Using Monsters & NPCs - How to Dungeon Master Series (D&D5e)

This is the second episode of the "How to Dungeon Master" series. This video is intended to help new dungeon masters understand monster and NPC stat blocks work in fifth edition Dungeons and Dragons.
This video also cover various rules many new dungeon masters have trouble understanding, such us multiple movement speed, legendary action and lair action.
Learn How to Play D&D 5E series:
• How to Play Dungeons a...
Link to the D&D 5E Class Guide playlist:
• Dungeons and Dragons 5...
How to Dungeon Master playlist:
• How to Dungeon Master ...
Website: dontstopthinking.com
Facebook: / cjleungdst
Twitter: / cjleung_dst
Patreon: www.patreon.com/user?u=4787242
Minds: www.minds.com/CJLeung_DST

[@johnthompson5335]

Having the animations makes the presentation so much more effective than text or a person just lecturing. These videos are a delight to watch, no matter the topic.

[@KaiserAfini]

The clear and concise format of these videos and the animations, along with the well thought out explanations make this a lot less overwhelming to learn. Thank you for all your hard work, I can only imagine how much time and effort it takes to create these.

[@connorschultz380]

Ya, too bad he stopped covering game mechanics, he could have covered 3.5 dnd at least it looks like he will cover call like he did dnd

[@c.e.oofcrabgang2887]

Same here, my friend who was the DM in our group had a mental breakdown and quit all social media, now I have to lead. This is all so sudden but these videos are helpful

[@naadirbuffy7892]

Thank you CJ you're like the big brother too all us beginner dms

[@genroynoisis6980]

big brother is always watching.

[@foxfire1345]

I liked the video before watching it , thats how I trust you CJ

[@liamwatson-barber9400]

same XD

[@markblaze4909]

why wouldn't you like it immediately? of course you would! It's CJ!

[@ur.left.buttcheek]

I have only now realised how much more complicated dnd is, My dad said he would dm a game with some of my friends and siblings but its been 3 years since he promised that so i will take matters into my own hands and take up the dm badge! Wish me luck

[@ramgladore]

I'm about as new to D&D as anyone can possibly be and I'm about to DM my first campaign. But the more I watch these videos, the more confident I feel about my ability going into this.

[@PapaSwall]

I’m learning how to DM so I can have my friends play DnD since they’re really new to the game. The first guide for absolute beginners was really helpful. Thank you CJ

[@joseangelmedinacornejo6362]

I think "Don't Stop Thinking" has slowly become my favorite D&D channel, and hey I follow Matthew Colville and Geek & Sundry. The simplicity and amount of content in these videos is great! The animations great! (Come on, who doesn't want to be Serios' friend or make Leraline smile for once?) On top of all that CJ is a great youtuber, that's funn and, feels earnest. To me, Matt Mercer is an inspiration, Matt Colville is like a guru of infinite knowledge, but CJ is that cool guy you want to be friends with. There is only one thing I regret when I watch these videos and that is that I cannot be a patreon, given that I make 12 $/month.

[@IndustryOfMagic]

This guy makes the impossible happen. Seriously this is compressed knowledge in the best possible interface for someone to learn the absolute essentials to be no different than a pro within 13 minutes!

[@qurantino3624]

Im gonna play DND in an hour!

[@sped3644]

AlternateMovies Huh, tell me how it goes.

[@DB-cn6rw]

So how'd it go?

[@CharmanteEstPris]

He rolled a neutral 1 and died

[@crake9510]

Lolol

[@Nico-uy2so]

H o w ‘ d I t G o

[@franciscobautista9379]

5:09 - THANK YOU! It is so hard to find guides that go into even a little detail on how this is supposed to work at times.

[@Multi-tk9oq]

I'm a beginner DM and this really helped me understand how to use Monsters and NPCs in my sessions. Thank you for the video!

[@christianmartens9697]

Can I just tell you that you make some of the best informational videos on D&D in the world?

[@ryantrafton2085]

Just found this series. My friends all want to play but need a DM. Im stepping up to the plate as the father (literally a dad) of my friend group. I appreciate you posting these!

[@DanFloresII]

Fantastic video as always, CJ! I'm still very new to D&D and I don't know anyone who plays where I live so your videos have been a huge help. I'm particularly excited about this series because I live and work in Thailand as an English teacher and I want to use D&D as a tool to get students to practice English in a fun way. I'm also a dad but my kids are still way to young to play so this helps me learn the ropes and prepare for when they are ready. ;) I can hardly wait for your next video. Take care and thanks again!

[@lifeontheledgerlines8394]

Ahhh this makes me so happy lol

[@hobbyknight9962]

Great video. Thank you for bringing back the animations. I know that adds to the work load in producing these.

[@alekopictures]

I started playing d&d. And i try to play with my friends. You help me a lot

[@simoncox458]

These videos are a godsend, truly. They've helped me an incredible amount in a short amount of time. Fantastic content. Great work. Thank you!

[@mrshotsmith]

This video series is amazing! I have been GMing from a few years prior too 5e and I still managed to learn something today (a few things actually). Furthermore these videos really clarify and solidify the knowledge in my mind. I cannot thank you enough for the amazing visuals. I am a visual learner and this will make information so much easier to recall on the battlefield. Cheers!

[@Yellow_Slug]

Super helpful! You choose both quality and quantity! Your videos have amazing graphics and visuals and only one ad! Yet you upload often, also, keep the one ad because you deserve money! (:

[@Yskonyn]

Thank you so much for your hard work! Making these must have been a time consuming effort, but they are a delight to watch and convey your points very effectively and eloquently! Many thanks and keep em coming!

[@wordlimitreached3628]

This is the channel i recommend to my friends starting D&D. CJ explains everything clearly and concisely. :D thanks CJ.

[@14guitargamer]

I'm loving this series. I just started being a DM and this is helping so much. Thank you very much!

[@darkblackrecords983]

Just started playing. My DM is amazing but I love watching such detailed videos. Thank you!

[@Danmarinja]

Really appreciate this. You've been massively helpful ever since I started DM'ing in our groups first session back in December, and tonight I want to start ramping up the suspense for the players and really start pushing them in combat.

[@james3727]

I’m finding your videos really helpful and your accent actually helps to stop it from becoming boring for some reason! I think because it’s not just an English accent droning on and you have some energy and excitement in your voice it’s a lot more engaging. I liked and subscribed.

[@empoweredchoice1893]

Thank you for this content. I appreciate the pace and clarity of your explanations. I will be DMing for the first time in 30 years - I want the experience to be great.

[@gogogomes7025]

Oh man, dragons can burrow i never thought about that that's so cool!

[@llamapi3]

Thanks so much for these. I am in the process of doing my first go as DM and so much of this will be incredibly helpful. Thank you!

[@TheRamblingSoul]

Really great for clarifying CR, Legendary Actions, and Lair Actions. Thanks!

[@bluehyper2692]

When I was in school, I remember I had a DM that didn’t really use any roleplay or npc interaction in his storyline. He would never build his storyline to complement the characters’ backstories. To start with, we were on a mountain, and well... this is how the entire campaign went: combat, combat, combat, combat, combat, combat. He literally went ‘you defeat the group of cultists, but you then see a large dragon, and some zombies in the distance.’ And then, ‘You finally hit the dragon with your spell and he falls to the ground, dead, however, a bunch of skeletons then rises from the ground etc etc. It was fair to say that he only used combat. As an addition to that, he didn’t make a very interesting campaign. It actually felt like he wanted to annoy us... and that’s it. Instead of making a backstory to the town, which makes a special aura that makes spells impossible to cast, it was a ‘NO MAGIC ZONE.’ Boring. And finally, to top it all off, HE DIDN’T KNOW A SINGLE RULE! He just made the spells up. Our wizard’s magic missile did (instead of 1d6) 2d12! This ruined my experience, I quit the group, and convinced I could do better, ran my own and as soon as word got around, I had an entire list of people wanting to join. Half of his group quit with me, and wanted to join mine! I had to run two parties at different times of the week, and we had a lot of fun. Let’s just say that I ‘put him out of business.’ If you have read this whole thing, have a great day.

[@XandWacky]

Honestly, I love combat, but I wouldn't want it to be the ONLY feature of a campaign.

[@ignatiusgrande2223]

Thanks, CJ, for making the best D&D videos on KZbin!

[@lilysthapit2222]

Man, the being the DM role is really hard. Thanks for helping me by a lot.

[@DaiKam84]

Oh my gosh, yes!! Thank you!!

[@little_chipmunklee5899]

Hey I’m just started d&d and my friends want to learn but I will need to be the dungeon master I’m inexperienced but your videos help alot thank you

[@Grothmir]

little_chipmunk lee I am in the same boat as you

[@thaboi8324]

Same here

[@liamnitschke2336]

Not sure if others have made this clear enough, but these D&D vid are FANTABULOUS, I now feel prepared for my first campaign ^_^

[@OverratedJobber]

I love how much this channel has grown.

[@thelemon1999]

Best channel to teach newbies like myself to DMing! Subscribed!

[@mrdadstache1460]

I’ve played D&D for a few years now as a PC and have had very limited experience as a DM/GM, but lately I’m into writing my own adventure. This video series is a great companion piece to reading through the Dungeon Master’s Guide. Cheers!

[@NoirLouisStream]

good explanation on legendary actions there, i kinda struggled on understanding it.

[@Big3Taxi]

I very much need and enjoy these videos. Just started my own little D&D club and I'm having a bit of trouble being the Dungeon Master.

[@user-ht1iu5os5w]

It will be my first time ever dming after being a player for 2,5 years and thanks to you I think I will be able to have a good time keep up the good work there 👍

[@liamwatson-barber9400]

I'm about to start my first Campaign, your videos have been super helpful! I especially like this new series

[@AD_Gray]

Amazing advice! Your videos are so helpful! :)

[@colinz226]

I remember now how I'd originally planned to use average damage. No wonder last session was all combat... Thanks for the reminder

[@madmandan4216]

Really love these.I'm Going to show your other videos to the players before we start our first adventure.

[@MrMomobot]

Omg... I've been trying to find out what that number is. "14 (2d6+7)" for the attacks. I thought the book was telling me to do 14 + 2d6+7 total damage.... I knew something was off.. Thank you so damn much for the clarification.

[@Jouniac]

Yes. Keep up the good work, dude! :-)

[@Monkeyboy-hq6uz]

Thank to you I'm now invested to play D&D with some of my friend going so far as buying the books for it so I'm really am looking forward to this

[@wbbartlett]

Very apt that a video to explain 5e rules starts with 'let's role initiative'. That's about as nuanced as 5e gets.

[@scott_ennis]

This is a great video. Thank you for doing these

[@thestudyhallproductions4089]

Your channel is the best

[@redx1170]

Thanks a lot for all the videos, player or dm. All this are great and I've shown a lot of my players. Hopefully one day I can help you out with being a patreon. Good luck and thanks again.

[@PercydeRoloFangirl]

Thanks,my first encounter as a DM was very bad so this will help me get better.

[@dracyan3552]

When You said to like I realized I forgot to like the other videos so I went back Liked them all and came back

[@markblaze4909]

didnt know anything about legendary stuff. thanks for this. i dont remember reading it anywhere and i thought i read it all!

[@oo4352]

Very very helpful, thanks a lot!

[@robinnn777]

You are awesome thank you!! This is so helpful.

[@bevanpattison610]

Aye this helped me learn so much cheers my guy.

[@matzbeatz267]

I love you DJ and your beautiful accent of justice honor and dm knowledge.

[@CCPearce]

Great video series! Keep em coming!

[@kendrickrochelanzot2053]

I'm planning on starting, thanks do much for these

[@mindartis4081]

Thanks helpful information!

[@ahlwen]

really like this series of videos you spell out the rules very well

[@vansa14]

I’m trying to get into DnD but I have a group of family/friends and none of us have ever played before. One of us has to be the DM and the role has fallen on me. I have no idea what I’m doing but these videos are helping a lot! Thank you.

[@martinchua9104]

Thanks bro, keep it up! I need this coz I am a starter dm!

[@franklillfranke]

Thanks for the easy explanation

[@danielfishburn7042]

These videos are so helpful thank you so much

[@christierule8906]

Thanks! you really cleared some stuff up. Thanks!

[@benjamimapancake6429]

I've been lost since the first episode of How to Play (my comprehension), but I keep watching your videos anyway.

[@lordilluminati5836]

your vids are criminally underviewed

[@greensleeves001]

Pure awesome :)

[@setdwoo]

Your videos are soooooo good. Really though I never understood how to use legendary actions

[@AlexanderArts]

Legendary actions are kind of annoying when your DM is kicking your butt, but I am glad I can understand them more now.

[@padmanabaraorudrresh4913]

Great series ! As always another awesome video.

[@ggtt784]

Thank you thank you for this video, I'm actually taking notes while I'm watching all of these lol

[@ChairyCrasher]

Thanks for your videos. I got the D&D5e starter set and learned so much and with your help also. The only problem i have is the current hit points and temporary hit points. That is the only thing i have a problem with. (i think?)

[@Zamun]

Thanks for the content.

[@brandonbarnyard398]

Ive been watching these and there really helpfull

[@AdventuresHobbies]

Very nice video thanks.

[@nivjinx]

i am having my first dm-session tomorrow^^ this one helps a lot^^ i am going to use the "Death Pit of the Moloch" in my first encounter^^

[@alyssaarnold3809]

Thank you!!!

[@bread-fish]

It's very useful.

[@blablablaksheep7210]

I love ur animations! I wish we wud see an animation of some of your adventures :3

[@antoniusmaximus3174]

These videos are great, I wish someone would do this for Call of Cthulhu as well. Been trying to learn that game as well.

[@GamesThatByte]

I love these videos.

[@emaxus46]

Wow, thank you

[@atomicnectar]

7:58 thanx so much this was so confusing to me. I thought I had to wait 5 rounds to recharge it fml 🤦‍♂️

[@jasperdeboer3257]

Thank you.

[@personofwisdom3294]

Thanks mate

[@Varatho]

Oh man. I didn't even realize about the Multi-attack not working with grapple thing, that makes Grapple-build PCs so much more viable.

[@gh8078]

I like the idea of having monster "classes". For example, a greatsword wielding goblin and a shortbow wielding goblin.

[@louiegent3709]

Thank you for this video i use to just spam manticors

[@lincolnsnewaccount41]

Dont Stop Thinking: *Modified* Goblin Me: *Elite* Goblin

[@metalmint-1]

CJ: without further delay let’s roll initiative Me: 𝗪𝗛𝗬 𝗗𝗢 𝗜 𝗛𝗘𝗔𝗥 𝗕𝗢𝗦𝗦 𝗠𝗨𝗦𝗜𝗖

[@TheDreamTwist]

Usually if you want the combat to hard and difficult make sure your creatures have the same action economy the party has, also provide interesting terrain

[@HarmonizedHero]

if a battle menu thing for dnd is made like the animations for this guys dnd guide videos then I would want to use it

[@meganchristensen1068]

we have decided for our group to have each of us to create a section of world and then we agreed that each of us would dm the part we made. I became a lich! its our first campaign/game, but we're working through it!

[@roykoplowich3590]

God I love the intro music

[@WannaComment2]

Once had to deal with a "veteran" DM who was absolutely certain that legendary actions can be used whenever he pleases. He constantly used them to interupt the players turn to pull BS like attacking casters and having them make concentration checks to CAST a spell that weren't even a concentration spell. But his worst stunt was when he took all 3 of his legendary actions at the end of his own turn to curbstomp our fighter from full HP to unconciousness, without any chance for us to do anything about it. He didn't even do it out of malice, he was just that incompetent.