Tag Archives: interaction

Filling a map with Dungeons & Dragons adventure

Posted on September 26, 2017 by David Hartlage

When the first Dungeons & Dragons players wanted a break from the dungeon, their characters could explore the wilderness “in search of some legendary treasure.” In original D&D, a quarter of finds on the magical treasure tables consisted of treasure … Continue reading →

Posted in Advice | Tagged , , , , | 5 Comments

How knowing the difference between a setting book and an adventure helps craft better adventures

Posted on December 2, 2014 by David Hartlage

What makes an adventure different from a setting book? Both start with maps, locations, and characters, but what extra ingredients turn a source book into an adventure? You might name story or plot as that essential extra bit, but early … Continue reading →

Posted in Advice, D&D fifth edition | Tagged , , , , , , | 5 Comments

22 Reasons why a non-player character won’t cooperate

Posted on July 15, 2013 by David Hartlage

In “a priest, a warlock, and a dwarf walk into a bar and…nothing happens,” I wrote about how most players only find role-playing encounters compelling when they have a objective to achieve and an obstacle to overcome. Even encounters with … Continue reading →

Posted in Advice, Inspiration | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment