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There is plenty of information on how to better prepare for your tabletop roleplaying games, but what about how to better improvise during the session? I have learned a few tips from people who think quickly on their feet and … Continue reading Improve your Improvisational Skills as a Dungeon Master
A game master’s life is one of dedication. Most articles and advice segments show how to prepare for the sessions through systemized templates, efficient worldbuilding tips and practicing silly character voices. But when it comes to game time, the preparation can only take you so far before you need to access your skills at improvisation. I believe that a game master should vacillate between preparation and improvisation. With much content around preparation, I thought I would share with you some thoughts on how to better “go with the flow” in your games! How do you use “Yes And” – Yes … Continue reading Improving your Improv Skills as a Game Master
Recipe for Crafting Exploration Encounters in Dungeons and Dragons I love to cook, but don’t always keep up with my recipes and the same was true for playing tabletop roleplaying games like Dungeons and Dragons. However, in making my own … Continue reading Recipe for Exploration Encounters in Dungeons and Dragons
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Welcome Sojourners! Enjoy this end of the year update! I have a few things in production and in planning. As a gamemaster and dad, I always have my kid’s campaign running. While the games are not produced, I still like … Continue reading Happy New Year from Jonathan
Quite simply, a game master can prepare no encounters until the players first have a goal. Before designing your encounters, review the goal of the players and their characters. Then your encounters will mean volumes to the players and their characters. Scene – upon the ocean with shore in sight Goal – to reach the shore Incident – monster shark strikes the boat enough to introduce a leak Conflict – water fills the boat to the point of submersion Question – will the Sojourners arrive to shore before they sink into the waters? See how an encounter is made up … Continue reading Encounter Building in Dungeons and Dragons
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In our family, we homeschool, and you may think of this as the DIY of education. We also play Dungeons and Dragons 5th edition, as that was the game we first learned. By blending learning styles such as Garner’s, along … Continue reading Multiple Intelligences and Table Top Role Playing Games
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Imposter syndrome can be described as doubting one’s self. I have heard many artists and professionals dealing with this phenomenon, including many game masters who sit behind the screen and wonder if they are doing their best, or even if … Continue reading Dealing with Imposter Syndrome as a Dungeon Master
When playing Dungeons and Dragons, or any RPG, players often have limited options on how they can level up their characters. This leveling up system is very regimented. If you are wanting fresh and creative ways to introduce other ways … Continue reading 100 Books your Players will Enjoy
When playing RPGS, the gamemaster decides the encounters. What kind of encounters are available to use. I propose there are only really 2 options, but with varying degrees. Much like the burner on a gas stove, the setting is low to high and anything in between, but there are only really 2 directions you can turn the dial. There are only 2 directions you can turn the encounter. On the lowest setting, set to 1, the encounter is set to “invitation”. With an invitation, there is low risk, low reward, low energy and no conflict. As the gamemaster increases the … Continue reading Challenge and Invitation – How to adjust your encounters as a Game Master while playing tabletop roleplaying games.
