Author: Melestrua

I am a long-time D&D DM who started with the BECMI boxed sets as a teenager, went to university, and has now returned to D&D, mostly 5e. I am based in Edinburgh and am running a couple of campaigns based in the Mystara world.

One D&D Playtest 3 – The Cleric, and updated Ardling, Dragonborn and Goliath

This is one of my posts on the evolution of D&D. See here for other related posts. This is my next post in the series looking at the 10th Anniversary next edition of D&D, which Wizards are playtesting bit by bit. As before, you can sign up to the playtest via D&D Beyond and download … Continue reading One D&D Playtest 3 – The Cleric, and updated Ardling, Dragonborn and Goliath →

Are your players having fun?

Are all your players having fun? Roleplaying games can be challenging, frustrating (particularly when the dice go against you), thrilling, exasperating. But they are a social pastime, and everyone should leave most sessions thinking “well, I’m glad I took part.” I recently made a big mistake. I forgot to think about that extra word “all” … Continue reading Are your players having fun? →

One D&D Rules updates from playtests 1 and 2

This is one of my posts on the evolution of D&D. See here for other related posts. This is my next post in the series looking at the 10th Anniversary next edition of D&D, which Wizards are playtesting bit by bit. As I said in my first post, their aim is evolution rather than revolution, … Continue reading One D&D Rules updates from playtests 1 and 2 →

Interesting Combats from Unusual Monster Characteristics

How often do your combats turn out very similar? Attack, batter, dodge, fire bolt, try to flank, bash, slice, (stay in their faces because otherwise opportunity attack), batter, ouch!, heal, crunch, “oh they’re dead”. Even if you bring in terrain changes and cover to add interest, I’ve still been getting the feeling of things being … Continue reading Interesting Combats from Unusual Monster Characteristics →

One D&D Playtest 2 – Part 1 Expert Classes

This is one of my posts on the evolution of D&D. See here for other related posts. As I discussed in my earlier post, Wizards are now working on the 10th Anniversary next edition of D&D, and they are playtesting it bit by bit. Their aim is evolution rather than revolution, and to remain compatible … Continue reading One D&D Playtest 2 – Part 1 Expert Classes →

Developing Akorros – Lake Amsorak and the Shi’ika part 2

As I mentioned, I’m participating in this year’s WorldAnvil Summer Camp, and this has inspired me to start developing Lake Amsorak and the people who live there. In the previous post, I discussed the formation of the Amsorak Basin and the lake itself, and introduced the Shi’ika trading folk who make their lives there. Additional … Continue reading Developing Akorros – Lake Amsorak and the Shi’ika part 2 →

One D&D – the roadmap unveiled yesterday

This is one of my posts on the evolution of D&D. See here for other related posts. As I'm sure many of you are aware by now, yesterday on the DnDBeyond Twitch stream, Wizards of the Coast made a major announcement about the future of D&D. You can rewatch the stream here. Following the acquisition … Continue reading One D&D – the roadmap unveiled yesterday →