Kenny Kings

Kenny Kings first met Paul Bellow during a long-running Dungeons & Dragons campaign. They've been friends since then. Kenny hopes to use his gamer knowledge to entice “reluctant readers” who might prefer video games or movies over reading. By using books about being trapped in video games, Mr. Kings thinks he’ll be able to reach these reluctant readers. He's helping out with LitRPG Reads because of his journalism experience and love of gaming, especially Dungeons & Dragons. I am Spartacus! I am a wage slave! I am Paul Bellow!

Essential Tips to Maximize Your Barbarian’s Rage and Damage Output in D&D

by Kenny Kings

In a foggy forest, a fierce warrior clad in fur armor unleashes the Barbarians Rage, wild hair flowing as he wields a bloody axe. Skulls and abandoned swords clutter the ground, their damage output evident amid towering trees that heighten the intensity of this dramatic scene.

Unleash your inner rage with the ultimate D&D Barbarian build! Forget subtle tactics; you’re here to smash things, take names, and lose them again because, let’s face it, logic is for wizards. Pump that strength, forget your AC, and let chaos reign!

Creating Utility-Focused Magical Items to Support Creative Problem-Solving in RPG Sessions

by Kenny Kings

A fantasy-style illustration features an elf with pointed ears joyfully holding a glowing hammer, a magical item, surrounded by sparkles. Others work in the background with tools and materials in a wooded, archway-like setting with soft, mystical tones—perfect for RPG sessions.

The allure of magic has captivated human imagination for centuries, from the enchanting tales of ancient folklore to the spellbinding worlds crafted by modern fantasy authors. The concept of integrating magical properties into everyday utility tools promises a fascinating blend of the …

Everything You Need to Know to Start Using D&D Beyond’s Character Builder for Your Campaign

by Kenny Kings

A woman with blue hair and medieval attire uses a computer to launch a D&D Beyond campaign, customizing a character design. Two armored figures stand in the background. The scene blends historical and modern elements, with a mug and pens beside the monitor.

Creating a character in Dungeons & Dragons is akin to crafting a fine dish that tantalizes the senses and leaves a lasting impression. Just like a skilled chef knows the importance of using fresh, high-quality ingredients, a D&D player should be aware …

100 Terrifying Encounters in the Necromancer’s Tower (DND Random Tables)

by Kenny Kings

In a dark, gothic scene reminiscent of Dungeons & Dragons adventures, a warrior woman clad in armor wields her sword amid skulls and a ghostly figure. A foreboding castle looms in the mist, its eerie vines and dim candlelight setting the perfect stage for this ttrpg encounter.

The imposing shadow of the necromancer’s tower looms large, its eerie presence casting a pall over the land. This is no common fortress. It is a sinister bastion crafted from dark magic and ancient bones—a place where the dead refuse to sleep …

Wicked Warlock Wonders: D&D Spell Combos to Bewitch and Bewilder!

by Kenny Kings

A woman in medieval clothing stands in a stone hall, embodying a character straight from a tabletop RPG. She conjures a fiery orb with her right hand and a glowing icy orb with her left. Candles line the walls, while warm light filters through tall windows, setting the perfect scene for any Pathfinder RPG session.

Ah, the life of a warlock! It’s a tantalizing and perilous path, brimming with eldritch powers, enigmatic patrons, and an unending sea of opportunities for mayhem and chaos. From the moment a warlock makes their fateful pact, they step into a world …

Gift Wrap That Doubles as a Dungeon Battle Map? (And Other Fun DM Hacks)

by Kenny Kings

Two women in medieval armor sit at a wooden table in a tavern, smiling at each other over mugs of beer. The cozy, candle-lit atmosphere buzzes with the lively chatter of fellow adventurers discussing their latest Dungeons & Dragons quest.

Imagine this: You’re seated around a table, dice at the ready, your players waiting expectantly for the next turn in their daring adventure. But instead of spreading out an expensive, commercial map, you unfurl a roll of whimsical gift wrap, its grid-like …

How to Use Supply, Demand, and Trade Routes to Create a Living D&D Economy

by Kenny Kings

In an ornate apothecary, a woman in elaborate fantasy attire angrily points at a seated man across a potion-filled table. The room, akin to a DND setting, boasts large arched windows and shelves of colorful bottles amidst various alchemical items.

Imagine stepping into a world where every shop brims with character, every market hums with life, and the choices players make ripple through the fabric of a complex economy. That’s the magic of a well-structured economy in a D&D campaign. It’s more …

Every Official D&D 2025 Character Background Explained (And How to Build Your Own)

by Kenny Kings

Illustration of a female knight in ornate armor with a fur-trimmed cape, exuding the confidence of a Dungeons & Dragons hero. A castle and soldiers with red flags stand behind her, set against a colorful, watercolor-like backdrop.

Imagine diving into a world where your Dungeons & Dragons character is much more than a collection of stats and abilities. As of 2025, D&D has evolved significantly, focusing on empowering players with customizable backgrounds. It’s all about giving you the freedom …

Why Smart DMs Steal Player Ideas: Lessons from a Grumpy Old-School DM

by Kenny Kings

A bearded man sits in an armchair in a dimly lit, cluttered room, engrossed in the Monster Manual from Dungeons & Dragons. Clad in a fur-collared coat, hes surrounded by bookshelves and an eerie atmosphere, embodying the essence of ttrpg storytelling.

Meet Dave the DM. Imagine an old warrior from a forgotten realm of tabletop gaming. With more years behind the screen than most of us have been alive, Dave is a legend in his own right—a Dungeon Master with an iron grip …

What No One Tells You About Green Dragons in DND (Lore & Strategy Guide)

by Kenny Kings

In a moonlit forest, an armored warrior with a red cloak and sword faces off against a green dragon with red eyes. This intense, dramatic scene could be straight from a tabletop RPG, capturing the thrilling clash between human and beast in true DND fashion.

Dungeons & Dragons, the iconic role-playing game, would be incomplete without its magnificent dragons. Among these, the green dragon stands out, not just for its verdant scales and venomous breath, but for the veiled complexity it brings to any campaign. Players often …

How to Kick Off Your D&D Campaign With These 8 Immersive Story Hooks

by Kenny Kings

A mysterious figure with flowing white hair and a purple scarf stands in a dark, enchanted forest. Their expression is determined, akin to a Dungeons & Dragons adventurer, with twisting trees and a crow in the background casting an eerie, fantasy atmosphere.

Imagine this: you’re a group of D&D adventurers meeting for the first time. Where do you start your journey? If your immediate thought was inside a dimly lit tavern, you’re definitely not alone. For decades, the “you meet in a tavern” trope …

Which Wizard Subclass Should You Choose? A Complete Playstyle-Based Ranking for One D&D

by Kenny Kings

A person stands in a stone chamber, akin to a Pathfinder RPG setting, facing a swirling apparition with glowing eyes and claws. Magical symbols hover as torchlight casts shadows, evoking the tense and mystical atmosphere of Dungeons & Dragons adventures.

Wizards have always been at the forefront of Dungeons & Dragons as the quintessential spellcasters, known for their extensive magical repertoire and versatility across various playstyles. The introduction of the 2024 Player’s Handbook, known as One D&D, presents an exciting rebalancing of …

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