DragonLance Saga

DM101: Tools & Techniques

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Welcome to Dungeon Mastering 101, my Dungeon Mastering course based on over 30 years of experience. In this series I will share my failures and successes and the lessons learned along the way. In this episode, I will cover Tools & Techniques. Freeing your attention so you can focus on the players.

https://youtube.com/live/1qubh7qpd-M
Show Notes
Intro

Welcome to another DragonLance Saga, Dungeon Mastering 101 episode! It is Palast, Frostkolt the 22nd, my name is Adam, and today I am continuing my Dragonlance Gaming series all about Dungeon Mastering. Today we are going to discuss freeing your attention so you can focus on the players in this Tools & Techniques episode.

Don’t forget to like and subscribe to this channel, ring the bell, and you can support this channel by becoming a Patron on Patreon, a Member of this YouTube channel, and you can pick up Dragonlance media, using my affiliate links in the description below.

Discussion
Core Idea: Tools Exist to Reduce Cognitive Load

Every tool you use as a Dungeon Master should serve one purpose: freeing your attention so you can focus on the players. Tools are not there to make the game more complex or impressive. They exist to help you:

  • think less
  • decide faster
  • react more clearly

    • If a tool pulls your attention away from the table, it is not helping you.

    Principle 1 — Simplicity Beats Cleverness
    • The best tools are easy to remember and fast to apply.
    • Complex systems increase hesitation and slow momentum.
    • A tool that works most of the time is better than one that works perfectly but rarely gets used.

      • Your brain is already busy. Choose tools that respect that reality.

      Principle 2 — Tools Support Judgment, They Don’t Replace It
      • No checklist can replace awareness of table energy.
      • Tools give you structure; you provide discernment.
      • Use tools as scaffolding, not autopilot.

        • A good DM knows when to follow a tool — and when to ignore it.

        Principle 3 — Momentum Is the Highest Priority
        • Any technique that halts play for long explanations or searching is costing you engagement.
        • Fast rulings, even imperfect ones, maintain immersion.
        • Tools should help you keep the game moving forward.

          • Flow matters more than precision.

          Principle 4 — Reusability Over Novelty
          • Favor techniques you can use in:
            • combat
            • social scenes
            • exploration
            • downtime
            • Reusable tools reduce prep time and increase confidence.

              • If you can apply it everywhere, it belongs in your toolkit.

              Core DM Tools & Techniques
              The 40 / 30 / 30 Prep Rule
              • 40%: situations and conflicts
              • 30%: NPCs, locations, and factions
              • 30%: flexible space for improvisation

                • Prep for possibility, not control.

                The Encounter Skeleton

                Every encounter should have:

                • an objective
                • a hook
                • escalating tension
                • a clear exit

                  • This structure works for any type of scene.

                  The “Yes, But…” Technique
                  • Encourages creativity without removing consequences.
                  • Keeps player agency intact.
                  • Prevents dead ends.

                    • “Yes” keeps the game alive.  “But” keeps it interesting.

                    The Three-Question Improv Tool

                    When unsure, ask:

                    1. What is the most likely outcome?
                    2. What is the most interesting outcome?
                    3. What is the most character-driven outcome?

                      4. Choose based on the needs of the moment.

                      The Spotlight Tracker (Mental or Physical)
                      • Notice who has spoken recently.
                      • Actively bring quieter players into scenes.
                      • Gently limit over-dominant voices.

                        • Balance creates trust.

                        The Reincorporation Rule
                        • If players fixate on something, bring it back later.
                        • It creates the illusion of deep planning.
                        • It rewards curiosity.

                          • Interest is a signal. Follow it.

                          Principle 5 — Tools for Managing Table Energy
                          • Adjust tone, pacing, or stakes when energy dips.
                          • Call breaks before burnout sets in.
                          • Change scene type to reset attention.

                            • A skilled DM manages people first, mechanics second.

                            Principle 6 — Tools Should Be Invisible to Players
                            • The best techniques feel natural at the table.
                            • Avoid explaining your process mid-session.
                            • Let players experience outcomes, not mechanics.

                              • Immersion increases when the tools stay behind the screen.

                              Summary Takeaway

                              Tools and techniques are not about mastery — they are about support.

                              They help you:

                              • stay present
                              • make faster decisions
                              • preserve momentum
                              • share the spotlight
                              • reduce stress

                                • When used well, tools disappear, and what remains is a smooth, engaging, human experience. That is the goal of Dungeon Mastering 101.

                                Outro

                                And that’s it for this episode of Dungeon Mastering 101, Tools & Techniques! Do you have any tools and techniques you would like to share? Do using external tools take too much time at your table? Feel free to email me at [email protected] or leave a comment below. 

                                Thank you for tuning in. Don’t forget to like and subscribe to this channel, ring the bell, and you can support this channel by becoming a Patron on Patreon, a Member of this YouTube channel, and you can pick up Dragonlance Gaming materials, using my affiliate links in the description below. Thank you Creator Patron Aaron Hardy, Producer Patron Azrael, and Developer Patron Chris Androu!

                                This channel is all about celebrating the wonderful world of the Dragonlance Saga, and I hope you will join me in the celebration. Thank you for watching, this has been Adam with DragonLance Saga and until next time Slàinte mhath (slan-ge-var).

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