Solving Around Puzzles in D&D
: DMingEver have players who aren't into solving puzzles, or a puzzle that just doesn't work? I propose a simple process to keep the game going without handwaving it away.
Taking a Closer Look at Passive Perception
: Rules WonkeryInspired by a tweet from Jeremy Crawford, I discuss why Passive Perception doesn't hurt your game, and can even help it.
Initiative Table Tents
: DMingWhen I started running 13th Age and 5th edition Dungeons & Dragons, I had the opportunity to play in a 5E game run by Teos "Alphastream" Abadia [https://twitter.com/Alphastream]. He demonstrated an interesting and fun trick; he used cardboard table tents to track combat initative. The
D&D Expeditions is off to a good start!
: DMingOne of the reasons that I haven't been posting is that I've actually been running games! I had the opportunity to run 13th Age and Dungeons & Dragons both at Gen Con (subjects for future blog posts) and for friends. With the launch of the fifth
A is for Aenyssa d'Thuranni, elven assassin
: DMingHere's an archery-themed NPC for your players to contend with. The backstory is specific to Eberron but it shouldn't be to hard to fit her into any fantasy campaign where specialized magic items are available. Aenyssa d'Thuranni One of the most formidable agents of
How to challenge player expectations without alienating your players
: DMingIn established RPG campaigns, it can be fun and interesting to shake things up from time to time by throwing your players a curveball. * The PCs kill a dragon but are surprised to find the residents of the valley chase them off because the dragon was protecting them from predation
Rainbow-themed dice for teaching new RPG players
: DMingI've been thinking about the opportunities I get to introduce people to tabletop role-playing games for the first time. In a conversation with someone on Twitter some time back, someone suggested having a set or two of color-coded dice—d4s of the same color, d6s of the same