Welcome back to Tabletop Journeys, where hosts Josh, Lewanika, and Michael dive deep into the art of storytelling, player skills, and crafting challenges that matter at your gaming table.

In this episode, we explore:

🎯 How to build meaningful in-game challenges

🧠 Developing player and character problem-solving skills

🛠️ Balancing encounter design with creative flexibility

🗺️ Making exploration, roleplay, and combat all feel essential

🔄 What happens when players go off the rails—and how to pivot like a pro

Whether you're a Dungeon Master, Game Master, or just love storytelling games, this episode is packed with insight, humor, and perspective from some of the best voices in the TTRPG world.

📌 Timestamps:

00:00 – Introductions

04:30 – What makes a good skill challenge?

19:00 – When mechanics meet narrative

32:00 – Tips for keeping players engaged

45:00 – Designing challenges for any system

58:00 – Final thoughts and favorite moments

🔗 Connect With Us!

Find all our socials at www.linktr.ee/ttourneys

🛍️ You can still preorder the Travelers Guide to Factions here: https://ttj-factions.backerkit.com/hosted_preorders

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