The Lazy RPG Podcast - D&D and RPG News and GM Prep from Sly Flourish The Blood Mage – Dragon Empire Prep Session 45
9 snips
Nov 21, 2025 In this session, Mike dives into preparing an epic Dragon Empire campaign. He discusses the thrilling hook of blood mages and fiendish spiders, and how terrain affects gameplay. Major scenes, like the archmage fight and the journey to Nuria Natal, are mapped out. Fascinating NPCs, including an ancient dragon and faction politics, add depth to the story. Mike also shares insights on encounter balance and the treasure players might discover. He wraps up with creative route planning for the adventurers' journey.
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Skip Fancy Terrain If Prep Time Lacks
- Don't sweat missing fancy terrain; players rarely expect it every session.
- Use a quick drawn map on a Chessex mat to deliver the same tactical clarity fast.
Frame Sessions By Scenes, Not Details
- Plan a handful of scenes (around five) for a three-hour session to ensure enough content.
- Use the scene frame to stop prepping obsessively and start running the game confidently.
A Dragon's Hidden Lineage
- Mike reveals Baelith Mooncowl is posing as a silver dragonborn but is actually an ancient bronze dragon.
- He plans family relationships and secret lineage to create dramatic rescue stakes.
