Taking 20 Podcast

Running long campaigns requires a different focus than running short adventures or one shots.  Each has their own challenges but trying to run one the same way you run the other will lead to burnout or a disastrous disconnected adventure.  In this episode I discuss the difference between these two types of adventures and how GMs must change their tactics to maximize their chance to run a successful game.   #pf2e #Pathfinder #gmtips #dmtips #dnd #campaigns Resources: Roll 4 Initiative - Digital or Physical? Best Ways to Take Notes in D&D https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6bJepWSFoxg Roll 4 Initiative - GM Diary - Note Taking https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PZIMf4r_PM8 Roll 4 Initiative - Note-Taking Tips for TTRPG Players https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vhocTIb58hM

Sometimes the hardest monster to defeat in RPGs is the calendar.  It’s hard to schedule games when the real world gets in the way.  In this episode I give you some tips and some decisions you can make ahead of time to make it more likely that you’ll get to the gaming table   #pf2e #Pathfinder #gmtips #dmtips #dnd #scheduling   Resources: Reddit post from 2018 from /u/iamnotasloth:  https://www.reddit.com/r/rpg/comments/b1h1f2/how_to_fit_rpgs_into_your_schedule_as_an_adult/   Morris’ Unofficial Tabletop RPG Talk, episode #273 https://morrus.podbean.com/e/273-the-lostigistics-of-organizing-an-rpg-game/

Villains can be simple and driven by basic desires like power or money but I believe villains are better when they have understandable motivations and backstory.  In this episode I talk about some examples of villains and why they became what they are.   #pf2e #Pathfinder #gmtips #dmtips #dnd #villains

Our characters are good at certain things:  probably stabbing stuff, identifying magic items, discerning which berries are safe to eat and which ones will make you obliterate your large intestine.  Meanwhile our players are probably good at making characters, wiping out a bowl of popcorn and making fart jokes.  In this episode I encourage DMs to remember the difference between players and characters and not to punish characters for a player’s shortcomings.   #pf2e #Pathfinder #gmtips #dmtips #dnd

The Pathfinder 2e Player Core 2 book released August 1st.  There’s a lot of information  contained within these 322 pages but, is the information useful?  Should you go out and buy it?  Tune in to find out.   #pf2e #Pathfinder #gmtips #PlayerCore2   Resources: The Rules Lawyer:  https://www.youtube.com/@TheRulesLawyerRPG Bad Luck Gamer:  https://www.youtube.com/@theebadluckgamer 

Explore the art of extending tabletop adventures when the official story ends. Discover tips for Game Masters to enhance character arcs and keep players engaged. Learn how to navigate challenges with homebrewing and boost narrative continuity through foreshadowing. Delve into techniques for reusing existing plot elements while introducing fresh content. Gain insights on crafting interconnected stories that resonate across gaming sessions. With a mix of practical advice and humor, this discussion offers a treasure trove for any tabletop enthusiast.

Discover the intriguing parallels between theater performances and tabletop gaming. The conversation dives into the practicality and benefits of using pre-made adventures, highlighting their accessibility and financial advantages. Gain insights on effective preparation techniques, from identifying key plot points to organizing notes. Learn how streamlining preparation with ready-made modules can elevate your gaming experience and keep sessions engaging without the stress of overwhelming details.

There are similarities between delivering a performance at a theater and running a game whether online or in person.  In this episode I’ll tell you what lessons I learned on and behind the stage that can be applied to your tabletop game.   #pf2e #dnd #dmtips #gmtips   Resources: Episode 187 - Imposter Syndrome - https://taking20.podbean.com/e/ep-187-short-imposter-syndrome/ Episode 26 - Basics of Improv - https://taking20.podbean.com/e/ep-26-basics-of-improv-and-how-it-helps-you-be-a-better-gm-and-player/

Wandering monsters have been around since the very earliest days of D&D.  Their usage has waxed and waned through the years as the editions have come out but they still could have a strong purpose in your game as long as you use them correctly.   #dnd #5e #pf2e #dmtips #gmtips #WanderingMonsters   Resources: Wandering Monsters Suck:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eNgn3rxLPP0

We GMs have to generate a lot about the world from the grand multiverse and pantheons of gods to what Typhon the baker looks like and their foibles.  Sometimes players will have great ideas about their character, the world they live in and maybe even larger topics like names of towns and nations.  In this episode I encourage my DMs to listen to player ideas about the game and how it’s played and incorporate them whenever possible.   #dnd #5e #pf2e #dmtips #gmtips #RPGplayers