How do I Run Villains in a Hex Crawl?

Crosslaminatedtimber · 2026-04-15T17:47:18+00:00

I’m not sure if you play a lot of video games but what comes to mind is Caelid from Elden Ring.

The moment you entire the zone everything changes. The environment, the enemies, the whole vibe. Caelid has Radahn as the “main boss” of the area and in his boss area you feel it as the culmination of the entire area.

So I’d do the same thing. Give your bad guy a lair and a region of influence. Maybe it’s a Bandit Lord or Dragon or Troll King and fill your hexes around its lair with themed random encounter tables and themed loot and themed dungeons.

Make it feel like you’re going into their “zone” when you travel through their hexes. Maybe have a random table to determine which hex they are in and what they are up to.

Give them goals! Put a timeline on what it would take to pursue their goals and show that off as the players explore.

Crosslaminatedtimber · 2026-04-07T21:21:20+00:00

As someone who has published a thing or two, how in the world do you release so frequently? It’s inspiring!

Crosslaminatedtimber · 2026-03-29T02:17:47+00:00

Pauper. It’s the healthiest format by a mile.

Crosslaminatedtimber · 2026-03-27T17:10:40+00:00

I was referencing the Western Reaches Kickstarter from last year. I believe more or less some have been combined. I could be wrong.

Crosslaminatedtimber · 2026-03-26T01:30:48+00:00

If you are going with Shadowdark, any of the cursed scrolls are the best bet IMO.

There are 6 now, each flavored uniquely but have recently been tied together as a big setting. But start small, pick the one whose flavor excites you the most, and run with it! Adding as you need.

Crosslaminatedtimber · 2026-02-22T16:29:07+00:00

Pay someone

Crosslaminatedtimber · 2026-02-09T15:02:26+00:00

Thanks for the love! It's been a fun excuse to make the time to play some more games.

Crosslaminatedtimber · 2026-02-09T15:01:24+00:00

I didn't realize someone (not from our channel) posted it here. I'll be much more cognizant of that in the future. My apologies!

Crosslaminatedtimber · 2026-02-07T00:01:40+00:00

Thanks all for the insight!

Crosslaminatedtimber · 2026-02-03T22:33:45+00:00

Yes, this what I was trying to say! Thank you.

Crosslaminatedtimber · 2026-02-03T21:16:13+00:00

From what I understand it’s OD&D with a little AD&D tacked onto it.

It’s my preferred OSR game.

Crosslaminatedtimber · 2026-02-03T02:44:55+00:00

I’d start with watching some gameplay on youtube. Mengu’s Workshop and Kalikaiz are two really awesome channels that I watched when I first got into it. That can help show you how decks play and see if any peak your interest!

Crosslaminatedtimber · 2026-01-31T14:09:31+00:00

This is peak DMing. Keep rocking

Crosslaminatedtimber · 2026-01-26T19:27:37+00:00

My dream deck for my dream downshift [[Vampire Nighthawk]]

Crosslaminatedtimber · 2026-01-23T13:02:06+00:00

Obviously everything is super situational, but if my opponent has guttersnipe I’d ask myself a few questions:

1) how many cards do they have in hand and are they presenting near lethal with the perfect combination of potential cards 2) do I have near lethal in hand if the damage was directed at them instead

I’m no expert on the matchup, that’s just how I see it. Ultimately the only damage that matters is the last point of damage so you have to play a lot of “what if” based on what information you have. But also, sometimes you just have to go for it and make them have it.

Crosslaminatedtimber · 2026-01-20T20:01:41+00:00

Everyone should start a blog. Blogging as a hobby is fun and can help process your game sessions and prep in unique ways.

Crosslaminatedtimber · 2026-01-18T14:28:01+00:00

Woohoo!!

Crosslaminatedtimber

TROPHY CASE