Isaac Hanson

Isaac Hanson is the wizard behind the curtain when it comes to understanding and dissecting the complex magic systems of Dungeons & Dragons. With a background in mathematics and a love for all things arcane, Isaac has dedicated himself to exploring the mechanics of spellcasting, magical items, and mystical lore. (And rogues. But who doesn't love a thief!) I am Spartacus! I am a wage slave! I am Paul Bellow! At LitRPG Reads, Isaac's articles delve into the nuances of magical classes, spell optimization, magical theory, and much more when he's interested in the topic. His analytical approach brings a scientific edge to the fantastical world of D&D, helping players maximize their magical prowess and understand the underlying principles of their favorite spells. Outside of his writing, Isaac is an avid gamer, both on the tabletop and online. He's also a member of various magic-themed communities and enjoys experimenting with homebrew magical systems. His mantra: "Magic is not just fantasy; it's a science waiting to be understood."

Forgotten Realms Lore Explained: Major Events Every DM Should Know

by Isaac Hanson

A female elf with long hair and a cloak stands in a medieval city. She gazes towards a towering gothic cathedral in the distance. The scene is detailed with stone bridges, archways, and other figures walking in the bustling city.

Welcome to the Forgotten Realms—where legends aren’t just told, they’re lived. In this high-fantasy playground, gods walk the streets, archmages reshape reality, and kingdoms rise or fall on the roll of a die. From the smoldering ruins of ancient empires to the …

Inside the Actual Play Empire: How Twitch and YouTube Changed Tabletop RPG Forever

by Isaac Hanson

A woman with red hair, wearing headphones and a medieval-style dress, sits between two computer monitors with fantasy artwork. She speaks into a microphone for a Twitch stream of an actual play session, surrounded by dice and papers. Shelves of books and a dragon in the background complete her tabletop RPG haven.

There was a time when tabletop role-playing games lived almost entirely behind closed doors. A few friends, some snacks, a beat-up rulebook, and a pile of dice—that was the formula. Stories of warriors, wizards, and rogues played out in living rooms and …

Evolution of Eberron’s Artificer Class 2025: How Magic and Machines Changed DND Forever

by Isaac Hanson

A focused character with drawn features and a partially mechanical arm channels an Artificer Class vibe against a dark, abstract background. Their expression is intense, magic-infused energy coursing through the metallic arm, creating a futuristic, sci-fi atmosphere.

Imagine stepping into a world where magic and machinery hum in perfect harmony, where the spark of invention fuels a society on the brink of wondrous possibilities. Enter Eberron, where the Artificer reigns supreme as the embodiment of arcane innovation. Bursting onto …

Use Random Social Status Rolls to Establish D&D Character Backgrounds

by Isaac Hanson

A young person, wrapped in a tattered blanket, sits against a worn brick wall, wearing a blue hood and boots. Gazing towards the viewer with a small loaf beside them, they seem like a character straight from D&D backgrounds. A shadowy figure walks down the narrow street.

Ah, the brave new TTRPG world where elves might prefer street food over fine dining, and wizards could potentially be sweeping more than just the floor of a grand library. Welcome to the whimsical realm of random social status rolls in D&D …

From Bones to Bank: A Playful Guide to Making Necromancy Profitable and Fun in D&D

by Isaac Hanson

In this lively fantasy tavern scene, the cheerful half-orc bartender expertly serves drinks to animated skeleton patrons. Two skeletons raise their mugs amidst lively chatter. The rustic setting, reminiscent of a D&D 5e campaign, is enhanced by kegs and barrels dotting the cozy ambiance.

In the bustling tavern of adventurers, Bob the Necromancer tapped his staff, summoning not doom, but a ghostly conga line. Who knew raising spirits could be this profitable—and fun? Guests danced, coins clinked, and even skeletons found their groove.

How to Run Engaging Mystery Adventures in D&D

by Isaac Hanson

In a cozy, potion-filled room perfect for D&D mystery adventures, a young elf with pointed ears and long brown hair examines a small bottle at a workbench cluttered with scrolls and tools. Shelves adorned with glowing lights cast an engaging glow on the cloaked figure standing in the background.

Ah, the mysteries of Dungeons & Dragons—a realm where the only thing thicker than a gelatinous cube is a good plot twist. The allure of mystery adventures in D&D lies not just in the thrill of the unknown, but in the joy …

The Complete Guide to Liches in D&D: Origins, Powers, and How to Use Them in Your Campaign

by Isaac Hanson

A young, determined adventurer in a leather outfit stands in an ancient, columned chamber straight out of a tabletop RPG. They look back at a mysterious, cloaked skeletal figure emerging from the shadows. Light streams dramatically, casting shadows on the stone pillars.

In the grand chessboard of the Dungeons & Dragons universe, liches stand not as pawns or rooks, but as the calculating kings and queens orchestrating their moves with precision and foresight. Unlike creatures that rely solely on brute strength, a lich’s true …

The Best High-Level D&D Monsters to Challenge Your Players in Epic Campaigns

by Isaac Hanson

An epic fantasy scene depicts a giant, bearded warrior with a sword engulfed in lightning, confronting a smaller figure on rocky terrain. Stormy skies and mountains amplify the dramatic, illustrated battle reminiscent of DND adventures.

When you’re smashing through a high-level Dungeons & Dragons game, regular foes just don’t cut it anymore. You’re looking for those epic monsters—those beasts that push you to the edge of your seat. High-level monsters bring that “wow” factor and test the …

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