Descent into Avernus – Dungeons With Dragons

When I first noticed the disclaimer in my copy of D&D: Curse Of Strahd by Wizards of the Coast, I laughed. It was extremely funny, and I highly enjoyed that this company was having fun placing such a disclaimer in a book that’s supposed to be “spooky scary”. I then discovered that they placed disclaimers in other fifth-edition books.

I decided to research and list the disclaimers from all the D&D 5th edition (And future edition) books for your enjoyment. I aim for this list of disclaimers to be the most recent and up-to-date version. So you don’t miss out on any new disclaimer gaffs from the geniuses at Wizards of the Coast. If you want to read more about Dungeons With Dragons, my blog, feel free to subscribe to my email newsletter located on my homepage.

Specifically, I will list out the disclaimers by the book type released. There are many good ones in there. Believe it or not, some of these disclaimers can hold light spoilers for certain players, especially ones that are adventuring in Waterdeep. You have been warned.

5th Edition (Core Books)

Player’s Handbook

Disclaimer: Wizards of the Coast is not responsible for the consequences of splitting up the party, sticking appendages in the mouth of a leering green devil face, accepting a dinner invitation from bugbears, storming the feast hall of a hill giant steading, angering a dragon of any variety, or saying yes when the DM asks, “Are you really sure?”

Dungeon Master’s Guide

Disclaimer: Wizards of the Coast does not officially endorse the following tactics, which are guaranteed to maximize your enjoyment as a Dungeon Master. First, always keep a straight face and say OK no matter how ludicrous or doomed the player’s plan of action is. Second, no matter what happens, pretend that you intended all along for everything to unfold the way it did. Third, if you’re not sure what to do next, feign illness, end the session early, and plot your next move. When all else fails, roll a bunch of dice behind your screen, study them for a moment with a look of deep concern mixed with regret, let loose a heavy sigh, and announce that Tiamat swoops from the sky and attacks.

Monster’s Manual

Disclaimer: Any similarities between monsters depicted in this book and monsters that actually exist are purely coincidental. That goes double for mind flayers, which absolutely, utterly, and completely do not exist, nor do they secretly run the D&D team. Do we really need a disclaimer to tell you that? You shouldn’t use your brain to consider such irrational thoughts. They only make the mind cluttered, confused, and unpleasantly chewy. A good brain is nice, tender, and barely used. Go ahead, put down this book and watch some reality TV or Internet cat videos. They’re really funny these days. You won’t regret it. We say this only because we love you and your juicy, succulent gamer brain.

5th Edition (Supplements)

Volo’s Guide to Monsters

Disclaimer: Wizards of the Coast does not vouch for, guarantee, or provide any promise regarding the validity of the information provided in this volume by Volothamp Geddarm. Do not trust Volo. Do not go on quests offered by Volo. Do not listen to Volo. Avoid being seen with him for the risk of guilt by association. If Volo appears in your campaign, your DM is undoubtedly trying to kill your character in a manner that can be blamed on your own actions. The DM is probably trying to do that anyway, but with Volo’s appearance, you know for sure. We’re not convinced that Elminster’s commentary is all that trustworthy either, but he turned us into flumphs the last time we mentioned him in one of these disclaimers.

Xanathar’s Guide to Everything

Disclaimer: No goldfish were harmed in the making of this book. Especially not Sylgar. Sylgar definitely did not die because we forgot to change his water. If you see Xanathar, make sure it knows that. Be perfectly clear Sylgar was not harmed. And we had nothing to do with it. Better yet, don’t bring it up, and don’t mention us.

Mordenkainen’s Tome of Foes

Disclaimer: We asked Mordenkainen to write a humorous disclaimer for this book, and we got this response: “The day I start writing frivolous disclaimers for game manuals –particularly one riddled with text stolen from my notes – is the day I retire from wizardry and abandon all self-respect.”

Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything

Disclaimer: Contained herein are the observations of the archmage Tasha. Later known as the Witch Queen and then Iggwilv, she is one of the greatest wizards in the history of the multiverse. We fear this is an incantation hidden within these notes and have therefore bound this tome with powerful wards. If you are reading this, the first ward has already been broken! If you dare read any further, we cannot guarantee the safety of your soul or that you won’t open a portal to another plane of existence. If a portal does appear, pray that nothing worse than Tasha’s mother Baba Yaga appears. And if the mother of hags arrives, be sure to offer only praises of her daughter. Or offer muffins. She loves muffins.

Fizban’s Treasury of Dragons

Disclaimer: No guarantee is made that this book was or was not removed from the hoard of a dragon. Be aware that items taken from a dragon’s hoard might carry traces of the dragon’s inherent magic even long after they are removed from said hoard. Exposure to another dragon’s hoard can reawaken that magic, with unpredictable results.

Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

Disclaimer: We asked the wizard Mordenkainen to write a humorous disclaimer for this book. We received this response: “The day I start writing frivolous disclaimers for game manuals is the day I retire from wizardry and abandon all self-respect.” Mordenkainen’s rival wizard Tasha apparently intercepted our request and sent us this note: “Mordenkainen lost his sense of humor somewhere between the City of Greyhawk and the Astral Plane. Keep your chins up, my dearest ones. The multiverse is filled with horrors, many of which are detailed in this book. Marshal your laughter and a few good spells. If we’re going to be devoured, better to face the darkness with a smile.”

Bigby Presents: Glory of the Giants

Disclaimer: Bigby accepts no responsibility for injuries sustained by adventurers who seek out the glory of the giants without proper preparation, including but not limited to lightning strikes, falls from cloud castles, incineration, hypothermia, crushing boulders, or being sat upon.

The Book of Many Things

Releases in November 2023.

5th Edition (Campaign Settings)

Sword Coast Adventurer’s Guide

Disclaimer: Wizards of the Coast cannot be held responsible for any actions undertaken by entities native to or currently inhabiting the Forgotten Realms, including necromancer lords of distant magocracies, resident mages of any or all Dales but especially Shadowdale, drow rangers wielding one or more scimitars and accompanied by one or more panthers, mad wizards inhabiting sprawling dungeons accessible via a well in the middle of a tavern, beholders who head up criminal cartels, and anyone with the word Many-Arrows in their name. In the event of a catastrophic encounter with any or all such entities, blame your Dungeon Master. If that doesn’t work, blame Ed Greenwood, but don’t tell him we told you that. He knows more archmages than we do.

Guildmaster’s Guide to Ravnica

Disclaimer: The Living Guildpact is not responsible for the fate of those who are arrested by the Azorius, beaten by the Boros, dodged by the Dimir, grossed out by the Golgari, gored by the Gruul, imploded by the Izzet, outwitted by the Orzhov, rousted by the Rakdos, subsumed by the Selesnya, or sickened by the Simic. Join or leave a guild at your own risk, and get caught up in guild politics at your peril.

Acquisitions Incorporated

Disclaimer: Acquisitions Incorporated has made every legal, moral, and arcane attempt to ensure the safety of the information contained herein. That being said, should an employee meet their end in the service of Acquisitions Incorporated, we do reserve the right to reanimate you to perform light office tasks. Maybe you should read these contracts more carefully, eh?

Eberron: Rising from the Last War

Disclaimer: Published by the brilliant gnomes of House Sivis, this illustrious volume exposes truths you won’t believe about the Last War! You might think that’s enough to satisfy you, dear reader, but there’s more! The book also contains dice-fueled rules for reenacting thrilling events in the world of Eberron (dice not included). Also, don’t forget to recharge this book’s magic with a dragonshard about once a week. If you don’t, the book will turn back into a potato.

Explorer’s Guide to Wildemount

Disclaimer: The continent of Wildemount and all peoples within are fictional and primarily exist to invite you and your friends into a world of exploration, imagination, and deep emotional catharsis through epic struggles and victories. We advise you to embrace failure as much as success, sadness as much as joy, and to remain vigilant when taking care of pets or animals you acquire on your adventures. Wizards of the Coast and Critical Role are not responsible for any mental trauma suffered by animal companions or domesticated fey creatures resulting from persistent danger and deadly challenges, nor are we responsible for whatever lack of passive Perception might lead to a failure to notice the animals’ rapid escape.

Mythic Odysseys of Theros

Disclaimer:

Truly, what mortal’s poor striving can weather the scheming of heaven?

Heliod reaches for rulership; Purphoros never accepts him.

Kruphix but watches, and mortals are left to the whims of the fates, or

Torn in the claws of the furies; only a hero denies them.

–The Callapheia

Van Richten’s Guide to Ravenloft

Disclaimer: By the sole act of opening this book, you acknowledge your complicity in the domains-spanning conspiracy that denied me, Azalin Rex, Wizard-King of Darkon, my rightful place as both author and cover model for what could have been so much more than this doubtful collection of lies and slanders. Fortunately, as I’ve recently found my immortality unburdened by the trivialities of rule, I have endless opportunity to pursue thorough vengeances for even the pettiest affronts. Please prepare for my coming. I expect to be quartered in the utmost comfort while we personalize your redefinition of the word “horror.”

Strixhaven: A Curriculum of Chaos

Disclaimer: A degree from Strixhaven University does not provide protection from magic missiles, fireballs, freezing spheres, or any other deleterious effects spellcasters might generate. If you create deleterious effects, Strixhaven kindly requests you refrain from invoking any names, symbols, or other references to the university should you find yourself in a confrontation. Strixhaven University does not take responsibility for any injury of any nature sustained in the course of anything, magical or otherwise.

Spelljammer: Adventures in Space

Disclaimer: Space sickness is a common malady that primarily affects world-huggers. Before embarking on a Wildspace voyage, consult your local apothecary for a suitable remedy, such as a box of crackers, a perfume-soaked handkerchief, or a mop.

Planescape: Adventures in the Multiverse

Releases October 2023

5th Edition (Adventures)

Hoard of the Dragon Queen

Disclaimer: The following adventure contains chromatic dragons. Wizards of the Coast cannot be held liable for characters who are incinerated, dissolved, frozen, poisoned, or electrocuted.

The Rise of Tiamat

Disclaimer: Tiamat does not apologize for TPKs.

Princes of the Apocalypse

Disclaimer: Wizards of the Coast urges adventurers to remember that not all rock creatures are earth elementals. A talking rock that controls boulders is a galeb duhr, A talking rock wearing jewelry is a dao. A silent rock that’s resistant to non-adamantine weapons is a stone golem. A rock with wings is a gargoyle. A rock without a K is a giant bird. A rock that sits there and does nothing could be just a rock or a balor disguised by an illusion. In all cases, proceed with caution.

Out of the Abyss

Disclaimer: Before you take on demon lords, consult a physician. Do not drink alcohol while taking on demon lords. Taking alcohol and demon lords may increase your risk of death. Other side effects of demon lords may include hallucinations, mindless rage, gluttony, greed, paranoia, self-delusion, bestial urges, nihilism, hedonism, megalomania, a messiah complex, cannibalism, multiple personalities, and homicidal psychosis.

Curse of Strahd

Disclaimer: Wizards of the Coast cannot be held liable for any long term side effects of venturing into the dread realm of Ravenloft, such as lycanthropy, vampirism, a fear of dead things, a fear of living things, an inability to sleep without a nightlight on and a +5 holy avenger under your pillow, and the unsettling suspicion that Strahd is too clever to be so easily defeated and that this is all just part of some grand scheme of his to extend his power beyond Barovia. You didn’t think you could escape unless he wanted you to, did you?

Storm King’s Thunder

Disclaimer: Creatures and objects in this adventure are bigger than they appear. No giant beanstalks were damaged and no golden geese were harmed in the making of this book.

Tales from the Yawning Portal

Disclaimer: Do we really need a disclaimer to tell you that it’s not our fault that your character died because you decided to climb down into a monster- and trap-filled hole in the ground?

Apart from the disclaimer above, this book also features a fun and unique “Name That Face” Quiz:

As proprietor of the Yawning Portal, Durnan has heard amazing tales from adventurers of all sorts from across the multiverse, as seen in this array of characters by Tyler Jacobson.

See if you can identify the face and the adventure found in Tales from the Yawning Portal.

*(An upside-down list revealing the answers to the faces from the cover of the book is revealed below.)

Gargoyle (Tomb of Horrors)
Tarul Var (Dead in Thay)
Mialee (Sunless Citadel)
Sir Bluto Sons Pite (White Plume Mountain)
Tordek (Forge of Fury)
Xipe, the oni (Hidden Shrine of Tamoachan)
Manticore (White Plume Mountain)
Kieren, Chosen of Ilmater (Dead in Thay)

Tomb of Annihilation

Disclaimer: This adventure will make your players hate you – the kind of simmering hatred that eats away at their souls until all that remains are dark little spheres of annihilation where their hearts used to be. PS Don’t forget to tear up their character sheets.

Waterdeep: Dragon Heist

Disclaimer: The Lords of Waterdeep cannot be held responsible for the flogging, banishment, incarceration, or execution of adventurers who violate the Code Legal, nor are the Lords responsible for the actions of beholder crime lords, unscrupulous nobles, drow swashbucklers, and evil clones. Also, don’t be alarmed by the colossal statues scattered throughout the city. They’re quite safe and haven’t gone berserk in years.

Waterdeep: Dungeon of the Mad Mage

Disclaimer: The Mad Mage of Undermountain is not seeing visitors right now. Don’t come down because, uh, we’re renovating and everything is a mess. You won’t find any treasure, and the buffet is closed until further notice. Ye gods, where did all these githyanki come from? As if the mind flayers weren’t bad enough. What’s that? You think you can plunder my home and get away with it? Ha! You don’t have the experience points.

Stranger Things: The Hunt for Thessalhydra

There is no disclaimer message.

Ghosts of Saltmarsh

After battling dragons, elemental cultists, vampires, demons, and giants, you deserve a relaxing ocean cruise. Please keep all vital limbs well within the ship’s confines. We are not responsible for valuables, hit points, or lives lost during your voyage. In fact, perhaps you’d prefer a more relaxing vacation option. Can we suggest a trip to the Nine Hells? They’re quite balmy this time of the year.

Essentials Kit

There is no disclaimer message.

Baldur’s Gate: Descent into Avernus

Disclaimer: This adventure is a work of fiction aimed at providing you and your friends with many hours of fantastic entertainment. Although devils and the Nine Hells play prominent roles in this story, the evil they represent is meant to be fought and overcome. Wizards of the Coast fully endorses the kicking of evil’s butt. Let darkness fall and light prevail! We strongly advise that you do not play this adventure backward, lest Asmodius appear in a puff of smoke to talk politics, as archfiends are wont to do.

Dungeons & Dragons vs Rick and Morty

Disclaimer: We at Wizards of the Coast here on Earth C-132 do not agree with our mirror selves on Earth C-141. Rick Sanchez is not and never will be considered the “greatest f***ing DUNGEONS & DRAGONS game designer of all time,” even if he does have that very quote tattooed across his entire back –which is evidently how you qualify for jobs in C-141.

Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden

Disclaimer: The windswept tundra of Icewind Dale is the true test of one’s mettle. Here, it’s survival of the fittest! Don’t be fooled by the reindeer with glow-in-the-dark antlers and the tasty knucklehead trout (including the friendlier, more northerly Canucklehead variety). Icewind Dale is the frostbitten end of the world. You can’t spell dice without ice, my friend, and the Frostmaiden is not some demon prince, vampire, lich, beholder crime lord, or arch-devil. She’s a god – and a cold-hearted one at that.

Candlekeep Mysteries

Disclaimer: This book has been compiled by the Avowed of Candlekeep, in accordance with the wishes of the late Alaundo the Seer, whose prophecies foreshadow all events of consequence in the Forgotten Realms. Alaundo warned that anyone who unravels all the mysteries of this tome will be hunted down by the Time Dragons of Chronepsis, tossed into the gaping maw of Dendar the Night Serpent, and cast into the Vortex of Ineffable Damnation. Ha ha. What a sense of humor, that Alaundo!

The Wild Beyond the Witchlight

Disclaimer: Dare to take a step into the dark backward and abysm of time? Know that Wizards of the Coast cannot be held responsible for those who enter the Feywild of their own accord. In the faerie realm, time gets twisted in knots. It might be months or years before you return to the real world. Enjoy the adventure while it lasts, and don’t be surprised if you encounter a few friends and foes from old editions lurking among the fey.

Critical Role: Call of the Netherdeep

Disclaimer: The Netherdeep contains magical elements known to cause life-changing discoveries of ancient artifacts, red crystals growing out of your skin, long swims in dark places, aberrant fish, and enemies-to-friends-to-enemies plots. Consult a cleric or Matthew Mercer to see if the path to the Netherdeep is right for you.

Journeys Through the Radiant Citadel

Disclaimer: There is no guarantee that the light of the Radiant Citadel will be visible to the naked eye on your plane of existence, but know that it is there, whether seen or not.

Starter Set: Dragons of Stormwreck Isle

There is no disclaimer message, which is surprising considering there’s one for Lost Mines of Phandelver.

Starter Set: Lost Mines of Phandelver

Disclaimer: Wizards of the Coast is not responsible for the consequences of any failed saving throws, including but not limited to petrification, poison, death magic, dragon breath, spells, or vorpal sword-related decapitations.

Dragonlance: Shadow of the Dragon Queen

Disclaimer: The Dragon Armies cannot ensure that owners of this book will not have their lives repurposed in the service of the Dragon Queen’s glorious will. Promises to the contrary should be considered best-case scenarios, not statements of certainty. Thank you for supporting the Dragon Armies and a cataclysmically bright future for all of Krynn.

Tyranny of Dragons

Disclaimer: Under no circumstances shall the Cult of the Dragon or its adherents, affiliates, partners, licensors, or thralls (enchanted or otherwise) be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, or cataclysmic damages to the Material Plane, its features, denizens, geographies, spheres, or natural laws, arising from the acts, incarnations, servants, and ruinous whims of Tiamat, Queen of Dragons. Those seeking to avoid abject draconic annihilation should relocate to the nearest convenient afterlife or just try and stop us.

Keys from the Golden Vault

Disclaimer: The Golden Vault cannot be held responsible for the infiltration of any property by burglars or any other acquisition experts, or for the purloinment of any belongings, regardless of their worth of current ownership status. The Golden Vault disavows any individuals who claim association with the organization, which is legally nonexistent. Any individuals who swindle, manipulate, take advantage of, or otherwise harm innocents are subject to the Golden Vault’s legally imaginary scrutiny.

Phandelver and Below: The Shattered Obelisk

Releases on September 19, 2023.

Disclaimer: The fanatics of Ilvaash can neither confirm nor deny whether they plot to incorporate this book’s owners into a mighty new Illithid Empire. Any transformations incurred, up to and including face tentacles, are strictly coincidental.

Did You Know There Are Disclaimers for the Older Editions too?

These disclaimers are actual disclaimers, unlike what you would find in the 5th edition books. Any and all D&D books from older editions will have this disclaimer attached to them on other websites courtesy of Wizards of the Coast:

We recognize that some of the legacy content available on this website, does not reflect the values of the Dungeon & Dragons franchise today. Some older content may reflect ethnic, racial and gender prejudice that were commonplace in American society at that time. These depictions were wrong then and are wrong today. This content is presented as it was originally created, because to do otherwise would be the same as claiming these prejudices never existed. Dungeons & Dragons teaches that diversity is a strength, and we strive to make our D&D products as welcoming and inclusive as possible. This part of our work will never end.

Today I Learned That There Are 42+ Disclaimers For D&D

And almost every single one of them are funny. The only serious one is the one for the legacy editions, which makes sense considering the ever-changing times.

Reading through these all at once, I get the impression that the aim of the disclaimers for the 5th edition books is more to encapsulate the theme of that book. –But only in a funny way. For example, the theme of Tomb of Annihilation is simply that the players are guaranteed to have a bad time, and that it will be a hard adventure. The disclaimers are highly referential to famous characters in the D&D multiverse, real-life people like Matt Mercer, or in some cases, heavily influenced by the entertainment it’s derived from, like in Dungeons & Dragons vs Rick and Morty.

Talking about the referencing of characters in the D&D Multiverse specifically, I noticed that Wizards of the Coast loves to mention Xanathar and Mordenkainen the most. Xanathar, however, takes the cake. Wizards of the Coast routinely references him as the beholder crime lord in many different books. For those who don’t know, Xanathar is a crime lord in Waterdeep who operates a thieves guild. I just thought this was interesting, especially when reading everything together.

Which disclaimer was your favorite to read? Did I miss any disclaimers from other books or make a mistake somewhere? Let me know! Thank you for reading.

Tag: Descent into Avernus

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