Dear Readers, as I write this post, I’m listening to the “My Mix” on YouTube, of which California Dreamin’ by the Moma’s & The Papas. Oldie but goody. And looking further down my list (California dreamin’ on such a winters day…), and I have a’ha’s Take On Me, Alexander Jean’s Highs and Lows, and theContinue reading “How-To DM: Music Soothes Even the Savage Player”
Tag Archives: Dungeon Master
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”
How-To DM: Converting Old Modules/Adventures
If there’s an activity that I enjoy as much as I enjoy miniature painting, it is the act of converting old modules. As I have detailed before, there’s an old adventure in Dungeon magazine issue 53, called “Clarshh’s Sepulchre” that is easily one of my most enjoyable modules to run. The best part of thisContinue reading “How-To DM: Converting Old Modules/Adventures”
I’m Stuck…
Note: if you are one of my Tuesday campaign players, do not read this until after 11 pm tonight. Spoilers. Dear Readers, I find myself in quite the quandary. You see, I’m stuck. I have about a half dozen projects I’m working on and I’m stuck between them. I have to finish doing prep forContinue reading “I’m Stuck…”
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”
The Joys of Campaign Writing
I want to tell you all a story about how I got all mixed up giving character creation details to the wrong party. It happens to the best of us: you’re running multiple campaigns a week or month, and one for both of them is beginning brand new. In my case, it was both ofContinue reading “The Joys of Campaign Writing”
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”
How to DM: Forming a New Group
Today’s installment is on forming a new group; what to look for and what to avoid. I hope this helps you in forming your own future groups! Determine the Sort of Game You Are Playing This is the first and most important step in finding a new group. What kind of game are you planningContinue reading “How to DM: Forming a New Group”
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”
Not All Puzzles Require Solving
Even though I was unable to play my normal Sunday Adventurers League game (I had to travel again yesterday), I was able to play my Sunday evening Discord game. I’ve talked about this group before (how the wood elf Elren befriended the tarantula named Benjamin), and it’s a good group. Currently, it’s made of ElrenContinue reading “Not All Puzzles Require Solving”
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”
Premium Subscriber Post: When Awesome Campaigns Fizzle Out
Until next time… P.S. – I hope you are enjoying the premium content! If there are any topics or subjects you would like me to address, feel free to let me know in the comment section below!
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”
Painting Update: Fighting Laziness and New Projects
So, here’s some of the projects I have worked on since the Space Marine, using the new techniques for drybrushing that I have learned. Behold! Manshoon! As you can see, the drybrushing/highlighting and shading techniques I learned turned out very well, I think. Next, we have Artemis Entreri…Gah, I shouldn’t have started this mini. IContinue reading “Painting Update: Fighting Laziness and New Projects”
Rime of the Frostmaiden: “Have Fun Storming the Castle, Boys!”
In our League game, the two female players were unable to make it to our session this week, thus the title. So when we last left our heroes, they had thwarted the attack on Ten Towns by the chardalyn dragon that Xardorok Sunblight, the duergar king and clan leader in the mountains, had created. TheContinue reading “Rime of the Frostmaiden: “Have Fun Storming the Castle, Boys!””
Of Miniatures and Subscriptions
Dear Readers, As you could tell recently, I had offered premium subscription services. The problem? WordPress.com can be…finicky sometimes. So although you can still support The Blog, you will be getting the premium content via email until I can get things figured out. This is JUST subscriptions via thedailydungeonmaster.com. I have the subscription on hereContinue reading “Of Miniatures and Subscriptions”
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”
How To Add DnD To Your Resume
Dear Readers,This particular treatise was written by one of my teen players. They wish to remain anonymous, so there is no name associated with it. That said, this is the product of another person, and if you cite it or use it, please credit The Daily Dungeon Master Blog.Lastly, I included some D&D memes forContinue reading “How To Add DnD To Your Resume”
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”
How-To Paint Minis: Painting Minsc
Hello, Dear Readers! I only have a short post as my recent MS relapse has had me in near constant doctors appointments! That said, I have something to show you: Isn’t he wonderful? I finished painting his base, did some touch-up work, and shaded him. There is a shading technique that I want to tryContinue reading “How-To Paint Minis: Painting Minsc”
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”
Rime of the Frostmaiden: Operation “Housekeeping” a Success
Dear Readers, due to my having just been discharged from the hospital yesterday, I missed getting my post out, and we didn’t end up playing. Therefore, today I’ll be giving a brief overview of what happened Sunday to make up for missing that post. Thanks for your love and understanding. ~The Daily DM ______________________________________________________________________________________________ WeContinue reading “Rime of the Frostmaiden: Operation “Housekeeping” a Success”
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””
Lack of Game Tuesday and Lack of Post Yesterday
Hey all. I’ve talked about it a couple of times, but today I want to break off from my usual type of posts and talk about the reason I’m posting this mostly using voice to text, and even that is difficult… So, as I have said before, I have Multiple Sclerosis. More specifically, I haveContinue reading “Lack of Game Tuesday and Lack of Post Yesterday”
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)”
The Dancing Hut: Return With an Offering
So…everyone, by now, should know that I try to tell these stories objectively; that is, I try to tell the story as it happened and no more. I really can’t do that today…it was too funny and just too bizzare. If my objectivity breaks, well, I apologize…also, I don’t have too many pictures for thisContinue reading “The Dancing Hut: Return With an Offering”
The Dancing Hut of Baba Yaga: Meeting Baba Yaga
Due to my being behind and the fact that I haven’t painted anything (my MS tremors have prevented me from doing so), I’m going to catch up from last Tuesday’s session! This is especially essential considering tomorrow’s post is the continuation. When we last met, our party found themselves in a rather off kitchen, withContinue reading “The Dancing Hut of Baba Yaga: Meeting Baba Yaga”
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”
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