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.

How to Deal with Difficult DND Players: A Guide for DMs

by Heidi Jiang

A group of three people sits around a table playing Dungeons & Dragons. The room is filled with plants, shelves, and posters. Dice and game sheets are scattered across the table as sunlight streams through the window, setting the perfect ambiance for their epic quest.

Navigating the world of Dungeon Mastering is often a journey filled with creativity, unexpected plot twists, and a vibrant tapestry of characters. However, it can also present its share of challenges, primarily when managing difficult players. Often, DMs must balance the delicate …

Fun and Interesting DND Homebrew Rules for Mages and Spellcasters

by Heidi Jiang

In a mystical scene reminiscent of a tabletop RPG, a woman in an elaborate robe stands amidst swirling magical energies and glowing symbols. Shes on an intricate circle, with open ancient books and candles around her, set in a grand, ornate chamber fit for any DND adventure.

Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) has long been a canvas for creativity, with its expansive ruleset and welcoming universe for homebrew content. One area brimming with potential for innovation is the realm of magic, particularly regarding mages. By introducing unique homebrew rules, players …

The Science of Compatibility: Matching Players and DMs for Better DND

by Heidi Jiang

A woman with gray hair sits at a round table covered with fantasy role-playing game materials, maps, and dice. Shelves filled with books and curiosities surround her. A dragon figurine is on the wall, and an open window reveals a serene landscape at dawn, setting the perfect scene for DND adventures.

Creating memorable campaigns in tabletop role-playing games is an art, a science, and a bit of intuition. At its core, the magic happens when players and Dungeon Masters (DMs) are in sync, blending their styles seamlessly to craft stories that captivate and …

Digital DND Character Creators: A Complete Tabletop RPG User’s Guide

by Heidi Jiang

A person with red hair sits at a cluttered desk filled with tabletop RPG books, papers, dice, and snacks. They are writing in a notebook while a laptop is open beside them. Sunlight streams through a window, casting a cozy fantasy atmosphere perfect for adventure. -- PaulBellow.com.

In the sprawling landscape of gaming, particularly in tabletop adventures such as Dungeons & Dragons, the art of character creation stands as a vital centerpiece. Character creator tools are modern marvels, streamlining what was once an arduous process. Imagine a fledgling player—a …

Legends Among Us: Crafting Memorable Heroes for Tabletop RPG

by Heidi Jiang

A silhouetted figure stands on a cliff edge, wrapped in a tattered cape. The vibrant sky behind features dramatic clouds and radiant light, evoking a Pathfinder RPGs epic adventure. A castle looms in the distance, reminiscent of an evocative tabletop RPG quest.

In the tapestry of stories that weave our worlds, legendary figures stand out like vibrant threads. They ignite imaginations and spark entire universes of possibility. These heroes, often starting as lone adventurers, have the ability to inspire vast campaign settings with their …

Mastering the Mystical: A Guide to Exotic Wizard Spells in DND Tabletop RPG

by Heidi Jiang

A fantasy artwork of a woman with flowing hair in a mystical robe, conjuring magical orbs with her hands. Swirling colors and cosmic elements surround her, creating an ethereal atmosphere reminiscent of a tabletop RPG world against a backdrop of mountains and a starry sky.

Embarking on the journey of mastering exotic wizard spells is akin to opening a treasure chest of arcane mysteries. Each spell represents a profound discovery, whispering of untold power and limitless potential. The thrill lies not only in the spells themselves but …

Creating a Unique Magic System for Your Fantasy Tabletop RPG World

by Heidi Jiang

Fantasy artwork of an elven sorceress with long hair, wearing a hooded cloak adorned with intricate patterns. She stands in front of mystical symbols, surrounded by flying crows and mist, evoking the dark and magical atmosphere of a DND adventure.

Magic is the cornerstone of fantasy roleplaying games, fundamentally shaping how the world functions and how players interact with it. A well-crafted magic system can elevate your campaign from simple spellcasting to rich, strategic storytelling filled with wonder and consequence. This comprehensive …

Best Fantasy Books for DND Fans: Adventures Beyond the Tabletop

by Heidi Jiang

Fantasy literature is a gateway to worlds brimming with magic, adventure, and intrigue, offering an escape that mirrors the imaginative realms of Dungeons & Dragons. For D&D fans, fantasy novels hold a special allure, providing a source of inspiration that can enhance …

Roleplaying a Barbarian in DND 5e: Bringing Your Character to Life

by Heidi Jiang

When stepping into the shoes of a Barbarian in Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition, you’re diving into a world charged with raw emotion, primal power, and an undying sense of loyalty. This class is a force of nature, often guided by instincts …

Critical Role Cast and Characters Guide: All the Heroes Across Three Campaigns

by Heidi Jiang

… and The Legend of Vox Machina Critical Role has become a landmark in the world of Dungeons & Dragons, with its core cast of talented voice actors breathing life into sprawling narratives that have captivated audiences worldwide. Their compelling storytelling and …

DND Ability Scores: Essential Guide to Understanding and Maximizing Character Stats

by Heidi Jiang

In Dungeons & Dragons (DND), ability scores are the foundation of every character, defining their inherent strengths, weaknesses, and overall style. These core attributes reach beyond the realm of numbers to shape how characters interact with the world, tackle challenges, and develop …

DM Tips: The Importance of Letting Your Tabletop RPG DND Players Succeed

by Heidi Jiang

In tabletop role-playing games like Dungeons & Dragons, the role of the Dungeon Master (DM) is multi-faceted and comes with the responsibility to create a dynamic environment where players are challenged but also given opportunities to succeed. For a truly immersive and …

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