CHAINMAIL: 03.24.2023

Goblin Tactics - The Monsters Know What They're Doing

This is a must-read resource for DMs. The one I've linked above is the first post in a long series outlining strategies and tactics for all of the different monsters present in D&D. They break down different uses of monsters abilities, how they would confront an enemy, and when they would most likely flee. Give the website a skim and look up your favorite monsters to get some inspiration for your next combat encounter.

I stumbled upon an oldy but goody on youtube and want to share it with you. Web DM is a channel I spent a lot of time watching while learning how to DM. Their videos are incredibly thorough and precise. This video, for example, is from 5 years ago but does a great job explaining what a mega-dungeon is and how to properly run one at your table.

The Phoenix on the Sword

When the world was young and men were weak, and the fiends  of the night walked free,
I strove with Set by fire and steel and the juice of the upas-tree;
Now that I sleep in the mount's black heart, and the ages take their toll,
Forget ye him who fought with the Snake to save the human soul?

As DMs we need to get inspired by great fantasy stories. Gary Gygax included Robert E. Howard and his Conan series in his Appendix N in the 1st edition of D&D. The Appendix N referenced all of the stories Gygax felt inspired the game itself. It is worth exploring all of the stories included in Appendix N and I will include more stories from there in the future. This story is the first Conan story and it is fantastic. You can probably even find it for free online so you might as well give it a look.

I hope these resources inspire you! See you next week.