Recent content by Tom Bagwell

This is actually where I am currently. I've been running for two years, and I've only purchased books via D&D Beyond. I just find it incredibly convenient for a variety of reasons. If I just want to read it, I have the books I need on my tablet.

Here's the most official answer I've seen, by Jeremy Crawford:

Thanks, I see it. It sounds like it assumes the same timeframe as languages and tools.

Do you remember where that segment is? Nothing is leaping out at me.

Xanathar's Guide gives guidelines for training in terms of tools and languages (10 weeks minimum, reduce by INT modifier). It gives a gold cost, which doesn't matter since this question involves party members. So, three questions... (1) What determines whether or not a character can teach a...

That is how it reads, it just seemed odd. (Good spell to remember if you have an opponent near the outer wall of a tower...)

Yes, movement is loose earth with a mixture of burrowing and going incorporeal. At the time that it's attacking, though, it's solid and using the earth as an anchor. So, I don't think the spell could push it through the ground, but it sounds like it would take full damage. Does that sound right...

A subterranean creature has reached up out of the ground and grabbed the Wizard. He aims down at the ground and casts Pulse Wave. The creature is about two feet below the surface. What effect would it have? The spell description says any creature within the 30' cone must save vs CON or take 6d6...

Reasons don't have to sound "convincing" to be true. I've found it a lot better all-around to assume the player is being truthful and just take them at their word. If they miss too many sessions, even with valid reasons, then you might want to discuss it with them.

As long as we have enough players to play, and the cancelling player at least made an attempt to let me know in advance (or missing was unavoidable and last-minute), then it doesn't bother me. I've had more problems with GMs cancelling. If I have to drive 40 minutes to get to your house, then...

Sure. I even have one in my Wildemount game...but there's a very specific reason for it. If I was running Eberron there would be no problem.

Agreed. That's why I decided to make sword and hand one item. He chose the sword...the hand was a surprise.

This is actually where I think I was heading as I wrote the description above. A powerful religious artifact had been stolen by an unknown faction, and he had proven himself worthy. As both recognition and to equip him for the challenges ahead, he was granted the sword and arm. (Losing the arm...

I'm trying to decide if I should require attunement for an item. A Paladin in my group recently obtained a holy sword (that he attuned to). During that process, his hand and forearm were transformed into a living gemlike material and which now provides certain bonuses and abilities (+2 to...