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."

How to Run a Walking Dead-Style Zombie Apocalypse in D&D in 2025

by Isaac Hanson

There’s an unmistakable chill that clings to the world of The Walking Dead: shambling corpses, ever-hungry, relentless, and—perhaps most terrifyingly—fueled by the infectious weight of despair they drag behind them. Translating the visceral horror of this iconic undead apocalypse into Dungeons & …

Why the Echo Knight Might Be the Most Underrated D&D Fighter Subclassin 2025

by Isaac Hanson

Echo Knight Subclass Is Secretly INSANE (D&D Hack) Fighters are often seen as straightforward—armored powerhouses who charge in swinging or stand firm as unbreakable shields. But the Echo Knight from Explorer’s Guide to Wildemount breaks that mold. This subclass blends martial skill …

Flanking Removed from Dungeons & Dragons 2024 Ruleset: What It Means for Combat

by Isaac Hanson

If you’ve spent any time prowling goblin-infested corridors or clashing steel in darkened dungeons, odds are you’ve tangled with the concept of Flanking. In the 2014 edition of Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition, Flanking was a tantalizing tactical tool, hiding in the …

The Complete Illrigger Class Guide for DnD 5e (Updated for May 2025)

by Isaac Hanson

There is a new scent of brimstone in the air, and its source is the Illrigger—a class that storms onto the 2024 Dungeons & Dragons landscape with infernal ambition, martial precision, and darkly seductive magic. These knights of hell are weapon-wielding spellcasters …

Reanimator Artificer Subclass Review 2025: A New Take on Necromancy in D&D

by Isaac Hanson

When the May 2025 Unearthed Arcana dropped the Reanimator Artificer, shivers danced up the collective spine of the D&D community. Forget steampunk tinker gnomes spinning clockwork toys; this Artificer has bolts crackling and grim shapes twitching beneath greasy tarps. Imagine your workshop …

7 Compelling Reasons Being the DM in Dungeons & Dragons Is the Best Role at the Table

by Isaac Hanson

Let’s face it: players get the spotlight, the drama, the epic moments, the cheers when their cunning plans work or wild dice rolls deliver miracles. They weave deeply personal stories, agonize over backstories, and fall in love with their characters’ flaws. But …

New Sage Advice Rulings Just Dropped… and the D&D Community Is Already Fighting About Them

by Isaac Hanson

A confident woman in ornate robes sits at a desk in a grand library, quill poised above parchment, ready to share sage advice and D&D rulings, sunlight streaming through tall shelves filled with ancient tomes.

There’s a peculiar electricity in the virtual air: the Sage Advice page has returned, refreshed at last for the 2024 Dungeons & Dragons rules overhaul. This isn’t just another rules update—it’s a moment eagerly awaited across dice-laden tables and bustling online forums. …

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.

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