CHAINMAIL: 07.28.2023

The Neglected Secret to Making Dungeons Fun to Explore - DM David

This is an easy article to read that focuses on a key component of dungeon design that can be easy to leave out. As DMs, we tend to focus on combat and social encounters but can forget about the exploration pillar of play. The best way to get your players exploring and discovering is to make sure your dungeons have interactivity. Elements that require tinkering and experimenting. These elements can hook your players, especially the ones who aren't always stoked to be fighting the next horde of dungeon denizens.  

World Building- The Skyrim Map's 𝓪𝓮𝓼𝓽𝓱𝓮𝓽𝓲𝓬𝓬𝓬 & 𝓯𝓸𝓻𝓶 - Stoneworks

This video is an entertaining breakdown of Skyrim's map design and how you can utilize the same techniques in your own map design. Stoneworks goes into the diverse regions represented on the Skyrim map and how those different regions separate out the world while keeping things always new and interesting. Easy to watch video I highly recommend.

#24: Keith Baker - Think Like a Game Designer

Next up on my binge of the podcast "Think Like a Game Designer" is the interview with Keith Baker. Keith Baker is the creator of Eberron, one of the most beloved D&D settings. For those who don't know, Eberron was actually designed for a WoTC's Fantasy Setting Search, a competition run in 2002 to establish a new setting for the D&D game. Keith Baker designed it specifically to be a unique new D&D setting and in this interview, he talks about how he designed it as well as much more about his introduction into game design. Give it a listen, he shares all kinds of lessons and tips for new and aspiring game designers.

I hope these resources inspire you! If you haven't already, the best way to stay up to date with everything hothead related is to join the discord. See you next week!