Alphastream

The Alphastream Game Design Blog

What we can learn from WotC’s Core Book Sensitivity and Inclusivity Changes

In 2023, WotC updated the language of the 2014 core books for sensitivity and inclusivity. Let’s examine the changes and learn how to improve our own creations.

November 17, 2023 · 12 Comments

12 RPG Lessons from GameHole Con

GameHole is a fantastic convention filled with amazing gamers and top quality events. Here are the top lessons I learned from each event.

November 3, 2023 · 2 Comments

Improve Your Adventures and Campaigns by Focusing on Threats

The 5E Dungeon Master’s Guide narrowly defines a villain and their role in an adventure. By widening the definition and leaning into the concept of Threats, we can create better campaigns and adventures.

June 1, 2023 · 2 Comments

Enhancing Monsters with Monster Powers

Monster Powers can transform your game, and here’s how! Monster Powers come from the Forge of Foes, live on Kickstarter!

March 6, 2023 · Leave a comment

Back the Forge of Foes!

Mike Shea, Scott Fitzgerald Gray, and I have just launched the Kickstarter for the Lazy DM’s Forge of Foes! Learn about this awesome monster project!

March 1, 2023 · 2 Comments

Mastering Dungeons Goes Indie

Big changes and improvements for the Mastering Dungeons podcast!

November 3, 2022 · 3 Comments

How to DM a Spelljammer Campaign

How can a DM make the most of the Spelljammer D&D campaign setting? I discuss key elements such as ship combat and exploration on the Dragon Talk podcast!

September 27, 2022 · Leave a comment

Join My Tables at 2022 GameHole Con!

Come join me at GameHole Con for games, panels, and live games!

June 25, 2022 · Leave a comment

Your Game’s Lore? Make it Actionable!

Lore is often encyclopedic, hard to use and even intimidating for Dungeon Masters. Here is how actionable lore can change your game.

June 2, 2022 · 3 Comments

How to Provide PCs with Meaningful Deaths

Today’s roleplaying games emphasize character creation and character development. How do we design adventures and campaigns where death is meaningful?

April 18, 2022 · 6 Comments

Why Classic Adventures Offer Characters Meaningless Death

Classic D&D often presents situations forcing a quick and meaningless death. Modern editions are often accused of being too easy. Why has the game changed, and what is the point of character death today?

April 7, 2022 · 10 Comments

Use These Free Dwarven Forge Adventures in Your Next campaign

Dwarven Forge provides free Dungeons & Dragons adventures! Here is how to use them in your home campaign or with official adventures.

March 3, 2022 · 2 Comments

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