Go Ahead, We Dare Ya!

Oh, Loke BattleMats – you just so get us. You’ve released another marvelous DnD card deck accessory that gives our players a warm nudge to let loose a little and have an even better time around our beloved game table. Grab a seat and we’ll tell you more…

The last thing anyone wants at the game table is awkward silence and players who are just going through the motions. A true Dungeons and Dragons game is a delicate cooperative symphony between the DM and its adventurers. That seamless exchange of clever dialogue and mindblowing ideas feeds our beloved TTRPG addiction. Thankfully, Loke BattleMats slid us a review copy of their latest card deck accessory, and we’re jazzed to show you how it can max out that fun dial.

Dumb Dares & Silly Side Quests is a beefy one-hundred-card deck that gives players subtle and not-so-subtle in-game prompts to play out whenever they think the timing is right! The cards are high quality, durable, and don’t contain microscopic text. We might slip ours into protective sleeves, though, because…well, pizza.

And the instructions couldn’t be easier. Simply deal 2-3 cards to the players for their character to complete during your game sesh. For each dare, Loke BattleMats has even included an example of what their Character could do to help players embrace the chaos! Now, the DM never wants a player to get uncomfortable, so if they draw a card that just isn’t their jam, they simply pass that one back and re-draw. Easy.

If a player decides the cards aren’t for them, they can simply pass on them altogether (but it’s a safe bet they’ll change their minds later and participate). Sometimes, a shy person needs to see the cards in action for a few rounds before deciding to join the fun. No harm, no foul in that.

The 3DRPG office players are greedy little buggers, so DM Ben added a few optional incentives for anyone who successfully plays a card and generates a bunch of in-game shenanigans and rousing laughter:

• Roll a d100 and receive that result in gold.
• Choose an addictive Fate & Fortunes card (by Nord Games).
• Draw a Treasure Card (by Nord Games).
• Receive an Inspiration die.
• Gain d10 Temporary Hit Points.

Nothing wrong with tipping your hat to the player on a job well done and rewarding them for their creativity, right?!

So, we’ve used these cards for multiple sessions here at 3DRPG Studios, and things went as expected. During the first game, some players would glance at their cards or inadvertently forget about ’em. Fast forward to the next game day, and the DM kindly reminds the players of their Dumb Dare & Silly Sidequests cards while dangling the rewards from above.

There’s always that one creative player in the group who loves stuff and is chomping at the bit to not only play a card for some added chuckles but also wants to cash in on the DM’s generosity. And that’s exactly what happened in the most perfect way!

Our adventurers were on their very last home-brewed encounter of the Night Hag’s underground lair: her secret laboratory! From the hallway, they saw an alchemy table in the distance. Naturally cautious, the group discussed their next move. Then out of nowhere, our Barbarian stormed in and declared the wildest investigation technique! He rushed to the nearest rock and licked it. The rest of the players started howling, “Wait! You just did what?!” Even DM Ben didn’t realize what was happening at first!

Turns out, our crafty Barbarian (played by “Fun Bobby”) had two epic Dumb Dare cards: Use only taste and smell to search for clues or answers, and start a monster fight in the most surprising way. Welp, little did he know that DM Ben’s rock was actually a mimic. Hence, his first action to lick the mysterious rock would instantly ignite a monster clash in the wackiest of ways.

The table just erupted as he played each card in succession while DM Ben tried to pick his jaw off the floor. His gameplay was absolutely perfect, and we couldn’t stop cracking up! Weeks later, we still ask Fun Bobby if he’s licked any rocks lately as we walk past him in the office halls.

The best part is the Dumb Dares & Silly Side Quests card deck has tons of replayability. Every player interprets a situation differently. Utilizing the card in hand will always vary based on the player’s creativity and ingenuity. Also, how the card worked in one encounter can play completely differently in another scenario. Best of all, there are usually multiple prompts to get those gears a turnin’.

That’s ol’ DM Ben on the left and Fun Bobby still trying to lick a rock after the game. Mission accomplished, Loke BattleMats!

Until next time!