13 Dungeons and Dragons Storyline Ideas
Crack open a book of fairy tales and mythology next time you can’t figure out a new story to embed in your game.
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Elements of a Good Game Part 3 (Final)
Puzzles and Mazes and Riddles oh my! Puzzles and Mazes can be implemented in so many ways, we’ll start with mazes. A lot of people hear maze and imagine large shrubs and a minotaur hiding somewhere, or a series of stone walls in confusing settings or something similar to the Labyrinth. Remember, a maze can…
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Elements of a Good Game Part 2
Illusions – how you use them and how to use “Disbelieve”. 4E: (Page 68, DM’s guide) “Illusions can mimic any terrain. Creatures that realize that an object is an illusion ignores its effects, while those that do not realize the truth behind the illusion react to it as appropriate. Use Character’s passive insight checks to…
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How to Make More of Your Minions
By Guest Blogger Jason L. Dawson Players are clever. They scheme, plan, plot and connive their way into and out of the most difficult situations we as the DM can create. This is especially true if you have players in your game who are tactically minded. I have the singular joy (and curse, at times)…
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Dungeon Design 101
by Guest Blogger Daniel “The White” LeBlanc One of the most underrated yet important parts of DMing is the creation of dungeons for the adventurers to explore. Too often we focus on the story telling or interesting ways to run the fights, all the while ignoring the fact that the players need places to be…
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Are your NPCs ubiquitous and ignored?
NPCs are ubiquitous and ignored. Dismissed as unimportant, as if that’s what the “N” and “P” stood for in NPC: uNimPortant Character.
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30 Fiction Writing Tips That Will Make You A Better DM (part 3)
In the spring of 2007 I did not work. I wrote. A lot! This was before I started writing for Dungeon Mastering. I was writing a novel (which is still just a draft). Writing fiction is tough, but it’s also fun and rewarding. For me it was also a great learning experience. I polished skills…
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30 Fiction Writing Tips That Will Make You A Better DM (part 2)
My stint as an aspiring novelist made me a better writer and a better storyteller. I thought I’d share a few writing techniques that I learned through books, websites, and experience and how I use them to be a better DM.
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30 Fiction Writing Tips That Will Make You A Better DM (part 1)
My stint as an aspiring novelist made me a better writer and a better storyteller. I thought I’d share a few writing techniques that I learned through books, websites, and experience and how I use them to be a better DM.
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Character Sheet Cross Dressing
I put on my eye shadow and high heels and explore gender bending….in roleplaying games!
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Big Bad Good Guy… Wait, What?
Villains are a vital part of any campaign, but what happens when that villain is supposedly a charismatic paladin? Here is a nemesis for your campaign that is respected by many but loathed by your characters.
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Running and Converting “A Witch’s Choice”
This is a guest post by Chris Perrin. He will be reviewing an adventure path from Rite Publishing for Dungeon Mastering. Chris loves red dragons so he should fit right in with us! In many ways, A Witch’s Choice is a dream come true for many Dungeon Masters. If anything, the guys at Rite Publishing…
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DM Dilemma: My Party Kicks Too Much Ass
When your party faces off against a foe, do they just assume that they’ll emerge victorious as usual? Here are some ways to keep combats interesting for overpowered PCs.
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DM Dilemma: Should You Let the PCs Die?
The party has rushed headlong into danger. Should you help them out or let them die? That depends! Read this article for advice on dealing with the threat of death in your campaign.
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Epic Showdown: Role-players vs. Powergamers
Has your campaign turned into a war zone for all the wrong reasons? Here’s some advice for managing the rival factions at your gaming table – role-players and powergamers.
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The Secret of Martial Power
They might not be able to conjure flames in their hands or heal with a touch, but martial heroes can be every bit as cool as their friends. Learn how to maximize the impact of a fighter’s bone crunching blows and how to properly reward a conquering warlord!
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How to Run a Non-Linear Game You Can Be Proud Of
Whoever said that a straight line is the best way to get from Point A to Point B knew nothing about non-linear campaigns. They’re more than meandering chaos waiting to happen; in fact, they’re a lot of fun for adventurous players. Here’s a handy guide to running an awesome non-linear game you can be proud of.
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Elements of Fear: Horrific Ideas for your Campaign
If you’re looking for ways to add elements of horror to your D&D campaign, use this article as a springboard for your creativity. Here, we explore the terrifying elements of paranoia, ultimate evil, and the vast unknown.
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Random Fun with Random Plot Generators
Random plot generators? Just clicking through them can provide at least 1d4 hours of entertainment. If you find a good one, you might even generate a nifty plot hook for your next adventure — but even the bad ones are good for a laugh.
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Featured | Gaming Life | Quiz
What’s your inner D&D 4th edition character?
25 questions – that’s all you need to answer to know your inner D&D4E character. And don’t come whining to me if your inner character sucks!
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The DM’s guide to uber-villains
What comes out of a meeting between an uber-villain and a red dragon? A how-to guide!