Taking 20 Podcast
Taking 20 Podcast offers short, bite-sized advice for tabletop role-playing games, aimed at both players and game masters. Each episode provides practical tips, tricks, and ideas to improve your TTRPG sessions. New episodes are released every Sunday.
Episodes
Ep 285 - Mentoring Players and DMs
There’s an art to any kind of mentorship but it’s a critical skill for all of us to learn to bring new players and DMs to the table. Tune in for some of my tips for guiding the next generation to become the TTRPG players and DMs for tomorrow’s games.
#rpg #ttrpg #dnd #pathfinder #gmtips #playertips #mentoring
Resources:
Buy Me a Coffee! - ko-fi.com/taking20podcast
www.taking20podcast.com
In
Ep 284 - Better PCs & NPCs
Ever feel like you're spending too long coming up with backstories or detailed NPC lore that your players completely ignore—or worse, that your characters end up feeling flat at the table? Give this a listen for some essential advice for both GMs and players on how to make your NPCs and PCs truly come alive.
Also, my apologies that the sound quality is a bit diminished this episode, I had a lot
Ep 283 - Saying No
Ever feel like your players' chaotic choices are steering your campaign off a cliff? In this episode, we explore the ultimate tool for protecting your game, your players, and your own sanity: the word "No"
#rpg #ttrpg #dnd #pathfinder #gmtips #sayingno #no
Resources:
Buy Me a Coffee! - ko-fi.com/taking20podcast
www.taking20podcast.com
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/taking20podcast
Faceboo
Ep 282 - Cults
Are your players tired of generic hooded villains who just want to be evil for the sake of it? Let’s dive deep into the mechanics of cults, exploring how to craft antagonists that are active, isolationist (or even well-integrated), and genuinely dangerous. Discover how to transform faceless goons into compelling, campaign-level threats that will keep your players guessing—and maybe even looking ov
Ep 281 - Soft Debilitating Conditions
Following up on Episode 280, this time we’re going to talk about soft debuffs - slow burn threats like poisons, diseases, curses, and lycanthropy. Tune in for my tips on how to handle these longer-term afflictions.
#rpg #ttrpg #dnd #pathfinder #gmtips #playertips #debuffs #criticalfail
Resources:
Archives of Nethys: https://archivesofnethys.com/
Buy Me a Coffee! - ko-fi.com/taking20podcast
Ep 280 - Hard Debilitating Conditions
Let’s dive into the "hard debuffs" that threaten to end your players' fun—and their characters—in a single roll. From paralysis and petrification to mind-controlling charm spells, we discuss the fine balance between challenge and player agency. Join us for actionable DM tips on how to foreshadow these lethal threats and replace "save-or-suck" mechanics with progressive failures that keep the table
Ep 279 - Changing Characters
In this episode, we explore the pros and cons of letting players swap characters in the middle of a campaign. We discuss exit strategies, player motivations, and how DMs can facilitate this change with minimal loss to game momentum.
#rpg #ttrpg #dnd #pathfinder #gmtips #playertips #characterchange
Ep 278 - Player Expectations of their GMs
Please accept my apologies that this episode sounds a bit hollow. I am having problems with Hindenburg, my audio processing software and their support has been very unsupportive. I’m working to get the audio issue fixed.
In this episode, we’re flipping the script to explore the reasonable expectations players should have of their GMs. We’re breaking down why the DM screen is an honor, not a cr
Ep 277 - GM Expectations of Players
Game night being derailed by players poor attitudes, unsure actions, and unreliability? Don’t be that player. In this episode I talk about the social contract of tabletop RPGs and what YOU can do to support your DM and not be a distraction.
#rpg #ttrpg #dnd #pathfinder #gmtips #playertips
Resources:
Buy Me a Coffee! - ko-fi.com/taking20podcast
www.taking20podcast.com
Instagram - https://ww
Ep 276 - Try New Games
Is your long-running RPG group stuck in a rut, playing the same game system year after year? In this episode, we tackle the toughest quest in tabletop gaming: convincing your friends to try something new. I’ll talk about reasons for resistance, the best arguments for trying new systems and some tips for making it successful
#rpg #ttrpg #dnd #pathfinder #gmtips #NewRPG
Resources:
Buy Me a Cof
Ep 275 - Monster Series - Golems
Let’s look at Golems! Mindless, magically-constructed automatons that are the ultimate guardians. We break down the classic types—Flesh, Clay, Stone, and Iron and give some essential DM tips for deploying these terrifying, tireless constructs in your D&D and Pathfinder campaigns.
#rpg #ttrpg #dnd #pathfinder #gmtips #golems
Resources:
Buy Me a Coffee! - ko-fi.com/taking20podcast
www.taking
Ep 274 - Character Backstories
Want to make your characters better? Consider adding flaws to your character. What kinds of flaws are there and how do you add them in a way that’s not disruptive to the game? Give this episode a listen and find out.
#rpg #ttrpg #dnd #pathfinder #gmtips #playertips #tabletop #backstory
Resources:
Buy Me a Coffee! - ko-fi.com/taking20podcast
www.taking20podcast.com
Instagram - https://www
Ep 273 - Flaws
Want to make your characters better? Consider adding flaws to your character. What kinds of flaws are there and how do you add them in a way that’s not disruptive to the game? Give this episode a listen and find out.
#rpg #ttrpg #dnd #pathfinder #gmtips #playertips #tabletop #flaws
Resources:
Buy Me a Coffee! - ko-fi.com/taking20podcast
www.taking20podcast.com
Instagram - https://www.ins
Ep 272 - Session 0 Redux
NOTE: My apologies for the audio quality. The entire recording/audio processing chain was rushed this week.
Is your TTRPG campaign falling apart after only a few sessions? The problem might be that you need a Session Zero. In this third part of our "setting expectations" series we dive into the vital, often-overlooked conversations DMs and players need to have before rolling the first die. Le
Ep 271 - Setting and Tone
In this episode we continue the “setting expectations” series, hopefully helping to stop mismatched expectations from derailing your TTRPG campaign! GMs, this episode is packed with practical advice for designing and effectively communicating your game's Tone and Setting.
#rpg #ttrpg #dnd #pathfinder #gmtips #playertips #tabletop #tone #setting #expectations
Resources:
Buy Me a Coffee! - ko-
Ep 270 - Starting Your Campaign
Ready to start your TTRPG campaign in some way besides a boring tavern? Episode 270 is here to help! We dive deep into the real purpose of a campaign's beginning and explore three powerful ways to unite your party from the jump
#rpg #ttrpg #dnd #pathfinder #gmtips #playertips #tabletop #startingcampaign
Resources:
Episode 47 - Comprehensive Session 0 Guide for DMs - https://www.taking20podcas
Ep 269 - DM Burnout and Showing Progression Through Descriptions
Do your descriptions fall flat? Are your characters, locations, and NPCs just static items in time that never change? In this episode I’ll give players some tips for changing their character descriptions and for GMs to change NPC and place descriptions to improve their game.
#rpg #ttrpg #dnd #pathfinder #gmtips #playertips #tabletop #burnout #descriptions
Resources:
Crispy’s Tavern, The Rea
Ep 268 - Should Villains Be Sympathetic
Is your campaign's "big bad" just evil, or is there a hero beneath the monster? This episode dives into the age-old debate for Dungeon Masters: how important is a sympathetic backstory for a villain, and whether you should include complex antagonists in your game
#rpg #ttrpg #dnd #pathfinder #gmtips #playertips #tabletop #roleplaying #villains
Resources:
Episode 180 - https://www.taking20podc
Ep 267 - Should you Counter PC Abilities
Description
Today we dive into the age-old debate that divides Dungeon Masters: When do you negate a powerful spell or maneuver? We explore the thin line between creating epic tension and causing frustration. Tune in to discover the crucial difference between an earned victory and a slog, and learn the rules of engagement for challenging your players in the most satisfying way.
#rpg #ttrpg #dnd
Ep 266 - High Level Characters
Running a high-level character (Level 11+) is a different animal altogether. Forget easy skirmishes and simple ability checks—you're now facing world-breaking threats. In this episode I’ll give you some tips for running these legendary characters.
#rpg #ttrpg #dnd #pathfinder #gmtips #playertips #tabletop #roleplaying #highlevel
Resources:
Buy Me a Coffee! - ko-fi.com/taking20podcast
www.tak
Ep 265 - High Level Campaigns
Running high-level TTRPGs (level 11+) are different animals! In this episode I break down essential GM tips for these epic campaigns. Plus, I’ll give you some advice on how you need to change your prep to run a legendary game.
#rpg #ttrpg #dnd #pathfinder #gmtips #playertips #tabletop #roleplaying #highlevel
Resources:
Episode 45 - Minions - https://www.taking20podcast.com/e/ep-45-usining-min
Ep 264 - Embracing Failure
This week, I talk about players’ and DMs’ relentless pursuit of perfection in tabletop RPGs. I encourage both to embrace failures and give you some tips to help every roll and choice become a chance for exciting, unpredictable adventures.
#rpg #ttrpg #dnd #pathfinder #gmtips #playertips #tabletop #roleplaying #failure
Resources:
Buy Me a Coffee! - ko-fi.com/taking20podcast
www.taking20podcast
Ep 263 - DM PCs
This week, we're diving into the often-debated topic of Dungeon Master Player Characters (DM PCs). In this episode we talk about alternatives ot the DMPC, how to effectively integrate a DM-controlled character into your campaign without overshadowing your players, maintaining player agency, and enhancing the overall game experience. Give us a listen to discover tips for creating supportive DM PCs,
Ep 262 - Work Together
This week, we're diving into how players can best work together in TTRPGs. From character building to in-game tactics, discover how to form a cohesive team and make your adventures unforgettable. Tune in to learn how to turn challenges inside out and achieve success together!
#rpg #ttrpg #dnd #pathfinder #gmtips #playertips #tabletop #roleplaying
Resources:
Buy Me a Coffee! - ko-fi.com/taking2
Ep 261 - Monster Series - Aberrations
Diving into the terrifying world of aberrations, this episode explores why these alien beings pose a unique challenge for GMs. Discover their bizarre physiologies, incomprehensible motives, and innate magical abilities drawn from their alien minds, and learn how to weave truly unsettling encounters into your campaigns
#pf2e #Pathfinder #gmtips #dmtips #dnd #rpg #aberrations
Resources:
Buy Me
Ep 260 - Keep the Game Moving
Tired of combat dragging? This episode offers 5 crucial tips for players to keep the game moving. Discover how paying attention, anticipating your turn, and coordinating with allies can transform your tabletop experience from a slog to a dynamic adventure!"
#pf2e #Pathfinder #gmtips #dmtips #dnd #rpg #playertips
Resources:
Buy Me a Coffee! - ko-fi.com/taking20podcast
www.taking20podcast.com
Ep 259 - Space Adventures & Review of Starfinder 2e Player Core
In this episode, we're blasting off into the unknown with tips for running epic space adventures, from exploring derelict ships to discovering bizarre new worlds. Plus, get an in-depth review of the Starfinder 2e Player Core, diving into its mechanics, ancestries, and how it connects to Pathfinder 2e. Don't miss this cosmic journey!
Resources:
Buy Me a Coffee! - ko-fi.com/taking20podcast
Episode
Ep 258 - Canon
Whether you make up your own canon or use the lore pregenerated by someone else, there are challenges to maintaining the canon and lore for your world. In this episode I discuss some tips and tricks I’ve learned through the years to help keep it all straight.
#pf2e #Pathfinder #gmtips #dmtips #dnd #rpg #lore #canon
Resources:
Buy Me a Coffee! - ko-fi.com/taking20podcast
Episode 224 - Lore Pa
Ep 257 - Play More Reckless
Unlock more fun and epic storytelling in your TTRPGs by embracing a little recklessness! In this episode we explore how "driving your characters like you stole them" can lead to unforgettable moments, balancing narrative focus with thrilling unpredictability. Discover why taking bolder choices, communicating with your group, and understanding your character's motivations can elevate your game, kno
Ep 256 - Player Cheating 2 & WOTC Turnover
What do you do when a player cheats in your RPG? In this episode, we tackle the tricky subject of player cheating from the DM's perspective, exploring why players cheat and specific types of in-game dishonesty. Learn practical strategies for DMs and players to address cheating, foster a fair and fun gaming environment, and ensure everyone at the table has a blast!
#pf2e #Pathfinder #gmtips #dmti
Ep 255 - Cliches and review of the Starfinder 2e Galaxy Guide
Ever wondered if "chosen ones" and "horny bards" have a place in your RPG campaigns? In episode 255 of Taking 20 Podcast, we dive into the world of RPG clichés—when to use them, when to subvert them, and how they can elevate your game. Plus, I also review the Starfinder 2e Galaxy Guide! Join us as we explore familiar tropes and exciting new worlds..
#pf2e #Pathfinder #Starfinder #gmtips #dmtip
Ep 254 - Unwritten Rules
The back to basics series takes things back to the fundamental principles of tabletop RPGs. It’s so easy to get lost in the rules and mechanics of the game and forget these important lessons.
#pf2e #Pathfinder #gmtips #dmtips #dnd #rpg #backtobasics
Resources:
Matthew Colville - Language not Rules - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OIkwABECfR0
Ep 245 Unruly Players - https://taking20.podbea
Ep 253 - Recurring Villains
Have you ever wanted to craft unforgettable recurring villains that will haunt your players' dreams? In this episode I’ll give you some secrets to making your big bads more than just one-dimensional threats and learn how to weave them seamlessly into your campaign for maximum impact.
#pf2e #Pathfinder #gmtips #dmtips #dnd #rpg #villains
Resources:
PF2e Core pg 66
Ep 252 - Get Out of Your GM Comfort Zone
There’s nothing wrong with the comfortable same old same old. However, what if you want to become a better DM. How do you start and what can that progression look like? Give this episode a listen to find out.
#pf2e #Pathfinder #gmtips #dmtips #dnd #rpg
Resources:
Episode 27 - Role vs Roll Playing
Episode 184 - Preparing One Shots
Episode 237 - Short vs Long Campaigns
Ep 251 - Conflict
Conflict is inevitable around the RPG table but that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t play the game or that you should shy away from it. In this episode we talk about how conflict can manifest and what players and GMs can do about it.
#pf2e #Pathfinder #gmtips #dmtips #dnd #rpg #paizo #conflict #dnd #Wotc
Resources:
Social Emotional Skills at the D&D Table: https://www.youngdragonslayers.
Ep 250 - Important NPCs and Review of the NPC Core
Not all NPCs are created equal, or at least they shouldn’t be created that way. There are some NPCs who are simply more important to your campaign? Which ones and how should you treat them? Give this episode a listen!
#pf2e #Pathfinder #gmtips #dmtips #dnd #rpg #npccore #npc #paizo
Resources:
Paizo NPC Core. https://paizo.com/products/btq06x2l
Ep 249 - Questions You Can Ask To Give Your Character Depth
Making 2 dimensional characters is easy. Pick your ability scores, feats, equipment etc. but what if you want or need to make a deeper character to role play? How do you do it? In this episode I give your character just a few questions to add depth
#pf2e #Pathfinder #gmtips #dmtips #dnd #rpg #characterdesign #backstory
Ep 248 - Guns in Fantasy and Review of Guns and Gears Remastered
Should you let your baby shoot you down in RPG games? Do you allow pistols and rifles in your world with dragons and gnomes? If your immediate reaction is no, why? In this episode I discuss guns in fantasy worlds and offer a brief review of the new Paizo book Guns and Gears Remastered.
Disclosure: I did receive a PDF copy of the book for free but that never taints my review and I give you an
Ep 247 - Making Combat More Fun
Combat can quickly turn rote, samey, and dare I say it even boring or dull. GMs, there are some things you can do to make combat in your game far more interesting and players, I have a couple of tips for you as well.
#pf2e #Pathfinder #gmtips #dmtips #dnd #rpg #combat
Resources:
Glass Cannon C2E67 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EkTVOYbQQ5E
XPLoveCat - How to Make Combat More Interesting - https:
Ep 246 - Railroads vs Sandboxes 2
There are railroads and there are sandboxes and never the twain shall meet, right? Not so fast, my friend. Today Jeremy discusses the two game types and multiple ways to blend them together.
#pf2e #Pathfinder #gmtips #dmtips #dnd #rpg #railroad #sandbox
Resources:
Game Masters of Exandria Roundtable: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LmZSWKPXhZ4
Sandbox vs Railroad: Which is Better? https:
Ep 245 - Unruly Players
No one enjoys having a disruptive player at your table but what can you do with players like that? This listener-suggested episode has some ideas on how to deal with these unruly players.
Ep 244 - Guard the Fun
There’s a lot to playing and DMing a tabletop RPG. There are quite a few rules, a story the DM is trying to create for the players, encounters to design, sessions to plan, characters to role play and so much to do to ensure the game can happen. However, don’t lose sight that the game is supposed to be, first and foremost, fun.
#pf2e #Pathfinder #gmtips #dmtips #dnd #rpg #fun
Resources:
J.R. Za
Ep 243 - Friendly NPCs
Friendly NPCs are often overlooked when it comes to campaigns. DMs focus on the antagonists and sometimes forget about the allies. In this episode I make a case for including friendly NPCs in your game and give you some tips for running them.
#pf2e #Pathfinder #gmtips #dmtips #dnd #NPCTips
Resources:
How to Be a Great GM - Adding a Lovable NPC - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NrUrh9p2IM0
H
Ep 242 - Back to Basics - Just One Thing
It is easy to lose heart when you see these amazing DMs that put out content. However, in this episode, there is a single piece of advice that can help you improve as a DM and to make everything that’s part of your campaign even better.
#pf2e #Pathfinder #gmtips #dmtips #dnd #JustOneThing
Ep 241 - Critical Hits and Misses
Do you love the thrill of a critical hit or the agony of a critical fumble? Ever wanted to add more drama and excitement to your tabletop RPG combat? In this episode we dive deep into the world of critical hit and miss tables and decks. We explore the pros and cons, share tips for using them effectively, and discuss how they can impact your game.
#pf2e #Pathfinder #gmtips #dmtips #dnd #critical
Ep 240 - Interview with Paizo Infinite Master Tom Robinson
There are adventure designers and ADVENTURE DESIGNERS. Tom Robinson is definitely the latter, being one of the first authors named as an Infinite Master, an invitation-only group of designers curated by Paizo. In this episode he gives some tips for publishing adventures and valuable tips for newer players and GMs alike.
Thank you so much to Tom for being so generous with his time and expertise
Ep 239 - Write What You Know
Do you ever struggle to create compelling adventures for your RPG group? I know I have in the past until I embraced the simple tip: “write what you know”. But what does that even mean? Tune in and find out.
#pf2e #Pathfinder #gmtips #dmtips #dnd #writingtips #writewhatyouknow
Ep 238 - West Marches Campaigns
West Marches campaigns aren’t like your traditional 4 classes and dungeon game. In this episode, we delve into the concept of these unique methods of tabletop RPGand give you some tips for setting them up and running them.
#pf2e #Pathfinder #gmtips #dmtips #dnd #campaigns #westmarches
Resources:
Ben Robbins - Grand Experiments: West Marches - https://arsludi.lamemage.com/index.php/78/grand
Ep 237 - Short vs Long Campaigns
Running long campaigns requires a different focus than running short adventures or one shots. Each has their own challenges but trying to run one the same way you run the other will lead to burnout or a disastrous disconnected adventure. In this episode I discuss the difference between these two types of adventures and how GMs must change their tactics to maximize their chance to run a successfu
Ep 236 - Scheduling
Sometimes the hardest monster to defeat in RPGs is the calendar. It’s hard to schedule games when the real world gets in the way. In this episode I give you some tips and some decisions you can make ahead of time to make it more likely that you’ll get to the gaming table
#pf2e #Pathfinder #gmtips #dmtips #dnd #scheduling
Resources:
Reddit post from 2018 from /u/iamnotasloth: https://www.red
Ep 235 - The Why of Villains
Villains can be simple and driven by basic desires like power or money but I believe villains are better when they have understandable motivations and backstory. In this episode I talk about some examples of villains and why they became what they are.
#pf2e #Pathfinder #gmtips #dmtips #dnd #villains
Ep 234 - Player vs Character Abilities
Our characters are good at certain things: probably stabbing stuff, identifying magic items, discerning which berries are safe to eat and which ones will make you obliterate your large intestine. Meanwhile our players are probably good at making characters, wiping out a bowl of popcorn and making fart jokes. In this episode I encourage DMs to remember the difference between players and characte
Ep 233 - Review of PF2e Player Core 2
The Pathfinder 2e Player Core 2 book released August 1st. There’s a lot of information contained within these 322 pages but, is the information useful? Should you go out and buy it? Tune in to find out.
#pf2e #Pathfinder #gmtips #PlayerCore2
Resources:
The Rules Lawyer: https://www.youtube.com/@TheRulesLawyerRPG
Bad Luck Gamer: https://www.youtube.com/@theebadluckgamer
Ep 232 - Continuing Adventures
How can you continue an adventure after the printed material ends? The players want to keep going but you’re out of adventure to give them. The story has to end, right? Not so fast, my friend. In this episode we talk about tips and tricks to continue the story out to the horizon.
#pf2e #dnd #dmtips #gmtips #aftertheend
Resources:
Dragon of Icespire Peak - https://marketplace.dndbeyond.com/
Ep 231 - Premade Adventures
There are similarities between delivering a performance at a theater and running a game whether online or in person. In this episode I’ll tell you what lessons I learned on and behind the stage that can be applied to your tabletop game.
#pf2e #dnd #dmtips #gmtips #AdventurePrep
Ep 230 - DM Tips from the Theater
There are similarities between delivering a performance at a theater and running a game whether online or in person. In this episode I’ll tell you what lessons I learned on and behind the stage that can be applied to your tabletop game.
#pf2e #dnd #dmtips #gmtips
Resources:
Episode 187 - Imposter Syndrome - https://taking20.podbean.com/e/ep-187-short-imposter-syndrome/
Episode 26 - Basics of
Ep 229 - Wandering Monsters
Wandering monsters have been around since the very earliest days of D&D. Their usage has waxed and waned through the years as the editions have come out but they still could have a strong purpose in your game as long as you use them correctly.
#dnd #5e #pf2e #dmtips #gmtips #WanderingMonsters
Resources:
Wandering Monsters Suck: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eNgn3rxLPP0
Ep 228 - Back to Basics - Player Ideas
We GMs have to generate a lot about the world from the grand multiverse and pantheons of gods to what Typhon the baker looks like and their foibles. Sometimes players will have great ideas about their character, the world they live in and maybe even larger topics like names of towns and nations. In this episode I encourage my DMs to listen to player ideas about the game and how it’s played and i
Ep 227 - Manipulate Your Players
DMs, whether we realize it or not manipulate our players sometimes multiple times a session. What does that mean, though to manipulate the players? Is it a good thing? Tune in to find out.
#dnd #5e #pf2e #dmtips #gmtips #manipulation
Resources:
Bonus Action - Hacks DMs Use to Manipulate Players - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bokYGJPyKlI
Ep 226 - Monstrous PCs and Howl of the Wild
There’s nothing wrong with an adventuring party full of humans, gnomes, dwarves, and the like. But sometimes the campaign calls for or the player wants to play something a little different like a hobgoblin, merfolk, or even a troll. How do you handle these situations? In this episode I give you some tips as well as briefly review the new Paizo book Howl of the Wild.
Resources:
Rules Lawyer Ho
Ep 225 - Lore Part 2
Lore can be doled out in small measures any number of ways at your table from dreams to treasure, holidays to PC backstories. I hope the last two weeks have made you think about how you use lore in your worlds.
#dmtips #gmtips #dnd #pf2e #5e #lore
Resources:
Matt Colville - Lore Delivery Systems - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3tBXnD9g0XY
Sly Flourish - Bathe Your World in Lore - https://s
Ep 224 - Lore Part 1
Lore, like so many other aspects to our game can be as present or absent as you would like it to be. Lore makes your world richer and deeper but how do you reveal it to your players? Tune in and find out.
#dnd #pf2e #dmtips #gmtips #lore
Resources:
Matt Colville - Lore Delivery Systems - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3tBXnD9g0XY
Sly Flourish - Bathe Your World in Lore - https://slyflourish.
Ep 223 - Monster Series - Aboleths and Algholthu
Aboleths and Algholthu are amphibious creatures who feel they are gods whose domains have been wrongfully stolen from them by those who they feel should be their slaves. They are extremely savvy fighters who remember eons of combats and use those lessons when the PCs show up to try to kill them. In this episode we talk about these huge aberrations and how to use them in your game.
#dnd #5e #pf
Ep 222 - Epilogues
One sure way to put a period (or even a question mark) on the end of your campaign or adventure is by using one or more epilogue scenes. In this episode we talk about tips and tricks for creating those wrap-up scenes at the very end.
#dnd #5e #pf2e #dmtips #gmtips #Epilogues
Resources:
Ginny Di - Give your D&D Campaign the epilogue it deserves - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4jamWxX3kC4
Ep 221 - Rules Light RPGs
Sometimes we want a break from the rules heavy games and want to play something light and easy. Sometimes people we know are interested in playing RPGs but we don’t want to throw them into the deep end of a complicated RPG with 1,000 pages of rules. Rules Light RPGs can be a nice break from the usual routine and can introduce some people we know to the hobby that we love.
#dnd #5e #pf2e #RulesLi
Ep 220 - Preparing to Take a Break
Sometimes a break is inevitable. Your campaign needs to go on hiatus for one reason or another. If you know it’s coming, what can you do to prepare your game for a leave of absence? Tune in this week and find out.
#dnd5e #pf2e #dnd #dmtips #gmtips #TakeABreak
Ep 219 - Let Players Use New Abilities
Some DMs treat new character abilities as puzzles to solve or speedbumps on the path to kill the PCs. As characters level up, they will get all kinds of abilities, some of which are carefully selected and crafted by the players. In this episode, I give DMs some practical advice for embracing these new character abilities.
Resources:
None
Ep 218 - The Power of DM Words
within the game. The way we describe encounters, how we interact with our players, and whether or not to offer advice can make a game session fun and engaging, combative, miserable, or boring. In this episode I offer some tips for choosing your words carefully while running a game and helping to ensure players get the information they need without losing agency over their characters.
Resources
Ep 217 - Monster Series - Dragons 2 and the PF2e Monster Core Review
A listener wrote in asking for more details about dragons and I’m happy to oblige. They are complex creatures that have a lot of abilities and long lifespans for good reason. In this episode I talk about more draconic features and briefly review the Pathfinder 2e Monster Core Rulebook recently released by Paizo
Resources:
Archives of Nethys - https://2e.aonprd.com/
Pathfinder 2e Monster Core
Ep 216 - Should Players Plan During Combat?
Some groups keep combat conversations barebones, only allowing brief phrases to be exchanged during combat. In this episode, I’ll give some pros and cons about allowing players to talk during combat and provide some tips for DMs who are unsure whether they’d allow this.
#dmtips #gmtips #dnd #pf2e
Resources:
https://www.reddit.com/r/DnD/comments/13f4yva/dms_do_you_allow_your_players_to_talk_to_eac
Ep 215 - House Rules to Make Your Game Harder
Some players want a hard game. They’ve been there, done that and got the scars to prove it. They want something more difficult and more punishing. In this episode I float some ideas on how you can give your game some teeth and make it a little or a lot more difficult for your PCs.
#dmtips #gmtips #dnd #5e #pf2e #GameDifficulty
Ep 214 - House Rules to Make Your Game Easier
Sometimes you as the DM want to make the game a little easier for the players. Maybe the players are new or just want a game where they feel like gods among men. There are a myriad of ways to make a game easier. In this episode, I discuss a few of them.
#dmtips #gmtips #houserules #dnd5e #pf2e
Ep 213 - Back to Basics - Player Agency
Player Agency describes the power of players to make choices for their characters. There is an unspoken social contract around every RPG table that the DM won’t take these choices away and players won’t use these choices to ruin the fun of the DM. In this episode, I talk about how critical it is that both sides of the screen respect the agency of others.
#dmtips #gmtips #dnd #5e #pf2e #playera
Ep 212 - Distinct NPCs
In this episode I talk about ways you can make your characters and NPCs distinct from one another. I do encourage you to try to use an accent, even if you don't feel comfortable doing it. However, there are other ways to make them distinct: with language descriptors and body language.
#dmtips #gmtips #dnd #pf2e #NPC
Resources:
5 Ways to Make NPC Dialogue Better With No Accent https://youtu.be
Ep 211 - Long vs Short Gaming Sessions
Gaming sessions can vary widely in length but running very short gaming sessions (less than 2 hours or so) and very long gaming sessions (ones stretching 6 hours or more) require different mindsets from the DM. In this episode, I discuss the challenges and tips of each duration.
#dmtips #gmtips #dnd #pf2e #5e #gamingsessions
Ep 210 - Long vs Short Campaigns
Some players and DMs love campaigns that take years to complete with multiple complex situations being resolved and a grand universal threat eliminated. But some like quick-hitting campaigns, smaller scale and quicker resolutions. Which is better? How do you run long and short campaigns? Tune in to find out.
#dmtips #gmtips #RPGcampaign #dnd #pf2e
Resources:
How to Be a Great GM: Plan an Un
Ep 209 - Give Your DM a Break
Most GMs love their players and running games is a labor of love for them. However, burnout can happen to all of us and it might be a good idea for you to give your DM a night off now and then. In today’s episode I give you some suggestions on how to do so.
#dmtips #dnd #pf2e #GMtips #burnout
Resources:
Clay-o-Rama (2017 republish) - https://media.wizards.com/2017/dnd/dragon/D15_Clay-O-Rama.pdf
Ep 208 - Dungeon Crawls Part 2
Dungeons are core to many of our game systems out there. This week, in part 2 of the dungeon crawl series, I give DMs some tips for populating dungeons, using room descriptions and making them a bit more realistic.
#DMtips #dnd #Pathfinder #GMtips #Dungeons
Resources:
Jennell Jaquays GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/f/jennell-jaquays-has-a-long-road-back
Redd Horrocks on Fiverr - https://
Ep 207 - Dungeon Crawls Part 1
Dungeon crawl adventures can be some of the most fun adventures that you run and they are relatively simple to set up provided you have a few pieces of information prepared ahead of time. Tune in this week to find out what those are:
#pf2e #dnd #DMTips #Dungeon
Resources:
Redd Horrocks on Fiverr - https://www.fiverr.com/reddhorrocks
5 Room Dungeons - https://www.roleplayingtips.com/5-room-du
Ep 206 - 2023 Podcast Bloopers
This isn't your normal advice episode. In this surprise gift to all of you, here is a peek behind the curtain at just how many times I mess up while recording. This is a collection of some of my blooper reel for 2023. I hope you laugh as much listening as I did while making it.
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