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I would get bored of them, but I change them all the time. They are easy to work with, and CR of augmented monsters is actually pretty elastic as long as there are 4 or more PCs in the group and not too many monsters have the augmentations. It gets more dicey with smaller parties of 3 or less...

I filled out the survey. Let us know what you find out. Cheers.

I started fading after 4e, but getting involved with D&D Next playtest energized me and brought me back for 5e.

I give them monster abilities, class abilities, feats, and other things to make them interesting (at least the elite versions of individual monster types). Variety is the spice of life. Check this out: http://www.enworld.org/forum/rpgdownloads.php?do=download&downloadid=1375

rgoodbb - I just read your DM experience post and it delighted me. Welcome to the brotherhood of DMs! When the players get into developing the world and roleplaying characters a D&D session is magical. I wish you all the best as you continue to build with your players and enjoy the world you...

This kind of reminded me of when I ran Caves of Chaos with my group during the playtest. Have the kingdom of the north clan steal an important totem from the leader of the south. Make it a suspicion, not blatant. Have the kingdom of the north clan, come to the PCs in secret to discuss their...

This is how I ran playtest games. Since then, I may try out a new option or rule in one or more sessions, but I ask the players first to see if they want to do it.

I do the same. But if the random stuff doesn't capture my imagination, I do the opposite. I consciously think about a character that I'd like to live through. One that I would like to roleplay (and feel is within my roleplaying range). I often find myself creating "wanna be" characters...

Providing a satisfying experience is key. That's why I think game mechanics that make it easier for the DM to adapt and adjust to player expectations is more important than creating game mechanics that limit expectations and force absolutes. I'm happy 5E philosophy recognizes that different...

Having them shriek seems appropriate. I think your narration should give them a hint so that they feel satisfied with their action. Some DMs will telegraph much more and say something like, "three of the spawn put up their hands and look as if they are in more pain than the other two that...

Gotta love those moments. Celebrate pc success!

I wouldn't mind a comment like this if it were isolated, but I think what Ancalagon is getting at is that when it happens more often, D&D gets reduced to players negotiating, looking for loopholes, parsing the DMs words to manipulate the game, etc. That's when D&D becomes unbearable. It is an...

Here's one that I created for when I ran the playtest. It is simple and can be reworked to fit any campaign and it is pretty easy to modify for level 2, 3 or 4 PCs. I had fun running it as a one shot, but I know it's always fun to run your own material. It is really rough since it was just...

Yes. The 5' step is something that many of my players miss. On the other hand, we all love split movement. At least with split movement, PCs and foes can move, fire missile weapons or spells and then move back to cover. This is a vast improvement. I don't mind eliminating the 5' step...

You bet. Rolling perception at disadvantage is a pretty big deal. I'm playing in a campaign and even though all of us (but one) have darkvision, I'm still tempted to have my bladesinger learn the light cantrip at 4th level. Tough decision...light for utility or firebolt for better ranged...

I agree. First and foremost, the DM needs to establish the impartial arbitrator aspect. I guess it is just a puzzle to me because most of the games I DM are with people who I've known for years, and we are so used to each other at the gaming table, there is little second guessing or suspecting...

As an aside, to your aside, my DMing experience is mostly with people who I know (although I did start a new group with people I didn't know during the Next Playtest, but now we've known each other since then) and sometimes I actually run campaigns/sessions where I roll dice in the open, and...

Saelorn and Hemlock This always baffles me. If the DM sets the DC, can't he just come up with the idea that the Tree is rotten/in loose earth, and set the DC at DC 10 without telling the players that's what happened (or just rule that the Ogre succeeds). Can't he decide that the Ogre notices...