Kelsey, a contributor to Dungeon Master's Toolkit, shares their experience in TTRPGs and the importance of diversity. They discuss giving players 'remote control' in games, becoming a Dungeon Master, and the benefits of in-person sessions. Discover tools, resources, and inspiration for better D&D sessions. They also talk about the Black Flag project and preparing for a session with physical props.
Safety tools like remote controls ensure player comfort and consent, creating a safe and supportive gaming environment.
Building trust and intimacy through compassionate GMing enhances the gaming experience, prioritizing player comfort and emotional well-being.
Deep dives
Creating a Safe and Inclusive Gaming Experience
Kelsey emphasizes the importance of safety tools in the tabletop role-playing space. She highlights the need for robust session zeros and tools like remote controls to ensure player comfort and consent. Kelsey shares her use of remote controls in her games, allowing players to rewind, fast forward, pause, or stop scenes as needed. These safety tools create a safe and supportive environment for players, preventing uncomfortable situations and fostering a positive gaming experience.
Building Trust and Intimacy Through Compassionate GMing
Kelsey discusses the importance of building trust and intimacy in tabletop role-playing games. She emphasizes the value of getting to know her players and their characters, using this knowledge to create impactful story moments. Kelsey shares her approach to compassionate GMing, seeking player consent, and providing trigger warnings when necessary. By prioritizing player comfort and emotional well-being, Kelsey creates a transformative and fulfilling gaming experience.
Screening and One-Shot Trials for New Players
Kelsey explains her process for screening and selecting players for her campaigns. She conducts screening interviews to assess players' experience and interests, ensuring a good fit for her games. Additionally, she uses one-shot trials as a means to gauge compatibility and ensure players align with her DMing style and campaign themes. This approach allows Kelsey to curate a group of players who share her goals and create a cohesive and enjoyable gaming experience.
Tools and Resources for DM Preparation
Kelsey shares some of her favorite tools and resources for Dungeon Masters. She recommends using 1985 Games' Dungeon Craft maps and minis for versatile and cost-effective terrain options. Kelsey also praises third-party content creators like Eventyr Games and Tales Arcane for their supplements, adventures, and custom subclasses. Additionally, she highlights the value of physical props, such as letters and keys, to enhance immersion and add magic to the game. Preparing music, prepping maps, and familiarizing oneself with the module or homebrew material complete Kelsey's process for session preparation.