dungeonsanddragonscampaign

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Threw a fantasy feast with our Dungeons And Dragons party to kick off our next arc!

Menu: - Meat Pies (made vegetarian with gardein) - Thick Vegetable Gravy - Rustic Herb Breadrolls - Potato and Leek Soup - Meats, Fish and Cheeses - Fruit Platter - Mead, Mulled Wine & Ale - Date Cake

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Got a laptop case, and immediately decorated it with these stickers that were a gift from KingOdysseus! Thank you!!! This gorgeous art is by Anna Landin, and you can buy them on TicTail! Anna Landin also has a Comic and a Patreon - be sure to check it out!

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First Time DM Tips

Tip 4: Pacing & Repair

It is difficult to get a handle on pacing, particularly when first starting out. This is something that there is no single solution to, as it will vary depending on your players. If you are concerned about the pacing in your storyline, review a few key questions: Do I feel as if the story drags, or is going by too quickly? Do my players seem to feel their characters have accomplished what they need to accomplish in the time they have been given? How are my story hooks being revealed in relation to the story? Are too many or too few already being revealed? Is there a plot reason for this?

Do not be afraid to implement ways to amend any current campaign issues. This could include (but is not limited to), adding another hook or arc to keep the story moving (or so that you have something for later), retconning in-character time to be less or more depending on need, or editing unrevealed details about the world or story. Your characters will take it in places you may have never imagined.

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First Time DM Tips

TIP 3: STORY & BUILD-UP

We have talked at length in other instances regarding story, world, and character building. The more prepared you are in this sense, generally, the better off you will be. However, do not over-prepare or fail to give yourself an out. It is okay to direct characters to an important story hook, but feeling that they need to fully explore everything you have created will only cause stress. Repurposing comes in handy in an instance such as this - if your players blow through a town you spent three hours creating, move the parts of that town you are able to another place later in the story, and allow your characters to explore it then. This will save you time in the future, having already created this content.

As far as plot goes, It’s so tempting to get right to the juicy parts, but remember that wait can be rewarding. Withholding a big reveal for later, or letting your characters build camaraderie before plunging them into a trying situation may give a bigger payoff. The more invested both the characters and players become, the better.

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San Diego Comic Con Dice Haul 🎲

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Dice Bag by Detroit Leather Company [Purchased at Anime Central, Chicago, IL]

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Character Survey 3: Mundane Details

So, your character has been traveling with a party for a while. It seems only natural that they would learn little details about each other, but there may not be time for them to come up in-campaign. In such a case, share this survey with your fellow players! If you’d like to build more on your character, please check out Character Survey 1: Morals, Ethics and Aesthetics and Character Survey 2: Family Ties!

What is your character’s favorite type of food, or specific dishes that they love? Is there a reason behind their fondness?

Does your character favor a certain color? Are many of their clothes this color?

What is your character’s favorite instrument? Can they play it, or do they just enjoy listening?

What is your character’s favored weapon? 

How does your character deal with having something on their mind? Do they show it, or get quiet? Do they talk about it? Are there any coping mechanisms they have that others may notice?

If your character is angry or aggravated with another character / party member, how do they deal with it? 

What are your character’s pet peeves?

How long does it take for your character to confront or deal with something that is on their mind / a problem? If contingent on the type of problem, what are they more capable of handling?

Is your character affectionate? Whom does your character choose to share affection with?

If a fellow party member has a problem or concern, how (if at all) does your character deal with it? Do they try to help? Would it depend on the party member?

What are some habits that your character has? Do they have a morning or night time ritual?

Does your character have any unusual sleeping habits? How much do they sleep, where are they most comfortable? Do they snore? When given the option, are they an early or late riser?

How does your character behave when they are tired or exhausted?

Does your character have any quirks that others might notice? Speech patterns, or things that they tend to do? 

How does your character’s constitution translate to their every day life? Do they tend to be prone to sniffles or are they generally sturdy? How quickly do they come back from major injury? 

How does your character deal with being less than 100%?

How does your character deal with temperature? Do they run hot or cold?

Does your character have a preference between indoors or outdoors? Where do they seem more or less comfortable?

Does your character have various outfits for different situations, or do they tend to wear just one? Do they have any interchangeable pieces, or any odd clothing habits/quirks?

How does your character feel about their belongings? What condition are their belongings in? Do they have more belongings, or the bare minimum? Are they possessive or protective of their things?

What are your character’s hobbies? What do they do during their off-time? Do they have anything that aids them in these hobbies or skills?

What does your character bring to the party? Are they a skilled fighter? Are they good with intelligent pursuits or charismatic encounters? 

How do they help set up camp? 

What are some other ways your party is obviously benefited by your character’s presence?

What is your character’s relationship with money? What are their spending habits? How would your party perceive their relationship with money / accepting pay from others?

What is your character’s overall disposition when surrounded only by the party? Are they different around just one or two party members? If so, are these specific members, or rather that your character is more comfortable opening up around fewer people?

Does your character walk at a faster or slower pace? Does it depend on the setting or situation?

How does your character pass travel time? 

Is there anything else that your party members might notice about your character?

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TTRPG Talk Back

Hello, everyone! I'm starting a new feature called Talk Back, where I share some of your stories and thoughts!! From now until next Sunday, I'll be taking submissions! Our First Question: As a DM or Player, what is one of the funniest encounters you've ever had? Please leave an ask, and make sure to put "TTRPG TALKBACK:" at the front!! I can't wait to hear your stories!

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I am so excited to be involved in @beardedwolfbabies ’ first time DMing a campaign, and I hope I’ll be able to share some advice and fun stories here. Wish them luck!!

The characters that I’m going to be DMing for.

I really love the way these turned out.

Ba'Kar, Tiefling Rogue ( @fiveboos ) Kafele, Aaracockra Ranger ( @underwildwood ) Nicodemus, Half-Elf Warlock ( @officergraysons ) Soren, Human Fighter ( @aroyalmoon ) Tameryn, Elf Bars ( @moonstarmarauder ) Tyrial, Tiefling Cleric ( @tposeobrien ) Roarke, Shifter Berserker ( @cocaptainrodimus )

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Dragon*con Haul!

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Reblogging for the addition of a helpful tip from Matt! @beard4charity, You’ve inspired me to try a pre-made campaign next time!

Long time player and occasional DM here (15+ years), but never before have I run a pre-made adventure, a module. Always made my own stuff. But later this year I'm running Curse of Strahd for my group. Any suggestions or tips for running modules? Have you tried out the module, either the recent Ravenloft or previous?

Hello, @beard4charity! Thanks for the questions!!

To be entirely honest, I have not delved far into pre-made adventures myself, though I have played a few as a player character. I actually should thank you, however, because being posed with a question in an area where I had very little experience led me to rally my circle of friends, many of whom are also long time DMs, and they had some advice for you. Hope it helps!!

”Some good advice here is to know the module like the back of your hand, or at least know enough about what’s important at the time to be able to keep the narrative flowing. Since you’re going off of someone else’s work, and especially because CoS is as large as it is, there’s a lot of moving parts that can trip you up. Mostly, the recent modules from Wizards are pretty good at talking the DM through everything, though. Tldr- Read and comprehend! Know it like you’d know your own campaign.” -KingOdysseus

”Also, if module is part of a series or larger campaign, familiarize yourself with the overarching story and know how it ties in.” -Jae

”If you’re a long time DM you should be fine. A lot of problems with running modules comes in when they don’t always allow outside-the-box problem solving. It’s really hard to hypothesize every way a party can try to solve a problem, so inevitably you’re going to come across one the book doesn’t cover. I’d suggest allowing the party to do it, if it makes sense. [Mod Note: You’re an experienced DM, so I would agree on this point. Just let them go their own way, and find a good way to gently guide them back to where the campaign is supposed to be going.] Also, I don’t know Curse of Strahd in particular, but a lot of them have a 3rd party step in to finish off the scenario in a clean manner - Especially if they tie in with other modules. Depending on if the DM wants to run any of those other modules, I’ve always felt that takes away from the player’s final victory a bit and always hated that. If this is the case, I’d suggest trying to let the players solve the problem in the end.” -Norm

“Read the entire module so you kinda know what is going on. To reduce page flipping, copy monster stats and traps onto a reference sheet. You can pre-draw or print off maps to reduce setup time, as well. Also, the module is just a framework. Every party is going to be different and will focus on on different things. Be willing to remain fluid and go with the flow. And don’t be afraid to add your own flavor. Sometimes they will give you fairly boring npcs - don’t be afraid to give them a backstory and make them interesting.” -Matt

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Hello, I was reading on your page about a character building survey, but cant seem to find the link. Would you mind linking me? Thanks!

Hello @placeofold!Here is the link to the first survey, which has a link to the second one on the bottom!(Or, if you like, here is a link to the second one)I hope to bring more to you soon!! Meanwhile, I have added the tag TTRPGHQSurveys to anything you can fill out to help you create your character!!

[dungeonsanddragonscampaign]

Long time player and occasional DM here (15+ years), but never before have I run a pre-made adventure, a module. Always made my own stuff. But later this year I'm running Curse of Strahd for my group. Any suggestions or tips for running modules? Have you tried out the module, either the recent Ravenloft or previous?

Hello, @beard4charity! Thanks for the questions!!

To be entirely honest, I have not delved far into pre-made adventures myself, though I have played a few as a player character. I actually should thank you, however, because being posed with a question in an area where I had very little experience led me to rally my circle of friends, many of whom are also long time DMs, and they had some advice for you. Hope it helps!!

”Some good advice here is to know the module like the back of your hand, or at least know enough about what’s important at the time to be able to keep the narrative flowing. Since you’re going off of someone else’s work, and especially because CoS is as large as it is, there’s a lot of moving parts that can trip you up. Mostly, the recent modules from Wizards are pretty good at talking the DM through everything, though. Tldr- Read and comprehend! Know it like you’d know your own campaign.” -KingOdysseus

”Also, if module is part of a series or larger campaign, familiarize yourself with the overarching story and know how it ties in.” -Jae

”If you’re a long time DM you should be fine. A lot of problems with running modules comes in when they don’t always allow outside-the-box problem solving. It’s really hard to hypothesize every way a party can try to solve a problem, so inevitably you’re going to come across one the book doesn’t cover. I’d suggest allowing the party to do it, if it makes sense. [Mod Note: You’re an experienced DM, so I would agree on this point. Just let them go their own way, and find a good way to gently guide them back to where the campaign is supposed to be going.] Also, I don’t know Curse of Strahd in particular, but a lot of them have a 3rd party step in to finish off the scenario in a clean manner - Especially if they tie in with other modules. Depending on if the DM wants to run any of those other modules, I’ve always felt that takes away from the player’s final victory a bit and always hated that. If this is the case, I’d suggest trying to let the players solve the problem in the end.” -Norm

“Read the entire module so you kinda know what is going on. To reduce page flipping, copy monster stats and traps onto a reference sheet. You can pre-draw or print off maps to reduce setup time, as well. Also, the module is just a framework. Every party is going to be different and will focus on on different things. Be willing to remain fluid and go with the flow. And don't be afraid to add your own flavor. Sometimes they will give you fairly boring npcs - don't be afraid to give them a backstory and make them interesting.” -Matt

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D20 Tableware in action!

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Got some awesome swag from my friends! I'll post in-action photos on Saturday!

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Shoutout to @aaronsrjr13 - We all want to know what happened to your character and the ostriches!

I’m so sorry, @aaronsrjr13, I really don’t have a lot that I can help you with on this. Sounds like a very specific situation and without any insight onto the campaign thusfar I really can’t tell you what to do. I’d suggest following the maze until you find a clue! That being said, this is one of the singularly best asks I have ever gotten in my entire history of blogging. There is just something of comedic brilliance about the whole situation your character is in.  I hope you got to keep the ostriches.

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It's a good way to keep your dice rolls secret - sometimes even from yourself!!!

A fun little purchase - micro dice!