Creative people are naturally drawn to Dungeons & Dragon. The game requires players who can think on their feet and improvise. Adventures are cinematic stories prepared by dungeon masters. It appeals to the artistic and talented among us. These easy DIY projects offer you another way to bring your creative ideas to the table. Any of these projects also make great gifts or your gaming friends.
10 DM Screen
Every DM should have one of these easy to make accessories. It doesn’t take much crafty talent to create a simple cardstock screen that hides strategic die rolls. Add some useful references to the backside and a screen can change the way you lead a session.
There are a ton of pre-made screens out there but customizing your own to include things like house rules is much more fun. Why not include art featuring of your party? Give your players something to think about by including pictures of their characters being eaten by owlbears or petrified by beholders.
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9 Combat Condition Markers
So many details can get lost in the fray. Where your character was standing when combat began, which target is closest to your character or how many exits there are can all slip your mind. One way to visually represent the fight is to create combat condition markers. If you’re using minis a simple felt or plastic ring could easily signify that a character is in an altered state.
Create a color code for stunned, intimidated or shaken characters and so much more. You could even create dry-erase reusable markers so the condition can be noted and the ring reused.
8 Area Of Effect Overlays
Arguing over where spells were cast and who fell within their area of effect is as much of a geek staple as arguing over who shot first. With the addition of some simple to make map overlays, you can eliminate any question as to where a spell’s effect begins and ends. Use a clear material to allow you to see the map below.
Depending on the material you chose you ay be able to use wet-erase markers to label the overlays with the name of the spell and its effects. Players can prepare their own for the spells their character uses, DMs can prepare a set before each encounter.
7 Dice Bags
Dice bags may be one of the most common D&D DIYs out there, but they never lose their charm or usefulness. You can’t play without dice, and only owning one set seems irresponsible. How could you punish the low rollers if you didn’t have several other seven sets waiting on the bench?
If you’re going to carry around any decent-sized collection, you’ll need a dice bag. The possibilities here are endless. You could keep it as simple as a felt drawstring bag or create a little beholder to hold your hoard. Many people create intricate chainmail bags for their dice.
6 Rolling Boxes
There are many tools every adventurer needs. The players need their gear as well. Beyond the basics, there are a few accessories that can really come in handy. Not every game happens around a big, flat table. You may find yourself playing anywhere, and you’ll need a place to roll your dice.
That’s when having a rolling box in your bag will be a lifesaver. If you’re ready for an intermediate to advanced craft you could even make a rolling tower. Many swear by their consistent performance and drama.
5 Character Journals
This project could be as simple as a binder or as complex as a handmade leatherbound book. It’s all up to you. Players can use these journals to make notes on infrequently used character traits and skills as well as write out spell descriptions. Spellcasters get the most out of their character by keeping track of every little cantrip.
While they’re taking notes each player is creating their own reference material. Many parties elect to have one person take notes for all members. Encouraging each player to take their own notes ensures that no small details are lost and provides differing perspectives.
4 Miniatures
Miniatures make keeping track of your character during combat a breeze. It’s helpful to see exactly where each character is on the map while forming strategies. There are infinite types of premade miniatures available for purchase. It takes no time at all to find any race, class or species imaginable. You can enjoy customizing a mini by painting it or make the entire thing yourself. Many people choose to use sego figures as well. Your own imagination is the only limit.
3 Reusable Character Sheets
Adventuring isn’t without its risks, and even the luckiest of players will eventually find themselves outmatched. When it’s time to roll up another fearless character, consider making a character sheet that’s nearly immortal.
A laminated sheet will be waterproof and durable. You can write your character info in with a wet-erase marker for a semi-permanent record that can be washed away. This is a great project for eco-conscious parties or those with a high turn over rate.
2 Initiative Tracker
An initiative tracker may seem like a small concept but it can make a huge impact on gameplay. Anything that simplifies things for the DM is good for the party. Not only is it tedious and tie consuming to write down the order each player will act in, but it’s also easy for initiative order to change.
If a player is rendered unconscious for several rounds, it may make sense to remove them from the initiative order for a while. Create a magnetic board to track initiative or add plyer names to clothespins. You can even use tented cards that hang across the DM’s screen.
1 Gaming Table
This isn’t a simple task by any means, but it will definitely take your game to the next level. Players have been building epic tables since tabletop games first arrived on the scene. You could keep it simple by adding a grid to any tabletop or you could add extras like cupholders, rolling boxes, and even mood lighting.
There is no limit to how over the top you could take this. Some groups have even made tables with digital displays built into them for the ultimate gaming experience.
NEXT: Dungeons & Dragons: 10 Simple Ways For The DM To Break The Rules (That Players Won’t Notice)
