Dungeon Master

Joined: November 26, 2025
Articles: 55

D&D, DM Advice, DM's Corner, Running the Game

So, You Want to DM, Part 1

An empty Dungeon Master’s chair at a tabletop RPG table, surrounded by dice and notes, symbolizing the start of a new DM’s journey.

Before rules, prep, or adventures, every new Dungeon Master must answer one question: why do you want to DM? This guide explores motivation, fear, and finding your place behind the screen.

Dungeon Master
January 2, 2026

Character Creation, D&D, DM's Corner, Tools & Resources

How to Create a Character Using the 2024 Ruleset

A Dungeon Master’s table with character notes, dice, and a character sheet, representing D&D character creation using the 2024 ruleset.

A step-by-step guide to creating a Dungeons & Dragons character using the 2024 ruleset, with practical advice for new and experienced players alike.

Dungeon Master
December 31, 2025

Campaigns, D&D, DM Diaries, DM's Corner, Dragon Heist, Waterdeep, Waterdeep Guides

Dragon Heist isn’t really a heist—until you make the city move. This DM-facing deep dive explores how I remixed Waterdeep: Dragon Heist into a living campaign shaped by player agency, episodic prep, and emotional investment.

Dungeon Master
December 29, 2025

D&D, DM Advice, DM Resources, Tools & Resources

Encounter Pacing – Fight, Flee, or Foreshadow

Dungeon Master encounter planning notes showing fight, flee, and foreshadow pacing concepts on a tabletop RPG preparation table

Master encounter pacing in D&D — when to fight, when to flee, and when to build tension through foreshadowing. Make every scene hit harder.

Dungeon Master
December 26, 2025

DM Resources, DM's Corner, Reviews, Tools & Resources

Heroes of the Borderlands Starter Set Review

D&D 2025 Heroes of the Borderlands Starter Set cover

Wizards of the Coast’s most ambitious beginner box yet, Heroes of the Borderlands offers a perfect balance of tactile fun and streamlined rules. A thoughtful introduction for new players and Dungeon Masters alike, it’s D&D’s most complete starter experience to date.

Dungeon Master
December 25, 2025

D&D, DM Resources, DM's Corner, Encounter Prep, Homebrew, Tools & Resources

How to Create an Encounter using D&D Beyond’s My Encounters

A DM prep table with encounter notes, dice, minis, a map, and a fantasy encounter tracker on a screen in warm candlelight.

A practical DM’s guide to building and running encounters with D&D Beyond’s My Encounters tool—focused on prep, pacing, and table-ready play.

Dungeon Master
December 24, 2025

Campaigns, DM Diaries, DM's Corner, Dragon Heist, Tools & Resources, Waterdeep, Waterdeep Guides

Why I Chose the Alexandrian Remix for Dragon Heist

A moody illustration of Waterdeep at dusk showing lantern-lit streets and shadowy figures representing rival factions

Why I chose Justin Alexander’s Alexandrian Remix for my Dragon Heist campaign, how it reshaped Waterdeep into a living city, and what it taught me about factions, player agency, and running a mixed-age table.