Taking 20 Podcast

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

DMs, whether we realize it or not manipulate our players sometimes multiple times a session.  What does that mean, though to manipulate the players?  Is it a good thing?  Tune in to find out. #dnd #5e #pf2e #dmtips #gmtips #manipulation Resources: Bonus Action - Hacks DMs Use to Manipulate Players - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bokYGJPyKlI

There’s nothing wrong with an adventuring party full of humans, gnomes, dwarves, and the like.  But sometimes the campaign calls for or the player wants to play something a little different like a hobgoblin, merfolk, or even a troll.  How do you handle these situations?  In this episode I give you some tips as well as briefly review the new Paizo book Howl of the Wild.   Resources: Rules Lawyer Howl of the Wild Review - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=olNDUmF_41o 5e Trolls - https://www.dndbeyond.com/monsters/17040-troll  Ron Lundeen - Pathfinder 2e ancestry build tips - https://www.runamokgames.com/design-diary/the-pathfinder-ancestry-checklist

Lore can be doled out in small measures any number of ways at your table from dreams to treasure, holidays to PC backstories.  I hope the last two weeks have made you think about how you use lore in your worlds.   #dmtips #gmtips #dnd #pf2e #5e #lore   Resources: Matt Colville - Lore Delivery Systems - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3tBXnD9g0XY  Sly Flourish - Bathe Your World in Lore - https://slyflourish.com/bathe_your_world_in_lore.html Alphastream - Make Lore Actionable - https://alphastream.org/index.php/2022/06/02/your-games-lore-make-it-actionable/

Lore, like so many other aspects to our game can be as present or absent as you would like it to be.  Lore makes your world richer and deeper but how do you reveal it to your players?  Tune in and find out.   #dnd #pf2e #dmtips #gmtips #lore Resources: Matt Colville - Lore Delivery Systems - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3tBXnD9g0XY  Sly Flourish - Bathe Your World in Lore - https://slyflourish.com/bathe_your_world_in_lore.html Alphastream - Make Lore Actionable - https://alphastream.org/index.php/2022/06/02/your-games-lore-make-it-actionable/

Delve into the world of Aboleths and Algholthu, ancient amphibious creatures with a god complex. Learn about their strategic tactics, deceptive abilities, and sinister presence in combat. Explore their psionic mastery, use of thralls, and transformative traits. Uncover their history, hatred towards gods, and role as rulers before being overthrown.