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After last years announcement we finally have our first look at what the future of Dungeons & Dragons hold in the form of One DnD!

In this first of two parts we wanted to give our first impressions regarding the updates to Races, Feats and Character creation as a whole with a look at the rules and more specific changes in part 2!

Obliteration Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

If money was no factor what would you dream TTRPG game space look like? What do you wish you had the money to buy?

But perhaps the real question is can money buy you a better game to begin with? Or do props, minis and fancy tables fall to the wayside when compared to a good story told collectively with your friends!


Obliteration Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

While we talk about other systems and try to keep our advice more general it's no secret that we have a preference for 5e. But why is that exactly?

This week we take some time to go over what we love about 5e and why we all gravitate towards it as our default system!

Obliteration Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Appendix N used to be a staple of older editions and a place where some of the original inspiration for Dungeons & Dragons could be found.

While it might not be there anymore, if you could make your own and add it back into the DMG or PHB what would you list there? What books, movies and mythos would you want to include to share with others? Perhaps it's part of your homebrew setting or just something you find fascinating and want to share with others!

Obliteration Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Every DM has a collection of go to monsters but which is your favorite? WHat monster do you like to run the most or think brings the most to the table?

This week we talk a bit about what we like to throw at our players and why they are our favorite.

What is the best way to use powerful artifacts in your games? More than that what types of artifacts are underused and can really help spice up a game?

This week we take some time to go over our favorite tricks and uses for such items to help liven up the loot our players get at the end of a session or epic boss fight!

Obliteration Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

There are countless systems out there which cater to a variety of different play styles . . . but can you play them without a dedicated DM/GM?

Is it possible to run something like 5e or Pathfinder in a collaborative fashion with people taking turns at the helm? Would that even be fun? Or is that better left to systems designed for such things from the start like Wanderhome, Fall of Magic, or maybe Ten Candles?

Obliteration Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

With the announcement of (and at the time of recording rumor) a new spelljammer book - we thought it might be a good time to talk about what content we would like to see released in the world of TTRPG's.

Was spelljammer something we wanted to see from Wizards? Or could there have been a need for something else instead?

Obliteration Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

As a dungeon master we often have to make some hard calls during a session. But should those include telling a player their character wouldnt or couldnt do something they thought of?

Can you tell a low inelegance character they wouldnt have a certain idea? Can you tell a low strength character they cant attempt a certain feat of athleticism? Are those even in the same category? 

Obliteration Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

1... 2 ... 3 ... 4 too many players ha ha ha -- or maybe it's too few?

Terrible Sesame Street jokes aside, today we discuss the number of players in your game and the considerations you should take when creating or expanding a group.

Obliteration Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

It can take a lot of effort to put together and run a game of D&D, or any TTRPG for that matter. But if you're new to DM'ing what should you expect? How much time does it really take and is it something you can make happen?

This week we talk a little about what goes on behind the screen and offer some advice on how to lessen the burden of running the game and some of the hidden bits of work that you might not have thought about lurking in the shadows.

Obliteration Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Maybe you just wrapped up session zero, maybe they just leveled up or perhaps it's just been a few weeks since either. Should you as the DM take a look at your players character sheets and give them a quick once over just to make sure everything is in order?

Or is that just more unnecessary work on your end? You can trust your players to manage at least that much on their own right?

Obliteration Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

With gold no longer being the primary source of experience and leveling characters as it once was does it even function well as a motivator?

Sure, every character wants to find gold to buy potions or magic items but at that point why not just reward them directly? Or does it still serve a valuable, motivating, purpose in TTRPGs? How best should you utilize it to ensure players want to go out of their way to acquire it for more than just a shiny new item.


Obliteration Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Another year, another set of TTRPG resolutions and a chance to turn a new page! So while 2022 is still young we wanted to not only share ours but reflect on how our previous resolutions ended up going.

What about yours? Were you able to finish that game? Build more terrain? What do you want to get done this year?

Obliteration Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Be it as the DM or a Player we've all shown up for a session, ready to continue our grand adventure only for it to be called off or delayed at the last moment when "life" gets in the way for someone...

But should we just play this week a man down? Should we implement a cut and dry policy for when and if a session will be cancelled at the DM? Is it better to just deal with it this week, surly it won't happen again? These are our questions for this week as we attempt to address all of these points and more when it comes to actually running our game!

Obliteration Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

In this year and review of the TTRPG scene we offer our thoughts on all the official Wizards releases you may not have checked out yourself as well as shout out a few of our favorite zines and independant products we think are worth taking a look at!

Obliteration Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

If you haven't already seen the discussion online... Wizards recently announced several revisions to their books. But they also applied these changes to the online only versions, namely those on DnD Beyond, forever changing the content you paid for.

Is this something they should be allowed to do or does it set a bad precedent for things to come? Should they offer digital downloads of the pre edit version? Are people overreacting or is this anti consumer no matter which way you cut it?


Obliteration Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

There is a certain stigma which surrounds the discussion of railroading players of running a linear story in a campaign . . but are they even the same thing?

Surly you can design and run a more linear game without forcing your players down one path or taking away their agency. In the end it might even be what most groups are playing without realizing it!

Obliteration Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

One Shots. . . We've all played in them, and have all been told they are the perfect place to first try your hand at running the game as a DM. But what should you include in them? What are the most important things to focus on? What makes it good?

Since we only have so much time to prep and even less time to actually run it we thought we'd offer some insight into what we believe are the most important aspects to focus on to maximize both player enjoyment and hopefully make for a memorable experience for all!

Obliteration Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

We've all whipped up a dozen or so level 15-20 characters trying to make the perfect Paladin or the perfect Wizard. But how often do those see the table?

If your groups are like most, they'll never even see the table at level 10 let alone 15-20. Is this a problem with 5e itself? Or is it more so an issue of a lack of high level content and trouble finding long running groups?

Obliteration Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

We've all seen the mountain of kickstarters and homebrewed classes online but if you had to choose just a few, which classes are missing from fifth edition?

Are there even any classes that truly need to be added or is there already more than enough variety?

Obliteration Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ 

With the announcement of 5th editions anniversary refresh we wanted to sit down and think about what that means for the game moving forward, what we'd like to see and what we're afraid to see!

Will it be a complete refresh into 6th edition? Will it be 5.5? Or will it be nothing more than a consolidation of the past few player and DM resources into one book?

Obliteration Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

After many years we finally have our first official Fey Wild adventure but was it worth the wait?

Tonight we go through a complete review of the book and see just how well does it stack up to Wizard's other published adventures. Are we in for a magical wild ride or has a wandering Fey lead us into a bad deal?

• Part 1: First Impressions, Factions & The Carnival - 0:00
• Part 2: Hither, Tither & Yor plus Closing Thoughts/Nit Picks - 39:00

Obliteration Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

We've all argued over what the best classes are in DnD but if you had to sit down and draft a team who would you actually pick and what truly makes the best party?

With football season starting we decided to do just that before talking through our reasons about why Paladin is the best class and only first pick.

Obliteration Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

When at the table it can often feel like Magic users dominate the game in & out of combat. But is this really the case?   

Do the martial classes bring more to the table than it seems or have they truly been left in the ashes of fireball?

Obliteration Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

The rapier is a rather divisive topic lately with discussions over whether it is boring, overpowered, or the only good choice circulating at the table.

Does it point to a larger problem with how 5e is handling weapons customization?

Obliteration Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

When planning out your next campaign you'll often face a choice between picking out a pre-written module or brewing up a creation of your own to bring to the table.

But which is the better option? Is one really even better than the other or do they each present unique advantages and disadvantages?

Obliteration Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Sometimes running the game can induce a lot of stress and anxiety which is something no DM is immune from. 

This week we talk about some of the things which cause us grief, how we handle it as well as some things you can do as a player to lessen the burden on your DM.

Obliteration Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

If you build it will they come...?

This week we discuss terrain! Does it increase player immersion - giving a visual cue for players while reducing the burden on DM's? Or should it be seen as a separate, but related, hobby with varying cost-benefit ratios?

Obliteration Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

With 2021 already halfway done, we at the Zone of Hot Truth wanted to dedicate a week to checking in on our resolutions for the year!

This week, we go over how our plans have progressed and see how we've all done, what we've accomplished and learned in trying to complete our goals for the year as well as setting new ones!

Obliteration Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Strange symbols, levers and word scrambles... we've all seen them & many of us have used them when trying to fill out that last room in a dungeon but how useful are they?

Find out this week as we continue discussing non-combat obstacles with Puzzles & Riddles where we try to puzzle out exactly what makes a puzzle!

Obliteration Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Are traps an interesting tool in the DMs bag of tricks or do they more often than not simply slow the game down and lead to predictable, overused, outcomes?

If so, how might you spice them up to be more interesting and offer meaningful choices and decisions to your players rather than who is carrying the 10ft pole?

Obliteration Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Is it possible for your players to influence a game enough to "break" it? If so is it even your job to keep them from doing so and patch all up or is it better to just sit back and watch the chaos unfold!

Obliteration Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

We decided to revisit our first episode and cover session zero once again. What expectations should you have of your players? What should you hope to get out of it?

That is tonights question as we dive back into our irst question!

Obliteration Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Death saves . . . We've all rolled them in our time playing. We've all asked for them while running the game, but did we ever really find them interesting? What do they bring to the party and how might you improve upon them?

Well we're dying to tell you how we feel about them and attempt to offer some ways in which they might be improved!

Obliteration Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

To print or not to print?

That is the question this week as we debate the merits of using a grid based system with maps and the works vs theater of the mind! Is one superior or do they each have their own place?

Obliteration Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Verisimilitude or the illusion of being real is something many strive for in their TTRPG's but how important is it? Is it really necessary for a game or will everything come crashing down without it?

This week, when keeping it real goes wrong, we tackle that question and figure out if the school of illusion can help our games come to life!

Obliteration Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Are two dice better than one? Or is it just clunky?

This week we try to settle whether rolling at advantage & disadvantage is interesting mechanically or if it's just DM fiat hiding in plain sight.

Obliteration Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Hope for the best . . . but expect the worst.

Obliteration Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Where do you get your monster from and how much thought should even be put into the task?

This week we take a look at the 5e monster manual and consider if it's the best source for your encounters or if the myriad of third party source books and monster creation tools are just better, more interesting options.

Obliteration Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

There are no truly permanent injuries in D&D.  Spells can fix broken bodies or the players could seek out an NPC to treat an ancient curse.  Yet, lingering injuries are very controversial. Most tables do not use them.  

So our question this week centers around whether lingering injury tables demonstrate character growth and reflect "push-your-luck mechanics" or are they simply a hindrance for player fun and excitement?  How many sessions until an injuries becomes tedious?

This week we try to answer these questions without obtaining any injuries in the process!

Obliteration Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

As a player — you've defeated the Big Bad Evil Guy, saved the realm, and completed a published adventure!

Now you want to put on your Dungeon Master hat. Do you choose to forge your own campaign? Or try your hand at guiding a new party through the same adventure you played in?

This week we discuss what considerations you should have before running an adventure you've already played in and whether it is even something you should do.

Obliteration Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Should you put your players on rails or is it better to allow them to roam free in the sandbox? Every DM has wondered this and many claim their game is a sandbox and they would never railroad their players.

However, these terms don't exist in a binary state and there is a good chance your game is on the tracks. This week we go over why that isn't necessarily a bad thing as true open world games are difficult to achieve and not always conducive to certain styles of play.

Pet Peeves. They can be Valid, Unreasonable or Illogical but every DM has their own set all the same!

This week, we discuss our pet peeves and some of the situations that led us to discover them in the first place!

Obliteration Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Do the changes Tasha's Cauldron of Everything brings to character origins allow players and DM's to brew up something worth while or is this another spoiled potion that leaves the community wanting?

This week we finally sit down and examine the Tasha's rework for character lineage in an attempt to figure out if it hits the mark!

Obliteration Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

We've all played, or played with, TTRPG characters that were flawed.  Not by their stats, but by some characteristic that compelled them to not only act in a way that was mechanically optimal.

This week, we discuss whether more characters should have a flaw.  If so, does this flaw need to be represented mechanically or can it be handled purely through roleplay?

Obliteration Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

You've been running a game for months (maybe years?) but you are no longer having fun. Maybe the theme has worn thin? Maybe outside events are draining your time? Or maybe you came up with a new idea you just can't wait to run!

In tonight's episode, we discuss whether it's ok to move on from a game and allow the campaign to die.  We also touch on how to reinvigorate passion in games where the interest is fading.

Obliteration Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

There's a game tonight. Your players eagerly await to roll the dice - but you just aren't motivated to DM. Maybe this is a new feeling. Or maybe it has been a few sessions in the making. What do you tell your players & how can you attempt to rekindle your love of Running the Game?

That is tonight's question as we discuss our strategies on reinvigorating our desire to DM!

Credits:

Audio Edited by WeaselArmorAudio @weaselarmoraud1 on twitter!

Obliteration Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

We can all breathe a sigh of relief 2020 has finally ended.  As 2021 begins, we at the Zone of Hot Truth find it is important to make resolutions for the new year!

This week, we discuss our plans for the new year - be it starting new games or finishing old.  Importantly: this serves as a great reminder of our goals as the year progresses!

Obliteration Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

A lot of DMs out there run their games word for word from the WoTC campaign books. Is this possible? Should you do it? What expectations should you have when considering running "as is"?

This week, we plumb the depths of our experiences attempting to run 5e WOTC adventures & consider how group play style can impact a DM's options.

Obliteration Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/