When it comes to being a dungeon master, you take whatever you can get in terms of extra help. There are so many different things that go into creating and playing a campaign, so it’s nice to have some aspects covered by other sources. D&D Beyond is one of the most notable sources of aid for all D&D players, not only DMs. This being said, D&D Beyond is a great tool for dungeon masters to utilize when it comes to everything D&D. It can be used to create NPCs, keep notes on the campaigns you’re working on, and use it as a database for every D&D book known to man.
D&D Beyond also has a dice roller for those who don’t have any physical polyhedral dice sets on them; however, another resource you could use is Roll20. Roll20 is a platform that you can use to electronically roll dice. That’s only one facet of it, though; Roll20 can also be used to map out your campaigns! You can use it to illustrate combat during your campaign sessions and have a visual for all of your players to see. This can really help your players who understand ideas better when they have a visual in front of them!
If you’re willing to spend some money, Tabletop Simulator can be purchased to virtually build your own DMing paradise. You can add your players’ character sheets in the game for them to reference, and you can access a database of different virtual miniatures and terrains to add to the table. Your players can view from their computers, which allows for easier long-distance playing. They can also move their own miniatures, and whilst that can become very chaotic, it also helps you, as the DM, understand what the player is looking to do.
If you are playing long-distance, the two programs that can be best utilized for communication are Discord and Zoom. Both have their pros and cons, but your choice should be based on the amount of players you have. Zoom was built to have a plethora of people connected to the same conference call or meeting, so it can withstand a higher number of players. However, if you only have a handful of players, then Discord can handle that with no problems. Both applications have their advantages and disadvantages, so it is up to you and your players as to which you’d prefer to use.
The important thing to remember is that being a DM means relying heavily on your imagination and your ability to work with the unexpected. Tools like D&D Beyond and Roll20 are there to assist you on your Dungeons & Dragons journey, but they’re not a substitute for the real thing! If you need any more tips and tricks on DMing, consult our guide on being a Dungeon Master, which can be found on Amazon!
