Last Updated: March 16, 2022

The newest version of DnD, 5e is a throwback to the best bits of AD&D 2e and 3e, with many of the best parts of 4e, but with simplified, streamlined mechanics that are easy for new players to learn, familiar for veterans, and enjoyable for players of all experience levels.

Book Abbreviations Guide

Alphabetized list of abbreviations used to indicate source material throughout my other articles.

How to play

New to DnD 5e? Having trouble with the rules? I’m here to help. In this article series, I’ll provide a full walkthrough of the rules in simple, approachable terms, as well as general advice and insight on how to get started with the game.

Character Optimization

A comprehensive guide to character optimization including feedback, guidance, and example builds, detailing every aspect of building your character.

Player Resources

General resources for players looking to play better or to get more out of their games.

Dungeon Master Resources

Support for Dungeon Masters hoping to improve their games, including detailed analysis on complex, mechanical aspects of the game.

Tools

Automated tools to improve your game.

DMsGuild

An article on how to write for DMsGuild and links to my own DMsGuild content.

Recent Blog Posts

  • Aberrations: Discombobulate and Discomfort the Game Table (in a Good Way!) – RPGBOT.Podcast S3E36
    On this episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast, we discuss aberrations. We look at all the weirdness from both a player’s and a DM’s perspective, and look at ways to make aberrations interesting and engaging in your game.
  • DnD 5e – More DPR Calculator Updates!
    We’ve gotten a lot of use out of the DPR calculator since I built it, and every once in a while I sneak in a new feature. This time, I added a toggle for Halfling Luck and a field for damage applied on a missed attack. This lets halflings accurately calculate DPR, and lets you explore how nice the Graze property from the recent UA will be.
  • DnD 5e – New Alchemist Artificer Handbook
    While the Artificer as a class has always been popular, the alchemist subclass has long been overlooked in favor of other options. Its features can be frustrating and feel very passive compared to a robot attack dog or armor with magical boxing gloves, but it does offer some useful support and healing options which can make the alchemist a good addition to party that lacks a support caster like a cleric.