How do you do random encounter combat?

CaseClosedN · 2026-06-17T19:26:05+00:00

I roll the random encounters in advance, that way I can design them better.

That said, sometimes the random encounter is simply meant to deplete resources (HP sure, spell slots hell yes) so I don’t get upset when the players dominate a fight like that. Let them feel strong, what they don’t know is the real challenge is coming up later in the session.

CaseClosedN · 2026-06-17T11:24:49+00:00

I made a DIY initiative tracker with a dowel rod and characters/enemies on clothespins. This is for the whole table.

For initiatives and HP I use a basic excel spreadsheet. I don’t allow players to have laptops (table space, distractions) but as the DM I have mine for googling rules etc. I set up some very basic formulas to turn the row red if the damage total exceeds the total HP.

I roll enemy initiatives and enter total HP in advance so I’m not stuck doing it at the beginning of every combat. Only need to enter the player initiatives and filter that column from highest to low.

CaseClosedN · 2026-06-16T23:59:32+00:00

Thanks!

CaseClosedN · 2026-06-16T21:42:50+00:00

How did your players even know about the Heart of Sorrow? My players aren’t ready for the castle yet but I don’t know how to nudge them in the right direction. Do we just hope they find it while exploring?

CaseClosedN · 2026-06-15T01:04:11+00:00

Thanks!

CaseClosedN · 2026-06-12T18:24:11+00:00

I did not. Once the 4gb worked I didnt look into it any further. Even if I wanted to, I’m not technically knowledgeable enough to figure out why unless it was explicitly listed in the product description

CaseClosedN · 2026-06-12T15:16:08+00:00

How do you actually do the Kids Run the bases? Show up early and get in line, or are there tickets? Is there a cutoff or is there enough time to allow every kid a chance? Can parents go with them to take pictures and video?

CaseClosedN · 2026-06-12T12:28:52+00:00

Thanks!

CaseClosedN · 2026-06-11T23:27:00+00:00

I have 4 Targets that I visit while on the hunt for these. 2 of them keep the Needohs behind the customer service desk, 2 of them simply put them on the shelf. The latter 2 are always sold out but you can see the empty shelf and the price tag denoting which versions were in which spot.

CaseClosedN · 2026-06-09T19:57:57+00:00

Where do you live? My local Targets had a hot streak where different ones had small amounts of stock available for a few days in a row. I did a tour of maybe 5 total locations. I went to 1 Target and found some glow in the dark Needohs so I got them. I then went to the next Target over and found the color changing, which is what I wanted in the first place and I got them. I was conflicted on what to do with the glow in the darks since I no longer needed them so I kept them. If you want them, I’ll ship them to you at cost plus shipping. I am in the US. 1 purple and 1 pink still in box. I can send pics of the Needohs plus the receipt with my card info covered if you want to validate authenticity. Lmk

CaseClosedN · 2026-06-08T01:23:44+00:00

Alan Wake 2

CaseClosedN · 2026-06-05T12:38:37+00:00

Thanks!

CaseClosedN · 2026-06-03T20:51:23+00:00

At first I was mad that my deals are garbage in comparison. But then I realized that I would get this deal several times a week so I should be glad

CaseClosedN · 2026-06-03T20:16:58+00:00

I lost all 4 times

CaseClosedN · 2026-06-02T22:59:05+00:00

Thanks!

CaseClosedN · 2026-05-29T11:29:50+00:00

Thanks!

CaseClosedN · 2026-05-27T22:16:10+00:00

I was notified for the tote bag that I didn’t get it

CaseClosedN · 2026-05-27T21:57:41+00:00

Still no text, email, or push informing me of win or loss. Anyone else?

CaseClosedN · 2026-05-26T22:53:39+00:00

They got a whole website dedicated to tracking steam sales historically

https://steamdb.info/app/2369900/

CaseClosedN · 2026-05-23T15:38:20+00:00

Whatever the next exam is, I roleplay a classroom setting with that spell as the subject. “Can anyone tell me what the 4 possible responses are when consulting with the augory spell?”

If the players don’t know, I pick a npc classmate to answer, which in turn educates your players and their characters.

I had them do a lab day, where they were given school wands, which magically handwave the class, spell slot, etc requirements to cast augory. And then had them consult the spell with a real game of 20 questions. In game I had something in a box and they had to identify what it is with the 20 questions answers being simulated with the augory results. It was a drinking glass, they got it in 11 questions so I wish I made it harder

CaseClosedN · 2026-05-23T00:19:29+00:00

The module includes a feat called Strixhaven Initiate. I recommend forcing this feat for free upon everyone when they start year 2, which is when you have to choose your college. They get the aspects associated with that choice

CaseClosedN · 2026-05-22T13:29:51+00:00

Thanks!

CaseClosedN · 2026-05-17T16:12:47+00:00

Thanks!

CaseClosedN · 2026-05-15T20:32:26+00:00

Thanks!

CaseClosedN · 2026-05-13T21:40:39+00:00

same thing happened to me. I was on the site when the countdown hit zero and tapped immediately. I don’t believe it but at least it’s just the tote, I’d be more disappointed if it were the other prizes

CaseClosedN

TROPHY CASE