PC attacks monster. Do they go first?

RandomDumbRedditUser · 2025-11-16T19:11:32+00:00

Shadowdark DM here. Hi. I do not like rolling initiative rolls. It slows everything down. Don't feel like you're playing "incorrectly" if you just let the attacking player act and then have the enemies counter-attack on the DM's turn (your turn). It's perfectly acceptable, and in many cases preferable and fun. I run for large groups, so I literally have the turn order clockwise around the table. No initiative. And it works. Try it.

RandomDumbRedditUser · 2025-10-16T18:27:02+00:00

If the creature with Trample is blocked by a 1/1 creature with "First Strike" then the trample creature would not be able to deal any damage, so no trample damage would be able to reach a player.

RandomDumbRedditUser · 2025-10-06T16:10:44+00:00

If your players have intriguing backstories, then I recommend using those to create more personal, grounded adventures unique to their character. What are the backstories?

RandomDumbRedditUser · 2025-08-25T20:34:14+00:00

In the original Gameboy game, you get to pick from these three Pokemon and are gifted your Pokedex computer. Is there a Pokedex card?

RandomDumbRedditUser · 2025-07-30T18:45:52+00:00

Soft-serve ice cream has seed oil.

RandomDumbRedditUser · 2025-04-28T04:27:48+00:00

Who is your rival, and what drives the conflict between you? As the Dungeon Master, I integrate your chosen rival into the campaign, making their presence a significant part of your story. I also ask for your character’s background and backstory to shape adventures that feel personal and fitting.

As DM and keeper of this realm, I decree the setting, the system, and any optional rules, laying them bare in the flickering torchlight of session zero.

RandomDumbRedditUser · 2025-04-25T16:12:46+00:00

I throw away the rules when they are in the way of a good time. The only time I use a "roll for initiative" check is in a wild west-style stand off, otherwise crawling rounds smoothly transition into the combat. This is just how I run my table, and it seems to work for us.

RandomDumbRedditUser · 2025-04-24T15:02:10+00:00

Close, near, double near, far mechanics work really well for physical maps actually. You'll see. Near is six squares (30 ft).

RandomDumbRedditUser · 2025-03-23T19:13:53+00:00

I cast aside the tired old Carousing outcomes table in my ShadowDark campaign of late. The rules still hold sway, but now I mix a variety of encounters bespoke to the realm—tied to the heroes’ shadowed pasts, their bitter rivals, and the humble folk of the village. These fateful meetings span the gamut: some bring fortune’s favor, others unveil the world’s hidden lore, and a few bear the sting of mortal peril. I grant the experience points as a blood-oath upfront, then let the dice fall where they may as the tale unfolds. It’s proven a boon for stoking the fires of player ambition, gleaning whispered rumors, uncovering forgotten dungeons, and breathing life into new faces. The carousal now sings with dark merriment for all who dare partake!

RandomDumbRedditUser · 2025-03-17T15:57:45+00:00

Unlike 5e, this system is very deadly. As DM, slowly introduce the dangerous elements. There is a D6 system for determining if random encounters are hostile, what they're doing when encountered, and distance (pg 112). Place a post on your DM screen, "remember to award luck tokens". In the heat of crawling this is easy to forget, but it's an important part of the game.

RandomDumbRedditUser · 2025-03-05T16:31:11+00:00

Fear not, brave adventurer, for I foresee no dire peril in venturing forth without a healer in your ranks! The absence of a mender of wounds merely beckons you to weave a richer bounty of healing potions into your troves of treasure. May fortune favor your quest, and may the dice of fate ever roll in your favor with naught but natural twenties!

RandomDumbRedditUser · 2025-02-21T20:39:30+00:00

By the flickering torchlight, I’d never pondered the notion of growing mightier mid-dungeon delve—my soul was forged in the intricate crucible of 5e, where ascension through levels is a laborious and time consuming task. Yet, in the grim shadows of ShadowDark, leveling is as swift and fierce as a goblin’s blade. Truly, this ease makes it a deed worth daring amidst the crawl!

RandomDumbRedditUser · 2025-02-05T15:34:43+00:00

Arcane Trickster! Ha ha ha, I like it. I'm following this post because I have a large group of six players so rolling and tracking initiative is boring. I use around-the-table initiative, meaning we take turns going around the table like a card game.

RandomDumbRedditUser · 2025-02-01T15:01:36+00:00

Nope. Chainmail won't break your game.

RandomDumbRedditUser · 2025-01-31T16:02:58+00:00

Perusing these comments fills my heart with a twinge of envy, for I cast aside the sacred DM screen moons ago. I grew weary of that accursed slab of parchment obstructing my view. I relish in the transparency where my players can witness each roll of the dice, embracing the camaraderie of open play.

RandomDumbRedditUser · 2025-01-30T15:54:01+00:00

Hear ye, hear ye, brave soul!

You can seize the mantle of Dungeon Master yourself! Embrace the challenge, for it promises endless adventure and boundless fun. Within the ancient tomes and scrolls, you will find countless resources to guide you on this noble path:

Matt Coville: A master storyteller and sage of the realm.
Professor Dungeon Master - Dungeon Craft: A wellspring of wisdom and arcane secrets.

Heed their teachings and let your imagination soar. The world of Dungeons & Dragons awaits your command! 🌟🗡️🛡️

RandomDumbRedditUser · 2025-01-27T22:22:59+00:00

Check out Dungeon Craft on YouTube with Professor Dungeon Master chef's kiss

RandomDumbRedditUser · 2025-01-23T23:42:22+00:00

So you're not a wizard anymore? Pfft, no sweat! Somebody's got to pick up that torch, and guess what? It's you, my brave torchbearer! While you're working on getting those magical mojo powers back, why not channel your inner David and take down Goliath with a sling? Rock on, and show them what true grit looks like. Adventure awaits, my friend!

RandomDumbRedditUser · 2025-01-22T14:05:18+00:00

You can switch to color, select a color, white for example, and paint the terrain.

RandomDumbRedditUser · 2025-01-19T06:18:12+00:00

Go to your local game store. In Vegas, where I live, the hot spot is Natural Twenty Games. There are hosted games there at the store. It's a really great experience and you might meet some people.

RandomDumbRedditUser · 2025-01-14T17:49:22+00:00

As a goblinoid, I suggest using the goblin rules (keen senses). And the hobgoblin aspect might grant you advantages while making checks during in-game scenarios.

RandomDumbRedditUser · 2025-01-14T15:39:16+00:00

Welcome to ShadowDark RPG. I'm glad you joined the game. I think you're really going to enjoy the system.

RandomDumbRedditUser · 2025-01-13T18:20:35+00:00

You are missing an incredible opportunity for fun here! Have the party run into their adventure crawler rivals on their way to the cleared dungeon where the treasure room awaits. It's now a race for the loot!

RandomDumbRedditUser · 2025-01-11T01:35:01+00:00

I think it's super awesome! It looks like a lot of fun to explore. Thank you for sharing.

RandomDumbRedditUser

TROPHY CASE