So it seems I was wrong.
Turns out, tons of people love random encounters AS random encounters.
So I take back my earlier email. At least partially. I still think it’s a good idea to roll ahead of time and plan out how to incorporate those encounters well, but there certainly seems to be a place for rolling on a table at the table and seeing what happens.
There are as many different ways to play D&D as there are players, and every single table will feel different.
That, I think, is part of the game’s charm.
Note: Turns out DMsGuild has an affiliate program. Who knew! So now, if you end up buying something I linked you to, I get a teeny commission off it. I’ll still only be linking you to things I think you might find immediately useful though: tools, sourcebooks, rules hacks, map packs, handouts, etc. with only the rare smattering of player-related stuff or adventures. I admit I feel a little odd about the whole affiliate thing though, and profiting a bit if you click a link … is that weird? Should I not use the link? Or should I not worry about it?
Running a Game in Public by Frank Mentzer – Part I: Logistics – Sage Advice
White Plume Mountain session report – Merric’s Musings
The Game Must Go On: When Procrastination Wrecks Your Gaming Life – The Angry GM
The 4th Pillar: Earn Your First Piece of Dungeon Flair – Kobold Press
Cragmaw Castle Rebuilt (Maps) – DMsGuild – $0.99
Now get out there and tell a story!
Peace,
Maximilian Hart