Welcome to the Heroic Roundtable Side Quest! In this recap show, we explore the deeper side of tabletop storytelling. Any do some some deep questions about the latest episode of our Main Quest our actual play ttrpg campaign "A Wizards Folly."
If you want to start the Heroic Round adventure check out episode 1 Faith and Folly https://open.spotify.com/episode/3JjOIqxrOhwb8C3DuYIset?si=iAqg0-T6T_6EvkjP3D2-kg
This week, the conversation gets spicy as the players and Game Master tackle one of the most polarizing topics in the TTRPG community: narrative control vs. the dice.
Join us at the Heroic Roundtable with Brandon, Chad, Jon and Zach.
🔥 What Surprised Us Most? (0:17)
The guys revisit the shocking moment from the last session where LS (Brandon) got ambushed! Was it a fair fight, or a sneaky DM move? We discuss:
- How LS's "impulsive" playstyle (outside of rolling checks) led him straight into danger.
- The rare use of Passive Perception and how the Game Master avoided tipping off the players.
- Brandon's philosophy: "If I never roll a dice in a session, it's a good session!" and the joy of pure roleplay.
🎭 Roleplay vs. Rollplay in TTRPGs (2:09)
We break down the fundamental difference between "Rollplay" (relying on mechanics and dice) and "Roleplay" (narrative and character embodiment), and how our group balances the two.
- Chad explains the "Rule of Cool" and when the DM should prioritize a great story moment over a strict rules outcome.
- Brandon, Jon and Zach (the players) perspectives on Jon's consistent character work and how it earns narrative influence.
❓ Fan Questions for the Main TTRPG Actual Play (7:27)
We answer your questions from social media!
- For LS/Brandon: What went through your mind when you realized who had ambushed you?
- For Flavius/Zach: What's your first impression of Orsik of Urol? (Hint: It involves condescension and a hilarious comparison to a "tattered robes" villain). We also theorize what "ultimate answer" Orsik might hold.
- For Mac/Jon: Do you regret not choosing Bard as your class? (The singing has to come from somewhere!)
🚨 The Ultimate TTRPG Community Debate: DM vs. Dice (13:34)
We jump into the hot-button issue dividing the TTRPG community: How much should a Game Master shape the story vs. letting the dice decide?
- The player experience of being "railroaded" and why it feels "deflating."
- Is fudging dice ever okay? The GMs give their honest (and differing) opinions on when they might secretly change a roll.
- The electrifying excitement of a High-Stakes, Open Roll—where everyone is on the edge of their seat!
Don't forget to like, subscribe, and leave a review! It helps the show grow and eventually lets us afford more pickle-flavored snacks for Zach! (Send your dill our way!)
Until next time, remember to Live Heroic, and if you must Die... Die Historic! 🤘
#dungeonsanddragons #D&D #TabletopRPG #TTRPG #Roleplaying #DungeonMaster #CharacterCreation #DnDtips #Gaming #howtoplayd&d #pathfinderrpg
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What to Expect from Heroic Round TTRPG Podcast:
🗺️ A captivating return to our homebrew world.
⚔️ High-stakes mystery, moral dilemmas, and plenty of dice rolls.
🧙♂️ Unforgettable characters, unsettling choices, and the bonds that hold it all together.
IG ⚔️ heroicroundpodcast - / heroicroundpodcast
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