Critical Fails

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Critical Fails is a humorous talk show where a game designer, a writer and a teacher discuss Dungeons & Dragons and all the glorious ways we've failed miserably while game mastering.

Critical Fails


    • Nov 14, 2021 LATEST EPISODE
    • monthly NEW EPISODES
    • 58m AVG DURATION
    • 52 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Critical Fails

    Ep 51 Stat Generation

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 14, 2021 56:00


    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

    Ep 50 Non-Medieval Settings

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 29, 2021 55:12


    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

    Ep 49 Multiclassing (Feat. RPGBot)

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 16, 2021 60:33


    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  

    Ep 48 Languages

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 17, 2021 52:29


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

    Ep 47 Min Maxed (Feat. RPGBot)

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 4, 2021 58:18


    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

    Ep 46 Poison

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 21, 2021 51:42


    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

    Ep 45 Character Introductions

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 7, 2021 54:46


    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

    Ep 44 Charisma Checks

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 24, 2021 50:29


    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

    Ep 43 Lesser Restoration

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 16, 2021 57:52


    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

    Ep 42 Factions

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 3, 2021 56:39


    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

    Ep 41 Insight

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 25, 2021 63:19


    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

    Ep 40: Celestials

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 19, 2021 56:06


    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!

    Ep 39 Undead

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 15, 2021 54:11


    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

    Ep 38 Mass Combat

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 11, 2020 61:55


    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

    Ep 37 Getting Whomped (Feat. Caldwell Tanner)

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 27, 2020 63:28


    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

    Ep 36 First Sessions

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 20, 2020 60:10


    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

    Ep 35 Wishes (Feat. Runesmith)

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 12, 2020 61:43


    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 

    Ep 34 Small Games (Feat. B. Dave Walters)

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 29, 2020 59:19


    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)  

    Ep 33 DM Biases

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 23, 2020 57:21


    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 

    Ep 32 Leveling up (Feat. Feltheleb)

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 8, 2020 70:41


    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 

    Ep 31 Initiative

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 17, 2020 67:41


    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

    Ep 30 DM Magic

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 4, 2020 61:46


    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) 

    Ep 29 PvP and Hiding

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 20, 2020 63:07


    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

    Ep 28 Puzzles & Traps

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 8, 2020 59:40


    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

    Fireside Chat Special: Funeral for Dead Games

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 30, 2020 63:51


    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

    Ep 27 DM Burnout

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 10, 2020 61:32


    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

    Ep 26 Environmental Storytelling

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 26, 2020 63:39


    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

    kevin macleod folk round environmental storytelling
    Ep 25 Magic Systems

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 11, 2020 58:32


    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 

    Ep 24 Rolling for Initiative

    Play Episode Listen Later May 21, 2020 61:02


    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 

    Ep 23 The Nature of Evil and Eating

    Play Episode Listen Later May 7, 2020 62:13


    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) 

    Ep 22 Yuan-ti

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 24, 2020 60:22


    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) 

    Ep 21 Game Think

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 9, 2020 72:03


    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) 

    Ep 20 Healing

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 26, 2020 56:14


    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) 

    Ep 19 Finding Your Voice

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 12, 2020 56:00


    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) 

    Ep 18 Preparation

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 27, 2020 55:18


    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)  

    Ep 17 Mysteries

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 13, 2020 59:09


    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)

    Ep 16 Pantheons

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2019 64:39


    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)

    Ep 15 Rules Talk

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 5, 2019 60:35


    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)

    Ep 14 Intelligence and Resting

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 21, 2019 63:02


    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)

    Ep 13 Homebrew

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 7, 2019 63:37


    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)

    Ep 12 Playing Your Character's Stats

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 17, 2019 62:48


    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)

    Ep. 11 When to Say No (And Yes)

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 19, 2019 62:31


    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)

    Ep 10 Of First Sessions and Party Composition

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 4, 2019 49:46


    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)  

    Episode 9: Of Unwinnable Fights

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 24, 2019 60:25


    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)

    Episode 8: Of Bards and Magic

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 9, 2019 60:40


    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) 

    Episode 7: Of World Building

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 1, 2019 57:43


    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)

    Episode 6: Of Player Character Death

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 25, 2019 54:11


    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)

    Episode 5: Of Missed Content

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 16, 2019 56:16


    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)

    Episode 4: Of Convincing Plot Twists

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 9, 2019 57:06


    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)

    Episode 3: Of Nontraditional Encounters and Boss Fights

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 2, 2019 54:54


    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)

    Episode 2: Of Balance and Party Size

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 24, 2019 47:00


    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)

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