It would be a challenge to know every rule in Dungeons and Dragons since there are multiple books and loads of supplemental material. But the rules of DnD are just a framework for mechanics. So if it’s difficult to know all the rules, how are we expected to run the game, let alone a good …
The consequence of a trap in DnD usually ends with players taking damage. Players come to fear if their next step will cause them to get spiked, fire-balled, pummeled, or worse. This can lead to paranoia that can hurt game play; you may find your players saying “I check for traps” every 5 minutes. If …
Traps that play on the obvious vs unexpected trope can be fun if used correctly and brutally punishing if used incorrectly. Let’s take a look at how a trap can subvert players’ expectations. Let’s dive straight into the trap. The Obvious vs Unexpected Boulder Trap When the players enter the room, they see a long …
At first glance, Super Mario Bros. games don’t seem to have anything in common with dungeon design. Thematically you’d be right; Mario games and Dungeons and Dragons are very different. However, there are a lot of lessons that can be learned from the mustachioed plumber. What we’re referring to are the game design principles that …
Players often try to get the jump on their enemies, which can lead to obvious and predictable game play. If you want to switch things up and make your players consider their tactics more carefully, an exploding statues trap is a great addition to your dungeon. Utilizing Exploding Statues This trap has a two-part set …
A well-crafted description of a location is one of the best tools a DM can use during a session. But when theater of the mind fails for some players, having a physical representation of the tabletop terrain you’re describing can take your game to the next level. Advantages of Using Tabletop Terrain Much like having …
Magnets are super fun in both real life and in DnD. For this trap example, we use magnets in a creative way to get your players to look for obvious traps when the signals are present. The Magnets Trap This trap starts when the players enter a room with a sloped floor that angles down …
Sometimes a trap doesn’t need to deal damage to hurt your players. Sometimes what really hurts is taking your players’ gold. This trap is simple, effective, and easy to place and use. The Ruse Jewels are easily one of the players most exciting finds, as they are valuable and very rarely have any downsides. That …
When working on designing traps, there are a lot of instances when the mechanism that activates the trap is pretending to be something it isn’t. Today we’re going to look at some examples of ways to spring traps that would be overlooked, but definitely trigger them in most situations. Hiding Switches A switch or lever …
Every now and then your players might need a bit of a challenge, and the run of the mill monsters are just not cutting it. While it might seem like a great time to introduce dragons, beholders, or other big ticket monsters, your story might not be ready for it. If this sounds all too …
