Not only are tabletop role-playing games likeDungeons & DragonsandFATEa blast to play,they can actually improve your life.
Chris Chinns aptly namedSame Page Toolwill make things easier for everyone.
you might also supplement that withAdam Drays excellent list of issues to be discussed.
Nothing is more aggravating than starting an exciting campaign and never continuing it because such things were never coordinated.
They may eventually shift into first-person, but for now, its better they remain comfortable.
I plan shorter 1-2 hour sessions, and everyone can put their devices away for that long.
Its not hard, and it makes everyones engagement that much better.
Wardle recommends you start by using ambient noise to create your desired atmosphere.
When we play, Wardle prefers the freeambient-mixer.com.
You have complete control over your desired soundscape.
Other free sources, likeTabletop Audio, are definitely worth looking into as well.
Even Dungeons & Dragons can be enhanced by some modern music, like instrumental metal or new age soundscapes.
Incorporate the Other Senses
Sight, touch, and smell can help elevatealmost any tabletop session.
Mood lighting doesnt take very much effort, but it can turn your playspace into almost anything you want.
A little candlelight can transform your dining room into a dark and dingy cave.
A small, fluorescent lantern can make your living room feel like a ship thats lost main power.
Maybe if they find a clue hidden within, they can gain some advantage in the story?
Why not light up some incense?
Give the experience a little realism, some more immersion.
Or how about exploring a musty old basement?
TheHero Lab softwarecan simplify the process of character creation if youre willing to fork over $30.
If youre more of a D&D 5E player, thisfree character generator from ForgedAnvilis great.
This can be super helpful even if you just scan handmade character sheets and share them the same way.
If youre not the most creative person, deciding what your character looks like can be agonizing.
Now everyone can see how amazing you look in your shiny armor.
Are you listening to your companions enough?
Are you describing the epic things youre imagining in your head?
By identifying your habits as a player, youll know how to make your future sessions even more fun.
The more tools and systems in your toolbox, the better your games will be.
Title image by Nick Criscuolo, remixed from an original byMartial Red(Shutterstock).
