There are a lot of things that are great about virtual tabletop gaming. Roll20 has changed the way we get to visualize our games and with the introduction of AI artwork, one could make the argument that a virtual tabletop might be even more immersive than in-person. Obviously nothing can beat a tabletop of hand-painted minis on a tactile map with mountains and trees but let’s be real, who can afford to do THAT? 

Pause as the author pictures a great tabletop ocean map with water and ships as far as the eye can see.

Where was I? Yes, the benefits of the virtual tabletop. You can combine that with great map builders and beautifully conceived, AI-generated imagery to create an amazing visual experience. Players can easily customize and control their tokens, there is no worry about scale, no worry about needing to find a table big enough. They’ve even done some amazing things with the creation of delightfully designed virtual dice. 

But there is one thing that I struggle with in a virtual environment: combat.

I already find combat in person tedious. How many times have you been in a situation where you know, every round, you’re going to attack the enemy closest to you. You roll your dice, add your modifiers and boom, you’re done. The next person goes, the warlock we’ll say, and it’s the same thing but with Eldritch blast. But, there comes a moment when someone who has been so focused on what they want to do that they haven’t paid attention to what’s going on. “Is that enemy close enough for me to hit? Can I cast Flaming Sphere? How far can I move?”

It’s hard to keep track of all the things one can do during their phase of combat, but it’s a struggle for those who pay attention and prepare while others need the additional help. In-person, this can be handled while the rest of the group can have a fun conversation, plan what else to do during the next round of combat, or grab a snack and just catch up. It’s easier to stay engaged in every round of combat in-person. A player can ask questions about what they want to without disrupting current play. Virtually, only two people can really have a conversation at any given time. So, if you’re like me and have ADHD, you may fall in the trap of zoning out. You may lose track of what’s going on. So to address this understandable challenge, I created a mechanic called “Support Dice” in my most recent campaign.

Player Support Dice 

Can be earned by strong, SUCCINCT roleplay during combat. When a player earns a “Support Dice,” they may use the dice to assist one of their party members at any point during the round of combat. It can be used in two ways:

1. You may add a D20 to your party member’s attack roll.
2. You may add a D20 to your party member’s damage roll.

To use the dice, pick a point in combat when another party member is attempting an attack or spell and roleplay how you will be assisting their actions. Example:

The rogue is attacking with their crossbow. I will use shape water and splash water in the enemy’s eyes, distracting them so that it makes it easier to hit.

Or:

The paladin is swinging his hammer to strike the enemy. I will shape earth and create a wall behind the enemy so they take additional damage.

The mechanic was created to encourage two things: paying more attention and more combat roleplay opportunities. 

I tried this out with my Batteries not Included game, and a couple of people used it towards the end of the game. They focused on helping their party members succeed when they had previously failed which was not an initial use I had considered. But I like my players to be successful. The creative throwing of Mayor Fluffy Bunny to assist made everything worthwhile.

Beyond that, the mechanic was not used much which I believe is my own fault. I limited the number of combat encounters, focusing more on skill check activities and puzzle solving. I also made the combat encounters a bit too squishy for the level of party members that were participating in combat during my game. Who would have thought, the GM who doesn’t love combat creates shorter combat scenarios!

I’m looking forward to trying this mechanic in other games I coordinate. I know many individuals that struggle with focus during combat, whether they also have ADHD or not. I’m hoping that this might encourage individuals to be more thoughtful about both keeping track of the actions of other members of their part as well as preparing how they are going to take their actions in combat.

Last Friday, D&T welcomed award-winning British-Australian horror author Alan Baxter. He spoke to our group on the topic of world-building within the horror genre, touching on a number of things, including the differences between an action choreographed to appear on camera compared to the way an action scene needs to be written for appreciation by someone reading the scene. Watch the full 24-minute presentation below.

In honor of our special guest, the extemporaneous speaking portion of our meeting was themed “Dumb Ways to Die,” in which members and guests were prompted to choose a character and location then challenged to deliver narratives of their own deaths within the fictional town of Vorostrova. View the recording below and judge for yourself which was the “dumbest way to die.”

Tomorrow night, Dungeons & Toast is excited to present award-winning British-Australian horror writer Alan Baxter, author of more than two dozen books within the genres of horror, supernatural thrillers, and dark fantasy. He will be speaking on the topic of world-building, specifically within the horror genre. A question and answer session will follow, providing members and guests an opportunity to pick the brain of this renowned author.

Table Topics will be themed, “Dumb Ways to Die,” in which speakers will be encouraged to adopt the role of one of a dozen travelers to and residents of an inauspicious town in a remote area of Eastern Europe. Each speaker will be encouraged to deliver a tale of woe, culminating in their inevitable demise.

Members Only

For an on-theme background, look no further than our “Dumb Ways to Die” gallery, featuring scenes from the upcoming table topics:

Greetings, adventurers of Dungeons & Toast! Today, I am thrilled to recount the epic saga of our guild’s quest to achieve the illustrious Midas Touch Quest—a coveted treasure quest that beckoned us to recruit eight or more new members to our ranks. Join me as I delve into the trials and triumphs that marked our journey toward this prestigious milestone and explore the profound impact it has had on our guild’s legacy.

The Midas Touch Quest, a shimmering beacon of opportunity within Dungeons & Toast, served as a rallying cry for our guild to expand its horizons and welcome new adventurers into our midst. With the promise of prosperity and growth, it inspired us to venture forth into the unknown, armed with nothing but our passion for gaming and our unwavering dedication to our guild’s success.

Our quest for the Midas Touch Treasure began with a humble call to action, echoing throughout the halls of our guild house and resonating in the hearts of every member. United in purpose and fueled by the spirit of camaraderie, we set out to recruit new members to our guild, eager to share the joys of gaming and the bonds of friendship that define our community.

But the path to gaining the treasure was fraught with challenges and obstacles. From navigating the crowded taverns, to persuading wary travelers to join our ranks, we encountered setbacks that tested our resolve and forced us to adapt our strategies. Yet, undeterred by adversity, we pressed onward, driven by the knowledge that our efforts would ultimately lead us to victory.

As the deadline drew near, our perseverance was rewarded. With each new member welcomed into our guild, we drew closer to our goal, our ranks swelling with fresh faces and new voices eager to embark on adventures yet untold.

And then, at long last, the moment of triumph arrived. With eight or more new members recruited to our guild, we stood on the brink of victory, our guild’s name shining brightly among the stars as one of the esteemed few to have looted the Midas Touch treasure in the realm of Toastmasters.

The loot included promotion of our guild to the realm and beyond, a gilded scroll marking our journey, a banner to add to our ranks, and invite to a future festivity.

But our quest does not end here. As we revel in the glory of our accomplishment, let us remember the lessons learned along the way—the importance of unity, perseverance, and unwavering dedication to our shared goals. And as we continue to embark on new adventures within our guild, may we carry the spirit of the quest with us, inspiring others to join us on our journey and forge their own path to greatness.

To all fellow adventurers of Dungeons & Toast, I extend my heartfelt congratulations and gratitude for your tireless efforts and unwavering commitment to our guild’s success. May our ranks continue to grow, our bonds continue to strengthen, and our adventures continue to thrill and inspire us all.

Until our next quest, may your rolls be fortunate, your loot plentiful, and your gaming experiences legendary!