How to prepare D&D encounters

Encounters live in DM campaign mode. You prepare a fight in the builder (roster, monsters, difficulty, XP budget, notes), then run it live with initiative, turn order, HP, and an end-of-combat summary.

Where

• Open a campaign as DM and select the Encounters tab.
• New encounter starts the builder. Saved cards open details; from there you Start the runner.

Build an encounter

1. Select New encounter.
2. Enter an Encounter name and choose Low, Moderate, or High difficulty.
3. Under Characters, import from the linked party or add each character and level manually.
4. Search Add from bestiary and add monsters; adjust quantities and open a stat block when needed.
5. Compare spent XP with XP budget and read warnings about creature count, high CR, or too many different stat blocks.
6. Add Notes for terrain, tactics, or reinforcements, then save and confirm the card appears in the list.

Run an encounter

1. Open a prepared encounter card and review the participants.
2. Select Start to open the live runner.
3. Set or review initiative so the turn order matches the table.
4. Advance turns as each participant finishes acting.
5. Use participant controls to apply damage or healing when HP changes.
6. Select End only when the fight is actually over, then review the summary before moving on.

Tips / Pitfalls

• The builder and runner need campaign mode (DM). They are not available on a standalone character sheet.
• A linked party is optional for the budget; manual characters still work.
• XP budget is guidance, not a guarantee — high CR and action economy can outpace the total.
• Do not use End just to leave the screen; it closes the encounter and creates the summary.
• Fix missing monsters or roster mistakes before Start when you can.