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!

Balancing NPC Allies in DND Combat: Managing Additional Forces

by Kenny Kings

A mysterious figure in a hooded cloak stands confidently in a dimly lit cobblestone alley. They lean against a stone ledge, with a glowing pendant and arched buildings in the background, creating a magical, Dungeons & Dragons atmosphere.

NPC allies can bring a new dimension to combat encounters, enriching the game with their unique abilities and personalities. Imagine a scenario where a party encounters a band of marauding brigands, only to be saved by a mysterious mercenary. This mercenary, with …

Beyond Good and Evil: Crafting Complex Character Ethics for Unforgettable Roleplay

by Kenny Kings

In this Dungeons & Dragons-inspired fantasy illustration, an elven woman with pointed ears and intricate facial markings dons ornate dark armor with swirling patterns. The mystical backdrop is full of ancient ruins and glowing orbs, framed by ornate borders—a scene perfect for any ttrpg adventure.

When we think of role-playing games, vividly imagined worlds and complex narratives often come to mind. These elements are crucial for drawing players into the immersive experience, but equally vital are the moral codes that shape their characters. Within the tapestry of …

Beyond Combat: Mastering Social Challenge Design in Tabletop RPG Campaigns

by Kenny Kings

Three fantasy characters, dressed in medieval attire, gather in a dimly lit stone room with candles. One clutches a staff like a seasoned Pathfinder RPG adventurer, another gestures, and the third stands with a glowing symbol. Ancient books and chests surround them, like treasures from a tabletop RPG campaign.

In the intricately woven tapestry of tabletop role-playing games, combat often steals the spotlight. But, what if I told you that social encounters could be equally exhilarating? Picture a beautifully orchestrated negotiation where words become weapons and persuasion, your greatest ally. In …

Beyond the Tropes: Crafting Memorable DND Characters and Backstories

by Kenny Kings

A person with headphones sits at a computer desk, immersed in a fantasy game, surrounded by Dungeons & Dragons posters and game dice. A glowing, armored figure with a sword is depicted on a poster in the background, enhancing the rooms magical atmosphere.

In the rich and imaginative world of Dungeons & Dragons, character creation is a canvas where players can paint their most intriguing ideas. However, it’s easy to fall into the trap of clichés: the brooding rogue with a mysterious past or the …

How to Use Notion to Create a Character Journal for DND

by Kenny Kings

Artistic illustration of a woman with long hair focused at her desk, engrossed in Dungeons & Dragons character profiles on her laptop. The cozy workspace includes books, art supplies, and a steaming cup of coffee under warm lamp light.

Transform your D&D character tracking from scattered notes into a dynamic, interconnected digital journal using Notion’s powerful features. This comprehensive guide will show you how to create an immersive, organized, and visually appealing character journal that grows with your adventures. Whether you’re …

10 DND Plot Twists to Shock Your Tabletop RPG Players

by Kenny Kings

Amidst the ruins at sunset, a woman with an expression of shock holds her hands to her face. Birds fly around her silhouette against the cloudy sky, evoking a scene from a fantasy ttrpg universe. The image’s worn edges add a vintage charm.

Plot twists are the heartbeats of compelling storytelling, especially in the dynamic world of Dungeons & Dragons. They act as the secret spice that transforms an ordinary campaign into an extraordinary adventure filled with unexpected turns and emotional depth. A well-executed DND …

DND Dwarf Barbarian Backstory: Crafting a Fierce and Unforgettable Warrior

by Kenny Kings

The Dwarf Barbarian is a character archetype that combines the unyielding might for which dwarves are renowned with the fierce and wild energy of a barbarian. This combination results in a formidable warrior whose backstory can be as rich and complex as …

New DND Books: 2024 and 2025 Release Schedule and Guide

by Kenny Kings

The world of Dungeons & Dragons continues to evolve with an exciting lineup of new books set for release in 2024 and 2025, promising to enrich the game with diverse and thrilling content. These upcoming releases include updated core rulebooks and brand-new …

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