Behind the DM Screen

Join Jon Ciccolini, B&G founder and DM-in-Residence, as he recounts the highs and lows of his current campaign and gives a little DM advice along the way.

These thoughts are solely Jon Ciccolini's and do not represent Beadle & Grimm's or Wizards of the Coast.

SESSIONS 9-10: The Bonus Adventure

SESSIONS 9-10: The Bonus Adventure

When I DM a written adventure, one of my trickiest tasks is to determine how much I want to make my own. If I alter, add to, or remove from,... Read More

SESSION 6-8: UNFINISHED BUSINESS, OR, SO MANY CHOICES!

This part of the Phandelver adventure allows for a ton of player agency and I love that. There were at least 6 different directions the characters could choose at this... Read More
SESSION 6-8: UNFINISHED BUSINESS, OR, SO MANY CHOICES!
Sessions 4 & 5 (Mix It Up!)

Sessions 4 & 5 (Mix It Up!)

In this session the party discovered and delved into The Redbrand Hideout, which is a really fun area. Remember, my party has six characters in it, so I have to... Read More

Session 3: The Town! (oh yeah... and humor)

This time, armed with info about the caverns from their first foray in, the party successfully used Stealth to get the jump on the Cragmaw Hideout guards, sneak into the... Read More
Session 3: The Town! (oh yeah... and humor)
Session 2: Cure Wounds

Session 2: Cure Wounds

The healing powers of gaming There have been some tough times for my players this year. One lost a father. One is dealing with health issues with both parents. Another... Read More

Session 1: MOTIVATION

Please know this blog is not about summarizing what happened in the session. So I won’t be giving all of the story beats. I’ll give enough to orient you on... Read More
Session 1: MOTIVATION
Intro & Session 0

Intro & Session 0

Join me as I talk about roleplaying, combat, min/maxing, and all things D&D through the lens of my Phandelver and Below campaign.