Paperback, 94 pages
Published Dec. 8, 2018 by Independently published.
This is a collection of ideas to reduce prep times for GMs. It's well-written, gives concise summaries at the end of each chapter, and is trying to inspire GMs to improvise more. I enjoyed reading it, even though I already use a lot of those techniques. But good stuff in there. Heavily favors people who run trad games like DnD or PF.
Not only an essential book for Dming but surprisingly applicable for teaching, creative writing, or other social or creative skills.
It’s a great book and such an improvement, considering the previous installment. It has several tips for novice and seasoned DMs and the best parts are the checklists for every chapter or main topic.
I do not consider myself a “Lazy DM”. I spare several hours preparing my campaigns and adventures and I really do like all the process of getting everything ready beforehand. But I believe this concept of “Lazy DM” is just a fuzzy concept of explaining the Game Mastering experience. In this sense, every RPG DM/GM should try this book. It’s the kind of content I’d wished in the 1990s’ and it can help a lot new DMs.
I typically run published adventures and found that this book's approach to prep helped me get from downloading a brand new module to yelling "Let's role for initiative" in a faster, more enjoyable process.
The chapters break DnD game preparation into focused, small steps --and also explain how each step can improve your game. Making some of the recommended lists--like key NPCs--help set those characters in my mind so they are easier to recall at the table. The concept of planning for a strong start has improved my games immensely.
It it helpful to walk through concrete steps: When I finish this process, I feel like my game prep is pretty complete and I can worry less about what else I could/should to do. I think this book has also helped me to spend a little less time on preparations that were taking a lot of time but not adding …
I typically run published adventures and found that this book's approach to prep helped me get from downloading a brand new module to yelling "Let's role for initiative" in a faster, more enjoyable process.
The chapters break DnD game preparation into focused, small steps --and also explain how each step can improve your game. Making some of the recommended lists--like key NPCs--help set those characters in my mind so they are easier to recall at the table. The concept of planning for a strong start has improved my games immensely.
It it helpful to walk through concrete steps: When I finish this process, I feel like my game prep is pretty complete and I can worry less about what else I could/should to do. I think this book has also helped me to spend a little less time on preparations that were taking a lot of time but not adding as much to the game. For example, time spent on the strong start has proven much more valuable than reviewing the stat block of a monster that the party never encounters because setting the hook took too long.
Purchasable
https://shop.slyflourish.com/products/return-of-the-lazy-dungeon-master.