Tips for Running Combat in D&D 5e - DM Advice

[@MissMindFlayer]

As a brand-spanking-new DM about to start her first campaign in less than a day, I appreciate this video! Those tips are great, and I'll definitely be trying some soon!

[@seanmcnew18]

How did it go/is it going? I'm currenly writing my first one.

[@richardhealy]

Likewise, about to run my first one-shot. (Set on a boat heading into port, transporting a haunted sarcophagus in the hold, about to be attacked by pirates.) If it takes off, I'll take them to the tomb of Annihilation because I want to run a campaign using the yaun-ti.

[@craiggoetz8544]

New DM here, run 8 sessions now. Did my own first module, basic fetch quest for a Chaos amulet, in an old underground bank vault (keep). 2 puzzles and an athletic situation. 3 actual encounters. Players came out with gold and jewels and a magic item. How did your first go? Currently running a delve into a mine + caverns toward a mountain-held tower with a sorcerer that is raising an army to take over the starting land. All Homebrew. Players about to enter mine, just received a map of the mine from the deceased Foreman. Players at Lvl 2 so boss of module is Lvl 4 sorcerer. Tips? Have a mimic encou get and several kobold mobs, plus a Kobold war camp for in a caverns near the exterior tower.

[@pedropaulobianconi4325]

@@craiggoetz8544 sounds great. You should add a gelatinous cube! They're awesome enemies in any dungeon

[@TheEthanEdge]

@@pedropaulobianconi4325 you monster lmao

[@Comicsluvr]

I tend to use a modified system for Initiative. When one player announces that they're attacking in the middle of a non-combat situation, I announce roll Initiative and give the one who made the announcement a +5 to their normal Initiative for that first round only. This gives the players a brief but substantial bonus for acting first but if the enemy is REALLY fast they might still go first.

[@DungeonDudes]

Neat idea, I like this!

[@Comicsluvr]

Initiative is the most mechanical part of the game for me so any way that I can simplify it and still keep it fun yet fair works for me! Keep up the good work!

[@mikemurphy2743]

I also do this but its only a +2 ... same premise though .... good video guys!

[@ClockworkBard]

I like this concept. I might try out something similar, though changing initiative after the first round is more than I want to track. I may just give that one person advantage on their initiative and call it good.

[@MooseBoost]

or give them advantage because they are drawing first.

[@abelsampaio389]

Well, I run mostly online, but pretty much I use what I got from Mercer's DM tips is to keep tables for improvising off damage, like falling rubble or stepping into acid. Also, using those plastic rings from soda bottles to mark conditions, concentration and conditions, and it also reminds you to make concentration saves. Another thing I do to keep combat interesting is to stop saying "Player X, that's your turn now." or "Player Y you're next" and actually describing the transition from one to another, telling what he's seeing from his point of view. It helps give the feeling that everything's happening at once and inspires against metagaming in favor of roleplay inspired actions, more descriptions from the players, etc.

[@DungeonDudes]

Telling the player who's next in the initiative order is a brilliant way to focus attention. Great suggestion.

[@davidnelson2204]

Tell me of this online place to play... I've always wanted to try it. *Strong closet nerd vibes*

[@noya5628]

@@davidnelson2204 Roll20?

[@gremlinlad3671]

one of my favourite things about d&d players is how nonchalantly they’ll say something like: “I think you were bleeding out.” “Yeah, that was great.”

[@reno8482]

😂

[@adeptusmechanicus1029]

I've been swallowed 3 times with my character all within 2 days worth of play time. And I loved every second of it.

[@isabelkraus5938]

As a new and overwhelmed DM with a team of total newbies, your whole videos really saved our play. We are currently playing a pre-written campaign, but thanks to your videos my DM Actions really have improved a lot. Keep up that amazing work!

[@Capt.Thunder]

Make it clear to your players that they are responsible for their own special rules and if they don't use it, you won't prompt them. This ups player engagement, minimises player laziness and takes a responsibility off your plate.

[@DungeonDudes]

Yeah! When introducing new players to the game, some DMs tend to do too much hand-holding (myself included). There are always players that will need help as they learn the rules, but trusting your players to be responsible for it themselves really eases the workload.

[@adakahless]

A Pathfinder DM gave my party a +1 on attack rolls for something we did at the start of the game...me being the bard, I'm always reminding the other players about that +1 and my bardic inspiration. xD

[@kylecoyle1675]

This works for experienced players, but for more novice or less intense players we usually use a buddy system. I ask a more experienced player to look over the shoulder of newbies or certain folks who will never be deep in the rules (but are awesome role-players!) to help with ability tracking, bonuses, etc. There's a lot of people who want to play out there who are not rules-oriented. This lets them get into it without the high barrier to play.

[@ediivg9428]

@@kylecoyle1675 I agree. I've played with a few newbies recently and while I'd love for them to know all their own abilities, they just need me to remind them of everything they have.

[@johnnarogers5636]

I'm a newbie DM but I have a player who has the books practically memorized, I usually have her help the new players while I focus on running things, after awhile it's less needed, but letting the party shout at each other is better than me keeping track

[@TheWarwolf102]

“You can’t fight in here, this is the war room!”

[@milkenobi]

That’s like saying “you can’t sex here, this is the sex room!”

[@guillempitarch427]

That was a great reference

[@wardluth4106]

And the Character finds he's unable to draw weapons or complete spell casting, because you can't fight in there. lol

[@jibzhooper9232]

Awesome movie

[@AmraithNR]

"Where do we fight then?" "In the fights room, duh" "Understandable, have a nice day"

[@AdamAtYourService]

"When in doubt, add an explosion." *Michael Bay liked this video*

[@solalabell9674]

YES RICO CABOOM

[@whiskeySe7en]

As did i

[@DanSolo41]

Villains are usually mortal, too. So they will want to, you know, *NOT* die. Self interest is actually kind of logical. Especially when the party are slaying their minions in their throne room, and setting fire to anything in the room, and shit's going down.

[@DungeonDudes]

Indeed. A good villain needs an escape plan, and in general most intelligent creatures need a compelling reason NOT to run away once they are wounded or their allies are killed.

[@erho2967]

ADDing damage... holy crap this is perfect for me! Thank you

[@darthmayhem2523]

“I can do that, I’m the DM”. FACTS

[@SighingDm]

I use roll20 like a scum bag so the turn order is automatically filled when they roll for initiative and all rolls and math are done for us. I do like the idea of adding damage up rather than subtracting it a lot!

[@CodeCowboy64]

Dice Tip: For my new players I've put together a custom set of dice. each size is a separate color, and two colors of d20's. Then instead of, "Roll 2d4," I say, "Roll 2d4, that's the orange ones." Especially helpful with the d12/d20 confusion that tends to happen with new folks and the d100/d10 (even though it shouldn't matter).

[@markboutros190]

Great video. My favorite part: "I think you were bleeding out after that." "I was."

[@sarajamesaerial]

I read your comment as they were saying it. 😂

[@bradking6902]

I don't limit initiative to just combat, my rule of thumb is whenever the party engage in a time-sensitive situation where the actions of each party member/NPC/enemy is critical the the resolution of that situation, a room filling with water and the party needs to figure out how to either escape or stop the trap, doing this also helps with keeping a pace with how quickly the room is filling (i.e. room water fills 1ft per turn and has the first turn in imitative order).

[@nicirochi0]

Great tips! One that i have is: Never roll initiative for minions, I always put they after one player turn, this make combat much dynamic and the players (almost) never go and faceroll one enemy at time. But I like to make the big boss last in turn. Is funny to see players trying to make a alot of things before the boss come haha. Btw thanks for the tips, your guys are the best

[@JonnoDavies1]

I really like your guys channel and your way of explaining, it's so casual and easily approached. No complicated graphs or graphics and no flamboyant costumes and props. D&D is complicated enough as it eh! Great work guys, keep it up!

[@jimmys.2231]

Hey guys, Thanks for the tips. I ran my first combat Saturday and found out how difficult and unprepared I was. The next day I took your advice about spacing out and writing in. Way better system. I combined it with premade player and enemy cards to track hp. The flow was so much better. Keep up the awesome work and keep the videos coming.

[@IImTheMayor]

I’m a new DM, and playing with five other people who are also new to D&D, and this is so helpful... thank you!!! 💞

[@omniunown]

The DM tip I find most helpful, especially if you can't get your players to look at the map during other peoples turns, is to tell the next player in line that they are "on deck" when telling the current player it is their turn. Gives them a chance to get their brain into turn mode

[@moonchung4339]

We were all hiding, listening to goblins' conversation.. and our bard decided to move closer, failed at stealth check...planted his face on the ground dramatically. We all rolled initiatives .. at least one goblin was surprised..

[@DungeonDudes]

Such a fantastic "surprise"!

[@TheKajimusha]

I am making my first adventure and try DMing for a first time. I haven't realized how much things I must have in mind until I saw this video. Thank you guys you are awesome.

[@HundredYearsBoar]

I'm about to run a fairly heavy combat oriented session. The dudes tend to read my mind for what content I want from them 😜🤘🏻

[@DungeonDudes]

Hundred Years Boar did we forget to mention the mind reading chip we put in the book we sent you? It’s basically how we choose what episodes to release and when. 😏. Happy to help! - Kelly

[@HundredYearsBoar]

That would explain a lot!

[@cubandarknez]

Enemies trying to run away is a HUGE tip. I designed my first encounters kind of like mmorpg dungeons, with packs you had to pull and such. That gets old pretty fast. Having an encounter with 3 chumps is suddenly so much more exciting when they book it to the heavily armed guards as soon as you eviscerate one of them. Or that epic chase scene as the bandit big bad is that close to getting away before getting that javeline through the chest

[@DragonKnightJin]

Ah, I hear Monty embraces the Mythbuster school of thinking. "When in doubt.. C4."

[@DungeonDudes]

One of the reasons why I rarely get to play anymore is because of my reputation for solving most problems with large explosions.

[@DragonKnightJin]

I can see how a DM would get tired of that after a certain point. At least you're not solving most problems with liberal applications of fire? Also not sure if the Barbarian's go-to of "Apply axe to face, repeat as needed" is much better, though. Less flashy, for certain.

[@Zombie8tHeart]

One of my favorite techniques is to start a timer when combat starts. I typically do this for big combats encounters; small one off encounters like bar fights or ambushes i usually skip this. Once the combats start approaching 20+ minutes, I start speeding things up depending on how the battle is going. If my players are doing well, enemies start falling faster. If after 20 minutes they have only killed 2 creatures in a 10 creature mob, the the remaining creatures start hitting alot harder. This helps me keep up the pace of the game and get past the inevitable battle of attrition. Its not for everyone but it helps avoid those hour + combats.

[@DungeonDudes]

This is a great point. One hour is appropriate for a setpiece battle at the climax of an adventure, or a battle interspersed with lots of puzzle-solving or roleplaying. However, a straight up fight is best kept fast and furious. Keeping an eye on how long the combat has gone really keeps players engaged and excited. It's also important to make sure players are being fast with their own turns too. If you have 5 players and the DM running 2-4 monsters, each player can take 1 minute for their turn (with the DM taking 2-3 mins for all the monsters) to get 2-3 rounds done in about 25 minutes.

[@CharlesLuciano-xl2rn]

Hi there, I am very new to being a DM and LOVE It. I am currently in my first month of running an evil campaign. I just wanted to thank you for your tips and help in this video. I immediately became a subscriber. Please keep up the great work.

[@TheWordN3rd]

New(ish) DM here and i just wanna let y'all's know that your are alwaus so thought-provoking and helpful. Like, I always walk away with something when I put them on, even the videos I'm just watching for fun. Thank you so much.

[@lacebrandenburg7535]

I use cards over my DM screen. I add character art and their name in a handwriting or fancy font that fits the character. It's mostly flare and let's my players know who is up as ya stated. On the flap that faces me, I put their AC, PP, and class/race. It lets me more effectively run the enemy/monster since I don't have to keep asking for AC and such. It is slower, but it works for me.

[@bkdan262]

I do like the "tip over mini" for prone. The way I differentiate dead and prone. prone=knocked over, dead="X" written on the board and mini removed. Also dead bodies=difficult terrain

[@FrenchieSounds]

This is seriously the most useful DM tutorial I have seen so far. I'm relatively new to D&D, but I'm wanting to DM at some point soon. Thanks for this!!

[@timothylamont845]

Im late to the party here, but I was going through your channel to see what videos I hadnt seen yet and found this one. Lots of valuable tips -- great job! The only one I disagree with is the average damage technique. I always roll damage because it adds a degree of tension (and hope) to players whose characters might be low on HP. An exceptionally good or bad roll can mean the difference between life and death.

[@Spook-xg4rr]

Can I just say that it's very comforting to hear you guys talk about little handy-dandy tips for running combat that I, a DM that literally started DM'ing this week, have already been using.

[@zzlord4309]

Great video, I wanted to point out some of the tips that I found easy to use during my games as a DM * Starting Combat : Get Transparent Card Sleeves from your online or your local game shop (guaranteed they have them if they host card game tourneys like mtg), at most they cost 2$. - Paper : I Recommend a strong plain white paper, can be bought from any hobby store for cheap. - Markers: Wet or Dry Erase do well. put a paper you have cut in the dimensions that the sleeve fits and voila, If you trust the players enough (I use a big dice tray to oversee the results) have them write their PCs Name and initiative result in their card, now you only have to bother with monsters. * Tracking Monster Hitpoints : It's much easier to add the damage received towards the monster's or PCs hit points than subtracting from the hit points, this way you have to put less focus on HP tracking and continue the battle. (Example, The monster receives 10 damage and has 30 hitpoints, write the 10, and know that when 30 damage has been accumulated, it's dead).

[@oopcident]

I was justing thinking during my last session that I need to start pre-rolling the initiative for the enemies, and here I'm watching a video one week later that recommends doing this! I'm glad I wasn't alone in this thinking.

[@DungeonDudes]

It's a great way to speed things up, especially if you combine with with a pre-written list as we show in the video.

[@Rawrbagels]

When it comes to status effects - use the ring that comes off of the bottle from below the cap. That little ring can be removed and can almost always be put around on hang on the minis. Its my favorite so far and you can get a ton of different colors and it costs nothing. Plus when you get multiple hanging on a larger creature it becomes really cool because you see more viscerally what effects you are using.

[@DFloyd84]

Taking 20 described a useful way to track initiative. Draw the table and mark down initiative results for each player where they sit at the table. You don't have to make a vertical list and try to squeeze numbers in between.

[@BobFrichtel]

In addition, take time to make some folded index cards with numbers 1-10 written on them. Fold down the center so they stand up A-frame style with numbers facing out both directions. Hand them out to players, and put some up on your screen. Everyone at the table now knows order.

[@KevinShea76]

Yes, the Initiative Square! After trying this method out, I have yet to find anything that works better for me. So fast, so simple.

[@cannastartover1720]

I use this method. It’s great and too easy.

[@monicabower5022]

@@BobFrichtel Or just put their names on both sides, set them and the monster's tented cards on the table in fighting order, from your (DM) right to left. Does the same thing but you can add additional monsters mid battle without switching the card people have; just scootch a couple cards apart and slide another one in between.

[@scarletbegonia5150]

Initative box is the best and fastest way. No names, no list. You can just look and instantly see.

[@jacobosborne972]

I completely missed the improv guide box in the back of the manual so thankyou for bringing that up Love the idea of rolling how many rounds until you change something to keep combat interesting Great tips, really appreciate them dudes! Thankyou!

[@pedroluisIV]

I just ran my first DM and and D&D game yesterday and it went very well. After weeks of research this is one video i wished i saw prior to. Thank you i hope your tips help my next session.

[@pedroluisIV]

Players where relentless lol calling me out on every mistake I made but I realize it meant they where engaged and into the game. Lol but dam

[@pedroluisIV]

All new players too so i simplified everything for their sake and mines. Everyone had 20HP including monsters and everyone did 1d6 damage with modifiers depending on class and other things I tried to keep balanced. Kept it simple for fiest session giving them access to only one "power" or spell depending on class. Next one I plan to introduce everything per class then third session go over armor and other stats.

[@alexander.belyakov]

To track monster damage at lower levels, I make a line of squares equal to the monster's hit points, and then I just cross them out one by one depending on the amount of damage they're dealt. No maths, plus it helps visualize how badly the monster is hurt. This doesn't work that well, however, for higher levels, since you need too many squares and too many checks.

[@brianjordan3063]

Glad I found this channel, there are a lot of elements to being a DM that seem so daunting to learn. This is helping tremendously.

[@oofguild7788]

For tracking *any* hit points, the system I use is write their home total at the top and subtract the damage and write it directly below that, and then repeat. If there are multiple, label the hp columns

[@leopoldjenkins]

Loved this. My first proper go at being a DM is this week and there was so much good stuff here

[@brucebennett5338]

I've been using a spreadsheet with tabs for each possible encounter pre-populated with monster initiative, AC, & HP as well as the names of the characters. Then when the players get to an encounter, I have them roll initiative and then sort by the initiative column. This has been working pretty well.

[@spencereades]

I use those same stones to mark status ailments too :) On that note, I like to consider "concentrating" as a status effect with representation on the board, so players don't forget to drop one spell in order to take on another.

[@thor97470]

For initiative I use a magnetic dry erase board. I have magnetic strips with players names and a couple labeled for the dm. I then rearrange the strips on the board and have it displayed for all to see.

[@Heritage367]

I love the 1d6 to determine when things will change, as well 2d6x10 to determine starting distance between opponents.

[@BradK4444]

I've never DMed before, but I'm about to start a campaign. I like a lot of these tips but don't know which ones I'll end up using. I do know the "add up the damage until it reaches the creature's hit points total" is an amazing tip I'll definitely use.

[@Peoples_Republic_of_Cotati]

re monster hit points. my DM uses different packs of D6s to represent mobs of non-minion troops. 6-dots is max health, turn down for damage as needed.

[@Emylisis]

These videos are so awesome, I just started DMing my first campaign (and also my first time ever playing any tabletop role playing game... I know) and I've been getting such great feedback from the players thanks to all these guides!

[@Tielc]

I really like the early concepts for when to actually start combat. Things I'll have to remember later when I'm running a game again.

[@lastsecondvictory8030]

The toughest thing for me to keep track of is when effects are expiring, especially when you have a lot of them going on across the spectrum of combatants. Remember, there are effects that arent even conditions, such as "you get disadvantage on your next attack action" ...

[@joerhodes387]

Try assigning the effect a symbol, like a * or ?, the track duration with hash marks at the top of your initiative page. Each player under effect gets the * next to their name on the sheet. When the effect ends just cross it out. I track disadvantage in the same way. I write DIS ACT and cross it out when they roll it.

[@paulbove4794]

When I expect to have a mass combat during a session, I make a tracking/score sheet with each creature's hit points and modifiers arranged in columns. I also use small sticky notes to keep track of creatures when I have many similar creatures on the battlefield.

[@andrewweirny]

Really great video. I'm pretty new (and late) to DM'ing, but recently I ran a game in which players had to infiltrate a town full of various varieties of thugs and thug-support, which I expected them to encounter in random small groups. I printed out sheets of paper that each had 3-5 color-coded copies of the stat block for each particular enemy type, and cut the pages up into slips. I gave each one an actual name to help me track, wrote initiative in one corner and which miniature they'd be, and tracked their hit points and spells right on the stat block slip. When combat started I drew a few slips out and arranged them in front of me in initiative order. (I still had to write them on scrap paper to track the players' initiative, of course, but it still helped.) And the great side effect was that each time the players killed someone, they had the satisfaction of seeing and hearing me tear that monster's slip of paper in half.

[@__sam__196]

This is really helpful! As a young newbie (to dnd as a whole not just dming) who got dumped into dming a large party with barely any help this has really helped! :)

[@LemonInYourEyes]

I love your videos guys, super helpful for an aspiring DM. You do a great job of making it seem like I'm at the table chatting with you about these topics and it's fun and engaging to watch. Keep it up!

[@JorisVDC]

I typically use a prepared excel sheet where I wrote down the monsters HP and have a formula, where I can simply add the damage and it calculates what HP they have left and the box turns red when the creature is bloodied. I simply add a column for initiative, so I can keep track of it. It is a nice touch to add a column for each round to keep track who has acted on that round.

[@vuknikolic5559]

A bit difficult to explain, but you'll thank me so much for it. For initiative, take few small pieces of paper, like 1x3 inches and fold them in half, write name of players and monsters, and just as players tell you their rolls put them immediately on top of your DM screen accordingly to their order. You don't need to write anything down, and both you, from one side, and players, from the other side, can see who's next. You can also color code them, like orange for druid, purple for warlock etc. so it's more clear and eye catching.

[@andrewshaughnessy5828]

I run the occasional D&D one-shot and I always pre-roll the enemies' initiative - makes it so much easier. If enemies are setting an ambush, I also pre-roll their Stealth checks to see if they beat the party scout's passive Perception. Finally, Keith Ammann's blog "The Monsters Know What They're Doing" is a godsend, as it tells you not just which monsters will cut and run when injured (most of them, as it happens), but at what point in the combat and whether they will dash, disengage or dodge to do so.

[@vanguardsmithing7501]

Going from dming simple systems to this, it's all perfect thangs for the help!

[@DungeonDudes]

Rock on! Hope your campaign is a blast for you and your players :)

[@snatchngrab8262]

Surprise can sometimes be resolved with Insight checks to determine the intent of another to suckerpunch.

[@andriesgroenenberg8387]

Just loving that they have boxed Tiamat and Bahamut figures in the background

[@CaptainCannonball13]

Combat is the only thing I don’t really just don’t understand and I’m starting my first real campaign as a dm in with 2 weeks and I really needed this!

[@showlight2429]

The damage and initiative tips will really help. Thank you guys!

[@GreenLanternCorps2814]

For initiative, I bought wet/dry erase cards. They are blank playing card sized cards that I can write on and then erase. I write character/monster names and their initiative score on the card. I can have the cards ready to go with names from the beginning of the game, then just write in initiative scores when it comes up.

[@DungeonDudes]

This is a great method and I've used it at my table as well. I just used Magic card sleeves with a bit of cardstock inside them, but this also works nicely with index cards. It's quite efficient!

[@Bartimaeus9064]

I really like the idea of pre-rolling initiative for monsters. Thanks for the tip!

[@derekcavin7665]

You guys are great. New to 5e, DMing in a few weeks. I have subscribed.

[@WhispyLavender23]

When I do initiative tracking, 8 have a piece of paper with numbers 20-1 in a single row on the side, you can easily print a bunch of these, and I can quickly jot down names next to their initiative number and it helps me keep it in order so I won't accidently skip turns

[@batangbatugan]

For initiative- I use the back of a small clipboard where I list down all the players on the top left. I write down their initiative rolls, and then I write down in bigger letters their Initiative order and then clip it in front of my DM screen. That way, everyone can see the initiative order and they can also plan ahead their turn. For markers- I use small multicolored rubber bands to designate various status effects. I also tend to use a lot of Lego minifigs and I raise their arms up when they're stunned. For combat in general- I try to gauge if I should continue or end combat depending on how the party is doing. For example, during an AL game they killed the boss right away in the first turn during the final encounter, so I thought I'd let his minions continue fighting. (with no one controlling them they'd just attack mindlessly) Two banshees and two wails later everyone except the wizard and fighter were on the floor with 0 hp. I was panicking because of the almost unintended TPK, but thankfully they revived the cleric and he successfully cast turn undead. (I was prepared to fudge their roll in case he failed) I could still remember the sudden silence and blank stares when I looked up from my screen after that 2nd banshee wail.

[@kendallzortman3826]

Just started a campaign with my family. First time DM so using the essentials kit. Love these videos.

[@drakeuploader2952]

This is REALLY useful. Helps ALOT with so much. Few problems I ran into recently and this has helped immensely, especially the reference in the DM guide book

[@i-am-your-conscience]

15:44 Matt Mercers method just works perfect for me. Colored rings you can hang around a creature, and move it with them. But currently we moved away from miniatures because I had too less of them and buying started to get to expensive. So I used an old monitor which is on the oppsite side of my DM place. We run a Roll20 window on it, and use it for battlemaps, for initiative and its great.

[@David-Starwarsfan]

Kelly ‘s face with that “ oh” at the starts is just great lol

[@paulmilam5739]

. My group recently tried a way to track initiative that we loved. We would roll initiative but the players and DM had to remember who was coming up before them and who went after once we established it. So to end their turn rather than all the are you done. Or the DM saying “ok next person”. The players would be able to say “it’s so and so’s turn now” worked amazing and we also cut down on the moments of “wait who did he just attack” moments too

[@jajones480]

Great video! You have a new subscriber. I came back to D&D / tabletop RPG's after a 20 year hiatus. I recently started DM'ing 5e content because my kids (7, 10, 12) were interested in playing after they got to watch a few sessions with my friends (where I was a player). One thing I found that really helps organize combat on my end is creating spreadsheets ahead of time for each scripted encounter; one tab = one encounter. Each row is a different enemy and each column is an attribute (AC, hit points, saves, melee attacks, ranged attacks, special abilities, notes, etc). It's great during combat because I just have my laptop open and record damage taken for each monster as players attack; I have a column for Damage Taken and also one for Status effects (if the monster is affected by a spell or ability). Where I'm struggling now is making sure I attribute the correct damage to the correct mini on the map.

[@liv4themoments]

Pen and paper for initiative order, give all the enemy monsters/NPCs the same initiative to save time, have the stat blocks already on hand, use the default HP for each monster, have spell effect text ready to go in case a player plays a spell you dont know, and have the DM screen for quick reference. These small tips have made my combat encounters so much quicker and more enjoyable for my players.

[@JacobWrestledGod]

I am going to run my first session coming week. This is invaluable resource. Thank you

[@cmdmd]

Dndbeyond FTW. It keeps track of initiative in the encounter builder and the online sheets keep track of characters’ and monsters’ damage.

[@PugsleyThePear]

I miss playing face to face with my players but this video made me realize how many quality of life changes Roll 20 (and other digital TTRPG tools too) brings to the table. Rolling for initiative? Sure, let everyone roll, then adjust the initiative tracker to descending, takes 30 seconds. It takes time to add up the monster's damage? Nope, it's added up automatically. Worried about keeping track of player's health? They do that themselves, but you can always see the health of their token. Got a condition? Token markers, bby. I do like the advice in the beginning, sometimes it's hard to tell if the person instigating the action should get a 'free' hit.

[@gambent6853]

Awesome video! I've been adding up damage instead of tracking HP forever now. SO much faster in my opinion.

[@DungeonDudes]

Addition is just so much easier than subtraction!

[@danieldurham5891]

all addition is just reverse subtraction

[@elchucko7]

About to get back into dming after about a 10 year hiatus. Just getting my feet wet with 5ed as well. I'll be head first into your videos for the next bit! Great combat tips!

[@screamingblue7]

We started using small colored clothes pins to mark effects (Hunter's Mark, etc.) on figurines. Similar to the colored beads (tried that and still use it for effects that are cumulative for players).

[@oniminikui]

It's cool! I already do the write down example for initiative, but I pre-write in 20, 15, 10, 5, 0. I write them the characters' name in the number that they get.

[@SymbioteMullet]

There's a Because Science episode about quickdraw gunfights, that presents evidence that the person who draws in response to being drawn on actually moves faster, thus meaning that getting surprise is tougher than just pulling your weapon first.

[@PachetePockets]

For the "improvised actions", I have a house rule borrowed from Lamentations of the Flame Princess called the Gambit system. Basically whenever a PC wants to do something crazy, I have them roll two D20s. If both are a success, then their plan worked exactly as they wanted it to. If one is a success and the other is a fail, then their plan kind of worked but something went wrong. And if both are fails, then their plan exploded in their face. I've found this adds a lot of fun and creativity to my combats.

[@09my_chemical_black_veil_i37]

I have the second session of Descent Into Avernus in a few hours, the party is literally just my sisters, who have no clue what they're doing. I have a hard time with combat so thank you for this.

[@Ascisana]

Thanks, the HP and Init Tracking tips helped a lot for a beginner!

[@d-risky4994]

If you are a newer DM, like me, I would HIGHLY recommend purchasing the iOS app Game Master 5 by lions den. They have update files on Dropbox that fill in spells and the bestiary from almost all the Dnd 5e books and have an encounter tracker that you run that auto rolls all your monsters initiative, attacks, and spells very easily.. whenever I’m board waiting somewhere I just build a new encounter by surfing through the monsters and finding something cool that fits the narrative.

[@auldcrow1461]

So your a dev on that app then?

[@d-risky4994]

Auld Crow noop, but it made a huge difference when running and organizing my combats, so it’s earned a shout out

[@TCubedGaming]

I use it as well, its beautiful

[@michaell8251]

Agreed

[@mosheglick295]

Well done I like the video. I didn’t think it was necessary to downgrade Matt Mercer way. But besides that your video was amazing. Thank you very much. .

[@jaredwabeke1]

I saw something about the "square method." Basically, you draw a three sided square |__| as a representation of the table. Then, go around the table and just label each corner or edge as a player value (no names) and the open space under the square as your enemies in initiative order. Super quick, super easy.

[@farseerflore9512]

Easy way track initiative. Piece of paper with 20-1 written on. Slip it inside one of those see through sleeves and use wipeable pens. Super easy and quick and you can have a round counter and give enough space to have a notes section just incase stuff needs to happen during certain rounds of the combat etc. Can even write down a few witty lines for your BBEG to mock your PCs with 😄

[@Dan-jo8py]

great video - what also really helps new players in the session zero is something stolen from videogames; the training room. it slows everything down when players are looking up all their skills and spells etc, but it's also so unreasonable to expect a new player who might then play twice a month to know their character inside out. having a mini training room session at the end of session zero for the players to just fight out random mini encounters to test out and learn their skills either on their own or together is so helpful in getting things to flow once you start the game properly.

[@nickolasboulton6428]

When taking initiative, I go left to right at the table, marking each player’s initiative, putting monsters underneath, then go back and put letters on the opposite side. That way, it goes characters A-F instead of 25 counting down to 1.

[@chrisrismyname]

very helpful! First time DM here and last session I rushed into combat without giving the player time to have dialogue (they were encountering a gang of thugs). I should have given some time to flesh out motives. Will put these tips into action for next session.

[@heathercurtis3849]

Your videos are the best on the web! I have need playing long and am also learning to DM and its a bit daunting... Your passion and concise explanations have really helped. 🤩 Thanks again!

[@lijahsampson6979]

A good way I found to keep track of initiative is to use a whiteboard. Draw a little half circle or square facing outward and then record your party’s scores based on where they are sitting relative to the half circle. Monsters can have their scores recorded in the middle of the half circle. This is much faster than writing names.

[@polvotierno]

I use an extended combat zone. I already sent you the link to see the video. But other things that I do are give the players a chance for an extra bonus action. They have to beat a DC10 with a d12. If they beat the DC, then there is a list of combat actions to roll on with different %'s to succeed. The players really love to try for a bonus action. I also use cover. such that if another creature is in the way, there is cover. Some players online tell me that I am the only DM that uses cover. Well, I make the PC move to a spot where they can get a better shot. Thanks for another great video by you guys.

[@jeremieberneche1742]

To track initiative and save paper, I use dry erase and a paper with the numbers permanently written on it inside a transparent acetate. Before the session, I preroll all monsters and write down the monsters of the first expected encounter, and then when this one is resolved I wipe it and write down the next expected encounter during narration or some other low-concentration moment. I've found this to speed up initiative tenfold with my 6-player party, while saving as much paper as possible! Plus, you probably already have most materials! I also added a player name/character name list on that sheet as a useful reminder cause I'm running theater of the mind and I need to be focused on keeping track of who's where rather than who's who! Grouping some creatures' initiative also helps me speed combat and initiative up. If I have 12 goblins, I'll probably make three 4-goblin groups. That way I roll 4d20s for the goblins and can spread damage a little bit more evenly if I feel like the wizard's not been given a good little scare for a while or hasn't spent spell slots in forever!

[@alinevetter4499]

It's amazing getting into the world of DMing. Just to hear things like shrodingers dungeon or in doubt always put an explosion

[@roguesretreat1377]

Very good points on the suprise. Just roll for initiative.