•4 min read
When Failure Isn’t an Option in 5e
Advice for DMs on embracing failure as a tool in 5e, avoiding stalled plots, and using techniques like success-at-cost to keep play dynamic.
Blog Posts
•3 min read
5e Spell Save & Damage Breakdown
Analyzing 477 5e spells surfaces class save trends plus damage and condition profiles, offering guidance for vetting spells, subclasses, and encounters.
•9 min read
Monster Resistance Totals in 5e
Data-driven look at monster weaknesses, resistances, immunities and save proficiencies by CR, with insights for spell choices and encounter design.
•2 min read
The Language of Monsters in 5e
A parsed survey of 799 5e monster stat blocks reveals which tongues appear most, from Common and Draconic to Telepathy and obscure oddities.
•2 min read
Thinking Critically on Agency
An insightful discussion on player and GM agency, misconceptions, trade-offs, mechanics, and the role of trust in shaping richer TTRPG experiences.
•7 min read
Being Ready for Surprise in 5e
Clarifies 5e surprise: no surprise round, treat unaware vs unready distinctly, use situational checks, roll initiative normally, and keep combat flowing.
•6 min read
Imagery & Art Resources for RPG Creators
Curated links to stock art, free repositories, portfolio sites, and licensing guides for using imagery in RPG projects, with 5e/WotC policy highlights
•9 min read
Mounted Combat in 5e
House rules for D&D 5e make mounted play dynamic: training levels, riding vs war mounts, shared initiative, bonding, bolting, bucking, and equipment.
•4 min read
5e Advancement Difficulties
Analysis of 5e XP pacing shows leveling slows then accelerates after 10th level, speeding tier 3–4 play and demanding adjusted encounter design and expectations.
•5 min read
The Zen of Awarding Experience for Roleplaying
A simple system scores social encounters by stakes and change, maps them to CR vs party level, and awards shared XP to encourage noncombat play.