Thinking Critically: A D&D Discussion

Welcome back! I'm joined by fellow Englishman Austin, a.k.a. AC Whikcom, to discuss how to translate concepts and ideas into your TTRPG settings. Austin takes us through how to take those errant thoughts you have at 3am and turn them into publishable content worldwide, with a spattering of anecdotes throughout. We also criticise the language bloat of D&D 5e, and conclude that having a million random, niche languages that only one creature speaks probably doesn't add much value! 02:48 - From Brain to Page 15:41 - A Creative Journey 37:51 - The Language Problem 49:21 - Self-Publishing 53:56 - Genre Remixing Buy Dead Surprise on Amazon! Find Austin on: Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/A-C-Whikcom/author/B0CHWCZHT2 Waterstones: https://www.waterstones.com/book/dead-surprise/a-c-whikcom/9781803528717 Website: https://www.acwhikcom.co.uk/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/The-Lands-of-Ferox/100086909630678/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/landsofferox/ Find Thinking Critically online: Website: https://www.thinkingcritically.co.uk Socials: @ThinkCritDnD Dungeons, Dice, & Dudes: https://linktr.ee/DDandD Patrons: Tabletop Journeys @ttjourneys: https://ttjourneys.com/ Joe from The Fourth Leg @jcd0818: https://anchor.fm/james-h-anderson Optional Rule @optionalrule: https://www.optionalrule.com/ Matt Street @mpstreet88: https://www.virtualtimehustle.com/ Intro Music: 'Local Forecast' by Kevin MacLeodIntermission Music: 'Chill' by Kevin MacLeodOutro Music: 'Local Forecast - Elevator' by Kevin MacLeod Podcast art by Lily from https://www.facebook.com/beiworkshop

It's my pleasure to welcome back to the show a previous guest from the Generations episode, Mikey! What I had intended to be a "how characters can influence the campaign" discussion, quickly turned into what makes us tick, where we get inspiration from, and the people who've supported us along the way. Listen for titbits on how to conscientiously crib from popular culture and advice on finding our own DM soundboard. 02:00 - The Sub/Conscious Real World 29:31 - Art Rather than Science 36:52 - The Thinking Critically Effect Find Thinking Critically online: Website: https://www.thinkingcritically.co.uk Socials: @ThinkCritDnD Dungeons, Dice, & Dudes: https://linktr.ee/DDandD References: 'Generations' episode of Thinking Critically 'Ravenloft' episode of Thinking Critically Patrons: Tabletop Journeys @ttjourneys: https://ttjourneys.com/ Joe from The Fourth Leg @jcd0818: https://anchor.fm/james-h-anderson Optional Rule @optionalrule: https://www.optionalrule.com/ Matt Street @mpstreet88: https://www.virtualtimehustle.com/ Intro Music: 'Local Forecast' by Kevin MacLeodIntermission Music: 'Chill' by Kevin MacLeodOutro Music: 'Local Forecast - Elevator' by Kevin MacLeod Podcast art by Lily from https://www.facebook.com/beiworkshop

I'm joined once again by John from Double Fox Gaming, but this time, he's bought reinforcements! It's my pleasure to also host Glenn, Matt, and Mike to discuss the legacy of Dungeons & Dragons. The guys take us through five generations of play, and how the wishes of one character can have cascading effects decades later. We hear the epic parable of The Abyss Donkey, which is ultimately a lesson in how gaming can bring us all together, no matter the circumstances. 04:27 - Harn's Legacy 14:27 - Inheriting the Hobby 32:28 - The Abyss Donkey (TM) 51:01 - Maturing Attitudes 57:48 - How the Game has Changed Find John on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doublefoxgaming/ Find Thinking Critically online: Website: https://www.thinkingcritically.co.uk Socials: @ThinkCritDnD Dungeons, Dice, & Dudes: https://linktr.ee/DDandD References: 'Ravenloft' episode of Thinking Critically '123s of D&D' by Ivan Van Norman and Wizards RPG Team, ISBN-10: 0786966688 'ABCs of D&D' by Ivan Van Norman and Wizards RPG Team, ISBN-10: 0786966661 Patrons: Tabletop Journeys @ttjourneys: https://ttjourneys.com/ Joe from The Fourth Leg @jcd0818: https://anchor.fm/james-h-anderson Optional Rule @optionalrule: https://www.optionalrule.com/ Matt Street @mpstreet88: https://www.virtualtimehustle.com/ Intro Music: 'Local Forecast' by Kevin MacLeodIntermission Music: 'Chill' by Kevin MacLeodOutro Music: 'Local Forecast - Elevator' by Kevin MacLeod Podcast art by Lily from https://www.facebook.com/beiworkshop

We're back! And this time joined by Anya, a.k.a. La Lionne Cosplay, to discuss immersion in your TTRPGs. Anya shares her experience as a Pro-GM on ways to truly pull your players into the game, no matter the system or medium. 04:29 - Remote vs. In Person 12:41 - “Acting Is What You Do When You're Not Saying Lines” 21:09 - Filling the Space 33:25 - Soft Edges 50:47 - Toggling that Role Play Brain Tale of the Manticore: https://taleofthemanticore.podbean.com/ Find Anya on: Twitter: https://twitter.com/lalionnecosplay Itch.io: https://lalionnepublishing.itch.io/mountaintop-isolation StartPlaying: https://startplaying.games/gm/lalionne Find Thinking Critically online: Website: https://www.thinkingcritically.co.uk Socials: @ThinkCritDnD Dungeons, Dice, & Dudes: https://linktr.ee/DDandD References: Aether: https://eldritchcrow.itch.io/aether-a-heroic-fantasy-rpg Ramona a.k.a. Alderdoodle: https://twitter.com/alderdoodle Under the Floorboards: https://loottheroom.itch.io/under-the-floorboards Patrons: Tabletop Journeys @ttjourneys: https://ttjourneys.com/ Joe from The Fourth Leg @jcd0818: https://anchor.fm/james-h-anderson Optional Rule @optionalrule: https://www.optionalrule.com/ Matt Street @mpstreet88: https://www.virtualtimehustle.com/ Dial-up modem 'Modron voice' sound from BBC Sound Effects: ⁠https://sound-effects.bbcrewind.co.uk/search?q=07070097 Intro Music: 'Local Forecast' by Kevin MacLeodIntermission Music: 'Chill' by Kevin MacLeodOutro Music: 'Local Forecast - Elevator' by Kevin MacLeod Podcast art by Lily from https://www.beiworkshop.com/

For this productive episode I'm joined by Sarah, CEO of Girls Run these Worlds, who's hear to share her knowledge and experience on how to produce top quality TTPRG content. No matter your reach or experience, there is always opportunity for growth and learning, so we cover some typical gotchas and best practice to help you get off the starting block! 02:19 - Best Practice & GRtW History 27:40 - From Casual to Professional 46:18 - Live Production Considerations Find Sarah from Girls Run these Worlds on: Girls Run These Worlds Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/girlsruntheseworlds Girls Run These Worlds Twitter: https://twitter.com/girlsrunworlds Twitter: https://twitter.com/SMooreAD Find Thinking Critically online: Website: https://www.thinkingcritically.co.uk Socials: @ThinkCritDnD Dungeons, Dice, & Dudes: https://linktr.ee/DDandD References: Foozca on Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/foozca Patrons: Tabletop Journeys @ttjourneys: https://ttjourneys.com/ Joe from The Fourth Leg @jcd0818: https://anchor.fm/james-h-anderson Optional Rule @optionalrule: https://www.optionalrule.com/ Matt Street @mpstreet88: https://www.virtualtimehustle.com/ Intro Music: 'Local Forecast' by Kevin MacLeodIntermission Music: 'Chill' by Kevin MacLeodOutro Music: 'Local Forecast - Elevator' by Kevin MacLeod Podcast art by Lily from https://www.beiworkshop.com/

John Gent, DM of our D&D one-shot from the RPGaming Faversham event, joins us to discuss everything and anything about his favourite Dungeons & Dragons setting. 03:04 - History of Ravenloft 21:42 - Responsive Bleakness 33:53 - Delineating "Depression" 42:43 - Integrating Ravenloft into your Campaign Find Thinking Critically online: Website: https://www.thinkingcritically.co.uk Socials: @ThinkCritDnD Dungeons, Dice, & Dudes: https://linktr.ee/DDandD Patrons: Tabletop Journeys @ttjourneys: https://ttjourneys.com/ Joe from The Fourth Leg @jcd0818: https://anchor.fm/james-h-anderson Optional Rule @optionalrule: https://www.optionalrule.com/ Matt Street @mpstreet88: https://www.virtualtimehustle.com/ Intro Music: 'Local Forecast' by Kevin MacLeodIntermission Music: 'Chill' by Kevin MacLeodOutro Music: 'Local Forecast - Elevator' by Kevin MacLeod Podcast art by Lily from https://www.beiworkshop.com/

I'm once again joined by Philippa Mort who previously joined us on the Aesthetic⁠ episode back in season 2. This time it's to chat about confidence and taking risks when it comes to experimenting with new systems, characters, and homebrew. Philippa shares her experience in MÖRK BORG & Mausritter, and the best ways to incorporate design features you vibe with into existing campaigns. 06:08 - Taking Risks 25:00 - Stuck in a Rut 31:07 - Retcon & Homebrew 37:49 - The Design Intent of Systems Find Philippa on: Linktree: https://linktr.ee/PhilippaMort Twitter: https://twitter.com/MortPhilippa D8 Dungeon: https://www.twitch.tv/d8dungeon Glitter Hearts: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rvMvyeiFTCE DMs Guild: https://www.dmsguild.com/browse.php?author=Philippa%20Mort&page=1&sort=4a?affiliate_id=2197041 DriveThruRPG: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse/pub/18041/Philippa-Mort?affiliate_id=2197041 itch.io: https://philippa-mort.itch.io Find Thinking Critically online: Website: https://www.thinkingcritically.co.uk Socials: @ThinkCritDnD Dungeons, Dice, & Dudes: https://linktr.ee/DDandD References: 'Aesthetic' episode of Thinking Critically Patrons: Tabletop Journeys @ttjourneys: https://ttjourneys.com/ Joe from The Fourth Leg @jcd0818: https://anchor.fm/james-h-anderson Optional Rule @optionalrule: https://www.optionalrule.com/ Matt Street @mpstreet88: https://www.virtualtimehustle.com/ Intro Music: 'Local Forecast' by Kevin MacLeodIntermission Music: 'Chill' by Kevin MacLeodOutro Music: 'Local Forecast - Elevator' by Kevin MacLeod Podcast art by Lily from https://www.beiworkshop.com/

It's my pleasure to welcome back to the show Josh, Lewanika, and Glen, the inimitable hosts of my sister podcast Tabletop Journeys. They share their wealth of experience with building engaging and interesting factions, enabling more engaging and rewarding settings! There's some odd video things going on in this one; every episode I learn something new! Please accept my apologies as it hopefully shouldn't happen again. 11:14 - Worldbuilding via 'Show, don't Tell' 26:33 - Interacting with Player Backstories 39:21 - Building Factions as Nuanced as Player Characters Can Be 01:08:43 - Roleplaying within the Framework of a Faction Find Tabletop Journeys on: Website: https://ttjourneys.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/ttjourneys Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ttjourneys Find Thinking Critically online: Website: https://www.thinkingcritically.co.uk Socials: @ThinkCritDnD Dungeons, Dice, & Dudes: https://linktr.ee/DDandD References: 'Star Trek Adventures' by Modiphius Patrons: Tabletop Journeys @ttjourneys: https://ttjourneys.com/ Joe from The Fourth Leg @jcd0818: https://anchor.fm/james-h-anderson Optional Rule @optionalrule: https://www.optionalrule.com/ Matt Street @mpstreet88: https://www.virtualtimehustle.com/ Intro Music: 'Local Forecast' by Kevin MacLeodIntermission Music: 'Chill' by Kevin MacLeodOutro Music: 'Local Forecast - Elevator' by Kevin MacLeod Podcast art by Lily from https://www.beiworkshop.com/

We're back after a short, unscheduled break to discuss burnout with fan of the show and Warhammer sensei, Harry Cowdrey. Having both suffered from DM burnout in the past, as I'm sure most DMs have, we talk through what we can now identify as the early warning signs that it's about to set in. Prevention rather than cure is of course the solution though, so understanding why it's happening is critical. Thankfully, this episode contains several tricks for dealing with DM burnout. The other side of the coin is just as valid, though, so we round out the episode tackling the unique predicament of player burnout, and how that affects the game. 03:07 - Red Flags of DM Burnout 24:04 - Weight of Responsibility 42:46 - Benefits & Bullets 55:39 - Player Burnout Find Harry on Twitter: https://twitter.com/harrycowdrey Find Thinking Critically online: Website: https://www.thinkingcritically.co.uk Socials: @ThinkCritDnD Dungeons, Dice, & Dudes: https://linktr.ee/DDandD References: https://www.vice.com/en/article/padk7z/how-inmates-play-tabletop-rpgs-in-prisons-where-dice-are-contraband Patrons: Tabletop Journeys @ttjourneys: https://ttjourneys.com/ Joe from The Fourth Leg @jcd0818: https://anchor.fm/james-h-anderson Optional Rule @optionalrule: https://www.optionalrule.com/ Matt Street @mpstreet88: https://www.virtualtimehustle.com/ Intro Music: 'Local Forecast' by Kevin MacLeodIntermission Music: 'Chill' by Kevin MacLeodOutro Music: 'Local Forecast - Elevator' by Kevin MacLeod Podcast art by Lily from https://www.beiworkshop.com/

Charity Donation Page: https://justgiving.com/fundraising/sl-gameon23 Charity Stream: https://www.twitch.tv/thinkcritdnd This episode was recorded live at the RPGaming Faversham event on 18th March 2023, organised by Boys from the Baltic Star. The first half was recorded with The Keeper of our Cult of Cthulhu TTRPG session moments before starting, while the second half catches us as we recover from the horrors we experienced. 05:21 - Pre-game Intros and Explanations 11:16 - Post-game Therapy Find Steve at: Broadside Game Show: https://www.miltonhundred.com/broadside Find Thinking Critically online: Website: https://www.thinkingcritically.co.uk Socials: @ThinkCritDnD Dungeons, Dice, & Dudes: https://linktr.ee/DDandD References: Call of Cthulhu by Chaosium: https://www.chaosium.com/call-of-cthulhu-getting-started/ Dice & Destiny: https://diceanddestiny.co.uk/ Dead Light: https://www.chaosium.com/dead-light-and-other-dark-turns-pdf/ 'Integrity' episode of Thinking Critically: https://www.thinkingcritically.co.uk/integrity/ 'Experience' episode of Thinking Critically: https://www.thinkingcritically.co.uk/experience/ Patrons: Tabletop Journeys @ttjourneys: https://ttjourneys.com/ Joe from The Fourth Leg @jcd0818: https://anchor.fm/james-h-anderson Optional Rule @optionalrule: https://www.optionalrule.com/ Matthew Perkins @heyitsMattyP: https://www.matthewperkins.net/ Matt Street @mpstreet88: https://www.virtualtimehustle.com/ Intro Music: 'Local Forecast' by Kevin MacLeodTransition Music: 'Digital City Lights Loop' from the Anime Attack Pack 01 by Aaron Richards AudioOutro Music: 'Local Forecast - Elevator' by Kevin MacLeod Podcast art by Lily from https://www.beiworkshop.com/

*Minor Outer Wilds spoilers in this episode* I'm joined by Michael K. Ross from The RPG Academy to talk how to design enthralling and fair mysteries, puzzles, and enigmas. Action 12 Cinema Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/therpgacademy/action-12-cinema 12-Hour Charity Stream for Naomi House: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/sl-gameon23 04:24 - There's Been a Murder! 12:54 - Crafting Rewarding Mysteries 29:53 - Implicit Trust and the Beauty of Experimentation 45:35 - Building a Thematic Setting 55:33 - Quickfire Tips Find Michael on: Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheRpgAcademy Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/therpgacademy/action-12-cinema Website: www.therpgacademy.com AcadeCon: http://www.acadecon.com/ Find Thinking Critically online: Website: https://www.thinkingcritically.co.uk Socials: @ThinkCritDnD Dungeons, Dice, & Dudes: https://linktr.ee/DDandD References: GUMSHOE: https://pelgranepress.com/2018/02/14/gumshoe/ Brindlewood bay: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/410316/Brindlewood-Bay-Kickstarter-Edition Patrons: Tabletop Journeys @ttjourneys: https://ttjourneys.com/ Joe from The Fourth Leg @jcd0818: https://anchor.fm/james-h-anderson Optional Rule @optionalrule: https://www.optionalrule.com/ Matthew Perkins @heyitsMattyP: https://www.matthewperkins.net/ Matt Street @mpstreet88: https://www.virtualtimehustle.com/ Intro Music: 'Local Forecast' by Kevin MacLeod Intermission Music: 'Chill' by Kevin MacLeod Outro Music: 'Local Forecast - Elevator' by Kevin MacLeod Podcast art by Lily from https://www.beiworkshop.com/

CW: Slavery I'm joined by Ben, Ewan, and Luke from the Boys from the Baltic Star Traveller stream to discuss some of the many different definitions of integrity in TTRPGs. Nothing is off the table as we share tips on building memorable heroes and villains with strong identities in logically consistent settings, along with the meta-topic of how to stay true to oneself in the competitive and ever changing content creation market. Apologies for the technical difficulties in this one, leaving us with just Ben! 03:30 - Being Honest with the Game 17:52 - The Nature of Evil & The Villainy Scale 40:39 - Logical Internal Consistency 52:19 - Staying True to Yourself RPGaming Faversham 2023 https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rpgaming-faversham-2023-tickets-472241295427 Find The Boys on: Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/boysfromthebalticstar Twitter: https://twitter.com/BoysBaltic YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@boysfromthebalticstar1656 Find Thinking Critically online: Website: https://www.thinkingcritically.co.uk Socials: @ThinkCritDnD Dungeons, Dice, & Dudes: https://linktr.ee/DDandD References: 'Fudging' episode of Thinking Critically Patrons: Tabletop Journeys @ttjourneys: https://ttjourneys.com/ Joe from The Fourth Leg @jcd0818: https://anchor.fm/james-h-anderson Optional Rule @optionalrule: https://www.optionalrule.com/ Matthew Perkins @heyitsMattyP: https://www.matthewperkins.net/ Matt Street @mpstreet88: https://www.virtualtimehustle.com/ Intro Music: 'Local Forecast' by Kevin MacLeod Intermission Music: 'Chill' by Kevin MacLeod Outro Music: 'Local Forecast - Elevator' by Kevin MacLeod Podcast art by Lily from https://www.beiworkshop.com/

“I found them all. I won." Finally, I welcome George from our 'Dungeons, Dice, and Dudes' actual play podcast to discuss how to build adventures, and why it's important to define one. No matter if you're top-down or bottom-up, there always needs to be that call to adventure, a catalyst, and the form that takes can drastically alter the theme and direction of a campaign. Giving your players that Elden Ring moment is all about the "scale in detail"; having a wide enough pond to splash around in with just enough depth to make it worthwhile. 03:48 - The 'Breath of the Wild' Moment 14:40 - Call to Adventure 25:47 - Worldbuilding 40:49 - Character Motivations 51:01 - Fighting DM Anxiety Find George on Dungeons, Dice, and Dudes: https://linktr.ee/DDandD Find Thinking Critically online: Website: https://www.thinkingcritically.co.uk Socials: @ThinkCritDnD References: 'Conflict' episode of Thinking Critically with Rob (Ulysses) 'Time' episode of Thinking Critically with Tim (Ulrik) 'Macro' episode of Thinking Critically with Nathan (DM) 'Happiness' episode of Thinking Critically with Simon (Owain) Patrons: Tabletop Journeys @ttjourneys: https://ttjourneys.com/ Joe from The Fourth Leg @jcd0818: https://anchor.fm/james-h-anderson Optional Rule @optionalrule: https://www.optionalrule.com/ Matthew Perkins @heyitsMattyP: https://www.matthewperkins.net/ Matt Street @mpstreet88: https://www.virtualtimehustle.com/ Intro Music: 'Local Forecast' by Kevin MacLeod Intermission Music: 'Chill' by Kevin MacLeod Outro Music: 'Local Forecast - Elevator' by Kevin MacLeod Podcast art by Lily from https://www.beiworkshop.com/

This episode I'm joined by Harlen Ogni, DM of previous guest Aaron's Games and prolific worldbuilder, with a staggering 250,000 words on World Anvil! Harlen joins me to to chat about our approaches to worldbuilding and what drives us to put pen to paper. 02:52 - Catharsis 13:22 - Letting Go of Your World 31:34 - Environmental Storytelling 46:03 - Of Gods and Kings Find Harlen on Twitter: https://twitter.com/OgniHarlen Find Thinking Critically online: Website: https://www.thinkingcritically.co.uk Socials: @ThinkCritDnD YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ThinkCritDnD Dungeons, Dice, & Dudes: https://linktr.ee/DDandD References: World Anvil worldbuilding tools 'Chaos' episode of Thinking Critically Patrons: Joe from The Fourth Leg @jcd0818: https://anchor.fm/james-h-anderson Optional Rule @optionalrule: https://www.optionalrule.com/ Matthew Perkins @mperkinsDM: https://www.matthewperkins.net/ Matt Street @mpstreet88: https://www.virtualtimehustle.com/ Intro Music: 'Local Forecast' by Kevin MacLeod Intermission Music: 'Chill' by Kevin MacLeod Outro Music: 'Local Forecast - Elevator' by Kevin MacLeod Podcast art by Lily from https://www.beiworkshop.com/

The sky is falling! It's my pleasure to welcome back Matthew Perkins to discuss this months HOT TOPIC: the "leaked" snippets of the alleged OGL 1.1. Disclosure: this episode was recorded on 7th January, we are not lawyer or legal experts, and neither of us have any official affiliation with WotC or Hasbro, nor any familial connection to Christopher Perkins! Through that lens we take a satirical but earnest look at the alleged OGL 1.1, what it means for each of us and the future of the hobby, while trying to avoid the overwhelming doom and gloom. 06:41 - Ownership Troubles & The Squeeze 20:20- Tinfoil Hat Retroactive Action 31:13 - The Money Men 40:02 - Critical RoGL 50:08 - Sentimental Copyrights 01:05:35 - Looking Forward Find Matty P on: Website: https://www.matthewperkins.net Twitter: https://twitter.com/heyitsMattyP Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heyitsMattyP/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heyitsMattyP/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@heyitsMattyP TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@heyitsmattyp Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/heyitsMattyP Find Thinking Critically online: https://www.thinkingcritically.co.uk Dungeons, Dice, & Dudes twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/ddndpod Citations & Further Reading: Gizmodo Article "Dungeons & Dragons' New License Tightens Its Grip on Competition": https://gizmodo.com/dnd-wizards-of-the-coast-ogl-1-1-open-gaming-license-1849950634 Treantmonk's Temple "The OGL 1.1 is not "benign" at all it appears: D&D 5e": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fTDDNJN5SvM The Arcane Library "The OGL and Me: What Will Happen Now?": https://youtu.be/ewTIS3fHOK0 'Pressure' episode of Thinking Critically: Patrons: Joe from The Fourth Leg @jcd0818: https://anchor.fm/james-h-anderson Optional Rule @optionalrule: https://www.optionalrule.com/ Matthew Perkins @mperkinsDM: https://www.matthewperkins.net/ Matt Street @mpstreet88: https://www.virtualtimehustle.com/ Intro Music: 'Local Forecast' by Kevin MacLeod Intermission Music: 'Chill' by Kevin MacLeod Outro Music: 'Local Forecast - Elevator' by Kevin MacLeod

This mystical episode I'm joined by Jack Weighill of Dice Average RPG to discuss the minutia of the magical. The way WOTC have designed spells is an interesting insight into how they view D&D and how they suggest it should be played. Jack takes us through the best and worst spells, with some interesting surprises that you might not have thought of! 02:32 - Viewing D&D Through the Lens of Spell Design 08:10 - Why Healing is Wasteful 21:58 - Avoid these Spells! 29:13 - Subclass &Tier Considerations 29:16 - DM Agency & OP Spells 43:24 - Completely Busted Spells Find Jack on: Twitter: https://twitter.com/diceaveragejack Website: https://diceaveragerpg.carrd.co/ GOLEM: https://www.dmsguild.com/product/414871/GOLEM--5e-Constructs-Reimagined?src=ThinkingCritically&affiliate_id=1352327 d'Avenir's Pocketbook to Ravenloft: https://www.dmsguild.com/product/413389/dAvenirs-Pocketbook-to-Ravenloft?src=ThinkingCritically&affiliate_id=1352327 Drizzt's Travelogue of Everything: https://www.dmsguild.com/product/399285/Drizzts-Travelogue-of-Everything-Volume-1-PDF?src=ThinkingCritically&affiliate_id=1352327 Find Thinking Critically online: https://www.thinkingcritically.co.uk Patrons: Joe from The Fourth Leg @jcd0818: https://anchor.fm/james-h-anderson Optional Rule @optionalrule: https://www.optionalrule.com/ Matthew Perkins @mperkinsDM: https://www.matthewperkins.net/ Matt Street @mpstreet88: https://www.virtualtimehustle.com/ Intro Music: 'Local Forecast' by Kevin MacLeod Intermission Music: 'Chill' by Kevin MacLeod Outro Music: 'Local Forecast - Elevator' by Kevin MacLeod

This episode I'm joined by Ty Moore from Adventure Slang productions to talk about variety and diversity in TTRPGs. We discuss how having an open mind and trying different systems affects not only your approach to playing TTRPGSs, but also the lens through which you view them. 02:22 - Diversity Aided Design 06:15 - Different Approaches to TTRPGs 15:02 - Nuovarden - Non-Medieval Fantasy 23:06 - Maintaining Diversity and Balance 31:09 - Avoiding Misalignment Under the Guise of Variety 42:14 - Game Design Through a Different Lens Find Ty on: Twitter: https://twitter.com/dungeonmisterty and https://twitter.com/AdventureSlang Website: https://adventureslang.com/ Nuovarden: https://adventureslang.com/nuovarden-rpg Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gaming/AdventureSlang Find Thinking Critically online: https://www.thinkingcritically.co.uk Video Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCH_BSgazjwyshzo1jazHeaQ Patrons: Joe from The Fourth Leg @jcd0818: https://anchor.fm/james-h-anderson Optional Rule @optionalrule: https://www.optionalrule.com/ Matthew Perkins @mperkinsDM: https://www.matthewperkins.net/ Matt Street @mpstreet88: https://www.virtualtimehustle.com/ Intro Music: 'Local Forecast' by Kevin MacLeod Intermission Music: 'Chill' by Kevin MacLeod Outro Music: 'Local Forecast - Elevator' by Kevin MacLeod

This very special episode I'm joined by Greg Tito and Shelly Mazzanoble, hosts and producers of the official Dungeons & Dragons podcast: Dragon Talk! They take us through how recording their podcast and writing their new book, Welcome to Dragon Talk, has shaped their D&D experience and shown them all the wonderful ways we interact as a community! 03:16 - D&D Community Archetypes 15:18 - Surprising Applications 25:08 - Complex Systems 32:39 - Lowering the Barrier to Entry 47:38 - Online Communities Find Greg and Shelly on: Greg's Twitter: https://twitter.com/Gregtito Shelly's Twitter: https://twitter.com/shellymoo Dragon Talk podcast: https://dnd.wizards.com/podcasts/dragon-talk Welcome to Dragon Talk book: https://uipress.uiowa.edu/books/welcome-dragon-talk Find Thinking Critically online: https://www.thinkingcritically.co.uk References: Lucas Zellers: https://scintilla.studio/ 'Monster' episode of Thinking Critically 'Extinction' episode of Thinking Critically Patrons: Joe from The Fourth Leg @jcd0818: https://anchor.fm/james-h-anderson Optional Rule @optionalrule: https://www.optionalrule.com/ Matthew Perkins @mperkinsDM: https://www.matthewperkins.net/ Matt Street @mpstreet88: https://www.virtualtimehustle.com/ Intro Music: 'Local Forecast' by Kevin MacLeod Intermission Music: 'Chill' by Kevin MacLeod Outro Music: 'Local Forecast - Elevator' by Kevin MacLeod

Part 3 in our Marketing for TTRPG Creators Series Webinar sign up: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScjBv3TgGVtqTdIfU3az6Izhw-p0_QlIf_Z5fW2iYBIWEw7zw/viewform Zack from Applewhite Games returns to the show to discuss the value of 'the person behind the logo' and how everything you do affects your reputation. 03:08 - How Branding Differs from Marketing 10:42 - The Silver Bullet of Good Branding 18:53 - You the Brand Versus You the Person 32:10 - Fear of Failure 38:48 - The Logo Game 46:48 - Etymology Find Zack on: Twitter: https://twitter.com/ApplewhiteGames Applewhite games: https://linktr.ee/ApplewhiteGames Find Thinking Critically online: https://www.thinkingcritically.co.uk References: Part 1: 'Marketing' episode of Thinking Critically Part 2: 'Kickstarter' episode of Thinking Critically Hawkmir on Twitter Patrons: Joe from The Fourth Leg @jcd0818: https://anchor.fm/james-h-anderson Optional Rule @optionalrule: https://www.optionalrule.com/ Matthew Perkins @mperkinsDM: https://www.matthewperkins.net/ Matt Street @mpstreet88: https://www.virtualtimehustle.com/ Intro Music: 'Local Forecast' by Kevin MacLeod Intermission Music: 'Chill' by Kevin MacLeod Outro Music: 'Local Forecast - Elevator' by Kevin MacLeod

This week I'm joined by friend and table mate Sam Henry to talk about our processes used for playing D&D, and how we use our professional backgrounds to improve our experiences. 05:21 - A Process Oriented Approach 15:46 - Difference Between Players and DMs 20:04 - The D&D Machine 27:46 - Character Creation 43:06 - Getting into Character 52:41 - Flow Charts! Find Thinking Critically online: https://www.thinkingcritically.co.uk References: Dungeons, Dice & Dudes: https://linktr.ee/DDandD 'Mistakes' episode of Thinking Critically: https://www.thinkingcritically.co.uk/mistakes 'Progression' episode of Thinking Critically: https://www.thinkingcritically.co.uk/progression/ Patrons: Joe from The Fourth Leg @jcd0818: https://anchor.fm/james-h-anderson Optional Rule @optionalrule: https://www.optionalrule.com/ Matthew Perkins @mperkinsDM: https://www.matthewperkins.net/ Matt Street @mpstreet88: https://www.virtualtimehustle.com/ Intro Music: 'Local Forecast' by Kevin MacLeod Intermission Music: 'Chill' by Kevin MacLeod Outro Music: 'Local Forecast - Elevator' by Kevin MacLeod

This week I'm joined by Cyle Durkee from Play-Nerd Allies and Foundation for Inclusivity in Gaming, to talk about how to have a quality gaming session. Running a TTRPG is more an art than it is science, and as such involves several layers of nuance and considerations. The tail end of the show is dedicated to how to have those sometimes awkward, game-impacting conversations, and how you should think carefully if considering using a TTRPG as therapy. 11:29 - Streaming Tabletop Content 16:09 - Creating a Quality Community 31:25 - Communicating Effectively 44:58 - Talk to your Players Find Cyle on all things Play-Nerd Allies on: Linktree: https://linktr.ee/PlayNerdAllies Play-Nerd Allies: https://www.playnerdallies.com/ Play-Nerd Allies: https://www.twitch.tv/playnerdallies Rolling Together Twitch Team: https://www.twitch.tv/team/rollingtogether Foundation for Inclusivity in Gaming: https://figforall.org/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/AlliesNerd Find Thinking Critically online: https://www.thinkingcritically.co.uk Patrons: Joe from The Fourth Leg @jcd0818: https://anchor.fm/james-h-anderson Optional Rule @optionalrule: https://www.optionalrule.com/ Matthew Perkins @mperkinsDM: https://www.matthewperkins.net/ Matt Street @mpstreet88: https://www.virtualtimehustle.com/ Intro Music: 'Local Forecast' by Kevin MacLeod Intermission Music: 'Chill' by Kevin MacLeod Outro Music: 'Local Forecast - Elevator' by Kevin MacLeod

This episode I'm joined by the eponymous Aaron of Aaron's Games! Although not the first published, this episode was the first recorded without any preparation notes, in the spirit of the episode topic! Aaron and I discuss the inherent nature of TTRPGs, and how what some might consider "chaos", others would say is improvisation. Through character anecdotes, Aaron expertly describes how to introduce chaotic characters while bridging alignments and play styles. 02:33 - The Inherent Chaos of TTRPGs 14:07 - Managing Chaotic Characters 29:28 - Mixing Alignments 43:57 - The Improvisation Engine Find Aaron on: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1JtkK5IBFtYwmv6QOqxMhQ Twitter: https://twitter.com/AaronsGames_ God Punchers Twitter: https://twitter.com/godpunchers God Punchers Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/godpunchers/ Insert Laughter Here: https://insertlaughterhere.co.uk/ Find Thinking Critically online: https://www.thinkingcritically.co.uk Patrons: Joe from The Fourth Leg @jcd0818: https://anchor.fm/james-h-anderson Optional Rule @optionalrule: https://www.optionalrule.com/ Matthew Perkins @mperkinsDM: https://www.matthewperkins.net/ Matt Street @mpstreet88: https://www.virtualtimehustle.com/ Intro Music: 'Local Forecast' by Kevin MacLeod Intermission Music: 'Chill' by Kevin MacLeod Outro Music: 'Local Forecast - Elevator' by Kevin MacLeod

Minor 'Lost Mine Of Phandelver' spoilers in this episode. This week I host Derrick from the How Not To DM podcast (HN2DM), to once again talk about all the glorious mistakes we make! the most value from these kinds of discussions, however, is not what to avoid, but what can be learned. We are all beginners at some point, and so we share our experiences and how they can bring us all together in this hobby we love. 05:56 - The Biggest Mistake 18:54 - The Learning Experience 31:49 - What Makes a Good Player Find Derrick on: How Not to DM: https://anchor.fm/hn2dm Twitter: https://twitter.com/HN2DM T4C Discord: https://discord.com/invite/FycFWE4KwY Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hownottodm/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_v4UX77Yb_Fwrc3GAMTzjQ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hn2dm Find Thinking Critically online: https://www.thinkingcritically.co.uk Original 'Mistakes' episode: https://www.thinkingcritically.co.uk/mistakes And in Dungeons, Dice, and Dudes: https://linktr.ee/DDandD Patrons: Robert Hartley @RobertHartleyGM: https://www.patreon.com/RobertHartleyGM Optional Rule @optionalrule: https://www.optionalrule.com/ Matthew Perkins @mperkinsDM: https://www.matthewperkins.net/ Matt Street @mpstreet88: https://www.virtualtimehustle.com/ Intro Music: 'Local Forecast' by Kevin MacLeod Intermission Music: 'Chill' by Kevin MacLeod Outro Music: 'Local Forecast - Elevator' by Kevin MacLeod

This episode brings us Nick from the Hidden GMs Podcast to talk about experimentation in TTRPGs. We discuss the benefits of trying different systems and how they can positively impact how you run your current game. No matter what game you play, everything is dependant on the trust between the players and the GM. One way you can experiment in your D&D 5e game is by handing more control over to your players, be that via extensive character knowledge, in game, or collaborative worldbuilding outside of the game. 03:04 - Trying New Systems 15:32 - D&D 5e Experiments 30:17 - Dynamic Campaigns 49:41 - Playing with the Narrative Find Nick on: Twitter: https://twitter.com/HiddenGMs Hidden GMs Podcast: https://hiddengmspodcast.com/ Find Thinking Critically online: https://www.thinkingcritically.co.uk References: Negative Modifier Podcast: www.negativemodifier.com Negative Modifier Charity Stream: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0TTyPipaCWw Tabletop Journeys Against the Darkmaster: https://www.ttjourneys.com/archives/podcast/field-trip-against-the-dark-master-session-1 Halcyon Daze: Motorcycle Knights: https://redoakscreative.itch.io/halcyon-daze-motorcycle-knights 'Fudging' episode of Thinking Critically Patrons: Robert Hartley @RobertHartleyGM: https://www.patreon.com/RobertHartleyGM Optional Rule @optionalrule: https://www.optionalrule.com/ Matthew Perkins @mperkinsDM: https://www.matthewperkins.net/ Matt Street @mpstreet88: https://www.virtualtimehustle.com/ Intro Music: 'Local Forecast' by Kevin MacLeod Intermission Music: 'Chill' by Kevin MacLeod Outro Music: 'Local Forecast - Elevator' by Kevin MacLeod

Once again I welcome Lucas Zellers, a.k.a @SparkOtter, as we continue our theme from the Monster episode. We discuss a critical topic as Lucas takes us through his new project: Book of Extinction. The book gives game statistics and lore for D&D 5e, alongside real-world history for some of the world's most famous extinct animals. The project comes at a critical time as earth's sixth mass extinction accelerates, with more species likely to disappear in the next 20 years than in the last century alone according to the National Academy of Sciences. We discuss the possibility of society becoming numb to extinction, and how these natural events have inescapably shaped the Monster Manual. 02:00 - Extinction: The Core of D&D 08:39 - True Stories Behind Some of the Monster Manual's Extinct Creatures 23:58 - Dino Discussion 31:10 - Extinction-Level Events 38:01 - Content Deprecation 41:48 - TPE: Total Party Extinction Find Lucas on: Scintilla Studios: https://scintilla.studio/extinction/ DriveThru RPG: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/388997/Book-of-Extinction--Preview DMs Guild: https://www.dmsguild.com/browse.php?author=Lucas%20Zellers Mage Hand Press: https://store.magehandpress.com/products/book-of-extinction-preview Twitter: https://twitter.com/sparkotter Find Thinking Critically online: https://www.thinkingcritically.co.uk References: S03E02 'Monster' episode of Thinking Critically Center for Biological Diversity: https://biologicaldiversity.org/w/news/press-releases/new-dungeons-dragons-book-to-support-endangered-species-protection-2022-04-11/ Atlas Games - Planegea: https://atlas-games.com/planegea Patrons: Robert Hartley @RobertHartleyGM: https://www.patreon.com/RobertHartleyGM Optional Rule @optionalrule: https://www.optionalrule.com/ Matthew Perkins @mperkinsDM: https://www.matthewperkins.net/ Matt Street @mpstreet88: https://www.virtualtimehustle.com/ Intro Music: 'Local Forecast' by Kevin MacLeod Intermission Music: 'Chill' by Kevin MacLeod Outro Music: 'Local Forecast - Elevator' by Kevin MacLeod

I'm once again joined by Bart Wynants (a.k.a. @critographer), this time to talk about how to write TTRPGs. As with many tasks, mind set and habit formation is of upmost importance for success. Bart suggests embodying different 'roles' when writing TTRPG content: The "Architect" for big picture, macro level structure. The "Builder" for content creation and putting meat on the bones. And finally, the "Interior Designer" for beautifying and improving the user experience. This compartmentalisation can help forward momentum by focusing on what's important at that time. A unique aspect of writing for TTRPGs is how you have to keep several different kinds of audience in mind: DMs, players, and viewers/consumers. Each type demands unique considerations and concessions - listen to the episode to find the tips you need approach this and find success! 01:59 - Building the Habit 11:41 - Writing Reusable Adventures 20:46 - How Writing for a Module Differs from Prep 35:31 - Scripting an Actual Play 51:19 - 'The First Draft is Crap' Find Bart on: Twitter: https://twitter.com/critographer Raging Swan Press: https://www.ragingswanpress.com/ Hansor Publishing — The Gaia Complex: https://thegaiacomplex.com/hansor House of the Exorcist: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/375167/House-of-the-Exorcist Find Thinking Critically online: https://www.thinkingcritically.co.uk References: S01 E24 'Fudging' episode of Thinking Critically S03 E18 'Kickstarter' episode of Thinking Critically Patrons: Robert Hartley @RobertHartleyGM: https://www.patreon.com/RobertHartleyGM Optional Rule @optionalrule: https://www.optionalrule.com/ Matthew Perkins @mperkinsDM: https://www.matthewperkins.net/ Matt Street @mpstreet88: https://www.virtualtimehustle.com/ Intro Music: 'Local Forecast' by Kevin MacLeod Intermission Music: 'Chill' by Kevin MacLeod Outro Music: 'Local Forecast - Elevator' by Kevin MacLeod

This episode I'm joined by Andrew & Vesna Gronosky from Shewstone Publishing, who leverage their extensive knowledge to discuss the implications of having a "history" in your TTRPG setting. The different lifespans of races can have a profound impact in their culture and what they consider important enough to record; what happened "a long time ago" to a human can be relatively "yesterday" to an elf. We can use these schisms to drive worldbuilding and roleplay opportunities. Fortunately for us, real life has volumes and volumes of inspiration, and most of the heavy lifting has already been done over the span of human history. 02:40 - Building on What We Know 09:42 - Cultural Differences 17:19 - History is Relative 23:03 - The Times They are a Changing 45:06 - Conveying "Facts" 49:20 - Making History Find Andrew & Vesna via Shewstone Publishing on: Magonomia, the RPG of Renaissance Wizardry: https://shewstone.com/magonomia Twitter: https://twitter.com/ShewstoneLLC Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShewstonePublishing YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRYQd535twmEZ-8GF1Tt8jg LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shewstone Find Thinking Critically online: https://www.thinkingcritically.co.uk References: Ars Magica: https://www.atlas-games.com/arsmagica Pirenne Thesis (CW: discredited and shaped by anti-Muslim prejudice) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henri_Pirenne Beyond Battles presentation, Gen Con Online 2021: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fW0YxEnsr8A Patrons: Robert Hartley @RobertHartleyGM: https://www.patreon.com/RobertHartleyGM Optional Rule @optionalrule: https://www.optionalrule.com/ Matthew Perkins @mperkinsDM: https://www.matthewperkins.net/ Matt Street @mpstreet88: https://www.virtualtimehustle.com/ Intro Music: 'Local Forecast' by Kevin MacLeod Intermission Music: 'Chill' by Kevin MacLeod Outro Music: 'Local Forecast - Elevator' by Kevin MacLeod

This episode features Eli Royall from the We Play RPGs podcast family! We discuss how to establish canon in your setting, and the implications of having a standardised fiction. The second problem is how to communicate this to players and bridge that player/character divide; when a character has lived in the world for 50 years, how can the setting and DM effectively translate that into something players can use to guide their actions? 05:05 - The Duality of What's Canon 23:33 - The Player/Character Canon Canyon 40:02 - Accidental Fiction Find Eli on: We Play RPGs: https://weplayrpgspodcast.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grumpybadgerdice/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Grumpy-Badger-100522935831389 Royall Artisan Props: https://royallartisanprops.com/ Find Thinking Critically online: https://www.thinkingcritically.co.uk References: 'Relationships' episode of Thinking Critically 'Lore' episode of Thinking Critically Peach Garden Games Patrons: Robert Hartley @RobertHartleyGM: https://www.patreon.com/RobertHartleyGM Optional Rule @optionalrule: https://www.optionalrule.com/ Matthew Perkins @mperkinsDM: https://www.matthewperkins.net/ Matt Street @mpstreet88: https://www.virtualtimehustle.com/ Intro Music: 'Local Forecast' by Kevin MacLeod Intermission Music: 'Chill' by Kevin MacLeod Outro Music: 'Local Forecast - Elevator' by Kevin MacLeod

This spicy episode I'm joined by Fruits from The Homebakery to talk all about flavouring our D&D campaigns. A large portion of the show is spent discussing the different classes and their subclass options, and how their baggage inherently affects the flavour of player characters. We then move on to introducing food and drink into your campaign, and how it's perhaps an often overlooked vehicle for enabling role play opportunities. 01:38 - Pre-Baked Classes 10:24 - Impact of Sub-Class on Backstory 29:15 - Flavourful Campaigns 34:33 - Fantasy Food & Drink 42:00 - Flavouring your Role Play 51:42 - Subversion Find Fruits on: Website: https://thehomebakery.carrd.co/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/the_homebakery Itch.io: https://itch.io/profile/thehomebakery DriveThruRPG: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse/pub/20294/The-Homebakery Blog: https://5ehomebakery.blogspot.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/5e_homebakery/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheHomebakeryFB/ Find Thinking Critically online: https://www.thinkingcritically.co.uk Patrons: Robert Hartley @RobertHartleyGM: https://www.patreon.com/RobertHartleyGM Optional Rule @optionalrule: https://www.optionalrule.com/ Matthew Perkins @mperkinsDM: https://www.matthewperkins.net/ Matt Street @mpstreet88: https://www.virtualtimehustle.com/ Intro Music: 'Local Forecast' by Kevin MacLeod Intermission Music: 'Chill' by Kevin MacLeod Outro Music: 'Local Forecast - Elevator' by Kevin MacLeod

Once again I am joined by long time friends of the show and the inimitable hosts of Tabletop Journeys: Josh, Lewanika, and Glen. Their enthusiasm for TTRPGs is infectious and it's such a delight to provide a platform for their passion and talents. This episode about is what galvanises and moves us, as characters, players, and storytellers. It's interesting that PC motivation is not pre-baked in the building process, unlike backgrounds which are almost purely fluff and can sometimes have very little impact on gameplay. This has produced the idea of a "social contract" between players, the DM, and all their characters; an often implicit agreement that we're all in this together to build a great story, but achieving this can be harder than you might expect! The last two-thirds of the show are dedicated to us as human beings and why we love TTRPGs. The answer is as old as the hobby itself: there's no such high as collaborative worldbuilding with friends. 05:39 - Character Motivation 33:36 - What Keeps Us Coming Back 46:06 - Motivated Storytellers Find Tabletop Journeys on: Website: https://ttjourneys.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/ttjourneys Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ttjourneys Traveler's Guide to the Multiverse: https://www.dmsguild.com/product/392937/The-Travelers-Guide-to-the-Multiverse Traveler's Guide to Collaborative Worldbuilding: https://www.dmsguild.com/product/380254/The-Travelers-Guide-to-Collaborative-Worldbuilding Find Thinking Critically online: https://www.thinkingcritically.co.uk and also now on Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/thinkingcritically References: 'Space' and 'Items' episodes of Thinking Critically Patrons: Robert Hartley @RobertHartleyGM: https://www.patreon.com/RobertHartleyGM Optional Rule @optionalrule: https://www.optionalrule.com/ Matthew Perkins @mperkinsDM: https://www.matthewperkins.net/ Matt Street @mpstreet88: https://www.virtualtimehustle.com/ Intro Music: 'Local Forecast' by Kevin MacLeod Intermission Music: 'Chill' by Kevin MacLeod Outro Music: 'Local Forecast - Elevator' by Kevin MacLeod

Welcome back! Season 4 opens with a self-indulgent, naval gazing look at the new player experience through the eyes of one my players: Matt Street. Matt joined my homebrew campaign in session 0 way back at the beginning of 2019 with his Tortle sorcerer A'Therin Trolldoor. Since then, over six chapters we've lost two players, four PCs and several NPCs. Matt shares his experiences learning D&D 5e from the ground up, having had no TTRPG experience before; the things he wasn't expecting (rekindling childlike joy) and his most surprising takeaways! We talk through the various tips that both jaded DMs such as myself, and virgin players alike can use to aid that onboarding experience. For better and for worse, D&D still has a certain stigma surrounding it, and anything we can do to reduce those barriers and make people comfortable at the table is surely a good thing. 04:28 - New Player Experience 15:09 - Digital or Physical for Onboarding 30:09 - Tips for New Players 36:16 - Voices and Apprehension 47:18 - Tales of the Unexpected 56:35 - D&D: A Unique Experience Find Matt on: Twitter: https://twitter.com/mpstreet88 My stream as Rho: https://www.twitch.tv/thinkingcritically My YouTube as Rho: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCH_BSgazjwyshzo1jazHeaQ Find Thinking Critically online: https://www.thinkingcritically.co.uk References: 'Ability' episode of Thinking Critically 'Experience' episode of Thinking Critically Patrons: Robert Hartley @RobertHartleyGM: https://www.patreon.com/RobertHartleyGM Optional Rule @optionalrule: https://www.optionalrule.com/ Matthew Perkins @mperkinsDM: https://www.matthewperkins.net/ Matt Street @mpstreet88: https://www.virtualtimehustle.com/ Intro Music: 'Local Forecast' by Kevin MacLeod Intermission Music: 'Chill' by Kevin MacLeod Outro Music: 'Local Forecast - Elevator' by Kevin MacLeod

For the season final I'm joined by Ramji, DM of The 4th Culture, an Asia-based TTRPG show which focuses on global voices and set in an Asian-influence homebrew world. We discuss global mythology and it's impact on TTRPGs, such as it's inherent euro-centricity and how this has affected published settings and games around the world. At it's core, D&D is collaborative storytelling, so it's more similar to folklore and myths than you might originally think! We go on to discuss tips for creating homebrew mythology, such as leveraging different systems and approaches to world building, along the way sharing our own anecdotes and cultural experiences. 02:51 - The Difficulty of Mythology in D&D 13:47 - Digging a Little Deeper 24:29 - Building In-Game Myths 37:02 - Telling Stories Through Maps 42:29 - Telling Stories Through Language 56:44 - Linked by Humanity Find Ramji on: The 4th Culture: http://www.t4c.online/ Find Thinking Critically on: Website: https://www.thinkingcritically.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/ThinkCritDnD Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thinking_critically_dnd/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThinkingCriticallyDnD YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCH_BSgazjwyshzo1jazHeaQ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thinkingcritically Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/thinkingcritically References: 'Monster' episode of Thinking Critically 'Microscope' by Ben Robbins Patrons: Robert Hartley @RobertHartleyGM: https://www.patreon.com/RobertHartleyGM Optional Rule @optionalrule: https://www.optionalrule.com/ Matthew Perkins @mperkinsDM: https://www.matthewperkins.net/ Matt Street @mpstreet88: https://www.virtualtimehustle.com/ Intro Music: 'Local Forecast' by Kevin MacLeod Intermission Music: 'Chill' by Kevin MacLeod Outro Music: 'Local Forecast - Elevator' by Kevin MacLeod

This episode features Hope of the eponymous HopeForTTRPGs who shares with me how to build and maintain an active and safe community. She goes through some personal pitfalls and anecdotes of that growth, and the unique challenges it possesses. One thing to remember during it all is to look after, care for, and improve yourself, as nothing is worth getting burned out for. This episode also features me personifying the "grumpy old man shakes fist at [thing]" meme... several times! C O N T E N T 01:35 - A New Hope: Growth and Sustainability 12:52 - Discordance 17:02 - How to Build a Community 43:35 - Social Networks 48:58 - Homebrewing Compelling Communities 56:35 - Staying True to Yourself Find Hope on: Twitter: https://twitter.com/Hope4TTRPGS Discord: https://discord.com/invite/sYpH7vKvJh Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/hopeforttrpgs Linktree: https://linktr.ee/Hope4TTRPGS Find Thinking Critically on: Website: https://www.thinkingcritically.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/ThinkCritDnD Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thinking_critically_dnd/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThinkingCriticallyDnD YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCH_BSgazjwyshzo1jazHeaQ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thinkingcritically Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/thinkingcritically References: Tabletop Journeys Eos Rakonto Patrons: Robert Hartley @RobertHartleyGM: https://www.patreon.com/RobertHartleyGM Optional Rule @optionalrule: https://www.optionalrule.com/ Matthew Perkins @mperkinsDM: https://www.matthewperkins.net/ Matt Street @mpstreet88: https://www.virtualtimehustle.com/ Intro Music: 'Local Forecast' by Kevin MacLeod Intermission Music: 'Chill' by Kevin MacLeod Outro Music: 'Local Forecast - Elevator' by Kevin MacLeod

Once again I'm joined by Ian a.k.a TheFoolishSwarmi, this time to talk about the different kind of dynamics in D&D. Most of the episode is focused on the discussion of how D&D is inherently a human experience, and how realising this and efforts to make the game more humane can drastically improve the experience for all at the table, in a safe way. TTRPGs operate in a shared space, and just as every table is unique, every group of players is it's own organism. Thank you to everyone who donated to my charity stream, together we made over £600! 02:32 - How Group Dynamics Affects the Game 25:16 - The Whole is Greater than the Sum of it's Parts 38:06 - Party Dynamics and Social Intelligence 49:18 - Building an Effective Character Find Ian on: Website: https://www.foolishswami.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefoolishswamidm/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FoolishSwami-102107998588962 Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/FoolishSwami_DM/ 'The Nine of Himdal' on DMs Guild: https://www.dmsguild.com/product/337972/The-Nine-of-Himdal Find Thinking Critically on: Website: https://www.thinkingcritically.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/ThinkCritDnD Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thinking_critically_dnd/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThinkingCriticallyDnD YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCH_BSgazjwyshzo1jazHeaQ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thinkingcritically Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/thinkingcritically References: 'Structure' episode of Thinking Critically Patrons: Robert Hartley @RobertHartleyGM: https://www.patreon.com/RobertHartleyGM Optional Rule @optionalrule: https://www.optionalrule.com/ Matthew Perkins @mperkinsDM: https://www.matthewperkins.net/ Matt Street @mpstreet88: https://www.virtualtimehustle.com/ Intro Music: 'Local Forecast' by Kevin MacLeod Intermission Music: 'Chill' by Kevin MacLeod Outro Music: 'Local Forecast - Elevator' by Kevin MacLeod

This episode stars Michael Kesavan, a.k.a. Dead Aussie Gamer, to talk about assembling the best game. Turns out, diversity and versatility are key, both in-universe and out of game. The types of players you have, and the characters they share, creates a unique social biome where we seek acceptance. DAG also takes us through some tips on starting a campaign, and why the negative perception of "starting in a tavern" is misguided. 3:02 - What if I Told You we were Putting a Team Together? 13:07 - The Social Biome 23:50 - Scheduling: The IRL BBEG 31:18 - Bringing People Together 42:42 - Everything is Connected 56:16 - Be Yourself Find the Dead Aussie Gamer on: Linktree: https://linktr.ee/deadaussiegamer Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/deadaussiegamer Ghosts of Saltmarsh: Call of the Kraken: https://youtu.be/R58VFbKemvE Descent into Avernus: Blood War: https://youtu.be/-RKsm-gYQN0 Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/deadaussiegamer Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deadaussiegamer/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/deadaussiegamer YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/deadaussiegamer Charity Stream: Charity: https://www.naomihouse.org.uk/ Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/thinkingcritically Donate: https://live.justgiving.com/pages/donate/1750cd4a-0650-4456-b119-ca0c39bf91f7 Patrons: Robert Hartley @RobertHartleyGM: https://www.patreon.com/RobertHartleyGM Optional Rule @optionalrule: https://www.optionalrule.com/ Matthew Perkins @mperkinsDM: https://www.matthewperkins.net/ Matt Street @mpstreet88: https://www.virtualtimehustle.com/ Intro Music: 'Local Forecast' by Kevin MacLeod Intermission Music: 'Chill' by Kevin MacLeod Outro Music: 'Local Forecast - Elevator' by Kevin MacLeod

This episode I host Jarrod Jahoda and Matt Morris of Mid-Level Adventurers to talk all about maintaining continuity in your TTRPGs. We share many tips DMs can use to maintain internal consistency within their campaigns, as to ensure that verisimilitude and to support your players in suspending their disbelief. However, "no plan survives contact with the enemy" and as such, DMs must find ways to encourage and develop the impact and influence of the party on the world. From a players perspective, we ask the question of how do you develop a rich character who's job is being in mortal danger? 07:05 - [Internal] Consistency is King 17:22 - Influence of the Party 24:21 - Pre-building Campaign Continuity 32:30 - Maintaining Characters in Mortal Danger 45:54 - Continuity Errors 55:22 - The Multiverse Find Jarrod and Matt on: Mid-level Adventurers: https://midleveladventurer.wixsite.com/home Twitch: https://twitch.tv/nuuliforged Twitter: https://twitter.com/Midlvladventure Find Thinking Critically on: Website: https://www.thinkingcritically.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/ThinkCritDnD Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thinking_critically_dnd/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThinkingCriticallyDnD YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCH_BSgazjwyshzo1jazHeaQ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thinkingcritically Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/thinkingcritically References: 'Lore' episode of Thinking Critically Charity Stream: Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/thinkingcritically Donate: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/silver-lining-convergence-gameon Patrons: Robert Hartley @RobertHartleyGM: https://www.patreon.com/RobertHartleyGM Optional Rule @optionalrule: https://www.optionalrule.com/ Matthew Perkins @mperkinsDM: https://www.matthewperkins.net/ Matt Street @mpstreet88: https://www.virtualtimehustle.com/ Intro Music: 'Local Forecast' by Kevin MacLeod Intermission Music: 'Chill' by Kevin MacLeod Outro Music: 'Local Forecast - Elevator' by Kevin MacLeod

Minor Spider-Man: No Way Home spoilers in this episode! I'm joined by Sam Bradley from Starter Set Studios to talk all how to tell, or be told, a good story. We dissect a couple of common storytelling tools such as 'show, don't tell', and how these translate to running a TTRPG. The implementation of these tools varies system to system, table to table, and requires additional overhead on the GM. I put Sam on spot by asking him exactly who's responsible, and how much so, for creating a good story. Our discussion could be considered a hot take! And once more we discuss the "knowledge divide" between GM and players and how, if you're not careful, this can negatively impact the experience. 03:36 - The Art of Leading 09:39 - Who's Responsible for the Story? 21:10 - Storytelling versus Worldbuilding 30:09 - Communicating Through Filters 37:05 - Serving the Story 44:32 - How Players Can Help 52:39 - Railroading Successfully Find Sam on: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/017DIgzgMJkvxOru4rywNr?si=bpBPJRrLRjW02WcANDUP0Q Starter Set Show: https://twitter.com/StarterSetShow Let's Get Shawarma: https://letsgetshawarma.com/ DMs Guild: https://www.dmsguild.com/product/371898/The-StarterSet-Handbook-of-Homebrew-Heroes?view_as_pub=1 Find Thinking Critically on: Website: https://www.thinkingcritically.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/ThinkCritDnD Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thinking_critically_dnd/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThinkingCriticallyDnD YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCH_BSgazjwyshzo1jazHeaQ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thinkingcritically Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/thinkingcritically Patrons: Robert Hartley @RobertHartleyGM: https://www.patreon.com/RobertHartleyGM Optional Rule @optionalrule: https://www.optionalrule.com/ Matthew Perkins @mperkinsDM: https://www.matthewperkins.net/ Matt Street @mpstreet88: https://www.virtualtimehustle.com/ Intro Music: 'Local Forecast' by Kevin MacLeod Intermission Music: 'Chill' by Kevin MacLeod Outro Music: 'Local Forecast - Elevator' by Kevin MacLeod

This episode I'm joined by Rev from The CritShow, the Powered by the Apocalypse podcast, to talk about the consequences of our actions. We agree that any consequence, positive or negative, must fit the the scale and scope of the inciting activity. This can be achieved by a sliding scale; it doesn't always have to be The Worst Possible Outcome for any given misstep. An element of PbtA games is how the GM can work with the players to build that shared narrative, something explicitly missing from D&D 5e. But with this collaborative approach to consequences, a larger degree of trust is required to ensure both the GM and the players are effectively working together for the benefit of the table. Of course, actions don't stop in-game, and there must also be considerations made for IRL actions, for better and for worse. Rev & I discuss some tools and tactics for dealing with potential misaligned and misguided players. 00:58 - Consequential Collaboration Slide 11:02 - Well if it Isn't the Consequences... 36:05 - Of My Own Actions 46:05 - To Err is Human Find Rev on: Twitter: https://twitter.com/RevDeschain The Critshow Website: https://thecritshowpodcast.com/ Find Thinking Critically on: Website: https://www.thinkingcritically.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/ThinkCritDnD Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thinking_critically_dnd/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThinkingCriticallyDnD YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCH_BSgazjwyshzo1jazHeaQ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thinkingcritically Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/thinkingcritically Patrons: Robert Hartley @RobertHartleyGM: https://www.patreon.com/RobertHartleyGM Optional Rule @optionalrule: https://www.optionalrule.com/ Matthew Perkins @mperkinsDM: https://www.matthewperkins.net/ Matt Street @mpstreet88: https://www.virtualtimehustle.com/ Intro Music: 'Local Forecast' by Kevin MacLeod Intermission Music: 'Chill' by Kevin MacLeod Outro Music: 'Local Forecast - Elevator' by Kevin MacLeod

Once again I'm joined by professional marketer and crowdfund-whisperer Zack Applewhite, of Applewhite Games, who shares his expertise in producing successful Kickstarters. 01:34 - Reframing Crowdfunding 12:29 - How To Get Started 20:22 - Pricing & Collaboration 32:55 - Promoting an Idea 39:26 - Spend Money to Make Money, and Other Contrived Platitudes 51:37 - Goals and how to Stretch Them 59:32 - Quickfire Tips! Find Zack on: Twitter: https://twitter.com/ApplewhiteGames Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/dndunlimited YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7r-XEWm-W-8AFML-LAaT_A/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@zackapplewhite Guilds of Eraegarth: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/applewhitegames/guilds-of-eraegarth-a-dandd5e-expansion-and-campaign?ref=discovery_newest Find me on: Website: https://www.thinkingcritically.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/ThinkCritDnD Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thinking_critically_dnd/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThinkingCriticallyDnD YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCH_BSgazjwyshzo1jazHeaQ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thinkingcritically Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/thinkingcritically References: 'Marketing' episode of Thinking Critically Jamey Stegmaier - Kickstarter Lessons Learned Patrons: Robert Hartley @RobertHartleyGM: https://www.patreon.com/RobertHartleyGM Optional Rule @optionalrule: https://www.optionalrule.com/ Matthew Perkins @mperkinsDM: https://www.matthewperkins.net/ Matt Street @mpstreet88: https://www.virtualtimehustle.com/ Intro Music: 'Local Forecast' by Kevin MacLeod Intermission Music: 'Chill' by Kevin MacLeod Outro Music: 'Local Forecast - Elevator' by Kevin MacLeod

This full house episode I'm joined by the cast of The Fourth Leg podcast: Joe, Hunter, & Kelci. And we talk all about motion, momentum, and movement in your TTRPGs. One way you can keep the game moving as both a GM and player, is to engage with those "B" and "C" plots, which often come in the form of backstories. That being said, don't be afraid from abstaining from action, as this can still result in character growth. Often it's considered a GMs worst nightmare, when the characters do nothing, but there are always consequences, which are great springboards for storylines and development. One more classic GM tool is, perhaps counterintuitively, just telling the players The Important Thing. It's easy as a GM to want to hold all the cards, but often this is overkill and just being transparent with the players can really get the ball rolling! 02:50 - Moving Player Characters 25:21 - Collaborative Storytelling 32:27 - Analysis Paralysis: A Charcuterie Solution 46:04 - Leveraging Other Disciplines 52:57 - The Power of the GM Find The Fourth Leg on: Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheFourthLeg Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2GyvpozdMbtiCI1XTtFYtX Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-fourth-leg-a-tabletop-gaming-podcast/id1582881435 Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy81YzA3Yzk3OC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw== Find me on: Website: https://www.thinkingcritically.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/ThinkCritDnD Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thinking_critically_dnd/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThinkingCriticallyDnD YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCH_BSgazjwyshzo1jazHeaQ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thinkingcritically Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/thinkingcritically References: 'The Dungeon Coach' on YouTube The Legend of Jamie Roberts Patrons: Optional Rule @optionalrule: https://www.optionalrule.com/ Matthew Perkins @mperkinsDM: https://www.matthewperkins.net/ Matt Street @mpstreet88: https://www.virtualtimehustle.com/ Intro Music: 'Local Forecast' by Kevin MacLeod Intermission Music: 'Chill' by Kevin MacLeod Outro Music: 'Local Forecast - Elevator' by Kevin MacLeod

Once more I'm joined by Scott, a.k.a. Optional Rule! This time we discuss the hot topic of alignment in Dungeons & Dragons. Scott takes us through the history of alignment, and how it impacted and shaped the earliest editions of the game - I'm willing to bet you never knew how the cold war affects your player character! Despite all the (arguably justified) negativity around alignment, it still provides value in the utility of a consistent experience, the same reason USB is so ubiquitous! However, with all things involving humans, there is always the risk of misalignment (pun intended). Often there is the implicit ideal that the player characters are "heroes", that is to say, "good". How this impacts the design of 5e and the DM/Player interaction is a subtle but noticeable effect of alignment. 01:15 - History of Alignment 16:40 - Scorched Earth Solution 21:34 - Does Alignment Stifle Role Play? 30:04 - The Alignment Police 43:46 - Reconciling the Heroic Trope Find Scott (@optionalrule) on: Website: https://optionalrule.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/optionalrule Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/optionalrule/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCi7AoQ6KbaZQqhdO7heKPqw Find me on: Website: https://www.thinkingcritically.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/ThinkCritDnD Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thinking_critically_dnd/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThinkingCriticallyDnD YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCH_BSgazjwyshzo1jazHeaQ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thinkingcritically Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/thinkingcritically References: 'Agency' episode of Thinking Critically Patrons: Matthew Perkins @mperkinsDM: https://www.matthewperkins.net/ Matt Street @mpstreet88: https://www.virtualtimehustle.com/ Intro Music: 'Local Forecast' by Kevin MacLeod Intermission Music: 'Chill' by Kevin MacLeod Outro Music: 'Local Forecast - Elevator' by Kevin MacLeod

This melodic episode I'm joined by Stuart, a.k.a. Thisisbardcore, to talk about music and ambience in your TTRPG games. We break down the three primary ways games can be played and how they change what options are available to you as a GM, such as forced diegetic sounds courtesy of your local FLGS! I discuss my failed attempted at merging K-Pop and D&D, along with my several wasted hour curating now-redundant playlists. Stuart explains the trials and tribulations of being a modern day bard; when a PC is a little too good a reflection of the player. 01:24 - The Vitality of Music 07:37 - Applications of Sound 18:51 - Ambience Versus Immersion 29:16 - Genre Wars 34:13 - The Dangers of Art Imitating Life 39:27 - This Is Bardcore 47:22 - Making it as a Creator Find Stuart on: Dice and Desire: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dice-and-desire/id1524859263 Twitter: https://twitter.com/thisisbardcore YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0oTt_7_bf8hDCFxorHg0pw Halcyon Daze: Motorcycle Knights: https://redoakscreative.eo.page/subscribe Find me on: Website: https://www.thinkingcritically.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/ThinkCritDnD Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thinking_critically_dnd/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThinkingCriticallyDnD YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCH_BSgazjwyshzo1jazHeaQ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thinkingcritically Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/thinkingcritically References: Board in the City 'Live' episode of Thinking Critically at Geek Retreat Southampton Hildegard von Blingin' 'Story' episode of Thinking Critically with Tale of Manticore 'Podcasts' episode of Thinking Critically with Mike Hibbert Patrons: Matthew Perkins @mperkinsDM: https://www.matthewperkins.net/ Matt Street @mpstreet88: https://www.virtualtimehustle.com/ Intro Music: 'Local Forecast' by Kevin MacLeod Intermission Music: 'Chill' by Kevin MacLeod Outro Music: 'Local Forecast - Elevator' by Kevin MacLeod

This episode I'm joined by Hunter Royall from the "A Sundered World" podcast to talk about all the different relationship vectors in TTRPGs. The first being that between player and character, and how it's not always affection that's garnered - often resentment or animosity can take hold when the PC isn't effective or ends up different than what the player originally imagined. Hunter takes us through how having all the PCs related in-game affects the dynamic of a traditional adventuring party. We also encourage players to take advantage of all those unique and fantastic NPCs your GM has undoubtedly thrown at you when thinking about character creation and backstories, as this can be a fantastic way to add depth and investment to your character. 05:13 - Working with your Character 11:32 - GMs as Mentors 24:45 - Related PCs 35:12 - Leveraging Pre-Existing Relationships In-Game 50:14 - How Player Relations Affect The Game Find Hunter on: Twitter: https://twitter.com/SunderedA A Sundered World: https://asunderedworld.libsyn.com/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/HCRoyall 'Unbalanced Scales' book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Unbalanced-Scales-Hunter-C-Royall/dp/1732221103/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/ASunderedWorld Find me on: Website: https://www.thinkingcritically.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/ThinkCritDnD Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thinking_critically_dnd/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThinkingCriticallyDnD YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCH_BSgazjwyshzo1jazHeaQ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thinkingcritically Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/thinkingcritically References: 'Editing' episode of Thinking Critically Patrons: Matthew Perkins @mperkinsDM: https://www.matthewperkins.net/ Matt Street @mpstreet88: https://www.virtualtimehustle.com/ Intro Music: 'Local Forecast' by Kevin MacLeod Intermission Music: 'Chill' by Kevin MacLeod Outro Music: 'Local Forecast - Elevator' by Kevin MacLeod

This episode I'm joined by Mike from Games Played Badly, to chat about story hooks in your TTRPGs! Ultimately, hooks are the main way to keep players engaged, with the GM acting as a kind of circus master; organised chaos. Hooks can take many forms, from critical pieces of information reigniting interest, to fun and goofy NPCs that the players get attached to - there are many methods of putting the proverbial food on the plate. As much an art as it is a science, the fungineering of hooks is a delicate balance of maintaining verisimilitude while still being inherently contrived. Sometimes it's no fault of the game or the GM, players are human, and hooks are often necessary to just get the ball rolling. No one operates at 100% all of the time, and we often need a little nudge here and there. When in doubt, your biggest plot hook is your characters, so leverage the heck out of backstories, bonds, and ideals to really whet their appetites! 2:09 - Bringing the Story to the Players 13:24 - Pointing Players in the Right Direction 38:33 - Tailoring Improvisation 49:24 - Rebirth and Growth Find Mike on: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/GamesPlayedBadly Twitter: https://twitter.com/badly_games Find me on: Website: https://www.thinkingcritically.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/ThinkCritDnD Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thinking_critically_dnd/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThinkingCriticallyDnD YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCH_BSgazjwyshzo1jazHeaQ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thinkingcritically Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/thinkingcritically References: https://rpg.stackexchange.com/questions/86702/what-is-a-plot-hook-exactly Patrons: Matt Street @mpstreet88: https://www.virtualtimehustle.com/ Intro Music: 'Local Forecast' by Kevin MacLeod Intermission Music: 'Chill' by Kevin MacLeod Outro Music: 'Local Forecast - Elevator' by Kevin MacLeod

This episode I'm joined by the GM of the Negative Modifier podcast, Charley, to discuss horror in our TTRGPs. Horror is variable and subjective, and so has unique challenges when attempting to introduce it into your setting. The first being the age old problem of having to play with other people! As everyone is different, it's impossible to know what another player might find uncomfortable, and even with a Session Zero it's challenging to appreciate the sensitivities of others. Juggling these issues can make introducing horror a terrifying experience (both literally and as a pun). The key, as with many things in D&D, is foreshadowing. Not only does this neatly sidestep the cheapness of things like jump scares, it also clearly informs the players of the theme of a setting or scene. An additional, tertiary benefit, is that it builds in an atmosphere of unease; if you can get the players scared of literally nothing, then you're doing your job well. Ultimately, D&D is probably not the best placed for a horror TTRGP, as the hero fantasy can undermine any vulnerability you might be trying to convey. 01:44 - The Different Types of Horror 11:31 - Different Strokes 28:02 - Self-Sustaining Emotion Machine 35:32 - Marrying Horror with TTRPG Nuance 49:43 - Baked In Horror Mechanics Find Charley on the Negative Modifier podcast: LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/negativemodifier Twitter: https://twitter.com/NegModPod Instagram: https://instagram.com/negativemodifier YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8Lj4y_MJ7vH1Gin91AZHPg Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/negativemodifierpodcast TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@negativemodifier Find me on: Website: https://www.thinkingcritically.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/ThinkCritDnD Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thinking_critically_dnd/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThinkingCriticallyDnD YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCH_BSgazjwyshzo1jazHeaQ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thinkingcritically Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/thinkingcritically References: Delta Green Alien by Free League Publishing Symbaroum by Free League Publishing Patrons: Matt Street @mpstreet88: https://www.virtualtimehustle.com/ Intro Music: 'Local Forecast' by Kevin MacLeod Intermission Music: 'Chill' by Kevin MacLeod Outro Music: 'Local Forecast - Elevator' by Kevin MacLeod

This episode features David Weinberger from the Shonen Flop podcast to talk all about introducing magical items into your Dungeons & Dragons campaign. It becomes apparent quickly that David and I run very different games when it comes to dishing out loot, which leads to some interesting discussions! Some DMs, myself included, can display a preciousness towards their campaign; a concern magic items will topple the delicately balanced spinning plates. Turns out, magic items are actually one small piece of a much larger puzzle, and can have as much or as little impact as you want. Should they cause the plates to wobble, well that's a perfect learning opportunity for the DM. An additional concern is the power creep and impact to CR magic items can have, but being aware of this and accommodating with the item and other design can allow you to have interesting and powerful items. We also discuss how items can be used to aid in designing puzzles, which is often tricky as it is! In the same vein, they can also be a vehicle for divine intervention - assisting the PCs to resolve tricky encounters. 02:39 - How Items Affect Campaigns Differently 09:35 - Item-Based Puzzle Design 13:23 - Balance & Reuse 24:26 - Considering Wealth as an "Item" 29:41 - Rarity & Recycling 46:24 - Mandatory Adventuring Gear 51:14 - Roll Tables and Trinkets Find David on Shonen Flop: Shonen Flop Podcast: https://shonenflop.libsyn.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/shonenflopcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shonenflopcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shonenflopcast YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClupR5kLtuIqt9jE0BV4_kQ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@weareshonenflop Find me on: Website: https://www.thinkingcritically.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/ThinkCritDnD Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thinking_critically_dnd/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThinkingCriticallyDnD YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCH_BSgazjwyshzo1jazHeaQ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thinkingcritically Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/thinkingcritically References: Against the Dark Master Patrons: Matt Street @mpstreet88: https://www.virtualtimehustle.com/ Intro Music: 'Local Forecast' by Kevin MacLeod Intermission Music: 'Chill' by Kevin MacLeod Outro Music: 'Local Forecast - Elevator' by Kevin MacLeod

This episode I had the pleasure of hosting the founder of Paladin Roleplaying, Neil, to discuss running a TTRPG business. We talk about how the grassroots explosion has impacted the hobby, and what the future might now hold; will it go the same way as F2P, microtransaction-laden video games? Neil shares with several pearls of wisdom gained from running a business and four separate Kickstarters - we even have some world exclusive news about their next project! D&D fans, you had better listen! Finally, one aspect often undercooked in games is managing a business, despite the often mercantile nature of most settings. We workshop fun and interesting ways to bring this element into your games, one of which is cribbing from Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay where classes are known as careers, enabling rich RP opportunities! Listeners can use the code THINKCRIT15 at paladinroleplaying.com for 15% off your whole cart! Huge thank you to Neil and all at Paladin. 04:50 - The Changing Nature of TTRPGs 16:16 - Starting a TTRPG Business 26:27 - The Kickstarter Experience 36:26 - Thinking Critically Exclusive! 38:07 - Systems for Running Businesses Find Neil on: Paladin Roleplaying: https://paladinroleplaying.com/ Paladin Roleplaying Dice Club: https://paladinroleplaying.com/pages/subscription Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paladinroleplaying/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paladinroleplaying/ DriveThruRPG: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse.php?author=Neil%20Kingham Find me on: Website: https://www.thinkingcritically.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/ThinkCritDnD Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thinking_critically_dnd/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThinkingCriticallyDnD YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCH_BSgazjwyshzo1jazHeaQ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thinkingcritically Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/thinkingcritically References: Grant Howitt at Rowan, Rook & Decard 'Symbaroum' by Free League Publishing 'Recettear: An Item Shop's Tale' Patrons: Matt Street @mpstreet88: https://www.virtualtimehustle.com/ Intro Music: 'Local Forecast' by Kevin MacLeod Intermission Music: 'Chill' by Kevin MacLeod Outro Music: 'Local Forecast - Elevator' by Kevin MacLeod This episode was not sponsored or supported in any way.

For this episode I'm joined by Sam Cheung, known online as the Educational DM, who takes us through his years of experience in the educational and pastoral applications of Dungeons & Dragons. We discuss the various ways players can learn through D&D, for students and new players alike. Although the obvious challenges are arithmetic and creativity, Sam and I investigate the deeper ways players can improve themselves while playing. Questioning why the Queen wants you to despatch those "bandits", that is to say, who is most likely to benefit from this task, can help players strengthen that vitally important ability to think critically. Likewise, finding space between the bombast to build those social relationships can be a useful training ground for many, allowing them a trustable arena to migrate out of their comfort zones. After everything, of course, the real treasure was the friends we made along the way! 03:26 - Exploring Education Through D&D 10:55 - How Design Promotes Learning 39:51 - Building Trust 45:44 - Educating New Players Find Sam on: Website: https://sites.google.com/view/educationaldm/home Twitter: https://twitter.com/DmEducational Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dmeducate/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DmEducational YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNObiWbwQzha7KxmAwpZdPQ Dump Stat Adventures: https://dumpstatadventures.com/guest-writers Find me on: Website: https://www.thinkingcritically.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/ThinkCritDnD Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thinking_critically_dnd/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThinkingCriticallyDnD YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCH_BSgazjwyshzo1jazHeaQ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thinkingcritically Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/thinkingcritically References: Game to Grow 'Inspirisles' by Hatchlings Games 'Wanderhome' by Possum Creek Games Dr. Megan Connell on Dragon Talk Patrons: Matt Street @mpstreet88: https://www.virtualtimehustle.com/ Intro Music: 'Local Forecast' by Kevin MacLeod Intermission Music: 'Chill' by Kevin MacLeod Outro Music: 'Local Forecast - Elevator' by Kevin MacLeod

For this mixed up episode I'm joined by Jeff Greiner, the DM of potentially the longest running actual play podcast, The Tome Show. Jeff & I talk about mashups not only within our favourite TTRPG, but within the hobby at large, covering several methods for effectively smushing together your favourite features! Jeff takes us through the ways and means he's brought together often disparate published modules such as Descent into Avernus and Curse of Strahd. One simple but effective method is to sprinkle in some foreshadowing which, despite requiring some additional overhead, reduces that potential for genre whiplash. Talking off, varying theme and tone can keep your game interesting, as 20 sessions of a single vibe can easily be fatiguing for all involved. Which is a perfect segue into how different TTRPG systems inevitably affect the experience, thematically and otherwise; probably why a mashup of them has been difficult to achieve! 04:35 - Combining Published Modules 25:39 - Mashing Up Genres 37:16 - Merging TTRPG Systems 47:58 - Mesh Worldbuilding 58:34 - It's a Monster Mash Find Jeff on: Personal Twitter: https://twitter.com/squach The Tome Show: http://www.thetomeshow.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/thetomeshow Twitch: https://twitch.tv/tomeshow Find me on: Website: https://www.thinkingcritically.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/ThinkCritDnD Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thinking_critically_dnd/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThinkingCriticallyDnD YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCH_BSgazjwyshzo1jazHeaQ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thinkingcritically Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/thinkingcritically References: Beadle and Grimm's Torg: Eternity by Ulisses Spiele Patrons: Matt Street @mpstreet88: https://www.virtualtimehustle.com/ Intro Music: 'Local Forecast' by Kevin MacLeod Intermission Music: 'Chill' by Kevin MacLeod Outro Music: 'Local Forecast - Elevator' by Kevin MacLeod

I am once again joined by Manny a.k.a. Growed Up Geek to talk about adaptation. One great way to kill two birds with one stone is by integrating player character backstories into published adventure modules; not only do you get to customise the module and make it unique, but the players feel embedded in the world and get to make it their own. As for DMing, there are two kinds of adaptation: Micro - that moment-to-moment, immediate response to player actions, and macro - adapting the world in response to the dynamic plot. For both, the DM is part charlatan, part conman, part magician, and the ratio between those three is hugely variable. It's a unique proposition! Manny and I also share our tips for allaying that newer DM fear of "what the heck am I meant to be doing?" Ultimately, don't put undue pressure on yourself, no one is expecting global level talent from any given DM. This is a street that goes both ways, as at the core of D&D is generally being a decent human. Many problems, both in-universe and at the table can be resolved with compassion and empathy. 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:02:33 - Adapting Modules 00:18:05 - Tips for New DMs 00:41:37 - Macro Adaptation - Incorporating Backstories 00:54:33 - Making Space for Players 01:04:07 - Outro and Patreon Find Manny (@Growedupgeek) on: Twitter: https://twitter.com/Growedupgeek Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/growedupgeek YouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCbHErVkfA9d_UnxMs0lSwZQ Find me on: Website: https://www.thinkingcritically.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/ThinkCritDnD Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thinking_critically_dnd/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThinkingCriticallyDnD YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCH_BSgazjwyshzo1jazHeaQ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thinkingcritically Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/thinkingcritically References: 'Emotion' episode of Thinking Critically Patrons: Matt Street @mpstreet88: virtualtimehustle.com Intro Music: 'Local Forecast' by Kevin MacLeod Intermission Music: 'Chill' by Kevin MacLeod Outro Music: 'Local Forecast - Elevator' by Kevin MacLeod

For this extremely meta episode, I'm joined by producer and host of the Chafing Armor actual play podcast, Michael Corley. This one is light on actual D&D content, so please bare that in mind! Anyway, Michael and I discuss the finer points of the post-production process for Dungeons & Dragons podcasts, be they APs or chat shows. "Editing", for all it's connotations and bells & whistles, is often synonymous with "clarity", that is of both the quality and content. Despite all the mechanical baggage of audio editing (truncating silence, equalisers, noise reduction, etc.), a large part of it is uniquely human; a sixth sense. Know when to leave the filler sounds in, knowing when to leave a pregnant silence, knowing which bloopers actually add to the experience, these are things only a human can do, and no amount of automation or AI can craft the kind of audio experience you want to hear. The editor has, in some ways, more power than the DM: they can alter history, paint a character as a hero or villain, and completely change the emotion of a scene. With great power... 01:24 - The Quality Dichotomy 13:11 - Editing D&D Content 44:54 - Telltale Footprints 53:36 - The Power of the Editor Find Michael (@chafingarmor) on: Website: https://chafingarmor.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/chafingarmor Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chafingarmor/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chafingarmor/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVp7JOI4jLSCSN5JYh3eUkA TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chafingarmor Find me on: Website: https://www.thinkingcritically.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/ThinkCritDnD Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thinking_critically_dnd/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThinkingCriticallyDnD YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCH_BSgazjwyshzo1jazHeaQ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thinkingcritically Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/thinkingcritically References: Levelator (CNet download) BBC Sound Effect Library 'Podcasts' episode of Thinking Critically Patreons: @mpstreet88 Intro Music: 'Local Forecast' by Kevin MacLeod Intermission Music: 'Chill' by Kevin MacLeod Outro Music: 'Local Forecast - Elevator' by Kevin MacLeod