Roleplaying Resources

This is a collection of resources I've written or found over the years. While a lot of this is oriented towards D&D, much is applicable to any role-playing game or fantasy world. Anything here that is not credited can be assumed to be copyright The DM. Please don't put this stuff anywhere else without permission.

Recent Articles

2022-07-04 - Four rules for conduct at the gaming tableplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigFour rules for conduct at the gaming table

* No Selfishness. The table is here to have fun together. Grabbing all loot for yourself, PVPing for no purpose other than bloodlust, trying to get the party hurt or killed, and any other form of “fun vampirism

2019-09-16 - Safety and Consent in Roleplaying Gamesplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigSafety and Consent in Roleplaying Games

By the DM, 2019-09-18

Roleplaying games can be intense, and they can visit topics outside of your comfort zone. This is often a good thing. Many of us want to use roleplaying as a way to address difficult issues or act out situations that would make us uncomfortable in real life. The purpose of this article is not to discourage the creative self-expression that comes from roleplaying. It's to help GMs and players gage when they've gone too far.

2019-08-20 - Game Systemsplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigGame Systems

D&D

The basic rules for some D&D editions are free, under Wizards of the Coast's license.

3.5th edition

Hypertext d20. This includes material from the Player's Handbook, Dungeon Master's Guide, Monster Manual, Epic Handbook, Psionics Handbook and Unearthed Arcana.

4th edition
- More great one-shots!
2017-12-25 - Game Systemsplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigGame Systems

D&D

The basic rules for some D&D editions are free, under Wizards of the Coast's license.

3.5th edition

Hypertext d20. This includes material from the Player's Handbook, Dungeon Master's Guide, Monster Manual, Epic Handbook, Psionics Handbook and Unearthed Arcana.

4th edition
- Added some great one-shot games.
2017-12-05 - Article: The Secret Railroadplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigThe Secret Railroad

by the DM, 2017-12-05

Railroading is when the GM forces players down a specific path. No matter how hard they try, they have to continue riding that train. In its worst form, this is the GM saying, “No, you can't do that.”

2017-10-18 - Article: D&D 5: Masters of Skillsplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigD&D 5: Masters of Skills

By the DM, 2017-10-18

Skills were one of my favorite parts of D&D 3.5 and Pathfinder. They remain one of my favorite parts of D&D 5. Like in every edition of D&D, rogues and bards are the skill masters, but who is better?