DM Tip Twitter Archive: August 2010

by Mike Shea on 10 September 2010

Below is an archive of all of the Sly Flourish DM Tip Twitter posts for August 2010. Get daily DM tips athttp://twitter.com/slyflourish!

.@DnDPrincessAria I have the Dark Sun Creature Catalog. It's great, Dark Sun focused. Great environmentals at the end. Very reskinnable.

@ChrisSSims What about giving brutes extended critical threat ranges to make them scary?

@J4ck99 My #dnd DM cheat sheet: http://bit.ly/anq0MC

#dnd tip: Add fewer bigger dice to make an attack more swingy and lots of little dice to make the cut more accurate.

So my idea to define skills went over poorly, too many are already defined in rituals. Ah well, you can't experiment without some failures.

#dnd tip: Give out quests to your group to defeat major villains. Write these up like wanted posters.

#dnd Defining Skills: Arcane, Nature, Divine http://goo.gl/fb/d36b9

Awesome on-the-spot DMing example of dealing with PC deaths: http://bit.ly/aqbjG3 by @4eDnD

#dnd tip: Channel your inner 14 year old when building out your adventures. What sort of stuff did you like back then?

#dnd tip: Above paragon, start asking whether your player is going to interrupt monster actions rather than having to retrofit them in.

I don't care what others say, I like read-aloud text. I write my own most of the time to tune it for my group and my game.

#dnd tip: Have your minions explode in a poisonous, acidic, necrotic, blinding gas. Now your players don't really WANT to kill them!

I still prefer plastic minis but I love the idea of the Enorminator in the Monster Vault: http://bit.ly/9hYUej #dnd

Here was my "Welcome to Thanatos, Bitches" battle I ran last night: http://flic.kr/p/8vKEBj inspired from this: http://bit.ly/9RDvZQ #dnd

@gamefiend Epic one-shots are stressful but worth doing to get experience. It's a different game above 11 and 21

@newbiedm I think an Essentials only epic-tier game might run pretty well. I was just suggesting it to @bartoneus.

I sound down on epic tier stuff but my group had a good time and I enjoyed running it. I just feel out of control most of the time.

Here's what running an epic game is like: Player takes turn, says a lot of things you don't understand, your solo is suddenly at 50% hps.

I will probably run #dnd games with restrictions like this on sourcebooks in the future - particularly at high levels: http://bit.ly/bKIzw8

#dnd tip: Never run a solo alone in a Paragon or Epic game. It will just get ganged up on and destroyed.

BTW, all complaining aside - my epic-tier game is running so much nicer than any 3.5 high level game I ran.

@deadorcs I come up with in-game ways to make it clear which skills stand a chance but I also let them come up with creative soultions.

@Luddite_Vic For example. They fought two level 27 solos last night but it counts as a level 28 encounter because that's how hard it was.

.@Luddite_Vic I'm calculating experience awards based on effort like @gregbilsland. Was it hard? Level+3, Was it easy? =Level.

One way to fix epic tier: double the experience budget.

My disintegrating soul gem did some damage though. Even though my level 27 solo got totally pinned down. Lame effect shaking.

Things that drive me crazy: powers that let you recover spent powers and attacks that do 381 damage. I still think epic tier is broke.

Awesome article I missed by @sarahdarkmagic on making a published adventure your own: http://bit.ly/ac5WBw #dnd

#dnd tip: Don't be afraid to write in the new errata damage amounts into your books and modules. Small-point Sharpies work well.

Asmor's Quartermaster is a great way to randomize items available in a magic shoppe or in a treasure parcel: http://bit.ly/aayrcD

Good article from @neuroglyph on item rarity: http://bit.ly/amsIMv - I like the random items in magic shoppes idea.

#dnd tip: The Heroslayer mechanic from the Heroslayer Hydra works well for other monsters. Great way to deal with marks.

Good article outlining #dnd DM Tips by @SRMacFarland. Requires DDI subscription: http://bit.ly/cxi7tw

Listen to @gamefiend and I interview @mikemearls at Gencon on @squach's Tome Show: http://bit.ly/dbktnf

#dnd tip: Watch out for wraiths. Players can really hate them. Use them sparingly.

My @criticalhits article on how the new Item Rarity idea will change #dnd is up: http://bit.ly/cidEfw

I updated my ultimate #dnd DM Chart to make it printable on 5x8 and used DCs from the leaked DM screen: http://bit.ly/dmchart

.@cwgabriel and @TychoBrahe dive into the #dnd Essentials edition war! http://bit.ly/ddPurK

Interesting read on magic item rarities: http://bit.ly/c72KiI - I think this is going to radically change the power of PCs above 10. #dnd

#dnd tip: Don't put TOO many environmental effects, fantastic terrain, or environmental powers into one encounter. Three is about the max.

Working on my "Welcome to Thanatos, Bitches" adventure. I wonder if @chrisSSims has a trademark.

People enjoyed my ancient diagram of the inside of a toilet as a hand-out for today's #dnd gameday adventure, Lost Cistern of Some Dude.

#dnd tip: Don't be afraid for a powerful monster to cast bursts or blasts on his own guys in order to hit a lot of players.

@ThadeousC I don't allow powers on most inanimate objects. Just athletic checks or other skills.

very simple way to make an LED light for your battle map: http://flic.kr/p/ace7y

In case you missed it: I was interviewed by @wotc_bart over at the Wizards #dnd website: http://bit.ly/9ubleb

#dnd tip: Push your players to say when they're "done" at the end of their turn to keep things moving along.

Crucial piece of advice when running published adventures: "modify adventures as you go": http://bit.ly/anHCUH - from @sarahDarkmagic #dnd

http://bit.ly/pdy0 I don't need the magnet but colored LEDs strapped to 3v Lith ion batteries would light up a battle environment very well.

Picking up these assorted colored LED tea lights in the hopes I can break them up and light up my game: http://amzn.to/aBMQ4M

The #dnd Dark Sun Campaign Setting really is packed cover to cover with useful interesting stuff for DMs and players. http://amzn.to/d9WWXZ

Excellent review of the #dnd Dark Sun Creature Catalog by @newbiedm that stresses the importance of re-skinning: http://bit.ly/cZAL3F

#dnd tip: Have players roll the recharges on monster powers so the others will blame someone other than you when Orcus kills them.

Great article by @ChrisSSims on different ways to use minions in your game - a Sly Flourish Must Read! http://bit.ly/bPzTFL

Thanks to @wotc_bart and @wizards_dnd for the opportunity to be interviewed on the Wizards #dnd homepage: http://bit.ly/9ubleb

My group really didn't like the Forsaken in MM3 - they hated watching enemies die and come back - even for only a round or two.

#dnd tip: Oldie but goodie: Use sticky tack and black poster boards to build dungeon tile rooms ahead of time.

It's worth volunteering for a Gameday just for the generic monster tokens and scanned copies of the Pregens! http://yfrog.com/n0cv5uj

#dnd tip: Put one big decision in front of your group each session. Make it matter and don't favor one answer over the other.

Very much enjoyed the #dnd Adventure Building seminar with @brucecordell and @wotc_rodney recorded by @squach: http://bit.ly/cP0TDW

Printing out maps from #dnd Demonomicon (http://amzn.to/b7xGge) for my game on Wednesday. Our heroes are headed to some horrible places.

@ThadeousC tips for new players: just start playing and fix the rules as you go. Start rolling dice and telling stories.

Awesome quote from my wife, @rosamoonshadow, "Therenson [her character] has it hard. He's gay, he's vulnerable 3 to cold..."

#dnd tip: The Watchmen soundtrack makes for some great #dnd music. http://amzn.to/9Oq8XU Spice it up with some Dylan if you dare.

How many of you read "How to Be a Villain"? @ThadeousC recommended it. http://amzn.to/9ILzUX

@Bartoneus I'd also double the damage output of his aura (20/40) and do some other nasty stuff when bloodied. Also stat effect protection.

@Bartoneus No version of Orcus stands up to my expectations. I'd at least increase his damage output with the new errata'd damage.

#dnd tip: Keep a list of your favorite fantastic terrain from the various sourcebooks. The right terrain makes a battle unique.

@cap Give them a reason to enter that they want. +2 to attack areas, crit on 19/20 bloodrock, things they WANT to run towards.

@ObsidianCrane acid vulnerability cloud, multiple initiatives, acidic blood aura, built in skill challenge, acidic tail swipe.

So I give my group a good time - what were your favorite epic-style battles in your #dnd campaigns?

The new black dragon in the back of the free #dnd comic is just awesome. I assume it's the Essentials version. http://yfrog.com/hqjsxej

Posted new pics of my game at http://bit.ly/dndpics Here's a pic of their upcoming battle against the Ghoul King http://flic.kr/p/8rCgpZ

#dnd tip: Always watch your players' reactions to the battle. Are they angry and stressed for the right reasons or the wrong ones?

@thomharp Start at level 1, pregenerate their characters, and keep the story simple and based on stories they already enjoy.

@thomharp Check out @newbiedm's guides for playing with kids http://bit.ly/6FYWO4) At 9 and 6, you don't need to change much.

Just picked Doresain's intro song, "The Beginning is the End is the Beginning" by Smashing Pumpkins. Exit song is "Breathe me" by Sia.

Making my own random "adventure deck" for my game tomorrow night. Small bonuses tied to story elements drawn from 3x5 cards.

The more I think about item rarity changes, the more I think it is a great and awesome #dnd rebalancing. I love the change but not all will

#dnd tip: Come up with creative ways to build 3D terrain. You don't HAVE to have dwarven forge. Put tiles up on blocks.

@ThadeousC I gave a salted meat store in Thunderspire and a brothel in Sigil as rewards to my group. Now they just won a Chaos Ship.

@ThadeousC Ask my Rules Lawyer for a ruling and then move on. My rules lawyer is even handed and fair so we go with his judgement.

Gods, it's a great year for monster lovers! MM3, Monster Vault, Demonomicon, Dark sun Creature Catalog. Just awesome.

Good overview by @davethegame on the @wizards_dnd product line for 2011: http://bit.ly/bsJpqi

#dnd tip: challenge is inversely proportional to level. Go easy below level 10 and get tough above level 10 to keep the pace right.

@ThadeousC I bought 1" white poker chips so I can draw and erase on them. I got three Gamemastery flip-maps. I got a cool Reaper mini.

@ThadeousC Take it slow. Start at level 1. Start with combat against minions. Ignore skill challenges for a while and stick to skill checks.

#dnd tip: Be careful at level 1. Level 1 characters are very fragile. Don't attempt to challenge them too much too early.

My ultimate battle-hardened #gencon DM kit. http://yfrog.com/5ibu0yj

Exclusive preview of Advanced Builder 3 pieces from Dwarven Forge. Also elf woodland set in the works. http://yfrog.com/8bdrckj

#dnd tip: Oreos make great action points but your players will end up using them pretty quick.

Hanging out with @obsidianportal http://yfrog.com/5u59kj

I blew off the #dnd announcement but I got this instead. http://yfrog.com/nakhqbj

Those cool clip-on markers are from http://glowingglyph.com but still in development. http://yfrog.com/n479kj

Thanks to @metadm for The Slaying Stone. This level 1 adventure might be great for new #dnd essentials chars. http://yfrog.com/2p5ehoj

There's a picture of Michelle and I in the Gencon program book, page 69(!) in the lower right corner. http://yfrog.com/5kohoej

#dnd tip: If a player looks bored, ask them to roll a skill check to learn something interesting.

#dnd tip: Not sure how to end your campaign? You could do far worse than a montage like Six Feet Under: http://bit.ly/coo0n8

Looks like the Balor in the #dnd compendium got upgraded with the Demonomicon entry. 6d10+11 basic melee! http://bit.ly/ceBeNE (DDI sub req)

#dnd tip: Don't run the standard Dracolich as written. Too much necrotic to resist and too many stuns. Modify or run a later variant.

#dnd tip: Want a monster tougher than the PCs can handle? Double damage output on creatures 5 levels above to show they hit too hard.

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