Moving from a live tabletop to a virtual online setting requires patience and, at least initially, some effort, and a bit of advance preparation will pay off during the game session. This publication enhances the flow of play in D&D 5E by reducing administrative overhead and shifting the spotlight away from the rules and back to the characters with an eye toward sustaining interest and engagement. 

Speed Round includes mechanical adjustments to combat, characters, spells and spellcasting, and monsters — to include a mathematically-sound method for creating monster clusters — that are designed to streamline online play and make it quicker, easier, and more enjoyable. It helps to make online gaming smoother, quicker, and more pleasant with tips and guidance on teleconferencing; use of virtual tabletops and features associated with them like windows where maps can be displayed; and preparing for, running, and wrapping up sessions. It is lavishly illustrated and includes more than 100 images by noted fantasy artist Amanda Kahl.

Skirmisher Publishing and its development group have been gaming virtually online for nearly a decade and established through their experiences the best practices that have been distilled into the contents of this guidebook. Primary author Octavius Knorr has a background in science and management, has a Ph.D. in geology, and has extensive experience with teleconferencing, arranging virtual gatherings, and developing online protocols. 

Speed Round speeds up “roll-play” to make more time for “role-play.”