LitRPG Reads: RPG + DnD + Books = LitRPG

Creating DND Magic Items that Level Up: Designing Evolving Artifacts

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 …

Expert DM Tips for Building a Cohesive D&D Party for Fantasy Tabletop RPG

by Ana Libanski

A fantasy scene depicts a woman in elaborate armor and a green cape, standing on a hill. She gazes over a vibrant, misty landscape reminiscent of a tabletop RPG setting, with mountains and valleys under a dramatic sky glowing with the colors of sunrise or sunset.

Tabletop role-playing games like Dungeons & Dragons bring together individuals for shared storytelling experiences unparalleled by any other medium. Yet, the success of a campaign often hinges on a factor that is sometimes underestimated—party cohesion. Imagine a group of adventurers working seamlessly, …

Political Marriages and Alliances in DND: Weaving Bonds of Power for Tabletop RPG

by Amir Barakat

A regal figure in ornate red and gold attire stands against a grand medieval castle backdrop, reminiscent of a fantasy realm from Dungeons & Dragons. The crowned figure is flanked by elaborate red banners, with lush greenery and statues enhancing the majestic scene.

In the world of Dungeons & Dragons, political marriages offer more than romantic escapades; they are the tapestry upon which power dynamics and intricate plots are woven. Imagine a seemingly mundane noble wedding that spirals into decades of political machinations, generating two, …

Creating DND Monster Ecosystems: Building Living Fantasy Worlds

by Ajay Patel

A massive, mythical creature with horns and fur stands amidst towering, jagged mountains. The sky is filled with swirling clouds and a bird flies nearby, echoing the dramatic landscapes of a Dungeons & Dragons adventure.

Building a believable fantasy world is no easy task. Creating interconnected monster ecosystems within it, though, can transform an otherwise mundane setting into something vivid and alive. Imagine this: a previously unremarkable mountain range now teems with life, thanks to the carefully …

Shifts in Ruling Dynasties: Craft Epic Historical Change in Tabletop RPG Campaigns

by Ken Chan

A regal elf with long flowing hair sits on a throne of entwined branches in a grand hall reminiscent of a Dungeons & Dragons realm. She wears a detailed green gown and a crown of leaves. The hall features tall arches and ornate banners with leafy designs, enveloped in warm, golden light.

In the heart of a tabletop fantasy campaign, dynastic shifts can weave narratives as rich and intricate as any tapestry. Picture a world where the very fabric of society is dyed by the rise and fall of noble houses, where the throne’s …

Cultural Tapestries: How to Build Rich Fantasy Societies for Tabletop RPG

by Isaac Hanson

A drawing of a serene woman in elaborate, traditional attire with intricate jewelry, reminiscent of a character from a DND campaign. She stands against stylized mountains and swirling clouds, while two small figures sit on either side, suggesting a culturally rich scene.

Imagine delving into a world where every turn, every vista, and every interaction reveals a rich tapestry of cultures, adding depth and vibrancy to your tabletop role-playing games (RPG). It’s like tossing a pebble into a placid pond; the ripple effect of …

The Science of Compatibility: Matching Players and DMs for Better DND

by Heidi Jiang

A woman with gray hair sits at a round table covered with fantasy role-playing game materials, maps, and dice. Shelves filled with books and curiosities surround her. A dragon figurine is on the wall, and an open window reveals a serene landscape at dawn, setting the perfect scene for DND adventures.

Creating memorable campaigns in tabletop role-playing games is an art, a science, and a bit of intuition. At its core, the magic happens when players and Dungeon Masters (DMs) are in sync, blending their styles seamlessly to craft stories that captivate and …

Ancient Tales Reborn: Crafting Mythological Tabletop RPG Campaigns

by Ajay Patel

A fantasy scene unfolds with a majestic griffin standing on a rocky outcrop, its wings aglow in sunlight. A cloaked figure gazes up at the creature, reminiscent of a Dungeons & Dragons adventure. Misty mountains and an arching rainbow complete the enchanting backdrop.

Mythology has always provided a rich tapestry of narratives, ripe for weaving into the structure of an epic campaign. With roots planted firmly in the shared ethos of human history, these stories present foundational elements that inspire awe and wonder. Integrating mythological …

What is LitRPG Reads?

Simply put, LitRPG stories take place in a game (or gamelike) world with rpg-style progression. Basically, an RPG in narrative format. RPG + Books = LitRPG! The term LitRPG was originally coined by three Russian authors back around 2010. I cover a lot of Dungeons & Dragons and Tabletop RPG content here too!

About LitRPG Reads

Paul Bellow is a LitRPG author, decades-long gamer, RPG game developer, and publisher of several online communities. In other words, an old school webmaster.

He also developed and runs LitRPG Adventures, a set of advanced RPG generators powered by GPT-3 AI. Here at LitRPG Reads, he publishes articles about LitRPG books, tabletop RPG books, and all sorts of DND content that's free to use in your personal tabletop campaign - i.e. non-commercial use.

Enjoy your stay and reach out on Twitter or Discord if you want to make contact.