Drowsylock

Ally as HJ dials down in intensity, "I'm trying to throw a little sauce on it."

Players who write extensive backstories. Provided they're willing to work with me to make sure their story fits into the lore for my setting, I love hearing all about their OC's personal history. I live for the drama and the passion and enjoy finding ways to work it into my campaign.

Players who do voices. I love it when people get into character and try and bring some theatricality to the table. I admire their commitment and the courage it takes to perform.

Players who cleverly use the mechanics for teamwork. It's always satisfying when a player strives for system mastery, but it's particularly pleasing to me to see a player that is able to take advantage of the mechanics to produce strong synergy with the other players. I love rewarding this kind of play.

Players who fail graciously. I love it when a player sees a critical fumble as an opportunity for drama or comedy instead of something to be avoided at all costs. This is what it looks like to be a good sport.

Players who match my vibes. I really appreciate it when a player reads the room and plays their their character accordingly. Who is silly when I want to be silly and serious when I want to be serious and supports me in building and maintaining an engaging atmosphere.

Players who pay attention. I am so grateful when players let me finish my narration and take notes and connect the dots.

Inexperienced but enthusiastic players. It's so much fun running for people who are new to the game. I love being the one to introduce them to this hobby and show them how much fun it can be. Most of the time, their excitement more than makes up any awkwardness that comes with learning the game.

HOW DO I DO THIS

HELP ME

IM RUNNING MY FIRST SESSION NEXT WEEK AND IM SO SCARED I DONT KNOW WHAT IM DOING AND MY PLAN IS SHAKEY AT BEST

My big thing with Sessions Ones are to give all of your players time to stretch and breath. Give them introductions, not that they have to be super elaborate but let them feel out their characters.

For general session prep I also make a little note board/google doc where I determine all of my questions and general information. I determine obviously the where’s and the why’s. Where are they starting off? This can be as small as the literal building or room they’re starting in to as large as the whole world if not universe of the story. Then why are they there?

And then honestly? I right a maximum of ten major notes and maybe like five side notes. Ten major notes are your basic “this is gonna happen.” Don’t stress about making them big or super detailed, it can be anything as small as “a messenger from the Faction they don’t like arrives,” to as big as “the murderer is trying to frame Player B.” Make these core events, that (while a little railroady) at least give you structure so you know A.) what exists in your world, B.) what’s going to happen next, and C.) so your players don’t get bored. I like to use “side notes” as mini amplifiers for these big events. Such as… “The Messenger from said Faction is actually an undercover agent for another Faction.” Or even something like “The Murderer is actually tied to Player C.” Small stuff like that that makes the world feel lived in and less “the plot is happening to you.”

HOW DO I DO THIS

HELP ME

IM RUNNING MY FIRST SESSION NEXT WEEK AND IM SO SCARED I DONT KNOW WHAT IM DOING AND MY PLAN IS SHAKEY AT BEST

Table Top Transition

Huge news: we are beyond excited to announce that we have partnered with Skybound for our very first official graphic novel!!

Huge news: we are beyond excited to announce that we have partnered with Skybound for our very first official graphic novel!!

Actual footage of me at least twice every D&D session