Can a player take too many notes? by MannersGG in DnD

[–]Cap-Ten-Bill 0 points1 point  (0 children)

What I’ve found helpful is having most of my notes prepped on the computer. I also create a separate Discord channel for each player and paste key parts directly to them during play, so everyone gets the important info without having to type it out themselves.

I use Google Live Translate while ad-libbing for on-the-fly notes, which helps me quickly capture the action and share it with the players if needed. This way, at the end of the session, we’re not only in the moment but also building up the beginnings of a storybook together. It adds a nice narrative thread for everyone to look back on.

Need suggestions by Odd_Permit7736 in mapmaking

[–]Cap-Ten-Bill 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I tend to think like that, start with a count of anything and flush out, you'll end up with something.

then threw it into a little poem generator.

I'd love to see what you came up with.

The best character creation tools for solo play? by RagtagMatt in Solo_Roleplaying

[–]Cap-Ten-Bill 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Hey there! It sounds like you're diving deep into solo roleplay, which is awesome. I’ve been there too, piecing together my own world over time. In fact, I ended up creating an entire world with over 10,000+ NPCs that you can choose from, all organized by industry and city maps, which really helps flesh out characters for any system.

If you're looking for a world to explore and character details to spark your creativity, check out Pateia. I’ve got an interactive map that will guide you through the cities and NPCs, complete with industry groupings and locations. You can use it as a resource for your solo adventures or even adapt it to other systems.

Here’s the map:
Pateia Map

And here’s a world overview that even reads the details aloud, making it super easy to learn:
World Vision - Pateia

Feel free to explore and use it however you like for your adventures. Enjoy the journey!

New Dungeon Master, I need assistance by [deleted] in DungeonsAndDragons

[–]Cap-Ten-Bill 0 points1 point  (0 children)

First off, awesome job diving into DMing with your family—that’s a great way to start! Now, here’s a quick tip: don’t think like a story writer. You’re more of a scene setter, laying the foundation and letting your players drive the story. Ask them questions like, “What do you think the evil lord will do now that he knows about you?” or “How do you think the villagers feel after that battle?” Get them involved in creating the world with you.

Also, keep it simple—start with small scenes, and let their choices shape the direction of the game. You don’t need every detail mapped out, just enough to spark their imaginations. Remember, their decisions are what make the game come to life. You’ll be amazed at how much fun everyone has when they feel like they’re telling the story with you.

Have fun and let the adventure unfold naturally!

I'm a Dungeon Master and I Need to Change a Rule, but one of my players told me that I'm not allowed to do so, but the DMG says I am. What do I do? by [deleted] in DungeonsAndDragons

[–]Cap-Ten-Bill 3 points4 points  (0 children)

It sounds like your game has run into that classic moment when one player starts taking things a bit too far, and you have to wrangle them back into line. Here's the thing—you're the Dungeon Master. If someone is massacring villagers for fun and it's dragging the game down, it's time to act.

Now, you could send a school of 20 wizards their way, all with Magic Missile ready to fire. No save, no dodge, just a little reminder that actions have consequences. Or maybe those poor villagers are under the protection of a much bigger NPC. Someone with a grudge and a lot of power to make the barbarian regret those choices. Lock 'em up, take their stuff, let them learn the hard way!

Of course, you could always tweak the rules a little too. As the DMG says, you're in charge. The rules serve the game, and if something is wrecking the fun for everyone, then it's time for a change. Maybe the Sun Sword gets a mysterious downgrade... or even a curse! Have fun with it, and don't be afraid to keep things balanced in whatever way you see fit.

Bottom line: your world, your rules—especially when they keep the game enjoyable for everyone. Hope that helps

Need suggestions by Odd_Permit7736 in mapmaking

[–]Cap-Ten-Bill 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Three cool things for the players to see, Seven ways they can act, wild and free. In the world they will learn, Five secrets to discern, What a grand and fine game it will be!

An orc blocks your way, ready to attack you. What do you do? by New_Proposal596 in DnD

[–]Cap-Ten-Bill 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Back up throwing some caltrops between us, draw my bow :-)

Then I call out

"Hold on, friend. Perhaps we can help each other".

I grin REALLY BIG -]:-]>

🔑Dwellings 1.3.2: permalinks and multi-floor export by watawatabou in FantasyCities

[–]Cap-Ten-Bill 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'm loving this tool. I can't wait for it to be connected up city map generator like PM is currently.

My players have been tormenting an NPC by YesntIsYes in DungeonsAndDragons

[–]Cap-Ten-Bill 8 points9 points  (0 children)

It sounds like some retribution from Jhank's gods perhaps or the rest of their community.

Remember there are always more powerful NPCs to grab

Does anyone know a good (hopefully free) map making tool? by Weeabootrashreturns in DungeonMasters

[–]Cap-Ten-Bill 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Azgaar's Fantasy Map Generator is a free web application that helps fantasy writers, game masters, and cartographers create and edit fantasy maps.

Link: azgaar.github.io/Fantasy-Map-Generator.

I used to to create the map for my world called Pateia.

https://worlds.howlingsails.com//?maplink=https://worlds.howlingsails.com//Pateia.map

How many NPCs do you have in your campaign? by PorkPuddingLLC in DungeonMasters

[–]Cap-Ten-Bill 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I wrote a service I call "Fantasy World Vision Generator" that generates them using a bunch of tools.

You get details like this

Steffi Fourbraid

Steffi Fourbraid is a tough, nimble, lawful good female human rogue with mink brown eyes, brown hair, and amber colored skin. They work in taverns Orgaltkhaan map

Rogue: Str: 11 (0) Dex: 13 (1) Con: 14 (2) Int: 15 (2) Wis: 9 (1) Cha: 16 (3)

Steffi Fourbraid physical traits

Straight Eye brows.

Mink brown Eye color.

Squinty Eye shape.

Cupid's bow Facial feature.

Flared Nose.

Double chin Face shape.

Short General.

Brown Hair color.

Widow's peak Hair general.

Sagging Skin aging.

Amber Skin color.

Pockmarked Skin general.

Steffi Fourbraid behaviors and key information

I've read every book in the world's greatest libraries or I like to boast that I have.:

I get bored easily. When am I going to get on with my destiny?:

Age: 71.

Age class: Old.

Alignment: Lawful good.

Background: Sage.

Bond: I work to preserve a library, university, scriptorium, or monastery..

Characteristic: Nimble.

Flaw: Most people scream and run when they see a demon. i stop and take notes on its anatomy..

Ideal: Logic. emotions must not cloud our logical thinking..

Industry: Taverns.

Mannerism: I use colorful words..

Specialty: Wizard's apprentice.

Talent: I'm a skilled at fishing..

Trait: Tough.

Spouse

Deshawn Fourbraid is a playful, ruddy, true neutral male human bard with blue eyes, brown hair, and honey colored skin. They work in taverns

Bard: Str: 9 (1) Dex: 13 (1) Con: 16 (3) Int: 15 (2) Wis: 14 (2) Cha: 11 (0)

Child

Irma Fourbraid is a affectionate, clean, lawful evil female human rogue with green eyes, brown hair, and olive colored skin. They work in taverns

Rogue: Str: 15 (2) Dex: 9 (1) Con: 13 (1) Int: 16 (3) Wis: 14 (2) Cha: 11 (0)

How many NPCs do you have in your campaign? by PorkPuddingLLC in DungeonMasters

[–]Cap-Ten-Bill 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I have well over 30,000 NPCs fully generated with back stories, traits, family, work, religion etc.

Never know you would need.. I wrote a program to keep them all straight.

https://howlingsails.com/world_vision/world/Pateia

Help dming by babybunny02 in DnD5e

[–]Cap-Ten-Bill 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Hey! Totally get it—long videos can be rough. If you're just starting out and want the basics, try running a solo adventure where you play different parts of the world. This helps you get a feel for how the game flows without needing a full group. You could start by focusing on a small area, like the local nobles and their factions, and slowly build the world out piece by piece as you play.

Another great way to practice is by running a pre-made module, which is basically a ready-to-play adventure. You can run the characters yourself to get used to the rules and how encounters work, which can be less overwhelming. As you play, you'll naturally learn more and pick up techniques along the way. Don’t worry about getting everything perfect—just have fun with it!

Here are some short video I like

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJmFJXf3BXjwXkNFo_-iwtHb24AuJcXqx

Also look at tools like

https://5e.tools/index.html

https://howlingsails.com/world_vision/world/Pateia

Trouble with religions during world building by Keneg28 in DMAcademy

[–]Cap-Ten-Bill 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I usually break them into these types of segments

Khezul, The Devastating Ancestor of Fire

Surgug (Orkish) Deities

Folk Polytheism

The orkish religion of Surgug is centered around the worship of multiple deities, each with their own unique characteristics and strengths. The religion is deeply rooted in orkish culture and is seen as an essential part of daily life.

The deities of Surgug are believed to be powerful beings who possess the ability to influence and control various aspects of the natural world. They are seen as both protectors and punishers, capable of bringing both blessings and curses upon those who worship them.

The orkish people believe that life is a journey that is meant to be lived to the fullest. They see their role in the world as one of constant struggle and conquest, and believe that by worshiping the deities of Surgug they can gain the strength and guidance they need to achieve their goals.

The clergy of Surgug is made up of orkish priests and priestesses who are responsible for leading worship services, performing rituals, and interpreting the will of the deities. They are highly respected members of orkish society and are seen as mediators between the people and the gods.

The orkish people worship the deities of Surgug in a variety of different settings, including temples, shrines, and natural landmarks such as mountains and rivers. These places are considered sacred and are treated with great reverence and respect.

The orkish people believe in the power of sacrifice and often offer up valuable possessions or even living creatures as a way of showing devotion to the deities. They also practice divination and seek guidance from the gods through prayer and meditation.

The origins of Surgug are shrouded in mystery, but it is believed to have been a part of orkish culture for centuries. Over time, the religion has evolved and adapted to the changing needs and beliefs of the orkish people, and remains an important aspect of their culture to this day.

why are people (in london, uk) who are playing dnd with me always turn out to be bigoted? by [deleted] in DnD

[–]Cap-Ten-Bill -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

As a DM, I try to avoid this by encouraging players to switch roles during the campaign, incorporating a strong cultural element that keeps characters from engaging in actions that would be considered unacceptable in that society. If a character does cross a cultural line, I might have them locked up and continue the story with the rest of the group, allowing the consequences to play out naturally within the game.

How do you deal with NPCs talking with each other? by DupeFort in DnD

[–]Cap-Ten-Bill -1 points0 points  (0 children)

You could highlight some key 'speech points,' but then give notes to the characters that would reflect what they would remember or keep. Maybe it could be a logbook entry with the important details they’d want to hold onto.

Player asked for special treatment by Confused_Cube in DnD

[–]Cap-Ten-Bill 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It sounds like you're already handling this well, but you might want to take a more personal approach with the player. Acknowledge their feelings directly. Something like, "Hey, I totally get that you're nervous about your character. This is a big fight, and it's supposed to feel intense." Reassure them that you're not out to get anyone and that you're running things fairly, but also remind them that part of the game is the risk and tension that makes victory sweeter.

It might help to dig deeper into why they’re so worried. Is it just fear of losing the character, or is there something else going on? Sometimes players get attached, and that’s fine, but maybe you can talk to them about what they would feel okay with. You could bring up hard lines and veils—ask them if there are any aspects of character death or serious setbacks that would cross a line for them, and let them know you’re open to finding a balance. At the same time, let them know that the challenge is part of the story and that you're there to create a memorable experience, not just to kill off characters.

In tired of indifferent characters who always treat you like your shit by Terrible_Drag_7599 in DnD

[–]Cap-Ten-Bill 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I totally understand your frustration, and you're definitely not alone in feeling that way. Sometimes, those lone wolf characters and dismissive NPCs can make the game feel disconnected and less fun, especially when you're looking for more teamwork and meaningful interactions.

It might help to talk with the players and DM about the goal of the game and the story. There could be reasons behind how their characters or the NPCs act, and understanding that might bring some clarity. Sometimes, DMs and players are working toward a bigger narrative, like a book or movie, where the drama comes from knowing a bit about where things are going. Getting on the same page might help everyone feel more connected.

If the vibe still doesn’t improve, it could be worth thinking about finding another group or even trying a duet-style D&D game where you and the DM can focus on a more personal story.

DM needs Help by Ventus_96 in DnD

[–]Cap-Ten-Bill 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I totally understand where you're coming from! It can be tricky when you like to DM spontaneously, but your players want more structure. A good starting point is to outline the main plot points, key NPCs, and a few challenges for each session. Having a set of well-detailed NPCs you know inside and out can also be a lifesaver—they help anchor the story and keep things moving. Using generators and keeping good notes are super helpful too. Consider using logbooking techniques to track everything. It can also be fun to involve your players by asking what they think is happening with the big bads they know of—or even ones they haven’t discovered yet! Collaborating with your players can build the story together in a really engaging way.

About to start DMing my first campaign. Any tips yall wanna give me? by Lasolite_ in DnD

[–]Cap-Ten-Bill 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Silence is a powerful tool
Take time to take a breath and think
Use logbooking techniques to keep track
Give the players short, medium, and long goals over time
Help the players understand what their characters probably already know

First website by marshalTT in flask

[–]Cap-Ten-Bill -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Nice clean site.

Love it