Want to make your D&D adventures more exciting from the start? Learn the art of starting in media res and dive right into the action! Discover how to engage your players, introduce new information, and set the stage for epic decisions.
Author: Craig McClain
The Dungeon Master’s Handbook: Tips from May 2023
The top ten dungeon master tips from May 2023.
Three Secret Questions for Combat Encounter Locations
When designing an encounter there are three questions you should add to your arsenal. The answers to these questions will help provide backstory, current obstacles, and potential hazards into focus. What did it used to be? What is it now? What happens to it during the battle? By introducing these elements, you can make the battle more engaging, challenging, and encourage players to think creatively and strategically.
Eldur Aeterna | Magic Item
The Eldur Aeterna is a small but powerful magic item that appears as an unassuming torch wrapped in a bright red cloth. It provides a steady source of light and heat and never needs to be relit or replaced, making it an invaluable tool for adventurers who venture into dark and cold places.
The Dungeon Master’s Handbook: Mutating Your Minions
Mutating Your Minions is a handy guide that offers a d20 list of mutant powers to enhance your minions and low CR monsters in tabletop RPG adventures. With these mutations, you can transform ordinary creatures into unique and memorable encounters, preventing combat encounters from becoming repetitive. The article also provides quick monster stat blocks, harvesting tips, and a convenient adventure builder table to create exciting quests.
Vial of Storms | Magic Item
The Vial of Storms is a powerful magical item, encased in an intricate silver filigree that depicts images of powerful storms and lightning bolts. It is said to have been crafted by storm giants in ancient times, imbuing the glass with their mastery over the elements. Once per day, the vial can release either a powerful gust of wind or a devastating bolt of lightning, making it a highly sought-after item by adventurers and mages alike.
How to Award and Track Inspiration the Easy Way
Looking for an easy way to award and track inspiration in your D&D sessions? Check out this technique that guarantees inspiration points while keeping players engaged. Find out how to use Inspiration cards and create a fun dynamic at the table.
Spellbreaker | Magic Shield
This Spellbreaker shield is made of a mysterious obsidian-like ore called Aechronite. It has the unique ability to reflect spells back at their caster, making it a highly sought after item for any adventurer. When spells are cast at the user, the shield emits a faint purple glow as it reflects the magic back at the caster. With its powerful defensive properties, the Spellbreaker can turn the tide of any battle.
The Black Pillar of Death | Environmental Hazard
The Black Pillar of Death is a mysterious and ominous stone spire that radiates necrotic energy, draining the life from the surrounding air. It can be used as an environmental hazard in various encounters, as part of a trap, puzzle, or challenging combat. Over time, it's necrotic pulse weakens characters' abilities, forcing them to make saving throws that get progressively harder each round.
Nightweave Cloak | Magic Item
This enchanted cape is made of a special fabric that absorbs light, making it impossible to spot in dim light or shadows. In addition to granting the wearer advantage on stealth checks, the cloak can also be used to create a magical shroud of darkness, allowing the wearer to disappear from sight at will.