character creation – The Dungeon Hacker

Easy Step-By-Step Guide To Building a 5e Character

Published on May 24, 2017 by Liz the DMLeave a comment

There are a lot of things that go into building a D&D character, from the hard statistics to the roleplay aspect, plus spells, equipment, and everything in between. It can be a lot to try and do all at once.

But, building a character doesn’t have to be difficult and shouldn’t require you to constantly flip back and forth in the Player’s Handbook. So, here is an easy step-by-step guide to creating a D&D character in 5e that is guaranteed to make that process simple. In fact, once you start using this guide, you should be able to create awesome characters in about 15-20 minutes.

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25 Ways to Use a Monk’s Elemental Attunement

Published on February 25, 2017March 17, 2017 by Liz the DMLeave a comment

Out of all three of the paths available to the 5th Edition D&D monks, one of the least popular has to be the Way of the Four Elements. Much like the popular anime series, Avatar: The Last Airbender, the Way of the Four Elements monk can use earth, air, fire, and water in their attacks and abilities.

Although there are a lot of different abilities associated with this path, one of the most interesting (and overlooked) skills is called “Elemental Attunement”. Similar to prestidigitation, it is the only ability for this monk path that does not require ki and it easily provides the most room for actual roleplay. Continue reading “25 Ways to Use a Monk’s Elemental Attunement” →

3 Character Backstories You Need to Stop Using Right Now

Published on February 8, 2017May 22, 2017 by Liz the DMLeave a comment

Dungeons & Dragons is absolutely riddled with cliches. They really are everywhere, from the half-elf ranger to the dwarven fighter, halfling rogue, and human paladin. But that’s okay. In fact, it’s kind of part of the system and if you haven’t played one of those cliches, then you’re missing out on some pretty classic D&D experiences.

And, along the same lines, there are a handful of backstories which everyone has used at least once. The three most common are, unfortunately, also the three worst. You’ve probably used them, or played with someone who has; but these backstories are making your characters less interesting and fun on many levels. Next time you’re making a character, watch out for these three backstory tropes.

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Which D&D Class Should You Play?

Published on January 15, 2017May 22, 2017 by Liz the DMLeave a comment

Do you want to be a sneaky rogue or a monk with fists of fury? Do you prefer to smash things or shoot them from afar? Did you earn your magic via years of study, or is it just something you do for fun on the side? Choosing a class should involve thought and careful consideration to all of the above.

Or, you know, you could just follow this handy flow chart and see what happens.

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Bards Are The Coolest Class

Published on January 9, 2017May 22, 2017 by Liz the DMLeave a comment

Wait, don’t leave yet! I admit, bards have a very deserved reputation as being kind of a crappy class, and if you’re still stuck in the land of 2.0 then you probably aren’t wrong about bards sucking. But modern bards are actually pretty awesome. There is a certain cheesiness and flair required to play a really good bard (cue cloak swish here) and there’s an inherent ambiguity to the class that makes it ridiculously fun and versatile in the hands of a good player.

Unlike with the other classes, you have to either have a solid idea of what you want to do with your bard… or else just wing it really well. But it’s worth it. You know why? Continue reading “Bards Are The Coolest Class” →

4 Questions for Building Your Backstory

Published on January 3, 2017May 22, 2017 by Liz the DM2 Comments

Backstories are hard. While there are clear guidelines for making the rest of a character, backstory is usually summed up with three words: you need one. Now, with 5th edition, backstory is built into the character creation process somewhat, but with older versions you’re left with a bewildering array of numbers that somehow have to turn into some sort of backstory. But don’t worry… it’s not as hard as it looks.

All backstories can be built by asking your character four simple questions, and then elaborating on those. If you’re using 5e, then consider these as you’re picking your background, and write it as you go to make life simpler later.

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Top 10 Most Useful Cantrips in 5e

Published on December 27, 2016March 25, 2018 by Liz the DM9 Comments

No matter what edition of Dungeons and Dragons you are playing, cantrips (also referred to as ‘0’ level spells) are some of the most fun spells that a lower level spellcaster can get. While there are many in 5th edition that do damage, my favorites are more utility. After all, anyone can zap someone with a firebolt and after a few levels, those spells become a waste. Using some of the spells listed below, however, takes true finesse.

It’s worth noting that in 5e, cantrips are unlimited use, one of many things borrowed from Pathfinder. However, for those of you more familiar with older systems, the wording has been changed on a few of them, both increasing and changing the functionality so read it first!

That being said, here are 10 cantrips that spellcasters really shouldn’t be without:

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6 Tips for Making The Perfect Paladin

Published on December 18, 2016May 22, 2017 by Liz the DMLeave a comment

Without a doubt, Paladins are one of the hardest classes to play properly. Depending on the system, it’s likely that a paladin will be required to be lawful or need to have a sense of law and order at the least. And, let’s face it, most of the other characters are probably not lawful; so most paladins end up feeling like a stick in the mud, and like they can’t do anything fun. But it doesn’t have to be that way.

So, how do you play a good paladin that sticks to his or her beliefs, does not alienate the rest of the group, and is still fun? Well, it’s not as hard as you think. Here are some ideas for designing a fun and functional paladin:

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