Three D&D Tips from 1987’s The Highwayman | Dungeon Master Wisdom (video)

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D&D Tips from Glen A. Larson’s The Highwayman

The Highwayman was a TV movie from 1987 that spawned a short-lived series. The show blended modern western and post-apocalyptic themes with science fiction elements. It followed the adventures of a federal lawman known only as the Highwayman, played by Sam J. Jones, and his futuristic tractor-trailer that could turn into a helicopter. The pilot movie featured a cast of 80s notables, including Rowdy Roddy Piper, Lyle Alzado, Michael Berryman, Jimmy Smits, and more.

For more information on the movie and the series that followed, check out the links in the description below.

Dungeon Master Tip Number One: Clichés

D&D Tips from Glen A. Larson's The Highwayman

The Highwayman is filled with clichés—bank robberies, jail breaks, biker gangs, innocent people being framed, corrupt small-town police, crime bosses with beautiful young daughters, and more. As dungeon masters, we should embrace clichés and use them in our games early and often. Why? After a week of putting food on the table and handling other responsibilities, DMs can’t be expected to come up with original ideas that rival the greats of literature. Also, players aren’t expecting that. The chance to play in a world where they get to interact with situations they’ve seen in movies, TV shows, and books is enough. Use clichés. Bank robberies and jail breaks often become players’ favorite sessions. There’s nothing better than taking down the crime boss holding a small town under his thumb. Players eat that stuff up.

Dungeon Master Tip Number Two: Awesomeness

The Highwayman is 80s awesomeness to the max. The truck turns into a helicopter. The Highwayman stands on top of his rig or down lonely roads with clouds of dust and smoke. They even used poetry to create an air of mystery around the series. It wasn’t Emily Dickinson, and it wasn’t even good, but it was awesome. There are explosions, car chases, car crashes, motorcycles, a single father, a kid with a sob story, fake Hollywood Native American culture, a kid says “Uncle Iron Butt” with a straight face, and the truck turns into a helicopter. We need to fill our games with awesomeness. Think about what is cool in D&D—magic items, unexplored dungeons, swinging across ravines or from chandeliers, jungles, ancient temples, rescuing the innocent, saving the town. Heap on the awesomeness, and your players will love it.

Dungeon Master Tip Number Three: Factions

D&D Tips from The Highwayman

The Highwayman works for a mysterious agency that tackles crimes normal police can’t. He can’t stand his boss and is always disobeying her. Why? I have no idea, other than to make it clear he’s not part of the system. He does this job to help people, not to make some Washington, DC politician look good. In D&D, think of the Harpers or the Emerald Enclave. Players often fight against factions their characters are supposed to belong to. Why? Probably because they’ve seen similar fiction to The Highwayman. The rebellious hero always pushes back against authority, even if they work for it. DMs should remember that. Also, remember the player is not fighting against us, the DM; they are fighting against the NPC in charge of the faction. Use this and have fun with it. Oh, you don’t want to go to the town where the faction is sending you? I guess that poor widow and her daughter are going to be made homeless by the evil baron. Watch how fast players have their characters spring into action.

D&D Tips from The Highwayman

That was three dungeon master tips from 1987’s The Highwayman. This video was made to show you can get dungeon master tips from anywhere. If you need dungeon master resources, I create them. Links are in the description below. Thank you, and keep gaming!


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