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Browsing All posts tagged under »DM Tools«

Improved Initiative: Initracker

August 6, 2009 by newbiedm

I have been searching far and wide for an initiative and condition tracker for fourth edition. For my condition, I’ve been using a modified version of the Alea Tools magnetic markers: For initiative, I’ve been using a sheet I created for my New DM Starter Kit. It’s just a run of the mill Excel spreadsheet, […]

Monster Builder to be released tomorrow July 30th!

July 29, 2009 by newbiedm

Yes, it’s true. The long awaited DDI Monster Builder releases tomorrow, Thursday July 30th, as a beta download for DDI subscribers. It’s expected to be up around 12:00pm eastern time. I can’t wait. Link

My DDI Experience

July 16, 2009 by newbiedm

Paying for extra content in order to play Dungeons and Dragons has been a very divisive topic in the D&D community. One camp sits on the side of “What? No way I’m paying for that content, I already bought the books!”, while another says “Anything to make my life easier is good for me! Sign […]

The DM binder, folder, or notebook

July 10, 2009 by newbiedm

In the world of scripted television, writers have what’s called a show bible. The bible serves as a reference for better understanding the characters, settings, and plot situations of that particular showe It also serves to teach new writers how the “universe” of that show works. Great, Mr. TV. What does that have to do […]

A couple of free mapping and landscape visualization tools for new DM’s

June 24, 2009 by newbiedm

I wanted to throw a couple of tools your way, just in case you weren’t aware of them. Yes, I’m talking to you, “Mr. New DM who has no money to pay for expensive mapping software”. These are free and kick ass. One is for maps, and the other renders out cinematic landscapes to use […]

A reader written tutorial on making your own Dungeon Tiles.

June 5, 2009 by newbiedm

I received an email from one of my readers suggesting an idea for a tutorial. Rather than have me blog about the topic without really knowing much about it, I suggested he write it and I just host it. So, here now is reader Alex, with a pretty kick ass tutorial about making your own […]

XP Budget Chart for more than 5 PC’s

June 4, 2009 by newbiedm

If you DM more than 5 PC’s in your 4th Edition D&D game, you may find this useful. I cooked it up for my game because I was getting tired of having to do simple arithmetic that I have been terrible at since I was 7. The chart gives you XP encounter values for up […]

Compiling useful stuff (My 100th post) & a contest.

May 22, 2009 by newbiedm

EDIT FRIDAY NIGHT 5/29/09 11:59:59PM -The contest is now over! Random.org tells me the winner is Aaron, who is a big fan of the momentum bonus and the counter making tutorial! Aaron, I’ll be reaching out to you soon. For all of you that entered, thank you for taking the time, and thank you for […]

Bribe your players with bonus tokens.

May 16, 2009 by newbiedm

I’m going to start something new in my campaign in order to speed up gameplay. I run 7 players right now, and sometimes the game grinds to a halt due to slow decision making during combat. I understand that the tactical nature of 4th Ed. somewhat created this situation, as opposed to other, more abstract forms of […]

New DM Starter Kit now available!

May 15, 2009 by newbiedm

Continuing the theme of yesterday’s post, where I gave some tips for the new DM, today I’m making something available for download. If you are a new DM, and are planning on running (which I highly recommend) the Kobold Hall adventure in the back of the DMG then you should download this PDF I’ve put […]