Today I am going over the magical mirrors found in Oriental Adventures book and creative ways to incorporate these mirrors into your game. Want a side quest? Have a noble send the party after a Mirror of Curing to save their ailing child. Need a horror twist? Drop a Mirror of Fear in a cursed manor and watch the players squirm as their worst nightmares come to life. Or maybe you’re looking to spice up combat—throw in a Mirror of Spirit Seeing to reveal those pesky invisible threats.

These magical mirrors don’t just sit pretty; they drive your story forward. Whether they’re hidden in treasure hoards, used as tools by nefarious cults, or integrated into multi-layered puzzles, these items are a DM’s best friend for creating unforgettable moments at the table.

#DNDMagicItems #adnd #TTRPG #OSR

On this episode of The Evil Dungeon Master Universe Podcast, I decided to talk about a topic that often gets overlooked in Advanced Dungeons & Dragons—fatigue and exhaustion. Today I will be breaking down why these mechanics are more than just extra rules—they’re game-changers that add depth, realism, and real stakes to your adventures.

From how fatigue drains your characters' abilities to the chaos that unfolds when it’s ignored. Whether you’re a veteran Dungeon Master or just getting your feet wet, he’s got tips for making fatigue not just a rule, but a tool to crank up the immersion. Stick around, reflect on your own campaigns, and join the conversation—because the grind of adventuring should feel as gritty as it gets.

#ADNDRealism #TTRPGFatigue #DMWisdom

Let’s talk about nixies—the water sprites that are as enchanting as they are dangerous. These rare little tricksters live in hidden seaweed lairs and have a charm ability that can turn even the toughest adventurer into their personal puppet for a year. Yeah, a year. They’re smart, they’ve got combat moves that work underwater or on land, and they can summon schools of fish to make your life a living hell. But here’s the kicker—they’re terrified of fire and bright light, which means they’ve got exploitable weaknesses if you play it smart.

So, what are nixies, really? Are they charming allies waiting for the right offer, or are they manipulative captors hiding something more sinister? In this episode, we’ll break it all down—their abilities, their weaknesses, and the strategies you need to deal with these aquatic nightmares. Tune in and learn why these slippery sprites are more than just another monster in the manual.

#ADNDLore #DMSecrets #FantasyCreaturesExplored

Let’s talk about True Neutral, or as I like to call it, “the alignment that makes my job as DM a complete nightmare.” This episode is all about why I can’t stand tracking this philosophical mess in Advanced Dungeons & Dragons. Sure, it sounds nice on paper—balance between good and evil, chaos and law—but in practice? It’s a headache.

#ADNDTrueNeutral #AlignmentMatters #OldSchoolDND

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Welcome to the dark side of AD&D—where the sword isn’t your only enemy. In this episode, we’re digging into disease and parasitic infestation mechanics and how they crank up the tension in your campaign. From sweltering jungles to filthy cities, I’ll break down how these rules challenge players to survive more than just combat. We’ll talk modifiers, contraction chances, and how to turn these mechanics into rich storytelling moments. So grab your hand sanitizer—this one gets messy.

#ADNDMechanics #DungeonMasterTips #OldSchoolGaming

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This one’s personal, folks. It all started with an argument at work—a friendly debate about how the old (Advanced Dungeons & Dragons) is lame, while 5th Edition (5E), is much better. Naturally, I knew I had to prove my point (because, let’s face it, I’m right). So I crunched the numbers, created identical fighter characters for both systems, and put them to the test.

The results? No surprises here for you AD&D fans: 5E makes combat easy mode. Fighters in 5E hit more, hit harder, and level up faster, but that’s exactly why AD&D feels so much more rewarding. In AD&D, every hit is a victory, and every miss keeps the tension alive. It’s not just about rolling dice—it’s about survival, strategy, and earning your wins the hard way.

I know I’m preaching to the choir with you, my loyal audience, but this one’s still worth tuning in for. Let’s dive into the gritty details, break down the differences, and maybe throw a little shade at 5E while we’re at it.

If you’ve ever wanted hard evidence on why AD&D hits different (pun intended), this is the episode for you.

#DungeonsAndDragons #ADnDvs5E #RPGCombatShowdown

The Tie cantrip in Dungeons & Dragons serves as a versatile tool for illusionists, allowing them to creatively manipulate their environment and enhance gameplay. This spell can be employed in various inventive ways, such as setting traps, securing gear, creating barriers, and distracting enemies. Illusionists can also leverage the cantrip for tactical advantages in combat, assist in rescue operations, and even engage in artistic displays. Furthermore, the Tie cantrip can facilitate

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It’s hard to believe, but here we are—the end of the year and the final show for 2024! Time flies when you’re slaying dragons, spinning tales, and rolling dice. For this special episode, I decided to do a little housekeeping and tackle the email bag. That’s right—I’ve gathered up all the questions you’ve sent my way over the past year, the ones I haven’t had the chance to answer yet, and I’m clearing them out in one big, jam-packed show.

Could your question be one of the lucky ones I dive into? Well, there’s only one way to find out—tune in and see if your name or query makes the cut.

Thanks to everyone who’s written in, subscribed, or joined me in the hobby this year. You’ve made this journey incredible, and I’m already cooking up big plans for 2025. But for now, let’s send off 2024 in style—answering your burning questions and dropping some DM wisdom to close out the year.

Got a question for future shows? Don’t wait! Shoot an email to [email protected]. Want to support the channel or catch bonus content? Hit up youtube.com/@theevildm/join.

Here’s to another year of adventures, laughter, and maybe a few critical hits. Roll high, my friends, and I’ll see you in 2025!

The “Command” spell allows a cleric to issue a single, clear command to a creature that understands the language. The target must obey the command for one round, provided it’s unambiguous. Common commands include “halt” or “flee.” Undead and some intelligent creatures may resist the spell with a saving throw, ensuring it’s not foolproof.

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In Dragon Magazine #92, Gary Gygax wrote and article discussing that the way Cleric's get their spells isn't really written in stone and you as the DM can change it up a bit.

Clerics and druids have access to all spells without needing spell books, as their powers are granted by their deities. While the rules allow flexibility, experienced Dungeon Masters may alter these to enhance gameplay. The balance of power is crucial, allowing for the removal or addition of spells based on character faithfulness and the campaign’s needs. This can lead to interesting dynamics, such as withholding spells from unfaithful clerics or druids.

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