Part of the beauty of Dungeons & Dragons is that it requires very few materials to operate, players can essentially show up with just a character sheet and be ready to dive in. However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t a myriad of useful and fun extraneous items that can be brought into a campaign to enhance it. Whether it’s specialized in-game tools or just things that help with immersion, there are plenty of amazing fan-made creations that can enhance a Dungeons & Dragons experience.
From special Dungeons & Dragons monster dice to personalized gear, there’s no shortage of specialty items for those in a campaign. Some of them are more geared toward the players, while others are more focused on streamlining the many duties of the DM during gameplay. Whether someone is in a DnD campaign as a party member or running the show, there are some great fan-made items that can enhance the game.
A Pachinko Dice Tower Makes Rolling In D&D More Fun
While the act of rolling dice in Dungeons & Dragons sounds simple enough, it’s still fun to spice it up, while also preventing the usual issues with dice games. Dice flying off tables onto the floor, players struggling to have ample room to roll the dice on with a crowded campaign surface, or players simply feeling like they’re having an unlucky rolling night are all common issues. Dice towers help get the job done while alleviating these frustrations, presenting different themed ways to roll in a way that can feel fairer.
A Pachinko dice tower from ArcaneScienceOrg on Etsy is an incredibly creative version of the contraption, drawing inspiration from the popular Japanese game. Players will get to watch their dice satisfyingly roll down the wall – which is sometimes mostly hidden depending on a tower’s design – and launch it to the top with a miniature catapult. This Pachinko-style tower is an inspired take on dice rolling and would make the perfect addition to any campaign.
Liquid Core Dice Give D&D Magical Flair
It’s no secret that Dungeons & Dragons players love pretty dice – it’s one of the first outlets fans will go to when trying to customize how they play. While there’s no shortage of sources for where players can acquire dice, these beautifully made resin liquid-core dice from MMzakkahappysupplies on Etsy definitely stand out.
Having a sort of luminescent liquid center makes every dice roll feel more magical, and the creator has a myriad of other gorgeous resin creations to choose from as well. There’s also the option to get a bag, case, or rolling tray when purchasing, so players can easily take their dice to sessions.
An Initiative Tracker Makes D&D Encounters Smoother
Whether a party is taking out a routine group of enemies or crazy monster combinations in Dungeons & Dragons, keeping track of initiative order can get annoying quickly. DMs can try to keep track of it on paper, but that doesn’t mean players won’t need to constantly be reminded of their turn. This can really hurt the immersion experience in session and takes away from players thinking deeply about combat strategies.
This simple yet aesthetically pleasing initiative tracker from Thornhill Gaming is the perfect solution, featuring interchangeable acrylic tabs that can denote party members and enemies. Its design allows everyone playing to easily see what’s coming next when placed in the center of the game table, which is much more efficient than anything that lies horizontally could be. It comes in a variety of colors, as well as special hardwood and Pride versions, giving players a broad range of options to spruce up their gameplay with.
D&D Tea Adds Delicious In-Game Immersion
From making themed snacks to gelatinous cube drinks, Dungeons & Dragons players are no strangers to increasing immersion through edible means. The company D&Tea has leaned into this idea, producing several fantastical flavors of tea to accompany party members in session. With brews like Elven Bazaar, Tavern Brawl, and Forest Frolic, a hot cup of any of these teas adds a special touch to any campaign. Of course, players can also enjoy the tea outside the game as well, and it’s a great beverage choice for those who are missing their last campaign, offering a taste of DnD in a unique way.
A Good Journal Makes D&D Easier
Between quests, new characters, big plot events, and everything else DMs use for creating DnD campaign worlds, it can be a lot for players to keep track of. There are many flashier options when it comes to Dungeons & Dragons notebooks featuring things like engravings, and of course, the choice ultimately comes down to personal preference. However, if players are looking for something with a deep level of organizational possibilities, the campaign journal from EverythingDiceCo on Etsy is arguably the way to go.
This vegan leather notebook comes in an array of colors and is designed to be able to handle two campaigns at once. Alongside the obligate character sheets, the Dungeons & Dragons journals come with spaces for inventory, character backgrounds, spell lists, NPC trackers, setting notes, and quest log pages. A helpful timeline section can also help keep campaigns making sense, and a campaign highlights page is a great way to reflect on favorite moments within a party. These are perfect regardless of the DnD class players have chosen and can be useful for DMs as well when it comes to keeping track of their world.
The core fun of Dungeons & Dragons comes from in-game moments players have together and the adventures the DM takes them on. However, the ability to streamline certain mechanics, keep track of things better, and add to immersion through the use of items like these can help make enjoying the game even easier. These things are a great jumping-off point, but there’s also a nearly endless amount of Dungeons & Dragons fan creators players can discover on their own to find exactly what they’re looking for.
