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 »
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 »
I tend to forget about tools and tool proficiencies whenever I play D&D, both as a player and as a DM. Rarely does a chance occur to use tools during a session, unless someone has a set of thieves’ tools or a musical instrument. My artificer owns three different sets of tools, and I …
As a DM, I often spend time writing up NPC “catalogues” that I can insert into just about any situation. Need a spoiled aristocrat? I’ve got Filish waiting in the wings. Sometimes I may only come up with a handful of traits, like a one sentence background, a goal, and a quirk, as you …
Add some horror to your D&D session with these three free Gothic Lineage NPCs Read More »
I’ve been in a bit of a spooky mood recently, thanks to Resident Evil 8 and Van Richten’s Guide to Ravenloft coming out, not to mention the Ravenloft campaign Courtney is currently running us through. I’ve always been a big fan of creepy, atmospheric horror settings, so for this month’s Side Quest I’ve created a …
Survive a haunted windmill in our free Spooky D&D one-shot: The Riven Windmill Read More »
Ever feel overwhelmed by managing your tabletop role-play game project? We’ve been there, and we’ve got your back! We spent this episode of Roll
Are you aware of the power of words and how they can subtly infiltrate a game? Noordin Ali Kadir unearths this concealed beast in
Ready to up your game in the TTRPG space? Ever wondered how project management skills could change your trajectory as a creator? We dive
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