Phil Shea

Phil was a world-traveler, writing, playing games, and exploring. Now he lives in Toronto and plays D&D, Root, and Terraforming Mars online. Most recently, he has been exploring the asymmetric games by Leder Games. Links to Other Writing: Persuasive Writing; Coffee Website.
5e: How Does Passive Perception Work?

5e: How Does Passive Perception Work?

5e gamers who own the Player’s Handbook (PHB) tend to overlook the details of how passive perception works. Properly used, it can speed up your game, cut down on the monotony of constant active perception checks, and maintain the drama of ambushes and avoiding detection.

5e: Switching Weapons In Combat

5e: Switching Weapons In Combat

Sometimes in D&D 5e combat, you find that an equipped weapon isn’t having an effect. Perhaps you need a magical weapon or to change the damage type because of enemy resistances. The problem, however, is that there is some disagreement on how to switch weapons mid-fight. Can a Player Character (PC) change weapons during combat in 5e for free?

When to Give Advantage in 5e

When to Give Advantage in 5e

As a Dungeon Master (DM), it may not always be clear when to give advantage, as many situations aren’t covered by the Player’s Handbook or Dungeon Master’s Guide. Some believe you should strictly adhere to the rules-as-written (RAW), while others like to sprinkle them throughout gameplay. What should you do?

Can D&D Characters Get Pregnant?

Can D&D Characters Get Pregnant?

Many player-controlled bards in D&D enjoy a good roll in the hay, often to other players’ annoyance. But are there ever any unexpected “surprises” from these trysts? Can a character get pregnant?

Pets in DnD 5e

Pets in DnD 5e

On the go? Listen to the audio version of the article here: Pets are among the most diverse and difficult features to represent in a roleplaying game, as they can range from having a tiny mouse that inconsequentially nibbles on a druid’s hair to a dracolich that the...

DnD 5e: Why Use Daggers?

DnD 5e: Why Use Daggers?

On the go? Listen to the audio version of the article here: In 5e, daggers are often overshadowed by their bigger cousins - the long swords, great axes, and scythes. “Why should I wield a puny dagger in Dungeons & Dragons when I can be swinging around a massive...

Are D&D Elves Immortal?

Are D&D Elves Immortal?

On the go? Listen to the audio version of the article here: When I first started playing Dungeons & Dragons, I had some expectations about elves. I assumed that they were mysterious, otherworldly, deeply magical… and immortal. While the first three are in the...