How to Run D&D’s Exploration Pillar: A Mastering Dungeons Index

Of the three pillars in D&D, Exploration is the least comfortable for DMs, players, and designers. On the Mastering Dungeons podcast, Shawn Merwin and I looked at how to overcome the challenges of Exploration to create great experiences in your games.

We covered the topic across these three episodes:

Exploring Exploration, Part 1

• Why do we use the three pillars of Combat, Roleplaying, and Exploration?
• Why do DMs consider exploration the hardest pillar to do well?
• Exploration rules are spread across chapters in the DMG and PHB  – where to find them!
• We redefine exploration and the keys to good exploration in D&D.

Exploring Exploration, Part 2

• Most think of exploration primarily as overland travel.
• We provide examples of the breadth of exploration as a pillar.
• We identify the areas where DMs have trouble creating a fun exploration experience.
• How to combine exploration with other types of encounters.

Exploring Exploration, Part 3

• How to give players choices and consequences in exploration.
• How to tell a fun story with exploration.
• A detailed review of the overland travel rules and how to make them fun.
• Examples of great scenes.
• Making the most of adventures.
• Helpful links.

We hope you find these indices helpful. Feedback has been great so far. Thanks!