How to Use Excel to Be a DM: Tips for Game Masters

How to Use Excel to Be a DM: Tips for Game Masters

Hey dude! So, you wanna be a Dungeon Master, huh? That’s cool! But did ya know you can use Excel for that? Yup, that fancy spreadsheet thingy is like your magic wand for DnD. Seems weird, right? But I promise it can be super duper helpful. I mean who doesn’t love a good spreadsheet party? So grab your dice and let’s dive into this hilarious world of being a DM with Excel.

Step One: Create Your World Map

Okay so first things first you gotta build your world map. This is where all the magic happens. Use Excel cells to draw out dungeons and towns and stuff. Just fill in the cells with colors like yellow for towns and black for dark caves. It’ll look like an artistic masterpiece… or a toddler’s finger painting. Either way, it’s fun!

And when you’re done, just stare at it and pretend you’re a god looking down on your creations! Now that’s some serious power right there!

Step Two: Track Your Players’ Stats

Next up – stat tracking! You want to know who has the most hit points and who drinks too much healing potions at the tavern right? Put their stats in Excel because it’s way easier than writing on paper like we did in the Stone Age.

You can create columns for strength dexterity intelligence and maybe even how often they forget the quest because they were too busy picking flowers or something. Trust me, it’ll help keep those rowdy adventurers in check.

Step Three: Random Encounter Generator

Sometimes your players are just too chill and not getting into trouble enough!

So here’s where you need a random encounter generator!

Make a list of monsters in one column and potential treasure in another then make sure those rows are filled with absurd stuff like “a giant potato” or “a dragon that thinks it’s a cat.”

Then when things get boring just hit randomize real quick! Your players will be screaming “what is happening!” while trying to battle someone dressed as a potato. It’ll be epic!

Step Four: Plot Twist Tracker

Okay so every great story needs plot twists right? But you probably forget what twists you’ve used (and who doesn’t?). Make an Excel sheet just for plot twists.

Like say “the king was a goblin” or “your best friend was evil all along.” Keep track of them so ya don’t accidentally reveal that someone was secretly plotting against them last week too – that would just be embarrassing!

Step Five: NPC Database

Listen up cause this one is gold! Create an NPC database wth funny names like “Sir Fluffykins” or “Lady Unicornsparkle.” Write down their jobs quirks likes dislikes etc.

Then when your players go into town you can pull up Sir Fluffykins to give them totally useless quests like finding his missing sock or something bizarre like that.

Your players won’t even know what hit ‘em!

Step Six: Adventure Log

You gotta remember what happened last session right? Create an adventure log sheet – simple notes about what went down so next time everyone remembers things correctly (well sorta).

Like “Bob lost his sword AGAIN” or “they decided not to fight the giant chicken” because obviously chickens are super scary.

This way there’s no arguing about who did what after munching on pizza during game night!

Step Seven: Budget Management (or Not)

Now not every adventure needs budgeting but let’s face it some players wanna buy everything from shiny swords to magical capes made out of spaghetti sauce (which is definitely not recommended).

Create a budget sheet too if you’re feeling fancy but honestly most times you’ll end up using more money than planned cause they’re all running off buying snacks instead anyway haha.

But hey maybe they’ll find something epic hidden in their snack bags – anything’s possible right?

FAQ Section:

Question: Can I really use Excel for DnD?

Answer: Yes totally! It’s better than writing everything by hand trust me!!

Question: What if my players don’t think spreadsheets are cool?

Answer: Just tell ’em Sir Fluffykins uses ‘em – they’ll have to agree then!

Question: How do I print my amazing map?

Answer: You set printing options in Excel and hope it doesn’t end up looking like modern art gone wrong!

Question: What if I mess up during the game?

Answer: Just say it was part of your plan – surprise plot twist!!

Question: Do I need to actually know how to use Excel?

Answer: Nah just click buttons until something works…it’s basically magic that way!

Question: How do I become famous as a DM?

Answer: Fill your game with potatoes goblins sparkly lady creatures – people will talk about ya forever!!

Question: Does everyone else have cool spreadsheets too?

Answer: If they don’t they’re missing out – give them ideas!! Share the potato love!

So there ya go that’s how to use Excel as your secret weapon as Dungeon Master dude! Happy gaming or whatever you’ll call it see ya later!!