Thinking Critically: A D&D Discussion

For this archetypical chat, I'm joined by Adam Gumbert, a.k.a AdamGumby, where we go through a bunch of different stereotypes and styles of play. Even though some archetypes have negative connotations, when managed and viewed effectively, they can always serve the story. We realise that what matters more than the "edgy rogue" or "adversarial DM", is communication, a topic we've heard time and time again on this podcast. Seriously, we can't stress it enough! No problem is too big for a chat, even if that ends up being "hey, this game isn't for me, and that's alright!". Also included in this episode are ways to reframe the perceived negative archetypes of "rules lawyer" and "my guy" in a positive light for the betterment of the table. And yes, leaving the unprofessional interruption in was a deliberate choice! 01:24 - Alternative character archetypes - limits and expectations 16:35 - What type of DM are you? 30:45 - Managing different kinds of players 47:58 - "Bad guys!" feat. Google Follow Adam (@AdamGumby) on: Twitter (https://twitter.com/AdamGumby) E.C.G. Podcast (https://twitter.com/ecgpod) Misfit Rolls (https://linktr.ee/Misfitrolls) Follow me on: Twitter @Danilo_DnD (https://twitter.com/Danilo_DnD) Instagram thinking_critically_dnd (https://www.instagram.com/thinking_critically_dnd/) Facebook ThinkingCriticallyDnD (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

In this useful episode I'm joined by Phill, a.k.a Blue Munchkinite, to discuss all the different utilities DMs and players use to help them play and generally increase the quality of their experience. Everything from maps, music, and VoIP is covered in this episode, and all the utilities we use are linked below in the references. Despite the potentially dry sounding topic, Phill deftly ties his years of experience together to explain why all these mechanical tools all serve the same purpose: to increase the enjoyment of all the players. Obviously, a lot has changed in recent times and now it's not only the DMs playing behind "screens", we can all appreciate some fireside talk about what unites us, and the tips and tricks we can use to make that easier. 04:49 - Creative tools for DMs 16:08 - DMing in the remote "new normal" 28:30 - Campaign prep 38:40 - Calendars, cartographies, & characters 49:52 - Player utilities, in-game and out Follow Phill (@BlueMunchkinite) on: Twitter (https://twitter.com/BlueMunchkinite) YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyd_3FIvv1EAyJ4ByVLjfow) Find me on: Twitter @Danilo_DnD (https://twitter.com/Danilo_DnD) Instagram thinking_critically_dnd (https://www.instagram.com/thinking_critically_dnd/) Facebook ThinkingCriticallyDnD (https://www.facebook.com/ThinkingCriticallyDnD) References: Loke BattleMats Inkarnate Dungeon Painter Studio Atlas Architect Open Broadcaster Software Bad Wolf Gaming EncounterPlus PrismScroll World Anvil Diagrams.net 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 the creator of the My Sound Delve mobile app, Christian Borchert, and we talk about all the tricks, tools, and talents used to enhance your gameplay experience. Although we have different approaches and preferences to our TTRPG experience, some things never change and it's always about the camaraderie and social experience. This episode is split pretty cleanly between digital and physical enhancements, as Christian takes us through his splendid sound-board app before some tips for creating table-top terrain. 05:07 - Enhancing published modules 12:31 - Improving as a DM 21:38 - Enabling different systems/editions 29:54 - Benefits of remote play 38:31 - Adding another dimension through terrain 51:58 - The key enhancement for a player 64:35 - My Sound Delve Find Christian on on: Twitter (https://twitter.com/MySoundDelve) MySoundDelve website (https://mysounddelve.com/) The app is available on: Google Play (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.eveninghuddle.app) Apple App Store (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/my-sound-delve-dice-roller/id1534739333) Find me on: Twitter @Danilo_DnD (https://twitter.com/Danilo_DnD) Instagram thinking_critically_dnd (https://www.instagram.com/thinking_critically_dnd/) Facebook ThinkingCriticallyDnD (https://www.facebook.com/ThinkingCriticallyDnD) References: The DM's Craft with DM Scotty Black Magic Craft Gaslands by Mike Hutchinson, published by Osprey Games Wyloch's Armory 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.

I'm joined once again by my DM confidant and close friend of 20 years, Jamie Mitchell, where we talk all about "Progression". We spend a lot of time talking about the age-old discussion of milestone versus XP. Despite the pros and cons of both, ultimately there is only one clear choice. Once we get out of the mire of mechanically progressing characters, we move on to trickier concepts such as player and DM progression not only within the 5e framework, but also as human beings. A big take away from this episode, apparently a theme of this podcast, is there's no silver bullet and if you're ever anxious of embarrassing yourself at the table, don't worry, because Jamie and I have done it all before! Lot's of swearing in this one. 01:41 - Milestone versus XP levelling 28:33 - Progression compared to video games 33:58 - The bell curve PC level trends 39:45 - Managing progression as a DM 52:25 - Character narrative progression 58:54 - How we've become better DMs Find Jamie on: "Mistakes" episode of Thinking Critically Find me on: Twitter @Danilo_DnD (https://twitter.com/Danilo_DnD) Instagram thinking_critically_dnd (https://www.instagram.com/thinking_critically_dnd/) Facebook ThinkingCriticallyDnD (https://www.facebook.com/ThinkingCriticallyDnD) References: The Order of the Stick web comic Intro Music: 'Local Forecast' by Kevin MacLeod Intermission Music: 'Chill' by Kevin MacLeod Outro Music: 'Local Forecast - Elevator' by Kevin MacLeod

In this meta-episode we find ourselves discussing "Podcasts". I'm joined by Mike Hibbert (@MikeHDnD), who has been in the TTRPG and board game space for 40 years, and had 1000 listeners on his first podcast 15 years ago. We approach the topic from both general and D&D perspectives, discussing them as a creative medium alongside the gotchas of producing actual-plays and the responsibility of celebrity status it might bring. If you've thought about DMing or podcasting before, listen to the irony of us "umm"ing and "errrr"ing through a discussion on filler words and feel much better about yourself! 03:02 - The value of podcasts 06:33 - How podcasting has(n't) changed 11:09 - The "joys" of editing 19:11 - Concessions of actual-play podcasts 27:26 - What defines the quality of actual-plays and how they differ from private games 46:55 - Improvised versus scripted 54:49 - Alternative shows Find Mike (@MikeHDnD) on: His website (https://mikehdnd.carrd.co/) Twitter (https://twitter.com/MikeHDnD) Find me on: Twitter @Danilo_DnD (https://twitter.com/Danilo_DnD) Instagram thinking_critically_dnd (https://www.instagram.com/thinking_critically_dnd/) Facebook ThinkingCriticallyDnD (https://www.facebook.com/ThinkingCriticallyDnD) Referenced Podcasts: Dice and Desire Roll the Damn Dice Dice & Die Roll Britannia Intelligence Check Not Another D&D Podcast Dads & Dragons Bellingcat "Tunnel 29" episode of Intrigue by BBC Radio 4 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 homebrew, and once again we manage to squeeze a surprising amount into a single hour. I'm joined by Kyle Wagner-Totty (@MrBakudan), a DMs Guild author with seven published products! If you've ever had any questions about homebrewing for D&D 5e then this is the episode for you. From balance to publishing, you're bound to find something in here. Kyle is kind enough to share his wisdom and perhaps the biggest curveball, that subclasses are the easiest thing to make! 02:41 - Differences between "private" and "public" 14:17 - The tribulations of publishing 19:54 - Balancing homebrew 32:44 - Design approach: bottom up or top down 48:40 - Spell and item creation 59:20 - Homebrewing subclasses Find Kyle on: Twitter (https://twitter.com/MrBakudan) DMs Guild (https://www.dmsguild.com/browse.php?author=Kyle%20Wagner-Totty) Find me on: Twitter @Danilo_DnD (https://twitter.com/Danilo_DnD) Instagram thinking_critically_dnd (https://www.instagram.com/thinking_critically_dnd/) Facebook ThinkingCriticallyDnD (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

Back on home turf with Tim Hill who plays Ulrik in our actual-play podcast Dungeons, Dice, and Dudes. In this episode we discuss not only the mechanical impact of time in-universe on topics such as split parties, but also all the way up to the metaphysical ramifications of our endless march towards entropy. Hey, bet you never thought you'd get that from a D&D podcast! 06:24 - Time: the rubber band resource 18:53 - Should you skip the boring parts? 22:43 - Reconciling a split party 28:33 - Gaining experience by spending time together 38:00 - Character age and class disparity 45:31 - Alternative rules for rests & levelling 57:58 - Entropy; how to spend your time wisely Find the gang on: Tim on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/timlington737/ Simon (Frederick & Gideon in DD&D) features on the Happiness episode Nathan (the DM of DD&D) features on the Macro episode Find me on: Twitter @Danilo_DnD (https://twitter.com/Danilo_DnD) Instagram thinking_critically_dnd (https://www.instagram.com/thinking_critically_dnd/) Facebook ThinkingCriticallyDnD (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

The first European episode! Despite the relatively benign sounding topic of "Structure", Ian (@thefoolishswamidm) and I discuss many thoughtful and deep topics, such as empathy, care, and responsibility. In this episode you can learn how to structure both your one shots and longer-form campaigns, how to set player expectations both "in-universe" and at the table, and how both those approaches serve different needs. If you want to hear me have quite a candid introspection, then this is the episode for you! 05:05 - How to tell a compelling short-form story through structure 15:16 - Structure & care: two sides of the same coin 20:41 - Using structure to prepare players for a long-form story 30:58 - Having a meta-structure to facilitate different types of players 40:26 - Improvisation while foreshadowing 46:14 - Why holding up the game structure is a joint responsibility 53:52 - Rules to support your structure, and not the other way around Find Ian (@thefoolishswamidm) on: Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/thefoolishswamidm/) 'The Nine of Himdal' on DMs Guild (https://www.dmsguild.com/product/337972/The-Nine-of-Himdal) Find me on: Twitter @Danilo_DnD (https://twitter.com/Danilo_DnD) Instagram thinking_critically_dnd (https://www.instagram.com/thinking_critically_dnd/) Facebook ThinkingCriticallyDnD (https://www.facebook.com/ThinkingCriticallyDnD) 'The Ultimate Guide to 5 Room Dungeons' by Johnn Four 'Honey Heist' by Grant Howitt Intro Music: 'Local Forecast' by Kevin MacLeod Intermission Music: 'Chill' by Kevin MacLeod Outro Music: 'Local Forecast - Elevator' by Kevin MacLeod

This episode I talk about all the big things with Nathan Briggs, my DM from our Dungeons, Dice, and Dudes actual-play podcast. We discuss how Dungeons & Dragons has changed over the years, from "nerds in the basement" to prime-time, multimillion dollar productions, and what that means for the hobby. The second half is all about prepping and planning at a high level, away from all the muck of combat encounters and fudging dice rolls. 02:39 - D&D in popular culture and the effect of Critical Role 23:53 - D&D as a hobby 33:57 - Macro world/story building 57:00 - Planning a long-form campaign Find Nathan on: Twitter (https://twitter.com/TheBriggzy) Twitch (https://www.twitch.tv/thebriggsy) Dungeons, Dice and Dudes (https://linktr.ee/DDandD) Find me on: Twitter @Danilo_DnD (https://twitter.com/Danilo_DnD) Instagram thinking_critically_dnd (https://www.instagram.com/thinking_critically_dnd/) Facebook ThinkingCriticallyDnD (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

Another international episode! I found my "Dungeon Master Friend" in Manny, a.k.a Growed Up Geek, who's enthusiasm is infectious. We cover the gamut from DM loneliness and anxiety, all the way up to eliciting those emotional responses from your players. A topic we've talked about plenty before, is the the positive feedback loop in D&D where the more you put in, the more you get out, and Manny puts it really well in this one. I can't effectively communicate it kind of nuance of human experience that we cover in this session. If you're feeling lonely or frustrated with your game, take a listen and find comfort in the fact you're not alone. 03:23 - D&D - an intrinsically human experience 07:40 - Player emotions 15:28 - TTRPGs versus VGRPGs 24:44 - Emotion in combat 30:40 - Why people play; scratching that itch 37:55 - No DM is an island - emotional responsibility 45:46 - Published adventures - emotional investment 53:39 - Subverting expectations to surprise and enthral 58:47 - Differences in player desires Find Manny (@Growedupgeek) on: Twitter (https://twitter.com/Growedupgeek) Twitch (https://www.twitch.tv/growedupgeek) Mysteries in the Dalelands on Twitch (https://www.twitch.tv/wilyhobbit) Find me on: Twitter @Danilo_DnD (https://twitter.com/Danilo_DnD) Instagram thinking_critically_dnd (https://www.instagram.com/thinking_critically_dnd/) Facebook ThinkingCriticallyDnD (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