Thinking Critically: A D&D Discussion

Thinking Critically: A D&D Discussion

By Danilo VujevicLeisureHobbies
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Thinking Critically: A D&D Discussion episodes

  • Choices

    We're back with the best production boy I could hope for, Mark Hartop from Dungeons, Dice, & Dudes. This episode, we talk about the heart of TTRPGs; the freedom of choice and the benefits and drawbacks that brings.

    • 02:01 - The Beautiful Game
    • 05:36 - Character Creation
    • 19:11 - The Heat of Combat
    • 25:52 - DM Choices and How That Impacts the Table
    • 40:55 - Player/Character Divide
    • 48:05 - Do Dice Remove Agency?

    Find Mark on:

    • Dungeons, Dice, & Dudes: https://linktr.ee/DDandD

    Find Thinking Critically online:

    • Website: https://www.thinkingcritically.co.uk
    • Socials: @ThinkCritDnD


    Music Credits:
    "Chill", "Local Forecast", "Local Forecast - Elevator"
    Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
    Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0
    http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/


    Podcast art by Lily from https://www.facebook.com/beiworkshop

    1 hr 2 min
  • Translation

    Welcome back! I'm joined by fellow Englishman Austin, a.k.a. AC Whikcom, to discuss how to translate concepts and ideas into your TTRPG settings. Austin takes us through how to take those errant thoughts you have at 3am and turn them into publishable content worldwide, with a spattering of anecdotes throughout. We also criticise the language bloat of D&D 5e, and conclude that having a million random, niche languages that only one creature speaks probably doesn't add much value!

    • 02:48 - From Brain to Page
    • 15:41 - A Creative Journey
    • 37:51 - The Language Problem
    • 49:21 - Self-Publishing
    • 53:56 - Genre Remixing

      • Buy Dead Surprise on Amazon!

      Find Austin on:

      • Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/A-C-Whikcom/author/B0CHWCZHT2
      • Waterstones: https://www.waterstones.com/book/dead-surprise/a-c-whikcom/9781803528717
      • Website: https://www.acwhikcom.co.uk/
      • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/The-Lands-of-Ferox/100086909630678/
      • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/landsofferox/

        • Find Thinking Critically online:

        • Website: https://www.thinkingcritically.co.uk
        • Socials: @ThinkCritDnD
        • Dungeons, Dice, & Dudes: https://linktr.ee/DDandD

          • Patrons:

          • Tabletop Journeys @ttjourneys: https://ttjourneys.com/
          • Joe from The Fourth Leg @jcd0818: https://anchor.fm/james-h-anderson
          • Optional Rule @optionalrule: https://www.optionalrule.com/
          • Matt Street @mpstreet88: https://www.virtualtimehustle.com/

            • Intro Music: 'Local Forecast' by Kevin MacLeod
            Intermission Music: 'Chill' by Kevin MacLeod
            Outro Music: 'Local Forecast - Elevator' by Kevin MacLeod

            Podcast art by Lily from https://www.facebook.com/beiworkshop

            1 hr 3 min
          • Influence

            It's my pleasure to welcome back to the show a previous guest from the Generations episode, Mikey! What I had intended to be a "how characters can influence the campaign" discussion, quickly turned into what makes us tick, where we get inspiration from, and the people who've supported us along the way. Listen for titbits on how to conscientiously crib from popular culture and advice on finding our own DM soundboard.

            • 02:00 - The Sub/Conscious Real World
            • 29:31 - Art Rather than Science
            • 36:52 - The Thinking Critically Effect

              • Find Thinking Critically online:

              • Website: https://www.thinkingcritically.co.uk
              • Socials: @ThinkCritDnD
              • Dungeons, Dice, & Dudes: https://linktr.ee/DDandD

                • References:

                • 'Generations' episode of Thinking Critically
                • 'Ravenloft' episode of Thinking Critically

                  • Patrons:

                  • Tabletop Journeys @ttjourneys: https://ttjourneys.com/
                  • Joe from The Fourth Leg @jcd0818: https://anchor.fm/james-h-anderson
                  • Optional Rule @optionalrule: https://www.optionalrule.com/
                  • Matt Street @mpstreet88: https://www.virtualtimehustle.com/

                    • Intro Music: 'Local Forecast' by Kevin MacLeod
                    Intermission Music: 'Chill' by Kevin MacLeod
                    Outro Music: 'Local Forecast - Elevator' by Kevin MacLeod

                    Podcast art by Lily from https://www.facebook.com/beiworkshop

                    58 min
                  • Generations

                    I'm joined once again by John from Double Fox Gaming, but this time, he's bought reinforcements! It's my pleasure to also host Glenn, Matt, and Mike to discuss the legacy of Dungeons & Dragons. The guys take us through five generations of play, and how the wishes of one character can have cascading effects decades later. We hear the epic parable of The Abyss Donkey, which is ultimately a lesson in how gaming can bring us all together, no matter the circumstances.

                    • 04:27 - Harn's Legacy
                    • 14:27 - Inheriting the Hobby
                    • 32:28 - The Abyss Donkey (TM)
                    • 51:01 - Maturing Attitudes
                    • 57:48 - How the Game has Changed

                      • Find John on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doublefoxgaming/

                      Find Thinking Critically online:

                      • Website: https://www.thinkingcritically.co.uk
                      • Socials: @ThinkCritDnD
                      • Dungeons, Dice, & Dudes: https://linktr.ee/DDandD

                        • References:

                        • 'Ravenloft' episode of Thinking Critically
                        • '123s of D&D' by Ivan Van Norman and Wizards RPG Team, ISBN-10: 0786966688
                        • 'ABCs of D&D' by Ivan Van Norman and Wizards RPG Team, ISBN-10: 0786966661

                          • Patrons:

                          • Tabletop Journeys @ttjourneys: https://ttjourneys.com/
                          • Joe from The Fourth Leg @jcd0818: https://anchor.fm/james-h-anderson
                          • Optional Rule @optionalrule: https://www.optionalrule.com/
                          • Matt Street @mpstreet88: https://www.virtualtimehustle.com/

                            • Intro Music: 'Local Forecast' by Kevin MacLeod
                            Intermission Music: 'Chill' by Kevin MacLeod
                            Outro Music: 'Local Forecast - Elevator' by Kevin MacLeod

                            Podcast art by Lily from https://www.facebook.com/beiworkshop

                            1 hr 20 min
                          • Immersion

                            We're back! And this time joined by Anya, a.k.a. La Lionne Cosplay, to discuss immersion in your TTRPGs. Anya shares her experience as a Pro-GM on ways to truly pull your players into the game, no matter the system or medium.

                            • 04:29 - Remote vs. In Person
                            • 12:41 - “Acting Is What You Do When You’re Not Saying Lines”
                            • 21:09 - Filling the Space
                            • 33:25 - Soft Edges
                            • 50:47 - Toggling that Role Play Brain

                              • Tale of the Manticore: https://taleofthemanticore.podbean.com/

                              Find Anya on:

                              • Twitter: https://twitter.com/lalionnecosplay
                              • Itch.io: https://lalionnepublishing.itch.io/mountaintop-isolation
                              • StartPlaying: https://startplaying.games/gm/lalionne

                                • Find Thinking Critically online:

                                • Website: https://www.thinkingcritically.co.uk
                                • Socials: @ThinkCritDnD
                                • Dungeons, Dice, & Dudes: https://linktr.ee/DDandD

                                  • References:

                                  • Aether: https://eldritchcrow.itch.io/aether-a-heroic-fantasy-rpg
                                  • Ramona a.k.a. Alderdoodle: https://twitter.com/alderdoodle
                                  • Under the Floorboards: https://loottheroom.itch.io/under-the-floorboards

                                    • Patrons:

                                    • Tabletop Journeys @ttjourneys: https://ttjourneys.com/
                                    • Joe from The Fourth Leg @jcd0818: https://anchor.fm/james-h-anderson
                                    • Optional Rule @optionalrule: https://www.optionalrule.com/
                                    • Matt Street @mpstreet88: https://www.virtualtimehustle.com/

                                      • Dial-up modem 'Modron voice' sound from BBC Sound Effects: ⁠https://sound-effects.bbcrewind.co.uk/search?q=07070097

                                      Intro Music: 'Local Forecast' by Kevin MacLeod
                                      Intermission Music: 'Chill' by Kevin MacLeod
                                      Outro Music: 'Local Forecast - Elevator' by Kevin MacLeod

                                      Podcast art by Lily from https://www.beiworkshop.com/

                                      1 hr 4 min
                                    • Production

                                      For this productive episode I'm joined by Sarah, CEO of Girls Run these Worlds, who's hear to share her knowledge and experience on how to produce top quality TTPRG content. No matter your reach or experience, there is always opportunity for growth and learning, so we cover some typical gotchas and best practice to help you get off the starting block!

                                      • 02:19 - Best Practice & GRtW History
                                      • 27:40 - From Casual to Professional
                                      • 46:18 - Live Production Considerations

                                        • Find Sarah from Girls Run these Worlds on:

                                        • Girls Run These Worlds Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/girlsruntheseworlds
                                        • Girls Run These Worlds Twitter: https://twitter.com/girlsrunworlds
                                        • Twitter: https://twitter.com/SMooreAD

                                          • Find Thinking Critically online:

                                          • Website: https://www.thinkingcritically.co.uk
                                          • Socials: @ThinkCritDnD
                                          • Dungeons, Dice, & Dudes: https://linktr.ee/DDandD

                                            • References:

                                            • Foozca on Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/foozca

                                              • Patrons:

                                              • Tabletop Journeys @ttjourneys: https://ttjourneys.com/
                                              • Joe from The Fourth Leg @jcd0818: https://anchor.fm/james-h-anderson
                                              • Optional Rule @optionalrule: https://www.optionalrule.com/
                                              • Matt Street @mpstreet88: https://www.virtualtimehustle.com/

                                                • Intro Music: 'Local Forecast' by Kevin MacLeod
                                                Intermission Music: 'Chill' by Kevin MacLeod
                                                Outro Music: 'Local Forecast - Elevator' by Kevin MacLeod

                                                Podcast art by Lily from https://www.beiworkshop.com/

                                                1 hr 10 min
                                              • Ravenloft

                                                John Gent, DM of our D&D one-shot from the RPGaming Faversham event, joins us to discuss everything and anything about his favourite Dungeons & Dragons setting.

                                                • 03:04 - History of Ravenloft
                                                • 21:42 - Responsive Bleakness
                                                • 33:53 - Delineating "Depression"
                                                • 42:43 - Integrating Ravenloft into your Campaign

                                                  • Find Thinking Critically online:

                                                  • Website: https://www.thinkingcritically.co.uk
                                                  • Socials: @ThinkCritDnD
                                                  • Dungeons, Dice, & Dudes: https://linktr.ee/DDandD

                                                    • Patrons:

                                                    • Tabletop Journeys @ttjourneys: https://ttjourneys.com/
                                                    • Joe from The Fourth Leg @jcd0818: https://anchor.fm/james-h-anderson
                                                    • Optional Rule @optionalrule: https://www.optionalrule.com/
                                                    • Matt Street @mpstreet88: https://www.virtualtimehustle.com/

                                                      • Intro Music: 'Local Forecast' by Kevin MacLeod
                                                      Intermission Music: 'Chill' by Kevin MacLeod
                                                      Outro Music: 'Local Forecast - Elevator' by Kevin MacLeod

                                                      Podcast art by Lily from https://www.beiworkshop.com/

                                                      1 hr 7 min
                                                    • Experimentation

                                                      I'm once again joined by Philippa Mort who previously joined us on the Aesthetic⁠ episode back in season 2. This time it's to chat about confidence and taking risks when it comes to experimenting with new systems, characters, and homebrew. Philippa shares her experience in MÖRK BORG & Mausritter, and the best ways to incorporate design features you vibe with into existing campaigns.

                                                      • 06:08 - Taking Risks
                                                      • 25:00 - Stuck in a Rut
                                                      • 31:07 - Retcon & Homebrew
                                                      • 37:49 - The Design Intent of Systems

                                                        • Find Philippa on:

                                                        • Linktree: https://linktr.ee/PhilippaMort
                                                        • Twitter: https://twitter.com/MortPhilippa
                                                        • D8 Dungeon: https://www.twitch.tv/d8dungeon
                                                        • Glitter Hearts: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rvMvyeiFTCE
                                                        • DMs Guild: https://www.dmsguild.com/browse.php?author=Philippa%20Mort&page=1&sort=4a?affiliate_id=2197041
                                                        • DriveThruRPG: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse/pub/18041/Philippa-Mort?affiliate_id=2197041
                                                        • itch.io: https://philippa-mort.itch.io

                                                          • Find Thinking Critically online:

                                                          • Website: https://www.thinkingcritically.co.uk
                                                          • Socials: @ThinkCritDnD
                                                          • Dungeons, Dice, & Dudes: https://linktr.ee/DDandD

                                                            • References:

                                                            • 'Aesthetic' episode of Thinking Critically

                                                              • Patrons:

                                                              • Tabletop Journeys @ttjourneys: https://ttjourneys.com/
                                                              • Joe from The Fourth Leg @jcd0818: https://anchor.fm/james-h-anderson
                                                              • Optional Rule @optionalrule: https://www.optionalrule.com/
                                                              • Matt Street @mpstreet88: https://www.virtualtimehustle.com/


                                                                • Intro Music: 'Local Forecast' by Kevin MacLeod
                                                                Intermission Music: 'Chill' by Kevin MacLeod
                                                                Outro Music: 'Local Forecast - Elevator' by Kevin MacLeod


                                                                Podcast art by Lily from https://www.beiworkshop.com/

                                                                1 hr 5 min
                                                              • Factions

                                                                It's my pleasure to welcome back to the show Josh, Lewanika, and Glen, the inimitable hosts of my sister podcast Tabletop Journeys. They share their wealth of experience with building engaging and interesting factions, enabling more engaging and rewarding settings! There's some odd video things going on in this one; every episode I learn something new! Please accept my apologies as it hopefully shouldn't happen again.

                                                                • 11:14 - Worldbuilding via 'Show, don't Tell'
                                                                • 26:33 - Interacting with Player Backstories
                                                                • 39:21 - Building Factions as Nuanced as Player Characters Can Be
                                                                • 01:08:43 - Roleplaying within the Framework of a Faction

                                                                  • Find Tabletop Journeys on:

                                                                  • Website: https://ttjourneys.com/
                                                                  • Twitter: https://twitter.com/ttjourneys
                                                                  • Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ttjourneys

                                                                    • Find Thinking Critically online:

                                                                    • Website: https://www.thinkingcritically.co.uk
                                                                    • Socials: @ThinkCritDnD
                                                                    • Dungeons, Dice, & Dudes: https://linktr.ee/DDandD

                                                                      • References:

                                                                      • 'Star Trek Adventures' by Modiphius

                                                                        • Patrons:

                                                                        • Tabletop Journeys @ttjourneys: https://ttjourneys.com/
                                                                        • Joe from The Fourth Leg @jcd0818: https://anchor.fm/james-h-anderson
                                                                        • Optional Rule @optionalrule: https://www.optionalrule.com/
                                                                        • Matt Street @mpstreet88: https://www.virtualtimehustle.com/

                                                                          • Intro Music: 'Local Forecast' by Kevin MacLeod
                                                                          Intermission Music: 'Chill' by Kevin MacLeod
                                                                          Outro Music: 'Local Forecast - Elevator' by Kevin MacLeod

                                                                          Podcast art by Lily from https://www.beiworkshop.com/

                                                                          1 hr 25 min
                                                                        • Burnout

                                                                          We're back after a short, unscheduled break to discuss burnout with fan of the show and Warhammer sensei, Harry Cowdrey. Having both suffered from DM burnout in the past, as I'm sure most DMs have, we talk through what we can now identify as the early warning signs that it's about to set in. Prevention rather than cure is of course the solution though, so understanding why it's happening is critical. Thankfully, this episode contains several tricks for dealing with DM burnout. The other side of the coin is just as valid, though, so we round out the episode tackling the unique predicament of player burnout, and how that affects the game.

                                                                          • 03:07 - Red Flags of DM Burnout
                                                                          • 24:04 - Weight of Responsibility
                                                                          • 42:46 - Benefits & Bullets
                                                                          • 55:39 - Player Burnout

                                                                            • Find Harry on Twitter: https://twitter.com/harrycowdrey

                                                                            Find Thinking Critically online:

                                                                            • Website: https://www.thinkingcritically.co.uk
                                                                            • Socials: @ThinkCritDnD
                                                                            • Dungeons, Dice, & Dudes: https://linktr.ee/DDandD

                                                                              • References:

                                                                              • https://www.vice.com/en/article/padk7z/how-inmates-play-tabletop-rpgs-in-prisons-where-dice-are-contraband

                                                                                • Patrons:

                                                                                • Tabletop Journeys @ttjourneys: https://ttjourneys.com/
                                                                                • Joe from The Fourth Leg @jcd0818: https://anchor.fm/james-h-anderson
                                                                                • Optional Rule @optionalrule: https://www.optionalrule.com/
                                                                                • Matt Street @mpstreet88: https://www.virtualtimehustle.com/

                                                                                  • Intro Music: 'Local Forecast' by Kevin MacLeod
                                                                                  Intermission Music: 'Chill' by Kevin MacLeod
                                                                                  Outro Music: 'Local Forecast - Elevator' by Kevin MacLeod

                                                                                  Podcast art by Lily from https://www.beiworkshop.com/

                                                                                  1 hr 5 min

                                                                                About Thinking Critically: A D&D Discussion

                                                                                From the publisher's feed

                                                                                A discussion show with different guests each episode. We take a single concept or idea and discuss what that means within the D&D framework to help you get the most out your sessions, whatever side of the screen you sit on. Consider it an NPR-style, variety bucket of thought-provoking analysis and humorous anecdotes!