Playing D&D In Your MIND! (Tips for Theater of the Mind)

7 Hacks for playing TTRPGs without maps and minis! Theater of the mind, baby!
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0:00 - intro
0:29 - why totm?
1:55 - avoid specificity
3:29 - zones/ranges
3:58 - be descriptive
5:07 - dscryb
6:00 - be flexible
6:46 - recap the action
8:03 - tips for players
9:35 - 2 important points
11:00 - new campaign!

[@74gould]

I’ve been playing D&D since the ‘80s and over all I’d say the campaigns I’ve been in or DM’ed have been 90%-95% theater of the mind. I definitely prefer theater of the mind… though it is fun to break out the minis for the occasional dungeon crawl or epic boss fight. :)

[@O4C209]

I find it's a good idea to remind your players from time to time that a map/grid does not equal combat.

[@m.s.3121]

I had that so often that the moment I slap a map on the table everybody turns into combat mode and every other option goes out of the window.

[@luciusrex]

My perception check revealed that you're probably lying and in order to be sure... I roll for initiative... on your grid map.

[@goblinjunkyard]

really cool to see aphantasia brought up, most of the time i see ToftM brought up it is rarely mentioned, so as a dm with it and for my players that have it, Thank you! I still like to use it but supplement it with evocative pictures instead of battle maps.

[@CONTINGENCY_sys]

Visuals have such a range beyond the tangible movable pieces. Which is another whole conversation about those that require interactive tangible objects to stimulate their creative minds more than others. In some instances require it to reduce stress. Pictures, even images of their characters on standups were really fun when I used to run walk in games a flgs. To look around and see the images of each players characters on a easy standup works incredibly well. Images of the location instead of a map with a descrip, a descrip followed up with a supporting image. After awhile with consistency those images that support the visual you'll find helps to build on instances that players or DM/GM struggle. I use that as a teach and train tool. A single image and build an adventure from it. Look at the image. write some descripts on the back hold it up, read the back. Inquire their thoughts, listen as much as you talk and before you know it you have one heck of a session going. Part of the fun is just experiencing every possible angle and view of the gamespace and how it works in all its combinations.

[@PossumMedic]

One tip for people who suffer from not being able to imagine things as abstractly (like me!) is to volunteer to be the mapper! It really helps me picture things better if I draw them out and it can also help the team when we need a map! Even if I'm not the mapper that night I STILL draw my own map just to help me process the info better! Thanks for another great vid! 😃

[@wanderingbardagain6945]

Another great video Nate. Lots of good tips for both sides of the GM screen. I love theater of the mind combat. The flexibility it allows during the game is so handy. It also allows the GM to be able to improv combats quickly. I do use battle maps and tokens for key battles, usually the ones that I know are going to happen and involve enemies with complex abilities or large numbers. In the end it just takes practice for the GM and the players to get used to this style of play. Heck, I still have a few players that default to the "how far away is the were bear?" questions from time to time.

[@pikapuffin368]

I really wonder how a 4e game would go TotM considering…. But yeah I decided to try this for a Spelljammer game I started up recently. We’ve had only a couple quick combats so far, and this is gonna be useful advice for running them in future.

[@m.s.3121]

We moved from D&D to Star Wars FFG and this system has more loose distances, we also moved from a VTT to basically a dice-roller and theatre of the mind. Even though I did this often in the past it really needs some time to transition to it again, so your tips really help me out there. I prefer theatre of the mind for the mind because I think it allows for more creative game-play, usually, if you have a detailed map you are often not asking questions like is there a bucket or a chair when it's not on the map, people though get much more creative to search for things, cover etc. Also figured the moment you use a battle map people turn on combat mode, stop thinking about other solutions quite often and just want to kill stuff, since I plan often encounters where combat is not the best solution it can get annoying. The last point I like about it, it speeds up combat, stuff turns less tactical, less discussion and at the end of the day, I as GM do not care if the enemy was now in 30 or 35 feet of distance, it leads often to so awkward situations sometimes. We played a D&D module before and we had quite many melee characters, the model had mostly 5 feet hallways which was so tedious to get even into combat. "GM can I squeeze around the paladin to enter the room?" That can really turn into a drag sometimes. Sure there are players and GM's that prefer the simulationist playstyle and therefore having accurate battle maps, travelling times etc is important but I prefer focusing on the narrative, the action, and the epic moments and this can be easier achieved with the theatre of the mind imo.

[@nazshak]

Thanks a lot! This video was super helpful to me, as I'm now trying to create my own rulebook for a TTRPG based on how we played Dračí Doupě (Czech D&D) with my friends. ❤️ I'm also watching your videos for a very long time and I thought I'd send you a tip and a huge thanks for your awesome work. 👍

[@WASD20]

You’re very kind. Thank you! Good luck with your book project.

[@28mmRPG]

thanks for posting this video... we have been livestreaming our TotM sessions with a lot of people wondering how the heck we were doing this gaming without "maps and minis". The players staying within character makes the presentation more of a radio-show for our game (for those listening) but we do posts an occasional image or interior for visual synchronicity.

[@old_geeky_Michael]

Great video Nate. I particularly liked the "recap combat for the players tip" - not one I'd ever thought of, but from your example, I realise that the best DMs I've played with do that naturally!

[@vitalitymirth]

Great tips. Thanks for the “Recap” tip.

[@jewabeus]

LOL Being a beginner DM playing with a group of beginning players, going with the flow works fantastically. Now if I can just get the party to stop being afraid & just do something. 🤔

[@nazshak]

When they are just snooping around doing nothing, I just let the fun come to them. 😅

[@dndshorts2750]

Not sure if this will be helpful but when I have beginner players who are frightened into inaction I will make sure they find A LOT of healing potions. Once they are more confident and have a feel for the game then they tend to take more risks. Once they have broken the habit of extreme caution I reduce the number of potions they find slowly.

[@BarrelsoupChef]

Good informative video, I agree with all points here. My groups and myself as DM, play like this for years, and these things are also really important for us.

[@MagnusTheRedDog]

Great set of tips, thanks! :)

[@mesacomplains3404]

I've been the sole DM of our group for years now. I've got back problems and moving minis on the table discomforts me. TotM helps with that a lot and it makes combat more streamlined imo when I don't have players busting out the Pythagorean Theorum to see if he can snipe a minion or not.

[@BobWorldBuilder]

Great tips throughout. Well done covering this topic!

[@WASD20]

Thanks, Bob!

[@davidwatches]

In games that normally use battle maps for combat and tactical encounters, Theater of the Mind is still useful for quick battles with only few enemies. DMs can even skip initiative to get through it quicker, allowing players to simply chime in with their actions if order isn't too important (something the Dungeon Coach calls "popcorn initiative") or going in order of initiative modifiers. Once everyone gets comfortable with such encounters, a DM can add more of these quick combats to an adventure for added content and XP, and it may help the group transition to Theater of the Mind as a whole for their game if this is the group's goal.

[@Ranulf13]

we mix, simple encounters with one enemy or underwater and so on. My players like distance in meeters and keep really good track of it. I often ask them how close they were XD

[@Michal_Bauer]

It's strange for me that people need advice for that. I play RPG for more than 20 years, and always we played only with character sheets and dice. Sometimes we used general maps, sometimes we fast draw encounters on paper, sometimes we used glasses and bowls to show general idea of encounter. But for me and most role players that I know it's mainly theater of the mind (didn't now the name earlier) and all miniatures encounter maps etc are just addons.

[@WASD20]

The first four or five times I played we use Maps and minis and I did have some growing pains when I switched to theater of the mind. I was also quite shocked to immediately see a couple of comments on this video saying that it just doesn’t work for combat. crazy! 🤷‍♂️

[@Michal_Bauer]

@@WASD20 another thing is that I didn't start from DnD. I started (like almost everyone in my country) from Warhammer, then I played old Witcher RPG (I think it was never translated to english) then another obscure local system, then L5R and I started playing DnD in high school. We were poor as hell teenagers and never even tought about minis.

[@anathema1828]

Nice work on the video!

[@WASD20]

Thanks!

[@461weavile]

We seem to be on the same wavelength here, Nate. I already focus on some of these tips. I try to avoid enumerating distances as much as possible. "Two moves away from you." Not only for combat, but also for long distances. "Five days' travel, but three as the Murkrow flies." I'm also mixing it up this Wednesday by preparing a grid combat. Change of pace is good for the players.

[@roquea.deleon6175]

I deffintley prefer theater of the mind. For dnd maps/minis are good for combat to get that tactical feel but other systems like Cypher dont really need it. Artwork/illustrations are always a plus to show monsters or enviornments

[@alexanderjohnson2309]

I just ran my first session with my 10 yr old. And she did not care about distances AT ALL. She stood behind her companion and used Fog to hide herself. Then let her wildshape druid companion scare away guards as a bear. (Btw, can wildshape forms instill fear in commoners and guards? How about from a distance?)

[@randrews103]

I like using a world map with a few minis. No extravagant set up though

[@ALTERNATIVEROCKMAN]

Got 2 buddys I play with this is all we do! And some drawings on paper ! Only got the 3 books all yeeee need. Best way to play ! Its the only way we have every played currently doing Baulders Gate the game and with some forgotten realms knowledge of the books you can add some sweet stuff in there like incounters with other heros or villains! Or passers-by and the talk of the tavern lol.

[@WASD20]

Sounds fun!

[@carlh7714]

My group verymuch prefers maps, so I haven't done much theater of the mind, but it's always been fun when I have. It's usually only been when the players pick a fight the DM wasn't expecting them to pick.

[@Ariranhaa]

Been playing since 2000's and never played with miniatures and maps. I didn't even know this was considered a "different" way of playing nowadays, I thought this was the standard mode.

[@chickenman5112]

I'm relatively new to the game, but the gyst I get is imagination is more enjoyable for casual play or small encounters. Minis and a map seems like it would be better to use all the time if you're playing in a group that are very specific on details. Both are cool IMO

[@kathyevans3251]

We use a combination of both .Larger combats scenes use the maps and minis.The rest us theater of the mind time.

[@glen20rainman56]

Coming from old school, trying to learn 5e thinking it's a glorified board game... This video has made me feel more comfortable about being a DM in 5e... Thank you.

[@lucasmarquesdecamargos4298]

I think it is really helpful to check other systems such as Shadow of the Demonlord to get an idea on how to rule area of effect spells in theater of the mind.

[@WASD20]

Yeah, other systems can definitely be helpful!

[@Mr_GoR_]

ToM is definitely a more narrative driven style and pretty much requires being more fluid with mechanics. This opens up for more creativity from both PCs and DMs. Being adaptive relieves much of the burden on yourself as DM -as long as, like you said, it isn't something crucial to the situation. Also, plainly state your intent is great advice regardless if you're playing ToM or on a grid. Avoid the litany of questions that slow down the game and just tell me "I want to do [x]." Great video.

[@Grayald]

all helpful. Theater of mine certainly has its advantages. But what about All the distance and position sensitive spells and abilities? Things like the barbarians fast movement. It's hard baked into the their progression. So doesn't it kind of shaft them a little bit, because while they're getting fast movement which is going to be handwaved, other classes are getting something that's actually useful. And that's not even getting into the other mobility options for them for things like elk and eagle totem. And what about using a pole arm? How does one account for the extra attack range? If that gets handwaved, you just have a two-handed weapon that's weaker than the other ones available. Or how about the sentinel feat? It's good for getting between weaker party members in the enemies, but if distance and position is brushed off, how is one supposed to position themselves properly to protect weaker party members.

[@WASD20]

Yup. Agreed. It does certainly cheapen these abilities.

[@mr.simsmusic8971]

Would you do an in-depth review of the Essence 20 system from Renegade games?

[@Mantorp86]

I usually play with maps for locations and global terrain but combat is always theatre of the mind…TotM and a just more fluent, faster and players have more freedom to do cool stuff

[@littleboober]

use minis for special encounters, combats, and dungeon / cave explorations.

[@Atticus_Moore]

I prefer playing theater of the mind. I also prefer playing without dice and without hit points. I have been spoiled by this mode of play, and I can literally not go back to normal games. It's too much fun!

[@vincentcleaver1925]

Some of this sounds like Fate aspects... Not that I ever ran Fate like that. I didn't get Fate at the time

[@michaelholland6533]

In my 30 years of gaming I’ve never once used maps and miniatures. I will though…one day 😬

[@ivanlangston7754]

me and my friend just randomly act like our characters even if we are not playing DnD

[@peterkelley6344]

Got a problem! Maybe this channel can help me work this through. At the inferred suggestion of another person in the apartment building I live in I pulled together a campaign on the theme of team work and collaboration in the hopes of building some better community spirit. Two households spoke up and wanted to join the adventure. One could do it immediately and the second had to wait for a month to clear their calendar. i had no problems with either of these arrangements. Knowing this ... I opened the group to non-residents in the hopes of building a solid core of 6 to 8 players. AFTER a month of 4 sessions ... I have the first household missing (still living in the building), the second household has yet to submit characters, and not responding to game dates and session reminders. And two non residents are on my case because the first two households are no-where to be seen. One of the non-residents is a friend who is literally a friend since birth. Another 3 players who seem to be moving forward to join the group from locations around the world. AS far as I can tell I have three options: 1) Dissolve the group because people are not showing up; or 2) Keep setting dates in the hopes the group builds momentum; or 3) put the entire campaign into 'unused' mode until I can get players to commit for gaming sessions each time. As most persons know NO-ONE can compel anyone to do anything they do not want to do. I think i have decent arching plot that ought to last a few years. So what suggestions do people have for dealing with this dilemma?

[@old_geeky_Michael]

Why not just carry on the campaign with the 2 existing non-resident players, and some/all of the 3 players who want to join remotely (if that works for you)? Then the residents won't feel under pressure to join, but you may still be able to accommodate them later if they want to.

[@peterkelley6344]

@@old_geeky_Michael My thought was to set the schedule for between now and the end of the year. And if anyone shows up - they show up; if no-one shows I was thinking of just packing it up for whenever. FUTURE referee Me: There is that interesting well crafted stone box that has that very nice crown stored in it ...

[@faenethlorhalien]

The problem with 5E is that SO MANY of the mechanics are pretty much unusable if you play theatre of the mind... Minis DO help. Only time I see TotM work is if it's 1 party against just 1 enemy. Static, of possible.

[@WASD20]

That has not been my experience at all. As a player I've had great combats with full parties and multiple enemies before.

[@dndshorts2750]

I recognize that a lot of the features will have ranges in feet etc. What I do is change the way I think about those ranges. For example, using the terms Nate used, if a spell or weapon says the range is 30" then that become closer in my head so I can tell the player you can use your ability on anyone your allies are fighting. Of if it is 60" range then it is 'near' and I can say, you can reach all the way to the other side of the combatants but you can't get the guy in the next room. If you are looking at a power that is an aura, you can say that each 10" of an aura is 1 other player. So if the aura is 10" you say, you can protect 1 other person you see. If the range of the aura goes up then it becomes, 2 people you can see, etc. But yes, it is written as if for grid play. You just have to get a little creative with the rules.

[@spacerx]

I greatly prefer theater of the mind, but I consider D&D of most edition seem to be very designed towards the tactical mini-game within a game, so I prefer other systems. I also think that this is a major miss for Critical Role; they really need a system that is more narrative and theater of the mind focused, because the long tactical digressions during their livestreams are murder on the pacing of their games.

[@WASD20]

Great point. Agree!

[@TheSirGoreaxe]

Unfortunatly it's been the case where the layout of the battle field describes the best path forward. Dropping fireballs, thunderwaves, are they in range of my spirits. Cones, blasts, cover, and more will make a decision. Where as far to many times the DM says well you can get 2 of the bad guys only if you hit the thief as well, ok then I'll try thunderwave well you can only get one person, what? But there were 3 of them attacking me, yeah from 3 different sides. Can I hit more than 1 bad guy with a lightning bolt, nope, but you said the corridor was only 10 wide, still no.... Where with a map it keeps the fight straight for the most part and keeps the DM honest. To many times I have seen a DM get all upset because we overrun their encounters, but then when it becomes TotM it turns against us because we can never get tactical advantages put together.

[@oskar6661]

To me, theatre of the mind "is" role-playing. I'm not a big D&D fan and I've never been a fan of 'tabletop' RPGs. I don't mind a simple sketch to explain a weird area, but a flowing intuitive theatre-of-the-mind game is just infinitely more interesting and engrossing to me. I play tabletop wargames, hell I design and sell them...but that's a different genre to me. I love the advice about not speaking in "game terms". Again I harken back to Dungeon World and their advice of stating your actions, not your game mechanics. I loathe when people say "I'm going to STUNNING STRIKE this opponent". Stop telling me game terms, and describe how you're striking the creature - we know you're using a skill, but try actually describing what you're doing instead.

[@CONTINGENCY_sys]

When I teach new or old DM/GM tangible vs imagined play formats (only 2 of the many) I take them back to the foundation. Start with what is not what isn't. So many things are triggers to something else or reliant on other things in the game. That "physical" positioning system has never really worked well for ttrpg especially when rooted in visual mechanical roots. You have to remove that component completely. Senses, what is known, what is not known. What is relevant, what is not. Basic basic basic. If it is realistic that you could move to something than you move to it. The dice determine the hits. Redevelope a platform from what already exists. Repurpose the mechanics to work for you. Easy med diff. We know this. Use things like Melee, short range, long range. same mechanics let the DC and dice really work with characters. Focus on smaller successes, smaller affronts until your minds start to understand the fluidity that the mechanics lacked, they required physical aspects, they didn't develope new ones for the theater. After over 30yrs of hosting events for thousands of players you start to see how similar all that "work" plays out. Back to the basics slowly layer in what you need and be aware every time you want to measure, want to move a piece, want to point or reference. Be aware of what other way could you accomplish the same thing. I move my character here, how does that happen 30ft, a basic move, 60ft a double move, 90ft a run, I sneak, 15ft half move, I'm an elf, full move, a rogue, double move. The layers are there they just never took the time to fix or finish it. You know what you need. Think about it slowly in steps. Relax. Work together and find how you play, what you need, and slowly remove the "pieces" of tangible into the fully imagined space. It is not less. At times it may require more. More descripts in absence of visual. More memory in absence of tracking tangible objects. But in the end very much a space we can all enjoy. Happy gaming!!! Relax.. you're doing it right.

[@NemoOhd20]

But if you play theater of the mind, Evil Wizards can't sell you MINIATURES!!!!!!!

[@CScott-wh5yk]

I don’t like visual aids… imagination is much richer than a 3d model.

[@CaptainDaccat]

When are you Provokers going to start provoking again?

[@WASD20]

Three of us will be playing in the One Ring game I mentioned.

[@john-lenin]

Theater of the Mind never works for combat.

[@WASD20]

Ooh. Huge disagree. I've played whole campaigns this way, and they were amazing.

[@Michal_Bauer]

I like played like this for two decades and combat was awesome.

[@dndshorts2750]

Sweeping statements are never useful in a discussion. ;-P