D&D Prep: Stop Flipping Through Rulebooks! (Episode #85)

Ойындар

If there's one thing professor Dungeonmaster hates, it's flipping through rulebooks and scenarios to find statistics, plot points, or other critical information. The way to kill the flip is by using Flowcharts and One-pagers. PDM demonstrates how to reduce any scenario to a one-page summary. This is CRITICAL information for all Dungeon Masters.
Voice Over: Kerry Lynn
One Page Dungeon Contest: www.dungeoncontest.com
Music:
"Fury of the Dragon's Breath" by Peter Crowley
Bandcamp : petercrowley.bandcamp.com/
By Kevin Macleod: Oppressive Gloom, Virtutes Instrumenti, Chee Zee Caves V2,. All tracks are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (creativecommons.org/licenses/...)
Source: incompetech.com/music/royalty-...
Artist: incompetech.com/

Пікірлер: 381

  • @AMPMASTER10
    @AMPMASTER104 жыл бұрын

    Sorry now I want to know about the magic toilet, also that poor hired help guy.

  • @lindybeige
    @lindybeige4 жыл бұрын

    Inspired by this video, I bought the 2018 One-Page Dungeon Compendium. So far, I've read half of them. My reaction: (a) Many people are bad at cartography, proof-reading, and type-setting. (b) Some people are very good at cartography. (c) It is indeed perfectly possible to have all you need for an adventure on one side of one sheet of paper. (d) People are very unoriginal. Half the scenarios are lost tombs or wizards' towers, and the same tired and dull ideas come up again and again (skeletons animate! 1d4+1 kobolds attack for no reason! answer the riddle and the door opens!). (e) Not one scenario I've read yet would I ever run. None has any interesting plots or characters. Some are just very high-fantasy settings, and others are just dungeon procedurals: monster-trap-monster-treasure-yawn! It's a good format, but I'm yet to see it done well.

  • @mycrofthirschecke5271

    @mycrofthirschecke5271

    3 жыл бұрын

    Lloyd? You? Here? I didn't expect that.

  • @Dinofaustivoro

    @Dinofaustivoro

    3 жыл бұрын

    Maybe type-setting, originality and plots are not the point of One-Page Dungeons; but just an impromptu dungeon model you can adapt to your running game.

  • @SmileyTrilobite

    @SmileyTrilobite

    3 жыл бұрын

    Plot, in the sense of a fun scenario that develops over time, is technically possible in a one-page dungeon, however it would be distilled in its presentation (one has to imagine ways that different, simple elements might interact in-game to behold the whole picture). A fun NPC might be simplified down into a few character cues and goals. Just add water! Most memorable stories in my own games have been products of the PCs’ interactions & their backstories, so in published affairs I look for a setup of elements that would be fun to interact with and add the connections to PC backstories myself (some adventures offer reasons why the PCs are there, but usually not one-pagers in my XP).

  • @knghtbrd

    @knghtbrd

    3 жыл бұрын

    The only way I can imagine one page working is as the professor described it here-as a summary. I think anything actually interesting and unique is likely to start out as well more than a page and then be condensed into a summary for easy reference while playing.

  • @chanceparker853

    @chanceparker853

    2 жыл бұрын

    instaBlaster...

  • @augustoluis6888
    @augustoluis68885 жыл бұрын

    That transition between the picture of the party fighting the owlbear to the minis in the UDT was just so satisfying I feel the need to compliment.

  • @DUNGEONCRAFT1

    @DUNGEONCRAFT1

    5 жыл бұрын

    Thanks, Augusto! I worked hard on that shot.

  • @nurikhadem7880

    @nurikhadem7880

    4 жыл бұрын

    I didn't even notice. Thanks for pointing me to it. It really is extremely cool!

  • @nemooh
    @nemooh Жыл бұрын

    Fantastic advise! Nothing KILLS the immersion faster than watching a DM skim through his book for 5 mins. You can tell who the rules lawyers are though, demanding every chart, footnote, jot and tittle be followed.

  • @DUNGEONCRAFT1

    @DUNGEONCRAFT1

    Жыл бұрын

    Yup.

  • @DPLEET
    @DPLEET5 жыл бұрын

    Extremely useful structural information on streamlining preparation for adventures. I don't always use the info presented in Dungeon Craft, but this was an excellent primer, and included references to other works that an aspiring DM should check out.

  • @DUNGEONCRAFT1

    @DUNGEONCRAFT1

    5 жыл бұрын

    Thanks, DP! Share it with your friends!

  • @dorintal1467
    @dorintal14675 жыл бұрын

    Never let down by a single DM video. You sir, are a champion among men

  • @SmileyTrilobite
    @SmileyTrilobite2 жыл бұрын

    I appreciate that you have miniatures for two halves of a henchman and how well that communicates the atmosphere of your campaign.

  • @zeterzero4356
    @zeterzero43564 жыл бұрын

    That single page is one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen. I must learn your arcane ways dungeon-senpai.

  • @DUNGEONCRAFT1

    @DUNGEONCRAFT1

    4 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for your kind words and for taking the time to comment!

  • @zeterzero4356

    @zeterzero4356

    4 жыл бұрын

    @@DUNGEONCRAFT1 Thank you for sharing your knowledge. Took advice from this and ran a pretty simple encounter last night involving a were-creature hunting lodge and a full moon hunting competition. Those that killed the rarest animal were considered the winner. Owl-bears were around but the party decided to go after ol' Earl, a hydra living in an under ground cave. It was a simple session that took maybe two hours to go through but ended with the party becoming members of the lodge, gaining a were creature contact named Cynthia, and one player willingly becoming a were bear. All in all it was a good time, but I still see places where I need to improve. Sorry to rant, just wanted to share that your advice was a big help. Sometimes keeping things simple helps a ton, especially when you don't have a lot of playtime after a shift at work!

  • @DUNGEONCRAFT1

    @DUNGEONCRAFT1

    4 жыл бұрын

    @@zeterzero4356 Cool!

  • @nemooh

    @nemooh

    Жыл бұрын

    @@zeterzero4356 Watch here, Runehammer, and Lazy DM, in my opinion.

  • @ksmolsen
    @ksmolsen4 жыл бұрын

    Love the flow sharts. I have a similar one page approach where I write the motivation and a quote for each npc they're likely to run in to on a page in my notebook. (Guard Captain. Doesn't want trouble in his neighbourhood. "Move along, nothing to see here.") I then print all the maps needed and make the notes I need on them. I rarely need to open the book with this system.

  • @DUNGEONCRAFT1

    @DUNGEONCRAFT1

    4 жыл бұрын

    Greta idea! I may steal that.

  • @benvoliothefirst

    @benvoliothefirst

    4 жыл бұрын

    Spell check is a valuable thing, people. Nobody wants FLOW SHARTS at your game table.

  • @faust13301

    @faust13301

    Жыл бұрын

    @@benvoliothefirst lol

  • @InhabitantOfOddworld

    @InhabitantOfOddworld

    Жыл бұрын

    ​@@benvoliothefirst That's for when you roll 100 on the fumble table

  • @SimonAshworthWood
    @SimonAshworthWood7 ай бұрын

    A useful video for creating scary immersion in a monster lair. Thankyou, Professor DM. 🤗

  • @shaunhall960
    @shaunhall960 Жыл бұрын

    I love this simplicity! Thanks Professor you made my life easier!

  • @benvoliothefirst
    @benvoliothefirst4 жыл бұрын

    I've watched all your videos dozens of times... this may be the best one yet. I'd argue it's almost more important than DM secret number 2!

  • @DUNGEONCRAFT1

    @DUNGEONCRAFT1

    4 жыл бұрын

    Thanks!

  • @mykediemart
    @mykediemart5 жыл бұрын

    I really like the idea of the owlbear being a one of a kind creature.

  • @joseacevedo8314

    @joseacevedo8314

    3 жыл бұрын

    I agree I think any "boss" creature that is not human should be one of a kind, especially in a grim/dark setting.

  • @lvd8122

    @lvd8122

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@joseacevedo8314 hmm, I'd rather go with the witcher approach where (almost) every "boss" monster is part of a larger species but has some individual characteristics(maybe a name, maybe a slightly different look, maybe some unusual attacks or just a different statblock. I find it much more believable that there are some dangerous species out there then that every important monster has been created by some magical event(because just with genetics you are not gonna get some crazy variation that still is able to survive)

  • @harmonicaman79

    @harmonicaman79

    3 жыл бұрын

    Agreed

  • @nemooh

    @nemooh

    Жыл бұрын

    I really like the thought of an owlbear being a GIANT bear with an owl face that can rip you apart.... kind of like a giant BEAR would do, because a giant bear has teeth and massive jaw muscles made for ripping things apart and crushing bones. Wait... what is the scary part about the OWL part of the owl bear supposed to be? I mean real bears can smell blood for many miles after all. And it isn't like an owlbear flies or anything.

  • @crunchydragontreats6692

    @crunchydragontreats6692

    Жыл бұрын

    @@nemooh Wait. Your owlbears don’t fly? Hmm. Do they at least glide? No feathered gliding flaps between their stubby wing like upper arms and their legs? No? Well maybe it’s time they do. An owlbear silently swoops down from a rocky cliff or tall tree. Roll perception. The owlbear pounces on the smallest or least armored character. Roll initiative. Silly PCs. They never look up. Grab your ketchup and crunch away my friends.

  • @yaronfarkash6254
    @yaronfarkash62545 жыл бұрын

    Excellent video, as always. This is my favorite channels, I always get super excited when you release a new video. Keep it up!! Super inspiring.

  • @gelbadayah.sneach579
    @gelbadayah.sneach5795 жыл бұрын

    When playing casters, I have a custom spell sheet where I list my spells out with all their vital information. For example: 1: Healing Word (1 bonus, 60 feet, V, instant) heals 1d4+2 hp, +1 slot level = +1d4 hp The numbers include how the spell functions as cast by my character, ability bonuses included. No book flipping or number crunching are required. My DMs love it! When I'm the DM, I decide what spells an enemy will use for that combat and include a similar entry for those spells on an enemy card to use for that encounter. My players love it!

  • @DUNGEONCRAFT1

    @DUNGEONCRAFT1

    5 жыл бұрын

    Great idea!

  • @thor30013

    @thor30013

    5 жыл бұрын

    I do something similar with my warlock - I used half-sized index cards to make my own spell cards. They've got all that info, along with things like if the spell requires concentration, and the necessary components (just in case).

  • @gelbadayah.sneach579

    @gelbadayah.sneach579

    5 жыл бұрын

    @@thor30013 I use cards for monster stats when running games. Index cards are so useful in D&D!

  • @PixPunxel
    @PixPunxel5 жыл бұрын

    I must say you have the best GM advice. You really changed my game. Thanks !

  • @DUNGEONCRAFT1

    @DUNGEONCRAFT1

    5 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for taking the time to say that. Happy gaming!

  • @argentarts5858
    @argentarts58585 жыл бұрын

    I agree with you. Simplify, simplify, simplify. I keep 3x5 cards of stats for the monsters and NPCs in my campaign and just pull out the ones needed for that session. Having said that, here's something to consider for describing or not describing every twist and turn in a cavern or dungeon - I have a player that is a high functioning autistic. They love D&D. However, they cannot do theater-of-the-mind well when it comes to dungeon hallways and cavern tunnels. Walking to town and back? Not a problem. They don't need to know every twist in the road. But if I tell them there is a "T" intersection heading north and south (or left and right, etc.), they start to feel anxiety. They just need to KNOW ... EXACTLY how the hallway looks ... EXACTLY how far it is down to the next door or intersection, etc. When you have players like this, they need an accurate map AND accurate descriptions or the game goes from fun for them to an anxiety filled time that can cause issues for them. Your style of play will definitely work for some, perhaps most, people. But there are others that would take issue for a variety of reasons. For example, while I don't like checking rulebooks, some do. Some actually find enjoyment in the rules and seeing if they can achieve this or that within the parameters that are set forth in the books that define how to play. For these types of people, it's sort of like chess ... moving on to victory with a precise set of rules that govern what can and cannot be done. The point being, there are many different types of players out there. Some play a certain way because they are unique individuals with their own unique needs (such as the autistic individual that often sits at my table). It's not always about speeding things up. It's about creating an atmosphere for YOUR table that YOUR players will enjoy ... even if that means pulling out a book to check a rule from time to time or having to accurately describe every turn in a passageway. ;)

  • @benvoliothefirst

    @benvoliothefirst

    4 жыл бұрын

    Agreed. I play theater of the mind with one group and another NEEDS maps and minis. Figure out what your players want/need and cater to them. Players are the most valuable resource!

  • @joseacevedo8314

    @joseacevedo8314

    3 жыл бұрын

    I have recently started playing fantasy ttrpg games with my son who has autism and ADHD and for me the ADHD has vastly more effect on the game. He will get restless and need to get up and move around when something exciting happens. I try to incorporate that into the game. Show me the attack your making. Describe how the monster dies. He loves it and it is somewhat calming for him to be able to express what is exciting to him. He doesn't care about every cave detail or how long a corridor is exactly. Guess that's why they call it a "spectrum".

  • @kota86

    @kota86

    3 жыл бұрын

    As a DM with autism, I find myself needing to describe the exacts of a dungeon-'cos those are the details I would need were I a player myself.

  • @biffstrong1079
    @biffstrong1079 Жыл бұрын

    My best friend lost his first character here back in 1974 as the Owl Bear ripped him liimb from limb, crushed him with an owl hug and then snipped his head off. I think he had 9 hit points and took 24 points of damage. I am still impressed that the party stood their ground and took the owl bear down. We ran from the Kobolds and the Orcs at least once but we were much braver when we only faced one monster no matter how big or bad.

  • @adamnilsson2843
    @adamnilsson28435 жыл бұрын

    The one pager! OMG thank you totally forgot about flow charts.

  • @Cesoide_
    @Cesoide_Ай бұрын

    I recently watched your video on the new Vecna adventure and I really liked the simplification of stats to the necessary info. That by itself was golden advice already. This complements it, this is awesome. So good, thank you so much for sharing the knowledge. It might be cool to play on your table, you rock.

  • @DUNGEONCRAFT1

    @DUNGEONCRAFT1

    Ай бұрын

    Back atcha!

  • @MrSmudge13
    @MrSmudge135 жыл бұрын

    Love this channel so much cant get enough. On vacation and this video makes it all the better

  • @zombietotseater3894
    @zombietotseater38942 жыл бұрын

    WOW, you have blown my mind with the simplicity yet absolute utility of your one page. love the art. I will be incorporating this. Thank you, my good sir.

  • @bernardkauffman7783
    @bernardkauffman77834 жыл бұрын

    Thank you! I've been advocating this for years. Glad there are other sane people. Keep the game moving!!

  • @anthonynorman7545
    @anthonynorman75455 жыл бұрын

    Hands down most helpful video I've seen of yours!!! One-pager is now a must.

  • @Grumpyoldgamer310
    @Grumpyoldgamer310 Жыл бұрын

    Fantastic video. I make index cards, one set for monsters, and one set for npc’s. And just pull the ones I need out for each sesh… I do the notepad system and use stickies for dungeon crawls, like you do. When it comes to settlements however I flesh them out in more detail, especially if I know it’s a local the PC’s are going to interact with frequently.

  • @Unholyvamp-Stormscale
    @Unholyvamp-Stormscale4 жыл бұрын

    Thats really helpful info! thanks a lot kind Sir!

  • @DUNGEONCRAFT1

    @DUNGEONCRAFT1

    4 жыл бұрын

    You're welcome.

  • @Astartes36
    @Astartes365 жыл бұрын

    Professor, I continue to look forward to your videos with gleeful anticipation, and you have yet to disappoint! Really excellent, fun, and exciting!

  • @darryldamour278
    @darryldamour2785 жыл бұрын

    You know what? This video is by far the most helpful of your videos I've seen to date! And I like most of your videos 😊 this will definitely help me cut the fluff and streamline my games. Thanks Prof! 👍🍻

  • @jawajunk
    @jawajunk5 жыл бұрын

    Absolutely fantastic encounter. The efficiency is phenomenal which I appreciate in your approach.

  • @quassisbelltower9408
    @quassisbelltower94085 жыл бұрын

    I love everything about this video. I will be watching more of you videos to inspire me on my crafts and DMing.

  • @DUNGEONCRAFT1

    @DUNGEONCRAFT1

    5 жыл бұрын

    Cool. Watch last month video, the "Manskinner." Thanks!

  • @JayAHafner
    @JayAHafner3 күн бұрын

    Im a huge fan of reducing prep to a page. One thing I add though is each character name with a note of a few moments to shine during the session.

  • @bluefish5
    @bluefish55 жыл бұрын

    Another great video. Thanks PDM! I'd like to also agree with other posters about the premiere video thing. Not sure how it works on your end, but it appears on our YT homepage as if there was a new video to watch. I even get a pop-up on my desktop. It's kind of like your dad showing you the present he got for your birthday but not letting you open it for a few days, haha. I ran your Yohan Munchberger scenario a few weeks ago with a new group. We decided to try out the many rules-hacks you've mentioned -no initiative, Index Card RPG's static room difficulty, escalation die, the DDC magic rules, etc. Holy cats! We had a BLAST! The wizard rolled three Nat 1s in a single session and the results were universally hilarious. Black Angus may or may not be dead. Dun-dun-duuuuun!

  • @lorenzohot5234
    @lorenzohot523427 күн бұрын

    Thanks for sharing about dungeon contest’s one page dungeon. I am excited to hear about it and participate! Also the 2022 “Wonder” theme seems worth the purchase!

  • @razorchuckles
    @razorchuckles4 жыл бұрын

    Such a great video - you don't waste any time and your content is always relevant and spot on! Thank you

  • @zelbarnap
    @zelbarnap3 жыл бұрын

    i really love your videos of the miniatures! amazing work! exciting to watch and listen to the stories you tell

  • @GeekzAnonymous
    @GeekzAnonymous5 жыл бұрын

    100% agreed on this one, Professor. I hate rulebook checks. I do let people check their books, but only when it's not their turn. If they take too long, I make a ruling and move on. I also will tell my players when they are "on deck" and to be ready when it's there turn. Also, the flow chart is a brilliant idea. Definitely stealing that one. Great video!

  • @tiagoantoniodias8444
    @tiagoantoniodias84443 жыл бұрын

    One of the best videos in your channel, Professor! I've been trying to make one-pagers to use in my games for some time now, and will definitely apply some of your insight on the subject! Compliments from Brazil!

  • @Lionrhod212
    @Lionrhod2125 жыл бұрын

    Wow! Well done! I've been DMing off and on since 79, but never before had someone show me how to skin it down to just this clean and simple! Flowcharts and oh my! I'm so impressed and I probably have to watch this 3x again to see how sinple/easy you make it.Subscribed and looking forward to your other vids. Thanks!

  • @jeffallen559
    @jeffallen559 Жыл бұрын

    This is spot on. I hate commercially produced modules because they have information bloat.

  • @StephaneLefort
    @StephaneLefort5 жыл бұрын

    Love the simplicity! Great video.

  • @missa2855
    @missa28555 жыл бұрын

    Lord professor dungeon master. This is *amazing,* I never thought about using flowcharts. This is brilliant, keep up the amazing content. :D

  • @tomdulski3729
    @tomdulski37295 жыл бұрын

    That was easily the best session we had, Loved the Owlbear! I don't remember us getting the elven boots.

  • @gommechops
    @gommechops4 жыл бұрын

    There is so much wisdom and innovation here. I love it.

  • @tomyoung9834
    @tomyoung98345 жыл бұрын

    Great Video! Excellent ideas, great models, expert level enjoyment!

  • @sgt-slag
    @sgt-slag5 жыл бұрын

    If you are not familiar with 2e "BattleSystem Skirmishes" game, published by TSR around 1992, you should be: it reduces combat to a few Hits, as you describe. It is a miniatures game with a thin veneer of RPG over the top. Combat is very fast, about like you describe in this video. Copies are available on e-Bay, and Amazon.com; there was a PDF copy on DriveThruRPG.com, several years ago, but WotC pulled it. Cheers!

  • @stephengilbert8166
    @stephengilbert81665 жыл бұрын

    Just discovered your channel. Absolutely inspirational and will definitely be checking back here regularly.

  • @DUNGEONCRAFT1

    @DUNGEONCRAFT1

    5 жыл бұрын

    Cool@ Please subscribe and share the video. There are 85 back episodes and new content coming just about every week now.

  • @trynda1701
    @trynda17014 ай бұрын

    Poor henchman! Get offered doubled wages, then gets ripped in half! 😮😮😮😮 I like how you condensed the needed information for the encounter from the original source material. Good advice. And through their actions, the local area economy gets a boost. They have affected the world around them! 👍👍👍👍😎😎😎😎

  • @DUNGEONCRAFT1

    @DUNGEONCRAFT1

    4 ай бұрын

    Thanks!

  • @xiconp1993
    @xiconp19935 жыл бұрын

    Great video, friend. I'm happy this was recommended, you have some very helpful insights.

  • @DUNGEONCRAFT1

    @DUNGEONCRAFT1

    5 жыл бұрын

    Thanks! Keep sharing it!

  • @alanschaub147
    @alanschaub1475 жыл бұрын

    Great video and ideas! I feel sorry for the owlbear, though. Also, the witch sounds like a dominatrix.

  • @madmadameminx

    @madmadameminx

    5 жыл бұрын

    Everybody needs a hobby.

  • @DUNGEONCRAFT1

    @DUNGEONCRAFT1

    5 жыл бұрын

    I feel sorry for the owlbear too. That's part of my quirky style--the PCs kill an orc, search it's body and find a note from its kid saying, "I love you daddy--be safe at work!" As for the witch...I'll let viewers make their own interpretations. Thanks for watching!

  • @brianv7581
    @brianv75815 жыл бұрын

    Another home run. Thank you professor!

  • @jasonbarnett9565
    @jasonbarnett9565 Жыл бұрын

    More great tips! I've used some of them before (e.g. abbreviated stat blocks), but you had some ideas that I think will definitely step up my game.

  • @DUNGEONCRAFT1

    @DUNGEONCRAFT1

    Жыл бұрын

    Great to hear!

  • @MonkeyJedi99
    @MonkeyJedi995 жыл бұрын

    Yep. As an EXPERIENCED DM your methodology is right for you. NEW DM'S may need to see and use some of your tips, but the "useless paragraphs" may help them figure out how to put life into their gameplay.

  • @DUNGEONCRAFT1

    @DUNGEONCRAFT1

    5 жыл бұрын

    I've written those useless paragraphs for money. They're mostly fluff Read Patrick Stewart's "Maze of the Blue Medusa." THAT is great (and useful) writing!

  • @AlVainactual
    @AlVainactual3 жыл бұрын

    Oh my, the memories. First time my players entered the caves of chaos they headed straight for the owlbear cave. Enraging the beast, the bard turned tail forgetting about the disengagement rules. He got raked in the back and died instantly. He never forgot about the rule again and his character developed a phobia of birds bears and owlbears. (After being revived by the rest of the group pitching in almost all of their resources from their first excursion). His level one characters are still apprehensive of fighting owlbears. 😄

  • @DUNGEONCRAFT1

    @DUNGEONCRAFT1

    3 жыл бұрын

    I JUST had another group do that. Straight for the owl bear!

  • @AlVainactual

    @AlVainactual

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@DUNGEONCRAFT1 That's crazy! That owlbear must be keeping some great honey around for all these PCs to beeline it to the cave! Jokes aside, it must be because cave G is a straight line from the mouth of the ravine, players could think that whatever's hidden farthest from the "entrance" must be the most interesting place to explore. It was that in my game, at least.

  • @DUNGEONCRAFT1

    @DUNGEONCRAFT1

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@AlVainactual I think that's it.

  • @TwistedTentacleInn
    @TwistedTentacleInn4 жыл бұрын

    Complete respect for your handwriting. Impressive. The tips were equally impressive. - Innkeeper Vase Odin

  • @workyoutube7798
    @workyoutube77984 жыл бұрын

    HOLY SMOKES- this video blew my feeble little mind. This is being implemented TONIGHT. you sir (and those barmaid minis), are invited to dinner and gaming any time!

  • @workyoutube7798
    @workyoutube77984 жыл бұрын

    Damn, those bar maiden minis are stacked! lmao

  • @jchart01
    @jchart015 жыл бұрын

    Golden. Great channel. Huzzah sir, you are an asset to the hobby.

  • @michaelshoen2762
    @michaelshoen27625 жыл бұрын

    Excellent video. Thank you teaching this old dog New tricks!😎

  • @angrymushroom26
    @angrymushroom265 жыл бұрын

    Great Idea! I need to start doing that. was doing that even on my own notes just last night.

  • @jeremywalsh5666
    @jeremywalsh56664 жыл бұрын

    This is brilliant. I had done the same as far as the characters re: Lost Mines. I did not think of flow charts, so useful. Thank you. I havent seen the map from Into the Borderlands in ages, and after two and a half decades of not playing DnD it made me laugh. It was a piece of my childhood that I had completely forgotten, much appreciated.

  • @efawscuba610
    @efawscuba6105 жыл бұрын

    Great video! Hope you are keeping notes on sessions, we miss the updates to the campaign!

  • @1simo93521
    @1simo935215 жыл бұрын

    I have been using flow charts for years, I seemed the only obvious way to play. Really helps.

  • @gordondietz3255
    @gordondietz32555 жыл бұрын

    I honestly wish I was either a coworker or a friend and could be a member in your game. You are fantastic and I love all your lessons. I hope you continue to share. Thank you

  • @southron_d1349
    @southron_d13495 жыл бұрын

    I've been paring down my notes over the years. These days, if it's six pages including stats, then almost always it's too much. Often, the information has taken up two pages. I like the flow chart idea if only to get a few things straight, but generally after making rough notes on an adventure, about 80%-90% is sorted in my mind. Because I do the prep, it usually means hours of gaming can go by without referring to any of it. The notes are there in case of urgent need.

  • @RacuousDin
    @RacuousDin3 жыл бұрын

    Well done! I aspire to do something like this with my module revisions/notes. Thanks!

  • @Leedguitar2
    @Leedguitar25 жыл бұрын

    What excellent tips for DMs! Thanks for the video!!

  • @DUNGEONCRAFT1

    @DUNGEONCRAFT1

    5 жыл бұрын

    You're welcome. Look for the new on August 2nd (although it might air later because August 2 is Gencon.)

  • @JaredHayter
    @JaredHayter4 жыл бұрын

    People tend to use the tool they're already comfortable with even when there might be another one better suited. After trying different things, I've found that the tool I'm most comfortable using is Google Sheets, so I use it for both long-term campaign planning and individual session notes. Because everything is tabular, it encourages me to make my notes in a way that is organized and concise. I include simplified enemy stats and HP checkboxes for any combats that are likely to occur. I also make schematic maps in the form of spreadsheets. I don't use tech at the table, so the appropriate sheets get printed before the session and scribbled on during play. I'm not great at keeping things organized, but I do try to update my sheets after each session and before the next one.

  • @arndnaj
    @arndnaj4 жыл бұрын

    When crafting an adventure, DMs, read the rules that may apply to given scenarios, decide which ones can best help keep the adventure rolling. One DM decided in a moment to allow a druid to cast animal friendship on an owl bear, knowing it was a rule break, but allowing it because it was fun and he had a party of inexperienced adventurers that had just gotten to level three. Don't allow the rules to keep the game from being fun or slowing down to a crawl the game. Sometimes a DM can let things slide, and a DM can let a rule be enforced. Be willing to be flexible in a moment. A DM can explain later that he or she let something slide in a moment because it would have ruined that moment, but in the future the ploy a character used will not work a second time.

  • @MrLeroyFox

    @MrLeroyFox

    4 жыл бұрын

    Nathan Arndt I once had my players wanting to befriend an Owlbear too. It was super funny because they kept trying while getting some damage and they just didn’t want to kill it. Took them so long before they just gave up and try hiding until the beast just walked away. But the things they came up with were hilarious (they tried singing, dancing, food, dropping a giant curtain on his head, etc). We laughed so hard.

  • @BusyBadger
    @BusyBadger5 жыл бұрын

    Great vid! I've been using flowcharts to manage plots for ages. I actually started doing this while playing the old espionage themed RPG Top Secret from TSR. For the more digitally inclined, I recommend the app Mindly to generate and manage flowcharts. A big draw is being able to use DropBox to sync flowcharts across devices. I love being able to make a quick note/reminder on my phone when I'm out & about and expand on it later using a tablet.

  • @DUNGEONCRAFT1

    @DUNGEONCRAFT1

    5 жыл бұрын

    Sounds coo!. Which edition of Top Secret, BTW?

  • @BusyBadger

    @BusyBadger

    5 жыл бұрын

    @@DUNGEONCRAFT1 The original rules & the outstanding Top Secret Companion (it had a d1000 hit chart!). I always felt that the revamped Top Secret S.I. ruleset was like Top Secret Lite. Shortly after the release (and our collective letdown) we switched to Espionage from Hero Games.

  • @nightowl2495
    @nightowl24955 жыл бұрын

    I think it would have been awesome if the party kept the fertilized egg and raised it as a companion.

  • @AddisonJamesHoward

    @AddisonJamesHoward

    5 жыл бұрын

    This happened in my group. Now the wizard has an adolescent owl bear animal companion. It stays out of most of the fights so it's not really op, but it could be especially if there was a ranger in the group this class is built around that mechanic. If it were up to me I'd make the wizard roll an animal handling check if he commands it to do anything.

  • @Eirkyr
    @Eirkyr5 жыл бұрын

    That witch boots dialogue is getting pretty Magical Realmy there my dude.

  • @TheBwinfrey
    @TheBwinfrey5 жыл бұрын

    You need to know stats and all of the stats for spells like charm person or any spell that relies on a stat to determine pass or fail on a save .

  • @paladox1771

    @paladox1771

    5 жыл бұрын

    Player: I'm trying to charm the goblin. DM: Okay. Player: Do I succeed? DM: *fake roll*... Yes. Player: Cool!

  • @TheBwinfrey

    @TheBwinfrey

    5 жыл бұрын

    Yes sometimes it’s ok to go with rule of cool but spells have stats for a reason and should be used cuz you try to charm a dragon that’s trying to kill your party the DM better be rolling or why even put a dragon in the first place .

  • @TheBwinfrey

    @TheBwinfrey

    5 жыл бұрын

    Paladox for whatever reason I can see a notification that you responded to my last comment but can’t read it when I click on it so not sure what happened.

  • @BlackJar72
    @BlackJar723 жыл бұрын

    This is why I homebrew and write descriptive names instead of just numbers on my rooms when possible -- that way I know what's in the kobold kitchen and that the room they are entering is the kitchen without having to look up room #37 or whatever. If I need a stat block or loot list I can flip through a few short pages of notes while I talk (or while the players talk).

  • @mikepalmer2219
    @mikepalmer22193 жыл бұрын

    i am just getting back into the game as a DM and this is very helpful thank you.

  • @daddyjoe600
    @daddyjoe600 Жыл бұрын

    He sounds like a motivational coach.

  • @Twilbur48
    @Twilbur484 жыл бұрын

    Thank's for making these video's. I find them really helpful.

  • @DUNGEONCRAFT1

    @DUNGEONCRAFT1

    4 жыл бұрын

    Thanks, Twilbur. I'll keep em' coming.

  • @Twilbur48

    @Twilbur48

    4 жыл бұрын

    @@DUNGEONCRAFT1 I have a question. How does one deal with the players who looked through the monster manual and complain about the ac or hp ect... is different then what you use?

  • @DUNGEONCRAFT1

    @DUNGEONCRAFT1

    4 жыл бұрын

    @@Twilbur48 There are two ways. Say, "The monster manual describes the typical werewolf. But werewolves in THIS forest have evolved THIS way. The other way is to change the name and skin of the monsters. Maybe in your world orcs have blue skin and are called "Reavers." Maybe YOUR trolls are called "Eviscerators" and look like giant insects. For other great suggestions, join the FB group. The folks there LOVE answering questions like this!

  • @trouqe
    @trouqe5 жыл бұрын

    A plethora of one-page scenarios will surely quicken my session with my small home game party (of 2). Things are already quick as it is, so pushing further into the story will help out with their focus and interaction. No more fluff!!!

  • @Minodrec
    @Minodrec Жыл бұрын

    Thankis for the tip. I made this mistake when I started using module. I didn't have a proper NPC relationship graph and the amount of time I need to double check killed the session. It's easier when you wrote the scenario yourself. "Prof DM's 1 page prep" should be a thing. P.S. : This video is awesome and system agnostic. I wish it'll do well.

  • @bobbycrosby9765
    @bobbycrosby97654 ай бұрын

    I run a table heavy system (DCC) and for rules I have a tabbed binder - this way I can flip to the right page in a second. Players also have a printout of each of their spells so we aren't flipping through a 500 page book.

  • @kamikaze9699
    @kamikaze9699 Жыл бұрын

    3E, first campaign I ran- I spent 6 months writing intrigue revolving around a LE mindflayer lich who took the position of emperor in a LG theocracy, deceiving and slowly corrupting it towards his ends. Dozens of dungeons ignored, and the band of murderhobos, cheerfully content with being wanted criminals as Paladin Death Squads were Exp, had rendered roughly 2/3 of my notes useless. The ONLY reason they had an interest in defeating the BBEG was simply he committed the sin of not staying dead. I had about 3 pages of possible rewards planned before I started the campaign when they finally smashed the phylactery throne to vanquish Varnya for good, none I could give them due to their psychotic rampages, larceny, and other crimes. "You have done us a great service exposing this fiend and laying him low. You have 24 hours before we hunt you like the dogs you are!" They cheered triumphantly OoC before fleeing the land. So yeah, don't over-plan, as it obviously was a good time using far fewer moving parts than I took six months to write down.

  • @adamnilsson2843
    @adamnilsson28435 жыл бұрын

    This is d&d not aerobics, no flipping! I like it sir.

  • @brendanpatrick9861
    @brendanpatrick98614 жыл бұрын

    flow chart idea blowing my mind right now

  • @westcoastavengers1
    @westcoastavengers14 ай бұрын

    That magical toilet was funny.

  • @ograx
    @ograx5 жыл бұрын

    This is good if you want a simplistic game with very little crunch to combat. My group loves the crunch and the immense amount of options and combat abilities in our game. (Pathfinder, Starfinder)

  • @DUNGEONCRAFT1

    @DUNGEONCRAFT1

    5 жыл бұрын

    I call it "Mathfinder." But if your group digs it, that's what you should play!

  • @ograx

    @ograx

    5 жыл бұрын

    @@DUNGEONCRAFT1 Thanks! This isnt to say I haven't implemented some of your suggestions but based on my players I've had to adopt a more combat oriented game to keep everyone having fun. We have 1 roleplayer and 4 combat lovers.

  • @Styles2304
    @Styles23045 жыл бұрын

    Looked forward to this all day at work. Was hoping to get to GenCon this year (I work down the street now) and catch one of your games but I'll be in GA for training.

  • @JavlinVII
    @JavlinVII5 жыл бұрын

    Great idea with the flowchart, I've wanted to do something like that for my group, but jad no idea how. Thanks!

  • @jamesavery9584
    @jamesavery95845 жыл бұрын

    Prof Dungeon Master is wise. These tips are great for old and new DMs.

  • @jokertim777
    @jokertim7775 жыл бұрын

    Flowcharts are a great way to organize and understand adventures (and what to review/prep next). Storm King's Thunder included one. Conversely, Princes of the Apocalypse was a nightmare to flowchart. Your point about the derived stats is valid, but the inclusion of the Ability Scores for every monster is due to the Saving Throw rules for 5e. All Saves are ability related now rather than the original 5 categories or the later 3 categories. You need to know all six bonuses to adjust your d20 roll vs. the spells cast by your party (if using 5e). Another reason for them is in case there is a contested ability check between a monster and a player (less frequent than saves). I run with a screen and behind it is a map sheet, dice, pencil and battle tracker sheet(with monster stats on it). Because I enjoy running older pre-published adventures, I also keep the physical text of the room descriptions handy so I can read the boxed text to my players which conveys the original atmosphere from the 70s, 80s, and 90s.

  • @Ooittee
    @Ooittee5 жыл бұрын

    Excellent advise once more.

  • @davezenz
    @davezenz5 жыл бұрын

    Flow charts! Amazing!

  • @patricklee2606
    @patricklee2606 Жыл бұрын

    I love you channel! Great video!!

  • @trouqe
    @trouqe5 жыл бұрын

    I do love how you incorporate every facet into the story from the owlbear encounter: muddy boot, egg hatchling to sell, eggs to cook, bear skin rug, Owlbear head on the wall of the tavern, and the characters become local heroes. But, I do have one question...maybe I should wait for it...

  • @DUNGEONCRAFT1

    @DUNGEONCRAFT1

    5 жыл бұрын

    Ask away.

  • @frank_calvert

    @frank_calvert

    Жыл бұрын

    will we ever know what this commenter was going to ask..?

  • @DeadMarsh
    @DeadMarsh Жыл бұрын

    Genius. Seriously helpful.

  • @aristidesiliopoulos7041
    @aristidesiliopoulos70414 жыл бұрын

    I am enjoying your take on gaming and DMing. I usually play rulebooks and source material closed but scroll through some notes..I like the idea of one page DMing. I may try to implement. I play fast and loose with "rules". To me the focus is fun, a good story and memory making.

  • @jerodtereshka3908
    @jerodtereshka3908 Жыл бұрын

    This video is super helpful!

  • @JeffersonMills
    @JeffersonMills Жыл бұрын

    Great advice as usual!

  • @rjbarnett1116
    @rjbarnett11165 жыл бұрын

    *Mind blown* This is so helpful.

  • @erikmartin4996
    @erikmartin49965 жыл бұрын

    Just my two cents but Generally speaking what you deliver is really good concise streamlining of the game. I don’t agree with everything you do but the info you provide is good. I really think you need to continue with the illustrated dungeons but provide one a week that’s completely of your own design. Basically giving out free adventures on KZread. A video presentation of the “one page dungeon” would generate a lot of views. IMO

  • @jeffbaril4047
    @jeffbaril40475 жыл бұрын

    I like the preview with the little blurb about what you are thinking and what’s coming... but it looks like a amalgamation of several of your videos. I’ll watch just to see what I can glean.

  • @DUNGEONCRAFT1

    @DUNGEONCRAFT1

    5 жыл бұрын

    I think you'll be pleasantly surprised. It's the best campaign update yet. And it's got an owl bear. An OWLBEAR, Jeff!

  • @jeffbaril4047

    @jeffbaril4047

    5 жыл бұрын

    Dungeon Craft you had me at owl bear good sir! I love the campaign you are running the twist on the classic is awesome... ps I’m stealing it all for a future campaign that I will run muhahahab

  • @adamnilsson2843
    @adamnilsson28435 жыл бұрын

    Peanut m&m's =owlbear eggs! Delicious

  • @twilightgardenspresentatio6384

    @twilightgardenspresentatio6384

    4 жыл бұрын

    Adam Nilsson so That’s what they taste like!

  • @jamesalexhowlett

    @jamesalexhowlett

    3 жыл бұрын

    My favorite part of owl bear eggs are their centers.

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