Are you ready to embark on a thrilling adventure in the world of Dungeons and Dragons?
If so, don't forget to pack your essential D&D accessories! From dice and notebooks to miniatures and maps, these tools will help bring your campaign to life and make your gaming experience even more immersive.
Read on to check the must-have Dungeons and Dragons accessories for any adventurer or dungeon master.
Top D&D Accessories Breakdown
Dice: Having a set of dice is crucial. Having a variety of dice sets and designs can be useful for different players and can add a bit of flair to your game.
Miniatures: Using miniatures to represent your character and other NPCs (non-player characters) can help bring the game to life and make it easier to visualize combat, dungeon crawling, exploring and other actions.
Maps & Terrain: Having maps and terrain pieces can help to create a more immersive experience and make it easier to visualize the game world.
Dice Rolling Tray, Boxes & Towers: Roll dice with style and contain your favourite accessories in a stylish box or hear a fist full of dice clatter down tower steps.
Dry-erase Products: Having a dry-erase board, battle map, tiles and more can help you keep track of your character's stats and other important information.
Notebooks A notebook and pencil can be useful for taking notes, sketching maps, and recording important information during the game.
Cards: A deck of cards can be used for various purposes in D&D, such as drawing cards to determine random events or using them as a tool for storytelling and decision-making. You can spice this up with Tarot cards, official Dungeons and Dragons monster or status condition cards and more.
To Roll the Bones, You’ll Need Dice
Many different types of dice are used in Dungeons and Dragons (D&D).The dice have several sides (not just 6) and come in a variety of interesting designs. Here are the typical dice used in D&D that you’ll find in a set:
D20: This is a twenty-sided die with numbers from 1 to 20. It is the most iconic die in D&D and is used for determining attack rolls, skill checks, and many other tasks. This is by far the most important die in your set and will likely be used every session.
D4: This is a four-sided die with numbers from 1 to 4. It is often used for determining the damage of certain attacks or abilities that do a small amount of damage like slings, daggers, hammers, and low-level spells like Magic Missile.
D6: This is a six-sided die with numbers from 1 to 6 which are commonly seen in traditional board games (Monopoly, Settlers of Catan etc). It is a common die used in D&D and is used for determining damage for spells like Fireball or weapons like shortswords, spears, or clubs.
D8: This is an eight-sided die with numbers from 1 to 8. It is often used for determining the damage of certain attacks or abilities that do a moderate amount of damage such as longswords, and battleaxes.
D10: This is a ten-sided die with numbers from 0 to 9. It is often used in conjunction with a D100 (or percentile %) die, which is a ten-sided die with numbers from 00 to 90, to generate a random number between 1 and 100. D10s are used to determine damage from long polearms like halberds or glaives.
D12: This is a twelve-sided die with numbers from 1 to 12. These tend to not be used as much but are especially important for Barbarians or other characters using heavy weaponry and highly damaging spells. It is often used for determining the damage of weapons like Great Axes or powerful cleric cantrips like Toll the Dead.
Dice come in many designs and materials such as plastic, resin, metal and even gemstone. Ultimately, the dice you choose will depend on your unique preferences, budget and the needs of your game.
Fun Tip: It’s fun to choose a set of dice which represents your character’s theme. Maybe a blue and gold design would suit a lightning draconic sorcerer having problems controlling their magic? Or even metallic dice for a heavily armoured fighter or artificer who is a blacksmith?
D&D Miniatures: 2D vs 3D
Many different types of miniatures can be used in Dungeons and Dragons (D&D) and other tabletop role-playing games. First We’ll go over 3D miniatures.
Here are a few options that you may want to consider:
Pre-Painted Plastic Miniatures:
These are ready-to-use miniatures that come fully painted and assembled. They are a good choice for players who want a high-quality, detailed miniature without the hassle of painting it themselves.
Unpainted Plastic Miniatures:
These are miniatures that come in a single colour (usually white or gray) and require painting before use. They are a good choice for players who enjoy the process of painting miniatures or who want to customize the appearance of their miniature.
Metal Miniatures
These are miniatures made of metal and are often more detailed and durable than plastic miniatures. Their extra weight feels high-quality as well. They may require assembly, are more expensive and need to be painted.
Resin Miniatures
These are miniatures made of a type of plastic that is harder and more durable than standard plastic. They are often more detailed and may require assembly and painting. If you’re looking for more affordable miniatures, you'll want to look at 2D minis.
Purchasing 3D Minis
If you're interested in terrain miniatures, I'll always recommend small sellers first.
Please check Sinqnew's Miniatures. I've met them personally at local cons in Vancouver. They have unpainted and pre-painted options and sell small sets to get you started - from sets of barrels, trees, bookshelves and ruins. It's all you need to get started.
Otherwise, ensure you check:
Your Friendly Local Game Store (or as we say: FLGS)
Online sellers for "D&D 3D terrain" (Private sellers, Etsy, Amazon, etc)
Dwarven Forge: For premium collections
Hero Forge: For premium custom character minis
Pros & Cons of 2D Miniatures
2D miniatures are representations of characters and other game elements that are on a flat surface. They are D&D accessories made of paper or cardboard, which are often used in place of 3D miniatures in tabletop role-playing games.
Here are a few pros and cons of using 2D miniatures:
Pros:
Much Cheaper: 2D miniatures are vastly cheaper than 3D miniatures. They're fairly easy to make yourself on a budget.
Saves Space: 2D miniatures are much lighter and take up less space than 3D miniatures, making them easier to transport to game sessions. Since they lie flat, they’re extremely easy to store and require little care.
Customization: It is easy to create and customize your own 2D miniatures using a computer program or by drawing them by hand.
Easy to Replace: Since 2D miniatures are more affordable and accessible, they’re really easy to replace in case your token gets damaged somehow.
Cons:
Limited detail: 2D miniatures do not have the same level of detail as 3D miniatures and may not be as visually appealing for some gamers.
Lack of physical presence: 2D miniatures do not have as much presence on the tabletop and may not be as immersive as 3D miniatures.
Durability: 2D miniatures are prone to get damaged or lost more easily than 3D miniatures, as they are typically made of paper or cardboard. Lack of care during gameplay, like a spilled drink, may forever damage your miniature.
If You're on a Budget, Don't Feel Discouraged to Get 2D Minis
I used 2D miniatures, and still do to this day!
They were great when I started as a Dungeon Master in 2014. Working part-time and going to college, was within budget and the most practical option. They usually cost a fraction of a dollar each. I still have hundreds of 2D miniatures I purchased, and I’ve had no issues with durability.
Think about what you can afford and consider factors such as portability, customization, and the level of detail and immersion you want in your game.
Maps & Terrain For Tactical Movement
Although some dungeon masters and players swear by the theatre of the mind, nothing quite pinpoints locations and lays out the scene quite like a physical map.
Maps and terrain elements help players and dungeon masters visually see and interact with the scene before them. Questions like: “How high’s that dragon flying” or “Is that skeleton in range of my throwing axe?” are answered right in front of you.
Many different types of maps and terrain pieces can be used to create an immersive gaming experience in Dungeons and Dragons (D&D) and other tabletop role-playing games. Here are a few popular options:
Battle grids: These are mats or sheets that have a grid printed on them and are used to represent the playing area in combat. They come in a variety of sizes and materials, such as paper, plastic, vinyl, or neoprene.
Terrain tiles: These are tiles that can be placed on top of a battle grid to represent different types of terrain, such as forests, mountains, and water. They often come in sets and can be used to create custom maps.
Pre-made maps: These are ready-to-use maps that depict a specific location or area. They can be made of paper, cardboard, or other materials and may include terrain features and other details.
Terrain miniatures: These are miniature models of terrain features, such as trees, rocks, and buildings, that can be used to add detail and realism to your maps.
2D & 3D terrain: These are terrain pieces that are made in three dimensions and can be used to create a more immersive and realistic gaming experience. They may include details such as walls, doors, and other features. They also make 2D terrain pieces if you're on a budget like the Master Relics pack shown here.
The best maps and terrain pieces for your game will depend on your personal preferences, budget and the needs of your group. Weigh what will make the game more enjoyable and immersive for you and your fellow players.
Dice Rolling Trays, Boxes & Towers
Dice rolling trays and towers are great accessories for Dungeons and Dragons for several reasons.
First and foremost, they help to contain the dice, so you don't have to worry about them rolling off the table or getting lost. This is important if you are playing in a crowded or confined space, where there might not be enough room for the dice to roll freely.
Dice rolling trays and towers can also add a touch of style to your gaming setup. Many of them are made from high-quality materials, such as leather or wood, and feature intricate designs that are sure to impress your fellow players.
Whether you are looking to contain your dice or add a bit of flair to your game, these tools are worth considering. I'd highly recommend the Cherrywood Dice Tower from Bookwyrm for DnD accessories.
Dry Erase Products
Dry erase is a great supplement for notebooks and more in D&D. From durable dry-erase game mats to Here are a few options to consider:
Dry-erase Battlemaps & Dungeon Tiles: These are tabletop grids or a set of tiles to draw map elements on and simply erase after your session. some of the best investments for dungeon masters.
Dry-erase boards: These are small to large whiteboards that can be used to keep track of character stats, initiative and combat elements, draw maps, and take notes during the game. They are often made of plastic or glass and come with a dry-erase marker.
Dry-erase character sheets: These are sheets that are designed to be used as character sheets in D&D and other role-playing games. They are made of paper or cardboard and have a coating that allows you to write on them with a dry-erase marker.
Dry-erase markers: These are markers that can be used to write on dry-erase boards and other dry-erase surfaces. They come in a variety of colours and can be easily erased with a dry cloth or eraser.
Using dry-erase products can be a convenient way to keep track of important information and make changes to your character or game elements on the fly.
Notebooks
What was that important NPC’s name? What was that town that had that cool magic curiosity shop?
Having a notebook while playing Dungeons and Dragons (D&D) and other tabletop role-playing games can be useful for jotting down campaign information, keeping track of magical spells and much more.
Taking notes helps players and dungeon masters keep track of campaign information. Since D&D games are played in weekly, bi-weekly and even monthly sessions (or longer), it’s really easy to forget what happened several sessions ago if several weeks have passed.
Here are just a few benefits of notebooks in-game:
Taking notes: A notebook can be a useful place to jot down important information, such as NPC (non-player character) names, locations, and plot points. It can also help keep track of your character's progress and goals.
Sketching maps: A notebook can be a good place to sketch out maps of the game world, locations, and other important areas. This can help you and your fellow players visualize the game world and better understand the layout of different locations.
Recording ideas: A notebook can be a helpful tool for capturing ideas and inspiration as they come to you during the game. You can use it to jot down plot hooks, character ideas, and other creative thoughts.
Staying organized: A notebook can help you stay organized and keep track of all the different elements of your game, such as character sheets, notes, and maps.
Decks of Cards
Having a deck of cards while playing Dungeons and Dragons (D&D) can be useful for new and experienced tables. From keeping track of information without flipping through rules, and making puzzles, to adding spontaneity to your game, decks of cards add some familiar intrigue. Here are a few examples:
Random events: A deck of cards can be used to generate random events or occurrences in the game, such as encounters with NPCs (non-player characters) or unexpected plot twists.
Decision-making: A deck of cards can be used as a tool for making decisions in the game, such as determining the outcome of a coin flip or choosing between multiple options.
Keeping Track of Status Conditions & More: You can use cards that specifically keep track of status conditions afflicting enemies or party members (check out condition cards). In a standard deck, maybe hearts mean temporary HP, or clubs can be luck points.
Safety Tools: Players at the table need to feel comfortable at all times during play. Some subject matter can come up during D&D games by accident which makes people uncomfortable. By giving everyone a card or two (usually an "X card" and a "Warning card"), the DM can gauge when things are going too far for a particular player and shift the scene away from those elements.
Storytelling: A deck of cards can be used to help facilitate storytelling in the game. For example, you could create a set of custom cards with prompts or themes and draw one at random to inspire your character's actions or responses.
Improvisation: A deck of cards can be a helpful tool for improvising and coming up with creative ideas on the fly. You can use them to generate random elements or prompts that can help spark your imagination. This is good for eccentric NPCs like fortune tellers and shady gamblers.
Now you're armed with the tools to get fantastic D&D accessories for your game. If you're looking for more Dungeons and Dragons tips for DM's and Players alike, make sure to join the party and subscribe below for more content.
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