
Welcome! I’ve spent a couple years collating and cross-referencing 700+ free Dungeons & Dragons 5e tools and tips for Players and Dungeon Masters old and new alike. Many thanks to the parallel list projects I drew upon for this, linked in the “Similar Projects” section. This compendium has three sections: A for content useful to Players & Dungeon Masters alike, B for Players, and C for Dungeon Masters. Make sure to bookmark this page, and share it with friends!
I publish new posts every other Tuesday, with updates and D&D memes over on my site’s Facebook Page and Twitter. A big thanks to my Patrons on Patreon who keep this project running: Adam, Alexander, Anthony, Chris, Eric & Jones, Evan, Geoff, Jason, Rudy, and Tom! If you like this content, consider supporting it too, for as low as $2 per month! With more funding I can update this project more often.
4 June 2019 – 100% of all links should operate live, or else I’ve linked a working archive for dead links. If you find inoperable links, wish to suggest additions or edits, or want me to add or remove your content, feel free to comment or contact me as needed.
4 June 2019, v2.0 – Moderate Update. Added 80+ links, parsed a couple mega-lists. Updated and re-organized sections as Tools and Tips. Added graphics. Checked all links.
27 November 2018, v1.5 – Massive Update. Added 300+ more links, parsed several mega-lists. Updated and expanded most sections, moved some things. Some of the adds: DndBeyond, Dnd Subreddit, DndNext subreddit, Orcpub, Unearthed Arcana. Updated Errata and Basic Rules to 2018 versions. Lots of material from the D&D Compendium.
21 November 2018, v1.1 – Moved Monsters section to All, added a resource in it. Added a mapping tool. A few removals by request.
20 November 2018, v1.0 – First public version launched.
5 February 2017, v0.5 – First private draft completed.
Forthcoming – More content to sift through. Might split up “Worldbuilding” subsection. Will add “Terrain Craft” subsection. Lists to parse: The Rusty Battle Axe lists, The Complete Hippo, Worldbuilding Master Posts, more…
–DnD Compendium
–Awesome D&D Resources List
–Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition Dungeon Masters’ Resource List & Reddit Version
–DndBehindTheScreen Subreddit Massive DM’s Toolkit – Online Resources
–The DM’s Toolkit Website & DM’s Toolkit Subreddit
–DM’s Toolkit & Tips List
–DndNext Subreddit Resource List
–DnD Subreddit Wiki
For usability, I split each section into two categories:
+Tools: more objective content: assets, compilations, generators, mods, rules references, visuals.
+Tips: more subjective content: advice, articles, guides.
Sometimes I drew somewhat arbitrary distinctions.
A: RESOURCES FOR PLAYERS & DUNGEON MASTERS ALIKE

Tools:
-Official 2017 Sage Advice Rulings Compendium
–Official 2018 Player’s Handbook Errata
-Official 2018 Dungeon Master’s Guide Errata
-Official 2018 Monster Manual Errata
-Official 2017 Errata for Out of the Abyss
-Official 2017 Errata for Sword Coast Adventurer’s Guide
-Official 2017 Errata for Volo’s Guide to Monsters
-Official 2016 Revised Ranger
Tools:
-WOTC – “What is the D&D Adventurers League?”
–Adventurer’s League Player’s Guide
-D&D Adventurers League Website
-Looking For Group Subreddit
–WOTC Store Finder By Zip Code
–AllThings DND Facebook Group Finder
–Adventurers League Convention Map
–Warhorn Games Listing
–Geek & Sundry: Finding a D&D Group
–RPG Game Find
–Roll20 LFG Forum
–http://nearbygamers.com/
–https://www.findgamers.us/
–meetup.com/topics/gaming/
Tips:
–Gizmodo: How to Find People to Play D&D With
Tools:
-u/bleedscarlet’s “Body Language Cheat Sheet” For DMs & Players
Tips:
-u/RexiconJesse’s “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective NPCs”
-Zipperon’s Tips on Speaking in 3rd Person, Indirect Dialogue, Descriptive RP
-Springhole’s “Beginner Tips For Entering A Roleplaying Community”
-Springhole’s “Character Creation & Development Theory” 101
–Springhole’s “Quick & Dirty Characterization Tips & ‘Cheats'”
-Springhole’s “Specific Character Types” Archetypal Tips
-Springhole’s “Common Problems In Roleplaying Characters”
-Springhole’s “Tips To Be A More Thoughtful & Considerate Roleplayer”
-Springhole’s “Common Game-Ruining Mistakes Roleplayers Make”
–My “Roleplaying Intelligent Creatures in D&D 5e, P1: Low & Moderate INT”
–My “Roleplaying Intelligent Creatures in D&D 5e, P2: Hyper-Intelligence”
Tools:
-Natalie’s Support Tools Compilation (24+ pages)
-Lines & Veils
-Stavropoulos’ “X-Card”
-The Same Page Tool
-Resolving Basic Behavioral Problems In Your Tabletop RPG Group (Flowchart)
–u/HazeZero’s “Session 0 Topic Checklist & Guide”
Tips:
-Springhole’s Tips on Speaking Up, Asserting Yourself, Asking For Things in RP
–TheAngryGM’s “Session Zero: Part One”
–DnD Reddit Guide on Social Issues at the Table
-Springhole’s “Signs You’re In a Toxic RP Community”
Tools:
–Quick Reference Rules Sheet Clickable HTML Interface
–Another Quick Reference Sheet
–Sortable Weapons Reference
-Player & DM Cheatsheets
-Ronny’s Combat Cheat Sheet
–D&D 5th Edition Cheat Sheet – Checks & Combat
-Mellored’s List of Ability Check Modifiers
-D&D 5E Quick Combat Reference
–ReadTheDamnBook’s Player Reference Sheet
Tips:
-Ameron’s 10 Most Common Mistakes DM’s & Players Make in 5e D&D
Tools:
-Arcana Times’ Life Path Method
-Jsigvard’s This is My Life Character Backstory Generator
-TR Wolfe’s This Is Your Life! Detailed Backstory Generator
–Daniverse Character Backstory Builder
-Ashami’s Expanded Character Backgrounds Brainstorm
-Ashami’s 2-Part Character Personality Brainstorm
-“Who the F*** is my DnD Character”
-Hack & Slash New 5e Backgrounds
Tips:
–PC Q&A
–Character Building Questions
–The Ultimate Character Questionnaire
-DndSpeak’s “100 Warm Up Roleplaying Questions For Players”
-Wimwick’s “27 Question to Ask Your New Player Character”
Tools:
-Jsigvard’s Spell Index
-Donjon Spell Index
–u/nBeebz’s 5e Spell Cards
–5e Checklist of Metamagics Applicable For Each Spell
–Leugren’s “A Compilation of Useful Spell Lists”
Tips:
–Official WOTC DndBeyond Spell Spotlights Series
–Oraibi’s “Know Your Rites: A Guide to Ritual Casting”
–IxidorRS’s “Conjurer of Cheap Tricks: A Conjuration Handbook
Tools:
-Official Adventurer’s League 5e Characters for Every Class, Path, and Level
–Official 5 Elemental Evil Pre-Generated Characters For Adventurer’s League
-Official WOTC 5e Starter Set Characters
–Official WOTC 5e Pregenerated Characters, Levels 1-10 (download)
–Official WOTC 5e DndBeyond Quick Generate A Level 1 Character
–Official WOTC 5e DndBeyond Random Character Generator, Any Level
–Levi Blodgett’s Level 1 PC Generator
-StirgesSuck’s 1000 Basic Pre-Gen Characters
–ForgedAnvil’s 5e Pre-Gen Characters
Tools:
–Orteil’s Generator Builder Guide
–LastGaspGrimoire’s Generator Builder
-DnD 5e Homebrew Tutorial
-NaturalCrit Homebrewery
–GM Binder Homebrew Tool
–u/arathalion’s RPG Card Generator for Unique Spells, Items, and Monster Cards
–Detect Balance: A 5e Homebrew Race Guide
–OrcPub2 Background Builder
–OrcPub2 Race Builder
–Official WOTC DndBeyond Race Builder
–OrcPub2 Class Builder
–OrcPub2 Feat Builder
–OrcPub2 Spell Builder
–Official WOTC DndBeyond Homebrew Spell Creator (login)
-Giffyglyph’s “Monster Maker” App
–OrcPub2 Monster Builder
–Official WOTC DndBeyond Homebrew Monster Creator (login)
–Statblock5e Web Component to Display 5e Homebrew Monsters
–Manhattan’s Unofficial 3.5 & Pathfinder to 5e Monster Converter
–Official WOTC DndBeyond Homebrew Magic Item Creator (login)
Tips:
–Gravelyn’s Create-A-Patron: A Warlock Patron Creation Guide
–Gravelyn’s Create-A-Patron: A Paladin Oath Creation Guide
–Gravelyn’s Create-A-Path: A Barbarian Path Creation Guide
Tools:
-r/UnearthedArcana’s Best of Homebrew Curated List
–WOTC DndBeyond Homebrew Backgrounds
–WOTC DndBeyond Homebrew Feats
–WOTC DndBeyond Homebrew Spells
–WOTC DndBeyond Homebrew Monsters
–WOTC DndBeyond Homebrew Paths
–WOTC DndBeyond Homebrew Magic Items
–Braggadouchio’s Dark Souls Compendium – 5e Enemies, Spells, Characters, Legendary Weapons
–Bloodborne Armory For 5e
–Jonoman3000’s Monster Module Bestiary
–Darkest Dungeon 5e 69-Page Bestiary
–DM Tuz’ Darkest Dungeon 5E Apprentice Level Bestiary
–Ixor’s Manual of Monstrous Findings
–u/ezfi’s Eldritch Benefactors: 6 Amicable Patrons For Warlocks
-Tom Miskey’s Bonus Sub-Races, Archetypes, Feats, Backgrounds
Tools:
-Giffyglyph’s “Darker Dungeons”
–Tribality’s 4-Part 5e Naval Combat Rules Series
–Seafaring in Fifth Edition
-Running Conversations Like Chases
–u/Captain-Witless’ Periodic Goal & Terrain Changes, Complications
-/u/theApoApostolov’s “Grit and Glory”
–DM’s Workshop “Crafting & Selling Magic Items, Revised”
–HeavyArms’ “Alchemy Almanac”
-Critical Hit & Fumble Tables
-Spell Failure Chart
-u/3classy5me’s “PbtA Style Complicated Success”
-DndSpeak’s “100 Interesting Boss Mechanics”
Tools:
–Unearthed Arcana: Eberron Material
–Unearthed Arcana: Mass Combat Rules
–Unearthed Arcana: Modifying Classes
-Roguish Archetypes: Mastermind
–Unearthed Arcana: Waterborne Adventures
–Unearthed Arcana: Variant Rules
–Unearthed Arcana: Modern Magic
–Unearthed Arcana: Ranger Variant
–Unearthed Arcana: Prestige Classes and Rune Magic
–Unearthed Arcana: Light, Dark, Underdark! (updated in: Revised Class Options)
–Unearthed Arcana: That Old Black Magic
–Unearthed Arcana: Kits of Old (updated in: Revised Class Options)
–Background: Haunted
–Unearthed Arcana: Gothic Heroes
–Adventure League: Curse of Strahd Backgrounds
–Unearthed Arcana: Feats
–Unearthed Arcana: The Faithful (updated in: Wizard Revisited)
–Unearthed Arcana: The Ranger, Revised
–Unearthed Arcana: Barbarian Primal Paths (updated in: Revised Subclasses)
–Unearthed Arcana: Bard: Bard Colleges
–Unearthed Arcana: Cleric Domains
–Unearthed Arcana: Druids (updated in: Revised Class Options)
–Unearthed Arcana: Fighter (updated in: Revised Subclasses)
–Unearthed Arcana: Monk (updated in: Revised Subclasses)
–Unearthed Arcana: Paladin (updated in: Revised Class Options)
–Unearthed Arcana: Artificer
–Unearthed Arcana: Ranger & Rogue
–Unearthed Arcana: Sorcerer (updated in: Revised Subclasses)
–Unearthed Arcana: Warlock & Wizard
–Unearthed Arcana: Mass Combat
–Unearthed Arcana: Mystic
–Unearthed Arcana: Wizard Revisited
–Unearthed Arcana: A Trio of Classes
–Unearthed Arcana: Starter Spells
–Unearthed Arcana: Downtime Rules
–Unearthed Arcana: Feats for Skills
–Unearthed Arcana: Feats for Races
–Unearthed Arcana: Revised Subclasses
–Unearthed Arcana: Revised Class Options
–Unearthed Arcana: Greyhawk Initiative
–Unearthed Arcana: Three-Pillar Experience
–Unearthed Arcana: Eladrin & Gith
–Unearthed Arcana: Fiendish Options
–Unearthed Arcana: Elf Subraces
–Unearthed Arcana: Three Subclasses
–Unearthed Arcana: Into the Wild
–Unearthed Arcana: Order Domain
–Unearthed Arcana: Centaurs & Minotaurs
–Unearthed Arcana: Giant Soul Sorcerer
–Unearthed Arcana: Races of Eberron
–Unearthed Arcana: Races of Ravnica
Tips:
–Unearthed Arcana: Encounter Building
–Unearthed Arcana: Traps Revisited
B: RESOURCES FOR PLAYERS

Tools:
-Character Creation in 5 Steps
–ZeroHitPoints’ D&D 5e Character Creation Checklist
–Official WOTC DndBeyond Online Character Builder
–Official WOTC 5e Character Sheets (download)
–Official WOTC 5e Adventurers League Character Sheets
-Byrne’s Class-Specific Character Sheet Bundle
-u/Supersonic159’s Form-Fillable 5e Character Sheet
–Character Sheet Primer
–OrcPub2 Character Generator For Newbs
–OrcPub2 Character Builder
-Ed’s 5e Character Builder
–Simple Character Sheet For Kids
–MBMP’s Complex Fillable Character Sheet
Tools:
-1-Dot Stat Point-Buy Calculator
–Chicken Dinner 5e Point-Buy Calculator
–5e Class Comparisons
–WASD20’s D&D 5e Character Creation For All Classes Video Series
Tips:
-u/VinceK42’s “One Class At a Time” Series
-Brainspaced’s Short 5e Class Tips
–Official WOTC DndBeyond Class Guides
–DM’s Workshop Guide – Multiclassing Like a Pro
-Mellored’s Level Dip Guide
–PeteNutButter’s “Ultimate Optimizer’s Multiclassing Guide”
–Gastronomie’s “Ultimate Blade Works: Paladin/Sorcerer Multiclass Guide”
-WebDM YouTube Complete 5e Classes Series
Tools:
-GladiusLegis’ Reaction Attacks Guide
–WiredNavi’s Bonus Actions Guide
-Noctem’s Stealth Guide
–Bannock’s “Stealth, Hiding, and Invisibility” in D&D 5e
Tips:
-Beige’s Feat Usefulness Analysis
–Ktkenshinx’ Grappler’s Manual
-Specter’s Social God Guide
-Specter’s Magic Initiate Guide
-Mistwell’s Skill Monkey Build Guide
Barbarian Tools & Tips:
–Litherland’s “5 Tips For Playing Better Barbarians”
–“The Gentleman’s Guide to Proper Barbarism” by Jell_Moo
-“Graceful Destruction: A Guide to the Dex Based Barbarian” by Yunru
-“I’ll NEVER Die!” by NeoSeraphi
“D&D 5e Character Optimization – Barbarian” by Michael Long, NeoSeraphi, Jell_Moo
Bard Tools & Tips:
–Litherland’s “5 Tips For Playing Better Bards”
-“A Party Without Music is Lame: A Bard Guide” by Mellored
-“Bardic Lore: A Basic College of Lore Bard Guide” by Zardnaar
-“Players Gonna Play” by EvilAnagram
–“The College of Legendary Steeds” by Starstuff
–Bard: u/Spyron10’s “Bard Insults: The Good, The Bad and the Absolutely Insane”
–Bard: SebbenAndSebben’s Bard Insult Table
Cleric Tools & Tips:
–Litherland’s “5 Tips For Playing Better Clerics”
-“For God and Party-A Cleric’s Guide” by DanMathMan
-“Celestial Link Evoking Radiance Into Creation” by Mellored
-“The Devout and the Dead, a Guide to Clerics” by Yorrin
-“Divine Tomfoolery- a Guide to Trickery Clerics” by Jumbowheat01
Druid Tools & Tips:
–Litherland’s “5 Tips For Playing Better Druids”
-“Thy Fearful Symmetry: A Circle of the Moon Handbook” by RCanine
-“Lunar Wilds: A Moon Druid Animal Guide” by Yunru
-“5e Druid Handbook – Land & Moon” by Hymer
-“By Your Powers Combined: A Land Druid Handbook” by Chameleon-X
-“Irhtos Sauriv’s Guide to Front Line Druidism” by Tetrasodium
–Druid: u/MarioInfinity’s Wild Shape Cards – All 124 Shapes
Fighter Tools & Tips:
–Litherland’s “5 Tips For Playing Better Fighters”
-“Bow Bond: An Eldritch Knight’s Guide to Archery” by Mightythokk
–“The Art of War: A Fighter Guide” by Koga395
-“Battle On: The Fighter Guide” by Gladius Legis
–“Bellator Arcana – The Eldritch Knight Guide” by LightningArrow
-“An Illustrated Manual for Inflicting Violence” by EvilAnagram
-“Eldritch Knight Tactica” by Nightsteel
-“Optimized Polearm Master Fighter Template” by Mistwell
Monk Tools & Tips:
–Litherland’s “5 Tips For Playing Better Monks”
-“Meditation, Mediation, Devastation: A Monk’s Guide” by Yunru
-“The Good the Bad and the Monk, a 5e Monk Guide” by EnderDwarf
–“Avatar: The 4-Element Monk Mini-Guide” by ClockworkNinja
Paladin Tools & Tips:
–Litherland’s “5 Tips For Playing Better Paladins”
-“Oathbound: The Paladin Guide” by Gadius Legis
-“My Word Is My Sword: The Paladin Guide” by Gladius Legis
–“Good is Not Nice, A Paladin’s Guide” by EvilAnagram
-“5th Edition Paladin Through the Eyes of a 3.5 Player” by T.G. Oskar
Ranger Tools & Tips:
–Litherland’s “5 Tips For Playing Better Rangers”
-“Not All Who Wander Are Lost, A Ranger’s Guide” by EvilAnagram
–“Animal Buddy: A Guide to the Ranger’s Beast Companion” by Lord_Ventnor
–“The Outdoorsman’s Guide to Natural Ranging” by dwgautier
-“Into the Woods We Go: The Ranger Guide” by Gladius Legis
Rogue Tools & Tips:
–Litherland’s “5 Tips For Playing Better Rogues”
-“A Knife in the Dark – The Rogue’s Handbook” by clutchbone
-“I Fought the Law and Won: The Rogue Guide” by Gladius Legis
-“Person_Man’s 5E Rogue Guide by Person_Man
-“Starstuff’s Thief Guide” by Starstuff
-“A Thousand Lies and a Good Disguise” by Cuddlebot5000
-“Dealing Death: Handbook of the True Assassin” by Gladius Legi
–Rogue: u/DreadClericWesley’s Thieves’ Cant Guide, Part 1
–Rogue: u/DreadClericWesley’s Thieves’ Cant Guide, Part 2
–Rogue: Gene’s Guide to Thieves’ Cant
Sorcerer Tools & Tips:
–Litherland’s “5 Tips For Playing Better Sorcerers”
–“Born to be Wild, a Sorcerer Guide” by Mellored
-“Power Overwhelming: A Sorcerer Guide” by RhaegarT
–“Guide for the Optimized Sorcerer” by Sorxores
-“Playing Dice with the Universe: A Slant Guide to Wild-Magic Sorcerer” by Cognomen’s Cassowary
–“Caster Unleashed” by Guru
–“How to Rend Fiends and Immolate People” by EvilAnagram
-“Sorcery Guide Part 2″ by Qwertyazerty
–Sorcerer: Traykon’s 10,000 Wild Magic Surges Table
Warlock Tools & Tips:
-“Pacts, Patrons and Power – A Warlock Guide” by Mellored
-“Pact-Making 101: A guide to the 5th edition Warlock” by Oncoming Storm
–“Blade, Book, and Chain: A Warlock Guide” by Mephi1234
-“Selling your Soul at a Premium: The Warlock’s Guide to Power” by EvilAnagram
-“The (Un)Complete Warlock Guide to Multiclassing” by Asmotherion
-“If Only You Knew the Power: A Warlock Guide”
Wizard Tools & Tips:
–Litherland’s “5 Tips For Playing Better Wizards”
-“Arrive on Time – A General Guide to Wizardry” by TheBigHouse
–“Treantmonk’s Guide to Wizards 5e” by Treantmonklvl20
-“A Blast From the Past – Wizarding 101″ by Avalongod
-“Melee Bladesinger Guide” by Nadrigol
-“The Master of the Arcane” by rfkannen
Tools:
–Skill Definitions Guide
C: RESOURCES FOR DUNGEON MASTERS

Tools:
–Adventure Lookup Searchable Index
–MerricB’s ALL 5e Adventures By Level List
–DndNext Module Compilation
–The Gribbits Detective Agency (Lvl 1)
–Harried in Hillsfar (Lvl 1-2)
–Horde of the Dragon Queen (Lvl 1-3)
–Trouble in Waterdeep (Lvl 1-3)
–Princes of the Apocalypse (Lvl 1-4)
–Out of the Abyss (Lvl 1-4)
–Death House (Lvl 1-4)
–Defiance in Phlan (Lvl 1-4)
–Shadows Over the Moonsea (Lvl 1-4)
–Dues for the Dead (Lvl 1-4)
–The Scroll Thief (Lvl 1-4)
–The Crypts of Kelemvor (Lvl 3-5)
-Tribe of Beast Tamers: To Bring Peace to a People (Lvl 5-8)
–Tyranny in Phlan (Lvl 5-10)
–The Risen Mists (Lvl 11-15)
–Monster Slayers: The Champion of the Elements (for kids)
–Monahan’s 22 One Page Adventures For Most Environments
–The Infinite Library Adventure Location
Tools:
–Hoard of the Dragon Queen, Online Supplement: Tyranny of Dragons
–The Rise of Tiamat, Online Supplement: Tyranny of Dragons
–Princes of the Apocalypse, Online Supplement
–Lost Mines of Phandelver Quest Cards
–Adventurers League – State of Mulmaster
–Adventurers League – The Arcane Edict In Mulmaster
Tips:
–Adventurers League Suggestions & Errata For Improving Modules
–My-Realms Turning Lost Mines of Phandelver Into a Sandbox
–Merric’s “Running Curse of Strahd, Part One”
–PowerScore’s “A Guide to Curse of Strahd”
–PainTraina’s “What I have Learned From Running Curse of Strahd Twice”
–Merric’s Tyranny of Dragons Advice
–KoboldPress’ “So You’re Running Tyranny of Dragons…”
–PowerScore’s “Tyranny of Dragons – A Guide to Hoard of the Dragon Queen and The Rise of Tiamat”
–Princes of the Apocalypse DM Suggestions & Errata
–PowerScore’s “A Guide to Storm King’s Thunder”
Tools:
–u/supersonic159’s Current Standard Party Tracker (Printer-Friendly)
–ADnD Downloads’ Current Standard Party Tracker
–u/supersonic159’s Current Standard Monster Tracker (Printer-Friendly)
–ADnD Downloads’ Current Standard Monster Tracker
–OrcPub2 Combat Tracker
–Improved Initiative Combat Tracker
Tips:
–Clippinger’s “100 Ways to Excuse a Character Absence”
Tools:
–Jamison’s Free 330 Page Gamemastering E-Book
–Nerzugal’s Free 100 Page Dungeon Master Toolkit E-Book
-Ben’s “Grand Experiments: West Marches”
-u/silent0siris’ “West Marches Resources” Compilation
Tips:
-SlyFlourish’s “Tools For New D&D Dungeon Masters”
-Springhole’s “Tips For New & Beginning Game Masters”
-Springhole’s “Ways to Reduce & Avoid Stress As A Game Master”
-Springhole’s “About Running a Roleplay
-Springhole’s “The Four Aspects of Running a Roleplay Campaign/Plot”
-Springhole’s “Basic Tips To Create & Run A Good RP Plot”
–Nerdarchy’s “New DM Handbook: Starting Your Adventure” Article
-The Alexandrian’s “Gamemastery 101” Series
–FamousHippo’s Complete GM Posting Series
–Pro-Jared’s “How to be a Good DM” Video
-TheAngryGM’s “Up Your GMing Level” Series
-TheAngryGM’s “How to F-ing GM” Series
–Official WOTC DndBeyond Dungeon Master Tips Series
-Ameron’s “Tips For Making Encounters More Interesting”
-EasyDamus’ “Are There ‘Real’ Alignments?”
-Spaghetti & RPGs’ “How to Create a Sandbox”
-Dan Harmon’s “Story Structure 101” Series
-Matt Colville’s “Running the Game” Series
-Matt Mercer’s GM Tips Video Series
–Bon3zmann’s “How to Be a Great Game Master” Video Series
–Tanz’ “The GM’s Ten Commandments”
–Matt Colville’s Written Advice to New GMs
–u/lowkeyoh’s “So You Want to DM: Advice For New Players”
–GoblinsComic Dungeon Master Tips
–Newbie DM’s 87 DM Tips
–Kassoon Dungeon Master Lessons
–u/Foofieboo’s “…Improving Setting Descriptions With Action Verbs”
Tools:
–Free RPG Music Wiki
-Thematic Tabletop Audio
-Syrinscape Fantasy Player
-Ghelfi’s 100+ Professional Quality Ambiences For RPGs
-RPG Ambient Mixer
-MyNoise Background Noises
-Dungeons & Dankertons Video Game Soundtracks
–Bezoing’s Curated Spotify Playlists For D&D Encounters
–u/reallyheadlessRick’s 17 D&D Spotify Playlists
–u/MatiasValero’s 30+ Hours of Themed Music Playlists
-D&D Breakfast Club Playlist – Action
-D&D Breakfast Club Playlist – Background
-D&D Breakfast Club Playlist – Social Intrigue
–Phanary – Database of Sounds
–Matt Mercer’s Critical Role Music Playlists
Tools:
-Map Gallery, Random Dungeon, Random Cave, Random Wilderness
-2MinuteTabletop Free Maps
-MrValor’s Hundreds of Free Fantasy 50x50in Digital Maps
-Megalovania’s 100’s of Saved Maps
-Dungeon Channel Maps
-Forgotten Adventures Maps
-Syrkres Battle Maps
-Blue Sword Games Maps
-Elven Tower Maps
–CartographyGuild Tactical Maps
–MrValor Coastal Battlemaps
-DnD Maps Subreddit
-Battlemaps Subreddit
-Dyson Logos’ Map Collection
-WOTC Map Archive
-Fantastic Maps’ Free Maps
–ThievesGuild Free Maps
-Cult of J Concept Maps
-DColemanProductions Concept Settlements
–360 Historical Maps
-SirInkman’s Cartography Collection
–One Page Dungeon Contest 2017 Entries
–One Page Dungeon Contest 2016 Entries
–One Page Dungeon Contest 2015 Entries
–One Page Dungeon Contest 2014 Entries
–One Page Dungeon Contest 2013 Entries
–One Page Dungeon Contest 2012 Entries
–One Page Dungeon Contest 2011 Entries
–One Page Dungeon Contest 2010 Entries
–One Page Dungeon Contest 2009 Entries
Tips:
-NewbieDM – Printing Battle Maps to a 1″ Scale
-How Red Dead Redemption 2 Enhances D&D
Tools:
-485 Big Bad Evil Guys Portrait Compilation
–Edward C’s Massive Character Art Folder
–ShadowWulf’s Fantasy Art Males Collection
–ShadowWulf’s Fantasy Art Females Collection
–JessBasket’s Fantasy Art Females Collection
–JessBasket’s Character Art Collection
–CasualUploader’s People, Part 1
–CasualUploader’s People, Part 2
–CasualUploader’s Peoples, Part 3
–FarlandWorld Character Art Gallery
–CharacterArt Subreddit
–ImaginaryCharacters Subreddit
Tools:
-Matt’s Massive Maps Menagerie Assets
-Forgotten Adventures Tile Sets, Tokens, Textures
-Blue Sword Games Assets
-Printable Heroes Map Tiles
-370+ Monster Tokens
-Roll20 Token Dump
-500 Square Tokens
-900+ NPC Tokens
-Devin Night’s Tokens, Free Packs 1-20
–MadCowChief’s Free Map Tiles
–Axlie’s Character Tokens’ Folder
–Bewby Tokens Collection
Tools:
-Donjon Random Dungeon Generator
-Orteil’s Dungeon Generator
–AutoRollTables – Dungeon Details Generator
–MythWeaver’s Dungeon Generator
-Hypertext d20 SRD Fantasy World Generator
-Azgaar’s Fantasy Map Generator
-Bruno71’s Kingdom Generator
-Bruno71’s City Generator
-TotalPartyKill’s “A Random Dungeon With X Rooms”
-1-Dot Dungeon Idea Generator
–ProDnD Tabletop Game Manager & Dungeon Generator
–PolyDungeon Dungeon Generator
Tools:
-Watabou’s Medieval Fantasy City Generator
–Hypertext d20 SRD’s Fantasy World Generator
-Dave’s Mapper Tool
-Tiled Map Editor
–Mipui Dungeon Map Editor
-Tiamat Mapping Tool
-Pyromancers Mapping Tool
-OtherWorld Mapper
-Inkarnate Mapper
–Easy D&D Map Maker
–AutoREALM Mapping Tool
–Cityographer Mapping Tool
–Mewo2’s Fantasy Map Generator
–Stanford’s Polygon Map Generator Demo
–Pymapper Open-Source Mapping Tool
–Hobbyte Isometric Dungeon Builder (Free Demo)
–FantasticMapper Interactive Hex Mapping (Free Beta)
-SporkForge Gridding Tool
Tips:
–FantasticMaps “How to Draw a Map” Guide
–WelshPiper’s “Hex-Based Campaign Design (Part 1)” Guide
-WorldbuildingSchool’s “Real World Maps v. Fantasy Maps”
-Eldadres’ “City Building for Your TTRPG Campaign”
Tools:
–Eigengrau’s Generator – Full Settlements & More
-1-Dot Settlement Generator
–1-Dot Building Generator
-1-Dot Tavern Generator
-d-Infinity’s Tavern Generator
–Inkwell Random Inn Generation w/ Floorplans
–Hypertext d20 SRD Random Inn Generator
-Redkat Random Dungeon Room Dressing
–1-Dot Monument Generator
-1-Dot Weird Locale Generator
-1-Dot Weather Generator
-1-Dot World-Shaking Event Generator
-CopperSanctum Tavern Generator
–AutoRollTables – Settlements Details Generator
–Rdinn’s Town Generator
–Inkwell Random City Map Generator
–Inkwell Roleplaying City Map Generator Free Download
-ChaoticShiny’s City & Place Generators
Tools:
-FastCharacter 5e Character Generator
-u/Ender_Guardian’s S.C.U.L.L.Y. Mass NPC Generator
–RPG Tinker’s D&D 5e NPC Generator
-MiniWorlds NPC Generator By Profession
-NPC Generator
–TetraCube Random 5e NPC Generator
-Donjon Minimalist NPCs w/ Bio
-Manata’s 5e Character Generator
-1-Dot NPC Generator
-1-Dot PC Personality Generator
-1-Dot Villain Generator
–AutoRollTables – NPC Details Generator
Tips:
-Springhole’s “Tips to Create & Write Better Non-Protagonist Characters”
Tools:
–TheRustyBattleaxe’s “Megadungeon Links I: Design & Play” (Massive Compilation)
–TheRustyBattleaxe’s “Megadungeon Links II: Maps, Tables, Generators” (Massive Compilation)
Tips:
-GoblinPunch’s “Dungeon Design Checklist”
-GoblinPunch’s “The 5 Types of Ethical Dilemmas”
-TheAlexandrian’s “Jaquaying the Dungeon” Series
–“A Handcrafted Feel: ‘Unexplored’ Explores Cyclic Dungeon Generation”
–RoleplayingTips’ “The Five Room Dungeon Model”
-1d4chan “Five Room Dungeon”
-Gnomestew’s “9 Forms of the 5 Room Dungeon”
-“How Making Up a Dungeon on the Fly is as Simple as Counting to 5”
–My “Top 20 Elements of Evil Overlord Lairs”
Tools:
-TankSchmidt’s “Deconstructing 5e: Typical Wealth by Level”
-Inalisk’s 5e Shops Catalog v-1.8
-u/Smokey42356’s “Automatic Magic Shop Inventory Generator V2” (download)
-5e RPG Market Generator
–u/Laetha’s Comprehensive Shop Generator
-Donjon 5e Magic Shop Generator
-5e Equipment Cards
–Kittenhug’s Martial Equipment: Mundane Goods Expansion For D&D 5e
–AutoRollTables – Objects & Vehicles Details Generators
Tools:
-Donjon Magic Items Index
-Donjon Magic Items Generator
-Donjon Magic Tome Generator
-Donjon Weird Magic Item Generator
-Redkat Spellbook Generator
-TheAlexandrian’s “101 Curious Items”
-Flannel’s 200 Better Than Nothing Magic Items
-Redkat Quick Random Magic Items
–Jsigvard 5e Magic Item Compendium
-Blog of Holding’s Recipes For Every Magic Item In the DMG
-GoblinPunch’s d100 Minor Magical Items
-Broderick’s Compendium: Plants & Fungi
–Saidoro’s & SalmonSquire’s Sane Magical Prices Guide
–Magic Things, Non-Magic Things, and Other Such Things List
Tools:
-d100 Tricks, Puzzles, Riddles
-DnD Reddit Traps Compilation Thread
–u/RadioactiveCashew’s A Handful Of Traps
–u/Jvscasio’s Natural Traps Thread
–ThievesGuild Traps & Tricks Collection
–Campbell’s “Tricks, Empty Rooms, and Basic Trap Design”
-DnD Reddit Puzzles & Mysteries Compilation Thread
-Tribality’s “Collection of Traps & Hazards (D&D 5e)”
–D100 of Tricks, Puzzles, and Riddles
–TV Tropes’ Stock Video Game Puzzles
–ThievesGuild Riddles Collection
–Farland World’s Riddles Collection 1
–Farland World’s Riddles Collection 2
–Mysterious Monuments
Tips:
–u/Dclone2’s “Offermand” Lazy Puzzle & Riddle Technique
–TheAngryGM’s “Traps Suck” and The “Click” Rule
–u/BigMcStrongMuscles Traps 101 Design Guide
-u/FantasticPortals’ “Traps – A Review of Dungeon Security”
–u/Leathrlung’s “Making Traps Fun By Making Them Obvious”
Tools:
-ObsidianPortal Campaign Manager & Archive
-World Anvil Campaign Manager & Archive
–Dungeonomics Campaign Manager & Archive
–Adventurers’ Codex Campaign Manager & Archive
–Kanka Campaign Manager & Archive
–Blue Dragon Campaign Manager & Archive
–AirTable Campaign Manager & Archive
–Scabard Campaign Manager & Archive
–Tavern Keeper Campaign Manager & Archive
–City of Brass Campaign Manager + Story, Entity, World Builder
Tools:
–Emily’s 1200+ Fantasy Name Generators
-Behind the Name’s Generator
–FamousHippo’s City Places Name List
–DnD Reddit’s List of Shop Names
-ChaoticShiny’s Name Generators
-Official WOTC Character Name Generator
-RinkWorks Fantasy Name Generator
-Everchanging Book of Names (download)
-u/DougTheDragonborn’s Pronounceable Gibberish Generator
Tools:
–AncientFortresses’ Medieval Occupations List
-u/The_Camwin’s 430 Professions Compendium For D&D
–AncientFortresses’ Medieval Castles Series
–AncientFortresses’ Medieval Period References Series
-Medieval Fines & Penalties
-Medieval Demographics & Commerce
–BatInTheAttic’s “Medieval Demographics Made Easy”
–BatInTheAttic’s “Wilderlands Demographics”
–BatInTheAttic’s “Wilderlands Demographics: Pastoral Cultures”
–LostKingdom’s Medieval Agriculture References Series
–LostKingdom’s Medieval Architecture References Series
–AncientFortresses’ Medieval Architecture References Series
–LostKingdom Medieval Engineering & Construction References Series
–LostKingdom Medieval History References Series
–LostKingdom Medieval Science & Technology References Series
–LostKingdom Medieval Sociology References Series
–LostKingdom Designing a Medieval Village References Series
Tips:
-Springhole’s “A Few Things Writers Should Know About Medieval Feudalism”
Tools:
-r/WORLDBUILDING “GETTING STARTED”
-r/WORLDBUILDING “HOW DO I ORGANIZE MY WORLDBUILDING”
-r/WORLDBUILDING “RESOURCES MASTER LIST”
-r/WORLDBUILDING SUGGESTED READING & RESOURCE LIST
-Chaotic Shiny Civilization Generator
-Donjon Fantasy World Generator
-The Book of Worlds – Worldbuilding Guide
–Fantasy Scripts & Fonts List
–u/OrkishBlade’s Stupidly-Quick City-Building
–Myths, Creatures, and Folklore Index
–BatInTheAttic’s 21-Part “How to Make a Fantasy Sandbox” Series
–AutoRollTables – Factions, Food, Magic, Monsters, Wilderness Details Generators
–GreenPilgrim’s Town Buildings List
–Fantasy Calendar Generator
–Atlas of the Planes 5e Archive
-ChaoticShiny’s Region & Culture Generators
-ChaoticShiny’s Factions & People Generators
-Dawn of Worlds Cooperative Fantasy World Creation
Tips:
-Dael Kingsmill’s “Top Tip for Creating Towns/Cities/NPCs”
-My “The Ancients: Tips On Mythic Worldbuilding For Past Ages”
-Mythcreants’ Worldbuilding Articles
-HackSlashMaster’s D&D Monster Ecology Series
-Campaign Mastery’s Distilled Cultural Essence Series
–MadDogOzie’s 1-2-3-4 Worldbuilding Method
-Springhole’s “Things To Know When Writing Historical Fiction & Fictional History”
-Springhole’s “Moral & Ethical System Development Questions”
-Springhole’s “Tips To Create Fictional Philosophies & Value Systems”
-Springhole’s “Advice & Tips On Developing Fictional Timelines & Histories”
-Springhole’s “Tips To Write & Create Better & More Believable Futures”
-Springhole’s “How To Create Fictional Structured Religions”
-Springhole’s “Factors That Contribute To Abusive & Dysfunctional Systems”
–LostKingdom’s Magical Worldbuilding Series
–LostKingdom’s Fantasy World Economics 101 Series
-My “Mythic Ecology” Worldbuilding Series
-u/nagonjin’s “‘Common Knowledge’ and what that means”