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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Rhenny" data-source="post: 5695563" data-attributes="member: 18333">I've got a couple of tidbits to add...1) Don't underestimate or under-use minions.  They are cool and they give the players a great sense of satisfaction when they fall.  That being said, use them in conjunction with other monsters in a way that makes sense - Leaders inspiring them forward, mixed with soldiers and archers, etc.   The design tips in the DMs guide about encounters is actually really helpful.2) Get familiar with Skill Challenges, and make them work for you.  Many encounters can be done using skill challenges that inspire the players to come up with good ideas and roleplay.  On average, a skill challenge may take 1/4 to 1/2 the time that a combat encounter takes, but if there is excitement in narration and the pcs have to make interesting decisions, the Skill Challenge can be as rewarding as any combat encounter.   I use skill challenges when characters look for clues or try to find locations, when they travel through difficult terrain, when they have to enter or escape well guarded places, when they have to find a particular NPC in a town or wilderness area, when a larger battle or war ensues, when they have to overcome magical devices or traps, when they need to interact with key NPCs to gain favor, etc.  You can see how much this adds to the game.  Also, when PCs fail a Skill Challenge make sure there is a consequence that "throws a small monkey wrench" into their path, but like it says in the DMs guide, failing a skill check should not end the quest.These are my top two ideas at the moment.  But overall...have fun.  4e is easier to DM like others have said.Cheers.</blockquote>

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