Why your NPCs dont feel real Mystic Arts 2025-08-07 | You RENDER NPCs in passes, with each pass adding new lights to their features, highlighting different aspects of their persona. As your D&D players come back to meet them, you add new backstories, lore, and personality quirks to render in the details!🎬 Created by Daði & Anna Birna ♥▼ EXPLOSIVE CREATION ▼Check out the Game Master's Compendium of Explosive Creation and make interesting characters quickly and easily! legacy.drivethrurpg.com/product/484612/Game-Masters-Compendium-of-Explosive-Creation?affiliate_id=4646153▼ SUPPORT US ▼Join our Patreon: patreon.com/MysticArtsDM▼ INDEX ▼00:00 - Lighting your NPCs00:45 - DMs create images by rendering02:12 - Being in the DARK04:00 - Start with SPOT lights06:48 - FILL in the current situation08:43 - Give your characters an EDGE10:40 - Use PRACTICAL backstories12:34 - Explosive Creation13:01 - Light characters out of order15:42 - Deliberately incomplete lighting 16:20 - Pre-lighting IMPORTANT characters18:17 - Most NPCs are good with 1 light19:03 - Old Man Whitelock19:56 - Bit-parts in films21:44 - Revisiting characters is POWERFUL22:32 - NPCs aren't the heroes24:31 - Support us on our Patreon
West Marches needs a FRONTIER TOWN; lets make one! Mystic Arts 2025-08-31 | Every now and again you've got to make a new town. I've got a D&D game next week that requires me to have a town ready, and I don't have one! So, let's make a classic frontier town with a strong theme really quick! Ya'll ready?🎬Created by Daði & Anna Birna ♥▼ SUPPORT US ▼Join our Patreon: patreon.com/MysticArtsDMBecome a Member: youtube.com/channel/UCJQEEltSpi8LXqMH8uTrCQQ/join▼ INDEX ▼00:00:00 Introduction00:00:45 I ran DRAGONBANE yesterday00:12:24 How to: West Marches with Multiple DMs00:14:18 Chatting OSR, West Marches, Actual Play plans00:31:34 Let's start!00:32:31 What is Obsidian?00:33:26 The session I'm prepping00:38:45 How I prep towns00:42:55 Making UTOPIA: The Outline00:48:04 Dwarf Fortress00:49:37 Making UTOPIA: The Map01:25:02 My old West Marches Map01:27:15 Making UTOPIA: The Map Part 201:31:35 Making UTOPIA: The Outline Part 201:54:59 Draw the rest of the owl01:59:37 Thanks for watching!
Critical Role isnt actually doing West Marches, but you can! Mystic Arts 2025-08-28 | Critical Role announced that Brennan Lee Mulligan will be doing Campaign 4 as a West Marches style of play, with 13 players across multiple tables and storylines. But they're ignoring the player driven scheduling, but you don't have to do that! Here's how to create and organize a West Marches game yourself!🎬 Created by Daði & Anna Birna ♥▼ TOME OF INTANGIBLE TREASURES▼Get the TOME OF INTANGIBLE TREASURES: shop.lonecolossusgames.com/products/tome-of-intangible-treasures-hardcover-pdf?utm_source=MysArts&utm_medium=MysArts&utm_campaign=ToITRelease▼ SUPPORT US ▼Signing up for on the Patreon at the Adept tier with an Annual subscription, you'll get 30% off by using the coupon code ZINE until September 28th! patreon.com/MysticArtsDM▼ CREATOR OF WEST MARCHES▼Check out Ben Robbin's blog: arsludi.lamemage.com/index.php/78/grand-experiments-west-marches▼ INDEX ▼00:00 Critical Role is doing West Marches01:08 I've run loads of West Marches01:42 The History Corner03:24 The West Marches Premise05:50 How to do West Marches07:55 Organizing a Discord09:58 The Social Game11:02 D&D maximally gamified11:53 Many DMs12:48 Swapping players around14:30 Loot Oriented Gameplay16:23 Tome of Intangible Treasures16:50 It's not at the table18:21 History Corner Part 219:30 Critical Role's Player Problem20:40 What do we call this style of play?21:27 Orethon-Style23:26 I'm excited for Campaign 4!24:41 Try it for yourself!25:18 I'm doing Youtube Full Time now!
Everyone needs to chill about Campaign 4 Mystic Arts 2025-08-26 | Critical Role just announced that Campaign Four will use 5th Edition D&D instead of switching over to their new game Daggerheart, and everyone seems to be an expert on why that's a bad idea. But I just want everybody to chill; this won't affect you or your games.🎬 Created by Daði & Anna Birna ♥▼ EXPLOSIVE CREATION ▼Check out the Game Master's Compendium of Explosive Creation and make interesting characters quickly and easily! legacy.drivethrurpg.com/product/484612/Game-Masters-Compendium-of-Explosive-Creation?affiliate_id=4646153▼ SUPPORT US ▼Join our Patreon: patreon.com/MysticArtsDM▼ MENTIONS ▼@criticalrole and Campaign 4 as DMed by @dimension20show's Brennan Lee Mulligan.The Game DND on social media: instagram.com/the_gamednd▼ INDEX ▼00:00 Campaign 4 is D&D00:45 Why this video exists01:04 Speculation around Critical Role01:56 Marketing is a weird field.03:00 What we don't know...04:26 What we do know...05:08 They're playing chess.06:35 Did they abandon Daggerheart?07:56 The point of this video08:16 WIRED's 40-Year "THE GAME"09:12 You OWN your game!10:14 Explosive Creation10:58 Support us on Patreon!
Stop thinking D&D Youtubers can help you. We cant. Mystic Arts 2025-08-21 | I'm so done with seeing people thinking D&D Youtubers can help them run a better game; we can't. Only one thing can help you become a better dungeon master; it's running the game. But if you need to be inspired, here are some things you can try!🎬 Created by Daði & Anna Birna ♥▼ SUPPORT US ▼Join our Patreon: patreon.com/MysticArtsDM▼ INDEX ▼00:00 People named Matt can't help you.00:52 The Algorithm Age02:51 Comments that breaks my heart03:35 Why the glue trap works04:26 Go suck at something04:53 Diagnosing your games06:37 You need to be uncomfortable07:35 Experimenting for New DMs08:18 Experimenting for Experienced DMs09:11 Youtubers don't matter at YOUR table10:55 I'm here to spark ideas11:26 More videos on Patreon11:56 Chose to be curious13:29 I want to be your personal trainer15:37 Tell me when your most recent session was!
How I changed D&D to make it Low Fantasy Mystic Arts 2025-08-14 | I run a low fantasy, low magic D&D game and it works really well. I think there's some fundamentals that worked; it's a hexcrawl where magic is present but rare. But there's some other things I did too, namely a few homebrew classes and subclasses that bridged the gap perfectly for me.🎬 Created by Daði & Anna Birna ♥▼ INJURIES AND VILE DEEDS▼Get Injuries and Vile Deeds: shop.lonecolossusgames.com/products/injuries-vile-deeds-hardcover-pdf?utm_source=MysArts&utm_medium=MysArts&utm_campaign=InVDVid▼ SUPPORT US ▼Join our Patreon: patreon.com/MysticArtsDM▼ 3RD PARTY CLASSES ▼The Pugilist: legacy.drivethrurpg.com/product/184921/The-Pugilist-Class?affiliate_id=4646153The Scholar: dmsguild.com/product/270890/The-Scholar-Class?affiliate_id=4646153The Vanguard: legacy.drivethrurpg.com/product/409012/The-Vanguard-Class-5e?affiliate_id=4646153The Warlord: patreon.com/posts/warlord-class-123736095?source=storefront▼ FIREARM RULES ▼patreon.com/posts/firearm-rules-121409017?source=storefront▼ INDEX ▼00:00 Make Magic Taboo00:41 Low Magic Settings02:28 Bards aren't Low Fantasy03:27 How to add taboo04:18 Is Meteor Swarm too much?05:00 3rd Party Content's Place05:54 Injuries and Vile Deeds06:25 Low Fantasy at my table07:23 D&D has a place here08:45 Customization Suggestions09:52 Customization Limits10:26 3rd Party Classes11:55 Get your players on-board!12:21 What if that's not enough?13:04 It's your game14:16 Join our Patreon
Dont use the SAHUAGIN from the Monster Manual Mystic Arts 2025-08-05 | I've been struggling at realizing what D&D Sahuagin are about, but then I realized: they're just shark people! Their blood frenzy ability is fertile ground for developing a cadre of monsters you can use at any level!🎬 Created by Daði & Anna Birna ♥▼ CODEX OF THE UNDERSEA ▼Check out Ebb&Ori's Codex of the Undersea: kickstarter.com/projects/planarexpress/codex-of-the-undersea-a-5e-tome?ref=jvbram▼ SUPPORT US ▼Join our Patreon: patreon.com/MysticArtsDM▼ OBSIDIAN SRD VAULT ▼Nax the Raven's 5e SRD vault (work in progress): drive.google.com/drive/folders/1bYV3tq3OUUaIopM15kX5GQneIrqOKe9U▼ INDEX ▼00:00 Let's make Sahuagin00:36 Introducing the Sahuagin Tribe01:11 Sahuagin Predator03:30 Sahuagin Minnow04:04 Sahuagin Harpooner05:07 Sahuagin Shaman06:26 Sahuagin Sharkwrangler07:16 Codex of the Undersea07:55 Sahuagin Angler08:31 Sahuagin Bloodletter09:25 Sahuagin Toothmage10:25 Sahuagin Warchief11:11 Monsters with Synergies11:58 Sahuagin Sacrosanct13:09 How everything plays together13:48 Thanks for watching
How I made my HOBGOBLINS feel like an ARMY Mystic Arts 2025-07-31 | I'm tired of seeing various flavors of D&D hobgoblins like they're all skirmishers, what if we made an army of hobgoblins who can fight together like a band of powerful, regimented, trained, warriors! And I want them to challenge players through every tier of play!🎬 Created by Daði & Anna Birna ♥▼ SUPPORT US ▼Join our Patreon: patreon.com/MysticArtsDM▼ MONSTER MATH CHART ▼Anto from Icarus Games' video on the monster manual diagnosis: youtube.com/watch?v=9oMZouAAVmQ▼ INDEX ▼00:00 I made 10 hobgoblin statblocks00:25 D&D Hobgoblins01:46 Flee Mortals Hobgoblins03:16 Modular Design05:21 Hobgoblin Regular07:47 Good for all levels!08:32 Hobgoblin Archers09:15 Hobgoblin Pikeman10:36 Hobgoblin Wolfrider11:43 Hobgoblin Lieutenant13:12 Anto's Monster Math13:57 Hobgoblin Vanguard15:36 Hobgoblin Commander17:15 Hobgoblin Steelmage18:49 Hobgoblin General20:43 Creating fun adventures and encounters!21:25 Statblocks on the Patreon21:52 Thanks for watching!
Please give your players OP magic items! Mystic Arts 2025-07-24 | You should give your players rare and ancient artifacts in D&D! They can be an excellent way to structure an adventure, create conflict, write stories, and even inspire roleplay. You don't need to be afraid of the balance either! You could have the items gradually increase in power!🎬 Created by Daði & Anna Birna ♥▼ SUPPORT US ▼Join our Patreon and get your PDF for the Book of the Profane Word: patreon.com/MysticArtsDM▼ INDEX ▼00:00 Has this ever happened to you?00:37 The Death Knight's Study01:32 What is the Book?02:32 Artifacts change champaigns!03:17 Nate and the Bad Book06:22 I didn't plan any of this.06:35 Story Engines in TV07:39 Artifacts are Story Engines08:24 About the Bad Guys09:48 Risk vs Reward10:37 Vestiges of Divergence12:39 Get the book!13:00 Why it's scary to do this14:03 Create campaigns around artifacts14:25 Example Adventure about the Book15:29 Just try it!16:10 Thanks for watching!
Designing DUNGEONS that make you want to HEXCRAWL! Mystic Arts 2025-07-21 | One of the most important things about dungeons is the loot! But loot doesn't have to be gold or magic items, it can be information! And information can be about stuff in the hexcrawl! That way you loop between dungeons and hexcrawls in a satisfying gameplay loop that keeps the players wanting more!🎬Created by Daði & Anna Birna ♥Check out the Game Master's Compendium of Explosive Creation and make interesting characters quickly and easily! legacy.drivethrurpg.com/product/484612/Game-Masters-Compendium-of-Explosive-Creation?affiliate_id=4646153▼ SUPPORT US ▼Join our Patreon: patreon.com/MysticArtsDMBecome a Member: youtube.com/channel/UCJQEEltSpi8LXqMH8uTrCQQ/join▼ INDEX ▼00:00:00 Hexploration and Dungeons00:01:20 Catching up with Chat00:07:47 The Kingmaker Characters00:10:34 Making an interesting NPC00:16:31 Where the hexcrawl is at right now00:20:58 Dungeon Guy00:22:35 Prepping a session00:27:58 Homebrewing monsters00:29:49 Writing the opening blurb00:37:00 Autistic man with minis00:45:00 Writing about monsters00:49:18 Dungeon Scrawl time01:14:30 Dungeon Gazetteer01:35:09 Make the dungeon inspire hexcrawls01:40:45 And also regular loot! 01:50:00 Summary and outro
How Splitting the Party Makes Roleplay Better Mystic Arts 2025-07-17 | The phrase "never split the party" is one of those axiomatic maxims you'll hear from D&D or RPG nerds all around the world. It's supposedly ruins balance, gameplay, and more. But listen, I split the party all the time and it's kind of engrained into my style of play. Here's how I do it.🎬 Created by Daði & Anna Birna ♥▼ DSCRYB ▼This video is sponsored by dscryb.com! Use the code MYSTICARTS for a FREE 30 day trial on any plan they offer! dscryb.com/mysticarts▼ FURTHER READING ▼@RenegadeRolls's Brindlewood Bay video: youtube.com/watch?v=KtbfE3YgIIE▼ SUPPORT US ▼Join our Patreon: patreon.com/MysticArtsDMBecome a Member: youtube.com/channel/UCJQEEltSpi8LXqMH8uTrCQQ/join ▼ INDEX ▼00:00 You should split the party00:25 What is "splitting the party"01:29 Splitting the party is useful02:07 Mystery Games02:59 Town adventures are better when split03:56 Dialogue is better with smaller scenes04:38 Laying out options05:56 Keeping track of things06:25 Rythym of EDITing06:52 4 ways to cut scenes08:43 Edge your players08:55 Engaging inactive players10:07 Cultivating an atmosphere10:52 It's like juggling11:51 How downtime helps12:53 3 ways to group back up14:58 Splitting is hard with combat15:43 3 ways to deal with combat17:07 Your players need to be on-board18:02 Game of Thrones18:45 What this video is, really...
Nest your D&D worlds like Fractals Mystic Arts 2025-07-10 | If you want to know how I built my D&D campaign setting, then you've got to understand my founding principle: the Player's Learning Horizon that allows me to treat Details like Fratcals, and zoom in endlessly.🎬 Created by Daði & Anna Birna ♥▼ SKY ZEPHIRS ▼Go check out Sky Zephyrs and use the coupon code MYSTICARTS for 20% off! hatdbuilder.com/product-category/sky-zephyrs▼ SUPPORT US ▼Join our Patreon: patreon.com/MysticArtsDMBecome a Member: youtube.com/channel/UCJQEEltSpi8LXqMH8uTrCQQ/join ▼ INDEX ▼00:00 Fractals!00:54 World, Setting, Location02:14 I run everything in the same world02:54 It's a bunch of settings04:46 Verisimilitude07:36 It's shallow... or is it?08:47 Sub-Settings09:53 Zooming into the fractals10:42 Build one adventure at a time11:58 The Learning Horizon13:08 What if boutique tho?14:09 Why I can't summarize my world.
What youre REALLY doing when you DM Mystic Arts 2025-07-03 | The DM presents the game, the players decide if they want to play. That's true about systems, about games, about anything else. But here's the thing; it's hard to be the GM.🎬 Created by Daði & Anna Birna ♥▼ DSCRYB ▼This video is sponsored by dscryb.com! Use the code MYSTICARTS for a FREE 30 day trial on any plan they offer! dscryb.com/mysticarts▼ SUPPORT US ▼Join our Patreon: patreon.com/MysticArtsDMBecome a Member: youtube.com/channel/UCJQEEltSpi8LXqMH8uTrCQQ/join ▼ INDEX ▼00:00 GM presents the game!02:00 What if the players don't want to play?03:08 Both sides have hands on the lever.04:15 Playing other systems05:01 The Curse of the GM06:35 Why are you GMing?07:14 Being the GM is a gift07:52 What game are we playing?10:47 Tone & Expectation12:09 GMs can prep12:41 DnD is games13:17 RPGs all have one rule13:38 RPGs are a waltz15:33 Your players will love you for it15:51 Come join our discord!
The Art of Designing D&D Campaigns Backwards Mystic Arts 2025-06-26 | If you're planning a D&D campaign and you can't figure out how it starts, it's because you're starting at the beginning. I find it's SO MUCH EASIER if you start at the end of the campaign and plan it backwards.🎬 Created by Daði & Anna Birna ♥▼ LOOT STUDIOS ▼Get your own Jormungandur from Loot Studios: links.lootstudios.com/JTA-Mystic-ArtsOr go here if you want to try some free minis from them: links.lootstudios.com/Freebie-Mystic-Arts▼ SUPPORT US ▼Join our Patreon: patreon.com/MysticArtsDMBecome a Member: youtube.com/channel/UCJQEEltSpi8LXqMH8uTrCQQ/join ▼ INDEX ▼00:00 You need the BBEG!00:37 Where do you find BBEGs?01:41 There's six easy steps02:03 Step 1: The BBEG04:17 Step 2: High Tower Surprise05:51 Is this railroading?07:04 Reframe the Dramatic Question08:03 Step 3: Loyal Lieutenants11:31 Step 4: Big Goal13:01 Step 5: Hints along the way14:00 Each tier is an adventure!15:51 Step 6: The Inciting Incident17:25 You need three villains!19:29 Other ways to make campaigns20:07 This is just an outline21:16 The Vessels of Light on the Patreon
My girlfriend demands I answer your FAQs! Mystic Arts 2025-06-19 | Let me try to answer your most frequently asked questions about D&D, this channel, my inspirations, how I run the game, and more. It's also secretly an announcement video about the patreon 🤫🎬 Created by Daði & Anna Birna ♥▼ BRILLIANT ▼This video is sponsored by Brilliant. To try everything Brilliant has to offer—free—for a full 30 days, visit brilliant.org/MysticArts . You’ll also get 20% off an annual premium subscription.▼ THE DUNGEON JAM ▼DUNGEON JAM: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfOyJFzgWDRoIg7sFdZMl_RA83KNiN0ln@mcolville's seminal work, Running the Game: youtube.com/watch?v=e-YZvLUXcR8&list=PLlUk42GiU2guNzWBzxn7hs8MaV7ELLCP_▼ SUPPORT US ▼Join our Patreon: patreon.com/MysticArtsDMBecome a Member: youtube.com/channel/UCJQEEltSpi8LXqMH8uTrCQQ/join ▼ INDEX ▼00:00 50.000 Subscribers!00:27 Why I started? It's because of Matt Colville!01:33 What have I directed?01:59 Are you Icelandic?02:08 Playing D&D in Icelandic?02:55 Do I hate Other Systems?03:16 Do I hate Pathfinder?03:41 Do I hate Playing Online?03:59 Clickbait Thumbnails?04:19 People who disagree with me04:48 The Youtube Comments05:09 Doing an Actual Play05:47 Patreon for Blackguard06:37 How much I prep06:58 How many campaigns have I run?07:22 Do I run in other settings?07:38 Where do I steal from?08:21 Geeking out about Strixhaven08:49 Favorite Adventure?09:46 Who's sponsoring this video?10:16 Rapid Fire Questions11:00 We're so thankful!12:15 Thanks for watching!
You should ONLY prepare ONE session! Mystic Arts 2025-06-12 | Do you over-prepare or under-prepare? Why not just prepare one session at a time, and let that session tell you what the next session is about? Why railroad when you can invite your D&D players to build the rails along with you?🎬 Created by Daði & Anna Birna ♥▼ CZEPEKU ▼Go check out the Fantasy Map Bundle on Czepeku: go.czepeku.com/mystic_arts_dm▼ SUPPORT US ▼Join our Patreon: patreon.com/MysticArtsDMBecome a Member: youtube.com/channel/UCJQEEltSpi8LXqMH8uTrCQQ/join ▼ INDEX ▼00:00 Over- or Under- Preparing?00:57 One Session at a Time01:57 How to solve railroading?03:51 RPGs aren't TV Shows05:02 Setup and Gameplay05:49 Dramatic Questions07:11 What happens next?08:49 Putting the session first09:18 Do the dope idea immediately10:32 Czepeku can help you!11:12 Over-Prepping11:49 (VAMP) & Plotting13:42 Hair Ruffles
Ask us about ECHOES OF THE END and well answer! (as much as NDA allows) Mystic Arts 2025-06-10 | I'm a professional writer and director, or so I claim in every video on this channel. What does that mean? Well, let me tell you about my job at Myrkur Games making Echoes of the End!🎬Created by Daði & Anna Birna ♥▼ SUPPORT US ▼Join our Patreon: patreon.com/MysticArtsDMBecome a Member: youtube.com/channel/UCJQEEltSpi8LXqMH8uTrCQQ/join
How I got a job directing video game cinematics Mystic Arts 2025-06-08 | Youtube isn't my day job, this is: youtu.be/M6vsxYyQZnAEchoes of the End is a mature, narrative-driven, action-adventure game set in a new fantasy setting called Aema, a world based off of Iceland's stunning beauty. And I got to write and direct for it!🎬 Created by Daði & Anna Birna ♥▼ SUPPORT US ▼Join our Patreon: patreon.com/MysticArtsDMBecome a Member: youtube.com/channel/UCJQEEltSpi8LXqMH8uTrCQQ/join ▼ INDEX ▼00:00 What is that video game?01:13 What is my job?02:11 How did I get this job?04:30 How did we get money?05:15 The trailer is out!06:03 Go check out the trailer!
Why DMing and Directing are the same thing! Mystic Arts 2025-06-05 | Directors work with a team of creatives, collaborating together to create something with a team, guided only by a commonly agreed upon direction. I think DMing is basically the same. Maybe Draw Steel had a point calling their DM the Director. This video is sort of a sequel to this one: youtu.be/AjC5eTndCqg🎬 Created by Daði & Anna Birna ♥▼ SUPPORT US ▼Join our Patreon: patreon.com/MysticArtsDMBecome a Member: youtube.com/channel/UCJQEEltSpi8LXqMH8uTrCQQ/join ▼ INDEX ▼00:00 What film sets are like00:48 Directors pick the DIRECTION02:35 Gothic Horror Bakery03:07 Directors are HYPE men04:09 What I've directed...04:20 90% of directing is...06:14 Directing isn't dictating06:50 What is Preparation07:43 Why collaboration is the best.09:37 I can't read the prompter
This is the secret HACK for infinite minis Mystic Arts 2025-05-29 | I don't know the first thing about 3D Printing, but how hard can it be? Go check out Loot Studios' free minis: subscriptions.lootstudios.com/journeys/alfheim/free-mini?utm_source=influencer&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=cl-jta-2025&utm_content=mystic_arts🎬 Created by Daði & Anna Birna ♥▼ SUPPORT US ▼Join our Patreon: patreon.com/MysticArtsDMBecome a Member: youtube.com/channel/UCJQEEltSpi8LXqMH8uTrCQQ/join ▼ INDEX ▼00:00 Two boxes?00:56 I don't know how to 3D print01:48 Step one: get a printer02:33 Two morons and their boxes05:10 Get the print juice06:03 First Print 07:57 Cure & Wash 08:47 It's a whole community10:25 Inspiration from anywhere10:58 Am I 3D Printing Guy?12:02 Four Dungeons this Month!
Make dungeon maps QUICK with Dungeon Scrawl Mystic Arts 2025-05-27 | Let's go through how to make a map in Dungeon Scrawl, it's quick and easy. But if you'd rather get premade maps by amazing artists by Czepeku, go to: go.czepeku.com/mystic_arts_dm🎬 Created by Daði & Anna Birna ♥▼ ALL HAIL GEK ▼A free dungeon on our Patreon: patreon.com/posts/all-hail-gek-128407390▼ SUPPORT US ▼Join our Patreon: patreon.com/MysticArtsDMBecome a Member: youtube.com/channel/UCJQEEltSpi8LXqMH8uTrCQQ/join ▼ INDEX ▼00:00 Introduction00:42 Start Scrawling04:15 Adding icons08:08 Exporting08:22 Whatabou09:36 Czepeku10:17 Patreon
How One-Shots can tell a story Mystic Arts 2025-05-25 | For more 5 Room Dungeons, go check out Dungeon Jam 2025: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfOyJFzgWDRoIg7sFdZMl_RA83KNiN0ln🎬 Created by Daði & Anna Birna ♥▼ 5 ROOM DUNGEON ▼The Hungry Mutts (Free Post) patreon.com/posts/129829828▼ CREDITS ▼Dungeon Jam was started by myself, and @Knigobi @PaladinProse @LunaticDice.Map was made by @EmergentGM.Adventure was co-written by Magnús Fr.▼ SUPPORT US ▼Join our Patreon: patreon.com/MysticArtsDMBecome a Member: youtube.com/channel/UCJQEEltSpi8LXqMH8uTrCQQ/join ▼ INDEX ▼00:00 I have bandits, now what?00:39 The Premise is Hungry Mutts01:10 Answered the dramatic questions02:17 What are OPEN questions?02:36 Premise, Monsters, Structure02:45 Dungeon Jam 202503:13 What are 5 Room Dungeons03:34 Bandit's Tower04:35 5RD, the simple version05:01 Why Story Structures Matter07:15 5 Room Mitosis!07:31 Entrance07:56 Puzzle (Dialogue Scene)09:04 Setback09:27 Resolution09:40 Climax10:03 but, the rooms were shuffled!10:44 Episodic Arcs!11:02 Internalizing Story Structures12:20 Check out the Dungeon Jam!
Jaquaysing Dungeons and why it matters Mystic Arts 2025-05-22 | You know how dungeons can feel like long corridor with combat breaks? Well, what if they didn't? What if they were labyrinths that looped, swooped, and took you to funky other worlds? That was Jennell Jaquays' idea, and she knew what she was talking about!🎬 Created by Daði & Anna Birna ♥Justin Alexander's Article: thealexandrian.net/wordpress/13085/roleplaying-games/xandering-the-dungeon▼ SUPPORT US ▼Join our Patreon: patreon.com/MysticArtsDMBecome a Member: youtube.com/channel/UCJQEEltSpi8LXqMH8uTrCQQ/join ▼ INDEX ▼00:00 Nerds in the 80s00:28 Introduction01:53 Map Loops03:30 Level Loops05:19 Multiple Entrances06:47 Strange Paths07:49 Dungeon Shape08:43 Funky Times09:39 "Dungeons are boring"10:30 GSS Centurion is on the Patreon10:54 Linearity in Adventures11:52 You don't need every trick12:44 Justin Alexander13:09 Jennell Jaquays13:52 Check out the Patreon!
Creating FACTIONS to bring adventures alive! Mystic Arts 2025-05-20 | Before you start mapping your MEGA DUNGEON you need to create factions you can use to populate the dungeon with. Those factions will bring your dungeon alive!🎬Created by Daði & Anna Birna ♥▼ SUPPORT US ▼Join our Patreon: patreon.com/MysticArtsDMBecome a Member: youtube.com/channel/UCJQEEltSpi8LXqMH8uTrCQQ/join▼ INDEX ▼00:00:00 Welcome to Mystic Arts00:00:55 Cthulhu by Gaslight (Girlboss)00:03:44 It's unbearably hot! @zachthebold style00:05:01 Running a three-shot00:08:02 The OSR isn't a game00:11:00 Hexcrawl the size of the USA!?00:12:00 5 Room Dungeons00:14:32 We did an interview with Enothe Strife00:15:11 Synthesizing makes you a good DM.00:16:57 5RD without Dungeons00:18:19 All structures are the same thing.00:19:41 5RD as a one-shot00:20:04 Does sandbox ruin plot?00:23:36 5RD getting predictable?00:25:34 Audio finally fixed00:26:45 5RD getting predictable? Part 200:28:49 Otyugh Story00:29:35 My Obsidian Vault doesn't matter! (and pointless yapping)00:33:30 One-Shots vs Full Campaign00:36:06 Dungeon May-hem & Dungeon Jam00:38:27 Stream Starts (Let's make factions!)00:58:00 Factions02:09:39 ...and that's where we'll pick it up next time.
Why Dungeon Crawls are the HEART of the game Mystic Arts 2025-05-15 | If you hate dungeons, you might be running them wrong. Let me walk you through six pillars that hold up the vaulted ceiling of all dungeons!To try everything Brilliant has to offer—free—for a full 30 days, visit brilliant.org/MysticArts . You’ll also get 20% off an annual premium subscription.🎬 Created by Daði & Anna Birna ♥▼ FURTHER READING ▼@QuestingBeast's TUNIC video: youtube.com/watch?v=j-ywPjMEtq4▼ SUPPORT US ▼Join our Patreon: patreon.com/MysticArtsDMBecome a Member: youtube.com/channel/UCJQEEltSpi8LXqMH8uTrCQQ/join ▼ INDEX ▼00:00 Railroads with Dungeon paint01:36 Six Pillars of Dungeons02:19 Pillar 1: Arena04:28 Pillar 2: Danger07:40 Imaginary Scenario09:04 Pillar 3: Resting09:40 Intention & Obstacle10:42 Optimizing the fun out of the game12:41 Pillar 4: Vibes13:36 The Hag's Windmill15:57 Sponsored by Brilliant16:35 Pillar 5: Constraints18:31 Pillar 6: Choices20:14 Altar of Tradition22:17 The Dungeon, Summarized23:03 The Descent into Avernus example23:56 Why are modules like that?24:38 Dungeons can be boring25:16 Serialized vs. Episodic27:17 Dungons are a tool27:40 Wreck of the Wavesplitter
D&D Has 5 Types of Exploration, Actually Mystic Arts 2025-05-08 | The reason you hate exploration is not because exploration in D&D is an underdeveloped pillar, it's your pillar of the game. The pillar left up to each game master to define their games and their story. You will unlock a new level of game mastery when you understand when and how to apply each Type of Exploration! 🎬 Created by Daði & Anna Birna ♥▼ DSCRYB ▼This video is sponsored by dscryb.com! Use the code MYSTICARTS for a FREE 30 day trial on any plan they offer! dscryb.com/mysticarts▼ REFERENCED VIDEOS ▼On "D&D Exploration Sucks", see.@DeficientMaster's video youtube.com/watch?v=Sd2svbU7t50@GinnyDi's video: youtube.com/watch?v=J5qGZNmCr9U@TheUglyGoblin's video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=wFJWe4wHvv0...and our video: youtube.com/watch?v=-4Tu2zzDU3I▼ FURTHER READING ▼Resource Economy: youtu.be/L6b_Aj2rKcAExcursion Resting: youtu.be/VxVEF4EkJkYWorld Maps: youtu.be/IcdCeR2h6AUHex Maps: youtu.be/p4mbV1xJdYQRandom Encounters: youtu.be/MFnJDUPcmTMHexcrawls: youtu.be/hEIg1DlRkLg▼ SUPPORT US ▼Join our Patreon: patreon.com/MysticArtsDMBecome a Member: youtube.com/channel/UCJQEEltSpi8LXqMH8uTrCQQ/join ▼ INDEX ▼00:00 "D&D Exploration Sucks!"00:56 Type 1: The Vague Space02:10 DM Fiat02:42 Type 2: Hex Crawl03:37 Don't use Hex Crawls for direct travel04:49 Sidebar: Exploration isn't Travel05:55 Type 3: Point Crawl06:42 Directions Presented is Exploration07:18 Point Crawl as descriptions07:57 Point Crawls as fractals08:29 Type 4: Highlighted Room09:29 dscryb.com for rendering10:16 Type 5: Dungeon Crawl10:45 Dungeon Turns11:21 Every 5e module...12:12 Dungeons are the endpoint!12:38 Dungeon May-hem12:56 Why mediums matter13:50 Why I prefer playing in person...14:02 The Medium is Important14:33 Exceptions to mediums...14:49 Systems, structures, and more.15:21 The point is: Exploration is about discovery15:57 How exploration types ARE your campaign!16:43 Exploration is the SHAPE of the adventure!17:05 All Hail Gek!
How to outline a MEGA DUNGEON; the easy way! Mystic Arts 2025-05-06 | Starting a mega dungeon may seem like a daunting task, there's a MEGA in the name! But really, once you do a bit of outlining it all becomes incredibly easy! So, without further ado; It's Dungeon May-hem, I'm Daði the Dungeon Guy, let's make a mega dungeon!🎬Created by Daði & Anna Birna ♥▼ SUPPORT US ▼Join our Patreon: patreon.com/MysticArtsDMBecome a Member: youtube.com/channel/UCJQEEltSpi8LXqMH8uTrCQQ/join▼ INDEX ▼00:00:00 Waiting...00:03:31 Video Introduction00:04:38 UKGE, Burnout, What are Mega-Dungeons?00:21:41 Outlining begins!02:33:17 Thanks for watching!
How SIDEKICKS will cure your MURDERHOBOS Mystic Arts 2025-05-01 | If your players are acting like murderhobos, then maybe it's because they don't care about the world and the people in it. What you can do is make them care by adding in cute sidekicks with mommy issues the players can solve. Here's how!🎬 Created by Daði & Anna Birna ♥▼ SUPPORT US ▼Join our Patreon: patreon.com/MysticArtsDMBecome a Member: youtube.com/channel/UCJQEEltSpi8LXqMH8uTrCQQ/join ▼ INDEX ▼00:00 The A-Men00:37 Degenerate Play01:16 Why Murderhoboing Happens01:40 Let's make a carrot; a sidekick!02:01 How Sidekicks Work02:29 Death Saves03:12 Level Up Statblocks03:59 Sidekicks are subservient04:19 DMPCs are bad, don't do that.04:53 Have the sidekicks argue05:25 The Mike Laidlaw Story06:11 Three tips to make a sidekick stick06:47 Example Sidekick: Brungi, Goblin Chef!07:22 Alternative Sidekick Rules08:00 Ready-Made Sidekick Archetypes09:04 Mix and Match09:22 One last tip...10:17 Come join our discord!
How to draw CLASSIC dungeon maps Mystic Arts 2025-04-29 | You don't need all that fancy software people talk about online, here's how to make dungeons on graph paper!To try everything Brilliant has to offer—free—for a full 30 days, visit brilliant.org/MysticArts . You’ll also get 20% off an annual premium subscription.(Audio in this video is pretty inconsistent, we're still experimenting with different equipment setups and camera angles.)🎬 Created by Daði & Anna Birna ♥▼ SUPPORT US ▼Join our Patreon: patreon.com/MysticArtsDMBecome a Member: youtube.com/channel/UCJQEEltSpi8LXqMH8uTrCQQ/join ▼ INDEX ▼00:00 Introduction01:00 Start with faint blobs02:24 Thin outline pencil sketch04:35 Dungeons should be fun to explore06:25 Making maps is a form of play08:08 Prioritize function over form09:52 Today's sponsor is Brilliant10:39 Fill in inaccessible areas11:28 Remember Map-Fu!13:03 Just do what you need to be ready15:18 Old school is cool17:35 Outro
How my campaigns HEX CRAWL turns into a DUNGEON CRAWL Mystic Arts 2025-04-28 | We've just spent April talking about hexcrawls, and May is all about dungeons! So, where do the two meet? Let's talk about the connections between the two as I figure out how to fast travel!🎬Created by Daði & Anna Birna ♥▼ SUPPORT US ▼Join our Patreon: patreon.com/MysticArtsDMBecome a Member: youtube.com/channel/UCJQEEltSpi8LXqMH8uTrCQQ/join▼ INDEX ▼00:00:00 Introduction00:01:17 News start00:02:26 Dungeon May-hem and Dungeon Jam00:03:30 Go check out viyan_9100:04:00 Talking about that hexcrawl video00:14:33 New Equipment!00:15:18 The SRD, the OGL, and 2024 rules.00:18:44 Answering questions00:21:24 My campaign and why hexcrawls work00:34:11 We actually start...01:21:05 That's all, folks!
Heres why Tiamat is the KEY to understanding epic D&D! Mystic Arts 2025-04-24 | 20th level D&D is just impossible, isn't it? Well, no. I've run loads of sessions of amazing high-level games where we all had loads of fun! I think you can do it too, and Tiamat is the perfect test case to explain exactly what I'm talking about. Let's delve right in! 🎬 Created by Daði & Anna Birna ♥▼ DSCRYB ▼This video is sponsored by dscryb.com! Use the code MYSTICARTS for a FREE 30 day trial on any plan they offer! dscryb.com/mysticarts▼ LINKS ▼Today's playlist! youtube.com/playlist?list=PLhckpzteq8k4dMqdfoFAwmD8hLrKuVsGNTiamat statblock: patreon.com/posts/127329065▼ CAST ▼ (in order of appearance)​@GinnyDi@SupergeekMike@DnDDeepDive@DeficientMaster@corkboardsandcuriosities@Trekiros ▼ SUPPORT US ▼Join our Patreon: patreon.com/MysticArtsDMBecome a Member: youtube.com/channel/UCJQEEltSpi8LXqMH8uTrCQQ/join ▼ INDEX ▼00:00 20th level play isn't impossible.00:38 I've done it.01:19 What this video is about02:06 PART 1: A BIT OF BACKGROUND04:15 The Marketing Push05:21 Ummu-Hubur06:02 Power of Mythology08:34 Dedicating the video to Tiamat08:55 PART 2: IMPRISONED IN AVERNUS09:50 Lore Intensity Bell Curve10:48 Is she...?11:51 Today's Sponsor: dScryb13:06 Rob the Lore14:12 PART 3: WORLD ANNIHILATION16:24 Prison Break17:58 Bahamut Exists19:42 Dragonlance: Shadow of the Dragon Queen20:15 Rise of Tiamat21:21 Story inherent to the lore22:03 Orbs of Dragonkind22:43 PART 4: AN ARMY OF DRAGONS23:43 Tax the Resources and Actions24:16 Mass Combat25:08 Super massive stakes26:17 When I ran Tiamat...27:07 My players28:12 Challenge the party28:40 PART 5: FIVE-HEADED BREATH ATTACK30:52 Divine Word32:09 Mythic Phase!?33:00 Bosses should just work34:20 Combine statblocks34:47 F**k you, Tiamat!35:21 How to do it yourself35:51 Why your players are there...36:27 And that's it.
Make hexmaps easily with THE POWER OF OUTLINES! Mystic Arts 2025-04-22 | If you've ever been daunted by how to populate a hexcrawl hexmap, then look no further. I'm going to show you how astoundingly easy and fun it is to quickly whip up a map in photoshop or your software of choice!🎬 Created by Daði & Anna Birna ♥Hexcrawl video: youtu.be/hEIg1DlRkLg▼ SUPPORT US ▼Join our Patreon: patreon.com/MysticArtsDMBecome a Member: youtube.com/channel/UCJQEEltSpi8LXqMH8uTrCQQ/join ▼ INDEX ▼00:00 Hexmaps are easy.00:43 Outlining02:12 Photoshop and other software02:49 Landscapes04:52 Why hex crawls?05:59 Civilization06:06 Factions07:17 Bases07:54 Dungeons08:37 On gameplay...09:26 Crossover10:13 Side-quests10:51 Landmarks11:41 Don't fill every hex12:36 Naming (the most imporant bit)15:10 Winging it.15:53 Random tools16:27 Going intense now17:50 The Beauty of Hexmaps18:51 Outro
40,000 Subs Livestream Q&A Mystic Arts 2025-04-21 | In celebration of reaching 40,000 subscribers, the pair of us are going to go live and answer questions from you lovely people. Let's talk about whatever!🎬Created by Daði & Anna Birna ♥▼ SUPPORT US ▼Join our Patreon: patreon.com/MysticArtsDMBecome a Member: youtube.com/channel/UCJQEEltSpi8LXqMH8uTrCQQ/join
Why 3-mile hexes make HEXCRAWLS fun Mystic Arts 2025-04-17 | Most D&D hexcrawls fall flat because we don't know what's in a hex until after we've entered it. I think hexcrawls are better when players get to make informed decisions about where to go next, so 3-mile hexes give them a sense of their surroundings!🎬 Created by Daði & Anna Birna ♥▼ FURTHER READING ▼Bob World Builder on Random Encounters: youtube.com/watch?v=NY6Ym2G5vdUMy Homebrew Rules: youtube.com/watch?v=VxVEF4EkJkYMy video on Random Encounters: youtube.com/watch?v=MFnJDUPcmTM@QuestingBeast's DND isn't a game it's games: youtube.com/watch?v=QqDbT9NdJmE▼ SUPPORT US ▼Join our Patreon: patreon.com/MysticArtsDMBecome a Member: youtube.com/channel/UCJQEEltSpi8LXqMH8uTrCQQ/join ▼ INDEX ▼00:00 Tomb of Annihilation00:30 Diagnosing the problem...01:20 Brief History of Hexcrawls02:38 Awareness of Surroundings04:11 World Map vs. Local Area05:30 Distance to the Horizon06:43 What makes Exploration fun, is...07:22 Exploration is Discovery09:43 Vistapoints and Gamification11:04 Being immsered in a place12:23 Crafting on the road, and downtime.12:57 Random Encounters13:25 The Resting Rules13:45 Sponsored by our Patreon14:35 Dnd is not a game, it's games.15:53 Thanks for watching!
5 encounters to STEAL for your game tonight Mystic Arts 2025-04-15 | One of the ways you can have a lot of fun building a combat encounter is by using monsters that synergize well with each other. If players can optimize their builds, so can you!🎬 Created by Daði & Anna Birna ♥▼ SUPPORT US ▼Join our Patreon: patreon.com/MysticArtsDMBecome a Member: youtube.com/channel/UCJQEEltSpi8LXqMH8uTrCQQ/join ▼ INDEX ▼00:00 Introduction00:47 Dragonshield & Kobolds02:18 Shambling Mound & Will o' Wisps03:24 Mind Flayer & Intellect Devourers04:25 Mage & Shield Guardian05:40 Ancient Red Dragon & Iron Golems07:30 You should also have fun!08:15 Outro
I will make you love random encounters! Mystic Arts 2025-04-10 | You know how all these WOTC adventures have a random encounter table that leaves you feeling like rolling for encounters is just pointless? What if you could be excited about rolling on that table instead? Let me show you how!🎬 Created by Daði & Anna Birna ♥Barovia Encounter Table, Revised: patreon.com/posts/126325929 - (FREE post!)▼ FURTHER READING ▼Mossy Antler on Randomness: youtube.com/watch?v=V2CafCb4Z7ETrekiros on Random Encounters: www.youtube.com/watch?v=737S5dCTnHEBob World Builder on Random Encounters: youtube.com/watch?v=NY6Ym2G5vdUMy Homebrew Rules: youtube.com/watch?v=VxVEF4EkJkYRun more encounters: youtube.com/watch?v=L6b_Aj2rKcA▼ SUPPORT US ▼Join our Patreon: patreon.com/MysticArtsDMBecome a Member: youtube.com/channel/UCJQEEltSpi8LXqMH8uTrCQQ/join ▼ INDEX ▼00:00 Nightime Encounters in Barovia00:38 Random Encounter Suck01:21 Random Table of Inspiring Encounters02:03 Make it always fun03:28 Looking in the box04:16 Quick Sidebar05:33 Doing BOTH06:09 Two DMs07:11 Barovia Table08:25 Every Encounter is a vibe!09:07 Fear of Freezing09:56 Our Barovia Table12:07 It's simple.12:44 Why 2d6?14:44 Authoring & Serving16:44 You don't have to roll.17:19 Simple advice, really...17:50 Hexcrawl Rules on the Patreon.18:08 Further reading!
Drawing world maps is really therapeutic! Mystic Arts 2025-04-08 | Loads of folks ask about that big map wall in the living room, and how I made it. Now, sadly the answer is that I made it in Photoshop. But you can make a very similar parchment-style map in Inkarnate. Let me talk you through it.🎬 Created by Daði & Anna Birna ♥▼ SUPPORT US ▼Join our Patreon: patreon.com/MysticArtsDMBecome a Member: youtube.com/channel/UCJQEEltSpi8LXqMH8uTrCQQ/join ▼ INDEX ▼00:00 How I made my world map00:33 What is Inkarnate?00:50 How masks work04:45 Continent shape done05:07 Stamp tool06:00 Making maps is world building06:18 Grid tool07:27 Stamp tool and towns08:35 Mountains and rivers09:07 World maps are flowcharts09:18 Mountains and plate tectonics10:50 Placing towns14:17 Forests16:23 Hills16:33 Roads and Flowcharts17:37 Text editor18:32 Let the map inspire you20:03 The map is on the Patreon!
Lets turn a Dungeon Idea into a READY Module Mystic Arts 2025-04-08 | A month ago we wrote an adventure together, let's edit and polish it into an adventure module so that it'll be ready for other DMs to run it as an adventure!🎬Created by Daði & Anna Birna ♥▼ SUPPORT US ▼Join our Patreon: patreon.com/MysticArtsDMBecome a Member: youtube.com/channel/UCJQEEltSpi8LXqMH8uTrCQQ/join▼ INDEX ▼00:00:00 Stream starts00:22:18 Writing starts
D&D Has 12 Combat Objectives, Actually Mystic Arts 2025-04-03 | Are your combat encounters taking forever? Are your players slogging through boring combat all the time? In this video, we'll show you some methods to get your players really invested in your combat encounters.🎬 Created by Daði & Anna Birna ♥▼ SPONSOR ▼Tome of Intangible Treasures II: backerkit.com/c/projects/lone-colossus-games/tome-of-intangible-treasures-2-a-hunter-s-guide-to-rituals?ref=MysticArts▼ SUPPORT US ▼Join our Patreon: patreon.com/MysticArtsDMBecome a Member: youtube.com/channel/UCJQEEltSpi8LXqMH8uTrCQQ/join ▼ INDEX ▼00:00 Introduction00:53 The Example Encounter01:18 Objective 1: Deathmatch03:01 Objective 2: Stop the Ritual05:41 Objective 3: Daring Escape07:24 Objective 4: Hold the Fort08:23 Objective 5: Wave of Bad Guys09:23 Objective 6: Save the NPC10:58 Objective 7: Sabotage11:52 Objective 8: Escort the Thing13:27 Objective 9: Base Defense14:24 Objective 10: Yoink and Skedaddle15:07 Objective 11: Peace Makers15:53 Objective 12: The Arrest16:31 Tome of Intangible Treasures II17:35 Fight vs Objective18:16 The Prequel 18:50 Two Tables to roll on19:28 Structures are tools!20:11 How video games make combat FUN!20:50 More Variety More Good21:39 Join our Patreon!
-welcome to Mystic Arts, where... Mystic Arts 2025-04-01 | Welcome to Mystic Arts🎬 Mystic Arts created by Daði & Anna Birna ♥▼ SUPPORT US ▼Join our Patreon: patreon.com/MysticArtsDMBecome a Member: youtube.com/channel/UCJQEEltSpi8LXqMH8uTrCQQ/join
Stop undercooking your D&D Boss Fights Mystic Arts 2025-03-27 | We've all had a D&D boss fight fall flat, end up boring and dull. It's because the meal is undercooked and you're in the meat room. Here's six ingredients to elevate your boss fights to become Legendary by using Lieutenants, Minions, Lairs, Objectives, Mythic Phases, and PRESENTATION!🎬 Created by Daði & Anna Birna ♥▼ DSCRYB ▼This video is sponsored by dscryb.com! Use the code MYSTICARTS for a FREE 30 day trial on any plan they offer! dscryb.com/mysticarts▼ SUPPORT US ▼Join our Patreon: patreon.com/MysticArtsDMBecome a Member: youtube.com/channel/UCJQEEltSpi8LXqMH8uTrCQQ/join ▼ LINKS ▼Knigobi: youtube.com/watch?v=Fr4gUuS_QiAMap-Fu: youtube.com/watch?v=KrPl9CkOegs▼ INDEX ▼00:00 Boss Battles can fall flat00:51 You're in the Meat Room02:15 Ingredient 1: The Boss03:35 Converting statblocks04:41 Elevating statblocks05:02 Legendary Actions06:29 Legendary Resistances07:59 Bonus Action Attack!08:42 Ingredient 2: Lieutenants09:44 Ingredient 3: Mooks10:22 Ingredient 4: Lair11:26 dScryb.com12:29 Ingredient 5: Objective14:01 Ingredient 6: Second Phase16:08 Escaping the Meat Room17:21 Level Up BEFORE the fight!17:56 Start sessions with the fight18:09 Overcooked Fights19:36 Put it all together20:02 Join our discord!
Why I still play 5th Edition, despite everything... Mystic Arts 2025-03-25 | Okay, let's talk about why I'm still playing D&D 5e and why I don't think that's a problem. Let's talk about Pathfinder 2e and OSR games, and why I don't tend to play them. And why after all this time I'm playing this one game so many people seem to dislike.🎬 Created by Daði & Anna Birna ♥▼ VAGABOND ▼Check out Vagabond! kickstarter.com/projects/landoftheblind/vagabond-pulp-fantasy-rpg?ref=o3bn5a▼ SUPPORT US ▼Join our Patreon: patreon.com/MysticArtsDMBecome a Member: youtube.com/channel/UCJQEEltSpi8LXqMH8uTrCQQ/join ▼ INDEX ▼00:00 Angering both sides00:34 The "play other games" people.02:04 A little bit of perspective...03:12 Pathfinder 2nd Edition03:55 The OGL debacle04:53 Designers vs C-Suite06:34 Generic Trademarks 07:03 Why not play more games?08:16 But... I like 5th Edition09:03 Matt Colville's Oatmeal09:25 Why do I nitpick so much!?11:01 Our advice works for loads of games12:18 D&D isn't Hasbro13:16 Vagabond13:55 Patreon
You have to run more encounters each day! Mystic Arts 2025-03-20 | You know how your players just blow up your bosses like it's a regular old Thursday for them? Maybe it's not that your bosses aren't tough enough, or that you're not challenging the "action economy" but that you should be focusing on the Resource Economy. Weather you're playing D&D 5e, or Pathfinder, this is a crucial part of the game's fundamental design.🎬 Created by Daði & Anna Birna ♥▼ DRAGON TRAPPER'S LODGE ▼Go check out Dragon Trapper's Lodge: dragontrapperslodge.etsy.com/listing/1811520863/lost-mine-of-phandelver-126-miniatures▼ SUPPORT US ▼Join our Patreon: patreon.com/MysticArtsDMBecome a Member: youtube.com/channel/UCJQEEltSpi8LXqMH8uTrCQQ/join ▼ INDEX ▼00:00 Introduction01:00 What the books say...02:02 Polls on daily encounters.03:07 Tale of two encounters03:45 About taking rests...04:21 Players have conflicting motivations05:03 Create urgency05:42 More resources06:07 Dragon Trapper's Lodge07:04 Dead in Thay07:29 Excursion Resting08:20 Beware of Panaceas09:55 The Warlord
Homebrew I use to fix D&D 5e Mystic Arts 2025-03-18 | Here's some of the homebrew rules I use to fix D&D 5e to make it a little bit better suited at the kinds of game I want to run. Mostly to resurrect some older style games with overland travel rules and etc.🎬 Created by Daði & Anna Birna ♥▼ VAGABOND ▼Check out Vagabond! kickstarter.com/projects/landoftheblind/vagabond-pulp-fantasy-rpg?ref=o3bn5a▼ SUPPORT US ▼Join our Patreon: patreon.com/MysticArtsDMBecome a Member: youtube.com/channel/UCJQEEltSpi8LXqMH8uTrCQQ/join ▼ INDEX ▼00:00 Why homebrew00:26 Why not to homebrew01:24 Excursion Resting02:55 Historic Inspiration04:04 Double Falling05:06 Unaligned Progression06:35 Downtime Jobs08:04 Permanent Injury09:42 Mixing these rules together10:08 Vagabond10:42 Firearm Rules11:03 Hexcrawl Rules11:25 Patreon
But what even is the Action Economy? Mystic Arts 2025-03-13 | If you spend a bunch of time online and you encounter the phrase "Action Economy" wherever you go. And you feel like you don't know what that is and you're too afraid to ask, then let me break it down really quickly so you know the basic principle at play.🎬 Created by Daði & Anna Birna ♥▼ REFERENCES ▼Thomas Fitch's combat video: youtube.com/watch?v=zR_5E5CvizkAction Oriented Monsters: youtube.com/watch?v=y_zl8WWaSyI▼ SUPPORT US ▼Join our Patreon: patreon.com/MysticArtsDMBecome a Member: youtube.com/channel/UCJQEEltSpi8LXqMH8uTrCQQ/join ▼ INDEX ▼00:00 Introduction00:56 What is the Action Economy01:32 D&D is a Skirmish Game!02:18 Legendary Actions04:14 More brains more better, too05:09 Legendary Kobolds!05:48 Some bonus tips06:05 Flanking Sidebar06:38 What is the bigger number?07:35 Next time...07:51 The Warlord!
8 STEPS to homebrew D&D monsters Mystic Arts 2025-03-11 | If you want to start homebrewing monsters for 5th Edition D&D, where do you even begin? Well, I have these 8 steps that make it easy for me to take a simple idea and turn it into a statblock quickly.🎬 Created by Daði & Anna Birna ♥▼ OUR SPONSOR ▼Dragon Trapper's Lodge: dragontrapperslodge.etsy.com▼ SUPPORT US ▼Join our Patreon: patreon.com/MysticArtsDMBecome a Member: youtube.com/channel/UCJQEEltSpi8LXqMH8uTrCQQ/join ▼ INDEX ▼00:00 Introduction00:35 Dragon Trapper's Lodge01:16 The Bearowl01:40 Step 1: Look at Inspiration02:05 Step 2: Look at other statblocks02:43 Step 3: Assess goals03:24 Step 4: Other Editions04:10 Step 5: Generic Features05:24 Step 6: Determine HP05:48 Generic Features continued...06:33 CritterDB's Feature Listing06:52 Step 7: Unique Features07:25 Step 8: Determine CR07:55 How to export from CritterDB08:18 The Primeval Bearowl10:17 Keep it simple, s---10:31 Playtest11:06 It's so simple.11:42 You don't even need CritterDB12:03 The Warlord!
Lets paint a mini! Mystic Arts 2025-03-09 | I got this nice Bearowl mini from Dragon Trapper's Lodge and I figured I could try and paint it on stream. I don't really paint so let's see if I can't figure this one out.🎬Created by Daði & Anna Birna ♥▼ SUPPORT US ▼Join our Patreon: patreon.com/MysticArtsDMBecome a Member: youtube.com/channel/UCJQEEltSpi8LXqMH8uTrCQQ/join▼ INDEX ▼00:00:00 Stream Start
Maybe you shouldnt buy the new Monster Manual Mystic Arts 2025-03-06 | When I started this script I thought I was going to gush over the new D&D Monster Manual for the 2024 rules of the game, released in 2025. But after working on the script for more than a month, I've come away a little disappointed. It's weird because I really liked the book, but it kept bugging me. Maybe I'll pick it apart the way only someone who loves it can.🎬 Created by Daði & Anna Birna ♥AB's Monster Manual video: youtube.com/watch?v=W90Szjjmt9s▼ SUPPORT US ▼Join our Patreon: patreon.com/MysticArtsDMBecome a Member: youtube.com/channel/UCJQEEltSpi8LXqMH8uTrCQQ/join ▼ INDEX ▼00:00 No more bags of hit points01:08 3 core rulebooks01:36 Art & Layout is SPECTACULAR02:50 Have you noticed Wilhelm? 03:00 Changed statblock layout03:31 Comparing two goblins04:47 Problems with simplified AC06:14 Is it over polished?06:48 The Intellect Devourer07:37 Faerie Dragon07:53 Matured or oversimplified?08:23 The Knight's Leadership08:46 "Definitive" CR09:09 HUGE Balance Changes10:22 New Kobolds11:16 New Tarrasque12:11 New Dragons13:03 Legendary Creatures14:03 Ecology and Habitat14:53 Advice on running monsters15:23 New boss monsters15:56 Design asymmetry16:59 The orcs were cut17:27 More design asymmetry17:57 The drow were cut, too18:59 No duergar, either...20:41 Creature type changes21:37 About the alphabetization23:58 Let's play the Alphabetization Game25:14 Animals Appendix26:00 It's a lot of oversight...28:40 About the shield29:09 Why buy these books?29:25 Should you get this book?30:29 Why was this called One D&D?31:14 I love this new edition31:58 I will run these new monsters...32:12 We made a new class!
Making fantasy town maps is easy with Inkarnate Mystic Arts 2025-03-04 | Do you want to make your own town maps, battlemaps, world maps, or whatever? Inkarnate is a cheap and easy way to quickly make maps for any situation you need. This is a quick video tutorial on how the basics of Inkarnate and how it works.🎬 Created by Daði & Anna Birna ♥▼ LINKS ▼Inkarnate: inkarnate.comYou can clone the town I just made right here: inkarnate.com/m/nnXg50▼ SUPPORT US ▼Join our Patreon: patreon.com/MysticArtsDMBecome a Member: youtube.com/channel/UCJQEEltSpi8LXqMH8uTrCQQ/join ▼ INDEX ▼00:00 What is Inkarnate?01:13 Pick a map style01:56 Landscape Mask02:35 Start with Landscape03:57 Grouping & Locking04:02 Key Assets04:38 Hotkeys or Keyboard Shortcuts05:02 Key Assets Part 207:39 Let's make a Keep08:49 Outlining Farms!10:09 Key Asset Details10:25 Stamp in the Town!13:28 Roads and other brushes18:23 Place trees and other foliage19:41 Farm Texture20:22 Map Scale20:51 Farm Texture Variation21:09 Trees to hide mistakes21:33 Brushing details21:52 Let's make a town square!22:11 Other details, graveyard, clouds, smoke, etc.22:51 Saving maps on Inkarnate23:02 Photoshop and names!24:30 /r/Inkarnate24:47 Cloning maps in Inkarnate!25:26 Outro
Were going to make a dungeon together! Mystic Arts 2025-03-03 | What if we just made a big dungeon together?🎬Created by Daði & Anna Birna ♥▼ SUPPORT US ▼Join our Patreon: patreon.com/MysticArtsDMBecome a Member: youtube.com/channel/UCJQEEltSpi8LXqMH8uTrCQQ/join▼ INDEX ▼00:00:00 Stream Start
