D&D isn’t a novel, but players still care about story. This category gathers DM Tips about crafting plots, hooks and pacing that work at the table, not just on paper.

Here you’ll find advice on designing adventure hooks that actually get your group moving, weaving multiple story threads without confusing everyone, and deciding how much foreshadowing and mystery your campaign really needs. Good pacing means knowing when to linger on a dramatic moment and when to fast-forward past logistics that nobody wants to roleplay for twenty minutes.

These articles explore topics like:

• Building plots around player goals instead of prewritten endings
• Balancing long-term arcs with short, satisfying story beats
• Using recaps and “previously on” moments to keep the plot clear
• Handling side quests so they feel like part of the story, not filler
• Adjusting pacing when the party ignores your plans or takes a hard left turn

If you want your players to talk about “that scene” weeks later, this is where you’ll learn how to shape stories collaboratively, keep tension rising and falling in the right places, and avoid both railroading and aimless wandering.