Enhancing D&D Combat Through Strategy and Storytelling

Mike discusses tips for running awesome D&D combat.

Original Youtube Video

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Podcast Contents

• 00:00 Intro
• 00:18 Run with four players.
• 00:57 Run lower level games. Level 3 is the sweet spot.
• 01:38 Use static monster damage.
• 02:15 Run theater of the mind combat for small battles.
• 03:02 Inject the story and fiction into large battles.
• 04:49 Draw characters in off-turn with skill checks and info.
• 05:36 Use abstract maps – break out of the grid.
• 08:04 Ask for intent.
• 09:13 Have alternative goals - Add a Combat Out.
• 11:04 Don't say "Let's Call it Right Here".
• 11:53 Adjusting the dials (HP, Damage, Number of Monsters, Number of Attacks).
• 13:11 Offer Cinematic Advantage
• 15:10 Randomly select targets
• 16:06 Make boss fights interesting

Relevant articles

• Guide to Theater of the Mind Combat
• The Abstract Battlemap
• Replacing Flanking with Cinematic Advantage
• Collected Experiences Running Boss Fights