Hook and Chance

In our third and final look at character arcs (for now), we look at morality arcs. These ones are particularly useful to consider for tabletop games like D&D, because we all know or have been the person who's built an amazingly interesting morally grey character. They've got a tragic backstory, a twisted perspective on the world, and we're all curious to see where their story goes. Well, if it's ever fallen flat for you like it has for us, join us as we figure out how to make it work.

Here's our second installment in the Character Arc series. This topic is one that appeals to us, because it's one that we struggled with for a long time as new players. Once it clicked, however, it made planning out our parts of the game so much more engaging. We started to feel like we had some control over our characters. Join us as we look at another type of arc, one that deals in personal growth.

Character arcs can be a dangerous topic in tabletop gaming. There's always the concern that if you are following an arc you could be railroading the story too much, and it can seem difficult to pull off with so many other characters and plots around. Well, we see it a little differently. Having a path you are on doesn't mean you can't make a new one at any time, and it's way more fun than hacking away at the forest without going anywhere. There's also room for a million surprises along the way, and a good character arc always leaves us in suspense until the end. It doesn't even have to be that complicated, so join us as we figure out arcs.

Creating a great paladin character that gets everyone else at the table excited is kinda tough. A bad reputation has been made, of people playing them strict, unwavering, and all conquering. As people that do not get along. That stop the game on behalf of their god. Well, it doesn't have to be this way, and we think there's some incredible roleplay opportunity that comes from going down the path of the Paladin a little further.

Trolls have the potential to be some of the most disturbing monsters out there, yet are unfortunately the easiest monster to let sit as a never-ending bag of hit points. A monster whacking slog to end all monster whacking slogs. If we examine them a little closer, and look at how their unique abilities can be used to greater effect, then we can avoid that sloggy fate, and create monsters that horrify in new and terrible ways.

Warforged have some serious potential for incredible storytelling. If we're worried about anything, it's that we won't do them justice. But there's a lot of angles you can take to play a compelling character with solid goals and a satisfying arc if you start with the Warforged, without reading a dozen novels and sourcebooks about Eberron. In this episode, we're going to dive into as many as we can.

As a knowledgeable spellcaster with a deep understanding of the arcane arts, you want to be able to pull out the right skills at the right time, like the rogue when they're picking locks, or the barbarian when they're cracking skulls. But magic is a little less straightforward, and there's a few abilities that get used and confused in these moments. They often either get mixed up, or used to very underwhelming effect. So here we are to help your spellcaster shine in those magical moments!

We always want our games to be more immersive, and jam packed with the drama and fun of our characters. Having goals and conquering foes is great, but in this episode we want to turn the focus to roleplaying out what it's like for your character to gain their new stats, abilities, and spells. The whole table can end up a lot more invested if every player is adding this to the pot.

The debate rages on in all corners of the TTRPG world. In one corner we have leveling with experience points, with all its precision and flexibility. In the other, milestone leveling, with its ease of use and story focused approach. Which is the correct system? Well, whatever you and your players like. It really is that simple. But in this episode we explore the potential and drawbacks of each, and figure out what we could do to make the most out of our leveling.

The power a druid wields is great. They are an incredibly flexible class, and can go in a wonderful amount of character directions. But the classic druid embodies nature and wisdom. The wisdom of nature, if you will. We want to dive into the details that can make a druid great, and maybe even inspire ourselves from history while we're at it.