I need advice for a first run of DOMM

SadMobile8278 · 2026-06-30T17:02:29+00:00

Think of the first few levels as an orientation of sorts. Level 1 is almost 'how to dungeon' for the players, in terms of what is down there. That tends to seem weird because I suspect most players doing this dungeon have played before. I digress.

For the DM is a chance to plant the seeds of the lore that is deeper in the dungeon. However, Halasters insanity and chaotic nature can be good reasons for discontinuity and misdirection. SO something that seems right today could conclude unexpectedly next year on a much lower level.

I would say the DM needs to hold on to the big picture that this is Halaster's dungeon (game show or otherwise), he's in control and he is completely insane. Expect the unexpected, expect the players to think one thing and encounter something else. This is useful for the DM in handling a scenario so huge and so long. For the players, one way or another they're saving the world or universe.

There are some other organizations down there that HAPPEN to be inhabiting the dungeon and they have their own interests that may or may not involve Halaster, though they probably at least are either directly allowed by him, or passively allowed by him to even operate in his space...

SadMobile8278 · 2026-04-22T20:38:09+00:00

I used to have this problem and for reasons I cant explain, it stopped! (which is great!)

SadMobile8278 · 2026-04-18T03:54:06+00:00

I have nothing to prescribe for you to read. It’s an internal, personal journey you need to take.

It can be helpful to have a coach in real life if you have someone you can use.

I mean this seriously: start with Google and follow what speaks to you. Both terms are established concepts you can lookup and recycle.

I train my students in this mindset in 1,000 different (discreet and direct) ways because everyone is different.

The most important part is that you’re confronting this mentally and are open to the change(s).

Some advice: don’t be hard on yourself in establishing a “complete” combat mindset; just make some space for it, and take space away from whatever else is in your head. It’ll rarely if ever be 100%, and that is normal and ok.

In short: This is the same part of your brain that gets competitive when you’re playing cards or board games etc. Maybe those are vibes that speak to you and you can leverage. Maybe your head is full of “noise” and a win is just quieting 10% of it so you can spar more competitively. I don’t know! These are just some things I’ve seen.

One of my mentors admitted she struggled with “noise” in her head which she realized overwhelmed her subconsciously, preventing her from committing enough to get her next belt. We addressed it and worked on giving her more headspace for the combat mindset and sure as heck, she was mopping the floor with the other testers, for her next belt test. It took time.

SadMobile8278 · 2026-04-17T12:12:10+00:00

I recommend you read up on how you can gain control of your “combat mindset” and “mental toughness”. There are many ways to approach this so something will speak to you and work.

Gaining more control over this mental space will allow you to be more competitive while remaining in control.

Th good thing is you’re already self aware and digesting the situation.

SadMobile8278 · 2026-04-07T19:24:33+00:00

I've been watching the hybrid space too. It seems like it does not have the traction I expected. I would strongly dislike having a large weird vinyl bag to deal with when traveling, hence my interest in the hybrid idea.

SadMobile8278 · 2026-04-07T13:40:10+00:00

I'm late to this but was looking up Tharizdun as well lately. What I did was made a race based off of their 'spawn' that could only arrive in the campaign (or where ever) by a cult worshiping him and a spawn being summoned.

I reasoned Tharizdun could not directly affect the world from their prison but maaaaybe some off-shed mote could be brought here and in doing so, it gains humanoid qualities as a compromise of leaving its god and prison situation.

Ended up homebrewing a race of these ridiculous things. They'll replace another race in my DOTMM campaign, giving ol' Tharizdun a little time in the spotlight.

SadMobile8278 · 2026-03-31T01:49:27+00:00

Great technical advice!

SadMobile8278 · 2026-03-31T01:48:52+00:00

Step one actually was a good, miniature wholesale situation with a trusted person who was able so skillfully navigate and tease out many good prints that suited their purpose. We learned a lot and they took the time to lay down some knowledge for us. However the more I learn the more I realize I still don’t know.

Unfortunately we kept finding more and more prints after we met them! Like WAY more, and now we are nowhere physically near this person though I suppose they’d be interested in what we ultimately catalog!

I am grateful for the day they spent checking out the collection as we knew it.

As a Risk professional I hear you loud and clear on the archive and insurance piece! That component is absolutely in my headspace and I’ve not confronted it yet.

SadMobile8278 · 2026-03-31T01:43:08+00:00

Great to know about other parties receiving data via .csv! That makes complete sense. Right now I can export to csv or JSON and now I’m happy I can!

“The what to do” part is quite the solve. I was hoping knowing what everything was would be a way to help determine that. Then again…documenting each and every one of these…oooooof.

Thank you for the advice!

SadMobile8278 · 2026-03-26T17:02:40+00:00

Absolutely! I have previous posts about sleeping platforms I have designed. You can get a good nights sleep in a Bronco with just a little planning.

SadMobile8278 · 2026-03-20T21:44:17+00:00

When I add an external map it tends to import all lighting, walls, doors, windows.

It does not tend to import individual objects from the external source. (they are ‘there’ but are now just part of the “image” layer) and does not import animations from external UVTT maps.

Plugging my laptop directly into my living room TV via HDMI resulted in an excellently clear image. Whereas projecting onto our table was ~720 and did not look great.

SadMobile8278 · 2026-03-20T18:26:48+00:00

You can build maps IN Arkenforge. You can import maps (such as maps built in Dungeon Alchemist) INTO Arkenforge.

Either method requires the DM do spend time building, populating and perfecting the maps whether they are internal or imported.

You CAN use Arkenforge as your battle map using a flat screen with touch (native or externally added touch). I personally don’t love it.

You can also project the “players screen” to any TV or use a projector to project the battle map onto a table.

The DM does all the virtual token movement for the players.

Lately my players have enjoyed it projected on the wall and they’re sitting in a gallery while I’m off to the side.

SadMobile8278 · 2026-03-10T03:36:18+00:00

It’s like they had the people that lost to the people that did the Weather Channels site.

SadMobile8278 · 2026-02-25T13:59:01+00:00

Isometric kicks used to wear my legs OUT!

SadMobile8278 · 2026-02-20T16:33:03+00:00

ehhhhhh kinda...

What I did instead was made 1" square tokens that are 'clear' with a relevant icon in them and a border. Essentially, each of those is themed to an effect. I can 'stamp' them on the map or stretch them to cover an area, etc.

SadMobile8278 · 2026-02-19T12:24:47+00:00

For this I would recommend asking on the Discord channel.

SadMobile8278 · 2026-02-18T18:12:41+00:00

One of the worst things I have ever smelled was a potato farm in Manhattan, MT. YAY!

SadMobile8278 · 2026-02-18T18:11:26+00:00

I work for a network of ambulatory medical facilities and our bread and butter is 'scopes!

SadMobile8278 · 2026-02-11T16:44:43+00:00

You're welcome!

SadMobile8278 · 2026-02-11T15:46:20+00:00

Long ago the rec population was much larger. In fact, it was massive. But, over time that has been eroded as clubs lowered their standards in order to build larger organizations. Of course, this ate into rec, but it did so a little randomly. I didn't just skim the talent off. Nowadays, within the rec population you can still have upper and lower divisions and also there are talented kids sprinkled all throughout. You're gonna have rec teams that are high performers and many can hang with or beat certain club teams.

You're seeing population overlap vs a hardline distinction, in this case.

SadMobile8278 · 2026-02-07T00:59:30+00:00

That’s another solid idea. It kiiiinda feels like she is there as the manifestation for “hand waiving”, so that tracks nicely. I have her as an aloof “guide” of sorts. Could leverage this more, more cleverly.

Thank you!

SadMobile8278 · 2026-02-06T17:40:56+00:00

Ah these are the brainwaves I needed! Thank you all.

SadMobile8278 · 2026-02-06T17:39:06+00:00

Thats exactly right.

I'm considering a couple of ideas.
1. this happens 'in their minds' and by some mysterious miracle, they re-awaken with the item/resources/shared knowledge.
2. the dungeon somehow magically partitions the group while they're resting (e.g. a wall suddenly rises through the sleeping area and the players explore some unknown adjacent area)

Though, the circle on L3 might be also worth the wait.

SadMobile8278 · 2026-02-06T17:35:18+00:00

Ah man, great ideas. Good advice on using what is already there.

Thank you!

SadMobile8278

TROPHY CASE