Game Master's Journey

By Lex Starwalker

What's Game Master's Journey about?

Game Master’s Journey is a discussion podcast for GMs and players of Dungeons & Dragons and other tabletop RPGs hosted by Lex Starwalker. The show explores strategies players and GMs can use to enhance the gaming experience for everyone at the table. Lex also discusses the creation of his homebrew D&D setting, Primordia, providing a valuable worldbuilding resource for DMs creating their own setting.

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Game Master's Journey episodes:

08.29.2022
Vampire: The Masquerade Part 3 | GMJ 296
I continue my overview of Vampire: the Masquerade by White Wolf Games. This week I talk about the virtues and humanity, backgrounds, diablerie, frenzy, rotschrek, and awarding and spending experience points.
08.22.2022
Vampire: The Masquerade Part 2 | GMJ 295
I continue my overview of Vampire: the Masquerade by White Wolf Games. This week I go over the Disciplines—the various vampiric powers—as well as the clans of vampires. I also talk about generation and how the blood pool mechanics work.
08.15.2022
Vampire: The Masquerade Part 1 | GMJ 294
I give an overview of Vampire: The Masquerade RPG by White Wolf Games. In this first part I talk about some of the things I’ve learned from Vampire that have made me the GM I am today. I discuss how...
08.08.2022
The Storyteller System by White Wolf | GMJ 293
This week I give a brief introduction to the Storyteller RPG system by White Wolf. This is the system used for the World of Darkness games, including Vampire: the Masquerade, Werewolf: the Apocalypse, Changeling: the Dreaming, Mage: the Ascension, and...
08.01.2022
Adventure Paths, Mage & Vignettes | GMJ 292
Craig joins me again today to continue our discussion of his Mage chronicle. We talk more about the open-ended magic system of Mage and how, to a large degree, the biggest limitation is the players’ own imaginations. We also talk...
07.25.2022
Mage the Ascension & Mechanics- vs. Narrative-Focused Games | GMJ 291
Craig joins me to discuss his Mage chronicle he’s running. What is it like running a game where the player characters can do just about anything they can imagine? We also talk about the differences between more mechanics-focused games and...
06.20.2022
My Ideal RPG System | GMJ 290
I’m often asked if I’ve ever considered creating my own RPG system, and the answer is Yes! Today I talk about some of the features that my ideal RPG system would have.
05.09.2022
My Approach to Game Mastering & Returning to the World of Darkness | GMJ 289
I field some questions from listener-GM Matt Yancik on topics of game mastering: my GM philosophy, managing the table & players, and GMing compared to playing. I then talk a bit about the new Mage: the Ascension campaign I’m playing...
02.14.2022
Problem Solving & Combat | GMJ 288
This week I resurrect the show to discuss how problem solving can be a refreshing alternative to combat in your RPG.
12.29.2020
Game Master's Journey Grand Finale - Campaign Length | GMJ 287
In the final episode of Game Master’s Journey, Lex discusses campaign length and why he thinks modern TV shows give us an excellent guide to follow.
12.08.2020
Star Trek Adventures: the Good, the Bad & the Ugly | GMJ 286
Lex explores the Star Trek Adventures RPG. Although this is a game with a lot of flaws, there are some cool ideas and innovations you can apply to any roleplaying game. Lex gives an overview of the merits & flaws...
11.17.2020
Reflecting Diverse Cultures in Your World & Creating a World Your Players are Invested In | GMJ 285
In this worldbuilding episode, Lex explores how to created a world your players are invested in and how to increase player interest in the setting. Lex discusses how to use player ideas and PC backstories in adventures. Finally, Lex talks...
11.04.2020
Worldbuilding for Small-Scale Stories & Using Cliches | GMJ 284
Lex returns to Game Master's Journey to discuss worldbuilding. In the first of a two episode series, Lex talks about how to use cliches in your game. He then talks about how to approach worldbuilding for small-scale stories and conflicts.
07.29.2020
All Good Things... | DMJ 283
In the season 14 finale episode, Lex revisits his discussion of degrees of failure, success at a cost and player agency. He also talks about some of his favorite aspects from some 5e settings (and a non-D&D setting) that you...
07.22.2020
PC Races & Subraces, Reskinning Classes, Mining from Previous Editions, Beyond Pass/Fail & Player Agency | DMJ 282
Lex discusses reskinning or redesigning a class that doesn’t fit your campaign instead of removing it. Just as the classes available to play in a campaign set the tone & flavor for the campaign, so too can you achieve a...
06.30.2020
Removing Classes from the PHB - Feedback | DMJ 281
For many DMs the default assumption is that all the player character options in the Player’s Handbook should be allowed in their game. However, one of the best things you can do to improve the flavor & focus of your...
06.26.2020
Maybe You DON'T Want to Use Everything in the Player's Handbook | DMJ 280
For many DMs the default assumption is that all the player character options in the Player’s Handbook should be allowed in their game. However, one of the best things you can do to improve the flavor & focus of your...
04.27.2020
Campaign Recap: For Whom the Bel Trolls & Where's Wahl, Though? | DMJ 279
Lex is joined by Brett & Phoebe, to recap a session of their D&D campaign, Blood of the Avatars. This week the PCs make a deal with a devil. This is a homebrewed campaign set in Lex’s D&D world, Primordia,...
04.20.2020
Creating a Monster | DMG Chapter 9 | DMJ 278
Lex returns to his in-depth discussion of the Dungeon Master’s Guide. This week he discusses how to create a full monster stat black. You can use this process to complete a new monster that’s as complete as any monster in...
04.15.2020
Campaign Recap: Arkhan? No, Ar-CAN'T! & Pit Stop | DMJ 277
Lex is joined by two players from his D&D group, Phoebe & Craig, to recap two sessions of their campaign, Blood of the Avatars. This is a homebrewed campaign set in Lex’s D&D world, Primordia, that is currently using elements...
04.09.2020
Modifying a Monster & Creating Quick Monster Stats | DMG Chapter 9 | DMJ 276
Lex returns to his in-depth discussion of the Dungeon Master’s Guide. This week he discusses how to modify a monster and how to create quick monster stats. If you want to make a custom monster for your game, you might...
03.31.2020
Matt Mercer's Heroic Chronicle from Explorer's Guide to Wildemount | DMJ 275
Lex discusses Matt Mercer’s Heroic Chronicle system from Explorer’s Guide to Wildemount. This is a great system for fleshing out PC backstories and grounding them in the setting of your campaign. This system is especially fantastic for DMs using their...
03.24.2020
Running Higher Level Characters in a Lower Level Adventure | DMJ 274
Lex discusses how he would approach running an adventure for PCs who are significantly higher level than the adventure assumes. He also gives his thoughts on dealing with a problem player who’s out to ruin the fun for everyone else...
12.30.2019
Blood of the Avatars 26: S'up, Minotaur? | GMJ 273
The PCs battle the forces of Arkhan the Cruel. We are using elements of the published adventure, Descent Into Avernus, so there will be spoilers for that adventure.
12.23.2019
Blood of the Avatars 25: Arkhan's Tower | GMJ 272
The PCs travel to Arkhan’s Tower in search of the blood of Tiamat. We are using elements of the published adventure, Descent Into Avernus, so there will be spoilers for that adventure.
12.16.2019
Blood of the Avatars 24: Highway to Hell | GMJ 271
This session begins with a recap of the campaign so far. We will be using elements from the published adventure, Descent Into Avernus, so there will be spoilers for that adventure. The PCs have returned to the village of Dianara’s...
12.09.2019
More Combat Options! | DMG Chapter 9: Dungeon Master's Workshop | GMJ 270
Lex & Brett return to their in-depth discussion of the Dungeon Master’s Guide. This week they continue their exploration of combat options. Today’s topics include hitting cover, cleaving through creatures, lingering injuries, massive damage and morale.
11.25.2019
Combat Options: Initiative Variants & Action Options | DMG Chapter 9: Dungeon Master's Workshop | GMJ 269
Lex & Brett return to their in-depth discussion of the Dungeon Master’s Guide. This week is all about combat options! First, they cover initiative variants, including initiative score, side initiative and speed factor. Next they go through some additional options...
11.11.2019
Blood of the Avatars 23: Willim the Wondrous | GMJ 268
This session begins after the PCs have had a month of downtime in the city of Elandria. The players discuss their downtime activities, and the characters compare notes of what they’ve learned in their various research. The PCs turn their...
11.07.2019
Blood of the Avatars 22: Homecoming | GMJ 267
Lerissa meets with her mother, Amanda Victoria, and learns more about her erinyes father. Later, Fir joins Lerissa, Amanda and Dahlia at the spa and more surprising revelations unfold.
10.21.2019
Fear & Horror, Healing & Rest Variants, Plot Points and More! | DMG Chapter 9: Dungeon Master's Workshop | GMJ 266
Lex & Brett return to their in-depth discussion of the Dungeon Master’s Guide. They begin with the optional rules of fear and horror. Then they explore some healing and rest variants. They briefly discuss adding firearms, explosives and/or alien technology...
10.07.2019
Hero Points, Honor & Sanity | DMG Chapter 9: Dungeon Master's Workshop | GMJ 265
Lex & Brett return to their in-depth discussion of the Dungeon Master’s Guide. This week’s topics include hero points, honor and sanity. They might have also stumbled on a compelling alternative to alignment if you’re looking for a different way...
09.30.2019
Homebrewing Guidelines, Ability Options & Skill Variants | DMG Chapter 9: Dungeon Master's Workshop | GMJ 264
Lex & Brett return to their in-depth discussion of the Dungeon Master’s Guide for Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition. This week they begin exploring Chapter 9: Dungeon Master’s Workshop. They begin with some general guidelines for considering optional and variant...
09.23.2019
D&D Essentials Kit Review & Discussion | GMJ 263
Lex gives a thorough review of the D&D Essentials Kit. This is a great introduction to the game for new DMs and is a definite upgrade of the previous Starter Set.
09.16.2019
DMG Chapter 8: Running the Game: Combat, Chases, Diseases, Poisons, Madness & Experience Points | GMJ 262
Lex & Brett wrap up their discussion of chapter 8 of the Dungeon Master’s Guide—Running the Game. Today they cover combat in D&D, chases, siege equipment, diseases, poisons and madness. They also talk about dealing with (or not dealing with)...
09.09.2019
DMG Chapter 8: Running the Game: Exploration, Social Interaction & Objects | GMJ 261
Lex & Brett return to the Dungeon Master’s Guide to discuss exploration in D&D. Topics covered include travel pace, visibility, noticing other creatures, tracking, social interactions, changing NPC attitudes, roleplaying, engaging players and damaging & destroying objects.
09.02.2019
DMG Chapter 8: Running the Game: The Role of the Dice | GMJ 260
Lex & Brett discuss the various aspects of using dice in a D&D game: using ability scores, saves, DCs, proficiency bonus, advantage & disadvantage, inspiration, resolution & consequences.
08.26.2019
DMG Chapter 8: Running the Game: Table Rules | GMJ 259
Lex & Brett discuss the various aspects of using dice in a D&D game: using ability scores, saves, DCs, proficiency bonus, advantage & disadvantage, inspiration, resolution & consequences.
07.26.2019
GM-to-GM Campaign Discussion | GMJ 258
Lex and Brett discuss their latest D&D campaigns—what they got right, what they got wrong, and what they’ve learned from the process. The also hit on some other topics including: using xp versus milestones versus hand-waving PC leveling; giving strongholds...
06.30.2019
DMG Chapter 7: Treasure | GMJ 257
Lex returns to his exploration of the Dungeon Master’s Guide to discuss treasure and other types of rewards the player characters can earn through adventuring. Coins, gems, art objects and magic items are covered, as well as sentient magic items...
06.23.2019
DMG Chapter 6: Between Adventures: Downtime Activities | GMJ 256
Lex returns to his discussion of the Dungeon Master’s Guide. This week he digs into downtime activities.
06.16.2019
How to Run a Good Dungeon Crawl | GMJ 255
How do you run a good dungeon crawl? How do you keep things interesting and exciting in a megadungeon or a campaign featuring a series of dungeons? Lex tackles these questions and more on this episode of Game Master’s Journey.
05.19.2019
Waterdeep: Dungeon of the Mad Mage | GMJ 254
Lex gives his thoughts on the 5th edition iteration of the classic megadungeon, Undermountain.
05.13.2019
Reveals & the Long Con, Initiative Revisited & Tailoring the Game to Your Group | GMJ 253
Lex discusses his experience with reveals as a GM and whether or not to go for the long con. He also revisits his initiative system with some additions for players that may try to take advantage of the system. Finally,...
04.14.2019
Blood of the Avatars 21: Axis & Avatars | GMJ 252
Quincy and Wahl visit the Halls of Knowledge to learn more about avatars of the gods. They also speak with Druinda and learn more about the World Axis and the adventurers who broke the world.
04.07.2019
Hinterlands of Elandria 20: We Are SAMM | GMJ 251
The PCs return to the city of Elandria and are inducted into The Honorable Guild of Adventurers, Explorers and Scholars. They acquire some powerful new gear, and a conversation with Druinda brings their true natures and destinies to light. Finally,...
03.31.2019
Hinterlands of Elandria 19: Legacy of the Night Elves | GMJ 250
The PCs find some treasure and endeavor to seal the portal to the Abyss.
03.24.2019
Hinterlands of Elandria 18: Glamour Bard Outlaw | GMJ 249
The PCs explore a dungeon they believe to house a rift to the Abyss. Their goal is to slay the demons, end the threat they pose to Dianara’s Rest and close the rift. Lerissa breaks the game again, and other...
03.17.2019
Hinterlands of Elandria 17: Skedaddle Skedu | GMJ 248
The PCs travel to a dungeon north of Dianara’s Rest in the hopes of sealing a rift to the Abyss and stopping the flow of demons into the area.
03.11.2019
GMJ 247: Hinterlands of Elandria 16.2: Bacon Ninja Part 2
The PCs head north in search of a rift to the Abyss. They believe this to be the source of demons that have been attacking the village of Dianara’s Rest in recent weeks.

What's Game Master's Journey about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

Game Master's Journey episodes:

Vampire: The Masquerade Part 3 | GMJ 296

Vampire: The Masquerade Part 2 | GMJ 295

Vampire: The Masquerade Part 1 | GMJ 294

The Storyteller System by White Wolf | GMJ 293

Adventure Paths, Mage & Vignettes | GMJ 292

Mage the Ascension & Mechanics- vs. Narrative-Focused Games | GMJ 291

My Ideal RPG System | GMJ 290

My Approach to Game Mastering & Returning to the World of Darkness | GMJ 289

Problem Solving & Combat | GMJ 288

Game Master's Journey Grand Finale - Campaign Length | GMJ 287

Star Trek Adventures: the Good, the Bad & the Ugly | GMJ 286

Reflecting Diverse Cultures in Your World & Creating a World Your Players are Invested In | GMJ 285

Worldbuilding for Small-Scale Stories & Using Cliches | GMJ 284

All Good Things... | DMJ 283

PC Races & Subraces, Reskinning Classes, Mining from Previous Editions, Beyond Pass/Fail & Player Agency | DMJ 282

Removing Classes from the PHB - Feedback | DMJ 281

Maybe You DON'T Want to Use Everything in the Player's Handbook | DMJ 280

Campaign Recap: For Whom the Bel Trolls & Where's Wahl, Though? | DMJ 279

Creating a Monster | DMG Chapter 9 | DMJ 278

Campaign Recap: Arkhan? No, Ar-CAN'T! & Pit Stop | DMJ 277

Modifying a Monster & Creating Quick Monster Stats | DMG Chapter 9 | DMJ 276

Matt Mercer's Heroic Chronicle from Explorer's Guide to Wildemount | DMJ 275

Running Higher Level Characters in a Lower Level Adventure | DMJ 274

Blood of the Avatars 26: S'up, Minotaur? | GMJ 273

Blood of the Avatars 25: Arkhan's Tower | GMJ 272

Blood of the Avatars 24: Highway to Hell | GMJ 271

More Combat Options! | DMG Chapter 9: Dungeon Master's Workshop | GMJ 270

Combat Options: Initiative Variants & Action Options | DMG Chapter 9: Dungeon Master's Workshop | GMJ 269

Blood of the Avatars 23: Willim the Wondrous | GMJ 268

Blood of the Avatars 22: Homecoming | GMJ 267

Fear & Horror, Healing & Rest Variants, Plot Points and More! | DMG Chapter 9: Dungeon Master's Workshop | GMJ 266

Hero Points, Honor & Sanity | DMG Chapter 9: Dungeon Master's Workshop | GMJ 265

Homebrewing Guidelines, Ability Options & Skill Variants | DMG Chapter 9: Dungeon Master's Workshop | GMJ 264

D&D Essentials Kit Review & Discussion | GMJ 263

DMG Chapter 8: Running the Game: Combat, Chases, Diseases, Poisons, Madness & Experience Points | GMJ 262

DMG Chapter 8: Running the Game: Exploration, Social Interaction & Objects | GMJ 261

DMG Chapter 8: Running the Game: The Role of the Dice | GMJ 260

DMG Chapter 8: Running the Game: Table Rules | GMJ 259

GM-to-GM Campaign Discussion | GMJ 258

DMG Chapter 7: Treasure | GMJ 257

DMG Chapter 6: Between Adventures: Downtime Activities | GMJ 256

How to Run a Good Dungeon Crawl | GMJ 255

Waterdeep: Dungeon of the Mad Mage | GMJ 254

Reveals & the Long Con, Initiative Revisited & Tailoring the Game to Your Group | GMJ 253

Blood of the Avatars 21: Axis & Avatars | GMJ 252

Hinterlands of Elandria 20: We Are SAMM | GMJ 251

Hinterlands of Elandria 19: Legacy of the Night Elves | GMJ 250

Hinterlands of Elandria 18: Glamour Bard Outlaw | GMJ 249

Hinterlands of Elandria 17: Skedaddle Skedu | GMJ 248

GMJ 247: Hinterlands of Elandria 16.2: Bacon Ninja Part 2