Everyone has their own style when it comes to tabletop role-playing games. Some people prefer heavy combat, some prefer using wit and intelligence, and some prefer roleplay. You can't expect your group to rival the PCs from Critical Role right off the start, but when you’re … [Read more...]

The Dungeon Master's Guide describes the mechanics of how to create a stat block in 5th Edition, but is that really what you need to know to create a great monster? I say no...you need know why to make a new stat block, and how to make sure it stands out to your players. If … [Read more...]

Creating memorable NPCs is one of the key skills that every Game Master must develop. Interesting NPCs breathe life into a setting, provide opportunities for roleplaying, and give the players extra motivation to care about what is happening around them. Adding just a few … [Read more...]

In this installment of The Efficient GM, we take a look at how you can use index card game prep to prepare for your next RPG session with little to no wasted effort. In his book, Lazy Dungeon Master, Sly Flourish (aka Mike Shea) details his method for doing session prep on 3x5 … [Read more...]

RPG Dungeons are dangerous places. Filled with all manner of creatures, traps, and treasure, even the most benign of dungeons can take a chunk out of an adventuring party. Now at times, discretion is the better part of valor...but a party that flees from a dungeon every time they … [Read more...]