Panda's Talking Games

Show us how you handle starting a game that’s lost it’s shine…or should you? Phil and Senda talk communication with your players and ways to approach a game that’s lost its shine between when you recommended it and when you actually start running it. ALSO! We will be on vacation next week — see you the week after! Bamboo Lounge for Patreon backers today! Find these and more at http://patreon.com/mmp. Find us on the internet or drop us a topic on our linktree: https://polygamero.us/panda

Show us how you avoid manipulating your players via NPC/GMPC (GMC)! Phil and Senda talk the actual question from last week: how to avoid unconscious (or conscious) bias in using your NPCs to communicate with your PCs! Bamboo Lounge for Patreon backers today! Find these and more at http://patreon.com/mmp. Find us on the internet or drop us a topic on our linktree: https://polygamero.us/panda

Show us how you try new or risky ideas at the table! Phil and Senda tackle a single question that turns into two parts (so come back next week for the rest of the discussion). For this week: we dissect our frequent saying “Don’t Be Clever” with some better nuance, from the perspective that if you always play safe and never try anything new, you’ll never learn or grow as a GM. What is your experience with experimentation vs. being clever? Bamboo Lounge for Patreon backers today! Find these and more at http://patreon.com/mmp. Find us on the internet or drop us a topic on our linktree: https://polygamero.us/panda

Show us how you handle mid-game check ins! Phil and Senda talk checkins: after session, four sessions in, going into a new arc, going into the end game, and when something goes wrong. Bamboo Lounge for Patreon backers today! Find these and more at http://patreon.com/mmp. Find us on the internet or drop us a topic on our linktree: https://polygamero.us/panda

‘Show us how you rebuild your game prep strategy when life throws you a curveball! Phil and Senda talk through Phil’s updated free time reality, how that’s been impacting his gaming, and what his new plan is to resolve it. There will be no episode next week, so we’ll see you again on July 16! Bamboo Lounge for Patreon backers today! Find these and more at http://patreon.com/mmp. Find us on the internet or drop us a topic on our linktree: https://polygamero.us/panda

Show us what three things are most important for a new GM to learn! Phil and Senda talk through what we think — do you agree? Bamboo Lounge for Patreon backers today! Find these and more at http://patreon.com/mmp. Find us on the internet or drop us a topic on our linktree: https://polygamero.us/panda

Show us what you want from a rulebook! Phil and Senda tackle a question about what we most want to see in a rule book, for running a game or for potentially purchasing a game. Bamboo Lounge for Patreon backers today! Find these and more at http://patreon.com/mmp. Find us on the internet or drop us a topic on our linktree: https://polygamero.us/panda

Show us how you create an engaging core loop — as another part of your setting creation! Phil and Senda talk core loops and how they drive investment and character creation, and also how to get people attached to the setting at a micro level instead of a macro level. Bamboo Lounge for Patreon backers today! Find these and more at http://patreon.com/mmp. Find us on the internet or drop us a topic on our linktree: https://polygamero.us/panda

Show us how you handle facilitation and collaboration at the table…and specifically, how do you make sure everyone stays involved! Phil and Senda are pretty passionate about this because it’s part of both their hobby and their respective day jobs! References: Divergent/convergent thinking for brain storming Psychological safety Soft Skills on the Misdirected Mark podcast: https://polygamero.us/mmp-classic-episode-143-lets-be-candid-and-other-soft-skills/ Bamboo Lounge for Patreon backers today! Find these and more at http://patreon.com/mmp. Find us on the internet or drop us a topic on our linktree: https://polygamero.us/panda

Show us how you manage players missing games! Phil and Senda talk about what you may need to take into consideration, including length of absence, how key that character is to the story, etc. Bamboo Lounge for Patreon backers today! Find these and more at http://patreon.com/mmp. Find us on the internet or drop us a topic on our linktree: https://polygamero.us/panda