this post was submitted on 29 Aug 2023
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D&D Next - 5e Discussion

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The Unofficial Cheatsheet for DMs that are Lazy (thunder9861.itch.io)
submitted 1 year ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]
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I really wanted to call this the "Lazy DM Cheatsheet", but I didn't feel comfortable using Michael Shea's brand. So here we are.

I am a huge fan of the Sly Flourish book series, and I wanted to create a different type of graphical cheat sheet that I could use while running a game, that heavily relies on the principles outlined in the book.

My cheat sheet was inspired by this post, in an attempt to find a single reusable dungeon map to cover multiple adventures. The map I chose is this one by Dyson Logos (who has a TON of awesome maps, go check them out!)

I combined this with the concept of the 5 Room Dungeon to split the larger map into mini sections of 5 rooms each, with little graph indicators along the top to show the different configurations. I chose those specific arrangements so that I could put the reward in a bottom node and ensure that the party must pass through at least 3 nodes to get to it.

Also sprinkled around on the paper are some key phrases from the book, a spot to write in the 10 secrets of the session, a quick way to generate a random DC on the fly, a name generator, the deadly benchmark, the Monster Manual on a Business Card, two progress clocks, and a 1d100 list of random words for inspiration.

It is designed to be printed and laminated. Leave the back blank so you can draw on it with dry erase marker.

Enjoy! If you like what you see here, please go buy the book, it is well worth it.

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[โ€“] [email protected] 3 points 1 year ago (1 children)

They can be used as progress clocks, timers, or usage indicators. Some ideas:

  • For chases or hunts, use the left one for the party and the right one for the enemy. Every time the party advances, fill in some of the clock. Same with the enemy. If the enemy catches up to the party, a battle occurs.

  • Fill in a section for each investigation-type check the party makes. Once filled in, something happens (the ritual is complete?)

  • Use it to indicate how long the torches will last, before the dungeon goes dark

  • Or mark an outer section, like the 8, and roll a d12. If you get 8 or more, an event happens.

Things like that.

[โ€“] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago

Thanks for the clarification! Yes, this is very solid work. Excellent job.