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  • Dungeon Master Tips

Dungeon Master Tips

  • What to do with 500,000 Gold Pieces?
    Sep 5, 2018 by James Haeck

    Waterdeep: Dragon Heist is all about hunting down half a million gold pieces. Even if the players find it, they probably won’t be able to keep it all… but let’s fantasize a bit. If you got your hands on 500,000 gold, what on Toril could you even spend it on?

    Read More
  • How to Play a Modron like a Wind-Up Soldier
    Aug 31, 2018 by James Haeck

    “Modrons are beings of absolute law that adhere to a hive-like hierarchy. They inhabit the plane of Mechanus and tend its eternally revolving gears, their existence a clockwork routine of perfect order.” Perfect order is nice and all, but things get really fun when you force modrons to deal with a little bit of chaos!

    Read More
  • Urban Intrigue in Waterdeep: Dragon Heist
    Aug 27, 2018 by James Haeck

    From Waterdeep to Sharn, magnificent metropoles are at the heart of every great D&D  setting. Learn how to be a great DM and player for games set in ivory towers and hives of villainy alike.   

    Read More
  • Let’s Make Maps: World Maps
    Aug 15, 2018 by James Haeck

    This new series tackles how to make maps for your D&D game, covering how to make maps on all scales, from campaign settings to dungeons to single encounter areas. This week, we tackle the large scale: how to make a map of your campaign setting.

    Read More
  • Traveling with Style: Skill Challenges
    Jul 30, 2018 by James Haeck

    Skill challenges will elevate your game to the next level, and give your travel scenes the pop they deserve!

    Read More
  • How to Play Hobgoblins like Perfect Soldiers
    Jul 2, 2018 by James Haeck

    Hobgoblins are not like orcish warriors, fighting as an uncivilized, brutish horde. Hobgoblins wear armor of steel and wield mass-produced swords. They are the product of a mighty war machine. Learn how to command an unstoppable army with this week's monster guide.

    Read More
  • Designing the Dungeon: Terrain
    Jun 27, 2018 by James Haeck

    Terrain—the composition of the walls, floors, and ceiling—may seem like the least of your concerns when designing a dungeon, but the truth is that where you locate your dungeon and how your dungeon appears can totally change the way your players engage with your D&D game.

    Read More
  • Rogues’ Gallery: The Xanathar
    Jun 14, 2018 by James Haeck

    The Xanathar is one of the four modular antagonists of Waterdeep: Dragon Heist. We've seen a lot of this famous beholder over the past few years, but where did this creature come from? Why has it become active in the underworld of Waterdeep once more?

    Read More
  • Rogues' Gallery: Manshoon
    Jun 11, 2018 by James Haeck

    Manshoon is one of the four modular antagonists of Waterdeep: Dragon Heist. Why is one of the world's greatest dark wizards hiding in Waterdeep, and why is he seeking the vast sum of gold hidden within its walls?

    Read More
  • Rogues' Gallery: The Cassalanters
    Jun 6, 2018 by James Haeck

    The Cassalanters are just one of the four modular antagonist factions in Waterdeep: Dragon Heist. Who are these newcomers to Forgotten Realms lore, and how can a pair of coddled nobles stand up to your characters and villains like the Xanathar Guild? 

    Read More
  • Rogues' Gallery: Jarlaxle
    Jun 5, 2018 by James Haeck

    Jarlaxle is one of the four modular antagonists of Waterdeep: Dragon Heist. Who is this roguish rapscallion? Where did he come from, and why is he after the vast sum of gold hidden within the City of Splendors?

    Read More
  • Welcome to Waterdeep! An Introduction to the City of Splendors
    Jun 3, 2018 by James Haeck

    Waterdeep awaits. Learn all about the City of Splendors and plan your campaign before the release of Waterdeep: Dragon Heist this fall!

    Read More
  • Should Eladrin Be A Playable Race?
    May 23, 2018 by James Haeck

    Eladrin are an exciting race full of flavor and panache. But depending on what kind of campaign you're playing, you may want to ban your players from playing one. 

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  • The Blood War: Too Big, Too Small, or Just Right?
    May 21, 2018 by James Haeck

    Demons have fought devils since the Multiverse was created, and they'll fight 'til long after it's destroyed. The Blood War is so massive, how can you possibly use it in your home game? 

    Read More
  • Designing D&D Subclasses with Jeremy Crawford Part 1
    May 11, 2018 by Todd Kenreck

    We speak with Jeremy Crawford about storytelling and subclass design.

    Read More
  • Designing the Dungeon: Gauntlet vs. Labyrinth
    May 7, 2018 by James Haeck

    Should your dungeon be a straightforward slugfest, or a complex challenge of navigation and investigation? The answer may be more complicated than you think.

    Read More
  • Designing Dungeons to Inspire Stories in Dungeons & Dragons
    May 3, 2018 by Todd Kenreck

    Chris Perkins talks about designing dungeons to entice players and Dungeon Masters.

    Read More
  • Creating Unique Villains for your Dungeons & Dragons Adventures
    May 1, 2018 by Todd Kenreck

    How to make your villains memorable for characters and even Dungeon Masters.

    Read More
  • Your Campaign Setting Needs Orcs
    Apr 30, 2018 by James Haeck

    Orcs in Dungeons & Dragons aren't just cannon fodder like they are in Lord of the Rings. Read this article to learn how you can use them as a compelling force of evil in your campaign. 

    Read More
  • Designing the Dungeon: Your First Dungeon!
    Apr 25, 2018 by James Haeck

    Overcome the challenges of creating your first dungeon with an easy framework based on five simple questions!

    Read More
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