COMING SOON! -- Presents for Goblins: Festive Resources for 5E on Kickstarter! A festive softcover of holiday-themed D&D 5E resources, including the short adventure 'Presents for Goblins'.

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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Crimson Longinus" data-source="post: 8091961" data-attributes="member: 7025508"><p>I don't see it that way, though the thinking you describe is how some GMs approach it, especially with combat encounters. But I merely see it having prepared certain mechanically somewhat more involved things in advance. Like if there is a situation where combat might ensue, then it probably is the best to have the stats of those creatures at hand instead of scrambling to find (or write!) them when it turns out that the characters decide to solve the issue with swords. Being prepared allows the situation proceed smoothly, the suspenseful and tense escalation of hostility directly leading to the combat without being interrupted by the GM having to sort out the mechanical details. Same with many of the more complex skill usage mechanics being discussed in this thread, having the the framework ready will help. And sure, you cannot be prepared for everything and more importantly you shouldn't be fixated on what you planned having to happen. My favourite moments are when the players resolve a problem in some utterly surprising and unexpected manner. So yeah, again, you can do both, be prepared and be flexible; these things don't need to be enemies.</p></blockquote><p></p>