The Curse of Eternal Beginnings

This encounter is designed for 4-6 adventurers of levels 3-5 who enjoy resource management, problem-solving, and unraveling dark mysteries. The party is cursed by the cunning hag Grythessa, doomed to awaken at the start of their journey every time they take a long rest. With illusions, enchanted minions, and the oppressive Veilwood Forest working against them, players must strategize to break the curse before they are trapped in an endless cycle of despair.

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January 14, 2025

Adventure / Ideas

The Infernal Gauntlet

The Infernal Gauntlet is a high-stakes dungeon encounter designed for 4-5 players of Level 4. Trapped by the enigmatic "Architect of Despair," players must navigate a series of deadly rooms, each testing different skills and attributes.

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December 19, 2024

Dungeon Mastery

Tips for Crafting an Engaging Encounter for Your Players

Creating memorable and engaging encounters is a vital skill for any Dungeon Master (DM). A well-designed encounter can enhance the story, challenge the players, and provide a rewarding experience. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating an engaging encounter that will captivate your players.

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June 13, 2024

Dungeon Mastery / Ideas

Varnek the Craven Necromancer – BBEG / NPC

Varnek is a cunning necromancer who poses a significant threat to the adventurers, utilizing both his dark powers and psychological manipulation to challenge them at every turn. The provided tactics and interactions offer a roadmap for bringing Varnek to life in your campaign, presenting opportunities for engaging encounters and memorable role-playing moments.

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June 10, 2024

Read more about the article Cyclopean Confrontation: A Snake in the Grass Encounter

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Dungeon Mastery / Encounter / Ideas

Cyclopean Confrontation: A Snake in the Grass Encounter

As a Dungeon Master, this encounter offers a unique opportunity to craft a memorable experience. The nuanced challenge tests players' creative problem-solving, diplomacy, and strategic thinking. Complex motivations and enigmatic presence add depth, allowing exploration of themes like reputation, trust, and power. This encounter showcases world-building skills, weaving the cyclops and snakes into the swamp's ecosystem and history.

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June 3, 2024

Dungeon Mastery / Encounter / Ideas

A Guide to Utilizing Slimes, Puddings, and Molds in Encounters

Looking for adding more to your dungeons? Learn to unleash their gooey potential! This guide reveals how to design terrifying encounters with puddings, slimes & molds, turning your dungeon crawls into a delightfully slimy nightmare for players!

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May 20, 2024

Adventure / Dungeon Mastery / Encounter

The Guardian’s Burden: A Puzzle Encounter

This pressure plate and weight distribution puzzle hides a secret passage within your crypt. Players must decipher thematic clues and match symbolic objects to specific locations. It requires logic, teamwork, and potentially a touch of historical knowledge to unlock. Difficulty: Medium-Complex. DMs ONLY!

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May 8, 2024

Adventure / Encounter / Ideas

Kobold Cult Collusion

Encounter a fanatical Kobold Cult in the catacombs! Can you defeat their leader Korvus Blackwood and his priestess Sister Seline while they command an army of skeletal warriors? This exciting encounter is designed for adventurers of level 3-4 and offers a challenging tactical battle against cunning enemies. Will you prevail and uncover the secrets of the cult, or succumb to their dark magic?

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May 5, 2024

Blog / Dungeon Mastery / Ideas

Encounter Design: Why Challenge Ratings Don’t Tell the Whole Story (and Why Your Players Will Thank You)

Ditch the CR obsession! Encounter design is about surprise, challenge, and player agency. Don't be afraid of TPKs - they can teach valuable lessons. Craft a world with tough choices, meaningful stakes, and the freedom to choose combat, negotiation, or cunning to overcome obstacles.

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April 24, 2024

Screenshot

Rules

Reputation

Reputation adds a layer of consequence, shaping how monsters and NPCs react to your party. Heroic deeds build trust, while villainy sows suspicion, influencing encounters and opening doors (or slamming them shut).

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April 16, 2024

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Random Encounter Procedures: Making Encounters CountJanuary 27, 2025
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The Curse of Eternal BeginningsJanuary 14, 2025
This encounter is designed for 4-6 adventurers of levels 3-5 who enjoy resource management, problem-solving, and unraveling dark mysteries. The party is cursed by the cunning hag Grythessa, doomed to awaken at the start of their journey every time they take a long rest. With illusions, enchanted minions, and the oppressive Veilwood Forest working against them, players must strategize to break the curse before they are trapped in an endless cycle of despair.
The Infernal GauntletDecember 19, 2024
The Infernal Gauntlet is a high-stakes dungeon encounter designed for 4-5 players of Level 4. Trapped by the enigmatic "Architect of Despair," players must navigate a series of deadly rooms, each testing different skills and attributes.
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