How to Run Compelling Combat in D&D 5E - Experience Gain!

The answer to better combat lies in narrative stakes & creativity resolutions...
Go check out Zipperon Disney's video here! • Run D&D Combat That Fl...
Here's how to design compelling combat in D&D 5E:
* Consider the Goals - 1:16
* Use Action as Characterization - 3:50
* Using the Environment - 7:35
* Vary Your Encounters - 10:19
* Keep It Focused - 14:01
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Experience Gain is a video series of tips for Game Masters on how to get the most out of their roleplaying games.
In general I love making videos about art and creativity - whether the medium is comics, Dungeons and Dragons, or anything else! I upload a new video every Friday.
I also make custom content for Dungeons & Dragons available on the DM's Guild here: www.dmsguild.com/browse.php?a...
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You can also find me online here:
/ imaginaryjeremy
/ jeremymelloul

[@wizicdomriverman2657]

dude you deserve way more subs. your videos are awesome!

[@ImaginaryJeremy]

Aww, thanks! I appreciate it!

[@dreadmorg]

Great vid Jeremy. How would you manage the PCs "using" the traps in your example? Would they need to use an action to do a perception/investigation check to use the traps, or would you just sort of hand wave that part away in favour of the "rule of cool" and maybe use some kind of improvised weapon attack?

[@ImaginaryJeremy]

Thanks, Keith! Depending on the nature of the trap I'd count it as either an object interaction or an action. If the effect is comparable to what a player might do with a spell or ability on their turn, I'd make it an action, if it's lesser, I'd give it for free.
I never want to punish people for using these traps & instead want to encourage them to do so.
If it's a trap before it's sprung, I'd check their passive perception or decide based on the narration.
Does that answer your question? Lots of possible scenarios for how it might play out depending on the nature of the trap!

[@dreadmorg]

@@ImaginaryJeremy Indeed it does! I always struggle between adhering to the action economy/RAW and just playing a really fun game with warts, bruises and imprecise rules implementation.
Always good to hear how other DMs would do it. I love CZcams for this reason and think that it is the biggest single boon to the D&D community since the invention of the internet.

[@ImaginaryJeremy]

@@dreadmorg I really feel where you're coming from. I tend to oscillate between the two and find that my adjudication depends on the type of game. I feel the same way about the D&D CZcams community, too. That's why I started making D&D CZcams videos. Wish I could do more!