A quick greeting to my readers: after taking a pause from blogging back in February, I’m glad to say I’m back behind the DM screen! Thank you all for your patience, support, and kind messages while the blog was on hiatus.
To kick things back off, I wanted to share a tip every Dungeon Master that writes their own adventures can put to use right away…
A Quick Resource: If you are writing an adventure I recommend including the stat block for any monster on the page with the encounter. Here is an example of how I simplify the stat blocks to take less room on the page:
______________________ D&D Stat block _____________________
Tiger
Large beast, unaligned
Armor Class 12
Hit Points 37 (5d10 + 10)
Speed 40 ft.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
17 (+3) 15 (+2) 14 (+2) 3 (−4) 12 (+1) 8 (−1)
Skills Perception +3, Stealth +6
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 13
Languages —
Challenge 1 (200 XP)
Keen Smell. The tiger has advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on smell.
Pounce. If the tiger moves at least 20 feet straight toward a creature and then hits it with a claw attack on the same turn, that target must succeed on a DC 13 Strength saving throw or be knocked prone. If the target is prone, the tiger can make one bite attack against it as a bonus action.
Actions
Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 8 (1d10 + 3) piercing damage.
Claw. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 7 (1d8 + 3) slashing damage.
__________________ Simplified Stat block_____________________
Tiger Large beast CR 1
AC 12 HP 37 Spd. 40 ft.
Darkvision 60 ft.
STR +3 DEX +2 CON +2 INT -4 WIS +1 CHA -1
Keen Smell. Adv. on WIS checks that rely on smell.
Pounce. Move 20 ft. toward target, make Claw Attack, if you hit and do damage the target makes a (DC12) STR save or is prone and you make a bite attack.
Actions
Bite. +5 to hit for 8 (1d10+3) piercing
Claw. +5 to hit for 7 (1d8+3) slashing
What’s Coming Next
I’m excited to dive back into sharing tabletop tips, module design insights, product reviews, and new DM resources for your campaigns.
Question for the community: What’s one DM challenge or topic you’d like me to cover in upcoming posts? Drop a comment below!
This website has been so useful to me since started playing back in 2020. Glad to see its still up and running and I appreciate all of your hard work!
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Thank you Domingo. Your comments are much appreciated.
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I replied to your subscriber and viewer letter directly but I’m not sure it went through. Perhaps the pictures messed it up. In any case, congrats and it’s nice to see you back in the saddle.
I’d be interested in your feedback int he future on how and if you use AI for creation. I’ve done a reasonable amount of it myself due to time constraints but haven’t played in almost a year now due to a new baby of one of the mothers in the group.
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Thank you for your kind comment.
As for AI use: I started using artificial intelligence tools last year to assist in creating and editing some of creative content, including images and text. While these tools have been invaluable in aiding the development of my work, they are not a substitute for human creativity and judgment. The final products reflect my vision and are carefully reviewed and edited.
What is your stand regarding AI use? I haven’t used it for almost a year now, but have just again started exploring its capabilities and comparing the various programs currently available. It has improved a lot in just the past year. As an example, I have already used it to proof-read an 80+ page PDF file and it found several mistakes that I have been overlooking.
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