Show notes
Running a game is a lesson in balance. There are so many dials and mechanics that you need to manage while also focusing on being what Gary Gygax referred to as “the Shaper of the Cosmos.” Anyone who has started running games or been running for decades has found hacks to make running the game that much easier and streamlined. In this episode, Tony, Chris, and Dave discuss their favorite DM hacks that we’ve employed in our games.1 :30 Hack# 1: Where are we going next? Focusing your prep.2:30 Hack# 2: Session Prep Notes 5:20 Hack# 3: Create a Session Prep Template7:00 Hack# 4: Outline your session – create scenes8:15 Hack# 5: Write down your recap – Previously On…10:00 Hack# 6: Players recapping the adventure – taking thecampaign’s temperature12:00 Hack# 7: Recording your recap – cranking up the drama15:40 Hack# 8: Google Docs17:00 Hack# 9: Secrets, Clues, Scenes & Encounters – TheQuantum Ogre Campaign19:00 Hack# 10: Streamline your Stat Blocks20:50 Hack# 11: Static Damage… who wants to add up 40d6 damage?!?23:10 Hack# 12: Delegate the DM duties – Return of theMonster Wrangler!25:00 Hack# 13: Static Initiative? 27:20 Hack# 14: There’s an app for that – using technologyto your advantage28:30 Hack# 15: Spell crib notes when running yourspellcasters31:30 Hack# 16: Scripting Monster Tactics – Monster Shorthand38:10 Hack# 17: Adjusting the hit point dial… start with maximumhit points42:20 Hack# 18: Get a sense of your party’s Damage per Round50:00 Final Thoughts