Dear Readers, Dungeons & Dragons is a game of boundless imagination, where players step into the roles of heroes, embarking on epic quests and facing formidable challenges. At the heart of every D&D campaign is the Dungeon Master (DM), the storyteller who guides the players through the adventure, weaving a narrative tapestry of danger, discovery,Continue reading “From Player to DM: Making the Transition and Mastering Both Sides of the Screen”
Tag Archives: DM
Legacy of the Dungeon Master: Honoring the Pioneers of Dungeons and Dragons
Dear readers, in the realm of tabletop roleplaying games, few names carry as much weight and reverence as Dungeons & Dragons. Since its inception in the early 1970s, D&D has grown from a niche hobby played by a handful of enthusiasts to a cultural phenomenon that has shaped the landscape of gaming and storytelling worldwide.Continue reading “Legacy of the Dungeon Master: Honoring the Pioneers of Dungeons and Dragons”
Second-Hand DM Story: This Past Tuesday
Sorry for the post confusion today. I had to swap the Premium Content post day with my Friday post due to editing delays. Lots of edits in the next episode. Sorry for the confusion. As I said this past Wednesday evening, I was out of town Tuesday and Wednesday. So that I did not haveContinue reading “Second-Hand DM Story: This Past Tuesday”
Not a Player’s Perspective – How-To DM: When Things Go Awry
Our normal contributor for today is bogged down with work and exams from his master’s degree. Which is fine and totally understandable. This leaves me the ability to do another article today on something been thinking about. What do you do when your campaign gets derailed? We’ve all been there. You know what I’m talkingContinue reading “Not a Player’s Perspective – How-To DM: When Things Go Awry”
Ho-To DM: DMing Young People
Sorry for the late post…it’s been a busy day. I had a number of doctor’s appointments today, so please forgive me. Tonight, Dear Readers, was an awesome game. I’m not going to do a summary, although it would be great, but I will let you know that I am running Waterdeep: Dragon Heist. But thisContinue reading “Ho-To DM: DMing Young People”
How to DM: DMing Kids
As many of you may have read, I have an affinity for kids. I, myself, have a number of them. I love kids. When I began Adventures League where I used to live, it was really just to get my kids out of the house to give my wife a break (we didn’t have anyContinue reading “How to DM: DMing Kids”
DM Story: I Killed Another Beloved NPC
My Tuesday group, having migrated online, has changed some. We added two online players that add a lot to the game. In any case, it is, like my Sunday game, all online. Due to the limited nature of the campaign, meaning the length, I made it rather episodic, so that there was no pressure ofContinue reading “DM Story: I Killed Another Beloved NPC”
Let’s Do Some World Building: More on the Village of Borest
Last time, we took a look at the concept of world building and applied it to a small town of Borest, specifically the inn. We fleshed out a few NPCs. Now, let’s flesh out some more. Last time, I said I’d flesh out the town mayor/selectman/elder. The reason I left him off the list isContinue reading “Let’s Do Some World Building: More on the Village of Borest”
DM Story: The Story of Kief
Back in the day, when I first played Dungeons and Dragons, my group consisted of my cousin Daniel being the DM (he was a few years older than us) and Jack (who was my age). We had many a grand adventure. Jack and I each had two characters, with me playing a thief (what theyContinue reading “DM Story: The Story of Kief”
DM Story: When a New Player Decided to Grapple a Troll at Level 1
I had a group of players who were literally ALL new to D&D. Super eager to learn and loves to play. And they do things that NO VETERAN PLAYER WOULD EVER consider doing. I was running Waterdeep: Dragon Heist, and they are just starting. They deal with the bar right easily enough, and the troll/stirgesContinue reading “DM Story: When a New Player Decided to Grapple a Troll at Level 1”
DM Story: How The Daily DM (accidentally) Traumatized a Table of Middle Schoolers
So, I was DMing a table of mostly middle schoolers (one of them is my son), and very early into the campaign, the party bard was tired of how long it took to get across the city and asked me how much it costs to hire a wagon. According to the PHB, it costs 1Continue reading “DM Story: How The Daily DM (accidentally) Traumatized a Table of Middle Schoolers”
DM Story: Near TPKs
Dear readers, this blog post is brought to you by me using voice to text, so if there are errors or mistakes, blame Android. There comes a time in a dungeon master’s life where you build what you believe to be a good, challenging, and balanced encounter. Often times, due to the nature of howContinue reading “DM Story: Near TPKs”
How-To DM: Rainy Days and…What Day is It? Thursday, You Say? Well, Yeah, Those Can Get You Down, Too…
Not sure what the weather is like where all of you are, but today is rainy and dreary. In a word: sucky. At least for me. That said, when you are having such a day, and you have no games to prep for, what do you do with that extra time when you are inContinue reading “How-To DM: Rainy Days and…What Day is It? Thursday, You Say? Well, Yeah, Those Can Get You Down, Too…”
Rime of the Frostmaiden: Of Duergar and a Dragon
When last we left our party, they headed for the goblin fortress to make good on the peace treaty. The party stopped to rest on the way back from Brynn Shander with a herd of goats and a signed peace treaty, the gnome wizard casting Leomund’s Tiny Hut to provide shelter. One member stood guardContinue reading “Rime of the Frostmaiden: Of Duergar and a Dragon”
The Struggle Is Real
Today, Dear Readers, I’m going to get very real with you. VERY real. So all of you can tell that my posting schedule has been more than erratic. The truth is that I’ve been struggling something fierce. With what? My depression. I’ve been struggling being very motivated to do much more than getting out ofContinue reading “The Struggle Is Real”
Exciting News!
Dear Readers, I’ve got some absolutely exciting news for you all today! We have recently expanded our partnership to include a gaming store in Huntsville, Alabama called The Lucky Dice Cafe! The owners and I are proud to announce our partnership to provide you with all sorts of new and exciting content! We will beContinue reading “Exciting News!”
We Have a Winner!
Just a quick announcement to say that we have reached out first follower goal! Congratulations to one of our email followers, ky*****er86@gmail.com has won a custom painted miniature! I’ll be in touch to get contact info to mail you the mini. Congratulations!
How-To DM: Where to Find Inspiration
Dear Readers, this is going to be a short post. I had a back procedure today and am in quite a bit of pain. I’m stuck on bed rest for the next 24 hours, so I have the extra time today… Inspiration can come from many and varied forms. Here’s some places I’ve found: 1)Continue reading “How-To DM: Where to Find Inspiration”
Rime of the Frostmaiden: Quick Update To Catch Up
Dear Readers, I know I’ve gotten more than a bit…behind in my writing for my Sunday adventures. This is why I am not going to be doing a detailed summary, but more of an overview, to catch us up, and resume doing more detailed summaries this coming Monday. In the event that you would likeContinue reading “Rime of the Frostmaiden: Quick Update To Catch Up”
Future Plans For The Blog
Hello, Dear Readers! Tonight I wanted to share some future plans that I have for The Blog, some of which I discussed in brief yesterday. ARRYN The first is a partnership with the Arryn Gaming Community on Discord (known as just Arryn by the server members). Arryn is a gaming community dedicated to RPGs, withContinue reading “Future Plans For The Blog”
An Odd Post: How D&D Has Kept Me Going
Dear Readers, my posting, as I have said recently, has been sporadic. as I’ve said before, my multiple sclerosis has been kicking my backside. I’m really trying. That said, I did want to do a post today, even if it’s voice to text from my phone. Like many people, I started playing D&D as aContinue reading “An Odd Post: How D&D Has Kept Me Going”
Miniature Painting: The Shame Grows…
So, it’s happened. The shame has grown too great. So I continued the minis that I have left half-painted. Here’s where I am so far. First up, the stupid tiefling. Obviously, I will need to do some touch-ups, but he’s coming along okay, I guess. I’m just annoyed with this mini and unsure of whatContinue reading “Miniature Painting: The Shame Grows…”
Mini Painting Update!
So I told you I would keep you updated on my miniature painting! Boy, oh boy have I been busy! First off, you remember Xanathar? Well, here he is now: Of course, there’s still more work to do. I still have to shore up around each eye stalk’s eyelid thing, as well as each eyeballContinue reading “Mini Painting Update!”
Announcement & A Story
So we’ve run into a perfect storm at the moment. With my current health issues, as well as recent health issues for yourdorkmaterials, my posting schedule has been…difficult to work on. That said, again, I’m not abandoning or quitting The Blog. I just can’t do it. For those of you who are just readers toContinue reading “Announcement & A Story”
A Very Happy New Year!
Wishing each and every one of you, Dear Readers, a happy, safe, and fruitful 2021. May your Dice Rolls and RNGs ever be in your favor! Sincerely, The Daily DM
Rime of the Frostmaiden: Of Cookies and the Murder Moose
I know I’m a bit behind in my writing, but I’m going to play catch up this week. I’m also going to be getting new articles from yourdorkmaterials for the end of this week. He’d been under the weather and unable to post. There won’t be a post for New Year’s Eve or New Year’sContinue reading “Rime of the Frostmaiden: Of Cookies and the Murder Moose”
Miniature Painting Christmas Miracle
So I wanted to tell you all a quick story. I wanted to surprise my wife this Christmas with something I thought she’d appreciate and wouldn’t think that I’d be able to get for her. You see, she’s been on a HeroForge kick of late. She’s been designing characters left and right. She’s even hadContinue reading “Miniature Painting Christmas Miracle”
Dear Readers
I thought long and hard about continuing posting this week. Due my own family activities, and likely the activities of you, my Dear Readers, I have decided to take this week off, so that all of us may enjoy our holiday. I, for example, have soooooo much wrapping to do. In the mean time, hereContinue reading “Dear Readers”
Painting Update: Manshoon and the Drider
So I finally did it! I finished Manshoon! He turned out wonderfully. The only thing I have not done is any kind of shading. I’m still trying to get that friend of mine to help me learn that shading technique that he uses. Thus, he’s not fully finished. In other news, I have started workContinue reading “Painting Update: Manshoon and the Drider”
Tuesday Shenanigans: Disintegration
So, with me going back into full quarantine to avoid getting the current Biblical-type plague that is flying across the globe, I’ve moved my games to a virtual tabletop, specifically, Roll20. That is both a blessing and a curse. The Good It works like a charm, now that I’ve figured it out. I found outContinue reading “Tuesday Shenanigans: Disintegration”
Rime of the Frostmaiden: Helping Hillbillies and Delving Into a Mine
When last we left our band of heroes, they had just completed their trip to Brynn Shander to remove curses, restock their gear and head out to see about the troubles of Dougan’s Hole (they also had picked up a job delivering supplies to a reclusive gnome north of Lonelywood and heading to a pirateContinue reading “Rime of the Frostmaiden: Helping Hillbillies and Delving Into a Mine”
Short Post: Not Feeling Well
Sorry guys, but this thing is really kicking me in the tail. I promise that I’ll get back to posting better as soon as possible. I was feeling pretty good yesterday, but my back spasms have me in a ton of pain today, and this alone is taking a lot out of me to typeContinue reading “Short Post: Not Feeling Well”
Character Profile: Ad hoc Discord Group Playing “The Dancing Hut of Baba Yaga”
As some of you know, I’m back in the hospital for an MS flare up. Not fun. That said, I got bored last night and began running Baba Yaga with a group consisting of a couple of people I know in person and two of my Discord internet friends via voice chat on Discord. ThisContinue reading “Character Profile: Ad hoc Discord Group Playing “The Dancing Hut of Baba Yaga””
How-To DM: So There Wasn’t a Sunday Game For My Table, But Here’s a Post
So, as the title says, I didn’t have a game this past Sunday. The reason? Because I just needed a break. Today, we’re going to talk about DM burnout. It happens to the best of us: we DM time and time again, likely for multiple games and for multiple days, that stretch into weeks, months,Continue reading “How-To DM: So There Wasn’t a Sunday Game For My Table, But Here’s a Post”
Painting Highlights: Minsc and Manshoon
So here we are again! This week, although my phone is broken, I was able to get some photos uploaded of my current progress on both Minsc and Manshoon. Minsc and Boo I got bored with seeing the crappy base unpainted and did what I feel is a decent flagstone street motif. Additionally, you canContinue reading “Painting Highlights: Minsc and Manshoon”
The Australian Nightmare
Once again we take a stroll down Amnesia Lane back to the mid-1980’s, and this time the game was Chaosium’s Call of Cthulhu. For those of you that are unfamiliar, CoC is a cosmic survival horror game based on the works of H.P. Lovecraft; it’s a very fun, very deadly game where you’re really justContinue reading “The Australian Nightmare”
How-To DM: Building Encounters (Part 2)
Hello Everyone and welcome! Last week we discussed one philosophy behind building encounters. Today, I’d like to talk about some practical mechanics behind implementing those philosophies into a game. For our purposes here, let’s assume a party of 5 4th level characters: a Goblin Totem Barbarian, a Human Moon Druid, a Human TWF Ranger, aContinue reading “How-To DM: Building Encounters (Part 2)”
Rime of the Frostmaiden: Cauldron Conundrum and Ghostly Possessions
Having left off before a fight, the party engaged the three duergar. Seeing they were outmatched, one tried to run, to warn Xardorok, but was shot down quickly by party spells and arrows. Having dealt with the evil dwarves on the ferry, the party decided to head off along the coast to find the lostContinue reading “Rime of the Frostmaiden: Cauldron Conundrum and Ghostly Possessions”
DM Story: Tapping Him Gently With My Warhammer
Ah, the mid-1980’s. We had no computers. We had no cars. What we did have is the living room of my friend Bob’s house and his saintly mother who never complained about a mob of teenage boys in her house every Saturday and Sunday for hours at a time. Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay was my 2ndContinue reading “DM Story: Tapping Him Gently With My Warhammer”
How-To DM: Building Encounters – Design
by yourdorkmaterials A Moon Druid, a Barbarian, a Rogue, a Monk and a Wizard walk into a cave…sounds like the start of a joke, doesn’t it? But a party like this can be a nightmare to build challenging encounters for. The Druid and Barbarian effectively have twice (or even three times at low levels) theContinue reading “How-To DM: Building Encounters – Design”
Player Character Party Highlight
This week, instead of my normal Tuesday Game Summary, I wanted to do something different. So…I’ve been thinking of explaining why the varying adventuring parties do what they do in my posts, but it always seemed to get in the way of telling what happened. Therefore, I’m going to give you an idea of whoContinue reading “Player Character Party Highlight”
How To DM – To Roll or Not To Roll
by yourdorkmaterials We all love our shiny math rocks what go clickety clack. And rolling dice is the core mechanic of the game. But when do you let them roll? Not often enough, and your players might feel like they’re just observers. Too much, and the game bogs down, and your players are rolling forContinue reading “How To DM – To Roll or Not To Roll”
Miniature Painting Highlights: What I’m Working On 11/3/2020
Here we are again for another Mini Painting Highlight, and in the U.S., Election Day (as an aside, a big shout out to my Dear Readers in China, France, Pakistan, India, Canada, the U.K., and any other place I’ve missed: Your readership is very welcome!). Without further ado, here’s what I’ve been working on, someContinue reading “Miniature Painting Highlights: What I’m Working On 11/3/2020”
Rime of the Frost Maiden: Caer Konig and Duergar
Having finished the assault on Caer Dineval, the party was rewarded with free room and board by the Town Speaker, Crannoc. The party went a step further by agreeing to police up the bodies, if for no other reason than to take all of the chardalyn amulets. Deciding that the amulets were too much ofContinue reading “Rime of the Frost Maiden: Caer Konig and Duergar”
Miniature Painting Spotlight: 11/1/2020
Here we are again, with another awesome edition of our Miniature Painting Spotlight! First up is an old 1979 (I think? May be from 80’s, but pewter is pretty worn on the bottom!) metal mini. And here he is now! Done and done! I am hoping to use him as one of my Red WizardsContinue reading “Miniature Painting Spotlight: 11/1/2020”
How To DM: Fighting on the Fly
This week’s How-To post is by my good friend yourdorkmaterials… So. You’ve meticulously planned your big boss fight, carefully balanced your CR’s and come up with cool, integral roles tailored beautifully for each player. It’s going to be epic! Aaaaannnd…two players can’t show. Or the wizard goes down early. Or what was supposed to beContinue reading “How To DM: Fighting on the Fly”
Miniature Painting Spotlight: Finally!
So, dear readers, I finally got some painting done. Of course, some of that painting was done today, thus my late post. This isn’t going to be a long post, but it will have some cool things I’ve been working on. First, another dear restoration project. Next is a Wizard of Thay that I amContinue reading “Miniature Painting Spotlight: Finally!”
Miniature Painting Spotlight: 10/25/2020
Hello, dear readers. Today’s miniature painting spotlight is brought to you by “Unfinished Works”. Unfinished works, were all I’ve done is prime some stuff and paint little else. In all seriousness I started painting again, but realized a lot of what I needed to paint needed priming first. Remember when I told you that DungeonsContinue reading “Miniature Painting Spotlight: 10/25/2020”
How to DM: Creating Memorable Villains
What do you think of when you hear names like, Cruella DeVille, Melificent, Jafar, Scar (other than I can only seem to think of things Disney rolled out…)? They are memorable villains! Who can forget how awesome that fight between Prince Philip and Melificent was when she turned into a dragon? Who can forget theContinue reading “How to DM: Creating Memorable Villains”
Sunday Game: Rime of the Frost Maiden; Finding Sephek
The ranger, realizing that the creature in the water was a plesiosaurus, quaffed one of his potions of animal friendship and began speaking with it. It responded with a polite “Hello!” After a short discussion, the party found that this talking plesiosaur was ensorcelled to become sentient by a druid who’s instructions were to terrorizeContinue reading “Sunday Game: Rime of the Frost Maiden; Finding Sephek”
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