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10 Exciting D&D 5e House Rules to Boost Fun and Player Engagement in Your Campaigns

Tabletop role-playing games like Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) 5th Edition are all about having fun and engaging with your friends in exciting adventures. While the core rules provide a solid foundation for gameplay, sometimes adding custom rules can enhance the experience and make it even more memorable. Here are ten custom rules that you can introduce to your D&D 5e games to increase fun and engagement without breaking the game balance.

Shared Inspiration

Inspiration points are a great way to reward players for excellent role-playing or creative thinking. To promote teamwork and camaraderie, allow players to give their Inspiration points to other players during the game. This encourages players to pay attention to each other’s actions and acknowledge great role-playing moments.

Environmental Interactions

Spice up combat encounters by encouraging players to use the environment creatively. Offer minor mechanical benefits, such as advantage on certain rolls or small damage boosts, when players describe their actions in a cinematic way. This will lead to more exciting battles and foster creative thinking.

Dynamic Critical Hits

Add variety and excitement to critical hits by allowing players to choose a bonus effect from a list, such as knocking the target prone, disarming them, or pushing them back. This change makes critical hits feel more impactful and allows players to tailor their attacks based on the situation.

Flashback Scenes

Enhance narrative depth and character development by introducing flashback scenes. Allow players to use a flashback during gameplay, where they describe a past event or interaction that helps them in the current situation. This encourages role-playing and can lead to interesting revelations about characters’ backstories.

Mini Skill Challenges

Integrate mini skill challenges during gameplay to highlight individual character strengths and promote teamwork. These challenges require players to use their abilities creatively to overcome obstacles or solve problems, rewarding teamwork and inventive thinking.

Catch Your Breath

Give players more options for survival by allowing them to regain a small amount of hit points during combat by using their action to “catch their breath.” This encourages tactical decision-making and helps keep the action going even when healing magic is scarce.

Descriptive Spellcasting

Reward players with minor bonuses, such as a slight damage boost or a small increase in duration, when they describe their spells in a particularly creative or engaging way. This incentivizes vivid descriptions and makes spellcasting feel more immersive.

Signature Moves

Let each player create a signature move for their character that provides a small mechanical benefit or unique effect. This adds flavor and personalization to characters while encouraging players to think about their character’s fighting style and background.

Heroic Sacrifice

Empower players to make heroic sacrifices during dire moments, such as taking damage meant for an ally or using their action to save another character from a fatal blow. In exchange, they gain a temporary bonus, like advantage on all rolls for a short time. This rule adds drama and excitement to gameplay while fostering a sense of camaraderie among the players.

Session Goals

Encourage role-playing and character growth by asking players to set a personal goal for their character at the beginning of each session. If they achieve the goal during the session, reward them with experience points, Inspiration, or other benefits. This motivates players to think about their characters’ motivations and development.

Introducing custom rules to your D&D 5e games can breathe new life into your sessions and create memorable experiences for your players. Always discuss these changes with your group to ensure everyone is on board and excited about the new rules. Tailor these suggestions to fit your group’s preferences and playstyle, and watch as your games become even more enjoyable and engaging. Happy adventuring!

Random NPC Generator


Dungeon Master’s Session Prep Checklist






Dungeon Master’s Session Prep Checklist

Dungeon Master’s Session Prep Checklist

Story & NPCs

  • Main plot points (Outline the main events for the session)
  • Important NPCs (Detail key characters, their motivations, and roles)
  • Side quests/subplots (Consider any secondary storylines or quests)
  • Backstory/lore (Prepare any relevant history or world-building info)

World & Environment

  • Key locations (Describe important towns, dungeons, or wilderness areas)
  • Weather conditions (Decide on weather and environmental factors)
  • Maps/visuals (Create or gather maps for significant locations)
  • Points of interest (Establish landmarks or points of interest)

Encounters & Combat

  • Combat encounters (Plan enemy encounters, terrain, and tactics)
  • Non-combat encounters (Design puzzles, traps, or social challenges)
  • Encounter difficulty (Balance encounters for party size and level)
  • Loot/rewards (Determine treasure, magic items, and experience points)

Roleplaying & Player Engagement

  • Character-specific hooks (Develop plot hooks for individual characters)
  • Player actions/reactions (Anticipate how players might respond to events)
  • Improvisation (Prepare for unexpected decisions or actions)
  • Character development (Identify opportunities for character growth)

Miscellaneous & Notes

  • Rules/mechanics review (Review any relevant game rules or mechanics)
  • Materials needed (List required dice, miniatures, or handouts)
  • Session timeline (Plan a rough agenda or sequence of events)


10 Intriguing Rumors & Plot Hooks to Spice Up Your D&D Campaign

Every Dungeons & Dragons campaign thrives on engaging and creative storylines. As a Dungeon Master, it’s your responsibility to keep the players immersed in your world with captivating adventures and unexpected twists. Rumors and plot hooks can be a fantastic way to introduce new challenges, quests, or mysteries for the characters to explore. To help you keep your campaign fresh and exciting, I’ve put together a rollable table featuring 10 thought-provoking rumors and plot hooks that can be easily integrated into your game.

The Rollable Table: 10 Rumors & Plot Hooks

Roll 1d10 to determine the rumor or plot hook the characters come across:

Roll Rumor/Plot Hook
1 A riddle-obsessed creature guards an enchanted sword deep within an ancient, overgrown forest.
2 Strange lights and eerie sounds emanate from an abandoned tower on a remote island.
3 Cursed bandits hide in nearby hills, hoarding a stolen, valuable artifact in their lair.
4 A ghostly ship appears every full moon, rumored to hold a long-dead pirate king’s treasure.
5 A notorious thief has been stealing magical items, with a large reward offered for their capture.
6 Bizarre crop patterns and agitated livestock fuel local beliefs in malevolent spirits.
7 A child’s invisible friend shares knowledge of a hidden, underground city filled with wonders and dangers.
8 An old journal hints at the location of a mysterious fountain that grants eternal youth.
9 An ancient religious relic lies hidden within a well-guarded fortress in a treacherous mountain pass.
10 Gruesome, blood-drained murders lead to whispers of a vampire residing in an abandoned manor.

The rollable table provides a great starting point for Dungeon Masters to build engaging quests and storylines. Here are some recommendations on how to expand on these ideas and adapt them to your campaign:

Incorporate player backstories: Tie the rumors and plot hooks to the characters’ personal histories, goals, or relationships to create a deeper connection between the players and the story, and encourage role-playing and character development.

Customize the adventure to your setting: Adapt the rumors and plot hooks to fit the unique aspects of your campaign world, such as the geography, history, politics, and culture. This creates a more immersive and cohesive experience for the players.

Combine multiple hooks: Merge two or more rumors or plot hooks from the table to create a more intricate and layered storyline. This can lead to a richer narrative experience and keep the players engaged for a longer period.

And most importantly – have fun and roll some dice!

Create Memorable NPCs with Our Rollable Table of 20 Quirks

If you’re a game master or dungeon master, you know how important it is to create compelling non-player characters (NPCs) to populate your game world. But sometimes it can be tough to come up with interesting quirks and traits that make your NPCs stand out. That’s where a rollable table can come in handy!

I’ve created a rollable table of 20 NPC quirks that you can use to add some personality and flavor to your game world. Simply roll a d20 (a 20-sided die) to determine which quirk your NPC possesses.

I hope this rollable table of NPC quirks will spark your creativity and add some fun to your next adventure!

3 Adventure hooks to get your players excited

As a game master, one of the keys to running a successful TTRPG campaign is to keep your players engaged and interested in the story. While the main plotline of the campaign is important, adding in side quests and adventures can help to break up the monotony and add some excitement to the game.

By incorporating side quests like the ones described in this post, you can give your players a chance to explore new settings, encounter new enemies, and interact with interesting NPCs. These quests can also provide a break from the main plotline, allowing the players to regroup and recharge before diving back into the action.

Side quests can also be a chance to highlight the unique skills and abilities of each player character. For example, a heist adventure might be the perfect opportunity for the rogue to shine, while a puzzle-based adventure might be a chance for the wizard to use their intellect.

By providing new challenges and opportunities for adventure, you can keep the game fresh and exciting, and keep your players coming back for more.

Here are three adventure hooks to get your players excited!

  1. The Forgotten Tomb: While exploring a remote corner of the kingdom, the players stumble upon an ancient tomb that has been lost for centuries. But as they delve deeper into the tomb, they discover that it is not as abandoned as they first thought. Unseen forces begin to manipulate the tomb, and the players soon find themselves fighting to survive. To incorporate this hook into an existing campaign, consider having an NPC or quest-giver point the players in the direction of the tomb, perhaps offering a reward for its discovery. Once the players enter the tomb, you can introduce traps, puzzles, and monsters to keep them on their toes.
  2. The Mysterious Island:
    The players find themselves shipwrecked on a seemingly deserted island, with no memory of how they got there. But as they explore the island, they discover that it is home to strange and mysterious creatures, ancient ruins, and perhaps even a hidden civilization. To incorporate this hook into an existing campaign, consider having the players stumble upon the island while traveling by ship or on a mission. You can use the island as a chance to introduce new creatures and settings, and to explore themes of survival and discovery.
  3. The Heist: The players are approached by a wealthy noble who needs their help with a delicate matter. A valuable artifact has been stolen from his family’s estate, and he needs the players to retrieve it before it falls into the wrong hands. The catch? The artifact is located in the heavily guarded vault of a rival noble, and the players will need to use all their skills to pull off the heist. To incorporate this hook into an existing campaign, consider having the noble approach the players with the job while they are on a separate mission. You can then use the heist as an opportunity to introduce new characters, settings, and challenges, as the players plan and execute their plan to retrieve the artifact.

No matter which hook you choose, remember that the key to a successful adventure is to keep the players engaged and invested in the story. Make sure to include plenty of opportunities for role-playing, combat, and exploration, and be open to the players’ ideas and suggestions as the story unfolds.

Have fun and roll some dice!

Writing an exciting story arc for your homebrew TTRPG campaign

Writing an exciting story arc for a homebrew campaign can be a challenging but rewarding task. It’s an opportunity to create a unique and engaging story that is tailored to the interests and play styles of your players. In this post, we’ll go over some tips and tricks for writing an exciting story arc that will keep your players engaged and invested in the game.

  1. Start with the Big Picture:
    When planning your story arc, it’s important to start with the big picture. What is the overarching theme or conflict of your campaign? What are the major events or plot points that will drive the story forward? Starting with the big picture can help you create a clear and cohesive story arc that will guide your players through the game.
  2. Create Memorable NPCs:
    NPCs are an essential part of any story arc, and creating memorable and engaging NPCs can make the game world feel more alive and immersive. Think about the motivations and goals of your NPCs, and how they can interact with the players and the world around them. Creating unique and memorable NPCs can add depth and complexity to your story arc, and give your players a reason to care about the game world.
  3. Use Cliffhangers and Plot Twists:
    One of the most effective ways to keep your players engaged and invested in the story is to use cliffhangers and plot twists. These can be used to create tension and excitement, and keep your players on the edge of their seats. Consider using unexpected plot twists or introducing new challenges and conflicts to keep the story fresh and engaging.
  4. Use Player Feedback:
    It’s important to listen to player feedback and use it to shape your story arc. Ask your players what they’re enjoying about the game, and what they’d like to see more of. Use this feedback to adjust your story arc and make it more engaging and tailored to your players’ interests.
  5. Emphasize Player Choice:
    Finally, it’s important to emphasize player choice in your story arc. Give your players the freedom to make choices that affect the story and the world around them. This can involve offering multiple paths or solutions to challenges, or allowing players to make decisions that affect the outcome of the story. Giving your players agency in the game world can make the story feel more immersive and engaging.

By starting with the big picture, creating memorable NPCs, using cliffhangers and plot twists, using player feedback, and emphasizing player choice, you can create a unique and engaging story arc that will keep your players invested in the game. Remember, the goal is to create a fun and exciting story that everyone can enjoy.

Have fun and roll some dice!

Create interesting NPCs

Non-player characters (NPCs) are an essential part of any tabletop RPG. They can provide information, offer quests, and add depth and personality to the game world. But creating interesting NPCs can be a challenge, especially for new game masters. In this post, we’ll go over some tips and tricks for creating NPCs that are engaging, memorable, and add to the overall gameplay experience.

  1. Give Them a Unique Personality:
    One of the best ways to create interesting NPCs is to give them a unique personality. This can involve giving them a distinct voice or accent, a quirky behavior, or a specific backstory that sets them apart from other NPCs in the game world. Think about what makes your NPC unique and how their personality can enhance the overall gameplay experience.
  2. Create Goals and Motivations:
    NPCs should have their own goals and motivations that drive their actions and decisions. This can involve anything from seeking revenge on a rival NPC to protecting a valuable artifact. Creating clear goals and motivations for your NPCs can add depth and complexity to the game world, and create interesting storylines for the players to follow.
  3. Use Visual Descriptions:
    A great way to make NPCs more memorable is to use visual descriptions. This can involve describing their appearance, clothing, or other distinguishing features. Giving your NPCs a distinctive appearance can make them stand out in the minds of your players and help create a more immersive game world.
  4. Make Them Interactive:
    NPCs should be interactive and engage with the players in meaningful ways. This can involve asking the players for help, providing useful information, or offering unique quests or rewards. Creating interactive NPCs can make the game world feel more alive and help keep the players engaged and invested in the story.
  5. Add Flaws and Quirks:
    Finally, don’t be afraid to add flaws and quirks to your NPCs. This can involve giving them a phobia, a speech impediment, or a tendency to ramble on about their personal life. Flaws and quirks can make your NPCs more human and relatable, and add an extra layer of depth and personality to the game world.

By giving your NPCs even a few of the unique qualities, you can create NPCs that are interesting, memorable, and add to the overall gameplay experience.

Have fun and roll some dice!

The pillars of TTRPG gameplay

Tabletop RPGs (TTRPGs) are a unique form of gaming that rely on a combination of gameplay pillars to create an engaging and immersive experience. These gameplay pillars can be thought of as the core elements that make up the gameplay experience of a TTRPG. In this post, we’ll go over the three main gameplay pillars of a TTRPG: Exploration, Combat, and Roleplaying.

  1. Exploration:
    Exploration is one of the most important gameplay pillars of a TTRPG. It involves exploring the game world, interacting with non-player characters (NPCs), and discovering new places and things. This can involve anything from investigating a mysterious artifact to delving deep into a dangerous dungeon. Exploration can also involve discovering clues, solving puzzles, and discovering hidden secrets. It’s an essential part of creating an engaging and immersive game world.
  2. Combat:
    Combat is another important gameplay pillar of a TTRPG. It involves engaging in battles with enemies, whether they be monsters or other NPCs. Combat can be an exciting and challenging aspect of a TTRPG, and it can involve a range of mechanics, such as turn-based combat or real-time combat. Combat can also involve strategy and teamwork, as players work together to defeat the enemy and achieve their objectives.
  3. Roleplaying:
    Roleplaying is the third gameplay pillar of a TTRPG. It involves playing a character in the game world and making decisions based on that character’s personality, backstory, and goals. Roleplaying can involve anything from interacting with NPCs to making choices that affect the story and other players. Roleplaying can be an exciting and engaging aspect of a TTRPG, as it allows players to fully immerse themselves in the game world and create unique and memorable characters.

While these three pillars are the main elements that make up the gameplay experience of a TTRPG, they can also overlap and interact with each other. For example, combat can involve elements of exploration and roleplaying, such as using the environment to gain an advantage in battle or making decisions based on a character’s personality. The same can be said for exploration and roleplaying.

These pillars work together to create an engaging and immersive gaming experience, and each one is important in its own way. Whether you prefer exploring new places, engaging in exciting battles, or fully immersing yourself in your character’s backstory and personality, there is a gameplay pillar for everyone in a TTRPG.

Have fun and roll some dice!

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Roll Quirk
1 Speaks in an overly formal or archaic manner.
2 Has a nervous tic or habit, such as tapping their foot or twirling their hair.
3 Obsessed with cleanliness and is constantly wiping down surfaces.
4 Forgetful and frequently loses or forgets important items.
5 Has an unusual hobby or interest, such as collecting stamps or studying obscure historical events.
6 Extremely superstitious and believes in all sorts of omens and signs.
7 Talks to themselves or has imaginary conversations with people who aren’t there.
8 Is always humming or singing a particular tune.
9 Has a distinctive physical trait, such as a scar or a birthmark.
10 Extremely indecisive and has trouble making even minor choices.
11 Is a hypochondriac and is constantly convinced they have some sort of ailment or illness.
12 Overly competitive and always has to be the best at everything.
13 Is a compulsive liar and frequently exaggerates or outright fabricates stories.
14 Is incredibly gullible and will believe just about anything they’re told.
15 Is fiercely independent and refuses to ask for help or accept assistance from others.
16 Has a particular fear or phobia, such as heights or spiders.
17 Is a chatterbox and loves to talk, often rambling on and on about nothing in particular.
18 Is always on the lookout for a bargain and will haggle over even the smallest amounts of money.
19 Has a strange or unusual pet that they dote on and talk about constantly.
20 Is a hopeless romantic and is always seeking out their perfect match, even if it means going to great lengths to find them.