#and this technique is how

[scattered-storyteller]

This is a solid starting point for encounter design, but it's no more fit for purpose than most of what's in the DMG because it doesn't consider party size. Speaking as a DM with 10+ years experience, the actual key thing to consider when designing encounters is action economy. How many chances to act are the enemy going to get relative to the players in one round of combat, and how impactful are the actions the enemy can take relative to those the players can take? And, to go one level deeper, how easy is it for each side to reduce the number and impact of the other side's actions? That is the actual key to making balanced and engaging encounters. For example, if impact per action * number of actions is about equal between sides, your players are in for a tough fight that is likely to exhaust many of their resources and may take a few PCs down, but probably won't put an end to the adventuring day by itself. Adjusting that balance lets you pretty reliably control how hard pressed your party is going to be in each encounter and how quickly they'll run through their limited resources.

Another benefit of this approach is that it lets you account for things like player skill and favorable or unfavorable circumstances. Players with deeper system mastery or good team tactics are going to get more impact out of their actions on average, while players with less understanding are going to be less effective on average, and you can choose their enemies accordingly. Likewise if your players are striking from ambush, springing a trap, or preventing their enemies from using their best stuff effectively, you can also account for that in the action-impact calculation.

[iveoy]

watcher grian

[guavajagular]

Hairy Senshi, save me

[shroomerr]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE BOY EVER, KENNY MCCORMICK!!!!!! my favorite little guy,,, i hope he gets all of the kfc he desires for his special day

[unboundprompts]

advice for a character who grips control like a lifeline. who wants to be in charge of every little thing because whenever they're not in control of something something bad could happen. has happened. they can't let a single variable be wild or in someone else's hands

How to Write a Controlling Character

Backstory Rooted in Trauma or Guilt

This character likely has a history that has ingrained the belief that they must be in control or face devastating consequences. Perhaps they once trusted someone else with something crucial—a promise, a responsibility, or a life-altering choice—and that trust was broken in a way that had lasting repercussions. For example, maybe they lost someone because they weren’t “careful enough,” or they experienced a betrayal when they trusted another person’s plan.

They might frequently flash back to this moment, possibly catching themselves thinking, If only I’d been the one in control, this wouldn’t have happened. This memory fuels their need to keep a tight grip on everything, especially if they���re in high-stakes situations.

Rigid Daily Routines and Habits

This character’s day is probably packed with small rituals and routines that give them a sense of security. From double-checking door locks to setting multiple alarms, they rely on routines to give themselves a sense of order. In fact, they might be nearly ritualistic about small actions—checking emails three times before sending, never leaving a task halfway finished, or meticulously arranging their workspace.

Even something as simple as making coffee can become a precise process. If someone moves one of their tools or a file from their desk, they may feel a spike of frustration or even anxiety, seeing it as a disruption to their personal “system.” They could feel that control in their daily life is the only thing keeping chaos at bay.

Intensely Observant of Details and Mistakes

They are hyperaware of mistakes or inefficiencies in others, mentally cataloging things like a coworker’s slight lateness or a friend’s disorganization. They may feel a sense of superiority (or frustration) over people who don’t “have it together” and take it upon themselves to organize or “fix” things for others.

In conversation, they might cut people off or “correct” them even over small points, often justifying this to themselves as necessary. For instance, if someone shares a plan that seems half-formed, this character could immediately dive in, pointing out potential problems or filling in details.

Controlling Relationships and Social Situations

This character struggles in relationships where they aren’t the dominant or organizing force. They might instinctively take over when making plans with friends, micromanaging even casual hangouts to make sure everything goes “right.” For example, they might pick the restaurant, plan the travel route, and check weather forecasts—assuming that if they don’t, no one else will think of these things.

When someone resists their attempts at control, they can respond defensively, often turning cold or resentful, unable to understand why anyone wouldn’t want them to manage the situation. Statements like, “Fine, but don’t blame me if this doesn’t go well,” are frequent in their interactions.

Extreme Anxiety or Panic When Control Is Taken Away

When things go beyond their reach, this character might experience panic, as if they’re suddenly powerless. For instance, if an unexpected roadblock prevents them from handling a task (like a canceled flight they needed to board, or a plan that falls apart), they might spend hours trying to regain control, calling every contact or frantically exploring alternatives.

Their reaction may feel extreme to others. Even minor setbacks—such as a colleague taking initiative on a project or a friend planning something without consulting them—can trigger a disproportionate response, like clenching their fists, pacing, or silently stewing as they feel the situation “slipping.”

Inability to Accept Help or Collaboration

Their controlling nature makes it hard for them to collaborate, as they believe their methods are the only ones that work. For them, accepting help feels like an admission of weakness or failure, so they rarely delegate or ask for assistance. If they do reluctantly accept help, they are constantly supervising or “suggesting” things, making it feel more like they’re still in charge.

In a team setting, they might take on all the major tasks, either out of distrust in others’ abilities or a feeling that no one will match their standards. Their motto could be something like, “If you want something done right, do it yourself,” even if that means working late or burning out.

Reluctance to Show Vulnerability or Need

Since vulnerability and control rarely coexist for them, they avoid showing weakness at all costs, preferring to mask stress or struggles as “just part of the job.” If they do become overwhelmed, they’re more likely to shut people out, saying, “I’ve got it handled,” even if it’s far from true.

When people push them to let go or share the load, they might lash out, accusing others of “just not understanding.” They often see their intense responsibility as a form of sacrifice, justifying their behavior with, “If I don’t handle this, who will?”

[blackmetalsnake]

Lucien Lachance for @ulanxxxs!!

Oh Sithis I think this is literally my best and favorite art now...

-> Speedpaint on Boosty -> For tips

@lucien-lachance @chennnington @fruk-choosing-a-username I think you'll be interested too 😈

[appropriatelystupid]

[barksbog]

custom sunfish plush for @realsunfish

custom printed design (printed in studio on bubblegum shannon)

about 60cm/2ft long

very soft

attempted to escape into the danube river during the photoshoot

[eggbem]

Back in Action!

I once saw @dreamweave01 say that the Woven Ties gang would get back into crime-fighting someday, and this image popped into my head and has stayed there rent free ever since. It would take time, but I really like the idea of all of them eventually healing enough to not only start vigilantism again, but also enjoy it!

I have enjoyed this AU so very much, you have no idea. The story, the characters and their designs, the art, the writing: It's all fantastic!

Go check it out here!

[stagefoureddiediaz]

You know what - Eddie walking in there all passive but authoritative - smiling assassin style is actually the very best way to handle Helena - he’s literally turned the tables on her and done to her what she has been doing to everyone the entire time. Eddie used her power against her and that will do far more to destroy her than Eddie going in all guns blazing would’ve.

He gave her a taste of her own medicine and she did not like it one bit

[cosmic-pindrops]

From the MB short story "Home" by Martha Wells.

Here's my gift for @benny-isa-dogdog for the 2025 Murderbot New Year Gift Exchange! @mbd-gift-exchange

They requested MB being terrifying while protecting its friends and MB caring for its humans. I've wanted to make a comic for this scene ever since I read it and I thought it would be perfect!

[thegurlwhoisntthere]

Y’know, I feel like we don’t give the writers enough credit when it comes to Soren

So often when a character is the “comic relief”, they start off with dynamic personalities and then lose them as the season go on (looking at you Cat Valentine and Steve Palchuk), but not Soren

No, Soren somehow manages to jump between being comic relief and genuinely serious and caring seamlessly. And it’s all the same character, too! He doesn’t feel like he’s switching personalities they’re just other facets of who he is and it’s amazing!!!

[demigod-shenanigans]

Leo complaining about Jason pulling all the girls is even funnier when you realize the girls he’s pulling are like. Repressed queer girl destined by the goddess of love not to end up with him. Repressed queer girl that’s probably not even into guys. Drew.

None of them are girls Leo is even remotely interested in romantically. Percy also gets a lot of romantic attention—arguably more than Jason—and Leo isn’t bothered by that.

Buddy, I don’t think you’re jealous of the attention Jason is getting for the reason you think you are.

[sasswonfp]

WOOF. UHM HELLO! this one is a long one! Quite the scroll! It is actually only *half* of the larger comic. I'm not done coloring it yet - but I finished all the inking. (alt desc. provided!)

Please stay tuned for the rest! I'm like kind of deranged over this whole comic and have put possibly way too much thought into everything about it. PART 1 (here!) | PART 2 (DONE!)

[calllynx]

Coa in her Raiment