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dungeon_dudes posts

Building Combat Encounters: Concept & Conflict

In this video, we discuss our methods for building combat encounters in Dungeons and Dragons 5e, starting with how to create a concept built around an exciting conflict. We’ll focus on how Dungeon Masters can blend narrative and mechanics to create a memorable battle filled with epic story moments as well as rewarding combat gameplay.


Check back soon for Part 2 of this series where we discuss the mechanics of encounter difficulty, and Part 3 where we discuss designing an epic loca...

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The Best Five Damage Dealing Spells in Dungeons and Dragons 5e

We have a blast discussing our top picks for the best damage dealing spells in Dungeons and Dragons 5e. 

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Dungeons & Dragons Holiday Gift Guide 2018

Looking for ideas for what to get your party or your favourite D&D player/DM this holiday season? Look no further! This episode is chock full of ideas, big and little, for anyone who plays the game.

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The Five Worst Spells in Dungeons and Dragons 5e

In Dungeons and Dragons 5e, full spellcasters must choose a relatively small arsenal from amongst several hundred spells. Unfortunately, with so many spells in the game, there are still a few that really don’t measure up. These are the worst spells in Dungeons and Dragons 5e.

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Creative Combat Tactics in Dungeons and Dragons 5e

Think outside the grid! In this episode, we discuss the creative, narrative, and roleplaying elements that can factor into your battlefield tactics.

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Combat Tactics 101 for Dungeons and Dragons 5e

Welcome warriors! In this video, we’re breaking down the fundamentals of tactical, strategic, and mechanical combat in Dungeons and Dragons 5e. 

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Behind the Scenes: Approaching Drakkenheim!

Hi Patrons!

We've had a few requests for the Drakkenheim Map and my DM notes from the Drakkenheim campaign.

One of the ways I practice giving description is writing prose. I don't typically use this as "read-aloud" text like you would from a module: it's a personal exercise to help me map out the words I might use in my description.

Enjoy!

Monty


 

APPROACHING DRAKKENHEIM

Drakkenheim was built around a rising rocky hill overlo...

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Zombies! Monsters in Dungeons and Dragons 5e

In the worlds of Dungeons and Dragons, Zombies are corpses animated through necromantic magic. As a quintessential monster in any Dungeon Master's arsenal, we cover battlefield tactics, roleplaying tips, pop culture inspiration, encounter ideas, and more ways to create unique and memorable zombie encounters for your next D&D adventure!

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Dungeons of Drakkenheim Episode 4: Counting Crowes

The latest episode of Dungeons of Drakkenheim, "Counting Crowes" is now available on YouTube!

While seeking respite from the Drakkenheim ruins in the nearby settlement of Emberwood Village, Veo, Sebastian, and Pluto have unexpected reunions with friends, family, and foes alike.  A Dungeons and Dragons 5e actual play live stream.  

Watch us play live Tuesdays from 6 PM to 9 PM EDT at 2018-10-26 17:32:38 +0000 UTC View Post

Running Horror Adventures in Dungeons & Dragons

Our latest video is available today for our Patrons: Running Horror Adventures in Dungeons & Dragons!

As a genre, horror is all about eliciting fearIt often overlaps with fantasysupernatural fiction, and thriller genres, making horror a natural fit in a Dungeons and Dragons game. After all, if you’re playing D&D you’re already exploring a world ful...

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Five Gamebreaking D&D 5e Spells (and how to handle them)

Our latest video is available now in advance for our Patrons on YouTube!

Magic can tear the world asunder… or just start arguments at the game table! 

We take a look at five open-ended — and low-level — spells that commonly cause trouble and headaches at the game table. In addition to clearing up some rules misconceptions, we’ll discuss how Dungeon Masters might make good rulings when these spells come up in play.

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Drakkenheim Control

A peak behind the curtain at our Drakkenheim control centre.

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Dungeon Mail: New D&D Accessories by Heroforge, Axe N Shield, RPG Crate and more!

The Dungeon Dudes open up our mail and take a look at new accessories for Dungeons and Dragons 5e by awesome third-party creators, including HeroForge, Axe N Shield, and RPG Crate!

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Dungeons of Drakkenheim Episode 1: The Rat's Nest

DUNGEONS OF DRAKKENHEIM Episode 1: "The Rat's Nest" is now available on YouTube!

Thank you so much to all of you, our patrons, for supporting us with your feedback, comments, and more while we launched this new project. Without a doubt, this would not have been possible without your generosity, engagement, and encouragement. We hope you enjoy exploring the ruins with us.

"Dungeons of Drakkenheim" streams Tuesdays from 6 PM to 9 PM EDT on 2018-10-05 15:46:59 +0000 UTC View Post

Elemental Adept

Hi Patrons! We've got our latest video for you in our ongoing series on Feats in D&D 5e: an in-depth look at the Elemental Adept feat in Dungeons and Dragons 5e!

Harness fire, cold, lightning, and all that jazz! We’ll break out some numbers to work out what the most commonly resisted and used damage types are in D&D 5e. Finally, we’ll discuss roleplaying ideas, connecting your character’s elemental bond to their personality and background.

How are you enjoying the Feat vide...

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Ten Common Rules Mistakes in Dungeons and Dragons 5e

The Dungeons and Dragons 5e rules are flexible and streamlined, but there are quite a few easy-to-miss rules packed in the pages of the Player’s Handbook. In this video, we’re going to cover the ten most common rules misconceptions and mistakes, including a few rules players forget even exist. A great watch for new players, as well as veterans of several editions of D&D who mix up old and new rules.


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ANNOUNCING DUNGEONS OF DRAKKENHEIM

A DUNGEONS AND DRAGONS LIVE PLAY
with the Dungeon Dudes!

Drakkenheim is no more. Struck by a falling star, the city bathed in eldritch fire on that woeful eve. The tumultuous aftermath brought chaos, families torn asunder, and a kingdom shattered. Fifteen years later, monsters stalk the haunted streets of Drakkenheim. Caught amidst rival factions struggling to rule the rubble, three unlikely partners venture forth into a crumbling city in search of riches, renown, and revenge.&...

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Legendary Monsters in D&D 5e

Epic boss battles await! 

We break down the features unique to legendary monsters in Dungeons and Dragons 5e, including Legendary Resistance, Legendary Actions, and Lair Actions. Then, we'll discuss our tips and tricks for Dungeon Masters designing combat encounters around a Legendary creature.

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Dungeons of Drakkenheim. Private patron live play session

Dear Patrons

We would like to invite you to a special event. Our first Live Stream game kicks off with a private session zero tomorrow, that’s Tuesday the 18th of September, at 6pm EST. We would like to invite our patrons to watch this event and give us feedback and support to help improve and make our live play the best it can be.
Please tune in if you get the chance, your feedback is incredibly appreciated and important to us as we start this new, exciting endeavour.

So ch...

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Waterdeep: Dragon Heist Review

This pulp detective story features a high-stakes heist set in the Forgotten Realms most famous metropolis, Waterdeep, the City of Splendours. The Dungeon Dudes dive into the adventure, sharing our first impressions and quick tips. Players be warned! This review contains spoilers and is intended for Dungeon Masters considering running this adventure.

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Presenting the Dungeon Dudes Treasure Trove

Hi Patrons!

Today we are releasing our first collection of game content for Dungeons and Dragons 5e!

The "Dungeon Dudes’ Treasure Trove" is a collection of 21 magic items for use in D&D 5e. Featuring the Armor of Power, the Cloak of One Million Ants, and the Portable Door, each unique item comes battle-tested from our campaigns and packed with full-colour illustrations by Kelly!

You can find it on the Dungeon Master's Guild here: View Post

Creating Homebrew Magic Items for Dungeons and Dragons 5e

Magic items are one of the easiest ways for a Dungeon Master to get started creating their own custom material for their Dungeons and Dragons campaign. We’ll discuss our methods for creating unique, well-balanced, and fun magic items for your players to seek out and wield. 

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Monster Statistics Explained for Dungeons and Dragons 5e

We open up the Monster Manual to break down a monster's stat block in Dungeons and Dragons 5e.

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Dungeon Dudes Treasure Trove

A little art preview from Kelly for the cover of our forthcoming content for the Dungeon Master's Guild! The fantastic treasures you see in the chest (and many more) are going to be available for you to use in your games soon. We're still finishing editing and artwork,  but stay tuned for more previews!

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Drakkenheim.

A concept sketch of Drakkenheim by Kelly McLaughlin.

I looked at a lot of pictures that inspired this city, some I used directly for the general layout and positioning, I really liked the castle looming in the distance. Gothic, dark and ominous. I had originally set out to do a much thicker lined drawing with precise lines and colours, but I almost feel the sketched lines and quick work make it even more eerie.

- Kelly

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Starting a New Campaign in Dungeons and Dragons Q&A

For those who missed the live stream, here's the Q&A for your viewing pleasure.

We take your questions regarding starting a new campaign, including how to find the right players, resources, and ideas. 

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Thank You Patrons!

You're the best and we just wanted to let you know.

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Warlock Class Guide for Dungeons and Dragons 5e

We’ll cover everything you need to know to create your Warlock. We’ll help you forge your pact with a patron, choose you ability scores, skills, spells, and other build options to prepare your warlock to unlock secrets mortal minds were never meant to know. We’ll also look at famous examples of warlocks from history, movies, television shows, and more to inspire your next character, and as well as roleplaying ideas to help develop your warlock’s background and personality.

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Coming this fall: "Dungeons of Drakkenheim"

DUNGEONS OF DRAKKENHEIM:
A DUNGEONS AND DRAGONS LIVE PLAY

Drakkenheim is no more. Struck by a falling star, the city bathed in eldritch fire on that woeful eve. The tumultuous aftermath brought chaos, families torn asunder, and a kingdom shattered. Fifteen years later, monsters stalk the haunted streets of Drakkenheim. Caught amidst rival factions struggling to rule the rubble, three unlikely partners venture forth into the crumbling city in search of riches, renown, and reveng...

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Live Q&A this Saturday - Send us your Questions!

Hello to our Heroes! We'd like to hear from you!

Kelly and Monty will be live streaming Saturday at 4 PM on http://twitch.tv/Dungeon_Dudes! We'll be taking any questions you might have about roleplaying games in general, but we'd love to focus the topic on STARTING A NEW CAMPAIGN and BRAINSTORMING ADVENTURE IDEAS.

While you can ask questions live on air, we'd like to invite Patrons at the Hero level and above to send us you...

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