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  • How to Make DnD Combat More Fun – Experience Points Vol. 6

    Excerpt from ‘Tactics for Engaging and Dynamic Combat Encounters‘

    • Number of Enemies. Add more or fewer enemies in the encounter depending on your party’s resources and intended difficulty. In general, some creatures equal to your PCs will be easier, and a number that is double or more will be closer to deadly.
    • Number of Attacks. This is a big part of the action economy. The side that has more attack actions will usually overpower the other. One way around this is to have a creature multi-attack if the first one misses. You can also not multi-attack if the first one misses.
    • Amount of HP. I use the average or max HP depending on the creature. Minions and lieutenants will have the average HP and bosses will have max HP. You can increase or decrease the HP to change the difficulty of the fight.
    • Elevation. Height can help or hinder the PCs depending on the situation. Include sections with varying heights and ways to get there (or not!). Allow the PCs to have the higher ground over the enemies sometimes and vice versa.
    • Distance. Not all creatures have both melee and ranged attacks. Start encounters further away to give time for the combatants to maneuver and position. If you have a PC with a feat or ability for extra distance give them a chance to use it!
    • Difficult Terrain. Limit movement and cause some damage to any creature in battle. Changing conditions of the terrain create hazards for both sides. Allow the PCs that can ignore difficult terrain to shine on the battlefield.

      Click here for the full article.

    5 Dungeon Master Tips

    1. 3 Quick Tips: use the average damage and hp in the stat blocks. count damage up instead of subtract. offload some stuff to the players.
    2. don’t aim for balance. aim for engaging and dynamic. waves of monsters, distance, elevation, alternate win conditions, difficult terrain.
    3. magic items, traps, hazards, and obstacles can be used during combat too!
    4. keep the role play going during combat. have bad guys taunt the PCs or give orders to their minions.
    5. what makes THIS encounter unique? doesn’t have to be big, just DIFFERENT.

    5 Dungeon Master Resources

    1. The Monsters Know What They’re Doing. Anytime I run a dnd monster for the first time I read up on the tactics here. Not only are the tactics based on wanting to survive and the stat and abilities in the stat block. For dungeon master of all skill levels, bookmark this page today.
      https://www.themonstersknow.com/
    2. Simple Monster Stats. Every time I start home brewing a dnd monster I start with this handy chart I made. It has basic monster stats organized by CR. You have your AC, HP, to hit bonus, # of attacks, and the 6 ability scores bonuses. I even included an example monster with skills they may be proficient in to help you even more.
      https://ko-fi.com/s/4a36794760
    3. Home Field Advantage. Lair actions are a great way to build more challenging combats. Normally only legendary creatures have lair actions in their stat block. This collection provides lair actions for lower CR creatures and monsters in the D&D 5e Monster Manual.
      https://www.dmsguild.com/en/product/384113/home-field-advantage-a-compendium-of-lair-actions?affiliate_id=3271765
    4. Monsters of Inspiration. Every monster I have ever made in one place for you to use. Fearsome foes like the Duck-Billed Blood Mage and the Wildfire Owlbear. If you want me to home brew you a dnd monster all you have to do is become a monthly member on Ko-fi or Patreon.
      https://ko-fi.com/s/68cd14f4d2
    5. Bloodied & Bruised. new combat actions for creatures in the 5e adventures and monster books. this gives monsters new combat actions that can completely change the tone of a fight. one of the best mechanics I’ve added to the game to better dial in the difficulty of combat.
      https://www.dmsguild.com/en/product/376169/bloodied-bruised-vol-1-monster-manual?affiliate_id=3271765

    5 Blog Posts About DnD Combat Encounters

    5 Places to Find Me

    You just gained +5 Experience Points,
    consider sharing this with a friend!

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  • Dungeons & Dragons Takes Center Stage!

    Dungeons & Dragons takes center stage during the live show the Twenty-Sided Tavern, blending immersive roleplay and audience-driven adventure.

    RJ Christian joins me to break down how this interactive stage production combines roleplaying, comedy, the audience, and D&D chaos into a full theatrical experience.

    If you love D&D, immersive performances, or creative theatre, this one is for you.

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  • 5 Must-Read Blog Posts for Dungeon Masters – Experience Points Vol. 5

    5 Dungeon Master Tips

    1. hold on loosely to your notes. focus on the PCs and give them chances to be creative and shine.
    2. it’s ok not to go all out with bells and whistles. sometimes dnd is a dry erase map with candy for monsters.
    3. prepare for improv by separating what the PCs can find from whom or where they find it.
    4. don’t lock progress in the adventure or session behind a specific action, npc, or skill check.
    5. include fantastical elements that will make the players want to explore and reward their exploration with treasure, secrets, and clues.

    5 Free Dungeon Master Resources

    1. 8 Steps of Session Prep by Sly Flourish. Hand down the best thing to happen to my session prep. Having a framework for my notes every session has been super helpful for me.
      https://slyflourish.com/lazy_gm_resource_document.html
    2. 300 Warm Up Questions. Every session I run I start with an in character warm up question. Not only does this get them thinking as their character but it also can do some world building or just give me info to use against them later.
      https://ko-fi.com/s/e7769cb606
    3. Safety Tools. Going over lines and veils during a session zero is a must for every campaign I run. Super easy to use. Just click on the cards and it shares them anonymously. There’s even a card for anything goes and you can make your own if you don’t see it here.
      https://digital.deckofplayersafety.com/
    4. DonJon Treasure Generator. It’s easy to make a d20 loot table so make one for every session. Then I’ll have the player roll a d20 and improvise a bit with what s on the list. IME it has made for some great role-play and world building.
      https://donjon.bin.sh/5e5/random/#type=treasure
    5. Dungeon Master Reference Sheet. I ditched my DM screen a long time ago but recently I made a printable dungeon master reference sheet. now that its in a sheet protector its easy to reference the 2024 (or 2014) dnd rules whether I’m running a game in person or online.
      https://ko-fi.com/s/8f458ca661

    5 Blog Posts Every DM Should Read Twice

    5 Places to Find Me

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    consider sharing this with a friend!

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  • Free Resources, Holiday Gift Guide, and Celebrating 100 Posts – Experience Points Vol. 4

    As a new dungeon master, you do not have to know the rules like the back of your hand
    ~ Matt Mercer ~

    Table of Contents

    5 Dungeon Master Tips

    1. Don’t aim for balanced combat encounters. Aim for engaging and dynamic. Waves of monsters, distance, elevation, alternate win conditions, difficult terrain, etc.
    2. Present situations to the players so they can make their own decisions. No solutions, just problems. 
    3. Include fantastical elements that will make them want to explore and reward their exploration with treasure, secrets, and clues. Make exploration and roleplay just as rewarding as combat.
    4. You’re not expected to prepare for everything. It’s ok to say, this is the adventure i have planned for today.
    5. Start with short descriptions, then provide more details with clarifying questions and dice rolls. Make exploration a conversation not a monologue.

    5 (More) DnD Resources So Good They Should Be Illegal

    And I use them all the time!

    1. Safety Tools.
      Going over lines and veils during a session zero is a must for every campaign I run. Super easy to use. Just click on the cards and it shares them anonymously. There’s even a card for anything goes and you can make your own if you don’t see it here. digital.deckofplayersafety.com

    2. Dungeon Master Reference Sheet.
      I ditched my DM screen a long time ago but recently I made a printable dungeon master reference sheet. Now that its in a sheet protector its easy to reference the 2024 (or 2014) dnd rules whether I’m running a game in person or online.
      https://ko-fi.com/s/95ed58812d and https://ko-fi.com/s/8f458ca661

    3. Fantasy Name Generators.
      A true hero to the ttrpg scene, it’s historically accurate, and does so much more than names! 
      fantasynamegenerators.com

    4. Simple Monster Stats.
      Every time I start home brewing a dnd monster I start with this handy chart I made. It has basic monster stats organized by CR. You have your AC, HP, to hit bonus, # of attacks, and the 6 ability scores bonuses. I even included an example monster with skills they may be proficient in to help you even more. 
      https://ko-fi.com/s/4a36794760

    5. d100 Character Connections.
      This table can help you create connections between the characters at the table. Super easy to use and adds depth to all sessions, even a one shot.
      https://ko-fi.com/s/89ba1414e8

    Holiday Gift Guide

    I have used each and every one of these products and I think you should too. These gifts are perfect for the dungeon master or dnd player in your life, even if that person is you!

    • Loke BattleMaps – The map books are so easy to use, versatile, and travel friendly. The spiral binding allows the books to lay flat on the table and use one side or two sides as a larger map.
      https://amzn.to/3M7brqk

    • Cantrip Candles – 100% Soy Wax Candles designed for use with tabletop games and fantasy adventures. 25% off site wide until Dec 1st.
      https://cantripcandles.com/

    • Emberglow Gaming – High quality dice, gear, and accessories. Check out their Bag of Holding Messenger Bag and the Glass Dice Display Cases.
      https://emberglowgaming.com/

    • Dice Envy – The coolest dice at affordable prices, and new dice every week! Get 10% off your order when you use promo code ‘JOYFUL’ at checkout until Nov 30th.
      https://bit.ly/3Rmr4tT

    • TTRPG Swag – Community driven apparel for all your RPG Awesomeness. I even partnered with them for some shirts, hoodies, and coffee mugs!
      https://ttrpgswag.com/pages/craigofinspiration

    • Düngeonmeister Random Monster Generator – Mix and match your very own DnD monster with this interactive, illustrated flip book. Perfect for one shots or anytime you want interesting and challenging enemies.
      https://amzn.to/4843ue9

    • Corvid Arts – Affordable minis with expressions that you can see! Laser cut minis, dice boxes, spells trackers, and more! 25% off site wide until Dec 2nd.
      https://corvidartsllc.com/

    • The Game Master book series – Some amazing resources and guides for GMs of all experience levels. Whether you want random tables, traps n puzzles, or tips on roleplaying there is a book for you.
      https://amzn.to/4p4vncc

    • Dungeon Craft – 2D fantasy terrain collection thats quick, portable, and durable. Usable with any 1 inch square battle maps and the tiles are water resistant and dry erase.
      https://amzn.to/44tfR0X

    • Arcknight – Flat plastic minis that come in a variety of themed collections. The artwork shows detailed front and back images giving them depth and character. They also have spell effects, battle maps, and terrain pieces.
      https://amzn.to/4rmbezP

    • Sly Flourish Lazy DM Series – Hand down the best thing to happen to my session prep. Having a framework for my notes every session has been super helpful for me.
      Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master

    • Obojima: Tales from the Tall Grass – A beautiful fantasy setting inspired by the Legend of Zelda and Studio Ghibli. Explore an island full of whimsy, meet spirts, and uncover the secrets of the ominous Corruption.
      https://obojima.com/collections/all

    • One Shot Wonders – The Ultimate DnD One Shot Book that has over 100 ready-to-play adventures. Perfect for when you’ve had no time to plan or if a player drops at the last minute. And the physical book comes with a pdf version!
      https://rollandplaypress.com/products/one-shot-wonders

    • Czepeku – Level up your TTRPG adventures with award-winning battlemaps, scenes, and tokens. The maps are designed for anything from exploration and social encounters to tactical combat and epic set piece battles.
      https://www.czepeku.com/

    • CraigofInspiration – Find all my links, socials, kofi, and more all in one place. Want to stay up to date with all things CraigofInspiration? Join the discord server!
      https://beacons.ai/craigofinspiration

    Point of Inspiration

    This weeks Point of Inspiration goes to AnotherWorldTabletop. Aaron and Mandii have many years of TTRPG experience between them and it shows. Join them for a Vampire the Masquerade campaign every Saturday night, Sanguine Dominion. And join us every Tuesday for The Last Ideal a Cosmere RPG story, where I play Alstrym Flml, an artifabrian held back by a hidden identity.
    https://www.twitch.tv/anotherworldtabletop

    Thank You for 3 Years and 100 Posts

    Cheers to Many More!

    I just want to say thank you to everyone that has liked, commented, and supported me over the years. It means so much more than I can say. If you want more ways to support consider becoming a monthly member on Ko-fi or Patreon, or even just a one time donation. Every little bit helps a lot.

    It has been so fun and rewarding to create with and for this beautiful TTRPG community. I look forward to what the next years will bring and to helping another 10,000 dungeon masters.

    As always good luck with your next session, I believe in you. See you in the future!

    Livestream Schedule

    Find me live on Twitch and Youtube every Saturday talking about dungeons & dragons and answering YOUR questions!
    I’m going to be doing some surprise live streams this holiday weekend. So follow me on twitch or youtube and be on the lookout for go live notifications.

    Sales and Deals

    Poll No. 4

    Farming for more Experience Points? Make sure to follow on Ko-fi, Patreon, or Discord to stay up to date with all things CraigofInspiration.

    Some links are affiliate links, I may earn from qualifying purchases.

    Some artwork © 2015 Dean Spencer, used with permission. All rights reserved.

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  • 5 DnD Resources So Good they Should Be Illegal – Experience Points Vol. 3

    If you do it with love, no lack of skill will get in the way of making something that means the world to you and your friends at the table
    ~ Brennan Lee Mulligan ~

    5 Dungeon Master Tips

    1. Have multiple paths (i like 3) ready to offer in case your players are stuck on what to do next.
    2. Stars and Wishes are a great way to discover what you and your players enjoy about the game and what they are looking forward to.
    3. Sometimes your players will invent a a villain they want to hunt down. Use them!
    4. Use environmental effects in your combat encounters that both PCs and enemies can use.
    5. If you’re gonna use a new house rule make sure to talk to your players about it first.

    5 DnD Resources So Good They Should Be Illegal

    And I use them every session!

    1. 300 Character Warm Up Questions.
      Every session I run I start with an in character warm up question. Not only does this get them thinking as their character but it also can do some world building or just give me info to use against them later. https://ko-fi.com/s/e7769cb606
    2. DonJon Treasure Generator.
      It’s easy to make a d20 loot table so make one for every session. Then I’ll have the player roll a d20 and improvise a bit with what s on the list. IME it has made for some great role-play and world building. https://donjon.bin.sh/5e5/random/#type=treasure
    3. Initiative Tracker.
      Having an itemized chart for initiative has helped me so much. With all the names, ac, hp laid out and space for conditions, and tick marks for who’s already taken a turn. It has helped make my combats run more smoothly. https://ko-fi.com/s/61bc29f354
    4. NPC Generator.
      I made a simple formula that can help you make interesting NPCs on the fly. You get 2 adjectives, a funny quirk, and sometimes even a pet with a funny quirk. https://perchance.org/craigofinspiration
    5. 8 steps of session prep by sly flourish.
      Hand down the best thing to happen to my session prep. Having a framework for my notes every session has been super helpful for me and if you haven’t checked it out yet please do. https://slyflourish.com/lazy_gm_resource_document.html

    Point of Inspiration

    This weeks Point of Inspiration goes to WintersTales. AJ has been at the helm of major TTRPG productions like the 48 Hour Calamity, Wild Magic West, and Castleton. Which she just announced is going to get a setting book with a kickstarter launching in October. So please go give them a follow wherever you can. https://www.instagram.com/reel/DMv3d2dynK2/

    The Aechron Archive

    The Village of Caebrek

    Notable NPCs

    • City Watch Chief, Zenon Stormbringer – a flamboyant and sheepish Orc that is always up to date with the latest gossip and their pet Rosie the llama that will steal your hat.
    • Marshal Haley Ueda – an impatient and naive Half Elf that is retiring from their military appointment soon.
    • Dagna Hiro the merchant – a flustered and witty Aarakocra that is always up to date with the latest fighting, and their pet Lady the irish setter that has their own stuffed animal.
    • Zyglinda Sato the soothsayer – a calculating but dorky Tiefling that constantly tries to get others to be healthy with their omens.
    • Otokar Jim the gravedigger – a zany but reliable Goliath that wants the PCs to hunt a monster terrorizing the graveyard.
    • Taida Diba the smithy – a kind hearted and superstitious Duergar that is obsessed with reading the newspaper/getting the news.
    • Viola Oakstorm the innkeeper – a talented but affable Dragonborn that wants a magic item the PCs don’t have.
    • Evelyn Sullivan the miller – a thrifty and reclusive Minotaur that wants to be escorted to a dangerous location to find valuable treasure and their pet Capo the donkey that has a rival squirrel that taunts them.
    • Reverend Aria Tatum – a quirky and animated Centaur that is in charge of the local church of the Rootmother and their pet Willow the duck that is obsessed with magic.
    • Sabin Kanaan the miner – a flamboyant and organized Kobold that wants to go to a secret location out of pure curiosity and their pet Toulouse the horse that is good at tracking certain animals.

    Livestream Schedule

    Find me live on Twitch and Youtube every Saturday talking about dungeons & dragons and answering YOUR questions!

    save the date!
    i’m having a super special birthday stream on September 2nd and I would really appreciate it if you stopped by and said hello.
    Tues Sep 2nd – all time pst
    12 pm – Q&A & Games
    330 pm – goblin heist adventure

    Sales and Deals

    Reader Questions

    Every month I make a post in Patreon and Ko-fi so that everyone can ask me a DnD or TTRPG related question. Once a week I answer every question on this post. Some questions make it to the livestream or inspire a tip video. Looking forward to helping out!

    Reader Suggestions

    Over on my discord server, the Dungeon of Inspiration, we have a channel called Stream Suggestions where you can recommend DnD or TTRPG products for me to look through while live on stream. This is not for homebrew or questions. This is for blogs, videos, products, kickstarters, events, etc. Let me know if you have any questions!

    Poll No. 3

    Farming for more Experience Points? Make sure to follow on Ko-fi, Patreon, or Discord to stay up to date with all things CraigofInspiration.

    Some links are affiliate links, I may earn from qualifying purchases.

    Some artwork © 2015 Dean Spencer, used with permission. All rights reserved.

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  • Experience Points Vol. 2

    World building in a vacuum is fun, world build collaboratively is best.
    ~ Matt Mercer ~

    5 Dungeon Master Tips

    1. Are you able to resist the urge to tell the players what they missed or how the story could have been different?
    2. If a player makes an awesome guess, it’s ok to make it true. Your notes for the session and campaign aren’t set in stone.
    3. Find out why your players love their PCs. Try to include that in your games as often as you can.
    4. Have bad guys surrender so they can spill juicy secrets to the characters.
    5. Not every player loves improvised collaborative storytelling. Some people just want to relax and enjoy the show.

    Tabletop News

    The Stormlight RPG has arrived in digital form! There is so much already to take a look at. A setting guide, a rulebook, a multi level adventure path, a level zero adventure, and a starter guide to the world of Roshar. I can’t wait to dig into this and to get my physical copies later this year.

    d100 Character Connections Now Available

    Give your PCs immediate connections to each other using this d100 table. You can even use this with NPCs to establish PCs ties to the world. I like using it for one shots because its a great way to get role play started with a new, or old, group.

    If you’re reading this right now our characters are cousins, though distant with a little history (04). The person to the right of you? Your two characters met in prison and escaped together (63). Those two rolls alone lay the groundwork for many great role play moments to come.

    https://ko-fi.com/s/89ba1414e8

    Point of Inspiration

    This weeks Point of Inspiration goes to Smoking Glue Guns. If you don’t know her, Whitney makes amazing (like seriously amazballs) dice, and big giant dice too. She is also currently running the dungeons & dragons actual play Wild Magic West which is just as awesome as it sounds. I’ve had the honor of playing a few games with her in the past and she’s a great storyteller. Go give them a follow as a favor to me.

    The Aechron Archive

    The Village of Caebrek

    Nestled among the rugged peaks and stony passes of the Folded Mountains, the village of Caebrek stands as a testament to time and resilience. Founded decades ago, this mountainous community thrives on the labor of its people. Caebrek owes its existence to a once-thriving mine, now nearly depleted, that served as the lifeblood of this old village. Now under the rule of a military strongman, the village has maintained order amidst the pressing challenges that have emerged within its borders.

    Within Caebrek’s immaculate street the echoes of a martial tradition resonate through the community. Dueling lords vie for dominance, their struggles casting shadows that stretch from the city hall to the busy training grounds. Yet, beyond the political intrigue lies the heartbeat of Caebrek – its people. Dense in population, with a mix of races living harmoniously, the locals may appear standoffish, but their hearts open to those who prove their mettle. As adventurers tread the path of these mountainous realms, they find themselves entwined in the fabric of a village where sophisticated products, resilient spirits, and the ever-present call of the mountains beckon them into a world where danger and opportunity dance together. Welcome to Caebrek, where a tale is waiting to unfold, and the mountain winds whisper secrets of both peril and promise.

    Livestream Schedule

    Find me live on Twitch and Youtube every Tuesday and Saturday at 12 pm pst talking about dungeons & dragons and/or playing video games.
    TUESDAYS: Minecraft Summer School w/ @OhHelloMere teaching me how to play Minecraft
    SATURDAYS: ask me your dungeons and dragons questions live

    Sales and Deals

    Reader Questions

    Every month I make a post in Patreon and Ko-fi so that everyone can ask me a DnD or TTRPG related question. Once a week I answer every question on this post. Some questions make it to the livestream or inspire a tip video. Looking forward to helping out!

    Reader Suggestions

    Over on my discord server, the Dungeon of Inspiration, we have a channel called Stream Suggestions where you can recommend DnD or TTRPG products for me to look through while live on stream. This is not for homebrew or questions. This is for bogs, videos, products, kickstarters, events, etc. Let me know if you have any questions!

    Poll No. 2

    Results of Last Weeks Poll No. 1

    Farming for more Experience Points? Make sure to follow on Ko-fi, Patreon, or Discord to stay up to date with all things CraigofInspiration.

    Some links are affiliate links, I may earn from qualifying purchases.

    Some artwork © 2015 Dean Spencer, used with permission. All rights reserved.

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  • Experience Points Vol. 1

    Hey everyone,
    Welcome to the first volume of my newsletter, Experience Points. My goal is to share tips, info, and news about D&D and TTRPGs to help you run better games.

    You don’t need to DM for 20 years to be a great DM. You can start and be a great DM right away, if you make the focus of what you’re doing your players enjoyment at the table.
    ~ Brennan Lee Mulligan ~

    My No. 1 Tip For New Dungeon Masters

    Focus on the basics. Describe the situation, and have the players describe what they want to do.
    Focus on the fun. Roll some dice and celebrate the awesome moments and the big whiffs.
    Focus on the characters. What connects them to the adventure and the other PCs?
    Give them something to explore and learn about. Provide a fantastic location for the players to engage with.
    Give them someone silly to roleplay with. A fantasy creature with a silly voice goes a long way.
    Give them something to stab with their sword. Most DnD players just want to feel heroic and kill some monsters. Give them that chance!

    By including these basic ideas you will have the foundation for a fun session. As long as you are all having fun then you are doing it right.

    Talking Daggerheart and DnD with Talking XP

    In this episode of Inspiration Points, Jonny aka Talking XP and I talk top tips for new game masters, favorite monsters to use, and why we all love ttrpgs so much. Jonny also talks about his zombie horror Daggerheart live play, Bitten, a tale of community, tragedy, and survival.
    Find Jonny everywhere here https://linktr.ee/talkingxp

    Point of Inspiration

    This weeks Point of Inspiration goes to the cast of Bitten. If you are a fan of the Walking Dead or the Last of Us go check out the Daggerheart actual Bitten by Talking XP. It’s about 7 episodes in right now and each one gets better than the last.

    Meet the Cast:
    Meadow (she/they) as Ilora: ‪@HowdyLoveDarlinGames-kz1hm‬
    Daniel (he/him) as Roila: ‪@danielthedm‬
    Kelly (she/they) as Crucible: ‪@thekellhop‬
    Kujo (he/him) as Torin: ‪@crithitchronicles‬
    Jonny (he/him) as Everyone and Everything Else

    Find Episode 1 here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vBtR_wpLZKU

    Livestream Schedule

    Find me live on Twitch and Youtube every Tuesday and Saturday at 12 pm pst talking about dungeons & dragons and/or playing video games.
    TUESDAYS: Minecraft Summer School w/ @OhHelloMere teaching me how to play Minecraft
    SATURDAYS: all about D&D and TTRPGS

    Sales and Deals

    Reader Questions

    Every month I make a post in Patreon and Ko-fi so that everyone can ask me a DnD or TTRPG related question. Once a week I answer every question on this post. Some questions make it to the livestream or inspire a tip video. Don’t be upset if your question doesn’t make it the show, only a handful do. Looking forward to helping out!

    Reader Suggestions

    Over on my discord server, the Dungeon of Inspiration, we have a channel called Stream Suggestions where you can recommend DnD or TTRPG products for me to look through while live on stream. This is not for homebrew or questions. This is for bogs, videos, products, kickstarters, events, etc. Let me know if you have any questions!

    The Aechron Archive

    The planet of Aechronea contains one supercontinent that has three different regions each with a variety of peoples and settlements. The realm of Everea the Ancestral Home, the Lands of Aechron, and Cadaramá the Tropical Crescent. Everea has some tribes in the Resu’suteppu domain. The Lands of Aechron are home to a large group called The Free Peoples of the Valley. In Cadaramá the Tropical Crescent you will find ancient tribes that call themselves the Ioka. Major gods of the area include the Iron Dragon, the Eternel One, and most of all Verona the Rootmother without whom the world and lands of Aechronea would not exist.

    Verona the Rootmother is the world tree at the center of the world in the lands of Aechron. Her roots permeate the world and any place without a root coming from the ground is considered unlucky or worse. All peoples of Aechronea feel the heartbeat when they come in contact with even the farthest root. Special are those that can commune with her and more blessed are those whom she bestows the divine gift.

    Poll No. 1

    Farming for more Experience Points? Make sure to follow on Ko-fi, Patreon, or Discord to stay up to date with all things CraigofInspiration.

    Some links are affiliate links, I may earn from qualifying purchases.

    Some artwork © 2015 Dean Spencer, used with permission. All rights reserved.

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  • June Updates for CraigofInspiration

    Hey everyone,

    There has been a lot of new things going on for the channel that I wanted to share with you. Also, I found some deals I think you may like and tbh are kinda too good to pass up. But more on that later.

    Ko-fi Free Downloads

    Five new items have been added to my Ko-fi page. Not only are there two adventures but also over 100 magic items and 10 monster stat blocks. You can get them all for free (or tip a coin to your DM) over at my Ko-fi shop. If you want me to homebrew you a magic item or stat block all you have to do is become a monthly member on Patreon or Ko-fi.

    Shirts, Hoodies, and more now Available

    Recently I partnered up with TTRPG Swag to make some merch with designs I have made over the past couple years. Only some of the designs are ready now so be on the lookout for more in the future. My favorite shirt to wear is the Live, Laugh, Sneak Attack however my favorite one overall is the beanie that says Hat of Concentration so you can wear it when you cast a concentration spell.

    https://ttrpgswag.com/pages/craigofinspiration

    New Channels in the Discord Server

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    Too Good To Pass

    Remember when I said there were some deals that were too good to pass up? Let’s get started.

    Dice Envy: 7 piece mystery dice sets for $2.99 while supplies last https://bit.ly/3Rmr4tT
    Humble Bundle: Game Masters Guide to… series on sale 11 pdfs for $15 https://humblebundleinc.sjv.io/e1Bnd1
    DMsGuild: Faster, Purple Worm! Everybody Dies, Vol. 1 – 15 one shots for 1st level characters for $25 https://www.dmsguild.com/product/518837/Faster-Purple-Worm-Everybody-Dies-Vol-1?affiliate_id=3271765
    DMsGuild: Nautical D&D Sale, more then 900 aquatic themed community content titles on sale for the next week! https://www.dmsguild.com/sale.php?src=newsletterDMGMattNotesNauticalSale&affiliate_id=3271765

    As always, good luck with your next session, I believe in you, see you in the future!

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  • Tactics for Engaging and Dynamic Combat Encounters

    Combat in 5e can get boring pretty fast. Starting 30 feet away and never moving after the first round or two gets stale. However, there are some easy steps you can take when building an encounter to breathe some life into them. The best part is you won’t have to add or remove any rules or mechanics to the game. Here is a list of tactics you can use to create more engaging and memorable combat encounters.

    Number of Enemies. Add more or fewer enemies in the encounter depending on your party’s resources and intended difficulty. In general, some creatures equal to your PCs will be easier, and a number that is double or more will be closer to deadly.

    Number of Attacks. This is a big part of the action economy. The side that has more attack actions will usually overpower the other. One way around this is to have a creature multi-attack if the first one misses. You can also not multi-attack if the first one misses.

    Amount of HP. I use the average or max HP depending on the creature. Minions and lieutenants will have the average HP and bosses will have max HP. You can increase or decrease the HP to change the difficulty of the fight.

    Elevation. Height can help or hinder the PCs depending on the situation. Include sections with varying heights and ways to get there (or not!). Allow the PCs to have the higher ground over the enemies sometimes and vice versa.

    Distance. Not all creatures have both melee and ranged attacks. Start encounters further away to give time for the combatants to maneuver and position. If you have a PC with a feat or ability for extra distance give them a chance to use it!

    Difficult Terrain. Limit movement and cause some damage to any creature in battle. Changing conditions of the terrain create hazards for both sides. Allow the PCs that can ignore difficult terrain to shine on the battlefield.

    Multiple Waves of Enemies. This is a great way to put your PCs on their back foot and use resources. Have more enemies arrive at the top of a round or shortly after combat so they can’t rest. Alternatively, You can give the PCs a round or two in between waves to heal and prepare.

    Multiple Types of Enemies. Use no more than 3 types or it gets hard to manage. Not all combat encounters have to be groups of the same creature. Different creatures with different tactics create multiple options of approach for the PCs.

    Multiple Fronts of Enemies. Oh no, the squishy wizard is in melee!? Enemies arriving from behind create a unique challenge for those used to staying in the back. Get the PCs to change their tactics by attacking from multiple fronts at once.

    Use Communication. Have the bad guys communicate with each other in short messages on their turn. Have enemies talk with the characters and if needed you can add charisma-based skill checks. Provide context and depth to the enemies with a little bit of backstory.

    Alternate Win Conditions. Killing everything is not always possible. Other options include: making peace, protecting someone/something, retrieving an object, surviving a gauntlet, sneaking in, or stopping a ritual.

    Changing Win Conditions. Have the objective change mid-combat. Use a twist to complicate the story and change the win condition in the middle of the encounter. Examples: a group of rival NPCs arrive, a timer starts/stops, the PCs discover their info is wrong, the PCs actions help the villain, or a prophecy is fulfilled.

    Start with Roleplay and Exploration. Pull back and start as an exploration and roleplay encounter. While they are exploring you can describe the action, introduce new NPCs, let them interact with the environment, and don’t forget to reward their creativity. If they avoid an encounter or make it harder on themselves, it’s ok because they made the story together.

    Create Choices. Allow the PCs to make choices that can change the balance of the encounter in either direction. The choices they make before or during combat can alter the terrain or change the win conditions, for better or worse. Give the PCs the chance to affect the encounter before the initiative is even rolled.

    Be sure to think about the action economy when planning combat encounters. The action economy is how many attack actions each side of combat has. Not always, but usually, the side with more actions is going to win. As one side loses actions from creatures going to 0 HP it’s even easier for the larger side to succeed. This is why one monster battles go so favorably for the PCs. Multiattack and legendary actions don’t mean anything against six level 11 characters with haste, flurry of blows, and action surge. The number of enemies and how many attacks they have is important and it’s something you can change before combat even starts. Include elements that the PCs can interact with like potions, traps, and decorations. If you want the PCs to do it, have an enemy or NPC show them the way.

    Keep in mind you don’t have to do all of this for every combat. Vary them by using different techniques from this list. Alternate between small theater of the mind encounters and big set-piece battles. I hope all of these tips help you create more engaging and creative combat encounters for your players.

    Good luck with your next session, I believe in you. See you in the future!

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  • Level Up Your Games with Czepeku Maps

    For years, Czepeku (pronounced: ‘Chey-peck-oo’) has been making awesome maps to use for your online D&D and TTRPG games. Recently, they have stepped up their game and are offering maps, scenes, and tokens for both fantasy and sci-fi themes. Stop by their Patreon for individual packs of beautifully crafted maps, scenes and tokens. Here are some of my favorites that I’ve been using.

    tl;dr – For the best price, Czepeku’s Complete Fantasy Bundle gives you access to three subscriptions for the price of two. Get Maps, Scenes and Tokens all for one great price. https://go.czepeku.com/craig_inspiration

    Scenes

    A forgotten fey temple amidst lush forest ruins, now partially submerged. Stone bridges connect statues, walkways, and temple, while the waters teem with mysteries.

    Using a visual scene is one of my favorite ways to set the mood for a session or an adventure. My favorite ones to use so far are the animated scenes ‘Lair of the Elder Brain’ and ‘Flooded Fey Ruins’. Being able to pick between some variations in time of day, weather, and themes is really helpful. Although I do think the best part about the scenes is that each one is paired with an existing battlemap so you can transition easily from a social encounter into a tactical combat. 

    Maps

    A rickety bridge next to a dangerous waterfall sets the scene in this battlemap. What could be lurking nearby? Are there other paths across this dangerous ravine?

    For many players and dungeon masters, maps are a crucial part of combat exploration. One thing I love about Czepeku maps is the amount of details and features packed into each one. It’s stuff like that that really makes a world, and a map, feel real and lived in. You’ll see random animals, graffiti, blood, and on the animated maps you’ll have flickering flames or rushing waters. Take this silly goblin bridge for example. This is telling me to have some goblinoids attack the PCs from both sides of the bridge. The blood is difficult terrain and may even cause someone to slip and fall. Sounds like a fun encounter to me!

    Tokens

    Goblin Tavern Keeper holding a plate of fruit
    Yellow duck with a knife

    Time wasted with the token builder is not wasted. I have customized so many cool tokens using all the various assets they have available. You can choose various hairstyles and skin tones as well as accessories and token borders. It has been really helpful to personalize tokens for my D&D players when we play online. It’s the little things that can help players connect with their characters and foster immersion. I love using the goblin granny as a quest giver for one shots and silly adventures. However, Lemon the Duck should be used in everyone’s campaign no matter what TTRPG they are playing. For some reason she always has a blood feud with someone in the party.

    If you are interested in any maps, scenes, or tokens the best place is czepeku.com/store. You can now subscribe to Czepeku Maps and Scenes on their website. However, Czepeku’s Complete Fantasy Bundle gives you access to three subscriptions for the price of two! Available at https://go.czepeku.com/craig_inspiration.

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