Running Awesome D&D Combat

Mike discusses tips for running awesome D&D combat. Click "show more" for notes and links. 00:00 Intro 00:18 Run with four players. 00:57 Run lower level games. Level 3 is the sweet spot. 01:38 Use static monster damage. 02:15 Run theater of the mind combat for small battles. 03:02 Inject the story and fiction into large battles. 04:49 Draw characters in off-turn with skill checks and info. 05:36 Use abstract maps – break out of the grid. 08:04 Ask for intent. 09:13 Have alternative goals - Add a Combat Out. 11:04 Don't say "Let's Call it Right Here". 11:53 Adjusting the dials (HP, Damage, Number of Monsters, Number of Attacks). 13:11 Offer Cinematic Advantage 15:10 Randomly select targets 16:06 Make boss fights interesting Guide to Theater of the Mind Combat: https://slyflourish.com/guide_to_narrative_combat.html The Abstract Battlemap: https://slyflourish.com/the_abstract_battlemap.html Replacing Flanking with Cinematic Advantage: https://slyflourish.com/cinematic_advantage.html Collected Experiences Running Boss Fights: https://slyflourish.com/improving_boss_fights.html Subscribe to the Sly Flourish newsletter: https://slyflourish.com/subscribe/ Support Sly Flourish on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/slyflourish Pick up Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master: https://slyflourish.com/returnofthelazydm/