#DMtip
For "heroic fantasy" games, halve the HP and double the number of monsters in 5e/5.5e.
You can ALWAYS provide more encounters, you can't always get another chance for a PC to do the heroic, interesting thing.
Lean into the Duncan Idaho, Alice, Motoko, Blade, Belmont fantasy with lethality.
I have been thinking more and more about how Pit Boss would make a GREAT enemy in your TTRPG campaigns. Fighting Yuan-Ti? Want to involve the Sarrukh? Oh MAN would he ROCK for that. But at *this* particular price? maaaaaaybe wait a bit y'all...
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#skylanders #toystolife #ttrpg #dmtip
Faster combat makes the game better for everyone. Roll attack and damage together, post initiative where everyone can see it, and verbally call out the turns. #GMTip #DMTip
Feeling burnt out? One strategy is to skip to the part you are excited about! Excitement helps to counteract the negative feelings of burn out. #GMTip #DMTip
Random tables don't have to be used randomly. Pick the encounter you are excited about. #GMTip #DMTip
The DM doesn't need to do everything. Players can keep track of initiative, organize food and snacks, and even schedule sessions. Split up the work to make it easier on everyone. #GMTip #DMTip
Set expectations early. When and were do people need to let the group know that they are missing a session? What materials should players bring? What content is allowed / disallowed? Clear information helps the gaming group to run smoothly. #GMTip #DMTip
A good way to start a campaign is to ask your players what they want out of a campaign. #GMTip #DMTip
There are lots and lots of tools for DMs. More tools, in fact, than the problems DMs need tools to solve. Skip the gimmicks. Choose tools to solve your problems as they come up. #GMTip #DMTip
The GURPS book on Horror is an excellent read for any horror game no matter which system you are using. #GMTip #DMTip
Make a list of names in advance and keep it handy. Pull a name when you need one during the game or during prep. #DMTip #GMTip
I added a house rule to limit magic item usage for each rarity to a minimum level, with an option to use skill checks to learn higher level item usage. It streamlines the game by allowing stores to stock items for all levels without breaking the game or requiring outrageous prices. #GMTip #DMTip
Engage all the senses when giving description. Use smell when you want players to remember. #GMTip #DMTip
Set the expectation that a player should be ready to act or ask a question when it's their turn. Players holding up the game? Consider skipping players that aren't ready by having them take the dodge action. #GMTip #DMTip
Use your voice to start em and end turns verbally. Give a heads up to who is up next. No one should ever have to ask, who's turn is it. #GMTip #DMTip
Be mindful of how the time is spent at your table. The DM has a lot of influence over how the game moves along. A quicker paced game keeps the players interested. #GMTip #DMTip
Worried about the environmental impact of running AI for your gaming needs? Download a model and run it on your PC. Local models are often more environmentally friendly and use fewer resources. #GMTip #DMTip
Think of AI as one big random table. Roll for 20 ideas and pick the one that fits your game best. #GMTip #DMTip
Backstories as prose are overrated. Use a bullet list. #GMTIp #DMTip #PlayerTip
Use levels of terrain to make combat more interesting. It is already too late -- the enemy has the high ground! #GMTip #DMTip
Use weather to deliberately foreshadow and underpin the tone in a game session. There is a reason why John Cusack is always in the rain. #GMTip #DMTip
It is easy to forget about weather. Consider rolling for weather each start of day to give it a better feel. Customize the weather based on the season and setting. #GMTip #DMTip
DMing can be hard. Your mood is contagious, so consider a pregame playlist to get you in the mood. Customize it for the campaign your playing and the mood you need to DM. #GMTip #DMTip
Game prep is personal. If you want to prep what you need, keep a notebook for a few sessions and when there is something you wish you had prepped, write it down. #GMTip #DMTip
