Kathy Stone

Kathy Stone has been in love with words (and games) since she was a child. Kathy’s favorite books growing up were from the Sweet Valley High series, Nancy Drew, and the Goosebumps series. She loved playing the Nintendo and later the Super Nintendo. She is a mother of one and is living in Indianapolis, IN. Kathy loves a good book, a good laugh, and has been occasionally known to partake in a D&D session or three. I am Spartacus! I am a wage slave! I am Paul Bellow!

DND Roadmap Method: Give Players REAL Choices

by Kathy Stone

Five people play a fantasy tabletop game in a gothic setting, the flickering candlelight casting shadows on their DND map. Above them, a ttrpg scene unfolds with a sorceress casting a spell at a menacing dragon, while a castle looms on a distant hill.

Picture this: a Dungeons and Dragons campaign where each player’s decision not only propels the narrative forward but also shapes the world around them in real, game-changing ways. Even as a DM, aren’t you just as thrilled by the twisting turns of …

STOP Making These Ranger Character MISTAKES in DND!

by Kathy Stone

A woman in fantasy armor stands confidently on the grass, a sword in one hand. Her long hair flows with the wind along her tattered green cloak. She gazes ahead with determination, reminiscent of a Dungeons & Dragons hero. Tall trees and a moody sky form the backdrop.

Imagine standing at the edge of a vast forest, mist clinging to the air, the path ahead uncertain. For a Ranger in Dungeons & Dragons, this isn’t just a daunting landscape—it’s a thrilling playground. Rangers are the ultimate survivalists, weaving together martial …

Craft Scatter Terrain for DND in Just Two Days

by Kathy Stone

A woman sits at a table in a sunlit room, painting miniatures on a grid-covered paper, reminiscent of DND adventures. The table is cluttered with paints, brushes, and dice. A bright, cheerful atmosphere fills the room.

In the world of tabletop role-playing games like Dungeons & Dragons, the power of a vivid, engaging scene is like a spell of its own. Scatter terrain transforms the gaming table into a dynamic landscape, breathing life and character into adventures that …

How to Integrate Natural Disasters and Calamities in DND Campaigns

by Kathy Stone

A warrior in fur and armor stands on a cliff, embodying the spirit of a DND hero, overlooking a stormy sea. Dramatic lightning illuminates the sky. Jagged rocks jut from the water. Her long hair flows in the wind, weaving tales of fantasy adventure and power.

Natural disasters and calamities have long served as compelling, if sometimes brutal, storytelling tools in narratives spanning history and culture. Their overwhelming force and the inevitable chaos they introduce provide a fertile ground for tension, drama, and character development. In a world …

Playing DND Characters with Opposing Views: Authentic Character Voice

by Kathy Stone

Two women intensely debate over a tabletop role-playing game. The woman on the left, in a plaid shirt and glasses, passionately gestures while sitting on a chair. As they dive deep into the fantasy of the Pathfinder RPG, the woman on the right leans forward. Game pieces and dice are scattered on the table.

In the vibrant theater of Dungeons & Dragons, characters with opposing views create rich opportunities for immersive storytelling and meaningful player engagement. Imagine a campaign where a lawful traditionalist noble clashed ideologically with a chaotic-minded player. The noble’s adherence to age-old customs …

Creating DND Magic Items that Level Up: Designing Evolving Artifacts

by Kathy Stone

A mystical figure stands on a cliff, holding a radiant orb against a dramatic sky. Lightning cracks around them as if pulled from a scene in Dungeons & Dragons, with a distant gothic castle visible. The vibrant colors and dynamic movement evoke fantasys magic and adventure.

In the realm of fantasy gaming, magic items have the potential to become more than mere tools; they can evolve alongside their wielders to create deep connections and unforgettable stories. Consider the journey of an adventurer who starts with a simple enchanted …

Through Ancient Eyes: How to Roleplay Elven Longevity and Accumulated Wisdom

by Kathy Stone

In a fantasy scene straight from a tabletop RPG like those discussed on PaulBellow.com, a female elf with long silver hair, red ears, and ornate armor stands confidently in a mystical forest. Soft light filters through the trees, while a distant figure lingers in the background.

The longevity of elves deeply influences their worldview, providing a unique lens through which they perceive centuries of existence. Imagine living across epochs, witnessing empires rise and fall, and seeing the same forest shift over the ages. Such an expansive existence shapes …

The Epic Adventure: Crafting Hero’s Journey Campaigns in Fantasy RPG

by Kathy Stone

A close-up portrait of a woman with distinct brown and blue eyes captures the essence of a tabletop RPG. The left half is a knight in armor, while the right half reveals a traveler in a hoodie, united by a scenic backdrop of mountains and sunset that evokes an epic DND adventure.

The Hero’s Journey is a timeless framework that has captivated audiences through countless stories, books, and movies. When you dive into storytelling, especially through role-playing games (RPGs), this narrative structure can lead to epic, unforgettable experiences. Imagine a campaign where every twist …

Mastering Non-Verbal RPG Roleplay: A Guide to Character Body Language

by Kathy Stone

A man and woman are engrossed in a lively chat while playing a Pathfinder RPG. The table overflows with dice, character sheets, and a map. Knights in armor linger in the backdrop, enhancing the medieval gaming ambiance of their epic ttrpg adventure.

Roleplaying ventures into vast worlds of imagination, but it’s often the silent language of our bodies that breathes life into our characters. As players gather around the table, each character’s story is told not just through spoken words but through expressive gestures, …

Embracing Satyr Mischief: Roleplay Ideas for Memorable DND Characters

by Kathy Stone

In a dark, snowy forest, a horned, mythical creature with a hairy body and long claws looms ominously. A crescent moon illuminates the clouds above, reminiscent of a fantasy tabletop RPG scene. Nearby, a small house with a lit window stands as the images edges appear worn and torn.

Step into the hooves of D&D’s most spirited race – the satyrs. More than just party-loving faun folk, satyrs embody a complex blend of hedonistic joy, clever wit, and primal magic. This guide explores how to bring these fascinating fey to life …

Wild Shape Druid Rules Update: What DND Players Need to Know in 2024

by Kathy Stone

In a mystical scene reminiscent of a Dungeons & Dragons adventure, an enchanted forest reveals a figure with flowing hair, arms raised in spellbinding grace. Swirling green energy dances around them as luminous mushrooms thrive amid thick-rooted trees. Moonlight seeps through the canopy, adding an ethereal glow.

Prepare to unleash the full potential of your Druid in Dungeons & Dragons with the upcoming updates to the Wild Shape feature. Slated for the 2024 D&D Player’s Handbook, these changes promise to revolutionize the way Druids are played, offering a more …

What is the Most Powerful Class in D&D? The Answer Might SHOCK YOU!

by Kathy Stone

In the rich, multifaceted world of Dungeons & Dragons (D&D), the concept of “power” is fluid, varying significantly from one campaign to another and hinging on player preferences and the style of gameplay. Some players might equate power with the ability to …

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