Action-packed, combat-filled sessions of D&D are cool. But what if you want to run a session that’s a little more chill?
If you’ve played D&D often enough to have made it through at least half a campaign or so, you probably have run across an almost universal phenomenon. It’s the end of the session, you realize you’ve been having a blast and almost “nothing” has happened; that is to say you haven’t touched your dice once. All you’ve done is sort of live in the world of your story for 2-3 hours.
That’s something that gamers have been discovering for decades now. Sometimes the best stuff happens when you’re having just a chill time. Not every session needs to be that way, but if you want to run a cozy little session, here are some tips.
Take A Breath
Probably the biggest secret to having that kind of chill/cozy session where you barely reach for the dice is creating the sense that the PCs have time to do so. It’s pacing, really. After the end of an adventure, or between climactic moments, the party needs time to feel like they can catch a breath. And if you want to set up a chill session, you can convey that sort of narrative space.
Essentially, you take the pressure off, even just a little, so that the world can “take a breath.” The villains plans have been temporarily foiled. The bandits driven off from the village. Give the PCs a sense that they can rest, and you’d be surprised at what happens.
Sensory Details
Another big part of a cozy little session is playing up the softer sensory details. Maybe you play up the steady patter of raindrops against the windowpanes while the thunderstorm unfolds outside the inn where the PCs are resting.
Or the gentle breeze that sweeps through the no-longer blood-soaked fields where the demon hordes were driven back the week before. Play up the sounds and sights and smells even the feeling of the world at rest, and it sets the stage for things to come. Especially if it’s in stark contrast to the description you’ve been doing in more intense sessions.
Ask Some Questions
Another great thing to do for a cozy session is to prompt the players to say what their characters are thinking. A lot of times, these sessions happen during “shopping episodes” where the party is searching for gear or other things to spend their hard-earned loot on.
You can ask, “hey what does Regdar think as he sits in the hot springs” or “as Gwarm looks over the shady alchemist’s ‘potions’ what is going through their mind?” See what comes up when you ask the players what their characters are thinking/feeling.
Weather Is Your Friend
Also, the weather. I mean, this could fall under sensory details, but I can’t stress enough how much of a great tool your world’s weather is to hammer home the mood and the tone of the session. If time is passing in this session, look at the turning of the seasons. Or even just the segue from rainstorm to clear skies, and sunset beyond.
Let The Roleplay Happen
Finally, if your players are interacting with each other, in character? Sometimes all you have to do is sit back, shut up, and appreciate the work you’ve put in. Because now they’re in it. And as a DM, that is one of the most rewarding feelings out there.
What are your tips for one of those ‘and nobody even TOUCHED the dice’ kinds of sessions?
Don’t Miss:
Source: Bell of Lost Souls
