The Tavern Notes
Field notes for the table
Practical guidance for running better games and rolling up characters — written for new players and busy dungeon masters who want to spend less time prepping and more time playing.
May 26, 2026 · 6-min read
5 Ways to Use Spell Cards at the Table
Five practical ways physical spell cards speed up D&D 5e play — faster caster turns, easier concentration tracking, smoother prep and better new-player onboarding.
May 19, 2026 · 8-min read
Session Zero Checklist for New DMs
A practical session zero checklist for new dungeon masters — set table expectations, safety tools, character ties and tone before the first die is rolled.
May 12, 2026 · 7-min read
How to Run Your First One-Shot
A first-time dungeon master's guide to planning and running a self-contained D&D 5e adventure in a single session, from premise to final scene.