Thinking Critically: A D&D Discussion

Once more I'm joined by Scott, a.k.a. Optional Rule! This time we discuss the hot topic of alignment in Dungeons & Dragons. Scott takes us through the history of alignment, and how it impacted and shaped the earliest editions of the game - I'm willing to bet you never knew how the cold war affects your player character! Despite all the (arguably justified) negativity around alignment, it still provides value in the utility of a consistent experience, the same reason USB is so ubiquitous! However, with all things involving humans, there is always the risk of misalignment (pun intended). Often there is the implicit ideal that the player characters are "heroes", that is to say, "good". How this impacts the design of 5e and the DM/Player interaction is a subtle but noticeable effect of alignment. 01:15 - History of Alignment 16:40 - Scorched Earth Solution 21:34 - Does Alignment Stifle Role Play? 30:04 - The Alignment Police 43:46 - Reconciling the Heroic Trope Find Scott (@optionalrule) on: Website: https://optionalrule.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/optionalrule Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/optionalrule/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCi7AoQ6KbaZQqhdO7heKPqw Find me on: Website: https://www.thinkingcritically.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/ThinkCritDnD Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thinking_critically_dnd/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThinkingCriticallyDnD YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCH_BSgazjwyshzo1jazHeaQ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thinkingcritically Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/thinkingcritically References: 'Agency' episode of Thinking Critically Patrons: Matthew Perkins @mperkinsDM: https://www.matthewperkins.net/ 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

This melodic episode I'm joined by Stuart, a.k.a. Thisisbardcore, to talk about music and ambience in your TTRPG games. We break down the three primary ways games can be played and how they change what options are available to you as a GM, such as forced diegetic sounds courtesy of your local FLGS! I discuss my failed attempted at merging K-Pop and D&D, along with my several wasted hour curating now-redundant playlists. Stuart explains the trials and tribulations of being a modern day bard; when a PC is a little too good a reflection of the player. 01:24 - The Vitality of Music 07:37 - Applications of Sound 18:51 - Ambience Versus Immersion 29:16 - Genre Wars 34:13 - The Dangers of Art Imitating Life 39:27 - This Is Bardcore 47:22 - Making it as a Creator Find Stuart on: Dice and Desire: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dice-and-desire/id1524859263 Twitter: https://twitter.com/thisisbardcore YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0oTt_7_bf8hDCFxorHg0pw Halcyon Daze: Motorcycle Knights: https://redoakscreative.eo.page/subscribe Find me on: Website: https://www.thinkingcritically.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/ThinkCritDnD Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thinking_critically_dnd/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThinkingCriticallyDnD YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCH_BSgazjwyshzo1jazHeaQ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thinkingcritically Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/thinkingcritically References: Board in the City 'Live' episode of Thinking Critically at Geek Retreat Southampton Hildegard von Blingin’ 'Story' episode of Thinking Critically with Tale of Manticore 'Podcasts' episode of Thinking Critically with Mike Hibbert Patrons: Matthew Perkins @mperkinsDM: https://www.matthewperkins.net/ 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

This episode I'm joined by Hunter Royall from the "A Sundered World" podcast to talk about all the different relationship vectors in TTRPGs. The first being that between player and character, and how it's not always affection that's garnered - often resentment or animosity can take hold when the PC isn't effective or ends up different than what the player originally imagined. Hunter takes us through how having all the PCs related in-game affects the dynamic of a traditional adventuring party. We also encourage players to take advantage of all those unique and fantastic NPCs your GM has undoubtedly thrown at you when thinking about character creation and backstories, as this can be a fantastic way to add depth and investment to your character. 05:13 - Working with your Character 11:32 - GMs as Mentors 24:45 - Related PCs 35:12 - Leveraging Pre-Existing Relationships In-Game 50:14 - How Player Relations Affect The Game Find Hunter on: Twitter: https://twitter.com/SunderedA A Sundered World: https://asunderedworld.libsyn.com/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/HCRoyall 'Unbalanced Scales' book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Unbalanced-Scales-Hunter-C-Royall/dp/1732221103/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/ASunderedWorld Find me on: Website: https://www.thinkingcritically.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/ThinkCritDnD Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thinking_critically_dnd/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThinkingCriticallyDnD YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCH_BSgazjwyshzo1jazHeaQ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thinkingcritically Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/thinkingcritically References: 'Editing' episode of Thinking Critically Patrons: Matthew Perkins @mperkinsDM: https://www.matthewperkins.net/ 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

This episode I'm joined by Mike from Games Played Badly, to chat about story hooks in your TTRPGs! Ultimately, hooks are the main way to keep players engaged, with the GM acting as a kind of circus master; organised chaos. Hooks can take many forms, from critical pieces of information reigniting interest, to fun and goofy NPCs that the players get attached to - there are many methods of putting the proverbial food on the plate. As much an art as it is a science, the fungineering of hooks is a delicate balance of maintaining verisimilitude while still being inherently contrived. Sometimes it's no fault of the game or the GM, players are human, and hooks are often necessary to just get the ball rolling. No one operates at 100% all of the time, and we often need a little nudge here and there. When in doubt, your biggest plot hook is your characters, so leverage the heck out of backstories, bonds, and ideals to really whet their appetites! 2:09 - Bringing the Story to the Players 13:24 - Pointing Players in the Right Direction 38:33 - Tailoring Improvisation 49:24 - Rebirth and Growth Find Mike on: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/GamesPlayedBadly Twitter: https://twitter.com/badly_games Find me on: Website: https://www.thinkingcritically.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/ThinkCritDnD Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thinking_critically_dnd/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThinkingCriticallyDnD YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCH_BSgazjwyshzo1jazHeaQ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thinkingcritically Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/thinkingcritically References: https://rpg.stackexchange.com/questions/86702/what-is-a-plot-hook-exactly Patrons: 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

This episode I'm joined by the GM of the Negative Modifier podcast, Charley, to discuss horror in our TTRGPs. Horror is variable and subjective, and so has unique challenges when attempting to introduce it into your setting. The first being the age old problem of having to play with other people! As everyone is different, it's impossible to know what another player might find uncomfortable, and even with a Session Zero it's challenging to appreciate the sensitivities of others. Juggling these issues can make introducing horror a terrifying experience (both literally and as a pun). The key, as with many things in D&D, is foreshadowing. Not only does this neatly sidestep the cheapness of things like jump scares, it also clearly informs the players of the theme of a setting or scene. An additional, tertiary benefit, is that it builds in an atmosphere of unease; if you can get the players scared of literally nothing, then you're doing your job well. Ultimately, D&D is probably not the best placed for a horror TTRGP, as the hero fantasy can undermine any vulnerability you might be trying to convey. 01:44 - The Different Types of Horror 11:31 - Different Strokes 28:02 - Self-Sustaining Emotion Machine 35:32 - Marrying Horror with TTRPG Nuance 49:43 - Baked In Horror Mechanics Find Charley on the Negative Modifier podcast: LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/negativemodifier Twitter: https://twitter.com/NegModPod Instagram: https://instagram.com/negativemodifier YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8Lj4y_MJ7vH1Gin91AZHPg Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/negativemodifierpodcast TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@negativemodifier Find me on: Website: https://www.thinkingcritically.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/ThinkCritDnD Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thinking_critically_dnd/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThinkingCriticallyDnD YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCH_BSgazjwyshzo1jazHeaQ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thinkingcritically Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/thinkingcritically References: Delta Green Alien by Free League Publishing Symbaroum by Free League Publishing Patrons: 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

This episode features David Weinberger from the Shonen Flop podcast to talk all about introducing magical items into your Dungeons & Dragons campaign. It becomes apparent quickly that David and I run very different games when it comes to dishing out loot, which leads to some interesting discussions! Some DMs, myself included, can display a preciousness towards their campaign; a concern magic items will topple the delicately balanced spinning plates. Turns out, magic items are actually one small piece of a much larger puzzle, and can have as much or as little impact as you want. Should they cause the plates to wobble, well that's a perfect learning opportunity for the DM. An additional concern is the power creep and impact to CR magic items can have, but being aware of this and accommodating with the item and other design can allow you to have interesting and powerful items. We also discuss how items can be used to aid in designing puzzles, which is often tricky as it is! In the same vein, they can also be a vehicle for divine intervention - assisting the PCs to resolve tricky encounters. 02:39 - How Items Affect Campaigns Differently 09:35 - Item-Based Puzzle Design 13:23 - Balance & Reuse 24:26 - Considering Wealth as an "Item" 29:41 - Rarity & Recycling 46:24 - Mandatory Adventuring Gear 51:14 - Roll Tables and Trinkets Find David on Shonen Flop: Shonen Flop Podcast: https://shonenflop.libsyn.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/shonenflopcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shonenflopcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shonenflopcast YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClupR5kLtuIqt9jE0BV4_kQ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@weareshonenflop Find me on: Website: https://www.thinkingcritically.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/ThinkCritDnD Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thinking_critically_dnd/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThinkingCriticallyDnD YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCH_BSgazjwyshzo1jazHeaQ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thinkingcritically Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/thinkingcritically References: Against the Dark Master Patrons: 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

This episode I had the pleasure of hosting the founder of Paladin Roleplaying, Neil, to discuss running a TTRPG business. We talk about how the grassroots explosion has impacted the hobby, and what the future might now hold; will it go the same way as F2P, microtransaction-laden video games? Neil shares with several pearls of wisdom gained from running a business and four separate Kickstarters - we even have some world exclusive news about their next project! D&D fans, you had better listen! Finally, one aspect often undercooked in games is managing a business, despite the often mercantile nature of most settings. We workshop fun and interesting ways to bring this element into your games, one of which is cribbing from Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay where classes are known as careers, enabling rich RP opportunities! Listeners can use the code THINKCRIT15 at paladinroleplaying.com for 15% off your whole cart! Huge thank you to Neil and all at Paladin. 04:50 - The Changing Nature of TTRPGs 16:16 - Starting a TTRPG Business 26:27 - The Kickstarter Experience 36:26 - Thinking Critically Exclusive! 38:07 - Systems for Running Businesses Find Neil on: Paladin Roleplaying: https://paladinroleplaying.com/ Paladin Roleplaying Dice Club: https://paladinroleplaying.com/pages/subscription Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paladinroleplaying/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paladinroleplaying/ DriveThruRPG: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse.php?author=Neil%20Kingham Find me on: Website: https://www.thinkingcritically.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/ThinkCritDnD Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thinking_critically_dnd/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThinkingCriticallyDnD YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCH_BSgazjwyshzo1jazHeaQ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thinkingcritically Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/thinkingcritically References: Grant Howitt at Rowan, Rook & Decard 'Symbaroum' by Free League Publishing 'Recettear: An Item Shop's Tale' Patrons: 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 This episode was not sponsored or supported in any way.

For this episode I'm joined by Sam Cheung, known online as the Educational DM, who takes us through his years of experience in the educational and pastoral applications of Dungeons & Dragons. We discuss the various ways players can learn through D&D, for students and new players alike. Although the obvious challenges are arithmetic and creativity, Sam and I investigate the deeper ways players can improve themselves while playing. Questioning why the Queen wants you to despatch those "bandits", that is to say, who is most likely to benefit from this task, can help players strengthen that vitally important ability to think critically. Likewise, finding space between the bombast to build those social relationships can be a useful training ground for many, allowing them a trustable arena to migrate out of their comfort zones. After everything, of course, the real treasure was the friends we made along the way! 03:26 - Exploring Education Through D&D 10:55 - How Design Promotes Learning 39:51 - Building Trust 45:44 - Educating New Players Find Sam on: Website: https://sites.google.com/view/educationaldm/home Twitter: https://twitter.com/DmEducational Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dmeducate/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DmEducational YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNObiWbwQzha7KxmAwpZdPQ Dump Stat Adventures: https://dumpstatadventures.com/guest-writers Find me on: Website: https://www.thinkingcritically.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/ThinkCritDnD Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thinking_critically_dnd/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThinkingCriticallyDnD YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCH_BSgazjwyshzo1jazHeaQ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thinkingcritically Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/thinkingcritically References: Game to Grow 'Inspirisles' by Hatchlings Games 'Wanderhome' by Possum Creek Games Dr. Megan Connell on Dragon Talk Patrons: 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

For this mixed up episode I'm joined by Jeff Greiner, the DM of potentially the longest running actual play podcast, The Tome Show. Jeff & I talk about mashups not only within our favourite TTRPG, but within the hobby at large, covering several methods for effectively smushing together your favourite features! Jeff takes us through the ways and means he's brought together often disparate published modules such as Descent into Avernus and Curse of Strahd. One simple but effective method is to sprinkle in some foreshadowing which, despite requiring some additional overhead, reduces that potential for genre whiplash. Talking off, varying theme and tone can keep your game interesting, as 20 sessions of a single vibe can easily be fatiguing for all involved. Which is a perfect segue into how different TTRPG systems inevitably affect the experience, thematically and otherwise; probably why a mashup of them has been difficult to achieve! 04:35 - Combining Published Modules 25:39 - Mashing Up Genres 37:16 - Merging TTRPG Systems 47:58 - Mesh Worldbuilding 58:34 - It's a Monster Mash Find Jeff on: Personal Twitter: https://twitter.com/squach The Tome Show: http://www.thetomeshow.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/thetomeshow Twitch: https://twitch.tv/tomeshow Find me on: Website: https://www.thinkingcritically.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/ThinkCritDnD Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thinking_critically_dnd/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThinkingCriticallyDnD YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCH_BSgazjwyshzo1jazHeaQ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thinkingcritically Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/thinkingcritically References: Beadle and Grimm's Torg: Eternity by Ulisses Spiele Patrons: 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

I am once again joined by Manny a.k.a. Growed Up Geek to talk about adaptation. One great way to kill two birds with one stone is by integrating player character backstories into published adventure modules; not only do you get to customise the module and make it unique, but the players feel embedded in the world and get to make it their own. As for DMing, there are two kinds of adaptation: Micro - that moment-to-moment, immediate response to player actions, and macro - adapting the world in response to the dynamic plot. For both, the DM is part charlatan, part conman, part magician, and the ratio between those three is hugely variable. It's a unique proposition! Manny and I also share our tips for allaying that newer DM fear of "what the heck am I meant to be doing?" Ultimately, don't put undue pressure on yourself, no one is expecting global level talent from any given DM. This is a street that goes both ways, as at the core of D&D is generally being a decent human. Many problems, both in-universe and at the table can be resolved with compassion and empathy. 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:02:33 - Adapting Modules 00:18:05 - Tips for New DMs 00:41:37 - Macro Adaptation - Incorporating Backstories 00:54:33 - Making Space for Players 01:04:07 - Outro and Patreon Find Manny (@Growedupgeek) on: Twitter: https://twitter.com/Growedupgeek Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/growedupgeek YouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCbHErVkfA9d_UnxMs0lSwZQ Find me on: Website: https://www.thinkingcritically.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/ThinkCritDnD Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thinking_critically_dnd/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThinkingCriticallyDnD YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCH_BSgazjwyshzo1jazHeaQ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thinkingcritically Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/thinkingcritically References: 'Emotion' episode of Thinking Critically Patrons: Matt Street @mpstreet88: virtualtimehustle.com Intro Music: 'Local Forecast' by Kevin MacLeod Intermission Music: 'Chill' by Kevin MacLeod Outro Music: 'Local Forecast - Elevator' by Kevin MacLeod