Matt Mercer doesn't get D&D DM burnout
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D&D DM Burnout: 9 Mistakes That Make DMing Stressful

Between meticulously planning story arcs that never see the light of day, repeatedly consulting the rulebook mid-battle, and striving for impossible feats of Mercer-level narration, more than a few frazzled, burnt-out DMs have considered yeeting their DM screens out the window in sheer frustration. Before you go on a dice-chucking rampage, though, take a deep, calming breath….

A D&D combat scene
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How to Make D&D Combat Fun (and Memorable)

Picture this: Our intrepid heroes stumble into the midst of a plundering horde of goblins. Blades clash, magic missiles explode, and certain doom seems but one failed saving throw away. Then, in a moment of sheer lunacy, Bree Greenbottle, the halfling rogue, pulls out a white flag and starts doing an interpretive dance. For a moment, the goblins…

protect yourself from toxic D&D players
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Toxic D&D Players: The DM’s Guide to Handling Them

Feeling like your latest game session went awry thanks to toxic D&D player? Whether it’s a “holier than thou” Paladin disrupting gameplay or a chaotic “klepto” rogue inciting PvP, those players can make you feel like you rolled a critical fail on your Animal Handling check. If you play your cards right, you can tame the toxic D&D players, and turn your ragtag…

Dice
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5 Tips for Playing D&D with Kids (Plus a Bonus Tip!)

If you’re a parent who loves rolling dice and spinning yarns, chances are you’re itching to share that passion with your kids. But keeping the little ones engaged in a game that can sometimes feel like a marathon isn’t always easy. Fear not! I’ve got five tips (plus a bonus one) to help you turn…

5 Mistakes That Are (Probably) Killing Your D&D Night
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5 Mistakes That Are (Probably) Killing Your D&D Night

If you’re a Dungeon Master, chances are you’re making one of these common mistakes that’s totally massacring your D&D night. Don’t worry, though – we’ve all been there. GMing takes practice, and nobody’s perfect (just ask my players!). But avoiding these pitfalls can really help your sessions feel more immersive and enjoyable for everyone at…

How to Run Session Zero On Even The Busiest Schedule
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How to Run Session Zero On Even The Busiest Schedule

Between the kids’ soccer practices, work meetings running late, and weekly date nights, it can feel impossible for busy adults like us to actually commit to regular D&D nights. But I’ve got some session zero tips that will help you align those crazy schedules and still start strong. You don’t need an exhaustive questionnaire covering…

Essential DM Tips: When Your D&D Villain’s Plan Goes Awry
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Essential DM Tips: When Your D&D Villain’s Plan Goes Awry

You’ve crafted a cunning BBEG with a grand plan to unlock a mystical door for your D&D campaign. The blueprint seems flawless, until your players throw a curveball by pilfering the key. Suddenly, the BBEG’s masterstroke unravels, leaving you at a crossroads. I’m going to show you how you can transform this unexpected twist into…

Setting the Scene: The Importance of Immersive Storytelling in TTRPGs
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Setting the Scene: The Importance of Immersive Storytelling in TTRPGs

Welcome, fellow storytellers, to the heart of tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs), where the magic of immersive storytelling unfolds. In the realm of TTRPGs, the power to transport players to fantastical worlds, elicit emotions, and create unforgettable experiences lies in the hands of the Dungeon Master or Game Master (GM). Today, let’s dive into the art…

Person Holding World Globe Facing Mountain
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Building Your First Campaign: A Step-by-Step Guide for Game Masters

Embarking on the journey of becoming a Game Master (GM) is akin to stepping into the shoes of a master storyteller, weaving tales of heroism, danger, and intrigue. If you’ve felt the creative itch to guide your friends through epic adventures in the world of tabletop role-playing games (RPGs), then this guide is your key…