Thinking Critically: A D&D Discussion

CW: Discussion around sexuality and relationships. References to sex. This weeks guest is Declan, the "forever DM" of the Romancing the Dungeon podcast where the characters are all searching for that special someone! We discuss the what romance can mean in Dungeons & Dragons, such as the many forms it can take and reasons why it does, and does not, show up in campaigns. One of the most fundamental things to bear in mind is the comfort of those at the table, which can be monitored and achieved through regular check ins and open discussion. We regale each other with anecdotes featuring romance from our campaigns, or at least an interpretation of it. And that's really a core talking point of this episode: "romance" means many different things to many different people. Therefore it's as exciting and interesting as it is fraught with faux pas and potential missteps. However, adding an extra dimension to your character, in the form of romantic inclinations, can lead to fulfilling revelations and realisations that otherwise might've been missed. As with most leisure activities, D&D is a form of escapism, and not everyone wants the very real complications of relationships brought across into their fantasy universe, and so we must approach these topics with mindfulness and appreciation. 03:57 - What romance can really mean 27:14 - Risk and risqué: the pitfalls of romance 40:02 - An exercise in vulnerability 49:46 - Mindfulness and consent Find Declan (@DeclanDdy) on: Twitter: https://twitter.com/DeclanDdy Romancing the Dungeon: https://romancing-the-dungeon.simplecast.com/ Find me on: Website: https://www.thinkingcritically.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/Danilo_DnD Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thinking_critically_dnd/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThinkingCriticallyDnD References: Agency episode of Thinking Critically 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 Nikki from Beholder to No One, the award winning TTRPG podcast featuring discussions and one-shots. Broadly this episode can be summed up as "how random elements affect gameplay", however as we quickly find out that's a much deeper and multifaceted discussion. For example, even character generation (standard array versus rolling) can dramatically affect the theming of a character and how you approach role play. It's often considered that to embrace randomness, one must relinquish control, but Nikki and I discuss how this isn't always the case in Dungeons & Dragons, and despite D20s ostensibly "dictating" everything, the DM still has control. We propose a number of interesting discussions, such how the game is in a constant tug-of-war with itself: player agency is undoubtedly critically important, but the outcomes of their decisions are inherently unknown. Furthermore, how can we collaborate on a compelling story when the dice sit primed and ready to undermine our actions? 01:27 - How character and setting generation affect role play 17:02 - The impact of dice rolls on a story 22:47 - Mitigating the chaotic nature of dice 38:22 - Less random alternative TTRPGs Find Nikki (@beholdertonoone) on: Twitter: https://twitter.com/beholdertonoone Dice Before Dawn: https://twitter.com/DiceBeforeDawn Sound Control TTRPG: https://twitter.com/SoundControlRPG Find me on: Website: https://www.thinkingcritically.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/Danilo_DnD Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thinking_critically_dnd/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThinkingCriticallyDnD References: Kobold Fight Club Hamund's Harvesting Handbook (DMs Guild) Fudging episode of Thinking Critically Honey Heist Zweihänder RPG Fiasco 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 Joe Dunn (@jcd0818) to talk about a very stylish topic. Joe has 17 years TTRPG experience across multiple systems including D&D, Pathfinder, and Powered by the Apocalypse, so is exceptionally qualified to discuss all things "style". The first bulk of the episode is around the broad topic of "styles of gameplay" and how that differs between editions, modules, and players. For example, how do you marry the metaphysical, high-heroism style of Theros with traditional sword & sorcery D&D? A substantial part of the episode is dedicated to discussing how players with different styles can work together to achieve maximum enjoyment. I use one of my own players as the basis due to their noncommittal nature, despite sticking with my campaign for over a year! Some things never change though, such as the concept of "meta-acting" where the DM might find themselves in the position of performing for the players in real life, not just as an NPC. Finally, Joe and I round out the episode with some earnest self-reflection about our individual styles of GM'ing; I probably reveal more about myself than I realise! 03:12 - Style of gameplay and dealing with dissonance 26:59 - How the DM style has changed between editions 36:17 - Collaborating with players 55:47 - GM self assessment Find joe (@jcd0818) on: Twitter: https://twitter.com/jcd0818 Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/commonspacegc Find me on: Website: https://www.thinkingcritically.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/Danilo_DnD Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thinking_critically_dnd/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThinkingCriticallyDnD Intro Music: 'Local Forecast' by Kevin MacLeod Intermission Music: 'Chill' by Kevin MacLeod Outro Music: 'Local Forecast - Elevator' by Kevin MacLeod

This episode was recorded 8th April 2021 and includes lots of swearing, puns, and memes. You have been warned! For this extended episode I gathered the cast of Cosmopunk, the actual-play homebrew Starfinder podcast, to discuss friction. Now, we do spend an awful lot of time talking about coffee, but nestled betwixt the brilliant puns and segues are nuggets of insight, raucous laughter, and life lessons. To begin, we discuss how drama between characters can cause friction at the table, and we talk though our various methods for dealing with it. The other side of the same coin is interaction between the players, and how that's fraught with it's own unique problems, exacerbated by playing remotely. Humans are social creatures, and so the lack of legitimate face-to-face communication can have a negative impact on TTRPGs. Eventually we get on to the topic of friction within a scientific context, and how that differs between fantasy (D&D) and science-fiction (Starfinder) settings. Don't worry, I got an 'E' in A Level Physics so the content is perfectly penetrable! Finally, listen to us realise in-situ that any friction between player characters and NPCs is, by extension, friction between the players and their DM. What this means for the game, and how you can use it to "fail forward", is discussed by this roguish group of experienced TTRPG'ers... and I'm also there. 07:27 - Character drama 23:44 - Friction bleed from PC to player 41:28 - The physics of friction in a made up universe 51:22 - Style dissonance - how to align expectations 01:01:33 - PC-NPC relationships: inherently antagonistic? Find the Cosmopunk crew on: Twitter: https://twitter.com/Cosmopunkpod Website: https://cosmopunk.carrd.co/ Scifer's Twitter: https://twitter.com/Sciferthebox Scifer's Website: https://scifer.co.uk/ Ty's Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/typhun Find me on: Website: https://www.thinkingcritically.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/Danilo_DnD Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thinking_critically_dnd/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThinkingCriticallyDnD References: Beanies Flavoured Coffee Reformat music Spectre in the Fog actual-play podcast "British Plugs Are Better Than All Other Plugs, And Here's Why" YouTube video by Tom Scott Monmouth Coffee Company Intro Music: 'Local Forecast' by Kevin MacLeod Intermission Music: 'Chill' by Kevin MacLeod Outro Music: 'Local Forecast - Elevator' by Kevin MacLeod

This week I'm joined by Aaron Saltzman (@five2lif), host of Feats & Fantasies actual-play podcasts Cataclysm Rising and Trivium of Time, to discuss everything about dice. We start by talking about how the requirement of random dice rolls fundamentally changes the nature of the "game" from what might be considered a "pure" role-playing experience. Despite my hypocrisy, Aaron and I share stories and anecdotes centred on dice and their oft whimsical nature. Although dice start as an esoteric prerequisite for D&D, they often transform into a completely different beast: a TCG-like collect-'em-up where it's worryingly easy to spend money on extra sets which are utterly surplus. Dice are possibly one of the only things that is the same for every D&D player, which brings us all together, no matter our differences. 02:21 - Dice as RNGs necessary to make it a "game" 07:00 - Anti-dice propaganda - the diminished need for physical dice during lockdown 17:57 - Dice Culture and how it brings us together 28:11 - Dice - The "craft beer" of D&D 37:01 - Accessorise! 43:52 - Awkward dissonance caused by randomness Find Aaron on (@five2lif) on: Twitter: https://twitter.com/five2lif Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/five2lif/?hl=en Website: https://doubletake.xyz Cataclysm Rising: https://doubletake.xyz/cataclysm-rising-feed Trivium of Time: https://doubletake.xyz/trivium-of-time-feed Find me on: Website: https://www.thinkingcritically.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/Danilo_DnD Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thinking_critically_dnd/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThinkingCriticallyDnD References: Fiasco Dungeons, Dice, and Dudes Chessex mats Loke BattleMats Dispel Dice Pixels Dice Death Saves Kraken Dice Wrymwood Agency episode of Thinking Critically Intro Music: 'Local Forecast' by Kevin MacLeod Intermission Music: 'Chill' by Kevin MacLeod Outro Music: 'Local Forecast - Elevator' by Kevin MacLeod

This episode is all about "Planning" campaigns, chapters, sessions, calendars, and characters. I'm joined by Jeff Nabors, the DM for the Reroll Expectations actual-play podcast and media director for Chasing XP. We discuss our various methods for planning our campaigns from the micro of moment-to-moment improv, to the macro of embedding meaningful character development into grand campaign arcs. There's a line between over-planning, and failure to plan (is planning to fail), and the thickness of that line, and it's position, is different from person to person, campaign to campaign. Inevitably, there will be some encounter that never sees the light of day; take solace in that you are not alone, and learning from the loss is something every DM has to come to terms with. 01:11 - The challenges and rewards of planning a large homebrew campaign 17:15 - How to mitigate the impact of surprise incidents 23:54 - Coming to terms with lost potential of dungeons 28:46 - The meat in the middle - architecting chapters 39:33 - IRL TPK - Calendar Scheduling 45:45 - Frontloading character development 54:05 - Planning the proxy - divining divination requests Find Jeff (@_RKDnc) on: Website: https://jeffnabors.best/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/_RKDnc Reroll Expectations: https://rerollexpectations.com/ Chasing XP: https://chasingxp.com/ Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/rkdnc Follow me on: Website: https://www.thinkingcritically.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/Danilo_DnD Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thinking_critically_dnd/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThinkingCriticallyDnD References: The Pomodoro Technique for time management Modular Prep Method by u/ElendFiasco Intro Music: 'Local Forecast' by Kevin MacLeod Intermission Music: 'Chill' by Kevin MacLeod Outro Music: 'Local Forecast - Elevator' by Kevin MacLeod

For this whirlwind tour I'm joined by Colin Anderson, a.k.a. Family Fantasy RPG, and we take you through what it means to find a family through TTPRGs. Colin has a wealth of experience in the family-friendly homebrew and TTRPG space, and he shares his insight and experience gained from designing child-focused role-playing games. One thread which is universal, however, is that D&D is an evergreen learning activity for all ages and experience, and every sessions is a learning opportunity. This is true whether you're playing with three-year olds, or grizzled OD&D veterans. Having run games with both his child and partner, Colin explains the challenges that accompany a group of younger players, and how it can be uniquely rewarding. We also discuss why child-friendly TTRPGs are even required; the inherent complexity of the rules that I struggle with to this day! By offering simplified tiers of play through games such as Dino Riderz and Hero Kids, you can slowly and safely introduce new players to the wonders of RPGs, without the dense baggage of three hardback rule books. 02:44 - The role of "family" within D&D 09:36 - TTRPG'ers: The extended family you get to pick 20:00 - Family friendly games and their hidden benefits 36:03 - Tying family into character backstories 49:19 - Constructive criticism in the TTRPG family Follow Colin (@FamFantasyRPG) on: Website: https://familyfantasyrpg.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/FamFantasyRPG Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/familyfantasy_rpg/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FamilyFantasyRPG YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCM_jSH6OOILuH5w_PXf2xgw Heroes of Sol'an: https://familyfantasyrpg.com/other-projects The Turtle Guild: https://www.instagram.com/the_turtle_guild/ Follow me on: Website: https://www.thinkingcritically.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/Danilo_DnD Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thinking_critically_dnd/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThinkingCriticallyDnD References: WildSpire Miniatures Expeditious Retreat Press Hero Kids by Hero Forge Games No Thank You, Evil! Amazing Tales by Martin Lloyd Fairies of the Mistglade on DMs Guild Dino Riderz on DMs Guild Intro Music: 'Local Forecast' by Kevin MacLeod Intermission Music: 'Chill' by Kevin MacLeod Outro Music: 'Local Forecast - Elevator' by Kevin MacLeod

I am joined once more by Karim, a.k.a. FeverDreamStudios, and we talk about the environments we create, play in, and maintain. Again, a surprisingly broad topic with varied interpretations and connotations. We begin with the mechanical, discussing how to design dynamic combat environments to encourage and empower PCs and NPCs alike. One major benefit this has is making "non-attack actions" useful in combat, enabled by making the space full of "tools". This helps makes some classes, which can often be perceived as two-dimensional, more versatile and viable in several different environments and settings. Karim then takes us through his three-step method for constructing interesting environments: hazards, tools, home-field advantage. The last part of the episode is around how to enable a healthy and effective mental wellbeing caring for and maintaining your environments - micro and macro. The desktop and DM screen is one thing, but the world we live in impacts us all, and is important for a healthy lifestyle, which is of course conducive to optimised game time! 01:31 - From training rooms to certain doom - designing combat environments 12:31 - Environmental story telling 21:41 - Facilitating dynamic combat through the environments 32:51 - The World Stage 41:30 - Moving from an in-person to online games 48:14 - Physical, mental, and interpersonal wellbeing Follow (@studios_fever) on: Twitter: https://twitter.com/studios_fever Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/FeverDreamStudios YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXy8rL0kRJ5e4_hicJe1XNw/featured TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@feverdreamstudios?lang=en 'Karrnathi Killers' on DMs Guild: https://www.dmsguild.com/product/351804/Karrnathi-Killers Follow me on: Website: https://www.thinkingcritically.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/Danilo_DnD Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thinking_critically_dnd/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThinkingCriticallyDnD References: Design episode of Thinking Critically Azgaar Fantasy Map Generator FoundryVTT Dungeons, Dice, and Dudes actual-play podcast 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 Kyle, a.k.a. @Kibidiko, and we talk all things tactical. Broadly, the episode is split down between tactics for PCs and NPCs. To start, we talk about how PCs can work together, and by using little known options and combinations, can increase their chances of survival. D&D sometimes exists in this dissonant state of combat being extremely tactical, yet the PCs don't operate as a tight, effective team. There's some food for thought in this one about how this can be improved. The second half of the episode is all about tactics for the DM, everything from how to effectively play "conscious" creatures, utilising the environment, and the consequences of a fight to the death. Kyle eloquently puts it when he states "not everything has to be a brawl", and we provide anecdotes and examples of how combat can end without bloodshed.  01:54 - To flank or not to flank, that is the question - the tactics of PCs 09:28 - The wood for the trees - missing strategy by focusing on tactics 15:21 - Advantageous character tactics - using feats, alternative rules, and combinations 25:21 - Over and underrated spells 34:51 - The monsters can know what they're doing - strategies and tactics for combatants and encounters 51:32 - Tactics of intelligent creatures Follow Kyle (@Kibidiko) on: Twitter: https://twitter.com/Kibidiko Follow me on: Website: https://www.thinkingcritically.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/Danilo_DnD Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thinking_critically_dnd/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThinkingCriticallyDnD References: Matt Colville The Monsters Know What They're Doing Kobold Fight Club Tucker's Kobolds Intro Music: 'Local Forecast' by Kevin MacLeod Intermission Music: 'Chill' by Kevin MacLeod Outro Music: 'Local Forecast - Elevator' by Kevin MacLeod

This episode I am joined by Heath, a.k.a Dag of Dahgda's Cauldron, and we discuss the surprisingly vast topic of "Disaster". With we start with how, much like conflict, it's an essential part of any adventure whether it's small-scale or apocalyptic. We they go on to compare the merits of setting a campaign either before, or after, a disaster, and how that flavours and shapes the experience. Of course, not all disastrous events happen in-universe, many take the form of social and interpersonal issues at the table. Dag and I discuss a couple of these including the D&D rite of passage of hearing "sorry, I can't make it" five minutes before the session! Finally, the finish the episode by chatting about ways to manage and reframe disaster, real or misconceived, including the dreaded TPK! 01:39 - The scale of "personal" disaster as a necessity of adventure 13:16 - Pre- or post-apocalypse 20:44 - Avoiding disaster at the table 28:08 - Off the rails, on to opportunity! 34:40 - Contingency management 43:14 - Dealing with "The Biggest Disaster" - The aftermath of a TPK 57:04 - The micro impact of macro disaster Follow (@DahgdaC) on: Twitter: https://twitter.com/DahgdaC Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/dahgdac Follow me on: Website: https://www.thinkingcritically.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/Danilo_DnD Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thinking_critically_dnd/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThinkingCriticallyDnD References: Acting episode of Thinking Critically Dungeons, Dice, And Dudes Foundry VTT & The Forge Tribality Publishing Intro Music: 'Local Forecast' by Kevin MacLeod Intermission Music: 'Chill' by Kevin MacLeod Outro Music: 'Local Forecast - Elevator' by Kevin MacLeod