Why are prepping sessions so hard? Why can’t it be as easy as remembering a simple phrase, maybe something strange like PUT A CLUE? Why can’t I save time by learning this phrase PUT A CLUE and then using it to prepare my sessions so much faster?

Friend, you’re in luck. Today’s episode is for you.

Welcome back to How to Be a Better DM, the show to help dungeon masters new and old learn how to take their DMing skills to the next level. I’m Justin Lewis and I’ve been helping Dungeon Masters solve simple and complex problems with my cohosts for over 150 episodes now. We’ve talked with professional voice actors, writers, podcasters, and even real life blacksmiths, all to help you fix your DMing mistakes, and truly become the World’s Greatest DM.

As I mentioned today’s show is about helping you do Session Prep in a way that takes less time, far less mental stress, and helps you structure yourself to get finished faster and in a more complete way.

To do that, I give you the PUT A CLUE framework. Simply fulfill each of the aspects of this framework and your Session Prep is done.

The PUT A CLUE framework breaks down as follows:

Purpose: Understand the general goal and purpose of the session

Unfinished business: Wrap up and recap what happened in the last session

Timeline: Write down a general chronological plan of what you want to have happen

Acts and Arcs: Separate that timeline into a few acts (or scenes)

Characters: Prepare characters and their actions that are needed for the session

Locations: Prepare the setting and maps needed for the session

Unexpected: Prepare a twist or something unexpected for the session

Encounters: Flesh out the mechanics and final details of each encounter

Maybe it’s simplifying session prep, but in that case, GOOOD!

There’s no reason session prep has to drain your soul.

Try out the framework and see how it works for you.

Thanks for listening to today’s show.

This podcast is a part of the Session 0 Studios Network.

Mentioned in this episode:

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You may be asking yourself, “How do I get more out of How to Be a Better DM?” You probably want even more tips, more entertainment, or perhaps access to a secret society that rules the world… Well, we don’t rule the world yet, but it sounds like what you need is to join our Patreon. You’ll get access to our private Discord which will give you direct access to all the hosts of this show as well as other dungeon masters who are just like you. You’ll also be able to make fan requests for How to Be a Better DM. Lastly, you help support the show so we can give you even better content. Go to https://session0studios.com/startadventure and join our Patreon today!

Dive deep into the captivating world of blacksmithing in Dungeons & Dragons with our special guests Matt and Stan from Wasatch Forge. In this thrilling episode, we unravel the secrets of the blacksmith's shop, from forging blades to the mystical infusion of magic into steel. Discover the craft behind the art, and uncover how you can enhance your D&D experience with authentic blacksmithing knowledge. Don't miss out on this immersive journey into the heart of craftsmanship and adventure!

Welcome back to part 2 of our interview with Wasatch Forge. This is How to Be a Better DM, the show that is designed to help new or veteran dungeon masters become masters.

Today we dive back into Wasatch Forge for the 2nd part of our interview.

Check them out at https://www.wasatchforge.com/

From today's show you will:

• Gain insights from master blacksmiths on accurately portraying a blacksmith shop in your D&D game.
• Learn about the tools and equipment essential for blacksmithing, including anvils, hammers, and forges.
• Explore the historical accuracy of blacksmithing techniques, debunking myths commonly seen in movies and games.
• Delve into the process of creating a Memorial Blade infused with the cremains of a loved one, blending artistry with emotion.
• Discover the potential for incorporating blacksmithing quests into your D&D campaigns, adding depth and authenticity to your storytelling.
• Get tips on managing player expectations regarding the availability and limitations of blacksmith services in-game.
• Gain a deeper appreciation for the dedication and craftsmanship of blacksmiths, both in fantasy worlds and real life.

Mentioned in this episode:

Always Have Your Sessions Prepared!

You work 8 hours a day. You spend time with your family when you come home. You do work around the house and it seems you never have as much time as you would like to prepare your D&D sessions. Does this sound like you? Wouldn’t it be amazing to have endless material prepared for your D&D sessions anyways? That’s where Roll and Play Press comes in. Roll and Play Press provides D&D 5e Compatible materials for any type of session. Running a one-shot? Check out their One Shot Wonders book with over 100 one-shot ideas. Getting started with your new sci-fi campaign? Get their Game Master’s Sci-Fi Toolkit to have your games much more prepared. Why reinvent the wheel? Check out Roll and Play Press at rollandplaypress.com and get 10% off when you buy something by using the code BETTERDM10.

Join Our Patreon

You may be asking yourself, “How do I get more out of How to Be a Better DM?” You probably want even more tips, more entertainment, or perhaps access to a secret society that rules the world… Well, we don’t rule the world yet, but it sounds like what you need is to join our Patreon. You’ll get access to our private Discord which will give you direct access to all the hosts of this show as well as other dungeon masters who are just like you. You’ll also be able to make fan requests for How to Be a Better DM. Lastly, you help support the show so we can give you even better content. Go to https://session0studios.com/startadventure and join our Patreon today!

Dungeons and Dragons 5e gets a lot wrong about Blacksmiths. There is almost no realism. Pretty strong statements right?

But that's exactly what we dive into in our conversation today with Matt and Stan from Wasatch Forge, a local blacksmith school here in Salt Lake City Utah. Visit https://www.wasatchforge.com/ for more information.

Welcome back to How to Be a Better DM.

Today is the first part of our interview with Wasatch Forge. Come back on Saturday for Part 2.

We talk about a few things today, not the least of which being:

• How can you incorporate blacksmiths into D&D in a realistic way?
• What are some pet peeves about blacksmiths in D&D
• What do most DMs get wrong about Blacksmiths

Overall it was a very fun conversation.

Mentioned in this episode:

Join Our Patreon

You may be asking yourself, “How do I get more out of How to Be a Better DM?” You probably want even more tips, more entertainment, or perhaps access to a secret society that rules the world… Well, we don’t rule the world yet, but it sounds like what you need is to join our Patreon. You’ll get access to our private Discord which will give you direct access to all the hosts of this show as well as other dungeon masters who are just like you. You’ll also be able to make fan requests for How to Be a Better DM. Lastly, you help support the show so we can give you even better content. Go to https://session0studios.com/startadventure and join our Patreon today!

From our friends at LUQ

Visit LUQ.com for more information.