Recent content by Esper the Bard

An army of orcs, gnolls, and ogres sieges a goblin fortress. A fully narrated D&D encounter of epic proportions.

Hello my fellow adventurers! I've launched my free newsletter, here's the signup link. It’s a monthly newsletter featuring Adventure Scenarios, D&D and Roleplaying Topics, as well as a quick update from yours truly. http://eepurl.com/dgJBb9

Hello my friends and fellow adventurers. I’m making this post to show off the cool stuff from my newsletter Scrolls of Novuara. Things like character art, short stories, maps, and even videos on YouTube. In fact, you can also see it all in this video...

A shipwreck that disgorges undead at night, a moon temple in the sea cliffs, a trial by magic and might See in full: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Js-7xltKj0k

Acid Pits of Karaq — the New YouTube D&D Adventure by Esper Descend into the acid pits for a whole new level of danger and rich storytelling. An alchemist who longs to break free from her master, a dark scholar who is imprisoned for attempting to steal a mummified hand, and a warrior...

Hey everyone, it's Esper here! I am glad you are enjoying my 5e Combat video. Thank you for the support and feedback, and make sure to stop by my YouTube channel (repsesper) to subscribe. The next part in this series should be ready tonight or tomorrow. On a related note regarding the link...

Exactly. Your explanations make total sense. It would seem that a game system would have to favor either realism or involvement for everyone. Or would it? Speaking in D&D Next terms, check this out: Level 1 (proficiency bonus +4) 3 (proficiency bonus...

Exactly. Your explanations make total sense. It would seem that a game system would have to favor either realism or involvement for everyone. Or would it? Speaking in D&D Next terms, check this out: Version:1.0 StartHTML:0000000167 EndHTML:0000004649 StartFragment:0000000457...

This video showcases an immersive combat encounter/mini adventure, done in a detailed, storytelling style. It is complete with hand-drawn maps and narration by artist/DM Esper. A party of 3 adventurers, unknown by one another, descend into the tomb a legendary figure, each with their own...

The DM Guidelines actually do not state this. D&D has never had this philosophy. Let's say I have a tree that requires a DC15 skill check to climb. That tree in the world has a set DC, regardless of who you are. Every published adventure, furthermore, uses this method of set DCs. That is what...

I agree that we don't need tons of fiddly +1s and +2s going around like in 3.5/4e; the clean, efficient approach is refreshing. Still, if the proficiency bonus in trained skills went from like +4 to +10, the characters would actually feel trained.

I agree, it is very easy. But, whether you had +1 or +5 at level 1, it's still just as easy. I am not arguing that it should be less easy, just that training should actually feel like training. This year, I practiced rock climbing, guitar playing, singing, and Spanish. I am definitely way more...