Pretty much everyone knows the basics of playing D&D. You need your books, dice, character sheets, an adventure/module to run, players and a DM. That’s the basics of what one needs to be able to play. But that’s just the basics. What else can enhance your game above and beyond the basics? Electronic Campaign TrackingContinue reading “How-To DM: Game Extras”
Tag Archives: gaming
Announcements
Your Dork Materials Anonymous_Bosch (formerly yourdorkmaterials) and I are officially working on the launch of our YouTube channel Your Dork Materials, where we will post our D&D Podcast of our new Monthly campaign (no name yet), our new weekly campaign (The Inglorious Ingrates), our previous weekly group while we were virtual (The Hopeful Dopes), andContinue reading “Announcements”
Rime of the Frostmaiden: The Return of Avarice
When last we left off, the heroes had left the library and were headed to the Tower of Conjuration. Seeing this tower, the party found it similarly lit up on the top as the others had been. Checking for traps and finding none, the party ascended the stairs to the top, only to find fourContinue reading “Rime of the Frostmaiden: The Return of Avarice”
Miniature Project
Yes, I know I owe you all a Rime of the Frostmaiden update, but we are coming up on Mother’s Day and I have been making plans for my better half, my wife, and I had my new monthly group meet this week, which took some prep work. In the meantime, I have a miniContinue reading “Miniature Project”
Tuesday Game: A Player’s Perspective: New Ally and Manor Search
We last left our stranded band of companions huddled in the desecrated temple of Falinora going over the message from the recently animated statue, but soon the party realized that their former jailor, Halfkris, had escaped his bonds and was missing. At this realization, the group followed an audible scream from outside the temple, andContinue reading “Tuesday Game: A Player’s Perspective: New Ally and Manor Search”
The Hallmarks of the “Perfect” Game Store
Dear Readers, I often talk about my game store like it’s a second home. That’s because, well…it is, sort of. This, my Dear Readers, is why I believe that my store has all of the hallmarks of being the “perfect” game store. I say “perfect” because, like anywhere, it has its flaws, but overall, thisContinue reading “The Hallmarks of the “Perfect” Game Store”
Miniature update: Acererak
I apologize today is a short post, but it’s been really busy and I am returning to in-store play at my local game store. I was trying to prepare for today’s session to make sure that our first session of our new campaign will go off without a hitch. I expect the articles from AContinue reading “Miniature update: Acererak”
Rime of the Frostmaiden: Reghed Tribes and the Caves of Hunger
When last we left our heroes, they had just rested after a grueling fight with some flame skulls. After their rest outside of the glacier, the party was approached by a group of the Elk Tribe of the Reghed tribes. Their chieftain, had a vision a party, wish to help them end the everlasting ofContinue reading “Rime of the Frostmaiden: Reghed Tribes and the Caves of Hunger”
Miniature Painting Spotlight: Acererak Update
When last we left off, our Acererak mini looked like this: We were quietly drying on a dry cloth. Now let’s assemble this mini like the Avengers! I decided to use the Citadel Plastic Glue, a reliable miniature glue, but you could have used just about any miniature glue. It’s what I have on hand,Continue reading “Miniature Painting Spotlight: Acererak Update”
HOW-TO DM: GET YOUR HOBOS OFF THOSE RAILS
Hello everyone! In this week’s installment of How To DM, I’d like to talk about railroading. I’m sure everyone understands the term, but – just in case – let’s define the term. Railroading is a form of adventure design that essentially eliminates, or seriously limits, player choice. In reality, what we’re doing when we railroadContinue reading “HOW-TO DM: GET YOUR HOBOS OFF THOSE RAILS”
Tuesday Game: A Player’s Perspective: What Goes Bump in The Mine
We find our traveling band of adventures beginning their perilous investigation into the platinum mine of Vermeillon after being ambushed and finding information on the creatures plaguing the town: Meenlocks. They searched several dead end shafts and paths, and they also found some very alive portions inhabited by swarms of bats. The party continued furtherContinue reading “Tuesday Game: A Player’s Perspective: What Goes Bump in The Mine”
Clarshh’s Sepulchre
This summer adventure is from the convention game I ran on sunday. I ran the same adventure on friday, but didn’t take enough notes. Also, I have given a summary, partial and otherwise, for other groups that have run this adventure. It’s a favorite of mine. It’ll likely be the last time I blog aboutContinue reading “Clarshh’s Sepulchre”
Tuesday Game: A Player’s Perspective: Vermeillon Vanishings
When we last saw the Hopeful Dopes, they were on a northern route to the foreboding town of Vermeillon when they found themselves assisting a caravan under an ogre attack. The group quickly dispatched the lumbering monsters, and successfully recruited some more brave souls to help settle around their keep, Dope’s Hope. After administering burialContinue reading “Tuesday Game: A Player’s Perspective: Vermeillon Vanishings”
Isn’t She Lovely…Isn’t She Beautiful…
Dear Readers, I was so excited about finishing her, I couldn’t contain myself, and had to post about her today! Behold, the night hag… I used Bright Gold to do the “beads” in her hair, as well as her bracelets, and then used one of the Effect paints, Glistening blood, to color the skull andContinue reading “Isn’t She Lovely…Isn’t She Beautiful…”
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”
Happy Easter, From All of Us at The Daily DM Blog!
A very happy Easter to all of you, Dear Readers, from all of us here at the Daily Dungeon Master Blog! May you have a “hopping” good game! ~The Daily DM and Staff
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”
Xanathar & How-To DM: Character Creation Guidelines
First and foremost, before I get into anything else, or do anything else, here he is, in all of his hateful and dreadful glory, The Xanathar: Isn’t he just the cutest?! Just…that way he looks like he’s going to either not kill you outright or disintegrate you? And even from the rear, you just KNOWContinue reading “Xanathar & How-To DM: Character Creation Guidelines”
Tuesday Game: A Player’s Perspective: Licking Wounds & Seeking Vermeillon
We found the Hopeful Dopes caught in a dire situation as their keep, the Dope’s Hope, was ambushed by a hoard of orcs and a werewolf. Several members were fell by this band of muscle and malice, but our weary defenders were able to finally repel them. Several guards, the decorated hobgoblin Grinkel, and theContinue reading “Tuesday Game: A Player’s Perspective: Licking Wounds & Seeking Vermeillon”
Painting Profile: Finishing the Xanathar
Dear Readers, Today is a landmark day. But also disappointing! I’ll show you what I mean. You know where we left off, and here’s where we went! Here we are. We did the shading over the body! I used Nuln Oil (Citadel) shading for the main body, with Argax Earthshade for the mouth and eyeContinue reading “Painting Profile: Finishing the Xanathar”
Rime of the Frostmaiden: The Codicil of the White
When last we left our heroes, they were in the dungeon level of Auril’s Abode…her home. The party had just finished the Test of Preservation, and stood before the entryway to the Test of Cruelty. The party opened the door and found themselves in front of empty tents…Searching through, they found the Bear Tribe, preparingContinue reading “Rime of the Frostmaiden: The Codicil of the White”
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”
Rime of the Frostmaiden: Tests of Auril
When we last left our heroes, they were preparing to battle two frost giant skeletons wielding anchors on long chains. The heroes fought hard, and the frost giant skeletons fought just as hard. The party played it smart, though, and came out victorious. Heading further in, they found a female Frost giant, completely encased inContinue reading “Rime of the Frostmaiden: Tests of Auril”
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”
Rime of the Frostmaiden: Assaulting Auril’s Abode
When last we met, the party had decided to head out to the island known as the Isle of Solstice, upon which sits the ancient fortress called Grimskalle. Their transportation? The whale Angajuk, who has a magical boat upon his back. The party travelled for three days, Angajuk playing the tour guide, showing old shipwrecksContinue reading “Rime of the Frostmaiden: Assaulting Auril’s Abode”
Quick Painting Update: The Shame Lessens
As most of you may know, I have a number of miniatures that I had begun to paint, but had abandoned for reasons like: “Gah, this isn’t as fun to paint as I’d thought it’d be,” and “This mini sucks. Why did I buy it?” and my personal favorite “I have so many minis…so many…OOH!Continue reading “Quick Painting Update: The Shame Lessens”
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”
Miniature Painting Spotlight: Miniature Restoration – Pegasus
Hello, Dear Readers! I hope your week is going well. I’ve been doing okay, truth be told, and working on a lot of self-care. In fact, today’s post is about a miniature that is dear to me. It’s my dad’s old mini for one of his favorite characters: the bard Pegasus. Pegasus was an oldContinue reading “Miniature Painting Spotlight: Miniature Restoration – Pegasus”
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”
Let’s Do Some World Building
Dear Readers, I apologize for a lack of post this last Friday. Both yourdorkmaterials and I were swamped. Thanks for your understanding! So we’ve talked a lot about building adventures, and encounters, and campaigns, etc…But what if we want to build a world? Well, that’s what we are going to look at doing today, andContinue reading “Let’s Do Some World Building”
Premium Content: Painting the Marilith
Miniature Painting Spotlight
So I promised an update on the painting of the female elven ranger miniature that one of our Dear Readers had won in our first giveaway, and here is where she was last… Well, she advanced some… She was coming along quite well… And then I did some more work, getting the base paint onContinue reading “Miniature Painting Spotlight”
Rime of the Frostmaiden: Small Group, Large Deeds
Dear Readers, this week, only three of my players were able to make our Sunday Adventurers League game. As such, this session was much more role-play centered than combat centered. When we last left off, our heroes were in a lost spire of Netheril, broken off from the floating city of Ythryn when it crashedContinue reading “Rime of the Frostmaiden: Small Group, Large Deeds”
Where to Put Things
Dear Readers, I am not an organized person. I have to leave clutter around here and there, and my desk is barely usable. So when I decided to organize my miniature painting and modeling supplies, I want you to understand how excited my wife was. My wife is the organizing and storage lover in ourContinue reading “Where to Put Things”
Product Review: Army Painter Wet Palette
Today, Dear Readers, I am doing something a little different. Today I am doing a product review for the Army Painter brand wet palette. As I am a frequent fan of their brand of miniature painting, sculpting, and terrain products, I thought it was time for me to actually tell you about what I thinkContinue reading “Product Review: Army Painter Wet Palette”
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!
Painting Miniatures: Space Marine
Dear readers, today’s painting installment will be a step-by-step on how I go about painting a Warhammer 40K space marine. These are, in particular, primaris space Marines. Unfortunately, I will not be able to show you what they look like prior to priming, as I have already primed them. But I will go over howContinue reading “Painting Miniatures: Space Marine”
Home Campaign Combat and Battle in the Throne Room (Rime of the Frostmaiden)
Home Campaign As you may recall, my family’s home campaign is the Curse of Strahd. After dealing with the fallen paladin’s of Argynvostholt and gaining their support with defeating the Devil Strahd, the party headed to the Amber temple to retrieve The Holy Symbol of Ravenkind, a unique holy symbol created specifically to help inContinue reading “Home Campaign Combat and Battle in the Throne Room (Rime of the Frostmaiden)”
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”
Tuesday Game: A Player’s Perspective – Delving Into Shadowhold
Dear Readers, this post is brought to you by our guest poster (and player at my Tuesday Group), Brandon. I hope you enjoy this post as much as I did! The group found itself gather round the The Three Wolves Head Tavern and Inn licking their wounds after their most recent encounter that cost themContinue reading “Tuesday Game: A Player’s Perspective – Delving Into Shadowhold”
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”
The Daily Dungeon Master Blog 