Dan and Paul discuss the art of pacing a tabletop RPG session without taking away player agency. How can a GM speed up play when the group burrows into side plots, or slow things down when players sprint straight toward the finale? When should you intervene to shape the tempo, and when should you simply let the party set the pace themselves?

They also compare how pacing concerns differ between one-shot adventures and long-term campaigns, and explore ways to maintain momentum while still allowing players the freedom to explore, wander, and surprise the GM.