The podcast discusses the importance of session zero in tabletop role-playing games, the creation of a city in a high fantasy world, the importance of logic and cohesion in world building, the origins of Exandria and its evolution into a full-fledged campaign, the design choices for a character named Lucy and finding time and space for creativity during the pandemic, the challenges of game mastering and storytelling in tabletop role-playing games, and the hosts' snacking habits during podcast episodes.
Establishing expectations, safety tools, and character backstories in a session zero creates a solid foundation for a cohesive and tailored campaign.
Exploring the ancient lore and interconnectedness of elements in Exandria allows player choices to shape the world and future campaigns.
Incorporating humor and irreverence in storytelling provides moments of levity and healing amidst dark and tragic elements.
Collaborative world-building, surprise elements, and shared creativity enrich the lore and storytelling experience in Exandria.
Deep dives
Building a Game and the Importance of Session Zero
When starting a campaign, it is important to have a session zero where players can discuss their expectations, establish the tone, and ensure everyone is on the same page. This session can also be used to set up safety tools and establish lines and veils to ensure everyone is comfortable at the table. Character creation and deep character development are a key aspect of session zero, allowing players to define their characters' motivations, relationships, and goals. By creating a cohesive group identity and defining character backstories, the campaign can be tailored to the players' interests and provide a solid foundation for future storytelling.
Exploring the Age of Arcana and Ancient Lore
During the podcast episode, the hosts discuss the importance and excitement of exploring the age of Arcana and ancient lore in the world of Exandria. They express how world-building is a collaborative process that involves passing the baton between the game master and players, enhancing and further developing the established lore. By delving into the ancient past and revealing hidden details, the podcast hosts highlight the interconnectedness of different elements in the world and how player choices can shape the lore and future campaigns.
Embracing Irreverence and the Healing Power of Humor
The episode also emphasizes the healing power of irreverence and humor, highlighting how finding moments of levity and absurdity can help in processing dark and tragic elements. The hosts share their experiences of incorporating humor into their storytelling, allowing the audience to laugh at certain situations and find joy in unexpected places. They stress the importance of embracing irreverence and laughter as essential elements in healing and progressing forward.
Favorite Elements of Lore and World Building
The hosts discuss their favorite elements of lore and world building in Exandria. They express their pride in creating unique and vibrant locations such as the Chroma Spa Cave and the town of Buroden. They also highlight the satisfaction of collaborating with others to add depth and complexity to aspects of the world, such as the shattered teeth and the age of our cannon. The conversation reveals the joy of surprise and how shared world building can elevate and enhance the storytelling experience.
Building the World of Alexandria
The speaker discusses the process of slowly building the world of Alexandria in response to player exploration and investment. The speaker explains how the naming of the world and the addition of other continents gradually unfolded. The importance of organic development and fleshing out the world is emphasized. The speaker also shares their dissatisfaction with certain aspects of fantasy world building and the need to establish logical rules for the world. The creation of the Creme Dynasty is mentioned as an example of incorporating inspiration from outside sources. The inclusion of ancient relics, ruins, and a reason for the absence of gods in the world are also discussed.
Using Maps and Theater of the Mind in Gameplay
The podcast episode touches on the usage of maps and theater of the mind in gameplay. The speaker explains that theater of the mind can create a more cinematic experience and allows for quicker storytelling. However, when playing with larger groups, maps and miniatures become more beneficial for spatial awareness. The importance of providing detail and interactive elements in maps is highlighted, along with the utilization of miniatures and tokens. The speaker suggests using modular and adaptable maps to allow for flexibility in gameplay. Additionally, the significance of allowing players to ask questions about the environment to encourage creativity is discussed.
Maintaining a Self-contained Story
The podcast delves into the challenge of keeping a self-contained story on track without feeling too restricted. The speakers emphasize the importance of immersion and creating an engaging narrative. They suggest aligning player desires and character motivations to ensure satisfying and fulfilling conclusions. The use of storytelling tropes and improvisation is mentioned as a way to react and adapt to player actions, providing modular preparation that can be adjusted according to the story's progress. Additionally, the concept of guiding players while allowing room for agency is highlighted, with an emphasis on rewarding creative and unexpected actions.
Snacking and Anxiety in GMing
The podcast concludes with a humorous discussion about GM snacks and the anxiety that can accompany the role. The speakers share personal experiences of snacking during gaming sessions and jokingly express the challenges of keeping snacks hidden while on screen. The topic shifts to the pressures and anxieties of GMing, including the need to be fully immersed and the level of focus required. The speakers reflect on the virtual nature of gaming during the pandemic and the impact it has had on snack preferences and easy access to food. The conversation concludes with lighthearted banter about GMing styles and the need for bathroom breaks during intense sessions.
Exandrian GMs Matthew Mercer, Aabria Iyengar, and Brennan Lee Mulligan sit down for a roundtable discussion of their experiences and best practices for game mastering in Critical Role’s world of Exandria! Purchase Tal’Dorei Campaign Setting Reborn, now back in stock! Experience campaign and game master advice, 9 new subclasses, rich lore, new creatures, and much more in this beautiful tome. United States: https://shop.critrole.com/products/taldorei-campaign-setting-reborn United Kingdom: https://shop.critrole.co.uk/products/taldorei-campaign-setting-reborn Australia: https://shop.critrole.com.au/products/taldorei-campaign-setting-reborn Canada: https://canada.critrole.com/products/taldorei-campaign-setting-reborn EU: https://shop.critrole.eu/products/taldorei-campaign-setting-reborn Darrington Press Guild stores: https://darringtonpress.com/darrington-press-guild/ And other friendly local game stores in the US. Twitch subscribers gain instant access to VODs of our shows like Critical Role, Exandria Unlimited, and Critter Hug. But don't worry: Twitch broadcasts are usually uploaded to YouTube a few days after airing live, with audio-only podcast versions of select shows on Spotify, iTunes, & Google Play following a week after the initial air date. Twitch subscribers also gain access to our official custom emote set and subscriber badges and the ability to post links in Twitch chat!
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