How to Be a Better DM: Dungeon Master Tips for the DM Newbie, the Hobbyist and the Forever DM 5 Underutilized Skill Checks and How To Use Them
Mar 12, 2026
Discover creative ways to use History and Religion to reveal motivations and worldbuilding. Learn to apply Arcana to backstories and unexpected contexts. See Acrobatics tested by tricky terrain and chases. Explore using Intimidation and Performance to end fights or sway morale. Reimagine Survival, Nature, and Deception as tools for everyday insight and misdirection.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Use History And Religion To Add Cultural Context
- History and religion checks reveal cultural context beyond surface behaviors.
- Tanner shows a religion check identifying a homecoming idol and a history check revealing an ancient sanctuary motif of fire.
Make Acrobatics Cover Balance And Environment
- Use Acrobatics to model balance and tricky environments, not just flashy flips.
- Tanner suggests acrobatics for running on a wet deck, staying upright on a tipping ship, and falling/chase consequences.
Resolve Combat With Intimidation And Performance
- Use Intimidation and Performance to resolve combats without killing everyone.
- Tanner advises letting players intimidate foes or use heroic performance to make enemies flee, drop weapons, or parlay mid-encounter.