A good campaign ending gives the players a choice on how to finish their character's story, even when all their storylines have been finished. #DMTip #GMTip

As I close out this campaign, I remember once simple truth to share. Campaigns go on because the players and the DM keep coming back together. Breaks may last weeks, months, or even years, but when you always make sure to return, you can keep going. #GMTip #DMTip

Welp, here's a monster idea for all you homebrewers out there... Imagine how much fun you could have if monsters started fusing and combining powers...

https://www.cnn.com/2024/12/30/science/comb-jellies-fuse-single-organism/index.html

#DnD #ttrpg #DMtip : Don't ask for active perception checks then say "you don't notice anything". Give PCs an in-character reason for rolling:

"You hear a sharp click. Roll perception. Failed? Ok. You can't identify it. It could have been gravel falling or a stick breaking or even giant ant mandibles clicking for all you know. You strain your ears for a few heartbeats but the noise doesn't repeat. You're not sure what direction it came from."

In-character, they know they missed something.

Generate excitement by releasing short excerpts in advance of starting to fill in some world details and set up the situation. You will see this used in literature as the introduction to chapters. #GMTip #DMTip

If at first you don't succeed, further attempts will come with consequences. If there is no chance of consequences, why would you roll? #GMTip #DMTip

A session zero is great. Having everything written down for players before session zero is even better. Clear communication keeps games running smoothly. #DMTip #GMTip

Choose and communicate the type of game you are running. Are the PCs the main characters or just the start of a long line of dead PCs lost to the dangers of the game? Players need to know. #DMTip #GMTip

Unexpected things may happen in your games. Take a read periodically to ensure that these things are helping the PCs as much as they are complicating the situations. #GMTip #DMTIp

Understand the motivations of the player characters, and use those to guide them naturally through the plot. #GMTip #DMTip

Repeat a pattern of a previous encounter or story arc, but then throw in a twist at the end to keep them guessing. #GMTip #DMTip

Never throw the same thing at your players twice. Keep them guessing. #GMTip #DMTip

Generally, DMs do not punish. If you are thinking of punishing a player, you might be on the wrong track. Handle player problems out of game, usually with an adult conversation. #DMTip #GMTip

Rule 1. The GM makes the rulings. Try to be prepared as a DM to make the call. If it is something new, look it up if it is going to come up often, otherwise make the call and review later. It is a good reason to try to learn the rules as well as possible, so you can make the calls quickly when needed. #GMTip #DMTip

Prep is great, but don't let prep keep you from taking the most fun direction, even if it is going to be improvised. #GMTip #DMTip

Rule 0; Everybody has fun. It is a statement of both intent and a guiding principle when making choices about your game. Take it to heart. Don't let the 'shoulds' get in the way of it. #GMTip #DMTip

About 10 years ago I moved from a city to a small town and lost my in-person group at the FLGS. I switched to roll20 online and found a whole new group and way of gaming. Now I have both -- an online group and an in-person group. I wouldn't want to give up either. They are different and both amazing in different ways. Some day I want to try PBP and solo play too. #ManyWaysToPlay #GMTip #DMTip

We all get to choose what technology we want to allow into our games. You can still play with paper, books, dice, and a pencil. You can use online virtual environments, apps, software, AI, and other tools. You can use tools just for prep; or use them in your game. This choice is personal - - allowing us all to figure out what aspects of the game are important to be technology-free and where tech improves the experience. Mix and match to get the game you want. #GMTip #DMTip #ChooseYourGame

My favorite tool for planning a campaign is a mindmap. I use SimpleMind since it is cross platform, but there are many free alternatives. A mind map allows you to build your broad strokes of the campaign with the intersection of locations, factions, plot points, and PCs. It is also easy to change as PCs and player choice change things. #GMTip #DMTip

Take prisoners. A grand escape, carefully planned prison break, or a nuaunced trial are more fun than killing a player character. #GMTip #DMTip