Part 4: How To Design Excellent D&D Encounters! The Arcane Library 2022-09-18 | ⬇️ Download the notes and resources with the links below! ⬇️Kelsey from The Arcane Library goes over how to develop well-designed encounters for a 5E one-shot. Some important elements we'll cover include enticement, pressure, interaction, and consequences (EPIC)!Follow along in as we design a brand new 5E one-shot, The Bone Pavilion of the Shadow Hounds, from scratch in the fourth part of this live Adventure Writing series.00:00 Sound check, getting situated03:17 Getting started on encounter design05:49 What's an encounter?07:48 Enticement09:06 Pressure10:17 Interaction11:33 Consequences15:35 Encounter 1: Puzzle17:33 Leave some mystery24:55 Why does pressure matter?26:30 Careful with consequences31:39 Encounter 2: Trap40:31 Pressure should not be a secret44:24 Encounter 3: NPC Interaction49:50 A slight twist on a trope54:02 Pressure is a dial, not a switch56:14 Delivering backstory58:53 Roll play vs. role play01:01:52 Encounter 4: Combat01:09:27 Rolling a timer vs. setting one01:14:25 Play out the combat mentally01:18:51 Wrap up, plan for next timeAlso, how did I confuse Radagast and Tom Bombadil?! It is Tom who is the most powerful!Download the notes from the livestream here: dropbox.com/s/r51692kpdko7iji/Part%204%20-%20Encounter%20Design.pdf?dl=0Check out the full playlist of this series here: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsIJw22Nm-ctYiy8qK6TtrTgjnYbHsxiCJump on The Arcane Library's newsletter for a free 1st-level adventure, plus the adventure writing resources Kelsey shares out: thearcanelibrary.com/pages/temple-of-the-basilisk-cult🔮 Subscribe to the channel and cast Toll the Dead on the bell icon to get notified when the next part of this series goes live! 🔮Title image copyright Tithi Luadthong / shutterstock.com
Solo TTRPGs with Trevor Devall! The Arcane Library 2023-08-24 | Join Trevor Devall (@MeMyselfandDieRPG) and Kelsey for a live chat and AMA about solo TTRPG gaming! Trevor is a highly accomplished voice actor, veteran TTRPG player, and expert in running solo game systems. His hit show, Me, Myself and Die!, has brought solo gameplay and sagely TTRPG advice to thousands of viewers.Kelsey will soon try her hand at solo gameplay using Shadowdark RPG for the Kickstarter's $1 million stretch goal, and Trevor's insights will help her get on her feet. 👍Please bring your questions for the chat as we learn from the Jedi Master. Or should we say Sith Lord, since Trevor voiced Lego Emperor Palpatine?! 🔥 Trevor's YouTube Channel: youtube.com/@MeMyselfandDieRPG🚀 🦝 Trevor's amazing voice acting credits (yes, he voiced the animated Rocket Raccoon!): imdb.com/name/nm0222175🔮 Shadowdark RPG Kickstarter: kickstarter.com/projects/shadowdarkrpg/shadowdark-rpg-old-school-gaming-modernized?ref=discovery&term=shadowdark%20rpg00:00 - Go Live (Is This Thing On?)02:54 - The Preamble04:55 - Trevor Is Here!26:06 - Tech Trouble (Skippable!)29:02 - On With The Show
Boneless Demons?! | Lets Make A Shadowdark Monster! The Arcane Library 2023-08-14 | A walkthrough for how I used the Shadowdark RPG monster creation rules to make a weird, boneless demon!🔮 Join the Shadowdark RPG newsletter to get a free monster like this one every month (plus access to all prior monsters): https://mailchi.mp/thearcanelibrary/lbelx04q31👹 You can download the Lash Demon for free at this link: dropbox.com/scl/fi/gyp396tkrljgdlvbkoa0c/8-Lash-Demon.pdf?rlkey=9pfmqwoo3l7tupmx1uqybmcts&dl=0
Treasures From the Shadowdark RPG Indie Scene | Independent July The Arcane Library 2023-08-01 | To close out Independent RPG July with a bang, I talk about three independent Shadowdark projects that sparked joy (the evil kind of joy GMs feel when their players are about to step into a trap)!I believe I set a new personal record for the number of time I say "super cool" in this video. Couldn't help it!🔥 Check out the expansive and majestic Unnatural Selection free Quickstart guide + Kickstarter: dungeondamsel.com🔨 The Hammermancer! A character class that smashes through the 4th wall with delightful style: itch.io/jam/shadowdark-independent-game-jam/rate/2177003 🦇 Cry of the Stingbat will have you racing for your life against an unstoppable drove of our favorite bloodsucking foes: https://www.runehammer.online/online-store/Cry-of-the-Stingbat-p571719061🎸 The Shadowdark RPG Independent Game Jam: itch.io/jam/shadowdark-independent-game-jam/entries00:00 - Introduction00:30 - Unnatural Selection06:08 - The Hammermancer08:23 - Cry of the Stingbat(As ever, none of these are sponsored/paid for or anything of that nature -- I just like the projects and the creators enough to vouch for them.)
Sleeper Hits of the Indie TTRPG Scene | Independent July The Arcane Library 2023-07-16 | In honor of Independent TTRPG July, I show you four of my favorite deep cuts from the independent roleplaying games scene!These titles are hidden gems that I love and hope you will, too.JP Coovert's Flik Silverpen Guides: http://www.jpcoovert.comThe Merry Mushmen's A Folklore Bestiary: themerrymushmen.com/product/a-folklore-bestiary-for-old-school-essentials-tmmRunehammer + Alex Alvarez's SCI PUNK Anthology: drivethrurpg.com/product/384587/SCI-PUNK-AnthologySwordfish Islands's The Dark of Hot Springs Island: shop.swordfishislands.com00:00 Introduction00:33 Flik Silverpen Guides02:20 A Folklore Bestiary03:59 SCI PUNK Anthology07:33 The Dark of Hot Springs Island
Shadowdark Legal AMA with Greg the Lawyer! The Arcane Library 2023-05-21 | Come ask Greg the Lawyer all your legal questions about publishing for Shadowdark RPG in this livestream!Greg and I are going to discuss how to use the Shadowdark RPG Third-Party License V1.1 to make your own material that you can publish royalty free. AKA I don't get any of the profits, ya hear! I want you to feel confident when you publish material for Shadowdark, and that starts with explaining how the legal stuff works. We tried to keep the license very simple and as open as possible.*Disclaimer that Greg is not your lawyer, and this isn't legal counsel, only a discussion that should not be construed as legal advice! Greg will be glad I said that, I'm sure.The most recent version of the license is available here: dropbox.com/s/r87z23utgoqq4o5/Shadowdark%20RPG%20Third-Party%20License%20V1.1.pdf?dl=0🔥 Here is the written FAQ resulting from this Live AMA! We'll update it over time as more questions emerge: thearcanelibrary.com/blogs/shadowdark-blog/faq-on-the-shadowdark-rpg-third-party-license
Designing the Bard Class for Shadowdark RPG! The Arcane Library 2023-05-18 | We hit the $750,000 stretch goal for the Shadowdark RPG Kickstarter, so we're designing two new classes for the game!This video is about designing the bard, a class that has changed enormously from its first implementation in AD&D 1e to its current form in 5E. What's going to happen with the Shadowdark bard? Well... I really can't guess!During this livestream, we'll go through the process of the bard's design and find our way forward on one of fantasy TTRPG's most "historically varied" classes. Input and ideas from the chat will be essential, so please chime in!Once the design is tested and polished, I'll turn this into a finished PDF that gets shared with all Kickstarter backers.🔥 Download for the bard's current version (V1): dropbox.com/s/64imcnszkag44en/Bard%20V1.pdf?dl=0 We already completed the ranger class design a couple weeks ago. Check out the livestream replay here: youtube.com/watch?v=yro4B2IAPIU&t=3968s🦇 The fully-funded Shadowdark RPG Kickstarter is now OPEN FOR LATE PLEDGES: kickstarter.com/projects/shadowdarkrpg/shadowdark-rpg-old-school-gaming-modernized
Designing the Ranger Class for Shadowdark RPG! The Arcane Library 2023-04-28 | We hit the $750,000 stretch goal for the Shadowdark RPG Kickstarter, so we're designing two new classes for the game!This video is about designing the ranger, a master of the wilds. I'll talk through my process of class design and get input and ideas from the chat!🔥 Here is our document with the final ranger class (excluding titles, which will be rolled into the overall document that includes the bard class in the next few weeks): dropbox.com/s/8uxoa2jzcon9ltl/Ranger%20Class%20-%20V2.pdf?dl=0🦇 The fully-funded Shadowdark RPG Kickstarter is now OPEN FOR LATE PLEDGES: kickstarter.com/projects/shadowdarkrpg/shadowdark-rpg-old-school-gaming-modernized
Lets Create A Community Mini-Dungeon for Shadowdark RPG! The Arcane Library 2023-04-21 | We're designing a free Shadowdark RPG mini-dungeon for everyone as our $500k Kickstarter stretch goal!Join Kelsey with your ideas and feedback as we create a new little dungeon where characters will meet their doom... er... EARN SOME XP... and have a worthy adventure!🔥 Here's the download link for the completed adventure, free for all Shadowdark players out there thanks to the Kickstarter backers' immense show of support: dropbox.com/s/1rqxka456cvda2x/The%20Concealed%20Abbey%20of%20the%20Dragonfly%20Horde%20-%20V2.zip?dl=0Thanks, everyone, for your support for Shadowdark RPG! 😃🦇 The fully-funded Shadowdark RPG Kickstarter are open for LATE PLEDGES: kickstarter.com/projects/shadowdarkrpg/shadowdark-rpg-old-school-gaming-modernized
Designing the Ranger Class for Shadowdark RPG! The Arcane Library 2023-04-21 | We hit the $750,000 stretch goal for the Shadowdark RPG Kickstarter, so we're designing two new classes for the game!This video is about designing the ranger, a master of the wilds. I'll talk through my process of class design and get input and ideas from the chat!Once the design is done and polished, I'll turn this into a finished PDF that gets shared with all Kickstarter backers.(We'll do this same process for our second class, the bard, in the next few weeks!)🦇 The fully-funded Shadowdark RPG Kickstarter will be open for LATE PLEDGES soon: kickstarter.com/projects/shadowdarkrpg/shadowdark-rpg-old-school-gaming-modernized
Shadowdark RPG Game Master Tips and Tricks The Arcane Library 2023-03-15 | The Shadowdark RPG Kickstarter is live and already approaching $900,000 in funding! Check it out here: kickstarter.com/projects/shadowdarkrpg/shadowdark-rpg-old-school-gaming-modernized?ref=d6fd53In this video, I walk you through my advice for using some of the Shadowdark RPG gameplay mechanics, including always-on initiative, XP awards, and relative distance measuring!
Live Play Example: Shadowdark RPG The Arcane Library 2023-03-08 | 🦇 A live play example of Shadowdark RPG! You can jump in on the fully funded Kickstarter here: kickstarter.com/projects/shadowdarkrpg/shadowdark-rpg-old-school-gaming-modernized?ref=cf9gipIn this video, I take four gamers of various experience levels through a foray into the Eroding Isle of the Executioner. I include a few notes of GMing advice, too!🔥 We didn't have occasion to light a torch in this session; the focus this time was on the initiative, exploration, and combat rules. If we'd lit a torch, there might have been a few fun opportunities to "attack the light" in such a watery place. What would you have done to threaten the characters' torchlight? Let me know below!
Shadowdark RPG Live AMA The Arcane Library 2023-03-04 | Ask Kelsey all your questions about Shadowdark RPG in this live AMA!🦇 Check out the fully-funded Shadowdark RPG Kickstarter: kickstarter.com/projects/shadowdarkrpg/shadowdark-rpg-old-school-gaming-modernized
How To Make A Shadowdark RPG Character The Arcane Library 2023-03-01 | Follow along and make your own 1st-level Shadowdark RPG character!🦇 The Shadowdark RPG Kickstarter is LIVE and FULLY funded! Jump in on the wild ride and pledge here: kickstarter.com/projects/shadowdarkrpg/shadowdark-rpg-old-school-gaming-modernizedYou can download the free Shadowdark RPG Quickstart Set (with a form-fillable character sheet included) here: drivethrurpg.com/product/413713/Shadowdark-RPG-Quickstart-Set
Shadowdark RPG Launches Today! The Arcane Library 2023-02-28 | Shadowdark RPG is now LIVE on Kickstarter and already funded!! kickstarter.com/projects/shadowdarkrpg/shadowdark-rpg-old-school-gaming-modernized?ref=bki1gt🦇 Pledge for a physical tier on Day 1 to get a free holographic stingbat sticker! 🦇
The Story of Shadowdark RPG The Arcane Library 2023-02-21 | ⚔️ Check Out the Shadowdark RPG Kickstarter Preview Page: kickstarter.com/projects/shadowdarkrpg/shadowdark-rpg-old-school-gaming-modernizedHow I became a D&D writer and TTRPG designer. Prepare for nostalgia! 💫Shadowdark RPG finally launches on Kickstarter on February 28th after three years in production! Check it out at the link above.
The Shadowdark RPG Kickstarter Is Live! The Arcane Library 2023-02-16 | 🦇 The Shadowdark RPG Kickstarter is now live and FULLY FUNDED: kickstarter.com/projects/shadowdarkrpg/shadowdark-rpg-old-school-gaming-modernizedClassic adventure gaming for 5E D&D and old-school players alike! One book, all you need to play.
The OGL and Me: What Will Happen Now? The Arcane Library 2023-01-06 | The Golden Age of the D&D Open Game License is ending. What does this mean for me and the third-party publishing community at large? Sign up to get notified of the Shadowdark RPG launch: thearcanelibrary.com
The Caverns of Thracia: A Live Discussion! The Arcane Library 2022-12-08 | Join Kelsey Dionne (The Arcane Library) and Laurin-David Weggen (designer of the Soulblight campaign setting) as they discuss their mutual admiration for The Caverns of Thracia, a masterclass in old-school D&D adventure design!Jump ahead to 04:07 to get straight into the discussion (and skip our preliminary tech woes)!Lauren-David Weggen: @ThatOccultDM (Twitter), Soulblight: drivethrurpg.com/product/383170/Soulblight--A-Shadowdark-SettingKelsey Dionne: thearcanelibrary.com/pages/shadowdarkJoin The Arcane Library Discord server: discord.me/thearcanelibrary
Updated Dungeon Master Kit | Best Dungeon Master Tools The Arcane Library 2022-11-02 | This is a walkthrough of my updated Dungeon Master kit! I've changed a few things since my video about minimalist DM kits a few years ago (spoiler: I'm still a minimalist). This update to my toolkit has further streamlined the way I run D&D games! I use this same set of gear at conventions, my Friendly Local Gaming Store, and even for home sessions. 00:00 Introduction01:01 Basic Table Items02:28 Dice04:20 POGS05:10 Minis07:40 Writing Gear and Books09:00 Maps11:42 No DM Screen?!—None of the below are affiliate links! Just recommendations.Arcknight minis: http://arcknight.squarespace.comUltimate Guard Flexxfolio American 9 Pocket Card Holder (Mini): smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B019GQ9EPA/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1Baron Fig notebooks: baronfig.comPathfinder Flip-Mat: amazon.com/Paizo-Inc-PZO30024-Pathfinder-Flip-Mat/dp/1601255381Tactical Maps Reincarnated: amazon.com/Dungeons-Dragons-Tactical-Reincarnated-Accessory/dp/0786966793—🔮 Get a free 5E adventure for 1st-level characters, Temple of the Basilisk Cult, when you join The Arcane Library's newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/thearcanelibrary/temple-of-the-basilisk-cult⚡️ Are you a 5E Dungeon Master or player who wants to try Old School gaming? Bring out your inner Eddie Munson with the free Shadowdark RPG Quickstart rules: thearcanelibrary.com/pages/shadowdark🔥 Check out The Arcane Library's critically acclaimed DnD adventures here: thearcanelibrary.com/collections/all
How To Organize D&D Campaign Notes | DM Journal Tips The Arcane Library 2022-10-31 | Kelsey from The Arcane Library explains how to set up your Dungeon Master notebook for success when you begin a new campaign!This is Kelsey's battle-tested process for keeping her campaign notes organized, reasonable, and effective. All you need is a pen, notebook, and about ten minutes!🔮 Get a free 5E adventure for 1st-level characters, Temple of the Basilisk Cult, when you join The Arcane Library's newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/thearcanelibrary/temple-of-the-basilisk-cult⚡️ Are you a 5E Dungeon Master or player who wants to try Old School gaming? Bring out your inner Eddie Munson with the free Shadowdark RPG Quickstart rules: thearcanelibrary.com/pages/shadowdark🔥 Check out The Arcane Library's critically acclaimed DnD adventures here: thearcanelibrary.com/collections/all
D&D Adventure Walkthrough: Born in Blood (5E) The Arcane Library 2022-10-21 | A walkthrough for The Arcane Library's newest 5E Dungeons & Dragons horror one-shot for 9th-level characters: Born in Blood! Get your copy here: thearcanelibrary.com/products/born-in-blood-9th-level-one-shot-5eWhen the characters arrive at the fishing town of Estinn, they find it totally abandoned. Can they solve the grisly mystery of what happened to the town and stop a monstrous threat that lurks in the cold, deep waters of the bay?
Adventure Walkthrough: Lost Citadel of the Scarlet Minotaur (Shadowdark RPG) The Arcane Library 2022-08-09 | Download the adventure (part of the free digital Shadowdark RPG Quickstart guide) here: thearcanelibrary.com/pages/shadowdarkThe adventure is the last chapter of the Game Master Quickstart Guide! 👍This video is a walkthrough for The Arcane Library's latest Shadowdark RPG adventure for 1st-3rd level characters: Lost Citadel of the Scarlet Minotaur!What the heck is Shadowdark RPG? It's an old-school rebuild of the 5E rules, bringing it back to the original style of the game while keeping the elegant innovations of modern RPG design. Sign up to get notified when the full Shadowdark RPG Core rulebook launches: https://mailchi.mp/thearcanelibrary/7epxqikl7kFor converting this adventure to 5E DnD: 1. Double the HP and damage of any monsters with 6+ hit dice.2. Replace Shadowdark spells with their 5E versions, or a similar spell from the same level ("tier" in Shadowdark).3. Change checks to avoid negative effects into saving throws.
D&D Adventure Walkthrough: Sanctum of the Moon Elves (5E) The Arcane Library 2022-08-01 | Get your *free download* of Sanctum of the Moon Elves here: dropbox.com/s/0y3v5e32qh3quhg/Sanctum%20of%20the%20Moon%20Elves%20V1.zip?dl=0This video is a walkthrough for The Arcane Library's latest 5E Dungeons & Dragons one-shot for 5th level characters: Sanctum of the Moon Elves!_A radiant sanctum floats in space, seemingly abandoned... but ancient, deadly secrets hide in its otherworldly courtyards and towers!_Though this adventure is world-neutral, it’s highly compatible with Spelljammer!Join The Arcane Library's newsletter to get another free 1st-level adventure, Temple of the Basilisk Cult: https://mailchi.mp/thearcanelibrary/temple-of-the-basilisk-cultLove this map? Get 9 more variants of it, plus a ton of back catalogue maps when you become a patron of Lantern's Light Maps: patreon.com/lanternslightmaps
Part 3: How to design a D&D map! The Arcane Library 2022-02-28 | ⬇️ Download the notes and resources with the links below! ⬇️Kelsey from The Arcane Library goes over how to design a DnD map for a 5E one-shot. There are several things to consider that affect pacing and exploration!Follow along in as we design a brand new 5E one-shot, The Bone Pavilion of the Shadow Hounds, from scratch in the third part of this live Adventure Writing series.00:00 - Saying hi and sound check02:28 - Today's topic: designing maps!04:40 - Recap of Parts 1 and 208:20 - Map first, or encounters first?12:15 - Brainstorming, starting with themes16:30 - Short aside: evocative writing17:48 - Brainstorming room ideas23:38 - Time to start drawing25:55 - The Mythic Underworld27:45 - Going outside the outline30:30 - Cat in a jar33:09 - The "don't touch" museum37:10 - Avoid impassable roadblocks41:20 - Make multiple paths45:40 - Circles and lines into a map48:03 - Variety of room shapes50:00 - Steps recap53:19 - Q&A. Is historical reality/realism important?🔥 The title image features the Acid Dungeon that Kelsey designed in collaboration with Lantern's Light Maps. It's a good example of some of the principles discussed in the video. You can download it (and four others) for free when you join the Lantern's Light newsletter: lanternslightmaps.com/pages/newsletterDownload the notes from the livestream here: dropbox.com/s/ej529cg8dcdoehi/Part%203%20-%20How%20To%20Design%20a%20DnD%20Map.pdf?dl=0Check out the full playlist of this series here: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsIJw22Nm-ctYiy8qK6TtrTgjnYbHsxiC🔮 Subscribe to the channel and cast Toll the Dead on the bell icon to get notified when the next part of this series goes live! 🔮
Adventure Walkthrough: The Hideous Halls of Mugdulblub! The Arcane Library 2022-01-03 | A walkthrough for The Arcane Library's newest Shadowdark RPG adventure for 1st-level characters: The Hideous Halls of Mugdulblub!Get your copy here: thearcanelibrary.com/products/cursed-scroll-zine-vol-1-diablerie-printWhat the heck is Shadowdark RPG? It's an old-school rebuild of the 5E rules, bringing it back to the original style of the game while keeping the elegant innovations of modern RPG design. Download the *free Shadowdark RPG Quickstart Set,* which supports gameplay up through 3rd level: thearcanelibrary.com/pages/shadowdarkSign up to get notified when the full Shadowdark RPG Core rulebook launches: https://mailchi.mp/thearcanelibrary/7epxqikl7kFor converting this adventure to 5E: 1. Double the HP and damage of any monsters with 6+ hit dice.2. Replace Shadowdark spells with their 5E versions, or a similar spell from the same level ("tier" in Shadowdark).3. Change checks to avoid negative effects into saving throws.
Part 2: How to outline a D&D 5E one shot! The Arcane Library 2021-11-14 | ⬇️ Download the notes and resources with the links below! ⬇️Kelsey from The Arcane Library goes over how to outline a 5E DnD one shot for publication. The keys are encounter variety and creating hurdles!Follow along in writing a brand new one-shot from scratch in the second part of this series!00:00 - Saying hi to everyone and cracking a La Croix can04:37 - Recap from Video 1: How to get ideas for writing a D&D one-shot06:53 - Start with the end10:56 - Cadence-based design12:16 - The three encounter types14:10 - Encounters for the four major class types16:49 - The first encounter22:32 - The second encounter30:40 - The third encounter34:19 - The fourth encounter38:31 - The fifth encounter42:28 - Take every opportunity to convey story49:28 - The sixth encounter52:08 - Explaining the story53:31 - Outline for an adventure I've published previously Download the notes from the livestream here: dropbox.com/s/8k5o689nb7btlw4/Part%202%20-%20How%20To%20Outline%20Your%20Adventure.pdf?dl=0Check out the full playlist of this series here: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsIJw22Nm-ctYiy8qK6TtrTgjnYbHsxiCJump on The Arcane Library's newsletter for a free 1st-level adventure, plus the adventure writing resources Kelsey shares out: thearcanelibrary.com/pages/temple-of-the-basilisk-cult🔮 Subscribe to the channel to get notified when the next part of this series goes live! 🔮Image art © Ming Fang, used with permission
How to Write Horror for D&D The Arcane Library 2021-10-25 | ⬇️ Download The Night Hunter horror adventure for free below! ⬇️Kelsey from The Arcane Library talks about the three critical elements for writing and running horror adventures for 5E D&D.1. Suspense: "We don't know what's going to happen."2. Powerlessness: "We can't directly attack or defend against the source of danger."3. Mystery: "There are secrets we want to understand."🔪 Download The Night Hunter: dropbox.com/s/v3rh6383wt6qul6/The%20Night%20Hunter%20V1.zip?dl=0Check out Lantern's Light Maps: patreon.com/lanternslightmaps01:09 - Suspense02:28 - Powerlessness04:31 - Mystery05:39 - The Night Hunter adventure walkthrough
D&D Adventure Walkthrough: Night on Devils Peak The Arcane Library 2021-10-08 | A walkthrough for The Arcane Library's newest 5E Dungeons & Dragons adventure for 6th level characters: Night on Devil's Peak! Get your copy here: thearcanelibrary.com/products/night-on-devils-peak-6th-level-adventure-5eOn the night of the rare Witch Moon, a binding spell placed over the mighty devil Tchernabog finally breaks. Will the characters be able to survive the night of boiling hellfire, furious undead, and diabolical mayhem Tchernabog orchestrates from atop Devil's Peak?
D&D Adventure Walkthrough: The Demon in the Mirror The Arcane Library 2021-10-08 | A walkthrough for The Arcane Library's newest 5E Dungeons & Dragons adventure for 5th level characters: The Demon in the Mirror! Get your copy here: thearcanelibrary.com/products/the-demon-in-the-mirror-5th-level-adventure-5eThe Iron King's daughter has been cursed by a demon who lurks inside a mirror locked deep in the palace dungeons. Can the characters win their freedom from those same dungeons by entering the mirror demon's horrifying, maze-like realm and finding a way to end the curse?
Part 1: How to get ideas for writing a D&D one shot! The Arcane Library 2021-10-03 | ⬇️ Download the notes and resources with the links below! ⬇️Kelsey from The Arcane Library goes over the first steps she takes to write a 5E DnD one shot for publication. This part is all about generating good ideas and knowing which ones are winners.Follow along in writing a brand new one-shot from scratch in the first part of this series!00:00 - Saying hi to everyone 05:06 - Let's get started07:12 - The Tome of Adventure Design11:09 - Step 1: Generate adventure site ideas15:51 - Focus on imagery19:22 - Step 2: Identify the urgent problem22:19 - Player expectations in 5E22:54 - Coming up with problems30:23 - Vibe check: dwelling vs. pavilion32:34 - Recap of where we are before Step 334:49 - Don't deliver wolf pelts36:56 - Step 3: Figure out the pass/fail state40:38 - Make problems, not solutions45:13 - Let the DM participate, too47:28 - Step 4: Scope and length of the one shot51:16 - Recap of steps 1-453:53 - Your turn!Download the notes from the livestream here: dropbox.com/s/lsl7hmpvp4fb688/Part%201%20-%20How%20To%20Find%20Your%20Idea.pdf?dl=0Check out the full playlist of this series here: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsIJw22Nm-ctYiy8qK6TtrTgjnYbHsxiCJump on The Arcane Library's newsletter for a free 1st-level adventure, plus the adventure writing resources Kelsey shares out: thearcanelibrary.com/pages/temple-of-the-basilisk-cult🔥 Subscribe to the channel to get notified when Part 2 goes live about outlining your adventure and developing strong encounters! 🔥Image art © Tithi Luadthong / shutterstock.com
Ghostlight 5E D&D Adventure Walkthrough The Arcane Library 2020-12-22 | A full walkthrough for The Arcane Library's 1st-level D&D adventure, Ghostlight!A mysterious ship emerges from the dark ocean mist, its lantern-lit deck silent and empty. When invisible hands cast lines and ropes over to the characters, will they accept the invitation to board and enter the secret afterlife of departed sailors? Get a copy of Ghostlight in Legends of the Library, Vol. 1: thearcanelibrary.com/products/legends-of-the-library-vol-1
Fangs of Oatali 5E D&D Adventure Walkthrough The Arcane Library 2020-12-22 | A full walkthrough for The Arcane Library's 6th-level D&D adventure, Fangs of Oatali!An artifact belonging to an ancient couatl god has been stolen from his shrine. Can the characters recover the Fangs of Oatali before the god's wrath unleashes a devastating cataclysm upon the jungle? Get a copy of Fangs of Oatali in Legends of the Library, Vol. 1: thearcanelibrary.com/products/legends-of-the-library-vol-1
Gate of the Lens Wizards 5E D&D Adventure Walkthrough The Arcane Library 2020-12-22 | A full walkthrough for The Arcane Library's 15th-level D&D adventure, Gate of the Lens Wizards!A world unseen lies beyond a twisted, metal gate in a remote field of the Dhalpurna Mountains. Will the characters brave the alien monstrosities, technologies, and magic inside to learn the secrets that have been brooding in this strange place for millennia? Get a copy of Gate of the Lens Wizards in Legends of the Library, Vol. 1: thearcanelibrary.com/products/legends-of-the-library-vol-1
Monastery of the Shadow Sorcerers 5E D&D Adventure Walkthrough The Arcane Library 2020-12-22 | A full walkthrough for The Arcane Library's 8th-level D&D adventure, Monastery of the Shadow Sorcerers!Beneath the blood moon, a dark monastery appears for one night atop a high plateau. Inside its walls, the mighty black lotus flower reaches its full bloom. Can the characters steal inside the monastery, defeat its sorcerous guardians, and claim the blossom before the sun rises? Get a copy of Monastery of the Shadow Sorcerers in Legends of the Library, Vol. 1: thearcanelibrary.com/products/legends-of-the-library-vol-1
The Curse of Wardenwood 5E D&D Adventure Walkthrough The Arcane Library 2020-10-05 | A full walkthrough for The Arcane Library's 7th-level D&D horror one-shot, The Curse of Wardenwood!Things are not always what they seem in the cursed forest near Wardenwood village. Can the characters hold back the primal forces of evil and keep innocents from losing all they hold dear? Get a copy of The Curse of Wardenwood in the Bundle of Horror 2: thearcanelibrary.com/products/bundle-of-horror-2
The Horror Within 5E D&D Adventure Walkthrough The Arcane Library 2020-10-05 | A full walkthrough for The Arcane Library's 8th-level D&D horror one-shot, The Horror Within!Everyone who went to opening night of the Monveau Theater's newest show has gone completely insane. Can the characters uncover the shocking secrets inside the theater and find a way to end the plague of madness without losing their own minds? Get a copy of The Horror Within in the Bundle of Horror 2: thearcanelibrary.com/products/bundle-of-horror-2
The Snow Stalkers 5E D&D Adventure Walkthrough The Arcane Library 2020-10-05 | A full walkthrough for The Arcane Library's 5th-level D&D horror one-shot, The Snow Stalkers!When the members of The Red Drakes adventuring party go missing with precious cargo, it's up to the characters to find them before a blizzard hits. Can the group survive the grisly revelations waiting for them in the remote peaks of Frostfall Pass?Get a copy of The Snow Stalkers in the Bundle of Horror 2: thearcanelibrary.com/products/bundle-of-horror-2
Beneath The Black Rose 5E D&D Adventure Walkthrough The Arcane Library 2020-10-05 | A full walkthrough for The Arcane Library's 6th-level D&D horror one-shot, Beneath The Black Rose!The Black Rose Inn has a spectral resident prowling its halls and a cultish secret under its floorboards. Can the characters delve beneath the Black Rose and bring closure to a decades-old tragedy?Get a copy of Beneath The Black Rose in the Bundle of Horror 2: thearcanelibrary.com/products/bundle-of-horror-2
The Corruption of Skyhorn Lighthouse Walkthrough The Arcane Library 2020-04-30 | Video walkthrough for The Arcane Library's 8th-level adventure for 5E DnD, The Corruption of Skyhorn Lighthouse! Get your copy here: dmsguild.com/product/311881/The-Corruption-of-Skyhorn-Lighthouse?view_as_pub=1The tritons have arrested the keeper of Skyhorn Lighthouse for unleashing vile, bug-like abominations into the sea. When a lone triton comes to the characters and asks their help in exonerating the keeper, will the heroes rise to the challenge and confront the dangers lurking in the deep?
Adventure Walkthrough: Watchers in the Dark The Arcane Library 2019-10-22 | A walkthrough for The Arcane Library's newest 4th-level one-shot for 5E Dungeons & Dragons, Watchers in the Dark. Get your copy here: thearcanelibrary.com/products/watchers-in-the-darkA meteorite has crashed into the countryside, and now vicious enemies prowl the night. Can the players put a stop to the sinister force that is causing savage animal attacks and a growing list of missing people?
Adventure Walkthrough: Valley of the Gilded Tower The Arcane Library 2019-04-26 | A walkthrough for The Arcane Library's new 2nd-level one-shot, Valley of the Gilded Tower. Get your copy here: thearcanelibrary.com/collections/all/products/valley-of-the-gilded-towerThe baron’s wife is dead. But she isn’t gone. Can the players lay her to rest and defeat the festering evil hidden away inside the Gilded Tower?Scope out Castle Mac's live playthrough in the Edgar Allan Poe museum in Richmond, Virginia! youtube.com/watch?v=K1RHGGkc81Y
Adventure Walkthrough: Shadows of Lastwatch Keep The Arcane Library 2019-04-04 | A walkthrough for The Arcane Library's newest 4th-level one-shot, Shadows of Lastwatch Keep! You can get your copy here: thearcanelibrary.com/collections/all/products/shadows-of-lastwatch-keepAn encounter with two goblins in the countryside points to a shadowy force gathering inside Lastwatch Keep. Can the players defeat the drow invaders in the keep before they escape to the underworld with important intelligence about the surface?
Adventure Engineers Ep. 5: Sunless Citadel Part 2 The Arcane Library 2019-02-12 | Episode 5: Sunless Citadel Part 2 is a look at the last part of what makes The Sunless Citadel awesome (graphs included), plus musings about Meepo!In Adventure Engineers, renowned Dungeon Master Steven MacLauchland and bestselling D&D writer Kelsey Dionne combine forces to talk about bringing thoughtful craft and design to your gaming table!
Adventure Engineers 4: The Sunless Citadel Part 1 The Arcane Library 2019-02-12 | Episode 4: The Sunless Citadel Part 1 is a data-driven analysis of what makes The Sunless Citadel such a great D&D adventure!In Adventure Engineers, renowned Dungeon Master Steven MacLauchland and bestselling D&D writer Kelsey Dionne combine forces to talk about bringing thoughtful craft and design to your gaming table!
Adventure Engineers Ep. 3: Live Adventure Writing The Arcane Library 2019-02-11 | Episode 3: Live Adventure Writing is a brainstorming and writing session between Steven and Kelsey on an adventure for the Edgar Allan Poe Museum in Richmond, Virginia. This is the first time either has written D&D content live in front of an audience!In Adventure Engineers, renowned Dungeon Master Steven MacLauchland and bestselling D&D writer Kelsey Dionne combine forces to talk about bringing thoughtful craft and design to your gaming table!
Adventure Engineers Ep. 2: D&D Player Tips Your DM Wants You To Know! The Arcane Library 2019-02-11 | Episode 2: D&D Player Tips Your DM Wants You To Know! is a short Q&A followed by a discussion on what DMs are hoping for from the players!In Adventure Engineers, renowned Dungeon Master Steven MacLauchland and bestselling D&D writer Kelsey Dionne combine forces to talk about bringing thoughtful craft and design to your gaming table!
Adventure Engineers Ep. 1: Adventure Engineering! The Arcane Library 2019-02-11 | Episode 1: Adventure Engineering is a Q&A with Steven and Kelsey about writing and running the best D&D games they've got in 'em!In Adventure Engineers, renowned Dungeon Master Steven MacLauchland and bestselling D&D writer Kelsey Dionne combine forces to talk about bringing thoughtful craft and design to your gaming table!
My Minimalist Dungeon Master Kit The Arcane Library 2018-12-31 | Here's a full look at my minimalist DM kit, complete with "grapple-izing!" I also give a bit of insight into how I make use of each of these things, plus my personal philosophy on minimalism. Here's a link to some of the more niche stuff I mentioned in the video. None of these are affiliate links; I genuinely love and endorse these things, and they get heavy rotation at my D&D games. June 2020 update: I just released my own mini DM screen! Same dimensions as this one (if it ain't broke, don't fix it), but has tables inside for generating robust NPCs and for populating unexpected combats with interesting monsters. Link here: thearcanelibrary.com/collections/all/products/mini-gm-screen-5e00:00 Introduction03:33 Dice08:19 Minis13:44 Note-Taking Gear15:31 iPad17:18 Personal Philosophy17:44 DM Screen19:40 Maps22:46 Combat Cards— Arcknight flat plastic minis: http://arcknight.squarespace.com/shopLeather business card holders for flat plastic minis: amazon.com/gp/product/B06XDPWXHF/ref=oh_aui_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1Jade Gaming Character dice: jade-gaming.myshopify.com/products/characteroftheday-diceBlue weather d6: amazon.com/Weather-Dice-Types-Aprox-Wondertrail/dp/B010QI39GCDirectional d6: shapeways.com/product/9L9KWJJJP/directional-dice?option=59881853&etId=188592865&utm_source=automated-contact&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=payment-received&utm_content=7Unmentioned in the video, but sometimes used, are super handy coins for tracking re-rolls and other mini rewards: amazon.com/Metal-Pirate-Coins-Doubloon-Replicas/dp/B001CICTZSYou can get printable copies of the cards I showed below. :)PC cards: thearcanelibrary.com/products/form-fillable-pc-combat-cards-pdfMonster cards: thearcanelibrary.com/products/form-fillable-monster-cards-pdf— Song "Voyager" by Vivia, used with permission.
Adventure Walkthrough: Treaty of the Tiger King The Arcane Library 2018-10-29 | A walkthrough for The Arcane Library's D&D 5E adventure, Treaty of the Tiger King! This is an urban, diplomacy-focused one-shot for 1st-3rd level characters.A lone king arrives at the city's bustling harbor with hopes of negotiating peace for his people in a distant land. But an assassination attempt puts his mission in danger and reveals the king's hidden enemies. Can the characters protect King Rami and help him gain the political influence needed to achieve a lasting peace treaty?Check out Treaty of the Tiger King in the Adventure Mixtape Vol. 1 anthology: drivethrurpg.com/product/257421/Adventure-Mixtape-A-Music--Adventure-Anthology
