Building Descriptions Through Character Senses

The Olfactory Sense (Smells)

Using your PC’s Senses to Describe the Game Environment

Please note: This letter contains a spoiler for Wizards of the Coast’s new D&D book, Quests From the Infinite Staircase.

Does it Make Sense?

While taking notes for my upcoming book, Building Fantastic Worlds — The Ultimate Dungeon Master’s Blueprint for Dungeons & Dragons, I mention tips on how to faciliatate a game session.

One of its sub-sections is how to describe the environment using the 5 core senses:

  1. Sight

  2. Sound

  3. Smell

  4. Taste

  5. Touch

There are other senses like proprioception, but we’ll save that for a different time.

What I want to talk about today is how to use smells to create unique roleplaying situations. I created a video yesterday using an example from the adventure The Lost City, which is the first adventure in the new Quests From the Infinite Staircase.

Watch the video here. Remember, this video contains a spoiler!

Today’s my birthday

Since today’s my birthday, I wanted to give thanks to you for being here. For being so generous with your precious time and following me along on my journey to write a book.

I’ll be doing some writing this morning, reading and exercising in the afternoon, then hanging out with my family and friends at dinner this evening.

No matter what you’re doing today, I hope you take some time to reflect on the things you’re grateful for. I wish you all the best!

Take care,

Joe

P.S. If you know someone who might enjoy this newsletter, please feel free to share it with them. The more the merrier.

P.P.S. Don’t forget, I’m giving away one of my vintage AD&D modules to a lucky subscriber. Details here.

🐉