Storyteller Conclave

All things must come to an end. After 5 years and more than 260 episodes Sara and Rob are stepping away from the microphones and putting down their headsets. This episode wraps up the culmination of their efforts to bring more narrative nuance, reviews of different systems, and fresh perspectives on ttrpg topics. So listen in as they bid a fond farewell to their listeners. From Rob and Sara: Farewell, friends Thank you for joining us for Storyteller Conclave - a show we sincerely hope helped you run the best tabletop roleplaying game you can - whether you were a new storyteller or dungeon master learning the craft, or an experienced Storyteller looking to take your game to the next level… I'm Sara I'm Rob Saying goodnight, we love you all, and may your stories be memorable for all at your tables. Listen to us on your favorite device! Or Amazon Audible Find us on Twitter (@st_conclave) – Instagram (st_conclave) Support the show by joining our Patreon : https://www.patreon.com/StorytellerConclave Please join us on Discord, to submit questions for the show, chat with Rob, Sara, and other Storytellers, and read over the detailed show-notes for more information and links to stuff we may not have been able to detail during the show! Discord : https://t.co/7H8p1lGYqG Or find our older episodes at Https://Storytellerconclave.com

For the last 5 years of the show we have had a lot of game systems, themes, and stories that we have thought about running. Tonight Sara and Rob will discuss what games they are looking to run, what interests them about it, and what their challenges might be. Listen to us live, every Wednesday night at 7pm EST, at http://www.mixlr.com/storyteller-conclave. Listen to us on your favorite device! Or Amazon Audible Find us on Twitter (@st_conclave) – Instagram (st_conclave) Support the show by joining our Patreon : https://www.patreon.com/StorytellerConclave Please join us on Discord, to submit questions for the show, chat with Rob, Sara, and other Storytellers, and read over the detailed show-notes for more information and links to stuff we may not have been able to detail during the show! Discord : https://t.co/7H8p1lGYqG Or find our older episodes at Https://Storytellerconclave.com

This week we polled our discord for their "hot takes" on things in the TTRPG world. This could be anything from system design, acceptance of rules, homebrew, anything at all. And we were delighted by the number of responses we received. Sara and I are thrilled to go through each and everyone one, and either stand fast with you or plunge a dagger of detest in your opinions cold dead heart. After all "we have a microphone and you don't". In all seriousness, we support and encourage our community opinions and ideas. Everyone's table and storytelling style is different. So come listen to how the other half lives, plays, and their "hot takes"   Listen to us live, every Wednesday night at 7pm EST, at http://www.mixlr.com/storyteller-conclave. Listen to us on your favorite device! Or Amazon Audible Find us on Twitter (@st_conclave) – Instagram (st_conclave) Support the show by joining our Patreon : https://www.patreon.com/StorytellerConclave Please join us on Discord, to submit questions for the show, chat with Rob, Sara, and other Storytellers, and read over the detailed show-notes for more information and links to stuff we may not have been able to detail during the show! Discord : https://t.co/7H8p1lGYqG Or find our older episodes at Https://Storytellerconclave.com

TTRPGs often have their own lexicon of terms we need to learn to engage with the game, with terms like "THAC0" and "Benny" to describe the mechanics. The in-game world can often have unique terms as well, with "Netrunners sporting some preem chrome" instead of "Hackers with excellent cyberware" This week, Sara & Rob discuss the unique lingo tossed around at the table, and how to use it to make games more immersive, while still being accessible. Listen to us live, every Wednesday night at 7pm EST, at http://www.mixlr.com/storyteller-conclave. Listen to us on your favorite device! Or Amazon Audible Find us on Twitter (@st_conclave) – Instagram (st_conclave) Support the show by joining our Patreon : https://www.patreon.com/StorytellerConclave Please join us on Discord, to submit questions for the show, chat with Rob, Sara, and other Storytellers, and read over the detailed show-notes for more information and links to stuff we may not have been able to detail during the show! Discord : https://t.co/7H8p1lGYqG Or find our older episodes at Https://Storytellerconclave.com

Tonight's show is our April System Spotlight, and it is focused on System Spotlight: Eureka: Investigative Urban Fantasy. This urban fantasy investigative ttrpg trusts your intellect, and has its gameplay focused on WHO your character is, with deadly realistic combat. We are also delighted to have two of the crew from its creation, Addison Goff & Ash Sanders, joining us. Listen to us live, every Wednesday night at 7pm EST, at http://www.mixlr.com/storyteller-conclave. Listen to us on your favorite device! Or Amazon Audible Find us on Twitter (@st_conclave) – Instagram (st_conclave) Support the show by joining our Patreon : https://www.patreon.com/StorytellerConclave Please join us on Discord, to submit questions for the show, chat with Rob, Sara, and other Storytellers, and read over the detailed show-notes for more information and links to stuff we may not have been able to detail during the show! Discord : https://t.co/7H8p1lGYqG Or find our older episodes at Https://Storytellerconclave.com

Not every session needs to be about the plot. Sometimes your characters need to see what makes life worth living, talk to other NPCs, or simply just fool around. This week, Sara and Rob will be addressing the moments in stories when players and storytellers can sit back and have some light hearted fun. Listen in as they discuss the Desserts in Storytelling. Listen to us live, every Wednesday night at 7pm EST, at http://www.mixlr.com/storyteller-conclave. Listen to us on your favorite device! Or Amazon Audible Find us on Twitter (@st_conclave) – Instagram (st_conclave) Support the show by joining our Patreon : https://www.patreon.com/StorytellerConclave Please join us on Discord, to submit questions for the show, chat with Rob, Sara, and other Storytellers, and read over the detailed show-notes for more information and links to stuff we may not have been able to detail during the show! Discord : https://t.co/7H8p1lGYqG Or find our older episodes at Https://Storytellerconclave.com

Special Note: This show had some audio issues, the opening is a bit different due to this. We are sorry. After 5 years of system spotlights, Sara and Rob have seen a ton of different settings and themes for games. But this just opened the door to focused themes and ideas that they have never seen, but probably exist somewhere. This week they will talk about systems, themes, and styles that they would like to see in the TTRPG space and perhaps some mechanics that can bring them to life! Listen to us live, every Wednesday night at 7pm EST, at http://www.mixlr.com/storyteller-conclave. Listen to us on your favorite device! Or Amazon Audible Find us on Twitter (@st_conclave) – Instagram (st_conclave) Support the show by joining our Patreon : https://www.patreon.com/StorytellerConclave Please join us on Discord, to submit questions for the show, chat with Rob, Sara, and other Storytellers, and read over the detailed show-notes for more information and links to stuff we may not have been able to detail during the show! Discord : https://t.co/7H8p1lGYqG Or find our older episodes at Https://Storytellerconclave.com

A frequent rant of Sara's has been about the damage that D&D has done to the gaming community. This week, she officially drags out the soap box and takes a good long deep dive into the full negative impact that D&D5e's popularity has done to the TTRPG community as a whole. Listen to us live, every Wednesday night at 7pm EST, at http://www.mixlr.com/storyteller-conclave. Listen to us on your favorite device! Or Amazon Audible Find us on Twitter (@st_conclave) – Instagram (st_conclave) Support the show by joining our Patreon : https://www.patreon.com/StorytellerConclave Please join us on Discord, to submit questions for the show, chat with Rob, Sara, and other Storytellers, and read over the detailed show-notes for more information and links to stuff we may not have been able to detail during the show! Discord : https://t.co/7H8p1lGYqG Or find our older episodes at Https://Storytellerconclave.com

Do you have 3 six sided dice, some 3x5 notecards, pens, and a bit of time? Well you can not only learn but also play Tiny D6! This week Rob & Sara review this minimalistic rule set that explores many different settings. Listen to us live, every Wednesday night at 7pm EST, at http://www.mixlr.com/storyteller-conclave. Listen to us on your favorite device! Or Amazon Audible Find us on Twitter (@st_conclave) – Instagram (st_conclave) Support the show by joining our Patreon : https://www.patreon.com/StorytellerConclave Please join us on Discord, to submit questions for the show, chat with Rob, Sara, and other Storytellers, and read over the detailed show-notes for more information and links to stuff we may not have been able to detail during the show! Discord : https://t.co/7H8p1lGYqG Or find our older episodes at Https://Storytellerconclave.com

Ok, we are Storyteller Conclave not “roll the dice and consult the charts” Anonymous. But why can't we have stories in OSR? What makes dice such an adverse reaction to narrative. This week Rob and Sara pull back their sleeves and start to discuss OSR vs Narrative. Listen to us live, every Wednesday night at 7pm EST, at http://www.mixlr.com/storyteller-conclave. Listen to us on your favorite device! Or Amazon Audible Find us on Twitter (@st_conclave) – Instagram (st_conclave) Support the show by joining our Patreon : https://www.patreon.com/StorytellerConclave Please join us on Discord, to submit questions for the show, chat with Rob, Sara, and other Storytellers, and read over the detailed show-notes for more information and links to stuff we may not have been able to detail during the show! Discord : https://t.co/7H8p1lGYqG Or find our older episodes at Https://Storytellerconclave.com

It's come up more than once when writing shows and its time to bring it to light. Sara and Rob have made more than one reference between BDSM and TTRPGs and how much it can teach. So find a comfy leather back chair, grab a warm drink, and be attentive, for this show is going to be a bit racy. Listen to us live, every Wednesday night at 7pm EST, at http://www.mixlr.com/storyteller-conclave. Listen to us on your favorite device! Or Amazon Audible Find us on Twitter (@st_conclave) – Instagram (st_conclave) Support the show by joining our Patreon : https://www.patreon.com/StorytellerConclave Please join us on Discord, to submit questions for the show, chat with Rob, Sara, and other Storytellers, and read over the detailed show-notes for more information and links to stuff we may not have been able to detail during the show! Discord : https://t.co/7H8p1lGYqG Or find our older episodes at Https://Storytellerconclave.com

Love and Hate are extremes that follow our PC's and NPC's alike. But there are shades of gray, moments of understanding, and possibly even attraction that can infiltrate. Join Rob and Sara as they pen letters of envy on the topic of Evolving Relationships in roleplaying games. Listen to us live, every Wednesday night at 7pm EST, at http://www.mixlr.com/storyteller-conclave. Listen to us on your favorite device! Or Amazon Audible Find us on Twitter (@st_conclave) – Instagram (st_conclave) Support the show by joining our Patreon : https://www.patreon.com/StorytellerConclave Please join us on Discord, to submit questions for the show, chat with Rob, Sara, and other Storytellers, and read over the detailed show-notes for more information and links to stuff we may not have been able to detail during the show! Discord : https://t.co/7H8p1lGYqG Or find our older episodes at Https://Storytellerconclave.com

Defined as “joyously fun and disastrously romantic”, Thirsty Sword Lesbians, from Evil Hat Games, is our system spotlight for this very RED month. Keeping up with the theme of February, Sara and Rob grab their weapons, don their gayest apparel, and step into this PbtA system about celebrating queerness! Listen to us live, every Wednesday night at 7pm EST, at http://www.mixlr.com/storyteller-conclave. Listen to us on your favorite device! Or Amazon Audible Find us on Twitter (@st_conclave) – Instagram (st_conclave) Support the show by joining our Patreon : https://www.patreon.com/StorytellerConclave Please join us on Discord, to submit questions for the show, chat with Rob, Sara, and other Storytellers, and read over the detailed show-notes for more information and links to stuff we may not have been able to detail during the show! Discord : https://t.co/7H8p1lGYqG Or find our older episodes at Https://Storytellerconclave.com

TTRPGs are often about escape from reality, a step away from the drama of our lives. But there are still adult themes there to explore. No, not just romance, but loss, grief, depression, and even death. This week Rob and Sara step into the month and talk about gaming with Adult Themes. Listen to us live, every Wednesday night at 7pm EST, at http://www.mixlr.com/storyteller-conclave. Listen to us on your favorite device! Or Amazon Audible Find us on Twitter (@st_conclave) – Instagram (st_conclave) Support the show by joining our Patreon : https://www.patreon.com/StorytellerConclave Please join us on Discord, to submit questions for the show, chat with Rob, Sara, and other Storytellers, and read over the detailed show-notes for more information and links to stuff we may not have been able to detail during the show! Discord : https://t.co/7H8p1lGYqG Or find our older episodes at Https://Storytellerconclave.com

We say it in our system spotlights, “Games teach you how to play them”. Things like instincts, backgrounds, hubris/virtue, and goals give PCs direction for their characters. This episode, Rob & Sara round up those tools and discuss how that could shape your game sessions. Listen to us live, every Wednesday night at 7pm EST, at http://www.mixlr.com/storyteller-conclave. Listen to us on your favorite device! Or Amazon Audible Find us on Twitter (@st_conclave) – Instagram (st_conclave) Support the show by joining our Patreon : https://www.patreon.com/StorytellerConclave Please join us on Discord, to submit questions for the show, chat with Rob, Sara, and other Storytellers, and read over the detailed show-notes for more information and links to stuff we may not have been able to detail during the show! Discord : https://t.co/7H8p1lGYqG Or find our older episodes at Https://Storytellerconclave.com

While framing stories, we often want the game to feel a particular way. A key part of that is how “real” it should feel and what consequences should be. This episode, Rob and Sara will discuss where escapism and realism collide when defining feel TTRPGs. Listen to us live, every Wednesday night at 7pm EST, at http://www.mixlr.com/storyteller-conclave. Listen to us on your favorite device! Or Amazon Audible Find us on Twitter (@st_conclave) – Instagram (st_conclave) Support the show by joining our Patreon : https://www.patreon.com/StorytellerConclave Please join us on Discord, to submit questions for the show, chat with Rob, Sara, and other Storytellers, and read over the detailed show-notes for more information and links to stuff we may not have been able to detail during the show! Discord : https://t.co/7H8p1lGYqG Or find our older episodes at Https://Storytellerconclave.com

Wanderhome is a “slice of life” TTRPG, where players explore their characters versus the world around them through conversation and moves. So this week Rob and Sara will take a journey, village to village, season to season, to explore the mechanics & more that Jay Dragon created. Listen to us live, every Wednesday night at 7pm EST, at http://www.mixlr.com/storyteller-conclave. Listen to us on your favorite device! Or Amazon Audible Find us on Twitter (@st_conclave) – Instagram (st_conclave) Support the show by joining our Patreon : https://www.patreon.com/StorytellerConclave Please join us on Discord, to submit questions for the show, chat with Rob, Sara, and other Storytellers, and read over the detailed show-notes for more information and links to stuff we may not have been able to detail during the show! Discord : https://t.co/7H8p1lGYqG Or find our older episodes at Https://Storytellerconclave.com

It's one thing to have a good group play well together, but another to have their methods of play mesh. One might be an opportunist, another plans, and others just want to adopt NPCs. This week Sara and Rob discuss what group harmony looks like from the Storytellers seat. Listen to us live, every Wednesday night at 7pm EST, at http://www.mixlr.com/storyteller-conclave. Listen to us on your favorite device! Or Amazon Audible Find us on Twitter (@st_conclave) – Instagram (st_conclave) Support the show by joining our Patreon : https://www.patreon.com/StorytellerConclave Please join us on Discord, to submit questions for the show, chat with Rob, Sara, and other Storytellers, and read over the detailed show-notes for more information and links to stuff we may not have been able to detail during the show! Discord : https://t.co/7H8p1lGYqG Or find our older episodes at Https://Storytellerconclave.com

Let's sit back, relax, and recap the year. Join us live @ 7pm Eastern on MixLR.com/storyteller-conclave for our Year-End Review! The Discord Live Chat will be open to all, so please come hang out with us! Ask questions, review the year, and talk about what is to come in 2024! Listen to us live, every Wednesday night at 7pm EST, at http://www.mixlr.com/storyteller-conclave. Listen to us on your favorite device! Or Amazon Audible Find us on Twitter (@st_conclave) – Instagram (st_conclave) Support the show by joining our Patreon : https://www.patreon.com/StorytellerConclave Please join us on Discord, to submit questions for the show, chat with Rob, Sara, and other Storytellers, and read over the detailed show-notes for more information and links to stuff we may not have been able to detail during the show! Discord : https://t.co/7H8p1lGYqG Or find our older episodes at Https://Storytellerconclave.com

Stealth is a mechanic that nearly every TTRPG has. Who hasn't dreamt of playing the mysterious ninja or catburglar? However, it can seem like your players are avoiding all of the obstacles you've laid out! This week, Sara & Rob discuss the best ways to run stealth encounters! Listen to us live, every Wednesday night at 7pm EST, at http://www.mixlr.com/storyteller-conclave. Listen to us on your favorite device! Or Amazon Audible Find us on Twitter (@st_conclave) – Instagram (st_conclave) Support the show by joining our Patreon : https://www.patreon.com/StorytellerConclave Please join us on Discord, to submit questions for the show, chat with Rob, Sara, and other Storytellers, and read over the detailed show-notes for more information and links to stuff we may not have been able to detail during the show! Discord : https://t.co/7H8p1lGYqG Or find our older episodes at Https://Storytellerconclave.com

With a TV series that started back in 1966, Star Trek is the longest continuously running universe ever to grace our media. This week Sara and Rob will be reviewing one of the newest TTRPG adaptations by Modiphius Entertainment, and boldly going where (a few) storytellers have gone before! Listen to us live, every Wednesday night at 7pm EST, at http://www.mixlr.com/storyteller-conclave. Listen to us on your favorite device! Or Amazon Audible Find us on Twitter (@st_conclave) – Instagram (st_conclave) Support the show by joining our Patreon : https://www.patreon.com/StorytellerConclave Please join us on Discord, to submit questions for the show, chat with Rob, Sara, and other Storytellers, and read over the detailed show-notes for more information and links to stuff we may not have been able to detail during the show! Discord : https://t.co/7H8p1lGYqG Or find our older episodes at Https://Storytellerconclave.com

As Storytellers, we strive to make our games feel like living worlds. Having lifelike NPCs can make or break that feeling of immersion. This week, Sara & Rob take a deep-dive into the best ways to make your NPCs not only feel like they belong, but also react to your story. Listen to us live, every Wednesday night at 7pm EST, at http://www.mixlr.com/storyteller-conclave. Listen to us on your favorite device! Or Amazon Audible Find us on Twitter (@st_conclave) – Instagram (st_conclave) Support the show by joining our Patreon : https://www.patreon.com/StorytellerConclave Please join us on Discord, to submit questions for the show, chat with Rob, Sara, and other Storytellers, and read over the detailed show-notes for more information and links to stuff we may not have been able to detail during the show! Discord : https://t.co/7H8p1lGYqG Or find our older episodes at Https://Storytellerconclave.com

Often recognized as the “compulsion loop”, TTRPG's contain a core gameplay loop that we build into our games. But it isn't the same loop if it's narrative or more combative. This week Sara and Rob discuss a few different loops that games have and how you can use them to help focus your players on what's next. Listen to us live, every Wednesday night at 7pm EST, at http://www.mixlr.com/storyteller-conclave. Listen to us on your favorite device! Or Amazon Audible Find us on Twitter (@st_conclave) – Instagram (st_conclave) Support the show by joining our Patreon : https://www.patreon.com/StorytellerConclave Please join us on Discord, to submit questions for the show, chat with Rob, Sara, and other Storytellers, and read over the detailed show-notes for more information and links to stuff we may not have been able to detail during the show! Discord : https://t.co/7H8p1lGYqG Or find our older episodes at Https://Storytellerconclave.com

Every game system has something unique to offer; a reputation system, a world building tool, a neat relationship mechanic. Is there any reason we shouldn't borrow these mechanics for our own games? This week, Sara & Rob look at mechanics that are ripe for the borrowing! Listen to us live, every Wednesday night at 7pm EST, at http://www.mixlr.com/storyteller-conclave. Listen to us on your favorite device! Or Amazon Audible Find us on Twitter (@st_conclave) – Instagram (st_conclave) Support the show by joining our Patreon : https://www.patreon.com/StorytellerConclave Please join us on Discord, to submit questions for the show, chat with Rob, Sara, and other Storytellers, and read over the detailed show-notes for more information and links to stuff we may not have been able to detail during the show! Discord : https://t.co/7H8p1lGYqG Or find our older episodes at Https://Storytellerconclave.com

We all struggle with the thought that our plots might not be "original." There are only 9 basic plots, after all! This week, Sara & Rob discuss how to lean into repurposing plots for your own home games by filing off the identifying marks and using popular stories as your own! Listen to us live, every Wednesday night at 7pm EST, at http://www.mixlr.com/storyteller-conclave. Listen to us on your favorite device! Or Amazon Audible Find us on Twitter (@st_conclave) – Instagram (st_conclave) Support the show by joining our Patreon : https://www.patreon.com/StorytellerConclave Please join us on Discord, to submit questions for the show, chat with Rob, Sara, and other Storytellers, and read over the detailed show-notes for more information and links to stuff we may not have been able to detail during the show! Discord : https://t.co/7H8p1lGYqG Or find our older episodes at Https://Storytellerconclave.com

This week, Sara & Rob shine the Systems Spotlight on Monster of the Week by @EvilHatOfficial. Hunt high school beasties a la Buffy the Vampire Slayer, travel the country to bring down unnatural creatures like Supernatural, or lead the government investigation like The X-Files. Listen to us live, every Wednesday night at 7pm EST, at http://www.mixlr.com/storyteller-conclave. Listen to us on your favorite device! Or Amazon Audible Find us on Twitter (@st_conclave) – Instagram (st_conclave) Support the show by joining our Patreon : https://www.patreon.com/StorytellerConclave Please join us on Discord, to submit questions for the show, chat with Rob, Sara, and other Storytellers, and read over the detailed show-notes for more information and links to stuff we may not have been able to detail during the show! Discord : https://t.co/7H8p1lGYqG Or find our older episodes at Https://Storytellerconclave.com

A storytelling trope that spans into any genre, is the MacGuffin - the object of importance that sits at the center of the story. The heroes and villains both seek it, and control of it means victory! This week, Sara & Rob look at interesting ways to use MacGuffins in our stories! Listen to us live, every Wednesday night at 7pm EST, at http://www.mixlr.com/storyteller-conclave. Listen to us on your favorite device! Or Amazon Audible Find us on Twitter (@st_conclave) – Instagram (st_conclave) Support the show by joining our Patreon : https://www.patreon.com/StorytellerConclave Please join us on Discord, to submit questions for the show, chat with Rob, Sara, and other Storytellers, and read over the detailed show-notes for more information and links to stuff we may not have been able to detail during the show! Discord : https://t.co/7H8p1lGYqG Or find our older episodes at Https://Storytellerconclave.com

Sara & Rob have spent years talking about how to build a better narrative for your TTRPG. What if your table just wants to hack & slash their way through the game, though? This week, Sara & Rob discuss weaving story together with good ol' fashioned combat! Listen to us live, every Wednesday night at 7pm EST, at http://www.mixlr.com/storyteller-conclave. Listen to us on your favorite device! Or Amazon Audible Find us on Twitter (@st_conclave) – Instagram (st_conclave) Support the show by joining our Patreon : https://www.patreon.com/StorytellerConclave Please join us on Discord, to submit questions for the show, chat with Rob, Sara, and other Storytellers, and read over the detailed show-notes for more information and links to stuff we may not have been able to detail during the show! Discord : https://t.co/7H8p1lGYqG Or find our older episodes at Https://Storytellerconclave.com

Almost every single TTRPG player has watched a movie, read a book, or played a video game and thought, "I'd love to run a game based off this IP!" This week, Sara & Rob examine some of the games based on existing IPs, as well as the pros & cons of playing in someone else's world! Listen to us live, every Wednesday night at 7pm EST, at http://www.mixlr.com/storyteller-conclave. Listen to us on your favorite device! Or Amazon Audible Find us on Twitter (@st_conclave) – Instagram (st_conclave) Support the show by joining our Patreon : https://www.patreon.com/StorytellerConclave Please join us on Discord, to submit questions for the show, chat with Rob, Sara, and other Storytellers, and read over the detailed show-notes for more information and links to stuff we may not have been able to detail during the show! Discord : https://t.co/7H8p1lGYqG Or find our older episodes at Https://Storytellerconclave.com

This month, Sara & Rob are shining the System Spotlight on Dresden Files Accelerated by @EvilHatOfficial! This game, using the FATE Accelerated system, brings the brilliant Urban Fantasy setting of @longshotauthor's Dresden Files books to your tabletop. Conjure it at your own risk! Listen to us live, every Wednesday night at 7pm EST, at http://www.mixlr.com/storyteller-conclave. Listen to us on your favorite device! Or Amazon Audible Find us on Twitter (@st_conclave) – Instagram (st_conclave) Support the show by joining our Patreon : https://www.patreon.com/StorytellerConclave Please join us on Discord, to submit questions for the show, chat with Rob, Sara, and other Storytellers, and read over the detailed show-notes for more information and links to stuff we may not have been able to detail during the show! Discord : https://t.co/7H8p1lGYqG Or find our older episodes at Https://Storytellerconclave.com

Music and lighting set a tone in movies of hope, foreboding, or fear but in a table top game it's often hard to get people on the same page. This week, Rob & Sara will be diving deeper into the theme and discussing how to draw your players into the moment and keep them feeling the weight, even beyond that session. Listen to us live, every Wednesday night at 7pm EST, at http://www.mixlr.com/storyteller-conclave. Listen to us on your favorite device! Or Amazon Audible Find us on Twitter (@st_conclave) – Instagram (st_conclave) Support the show by joining our Patreon : https://www.patreon.com/StorytellerConclave Please join us on Discord, to submit questions for the show, chat with Rob, Sara, and other Storytellers, and read over the detailed show-notes for more information and links to stuff we may not have been able to detail during the show! Discord : https://t.co/7H8p1lGYqG Or find our older episodes at Https://Storytellerconclave.com

Rules and settings typically go hand-in-hand with TTRPGs, but not always. Between Generic systems, Open Licenses, and SRDs, rules can be used for just about any game type. This week, Sara & Rob explore the world of opportunities offered by generic systems, the OGL, and SRDs. Listen to us live, every Wednesday night at 7pm EST, at http://www.mixlr.com/storyteller-conclave. Listen to us on your favorite device! Or Amazon Audible Find us on Twitter (@st_conclave) – Instagram (st_conclave) Support the show by joining our Patreon : https://www.patreon.com/StorytellerConclave Please join us on Discord, to submit questions for the show, chat with Rob, Sara, and other Storytellers, and read over the detailed show-notes for more information and links to stuff we may not have been able to detail during the show! Discord : https://t.co/7H8p1lGYqG Or find our older episodes at Https://Storytellerconclave.com

One of the most common components of any TTRPG Fantasy world is a vast and varied pantheon of gods, that grant favor and magic to those who venerate them. Rarely, however, does their worship mirror real life. This week, Sara & Rob examine polytheism in TTRPGs. Listen to us live, every Wednesday night at 7pm EST, at http://www.mixlr.com/storyteller-conclave. Listen to us on your favorite device! Or Amazon Audible Find us on Twitter (@st_conclave) – Instagram (st_conclave) Support the show by joining our Patreon : https://www.patreon.com/StorytellerConclave Please join us on Discord, to submit questions for the show, chat with Rob, Sara, and other Storytellers, and read over the detailed show-notes for more information and links to stuff we may not have been able to detail during the show! Discord : https://t.co/7H8p1lGYqG Or find our older episodes at Https://Storytellerconclave.com

Deadlands is the premier Weird West roleplaying game of action-horror. The year's 1884, and folks from all over the world journey to the American frontier in search of opportunity. But danger awaits! This week, Sara & Rob shine the System Spotlight on Deadlands by @PEG_Games. Listen to us live, every Wednesday night at 7pm EST, at http://www.mixlr.com/storyteller-conclave. Listen to us on your favorite device! Or Amazon Audible Find us on Twitter (@st_conclave) – Instagram (st_conclave) Support the show by joining our Patreon : https://www.patreon.com/StorytellerConclave Please join us on Discord, to submit questions for the show, chat with Rob, Sara, and other Storytellers, and read over the detailed show-notes for more information and links to stuff we may not have been able to detail during the show! Discord : https://t.co/7H8p1lGYqG Or find our older episodes at Https://Storytellerconclave.com

The final boss of any TTRPG is scheduling. Inevitably, every storyteller will face the day when someone misses an important session. This week Rob & Sara workshop scenarios where key individuals aren't present, and what to do. Listen to us live, every Wednesday night at 7pm EST, at http://www.mixlr.com/storyteller-conclave. Listen to us on your favorite device! Or Amazon Audible Find us on Twitter (@st_conclave) – Instagram (st_conclave) Support the show by joining our Patreon : https://www.patreon.com/StorytellerConclave Please join us on Discord, to submit questions for the show, chat with Rob, Sara, and other Storytellers, and read over the detailed show-notes for more information and links to stuff we may not have been able to detail during the show! Discord : https://t.co/7H8p1lGYqG Or find our older episodes at Https://Storytellerconclave.com

All drama is born of conflict, and villains are conflict personified! A good villain can make or break your story, so this week, Rob & Sara want to spend time discussing what makes an interesting, motivated, well-rounded villain for your stories! Listen to us live, every Wednesday night at 7pm EST, at http://www.mixlr.com/storyteller-conclave. Listen to us on your favorite device! Or Amazon Audible Find us on Twitter (@st_conclave) – Instagram (st_conclave) Support the show by joining our Patreon : https://www.patreon.com/StorytellerConclave Please join us on Discord, to submit questions for the show, chat with Rob, Sara, and other Storytellers, and read over the detailed show-notes for more information and links to stuff we may not have been able to detail during the show! Discord : https://t.co/7H8p1lGYqG Or find our older episodes at Https://Storytellerconclave.com

The Pulp genre defined the stories of the early 1900s with its over-the-top adventures. However, many of the tropes borne of those stories still show the racism and imperialism of the period. This week, Sara & Rob look at how to do Pulp without the regressive tropes! Listen to us live, every Wednesday night at 7pm EST, at http://www.mixlr.com/storyteller-conclave. Listen to us on your favorite device! Or Amazon Audible Find us on Twitter (@st_conclave) – Instagram (st_conclave) Support the show by joining our Patreon : https://www.patreon.com/StorytellerConclave Please join us on Discord, to submit questions for the show, chat with Rob, Sara, and other Storytellers, and read over the detailed show-notes for more information and links to stuff we may not have been able to detail during the show! Discord : https://t.co/7H8p1lGYqG Or find our older episodes at Https://Storytellerconclave.com

The Chosen One - From child wizards to Jedi, a character being destined for great deeds is a common and powerful trope! In a TTRPG, however, it can leave the other PCs feeling left behind. This week, Sara & Rob examine the pros and cons of using the Chosen One trope in your game. Listen to us live, every Wednesday night at 7pm EST, at http://www.mixlr.com/storyteller-conclave. Listen to us on your favorite device! Or Amazon Audible Find us on Twitter (@st_conclave) – Instagram (st_conclave) Support the show by joining our Patreon : https://www.patreon.com/StorytellerConclave Please join us on Discord, to submit questions for the show, chat with Rob, Sara, and other Storytellers, and read over the detailed show-notes for more information and links to stuff we may not have been able to detail during the show! Discord : https://t.co/7H8p1lGYqG Or find our older episodes at Https://Storytellerconclave.com

With over ½ a million dollars in Kickstarter & a 2022 Ennie award for best game, Root brings woodland creatures together to fight for money, justice, and freedom from powers far greater than them. This week Rob & Sara dive into the furry & feathered vagabonds & outcasts of Root by Magpie Games. Listen to us live, every Wednesday night at 7pm EST, at http://www.mixlr.com/storyteller-conclave. Listen to us on your favorite device! Or Amazon Audible Find us on Twitter (@st_conclave) – Instagram (st_conclave) Support the show by joining our Patreon : https://www.patreon.com/StorytellerConclave Please join us on Discord, to submit questions for the show, chat with Rob, Sara, and other Storytellers, and read over the detailed show-notes for more information and links to stuff we may not have been able to detail during the show! Discord : https://t.co/7H8p1lGYqG Or find our older episodes at Https://Storytellerconclave.com

The term “sandbox” is often used to describe a world filled with opportunities and bereft of direction. Many storytellers want to offer this to their players but fall into the traps the style presents. This week Sara & Rob examine the obstacles and opportunities presented by Sandbox worlds. Listen to us live, every Wednesday night at 7pm EST, at http://www.mixlr.com/storyteller-conclave. Listen to us on your favorite device! Or Amazon Audible Find us on Twitter (@st_conclave) – Instagram (st_conclave) Support the show by joining our Patreon : https://www.patreon.com/StorytellerConclave Please join us on Discord, to submit questions for the show, chat with Rob, Sara, and other Storytellers, and read over the detailed show-notes for more information and links to stuff we may not have been able to detail during the show! Discord : https://t.co/7H8p1lGYqG Or find our older episodes at Https://Storytellerconclave.com  

It may not seem like much, but the characters can have a huge impact on the world around them. Slaying dragons and rescuing people is certainly heroic, but what about the little things like helping at an inn for a night? Rob & Sara explore the butterfly effect small moments can have to make things more dramatic. Listen to us live, every Wednesday night at 7pm EST, at http://www.mixlr.com/storyteller-conclave. Listen to us on your favorite device! Or Amazon Audible Find us on Twitter (@st_conclave) – Instagram (st_conclave) Support the show by joining our Patreon : https://www.patreon.com/StorytellerConclave Please join us on Discord, to submit questions for the show, chat with Rob, Sara, and other Storytellers, and read over the detailed show-notes for more information and links to stuff we may not have been able to detail during the show! Discord : https://t.co/7H8p1lGYqG Or find our older episodes at Https://Storytellerconclave.com

When we are motivating our players the default is usually money or items. But after a series of sessions those tend to fall away. In this episode Sara & Rob focus on making characters have a personal stake in aspects of the story that can spur them to adventure. Listen to us live, every Wednesday night at 7pm EST, at http://www.mixlr.com/storyteller-conclave. Listen to us on your favorite device! Or Amazon Audible Find us on Twitter (@st_conclave) – Instagram (st_conclave) Support the show by joining our Patreon : https://www.patreon.com/StorytellerConclave Please join us on Discord, to submit questions for the show, chat with Rob, Sara, and other Storytellers, and read over the detailed show-notes for more information and links to stuff we may not have been able to detail during the show! Discord : https://t.co/7H8p1lGYqG Or find our older episodes at Https://Storytellerconclave.com

In the tranquil world of Ald-Amura, the peaceful world is threatened when a mysterious poison known as The False Gold appears. Monsters are now afflicted with terrible wounds and uncontrollable rage. This month Rob & Sara review the Monster Care Specialists, a Miyazaki inspired world, and strong narrative storytelling tools of Monster Care Squad. Listen to us live, every Wednesday night at 7pm EST, at http://www.mixlr.com/storyteller-conclave. Listen to us on your favorite device! Or Amazon Audible Find us on Twitter (@st_conclave) – Instagram (st_conclave) Support the show by joining our Patreon : https://www.patreon.com/StorytellerConclave Please join us on Discord, to submit questions for the show, chat with Rob, Sara, and other Storytellers, and read over the detailed show-notes for more information and links to stuff we may not have been able to detail during the show! Discord : https://t.co/7H8p1lGYqG Or find our older episodes at Https://Storytellerconclave.com

In pulling together a plot idea we often think of the impact to the setting, the world turned upside down. But what about the villain? Why not flip the script and see things their way? This Storytelling 202, Sara & Rob discuss what it's like to build a plot from the villain's perspective. Listen to us live, every Wednesday night at 7pm EST, at http://www.mixlr.com/storyteller-conclave. Listen to us on your favorite device! Or Amazon Audible Find us on Twitter (@st_conclave) – Instagram (st_conclave) Support the show by joining our Patreon : https://www.patreon.com/StorytellerConclave Please join us on Discord, to submit questions for the show, chat with Rob, Sara, and other Storytellers, and read over the detailed show-notes for more information and links to stuff we may not have been able to detail during the show! Discord : https://t.co/7H8p1lGYqG Or find our older episodes at Https://Storytellerconclave.com

Are archetypes in stories a crutch or a hindrance for the storyteller or even the players? Are they defined by the mechanics or exploited by them? This week Rob & Sara get into the depths of this discussion and try to find how important classes and Archetypes are in storytelling. Listen to us live, every Wednesday night at 7pm EST, at http://www.mixlr.com/storyteller-conclave. Listen to us on your favorite device! Or Amazon Audible Find us on Twitter (@st_conclave) – Instagram (st_conclave) Support the show by joining our Patreon : https://www.patreon.com/StorytellerConclave Please join us on Discord, to submit questions for the show, chat with Rob, Sara, and other Storytellers, and read over the detailed show-notes for more information and links to stuff we may not have been able to detail during the show! Discord : https://t.co/7H8p1lGYqG Or find our older episodes at Https://Storytellerconclave.com

Many Storytellers build our stories around climactic and exciting "Boss Battles". But where did this convention come from? Join us this week as Sara & Rob dig through the past and dissect the reasons why we have “epic boss battles” in TTRPGs.  Listen to us live, every Wednesday night at 7pm EST, at http://www.mixlr.com/storyteller-conclave. Listen to us on your favorite device! Or Amazon Audible Find us on Twitter (@st_conclave) – Instagram (st_conclave) Support the show by joining our Patreon : https://www.patreon.com/StorytellerConclave Please join us on Discord, to submit questions for the show, chat with Rob, Sara, and other Storytellers, and read over the detailed show-notes for more information and links to stuff we may not have been able to detail during the show! Discord : https://t.co/7H8p1lGYqG Or find our older episodes at Https://Storytellerconclave.com

This month, Sara & Rob shine the System Spotlight on Brindlewood Bay. The players take the place of an elderly women's mystery club, drawing inspiration from "Murder, She Wrote" and others like it! Listen to us live, every Wednesday night at 7pm EST, at http://www.mixlr.com/storyteller-conclave. Listen to us on your favorite device! Or Amazon Audible Find us on Twitter (@st_conclave) – Instagram (st_conclave) Support the show by joining our Patreon : https://www.patreon.com/StorytellerConclave Please join us on Discord, to submit questions for the show, chat with Rob, Sara, and other Storytellers, and read over the detailed show-notes for more information and links to stuff we may not have been able to detail during the show! Discord : https://t.co/7H8p1lGYqG Or find our older episodes at Https://Storytellerconclave.com

Episode 200 (Character-Driven Plots) received quite a response, and our listeners asked for more clarification! So, this week, Sara & Rob will be workshopping plots live to show how the process works Listen to us live, every Wednesday night at 7pm EST, at http://www.mixlr.com/storyteller-conclave. Listen to us on your favorite device! Or Amazon Audible Find us on Twitter (@st_conclave) – Instagram (st_conclave) Support the show by joining our Patreon : https://www.patreon.com/StorytellerConclave Please join us on Discord, to submit questions for the show, chat with Rob, Sara, and other Storytellers, and read over the detailed show-notes for more information and links to stuff we may not have been able to detail during the show! Discord : https://t.co/7H8p1lGYqG Or find our older episodes at Https://Storytellerconclave.com

There are many settings where combat just shouldn't be done. Maybe the characters are children. Perhaps the enemies are unstoppable monstrosities. In the last of our Combat miniseries, Sara & Rob discuss games where combat ISN'T an option! Listen to us live, every Wednesday night at 7pm EST, at http://www.mixlr.com/storyteller-conclave. Listen to us on your favorite device! Or Amazon Audible Find us on Twitter (@st_conclave) – Instagram (st_conclave) Support the show by joining our Patreon : https://www.patreon.com/StorytellerConclave Please join us on Discord, to submit questions for the show, chat with Rob, Sara, and other Storytellers, and read over the detailed show-notes for more information and links to stuff we may not have been able to detail during the show! Discord : https://t.co/7H8p1lGYqG Or find our older episodes at Https://Storytellerconclave.com

Initiative has been rolled and combat has begun! Does it have to be a fight to the death? In this week's continuation of the Combat miniseries, Rob & Sara discuss how to know when the fight is over. Listen to us live, every Wednesday night at 7pm EST, at http://www.mixlr.com/storyteller-conclave. Listen to us on your favorite device! Or Amazon Audible Find us on Twitter (@st_conclave) – Instagram (st_conclave) Support the show by joining our Patreon : https://www.patreon.com/StorytellerConclave Please join us on Discord, to submit questions for the show, chat with Rob, Sara, and other Storytellers, and read over the detailed show-notes for more information and links to stuff we may not have been able to detail during the show! Discord : https://t.co/7H8p1lGYqG Or find our older episodes at Https://Storytellerconclave.com

From initiative, to armor, to maneuvers to damage, combat is a core pillar of many systems. But is it necessary? Can combat be handled narratively? In the first episode of our miniseries on TTRPG combat, Sara & Rob discuss having Combat WITHOUT Combat! Listen to us live, every Wednesday night at 7pm EST, at http://www.mixlr.com/storyteller-conclave. Listen to us on your favorite device! Or Amazon Audible Find us on Twitter (@st_conclave) – Instagram (st_conclave) Support the show by joining our Patreon : https://www.patreon.com/StorytellerConclave Please join us on Discord, to submit questions for the show, chat with Rob, Sara, and other Storytellers, and read over the detailed show-notes for more information and links to stuff we may not have been able to detail during the show! Discord : https://t.co/7H8p1lGYqG Or find our older episodes at Https://Storytellerconclave.com