Cylinder specifies the radius of the Cylinder’s base and the Cylinder’s height.

A Cylinder’s point of origin is included in the area of effect.

Link to original

Embed variantrule

Emanation [Area of Effect]

Emanation [Area of Effect]

Source: Player’s Handbook (2024) p. 366. Available in the SRD and the Free Rules (2024)

An Emanation is an area of effect that extends in straight lines from a creature or an object in all directions. The effect that creates an Emanation specifies the distance it extends.

An Emanation moves with the creature or object that is its origin unless it is an instantaneous or a stationary effect.

An Emanation’s origin (creature or object) isn’t included in the area of effect unless its creator decides otherwise.

Link to original

Embed variantrule

Friendly [Attitude]

Friendly [Attitude]

Source: Player’s Handbook (2024) p. 367. Available in the SRD and the Free Rules (2024)

A Friendly creature views you favorably. You have advantage on an ability check to influence a Friendly creature.

Link to original

Embed variantrule

Hostile [Attitude]

Hostile [Attitude]

Source: Player’s Handbook (2024) p. 368. Available in the SRD and the Free Rules (2024)

A Hostile creature views you unfavorably. You have Disadvantage on an ability check to influence a Hostile creature.

Link to original

Embed variantrule

Indifferent [Attitude]

Indifferent [Attitude]

Source: Player’s Handbook (2024) p. 369. Available in the SRD and the Free Rules (2024)

An Indifferent creature has no desire to help or hinder you. Indifferent is the default attitude of a monster.

Link to original

Embed variantrule

Line [Area of Effect]

Line [Area of Effect]

Source: Player’s Handbook (2024) p. 370. Available in the SRD and the Free Rules (2024)

A Line is an area of effect that extends from a point of origin in a straight path along its length and covers an area defined by its width. The effect that creates a Line specifies its length and width.

A Line’s point of origin isn’t included in the area of effect unless its creator decides otherwise.

Link to original

Embed variantrule

Sphere [Area of Effect]

Sphere [Area of Effect]

Source: Player’s Handbook (2024) p. 374. Available in the SRD and the Free Rules (2024)

A Sphere is an area of effect that extends in straight lines from a point of origin outward in all directions. The effect that creates a Sphere specifies the distance it extends as the radius of the Sphere.

A Sphere’s point of origin is included in the Sphere’s area of effect.

Link to original