Thinking Critically: A D&D Discussion

A bumper landmark episode, as for the first time I'm joined by two guests! Two-thirds of Tabletop Journeys, Josh and Lewanika, join me to talk all about space within D&D 5e. They share their extensive experience of role playing, not only table top but also live action. Starting with the nitty gritty of combat, we discuss how well the framework emulates the real world, and ways to enhance your combat encounters through interesting use of space. There is also lots of useful information on how to build a compelling sense of exploration of the unknown, in the absence of space travel in vanilla 5e. And we bring to a wholesome close about how D&D improves our own personal mental space, something of huge importance in these critical times.

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Intro Music: 'Local Forecast' by Kevin MacLeod

For this archetypical chat, I'm joined by Adam Gumbert, a.k.a AdamGumby, where we go through a bunch of different stereotypes and styles of play. Even though some archetypes have negative connotations, when managed and viewed effectively, they can always serve the story. We realise that what matters more than the "edgy rogue" or "adversarial DM", is communication, a topic we've heard time and time again on this podcast. Seriously, we can't stress it enough! No problem is too big for a chat, even if that ends up being "hey, this game isn't for me, and that's alright!". Also included in this episode are ways to reframe the perceived negative archetypes of "rules lawyer" and "my guy" in a positive light for the betterment of the table. And yes, leaving the unprofessional interruption in was a deliberate choice!

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Intro Music: 'Local Forecast' by Kevin MacLeod

In this useful episode I'm joined by Phill, a.k.a Blue Munchkinite, to discuss all the different utilities DMs and players use to help them play and generally increase the quality of their experience. Everything from maps, music, and VoIP is covered in this episode, and all the utilities we use are linked below in the references. Despite the potentially dry sounding topic, Phill deftly ties his years of experience together to explain why all these mechanical tools all serve the same purpose: to increase the enjoyment of all the players. Obviously, a lot has changed in recent times and now it's not only the DMs playing behind "screens", we can all appreciate some fireside talk about what unites us, and the tips and tricks we can use to make that easier.

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Intro Music: 'Local Forecast' by Kevin MacLeod

This episode I am joined by the creator of the My Sound Delve mobile app, Christian Borchert, and we talk about all the tricks, tools, and talents used to enhance your gameplay experience. Although we have different approaches and preferences to our TTRPG experience, some things never change and it's always about the camaraderie and social experience. This episode is split pretty cleanly between digital and physical enhancements, as Christian takes us through his splendid sound-board app before some tips for creating table-top terrain.

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Intro Music: 'Local Forecast' by Kevin MacLeod

This episode was not sponsored or supported in any way.

I'm joined once again by my DM confidant and close friend of 20 years, Jamie Mitchell, where we talk all about "Progression". We spend a lot of time talking about the age-old discussion of milestone versus XP. Despite the pros and cons of both, ultimately there is only one clear choice. Once we get out of the mire of mechanically progressing characters, we move on to trickier concepts such as player and DM progression not only within the 5e framework, but also as human beings. A big take away from this episode, apparently a theme of this podcast, is there's no silver bullet and if you're ever anxious of embarrassing yourself at the table, don't worry, because Jamie and I have done it all before! Lot's of swearing in this one.

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Intro Music: 'Local Forecast' by Kevin MacLeod

In this meta-episode we find ourselves discussing "Podcasts". I'm joined by Mike Hibbert (@MikeHDnD), who has been in the TTRPG and board game space for 40 years, and had 1000 listeners on his first podcast 15 years ago. We approach the topic from both general and D&D perspectives, discussing them as a creative medium alongside the gotchas of producing actual-plays and the responsibility of celebrity status it might bring. If you've thought about DMing or podcasting before, listen to the irony of us "umm"ing and "errrr"ing through a discussion on filler words and feel much better about yourself!

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Intro Music: 'Local Forecast' by Kevin MacLeod

This episode is all about homebrew, and once again we manage to squeeze a surprising amount into a single hour. I'm joined by Kyle Wagner-Totty (@MrBakudan), a DMs Guild author with seven published products! If you've ever had any questions about homebrewing for D&D 5e then this is the episode for you. From balance to publishing, you're bound to find something in here. Kyle is kind enough to share his wisdom and perhaps the biggest curveball, that subclasses are the easiest thing to make!

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Intro Music: 'Local Forecast' by Kevin MacLeod

Back on home turf with Tim Hill who plays Ulrik in our actual-play podcast Dungeons, Dice, and Dudes. In this episode we discuss not only the mechanical impact of time in-universe on topics such as split parties, but also all the way up to the metaphysical ramifications of our endless march towards entropy. Hey, bet you never thought you'd get that from a D&D podcast!

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Intro Music: 'Local Forecast' by Kevin MacLeod

The first European episode! Despite the relatively benign sounding topic of "Structure", Ian (@thefoolishswamidm) and I discuss many thoughtful and deep topics, such as empathy, care, and responsibility. In this episode you can learn how to structure both your one shots and longer-form campaigns, how to set player expectations both "in-universe" and at the table, and how both those approaches serve different needs. If you want to hear me have quite a candid introspection, then this is the episode for you!

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'The Ultimate Guide to 5 Room Dungeons' by Johnn Four

This episode I talk about all the big things with Nathan Briggs, my DM from our Dungeons, Dice, and Dudes actual-play podcast. We discuss how Dungeons & Dragons has changed over the years, from "nerds in the basement" to prime-time, multimillion dollar productions, and what that means for the hobby. The second half is all about prepping and planning at a high level, away from all the muck of combat encounters and fudging dice rolls.

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Intro Music: 'Local Forecast' by Kevin MacLeod