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For many players, combat is the most exciting part ofDungeons & Dragons.
It’s a chance to bust out the minis, battle maps, and terrain.
Wild cackles, raised eyebrows, and nefarious plans await in Evil Dungeons & Dragons.
The imagination is a powerful thing.
‘Theatre of the mind’ combat can be just as exciting as using miniatures and maps.
With good descriptions and the right preparation, DMs can deliver thrilling combat encounters without any props.
Foggy streets via Wizards of The Coast
De-Emphasize The Tactical
Miniatures and battle maps with grids allow for high tactical complexity.
When de-emphasizing the tactical part of combat, favor the players in adjudicating the rules.
The DM’s role should never be adversarial.
DMs are there to facilitate play and help the players tell an awesome story.
The player must state: “I move into attack range and take cover behind a barrel.”
Rather than being foolhardy, the player charging directly at their death might have misinterpreted what you said.
Other players require more prompting and more obvious setups.
Give the player information that they can use to make their turn count.
Point out flammable casks, dangling chandeliers, or poorly supported galleries that an eldritch blast could collapse.
Keep these features light in theatre of the mind combat.
Don’t paralyze your players with too many choices they can’t see.
Use High-Fantasy Narration
Miniatures, battle maps, and terrain look incredible.
Foggy streets via Wizards of The Coast
Why are they here?
Are they fighting willingly or under duress?
What do their facial expressions tell you about their motivation?
Give your players a chance to narrate, too.
When a player lands a killing blow, let them describe it however they see fit.
Manage Distance
Battle maps with their grids carefully divided into five-foot squares give players agency.
Your players don’t need exact measurements as much as they need utility.
It’s harder to keep track of objects using only the imagination.
They could make an improvised explosive or useful cover depending on what’s inside.
Fierce and dominating, dragons can make characters in your D&D campaign.
