Dungeon DiaryThe blog
Field notes from the table.
D&D 5e tools, prep, worldbuilding, and running a campaign without losing your evenings.
May 15, 2026 · ai-dnd
How to use AI for D&D campaign prep without ruining the magic
AI is great at the boring 80 percent of campaign prep. It's terrible at the part players actually care about. Here's where the line is, and how to use both sides.
ReadMay 8, 2026 · ai-dnd
Could an AI actually DM your game? What a Virtual DM would (and wouldn't) do
The pitch is seductive. An AI that runs your one-shot when you can't find a DM. The reality is more complicated, and the gap is shrinking faster than most people think.
ReadMay 1, 2026 · dm-tips
Faction reputation in D&D 5e: a DM's complete guide
Most DMs run factions like they're scenery. Here's how to make them push the plot, change the world, and remember what your party did three sessions ago.
ReadApr 24, 2026 · dm-tips
The DM's pre-session checklist (and how AI cuts prep time in half)
If you're spending four hours prepping every session, you're doing too much. Here's the actual checklist of what matters, plus where AI saves real time without making your game generic.
ReadApr 17, 2026 · encounter-design
How to balance D&D 5e encounters: CR, party power, and what the math gets wrong
The CR system lies to you, especially past level 5. Here's what actually predicts whether an encounter will be fun, terrifying, or a slow grind.
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