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The nefarious Evil Dungeon Master is here to share invaluable tips and tricks on Dungeons & Dragons, Palladium, and a myriad of other RPGs. Drawing from over 30 years of diabolical Dungeon Mastering Experience, these bite-sized daily podcasts (10 to 15 minutes each) are brimming with wicked wisdom that you simply can't afford to miss. Mostly system neutral, but has favored editions and game systems. Season 7 is current and is all about AD&D! Visit https://TheEvilDM.com for more! Support this ...
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Today's podcast is all about the Rod of Smiting. I wanted to discuss this Magical item, because I've seen some confusion surrounding it in regards to how its used and where it falls under for using it. The Rod of Smiting is a +3 magic weapon that deals 4-11 damage (d8 + 3) to most enemies and has special effects against golems and outer plane creat…
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The Cloak of Guarding is a gray woolen garment that becomes rigid upon impact, deflecting non-magical missiles and reducing damage from physical attacks. It withstands pressure until it absorbs 25 hit points of damage, after which it disintegrates. However, it offers no protection against heat, cold, or electrical attacks. It has a value of 1500 ex…
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The article "Designing for Unique Wilderness Encounters" provides Dungeon Masters with tables and instructions to generate unique terrains and features for wilderness encounters. It focuses on integrating environmental diversity into gameplay by considering terrain types, grades, slopes, and features like streams, ponds, and vegetation. The goal is…
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An interesting magical item from the AD&D Comic book 1989, issue 2. Highlights 🔮 Lockstone Description: A magical device resembling a crystalline or metallic orb or egg, believed to originate from the outer planes. 🕒 Timed Functionality: Lockstones are set to release one or more spells when specific conditions are met. 🧙♂️ Programming: Can only be…
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Solstice Fang is a powerful +2 longsword forged from rare silvery metal, designed specifically to combat undead creatures, particularly vampires. Crafted by the Order of the Dawn during a solar eclipse, it features magical properties that enhance its effectiveness against the undead. However, wielding it comes with a curse, causing the user to expe…
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The Wand of Enemy Detection is an underappreciated magic item in AD&D, useful for detecting hostile intent and enhancing gameplay strategies. Highlights 🪄 Useful Item: The wand detects hostile creatures, including invisible or disguised enemies. 🚪 Closed Door Detection: Players can use the wand to check for threats behind closed doors. 🎭 Hostility …
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On today's podcast, I decided to explore the Thorn Curse from the Halloween movies and how it could be used in your campaign. In the isolated village of Thornbrook, strange deaths and ominous signs lead players to investigate a dark curse tied to the Thorn Mark, which forces one family member to sacrifice kin for the village’s survival. As the play…
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Today's podcast talks about something that is trending on X about how Gary Gygax stated about how to play AD&D and Batman Tim wanted a wacky creature talked about today! Highlights 📖 Blindheim is featured from the Fiend Folio, a 1981 UK monster compilation. 🐸 Described as a yellow frog-like humanoid with blinding eyes. 🌟 Its blinding stare can inca…
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In today's episode, I go over the rules for detect good and/or evil as listed in the Dungeon Masters guide. This gives us a little more then what's listed in the players handbook under the Paladin ability "Detect Evil". It tells us that only "Know Alignment" can truly determine a person's alignment. The detection of good and evil in characters reli…
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The “Rainbow” spell is a 5th-level cleric evocation/alteration that harnesses the power of rainbows to create various magical effects. The cleric can choose from four applications: a magical bow that fires colored arrows with special damage effects, a bridge made of rainbow hues, an elevator that lifts the cleric and others, or a flagon that produc…
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The Croatoan Roanoke legend surrounds the mystery of the lost colony established in 1587 on Roanoke Island, North Carolina. When Governor John White returned in 1590, he found the settlement abandoned, with only the word “Croatoan” carved into a post, hinting at the nearby Croatoan tribe. Theories about the colonists’ fate include assimilation, rel…
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Shadows are undead creatures tied to the negative material plane, often lurking in ancient ruins or deep underground. They drain life force by touch, sapping both health and strength from their victims. Shadows are challenging to detect, blending seamlessly into darkness, and are immune to many typical spells and cold-based attacks. Victims drained…
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The article "Arcane Academe: Adding to the Thief" by Jeff Martin introduces new skill options for the Thief class in AD&D, inspired by the Unearthed Arcana supplement. It provides additional skills like Appraise, Ransack, and Infiltrate, aiming to give Thieves more variety and specialization within the game. This expansion allows for a more detaile…
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Today's podcast comes from listener, Hunter and he wanted to know if Tieflings should be common in a fantasy game. So I tried to answer this question, while looking at the AD&D 2e Planewalker's Handbook. Tieflings, the most enigmatic of the plane-touched, evoke both fascination and fear. Unlike aasimar or genasi, tieflings lack a clear heritage and…
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Sunray is a 7th-level druid spell that creates a beam of light resembling sunlight, causing blindness and significant damage to creatures within its area of effect. It has a range of 1 inch per level, lasts for 1 round, and affects a 1-foot diameter sphere. Those harmed by sunlight or using ultravision face severe consequences, and undead creatures…
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Happy Halloween everyone! Demonic possession, often absent in D&D lore, allows powerful demons (level IV or higher) to control the bodies of mortals. Only specific demons can possess adventurers, requiring an amulet to remain nearby. Possession involves a saving throw, and a failed save leads to the victim being controlled by the demon. Exorcism is…
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Xill are rare, bipedal, flame-red creatures with four arms that can wield weapons and grapple victims. They reproduce asexually by laying eggs on living humanoids. Xill can shift between the Ethereal and Prime Material Planes, often surprising their victims. They prefer to paralyze or subdue their targets before injecting eggs. While vulnerable dur…
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The Hound of Ill Omen is a rare, shadowy wolf-hound that appears as a harbinger of death to a single adventurer. Its presence is fleeting, accompanied by a powerful howl that increases the damage of subsequent wounds. It can only be seen by one individual and cannot be harmed. The creature is believed to appear when a character has deeply offended …
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Dungeons are filled with an array of tricks, from misleading sounds to illusions and physical traps. Players must rely on their wit and foresight to navigate these challenges, as a careless approach can lead to dire consequences. The Dungeon Master (DM) will employ creativity to deceive players, making critical thinking essential for survival. High…
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Cantrips are basic spells learned by novice magic-users and illusionists during their training. The number of cantrips a magic-user can cast daily increases as they progress through levels. While cantrips are simple and of limited effect, they can be retained in place of higher-level spells. These spells require minimal components, have a short cas…
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Page 122 under Appendix V it outlines suggested agreements for the division of treasure among characters in a game. It presents methods such as equal shares, shares by level, and equal shares plus bonus, with specific modifiers for player and non-player characters. It also addresses the complexities of dividing magical items and provides methods fo…
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An Aleax is a unique being sent by gods to punish or test those who stray from their alignment, fail in their duties, or otherwise anger a deity. It takes on the exact physical appearance of its target, including their equipment, and engages in a duel. The Aleax regenerates and fights relentlessly but has specific rules that differentiate it from i…
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Dark elves, or drow, are a unique sub-race of elves known for their inky black skin and white or silver hair. They can choose classes like cleric, fighter, and thief but are typically considered outcasts from their underground homes. Drow player characters lack the magical resistance of their NPC kin and must navigate life without the usual equipme…
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Elfin Chain Mail (yes this is how its spelled in the book) is a rare, magical armor crafted by elves, known for its lightweight and flexibility, allowing it to be worn discreetly under clothing. Despite its suitability for thieves, it can slightly hinder their movements. The armor is typically fit for elves or half-elves, with various sizing possib…
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Infravision allows creatures to see in the infrared spectrum, useful for nocturnal and underground beings. Different light sources, such as torches and magic weapons, provide illumination necessary for activities in low-light environments. Infravision can be hindered by light sources and extreme temperatures. Ultravision enables sight in the ultrav…
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Today's podcast is talking about the holy water creation rules found in the DMG on page 115! Only clerics, except druids, can create holy or unholy water using a special basin and font made of precious metals. The process requires casting specific spells and can only be done once a week. The amount of water produced depends on the metal used. If de…
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Listen into today's podcast as I go over the spell ‘Restoration’ in the player's handbook. Discover how it can revive lost levels and restore vitality while unraveling its unique mechanics and strategic uses in gameplay. Whether you’re a seasoned player or new to the realm, this episode will equip you with valuable insights for your next adventure!…
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Gauntlets of Dexterity: These seemingly ordinary leather gloves are magically enhanced to fit any wearer, whether a halfling or a large human. When worn, they offer a significant boost to the wearer’s dexterity: If the wearer’s dexterity is 6 or lower, the gauntlets increase it by 4 points. If the wearer’s dexterity is between 7 and 13, the increas…
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Today's podcast has us looking at Dragon Magazine #68, on page 82, an article titled, "You've Always Got a Chance..." -- This Article goes on to tell you how to take the ability score based on the situation, multiply it by 5 to get a percentage chance of success. Highlights -🛡️ Orc Attack: Orcs battering down the door create immediate tension. Thie…
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Welcome to another Podcast! Today I am going over an item requested by Dan S, the Deck of Many things! The Deck of Many Things is a favorite magic item in AD&D, offering exciting and unpredictable effects that can drastically change gameplay. Highlights 🎴 The Deck of Many Things is beloved by players and DMs alike. 📜 Printed cards can be found in D…
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The Sword +2, known as the Dragon Slayer, deals +4 damage against all true dragons and triples damage (3-36 + 4 or 7-40) against one specific dragon type determined by a random roll. However, if the sword is rolled as an unusual sword, if its the same alignment, that would preventing it from slaying dragons of that type and alignment. A roll determ…
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On Page 40 of the Player's Handbook we have a little blurb about the term monster. I thought it was an excellent things to discuss and talk about. The term “monster” is broadly applied in adventuring contexts, referring not only to fearsome creatures but also to benign animals, intelligent beings, or even humans that may pose a threat. An encounter…
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Today I am joined by DM Rivers as a special Guest as we explore the Cavalier class from Unearthed Arcana in AD&D, highlighting its unique traits, historical context, and gameplay challenges. Rivers Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@RIVERSRPGChannel/ Highlights ⚔️ The Cavalier class offers a knightly experience akin to the Battle of Agincourt. 🐴 Cav…
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The Rings of Regeneration in AD&D are powerful magic items that restore hit points and can bring characters back from death, with two distinct forms offering unique benefits. Highlights 🔮 Powerful Magic Item: The Ring of Regeneration is one of the most potent items in AD&D. 💖 Healing Factor: Restores one hit point per turn and can replace lost limb…
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Magic-user spell books are essential for spellcasters, typically consisting of one or two books upon completing their apprenticeship. There are two types: standard books, containing a higher number of spells, and traveling books with fewer spells. Costs for these books vary based on spell levels, and new spellcasters often receive their initial boo…
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A Necklace of Strangulation is an enchanted item that can only be discovered when placed around the wearer’s neck. Upon wearing it, the necklace constricts, causing 6 hit points of damage per round and cannot be removed without powerful spells. The wearer will eventually die, leaving only a skeleton behind. Highlights 🎭 Enchanted Item: The necklace…
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Clerics receive spells from their deities through prayer and meditation, with lower-level spells given via intermediaries and higher-level spells requiring direct supplication. The deity may grant or deny requests based on the cleric’s actions, alignment, and faithfulness. Some spells also need specific material components provided by the cleric. H…
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The Fumble Spell in AD&D is an underutilized fourth-level enchantment that causes a target to fumble items and act clumsily, with a duration of one round per level. Highlights 🪄 Fumble Spell is a fourth-level magic user spell. ⚖️ Duration is one round per level, making it potentially powerful. ⚔️ Causes targets to drop or fumble items, creating tac…
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The Holy Avenger is a powerful sword for Paladins, granting magic resistance and bonus damage against chaotic evil foes, making it a significant asset in AD&D. Highlights ⚔️ Holy Avenger Power: Acts as a +2 sword for non-Paladins and a +5 sword for Paladins. 🛡️ Magic Resistance: Provides 50% magic resistance within a 5-foot radius. ✨ Bonus Damage: …
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Today's podcast was an email suggestion from Billy G! The Algoid is a rare, semi-intelligent green humanoid creature resembling a colony of algae. It has a unique form, limited to mobility and a basic intelligence, and is immune to various weapons and magical attacks, particularly fire and lightning. Algoids can control nearby trees to aid in comba…
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Today's podcast suggestion is brought to you by Donald Vek! Thank you for the suggestion. Today's podcast discusses the differences between the Gem of Seeing from the Dungeon Master’s Guide and the True Seeing spell from the Player’s Handbook and the in AD&D. Highlights 📖 True Seeing is a 5th level cleric spell allowing perception of true forms. 🔮 …
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Topic this episode is suggested by DIRTYOLDGROGNARD on X. This issue of Dragon Magazine #222 features an in-depth exploration of the Death Knight as a terrifying and tragic NPC (Non-Player Character) in Advanced Dungeons & Dragons. Once noble warriors, death knights now serve evil, wielding immense power and command over undead forces. The article …
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LAMIA is a rare, chaotic evil creature found in deserts, resembling a human female with a beast’s lower body. They are fast, armed with daggers, and possess spellcasting abilities to charm and deceive their prey. Lamias drain wisdom and blood from victims, ultimately devouring them. Their ability to speak in common and their alignment language aids…
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Vince is joined by DM Will and they go over the system for determining the unusual properties of swords, including their intelligence, alignment, primary abilities, extraordinary powers, and specific purposes. Various tables are provided to roll dice for these attributes, which can affect how the sword interacts with its wielder and the world aroun…
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Arrows of slaying in AD&D are powerful magic items that instantly kill specific creature types, with unique variations and careful usage required. Do you want to guest host on the show? Let me know, email at AsktheDM(@)TheEvilDM.com #AdvancedDungeonsAndDragons #TSR #Greyhawk Highlights 🏹 Instant Death: These arrows kill their specific target instan…
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Today's podcast is brought to you by LeroyD20 on X. The Jackalwere is a rare and dangerous creature known for its ability to shift between a jackal and human form. Driven by chaotic evil, it roams the lands, targeting humans for their riches and lives. Its gaze holds a magical sleep-inducing power, making it even more threatening in ambush situatio…
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Today on the podcast, Jonathan S sent a request into my facebook page asking about Death Knights! Death Knights, formidable undead creatures from D&D, are powerful foes with unique abilities, including magic resistance and commanding undead. 🗡️ Death Knights are powerful undead, known for their formidable stats and abilities. 👻 They have a unique o…
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An interesting monster that has a lot of possibilities in your game, so in this video I discuss the Spectre in AD&D, detailing their abilities, weaknesses, and a unique approach for incorporating them into gameplay. Highlights 📖 Spectres are powerful undead with unique abilities. 👻 They drain life energy, posing a significant threat to players. 🌑 S…
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The Equalizer of Gran March, or the Sword of Neutrality, is a silver long sword designed to balance the universe’s powers. Only true neutral characters can wield it effectively. It functions as a +3 weapon against various alignments, with special effects against extreme alignments, including potential disintegration. The sword has an experience poi…
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Shoes of Fharlanghn are magical footwear that never wear out and prevent fatigue, allowing wearers to walk 20-30 miles daily. Neutral or neutral good wearers gain benefits like never tripping, climbing hills effortlessly, and walking on narrow ledges safely. Worshipers of Fharlanghn receive additional perks, including never getting lost, being unst…
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