Dungeon DiaryThe blog
Field notes from the table.
D&D 5e tools, prep, AI, and running a campaign without losing your evenings.
Apr 17, 2026 · encounter-design
How to balance D&D 5e encounters: CR, party power, and what the math gets wrong
The CR system lies to you, especially past level 5. Here's what actually predicts whether an encounter will be fun, terrifying, or a slow grind.
ReadApr 10, 2026 · dm-tips
Roll20 vs Foundry VTT vs Dungeon Diary: which D&D tool is right for your group?
These three tools sound like competitors. They're not. Here's the actual comparison and why most groups should run two of them, not one.
ReadApr 3, 2026 · player-resources
What to look for in a D&D 5e character sheet app (player's guide)
D&D Beyond is the gold standard. Here's why, where it falls short, and which other apps are worth looking at if you want something different.
ReadMar 27, 2026 · dm-tips
Notion vs Obsidian for D&D: should you build your own campaign manager?
Both can become a campaign manager with enough effort. Here's the real cost of the DIY route, who it works for, and when you should give up and use a purpose-built tool.
ReadMar 20, 2026 · dm-tips
The best D&D campaign manager apps in 2026 (honest comparison)
I've tried most of them across 8 campaigns. Here's an honest breakdown of who each tool is actually for, where they shine, and where they're going to disappoint you.
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