Claude DM - Your AI Dungeon Master for D&D 5e

Claude is your Dungeon Master! This is a complete D&D 5e campaign system where Claude runs persistent adventures for you in a living, breathing world.

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What Is This?

This is an AI-powered D&D 5e campaign manager where:

• Claude is your DM - Running the world, NPCs, and story
• You play your character - In a persistent living world
• Time flows naturally - Based on in-game days, not real-world sessions
• Everything is remembered - Through organized campaign files
• Drop in anytime - Play whenever you want, pick up where you left off

Perfect for solo D&D play with an always-available, consistent DM!

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Quick Start

New to This System?

1. Read PLAYER-GUIDE.md - Learn how to play with Claude as your DM
2. Type /new-campaign - This slash command starts the character creation process
3. Begin your adventure! - Your story starts immediately

Already Have a Campaign?

Just type /continue and Claude will:

• Read all campaign files
• Remind you where you are
• Pick up exactly where you left off

You can also just say "Let's play" or "Let's continue" naturally!

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How It Works

The Persistent World

Unlike traditional sessions, this is a living world:

• Play for 10 minutes or 2 hours - doesn't matter
• Multiple conversations can happen in the same game day
• Long rests (sleeping) advance to the next day
• Everything is tracked in organized files
• Claude reads the files to maintain perfect consistency

Day-Based Progression

Time flows naturally:

• Day 1 - Your adventure begins
• Travel, fight, explore during the day
• Long rest - Sleep 8 hours, restore resources
• Day 2 - Wake up, new day begins
• Everything from each day is logged in logs/day-##.md

What Claude Does

As your DM, Claude:

• Runs the world and all NPCs
• Handles all dice rolls (transparently)
• Manages combat and encounters
• Tracks your character stats and resources
• Updates all campaign files automatically
• Maintains perfect consistency across all conversations
• Creates engaging stories tailored to your choices

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File Structure

claude-dm2/
├── CLAUDE.md                           # Claude's DM operating manual
├── PLAYER-GUIDE.md                     # Your guide to playing
├── README.md                           # You are here
│
├── rules/                              # D&D 5e rules library
│   ├── Classes/                        # Character classes
│   ├── Spells/                         # Spell descriptions
│   ├── Gameplay/                       # Core mechanics
│   └── Gamemastering/                  # GM resources
│
├── campaigns/                          # Your campaigns
│   └── [campaign-name]/
│       ├── STATE.md                    # ⭐ Current game state (live)
│       ├── character.md                # ⭐ Your D&D 5e character sheet
│       ├── campaign.md                 # Campaign overview, DM notes
│       │
│       ├── logs/                       # ⭐ In-game day logs
│       │   ├── day-01.md              # Everything from game day 1
│       │   ├── day-02.md              # Game day 2 (after sleeping)
│       │   └── day-03.md              # Game day 3
│       │
│       ├── npcs/                       # Non-player characters
│       │   ├── allies/
│       │   ├── enemies/
│       │   └── neutral/
│       │
│       ├── locations/                  # Places in the world
│       ├── plot/                       # Story and quests
│       ├── encounters/                 # Pre-built encounters
│       └── items/                      # Equipment and loot
│
├── templates/                          # Templates for new content
│   ├── character-sheet-dnd5e.md       # D&D 5e character template
│   ├── STATE.md                        # Game state template
│   ├── day-log.md                      # Day log template
│   ├── campaign.md                     # Campaign template
│   └── [all other templates]          # NPCs, locations, encounters, etc.
│
└── resources/
    ├── random-tables/                  # Inspiration generators
    │   ├── names.md                    # Quick NPC names
    │   ├── personality-traits.md       # Instant personalities
    │   ├── quest-hooks.md              # Adventure ideas
    │   ├── weather.md                  # Weather generator
    │   ├── rumors.md                   # Information and gossip
    │   └── loot.md                     # Treasure tables
    │
    ├── reference/                      # DM guides
    │   ├── dm-cheatsheet.md           # Quick rules reference
    │   ├── session-zero.md            # Campaign setup guide
    │   ├── pacing-guide.md            # Session pacing
    │   └── improv-tips.md             # Improvisation techniques
    │
    └── claude-dm/                      # ⭐ Claude's DM resources
        ├── commands.md                 # All player commands
        ├── balancing-solo.md          # Solo play encounter balance
        └── [other DM resources]

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Commands

There are two types of commands in this system:

1. Slash Commands (Claude Code)

These are actual Claude Code slash commands stored in .claude/commands/:

Command	What It Does
/new-campaign	Start a new D&D campaign with character creation
/continue	Resume your saved campaign
/save	Manually save your current game state
/campaigns	List all your available campaigns
/exit	End session and save progress

These are project-level commands you can use in Claude Code.

2. In-Game Commands (During Play)

Once you're playing, you can use these natural commands during gameplay (Claude responds to these as your DM):

Command	What It Does
/character	Show full character sheet
/status	Current HP, spell slots, resources
/inventory	All items and equipment
/quests	Active quests and objectives
/npcs	NPCs you've met recently
/recap	Summary of recent events
/rest-short	Take short rest (1 hour)
/rest-long	Take long rest (sleep, new day)
/roll [skill]	Make specific skill check
/map	Describe current surroundings
/game-help	Show all game commands

Or just play naturally! Tell Claude what you want to do in your own words.

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What to Expect

Full D&D 5e Experience

• Complete D&D 5e rules and mechanics
• Character creation with classes, races, backgrounds
• Tactical combat with initiative, attacks, spells
• Skill checks, saving throws, ability scores
• Leveling up and character progression
• Magic items, equipment, and treasure
• Everything you'd expect from D&D

Story-Driven Adventures

Play style balance:

• 60% Roleplay & Story - Character interactions, investigation, exploration
• 40% Combat - Tactical battles and action scenes
• Adjusted for context (more combat in dungeons, less in cities)

Solo Play Optimized

• Encounters balanced for one player
• Transparent dice rolls (you see everything)
• NPC allies when story-appropriate
• Spotlight always on you
• Your choices drive the story

Text-Based Format

• Concise, engaging narration (2-4 paragraphs)
• Clear choices offered frequently
• Fast-paced, keeps moving
• Easy to read and follow
• Great for async play

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Example Play

You: "Let's continue my adventure"

Claude:

Welcome back! You're in the Rusty Anchor tavern in Port Dread. Last time, the mysterious hooded woman offered you a job to retrieve a stolen artifact from the Bloodfang gang's warehouse. You accepted.

She slides a rough map across the table. "The warehouse is on the docks, heavily guarded. Get in, find the silver locket, get out. Don't get caught."

It's evening. The docks are a 10-minute walk from here.

What do you do?

You: "I want to scout the warehouse first, see what I'm dealing with"

Claude:

You make your way through the foggy streets to the docks. The warehouse looms ahead - a large wooden building with a loading door and a side entrance. You spot:

[Rolling Perception: 16 + 3 = 19 vs DC 15] Success!

• Two guards at the main door, armed with clubs
• One guard patrolling the roof
• The side entrance has a lock, looks pickable
• Several wooden crates stacked outside provide cover
• A window on the second floor is slightly ajar

Do you: A) Try to pick the side door lock (Stealth + Thieves' Tools) B) Climb to the second floor window (Athletics check) C) Create a distraction and slip past the main door guards D) Something else?

You: "I'll climb up to the window!"

Claude:

You wait for the rooftop guard to turn away, then dash to the wall and begin climbing.

[Rolling Athletics: 12 + 4 = 16 vs DC 13] Success!

You scale the rough wooden planks and reach the window. Peering inside, you see a dimly lit storage room with crates and... a guard sleeping in a chair.

What do you do?

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Features

✅ Persistent Living World - Everything is tracked and remembered ✅ Full D&D 5e Mechanics - Complete rules implementation ✅ Day-Based Progression - Natural time flow ✅ Automatic State Management - Claude tracks everything ✅ Transparent Dice Rolling - See all rolls and math ✅ Solo Play Balanced - Encounters scaled for one player ✅ Drop In/Out Anytime - Play when you want ✅ Story + Combat - Balanced, engaging gameplay ✅ Easy Commands - Quick info access ✅ Organized Files - Everything documented

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For the DM (Claude)

If you're Claude reading this:

1. Read CLAUDE.md first - That's your operating manual
2. Every time player wants to play:
   • Read STATE.md
   • Read character.md
   • Read campaign.md
   • Read current day log (if player asks about past events)
3. During play:
   • Update STATE.md after significant events
   • Update day log continuously
   • Show all dice rolls transparently
   • Keep responses 2-4 paragraphs
4. After long rest:
   • Finalize current day log
   • Update STATE.md (new day, restore resources)
   • Create new day log

See CLAUDE.md for complete instructions.

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Getting Started

As a Player

1. Read PLAYER-GUIDE.md (your player manual)
2. Say "Let's start a new campaign!"
3. Create your character with Claude's help
4. Begin your adventure!

Starting Your First Campaign

You: "I want to start a new D&D campaign!"

Claude will:

• Help you create a D&D 5e character
• Discuss what kind of setting/story you want
• Set up the campaign structure
• Start Day 1 of your adventure
• Guide you through everything

No D&D experience required! Claude explains everything as you play.

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Tips for Players

Do:

• Tell Claude what your character does naturally
• Use commands for quick info (/status, /quests, etc.)
• Make bold choices - your decisions matter
• Ask questions anytime
• Try creative solutions
• Speak in-character if you want (or don't!)

Don't Worry About:

• Knowing all the rules (Claude handles that)
• Making "wrong" choices (there aren't any)
• Dying immediately (encounters are balanced)
• Perfect optimization (story matters more)

Combat Tips:

• Think tactically - use the environment
• Tell Claude what you want to do, they handle the mechanics
• Ask about options if unsure
• Creativity is rewarded

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System Requirements

For Players:

• Just you and Claude
• Any device that can chat with Claude
• No special software needed

For Claude:

• Access to campaign files
• Ability to read/write markdown files
• D&D 5e rules knowledge (rules/ folder)

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I need to know D&D 5e rules? A: Nope! Claude teaches you as you play.

Q: Can I play multiple characters? A: System is optimized for one character, but Claude can adapt.

Q: How long are sessions? A: As long or short as you want! Play for 10 minutes or 2 hours.

Q: What happens if Claude forgets something? A: Just tell Claude to check the relevant file. The files are the source of truth.

Q: Can I play different campaigns? A: Yes! Create multiple campaign folders.

Q: Do I need physical dice? A: No - Claude rolls all dice transparently in the chat.

Q: What if I want to stop playing mid-adventure? A: Just stop! Claude updates STATE.md and you can pick up anytime.

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Example Campaigns

Create campaigns in any D&D setting:

• High Fantasy - Epic quests, dragons, ancient magic
• Dark Fantasy - Gothic horror, vampires, curses
• Urban Adventure - City intrigue, thieves guilds, politics
• Dungeon Crawl - Classic dungeon exploration
• Wilderness Survival - Frontier exploration, survival
• Seafaring - Pirates, sea monsters, island hopping
• Planar Travel - Visit other planes of existence
• Custom Setting - Create your own world together

The world is yours to explore!

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Advanced Features

For Experienced Players

• Multiclassing (with Claude's approval)
• Complex builds and optimization
• Homebrew content discussion
• Custom magic items
• Faction play
• Base building
• Followers and hirelings

Campaign Types

• Sandbox - Open world, player-driven
• Story-Driven - Follow epic narrative
• Mega-Dungeon - One massive dungeon to explore
• West Marches - Exploration-focused
• Intrigue - Politics and schemes
• Horror - Scary and atmospheric

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Technical Notes

File Management

• All files are markdown (.md format)
• Human-readable and editable
• Can be version controlled (git)
• Easy to backup
• Portable across systems

STATE.md Updates

Claude updates STATE.md automatically:

• After combat (HP changes)
• After spell casting (spell slots)
• After rests (resource restoration)
• Major story events
• Location changes
• Quest updates

Day Logs

One log per in-game day:

• logs/day-01.md - First day of adventure
• logs/day-02.md - After first long rest
• logs/day-03.md - After second long rest
• etc.

Each log contains everything that happened that day.

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Contributing & Customization

This system is yours to modify:

• Add new templates
• Create custom random tables
• Modify STATE.md tracking
• Add custom character sheet sections
• Create campaign-specific rules
• Expand the rules/ folder

Make it your own!

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Support

Having issues?

• Check PLAYER-GUIDE.md for common questions
• Ask Claude to check CLAUDE.md
• Claude can explain any confusion
• Files are the source of truth

Want to improve the system?

• Suggest new templates
• Add more random tables
• Expand reference guides
• Share your campaigns

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Ready to Adventure?

Use the slash commands:

• /new-campaign - Start a brand new adventure
• /continue - Resume your saved game
• /campaigns - See all your campaigns
• /save - Save your progress
• /exit - End session and save

Or just talk naturally:

• "Let's start a new campaign!"
• "I want to continue playing"
• "Let's play"

Claude is ready to run an amazing adventure for you!

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Credits

Built for solo D&D 5e play with Claude as your DM. Combines:

• D&D 5e rules and mechanics
• Persistent campaign management
• AI-powered dungeon mastering
• Organized file-based memory
• Optimized for engaging text-based play

Now go forth and adventure! 🎲⚔️🐉