6ems

I've been sick the last few days, so no stream today 💔 Here's my dogg instead. She loves paper towel rolls for some reason.

7 months ago | [YT] | 10

6ems

Redefining Death Saves in D&D 5e

The tension of rolling death saves is a pivotal moment in any D&D game. But have you ever felt that the current rules can sometimes rob players of dramatic comebacks? Let's delve into a tweak that adds more depth to this crucial mechanic.

Currently, when you're stabilized, the death saves stop. But what if we kept that tension alive a bit longer? Here's a fresh take:

Even after being stabilized, continue making death saves until your character would either die or stabilize naturally.
- If the outcome would be death, breathe easy! Your character remains stabilized and stops rolling.
- If your character would stabilize on their own, congrats! They're already safe.
- Now, here's the twist: if you roll a natural 20 during this phase, your character springs back to action with 1 HP. After all, it's a tad disappointing when a player's swift action to stabilize you prevents that heroic return.

Alternatively, for a unique touch:
- Once per long rest, if you successfully pass your saves, your character regains consciousness with 1 HP.
- If you're lucky enough to roll a Nat 20 during this, they return with the vitality of 1 of their hit dice + their Constitution modifier. But remember, this boost can only be activated once per long rest.

This approach not only maintains the suspense a tad longer but also allows for those epic moments where characters defy the odds!

1 year ago (edited) | [YT] | 5

6ems

Urban Adventures in D&D

Hey 6ems Gang! Today, let’s swap the dungeons for skyscrapers and explore the thrilling world of urban adventures in D&D 5e. Get ready to dive into the bustling city streets with tips and tricks to make your metropolitan escapades unforgettable!

Setting the Stage: Crafting a Living City

Design with Depth: Go beyond the map! Create districts with their own flavor - think bustling marketplaces, shadowy alleys, or opulent nobles' quarters. Each area should have its own identity, challenges, and opportunities for adventure.

Dynamic NPCs: Populate your city with a diverse cast of characters. From the sly rogue in the tavern corner to the influential city council member, each NPC should have their own goals and secrets.

Quests and Plots: Urban settings are ripe for intrigue. Craft quests involving political drama, guild rivalries, or mystical occurrences in the backstreets. Remember, not all adventures require combat; social and investigative skills can shine here.

Navigating the Urban Landscape: Tips for Players and DMs

Know Your Turf: Players, familiarize yourselves with the city's layout and key locations. DMs, provide them with resources like maps or rumors to help them navigate and plan their moves.

Build Connections: Establish relationships with NPCs. They can be sources of information, allies, or even adversaries. Remember, in a city, who you know can be just as important as what you know.

Embrace Intrigue: Urban adventures often involve mysteries and politics. Players, hone your skills in persuasion, stealth, and investigation. DMs, create layered plots that reward player curiosity and clever thinking.

Incorporating Urban Elements: Adding Spice to Your Campaign

Industry and Commerce: Explore the economic side of your city. Trade deals, guild disputes, and market day shenanigans can add a unique flavor to your campaign.

Festivals and Events: Use city-wide events as a backdrop for adventures. Festivals, parades, or tournaments are perfect for introducing new plot elements, NPCs, and challenges.

Law and Order: Consider the role of law enforcement. How do the city guards operate? Are there areas beyond their reach? This can add an interesting dynamic to the party's actions.

Magic in the Metropolis: How does magic integrate with city life? From arcane streetlights to magical transportation, adding these elements can create a unique urban atmosphere.

Final Thoughts

Urban adventures offer a playground of possibilities. As a Dungeon Master, weave a tapestry of interconnected stories and characters. As a player, immerse yourself in the city's rhythm, embracing its opportunities and navigating its dangers. Whether you're negotiating with crime lords or unraveling ancient secrets beneath the streets, the city is yours to explore.

1 year ago (edited) | [YT] | 4

6ems

Ever thought of integrating music into your D&D gameplay? It's undeniably a game-changer!

Here's what my table does: Assign a theme song to each player (or even to notable enemies). Music can be an incredible source of inspiration, and having that personalized touch adds depth and personality to each character.

Now, for the magic moment: Whenever someone rolls a Nat 20, let the regular combat music fade and cue their individual theme song! Imagine the exhilaration as the table's mood shifts, celebrating that critical success in all its musical glory.

And don't forget those ambient sounds! They add an extra layer of depth that really ups your audio experience. On that note, check out Sword Coast Soundscapes! ‪@SwordCoastSoundscapes‬​ Their collection of ambient sounds is nothing short of phenomenal. Pair them with your chosen combat music in separate tabs for an immersive audio experience that will transport your players straight into the heart of their adventures.

2 years ago (edited) | [YT] | 7

6ems

Turn D&D Recaps into Rewards

Ever noticed how getting players to recap previous sessions can feel like a chore? Here's a house rule to make it a rewarding experience!

Earning Inspiration: Any player who provides a recap of the last session earns Inspiration. The twist? This Inspiration must be used within that session, or it vanishes!

Fair Play: No player can provide recaps for more than two sessions in a row. This ensures everyone gets a chance and keeps the narrative vibrant.

A Fun Challenge: If no player volunteers and the DM takes on the recap, an enemy in that session receives the Inspiration! This gives players an extra incentive, and if they don't step up, they face a slightly tougher challenge.

This method not only promotes player engagement but also seamlessly integrates session recaps into gameplay. Dungeon Masters, are you ready to make recaps a thrilling part of your game?

2 years ago (edited) | [YT] | 6

6ems

Promoting Teamwork with Potion Mechanics in D&D 5e

Have you ever felt that moment of tension in battle when deciding between helping a fallen comrade or making that crucial attack? Well, here's a tweak to potion mechanics that might just enhance the spirit of camaraderie in your D&D 5e campaign!

Introducing a simple rule change:
Using a potion on a teammate? That's a bonus action.
Need to chug one for yourself? That remains a standard action.

This subtle shift does wonders in promoting teamwork. By allowing players to administer potions to allies as a bonus action, it encourages more cooperative gameplay. Players are more likely to aid their teammates, knowing they won't be sacrificing their own offensive move. It's a win-win, making those intense battle scenarios even more dynamic and strategy-driven.

Side note: Does your table have a player with healing spells? If so, have options heal their typical amount with a standard 2d4+2. But if no one at the table has any healing magic, let potions heal for the maximum roll, 10. This makes potions feel much more worth it. And if someone is playing a Cleric, but doesn't take Cure Wounds or Healing Word, let potions heal for 10.

2 years ago (edited) | [YT] | 6

6ems

Enhancing Roleplaying with DnD Speak Prompts

Roleplaying in D&D is more than just combat and quests. It's also about forging bonds, understanding backstories, and uncovering the rich tapestry that is the party dynamic. And sometimes, all you need is a little nudge in the right direction!

DnDSpeak.com offers an impressive array of roleplaying prompts, especially their list titled "100 Warm Up Roleplaying Questions For Players". These prompts can be a goldmine for DMs looking to encourage deeper player interactions.

Here's a fun idea: When your party opts for a short or long rest, sprinkle in one of these prompts or craft your own. Imagine the scene: the party has set up camp for the night, and as they gather around the flickering campfire, a question or topic sparks a heartfelt discussion or a comedic banter.

Remember, the key is not to overdo it. You don't have to introduce a prompt every rest. But integrating it once per level can significantly enrich the party's dynamic and understanding of each other's characters.

I highly recommend checking out DnD Speak's "100 Warm Up Roleplaying Questions For Players". Dive in, draw inspiration, and watch as your party grows closer together, one rest at a time!

Turn moments into memories with DnD Speak. How will you inspire your party next? Check out DnD Speak today!

2 years ago (edited) | [YT] | 7

6ems

Rethinking Combat Lethality in D&D 5e

In the heat of a D&D battle, the line between life and death is often razor-thin. But should every skirmish be a fight to the death? My perspective? Not always. In fact, quite the opposite.

Here's a thought: Instead of the default mode being lethal combat, with players having to specify when they want to deal non-lethal damage, let's flip the script. What if every attack was *presumed to be non-lethal* unless a player actively chooses to deal a killing blow?

This shift places an emotional burden on the act of taking a life. It's not just about winning the battle, but making a conscious choice about the consequences of one's actions. Think about the weight and drama this could add to your sessions. Players would be more deliberate in deciding the fate of their adversaries, fostering a deeper connection to the story and their character's moral compass.

Additionally, this approach could lead to more diverse combat outcomes: captives taken, negotiations post-battle, or even potential allies won over from a non-lethal takedown. The stories that can emerge from these situations are vast and varied.

2 years ago (edited) | [YT] | 9

6ems

Hey #6emsGang! 🎊

As our Month of the Dragon 2023 comes to a close, I'm thrilled to announce that ‪@timmy9818‬​ is the lucky winner of our $100 Steam Gift Card! Check out the spinning wheel GIF that sealed their victory! 🎡

What a month it's been! Together, we've journeyed through 6 community posts, 8 engaging polls, 5 exciting shorts, 1 in-depth video, and 2 electrifying live streams. Your enthusiasm was off the charts, racking up a total of 8,504 views and 165.7 hours of watch time, not to mention welcoming 45 new members to our #6emsGang family! 📈🎮


I can't thank you all enough for joining in and making this celebration so special. Your comments, likes, and participation have truly made this a December to remember! 🙏💖


The fun doesn't stop here! Stay tuned for a slew of anime polls and D&D posts that I have lined up for you. And hold onto your hats because I'm planning one big project every month in 2024, the Year of the Dragon! 🐲🔥


You all make the #6emsGang what it is, and I'm pumped to continue this adventure with each and every one of you. Here's to more gaming, more anime, and more D&D in our future! 🎲🎥


Thank you again for an unforgettable month. I love you all! ❤️


#MonthOfTheDragon2023 #SteamGiftCardGiveaway #6emsGang #DnD #Pokemon #AnimeManga #GamingCommunity

2 years ago (edited) | [YT] | 11

6ems

Empowering Ability Checks in D&D 5e Combat

Ever felt that using an ability check during combat in D&D 5e feels a tad... underwhelming? Especially when it costs you a full action, making you feel like you're missing out on dealing damage or casting a pivotal spell. It's time to infuse some dynamism into those encounters!

Here's a suggestion to keep the action flowing and let creativity shine:

If you're proficient in a specific ability, you can make its corresponding check as a ~bonus action~ instead of a full one. This means your character can showcase their unique skills without compromising their combat prowess.

Imagine the scenarios:
- Your warrior tries to "intimidate" an opponent, making them think twice before their next move.
- Your rogue uses "acrobatics" to stylishly swing from a chandelier, landing in a strategic position.
- Your mage rolls "arcana" swiftly, identifying a creature's vulnerabilities before launching an attack.

This tweak allows players to weave together combat and skill checks seamlessly, promoting diverse strategies and narratively rich encounters. Engage foes with both brawn and brain, and let those proficiency bonuses truly shine!

2 years ago (edited) | [YT] | 9