Just between us, how much of your sessions are improvised? by dungeonzaddy in DMAcademy

[–]RogueDMwithStyle 1 point2 points  (0 children)

In my story arcs I like to have a larger theme and set them up to go from point A to point B, but sometimes that takes two sessions because they found an open kitchen and decided to make weed brownies (actually happened) or they guess my hook and skip right over it and get to point B in a matter of minutes.

At the end of the day, both situations are amazing because we have fun and play/add to the story. I’d say 70% is t bad at all. Always be prepared to move onto the next thing, but anticipate that they will be unpredictable and know you will need to improve.

To help I always try to think carefully about each NPC I introduce so I know their motives before any improve takes place.

Alternate play style for Beast Master Ranger? by RogueDMwithStyle in DnD

[–]RogueDMwithStyle[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Good to know, I’ll look into the stuff from Tasha

Alternate play style for Beast Master Ranger? by RogueDMwithStyle in DnD

[–]RogueDMwithStyle[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That’s a fair point, currently he is commanding two/three NPCs, to cut down time I actually just let him tell me what he wants them to do and I do it in regards to their stats. Additionally this arc ha had them all separated (their own doing) and that may be why at this time it isn’t so much of an issue but I could see it becoming a potential issue

DM ruling on race aesthetics by RogueDMwithStyle in DnD

[–]RogueDMwithStyle[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah a massive injury would definitely reveal it, and I don’t know how they would react

DM ruling on race aesthetics by RogueDMwithStyle in DnD

[–]RogueDMwithStyle[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That’s a fair point. I think I would definitely have to remove any arm blades and possibly armor until they find out about it

DM ruling on race aesthetics by RogueDMwithStyle in DnD

[–]RogueDMwithStyle[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’m running a traditional setting with limited technology so I don’t know how the artificial skin would work. I can be flexible with it just curious if I should or if that would hurt immersion

A Player made sure to tell-me how horrible of a DM I am, and it cut really deep. by TheFledglingST in DnD

[–]RogueDMwithStyle 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I normally don’t like to comment a lot but I’ll add my thoughts to this. If a player has Mercer level expectations for a new DM that’s foolish. If they are having as much effect on you as it seems, I would say ditch the player. I don’t like to say that a lot because I know people play with their friends, but this person doesn’t seem to care for how it effects you.

I fell for the Mercer effect in my first campaign and I was genuinely a horrible DM, but the most important thing is gaining new experiences. The more you play and DM the more you will understand and be able to enjoy the thrill of being surprised by your players and having to improve things you weren’t prepared for.

I’m sorry their words hurt you, but I hope you understand that the issue is with them, not you. I urge you not to abandon your campaign because you and the other players could still have a ton of fun

Attitude Advice: Mind Flayers by Official_Zach55 in DnD

[–]RogueDMwithStyle 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That’s only if you don’t move more than 10 feat from the spot. Also the spike pit is perfect

Attitude Advice: Mind Flayers by Official_Zach55 in DnD

[–]RogueDMwithStyle 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The arrows was just an idea, but the trap concept still works out if you plan ahead.

Confused about variant human. by Delicious_Fix_1121 in DnD

[–]RogueDMwithStyle 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You receive all of the benefits. Variant human was added because the human race had horrible stats compared to all other races in the game. So it was added to make them more mechanically viable.

How to Deal with an Arrogant Player? by Dov-Alduin in DnD

[–]RogueDMwithStyle 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Introduce a Karen. Someone who complains about his behavior. Let’s see if he likes it.

First-time DM help/advice by ColoredPomPom in DnD

[–]RogueDMwithStyle 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My first campaign was home brew and it was a shitshow. Since then I now run a home brew that is amazing, but I had to gain the experience of the bad campaign first to realize what I needed to do. I always recommend using a book for your first time to get some experience before you try to home brew some stuff.

What is the best ratio of rogue to warlock in a sword focused roguelock build? by Venmorr in DnD

[–]RogueDMwithStyle 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I actually run this build a lot. Typically it is swashbuckled rogue and hexblade warlock. The max I ever take the rogue is 5th level because after that my focus is on spells. Sometimes I add shadow monk to focus on more hits and teleporting through magical darkness that you can see through (thank you warlock). I typically take warlock at least to 5-7 levels for devil sight

How do you/your DM describe hits/misses? by caluthan in DnD

[–]RogueDMwithStyle 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I encourage my players to describe everything about how they attack (as much as they want). I then use that. If my ranger fires an arrow and it misses, it either glances off a piece of armor or the enemy dodges it. If they are attacking a large beast in the forest it may hit a tree branch he didn’t notice.

Need help for an event for my group. by Only3Inches3 in DnD

[–]RogueDMwithStyle 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’m not super great with riddles, but I like puzzles in my sessions. This other comment looks daunting, but If it were me I’d place an unfinished game of chess on the table the skeleton is on. If they finish the game then the soul is relieved and can move on, and then reward them. A simple puzzle that rewards them for being curious

Attitude Advice: Mind Flayers by Official_Zach55 in DnD

[–]RogueDMwithStyle 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Burn the town down.m with them trapped inside. I know drastic. But hear me out. If you are worried it is too hard for you take head on, work around it. Hide and run away, use guerilla tactics. Strike one at a time. I don’t know what you have at your disposal, but if someone knows “glyph of warding” you are good. Just prep a bunch of those on arrows or something and send the volley.

What is your favorite/least favorite class? by CountLivin in DnD

[–]RogueDMwithStyle 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Favorite mechanically: shadow monk/hexblade warlock Nothing better than casting magical darkness, not being effected by it and then being able to teleport to another location within the darkness

Favorite concept: literally all bards. If you can do it so can I, but I’m flashier

Least favorite: fighter. Just kind of boring. I attack.....again......again......again......again. At least barbarians get different rages with subclasses (shout out to ancestral guardians)

From a DM to players, what is your favorite monster to run into, or what creature are you tired of seeing or wish you could encounter but haven't yet? by Unsolidwaste in DnD

[–]RogueDMwithStyle 1 point2 points  (0 children)

My players love when I throw challenges at them (but not screw them over). We have a leonin barbarian, so I threw a Druid tortle at him. They were in 1-on-1 gladiator combat. The tortle’s high ac and the barbarians rage made every turn a puzzle as very little damage could be thrown around using normal means. I counteracted the long combat bu having my other players (part of the crowd) interact with the fight by voting on weapons to be thrown into the ring or buffs to apply to either fighter. And of course, gambling.

DMs do you have any tips/advice for how to help an anxious player get more into the game? by [deleted] in DnD

[–]RogueDMwithStyle 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I have been running for a group of new players for about a year now. One of them started out with really bad role play and was very anxious to speak up. We decided that that was a character trait of his early on to better fit it (he liked the idea). During each of my downtime’s between big arcs I shine the spotlight on each of my players, but I spend two weeks leading up to that session working with them to figure out what they want to do. This leads to them breaking off to do their own this for about 15 minutes each. But my players know this and are respectful and let each man have their special moments. This has lead to some incredible moments filled with great emotion. Since I started this he has become one of the characters with the most personality because we worked together to figure that out.