

Taking 20 Podcast
Taking 20 Podcast
Short, bite-sized RPG advice, tips, and tricks for DMs and players of tabletop role playing games (TTRPG)
Episodes
Mentioned books

May 24, 2020 • 17min
Ep 22 Pt 1 - Roleplaying Your Alignment
Alignment - the much-maligned aspect of many modern RPG systems. In Part 1, Jeremy discusses his theory on alignment, when it matters, and tips for roleplaying Lawful Good, Neutral Good, Chaotic Good, Lawful Neutral and True Neutral characters. Part 2 will release on Wednesday this week.
Agree or disagree with any of these points? Email me at feedback@taking20podcast.com. I'd love to hear from you!
Resources:
https://mykindofmeeple.com/role-playing-games/dungeons-and-dragons/
In depth alignment discussion: http://easydamus.com/alignment.html
Matthew Colville Alignment video in the Running the Game series: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DgPhiLBW7jo

May 17, 2020 • 12min
Ep 21 - Homebrew 101 - Ghoulash
Dive into the whimsical world of homebrewing in tabletop games! Discover creative ways to involve players in world-building and learn about the intriguing 3 Hex method. Explore how to balance new mechanics in Pathfinder without letting power creep ruin your game. Hear tips on incorporating feedback and the significance of playtesting to refine your homebrew content. Join in for a light-hearted discussion that stirs up a cauldron of ideas for your next gaming session!

May 10, 2020 • 16min
Ep 20 - Homebrew 101 - World Design
This episode of full of questions. What do you need to ask yourself when making a world? What decisions are potential pitfalls? What does the world buidling subreddit have to do with any of this? Why is Jeremy still asking questions?
Resources
Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America World Building Questions

May 3, 2020 • 18min
Ep 19 - Homebrew 101 - The 5 Room Dungeon
"Hey, what's in that cave over there?" An innocent question that can make a DM sweat. You didn't prepare a cave dungeon. Not to worry, my friend. Thanks to John Fourr over at RolePlayingTips.com, you can whip up a 5 Room Dungeon on the fly that will make your players giggle with delight and they'll have no idea you were making it up as you go.
Resources
Johnn Four's Roleplaying Tips

Apr 26, 2020 • 14min
Ep 18 - Homebrew 101 - The 3 Act Structure
Everything you didn't want to know about the 3 Act Structure and why Jeremy loves it so much! He discusses how to frame an entire plot around this useful story framework, the action that takes place, and what signifies the transition points from one act to the next.
Send us some feedback at feedback@taking20podcast.com!

Apr 19, 2020 • 17min
Ep 17 - Homebrew 101 - Basics of Plot & Story
Dive into the world of storytelling with insights on essential plot structures like Freytag's Pyramid and the three-act model. Discover how to craft compelling narratives using frameworks like the hero's journey. Explore the importance of strong villains and central ideas while adapting stories for different audiences. Plus, enjoy a lighthearted rant on the perennial favorite, Romeo and Juliet! Perfect for aspiring homebrewers looking to enhance their role-playing game narratives.

Apr 12, 2020 • 14min
Ep 16 - Homebrew 101 - Random Tables and Generators Are Your Friend
In this week's episode, Jeremy talks about embracing low-prep or even no-prep game mastering. He uses offline and online generators to generate a brief sci-fi one-shot idea.
Books:
Book of Random Tables
Book of Random Tables 2
Book of Random Tables 3
Book of Random Tables 4
Dungeons for the Master
The No-Prep Gamemaster
The Lazy Dungeon Master
The Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
Table Fables
Table Fables II
Websites:
donjon.bin.sh
tvtropes.org/pmwiki/storygen.php
chaoticshiny.com

Apr 5, 2020 • 18min
Ep 15 - Homebrew 101 - Sources for Plot Ideas
This episode starts a series for GMs about Homebrewing adventures. We cover borrowing plots from mythology, music, movies, and other media. He talks about adding organizations with earth analogies. Finally, he demonstrates the techniques by making an adventure based on The DaVinci Code and the movie Megamind.

Mar 29, 2020 • 17min
Ep 14 - Personality Types at the Table
We all play RPGs in different ways and for different reasons. How can you, kind GM, juggle these different personality types and goals into a cohesive gaming group? Are there personality types that aren't conducive to good gaming? Can Jeremy write one of these not in the 3rd person that doesn't ask questions?

Mar 25, 2020 • 16min
Ep 13 - Your Players Are Your Game
Scared of the Number 13? Don't be. On this episode, Jeremy talks about the critical relationship between a GM and players and how communication is key. He also talks about some techniques GM can employ to make the players and their characters feel important and part of the greater game world.