LitRPG Reads: RPG + DnD + Books = LitRPG

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

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

by Heidi Jiang

Amid the turbulent seas and swirling skies, a fantasy warrior imbued with a glowing green aura confronts a fierce dragon. Like a hero from DND or Pathfinder RPG, they strike with an outstretched hand, emitting powerful energy as waves crash around them.

When people think of Dungeons & Dragons, the iconic dragon springs immediately to mind: majestic, fearsome, and a creature of legends. But what makes these gigantic lizards more than just impressive foes worthy of the bestiary? The truth is, dragons are not …

Flaws vs. Traits in Dungeons & Dragons: What They Are & How They Shape Your Character

by Emily Thorne

A fantasy scene depicting an elf with long white hair and pointed ears in an ornate tavern reminiscent of a Dungeons & Dragons setting. Shes clad in a detailed outfit adorned with a brooch and flowers. In the background, patrons gather at wooden tables under warm lighting, sharing stories from their ttrpg adventures.

In Dungeons & Dragons, creating a compelling character isn’t just about choosing a race and class. It’s about crafting a persona that’s vibrant and engaging, one that leaps off the character sheet and into the unfolding story of the campaign. This creation …

The Primal Connection Between Barbarians and Nature in D&D 5e

by Kathy Stone

A fierce warrior woman stands in a rugged landscape, clad in fur and leather armor. She holds a sword, her long flowing hair complementing her determined expression. With pine trees and a mountain backdrop, the scene evokes the vivid world of fantasy tabletop RPGs like DND.

Charging through the battlefields with the vigor of a stampeding bear or the tenacity of a hurricane, Barbarians have long been seen as the embodiment of nature’s raw, untamed spirit. Unlike their knightly counterparts clad in armor or wizards chanting spells, Barbarians …

How to Fix Bastions in D&D 5e (2025 Rules & Homebrew Tips)

by Rich Hunterson

A Dungeons & Dragons warrior with long hair and armor stands before a small stone fortress with a tattered flag. The sky is orange and dramatic, evoking the essence of fantasy. Swords are embedded in the ground around them as they gaze into the distance.

With the upcoming 2025 revision of Dungeons & Dragons, a fresh and exciting system called Bastions is being introduced. These aren’t just any ordinary add-ons—they’re personal strongholds where players can truly have a stake in the world beyond their quest-filled lives. The …

How to Build the Perfect Campaign Hub for Your D&D Adventures

by Ken Chan

A confident woman in armor with a red cape stands in a medieval village street, surrounded by people and shops. In the background, a large castle with tall towers looms, evoking the charm of classic fantasy settings and DND-inspired adventures.

Think of the finest adventures in your Dungeons & Dragons campaign. Where do they begin and end? More often than not, they orbit around a central hub—a place that pulsates with life, brimming with conflict and camaraderie. A well-designed campaign hub is …