Critical Fails

In this episode we discuss the variety of ways you can generate stats for your characters as well as the pros and cons of each. Riveting stuff, I know.     Produced by Leisure Illuminati

In this episode we discuss why most D&D games take a medieval inspired setting and how we can change it up.   Produced by Leisure Illuminati

This week we sit down with Tyler from RPGBot again as James was not feeling well. We discuss multiclassing and all the ways we can abuse it. Apologies for the rough audio on our end. Technology is a harsh mistress.   Produced by Leisure Illuminati  

In this episode we talk about languages and how they are used, both effectively and just terribly.   Produced by Leisure Illuminati  

In this episode we talk about dealing with minmaxers in your party with special guest Tyler from RPGBot!   Check him out here: https://rpgbot.net/dnd5/ And give their podcast a listen here: https://rpgbot.net/podcast/   Produced by Leisure Illuminati

Why are poisons in 5e so dull?! WE try and solve that problem cause we are not in any way psychopathic.   Music Used: Title Theme: Tavern by PeriTune https://soundcloud.com/sei_peridot   Music from https://filmmusic.io: "Folk Round" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com)    Follow us on twitter: @Crit_Fails

In this episode we discuss the finer points of introducing a new character to the group.   Music Used: Title Theme: Tavern by PeriTune https://soundcloud.com/sei_peridot   Music from https://filmmusic.io: "Folk Round" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com)    Follow us on twitter: @Crit_Fails

In this episode we discuss how to use charisma checks effectively and why they are so weird in 5e. Also we do Classifieds: Evil Billionaire edition.   Music Used: Title Theme: Tavern by PeriTune https://soundcloud.com/sei_peridot   Music from https://filmmusic.io: "Folk Round" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com)    Follow us on twitter: @Crit_Fails

In this episode we discuss how LESSER RESTORATION RUINS EVERYTHING. (And diseases too I guess). And the return of a new Character Corner segment!   Music Used: Title Theme: Tavern by PeriTune https://soundcloud.com/sei_peridot   Music from https://filmmusic.io: "Folk Round" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com)    Follow us on twitter: @Crit_Fails

In this episode we discuss the ways in which to effectively run player factions or whether you should at all. Plus Campaign of Mystery shenanigans.   Music Used: Title Theme: Tavern by PeriTune https://soundcloud.com/sei_peridot   Music from https://filmmusic.io: "Folk Round" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com)    Follow us on twitter: @Crit_Fails

In this week's episode we discuss the finer points of insight and how maybe we can use it better or differently. Apologies for my sounding like i'm in a tin can.   Music Used: Title Theme: Tavern by PeriTune https://soundcloud.com/sei_peridot   Music from https://filmmusic.io: "Folk Round" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com)    Follow us on twitter: @Crit_Fails

We're back! After a long hiatus we have returned with more episodes. Apologies for the long break. Moving to a new place and getting settled with work and everything can sometimes get in the way. In this episode we discuss celestials, fitting since me and Colby are now in the City of Angels!

In this episode we discuss the different kinds of undead and how we used them in our games. Also Colby digs up another homebrew race off dandwiki. Happy 2021! Music Used:Title Theme:Tavern by PeriTunehttps://soundcloud.com/sei_peridot Music from https://filmmusic.io:"Folk Round" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com)  Follow us on twitter: @Crit_Fails

In this episode we discuss the finer points of running mass combats and how to (not) do them effectively. Music Used:Title Theme:Tavern by PeriTunehttps://soundcloud.com/sei_peridot Music from https://filmmusic.io:"Folk Round" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com)  Follow us on twitter: @Crit_Fails

In this episode we discuss how to handle when your players breeze through a seemingly challenging encouter and other fun tidbits with the one and only Caldwell Tanner from NaDDpod! (I know I can't believe it either). Music Used:Title Theme:Tavern by PeriTunehttps://soundcloud.com/sei_peridot Music from https://filmmusic.io:"Folk Round" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com)  Follow us on twitter: @Crit_Fails

In this episode, we bring back our old friend Matt for a look at our first sessions we ever ran and what we learned from them.  Music Used:Title Theme:Tavern by PeriTunehttps://soundcloud.com/sei_peridot Music from https://filmmusic.io:"Folk Round" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com)  Follow us on twitter: @Crit_Fails

In this special episode we discuss the use and abuse of wishes with our special guest Runesmith! please check out his youtube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCweFJojRAFuxyYxe4KHL8vw Music Used:Title Theme:Tavern by PeriTunehttps://soundcloud.com/sei_peridot Music from https://filmmusic.io:"Folk Round" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com)  Follow us on twitter: @Crit_Fails 

In this episode we discuss running small games for one or two people and the challenges such games present. Featuring the amazing B. Dave Walters! Somehow! Is this real life? Thanks again Dave, was a lot of fun! Music Used:Title Theme:Tavern by PeriTunehttps://soundcloud.com/sei_peridot Music from https://filmmusic.io:"Folk Round" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com)  

In this episode we discuss DM biases and how to avoid or embrace them in your games. Apologies for the bad audio on this one, James' mic broke and had to use his computer mic which picked up mine and Colby's voices a bit. I did my best to edit around it. Thanks for understanding and next episode should have better quality! Music Used:Title Theme:Tavern by PeriTunehttps://soundcloud.com/sei_peridot Music from https://filmmusic.io:"Folk Round" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com)  Follow us on twitter: @Crit_Fails 

In today's episode we discuss the finer points of leveling up your party and how to fail spectacularly. Featuring special guest Feltheleb! Please check out his wonderful youtube channel at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRgerkcASDuOL0dU_hY3LEg Music Used:Title Theme:Tavern by PeriTunehttps://soundcloud.com/sei_peridot Music from https://filmmusic.io:"Folk Round" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com)  Follow us on twitter: @Crit_Fails 

In this episode we discuss the problems and advantages of the 5e initiative system and suggest possible alternatives.You can find the rules to griffyglyph's active intiative system that we discuss here:https://giffyglyph.com/darkerdungeons/rules/active_initiative.html Music Used:Title Theme:Tavern by PeriTunehttps://soundcloud.com/sei_peridot Music from https://filmmusic.io:"Folk Round" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com)  Follow us on twitter: @Crit_Fails

In this episode we discuss the use of so called "DM Magic". What is it and is it ok to use it? Also Colby gets a nasty surprise. Music Used:Title Theme:Tavern by PeriTunehttps://soundcloud.com/sei_peridot Music from https://filmmusic.io:"Folk Round" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) 

In this episode we discuss the ACTUAL rules of stealth and hiding in D&D that you may have missed as well as the finer points of player vs player scenarios.  Music Used:Title Theme:Tavern by PeriTunehttps://soundcloud.com/sei_peridot Music from https://filmmusic.io:"Folk Round" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com)  Follow us on twitter: @Crit_Fails

In this episode we discuss the ins and outs of puzzle and trap design as well as the numerous pitfalls you can fall into. (see what I did there?) Music Used:Title Theme:Tavern by PeriTunehttps://soundcloud.com/sei_peridot Music from https://filmmusic.io:"Folk Round" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com)  Follow us on twitter: @Crit_Fails

In this special episode, me and Colby look back at our games that died and discuss what we learned from them. Join us for our first special fireside chat. It's unscripted, unplanned, and unfiltered.  Beat Provided By https://freebeats.io Produced By White Hot Follow us on twitter @Crit_Fails

In this episode we discuss the ins and outs of DM burnout, what cause it and how to fix it? Music Used:Title Theme:Tavern by PeriTunehttps://soundcloud.com/sei_peridot Music from https://filmmusic.io:"Folk Round" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com)  Follow us on twitter: @Crit_Fails

In this episode we discuss environmental storytelling, no not telling stories to save the environment but telling a story through atmosphere and the environment itself. Also, trigger warning (suicide) at around the 38 minute mark. (also potential spoilers for the movie serenity)Music Used:Title Theme:Tavern by PeriTunehttps://soundcloud.com/sei_peridot Music from https://filmmusic.io:"Folk Round" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com)  Follow us on twitter: @Crit_Fails

In this episode we discuss the finer points of homebrewing your own magic systems as well as answering some of your questions off twitter!Music Used:Title Theme:Tavern by PeriTunehttps://soundcloud.com/sei_peridot Music from https://filmmusic.io:"Folk Round" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com)  Follow us on twitter: @Crit_Fails 

In this episode we discuss how to smoothly transition into an encounter as well as sleep deprivation! Music Used:Title Theme:Tavern by PeriTunehttps://soundcloud.com/sei_peridot Music from https://filmmusic.io:"Folk Round" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com)  Follow us on twitter: @Crit_Fails 

In this episode we discuss the nuances of evil in D&D settings and also the nature of eating? Possible spoilers for Avatar: The Last Airbender and the Stormlight ArchiveMusic Used:Title Theme:Tavern by PeriTunehttps://soundcloud.com/sei_peridot Music from https://filmmusic.io:"Folk Round" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) 

In this episode we take a deep dive into the lore of Yuan-ti and why they are such fascinating creatures. Apologies for the late post, technical difficulties.Music Used:Title Theme:Tavern by PeriTunehttps://soundcloud.com/sei_peridot Music from https://filmmusic.io:"Folk Round" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) 

Today we talk about approaching d&d from a video game mindset, with special guest Arcane Forge! Check him out at: https://www.youtube.com/arcaneforge Music Used:Title Theme:Tavern by PeriTunehttps://soundcloud.com/sei_peridot Music from https://filmmusic.io:"Folk Round" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) 

In these trying times, our clerics are our most important asset. In this episode we take a look at healing magic and examine another homebrew race guaranteed to give James nightmares. Stay healthy, stay safe and wash your hands! Music Used:Title Theme:Tavern by PeriTunehttps://soundcloud.com/sei_peridot Music from https://filmmusic.io:"Folk Round" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) 

In this episode we discuss finding your dm voice and we answer our FIRST fan submitted question!Music Used:Title Theme:Tavern by PeriTunehttps://soundcloud.com/sei_peridot Music from https://filmmusic.io:"Folk Round" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) 

In this episode we talk about over preparing vs under preparing sessions and campaigns. And we take a look at some interesting (horrifying) homebrews! Music Used:Title Theme:Tavern by PeriTunehttps://soundcloud.com/sei_peridot Music from https://filmmusic.io:"Folk Round" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com)  

In this episode we talk about constructing and running an effective mystery (or fail miserably). Also Colby shakes things up with a brand new segment! Music Used:Title Theme:Tavern by PeriTunehttps://soundcloud.com/sei_peridot Music from https://filmmusic.io:"Folk Round" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com)

In this very festive holiday episode, we discuss our favorite characters we've played and approaches to creating pantheons. Happy holidays and see you all next year!Music Used:Title Theme:Tavern by PeriTunehttps://soundcloud.com/sei_peridot Music from https://filmmusic.io:"Folk Round" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com)

In this week's episode we discuss the different ways of governing rules. Specifically, rules as written, rules as intended and rule of cool.  Music Used:Title Theme:Tavern by PeriTunehttps://soundcloud.com/sei_peridot Music from https://filmmusic.io:"Folk Round" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com)

In this week's episode we talk ways to improve intelligence (the stat, not your IQ) and how to use resting effectively. Music Used:Title Theme:Tavern by PeriTunehttps://soundcloud.com/sei_peridot Music from https://filmmusic.io:"Folk Round" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com)

In this week's episode we discuss good and bad homebrew and how to tell the difference. Plus classifying "celebrity" DMs! Music Used:Title Theme:Tavern by PeriTunehttps://soundcloud.com/sei_peridot Music from https://filmmusic.io:"Folk Round" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com)

In this episode, we discuss the finer points of roleplaying your ability scores effectively or whether you even should. (Apologies for the delay, life got in the way. From now on we will be releasing on a biweekly basis.) Music Used:Title Theme:Tavern by PeriTunehttps://soundcloud.com/sei_peridot Music from https://filmmusic.io:"Folk Round" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com)

In this episode we discuss when to say no to players (and sometimes when to say yes) and we finally abandon this dumb naming convention. Music Used:Title Theme:Tavern by PeriTunehttps://soundcloud.com/sei_peridot Music from https://filmmusic.io:"Folk Round" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com)

In this episode, we discuss the origins of our failures and whether party composition matters. (Sorry about the weird recording jitters in places) Music Used:Title Theme:Tavern by PeriTunehttps://soundcloud.com/sei_peridot Music from https://filmmusic.io:"Folk Round" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com)  

In this episode we discuss the concept of unwinnable fights and how to run them (or if it's even a good idea). With special guest Matt Chavis (He's a dude we know)Music Used:Title Theme:Tavern by PeriTunehttps://soundcloud.com/sei_peridot Music from https://filmmusic.io:"Folk Round" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com)

In this episode, we discuss Bards and why their magic source is something of a conundrum. Music Used:Title Theme:Tavern by PeriTunehttps://soundcloud.com/sei_peridot Music from https://filmmusic.io:"Folk Round" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) 

In this episode, we discuss the finer points of world building and argue the semantics of top-down vs bottom-up (and whether or not those are stupid terms). Music Used:Title Theme:Tavern by PeriTunehttps://soundcloud.com/sei_peridot Music from https://filmmusic.io:"Folk Round" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com)

In this episode, we discuss how (not) to handle player character death. (That's player character death, not player death) Music Used:Title Theme:Tavern by PeriTunehttps://soundcloud.com/sei_peridot Music from https://filmmusic.io:"Folk Round" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com)

In this episode, we discuss what to (not) do when your players skip content you've worked really hard on. Also, the debut of our new Character Corner segment! Music Used:Title Theme:Tavern by PeriTunehttps://soundcloud.com/sei_peridot Music from https://filmmusic.io:"Teddy Bear Waltz" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com)"Folk Round" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com)

In this episode we discuss how to pull off effective plot twists and reveals. Also enjoy the official debut of our new segment: "Campaign of Mystery" Music Used:Title Theme:Tavern by PeriTunehttps://soundcloud.com/sei_peridot Music from https://filmmusic.io:"Teddy Bear Waltz" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com)"Folk Round" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com)

In this episode, we discuss the finer points of how to create encounters your party isn't used to handling and how to try (and fail) to run effective boss fights. Music Used:Title Theme:Tavern by PeriTunehttps://soundcloud.com/sei_peridot Music from https://filmmusic.io:"Zanzibar" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com)"Folk Round" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com)

In this episode we discuss the merits of combat balance (as well as the drawbacks) and how many players is too many?Music Used:Title Theme:Tavern by PeriTunehttps://soundcloud.com/sei_peridot Music from https://filmmusic.io:"Zanzibar" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com)"Cheery Monday" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com)"Folk Round" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com)