Session Prep and Encounter Building in the D&D 2024 DMG - Lazy RPG Talk Show

[@DoryenChin]

I think the TV concept of the "cold open" is a really helpful thing when trying to think of a strong start.

[@BegravelseinBrussels]

Except that the cold open often has nothing to do with the rest of the show, and this should move you (back) into the adventure.

[@ZeKiwiOfTheNorth]

Not making maps is great lazy advice. I learned from watching a previous GM after he told us about the hours he'd spend making custom maps, only for us to not explore them, or for us to want to use features that he put on the map, but which weren't "functional" (he didn't make the second floor that those stairs would lead to, that table of bottles and beakers in the alchemist's lab didn't have any effect when knocked over, etc.). When i came back to run games after my maternity leave, i dropped making maps for my games almost entirely. IF i need a map, i look on mapmaker sites for one that fits; while I'm looking, i often am inspired by different maps to make more scenes.

[@AvengerYouT]

I like to work with CR because the numbers are smaller, but I see the advantages of working with XP too. The way 5e works, the XP value of a creature is a direct reflection of effective damage per round and effective HP (It's one x the other, kinda). CR is merely a categorization to match these numbers with what a group of characters of a certain level is capable of handling. So when you build encounters using XP, you are actually using the numerical damage and survivability of a monster directly. That said, I still use the lazy encounter benchmark cuz I'm, well, lazy, and thank you for creating it.

[@Bendem47]

Once the Monster Manual comes out, you might need to reevaluate your encounter benchmark, because it looks like the 2024 (2025) monsters might hit harder to keep up with the power level increase of 2024 characters (then again, it might amount to the same in the wash...) (Edit: I see that you somewhat address this later in the episode)

[@BuppGuy]

Another great video! Thanks Mike❤

[@OwlFish]

One thing you did not mention in regards to the 2024 encounter building is the removal of the adventuring day. I think some guidance for how much player can handle before their resources are depleted and need to rest is a useful tool for gm's. The designers reasoning for removing it was no one used it. however they should have substituted its removal with something.

[@vintagezebra5527]

Really in depth dive into these two topics! Very useful. Thanks for your hard work.

[@mingbritson]

One of the smartest, most creative people in the TTRPG world. Thanks as awalys for your thoughts on this.

[@SlyFlourish]

Thank you!

[@billrubine1318]

Dude, index card RPG prep section is GREAT. I would love to hear you comment on that

[@Frederic_S]

I LOVE Blades in the Dark !! ♥

[@donovk]

I saw your secret show on the Fantasy Grounds channel. Can't wait to try out that 'doughnut' mechanic on my big bad. Keep up the prolific work.

[@swordplaysorcery]

One Shot Questers just published a VOD from a stream where he is running the adventures from the 2024 DMG. So far, they seem like a success! I am curious to hear about what prep was like for the session tho

[@jasonsunday2932]

If I were to drop a step from the 8 Steps, I would probably drop Fantastic Locations because I find that Scenes cover the Fantastic Locations for me.

[@lonic123]

Thanks

[@TylerHanna]

I just picked up Forge of Foes a couple days ago and had already started on comparing the math, should have just waited! I've already experienced the "too many low-CR monsters" pitfall with the 2024 XP budgeting, but thankfully my players realized right away they were outmatched and ran rather than fight. Even after that, I was trying to still use XP budgeting it to find the low-end for my random encounter tables, but then I realized I can just use the LEB for that by subtracting 1 or 2 from the party level.

[@MarkCsigs]

You clearly have a higher opinion of my ability to remember my own ideas than I do! 😂

[@VideoSpielplatz1]

i by now just go with Adventure Overview (what happend last, whats gonna happen today) NPCs and Places (rough outline of names and places) Scenes (i include monsters and loot in there) thats it

[@ungainlytitan1460]

Must say I much prefer xp budget when tuning encounters than CR

[@camerakid76]

53:15 Who cares!!! Nobody is swinging XP. All encounters come down to an Action/Damage economy vs the Monsters. XP CR all arbitrary doesn’t mean anything.

[@Otaconsps]

Have to skip this one.... I feel like these topics have been thoroughly addressed in your previous videos. Love your work though!

[@nicolascooper2464]

great video but u talk too fast it s a pain i m not english i m french and i try to follow u. please talk a little slowly :)

[@byronkooper]

Great breakdown but you speak so fast its echausting to listen to