Unexpected Downtime Activities Random Table for Dungeon Masters
When a Dungeon Master (DM) finds themselves with a week off from their regular Dungeons & Dragons session, it can be an opportune time to enhance the gaming experience for their players. This random table provides a list of activities that a DM can engage in during this downtime. Each activity is aimed at enriching the upcoming sessions, developing the campaign’s world, or refining the DM’s skills. To use the table, simply roll a 1d10 and consult the corresponding entry for a suggested activity.
| Roll (1d10) | Activity Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Revise Character Backstories: Spend time integrating player characters’ backstories more deeply into the campaign narrative. |
| 2 | World-Building: Develop a new town, dungeon, or realm within the game world, complete with unique challenges and NPCs. |
| 3 | NPC Creation: Create new NPCs with compelling motivations and potential connections to the player characters. |
| 4 | Plot Twists and Foreshadowing: Think of unexpected plot twists that can be slowly foreshadowed in upcoming sessions. |
| 5 | Side Quests Development: Design one or two side quests that can be easily incorporated into your campaign. |
| 6 | Rule Review and Mastery: Refresh your understanding of the game’s rules and mechanics or learn new ones. |
| 7 | Player Engagement: Reach out to players for feedback on the campaign and discuss character goals and aspirations. |
| 8 | Improve DM Skills: Watch tutorials, read articles, or listen to podcasts about Dungeon Mastering. |
| 9 | Session Zero Prep: Prepare for a session zero to realign the campaign goals with player expectations. |
| 10 | Relax and Recharge: Take time to rest and gather new creative ideas by reading books, watching movies, or playing games. |
This table serves as a guide to keep the game engaging and ensures that the DM uses their time effectively to prepare for an exciting and dynamic campaign.
