PinkDiceGM

Faster combat makes the game better for everyone. Roll attack and damage together, post initiative where everyone can see it, and verbally call out the turns. #GMTip #DMTip

Never underestimate the power of TTRPGs to help a person feel better. #GMTip #DMTip

Feeling burnt out? One strategy is to skip to the part you are excited about! Excitement helps to counteract the negative feelings of burn out. #GMTip #DMTip

Random tables don't have to be used randomly. Pick the encounter you are excited about. #GMTip #DMTip

The DM doesn't need to do everything. Players can keep track of initiative, organize food and snacks, and even schedule sessions. Split up the work to make it easier on everyone. #GMTip #DMTip

Set expectations early. When and were do people need to let the group know that they are missing a session? What materials should players bring? What content is allowed / disallowed? Clear information helps the gaming group to run smoothly. #GMTip #DMTip

Certainly the DM wouldn't place 3 traps in a row. #EvilDMTip #EvilGMTip

A good way to start a campaign is to ask your players what they want out of a campaign. #GMTip #DMTip

There are lots and lots of tools for DMs. More tools, in fact, than the problems DMs need tools to solve. Skip the gimmicks. Choose tools to solve your problems as they come up. #GMTip #DMTip

Google says it dropped the energy cost of AI queries by 33x in one year The company claims that a text query now burns the equivalent of 9 seconds of TV.

As predicted, the cost and environmental impact of AI is coming down very quickly.

It is very similar in the CPU world when around the time of Pentiums manufacturers realized heat dissipation was become untenable. Power dropped, and continued to drop.

arstechnica.com/ai/2025/08/g...

The GURPS book on Horror is an excellent read for any horror game no matter which system you are using. #GMTip #DMTip

Read lots of systems. Borrow new ideas for your game. #GMTip #DMTip

Make a list of names in advance and keep it handy. Pull a name when you need one during the game or during prep. #DMTip #GMTip

I added a house rule to limit magic item usage for each rarity to a minimum level, with an option to use skill checks to learn higher level item usage. It streamlines the game by allowing stores to stock items for all levels without breaking the game or requiring outrageous prices. #GMTip #DMTip

Engage all the senses when giving description. Use smell when you want players to remember. #GMTip #DMTip

Set the expectation that a player should be ready to act or ask a question when it's their turn. Players holding up the game? Consider skipping players that aren't ready by having them take the dodge action. #GMTip #DMTip

Use your voice to start em and end turns verbally. Give a heads up to who is up next. No one should ever have to ask, who's turn is it. #GMTip #DMTip

Be mindful of how the time is spent at your table. The DM has a lot of influence over how the game moves along. A quicker paced game keeps the players interested. #GMTip #DMTip

Worried about the environmental impact of running AI for your gaming needs? Download a model and run it on your PC. Local models are often more environmentally friendly and use fewer resources. #GMTip #DMTip

Think of AI as one big random table. Roll for 20 ideas and pick the one that fits your game best. #GMTip #DMTip

Backstories as prose are overrated. Use a bullet list. #GMTIp #DMTip #PlayerTip

a man holding a lightsaber with the words it 's over anakin i have the high ground ALT: a man holding a lightsaber with the words it 's over anakin i have the high ground

Use levels of terrain to make combat more interesting. It is already too late -- the enemy has the high ground! #GMTip #DMTip

a close up of a man 's face with snow falling ALT: a close up of a man 's face with snow falling

Use weather to deliberately foreshadow and underpin the tone in a game session. There is a reason why John Cusack is always in the rain. #GMTip #DMTip

It is easy to forget about weather. Consider rolling for weather each start of day to give it a better feel. Customize the weather based on the season and setting. #GMTip #DMTip

DMing can be hard. Your mood is contagious, so consider a pregame playlist to get you in the mood. Customize it for the campaign your playing and the mood you need to DM. #GMTip #DMTip

Game prep is personal. If you want to prep what you need, keep a notebook for a few sessions and when there is something you wish you had prepped, write it down. #GMTip #DMTip

Play the world, both what is happening around the PCs and other things that might be happening. Include secondary effects and things the BBEG might be causing. Show the ripples from past and current actions. #GMTip #DMTip

Never let a PC plan proceed without a snag. Make it interesting. #DMTip #GMTip

Use multilevel terrain to provide more options. #GMTip #DMTip

The rules for player character creation dob't have to be everything that is possible in your world. Mix it up with your villains, rivals, and NPCs. #GMTip #DMTip