Is D&D’s “XP Valley” Killing Campaigns?

A sneaky system design quirk may contribute to D&D campaigns fizzling out before they reach high level.

Sunchaser (Ranger)

Sunchaser Rangers dart around the battlefield without incurring attacks, channel the fire and radiance of the sun into their strikes, escape harrowing situations, illuminate targets for attack advantages, and leave fire in their wake across the battlefield.

Check out our build notes for the Sunchaser (Ranger) subclass.

College of the Unheard (Bard)

The College of the Unheard is a bardic tradition that caters to characters who do not have their full capacity for hearing. Whether hard of hearing or deaf, members of this college are unfazed. Rather, they harness their capabilities to communicate and cast spells in unique fashion.

Bards of this college call themselves The Unheard because their invisible disability often goes unconsidered by others. Yet, anyone who underestimates The Unheard will quickly learn the folly of their ways, as these bards are equally capable as their peers and boast incredible talent.

Simple Trap System

Traps can be fun. A great myth is that traps need to be carefully curated to be worth anything. While curated traps are wonderful, even simple traps can be great. Here's a simple system for running fun and impactful traps at your table: Download the PDF via DM's Guild Elements of a Good Trap For … Continue reading Simple Trap System →

Breath Weapon Overcharge

In last week's post on Breath Weapon Dice Pools, I suggested that you could power up the breath weapon by allowing the dragon (or other monster) to charge their breath weapon beyond its normal limits. This week, I've developed an overcharge system to drive more dynamic combat. We'll be using the Breath Weapon Dice Pools … Continue reading Breath Weapon Overcharge →

Player Screen

Why do we only use one side of the DM screen? Make use of the player's side to your DM screen to keep your D&D sessions running smoothly!

Artificer Expanded Spell List

Buffing the Artificer spell list with spells that fit its casting themes of object manipulation, fabrication, healing, defensive fortifications, and personal buffs. 14 new Artificer spells from Xanathar's Guide to Everything are included on a handy chart to track your prepared spells.

Conditions Chart by Effect

I've digested the Conditions into their various effects: ability checks, attack rolls, attacks against, movement, special attributes (generally aimed at limiting spellcaster efficacy), and what causes them to end. I've also marked an asterisk on the conditions that have incapacitated as a sub-condition.

Pact of the Genie Warlock Subclass Release and Build Notes

I've heard some rumblings lately from players who want a Pact of the Genie subclass for the Warlock. I'm happy to oblige. Introducing via the DM's Guild: Pact of the Genie Build Notes I started this build by taking a look at genies and what they have to offer. Since each genie (Dao, Djinn, Efreet, … Continue reading Pact of the Genie Warlock Subclass Release and Build Notes →

RPG Scorecards: Action Tracker

I grew up hanging out in ballparks. Every once in a while, you'd see some grognard jotting notes in their program as the game progressed. Eventually, I tried keeping score myself and I loved it! Tracking a game on a scorecard gives you a heightened level of engagement and serves as a fun memory of … Continue reading RPG Scorecards: Action Tracker →