Heidi Jiang

A native Hoosier her whole life, Heidi Jiang discovered her love of gaming at an early age. She’s a big fan of the Super Mario series ... and any book with a mushroom on the cover. In all seriousness, she loves reading and playing just about anything when she finds the time. I am Spartacus! I am a wage slave! I am Paul Bellow! She currently resides in Indiana with her husband, a dog named Lucky, a cat named Oliver, and a couple children rapidly heading toward being teens. Over the years, Heidi Jiang has been a book reviewer, freelance copy editor, editor at a small publishing company, and executive editor at her school’s literary magazine.

D&D Villains: How to Give Them Motivations Players Will Fear & Respect

by Heidi Jiang

Fantasy-inspired Gothic-style illustration of a vampire woman with glowing eyes, wearing ornate armor and a flowing cape, standing in a grand, columned hall. The full moon illuminates the intricate architecture, setting an ideal scene for any Pathfinder RPG adventure.

In the realm of Dungeons & Dragons, where heroes embark on epic quests and face unimaginable dangers, the presence of a well-motivated villain is paramount. You know, a villain whose very essence and goal drive the narrative forward, creating a rich tapestry …

How to Take Session Notes Like a Pro in D&D (Without Slowing Down the Game)

by Heidi Jiang

A group of people play a tabletop role-playing game in a cozy room with bookshelves and arched windows. Dice and papers are scattered on the table. A woman with glasses takes notes while another person gestures animatedly, discussing their favorite low-level encounter. Share your story in the comments!.

Imagine diving into a world of fantasy where every decision can twist the plot, where your actions carve a story unique to your group. This is the essence of Dungeons & Dragons (D&D), a game where note-taking plays an invaluable role. While …

D&D Soundtrack Secrets: How the Right Music Can Transform Your Game’s Atmosphere and Player Immersion

by Heidi Jiang

In a vibrant tavern scene reminiscent of a bustling Dungeons & Dragons campaign, a woman in historical attire plays her guitar atop a table. Shes surrounded by clapping patrons, with dramatic lighting and colorful details enhancing the lively atmosphere.

In the realm of Dungeons & Dragons, storytelling unfolds in a world only limited by imagination. Here, music becomes more than just an accessory; it’s a powerful tool to build emotions and immerse players in the expansive narrative. Imagine the low hum …

Are Video Games Good For Your Brain?

by Heidi Jiang

In a cozy room with warm lighting, a person sits on the couch playing a racing video game on a large TV. Surrounded by shelves and speakers, their hands grip the controller as they navigate through a fantasy cityscape at sunset, merging elements of tabletop RPGs into the adventure.

Gaming could be more than just a fun hobby. It could be a way of actively boosting your brainpower, as well as fending off brain diseases like dementia. This post explores some of the benefits that video games could have on your …

How to Build an Immersive D&D Campaign Centered Around Music and Soundscapes

by Heidi Jiang

A woman in a Renaissance-style dress plays a lute, her melodious notes weaving through colorful swirls of red, orange, and blue. In the background, people gather like characters in a DND campaign, blurring into the scene with a warm, dreamy ambiance.

Imagine a world where melodies wield magical power, where a single note can change the tide of battle, and where the harmony of a symphony can reshape reality. In crafting a Dungeons & Dragons campaign centered around music, you’re not merely adding …

The Power of a Single Item: Crafting D&D Campaigns with Focused Storytelling

by Heidi Jiang

A warrior with short, tousled hair smiles confidently, holding a small, ornate bell. She wears detailed armor over a blue cloak reminiscent of a DND campaign. The background is a mix of soft watercolor-like textures, enhancing the medieval fantasy theme.

A captivating concept in campaign design for Dungeon Masters (DMs) is building a story around a single, unique item. This method not only drives the plot forward but also enriches the lore of the fictional world and serves as a focal point …

How to Customize Weapons and Equipment for a Truly Unique D&D Character

by Heidi Jiang

In a world reminiscent of Dungeons & Dragons, a person in detailed fantasy armor stands confidently with a spiked mace. Their short hair hints at prowess, while in the background, other armored figures traverse a colorful, cloud-filled landscape akin to a tabletop RPG adventure.

In Dungeons & Dragons, every character is a unique manifestation of creativity and imagination. But what truly sets one hero apart from another is not just their abilities or spells—it’s the tangible elements they carry into battle. Personalizing your weapons and equipment …

How to Combine D&D Monsters for Epic Encounters Your Players Will Never Forget

by Heidi Jiang

A menacing, skeletal figure with black and red wings dominates the fiery setting, like a villain from a Dungeons & Dragons campaign. Its glowing red eyes and tattered attire exude an ominous aura amidst the flames and dark surroundings.

The world of Dungeons & Dragons is rich with mythical creatures that ignite both terror and wonder in players’ hearts. Yet, even the most thrilling encounters can grow familiar over time, making it essential for Dungeon Masters to keep players on their …

Funny CURSED D&D Items Your Players Will Hate (While Laughing!)

by Heidi Jiang

A smirking girl in a detailed hooded cloak and large boots with glowing symbols sits amidst swirling clouds. Electricity emanates from her boots, conjuring a mystical, powerful atmosphere—perfect for a scene straight out of Dungeons & Dragons.

Cursed magic items have a reputation for causing mayhem and mischief in Dungeons & Dragons campaigns. They’re the wild cards of the magical world—seemingly innocuous trinkets that come with a twist capable of turning a simple adventure into a comedy show. Unlike …

The 7 MOST Terrifying Underrated D&D Monsters

by Heidi Jiang

A hooded female rogue in sleek armor sprints through a dimly lit dungeon, reminiscent of a DND adventure. She wields a sword with ease, potions clinking at her belt. Goblin-like creatures close in as a torch casts an eerie glow on the stone walls, evoking the thrill of fantasy quests.

In the vast menagerie of creatures that populate the realms of Dungeons & Dragons, certain monsters often find themselves overlooked, lurking in the shadowy corners of dusty sourcebooks, waiting for their moment to shine. These underrated monsters possess unconventional abilities, obscure lore, …

This D&D Barbarian Subclass Is UNSTOPPABLE (And the Worst Is Near Useless)

by Heidi Jiang

A warrior with a muscular build stands confidently, holding an axe, reminiscent of a character from a Dungeons & Dragons campaign. Theyre wearing primitive armor with fur accents. Behind them, an ancient temple with columns and an imposing stone structure looms under a cloudy sky as birds fly above.

Dungeons & Dragons is a game of choices, and for those who thrive on sheer strength and unbridled fury, the Barbarian class is a top pick. The 2024 Player’s Handbook offers four unique Barbarian subclasses, each with its own flair and role …

What’s the PERFECT Cursed Item For Your D&D Alignment?

by Heidi Jiang

A woman with purple hair and a red cloak holds a glowing vial, her expression surprised. Opposite her, a hooded figure with a sinister smile emerges from a magical, smoky aura reminiscent of a Dungeons & Dragons campaign. Bright, vivid colors and lightning effects surround them.

Welcome to the magical chaos that is cursed items in Dungeons & Dragons! These mischievous artifacts are not just a stumbling block for your adventurers—they’re a powerful storytelling tool. From making players scratch their heads in puzzlement to inciting bursts of laughter, …

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