I’m back with another simple random dungeon for September’s Design-A-Dungeon Challenge! The rules are basically the same – consult the random dungeon generator in the Dungeon Master’s Guide and make a map out of it. To make things simple, I limit myself to a 10×6 page, and if a room or passage doesn’t make sense …
I’m always of two minds about homebrew rules for D&D. On the one hand, the designers had a specific playstyle in mind to showcase 5E’s mechanics, and tampering with them is flying in the face of their design. On the other hand, break all the rules! Seriously though, I do employ a few homebrew rules …
Goblinoids get a bad rap in most D&D games. Goblins mostly exist as fodder for low-level dungeons or expendable minions for more powerful creatures. Bugbears are typically seen as back-stabbing layabouts who are content to steal whatever they find. Hobgoblins are war-like and honorable to a fault, with little other redeeming qualities to their society. …
There’s always a chance that a party makes a decision so unexpected that even experienced DMs need to stop to figure out what’ll happen next. In the event of total DM brain melt, I always keep a small collection of random D&D encounter ideas to fill in the blanks. So for today, I’m happy to …
What are the most important stats in a game of D&D? While some might argue that it’s a matter of opinion and character creation, it’s harder to argue that Dexterity and Wisdom hold the same level of importance as other stats. In terms of gameplay mechanics, having a high number with these stats often means …
I get asked frequently how I come up with dungeons for my Side Quests and other projects. Most of the time I have a specific challenge or encounter in mind and I sketch a map layout to see what works. Sometimes though, if I get stuck or need ideas, I use the Random Dungeon appendix …
Design-A-Dungeon Challenge: Tomb of the Unquiet Dead Read More »
Like most burgeoning D&D fans, I read a lot of R.A. Salvatore’s Drizzt series growing up. His evocative descriptions of the alien environments composing the Underdark and its many inhabitants stuck with me long after I finished the series at that point. I like any adventures that take place within the bowels of the earth, …
Free D&D Underdark Adventure: Abbey of the Reflecting Mind Read More »
It’s no surprise that I (and by I, I mean Courtney and myself) love Lord of the Rings. We read the books, saw the movies, and even themed our wedding around the novels. She even got me a customized dice box engraved in elvish for our anniversary. Funny enough, we never tried out the various …
There and back again: The One Ring 2nd Edition Impressions Read More »
I like to consider myself pretty well versed in Dungeons & Dragons lore, but there’s definitely a few blind spots for me. I can’t begin to name the number of times I’ve included mainstay monsters like mimics, beholders, or rust monsters into campaigns, but certain monster groups have never exactly been on my radar. So …
Dodge sneaky snakes and snake-y people in our free yuan-ti adventure: The Ophidian Lord! Read More »
Recently, Wizards announced two upcoming D&D books for this year: the Feywild-themed adventure Wild beyond the Witchlight and the Magic: The Gathering-crossover sourcebook Strixhaven: a Curriculum of Chaos. Details about Witchlight are scant, but Wizards dropped a new unearthed arcana detailing five new playtest subclasses for Strixhaven. Player characters get the opportunity to join …
First look at the Strixhaven Unearthed Arcana & Impressions Read More »
Are you designing a new TTRPG or supplement and feeling overwhelmed? You’ve got the idea down; you feel confident in writing it, but you
Introduction Have you dreamed of becoming a full-time ttrpg designer? That’s exactly what today’s guest, Chris Craven, did–all with the help of Kickstarter. In
We’ve heard from so many passionate creators over the past few years about how they’re turning a love for ttrpgs into a career. It’s time
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