How to Write Resonant NPCs Like Strahd (& Why It Matters)
Learn why and how Strahd resonates as a villain for players so you can use him as a model for other resonant NPCs in your D&D games.
How to Build and Run Skill Challenges in D&D 5e
Skill challenges are conflicts that go beyond combat or conversation. They demand creativity, teamwork, and resourcefulness as characters come together in a high-stakes, heart-pounding action sequence.
Van Richten’s Guide to Ravenloft Review: Lackluster Ravenloft Book, Fantastic Guide to Horror
The Dungeons & Dragons horror campaign setting that has enraptured DMs and players since AD&D. While DMs may buy this book expecting an encyclopedia of Ravenloft lore, Van Richten’s Guide is best viewed as an expansive guide to tabletop horror, supplemented with Ravenloft elements and atmosphere.
How to Make a Great D&D Villain
Learn to make a memorable villain from one of the best DMs for villains! DragnaCarta is one of the authorities on how to use villains in D&D.
3-Step Session Prep for Running D&D 5e Adventure Modules
In a perfect world, you have clear, concise information at your fingertips. But official campaign modules for Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition are often written in a free-flowing, narrative style that’s difficult to quickly reference. Read tips from master DM DragnaCarta for preparing your sessions for adventure modules.
How to Become a Better D&D Player
When it comes to the gameplay experience, the DM is merely a figurehead. Players hold true power to create a fun, engaging, and memorable story.
How to Hook Your Players in Tomb of Annihilation
D&D 5e’s Tomb of Annihilation is popular, but its call to adventure is lacking. Here’s how to hook characters into meaningful jungle exploration.
D&D 5e Social Encounter Statblocks: How to Run NPCs Like a Pro
DMs running social encounters must often rely on paragraphs of bullet-pointed notes, creating a loop of forgetfulness, cross-referencing, and clumsy adjudication that can leave any DM frustrated. By contrast, while combat encounters also include many moving parts, the combat statblock helps organize our ability to operate enemies in combat, streamlining our efforts and reducing the mental load. How might we do the same for social encounters in D&D 5e?