Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master

Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master | The REAL DM's Guide

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Күн бұрын

Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master by Mike Shea (Sly Flourish) is a better DM's guide than the actual D&D 5e Dungeon Master's Guide because it helps you craft your own, fun-focused DM style! ⏬ Links below! ⏬
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roljui - Seasons
Bad Snacks - Puppy Love
00:00 Return of the Lazy DM review
00:31 Core message & Lazy DM checklist
04:47 Review the characters!
06:04 Start with...combat?
06:50 Outline "potential" scenes
08:00 SECRETS!
09:03 What makes a location fantastic?
10:11 NPCs, monsters, magic items
11:39 Make your own checklist!
14:19 The magic of reskinning & lazy campaign techniques
15:49 Traits of good DMs, etc
17:18 TRUTHS of Game Mastery
#dnd #dungeonsanddragons

Пікірлер: 475

@BobWorldBuilder 3 жыл бұрын

🌟 Return of the Lazy DM (DriveThruRPG): www.drivethrurpg.com/product/251431/Return-of-the-Lazy-Dungeon-Master?affiliate_id=1987166 🌟 Return of the Lazy DM (Amazon): amzn.to/30j32F2 ❤️ Subscribe on KZfaq: kzfaq.info

@SigurdBraathen 3 жыл бұрын

Nice video, Bob! The book you're showing in this video, is it the softcover/paperback version?

@TrueMrE 3 жыл бұрын

Made my purchase thanks to you

@stevemanart 3 жыл бұрын

My old man used to say the difference between Laziness and Efficiency is how much you get done in the end.

@BobWorldBuilder 3 жыл бұрын

"Efficient DM" is a better title, but probably not as good for book sales lol

@liammontgomery1825 2 жыл бұрын

@@BobWorldBuilder There's an old story that goes that Bill Gates would find the laziest person to do a job because he knew that person would find the most efficient method of accomplishing a task.

@markhunter3533 2 жыл бұрын

That is why lazy people are useful if you know how to use them. Give them a process to follow, see what they would cut from the process and analyze why they would do it. You will see that a lot of the process can be easily shortened to basic components. Now, do never get a lazy person to do non flexible jobs, that usually winds up being the worse mess possible.

@SlyFlourish 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much, Bob!

@BobWorldBuilder 3 жыл бұрын

My pleasure, Mike! :)

@victorbaptista5088 3 жыл бұрын

My favorites ❤️

@Tharrel 3 жыл бұрын

The only problem I have with this book is that as an ultra lazy DM, I really don't want to spend time reading it :D

@BobWorldBuilder 3 жыл бұрын

Hahah you’ve already reached peak efficiency!!

@SlyFlourish 3 жыл бұрын

Ha! The first chapter actually covers this! It tells you how to skim the whole book to get what you can get with whatever time or effort you can give!

@TonyCrenshawsLatte 3 жыл бұрын

@@SlyFlourish My god, you've thought of everything, haven't you! (I too should get around to reading my copy)

@Tharrel 3 жыл бұрын

@@SlyFlourish That's pretty cool!

@youtigee 3 жыл бұрын

@@SlyFlourish I bought the dead tree version but turning pages is sooo hard so I got the audio book version as well

@quantum_ogre 3 жыл бұрын

"When in doubt, start with a challenge" is how I would personally phrase it. Throw in a skill check, a challenge to a character's integrity or history, or even an amusing inconvenience to get them interacting with environment.

@BobWorldBuilder 3 жыл бұрын

That's a great adjustment!

@mr.pavone9719 2 жыл бұрын

I started a few sessions with my kids (see my other comment) with them finishing their shift as security guards for a storage facility. They'd punch the clock and then hit the mean streets of Silver City to go find some action.

@digitallurke7710 2 жыл бұрын

💯 I was gonna comment that starting w combat or as you state a challenge anything thing to get the players warmed up rollin 🎲. It kinda takes the edge of a seems they relax a little and pay better attention once the 'call to action' is somewhat sated.

@quantum_ogre 2 жыл бұрын

@@digitallurke7710 Exactly. I find it helps to diffuse awkwardness at the table (I'm much the same when I play), get people who have been hyped all week to burn some of that energy, and give people a topic to roleplay about after the fact.

@MarcosElMalo2 2 жыл бұрын

I come from a screenwriting background. I recognize that there are major differences between these two entertainments, but there are a few key screenwriting concepts that can be very useful when running a game. My formulation of this suggestion is “Grab your players’ attention and get them involved and invested in the first five minutes”. A fight is one way to accomplish this, but a chase, a rescue, or any type of emergency that requires immediate response will work. Even better, this first scene can set the stage as the first clue or hook. Who set the tavern on fire? Why was the village idiot kidnapped? Where did the rampaging monster come from? The worst thing you can do is start the game with a 10 minute debate between the players as to what they want to do next. Second worst is the tavern opening, where players seek rumors from the bartender and clientele (which then often leads to the 10 minute debate).

@meinkanal60 3 жыл бұрын

This book helped me so much getting out of the 'my story was so cool but my players ruined it' mindset!

@BobWorldBuilder 3 жыл бұрын

That’s awesome! I know I’ve been there too!

@snifflindrake3283 3 жыл бұрын

The only reason I’m at this channel is because Mike Shea/Sly Flourish said, in one of his videos, something akin to “and when I’m not sure, I just go watch Bob World Builder.” So, I guess this is full circle.

@BobWorldBuilder 3 жыл бұрын

Hahah it all comes back around :)

@SlyFlourish 3 жыл бұрын

Yes! Bob's the best.

@skullyimp5032 3 жыл бұрын

I've been DMing with this book for about 2 years now and I have players who are convinced I'm thinking like 5 session in advance. Usually only prepare 1-2 hours before and then just sit down and talk with them before the game starts!

@BobWorldBuilder 3 жыл бұрын

True mastery!

@simeonmcadams3450 3 жыл бұрын

I think Return of the Lazy dungeon master is better at what the DMG claims to be, a guide for dungeon masters. However I think the DMG still has lots of good resources, like Random Tables, Ways to make your game more suited to you with rules and such, and good Ideas for plot points. I feel like the dungeon masters guide should be called "the phantastical things of DND" It would fulfill that roll very well.

@BobWorldBuilder 3 жыл бұрын

I definitely agree with this assessment! The DMG makes a better sourcebook than a guide

@BanditsKeep 3 жыл бұрын

As far as chapter 19 goes, one thing I started doing a couple of campaigns ago is I offer bonus XP to any player that journals about the session - we have a FB group and they publish it there so all the players can see. This does the job of allowing me to see the session through the player’s eyes so to speak.

@BobWorldBuilder 3 жыл бұрын

Those kinds of incentives can work really well, but I’ve also heard of that getting out of hand. As long as the whole group is cool with it, keep it going! :)

@BanditsKeep 3 жыл бұрын

@@BobWorldBuilder Out of hand? Like people writing too much? I could see some players that don’t want to write a journal being unhappy they don’t get the XP but I have not experienced that thankfully.

@O4C209 3 жыл бұрын

I really like this idea. Maybe give Inspiration instead so it's not tied directly to the PCs advancement, but is a fun bonus you get to immediately use.

@BanditsKeep 3 жыл бұрын

@@O4C209 true!

@BobWorldBuilder 3 жыл бұрын

Yeah, basically if some people have no interest in taking notes, they could become resentful of the players who do it so well and are rewarded for it. Like I said, as long as it's working for your group, it's all good :)

@byronkooper 3 жыл бұрын

My favourite thing about this book is that in the music area, they've listed Conan: The Barbarian at the top of the list 😃

@BobWorldBuilder 3 жыл бұрын

Classic!

@jgook1207 3 жыл бұрын

Since I have been following the 8 steps, not only has my prep time massively decreased and my games have become so much more open, fluid and progressive, but I feel like I am actually playing the game too.

@BobWorldBuilder 3 жыл бұрын

What a great compliment to Mike and his work! In his behalf, thanks! :)

@SebastianUXD 3 жыл бұрын

As someone who primarily plays non-D&D TTRPGs (L5R has been my jam for a while now), the Lazy Dungeon Master has been useful for creating adventures set outside the dungeon, even social intrigues. Creating a spiral campaign has also been great for making what I call “primers”, which lets me share my loose structure of an adventure with my L5R community. The Lazy Dungeon Master is one of my most visited books for prepping campaigns, with Dungeon World being a great supplement of ideas to set up your campaign worksheet.

@BobWorldBuilder 3 жыл бұрын

It's awesome to hear that this book's concepts apply to all GMs, not just DMs! :)

@fufu1405 3 жыл бұрын

I've said it before, I'll say it again: this book should be core. Player's Handbook + Lazy DM Guide would give a total beginner everything needed, from understanding the core mechanics, races & classes, to learning how to even DM. With this approach you can take any Module you want and as you read, you build your session the Lazy DM way. You use the Module as a inspiration and can easily run with like 70% true to the book and 30% your own flair.

@BobWorldBuilder 3 жыл бұрын

That's definitely my top two as well!

@O4C209 3 жыл бұрын

I recently started summing up the previous session instead of the group doing it. I find it gets the game going quicker and my players like it because they're reminded of relevant plot points. They have no issue bringing up things they were interested in that I didn't mention. So, basically it's group dependent and you should experiment to find what is best for your group.

@BobWorldBuilder 3 жыл бұрын

Exactly!!

@paraconsistent 3 жыл бұрын

I think “it’s group dependent” is one of the top tips for new DMs to learn. There are no absolute rules, the trick is to figure out what works for you and your players to have the most fun!

@SlyFlourish 3 жыл бұрын

Sure, I do it that way too sometimes.

@thisism3xd 3 жыл бұрын

I don't know how I've never come across this channel before. I had never heard of Bob or even the Lazy DM book(s). This review was incredibly thorough, informative, and articulate. Instant sub! Well done, sir!

@BobWorldBuilder 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks :D Welcome aboard!

@toondogjoe3588 3 жыл бұрын

I've Been using this book for years. Besides the PHB, it's definitely the most useful book on my shelf.

@BobWorldBuilder 3 жыл бұрын

Nice! Yeah, PHB is still my number one 5e book. Maybe it would be fun to review that too :P

@cassmi8783 3 жыл бұрын

I’d have to say that this is THE book for DMs. It’s my go-to for every campaign and session.

@BobWorldBuilder 3 жыл бұрын

I completely agree!

@SlyFlourish 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

@OddTitan 3 жыл бұрын

The Lazy DM guide has been a well that I can come back to time and time again, still learning new ideas as I progress in the hobby.

@BobWorldBuilder 3 жыл бұрын

That's awesome to hear! :)

@ctno3 3 жыл бұрын

This book is so good I’ve given a copy to every DM at my club as a gift. it is a real game changer, cutting down all the prep work that never gets used, it just gives you so much more time to focus on what is really important for each session.

@BobWorldBuilder 3 жыл бұрын

That's really generous of you! Totally agree!

@Atmoseeker 3 жыл бұрын

I have been using the sly flourish fill in sheets for a while, but this has convinced me to pick up the book. Fantastic review, thanks Bob!

@BobWorldBuilder 3 жыл бұрын

Good to hear! Thanks for supporting Sly, and for your kind words about the video :)

@SlyFlourish 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

@mr.pavone9719 2 жыл бұрын

I kinda figured a lot of this out but it's nice to hear it from a more polished perspective. Funny as it is, I figured it out with my 9 year old kids. They wanted to play some sort of TTRPG so I whipped up a simple system and took them through a cyberpunk story arc. I only made set pieces and left the city around them up to the whims of the dice and a few random encounter charts. There was a helpful NPC, a few reoccurring NPCs who may or may not be helpful and an NPC team of mercs after them. It all worked pretty well when I let them do what they wanted (which was usually pretty silly) and I'd railroad them when it came time to move the story along.

@heather9130 3 жыл бұрын

I've been wanting to get this book. This was all I needed to pull the trigger. I'm very new to dm'ing, and I've been over prepping like crazy.

@BobWorldBuilder 3 жыл бұрын

Yeah, I wish I had this earlier. For the price, it’s totally worth it! Can’t over emphasize what a good tool it is because it actually guides you to find your own style 👍

@SlyFlourish 3 жыл бұрын

I hope you dig it!

@jakeholmes9296 3 жыл бұрын

Got this book after watching half this video. It really is so so brilliant. It absolutely seems to nail the core of what you need. The secrets and clues chapter is worth it’s weight in gold!

@BobWorldBuilder 3 жыл бұрын

Couldn't agree more!

@AxiomofDiscord 3 жыл бұрын

I don't ever remember my games being focused on anything but memorable moments. I reinforced this by making my players feel like they earned successes and deserved failures, but the events are my focus on the life the characters lived. I started playing in the early 90s for reference.

@BobWorldBuilder 3 жыл бұрын

Well done!!

@robertduckworth1490 3 жыл бұрын

Hey Bob! Convincing video. I went out and picked up the book. Glad I did. I recall you having reservations about the “when in doubt, start with a fight” part. I think here we can safely substitute “fight” with “conflict” in terms of the “strong start” he’s calling for, and then support that idea with either the other two pillars of the game (social or exploration) if we wish, while aiming for an “in medias res” start. That’s my take. Please keep the great videos coming!

@BobWorldBuilder 3 жыл бұрын

I love that interpretation! Presenting challenges for the party is a big part of the DM’s job!

@BlackJar72 3 жыл бұрын

Great review. It did lead to my deciding this book was not for me since I do focus on things like dungeon and hex crawls, and have no desire or intention of planning plot points or specific scenes.

@BobWorldBuilder 3 жыл бұрын

Happy to help!

@xa1a Жыл бұрын

I played DND as a kid. Now as a 47 year old, running a weekly campaign for 9 kids between 8-12 years old, I can honestly say that your review has given me hope! We are currently on chapter 3 of Lost Mines of Phandelver, but a couple of the older kids have asked to start developing their own adventure. This book will help immensely. Bought on your recommendation! Thanks man!

@DMKarnholio 3 жыл бұрын

best companion book in the business! it is the first suggestion every time one of my players asks about starting to DM,.. the 2nd being "The Monsters Know What They're Doing"

@BobWorldBuilder 3 жыл бұрын

Yes! That other one is on my shelf (got it for my fiance last xmas) but I still have to read it

@doctorlolchicken7478 3 жыл бұрын

Many many years ago, us lazy DMs would have a map, some notes on key locations, religions and politics, a list of random encounters and a list of random NPCs. That last one was the most important. Then you would have some starting situation and go from there. Absent of anything the players try to do, the story was mostly driven by random encounters, with the DM tying the random encounters into whatever was going on. It worked really well and required little effort. Since I was mostly a world builder, I had a world primed with factions, characters and locations, but no actual story. The story was supplied by the characters and/ or random rolls.

@BobWorldBuilder 3 жыл бұрын

I love that. And I totally agree that the list of NPCs is one of the DM's greatest tools

@LeandroZanella 3 жыл бұрын

Great recommendation! I’d suggest doing a video with an example of preparation of a session using the book’s resources and tips.

@BobWorldBuilder 3 жыл бұрын

Great suggestion! I've been talking a lot about prep lately so that would be perfect :)

@themakeshop1499 3 жыл бұрын

Love this book and most of his ideas on the art of being a DM. I think you may have missed the point of the one recommendation. It says, When in doubt, start with combat. Doesn't mean always start with combat. Doubt is the key word here.

@BobWorldBuilder 3 жыл бұрын

The problem is I’m always doubting myself!! Jk that’s a great point :P

@themakeshop1499 3 жыл бұрын

@@BobWorldBuilder Same here. Always think I'm under prepared.

@SlyFlourish 3 жыл бұрын

Yeah, combat is an easy way to have a strong start but its far from the *only* way. I think is important even for ongoing campaigns. Maybe there's a parade outside. Maybe someone notices something's been stolen. The main thing is, **something happens** when the start of the session occurs.

@themakeshop1499 3 жыл бұрын

@@SlyFlourish Like being at breakfast when a Frost Giant Jeweler walks in and approaches your table. That's how we started ove season of Rime of the frost maiden. It sure gets the players heart rate up. 😀

@michaelpuglia2407 3 жыл бұрын

@@SlyFlourish great opportunity for real prop or dramatic NPC cold open(only final resolves is in hand of players) comic or tragic- a great story hook can beat combat. I always like the easy riddle that though was hard - a success or tiny wish fulfillment to get them off to a start- the dwarves bum rushed bilbo for dinner- far from combat -no doubt-

@EternalDM 3 жыл бұрын

"So if I wanted to start every session with combat as was recommended here..." but it's not, it's when in *doubt* start with combat...

@BobWorldBuilder 3 жыл бұрын

Yeah I was a little heavy handed on that point

@AnyoneCanDM 3 жыл бұрын

Love this video! I really appreciate you covering third party products like this

@BobWorldBuilder 3 жыл бұрын

My pleasure! It’s one of my favs!

@mateofantasma 3 жыл бұрын

Yes; more like this!

@dmDerZorn 3 жыл бұрын

This book is the most important resoure on my shelf. It is essential. Sly's channel is also VERY helpful.

@BobWorldBuilder 3 жыл бұрын

I agree!

@SlyFlourish 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much!

@RTgrl Жыл бұрын

Handouts are awesome. I ran a short health & safety inspection campaign, had adventurers filling out risk assessment forms as they explored the city sewers. It was a great way to get them engaged, and very fun for the stuffy bureaucrat npc to read out the forms after. There was a little hesitation, but "hey if your rogue wouldn't fill out the form what would he do" made it click. Lots of fun roleplay, couldn't have worked better.

@DrunkenDweorg 3 жыл бұрын

Great video Bob, and thanks for the recomendation. Will be ordering this book tonight. Am i the only one that feels like Bob World Builder is the Bob Ross of DM'ing?

@BobWorldBuilder 3 жыл бұрын

Hope you enjoy it! And nope, you are not the first to say that, and you won't be the last :P

@Akrafes 2 жыл бұрын

Bob, when I'm watching your channel, I'm regaining my mental stamina to all the RPG stuff after like 10+ years away from it. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you (and subbed).

@LexIconLS 2 жыл бұрын

I love that you actually give your viewers real advice about how to implement some of your advice! There are a lot d&d KZfaqrs who suggest things but never actually offer tips about *how* to implement those suggestions.

@kmiller4118 2 жыл бұрын

Got this to help get me started, and it's a great read. I know he says it's for experienced DMs, but I find it is super helpful getting me focused on what I actually need to do to get my first DM game together.

@johnnypeaches4042 3 жыл бұрын

Greetings from Finland Bob! Your channel is among my favourite channels for learning DnD. You've helped me so much as a totally new player/DM, thank you for your efforts! Totally going to finally get this book. Solid review 6/5

@BobWorldBuilder 3 жыл бұрын

You are very welcome! Thank you for the support :D

@fan-i-am 2 жыл бұрын

I do have to agree with Have a Strong Start. Empire Strikes Back, Return of the Jedi both use that formula with the battle of Hoth and Rescue Han From Jabba's Palace respectively!

@JasonJohnsonInProgress 2 жыл бұрын

Absolutely LOVE “Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master” and it’s whole approach to game prep and play. Thanks for sharing Bob, fantastic videos!!

@DubioLNL 3 жыл бұрын

Nice review! I am a big fan of the "lazy dungeon master"-method and prep every session this way. It is a pretty efficient way of doing things and it helps you stay focused and allows you to prepare in an flexible manner. The DMG is a rule book and an inspirational book. It helps you, if you are drawing a blank when trying to get an idea for the next campaign, quest or magic item, but it does not offer you much in terms of how to plan - it is missing a plan for planning. In the ideal world, chapter two of the Lazy DMs Guide should have been chapter one in the DMG.

@BobWorldBuilder 3 жыл бұрын

Yeah, preparing to improvise is the key!

@guyman1570 2 жыл бұрын

I've been on the fence for quite some time on whether to buy this book or not, but after watching you go through this book... I've finally got myself to go and order a copy! Appreciate it, thank you for taking your time examining this book and creating your video, Bob!

@kloekegels3345 3 жыл бұрын

Bought it because of your recommendation as a beginner dm. Been using it for 3 months already. Perfect for beginning dms. It really simplifies prep and doesn't make it as chaotic.

@bertiewise306 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks this was a great video I’m buying this book now hah! Keep up the good work loving the content!

@BobWorldBuilder 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the support! I hope you enjoy the book as much as I do!

@mrmaster9801 2 жыл бұрын

I've bought this manual some years ago and it helped me a lot, teaching me how to prepare adventures in less time, though I don't follow all his advices (e.g. I don't throw away secrets I haven't used, if they look cool, to me it would be a waste). I've recently bought The Lazy DM's Workbook, which is very useful at the table (though I already have many of its tables in my custom made DM screen) and I'm planning on supporting the recently kickstarted Lazy DM's Companion and buying it. Truly, Michael E. Shea's channel is one a DM should follow, the guy is full of good ideas, explains them well and is constantly concerned about the practical things that make a game session run smoothly.

@KevinNijmeijer 3 жыл бұрын

Didn't know it existed and before the video was over I ordered it. Thanks Bob and thanks Mike!

@jordaninman_it Жыл бұрын

Writing down the names of your players is a great idea! If I ever lose focus on what it’s all about, it’s a good reminder. Thanks Bob!

@ParaisoFlower 3 жыл бұрын

I thank you for your comment on chapter 19. Every time i attempt to have my players recap, it's usually crickets chirping. We are all such budding socialites. :p Glad to hear such things aren't atypical.

@BobWorldBuilder 3 жыл бұрын

Haha, glad I'm not the only one

@crackydoodlepizza 3 жыл бұрын

I've started picking out a random player to do the recap instead of asking. Everyone ends up adding to the recap cuz the stage fright goes away right then

@ParaisoFlower 3 жыл бұрын

@@crackydoodlepizza i'll give that a try. I worry whomever i choose will run away screaming.

@wiggletonthewise2141 2 жыл бұрын

I have bought this book after watching this, and it’s great! I have had it for a few months and it has been very useful

@johnathanrhoades7751 2 жыл бұрын

The Lazy Dungeon Master was my primer for how to DM when I started, and this Return was an amazing read as well and a wonderful reminder...this has been the single best resource I have found as a DM. Also, I highly recommend a strong start, just not necessarily with combat. Just an evocative sentence to remind everyone of the theme and the situation can be wonderful for kicking off a great session!

@sirjamsession8179 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the review. Loved it. I do think starting with combat or a strong start can be awesome if you're willing to play with time. If the party has made a decision about where to go, it's more fun to start in the middle since you can skip ahead on the journey. Not everytime but sometimes. They don't need to wake up from their rest every season.

@BobWorldBuilder 3 жыл бұрын

Totally, I may have read to deeply into the 'starting with combat' part. Strong start is the key

@TheGray524 3 жыл бұрын

I have never read the original version of the Lazy Dungeon Master, but this does look like a very useful book. I am also a sucker for books with great artwork.

@BobWorldBuilder 3 жыл бұрын

Yeah I think with successful kickstarted books like this, almost all of the money goes into getting awesome artwork :)

@SlyFlourish 3 жыл бұрын

This book is the only one you need of the two.

@norcalbowhunter3264 3 ай бұрын

Hands down, a great book. I don't think it replaces a DMG because it doesn't really touch on stuff a DMG does, but it did wonders for me as a DM in helping me learn how to prepare for my sessions and somewhat run them.

@VenneltheGreat 3 жыл бұрын

love this video so much, and it definitely feels very validating to hear a lot of the same tricks ive developed being listed here, and some new ones too!

@BobWorldBuilder 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you! Glad you found these ideas helpful!

@elvensongprettymusic6473 2 жыл бұрын

I have the 1st book and this 2nd book. Both are great. These 2 books really help you run a game as a first timer DM. I look forward to my first chance to DM in a few weeks. These books are helping me organize my adventure. My family & friends can't wait. D&D is a great hobby!

@sev705 3 жыл бұрын

I bought this book and almost instantly became a better dm. I recommend to everyone that asks for dm advice. I will say I disagree with your assessment of the fast start and the recap section. I don’t necessarily start with combat, but I do try to create a sense of urgency. Even with my long flowing campaign, the sessions where I use the fast start have generally been more productive and rewarding. As for the recap, I found that letting the players each give a one or two sentence recap with me filling in the rest works best. It lets me know which parts are truly sticking with them from session to session.

@BobWorldBuilder 3 жыл бұрын

Yeah I think I do want to at least start doing player recaps more often!

@KayTelleHoel Жыл бұрын

Awesome job on this video, mate. Really appreciate your thoroughness and insightful commentary. Thank you

@freddaniel5099 3 жыл бұрын

I don't have Return of... (yet), but I do have great respect for the original Lazy DM book and the advice I have found on many of the Sly Flourish videos (and also for your videos!). Each of us needs to develop their own unique DM style, borrowing from a number of sources and experiences. My advice is to watch others DM, talk to them about how they prepare, read everything you can, watch vids like this one, and try (many) ideas at your table. Actually serving DM time at the table is the only way I know to find what works for you (and what doesn't). Oh, yes, and I have found ideas that work well with one group of players may work less well with a different group.

@BobWorldBuilder 3 жыл бұрын

Excellent point that actually DMing is the best way to learn. Making mistakes, running for different groups, and talking to other DMs will help you grow fast!

@dylanwatts1045 6 ай бұрын

2 years late, but I *love* _Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master!_ It is such a useful book, even just the second chapter that's available for free

@valou7328 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the recommendation! It's the first time ever I buy something recommended by a KZfaqr :) I live in Thailand so the printed book will take a while to get there (I still prefer old school paper books) but I also got the pdf and can't wait to use it for our next campaign!

@BobWorldBuilder 3 жыл бұрын

That’s awesome! Thank you for the support, and I hope you enjoy it! :)

@SlyFlourish 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much!

@willtijerina5149 3 жыл бұрын

Excellent review/overview. I like that although you really like this book you also say where you do things differently. In my mind that makes a helpful combination for new and experienced DM's to make the most of their time. Thank you.

@BobWorldBuilder 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks, Will! Yes, I think a big part of what makes this book great is how it doesn't claim to have all the answers, and reinforces the idea of using it to find your own style

@willtijerina5149 3 жыл бұрын

@@BobWorldBuilder And here too what is so great is that you are keeping alive (or even reviving) an original concept of not just following the rules for rules sake but instead making it your own through house rulings. Bravo!

@troyalgood6780 3 жыл бұрын

This and the original Lazy Dungeon Master are both fantastic checklists for running a D&D game. I've gone through the audio books for both of them a number of times and they're very useful for running D&D with minimal prep.

@BobWorldBuilder 3 жыл бұрын

Glad you like them!

@simmonslucas 3 жыл бұрын

I could not put this down. I read it through in one sitting taking notes all the way. Excellent book.

@BobWorldBuilder 3 жыл бұрын

Awesome!!

@drevil0076 3 жыл бұрын

First time watching your channel and I really enjoyed the video. You inspired me to pull the trigger and buy the book as I've thought about it for a while. Thanks for the review.

@BobWorldBuilder 3 жыл бұрын

Awesome! Hope it helps you as much as it helped me!

@SlyFlourish 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

@hatefuldisplay 3 жыл бұрын

I tossed it on my Amazon wish list to pick up in the near future. Thanks for the recommendation!

@BobWorldBuilder 3 жыл бұрын

Hope you enjoy it!

@zettozettomer2640 2 жыл бұрын

Bob, wtf, why are you so chill? Like all the time, you're just.... chill af. What are you?

@Ciofey 3 жыл бұрын

What an amazing review - I bought it and the workbook and they are awesome! Thank you, Builder Bob!

@BobWorldBuilder 3 жыл бұрын

Glad you like them!! :)

@SlyFlourish 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

@Cragun. 2 жыл бұрын

I am totally an over-prepper ... I'll be checking this out. Also, I've had a friend as DM have everyone roll initiative for each round of battle, horrible idea, dragged out battles sooo much. He eventually stopped when we revolted. Great overview!

@JoshDurelofIOW 3 жыл бұрын

I have learned over the past two years, much to my disappointment and satisfaction at the same time, that WotC are just never going to be able to make resources as good as professional homebrewers/DM's. (Professional meaning well reviewed sold books)

@BobWorldBuilder 3 жыл бұрын

And that is a pretty counterintuitive idea! You'd think by bringing any writers together with lots of time and resources all dedicated to the same project, they'd be a win every time. I guess it's a little unfair if we judge every WotC product against the very best 3rd party products, but yeah, the 5e DMG missed the mark in my opinion. It's more of worldbuilding book (which I'm fine with of course) than a guide for DMs

@jcmartin1978 3 жыл бұрын

I agree 100%!! My games have gotten so much better and my prep time has cut in half since I adopted the lazy dungeon master approach.

@BobWorldBuilder 3 жыл бұрын

Awesome to hear that!

@willgegg8601 2 жыл бұрын

This sorta reminds me of a study/summary guide that's attached to a college textbook. I'll probably buy this!

@markbenjaminthurzo8010 2 жыл бұрын

Great video man, thank you for bringing it to my attention!

@meggomyeggo431 3 жыл бұрын

I JUST bought this book! So awesome to see you review it ☺️

@BobWorldBuilder 3 жыл бұрын

Awesome!! I hope it serves you well :)

@SlyFlourish 3 жыл бұрын

Yay!

@ANONM60D 2 жыл бұрын

As controversial as it may be, I love playing into the DM's hands just to progress the story and experience what they put together. I like my characters but I'm really at the table for the story/group experience

@TrueMrE 3 жыл бұрын

My copy arrives Tuesday thanks a bunch BoB

@BobWorldBuilder 3 жыл бұрын

Sweet! Enjoy :D

@DrAndrewJBlack 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you Bob! Another great video

@ClayHales 2 жыл бұрын

The stuff about improvising reminds me of the most epic gaming our group ever had. It was in the days where 1e and 2e were both out and more or less interchangeable. It was in the Spelljammer setting. I rolled up my character with a different group and they did the old 1e roll for psionics, and I succeeded. Taking that character to my regular group the DM decided to open it up to everyone else, and one of the other guys succeeded as well. So we had 2 1st level characters with psionics, and Mindflayers were the primary antagonists. Even with psionics, that's a rough challenge. The DM ended up improvising and making psionic magic weapons to help level the playing field with the baddies. But he made them too powerful, so he improvised bigger badder versions of Mindflayers called Mindslayers. It played out like a crazy epic fantasy novel. The way we played it, we should have died many times over, but between the improvised items and crazy luck we came out the other end on top. The DM ended up having the items poof into mist at the end, but as luck would have it, that was the last gaming out group did.

@cha0sunity 3 жыл бұрын

I've used this for over a year now. Can confirm it's worth getting and using.

@BobWorldBuilder 3 жыл бұрын

Great to have your testimonial! :)

@cavicchiolipaolo 2 жыл бұрын

Wonderful!! Thank you very much for all these tips!

@Sensorium19 7 ай бұрын

Thank you for the review. I had been eyeing this book for a long time because of all the recommendation. It turns out it conflicts pretty strongly with what I was expecting or what I would want to buy.

@RIVERSRPGChannel 3 жыл бұрын

I like his work Thanks for bringing it to my attention

@BobWorldBuilder 3 жыл бұрын

Happy to show off this book! It's helped me a lot

@lorben9601 3 жыл бұрын

Welp, that's a purchase. I've only been DMing for about 5 months and have been kinda struggling. Just the points covered in the review has already changed how my session is going to be run this afternoon.

@BobWorldBuilder 3 жыл бұрын

Awesome! I hope you enjoy it too!

@SomoneTookMyName 3 жыл бұрын

Great book. Worth a buy and Sly also goes over every chapter in detail here on youtube. Also worth a watch.

@BobWorldBuilder 3 жыл бұрын

Yes, Sly's channel is a great resource!

@greglensink5265 2 жыл бұрын

You sold me Bob! I hope it stands up! (Used your link too)

@brittanyhamlin3945 3 жыл бұрын

This is amazing! Thanks so much for sharing! I'm sending this video to our DM!

@BobWorldBuilder 3 жыл бұрын

Whoa! Thank you for sharing it!

@DUNGEONCRAFT1 3 жыл бұрын

Gotta do my own review on this. GREAT book!

@BobWorldBuilder 3 жыл бұрын

I'd love to see your take on this book! :)

@hombrebrocoli 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much! So simple, so good. Now i want all my campaign in a excel sheet lol.

@BobWorldBuilder 3 жыл бұрын

Hahah excel is one of my top DM tools :P

@shawnfaison5118 7 ай бұрын

I second how good this book is for a new DM like myself , it really made a big difference in my games immediately . they were more fun and i was a bit more confident in running games .

@bluetrace3778 2 жыл бұрын

Great stuff Bob. Totally agree with you on NOT ‘starting with combat’. I do appreciate MS’s philosophy here of course, he came from a time when D&D was all about the combat so this isn’t necessarily bad advice. Instead I have redefined ‘Strong Start’ as the only time in the game where as GM you have full control of what’s going on, so a strong start in fact means to me ‘how are we going to get the game moving? What questions are we starting with’ etc and as such is a (the most?) important aspect of the game. I rarely use combat.

@noshavenohaircuts 2 жыл бұрын

Prof. DM sent me, great review Bob!

@thomaspetrucka9173 Жыл бұрын

Wow. I did all this without having to be told it! 😂 Universal things are universal.

@CitanulsPumpkin 3 жыл бұрын

The first book is also useful for very different reasons. Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master is a system agnostic guide to campaign prep. It's got a lot of great tools for running games in any system or setting. The first book, Lazy Dungeon Master, is not that. It's a condensed collection of all the tables, guides, and lists that are scattered throughout the DMG. It's very much a 5e only book, but if you're playing 5e and need a specific table from the DMG you will find it faster by flipping through the lazy DM's guide. It even has a few pages of random names.

@BobWorldBuilder 3 жыл бұрын

Ahh, thanks for making that distinction!

@GlenHallstrom 3 жыл бұрын

Not using secrets and clues is not wasted prep. Saving the unused material saves you prep time in the next session(s) and adventures.

@BobWorldBuilder 3 жыл бұрын

I completely agree!

@justinorafferty584 3 жыл бұрын

i found asking the players what happened in the last game then giving them a few min to talk about it helps get there minds back into the campaign and i might hear some info i forgot about so I'm ready for it once we get started and I'm not blind sided by any missing info later in the game

@BobWorldBuilder 3 жыл бұрын

That's a solid point. I think having a short period for that is useful. I may start doing that in the first few minutes when we're waiting for players to tune in

@gamerprofessor 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the review! I can’t wait to sink my teeth into this. Need some validation to my laziness XD

@BobWorldBuilder 3 жыл бұрын

"efficiency" friend, efficiency ;D

@spencer1531 2 жыл бұрын

One of my favorite locations in anything is Sigil from Planescape and it's so simple at first glance. It's the town at the center of the planes, the crossroads of the multiverse, and it's guarded by The Lady of Pain, who is so powerful that she can keep gods out of the city. That's just so cool