Author Archives: Ian the DM
Dahrqbrü Site Migration
For some time now, I’ve felt compelled to migrate all of the content on the original Dahrqbrü web site over to a new subdirectory of this web site. I was using a free web host for the original web site, … Continue reading
Response From The KCLS
Big thanks to Tony for thinking of me and putting this on my radar! Although games with the previous group didn’t work out, I still very much want to play D&D. The idea of volunteering to the community is very … Continue reading
Eye In The Sky
Yesterday was all about collecting and breaking down my latest local haul of cardboard. I’ve spent most of today trimming it all down, sorting and storing it. This evening I could actually see walls again–but things still look like a hurricane … Continue reading
Art Supplies
Running out of brown ink from the few, old Prismacolor markers I have, I drove around locally this morning looking for a small set of Prismacolor markers. I gave up my search after not finding a set at three retail … Continue reading
Homemade Dungeon Tiles
If I’m being honest, playing D&D isn’t my top priority. Since September, I’ve spent nearly all of my free time learning 5th Edition, but I’ve just made the decision to step way back. I need to reevaluate my goals. Finding … Continue reading
On Being Old Skool
When a D&D podcaster recently made a familiar pop reference, I was reminded just how old skool I actually am. With D&D’s current popularity, it’s hard for me to fully appreciate that the majority of D&D players won’t immediately recognize … Continue reading
House Rule: Flanking
D&D 5e’s optional Flanking rules are probably the most controversial rules I’ve encountered since I started playing catch-up, back in September. I don’t want to bury the lead on this one, so I’ll come straight out and publicly declare, at … Continue reading
Review: The Incredible World of Doors & Locks (PDF)
The cover image of this PDF supplement caught my eye yesterday as I was absolutely not doing any kind of super secret DM-type research. Seeing it listed on the Dungeon Masters Guild, I immediately watched an awkward but favorable review on … Continue reading
Combat Tactics: Cover And The Ready Action
As we saw during last week’s Arena Practice, the movement rules for 5th Edition Dungeons & Dragons expressly allow combatants to use part of their available movement on their initiative, to attack, and then to use more or all of … Continue reading
The Great Battle Map Fiasco of 2020
Back in the time of the dinosaur, the way I learned to play D&D was primarily based in the “theater of the mind”-style of storytelling. Sure, I owned vinyl grid mats, and there were occasions where we’d break out a … Continue reading