If your party has been traipsing around in Satres, the city of Shadows, stop reading!!!

Okay cool. So to keep this brief, one of my party members (Fighter) is from a remote, reclusive mountain village that’s a cross between samurai and vikings. The village warriors draw literal power from their ancestral spirits to enhance their martial combat. Fighter is unable to use that ancestral power, so he became bitter and angry and was eventually exiled from the village.

Fast forward to now in the campaign - the party has been going about regular adventuring, when Fighter’s old squire from his mountain village turns up unexepectedly, saying he fled the village to pledge service to Fighter once again, and that he never agreed with how the village elders treated him.

My question now: I really want this npc to be suspicious. I’m thinking maybe its an impostor somehow, or he’s under a geas-like effect. I’d like it to eventually have the possibility of becoming a plot hook for a Fighter-related quest. Currently my inspiration juices are running low. Any ideas to explain why he’s here and what he’s doing?

I know that it's very MAD, but I rolled quite well for my character, so it's not a very big problem. My main question is whether or not level 2 dip into a bladesinger is worth it as Hex warlock, and vice versa?

Or could I get a double attack as bladesinger AND the thirsty blade invocation (does it even work that way?)

What are your opinions?

Last night, the party was setting up a "trap" to surprise their enemy. They are kind of backed into a corner and getting desperate.

One player wants to ritual cast silence and then finish the casting once the enemy arrives (they are wizards so that would really help the party out in the first round). Does that work? Or do you have to do the whole ritual and then hold for only one round?

I feel like it makes sense to be able to hold, e.g. a teleportation circle and just not finish the circle until it is needed. How would you guys interpret this?

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Me and my friend are really new to DnD, and are really passionate about it, but have never been able to actually get started on it. We'd love to have more DnD partners DM for us, or in general teach us a few things, and get us started on our new journey :D Looking forward to hearing from you <3

Hi there i had an idea to make Artificer, however i really like the idea of them making their weapons and items and everything artificers do not from scraps and such but from biological matter. Like things you see in gothic sci-fi with living guns and ships? I see there is some potential to change most things and add them to allow for this reflavoring but i'm not sure how to go about it. Any ideas?

I'm about to be dropped into the Dungeon of the Mad Mage and, from what my DM says, we're gonna die a lot, so we need to bring multiple backup characters. I'm taking this chance to test out multiple builds that I've wanted to play for many months, but I want to hear about other possibilities.

I'm gonna be playing as my first character a Sorlock Eldritch Blast Machinegun, so don't suggest that hehe

My druid just learned conjure animals. The giant elk has the ability to know an enemy prone. Also he can stomp a prone enemy with its hooves. Not in the same round though. Any suggestions how to keep the enemy prone? Casting entangle isn't an option since they both require concentration.

Matt Colville posted a video where he made the argument that shorter adventures fix a lot of burnout that comes with playing D&D

https://youtu.be/RcImOL19H6U?si=5UBqDQXyTxjXefnE

I've only had the chance to play long campaigns that never ended, and one shots that didn't have enough meat to them. Right now I'm really into the format of an adventure that last 5 sessions, and that can lead to another, separate, adventure later on.

What do you all think about this question?

I was inspired by this post and many similar posts that generally go like this:

A player introduces a character with a concept, flaw, or personality trait that is not related to the game mechanics or the RAW in any way. Typically these flaws/traits should have consequences. An example is a specific deal with a warlock patron, an addiction to some drug, or being cursed.

However I often see DMs talk about mechanical consequences to these roleplaying flaws. They often talk about taking away spell slots, dealing damage, causing exhaustion or similar effects. And often I see both players and commenters either asking for less harsh consequences or keeping these consequences as roleplay centered only.

And it seems to be that generally the consensus for a lot of people here is that if you introduce a flaw or trait of your character then the consequences of that flaw should never affect you mechanically.

When I DM I personally always adhere to this rule and if my DM ever tries to mechanically punish me for these flaws I push back. I'm wondering how many are the same. Should the consequences only be roleplaying-related? Or is there some nice middle ground?

I am trying to improve my race and feel free to leave suggestions and critiques. If you have any ideas on how to implement mutations into this tell me your ideas.

Half-troll race:

Ability Score Increase:

• Strength: +1
• Constitution: +2

Size: Medium

Height: 7 to 8 feet

Speed: 30 feet

Darkvision: You can see in dim light within 60 feet as if it were bright light and in darkness as if it were dim light.

Tower Presence: proficiency in intimidation

Primal Instincts: proficiency in survival

Keen Smell: You have advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on smell.

Troll Ancestry: As a bonus action on your turn, you can expend a Hit Die to regenerate hit points equal to the result rolled. If you take acid or fire damage, this trait doesn't function on your next turn. You can use this ability a number of times equal to your Constitution modifier (minimum of 1), regaining all expended uses after finishing a long rest.

Cast-Iron Gut: You have advantage on Constitution saving throws against diseases, ingested substances, and effects that rely on the inhalation of gases. Additionally, you can eat a variety of unconventional foods, such as soft metals, bark, and stone.

Voracious: You're almost always hungry, needing to consume as much food and drink as a large size creature, twice as much as a medium creature, each day to stave off starvation.

Languages: You can speak, read, and write Common and Giant.

Alignment: Half-Trolls often exhibit a range of alignments, but their trollish ancestry might incline them toward chaotic tendencies. They are driven by individual goals and personal inclinations.

Appearance: Half-Trolls stand between 7 and 8 feet tall, with medium-sized, lanky body proportions emphasizing agility rather than robustness. They bear a resemblance to their troll parent, featuring toned-down features such as smaller and duller claws and teeth, less lankiness in their appendages, and more subdued green skin. Their eyes come in a variety of colours, although yellowish eyes are most common. Additionally, they have smaller hands with shorter and blunter claws.

Age: Half-Trolls typically mature at an accelerated rate, reaching adulthood around 10 years of age. They have a lifespan of around 60 to 80 years

I am trying to improve my race and feel free to leave suggestions and critiques. If you have any ideas on how to implement mutations into this tell me your ideas.

Half-troll race:

Ability Score Increase:

• Strength: +1
• Constitution: +2

Size: Medium

Height: 7 to 8 feet

Speed: 30 feet

Darkvision: You can see in dim light within 60 feet as if it were bright light and in darkness as if it were dim light.

Tower Presence: proficiency in intimidation

Primal Instincts: proficiency in survival

Keen Smell: You have advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on smell.

Troll Ancestry: As a bonus action on your turn, you can expend a Hit Die to regenerate hit points equal to the result rolled. If you take acid or fire damage, this trait doesn't function on your next turn. You can use this ability a number of times equal to your Constitution modifier (minimum of 1), regaining all expended uses after finishing a long rest.

Cast-Iron Gut: You have advantage on Constitution saving throws against diseases, ingested substances, and effects that rely on the inhalation of gases. Additionally, you can eat a variety of unconventional foods, such as soft metals, bark, and stone.

Voracious: You're almost always hungry, needing to consume as much food and drink as a large size creature, twice as much as a medium creature, each day to stave off starvation.

Languages: You can speak, read, and write Common and Giant.

Alignment: Half-Trolls often exhibit a range of alignments, but their trollish ancestry might incline them toward chaotic tendencies. They are driven by individual goals and personal inclinations.

Appearance: Half-Trolls stand between 7 and 8 feet tall, with medium-sized, lanky body proportions emphasizing agility rather than robustness. They bear a resemblance to their troll parent, featuring toned-down features such as smaller and duller claws and teeth, less lankiness in their appendages, and more subdued green skin. Their eyes come in a variety of colours, although yellowish eyes are most common. Additionally, they have smaller hands with shorter and blunter claws.

Age: Half-Trolls typically mature at an accelerated rate, reaching adulthood around 10 years of age. They have a lifespan of around 60 to 80 years

Hi do you get the book pdf also when buying the book form amazon? There is no other softcover supplier that delivers to my adress

Hello!

I am for sure overthinking this and could use some advice. I have been in a campaign over the last couple years and we are finally hitting a stride where we play every week and the levels are coming. I am a level 6 Tabaxi, pact of the blade and wielding a great sword as my pact weapon. I’m almost always in close combat so I took a level of fighter to get great weapons master and raise my AC.

Is worth putting more levels into fighter for action surge and eventually battle master or champion? Or is warlock the rest of my levels the way to go?

Any advice is appreciated :)

As far as spells go I have:

Armor of Agathys Counterspell Darkness (devils sight) Hex Mirror image Misty step

I tried to pick spells that would support this playstyle

I have a player in my upcoming campaign that has expressed interest in my homebrew pantheon and so I'm planning on incorporating the gods in his story. The main idea is the god of trickery, entertainment, and illusions (that the PC is a follower of) chose him as a champion for fun and views it as a game (PC doesn't know this). I had an idea of the god making a bet with the other gods relating to this championship, but I'm not sure what the bet would be.

Any ideas on what the bet could be or a different way of approaching this?

Like if you put everything in a magic shop. Uncommon to Legendary. And then just let your players go crazy for that one time. What would the prices be? Idk bout y’all but I think any legendary would have to be in the thousands of platinum area. Not sure about the rest. I should say this is a pretty theoretical concept before anyone wants to go off on me about being lazy. But it would be interesting to see what the players would give. Might make it a soul contract trap…. Anyways lemme know. Thank y’all!

Hello fellow DnDers.
As a busy adult, with kids and jobs and responsibilities, it's tough to get a group to play D&D on a regular basis. I'm sure we've all been there. You get to session six, and then someone has to go and have a kid.
Well once my 3rd (4th?) campaign fell apart (partially my fault), I decided it was time for something new. If Scooby Doo can fight a new monster each week, so can we. This started a brainstorming development of a new concept. A campaign where each session is a one shot, but it still has a cohesive storyline. Even better, my friends could drop in and out on a session-by-session basis.
I began this campaign a few months ago, and it's gone extremely well. I have about ten friends in total who love D&D but can't commit on a regular basis, and that number is growing week by week.
Anyways, I am hosting it on DMS Guild. I intend to continually update this document as I create new sessions for my own players. This is not a professional campaign, but instead is a fun and successful (among my own friends) idea, so do not feel obligated to pay any money. I just wanted to share this with the world, because I know how hard it can be to fit D&D into a busy lifestyle. If this helps one more person be introduced to the game, with no pressure of long campaigns, then it'll have been worth the effort of putting it online.
Download it below, and please don't forget to give props to any map creators linked in the document. They're the real heroes.

https://www.dmsguild.com/product/477658/Single-Session-Campaign-for-Busy-Adults/

So I was at an Adventure League game and one of the other players mentioned that their DM, "Todd", was looking to start a new campaign soon. He said that he'd been playing with Todd for years and what a great DM he was. I was getting kind of bored of AL so I figured why not?

I guess my first red flag should have been when we showed up for the first session and AL guy was nowhere to be seen, but I figured that real life must have got in the way, you know? We jumped straight into the game and Todd did seem great. He was amazing at playing the different NPCs and he knew the lore of his setting inside and out ("I am the Land!"). He definitely didn't pull punches (we almost TPKed) but he told us that in his campaigns death doesn't have to be final if we're willing to make "dark bargains" so that was fine. We all made sure to thank him for the amazing session and he seemed pleased.

Fast-forward a couple of weeks and we encounter the second red flag. He introduces this female NPC, "Tiana", and he's just... way too into her? I mentioned it was making me uncomfortable and said he'd tone it down but I could tell that made him angry. We eventually learned that she was based on some girl he'd hit out with IRL!?

Red flag number three, Todd told us that being the DM took a lot of energy and going forward, we would be expected to provide him with nourishment. The "DM snack tax" is pretty standard, but Todd's way of going about it just feels weird. He did reciprocate at one point, but it was way over the top and he kept wanting to talk about his lore instead of letting eat it. I still don't know if we offended him or what, but he left midway through the meal and just... didn't come back. Again, super weird.

Red flag number four: apparently this is like... the eighth time he's tried to run this same campaign. According to Todd, the players always disappoint him in the end and he's going to keep playing until he gets a satisfactory ending. One of the other players asked if this ending involves Todd's self-insert BBEG hooking up with Tiana and he smirked at her...

Which brings me to today. One of the other players said that they were dropping out of the campaign and Todd just... started laughing and told us it was too late now, no one left the campaign without the consent of the Domain Master.

I know that being a DM takes a lot of time and effort, and I don't want to be one of those players, but I'm kind of weirded out by the whole experience. Am I just overreacting here?

(Inspired by Pharylon's AITA post)

Edit: I see that a few of you recognize the DM even though I changed his name and the name of the NPC a bit! What do you guys think? Are the other people right? Is this "Todd" an okay guy, even if he's not the DM for me?

Edit 2: (Since folks are still giving me advice, this is a satirical post based on a certain popular adventure module >!Curse of Strahd!< . "Todd" is >!Strahd von Zarovich, "Master" of Barovia!<and "Tiana" is >!Tatyana!<. Kudos to those who figured it out, deepest sympathies to the people who said this reminded them of a past DM, and special thanks to the handful of folks who sided with Todd because being a forever DM is such a curse.)

I was thinking about paying for a module that includes a subscription, after I download it and cancel the subscription, could I still update it? Or would I have to download it? Seen in following links, File/ Json Link/ Directory.

What would the update difference be like?

I’ll be playing an astral elf in a campaign that’s from the astral plane and has traveled to the regular mortal plane and is bringing a maul made from unique metals from the astral plane and I’m looking for help coming up with a concept for abilities for the weapon.

First of all, sorry for any typos, Common isn't my first language.

So, a bit of backstory. We're a group of heroes that mostly live in a little town. There's five us including me (F245). I personally can't stand the town so I live in a scary tower nearby, guarded by my skeletons (I'm a necromancer). There's this one lady in town I particularly don't like. There's way too much between us to get into, but short version is we do NOT get along. If this was ten years ago, I'd have drained her life force and brought her back as a skeleton servant, but I'm trying to be a better person these days. We'll call her Allyson because that's her name.

So here's the main part of the story: recently my sister got disintegrated by a Beholder, and we couldn't bring her back to life. I was sitting in my tower being consoled by my best friend (the party ranger) when Allyson comes by, knocks on the door, and is all like "Hey, I'm looking for <sister name>, where is she?"

I want to stress, she never comes by my tower. She knows I hate her. Some people in the group think it's just a random coincidence she came by that day, but I'm pretty sure she found out my sister died and came to rub it in. So anyway, I'm about to lose it and have my skeleton guards kill her, but my best friend ushers Allyson out to try an diffuse the situation.

So at this point I'm now sitting in the room alone, grieving for my sister, boiling with anger over this rando peasant rubbing it in, and I figured if I can't kill her like I really want to (again, trying to be a better person and all), I can at least go burn her barn down instead (she runs the stables in town). So I go fly over there on my broom and fireball the place.

I admit, that might have been a little over the top, but I swear, this lady is trying to commit suicide via necromancer. Who in their right mind goes to a dark eldritch tower guarded by skeletons when you know the person who lives there hates you? Much less to rub in their sister's death?

Anyway, unfortunately, it turned out her kid was in the stables when I fireballed it and he died. I felt pretty bad about that, but since we had the body, I was able to pay for the local druid to have him reincarnated (no Clerics available). As luck would have it, he's still human too!

Now our adventuring group is divided. Most of them think I'm the asshole, but I think if you don't want a powerful wizard as an enemy, maybe don't provoke them. For what it's worth, I already had some locks of my sister's hair so I used them create a Simulacrum in what my fellow adventurers describe as "a very unhealthy coping mechanism." The Simulacrum agrees with me, but it's a bit hard to separate my sister's personality from it being a soulless copy of her made to serve, so I'm not sure if it's opinion is exactly accurate.

Anyway, I figured I'd get some neutral opinions. So, reddit, AITA?

I am playing a fighter with the unarmed fighting style, he is an underground boxer kinda guy. We recently hit level 3 and i was planning on taking the battlemaster subclass for some very fitting maneuvers, but alot of the ones i wanted requires a weapon attack.

I guess i could just reflavor some weapons to be unarmed, but i got the eldritch claw tattoo which makes my unarmed attacks magical, +1 and i can get a reach of 15ft once pr day.

Now for the reason of this post. I have been looking at different subclasses and i found Echo Knight. I think it sounds like a really cool subclass, but i am not sure how i can roleplay it.

It says that the echo is a copy of you and thats fine, but when i make characters i like to give them a reason as to why i chose this subclass or this feat etc.

How would you roleplay a boxer suddenly having an echo?

In my next session I am going to introduce a rival adventuring party. when they come in I need a song that sets the tone for them right now I going with "x gonna give it you" but I do hate how it will probably break emersion. does anyone know of a fantasy song that has the same vibe

So, I'm writing a story set in the early 2000s, and something that came to mind was, "if people were still adventuring, and to keep using swords, flails, spears and the like along with magic and firearms, how would that work legally?" And it's something I thought to ask here to get other opinions. We know some countries allow for concealed carry for firearms and knives, how do you all think that would work legally for other, larger weapons like swords and fails, assuming people as a whole would continue to deem them necessary and useful?

And just in general, how do you all think adventuring in the early early 21st century work from a legal standpoint? Like say adventurers get into combat with a target they're investigating in a night club or something – how would that look on a police report? Curious to hear your thoughts!

Wanted to pick up one of the books and make something for tailgating at the Ren Faire this weekend. Having a hard time deciding between the two. I really love to cook, so I want to prioritize the recipes first.

Heroes Feast or Heroes Feast: Flavors of the Multiverse?

Recently, my players found a traveling merchant who had a +1 morningstar. I quoted the price as 500gp and the players seemed to think it was extremely overpriced and it must be because we are playing a relatively low magic item campaign.

The thing is, 500gp would probably be the price I set even in a normal magic item campaign... the Sane Magical Item price list that gets mentioned a lot around here lists a +1 weapon at 1000gp.

In a standard Forgotten Realms campaign without any previous discussion about it, how much do you expect a standard +1 weapon to cost?

So my table is doing a one shot at level 20 we normally don't go past level 7 because we are a drop in based table at a hobby store and a few other reasons. But I am allowed to have pretty much 1 of any item I was thinking of some sort of legendary item like a sword or something but I'm not sure which item would be ideal I'll most likely be doing a forge cleric tortle so my question is what do you guys think would be ideal or at the very least fun to have for this one shot? I should also say that our DM says this one shot will be combat heavy and against some pretty tough foes.

Bonus points if you suggest another class and a item that would go well with it for the one shot.

Does anyone have a link to it.

Sorry can't be more specific, basically you put a word in English into the Doc and it would translate it to Elvish, Gnomish, Dwarvish (think some more) into a written word you could use to speak.

Forever DM here, main campaign can’t continue this week because we’re in the middle of a climactic fight and some players at the table will be missing. One of my players is going to run a level 10 one shot.

I don’t know what to play, and Thursday is just around the corner!

I’m helping a friend build a samurai. I’d like to create a character to compliment them.

Other classes I’ve seen in the campaign being built so far are an order of the ancients paladin, a scout, and a war cleric.

So many decisions!

My 40th birthday is coming up and I was thinking about doing a bunch of stuff with different groups of friends. One of the groups is DnD. Probably about 6 players, not including myself, who will DM

Any ideas come to mind?

Assume you are a werebeast that can transform at will, your body will probably rip any clothes and damage conventional armor I can think of you could be wearing when not transformed.

You want to have some protection to not rely exclusively on your hide, what would you wear?

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(I'm not talking about magical armor that can change with you here)