Creating a fantasy map for adventurers is an exciting task that requires imagination and creativity. Unlike traditional maps, a fantasy map should bring the world to life and inspire adventurers to explore and embark on new adventures. Here are some key features to include on your fantasy map:
Everyone knows what's coming with a Green dragon... or do they? Adventurers are heavily prepared to fight dragons. Why? Dragons live for centuries with low-mobility 'lairs' - thousands of stories exist. What with creatures immune / resist poisons, Green dragons are even at more disadvantage. How do you make this creature impressive? Here are three […]
The 2nd level spells Phantasmal Force & Suggestion have a lot of uses and abuses - what can their owner-possessor do with someone who succumbs? Notes: 'RAW / RAI / RAF' --> 'Rules As - Written // Intended // Fun' PhB = Player's Handbook (5e). DMG = Dungeon Master's Guide (5e) Summary of 2nd lvl Suggestion spell (RAW […]
You need monsters and treasure - but what else works? In all forms of D&D, a 'dungeon' (or any set of encounter-spaces) includes a monster and some treasure. This is basic carrot & stick stuff, you want a conflict for the story and you want a treasure as a reward. Sometimes you can get tricky […]
Cultural spaces are tricky to explain. You can imagine that some creatures would have many communication-community style chambers and many would have none. Elves, for example (even the drow) would have all of these cultural rooms and more. Giants would have ancient traditions going back as long as their rivals, dragons. Celestials would encourage mortal […]
Finding Alignment & Character Backgrounds difficult & unwieldy? Know What Your Monsters Want & It All falls into place. Gary Gygax invented two dimensions of sentient 'alignment' of one's personality: chaotic / lawful tendencies started in Basic and then in, Advanced Dungeons & Dragons, there was 'good / evil' spectrum. This was supposed to serve […]
Throw Some Dice At A Sheet Of Paper = Game On! It's time to share the secrets behind making a dungeon in minutes. After reviewing decades of Lore of Yore, I made a 7-Die ultimate guide to share my best tips to help you make amazing dungeons. Ingredients - Game in Minutes, Please (G.i.M.P): Dice: […]
A Rare Item Worth More Than A Hill Of Beans The expensive rare item Bag Of Beans needs a friend - most of the time it is far worse than an uncommon item. You can roll three beans and it can summon a tea spewing spigot, an angry statue and an off-colour vampire. Fortunately, the […]
Treasure is the ticket to the next adventure. Done right your players will write the game they want to play. Use these tricks & tables to make your next campaign epic.
In Your Closet? These Skeletons Can Do So Much For Your Game! Skeletons in D&D are traditionally a stock-block monster. Ageless, simple A.I. ('they attack anything until destroyed'), have few surprises and many players have abilities for specifically dealing with these comparatively fragile undead. But how to make your skeletons interest, surprise, excite or even […]
