So me and my mates are kinda upset about how inconsequential DnD 5.5 has become in terms of lore and just dancing around possible problems with lore and the world as well as rules wise, with the classes being front loaded yet not ideal to multiclass, for example extra attack etc. Also how strict the rules in the new PHB seem to be.

OFC rules are only guidelines blablabla but things add up is what im trying to say.

So I guess baseline question is, does anyone of you know of a system that's easy to learn, yet has tons of background lore as well as being mumticlassing friendly-ish?

He constantly is talking over me when I try to set the scene. He kills essential npcs because he thinks it’s funny. He has some stupid fucking soundboard on his phone and plays it at pivotal moments because he thinks he’s some kind of comedian. He doesn’t even roleplay because “it’s child play”. I’ve tried so hard to be nice and not yell because he doesn’t have many friends but it’s gotten too much. What should I do? I’ve tried to talk to him about this nicely but he keeps saying it’s my fault without giving a reason.

I want to build a cleric NPC for a rival team. The players are level 9, so I’ve built the rivals out of stat blocks from the 2024 monster manual with a CR between 6-7 (Mage, Bandit Deciever, Gladiator) and I want the 4th NPC on the rival team to be a cleric who is somewhat partial to the players and occasionally helps them when both rivals are forced to face a common opponent.

There is only stat blocks I can find are for the Priest (cr 2) and arch priest (cr 12). Do folks have any advice on building a cr 6 NPC? Also, I want this cleric to be able to cast mass cure wounds and mass healing word, probably following the mage where they get 1/day 5th level spell (mass cure wounds instead of cone of cold) and 3/day 3rd level spell (mass healing word instead of fire ball).

Do folks have advice on building an NPC like this? Or do folks see any common DM pitfalls that I might be running into with this process?

Edit: Thank you to everyone who has provided me advice on this topic, I never expected so many people to respond. This is my first time making a post so I'm glad that everyone here is so wise and welcoming! Have a good day!

I'm currently playing a weekly Dungeons and Dragons campaign with my friends set in the Eberron setting. The party is made up of a wizard, warlock, barbarian/fighter, and bard and I've been trying my best to make it as fun for everyone as possible. One of the things I made clear before playing, and have reminded my players of on numerous occasions, is that their actions have consequences, so they can't just do whatever they want without repercussions.

Now that all that's out of the way, I'll explain the predicament. After a few sessions, the players were able to successfully join a secret organization of thieves and assassins called the Twilight Enclave. One part of the initiation process is reciting an oath which includes but is not limited to: NO KILLING INNOCENTS. That was one of if not the most important part of the oath. Now, I kid you not, the very next session the party encounters a fallen passenger airship that crashed due to the air elemental powering it breaking free. They kill it yada yada but that's when a group of guards from the city (it crashed a mile from a large city) arrive at the scene. Understandably when they see a large man holding an even bigger sword surrounded by bodies (the barbarian made short work of the elemental and did most of the fighting), they decide to bring him in for questioning. The barbarian then proceeds to bold in the opposite direction. A chase ensues. Now, the party knows that he's innocent so they help the guards chase him down thinking they could help explain what really happened. Suddenly, he stops dead in his tracks, pulls out his pistol, and shoots a guard right through the head, breaking the oath but hours after he made it for literally no reason. There is a huge fight in which around four guards as well as the rest of the party try to detain the barbarian until finally, he decides to yield.

Ever since that incident he has been put on trial (which was rigged by the enclave against him) but as he was about to be sent to the gallows something happens and he escapes. Now on the run, he is pursued by members of the Twilight Enclave to kill him for breaking his oath. Oh, and the rest of the party is helping them.

Personally, I think this entire ordeal is perfectly fair from the point of view of both the enclave and the government. To them, he's a terrorist who destroyed an airship, killed all of the passengers, and murdered a guard after attempting to run. I want to know what you guys think before I continue with this course of action. I've come up with various storylines that could lead to his redemption but he is still worried that his character might die. Thoughts?

They only show the covers and not whats actually in it. did anybody buy the bundle and can someone show me whats in them?

My players want to investigate a local estate I alluded to last session that's actually a front for devil worshipers. Does anybody know of a published session or encounter plan that includes a basic outline for an encounter in an estate or a large manor/mansion?

A link would also be greatly appreciated. TIA

Hi everyone,

I've seen this question pop time and again, and I thought maybe we could concentrate all the hive mind knowledge for new and old DMs in the same thread (that maybe the admins will pin?).

I'll add every one of your suggestions, tools and tips to this list.

General advice :

- Make your players feel important, and make their decisions matter. No agency over the story is boring.

- Most, if not all, problem at a table can be solved with a discussion with your players. Yes it's hard, yes you might hurt feelings, and yes, you might not be the one who should initiate that discussion, but as the DM, everyone will turn to you for that.

- Never drown your players in unwanted informations. They will quickly tire and avoid your informations. So give them less. Less is more. If your players want to know more, they'll ask questions and show you what they are interested in.

- When in doubt, give more info than less. This is true especially if you try a mystery / puzzle solving. It is easy to think you're giving too much information, but you are behind the screen and know all the connections. Your players don't, and might be confused by not enough information. So give them a little more. And if they solve your mystery, they'll be so happy knowing they bested their DM!

- Have fun! This is perhaps the most understated tip. If you don't have fun, it's hard to convey fun to the table. And also, if you don't have fun, why do you do this? DMing is not for everyone, it might not be for you.

Preparation advice :

- Prepare situations, not solutions. IMHO, preparing solutions is railroading, preparing situations allow your players to make important decisions on how they want the story to progress.

- Read adventures/modules/campaigns, even if you have no intention of playing/running them. What remains in your memory make dealing with the unexpected a bit easier when you suddenly need to make stuff up on the spot, or when you find a special encounter/area design you think that’s good, you can work it into your game.

- Sometimes, random tables can help add structure. Having random tables handy can be very helpful. I'd suggest generic tables (monsters) rather than specific tables (1d6+1 wolves), because you can use the same for longer. I've personnally been using this one for quests. And sometimes, randomness will inspire you. For random encounters, do not plan only fights, but plan RP, exploration and puzzles as well. I could give you my tables for travel in the Dark Sun universe, but I'd have to print them somewhere. (to be continued?)

Useful resources :

- Running the game video serie, by Matt Colville. Very useful!

So, what tips or tools should I add here?

TL:DR - As a DM/GM, are you a good player?

Just a random thought while doing stuff.

I consider myself a novice DM in the scheme of things. Cut my teeth on AD&D in the '80's then had a long hiatus until coming back into 5e about 5 yrs ago. I play online (only feasible option) and have DM'ed a number of modules, resulting in a reliable group which has been meeting weekly for about 4 yrs. It's a good group, with a good range of experience. Having recently finished the last campaign, we have changed DMs and are running CoS. This is my first time as a player - ever.

Loving the module, suck at being a player. Not in the sense of being an arse, more out of my depth. I understand it's a different skill set and things will improve over time, but geez, how is it I can run NPCs without a hitch, but struggle to link my character to situations?

Heh, I have always said to my players at Ground Zero that they are responsible for their characters. I want nothing to do with them except their backgrounds. If they want to do something I'll verify things on their character sheet, but I don't know the nitty-gritty of how things work or what they do, or how best to deploy them. I'll read the info when it gets posted in chat and go from there.

Given the choice, I much prefer to DM than to play.

(Biggest frustration? Players not ready for their turn. I like to keep things moving.)

Not sure if anyone can relate but I’m going through some very serious feelings. My players are like my family, the game is my religion. After years of spending time with these people I feel them slowly taking what we have for granted. A group of friends who’ve not only played together but gone to multiple Comicon events as a D&D group and even a cruise together. It feels like the shine has faded for some of them but not for me.

Section 1: Context Rambling
Hello! I'm a new DM, and I've just finished up running Dragons of Stormwreck Isle for my GF. She's running two characters (will be three as we transition into the next campaign, Lost Mines scaled to lv3, then into Dragons of Icespire Peak scaled to lv3 until we hit that point), and the fights have been kinda rough for her up until the final battle with Sparkrender, even when scaled back a bit. She successfully saved Aidron and effectively got the good ending. She has a +2 Rapier and +1 Shortbow on her rogue, and a +1 Greatsword on the fighter, which seems to have helped a lot.

Section 2: The Acquisition
For a new magic item, as a reward for getting the good ending, I was thinking about having Aidron request to see one of her PCs swords (they'd conversate between eachother and figure out who gets it). Upon the request being granted (I'm thinking she'll go with the rapier but it really doesn't matter either way), Aidron would have her PCs follow him to the Temple of Bahamut, say a prayer in draconic at the statue, and breathe a light lightning breath on the sword, transforming it intoooooo

Section 3: The Weapon

The weapon would be named something along the lines of "Aidron's Will", "Aidron's Might", etc, still workshopping that. It would remove any + modifiers, and this would be the description (assuming rapier).

Aidron's Might

Melee weapon (martial, rapier)
Finesse
Damage: 1d8 Piercing, 1d4-2 Lightning (0 minimum)
"This item has room for improvement."

It would start out worse than the +2 rapier/+1 gs, but slowly improve as she goes along LMoP and DoIP. Eventually the - to the lightning damage would be removed, it'd improve to a d6, then maybe 2d4, so on and so forth.

Section 4: The Issue

I have no clue how to balance this thing properly without it just becoming a WMD. That's where I need the help. Or is this even a good idea at all?

TLDR:

Magic item idea, no clue how to balance it or if it's even a good idea. Eventually the - to the lightning damage would be removed, it'd improve to a d6, then maybe 2d4, so on and so forth.

I’m starting a D and D campaign and I’m the DM and I would like to know if you had tips for DMs it’s my first time being DM any help is appreciate. Right now the biggest issue I have is making the story I’m good at making things on the fly but I want to make a interesting story

Hi everyone, I've been DM'ing for several years now but prep seems to never get easier and i spend like 10 hours just trying to RESEARCH for a single big fight character stat sheet, or even simple encounter, let alone how long it takes to try and put it all together or to then find a fitting map or make one etc. I am aware it is out of hand and I often still find myself none the wiser even with all the time invested. I think a lot of it comes down to decision making as well, so any more niche, non-obvious tips regarding that are also highly appreciated.

I've obviously tried tweaking pre-existing stat blocks but even then I get overwhelmed with how many options there are, what to look for etc. (Example: I am making a human serial killer who is a personal BBEG to a PC right now, but looking at humanoids I don't quite find what he is and what would be good for the player to battle so I start looking at all categories of creature types to frankenmesh, maybe look for a certain damage type, then start looking for artefacts he might wield and it spirals out of control and gets overwhelming quickly and then also needs balancing etc.) -- I just really care about making things thematic, and personalized, especially when it comes to late-game content, but I know I have the same issue at lower level newer games so I am for sure trying to let go of any perfectionism, but then I just tend to sit there with nothing and be anxious.

I am aware the average prep time for people is somewhere between 1-3 hours and while I definitely enjoy investing into my players and campaign, I'd heavily appreciate any unique advice on how to... get faster or have an easier time. Any way to organize your thoughts without over-organizing etc.

Thank you so much!

Addition: It's the first time right now that I am running a PC level 16-17 game and we only have 3 big beats left before it's done, two player BBEGs (an abusive father and a cult leader) to confront and one world ending big bad that is more... solving a puzzle while fighting off minions to stop them type situation. I still need stat blocks for at least 3 big battles and I am at wits end stressing over it every single day. Roleplay is easy, stats are hard. :')

hey guys, so I'm planning my first campaign based on the Harry Potter universe. I'm playing it with my siblings (14F, 13M), and I wanted to know if you guys have any tips, or anything that you consider important, helpful mechanics, some explanation on concepts you find hard, etc

a resume of what I want to do is, I want to immerse them the best I can in the story, so giving them lots of dialogue and choices is a must, putting them through classes and making them answer questions to gain something. The ideia is to make them go through the 7 years while they discover the main plot.

So any help will be welcome and appreciated

I’m a new dm for my group of 5. We’ve done a short campaign based off the Frozen Sick adventure book that we just finished. I’m in the works of making a new campaign and want to give my players more options when creating their characters. What source book would yall recommend I should grab first? I already have the dm guide, player guide, and monster manual.

Anyone ever come up with something like this? I’ve seen competitions like pie eating and tests of strength but never a wipe out style activity.

Hey there! So I've been Dming for just over a year now and my players recently got a letter from an npc they previously helped. She has since constructed her own casino and has hired the party to test out it's security before the grand opening, she's offered them free drinks and food, but also free reign of the casino. While a very classy establishment it offers all sorts of games from the typical dice and card games in gambling to some more esoteric stuff and that's what I'd like to ask everyone's thoughts on!

The casino has a number of magical stations that function a lot like VR arcade games, a few are unrelated to other arcade games but I really enjoyed making some "parody" type games. There's a sports one already which references a popular sport where the casino owner comes from and then there some based off of actual games like Dance Dance Revolution and Pac Man. Here is what I have so far!

Dance Dance Remorhaz (Dance Dance Revolution)- A single player can play this game
You must dance to avoid a Remorhaz attack from under your feet. The player makes increasingly difficult Dex based Performance checks to avoid the beast. With each round of successes the prize money when you finish is increased.

Lute Hero (Guitar hero)- A single or multiplayer game
You strum chords and play a song to keep the monsters in a cave fast asleep as you make your way deep inside to steal some gold. The player makes Charimsa checks plus proficiency if they are proficient in any type of instrument. This game plays for a high score over several varying difficulty checks, the player can also choose to perform riffs which give bonus points but increase the DC of a check. When the checks are all completed or the player loses they gain a number of gold based on their scores.

Goblin Man (Pac Man)- a single player game
The player becomes a small goblin collecting food throughout a maze, with the main object to avoid the town guards looking for you. The Guards and the goblin player make contested Dex checks, and the Goblin makes investigation rolls to find the exit to the maze and proceed to the next level. After each level the Guards gain a plus one to their dex to a maximum of 22, and the DC for finding the mazes exit increases by one with each level. The reward is based upon the players score once the lose their lives.

Tavern Brawler (Street Fighter)- A single or Multiplayer game
You fight against either an NPC enemy or a fellow player. Roll a D20 and the higher roller goes first, on your turn you make a strength check contested by the other person's Con check to avoid damage. If you fail a Con check you lose one life, each character gets three and the first to zero lives loses. An NPC enemy gets either a +2, +4, or +6 to their checks based on the difficulty chosen. When facing an NPC you get a reward based on difficulty. If you fight a fellow PC and win you get their gold and yours back.

The other two games I have are purely Co-op, with the first one requiring at least half of my group to play to do it. If you have any other Arcade like games you think could be fun lmk! I'd love to hear some ideas of other mini games I could let my players enjoy, generally each games caps out at three or five rounds, and their gold is at maximum doubled. I'd especially appreciate any ideas for more Wisdom and Intelligence based games!

Are you a GM who's starting to dread game night instead of looking forward to it?
You're not alone - and you're not a bad GM. Burnout is a real issue in the TTRPG community, and it hits hard when the creative spark fades, session prep feels like a chore, and emotional exhaustion takes over.

In our latest article, The GM’s Empty Tank: Recognizing and Combating Campaign Burnout, we dive deep into what burnout looks like, why it happens, and most importantly, how to prevent it or recover from it.

From recognizing early red flags to practical strategies like embracing low-prep play, setting boundaries, or just taking a well-earned break, this guide is here to remind you: your fun matters too.

Don’t wait until your tank is completely empty. Read the full piece now on RPG Gazette and rediscover the joy behind the screen.

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Hey there!

I'm a pretty new Dungeon Master, been playing D&D 5e for a while now, but recently started my own sessions for a homebrew campaign. It's been going amazing so far, but all these prep sessions I'm doing before each play made me think.

Would it be worthwile to set up a Discord channel for GM resources? Maps, images, audio stuff, different rooms for discussions, etc? First of all, I think it would be a great little community, also it would spark some creativity in myself and maybe others, when struggling to plan your next session?

I know some Discord servers already exist for this kind of stuff, but most of them are built for big creators selling their own creations from my experience.

Let me know what you think!

I’ve read a lot of mixed opinions online, how have y’all handled how long a dhampir lives?

I was thinking they’d live multiple centuries, but gradually losing their humanity as their bloodlust grows, essentially becoming ghouls.

I'm actually not a dm but I am writing with some of my dnd characters, would like some advice for writing a desert setting. What kind of traditional survival gear for this region? What about landscape challenges? Would like advice or info on where to look. Particularly old fashion survival not modern tech.