Dungeons and Dragons (D&D) is experiencing a major resurgence in popularity, thanks in large part to liveplay shows like Critical Role that showcase what a great D&D campaign can be. With more people interested in playing than ever before, many are turning to online platforms to connect groups across distances. Let’s take closer look at Short Guide To Running Online D&D Campaigns.
While running an online D&D campaign comes with some unique challenges, the fundamentals of being a great Dungeon Master (DM) still apply. As the DM and host, it’s your job to craft an immersive world and story, adjudicate rules, and make sure everyone has fun. Follow this short guide to help your online D&D campaign succeed.
Choose Your Virtual Tabletop Platform
The foundation of any online D&D campaign is the virtual tabletop (VTT) platform you use to connect your group. There are many options to choose from, both free and paid, with different features to consider. Some popular choices include:
- Roll20: Browser-based with robust character sheets, dice rolling, and mapping tools. Free with premium upgrades.
- Fantasy Grounds: Downloadable app with official D&D content integration, automation, and visuals. Paid subscription.
- Tableplop: Minimalist browser-based VTT using Google Drive backend. 100% free.
- Owlbear Rodeo: Simple browser-based VTT for basic online play. 100% free.
Consider how character management, dice rolling, battle maps, and overall connectivity are handled on each platform. Make sure it fits the needs of your campaign and that all your players can access it.
Set Up Communication Channels
While the VTT hosts your game visually, you’ll need a separate voice/video platform so you can actually talk to each other in real time. Discord is one of the most popular options, giving you persistent text chat and seamless integration with VTTs like Roll20. Free apps like Zoom, Skype, or Google Hangouts also work well.
Make sure to set up a session zero where everyone tests the technology side-by-side before starting serious play. Work out any kinks to avoid frustrations mid-game when you just want to focus on questing and combat.
Engage Your Players Frequently
One major challenge with online D&D is keeping people engaged when you don’t have in-person reactions and body language to read. Make extra effort as the DM to engage your players frequently in the story and with each other.
Use cinematic descriptions to immerse them in scenes. Check in often for reactions. Ask questions and solicit input to spur natural conversations. Be more generous than usual with inspiration rewards when they contribute good roleplaying moments.
Also, encourage your players to use their cameras if possible so you can actually see each other, making engagement more natural. At minimum, request they use avatars and change their name in apps to their character’s name so it’s clear who is speaking.
Adjust Your DM Style
DMing online requires some slight adjustments to your normal DM style for the best experience:
Pacing: Keep scenes moving at a brisk pace by streamlining descriptions and decisions. Online play loses momentum faster when players get distracted by other apps and tabs.
Maps: Use fog of war, dynamic lighting, and revealed areas functions on your VTT to control map visibility. Verbally narrate what players can see as their tokens move.
Notes & Handouts: Share handouts by uploading files and journal entries rather than paper props. Automate spells, abilities, dice rolls, and character sheet info through your VTT instead of manual tracking.
Audio & Video: Make sure to use push-to-talk settings, mute when not speaking, and stay close to microphones. Position webcams at eye level and ensure good lighting so facial expressions translate.
By fine-tuning your online DM style, your campaign content shines through instead of technical difficulties.
Schedule Consistent Game Sessions
Consistent game time every week, or every other week at minimum, keeps the momentum of your online D&D campaign flowing. Avoid cancellations and long gaps between games which make it harder for your players to stay invested in their characters and the unfolding stories.
Use scheduling apps like Doodle to find a consistent time slot that works across time zones if your group is geographically diverse. Set calendar invitations so everyone blocks off that game time commitment.
If your schedule absolutely requires you to cancel or postpone a planned session, provide as much advance notice as possible to your player group. Offer to run a one-shot side adventure if some players still have the original time free to play.
Set Ground Rules & Expectations
Before embarking on an online D&D journey spanning months or years, make sure everyone voices their expectations and agrees to basic etiquette rules.
Important topics to cover include:
- Attendance requirements and notification policies for missed sessions
- Technology requirements and backup plans for connection issues
- Table rules regarding sensitive topics, player autonomy, metagaming, etc.
- How and when it’s acceptable to have side conversations in text/audio channels
- Whether players should take notes for recap purposes
Drafting a “Session Zero” guide documenting all expectations, house rules, and campaign specifics helps get everyone on the same page. Revisit this guide periodically and update as necessary if situations arise that aren’t adequately covered.
Encourage Roleplay & Backstories
The roleplay and collaborative storytelling aspects of D&D often thrive online because players feel more comfortable expressing themselves through a virtual character vs. their real-life self at a physical table.
Provide leading questions and ask players to describe how their character is reacting in various story scenes. Draw out backstories, motivations, and personality details that humanize their avatar. Use these details to customize and enhance your campaign storylines in meaningful ways.
Also, consider running introductory one-shot adventures with pre-made characters first. Doing so allows your group to establish their roleplay chops and group dynamics before making long-term commitments with their custom characters. Once ready to embark on your full campaign, they’ll have richer backstories and connections fueling roleplay all along the journey.
Maintain DM Flexibility & Creativity
As the DM operating behind the virtual scenes, maintain flexibility to adapt your campaign’s direction on the fly based on player choices and creativity. While an online format makes improvising technically harder with lack of physical props and maps, lean into the strengths of your VTT and communication platforms.
Use the drawing, symbols, and text tools in apps like Roll20 to quickly populate new battle maps or set scenes. Have atmospheric sound clips, Spotify playlists, or YouTube ambiance tracks ready to underscore emotional moments. Screenshare concept art or Pinterest inspiration images to fuel imaginations.
Most importantly, say “Yes, and…” instead of “No” whenever players venture into unplanned territory, building on their ideas to create memorable game moments. Their boundless creativity will drive the campaign as much as your prepared story beats.
Focus On Fun & Community Building
At its core, D&D is a social game bringing people together through collaborative storytelling. Don’t lose sight of that human connection in translating your game online. Check in often as a DM to ensure people are having fun too, not just powering through combat and quests.
Use humor liberally in your narration and descriptions to elicit laughs amidst tense dice rolls. End sessions recapping favorite moments or epic failures. Make time for players to bond with each other through character conversations, not just interacting with the world you present as DM.
Building camaraderie and anticipation for the next game session keeps your online D&D campaign feeling like a must-attend virtual hangout, not just another online obligation.
Conclusion
Online D&D opens exciting possibilities for adventure and friendship without geographic barriers. By selecting the right platforms for play, adjusting your DM style for remote connection, encouraging player creativity, and focusing on fun, you can lead an engaging virtual D&D campaign that stands the test of time.
Stay flexible and communicative with your player group, and you’ll be recounting epic tales around your virtual table for campaigns to come. So gather your party, pick your avatar, and let the questing commence! Glory and treasure await. I sincerely hope you enjoyed reading this “A Short Guide To Running Online D&D Campaigns” article.