LitRPG Reads: RPG + DnD + Books = LitRPG

How to Build and Maintain Tension in Your Dungeons & Dragons Campaigns

A fantasy illustration of an elf with long, wavy hair and pointed ears, reminiscent of a Dungeons & Dragons character. She has a surprised expression and wears detailed armor with intricate designs. Autumn leaves and artistic lines surround her, adding a dynamic feel to the image.

Imagine sitting around the table, the soft clatter of dice echoing amid whispers and silence. This is a scene familiar to many who gather for a game of Dungeons & Dragons (D&D). You might ask, “What is the secret sauce that transforms …

Why Session Zero is Essential for D&D: Avoiding Conflicts and Creating a Cohesive Party

by Ana Libanski

A fantasy-style illustration of a confident elf woman with pointed ears, red braided hair, and a mischievous smile, wearing a blue jacket with a brown glove and rings. Her fist is playfully raised towards the viewer in a dynamic pose, capturing the essence of tabletop RPG adventure.

Session Zero in Dungeons & Dragons is much more than a preliminary checklist before the dice start rolling. Imagine this: like a director gathering their cast before the cameras start rolling, this gathering sets the stage for a vibrant and successful campaign. …

The Top 5 Most Underused D&D Spells That Can Completely Change Your Game

by Emily Thorne

In a scene worthy of Dungeons & Dragons, a female mage in a flowing gown casts a fiery spell at a heavily armored knight engulfed in flames. The intense clash of sparks and energy contrasts against the medieval backdrop, capturing the essence of tabletop RPG adventures.

Dungeons & Dragons players possess an extraordinary arsenal of spells capable of creating unforgettable narrative moments and tilting the balance of combat. Yet, many spells remain in the shadows, often bypassed for their flashier, more universally recognized counterparts. Imagine this: a simple …

100 Ordinary Objects with Extraordinary Properties (DND Random Tables)

by Kathy Stone

A warrior with braided red hair and fur-lined armor holds a colorful knitted mitten in a magical glow, reminiscent of a Dungeons & Dragons artifact. She stands in a snowy forest with two other warriors wielding bows and arrows. The background is pastel purple and blue.

In a world of fantasy, where heroes and villains clash amidst a backdrop of magic and wonder, it’s easy to overlook the everyday objects that surround us. Yet, even the most mundane items can possess unexpected powers, transforming ordinary experiences into adventures …

How to Create Engaging and Curated DND Plot Twists on the Fly for Any Campaign

by Rich Hunterson

A surprised female knight in ornate armor, perhaps a hero from a Pathfinder RPG adventure, holds her hand to her mouth, radiating light. A green-skinned goblin yells SHOCKING! in a speech bubble. Various armored characters inside the medieval tent complete this tabletop RPG scene.

Imagine this: a group of adventurers poised on the brink of a great discovery, only to have the ground shift beneath their expectations with a twist they never saw coming. Plot twists are the lifeblood of any engaging Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) …

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 …

100 Magical Maps That Lead to Surprisingly Uninteresting DND Places

by Heidi Jiang

In a vibrant fantasy landscape, a figure in armor and a teal hood holds an intricate map, reminiscent of Pathfinder RPG quests. They stand amidst trees, flowers, and a barn under a starlit sky glowing with a colorful sunset.

In a world steeped in fantasy, where adventures lurk around every corner and treasure awaits under every unturned stone, there’s always room for a laugh at the unexpected. Among the relics and artifacts that promise secrets of great power, magical maps hold …

How This Timeless D&D Trap Still Outsmarts Players in Every Edition

by Emily Thorne

A hooded adventurer cautiously crosses a narrow bridge over a spiked pit inside a stone dungeon, reminiscent of a Dungeons & Dragons quest. They hold a torch and a staff as a mysterious figure stands in a glowing archway across from them, adding to the suspense.

When it comes to Dungeons & Dragons, there’s nothing quite like the thrill of a well-timed, expertly placed trap to keep players on their toes. Traps in D&D don’t just serve as obstacles; they’re a vital tool for Dungeon Masters to crank …

How to Incorporate Physical Coins into Your D&D Sessions for More Immersion

by Amir Barakat

In this fantasy scene, a mysterious character with pointed ears and a hooded cloak smirks while holding a gold coin. Chests of treasure surround them in a rustic room reminiscent of a DND adventure. Coins float in the warm, atmospheric lighting.

Imagine this: You and your adventuring party gather around the table, the air thick with excitement. You’re about to enter the bustling bazaar of a fantastical city, where merchants shout over each other to sell their wares. Your Dungeon Master slides a …

Top 5 Non-DND Tabletop RPGs and How They Compare to Dungeons & Dragons

by Ajay Patel

An astronaut in a detailed space suit floats in a colorful galaxy, reminiscent of a tabletop RPG universe. Asteroids surround a distant planet with rings. Nearby, a spacecraft and satellite traverse the glowing starry expanse, as if part of an epic Dungeons & Dragons quest.

Dungeons & Dragons, the granddaddy of all tabletop role-playing games, is the undeniable titan of the genre. It’s the name that pops up most often when someone mentions RPGs. But here’s the thing—D&D is just scratching the surface of what’s out there …

How to Write a Great LitRPG Book: Essential Elements Every Author Needs

by Paul Bellow

A person sits cross-legged, delving into a fantasy book by candlelight. They wear a scarf and have a bun. A cup is beside them. The background features digital icons, geometric shapes, and floating papers, crafting a magical atmosphere reminiscent of Dungeons & Dragons adventures.

Imagine stepping into a world where the lines between storytelling and immersive gameplay blur, creating a genre as captivating as it is interactive. This is the realm of LitRPG, or Literary Role-Playing Game, a genre that seamlessly weaves together narrative fiction with …

How to Run Dragons in D&D 5e (2025): DM Tips for Epic Encounters