D&D 5E How often do you fake it as a DM?

[FormerlyHemlock]

2Ye olde list of names. For characters, small towns, taverns, ships, books, etc. There are lots of generators for these out there and building some stock lists is a snap.

Variation: instead of using a name generator, pull names from your memory. Could be books you've read recently, or people from real life. It doesn't matter if the players have read the books, they just need to be memorable to you as DM. Players may be amused if they happen to already know the names Aliera, Vlad, Sethra, and Morrolan (for example), but IME they kind of enjoy being in on the joke as long as it's clear that these are just names and not full-blown DMPCs here to take over the story. Name a dwarf Drizz't sometime. I guarantee no one will forget his name.

 

[Mercule]

I used to do that, all the time in 1E and 2E. At least, I thought I was doing it. Turns out that, as a high-school/college age kid who spent large chunks of time pouring over the books, tweaking house rules, and building my own setting, what really happened is that I just know the game that well.

Nowadays, I rely on 30 years of experience to get me by anything unforeseen, but I've learned that successful improvisation is really about being very broadly, but well, prepared.

Also: "winging it" is substantively easier when you're building a home brew setting around the PCs. It's easier to draw new stuff at the edge of the map than it is to pay attention to the lines.

 

[FormerlyHemlock]

Also: "winging it" is substantively easier when you're building a home brew setting around the PCs. It's easier to draw new stuff at the edge of the map than it is to pay attention to the lines.

Yes, this.

 

[Rune]

I've actually written quite a bit about the subject (and how to do it more easily). This seems like the kind of thread where a link might be appreciated.

But, on the offhand chance that someone who is too lazy to open a MM (and I've been there!) also won't read a collection of posts, the short answer is "yes."

 

[Umbran]

I find I am best at improvising...

...when I am well prepared.

This is important. It is a resatement of the maxim: The Plan is not valuable. The Act of Planning is valuable.