Skill Challenge Odds If the interactive sheet appears broken, check here for a read-only copy. You can find great tools by looking to older editions of Dungeons & Dragons. 4th Edition introduced skill challenges, which are an interesting way to run a narrative event (such as a chase or an escape from a collapsing building). … Continue reading Skill Challenge Odds Calculator
Tag: Dungeons & Dragons
Called Shots
A "called shot" in Dungeons & Dragons is an attack that aims for a specific part of a target's body. While this mechanic has been removed from 5th Edition in the interest of greater simplicity, the system is fluid enough to layer on complexity where you want.
The Agnostic Adventuring Day
We're going to make the adventuring day agnostic as to character class. That way, everyone's going to be on a level playing field, regardless of how many encounters you run. How do we do this with linear fighters and quadratic wizards? It's simple. We kill the short rest.
You Make Me Feel Like A Natural Weapon
Natural weapons are weapons that are "built in" to a player character race. We're taking a look at how the D&D designers have built natural weapons through the history of 5th Edition and making a template of our own.
Warforged AC
On July 23, 2018, along with the release of the Eberron setting for 5e, D&D released the Races of Eberron Unearthed Arcana, featuring updated versions of three races (Warforged, Shifter, Changeling) and one new race (Kalashtar). Today's focus is the Warforged. Integrated Protection The thematic highlight of the Warforged is its armored body. Great design … Continue reading Warforged AC
How to Make Combat Terrain
It's no secret that great D&D combat involves more than rolling attack and damage dice. Adding dynamic terrain components has been suggested by everyone that's shared their tips on tabletop combat. Without examples, this platitude often falls flat for new DMs looking to spice up their game. Let's explore some different examples of terrain elements … Continue reading How to Make Combat Terrain
Railroad vs. Sandbox
The greatest false dilemma in roleplaying games: the railroad vs. the sandbox. While you may discover that your style is more narrative or improvisational, this is not a choice you need to make as a Dungeon Master. The Railroad. The "railroad" is a pejorative term that insinuates the DM has sacrificed player agency to push the … Continue reading Railroad vs. Sandbox
Cursed Items
Cursed item mechanics have been revised in 5th Edition Dungeons & Dragons to focus on the narrative element. Beyond hints dropped in the item's lore, a character attuning to a cursed item will have no idea of their impending affliction until it strikes. Let's take a look at the new mechanics and how to best employ them in your campaign.
Flesh to Stone Spell Odds
Flesh to Stone is a 6th level transmutation spell that has new mechanics from prior editions. Instead of instantly petrifying the target in ye olde "save or die" fashion, the target is restrained on the first failed save, and only petrified if they lose a “best of 5” save mechanic. Let’s examine how often its successful.
Contagion Spell Odds
Contagion is a necromancy spell that requires an attack roll and a "best of 5" save mechanic to inflict a disease. Is this a good spell? Check your odds against the whole gamut of monsters.









