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What do you do when one of your players has to leave the game for good? Hopefully, you give them a fun in-game send-off. Chris and Andy discuss what makes for a good farewell salute to departing players. Also: we want to hear your suggestions for topics to cover! Drop us a line if you’ve … Continue reading "Episode 16 – How to Send Off a Player Who’s Leaving Your Game"

We’re joined by Murph to talk about how to bring the action at the table alive. Do you paint word pictures, or slap down some gorgeously painted miniatures? If you have any feedback, praise, or criticism, we want to hear about it! Visit our contact page for how to get your message directly to us. … Continue reading "Episode 15 – Theater-of-the-mind vs. Maps, Minis, and Other Visual Representations (with Murph)"

This episode we’re joined by Kyle Latino, our first returning guest (!), to discuss monsters. Listen as we all admit to just re-skinning existing monsters from the Monster Manual as needed. Episode 14 appendix: Fantasy Fun Council on itch.io – Kyle’s tables and supplements. Powered by the Apocalypse – the system all D&D DM’s secretly … Continue reading "Episode 14 – How to Create and Use Monsters in a Game (with Kyle Latino)"

We’re joined by GM and librarian Audrey Huggett to talk about preparing to run an RPG. We also hear about Audrey’s successful efforts to bring roleplaying events to the library! Episode 13 appendix (aka show notes): Murder at Raccoon Ranch, a massive roleplaying/mystery event that Audrey hosted at her library. The In Between: Quest for … Continue reading "Episode 13 — How to Prepare to Run a Roleplaying Game (With Audrey Huggett)"

How do you incorporate random elements into your games? Do you rely heavily on randomness or do you downplay it? Andy and Chris discuss the fun (and occasional terror) that random elements bring to a roleplaying game. Episode 12 appendix (aka show notes): The D&D Starter Set, featuring the adventure “Lost Mines of Phandelver” which … Continue reading "Episode 12 — How to Handle Randomness in Your Games"

What’s the best way to track and manage hit points and other details during an RPG combat scene? Guest GM Jason Matteson joins Andy and Chris to discuss this practical question! Episode 11 appendex (aka show notes): Habler’s Purse, a magic item that Jason created and makes available at the Dungeon Master’s Guide store (pay-what-you-want). … Continue reading "Episode 11 — How to Track Combat Details (with Jason Matteson)"

What’s a GM to do when their players start getting bored or distracted during a game? Guest GM Greg Teachout joins Andy and Chris to discuss a challenge that every GM will face at some point. Episode 10 appendix: D&D 2nd and 5th editions. Pale Fire by Vladimir Nabokov. Save the Cat Writes a Novel … Continue reading "Episode 10 — How to Deal with Bored or Distracted Players (with Greg Teachout)"

How to you set the power level (and handle the power curve) in a tabletop RPG? Guest GM David Frees joins Andy and Chris to discuss. Episode 9 appendix (aka show notes): The D&D Expert Set. The Lore fantasy roleplaying game by GameFace Publishing (Dave’s game!). Hackmaster 5th edition by Kenzer and Company. Other games … Continue reading "Episode 9 — How to Manage the Power Level of an RPG (with David Frees)"

What do you do when the PCs take actions that have severe consequences? How do you make sure that in-game consequences add to the game, rather than detract from it? Guest GM John Corey joins Andy and Chris to discuss! Episode 8 appendix (aka show notes): Microscope by Lame Mage Productions, one of John’s go-to … Continue reading "Episode 8 — How to Handle Consequences for Player Characters (with John Corey)"

It’s every GM’s worst fear: a combat scene that drags on forever as players lose interest. What are some tips for keeping combat scenes focused and interesting? Andy and Chris are joined by Caitlin Sanders to share their thoughts and experiences.