Time for a free map! I love drawing maps for Dungeons & Dragons adventures. I have far too many, though, so I like to give away my hand-drawn maps when I can. This map is conveniently sized for virtual tabletops. The Red Temple Why’s it called the Red Temple? Because the entire place is tiledContinue reading “Free Map – The Red Temple”
Category Archives: The Laid Back Dungeon Master
Tomb of Annihilation: Week 15
Hi all, I previously posted some warts-and-all email summaries of the ‘Curse of Strahd’ campaign I ran in 2017. It was the first campaign I sent summaries to players by email after each game (I was a bit lazy prior to that). Here’s the follow up campaign – 2018’s ‘Tomb of Annihilation’. We used experienceContinue reading “Tomb of Annihilation: Week 15”
MAPS YOUR PARTY WILL DIE FOR 2: MEGA-DUNGEON in Digital and Print!
As a DM, I like to have dungeon and cavern system maps on hand just in case my players like to…wander. Come on, you know they do. One minute they’re traveling overland to the next adventure you meticulously planned and wrote and the next they’re checking out the caves on the low lying ridge youContinue reading “MAPS YOUR PARTY WILL DIE FOR 2: MEGA-DUNGEON in Digital and Print!”
Tomb of Annihilation: Week 14
Hi all, I previously posted some warts-and-all email summaries of the ‘Curse of Strahd’ campaign I ran in 2017. It was the first campaign I sent summaries to players by email after each game (I was a bit lazy prior to that). Here’s the follow up campaign – 2018’s ‘Tomb of Annihilation’. We used experienceContinue reading “Tomb of Annihilation: Week 14”
Tomb of Annihilation: Week 13
Hi all, I previously posted some warts-and-all email summaries of the ‘Curse of Strahd’ campaign I ran in 2017. It was the first campaign I sent summaries to players by email after each game (I was a bit lazy prior to that). Here’s the follow up campaign – 2018’s ‘Tomb of Annihilation’. We used experienceContinue reading “Tomb of Annihilation: Week 13”
Advice for the Young at Heart…Stuff for Beginner DMs
I see a lot of Tweets asking about advice for new Dungeon Masters (DMs) or Games Masters (GMs) – which I will henceforth refer to as DMs. Rather than answer the plethora of questions there, I thought I’d do one consolidated response here. A caveat before I begin: even though I am what you wouldContinue reading “Advice for the Young at Heart…Stuff for Beginner DMs”
Tomb of Annihilation: Weeks 11-12
Hi all, I previously posted some warts-and-all email summaries of the Curse of Strahd campaign I ran in 2017. It was the first campaign I sent summaries to players by email after each game (I was a bit lazy prior to that). Here’s the follow up campaign – 2018’s Tomb of Annihilation. We used experienceContinue reading “Tomb of Annihilation: Weeks 11-12”
Pathfinder 2e Review: Bestiary 2 Battle Cards and NPC Battle Cards
I know I say this all the time, to the point where I’m probably a bit like a droning LP (“What’s an LP?,” say Millenials almost everywhere), but Paizo continually puts out great products, and on such a regular basis they really put WOTC’s D&D schedule to shame. I am, I’m sad to say, somewhatContinue reading “Pathfinder 2e Review: Bestiary 2 Battle Cards and NPC Battle Cards”
Tomb of Annihilation: Weeks 8-10
Hi all, I previously posted some warts-and-all email summaries of the Curse of Strahd campaign I ran in 2017. It was the first campaign I sent summaries to players by email after each game (I was a bit lazy prior to that). Here’s the follow up campaign – 2018’s Tomb of Annihilation. We used experienceContinue reading “Tomb of Annihilation: Weeks 8-10”
Tomb of Annihilation: Weeks 6-7
Hi all, I previously posted some warts-and-all email summaries of the Curse of Strahd campaign I ran in 2017. It was the first campaign I sent summaries to players by email after each game (I was a bit lazy prior to that). Here’s the follow up campaign – 2018’s Tomb of Annihilation. We used experienceContinue reading “Tomb of Annihilation: Weeks 6-7”
Free Map: Behir Caves
Time for a free, hand drawn map! This one has no grid, perfect for Roll20 / Fantasy Grounds! Behir Caves I originally made this map quickly for a side-mission for my Phandelver’s Pact ongoing D&D 5e campaign (if you want, you can follow that group’s adventures on Twitter). At one point they lost their treasureContinue reading “Free Map: Behir Caves”
NEW Shotglass Rounds Adventures available on DrivethruRPG!
Need a One-shot Adventure for your next D&D 5e session? SHOTGLASS ROUNDS are one-and-done, no fuss, no prep adventures for the busy DM. Lights, camera, maps, ACTION! From Laidback DM, winner of the 2019 and 2020 One Page Dungeon Contests. And for more Laidback DM products, visit Drivethrurpg by clicking the link: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse/pub/13989
Tomb of Annihilation: Weeks 4-5
Hi all, I previously posted some warts-and-all email summaries of the Curse of Strahd campaign I ran in 2017. It was the first campaign I sent summaries to players by email after each game (I was a bit lazy prior to that). Here’s the follow up campaign – 2018’s Tomb of Annihilation. We used experienceContinue reading “Tomb of Annihilation: Weeks 4-5”
Tomb of Annihilation: Weeks 2-3
Hi all, I previously posted some warts-and-all email summaries of the Curse of Strahd campaign I ran in 2017. It was the first campaign I sent summaries to players by email after each game (I was a bit lazy prior to that). Here’s the follow up campaign – 2018’s Tomb of Annihilation. We used experienceContinue reading “Tomb of Annihilation: Weeks 2-3”
Free Fantasy Map – Mesa Bridges
This map comes in grid and grid-less versions ideal for tabletop or Roll20/Fantasy Grounds! Mesa Bridges A valley between mountains and within: a number of high mesas connected by rope bridges. Someone lives on one of the mesas at the center, high above a number of deep, chasm-like tunnels below. What lurks on the valleyContinue reading “Free Fantasy Map – Mesa Bridges”
Free Fantasy Map – Field Hospital
You can use this cool map for your tabletop or Roll20/Fantasy Grounds. Field Hospital War is hell! But you need to patch your troops up somewhere and this ramshackle M.A.S.H-style Field Hospital includes trenches, tents and an underground bunker. Maybe the bunker has been sealed off because the officers there were killed in a magicalContinue reading “Free Fantasy Map – Field Hospital”
Tomb of Annihilation: Week 1
Hi all, I previously posted some warts-and-all email summaries of the Curse of Strahd campaign I ran in 2017. It was the first campaign I sent summaries to players by email after each game (I was a bit lazy prior to that). Here’s the follow up campaign – 2018’s Tomb of Annihilation. We used experienceContinue reading “Tomb of Annihilation: Week 1”
Free Fantasy Map – Multi-Level Caves
Time for a free hand-drawn map! There’s two versions of this one – one with a grid and the other without (perfect for online platforms like Roll20/Fantasy Grounds). Multi-Level Caves This cave has four levels, with connecting chimneys accessing each level (I’ve included labels as it might get a bit confusing as to what connectsContinue reading “Free Fantasy Map – Multi-Level Caves”
Free Fantasy Map – Fettered Tomb
Time for another free map! This one is grid-less for use with Roll20 or Fantasy Grounds, but the tiles are conveniently 5 ft. squares, so you can use it for face-to-face games as well. Fettered Tomb The Fettered Tomb is bound by ancient magics, trapped and haunted by the fettered souls within. It’s very small,Continue reading “Free Fantasy Map – Fettered Tomb”
Curse of Strahd: Weeks 30-31
Hi all, Over the last few months I’ve been posting some warts-and-all email summaries of the Curse of Strahd campaign I ran in 2017. This is the first campaign I sent summaries to players by email after each game (I was a bit lazy prior to that). Some of the summaries may be dull, someContinue reading “Curse of Strahd: Weeks 30-31”
Free Fantasy Map – Overgrown Castle Ruins
This map is grid-less, perfect for Roll20 or Fantasy Grounds! Overgrown Ruined Castle The party stumbles across an overgrown ruin in a forest clearing: the remains of a castle, crumbling and dilapidated. Of the inner keep and walls, there is nothing but weed-infested rubble; only the atrophied remnants of a gatehouse and two outbuildings remain.Continue reading “Free Fantasy Map – Overgrown Castle Ruins”
Free Fantasy Map – Cult Temple
As you may or may not know, I love drawing maps for Dungeons & Dragons adventures, and it just so happens this map is 1750 x 1750 (24 squares), perfect for Roll20 / Fantasy Grounds! AND the temple’s floor tiles are conveniently 5 ft. squares… Cult Temple There’s a pesky little cult that has takenContinue reading “Free Fantasy Map – Cult Temple”
Free Fantasy Map – Dragon Cave
This hand-drawn map comes in grid or grid-less versions, perfect for face-to-face games or Roll20 / Fantasy Grounds! Who doesn’t love a big old cave for a big old dragon? And what’s more, if you’re using the online grid-less version you can make the cave any size and the dragon any size so you canContinue reading “Free Fantasy Map – Dragon Cave”
Curse of Strahd: Weeks 28-29
Hi all, Over the last few months I’ve been posting some warts-and-all email summaries of the Curse of Strahd campaign I ran in 2017. This is the first campaign I sent summaries to players by email after each game (I was a bit lazy prior to that). Some of the summaries may be dull, someContinue reading “Curse of Strahd: Weeks 28-29”
Free Fantasy Map – Super-Fortress
Time for a free map! I love drawing maps for Dungeons & Dragons adventures. I have far too many, though, so I like to give away my hand-drawn maps when I can. This is one I made for a friend a while ago. Super-Fortress! The PCs are at war, invading a towering super-fortress to unseatContinue reading “Free Fantasy Map – Super-Fortress”
Curse of Strahd: Week 26-27
Hi all, Over the last few months I’ve been posting some warts-and-all email summaries of the Curse of Strahd campaign I ran in 2017. This is the first campaign I sent summaries to players by email after each game (I was a bit lazy prior to that). Some of the summaries may be dull, someContinue reading “Curse of Strahd: Week 26-27”
Curse of Strahd: Week 25
Hi all, Over the last few months I’ve been posting some warts-and-all email summaries of the Curse of Strahd campaign I ran in 2017. This is the first campaign I started sending summaries to players by email after each game (I was a bit lazy prior to that). Some of the summaries may be dull,Continue reading “Curse of Strahd: Week 25”
Free Map – Forest Cliff
Time for a free map! I love drawing maps for Dungeons & Dragons adventures. I have far too many, though, so I like to give away my hand-drawn maps when I can. This map is 1750×1750 (25×25 squares), in grid and non-grid versions, perfect for Roll20 or Fantasy Grounds! Forest Cliff The party makes itsContinue reading “Free Map – Forest Cliff”
2020 One Page Dungeon Contest Winner!
Hi all, I tied for first place in the 2020 One Page Dungeon Contest! Aside from winning some money and some nice RPG swag, I get to bask humbly in my own appreciation for a few days lol! This is the second time I’ve won – my 2019 entry was a joint winner. Here’s myContinue reading “2020 One Page Dungeon Contest Winner!”
Laidback DM: Dragon Warriors Review
I don’t have a lot of free time nowadays, but I ordered this game from DrivethruRPG and thought I’d (finally) post a review of it. Dragon Warriors is an English TTRPG first published as a series of paperbacks back in the mid-80s. Serpent King Games has reprinted the 2006 revival of that original game, whichContinue reading “Laidback DM: Dragon Warriors Review”
Free Map – Dwarven Mine Camp!
Time for a free map! I love drawing maps for Dungeons & Dragons adventures. I have far too many, though, so I like to give away my hand-drawn maps when I can. This Week: Dwarven Mine Camp You know how it is, the party sees that interesting cave entrance just off to the side ofContinue reading “Free Map – Dwarven Mine Camp!”
Shotglass Adventures: Mined Games Now in Print!
Shotglass Adventures – Kal-Zar’s Bane 2: Mined Games is now available in print, PDF and as a Digital Maps Package from DrivethruRPG. Gravis Town is locked down as the Kal-Zar’s Bane virus runs rampant. A journal found in a lost shipyard provides the location of the long-hidden library of Kal-Zar Ro. The party must travelContinue reading “Shotglass Adventures: Mined Games Now in Print!”
Shotglass Rounds – PDF Adventures for D&D 5e now available on DrivethruRPG!
Shotglass Rounds are flexible PDF-only One-Shots for D&D 5e for the DM who doesn’t want to sit up hours doing prep for their next game session! Each adventure is presented in the proven Shotglass Adventures format, designed for a 3-5 hour session. Each PDF includes a two-page spread of the adventure with DM’s map andContinue reading “Shotglass Rounds – PDF Adventures for D&D 5e now available on DrivethruRPG!”
Murder on the Dance Floor – Dealing with Dissent in TRPG Games
What do you do when players cause dissent in your game? (And believe me, even if it hasn’t happened in one of your games yet, it WILL happen.) Here’s a few suggestions: Establishing Ground Rules Make sure you set ground rules about behaviour in your session zero, such as being respectful of others, allowing everyoneContinue reading “Murder on the Dance Floor – Dealing with Dissent in TRPG Games”
Brutal Damage in DnD 5e
Some people (oldies and grognards, like me) remember when D&D was a lot more lethal for player characters (PCs). 5e changed all that. Now players have a suitably comfortable time with only a few chances of actually dying in a campaign (players don’t really like their characters dying unless its part of a game-changing eventContinue reading “Brutal Damage in DnD 5e”
Free Map – Desert Outpost Ruin
Time for a free map! I love drawing maps for Dungeons & Dragons adventures. I have far too many, though, so I like to give away my hand-drawn maps when I can. Select you preferred version below: with a grid for home games, or grid-less for Roll20 or Fantasy Grounds! Desert Outpost Ruin This desertContinue reading “Free Map – Desert Outpost Ruin”
Free Map – Wasteland Ruins
Time for a free map! I love drawing maps for Dungeons & Dragons adventures. I have far too many, though, so I like to give away my hand-drawn maps when I can. This map is grid-less, perfect for Roll20 or Fantasy Grounds! Wasteland Ruins I created this map for the final showdown between Demogorgon andContinue reading “Free Map – Wasteland Ruins”
Curse of Strahd: Weeks 21-24
Hi all, Over the last few weeks I’ve been posting some warts-and-all email summaries of the Curse of Strahd campaign I ran in 2017. This is the first campaign I started sending summaries to players by email after each game (I was a bit lazy prior to that). Some of the summaries may be dull,Continue reading “Curse of Strahd: Weeks 21-24”
Free Map: Wizard’s Manor
Time for a free map! I love drawing maps for Dungeons & Dragons adventures. I have far too many, though, so I like to give away my hand-drawn maps when I can. This map is grid-less, perfect for Roll20 or Fantasy Grounds! Wizard’s Manor This single-story manor was built on a clifftop overlooking the seaContinue reading “Free Map: Wizard’s Manor”
Free Map: Lava Rift!
Time for a free map! I love drawing maps for D&D adventures. I have far too many, though, so I like to give away my hand-drawn maps when I can. This week: Lava Rift! Gotta love lava! I made this map for an Out of the Abyss campaign I finished not long ago, but youContinue reading “Free Map: Lava Rift!”
