•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.
Posts tagged with “Dm advice”
•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.
•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.
•7 min read
Engaging Players with Magic Item Creation
Streamline 5e item crafting with recipe tracking, simple foraging and harvesting checks, and CR-themed major ingredients that create proactive hooks.
•5 min read
My Current 5e House Rules
A concise set of 5e tweaks and table conventions, from exhaustion and movement rulings to rest limits, feat bans, and session etiquette for smoother play.
•9 min read
Skill Challenges in 5e
Clarifies what skill challenges are, sheds 4e baggage, and offers pacing and resolution tools from the DMG and other systems to enrich 5e play.
•3 min read
Cavern Elevator Trap
CR 4 elevator boulder hazard for 5e triggers mid-shaft, challenging detection, lever logic, Dex saves, and Athletics with fall-risk stakes.