The DM's Cantrip

In this episode of The DM's Cantrip, Alaric the Keeper of the Hearth guides new players through the essential purchases for starting Dungeons & Dragons.

He breaks down the three main entry points: the D&D Starter Set, the D&D Essentials Kit, and the Player's Handbook. Alaric recommends the Starter Set or Essentials Kit for newcomers wanting to play immediately, highlighting their included rulebooks, dice, and adventures. For those ready to dive deeper, the Player's Handbook is presented as the foundational core rulebook.

The episode emphasizes that a heavy purse isn't necessary to begin, only a willing heart, and hints at future discussions on dice and other accessories.

Follow us on Bluesky @thedmscantrip.bsky.social

All Music by Monument Studios is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International 

What is The DM's Cantrip?

Welcome, traveler! Name's Alaric, Keeper of the Hearth, and this has been my favorite stool for over a decade. I've seen green adventurers become legendary heroes, and I've seen Dungeon Masters weave tales that would make the gods weep.

In all that time, I’ve picked up a few simple tricks of the trade—little spells for a better story. That’s what "The DM's Cantrip" is all about: short tales and easy advice to help you roll dice and tell stories with confidence. So grab an ale, and let's talk shop.

The DM's Cantrip is a TTRPG and Dungeons and Dragons podcast centered around teaching new players and DM's alike the tricks and tips of the game and sharing stories from my own table. Hope you enjoy!