Mark Reynolds
Veteran GM & Tabletop RPG Writer
Mark Reynolds has been running tabletop RPG campaigns for over 20 years, across D&D, Pathfinder, Call of Cthulhu, and more systems than he can count. He writes for Saga20 on the practical side of the hobby: how to run better sessions with less prep, how to keep campaigns alive when real life gets in the way, and how to use modern tools to do the work that used to require a court stenographer.
His writing follows the "Lazy DM" philosophy: maximum impact at the table, minimum homework off it. Every guide is written for the DM who has a full-time job, a family, and still wants to run a campaign worth remembering.
Mark currently runs a weekly D&D 5e campaign and a monthly Call of Cthulhu one-shot series. He uses Saga20 for both.
Articles by Mark Reynolds
How to End Your D&D Session So Players Can't Stop Thinking About It
Most DMs obsess over how to START a session. The real skill is learning how to END one. Here is the cliffhanger playbook that keeps your players counting the days until next week.
The 30-Minute D&D Session Prep: A System for DMs Who Hate Homework
You do not need 4 hours to prep a great D&D session. You need 30 minutes and a system. Here is the exact framework I use every single week.
The 'Previously On...' Problem: How Automated Transcripts Let New Players Binge Your Campaign
Bringing a new player into a Level 10 campaign is a nightmare of lore dumps. Here is how to let them 'binge' your story instead of studying it.
Don't Cancel Your D&D Session Just Because One Player is Missing
The 'Scheduling Boss' is the hardest monster in D&D. Defeat it with the 'Absent Player Protocol' and keep your campaign alive.
The Art of Campaign Continuity: How to Keep Your Story Straight Without Burnout
Stop asking 'Wait, what was that NPC's name?' Maintain campaign continuity with these lazy DM tips and automated tools.
Session Notes vs. Audio Recording: Which Is Better for DMs?
Stop frantically scribbling and start actually playing. Here is why switching from notes to audio recording (and Campaign Continuity) is the best upgrade for your D&D table.
The Cure for NPC Amnesia: How to Make Your Players Remember Your Villains
Stop the "Wait, who is this guy?" moments. Here is how to use distinct voices, smart prep, and campaign continuity tools to make your NPCs unforgettable.
How to Master the "Session Recap" (And Why You Shouldn't Write It Yourself)
Writing session recaps is a chore that most DMs dread. Discover how to automate the history of your world so you can focus on the future.
Best D&D tools for players and DMs
Stop drowning in apps you actally don't need. Here is the curated list of digital tools that actually speed up your game instead of slowing it down.
Stop Taking Notes: The Lazy Dungeon Master’s Guide to Session Tracking
Stop breaking immersion to write down initiative. Discover how audio-first campaign tracking lets you focus on the game, not the paperwork.