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How Not to Dungeon Master

Latest episodes

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Apr 20, 2022 • 54min

Grant Howitt of Rowan, Rook, & Decard

Grant Howitt is a game designer at Rowan, Rook, and Decard. You’ve probably heard of at least two of his games, Honey Heist and Goblin Quest, both one-page RPGs that have spread like wildfire across the TTRPG world. He’s created tons more where that came from, including dozens of one page games, and also full TTRPGs with rule books, maps, soundtracks, adventures, and more!It takes incredible creativity, skill, and endurance to churn out games at the pace RR&D have done over the past few years, and Grant possesses all three. Take a peak inside his talented process, and listen to his best tips for designers and game masters alike!Guest LinksRowan, Rook, & Decard HomepageGrant's TwitterHow Not to DM LinksHow Not to DM LinktreeSponsor LinksGemmed Firefly: Use Code DRAGON for 15% Off!Veil of the Void: Reforged: Use 'HN2DM' for 15% Off!Affiliate LinksHero ForgeAdventure Dice - Use Code HN2DM for 10% off!DM's GuildDriveThru RPGIntro and Outro by Danijel Zambo, Quickfire Chaos Intro by Exekat - from Uppbeat (free for Creators!):Intro License code: V6S3IIRCDBKZA04HOutro License code: E6HIMIAQP22TUA1XQuickfire Chaos Intro License code: 4KHRVTG25QD01LNTQuickfire Chaos Ambience: Arcane AnthemsSupport Danijel Zambo:BandcampSoundcloudSpotify
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Apr 13, 2022 • 47min

Enrique, aka NewbieDM

Enrique has been running games since 4e D&D, and has been blogging for almost as long! He started NewbieDM.com with the intent to create a resource for new DMs like him, and has been adding to it ever since! Though he’s not a newbie anymore, the advice and resources he’s curated over the years are great for DMs of any skill level.When he’s not creating new content for his blog, you can find Enrique tweeting about his latest encounter design for his home game, hot takes about the latest Star Wars shows, and much more. Enjoy!Guest LinksNewbieDM TwitterNewbieDM BlogHow Not to DM LinksHow Not to DM LinktreeSponsor LinksGemmed Firefly: Use Code DRAGON for 15% Off!Tale of the ManticoreAffiliate LinksHero ForgeAdventure Dice - Use Code HN2DM for 10% off!DM's GuildDriveThru RPGIntro and Outro by Danijel Zambo, Quickfire Chaos Intro by Exekat - from Uppbeat (free for Creators!):Intro License code: V6S3IIRCDBKZA04HOutro License code: E6HIMIAQP22TUA1XQuickfire Chaos Intro License code: 4KHRVTG25QD01LNTQuickfire Chaos Ambience: Arcane AnthemsSupport Danijel Zambo:BandcampSoundcloudSpotify
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Apr 6, 2022 • 59min

Dungeon Maestro Kyle of the BomBARDed Podcast

Dungeon Maestro Kyle and his family and friends have JUST finished their final episode of BomBARDed, an actual play podcast focused around three bards and their experience from getting into Bard School to saving the world in which they live! BomBARDed is an incredibly well made and unique show I highly recommend to everyone. But at the center is Kyle, creating the story, steering the Chaos, and having a blast doing it. I had so much fun with this one, and I hope you enjoy it too!Guest LinksTrans Education Network of TexasBomBARDed's WebsiteListen to Kyle's Guest Spots on Dumbgeons and DragonsHow Not to DM LinksHow Not to DM LinktreeSponsor LinksGemmed Firefly: Use Code DRAGON for 15% Off!Tale of the ManticoreAffiliate LinksHero ForgeAdventure Dice - Use Code HN2DM for 10% off!DM's GuildDriveThru RPGIntro and Outro by Danijel Zambo, Quickfire Chaos Intro by Exekat - from Uppbeat (free for Creators!):Intro License code: V6S3IIRCDBKZA04HOutro License code: E6HIMIAQP22TUA1XQuickfire Chaos Intro License code: 4KHRVTG25QD01LNTQuickfire Chaos Ambience: Arcane AnthemsSupport Danijel Zambo:BandcampSoundcloudSpotify
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Mar 30, 2022 • 58min

Nathan of Reckless Attack

Nathan and the rest of the Reckless Attack podcast burst on the scene mid 2021, and have been gaining momentum since with their amazing audio quality and unique story.Nathan spent many hours thinking about the show, how he wanted it to sound, how he wanted to market it, and more before the first episode was ever published. We talk about what it takes to really launch a quality show, and how to market your work without selling yourself short.Guest Linkshttps://twitter.com/lurzblurbzhttps://linktr.ee/reckless_attackHow Not to DM LinksHow Not to DM LinktreeSponsor LinksGemmed Firefly: Use Code DRAGON for 15% Off!Eclectic ClayPodcastEditors.OnlineVideoEditors.OnlineAffiliate LinksHero ForgeAdventure Dice - Use Code ‘HN2DM’ for 10% off!DM's GuildDriveThru RPGIntro and Outro by Danijel Zambo, Quickfire Chaos Intro by Exekat - from Uppbeat (free for Creators!):Intro License code: V6S3IIRCDBKZA04HOutro License code: E6HIMIAQP22TUA1XQuickfire Chaos Intro License code: 4KHRVTG25QD01LNTQuickfire Chaos Ambience: Arcane AnthemsSupport Danijel Zambo:BandcampSoundcloudSpotify
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Mar 23, 2022 • 56min

Sam Comerford of Roleplaying and Rollplaying

Sam has been creating TTRPG content for a year and a half now, including the podcast Roleplaying and Rollplaying, now in its second season, TTRPG memes, a kickstarter project, and more! The RandR twitter account is well over 27k followers at the time of me recording this intro, which means it’s probably grown more since. Sam has some great tips on the account’s rapid growth, but also how he may have done things differently if he could go back in time. Guest Links http://roleplayingandrollplaying.com/ (Roleplaying and Rollplaying Website) https://twitter.com/RRollplaying (Roleplaying and Rollplaying Twitter) https://twitter.com/SamComerford24 (Sam's Twitter) How Not to DM Links https://linktr.ee/hn2dm (How Not to DM Linktree) Sponsor Links Gemmed Firefly: https://gemmedfirefly.com/collections/dungeon-glitch (https://gemmedfirefly.com/collections/dungeon-glitch) Use Code DRAGON for 15% Off! Affiliate Links https://www.heroforge.com/tap/?ref=hn2dm (Hero Forge)https://adventuredice.ca/ (Adventure Dice - Use Code ‘HN2DM’ for 10% off!) https://www.dmsguild.com/browse.php?affiliate_id=3072629 (DM's Guild) https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse.php?affiliate_id=3072629 (DriveThru RPG) Intro and Outro by Danijel Zambo, Quickfire Chaos Intro by Exekat - from Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/danijel-zambo/stardust (Intro) License code: V6S3IIRCDBKZA04H https://uppbeat.io/t/danijel-zambo/game-over (Outro) License code: E6HIMIAQP22TUA1X https://uppbeat.io/t/exekat/bang (Quickfire Chaos Intro) License code: 4KHRVTG25QD01LNT Quickfire Chaos Ambience: https://www.patreon.com/arcaneanthems (Arcane Anthems) Support Danijel Zambo: https://danijel-zambo.bandcamp.com/ (Bandcamp) http://soundcloud.com/danijel-zambo (Soundcloud) https://open.spotify.com/artist/1ZD9ri2wmZZPL4qs92sXZX (Spotify)
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Mar 16, 2022 • 58min

Joel Kleine, the brain behind Midlife Dices

Joel Kleine, aka Midlife Dices, is one of those people who has a knack for everything he touches! In his past he’s been in bands, was a school teacher for many years, and lately he’s found a knack for making cool stuff for TTRPGs! Joel has written some really creative and useful supplements for your own games about new worlds to use, spell component ideas, spell casting foci ideas, has gotten into character and layout art, and more! Guest Links https://linktr.ee/midlifedices (Midlife Dices Linktree) How Not to DM Links https://linktr.ee/hn2dm (How Not to DM Linktree) Sponsor Links Robot Republic Network - Obeinous Isles Affiliate Links https://www.heroforge.com/tap/?ref=hn2dm (Hero Forge)https://adventuredice.ca/ (Adventure Dice - Use Code ‘HN2DM’ for 10% off!) https://www.dmsguild.com/browse.php?affiliate_id=3072629 (DM's Guild) https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse.php?affiliate_id=3072629 (DriveThru RPG) Intro and Outro by Danijel Zambo, Quickfire Chaos Intro by Exekat - from Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/danijel-zambo/stardust (Intro) License code: V6S3IIRCDBKZA04H https://uppbeat.io/t/danijel-zambo/game-over (Outro) License code: E6HIMIAQP22TUA1X https://uppbeat.io/t/exekat/bang (Quickfire Chaos Intro) License code: 4KHRVTG25QD01LNT Quickfire Chaos Ambience: https://www.patreon.com/arcaneanthems (Arcane Anthems) Support Danijel Zambo: https://danijel-zambo.bandcamp.com/ (Bandcamp) http://soundcloud.com/danijel-zambo (Soundcloud) https://open.spotify.com/artist/1ZD9ri2wmZZPL4qs92sXZX (Spotify)
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Mar 9, 2022 • 1h 1min

James Introcaso from MCDM Productions

James Introcaso is an accomplished game designer, having contributed to seven different official DandD books and a slew of other third party supplements including his current gig as lead designer for Matt Colville’s MCDM Productions. This means he’s got valuable insights into getting into designing games, what it’s like working with some of the best known folks in the industry, and How you can get your foot in the door! Guest Links http://www.jamesintrocaso.com/ (James' Website) https://twitter.com/JamesIntrocaso (James' Twitter) How Not to DM Links https://linktr.ee/hn2dm (How Not to DM Linktree) Sponsor Links https://gemmedfirefly.com/collections/dungeon-glitch (Gemmed Firefly - Use Code DRAGON for 15% Off!) Affiliate Links https://www.heroforge.com/tap/?ref=hn2dm (Hero Forge) https://adventuredice.ca/ (Adventure Dice - Use Code ‘HN2DM’ for 10% off!) https://www.dmsguild.com/browse.php?affiliate_id=3072629 (DM's Guild) https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse.php?affiliate_id=3072629 (DriveThru RPG) Intro and Outro by Danijel Zambo, Quickfire Chaos Intro by Exekat - from Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/danijel-zambo/stardust (Intro) License code: V6S3IIRCDBKZA04H https://uppbeat.io/t/danijel-zambo/game-over (Outro) License code: E6HIMIAQP22TUA1X https://uppbeat.io/t/exekat/bang (Quickfire Chaos Intro) License code: 4KHRVTG25QD01LNT Quickfire Chaos Ambience: https://www.patreon.com/arcaneanthems (Arcane Anthems) Support Danijel Zambo: https://danijel-zambo.bandcamp.com/ (Bandcamp) http://soundcloud.com/danijel-zambo (Soundcloud) https://open.spotify.com/artist/1ZD9ri2wmZZPL4qs92sXZX (Spotify)
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Mar 2, 2022 • 58min

Keith Ammann, Author of "The Monsters Know What They're Doing"

Keith Ammann is the author of the popular DandD 5e blog “The Monsters Know What They’re Doing” which breaks down the stat blocks of all creatures in the monster manual and how you might best use them in combat encounters. The blog’s popularity led to Keith writing a series of books on the subject, including "MOAR! Monsters Know What They're Doing", ”Live to Tell the Tale” for player tactics, and most recently “How to Defend Your Lair”, talking about dungeon, stronghold, and other structures and their purposes and layouts to make your players think strategically. Guest Links https://www.themonstersknow.com/ (The Monsters Know What They're Doing Blog) How Not to DM Links https://linktr.ee/hn2dm (How Not to DM Linktree) Sponsor Links https://gemmedfirefly.com/collections/dungeon-glitch (Gemmed Firefly: Use Code DRAGON for 15% Off!) https://linktr.ee/AmpersandD20 (Ampersand D20 Presents: Homebrew Havoc!) Affiliate Links https://www.heroforge.com/tap/?ref=hn2dm (Hero Forge)https://adventuredice.ca/ (Adventure Dice - Use Code ‘HN2DM’ for 10% off!) https://www.dmsguild.com/browse.php?affiliate_id=3072629 (DM's Guild) https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse.php?affiliate_id=3072629 (DriveThru RPG) Guest Appearances https://linktr.ee/twoscast (Two Weeks One Shot Presents: Mischief Night, a Halloween Special) https://linktr.ee/DMBC (The DM's Book Club) Intro and Outro by Danijel Zambo, Quickfire Chaos Intro by Exekat - from Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/danijel-zambo/stardust (Intro) License code: V6S3IIRCDBKZA04H https://uppbeat.io/t/danijel-zambo/game-over (Outro) License code: E6HIMIAQP22TUA1X https://uppbeat.io/t/exekat/bang (Quickfire Chaos Intro) License code: 4KHRVTG25QD01LNT Quickfire Chaos Ambience: https://www.patreon.com/arcaneanthems (Arcane Anthems) Support Danijel Zambo: https://danijel-zambo.bandcamp.com/ (Bandcamp) http://soundcloud.com/danijel-zambo (Soundcloud) https://open.spotify.com/artist/1ZD9ri2wmZZPL4qs92sXZX (Spotify)
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Feb 23, 2022 • 1h 4min

Lex Bobrow aka TitanomachyRPG, Creator of Caltrop Core!

Lex has been interested in game design since they started playing TTRPGs! After getting started with subclasses and other 5e home brews, they decided to try designing new games, and Caltrop Core was born! Since October, over 100 games and counting have been made on Caltrop Core, including many during Lex's first game jam. To see those games and make your own, check out the links below! Guest Links https://linktr.ee/lxkbw (Lex's Linktree) https://itch.io/c/1922478/caltrop-core-games (Caltrop Core Games (Including DIG) on Itch) Randomizers We Used for Quickfire Chaos https://letsmakeagame.net/story-theme-and-setting-generator/ (Story and Theme Generator) https://www.fantasynamegenerators.com/character-goal-generator.php (Goal Generator) How Not to DM Links https://linktr.ee/hn2dm (How Not to DM Linktree) Sponsor Links https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/icarusgames/class-cheat-sheets-for-5e?ref=project_link (Icarus Games 5e Guides Kickstarter) https://www.twitch.tv/minstrelstale (https://linktr.ee/AmpersandD20) Affiliate Links https://www.heroforge.com/tap/?ref=hn2dm (Hero Forge)https://adventuredice.ca/ (Adventure Dice - Use Code ‘HN2DM’ for 10% off!) https://www.dmsguild.com/browse.php?affiliate_id=3072629 (DM's Guild) https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse.php?affiliate_id=3072629 (DriveThru RPG) Guest Appearances https://linktr.ee/twoscast (Two Weeks One Shot Presents: Mischief Night, a Halloween Special) https://open.spotify.com/episode/4wroCyJw0MVeyjl6kIDJsp?si=ga8-pHNNSIK7BHwTvXMrdgandcontext=spotify%3Ashow%3A3oVaOZPGwRJXGLxdgU1wqeandnd=1 (RAW and Order) https://linktr.ee/DMBC (The DM's Book Club) Intro and Outro by Danijel Zambo, Quickfire Chaos Intro by Exekat - from Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/danijel-zambo/stardust (Intro) License code: V6S3IIRCDBKZA04H https://uppbeat.io/t/danijel-zambo/game-over (Outro) License code: E6HIMIAQP22TUA1X https://uppbeat.io/t/exekat/bang (Quickfire Chaos Intro) License code: 4KHRVTG25QD01LNT Quickfire Chaos Ambience: https://www.patreon.com/arcaneanthems (Arcane Anthems) Support Danijel Zambo: https://danijel-zambo.bandcamp.com/ (Bandcamp) http://soundcloud.com/danijel-zambo (Soundcloud) https://open.spotify.com/artist/1ZD9ri2wmZZPL4qs92sXZX (Spotify)
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Feb 16, 2022 • 1h 3min

Robert Hartley from Viva La Dirt League

Robert has learned a lot about reigning in and redirecting chaos as the DM for Viva La Dirt League's "NPC DandD" game. He's been running games for a few years, and a connection got him in touch with the VLDL crew which has helped him make DandD his full time gig! Robert streams frequently throughout the week, homebrewing content, reading supplements and books about the game, and breaking down his latest session with the VLDL team. He also wrote and directed the "DandD Logic" YouTube series that makes fun of some of the goofier parts of the game. https://www.twitch.tv/roberthartleygm/about (Robert's Patreon, Merch, and more can be found here!) https://www.youtube.com/c/VivaLaDirtLeagueDnD (Viva La Dirt League's DandD Channel) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3atFxtIjYnU (DandD Logic YouTube Supercut) https://linktr.ee/hn2dm (How Not to DM Linktree) Sponsor Links https://gemmedfirefly.com/collections/dungeon-glitch (Gemmed Firefly - Use Code DRAGON for 15% Off!) https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/icarusgames/class-cheat-sheets-for-5e?ref=project_link (https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/icarusgames/class-cheat-sheets-for-5e?ref=project_link) https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/applewhitegames/journey-to-the-center-of-eraegarth-dandd5e-campaign-and-setting/?ref=kicktraq (https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/applewhitegames/journey-to-the-center-of-eraegarth-dandd5e-campaign-and-setting/?ref=kicktraq) https://www.twitch.tv/minstrelstale (https://linktr.ee/AmpersandD20) Affiliate Links https://www.heroforge.com/tap/?ref=hn2dm (Hero Forge) https://adventuredice.ca/ (Adventure Dice - Use Code ‘HN2DM’ for 10% off!) https://www.dmsguild.com/browse.php?affiliate_id=3072629 (DM's Guild) https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse.php?affiliate_id=3072629 (DriveThru RPG) Guest Appearances https://linktr.ee/twoscast (Two Weeks One Shot Presents: Mischief Night, a Halloween Special) https://open.spotify.com/episode/4wroCyJw0MVeyjl6kIDJsp?si=ga8-pHNNSIK7BHwTvXMrdgandcontext=spotify%3Ashow%3A3oVaOZPGwRJXGLxdgU1wqeandnd=1 (RAW and Order) https://linktr.ee/DMBC (The DM's Book Club) Intro and Outro by Danijel Zambo, Quickfire Chaos Intro by Exekat - from Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/danijel-zambo/stardust (Intro) License code: V6S3IIRCDBKZA04H https://uppbeat.io/t/danijel-zambo/game-over (Outro) License code: E6HIMIAQP22TUA1X https://uppbeat.io/t/exekat/bang (Quickfire Chaos Intro) License code: 4KHRVTG25QD01LNT Quickfire Chaos Ambience: https://www.patreon.com/arcaneanthems (Arcane Anthems) Support Danijel Zambo: Bandcamp: https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_descriptionandredir_token=QUFFLUhqbUpsclQ5VjhRaTRpSUp2bXBfVzFWanNHaDJid3xBQ3Jtc0tuYlBYbElUbkpiMjBfRkpEdjJOUDIwYlJYZ0dmOWRSREJ5RmRQY0hTQ0pzVFFsa211a1ZwRHVQaHVneWFxMVBWQVFXTDJiQUxXaXNVbTBScGtXSkZxYnVvRHpxaDNreWU0MFlBbFZjclVjeUJUZ0JZdwandq=http%3A%2F%2Fdanijel-zambo.bandcamp.com%2Falb...%E2%80%8B (https://danijel-zambo.bandcamp.com/) Soundcloud: http://soundcloud.com/danijel-zambo Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1ZD9ri2wmZZPL4qs92sXZX (https://open.spotify.com/artist/1ZD9ri2wmZZPL4qs92sXZX)

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