The Ultimate DnD Gifts Guide

Welcome to the ultimate guide for DnD gifts! I’ve done all the heavy lifting for you, searching across the web for the best gifts ideas. This guide is the most comprehensive DnD gift guide on the web. I hope you’ll find what you’re looking for, or perhaps pick up a new idea or two for a great DnD Gift!


This guide has over 50 DnD Gifts. To make the process of going through them all easier, look through the categories immediately below.


Additionally, each category is ordered according to the most popular gifts in that category, first, for your convenience. So, even if you’re not extremely familiar with DnD or tabletop games, no worries! This guide will help you choose a gift that’s likely to be loved. Time to find the best DnD gifts!

DnD Gifts

Click on any of the following links to go directly to that section in this DnD Gifts Guide:

Gifts for D&D Players

DnD Dice & Accessories

DnD Minis

DnD Gaming Maps

DnD Gifts for Him

DnD Gifts for Her

Dungeons and Dragons Gifts for Kids

DnD-Themed Boardgames

DnD Gifts for Online Play

Gift Cards

D&D Gift Ideas that Cost Nothing


Bonus DnD Gifts Guides

The following guides are DnD gifts specifically-picked for dungeon masters, players, and more.

Take a look at these articles for even more (and even more specific) DnD Gift options!

Dungeon Master Gifts

Lit candle in a carved, amber-colored skull. D&D game setting: map, book, and figurines on table.

Eternity TTRPG Top Sellers

DnD Gifts: Gifts for D&D Players

These DnD gift picks are for all D&D players. Basically, everyone who plays DnD needs the following items in order to even be able to play the game and make the most out of their gaming experiences!

Core Rule Books for D&D

This gift is an obvious gift pick since D&D is the largest tabletop roleplay game in the world. This is a great gift for someone wanting to start playing tabletop games. However, note that this is not a great gift for many people who have already been playing tabletop games for some time, as they probably already have these core rule books.


Note that there are three core rulebooks for DnD 5e (5th edition – the most recent version of the game). Each book costs about $50, and can be purchased separately. The link below actually comes with all three rulebooks in a special gift set, which are:

  • Dungeons and Dragons 5th Edition Player's Handbook
  • Dungeons and Dragons 5th Edition Dungeon Master's Guide
  • Dungeons and Dragons 5th Edition Monster Manual
A figure facing a towering structure with a beam of light. Purple and pink mountains and sky, water in the foreground.

Dungeon A Day

A terrific DnD Gift for any hardcore fan is a monthly subscription to Eternity TTRPG's: Dungeon A Day.


Dungeon A Day provides fresh ideas for your ongoing tabletop campaign, and works with any tabletop RPG system.


Check back each day for a brand new dungeon room. Over time, individual rooms add up, creating a massive, mega-dungeon.

Dungeon A Day Subscription
Set of clear, iridescent dice in a purple hue resting on a wooden surface.

DnD Gifts: DnD Dice and Dice Accessories

No list of DnD gifts would be complete without mentioning dice. It’s important to note that there are many types of dice available. To keep it simple, I’ve included some of my top picks for dice, below. However, if you know your loved one is really into all the different types of dice available, check out my article on the Best D&D Dice to really get into the details of what to purchase. 

Text on a dark green background reads
Stacks of multicolored dice in front of three

Mystery Dice Goblin

Unleash your inner hero with Dice Goblin! I particularly enjoy opening mystery boxes or sets of all kinds, and mystery dice is a perfect choice for your next DnD gift. The great thing about mystery dice is that even if the person you're buying for already has a number of dice sets, they're very likely to get something new. It's easy to "get the gift right" when you're choosing a mystery set.


In particular, you may take a look at Dice Goblin's "Dice of Disappointment," or their "Mystery Halloween Dice" sets, which I think are both quite unique.

Mystery Dice Goblin

Dice Envy Metal Dice

These metal dice by Dice Envy are high quality, look spectacular, and are sure to add flavor to any tabletop game. Dice Envy also offers recurring monthly or tri-monthly subscription box options. Subscription gift boxes have become more popular across many industries, as people love gifts that continue to show up throughout the year.


I like Dice Envy Metal Dice because of the weight. Yes, metal dice can dent your table (you may also need a dice tray), but the feeling of rolling a metal dice is far superior to that of any plastic dice.

See Metal Dice Pricing

Dragon Dice Bag

DnD players love collecting dice. I'm not 100% sure why that is, but I personally have a tiger's eye gemstone dice I primarily use for games, then like another 100 other dice. If people need dice, I've always got them covered! Also, it's just kind of fun to have a variety of colors at the table.


In any case, I really like to have a big dice bag that holds all of my dice. Big dice bags also aren't that easy to find. That's where this dragon dice bag comes in. It's gigantic, the material is soft, it has compartments for each type or material of dice that I want separated, and it's got a cool dragon logo on it. Win, win, win.

Genuine Leather DnD Dice Bag

Having a special bag to hold dice can be a nice extra, for any DnD player. The great thing about dice bags is that they’re also inexpensive, and make as great extras for any gift set. If you're not into the gigantic bag of dice, this one is also a much more travel-friendly option for when you're headed out to  game.


What I also love about this dice bag is that it's very versatile. The bag can open up (shown in the picture, above), and essentially become a small dice tray.

Dice Holder Shaped Like A Sword

Very similar in concept to a dice bag, dice holders keep dice both between and during play. The difference with a dice holder is that it is often shaped to look like some kind of special fantasy element, like this small, fantasy sword.


For DnD players, this dice holder is especially perfect since it carries every dice type needed for the game. Basically, get someone a new dice set from Dice Envy (above), then get them this holder, and they're all set to go for gaming.

Dragon-Etched DnD Dice Tower

Dice towers are meant to roll dice for you. Place your dice at the top of the tower, and it rolls out onto a tray. Perfect for players concerned about scratching up tables as dice fall on them. They’re also just another good element to add to any tabletop setting.


Some players I game with really like dice trays and towers. It's almost like they have their own little fortress on their side of the table, complete with their gaming crest. And of course, dragons are always welcome and respected at every DnD gaming table.

Miniatures and dice on green mesh fabric: skull, wizard, dragon, warrior, crystal, and a d20.

DnD Gifts: DnD Miniatures

Miniatures are great for any tabletop game, as they help take the “theater of the mind” and put some reference to what’s really happening, in-game. Some miniatures come pre-painted, which is ideal for players new to tabletop gaming. If purchasing for someone who already loves tabletop games, they may enjoy painting their own miniatures, for the extra customization.

Miniature figure of a creature wielding a sword and a club. It has a crown and is standing on a circular base.

HeroForge Miniatures

HeroForge is my top pick for tabletop minis because their site allows visitors to custom-create their own miniatures. The image immediately above is "Lestat," my latest custom-built mini from HeroForge.


With HeroForge, I recommend picking up a gift card, as opposed to actually buying a miniature (unless you want to custom-create a mini as your gift).


Gift cards can be found if you click the green “Buy” button on the bottom left of the screen, then the “Gift Card” option that pulls down. Most minis from HeroForge run between $20-50, for your reference, when deciding a gift card amount.

See HeroForge Pricing

Pathfinder Pre-Painted Minis

These pre-painted minis by Pathfinder make great gifts. Each set comes with 4 or so miniatures that are all high-quality. If the set has large minis in it, there will be less minis, overall. If the minis are medium-sized or smaller, there will be more. Basically, it's like a mystery box of minis that are all highly-detailed, and come pre-painted.


Over the years, my gaming group has collected hundreds of minis. They don't make or break a game of DnD, for sure, but they do add to the game's immersion. In my opinion, they're well-worth the small investment to purchase them.

Demon figure on clear stand, red and black coloring, horns, claws, glowing eyes.

Skinny Minis

Skinny Minis is a newer company that originally launched via Kickstarter. I love these minis. They offer high-quality art on a 2D surface, and are extremely affordable. This option allows you to purchase a lot more minis for your money than you get with 3D.


Of course, some people (a couple members in my gaming group) vastly prefer 3D models. For me, I like the artwork. Take a look at the image immediately above for an idea of the quality you're getting, here. Then, just realize that you can get about 5 of these minis (or more) for any single 3D one.


Finally, Skinny Minis are very durable. Not a single one of my Skinny Minis - even the small ones - have sustained any damage through use or time.

Skinny Minis Pricing

Miniatures Paint Set

If you do decide to get someone unpainted miniatures, having a basic paint set can get them started towards creating their own, unique characters. This is a great gift option for someone who really enjoys arts and crafts.


Some DnD players love painting their own minis, as part of the gaming experience. If you paint your own, you get much more customization that you could ever find with pre-painted sets.

Battle map with lava, stone structure, and miniature figures.

DnD Gifts: DnD Gaming Maps

Gaming maps go hand-in-hand with miniatures, since it gives the miniatures a world in which to live. Oftentimes, battles take place on gaming maps, since most maps have gridlines, which allow players to track movement and in-game effects.

Top-down view of a river and bridge on a digital table, set into a wooden frame.

Complete DnD Table

Enhance your tabletop gaming experience like never before. With this innovative DnD Table, you can take your gaming table with you on your quests and play wherever the adventure takes you.


With just a wave of your wand, you can transform your humble dinner table into a fully-fledged Gaming Table in less than a minute by utilizing this HDTV, protected by a high-quality plexiglass shield

No longer will you be limited to using sub-par maps for your campaigns. The Dungeon Game Table allows you to utilize the highest quality maps, including animated maps, to bring your game to life. You can even use fog of war to conceal unexplored areas of the map, adding an extra level of suspense and excitement to your game.

And don't worry, fellow adventurers, as the Dungeon Game table still allows you to use miniatures and roll dice on the screen, thanks to the plexiglass protection provided. You can continue to play your favorite TTRPGs like Dungeons & Dragons, Pathfinder, and The Call of Cthulhu with ease.

And for those long gaming sessions, the Dungeon Display comes equipped with a charging station that can power up to four tablets or phones, keeping your character sheets alive and well.

The Dungeon Display itself houses an LG 43" Class - UQ8000 Series - 4K UHD LED LCD TV that weighs 19.4 lbs and measures 40x25x3 inches. The TV is sealed off and protected during transportation to ensure its safety and longevity.

So, what are you waiting for, brave adventurers? Embark on your next quest with the Dungeon Display and take your tabletop gaming to the next level.

Complete DnD Table
Text on a dark green background reads
Book cover for

Entire Book of Immersive Battlemaps

Yarro Studios is another company that launched via Kickstarter with tremendous success. They offer an entire book of battle maps, with each page a unique environment. Want to be on a pirate ship? Covered. Need a map for a forest, or castle? Just about every fantasy setting a player could dream can be found within this book.


My gaming group uses this battlemap book for virtually every combat encounter in our entire RPG campaign.

See Battlemap Pricing

Customizable Basic Battlemat Grid

This basic grid can be very good for players who want a wet-erase surface. This allows players to place their miniatures, draw on the map, then reset when finished.


I personally like customizable, basic maps like this when I don't have a specific scene planned out. These maps allow for a great deal of versatility when it comes to gaming nights. Not sure what your adventuring group might do with your neatly laid out plans? Grab one of these grids to have something quick, easy, and versatile prepared.

Brown leather-bound journal with strap, resting atop a blue notebook on a table.

DnD Gifts: Leatherbound Journals

Players of long DnD adventures need a place to keep notes for their characters and to keep descriptions of their ongoing stories. Really, any notebook will often do when it comes to DnD. However, leatherbound journals certainly add to the fantasy setting.

Leatherbound Dragon Journal

This handcrafted journal made of genuine leather has a pair of dragons on its front. The artisan workmanship adds a degree of fantasy to note keeping.


DnD-themed journals are really a win for any D&D player, whether they DM or game as a character. If you want to buy a great DnD gift for a dungeon master, these journals are especially a good choice for them. In my DnD Campaign Planner article, I list about 100 reasons why every dungeon master needs a nice, leatherbound gaming journal.

D&D Worldbuilder Journal

This journal is really nice in that each page comes with specific questions to help players think of new ideas for building out their imagined game world. Think of this journal like pages of writing prompts, geared toward D&D.


I like this worldbuilder journal because it not only helps me categorize my dungeon master notes, but helps me expand my ideas. Since the journal comes with a list of helpful questions, I'm able to look through prompts if I ever get stuck in my game preparation or storytelling.

A map of an island and a document with handwritten notes.

DnD Gifts: Games Like DnD

There are many unique TTRPGs (tabletop roleplaying games) available on the market, in the way that there are many different video games. If the person you’re purchasing for definitely already has the D&D core rulebooks, you might consider getting them a PDF download of Eternity TTRPG:

Logo for the Eternity TTRPG Core Rulebook. A white phoenix design over a gold sun on a dark blue background. Text below.

Eternity TTRPG Core Rulebook

Eternity TTRPG is a good buy for people who love storytelling, or who love playing RPG video games. The game currently only comes in a PDF download, however, so it’s probably best purchased as a side gift, but not perhaps, the main gift.


The Eternity TTRPG site promotes a host of tabletop RPGs (such as D&D). However, I firmly believe that the game I self-published right here on the Eternity TTRPG site is just as good a game as any others out there. If you love D&D, you're very likely to enjoy the Eternity TTRPG Core Rulebook.

Shop Eternity TTRPG
Ornate silver sword with skull-like guard and runic inscription on the blade, resting on a gray surface.

Dudes love giant swords. I don't know what else to say about it. Having Frostmourne by my side during gaming sessions makes me feel immersed in the experience.

DnD Gifts: DnD Gifts for Him

This category contains DnD gifts specifically for him! As such, these aren’t so much tabletop gifts, specifically. Rather, these are gifts that a DnD enthusiast is likely to enjoy, that add to the gaming environment.


Swords to Accent Your DnD Game

Basically, every guy in the world likes weapons. Swords are the most iconic fantasy, D&D-themed weapon there is. For a guy, this is simple math. A huge sword at the gaming table adds to the fantasy mythos of the game. Plus, it makes for great wall art for any dude who loves anything medieval-themed.

Frostmourne, from World of Warcraft

This sword is made in fashion of a famous in-game sword from the extremely popular video game, World of Warcraft. 46.46” inches long, 30.71” blade, 10.03 lbs. Blade is non-sharpened steel. Comes with a hanging board.


I personally own this sword (check the picture at the header for this section on DnD Gifts for Him). It's a big sword. I got it for Christmas one year, and have literally kept it as a centerpiece in my home ever since. Whether you use Frostmourne to bring more flavor to your DnD games, or simply use it as a form of artwork, it'll draw lots of attention.

Legend of Zelda Master Sword

This sword is made in fashion of a famous in-game sword from the extremely popular video game, Legend of Zelda. Full tang, 6.3 lbs. Blade is non-sharpened carbon steel. Comes with a scabbard. Multiple color options.


Sometimes, having swords from other games can be a bit distracting for players. It's similar to having music from a well-known movie or video game playing in the background during your DnD gaming session. However, familiar material can also sometimes make your game of DnD take on the flavors of other great stories, so I think it all works out.

Medieval Crusader Sword

42” inches long, 28” blade, 3.95 lbs. Blade is non-sharpened steel. Wood scabbard.


Basically, every game of DnD can benefit from a sweet medieval sword. I've even had players wear their swords at the DnD table, and use it as part of a costume. Very rarely do people dressed up in any kind of full outfit for regular gaming groups, in my experience, but I always enjoy when people get into character.

People at candlelit medieval feast. Pig roast on the table.

DnD Gifts: DnD-Themed Tankards and Mugs

Lots of guys like to drink while playing Dungeons and Dragons. It’s an evening or weekend hobby, after all! Why not add some fantasy theme to your guy’s fun? Or, simply find him a mug that reflects his general D&D attitude.

Oak D&D Tankard

This wooden beer stein is oak on the outside and stainless steel on the inside. The outside dragon label is copper, and the entire tankard holds 17 oz.


If you're looking for ways to make a DnD gaming table "come to life," this tankard is a solid choice. Everyone needs some drinks and snacks during a multi-hour gaming session. So, why not bring some flavor to the table by drinking from a tankard instead of some random glass or plastic bottle? Fill it with your drink of choice, and immerse yourself in the game.

D&D-Themed Mug

A very simple, yet effective, Dungeons and Dragons d20 mug.


This mug probably isn't going to add a lot of flair to your DnD game, but it is a fun gift for any D&D enthusiast. Especially if your person loves coffee in the morning, they'll probably enjoyed a themed mug. The detail with this mug that I do really like is that the "20" on the dice is replaced with a Dungeons and Dragons symbol.

Sarcasm +5 Mug

For that very sarcastic, special person in your life.


If you've played DnD before, you're familiar with Skill Checks, where players gain a bonus to any dice they roll for specific actions. Well, in this case, they gain a bonus to being sarcastic. This is another great gift for coffee-lovers who want a casual DnD-themed gift. This is probably not another great item for a DnD gaming table, but I think many people would still enjoy this simple gift a lot.

Open cookbook with rosemary, fork, knife, tomatoes, garlic, and spices on a dark surface.

DnD Gifts: D&D Cookbook

We know, cookbooks are typically not every guy’s dream. However, one thing that a lot of guys can get behind is D&D-inspired cookbooks. Imagine making a meal specific to the fantasy setting in which he loves playing. That’s something he might get behind. What may even be better is buying him a cookbook like this, then using it to make his favorite dish, as part of the gift…


The Official D&D Cookbook

This official D&D cookbook has everything from wood elf forest salad, to fire-spiced abyssal chicken-kabobs, to dwarven mulled wine. Perfect for any D&D enthusiast.


What I love most about this book is that dishes are sorted into places in the game you're likely to find them. For example, there are "elvish dishes," and "drow dishes." So, if you're hosting a D&D event at your home, and want to add more flair to the game, you could cook up something from this D&D cookbook book to serve, and it can match the gaming scenarios you're describing.

Game of Thrones Cookbook

Who hasn’t heard of The Game of Thrones (GoT) TV series? Go back to the days of Westeros with these 32 GoT-inspired dishes. Or, better yet, serve up a small dish for your next game of D&D, to all your players.


This is another great cookbook for any gaming enthusiast. Game of Thrones and DnD can have a good deal of crossover, after all. Some of the dishes in this cookbook are very new-cook friendly, while others are quite involved.

The Elder Scrolls official cookbook with various cooked foods.

The Elder Scrolls Cookbook

For any fan of the wildly popular Elder Scrolls video game series, this cookbook is the go-to. Find dishes from all of the fantasy lands of Skyrim, Morrowind, and Tamriel.


With the Elder Scrolls cookbook, you could easily host an Elder Scrolls, or DnD-themed Thanksgiving. Or Friendsgiving. Whatever your style. Personally, I love to immerse myself into my DnD gaming experiences as much as possible. It's just part of the fun. So, of course, great food makes a terrific accent.

Couple smiling, posing together outdoors. Man wears a spiky mask and black top, woman in a pink lace top.

DnD Gifts: DnD Clothing

Specifically-themed Dungeons and Dragons clothing, both for fun and comfort.

D&D Sweat Pants

This is how I roll. Comes in Small – 3XL.


I'm always a fan of comfy pants. Sweat pants in basically any variety are always a win in my book. There's nothing particularly amazing about these pants, to be honest. But they do have a sweet 20-sided dice on them, they're comfy, and they fit for anyone who loves DnD.

D&D Chef’s Apron

What doesn’t kill me gives me XP. One size.


It's funny seeing this phrase on a chef's apron. After all, you are cooking something that's dead. I like to think of it like you've defeated the monster, and now you're going to eat it and consume its powers. Whoa, kinda heavy there. But it's true though, right??

Dice of various colors scattered on a white cloth, a purple crystal ball, and a black bag with a red eye.

DnD Gifts: DnD Gifts for Her

This category contains DnD gifts specifically for her! As such, these aren’t so much tabletop gifts, specifically. Rather, these are gifts that a DnD enthusiast is likely to enjoy, that add to the gaming environment.


D&D-Inspired Art, Decor, & Accessories

Having D&D-inspired environments definitely makes it easier to wait until the next gaming session. Plus, these items are simply fun, and can be used for a variety of purposes besides just gaming.

Wall Mounted Half Moon Shelf

This half-moon shelf is reminiscent of fantasy gaming, while providing room for all manner of dungeons and dragons accessories or other home items. 16” tall, 12” wide, 3” deep.


Wall mounted shelfs like this also work great for keeping your game's minis nearby, dice, or other small gaming-related items.

DnD Flameless Candles

These make great mood lighting for your evening DnD games, or really any occasion. 12 candles.


I personally love the soft glow of candles, when the sun goes down, and we're gaming. Especially if we're in some kind of dungeon or darker space in the game, I think candlelight adds a lot of positive ambience. If you live in an apartment, however, or other space where you're concerned about fire hazard, these flameless candles can be a great alternative.

D20 Pillow Cover

D20 symbol with a space background. Plush fabric, soft and comfortable texture. Fits an 18” x 18” pillow.


Whenever you're gaming for hours on end, a comfy pillow makes a difference. Even if you're just sitting on the pillow and don't to see it at all times, it's still a plus. This pillow cover is simply a nice way to accentuate any pillow, turning it from something average into something gaming-related.

Dragon Coasters

Four coasters with dragon imprints, with a dragon coaster holder. Charcoal color, polyresin.


Going back to the tankards and mug ideas from earlier, if you're going to have drinks at your gaming table (which you almost certainly will), you can protect the table with these fantasy-themed coasters. This is another small-difference item at your table that can help bring more immersion to the game. And who knows, maybe you could even use the dragon coaster holder as a villain in your campaign!

D20 Wall Art

20-sided dice wooden wall art. 12” by 12”.


I personally enjoy some DnD-related items around my gaming table when we play. It just helps to set the mood. I like there to be a feel at the table like: when everyone comes here to game, life problems go away for a while. To reach that desired effect, I have fantasy art around the gaming table, along with wooden wall art like this D20.

Woman with red hair, wearing a leaf crown and elf ears, smiles in a field.

Who doesn't love dressing up in character? Or at least, showing off your latest DnD-themed fashion at your weekly game.

DnD Gifts: DnD Clothing and Blankets

Fun clothing items, and blankets to keep her warm are always a good idea. As part of an ongoing gift, you can always warm up her favorite blanket for a couple minutes in your dryer before throwing it around her during or in-between gaming sessions. 

Green and black graphic with the text,

Natural 20’s Shirt

Yes, they’re natural. Comes in Small – 3XL. Variety of colors.


This is another pick that some women would love, and others not so much. Select this DnD Gift at your own risk! Maybe she'll find it funny and love it. You decide for yourself.

Dragon Heart Plush Throw Blanket

Queen size. Purple and white dragons. Black background.


I often find that throw blankets are just as good during the day as they are for bedtime, especially in the Wintertime. Make yourself as cozy as you'd like by wrapping this soft blanket around your shoulders while you game. I doubt anyone would ever have problems with someone making a gaming session more comfy.

D&D Gifts Socks

Keep those feet warm during Fall and Winter D&D games.


Some people just really love socks. They love the variety of images, words, colors, and want a lot of them. I don't really know why. But I do know that this set of 5 DnD socks is a big winner when it comes to a lot of people. I do especially like the classic-looking dragon art on the one pair.

Assortment of tabletop roleplaying game items on a patterned fabric: dice, boxes, notebooks, quill pen, and trinkets.

DnD Gifts: Jewelry and Unique Gaming Items

These aren’t the high-end jewelry you should buy her for a special occasion, but they are fun gifts for someone who really loves tabletop games. Jewelry box, items to wear, and special dice just for her.


Bronze Dragon Jewelry Box

Also good for holding gemstones, or even dice.


My girlfriend and I keep a small section near our gaming table for our gaming minis and dice. I'm honestly considering buying her this jewelry box to house her gaming items. She loves dragons, and the size of this is perfect. It can also work as a carrying case for your gaming stuff when headed someplace for a DnD session. Alternatively, it's just an affordable and good-looking jewelry box for other non-gaming items.

Customizable D20 Dragon Pendant

Customize your dragon and D20 colors.


What I like best about these pendants is that they're customizable. You don't often find vendors who are willing/ able to give you something set to colors and designs of your choosing. The design style here is unique, as well, and cute. A good choice for really any age of audience.

Sword and Dragon Necklace

Comes in white or white gold.


Ok, this art and design is beautiful. It's a small sword and dragon, but the colors are great, and the details are phenomenal. Whoever originally created the model for this necklace put in a lot of loving and attentive detail. This necklace can also honestly be a good pick for a woman or man. It's simply a great piece for any fantasy enthusiast, and at a great price.

The One Ring

Made to look like elvish script inscribed upon the One Ring from Lord of the Rings. Comes in black or blue.


Many players at my gaming table sport some kind of fantasy-themed or anime-based ring, necklace, armband, or clothing when we game. I've seen drills from Guren Lagann, medieval swords (above), wizard hats, and yes, even magic rings. This gift is a great choice for anyone who not only loves DnD, but who loves Lord of the Rings.

Unicorn Dice Tray

Uunicorn-themed DnD dice tray.


Dice trays are great because they protect tables from rolling dice - especially if those dice are metal, and heavy. I also like this dice tray because it doubles as a dice carrier, and keeps your dice in easy access for rolling. The quality of this tray is very good, the colors work well together, and the unicorn design on the front is done quite well. 

Three children dressed as knights in a forest, holding swords and a shield. One wears a crown.

DnD Gifts: Dungeons and Dragons Gifts for Kids

These are dungeons and dragons-themed gifts for kids! Sometimes, the best DnD gifts for kids are ones that bring small parts of a fantasy world to them. Plush toys, stuffed animals, and simpler versions of tabletop games, more accessible to their age, make for great gifts.


D&D Starter Set

The D&D Starters Kit is a rules-light version of D&D. It’s a perfect option for kids who want to play the game as it makes DnD more accessible at a younger age. This set also comes with pre-made character sheets, and a set of dice.


There have been many attempts over the years by many people at making D&D accessible for a younger audience. I think this set does a good job of that. D&D is simply not ever going to be as easy of a game to play as - say Monopoly. But, for a kid who loves fantasy and Dungeons and Dragons type stuff, this starter set  is something they will be able to quickly figure out.

D&D Essentials Kit

This is a great expansion kit to go along with the D&D Starter Set (immediately above). This kit adds in more of the core game’s rules, along with the entire Dungeon Master (DM) experience.


I would recommend this D&D essentials kit either as a gift to go along with the D&D starter set (above), or as a gift like a year later. All just depending on the age of the child.

D&D Young Adventurer’s Collection

I've been impressed with D&D’s attempts in recent years to make the admittedly complex rules of Dungeons and Dragons more accessible to younger audiences. This gift set introduces younger players to monsters and creatures, warriors and weapons, dungeons and tombs, and wizards and spells.


Basically, each of these sets I've been showing you are stages in a player's, let's say, D&D development. Each of these sets adds a new aspect of gameplay, which is great, as they keep the game simple for the child until each new stage of gaming gets mastered.

Circular game board with orange lightning graphic, surrounded by toy dragons.

If you're not sure what DnD gifts to get someone, why not take a look at other board games that are DnD-inspired?

DnD Gifts: DnD Boardgames

There are lots of boardgames like DnD on the market, today. These make very good gifts for people who love the tabletop gaming experience, but may not have as much time to play as they once did. Alternatively, these are also very good gifts for people who want to explore playing tabletop games, as these boardgames are a little less complex in terms of rules, and can be played in less time.

Tomb of Annihilation Board Game

The Tomb of Annihilation is based on one of D&D’s classic, most-beloved adventures. This board game version makes the original adventure (known as the “Tomb of Horrors”) accessible to a wider audience. The Tomb of Annihilation, likes its predecessor, is the ultimate in classic dungeon-crawling storytelling. This game is an official Dungeons and Dragons boardgame, and uses a simplified version of the D&D core game for its rules.


I remember the first time I played the "Tomb of Horrors." It honestly was one of the best gaming experiences of my life. This Tomb of Annihilation board game captures the feeling from the original adventure quite well, and provides memorable and satisfying gameplay.

Dungeon Mayhem

This neat card game is played with 2-4 players. Players each choose of one four classic D&D character class: barbarian, paladin, rogue, or wizard. The game is a free-for-all, with very rules-light gaming that can be picked up pretty quickly. Last adventurer standing, wins!


If you want someone to have the "basic D&D" experience, but in a fast-paced, fun, and even silly way, Dungeon Mayhem is a great pick.

Catan Treasures, Dragons, and Adventures Expansion

This dungeons and dragons-like game is an expansion to the classic game of Catan. You’ll also need the Catan: Seafarers, and the Catan: Cities and Knights expansions in order to play this game. The rules added to this version of Catan are pretty basic, but add tons of new options to the game, and extend unique play hours by a lot. Add a D&D-themed expansion to your regular game of Catan!

Dragon Chess Set

This beautiful chess set is made entirely of pewter dragons. If your gift recipient likes both DnD and chess, this extremely high-quality chess set could make for a great gift they’ll keep around for probably the rest of their life.


Honestly, these chess pieces could also (sort of) be used as minis for your game in certain circumstances. I think of an ancient dungeon where golems attack, or statues come to life. I'm always thinking of ways to make multiple uses of my gaming-related stuff.

D&D Monopoly

What board game list is complete without adding Monopoly? In this game, instead of collecting property, players collect monsters. Players use one of six sculpted minis, while circling the board: dwarven cleric, elven ranger, halfling rogue, human fighter, human wizard, or tiefling bard. Be the last adventurer standing!

Man with headset smiles, points at glowing gaming computer with colorful internal lights.

DnD Gifts: Online Play

These DnD gifts are great for online play. In recent years, people have started playing tabletop games online, more and more. If you know the person you’re buying a gift for already loves to play DnD online, with friends, these can make for great gifts that improve their experience.


Digital Adventures and Downloads on Roll20

If you are buying for someone who’s gaming habits you know really well, or for someone you game with, purchasing from Roll20 can be a good option. Roll20 is the largest online tabletop RPG platform, and all manner of adventures or graphic tokens can be purchased to improve gaming options and experience. To purchase, you need to create an account, then have your gift recipient’s email on hand, to send them their new digital assets. The bright news is that Roll20 does make the process very simple to purchase.

Digital Adventures

Webcam: NexiGo Autofocus 1080p

Anyone gaming online certainly benefits from a webcam. We recommend this particular webcam because it’s reasonably-priced, and is already widely-used by online streamers (on Twitch, and other streaming platforms). This webcam also has a privacy cover, and built-in mic with noise cancellation. The autofocus feature is also very nice, with great resolution.

Microphone: Blue Snowball

If your particular giftee happens to record their online games of D&D, create YouTube videos, or podcasts, having a high-end mic can be a major plus. This reasonably-priced mic offers professional-level recording, which is why I like it.


The experience of online gaming literally comes down to the gear you're using. Have a high-quality camera and mic? Ok, your game probably rocks. Have stuff that's always having issues? That's a big problem. The good news is that this mic makes it so you never have to worry about audio quality while gaming.

Sword, antlers, dice, candle, and embroidered fabric arranged on a surface.

DnD Gifts: Gift Cards

If you’re looking for a DnD-themed gift, gift cards probably aren’t the best overall choice, since they’re generic, by design. Of course, they can be a good option if you really don’t know what else to get someone. We mention gift cards because there are many companies in the tabletop gaming space that offer them, and we feel our DnD gifts guide wouldn’t be complete for you, without.

Here’s a list of onlines companies that both offer many DnD Gifts, and have gift cards (or similar) available:


  • Amazon
  • Etsy
  • D&D Beyond
  • DMs Guild
  • DriveThruRPG
  • Fantasy Grounds
  • HeroForge
  • Roll20


D&D Gift Ideas that Cost Nothing

We feel that no D&D gift idea list would be complete without including all the great gifts you can give someone that cost nothing but your time. After all, tabletop gaming is all about connection and community. What better then, to show someone you love and care about them, than to get into their tabletop world with your giftee?


Arts & Crafts

This may not be an entirely free option, as you may need to purchase some supplies. But, the idea is that you can create something D&D-inspired using really any sort of craft skill you possess. Oftentimes, hand-made items carry something very special to them that commercial items do not. Maybe it’s the love in every color selected, every stich made, or every dab of glue that really touches people’s hearts.


Make a D&D-Themed Meal

Similarly, a D&D-themed meal can be a great idea as a standalone gift, or as one part of a series of gifts. We even made some recommendations above in the Gifts for Him and Gifts for Her sections on cookbooks you might try, to find recipes that match a fantasy setting. One things for sure: it’ll be a meal someone will remember, forever.


Play A Tabletop RPG Together

When it really comes down to it, someone who loves DnD just wants to play DnD with you. Maybe DnD just isn’t of any interest to you. However, if you can find a way to play for even half an hour with someone you love – just let them run you through some of their recent gaming ideas – it’ll create an impression that will last forever. At the end of the day, nothing’s really more valuable than time with people we love. It’s the core of what tabletop RPGs are all about – time together.

Man in blue shirt and khaki pants smiles, sitting on a green railing. Dark background.

Jacob Tegtman

Dear reader, I hope you enjoyed my article. Tabletop gaming has been a passion of mine since I was 6 years old. I've played just about every game from Dungeons and Dragons to video games like Final Fantasy. These games have inspired me, made me laugh, made me cry, and brought me endless hours of enjoyment.


I started Eternity TTRPG - and the indie tabletop game that goes along with it (Eternity Shop) - to share my love of gaming with others. I believe that in our technology-driven age, tabletop games help bring a sense of magic and community back into our world.


If you love the site, please share it with others! I have lots of gaming-related material for you to peruse and use in your own gaming sessions. If you have any questions about the site or want to contribute, just send me a message using the "Contact" page, which you can find in the site's footer.

Man in blue shirt and khaki pants smiles, sitting on a green railing. Dark background.

Jacob Tegtman

Dear reader, I hope you enjoyed my article. Tabletop gaming has been a passion of mine since I was 6 years old. I've played just about every game from Dungeons and Dragons to video games like Final Fantasy. These games have inspired me, made me laugh, made me cry, and brought me endless hours of enjoyment.


I started Eternity TTRPG - and the indie tabletop game that goes along with it (Eternity Shop) - to share my love of gaming with others. I believe that in our technology-driven age, tabletop games help bring a sense of magic and community back into our world.


If you love the site, please share it with others! I have lots of gaming-related material for you to peruse and use in your own gaming sessions. If you have any questions about the site or want to contribute, just send me a message using the "Contact" page, which you can find in the site's footer.

Final Fantasy TRPG layout: Mana grid graphic

Final Fantasy TRPG: Legend Edition — Classes & Jobs Explained

By Jacob Tegtman • January 20, 2026
Transcribed content from our recent YouTube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kPQfDB2cKSI Transcription Every Final Fantasy hero starts with a choice. Sword or spell. Raw power, or skill. But in Final Fantasy TRPG: Legend Edition, that choice doesn’t stop at your Class — it’s defined by the Jobs you choose from your class, the Circles you unlock, and the Limit Breaks that change the tide of battle. Today, we’re breaking down how Classes and Jobs actually work in Final Fantasy TRPG: Legend Edition — and how they shape your character from level one… to the final boss. Hey everyone, welcome back to Eternity TTRPG channel! If you caught one of my recent videos from before the holidays, we went deep into the Final Fantasy TRPG: Legend Edition core rulebook — and today we’re diving into one of the most iconic elements of any Final Fantasy system: Classes and Jobs ! Whether you’re planning your first character or optimizing a seasoned hero for this recently-released game, this guide has you covered. One of the longest-standing traditions in Final Fantasy is its Job system , and Legend Edition embraces this fully. Classes in this game are the framework or chassis of your character — they determine your character’s HP, MP, trained Skills, associated Jobs, and your Class Limit Break . Jobs are where the cool stuff really happens. Each Job is a set of abilities on a progression track, granting new Features at specific levels — these are called Circles . And you don’t just pick one — your character ends up with three Jobs (or four with optional full buy-in), each advancing at a different speed to give you abilities every level. There are four broad Classes you’ll choose from. Each class has what you could consider as subclasses – in Legend Edition, these are the “Jobs.” So, for example, some of the Warrior Jobs are berserker, dervish, dragoon, fighter, monk, samurai, and so on. So, let’s dive into the four classes: Number 1 - Warrior Masters of physical combat, Warriors excel in strength, endurance, and frontline fighting. Their Limit Break — Action Surge — lets them make extra attacks during an encounter, perfect for dealing burst damage. 2. Expert Battlefield manipulators and support roles go here. Experts rely on their wits and skill versatility, and their Limit Break — Savant — adds bonus dice to Skill rolls based on their level. 3. Mage If magic is your playstyle, Mages are your go-to. They lean into Spellcasting and area of effect mechanics. Their Turbo MP Limit Break doubles the effectiveness of MP spent on magical abilities during an encounter. And number four is Adept The hybrid class — versatile, adaptable, and capable of mixing physical and magical roles. Adepts don’t have a unique Limit Break; instead, they choose one from the other three classes, based on their job build. Now here’s where Legend Edition gets fun. Across the system are 50+ Jobs drawing inspiration from classic Final Fantasy favorites — think Black Mage , Dragoon , Thief , and more — giving you a huge palette of archetypes to mix and match. Each Job grants seven Features – called Circles – over its progression, spaced across levels based on whether the Job is on a Fast, Medium, or Slow advancement track — meaning strategic choices shape how your character evolves through the campaign. So, for example, you may choose the Warrior class because you like its HP, MP, and Skill point advancement numbers, you like its limit break, and you enjoy playing that overall archetype for your character. Then, you pick three Jobs to fill out your character. Say that you want a full warrior build, so you choose your three jobs to be: Dragoon, Knight, and Monk. From here, you’d decide which of those three jobs would be on your Fast advancement track, which should go on your Medium track, and which will be on your slow advancement. Important note here though: only one of your Jobs needs to be associated with your Class. That means the rest can actually be totally outside that box — so yes, you can be a Mage-warrior hybrid if it fits your concept! You could be a warrior class, with the Dragoon, Black Mage, and Chemist jobs. So, here’s the quick breakdown of Job progression: Fast Progression: Abilities at levels 1, 3, and every 3 levels thereafter Medium Progression: Abilities at levels 1, 4, and every 3 levels thereafter Slow Progression: Abilities at 2, 5, and every 3 levels thereafter This staggering system means every level feels like a growth moment. You get new Abilities (“Circles”) from all three of your jobs at the same cadence. But at the same time, you get Circles from the Jobs that are most important to you, at earlier levels. The rule book mentions this too, but if you do want to try out this awesome system, I’d recommend that you don’t stress too much about your first Job choices. There’s a ton of options here, which is great for replayability, and experimenting with side campaigns. But, there’s also too many Jobs to really nail down what you want to ideally play, the first time you try out this game. Probably instead, just pick classes that sound fun, and give it a whirl. To wrap up this video, I’m going to cover my personal favorite Job from each of the first three Classes. Since there’s over 50-jobs, there’s too many for me to dive into – at least today. But hopefully these quick snapshots give you a picture of how Jobs work, what kind of Abilities each provides, and some inspiration for your upcoming game: If I was to play a Warrior Job, I’d start with Dragoon: As you probably know, Dragoons are also often known as Dragon Knights . Dragoons are aerial combat specialists who use momentum for power. Originally trained to pierce the hides of massive foes like dragons, their style revolves around leaping high above the battlefield and crashing down with overwhelming force. Depending on the setting, Dragoons may hunt dragons, fight alongside them, or carry on their legacy after their extinction — but they’re almost always portrayed as guardians who stand against towering threats . In play, Dragoons are defined by the Jump and Blood of the Dragon Circles . Jump removes them from the battlefield for a round before returning with an automatic, high-impact strike. Meanwhile, critical hits generate Blood of the Dragon to fuel powerful Dragon Arts , which are the Dragoon’s situational combat techniques that modify your attacks, defenses, or Jump actions, for additional benefits. Next up, for the expert class, I’d probably start with Squire – I just have so many good memories from playing Final Fantasy Tactics: Instead of perfecting a single discipline, Squires develop adaptability through experience and improvisation. That flexibility makes Squires exceptional team players , able to step into gaps and support allies in many situation. Mechanically, the Squire revolves around Fundaments — where they grant short-term bonuses to allies based on that ally’s Class. Warriors hit harder, Experts perform better at skills, Mages cast more effectively, and Adepts can receive whichever boost fits the moment. As the Squire advances through their Circles, they can grant Fundaments to multiple allies at once, add secondary effects like increased damage or longer debuffs. I’m not always a team buffer kind of guy, but I do like the way Squires here make everyone else better , turning party coordination into a great strength. For my third Job, I’ll choose from the Mage class. This one’s really hard for me as I could see myself actually going like 3/3 mage, or maybe 2/3, at least. But, if I had to pick just one for my remaining Job slot, I’d go with Necromancer: Necromancers are reclusive magic-users whose art is inseparably tied to death and the Shadow. Often misunderstood or feared, they’re immediately recognizable by their Bone Commander — an undead construct that serves as both assistant and bodyguard. While some Necromancers lean into darker reputations, others act as shamans or intermediaries, communing with spirits to resolve unfinished business or bring peace to the dead. Their morality isn’t defined by their magic, but by how they choose to wield it. In play, Necromancers are spellcasters with access to the Necromancy spell list and a powerful Companion system . Their Bone Commander acts on their shared action economy, providing combat presence without needing its own stats or hit points. Their Limit Break, Friends on the Other Side , allows damage from the party to count as Shadow damage, supercharging Necromancer features and reinforcing their role as battlefield controllers who blur the line between ally and undead asset. So! There you have it. From adaptable Squires and sky-shattering Dragoons to shadow-touched Necromancers and beyond, Legend Edition’s Classes and Jobs are all about expression through choice . Your Class sets the foundation, but your Jobs — and how you progress them — define how your character actually plays at the table. Legend Edition feels... unmistakably Final Fantasy. What I really want to know is... from the 50+ jobs available in Legend Edition, what three Jobs would best define your Character? List your Jobs in the comments. Otherwise, thanks for watching! If you enjoyed this breakdown of Classes and Jobs in Final Fantasy TRPG: Legend Edition, hit that like button, subscribe for more content, and ring the bell so you don’t miss our next video.

Three Quick Strange Things that Stranger Things Got Wrong About D&D

By Jacob Tegtman • January 15, 2026
Transcribed content from our recent YouTube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QQLN8bvlo-Q Transcription If you’re like me, you just watched Stranger Things Season 5, and it was amazing. Personally, I felt like it really hit similarly to the first season – they did a great job. But you're watching Stranger Things, getting hyped about seeing D&D represented in mainstream media, when suddenly Mike declares he's casting a spell, as a paladin... at first level. And you're sitting there thinking, "Wait, that's not how that works." Well, you're not alone. Today we're diving deep into three quick, but glaring D&D mistakes – or, perhaps intentional and fun D&D alternations – that Stranger Things has made throughout its run. I love Stranger Things, so this is by no means a criticism of the show. If anything, some of these mistakes just makes me like it more. Because, let’s get real – most D&D games fudge something in the rules anyways. It’s part of the fun. And no one really wants to be a rules lawyer all the time. What's up, dice rollers! Welcome back to Eternity TTRPG where we explore everything that makes tabletop RPGs amazing. I'm your host, and today we're taking a critical but loving look at how Stranger Things – arguably the biggest mainstream representation of D&D we've ever had – got some pretty fundamental (and sometimes funny) things wrong about our favorite hobby. Now, before we dive in, let me be clear: I absolutely love that Stranger Things brought D&D into the spotlight. The show has introduced countless people to our hobby, and that's incredible. As D&D enthusiasts, we can appreciate the show while also having some fun pointing out where the Duffer Brothers maybe should have consulted their Player's Handbook a bit more carefully. So grab your dice, settle in, and let's explore three quick strange things that Stranger Things got wrong about D&D. Mistake #1: The Demogorgon Campaign Confusion I’m gonna call this “Mistake #1,” by the way, and you’ll find out why in just a minute. But let's start with this big one from Season 1. In the very first episode, we see the boys playing D&D, and Will's character encounters the Demogorgon. Now, the show treats this like it's some kind of final boss encounter, but here's the problem: a Demogorgon in D&D is a CR 26 creature. Basically, a Lv.26 monster. That's endgame content for level 20 characters. These kids are clearly playing low-level characters – probably somewhere between levels 1-5 based on their abilities and the campaign Mike’s describing. A real Demogorgon would obliterate their entire party in a single round without breaking a sweat. It would be like sending a group of mall security guards to fight Godzilla. What the show probably meant to use was a lesser demon or maybe just called it a "demogorgon" as a generic monster name. But for D&D players, it's like watching someone try to drive a car with a boat steering wheel – technically it's transportation equipment, but it's completely wrong for the situation. Is this really a mistake though? I’d say yes, technically. But also, we all know how kids get when playing games. Mike was probably like, “hey, you know what would be cool for my party of Lv.5 adventurers? Give them something that inspires them. Like this CR26 literal god.” It’s the type of move that every DM has done at some point – just go way, wayyy overboard. And again, that’s part of the fun with games like D&D. Mistake #2: The Paladin Spell Situation This one is really funny to me because it happens multiple times throughout the series. Mike's primarily the dungeon master for his group. But when he plays, his character is consistently referred to as a paladin, and we see him attempting to cast spells at what appears to be first level. Here's the issue: in every edition of D&D that would have been available when Stranger Things is set – we're talking late 70s to early 80s – paladins don't get spells until much higher levels. In AD&D (Advanced dungeons and dragons), paladins don't get their first spell until 9th level. Even in modern 5th Edition, paladins don't get spells until 2nd level. But the show has Mike casting spells right from the start. It's a small detail, but it shows a fundamental misunderstanding of how the class works. It would be like showing a wizard swinging a two-handed sword as their primary weapon – technically possible in some circumstances, but it misses the point of the class – for that level, at least – entirely. It’s another “mistake” though that many groups would make, probably especially kids. You want to play a character who can do cool things, at any level. So maybe this was another intentional move on the Duffer brothers’ part, showing not just the rules for D&D, but how people actually play. Mistake #3: The Dice Rolling Drama This one’s more about dramatic license. Throughout the series, we see characters making single dice rolls for incredibly complex situations, and the entire outcome hinges on that one roll. Real D&D involves a lot more dice rolling and a lot more back-and-forth between players and the DM. Combat isn't usually resolved with a single dramatic roll – it's a series of attack rolls, damage rolls, saving throws, and tactical decisions. The show makes it look like D&D is just "roll a d20 and see what happens," when the reality, as we all know, is much more nuanced. The most egregious example is in Season 1 when Will's fate seems to hinge entirely on a single d20 roll. While dramatic moments like this can happen in D&D, they're usually the culmination of a longer sequence of events, not the entire encounter. Of course, filming four kids rolling dozens of dice over and over doesn’t make for great visual episodes, I assume. This one is really more to point out that anyone who isn’t familiar with D&D may be a bit surprised walking into a real gaming session at how many dice really do get rolled. On platforms like Reddit, the D&D community's reaction to these inaccuracies has been... interesting. Players have been discussing these since the show premiered. One user pointed out in a popular thread: "I love that Stranger Things brought D&D to the mainstream, but I wish they'd gotten a consultant who actually understood the game mechanics. It's like they researched D&D by reading about it rather than playing it." Another user noted: "The show gets the emotional core of D&D right – the friendship, the collaborative storytelling, the escapism. But the mechanical details are so wrong that it's distracting for anyone who actually plays." Now, do these mistakes matter? I would argue they don't – Stranger Things is a TV show, not a D&D tutorial. People may come into the hobby with incorrect assumptions on how things work. But, if more people are getting into the hobby, then that's positive. And D&D – or let’s at least say tabletop roleplay games – have experienced unprecedented growth partly thanks to Stranger Things, and that's amazing for our community. So here's what I want to know from you: is there anything else fun or silly that I missed from Stranger Thing’s D&D inaccuracies? I’m sure there has to be more than just these three, so please hit me up in the comments and let me know what you’ve found! And that wraps up our dive into Stranger Things, for today. Remember, this comes from a place of love – both for the show and for D&D. If you enjoyed this quick video, make sure to hit that like button and subscribe for more D&D content. Whether you're fighting demogorgons in the Upside Down or just trying to survive your first dungeon crawl, keep those dice rolling!
Dragonlance

DragonLance Legends coming to Amazon in February

By Jacob Tegtman • December 17, 2025
Transcribed content from our recent YouTube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=257fKzW8yzA Transcription Before there was Game of Thrones, Baldur’s Gate, and Critical Role.… there was Dragonlance .  A fantasy saga that defined an entire generation of D&D players — epic wars, tragic heroes, and dragons that actually felt like dragons. But if you aren’t familiar, what is Dragonlance — and why are we still talking about it in 2026? Well to answer that last question, the new “Legends Edition” which is the second Trilogy of Dragonlance is coming to Amazon in February. This is a big deal because getting new copies of the original Dragonlance Chronicles Trilogy, and now this second “Legends” Trilogy was becoming very difficult. I’m hoping these new prints rekindle the spark of one of the greatest D&D settings and novel series of all time, and introduce even more people to its magic. Welcome back to Eternity TTRPG, your home for D&D history, lore deep-dives, and the stories that shaped the game we play today. If you love tabletop RPGs, classic settings, and learning why D&D looks and plays the way it does today, you’re in the right place. So, let’s talk about one of my favorite fantasy settings – and fantasy book series of all times – Dragonlance . Dragonlance started as a bold idea from Tracy Hickman and Laura Hickman , later developed with Margaret Weis at TSR. To answer the burning question you may be having, right off the bat – yes, the Dragonlance adventures came before the book series. At the time, most D&D adventures were simple and modular. You’d kick in a dungeon door, fight some monsters, grab treasure, and move on. Dragonlance asked a very different question. What if Dungeons & Dragons could tell one long, epic story? Instead of disconnected adventures, the Dragonlance team wanted a campaign with a clear beginning, middle, and end. A single, continent-spanning war. A story that unfolded over time, not just session to session. To make that work, players wouldn’t create random characters. They’d play pre-generated heroes, each designed to fit directly into the narrative, with personal arcs baked into the plot. That idea became the original Dragonlance AD&D module series — eventually twelve linked adventures telling the story of the War of the Lance. On paper, it was revolutionary. At the table… it was complicated. The problem is simple. And honestly, you can probably pause the video here and tell me the problem, yourself, based on your own D&D games. It’s basically this: D&D games, and it’s players – are unpredictable. Dungeons & Dragons thrives on player choice, improvisation, and chaos. Dragonlance, on the other hand, needed players to be in very specific places, doing very specific things, at specific times. If the party ignored a hook, skipped a location, or made an unexpected choice, the entire story could fall apart. So the modules relied heavily on railroading — nudging, and sometimes outright forcing, players back onto the intended path. That tension made Dragonlance awkward to run as a campaign. The story was strong, but the format worked against the strengths of tabletop roleplaying. And that’s when Dragonlance found the form it was truly built for. To promote the modules, TSR (that is, the company founded by Gary Gygax and Don Kaye, to publish D&D) decided to release a trilogy of tie-in novels. That decision came late, the original author didn’t work out, and Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman ended up writing the first book themselves — in roughly three months. The result was Dragons of Autumn Twilight, released in 1984. Which, even talking about almost brings a tear to my eye – the book was just that impactful to me in my teenage years. TSR expected modest sales. But instead, the book was a massive hit. For many readers, this wasn’t just their first Dragonlance novel — it was their first D&D novel. It introduced the idea that a D&D party could be the heart of a fantasy epic, with flawed characters, emotional arcs, and long-term consequences. This is basically why Dragonlance matters to D&D history. And not just a little bit. It matters – a LOT. Dragonlance proved that Dungeons & Dragons wasn’t just a game system — it was actually its own entire storytelling engine. If you haven’t read the novel series, I have some amazing news for you, shortly. But at its core, Dragonlance is about one idea: hope in darkness. The world of Krynn is broken. The gods are distant. War is everywhere. People are scared, tired, and cynical. But, the world of Dragonlance isn’t saved by a single chosen hero. Instead, this novel series tells you that the world can be saved when ordinary people choose to do the right thing, even when it’s hard, and even when it feels pointless. That philosophy shaped the tone of the setting. Dragonlance was darker than most TSR-era worlds, but it was never hopeless. Friendship mattered. Faith mattered. Sacrifice mattered. Umm, a lot. Those themes became incredibly influential, especially for party-focused storytelling in D&D campaigns. Dragonlance also changed how dragons were treated in D&D. Before this, dragons were often just very powerful monsters. Dangerous, sure — but still just another encounter. Dragonlance made dragons rare, mythical, and world-shaping. What becomes the mystical return of dragons isn’t just a side quest in this setting. It’s THE central event that changes the balance of power across the entire world. That idea — that dragons should feel legendary, and not just routine — stuck, and it still shapes how dragons are presented in modern D&D. After the success of the original trilogy, Weis and Hickman followed it with Dragonlance Legends, which is what I’ll be getting to more about in just a few minutes. Instead of escalating to an even bigger war, Legends zoomed in. It focused on the twins from the first trilogy: Raistlin and Caramon Majere, and on the topics of ambition, responsibility, and the cost of power. It introduced time travel – which to be honest, I don’t love – personal tragedy, and consequences that felt intimate. This trilogy, too, was a massive success, even hitting the New York Times bestseller list — a first for TSR. For a brief moment, Dragonlance wasn’t just a D&D setting. It actually became the face of D&D storytelling. But Dragonlance’s greatest strength eventually became its weakness. The setting was tightly bound to one story and one cast of characters. Once the War of the Lance was resolved, the world of Krynn felt… finished. New stories struggled to find the same weight. Bigger threats felt repetitive. New heroes had a hard time stepping out of the shadow of the originals. Unlike the Forgotten Realms, Krynn never felt like a neutral playground. It felt like a world where the most important story had already happened. And slowly, Dragonlance faded from the spotlight. Dragonlance went quiet after 2010. But in February 2026, we’re getting a new hardcover release of Dragonlance Legends — collecting the full trilogy with new behind-the-scenes material from Weis and Hickman. It’s not a full revival of the setting. It’s a reminder of an important moment in D&D history, when the game experimented with storytelling in a way that permanently changed how we think about campaigns. This trilogy about the twins: Raistlin and Caramon – is coming after the Chronicles trilogy was rereleased (I believe) just this last year – I got my copy from Margaret Weis at GenCon. These books haven’t been in print for some time. So, if you like what you’ve been hearing about Dragonlance, or you – like me – are a longtime fan, you may want to pick these up. You can get the original Chronicles Trilogy on Amazon now, and the second Trilogy – Legends – is coming out this February. Dragonlance asked a question that D&D is still trying to answer: Is this game about total freedom… or about telling powerful stories? Most tables today try to balance both. And whether you loved Dragonlance or bounced hard off its railroads, its influence is still baked into how D&D is played, written, and remembered. So I want to know — have you read Dragonlance, or played in a campaign set in Krynn? Would you run a Dragonlance campaign today, or does it feel too tied to its story? Let me know in the comments, like the video if you enjoyed it,subscribe for more D&D deep dives, and I’ll see you next time.
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