Podcasts about dungeon mastering

Welcome to Dungeon Mastering 101, my Dungeon Mastering course based on over 30 years of experience. In this series I will share my failures and successes and the lessons learned along the way. In this episode, I will cover Running the Game: How to Open a Campaign. https://youtube.com/live/byN5-egbWgc Show Notes: Intro Welcome to another DragonLance Saga, Dungeon Mastering 101 episode! It is Palast, Deepkolt the 9th. My name is Adam, and today I am continuing my Dragonlance Gaming series all about Dungeon Mastering. Why do Campaigns Fail Early? Well, most campaigns don't end — they fade out. Early misalignment is the silent killer for campaigns. The first session sets expectations players will carry for months. This episode is about opening strong before dice ever hit the table. Don't forget to like and subscribe to this channel, ring the bell, and you can support this channel by becoming a Patron on Patreon, a Member of this YouTube channel, and you can pick up Dragonlance media and get $10 by signing up to StartPlaying.Games, using my affiliate links. All links are in the description below. Discussion Segment 1 — What “Opening a Campaign” Actually Means It's not just Session One It's the onboarding experience for your table Opening includes: Session Zero tone and genre alignment social contract character relationships A good opening prevents 80% of future problems Segment 2 — Session Zero That Actually Works Purpose of Session Zero: alignment, not rules lectures What to cover: campaign premise and scope playstyle expectations (RP vs combat vs exploration) scheduling and commitment What to avoid: lore dumps rigid restrictions without context Keep it conversational and collaborative Segment 3 — Setting Tone and Genre Early Tone answers: What kind of story is this? Examples: heroic fantasy dark survival political intrigue Show, don't tell: opening imagery first NPCs early consequences Tone inconsistency causes player confusion Segment 4 — Safety Tools Without Awkwardness Why safety tools matter: trust creates freedom Common tools: Lines and Veils X-Card Open Door policy How to present them: briefly calmly without apology Safety is not censorship — it's clarity Segment 5 — Creating Party Bonds That Matter The party must have a reason to exist Avoid: “you all meet in a tavern” with no glue Tools for bonds: shared history mutual debts common enemies Ask players to define connections between characters Segment 6 — Aligning Character Concepts With the Campaign Characters should fit the game, not fight it Help players: refine backstories tie goals into the setting Say “yes, but” instead of “no” Alignment prevents spotlight friction later Segment 7 — Ending Session Zero With Momentum Session Zero shouldn't feel like admin End with: a hook a looming problem a shared question Players should leave excited, not exhausted Segment 8 — The DM101 Mindset Shift You are not pitching a product You are building a social experience A strong opening is about listening as much as talking Collaboration beats control every time Closing Takeaway Opening a campaign is about trust, tone, and buy-in Do this well, and everything that follows is easier Skip it, and you'll be fixing problems for months Outro And that's it for this episode of Dungeon Mastering 101, Running the Game: How to Open a Campaign. Do you have any tips or tricks based on your experience as a player or Dungeon Master? Was I off base on any of my suggestions? Feel free to email me at info@dlsaga.com or leave a comment below.  Thank you for tuning in. Don't forget to like and subscribe to this channel, ring the bell, and you can support this channel by becoming a Patron on Patreon, a Member of this YouTube channel, and you can pick up Dragonlance Gaming materials, using my affiliate link. All links are in the description below. Thank you Creator Patron Aaron Hardy, Developer Patrons Chris Androu & Sam Ruiz, and all of the YouTube Members! This channel is all about celebrating the wonderful world of the Dragonlance Saga, and I hope you will join me in the celebration. Thank you for watching, this has been Adam with DragonLance Saga and until next time Slàinte mhath (slan-ge-var).

Welcome to Dungeon Mastering 101, my Dungeon Mastering course based on over 30 years of experience. In this series I will share my failures and successes and the lessons learned along the way. In this episode, I will cover Core Foundations: Worldbuilding Without Getting Lost. https://youtube.com/live/XJxgn4_xFRU Show Notes Intro Welcome to another DragonLance Saga, Dungeon Mastering 101 episode! It is Palast, Deepkolt the 2nd. My name is Adam, and today I am continuing my Dragonlance Gaming series all about Dungeon Mastering. Somewhere out there is a Dungeon Master with three notebooks of lore… a detailed pantheon… a map with trade routes… …and no campaign. Worldbuilding is one of the greatest joys of being a Dungeon Master — and one of the fastest ways to stall a game before it ever begins. This is Dungeon Mastering 101, and today we're talking about worldbuilding without getting lost — how to build only what you need, and how to turn your setting into a tool, not a burden. Don't forget to like and subscribe to this channel, ring the bell, and you can support this channel by becoming a Patron on Patreon, a Member of this YouTube channel, and you can pick up Dragonlance media and get $10 by signing up to StartPlaying.Games, using my affiliate links. All links are in the description below. Discussion Segment 1 — The Worldbuilding Trap New Dungeon Masters often believe: “I need to build the whole world before we play.” You don't. In fact, overbuilding can: delay starting the game lock you into ideas that don't serve the table make improvisation harder, not easier Worldbuilding should serve play, not replace it. Segment 2 — Start Where the Characters Are The only part of the world that matters is: where the characters are what they care about what's about to happen Everything else is optional. Build outward in concentric circles: The immediate location Nearby threats or opportunities Distant forces that might matter later If the players can't reach it, they don't need it yet. Segment 3 — Build in Broad Strokes, Not Detail Think in impressions, not encyclopedias. Instead of: “The Kingdom of Valen has a three-tier tax system…” Use:  “Valen is rich, paranoid, and ruled by bureaucracy.” Broad strokes: give you flexibility are easier to remember invite player interpretation Details should emerge through play, not prep. Segment 4 — Turn the World Into a Problem Generator A good setting creates problems, not just flavor. Ask: Who wants something they can't have? What is about to break? What happens if no one intervenes? Worldbuilding works best when: factions collide values conflict power is unstable If nothing is in tension, the world is static. Segment 5 — Let Players Help Build the World Your players are an untapped resource. Ways to involve them: Ask where their character is from Let them name places or NPCs Tie backstory into existing conflicts This does two things: reduces your workload increases player investment Shared ownership makes the world feel alive. Segment 6 — Reusable Worldbuilding Smart worldbuilding can be reused endlessly. Create: factions instead of organizations themes instead of histories NPC roles instead of fixed characters Example:  “Corrupt local authority” can appear in: a village a city a kingdom Reuse patterns — reskin details. Segment 7 — Maps Are Optional Maps are tools, not requirements. You only need a map when: location matters tactically travel choices are meaningful players ask for one Otherwise: verbal geography is enough sketches beat perfection imagination fills the gaps Never let cartography stop play. Segment 8 — Worldbuilding as a Play Aid Ask yourself: “How does this help me run the game?” Good worldbuilding helps you: improvise NPC reactions answer player questions create consequences quickly If a detail doesn't make play easier, cut it. Segment 9 — The DM101 Mindset Shift Here's the key mindset change: You are not creating a world to be admired.  You are creating a world to be used. Your setting is: flexible incomplete responsive A living world grows in response to player action — not prep time. Worldbuilding doesn't need to be big to be meaningful. Start small. Build outward. Let play do the heavy lifting. When your world exists to support the table, you'll never feel lost in it again. Outro And that's it for this episode of Dungeon Mastering 101, Core Foundations: Worldbuilding Without Getting Lost Do you have any tips or tricks based on your experience as a player or Dungeon Master? Was I off base on any of my suggestions? Feel free to email me at info@dlsaga.com or leave a comment below.  Thank you for tuning in. Don't forget to like and subscribe to this channel, ring the bell, and you can support this channel by becoming a Patron on Patreon, a Member of this YouTube channel, and you can pick up Dragonlance Gaming materials, using my affiliate link. All links are in the description below. Thank you Creator Patron Aaron Hardy, Producer Patron Azrael, Developer Patrons Chris Androu & Sam Ruiz, and all of the YouTube Members! This channel is all about celebrating the wonderful world of the Dragonlance Saga, and I hope you will join me in the celebration. Thank you for watching, this has been Adam with DragonLance Saga and until next time Slàinte mhath (slan-ge-var).

Welcome to Dungeon Mastering 101, my Dungeon Mastering course based on over 30 years of experience. In this series I will share my failures and successes and the lessons learned along the way. In this episode, I will cover Core Foundations: What Makes a Session Fun? https://youtube.com/live/s0Zt6WK6zZA Show Notes: Intro Welcome to another DragonLance Saga, Dungeon Mastering 101 episode! It is Palast, Newkolt the 26th. My name is Adam, and today I am continuing my Dragonlance Gaming series all about Dungeon Mastering. You can run a session where everything goes right on paper…and still walk away thinking, Why did that feel flat? Fun isn't about perfect rules calls. It's not about clever plot twists. And it's definitely not about doing voices. Fun is about how players feel in the moment. This is Dungeon Mastering 101, and today we're breaking down what actually makes a session fun — and how to recognize it while it's happening. Don't forget to like and subscribe to this channel, ring the bell, and you can support this channel by becoming a Patron on Patreon, a Member of this YouTube channel, and you can pick up Dragonlance media and get $10 by signing up to StartPlaying.Games, using my affiliate links. All links are in the description below. Discussion Segment 1 — Fun Is Psychological, Not Mechanical New Dungeon Masters often chase content. More encounters. More NPCs. More lore. But fun doesn't come from quantity — it comes from engagement. Players feel engaged when: they anticipate what's coming their choices matter the tension rises and falls naturally If you understand the psychology behind that, you can make almost any session fun — even when things go off the rails. Segment 2 — Tension: The Engine of Fun Tension is the fuel that drives engagement. Not stress — uncertainty. Players lean forward when they don't know: if a plan will work what an NPC will say whether the fight will turn How to create tension: Ask questions instead of giving answers Delay outcomes just long enough to matter Put something at risk — time, resources, reputation If nothing is uncertain, nothing is exciting. Segment 3 — Anticipation: Letting the Moment Breathe Anticipation is tension stretched over time. Players love: doors they haven't opened yet secrets hinted at but not revealed threats they know are coming How to use anticipation: Foreshadow dangers End scenes just before resolution Let players speculate out loud If players are theorizing between turns, you're doing it right. Segment 4 — Stakes: Why This Moment Matters Stakes answer the question: “Why should I care?” Stakes don't have to be lethal. They just have to be meaningful. Examples of stakes: a trusted NPC's reputation a character's belief or value losing time or opportunity Tip for new DMs: If players don't react emotionally, the stakes aren't clear enough. Say them out loud. Segment 5 — Autonomy: Let Players Drive Players have fun when they feel in control. Autonomy means: meaningful choices multiple valid solutions freedom to fail forward How to support autonomy: Avoid “correct” answers Let plans succeed imperfectly React to player ideas instead of redirecting them When players feel railroaded, fun collapses — even if the story is good. Segment 6 — Spotlight Sharing: Everyone Gets a Turn Fun dies when someone disappears for too long. Spotlight sharing is not equal time — it's intentional attention. How to manage spotlight: Rotate focus naturally between players Ask quiet players direct but gentle questions Let loud players shine, then move on A simple DM habit: Ask yourself, Who hasn't mattered in the last 10 minutes? Segment 7 — Pacing: The Rhythm of a Session Every good session has rhythm. Fast moments: combat arguments escapes Slow moments: reflection roleplay discovery Problems happen when pacing gets stuck. How to fix pacing mid-session: Speed up by summarizing Slow down by zooming in Cut scenes early if energy drops You are conducting, not controlling. Segment 8 — Reading the Room This is the skill that separates good DMs from great ones. Signs players are engaged: leaning forward interrupting with ideas talking in character Signs energy is dropping: phones appear silence stretches rules questions increase When you see it: change the scene introduce a decision raise or release tension You don't need to know why — you just need to respond. Segment 9 — The DM101 Mindset Shift Here's the mindset that makes this manageable: You are not responsible for being entertaining. You are responsible for facilitating engagement. That means: watching reactions adjusting in real time letting go of prep when needed A fun session is a conversation — not a performance. Closing Takeaway Fun is not accidental. It's built from: tension anticipation meaningful stakes player autonomy shared spotlight thoughtful pacing And above all, attention. If you can read the room and respond honestly,  your sessions will feel alive — even when nothing goes as planned. Outro And that's it for this episode of Dungeon Mastering 101, Core Foundations: What Makes a Session Fun? Do you have any tips or tricks based on your experience as a player or Dungeon Master? Was I off base on any of my suggestions? Feel free to email me at info@dlsaga.com or leave a comment below.  Thank you for tuning in. Don't forget to like and subscribe to this channel, ring the bell, and you can support this channel by becoming a Patron on Patreon, a Member of this YouTube channel, and you can pick up Dragonlance Gaming materials, using my affiliate link. All links are in the description below. Thank you Creator Patron Aaron Hardy, Producer Patron Azrael, Developer Patrons Chris Androu & Sam Ruiz, and all of the YouTube Members! This channel is all about celebrating the wonderful world of the Dragonlance Saga, and I hope you will join me in the celebration. Thank you for watching, this has been Adam with DragonLance Saga and until next time Slàinte mhath (slan-ge-var).

Welcome to Dungeon Mastering 101, my Dungeon Mastering course based on over 30 years of experience. In this series I will share my failures and successes and the lessons learned along the way. In this episode, I will cover Core Foundations: Understanding Player Motivations. https://youtube.com/live/g-r-PdSim_Y Show Notes Intro Welcome to another DragonLance Saga, Dungeon Mastering 101 episode! It is Palast, Newkolt the 19th. My name is Adam, and today I am continuing my Dragonlance Gaming series all about Dungeon Mastering. You can have a beautifully designed world. Balanced encounters. Deep lore. And still have a table that feels bored. That's because players don't engage with content — they engage with what motivates them. If you've ever wondered why one player lights up during combat while another checks out, or why a puzzle excites one person and frustrates someone else, today's episode is for you. This is Dungeon Mastering 101, and today we're talking about Understanding Player Motivations. Don't forget to like and subscribe to this channel, ring the bell, and you can support this channel by becoming a Patron on Patreon, a Member of this YouTube channel, and you can pick up Dragonlance media and get $10 by signing up to StartPlaying.Games, using my affiliate links. All links are in the description below. Discussion Segment 1 — Why Motivation Matters More Than Mechanics Most new Dungeon Masters focus on rules mastery. But rules don't create engagement. Motivation does. Every player comes to the table looking for something different: excitement story mastery connection chaos When a game works, it's not because everyone wants the same thing — it's because the DM knows what each player wants and creates space for it. Understanding motivation turns guesswork into intention. Segment 2 — The DM101 Motivation Model (8 Types) Let's establish the framework. No player fits into only one category, but most players lean strongly toward one or two. These motivations are not labels — they are tools. The eight DM101 motivation types are: Combat Story Social Puzzle Power Discovery Character-Driven Chaos / Thrill Your job is not to please everyone all the time — it's to rotate spotlight intentionally. Segment 3 — Combat-Motivated Players Combat-motivated players want: tactical depth meaningful choices visible consequences They engage when: positioning matters enemies behave intelligently victories feel earned How to support them: Add terrain and objectives to fights Vary enemy tactics Let combat outcomes affect the story Combat players are not murderhobos — they are problem-solvers through conflict. Segment 4 — Story-Motivated Players Story-motivated players care about: narrative continuity themes cause and effect They engage when: choices matter long-term the world remembers what happened actions have moral weight How to support them: Reference past events Let NPCs evolve Show consequences over time These players want to feel like they're inside a living story, not a sequence of quests. Segment 5 — Social-Motivated Players Social players thrive on: roleplay conversation influence They engage when: NPCs feel real dialogue changes outcomes relationships matter How to support them: Give NPCs goals, not scripts Allow talking to replace fighting Let reputation shape the world Social players don't want to “win” conversations — they want to change people. Segment 6 — Puzzle-Motivated Players Puzzle players enjoy: logic riddles systems They engage when: problems have multiple solutions clues reward attention thinking beats brute force How to support them: Present mysteries, not just locks Offer layered clues Allow creative solutions Important note: Never lock progress behind a single puzzle solution — frustration kills momentum. Segment 7 — Power-Motivated Players Power players want: growth mastery competence They engage when: abilities matter progression feels meaningful success is visible How to support them: Let characters shine at what they're good at Use enemies that highlight strengths Tie advancement to narrative moments Power players aren't selfish — they're expressing fantasy fulfillment. Segment 8 — Discovery-Motivated Players Discovery players love: lore exploration secrets They engage when: the world feels deep curiosity is rewarded unanswered questions exist How to support them: Seed rumors and mysteries Hide lore in the environment Let exploration change understanding Discovery players make the world feel bigger. Segment 9 — Character-Driven Players Character-driven players focus on: identity personal growth internal conflict They engage when: backstory matters choices challenge beliefs arcs evolve naturally How to support them: Ask “What would this cost emotionally?” Tie personal stakes into larger events Let characters change These players are here for transformation. Segment 10 — Chaos / Thrill-Motivated Players Chaos players want: unpredictability excitement surprise They engage when: anything could happen rules bend for fun the table laughs How to support them: Embrace wild ideas occasionally Use unexpected twists Channel chaos, don't suppress it Chaos players provide energy — manage it, don't fight it. Segment 11 — Using Motivations to Tune Your Game Here's the practical application. For campaigns: Identify each player's top two motivations Make sure each appears regularly Avoid letting one dominate constantly For encounters: Mix motivations inside single scenes Add social choices to combat Hide lore inside puzzles Let chaos moments exist safely Balance is achieved over time, not per session. Segment 12 — The DM101 Mindset Shift Here's the core philosophy: Players aren't difficult — they're motivated differently. Once you understand that, frustration turns into clarity. You stop asking: “Why don't they care about this?” And start asking: “Who is this for?” That question changes everything. Outro And that's it for this episode of Dungeon Mastering 101, Core Foundations: Understanding Player Motivations! Do you have any tips or tricks based on your experience as a player or Dungeon Master? Was I off base on any of my suggestions? Feel free to email me at info@dlsaga.com or leave a comment below.  Thank you for tuning in. Don't forget to like and subscribe to this channel, ring the bell, and you can support this channel by becoming a Patron on Patreon, a Member of this YouTube channel, and you can pick up Dragonlance Gaming materials, using my affiliate link. All links are in the description below. Thank you Creator Patron Aaron Hardy, Producer Patron Azrael, and Developer Patrons Chris Androu & Sam Ruiz! This channel is all about celebrating the wonderful world of the Dragonlance Saga, and I hope you will join me in the celebration. Thank you for watching, this has been Adam with DragonLance Saga and until next time Slàinte mhath (slan-ge-var).

Welcome to Dungeon Mastering 101, my Dungeon Mastering course based on over 30 years of experience. In this series I will share my failures and successes and the lessons learned along the way. In this episode, I will cover Core Foundations: The Five Pillars of Running the Table. https://youtube.com/live/5Pq90qF-nYw Show Notes Intro Welcome to another DragonLance Saga, Dungeon Mastering 101 episode! It is Palast, Newkolt the 12th, my name is Adam, and today I am continuing my Dragonlance Gaming series all about Dungeon Mastering. Most new Dungeon Masters think a good session comes down to one thing: combat. But if every session is only a fight, players burn out.  If there's no tension, the world feels flat. And if characters don't grow, the story doesn't stick. Running a great game isn't about doing one thing well — it's about balancing multiple forms of engagement. Today we're breaking down the Five Pillars of Running the Table, and how understanding them can transform the way you run your game. Welcome to Dungeon Mastering 101. Don't forget to like and subscribe to this channel, ring the bell, and you can support this channel by becoming a Patron on Patreon, a Member of this YouTube channel, and you can pick up Dragonlance media and get $10 by signing up to StartPlaying.Games, using my affiliate links. All links are in the description below. Discussion Segment 1 — The Table Is a System, Not a Scene Before we talk about the pillars themselves, we need to reset expectations. A D&D session is not a sequence of encounters.  It is a dynamic system made up of: player motivations emotional energy pacing choice and consequence The Five Pillars are not rigid categories — they are lenses. They help you diagnose what a session needs right now. A balanced table feels alive because it shifts focus naturally. Segment 2 — Pillar One: Combat (Tension & Stakes) Combat is not just about tactics and damage. At its best, combat provides: urgency risk visible consequences cinematic payoff For new DMs: Combat should answer the question: What happens if the players fail? Short, meaningful fights are better than long, repetitive ones. Every combat should matter narratively or emotionally. Combat is the pressure cooker of the game — use it intentionally. Segment 3 — Pillar Two: Exploration (Curiosity & Discovery) Exploration is about giving players the freedom to investigate the world. This includes: physical travel dungeons wilderness mysteries environmental storytelling Exploration works when: choices lead to different outcomes information is earned the world reacts to curiosity For new DMs: You don't need maps for everything. Give players meaningful options, not exhaustive detail. Exploration feeds player agency. Segment 4 — Pillar Three: Social Interaction (Connection & Influence) Social interaction is where players test who their characters are. This pillar includes: roleplay negotiation deception persuasion alliances and rivalries Key points for new DMs: NPCs should have goals, not scripts. Let conversations change the world. Reward engagement, not just high rolls. Social scenes turn the world from a backdrop into a relationship. Segment 5 — Pillar Four: Downtime (Reflection & Growth) Downtime is often overlooked — and that's a mistake. Downtime allows: characters to reflect players to breathe consequences to settle the world to move For new DMs: Downtime doesn't need weeks of in-game time. A single evening, festival, or travel montage can count. Use downtime to highlight character priorities. Without downtime, the game becomes exhausting. Segment 6 — Pillar Five: Character Arcs (Meaning & Investment) Character arcs are the emotional backbone of the campaign. They answer: Why does this character care? What do they want? What challenges them personally? For new DMs: You don't need full backstory novels. Look for unresolved questions. Tie character choices to world consequences. When characters grow, players stay invested. Segment 7 — Balancing the Five Pillars You do not need all five pillars in every session. Instead: Rotate focus over multiple sessions. Watch player energy and shift accordingly. Use one pillar to support another. Examples: Exploration leads to combat. Social interaction creates future conflict. Downtime sets up character arcs. Balance is about awareness, not math. Segment 8 — The DM101 Mindset Behind the Pillars Here's the mindset shift that ties everything together: You are not delivering content —you are curating experiences. The Five Pillars exist to serve: player agency emotional pacing shared storytelling Your role is to notice what the table needs and provide the right pillar at the right time. Closing Takeaway Combat excites. Exploration invites. Social interaction connects. Downtime sustains. Character arcs endure. A great Dungeon Master doesn't master one pillar — they learn to balance all five. Once you understand these pillars, you stop asking, “What should happen next?”…and start asking, “What does this table need right now?” That is the heart of Dungeon Mastering 101. Outro And that's it for this episode of Dungeon Mastering 101, Core Foundations: The Five Pillars of Running the Table! Do you have any tips or tricks based on your experience as a player or Dungeon Master? Was I off base on any of my suggestions? Feel free to email me at info@dlsaga.com or leave a comment below.  Thank you for tuning in. Don't forget to like and subscribe to this channel, ring the bell, and you can support this channel by becoming a Patron on Patreon, a Member of this YouTube channel, and you can pick up Dragonlance Gaming materials, using my affiliate link. All links are in the description below. Thank you Creator Patron Aaron Hardy and Developer Patron Chris Androu! This channel is all about celebrating the wonderful world of the Dragonlance Saga, and I hope you will join me in the celebration. Thank you for watching, this has been Adam with DragonLance Saga and until next time Slàinte mhath (slan-ge-var).

2026 is here! And DMs Rob and Matt are here to answer your Dungeon Mastering questions. Music: Pac Div - Roll the Dice Follow Dungeon Master of None on Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/dmofnone.bsky.social   Join our Patreon for bonus episodes: https://www.patreon.com/DungeonMasterOfNone   Join the DMofNone Discord!

Welcome to Dungeon Mastering 101, my Dungeon Mastering course based on over 30 years of experience. In this series I will share my failures and successes and the lessons learned along the way. In this episode, I will cover Core Foundations: What a Dungeon Master Actually Does. https://youtube.com/live/I-yhpqr-sP0 Show Notes Intro Welcome to another DragonLance Saga, Dungeon Mastering 101 episode! It is Palast, Newkolt the 5th, my name is Adam, and today I am continuing my Dragonlance Gaming series all about Dungeon Mastering. When most people think about being a Dungeon Master, they imagine rules mastery, monster stat blocks, or elaborate worldbuilding binders. But here's the truth: None of those things define what a Dungeon Master actually does. Dungeon Mastering isn't about knowing everything. It isn't about control. And it certainly isn't about telling your story. At its core, being a DM is about facilitating a shared experience between very different people — and doing it with intention. Welcome to Dungeon Mastering 101. Don't forget to like and subscribe to this channel, ring the bell, and you can support this channel by becoming a Patron on Patreon, a Member of this YouTube channel, and you can pick up Dragonlance media, using my affiliate links. All links are in the description below. Discussion Segment 1 — The DM Is Not the Protagonist The first misconception new DMs struggle with is this: “I'm responsible for the story.” You're not. The Dungeon Master is not the hero, not the main character, and not the author of a finished narrative. Your role is to create situations, not outcomes. Your players: make the choices take the risks live with the consequences You provide the structure that allows those choices to matter. Once you let go of the need to control the story, your games immediately improve. Segment 2 — The Five Core Roles of a Dungeon Master A Dungeon Master wears many hats, but most of what you do falls into five core roles. 1. The Facilitator You keep the game moving. This means: setting the pace clarifying options transitioning between scenes managing spotlight time A facilitator doesn't rush players — but also doesn't let momentum die. Your job is to keep the shared experience alive. 2. The Arbiter You interpret rules and make calls. Not perfectly — consistently. Rules exist to support play, not interrupt it. When something is unclear: make a ruling keep the game moving revisit it later if needed Fairness matters more than precision. 3. The World's Voice You describe the environment and its reactions. The world speaks through: weather NPC behavior danger opportunity consequence You don't tell players what to think — you tell them what happens when they act. A living world responds. 4. The Spotlight Manager You decide who gets attention and when. This is subtle, but critical: inviting quieter players into scenes gently limiting dominant voices rotating focus naturally When everyone feels seen, trust forms. When trust forms, engagement follows. 5. The Tone Setter Your energy sets the emotional temperature of the table.  Calm → calmExcited → excitedTense → tense Players take their cues from you more than you realize.  Managing your own reactions is one of the most important DM skills you'll ever develop. Segment 3 — What a Dungeon Master Is Not Understanding what you don't do is just as important. A DM is not: an adversary a rules lawyer a novelist a referee trying to “win” Conflict exists within the world — not between you and the players. You succeed when the table succeeds. Segment 4 — The Hidden Skill: Decision-Making Most of what a DM does boils down to making decisions under pressure. Every moment behind the screen asks: Does this happen? How hard is it? What reacts? Who goes next? You don't need perfect answers — you need timely ones. Confidence comes from decisiveness, not encyclopedic knowledge. Segment 5 — Responsibility Without Control Here is the balance every DM must learn: You are responsible for: fairness clarity safety momentum You are not responsible for: player choices perfect outcomes saving characters from consequences Great Dungeon Masters respect player agency — even when it leads somewhere unexpected. Segment 6 — The Human Side of the Screen Every player arrives with: different motivations different comfort levels different expectations Your role is not to flatten those differences, but to work with them. Dungeon Mastering is as much about reading people as it is about running a game system. Closing Takeaway Being a Dungeon Master isn't about mastery — it's about presence. You: create structure guide momentum make fair calls and hold space for creativity When you understand what your role actually is, the pressure drops, the game flows, and the experience improves for everyone at the table. This is the foundation. Welcome to Dungeon Mastering 101. Outro And that's it for this episode of Dungeon Mastering 101, Core Foundations: What a Dungeon Master Actually Does! Do you have any tips or tricks based on your experience as a player or Dungeon Master? Was I off base on any of my suggestions? Feel free to email me at info@dlsaga.com or leave a comment below.  Thank you for tuning in. Don't forget to like and subscribe to this channel, ring the bell, and you can support this channel by becoming a Patron on Patreon, a Member of this YouTube channel, and you can pick up Dragonlance Gaming materials, using my affiliate link. All links are in the description below. Thank you Creator Patron Aaron Hardy and Developer Patron Chris Androu! This channel is all about celebrating the wonderful world of the Dragonlance Saga, and I hope you will join me in the celebration. Thank you for watching, this has been Adam with DragonLance Saga and until next time Slàinte mhath (slan-ge-var).

Welcome to Dungeon Mastering 101, my Dungeon Mastering course based on over 30 years of experience. In this series I will share my failures and successes and the lessons learned along the way. In this episode, I will cover Advanced Skills, the gateway to DM201. Mini-Arc, From Running Sessions to Shaping Campaigns. https://youtube.com/live/PVSEgLkSGLs Show Notes Intro Welcome to another DragonLance Saga, Dungeon Mastering 101 episode! It is Palast, Frostkolt the 29nd, my name is Adam, and today I am continuing my Dragonlance Gaming series all about Dungeon Mastering. Today we are going to discuss Running Sessions to Shaping Campaigns in this gateway to DM201, Advanced Skills episode. Don't forget to like and subscribe to this channel, ring the bell, and you can support this channel by becoming a Patron on Patreon, a Member of this YouTube channel, and you can pick up Dragonlance media, using my affiliate links in the description below. Discussion At some point, every Dungeon Master crosses a threshold. You're no longer struggling to keep the game moving. The rules feel comfortable. Improvisation doesn't scare you anymore. And yet — something still feels flat. Advanced Dungeon Mastering isn't about more prep or more complexity. It's about intentional pressure, long-term payoff, and thinking beyond the current session. Welcome to DM201: Advanced Skills. Segment 1 — The Shift from Moment-to-Moment to Long-Form Thinking Beginner DMs think in scenes. Intermediate DMs think in sessions. Advanced DMs think in arcs. Your focus shifts from: “What happens next?” to “What is being set up?” “What will this matter later?” “How do player choices echo forward?” Advanced DMing is about shaping trajectory, not just content. Segment 2 — Designing for Consequence Consequences are what give player choice weight. Advanced consequences are: delayed layered sometimes unseen until much later When designing outcomes, ask: Who notices this? Who benefits? Who is harmed? What does this destabilize? A choice that changes nothing is not a choice. Segment 3 — Foreshadowing That Pays Off Foreshadowing is not hinting — it is preparation. Effective Foreshadowing: is subtle appears more than once feels obvious only in hindsight Plant: rumors symbols recurring NPCs repeated phrases unexplained reactions When the payoff arrives, players should say, “We should have seen this coming.” Segment 4 — Villains With Purpose Advanced villains are not obstacles — they are counter-arguments. A compelling antagonist has: a belief system a vision of a better world methods the players find unsettling reasons to think they are right Ask: What truth does this villain believe? What flaw makes them dangerous? How are they a mirror to the party? The best villains challenge the players ideologically, not just mechanically. Segment 5 — Campaign Structure & Narrative Beats Advanced campaigns are not plotted — they are structured. Think in: arcs, not rails beats, not scripts pressure points, not paths Useful structures: rising tension → rupture → fallout stability → disruption → transformation mystery → revelation → consequence Structure gives freedom meaning. Segment 6 — Player Arcs as Campaign Engines At an advanced level, player characters are not passengers — they are drivers. Use: backstories as unresolved questions relationships as leverage personal goals as story hooks Weave character arcs into: faction conflicts villain motivations world events When the world responds to who the characters are, investment skyrockets. Segment 7 — Managing Complexity Without Overload Advanced play introduces more moving parts — but clarity is still king. Tools: track only what is changing summarize between sessions let factions act off-screen collapse unused threads Complexity should emerge naturally, not all at once. Closing Takeaway Advanced Dungeon Mastering is not about control — it is about cultivation. You plant seeds. You apply pressure. You watch what grows. When you think in arcs, design for consequence, and trust your players to shape the world… you stop running games and start building legacies. Welcome to DM201. Outro And that's it for this episode of Dungeon Mastering 101, Advanced Skills! Do you have any tools and techniques you would like to share? What would you like to see covered in the DM201 series? Feel free to email me at info@dlsaga.com or leave a comment below.  Thank you for tuning in. Don't forget to like and subscribe to this channel, ring the bell, and you can support this channel by becoming a Patron on Patreon, a Member of this YouTube channel, and you can pick up Dragonlance Gaming materials, using my affiliate links in the description below. Thank you Creator Patron Aaron Hardy, Producer Patron Azrael, and Developer Patrons Chris Androu & Sam Ruiz! This channel is all about celebrating the wonderful world of the Dragonlance Saga, and I hope you will join me in the celebration. Thank you for watching, this has been Adam with DragonLance Saga and until next time Slàinte mhath (slan-ge-var).

Welcome to Dungeon Mastering 101, my Dungeon Mastering course based on over 30 years of experience. In this series I will share my failures and successes and the lessons learned along the way. In this episode, I will cover Tools & Techniques. Freeing your attention so you can focus on the players. https://youtube.com/live/1qubh7qpd-M Show Notes Intro Welcome to another DragonLance Saga, Dungeon Mastering 101 episode! It is Palast, Frostkolt the 22nd, my name is Adam, and today I am continuing my Dragonlance Gaming series all about Dungeon Mastering. Today we are going to discuss freeing your attention so you can focus on the players in this Tools & Techniques episode. Don't forget to like and subscribe to this channel, ring the bell, and you can support this channel by becoming a Patron on Patreon, a Member of this YouTube channel, and you can pick up Dragonlance media, using my affiliate links in the description below. Discussion Core Idea: Tools Exist to Reduce Cognitive Load Every tool you use as a Dungeon Master should serve one purpose: freeing your attention so you can focus on the players. Tools are not there to make the game more complex or impressive. They exist to help you: think less decide faster react more clearly If a tool pulls your attention away from the table, it is not helping you. Principle 1 — Simplicity Beats Cleverness The best tools are easy to remember and fast to apply. Complex systems increase hesitation and slow momentum. A tool that works most of the time is better than one that works perfectly but rarely gets used. Your brain is already busy. Choose tools that respect that reality. Principle 2 — Tools Support Judgment, They Don't Replace It No checklist can replace awareness of table energy. Tools give you structure; you provide discernment. Use tools as scaffolding, not autopilot. A good DM knows when to follow a tool — and when to ignore it. Principle 3 — Momentum Is the Highest Priority Any technique that halts play for long explanations or searching is costing you engagement. Fast rulings, even imperfect ones, maintain immersion. Tools should help you keep the game moving forward. Flow matters more than precision. Principle 4 — Reusability Over Novelty Favor techniques you can use in: combat social scenes exploration downtime Reusable tools reduce prep time and increase confidence. If you can apply it everywhere, it belongs in your toolkit. Core DM Tools & Techniques The 40 / 30 / 30 Prep Rule 40%: situations and conflicts 30%: NPCs, locations, and factions 30%: flexible space for improvisation Prep for possibility, not control. The Encounter Skeleton Every encounter should have: an objective a hook escalating tension a clear exit This structure works for any type of scene. The “Yes, But…” Technique Encourages creativity without removing consequences. Keeps player agency intact. Prevents dead ends. “Yes” keeps the game alive. “But” keeps it interesting. The Three-Question Improv Tool When unsure, ask: What is the most likely outcome? What is the most interesting outcome? What is the most character-driven outcome? Choose based on the needs of the moment. The Spotlight Tracker (Mental or Physical) Notice who has spoken recently. Actively bring quieter players into scenes. Gently limit over-dominant voices. Balance creates trust. The Reincorporation Rule If players fixate on something, bring it back later. It creates the illusion of deep planning. It rewards curiosity. Interest is a signal. Follow it. Principle 5 — Tools for Managing Table Energy Adjust tone, pacing, or stakes when energy dips. Call breaks before burnout sets in. Change scene type to reset attention. A skilled DM manages people first, mechanics second. Principle 6 — Tools Should Be Invisible to Players The best techniques feel natural at the table. Avoid explaining your process mid-session. Let players experience outcomes, not mechanics. Immersion increases when the tools stay behind the screen. Summary Takeaway Tools and techniques are not about mastery — they are about support. They help you: stay present make faster decisions preserve momentum share the spotlight reduce stress When used well, tools disappear, and what remains is a smooth, engaging, human experience. That is the goal of Dungeon Mastering 101. Outro And that's it for this episode of Dungeon Mastering 101, Tools & Techniques! Do you have any tools and techniques you would like to share? Do using external tools take too much time at your table? Feel free to email me at info@dlsaga.com or leave a comment below. Thank you for tuning in. Don't forget to like and subscribe to this channel, ring the bell, and you can support this channel by becoming a Patron on Patreon, a Member of this YouTube channel, and you can pick up Dragonlance Gaming materials, using my affiliate links in the description below. Thank you Creator Patron Aaron Hardy, Producer Patron Azrael, and Developer Patron Chris Androu! This channel is all about celebrating the wonderful world of the Dragonlance Saga, and I hope you will join me in the celebration. Thank you for watching, this has been Adam with DragonLance Saga and until next time Slàinte mhath (slan-ge-var).

Welcome to Dungeon Mastering 101, my Dungeon Mastering course based on over 30 years of experience. In this series I will share my failures and successes and the lessons learned along the way. In this episode, I will cover World and Lore. Making the Setting Work at the Table. https://youtube.com/live/Y8veKOutkaE Show Notes: Intro Welcome to another DragonLance Saga, Dungeon Mastering 101 episode! It is Palast, Frostkolt the 15th, my name is Adam, and today I am continuing my Dragonlance Gaming series all about Dungeon Mastering. Today we are going to discuss Making the Setting Work at the Table in this World & Lore episode. Don't forget to like and subscribe to this channel, ring the bell, and you can support this channel by becoming a Patron on Patreon, a Member of this YouTube channel, and you can pick up Dragonlance media, using my affiliate links in the description below. Discussion Core Idea: Worldbuilding Exists to Serve Play Worlds are not built to be admired — they are built to be used. Lore that does not influence player decisions, emotions, or consequences is decorative at best and distracting at worst. A Dungeon Master's goal is not to explain the world, but to make the world felt through action. Principle 1 — Lore Is a Tool, Not a Lecture Players rarely engage with lore when it is delivered as exposition. Information becomes meaningful only when it answers a question the players already care about. Effective lore: explains danger justifies opportunity reveals consequence deepens choice If lore does not change how players act, it has arrived too early or too late. Principle 2 — Show the World Through Lived Experience The fastest way to communicate lore is through: cultural habits social rules taboos fear pride A single custom can communicate more than a page of history. Players learn a setting by surviving in it, not by being told about it. Principle 3 — Locations Are Characters Every meaningful location should have: desires fears internal tension Ask three questions about any place: What does this place want? What does it fear? Where can it be pressured or changed? A location that does not react to player actions is not alive yet. Principle 4 — Power Shapes the World Lore emerges from who holds power and who wants it. Cities, kingdoms, temples, guilds, and cabals exist because someone benefits from them. Show power through: who enforces laws who is protected who is punished who is ignored Players understand the world when they see how authority is applied. Principle 5 — Factions Drive Motion A world without active factions is static. Factions should: pursue goals off-screen react to player interference clash with each other Good factions are defined by beliefs and methods, not alignments. Conflict creates story even when the players are not present. Principle 6 — Truth Is Fragmented and Biased No NPC should possess complete or objective truth. Lore is shaped by: perspective propaganda ignorance self-interest Contradictory accounts create mystery and engagement. History should feel debated, not settled. Principle 7 — Environmental Storytelling Is King Ruins, scars, monuments, banners, songs, and relics all tell stories. Let players infer meaning rather than receive confirmation. Mystery invites exploration. If players ask follow-up questions, the lore is working. Practical Tools for World & Lore at the Table The One-Sentence Rule Any piece of lore should be deliverable in one sentence during play. Additional detail comes later — only if requested. The Relevance Test Before sharing lore, ask: “Will this affect a player decision in the next 10 minutes?” The Three-Faction Shortcut For any region, create: one faction in power one faction that wants power one faction that benefits from chaos This guarantees tension. Summary Takeaway World & lore are not about depth — they are about pressure. A good setting pushes back when players act. A great setting remembers. When lore becomes experiential, locations become reactive, and factions pursue goals independently… your world stops being a backdrop and starts being a participant. That is when players stop asking, “Where are we?”…and start asking, “What happens if we do this?” Outro And that's it for this episode of Dungeon Mastering 101, World and Lore! Do you have any tips or tricks based on your experience as a player or Dungeon Master? Was I off base on any of my suggestions? Feel free to email me at info@dlsaga.com or leave a comment below. Thank you for tuning in. Don't forget to like and subscribe to this channel, ring the bell, and you can support this channel by becoming a Patron on Patreon, a Member of this YouTube channel, and you can pick up Dragonlance Gaming materials, using my affiliate links in the description below. Thank you Creator Patron Aaron Hardy, Producer Patron Azrael, and Developer Patron Chris Androu! This channel is all about celebrating the wonderful world of the Dragonlance Saga, and I hope you will join me in the celebration. Thank you for watching, this has been Adam with DragonLance Saga and until next time Slàinte mhath (slan-ge-var).

Welcome to Dungeon Mastering 101, my Dungeon Mastering course based on over 30 years of experience. In this series I will share my failures and successes and the lessons learned along the way. In this episode, I will cover The DM Mindset. This is the foundational philosophy every great dungeon master needs. https://youtube.com/live/FWxWs7Cxmq4 Show Notes Intro Welcome to another DragonLance Saga, Dungeon Mastering 101 episode! It is Palast, Frostkolt the 8th, my name is Adam, and today I am continuing my Dragonlance Gaming series all about Dungeon Mastering. Today we are going to discuss the foundational philosophy of the dungeon master in this The DM Mindset episode. Don't forget to like and subscribe to this channel, ring the bell, and you can support this channel by becoming a Patron on Patreon, a Member of this YouTube channel, and you can pick up Dragonlance media, using my affiliate links in the description below. Discussion Core Idea: A Dungeon Master's First Job Is Understanding People Before rules, before worldbuilding, before prep — the DM's responsibility begins with recognizing the humanity at the table. Every player brings different backgrounds, expectations, and motivations. Differences are not obstacles — they are fuel for the game. A DM's mindset should start with celebration, not control. Principle 1 — Personal Responsibility You are responsible for the tone and environment of the table. Players follow your emotional lead: calm → calm, stressed → stressed. You control what you can: pacing, clarity, fairness, and your reactions. You do not control players — you facilitate them. Principle 2 — Perspective Awareness No group is a monolith. Every player experiences the game differently. Avoid assuming that what engages you engages them. Effective DMing means recognizing: Roleplay comfort levels Tactical interest Social dynamics Individual limits and preferences Adapt your approach to the humans, not to the rules. Principle 3 — The Table as a Shared Space You aren't performing for the players; you are collaborating with them. The world exists because everyone agrees to hold it up together. Your players are not obstacles to your story — they are the engines of it. A DM's mindset should always prioritize the shared experience over personal plans. Principle 4 — Intent Over Perfection Great DMing is not about flawless preparation. It is about intention, empathy, and flexibility. The table will forgive mistakes if they trust your intent. Confidence is not knowing the perfect rule; it's being steady when you make a ruling. Principle 5 — Curiosity & Humility Ask questions. Learn what excites your players. Let players surprise you — that's where the best stories come from. You are not the sole creative force at the table; you're a conductor of many. Principle 6 — Emotional Regulation Is a DM Skill Your energy sets the emotional climate. When things get chaotic, you become the stabilizing force. When momentum lags, you initiate a spark. A professional DM mindset includes managing your own reactions and reading the room. Principle 7 — Trust > Control The goal is not to make players follow your plan. The goal is to build trust so that the players feel safe making bold decisions. Trust leads to engagement. Engagement leads to story. Story leads to the unforgettable moments everyone comes for. Principle 8 — The Mindset Before the Mechanics Rules can be learned. Encounters can be built. NPCs can be improvised. But none of it matters if the mindset is wrong. DMing begins with the understanding that you are not building a game — you are building an experience. Summary Takeaway A Dungeon Master is: A facilitator A stabilizer A narrator A collaborator A student of human behavior The DM Mindset is the foundation on which every technique rests. Once this mindset is established, everything else becomes easier — prep, improv, worldbuilding, encounters, and rulings all flow naturally from it. Outro And that's it for this episode of Dungeon Mastering 101, The DM Mindset! Do you have any tips or tricks based on your experience as a player or Dungeon Master? Was I off base on any of my suggestions? Feel free to email me at info@dlsaga.com or leave a comment below. Thank you for tuning in. Don't forget to like and subscribe to this channel, ring the bell, and you can support this channel by becoming a Patron on Patreon, a Member of this YouTube channel, and you can pick up Dragonlance Gaming materials, using my affiliate links in the description below. Thank you Creator Patron Aaron Hardy, Producer Patron Azrael, and Developer Patron Chris Androu! This channel is all about celebrating the wonderful world of the Dragonlance Saga, and I hope you will join me in the celebration. Thank you for watching, this has been Adam with DragonLance Saga and until next time Slàinte mhath (slan-ge-var).

Welcome to Dungeon Mastering 101, my Dungeon Mastering course based on over 30 years of experience. In this series I will share my failures and successes and the lessons learned along the way. In this episode, I will cover Running the Game. How to Run a Smooth, Engaging D&D Session. https://youtube.com/live/NPnsT_OPUKg Show Notes Intro Welcome to another DragonLance Saga, Dungeon Mastering 101 episode! It is Palast, Frostkolt the 1st, my name is Adam, and today I am continuing my Dragonlance Gaming series all about Dungeon Mastering. Every Dungeon Master has experienced it: You've prepped the session, laid out the notes, imagined the scenes… and then the players zig when you expected a zag, stall in a simple room, or latch onto something you invented on the spot. Running a game isn't about controlling the world — it's about guiding the energy inside it. Today, we're focusing on the real-world techniques that make a session flow smoothly, keep players engaged, and let you adapt without panic. Don't forget to like and subscribe to this channel, ring the bell, and you can support this channel by becoming a Patron on Patreon, a Member of this YouTube channel, and you can pick up Dragonlance media, using my affiliate links. All links are in the description below. Discussion The Table Is a Living System Before you master encounters or improv, you must accept this truth: A D&D session is not a scripted performance — it is a living, reactive ecosystem made up of: players with changing levels of attention emotional highs and lows unpredictable decisions social dynamics and your own bandwidth, stress, and excitement Your job is not to dominate this ecosystem, but to regulate it. Everything you do — pacing, framing, narration, rulings — is a method of steering the table toward cohesion. Running a game begins with understanding that the table is alive. Your Three Practical Responsibilities as DM When the session begins, your theoretical knowledge stops mattering. What matters are the three practical, in-the-moment responsibilities: Maintain Momentum Players should always know: what is happening what their options are and what the stakes look like If the energy dips, you bring it back. Interpret & Apply Rules Quickly Not perfectly — quickly. Your job is to keep the gears turning, not grind the game while flipping through pages. Deliver Clear, Evocative Information Your narration should give players enough to imagine the scene and take action — not paragraphs of lore nor vague emptiness. Running the game is about flow. The Four Types of DM Decisions (And How to Make Them Fast) Every moment behind the screen is one of these four decisions: Binary Decisions Yes or no. Does it happen? Does it work? Degree Decisions To what extent? How well? How bad is the failure? Direction Decisions Where does the scene go next? Who reacts? What changes? Spotlight Decisions Who gets attention next? Who hasn’t had a turn? Recognizing these categories simplifies your thinking. You no longer panic — you choose the type and act. Encounter Design That Runs Itself Great encounters don't require micromanagement. They follow a simple structure: Objective – Why does this encounter matter? Hook – What forces the players to engage immediately? Tension – What raises the stakes as the encounter unfolds? Exit – What ends the scene? Victory? Escape? New information? If you define these four points in your prep, the encounter will naturally organize itself during play. This works for combat, social scenes, investigations — everything. Improvisation Tools for Real Sessions Improv is not about being clever — it's about being responsive. Use these tools: The Three-Question Improv Trick When stuck, ask yourself: What is the most likely thing to happen? What is the most interesting thing to happen? What is the most character-driven thing to happen? Choose based on the needs of the moment. The Rule of Reincorporation If players show interest in something — a rumor, an object, a throwaway NPC — bring it back later. It feels intentional even if it wasn't. The “Yes, But…” Technique This keeps the story moving, maintains tension, and lets players attempt anything without derailing the game. Handling Chaos & Player Surprises No matter how much you prep, players will surprise you. Good. That means they're engaged. When this happens: Don't Panic — Pause A 3-second pause feels natural and gives your brain space to stabilize. Re-state the Situation It clears confusion and ensures you and the players share the same reality. Choose the Simplest Outcome First Complexity is added naturally by player actions. Start simple. Make Decisions That Preserve Character Choices The golden rule: never punish creativity — reward it with consequences, not barriers. The Hidden Skill: Managing Table Energy The most underrated skill for running a session is energy management. Watch for: drifting attention conflicting personalities over-dominant players under-engaged players fatigue moments where the table is losing clarity When you notice energy dropping, intervene by: raising or lowering the tone shifting spotlight calling for a break reframing the scene escalating stakes A DM isn't just running a game — you're running a room. Closing Takeaway Running a session is part art, part psychology, and part technical skill. But the heart of it is simple: You create structure. You maintain momentum. You respond to your players. And together, you build a story none of you could create alone. This is the craft. This is the practice. And every session you run makes you better. Outro And that's it for this episode of Dungeon Mastering 101, Running the Game! Do you have any tips or tricks based on your experience as a player or Dungeon Master? Was I off base on any of my suggestions? Feel free to email me at info@dlsaga.com or leave a comment below. Thank you for tuning in. Don't forget to like and subscribe to this channel, ring the bell, and you can support this channel by becoming a Patron on Patreon, a Member of this YouTube channel, and you can pick up Dragonlance Gaming materials, using my affiliate links in the description below. Thank you Creator Patron Aaron Hardy and Developer Patron Chris Androu! This channel is all about celebrating the wonderful world of the Dragonlance Saga, and I hope you will join me in the celebration. Thank you for watching, this has been Adam with DragonLance Saga and until next time Slàinte mhath (slan-ge-var).

Have you ever wondered, "Should I start with a premade adventure or create my own?" or "What's the best way to learn dungeon mastering?" If these questions sound familiar, you're in the right place!In today's episode, we sit down with dungeon master and podcaster Vahid Qualls, host of the Dungeon Mastering is Easy podcast. We dive deep into the debate around premade versus homebrew content for new DMs, discussing how to build confidence behind the screen, develop your unique style, and create memorable experiences for your players. Whether you're a brand new DM or looking to refine your approach, these expert insights will help you take your campaigns to the next level.In this episode, you'll discover:The pros and cons of starting with premade adventuresHow to transition from published modules to homebrew contentTips for building DM confidence and finding your styleJoining us is host Nick Perron in conversation with Vahid Qualls. Together, they explore the art of learning to run immersive TTRPG games, covering everything from adventure preparation to developing your craft as a game master.LINKS!→ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Tabletopped's website⁠⁠⁠⁠→ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠→ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠→ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Check us out on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! We have a new monthly pod as well as behind the scenes clips that you can get on a secret Spotify feed! We will also be dropping some more treats from time to time!Theme music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠Mitch Poulin⁠⁠⁠⁠ Support and Subscribe to the Podcast!

Welcome to Dungeon Mastering 101, my Dungeon Mastering course based on over 30 years of experience. In this series I will share my failures and successes and the lessons learned along the way. In this episode, I will cover Core Foundations. A breakdown of the DM's real responsibilities: arbiter, storyteller, referee, facilitator, audience, and performer https://youtube.com/live/XPrJiFyrOEg Show Notes Intro Welcome to another DragonLance Saga, Dungeon Mastering 101 episode! It is Palast, Darkember the 24th, my name is Adam, and today I am continuing my Dragonlance Gaming series all about Dungeon Mastering. Every Dungeon Master begins in the same place: excitement tempered by uncertainty. You're about to guide a group of wildly different human beings through a story that only exists because all of you choose to believe in it together. That takes responsibility. That takes awareness. And it takes a willingness to understand not just rules… but people. Today, we're laying the foundation. Welcome to Dungeon Mastering 101: Core Foundations. Don't forget to like and subscribe to this channel, ring the bell, and you can support this channel by becoming a Patron on Patreon, a Member of this YouTube channel, and you can pick up Dragonlance media, using my affiliate links. All links are in the description below. Discussion Understanding People Before Dice Before you think about combat mechanics, monster stat blocks, or worldbuilding, you must start with the most important element at your table: the human beings sitting around it. Each player is a mixture of: personal history, culture and beliefs, unique motivations, individual learning styles, and different comfort levels with performance, math, and social dynamics Your job as a DM is not to homogenize them. Your job is to celebrate their differences and build a game that allows each one to shine. Recognize that no two people come to your table with the same expectations. The moment you embrace that, you begin to see the game not as a rigid structure… but as a living conversation. The Three Roles of a Dungeon Master A beginner DM often thinks their job is to “tell the story” or “run the monsters.” But those are only pieces of a larger whole. You actually play three roles at once: The Facilitator: You provide structure. You decide the pace. You keep the game moving, gently guiding everyone toward a shared experience. The Arbiter: Rules exist to support fun, not dominate it. You interpret them, make quick judgments, and maintain fairness — even when the entire table is watching. The Story Shepherd: You don't force a plot; you cultivate it. The players bring energy, curiosity, chaos, and creativity. You channel that into a narrative that feels meaningful. A great DM doesn't control the story. A great DM leads it. The Five Pillars of Running the Game Every session you run rests on five foundational pillars. Understanding these early will save you from the most common beginner mistakes. Combat: Not about numbers — about tension, stakes, and cinematic moments. Exploration: Let players discover, investigate, and poke around in a world that reacts to them. Social Interaction: NPCs, factions, rumors, alliances — all opportunities for the players to express themselves. Downtime: Breathing room. Character reflection. Progression. The glue between adventures. Character Arcs: The emotional throughlines. Every player is the protagonist of their own personal story, even within the larger campaign. Your best sessions mix these like ingredients. Too much of one throws everything off balance. Player Motivations (The 8 Types) If you want your table to stay engaged, you must understand why each person sits down to play. These correlate with teh Player Types I mentioned last week: Actor, Explorer, Instigator, Power Gamer, Slayer, Storyteller, Thinker, and Watcher. Most players fall into blends of these eight motivations: Combat-Driven – loves the fight, tactics, and victory Story-Driven – wants narrative depth Social-Driven – thrives on roleplay and interactions Puzzle-Driven – enjoys clever problems to solve Power-Driven – wants to grow stronger, gain prestige Discovery-Driven – loves lore, secrets, and worldbuilding Character-Driven – focuses on personal arcs and emotional journeys Chaos/Thrill-Driven – wants surprise, randomness, and wild moments Your job? Identify each player's blend, then feed them the content that lights them up. This alone can transform your DMing. Practical Skills Every Beginner Should Practice You don't need to master everything at once. Start with these reliable skills: Keep the Game Moving: Perfect decisions are less important than decisive ones. Make a call, keep the energy flowing. Learn to Say “Yes, But…”: “Yes, you can attempt that… but here's the risk.” This protects player agency while preserving challenge. Prep for Flexibility, Not Control: Prepare situations, not scripts. Players will destroy your plot — let them. It usually leads to something better. Share the Spotlight: Track who hasn't had a moment to shine, then give them one. Players remember how you make them feel far more than any plot twist. The First Big Secret of DMing Here's the truth: You don't need to be perfect. You don't need to know every rule. You don't even need to be the most creative person at the table. You just need to be present, attentive, and willing to learn* session by session. Every great DM started by fumbling through their first adventure. Closing Takeaway Dungeon mastering isn't about control — it's about collaboration. It's not about rules — it's about people. And it's not about perfection — it's about intention. If you embrace that mindset now, everything that comes later — encounters, villains, worldbuilding, arcs — becomes easier. This is your foundation. This is where your journey begins. Outro And that's it for this episode of Dungeon Mastering 101, Core Foundations! Do you have any tips or tricks based on your experience as a player or Dungeon Master? Was I off base on any of my suggestions? Feel free to email me at info@dlsaga.com or leave a comment below. Thank you for tuning in. Don't forget to like and subscribe to this channel, ring the bell, and you can support this channel by becoming a Patron on Patreon, a Member of this YouTube channel, and you can pick up Dragonlance Gaming materials, using my affiliate link. All links are in the description below. Thank you Creator Patron Aaron Hardy and Developer Patron Chris Androu! This channel is all about celebrating the wonderful world of the Dragonlance Saga, and I hope you will join me in the celebration. Thank you for watching, this has been Adam with DragonLance Saga and until next time Slàinte mhath (slan-ge-var).

Every DM wants to get better, but “improvement” can feel vague. In this episode, we break it down into four concrete tools you can use to actually level up your Dungeon Mastering—whether you're running your first campaign or your fifth.The 4 Tools1. The Dungeon Master Level Up Guide • A free newsletter from Session 0 Studios that delivers practical advice and DM growth tips straight to your inbox.2. Record Your Sessions • Why listening back is one of the fastest ways to spot your blind spots. • Story: Grim casts Detect Thoughts—and how hearing it later changed how we thought about the moment.3. The After Action Report • A simple, repeatable reflection process: • What did we want to happen? • What actually happened? • Why did it happen? • What can we learn going forward? • Story: breaking down the last session at our own table.4. Content You Consume • People Management: The Like Switch, How to Win Friends and Influence People • Performance: YouTube channels like Improve Your Voice and PVImprov • Game Design: Game Maker's Toolkit • Storytelling: Writing Excuses, Matt Colville, Mystic Arts, High RollersThese aren't just entertainment—they're study material for growing as a DM.Thanks for listening to today's show. If you like our stuff and want to support us, here are some sponsor links and links to our other stuff:Worldsmith: http://session0studios.com/worldsmithRoll and Play Press:http://session0studios.com/rollandplayPhantasm Studios: https://session0studios.com/fantasmsMonument Studios: session0studios.com/monumentstudiosDiscord: http://session0studios.com/discordPatreon:https://session0studios.com/patreonDungeon Master Level Up Guide: https://session0studios.com/newsletter

Here are today's sponsors:Worldsmith - Easy D&D Prep - Start a Free 7 Day Trial: https://session0studios.com/worldsmith-podcastRoll and Play Press - Easier D&D: https://session0studios.com/rollandplayStudio Fantasms: https://session0studios.com/fantasmsOur Patreon: https://session0studios.com/patreonJustin and Tanner are joined for this episode by an amazing DM, London Carlisle! While he's known for being an impressive DM at events such as "D&D In A Castle", his acting experience becomes especially useful for our discussion on NPCs. We discuss where to pull inspiration from for creating characters and voices, how to create depth in NPCs without overriding your players, and many more ideas to drill further into NPC creation!Follow London on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/londoncarlisleAnd learn more about his role at "D&D In A Castle" here: https://www.dndinacastle.com/dungeon-masters/london-carlisleSpecial thanks to:Benj Weyland for Graphic Design (https://www.instagram.com/benjweydesign/)TJ Max, Juka, and TechSenpai for being amazing moderatorsFoxy Beard, Kyle Wilson, Nick Ammann and Professor Nobody for being our patrons.Mentioned in this episode:Do You Want to Earn some Money?

Here are today's sponsors:Worldsmith - Easy D&D Prep - Start a Free 7 Day Trial: https://session0studios.com/worldsmith-podcastRoll and Play Press - Easier D&D: https://session0studios.com/rollandplayStudio Fantasms: https://session0studios.com/fantasmsOur Patreon: https://session0studios.com/patreonFeeling stuck or burned out as a Dungeon Master? You're not alone—and you're not out of options. In this episode, Justin and Tanner break down the Four Core Skills that every great DM needs to master:1️⃣ People Management2️⃣ Showmanship & Performance3️⃣ Game Design4️⃣ StorytellingAnd yes... there's a secret fifth pillar

Here are today's sponsors:Worldsmith - Easy D&D Prep - Start a Free 7 Day Trial: https://session0studios.com/worldsmith-podcastRoll and Play Press - Easier D&D: https://session0studios.com/rollandplayStudio Fantasms: https://session0studios.com/fantasmsOur Patreon: https://session0studios.com/patreonWhether your new player is a wide-eyed first-timer or cautiously dipping a toe into the hobby, Tanner shares key strategies for making their early sessions fun, engaging, and not overwhelming. From simplifying character creation and gently easing players into combat, to modeling role-playing behavior and encouraging character development, this episode is full of practical advice for DMs who want to be thoughtful guides on a new player's journey.Check out our sponsor, Monument Studios! Their music always brings our games to the next level, and they can do it for you, too. Use cod BETTERDM10 for a discount and to support our show: https://rollandplaypress.comAlso, learn more about our Pro DM services here to have a great DM run your game: https://session0studios.com/dungeon-master-for-hire/Special thanks to:Benj Weyland for Graphic Design (https://www.instagram.com/benjweydesign/)TJ Max, Juka, and TechSenpai for being amazing moderatorsFoxy Beard, Kyle Wilson, Nick Ammann and Professor Nobody for being our patrons.Mentioned in this episode:Brought to you by Session 0 StudiosVisit session0studios.com for more information.Add the Magic of Sound to Your GameplayWhen you set the scene you need to tap into the five senses. When it comes to sound one of the best ways to do that is with music, sound effects, and ambience. That's why we've teamed up with Monument Studios. Monument Studios provides an easy-to-use Soundboard perfect for Dungeon Mastering. If you want to see this in action, go to fantasy-plus.com and get 10% off of your first month of their Fantasy+ App by using the code BETTERDM at check out. Again that is fantasy-plus.com and BETTERDM at checkout. Monument StudiosDo You Want to Earn some Money?

Here are today's sponsors:Worldsmith - Easy D&D Prep - Start a Free 7 Day Trial: https://session0studios.com/worldsmith-podcastRoll and Play Press - Easier D&D: https://session0studios.com/rollandplayYour world deserves to feel alive. In this episode of How to Be a Better DM, Justin dives deep into the art of “show, don't tell” — not for your villains this time, but for your cities and settlements. Discover how to make your game world feel like a living, breathing place through cultural cues, architecture, layout, and behavior. You'll learn actionable techniques to bring immersive environments to life and create settlements that feel like characters in your campaign. Plus, a secret about “show, don't tell” that no one talks about!Special thanks to:Benj Weyland for Graphic Design (https://www.instagram.com/benjweydesign/)TJ Max, Juka, and TechSenpai for being amazing moderatorsFoxy Beard, Kyle Wilson, and Nick Ammann for being our patrons.Mentioned in this episode:Add the Magic of Sound to Your GameplayWhen you set the scene you need to tap into the five senses. When it comes to sound one of the best ways to do that is with music, sound effects, and ambience. That's why we've teamed up with Monument Studios. Monument Studios provides an easy-to-use Soundboard perfect for Dungeon Mastering. If you want to see this in action, go to fantasy-plus.com and get 10% off of your first month of their Fantasy+ App by using the code BETTERDM at check out. Again that is fantasy-plus.com and BETTERDM at checkout. Monument StudiosBrought to you by Session 0 StudiosVisit session0studios.com for more information.Start Leveling Up As a DMWouldn't it be nice to gamify your dungeon master abilities? In D&D, characters can reach level 20, so why can't dungeon masters? We're happy to tell you that now, you can. We created the Dungeon Master Level-Up Guide. It's a simple tool to gamify your progression to higher and higher levels of dungeon mastering. It includes Dungeon Master Levels 1 to 20 with associated XP requirements as well as a long list of Dungeon Master activities that will give you XP. Each activity has a Challenge Rating and an XP amount. In order to level up, all you need to do is find out how much XP you have, find out how much you need and pick activities to try. You can get the Dungeon Master Level-Up guide for free by going to session0studios.com/newsletter/, sign up for our newsletter and we'll email you the Level-Up Guide. Finally, leveling up as a DM can be as fun as leveling up a character. Level Up GuideGive Us a Rating and ReviewYou obviously have really good taste, you're listening to How to Be a Better DM after all. We thank you for your support. If you've ever gotten anything useful from our show, take a minute to give us a rating and a review. It goes a very long way to making it so How to Be a Better DM can help many more dungeon masters just like you. If you love our content, help others become better dungeon masters too.

Reposted from https://creativeplayandpodcastnetwork.podbean.com/ Lazy Dungeon Mastering - Tools and Tricks for Easier Campaign Sessions and Story Creation Our Awesome Hosts Nicholas Black and Zach Hoyt Running a D&D campaign can be intimidating. Storyline, NPCs, plot points, world building, and then it all gets thrown out the window because of the players! This panel shows how anyone can start a campaign using modern tools and very little prep, and to not be intimidated.  Please check out more about Nicholas Black and his great company Goth Geek as well as the Arizona Brown Coats and Zach Hoyt at the links below: https://www.facebook.com/thegothgeek/ https://gothgeeknet.wordpress.com/ https://www.facebook.com/MrNicholasBlack https://www.facebook.com/zach.hoyt.121 Arizona Browncoats https://www.facebook.com/groups/1708417686037838 https://www.azbrowncoats.us/ Thank you Wild Wild West Con Guests, Staff, Volunteers and Panelists for an amazing Con and weekend full of new and old friends and Con family! We love you guys! For more on WWWC please check out: https://www.wildwestcon.com/ The Wild Wild West Con Community Facebook page is here:   / 273200786672134   The WWWC Facebook page:   / wildwildwestcon     / 473015638010102   Please support our shows at www.patreon.com/cppn and even join us in some games! Also keep an eye at the new things on our now affiliated Twitch channel:   / creativeplayandpodcast   Also follow us on Facebook at   / creativeplayandpodcastnetwork   Would you be interested if we hosted D&D and Edge of Empire games on Roll20 for you to join? Email us at Creativeplaypodcastnet@Gmail.com See our Wild Wild West Con Photo album at: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1216868807115130&type=3   If you're looking for the videos check out our Wwwc YouTube Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsWPaNcS-w6bR3e3DFdEbauFpOb8Wcj1W&si=VBUXTaU6w9NCmgGI

Here are today's sponsors:Worldsmith - Easy D&D Prep - Start a Free 7 Day Trial: https://session0studios.com/worldsmith-podcastRoll and Play Press - Easier D&D: https://session0studios.com/rollandplayWe've all been there: the endless turns, actions, and HP ticking down as you slog through another combat that you don't know how to end fast enough. Why did your combat become like this? And how can you make it enjoyable and fun again?! Let's talk about it.Also, want ad-free podcasts with additional content while also supporting us? Check out our Patreon: patreon.com/betterdungeonmasterSpecial thanks to:Benj Weyland for Graphic Design (https://www.instagram.com/benjweydesign/)TJ Max, Juka, and TechSenpai for being amazing moderatorsFoxy Beard, Kyle Wilson, and Nick Ammann for being our patrons.Mentioned in this episode:Brought to you by Session 0 StudiosVisit session0studios.com for more information.Start Leveling Up As a DMWouldn't it be nice to gamify your dungeon master abilities? In D&D, characters can reach level 20, so why can't dungeon masters? We're happy to tell you that now, you can. We created the Dungeon Master Level-Up Guide. It's a simple tool to gamify your progression to higher and higher levels of dungeon mastering. It includes Dungeon Master Levels 1 to 20 with associated XP requirements as well as a long list of Dungeon Master activities that will give you XP. Each activity has a Challenge Rating and an XP amount. In order to level up, all you need to do is find out how much XP you have, find out how much you need and pick activities to try. You can get the Dungeon Master Level-Up guide for free by going to session0studios.com/newsletter/, sign up for our newsletter and we'll email you the Level-Up Guide. Finally, leveling up as a DM can be as fun as leveling up a character. Level Up GuideGive Us a Rating and ReviewYou obviously have really good taste, you're listening to How to Be a Better DM after all. We thank you for your support. If you've ever gotten anything useful from our show, take a minute to give us a rating and a review. It goes a very long way to making it so How to Be a Better DM can help many more dungeon masters just like you. If you love our content, help others become better dungeon masters too.Add the Magic of Sound to Your GameplayWhen you set the scene you need to tap into the five senses. When it comes to sound one of the best ways to do that is with music, sound effects, and ambience. That's why we've teamed up with Monument Studios. Monument Studios provides an easy-to-use Soundboard perfect for Dungeon Mastering. If you want to see this in action, go to fantasy-plus.com and get 10% off of your first month of their Fantasy+ App by using the code BETTERDM at check out. Again that is fantasy-plus.com and BETTERDM at checkout. Monument Studios

Lazy Dungeon Mastering - Tools and Tricks for Easier Campaign Sessions and Story Creation Our Awesome Hosts Nicholas Black and Zach Hoyt Running a D&D campaign can be intimidating. Storyline, NPCs, plot points, world building, and then it all gets thrown out the window because of the players! This panel shows how anyone can start a campaign using modern tools and very little prep, and to not be intimidated.  Please check out more about Nicholas Black and his great company Goth Geek as well as the Arizona Brown Coats and Zach Hoyt at the links below: https://www.facebook.com/thegothgeek/ https://gothgeeknet.wordpress.com/ https://www.facebook.com/MrNicholasBlack https://www.facebook.com/zach.hoyt.121 Arizona Browncoats https://www.facebook.com/groups/1708417686037838 https://www.azbrowncoats.us/ Thank you Wild Wild West Con Guests, Staff, Volunteers and Panelists for an amazing Con and weekend full of new and old friends and Con family! We love you guys! For more on WWWC please check out: https://www.wildwestcon.com/ The Wild Wild West Con Community Facebook page is here:   / 273200786672134   The WWWC Facebook page:   / wildwildwestcon     / 473015638010102   Please support our shows at www.patreon.com/cppn and even join us in some games! Also keep an eye at the new things on our now affiliated Twitch channel:   / creativeplayandpodcast   Also follow us on Facebook at   / creativeplayandpodcastnetwork   Would you be interested if we hosted D&D and Edge of Empire games on Roll20 for you to join? Email us at Creativeplaypodcastnet@Gmail.com See our Wild Wild West Con Photo album at: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1216868807115130&type=3   If you're looking for the videos check out our Wwwc YouTube Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsWPaNcS-w6bR3e3DFdEbauFpOb8Wcj1W&si=VBUXTaU6w9NCmgGI      

Ever lost something truly great? Well, our first recording with Ashley May King disappeared into the void, but lucky for you, she's back for an incredible conversation about writing horror and Mystery! Join us as we dive into storytelling, Dungeon Mastering techniques, and how to create unforgettable tabletop adventures. Don't miss this episode of How to Be a Better DM!Check out more of Ashley at https://www.instagram.com/ashleymayking/Mentioned in this episode:Brought to you by Session 0 StudiosVisit session0studios.com for more information.Try Worldsmith Today!Give yourself access to infinite possibilities with Worldsmith! It's the ultimate tool for Dungeon Masters to spark creativity or just save your bacon when you're in a bind. You can generate infinite stories, traps or treasures. Sign up at https://session0studios.com/worldsmith-podcastWorldsmithJoin Our DiscordSo a little bit of a spoiler alert. We're building an army. That's right, we're building an army of amazing dungeon masters who want to make the world of D&D a better place. If you want to join our army and fight by our side against the evil forces of boredom and bad dming, join our Discord and lend your voice to the cause. Go to Session0studios.com/discord and join for free today. DiscordGive Us a Rating and ReviewYou obviously have really good taste, you're listening to How to Be a Better DM after all. We thank you for your support. If you've ever gotten anything useful from our show, take a minute to give us a rating and a review. It goes a very long way to making it so How to Be a Better DM can help many more dungeon masters just like you. If you love our content, help others become better dungeon masters too.

Welcome Back to How to Be a Better DM!Today is a very special episode. Today is a Dungeon Master Coaching episode with our friend Aaron Singh.Today we talk about Dungeon Mastering for kids and tying up loose ends in your campaign.If you're interested in having your own dungeon master coaching session go to https://session0studios.com/coaching. If you let us record the first episode, it's free.Mentioned in this episode:Sign Up For Dungeon Master CoachingWouldn't it be nice to have someone in your corner as a DM? Maybe having someone who can help you find solutions to your DMing problems and help you improve every aspect of your game. Well, here at How to Be a Better DM we are trying an experiment. We are offering 5 free coaching sessions to listeners of the show. During these coaching sessions, we'll work with you through your strengths and weaknesses as a DM and help you generate a game plan to make both better. You can either send in a recording of one of your games, or we'll attend it live if able. If all else fails, we can still chat about your struggle and talk through any prep you've done for your upcoming games. Just go to session0studios.com/coaching and sign up.Dungeon Master CoachingGive Us a Rating and ReviewYou obviously have really good taste, you're listening to How to Be a Better DM after all. We thank you for your support. If you've ever gotten anything useful from our show, take a minute to give us a rating and a review. It goes a very long way to making it so How to Be a Better DM can help many more dungeon masters just like you. If you love our content, help others become better dungeon masters too.Follow us on InstagramThanks again for listening to our show. If you like our content and would like to engage with more of our content, head over to our Instagram account, @howtobeabetterdm, and give us a follow. Make sure to watch some of our helpful Dungeon Master Rules videos to give yourself some structure and procedure as a Dungeon Master. Don't forget to reach out with a DM and we can talk shop. https://www.instagram.com/howtobeabetterdmpodcast/Brought to you by Session 0 StudiosVisit session0studios.com for more information.

We've all been there: you've had a great run with all your players. Month after month, and maybe even week after week, you've been able to meet without any significant delays or gaps. And then, all of a sudden, it's hard to meet. And if you do discuss meeting up, people don't seem to prioritize it as much. And you're worried that the campaign might not have much longer to live, so to speak. So, what do you do? Let's talk about it.Mentioned in this episode:Brought to you by Session 0 StudiosVisit session0studios.com for more information.Add the Magic of Sound to Your GameplayWhen you set the scene you need to tap into the five senses. When it comes to sound one of the best ways to do that is with music, sound effects, and ambience. That's why we've teamed up with Monument Studios. Monument Studios provides an easy-to-use Soundboard perfect for Dungeon Mastering. If you want to see this in action, go to fantasy-plus.com and get 10% off of your first month of their Fantasy+ App by using the code BETTERDM at check out. Again that is fantasy-plus.com and BETTERDM at checkout. Monument StudiosJoin Our DiscordSo a little bit of a spoiler alert. We're building an army. That's right, we're building an army of amazing dungeon masters who want to make the world of D&D a better place. If you want to join our army and fight by our side against the evil forces of boredom and bad dming, join our Discord and lend your voice to the cause. Go to Session0studios.com/discord and join for free today. DiscordGive Us a Rating and ReviewYou obviously have really good taste, you're listening to How to Be a Better DM after all. We thank you for your support. If you've ever gotten anything useful from our show, take a minute to give us a rating and a review. It goes a very long way to making it so How to Be a Better DM can help many more dungeon masters just like you. If you love our content, help others become better dungeon masters too.

Ryan David does no prep.  Bert does a lot.  Kyle is in the middle.  What session prep style is best, how does prep affect a game, and what ramifications does it have for your group at the table?  Some interesting news with a new contender to dethrone the "horse."  After, a DND DM is looking for an exit... but is he not enjoying the game because he isn't really playing it?!? ----more---- The News: "What a cute abomination!" LEGO meets a "real" board game Ghibli printable poster/game ----more---- Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Bedrock Games: bedrockgames.net  Pick up Strange Tales of Songling! Print: https://studio2publishing.com/products/strange-tales-of-songling PDF: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/300445/strange-tales-of-songling Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each Amazon purchase at no additional cost to you!

Welcome back to today's Show.Today, we talk about 8 tips for beginner dungeon masters.Stop Waiting - For Finding Players listen to this episode: https://session0studios.com/captivate-podcast/how-to-find-your-dd-group/Push Past the Learning CurveStart where you are.Focus on your Strengths or on Finding your StrengthsDon't Stop - Be ConsistentFocus on Player EngagementDo what feels fun and coolBe Real with Your PlayersThanks for listening.Mentioned in this episode:Give Us a Rating and ReviewYou obviously have really good taste, you're listening to How to Be a Better DM after all. We thank you for your support. If you've ever gotten anything useful from our show, take a minute to give us a rating and a review. It goes a very long way to making it so How to Be a Better DM can help many more dungeon masters just like you. If you love our content, help others become better dungeon masters too.Add the Magic of Sound to Your GameplayWhen you set the scene you need to tap into the five senses. When it comes to sound one of the best ways to do that is with music, sound effects, and ambience. That's why we've teamed up with Monument Studios. Monument Studios provides an easy-to-use Soundboard perfect for Dungeon Mastering. If you want to see this in action, go to fantasy-plus.com and get 10% off of your first month of their Fantasy+ App by using the code BETTERDM at check out. Again that is fantasy-plus.com and BETTERDM at checkout. Monument StudiosJoin Our DiscordSo a little bit of a spoiler alert. We're building an army. That's right, we're building an army of amazing dungeon masters who want to make the world of D&D a better place. If you want to join our army and fight by our side against the evil forces of boredom and bad dming, join our Discord and lend your voice to the cause. Go to Session0studios.com/discord and join for free today. DiscordBrought to you by Session 0 StudiosVisit session0studios.com for more information.

Welcome back to How to Be a Better DMToday we have a special episode with Jay Foster from Swole Initiative (https://swoleinitiative.com/)Today we talk about a lot of things including:The importance of player check-insHow to push boundaries without crossing lines or veilsWhy and how to add theme to your gameAnd more.If you liked today's episode and you want Jay to come back on the show, go onto Jay's social medias and tell him thanks for joining us and show him some love.Mentioned in this episode:Join Our DiscordSo a little bit of a spoiler alert. We're building an army. That's right, we're building an army of amazing dungeon masters who want to make the world of D&D a better place. If you want to join our army and fight by our side against the evil forces of boredom and bad dming, join our Discord and lend your voice to the cause. Go to Session0studios.com/discord and join for free today. DiscordGive Us a Rating and ReviewYou obviously have really good taste, you're listening to How to Be a Better DM after all. We thank you for your support. If you've ever gotten anything useful from our show, take a minute to give us a rating and a review. It goes a very long way to making it so How to Be a Better DM can help many more dungeon masters just like you. If you love our content, help others become better dungeon masters too.Add the Magic of Sound to Your GameplayWhen you set the scene you need to tap into the five senses. When it comes to sound one of the best ways to do that is with music, sound effects, and ambience. That's why we've teamed up with Monument Studios. Monument Studios provides an easy-to-use Soundboard perfect for Dungeon Mastering. If you want to see this in action, go to fantasy-plus.com and get 10% off of your first month of their Fantasy+ App by using the code BETTERDM at check out. Again that is fantasy-plus.com and BETTERDM at checkout. Monument StudiosBrought to you by Session 0 StudiosVisit session0studios.com for more information.

Welcome back to How to Be a Better DMThis is another RAW episode, which means more personality and less polish.I'm your host today, Justin Lewis.Today we talk about what I would spend $50 on to improve my D&D hobby.This is my list:A dungeon master screenA new SourcebookA large tablecloth and some pipe cleanerA lot of Foam and some paintA set pieceSome LED lightsA simple sound systemMinis I guessMentioned in this episode:Brought to you by Session 0 StudiosVisit session0studios.com for more information.Join Our DiscordSo a little bit of a spoiler alert. We're building an army. That's right, we're building an army of amazing dungeon masters who want to make the world of D&D a better place. If you want to join our army and fight by our side against the evil forces of boredom and bad dming, join our Discord and lend your voice to the cause. Go to Session0studios.com/discord and join for free today. DiscordGive Us a Rating and ReviewYou obviously have really good taste, you're listening to How to Be a Better DM after all. We thank you for your support. If you've ever gotten anything useful from our show, take a minute to give us a rating and a review. It goes a very long way to making it so How to Be a Better DM can help many more dungeon masters just like you. If you love our content, help others become better dungeon masters too.Add the Magic of Sound to Your GameplayWhen you set the scene you need to tap into the five senses. When it comes to sound one of the best ways to do that is with music, sound effects, and ambience. That's why we've teamed up with Monument Studios. Monument Studios provides an easy-to-use Soundboard perfect for Dungeon Mastering. If you want to see this in action, go to fantasy-plus.com and get 10% off of your first month of their Fantasy+ App by using the code BETTERDM at check out. Again that is fantasy-plus.com and BETTERDM at checkout. Monument Studios

Welcome back to the show!Today we talk about what skills you need to develop as a DM.MechanicsUnderstanding the basic gameplay of the gameBeing able to make twists on the rules or invent new ones to suit your gamePlayer ManagementScheduling ManagementRelationship ManagementStory WritingBeing able to create beautiful settingsBeing able to build amazingly real charactersPlot twists, turns and developmentsPacingRoleplayingVoice ActingPersonification of the different charactersImprovisationPrevious episode about improv: https://session0studios.com/captivate-podcast/improve-and-comedy/PresentationOnline Game Technology MasteryMinis and MapsLoreFull understanding of the lore of your worldFull understanding of available DnD LoreExperience PlanningThe extrasThe Wow FactorCombatSpeeding it upKeeping it InterestingMentioned in this episode:Brought to you by Session 0 StudiosVisit session0studios.com for more information.Give Us a Rating and ReviewYou obviously have really good taste, you're listening to How to Be a Better DM after all. We thank you for your support. If you've ever gotten anything useful from our show, take a minute to give us a rating and a review. It goes a very long way to making it so How to Be a Better DM can help many more dungeon masters just like you. If you love our content, help others become better dungeon masters too.We Like YouHey Bud… How's it going? Just wanted to say… we like you. We're think you're pretty cool. We hope you like us too. If you do like us and what we're doing, you can support us on our Patreon. Just $1 a month is enough. Just go to https://session0studios.com/patreon and show your support. But even if you don't… we still like you. See ya around bud. PatreonAdd the Magic of Sound to Your GameplayWhen you set the scene you need to tap into the five senses. When it comes to sound one of the best ways to do that is with music, sound effects, and ambience. That's why we've teamed up with Monument Studios. Monument Studios provides an easy-to-use Soundboard perfect for Dungeon Mastering. If you want to see this in action, go to fantasy-plus.com and get 10% off of your first month of their Fantasy+ App by using the code BETTERDM at check out. Again that is fantasy-plus.com and BETTERDM at checkout. Monument Studios

Welcome back to today's RAW podcast episode.This is a special episode where it is shorter and less edited and more real.On today's show we talk about 8 voice acting tips from a non-voice actor.They are:Tip #1: CommitTip #2: Faster or SlowerTip #3: Eye ContactTip #4: Loud or QuietTip #5: Pauses or BreaksTip #6: Your BreathTip #7: Inflection and EmphasisTip #8: AccentIf you like today's episode reach out to us and let us know.Mentioned in this episode:Brought to you by Session 0 StudiosVisit session0studios.com for more information.We Like YouHey Bud… How's it going? Just wanted to say… we like you. We're think you're pretty cool. We hope you like us too. If you do like us and what we're doing, you can support us on our Patreon. Just $1 a month is enough. Just go to https://session0studios.com/patreon and show your support. But even if you don't… we still like you. See ya around bud. PatreonAdd the Magic of Sound to Your GameplayWhen you set the scene you need to tap into the five senses. When it comes to sound one of the best ways to do that is with music, sound effects, and ambience. That's why we've teamed up with Monument Studios. Monument Studios provides an easy-to-use Soundboard perfect for Dungeon Mastering. If you want to see this in action, go to fantasy-plus.com and get 10% off of your first month of their Fantasy+ App by using the code BETTERDM at check out. Again that is fantasy-plus.com and BETTERDM at checkout. Monument Studios

On today's episode, we have Tyler & Noah, the musical masterminds behind Monument Studios. As some of you know, Monument Studios has been a sponsor of How To Be a Better DM, and our Live-play D&D show The Pact & Boon for the better part of the past year. Their app Fantasy + is a must have for any dungeon master! Tune in to hear about their upcoming Kickstarter launching on August 20th, and how you can get some of the most amazing rewards ever offered on the platform! Check out Monument Studios here: https://www.monumentstudios.net/Check out their music app Fantasy + here: https://www.fantasy-plus.com/Enjoy 10% off your first month with the code BETTERDM. Support us and support these amazing artists, while also giving your players the best experience possible. Don't forget to check out their Kickstarter as well:Join the CampaignMentioned in this episode:Add the Magic of Sound to Your GameplayWhen you set the scene you need to tap into the five senses. When it comes to sound one of the best ways to do that is with music, sound effects, and ambience. That's why we've teamed up with Monument Studios. Monument Studios provides an easy-to-use Soundboard perfect for Dungeon Mastering. If you want to see this in action, go to fantasy-plus.com and get 10% off of your first month of their Fantasy+ App by using the code BETTERDM at check out. Again that is fantasy-plus.com and BETTERDM at checkout. Monument StudiosFollow us on InstagramThanks again for listening to our show. If you like our content and would like to engage with more of our content, head over to our Instagram account, @howtobeabetterdm, and give us a follow. Make sure to watch some of our helpful Dungeon Master Rules videos to give yourself some structure and procedure as a Dungeon Master. Don't forget to reach out with a DM and we can talk shop. https://www.instagram.com/howtobeabetterdmpodcast/Brought to you by Session 0 StudiosVisit session0studios.com for more information.

Our heroes take a moment to re-stock, refresh and in some cases, re-train.  As they have a moment to breath what new forces will move against them? Music Credits: "Heavy Heart" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Welcome back to today's show.Today, Tanner and Justin have the great pleasure of joining the Level Up Your Gaming Podcast (https://levelupyourgaming.buzzsprout.com/) with hosts Josh and Aaron to talk about transplanting rules into your game from different RPG systems.Mentioned in this episode:Add the Magic of Sound to Your GameplayWhen you set the scene you need to tap into the five senses. When it comes to sound one of the best ways to do that is with music, sound effects, and ambience. That's why we've teamed up with Monument Studios. Monument Studios provides an easy-to-use Soundboard perfect for Dungeon Mastering. If you want to see this in action, go to fantasy-plus.com and get 10% off of your first month of their Fantasy+ App by using the code BETTERDM at check out. Again that is fantasy-plus.com and BETTERDM at checkout. Follow us on InstagramThanks again for listening to our show. If you like our content and would like to engage with more of our content, head over to our Instagram account, @howtobeabetterdm, and give us a follow. Make sure to watch some of our helpful Dungeon Master Rules videos to give yourself some structure and procedure as a Dungeon Master. Don't forget to reach out with a DM and we can talk shop. https://www.instagram.com/howtobeabetterdmpodcast/

What's up everyone! Thanks for listing to how to be a better DM. Here's a quick synopsis of today's episode hosted by (me) Cayden Ottley. In today's episode I talk about 10 places that you need in any fantasy town that your players are visiting. This obviously varies from place to place depending on setting, political system, and your own rules to name a few, but this comprehensive list will help you get started. Enjoy! Tavern - A place to meet, drink, dance, and potentially hear gossip. The Tavern creates great rollplaying opportunities and is a classic place to receive epic quests. Marketplace - Every town will have some sort of commerce. People need to make a living! A marketplace allows the party to pick up unique items unique to the area, and potentially meet some interesting NPC's.Government Building - The place where decisions are made and justice is served. This is the place for political intrigue, where players might petition for help, confront corrupt officials, or attend important meetings.Blacksmith's Shop - No town is complete without at least a few blacksmith's shops. This is where weapons are forged, armor is repaired, and custom gear can be crafted. The blacksmith can be a valuable ally, providing expertise and perhaps even quests.Church or other site of worship - Spirituality plays a crucial role in many fantasy settings, so a church or other site of worship is a must. This place provides solace, guidance, and perhaps divine intervention. Food or wealth source - Every town needs a source of sustenance and income. This could be a farm, a mine, a fishing dock, or any other resource. It's the lifeblood of the town's economy and a potential source of conflict or adventure.Jail - The jail is where lawbreakers are kept, and it can be a grim reminder of the town's darker side. It's also a potential adventure site—whether your players are breaking someone out, investigating a mysterious prisoner, or serving time themselves.Hospice - A place of healing is vital for any community. The hospice, whether it's a grand hospital or a healer's cottage, offers medical care and respite for the sick and injured. It can be a haven for your players to recover, learn about local ailments, or meet knowledgeable healers who may need help with curing a mysterious disease.Criminal Layer or Resistance Base - Every town has its shadows. A criminal lair or resistance base adds depth and intrigue. This hidden location is where rogues gather, plots are hatched, and rebellions are planned. Whether it's a thieves' guild, a rebel hideout, or a smuggler's den, this place can provide players with under-the-table jobs, secret information, and morally complex decisions.Inn - Last but certainly not least is the inn. Similar to the tavern, the inn offers a place for travelers to rest, but it's also a hub of activity where stories are shared and alliances are formed. The innkeeper can be a font of local lore, and the inn itself can be the starting point for many adventures.Mentioned in this episode:Add the Magic of Sound to Your GameplayWhen you set the scene you need to tap into the five senses. When it comes to sound one of the best ways to do that is with music, sound effects, and ambience. That's why we've teamed up with Monument Studios. Monument Studios provides an easy-to-use Soundboard perfect for Dungeon Mastering. If you want to see this in action, go to fantasy-plus.com and get 10% off of your first month of their Fantasy+ App by using the code BETTERDM at check out. Again that is fantasy-plus.com and BETTERDM at checkout. Follow us on InstagramThanks again for listening...

The great Jack Panic of DNGN CLUB talks about professional Dungeon Mastering, producing things for Kickstarter, and having goals to keep moving. Adrian and Alex are now professional DMs by proxy! (not really alex would cry) So come and learn a thing or two and remember that Capitalism is the big BAD!! Find Jack [He/They]:+Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dngnclubgames+itch.io: https://dngnclub.itch.io/+Linktree: https://linktr.ee/dngnclubgames Affiliate link:https://dungeonsoap.com/dndegrees CODE: DNDEGREES10 for 10% off entire order! Find Adrian [he/any]: +Twitter: @Dagger_24 +TikTok: @2dman2+Youtube: @ACLawrence24 +Twitch: @ACLawrence24 Find Alex [she/hulk]: +Instagram: @eloquentmime +TikTok: @eloquentmime +Twitter: @eloquentmime Find Us:  +Join our community via Discord: https://discord.gg/XFhma7qjDy +Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/dungeonndegrees  +Subscribe to D&Degrees on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dungeons-degrees/id1528189379 +Twitch: @dungeonndegrees | twitch.tv/dungeonndegrees +Twitter: @dungeonndegrees +TikTok: @dungeonndegrees +Instagram: @dungeonndegrees  +Our Website: https://dndegreespod.com/  +Email us at dndgreespod@gmail.com +Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@dungeonsdegrees --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dndegreespod/message

William and Brian have heard their patrons and will continue to do their bidding! Listen along to learn how to build a dungeon in your world step by step with all the do's and do not's included this week on The Dungeoncast! Our D&D Liveplay, Superquest Saga Dungeoncast Merch Patreon Discord Twitter Instagram Our Amazon Wishlist  Looking to sponsor an episode or just say hello? Reach out thedungeoncast@gmail.com Or send us something by mail at: Po Box 1784, Upland, CA - 91785 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you ever wanted to go to that cool game store down the road and play a fun game of D&D but are maybe somewhat shy and nervous about being a DM in a public place?Wouldn't you like the ability to DM in any place at any time?Today we are going to walk you through some tips on how to manage yourself in those public places and how to make sure it's fun for you and your players every single time!This is How to Be a Better DM. Today, Justin, Tanner and Cayden sit down with Tavern Keeper Andrew Ashby from https://www.wegeektogether.org/.Here's what we talked about:Always make sure everyone at the table is having fun and feels safeIf your party is shy about being in public, make something exciting happen to get them out of their own headsTalk to the owners of game stores to find out what tools they have for youFind the locale that fits what you needFind ways to mitigate distractions even while out in publicThe best thing to do is to commit to doing the DM thing and everything else will be much better.We enjoyed today's episode so much and want you to check out We Geek Together.Make sure to get your seat for the upcoming Dead Wars event (the world record breaking D&D game that's coming up, yeah you should be there!). Go to https://www.thedeadwars.com/ and get your seat!Mentioned in this episode:Signup for Our Email NewsletterDo you love the show but can't always listen to it? Do you prefer written content? Go to session0studios.com/newsletter/ and sign up to get weekly tips and tricks sent to your inbox so you can become the greatest DM the world has ever seen.Introducing Joland GreiJustin here from Session 0 Studios (and How to Be a Better DM). As you may know we are weeks away from releasing our new Actual Play D&D show. It's called Pact and Boon. we start in the 9 Hells and if that doesn't get you excited then I don't know what will. I wanted to introduce the character that I will be playing in the show. Meet Joland Grei. Joland is a six foot tall Earth Genesis. He has tan skin that is almost the color of red canyon rock or terracotta. He has black onyx eyes and a scar that runs from above his left eye to below his left eye. He has a chestnut colored beard and he is balding in the top of his head. He also has a bit of a paunch. He looks like he used to be in shape but then he got a sit down job and now his gut has grown a bit. He is always smiling, which is why most people call him Jolly. At any given moment, Jolly would be wearing generally fine clothes as he was a very successful businessman and loves the luxuries of society. When he is traveling as an adventurer though, he wears as much armor as he can. You see Jolly is an artificer, specifically an Armorer. Through his armor he's working on crafting a suit of such immense power as to stagger the imagination. He'll get there. Jolly hails from the town of Okrindell in northern Ghast which is the northernmost country on the continent of Rel in the world of Calignos. Jolly is accustomed to the mountains and the land and hates the sea. Jolly used to own and run a very successful tavern before it burned down in a tragic accident. Jolly is very good at brewing alcohol and is somewhat a conoscieur of the tastes of different drinks. He is actually on the hunt for the most deliciously non-alcoholic drink as he finds alcoholic drinks are somewhat easy because the alcohol adds in another element. If you can impress someone with a non-alcoholic drink then you've made something special. Jolly is a happy go lucky person. And he is motivated by one thing right now…. Revenge. If you want to find out why Jolly wants revenge and for what, tune into Pact and Boon when it releases.

On this week's Infernal Schoolhouse Podcast, Bryan and Aaron delve into the multifaceted world of dungeon mastering, guided by the wisdom of two renowned experts: Professor Dungeon Master from Dungeon Craft and Baron de Ropp of Dungeon Masterpiece. The conversation traverses the traditional roots of Old School Renaissance (OSR) and the evolving art of crafting engaging RPG adventures. 

Paul & Dan look back at the year in old-school D&D for 2023. And moreover, the first 5 years on Wandering DMs! What were your favorite encounters of the year? And what can we expect in the future? The Wandering DMs YouTube channel has been a hub for tabletop gaming enthusiasts, offering a diverse range of content related to dungeon mastering, role-playing games (RPGs), and tabletop gaming culture. Over the past few years, the channel has gained recognition for its unique approach and commitment to fostering a supportive community. One of the standout features of the Wandering DMs channel is its rich variety of content. From in-depth discussions on Dungeon Mastering techniques to insightful analyses of popular RPGs, the channel caters to both seasoned dungeon masters and newcomers to the world of tabletop gaming. Special series, such as The Big Bad, have become staples for fans seeking engaging content. One of the channel's strengths lies in its ability to foster a sense of community among its viewers. Regular live streams, Q&A sessions, and active participation in online forums allow fans to engage directly with the hosts and fellow viewers. The Wandering DMs community has become a valuable resource for exchanging ideas, tips, and experiences in the world of tabletop gaming. Donate to Jennell Jaquays' medical GoFundMe here

William and Brian are back with another episode centered around how to improve and expand your skillset and toolkit as a dungeon master. Find out what sorts of random tables are out there and how to make them work best for you and your game this week on The Dungeoncast! Starseeker's Guide to Draken Star Pre-Orders Looking to sponsor an episode or just say hello? Reach out thedungeoncast@gmail.com Or send us something by mail at: Po Box 1784, Upland, CA - 91785 Get your Dungeoncast Merchandise Check out our D&D Liveplay, Superquest Saga Support us on Patreon Join the community on Discord Get us a gift from our Amazon Wishlist  Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and Tiktok Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The SNWP crew expands upon ideas from episode 22, sharing their thoughts on the BBEG (Big Bad Evil Guy). Along the way, they also examine an extreme case of Dungeon Mastering gone wrong. If you're a new game master, a journeyman, or a salty old vet like DM Mike and DM Rockfist, you'll want to check out this episode. If you're a player at any level, come along for the adventure, and you'll learn what kind of game masters and Dungeon Masters to avoid!

Introducing "Adventure AI: A D&D Podcast" hosted by Alex the Language Lord!In this exciting episode, join us as we dive deep into the realm of Dungeon Master preparation for Season 3! As an AI-powered Dungeon Master assistant, I'll share invaluable insights, tips, and strategies to help DMs craft unforgettable adventures filled with epic quests, thrilling encounters, and immersive storytelling.From world-building to character development, encounter design to plot twists, we leave no stone unturned in this DM prep extravaganza. Get ready to unleash your creativity and take your D&D sessions to the next level with the help of AI technology.Join us on this audio adventure where we blend the art of Dungeon Mastering with the power of AI, igniting a new era of tabletop gaming. Subscribe now and embark on a journey that will forever transform your D&D experience.D&D podcast, DM prep, Dungeon Master preparation, AI-powered DM, tabletop gaming, adventure, quest, storytelling, world-building, character development, encounter design, plot twists.Support the showLinkTreeSupport us on Patreon Donate

William and Brian are unveiling their processes, techniques, and tricks they use when designing a campaign for their TTRPGs. They break down their approach to structuring your own game with collaboration in mind and share their experiences as GMs in this regard. Find out what it takes to get your own game going from the ground up this week on The Dungeoncast! Looking to sponsor an episode or just say hello? Reach out thedungeoncast@gmail.com Or send us something by mail at: Po Box 1784, Upland, CA - 91785 Get your Dungeoncast Merchandise Check out our D&D Liveplay, Superquest Saga Support us on Patreon Join the community on Discord Get us a gift from our Amazon Wishlist  Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and Tiktok Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of the It's A Mimic! Podcast, this panel of Dungeon Masters is going to talk about the challenges, rewards, and techniques that we've encountered while Dungeon Mastering for children.  Running the game becomes a whole different beast when it comes to keeping kids engaged and having fun, but the smiles and laughs are worth every moment. Cold Open 0:00 Intro 1:57 Getting into D&D 6:40 Expectations 15:15 Commercial Break 56:50 Characters 57:51  Social Media Info 1:25:03 Published Tier One Adventures 1:25:23 Running the Game 1:34:44 Outro 2:08:05 Post-Credit 2:13:20 Bloopers 2:16:02 DON'T FORGET TO LIKE & SUBSCRIBE! Available On: https://www.itsamimic.com iTunes at https://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/its-a-mimic/id1450770037 Spotify at https://open.spotify.com/show/3Y19VxSxLKyfg0gY0yUeU1 Podbean at https://itsamimic.podbean.com/  YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzQmvEufzxPHWrFSZbB8uuw Social: Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/itsamimic/ Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/itsamimic/?hl=en Reddit at https://www.reddit.com/r/ItsaMimic/ Email at info@itsamimic.com Dungeon Master:  Dan O'Coin Host 2:  Kasi Just Kasi Host 3:  Pepperina Sparklegem Written by:  Dan O'Coin and Adam Nason Director:  Dan O'Coin and Adam Nason Audio Editor:  Adam Nason Video Editor:  Adam Nason Produced by:  Adam Nason Executive Producers:  Dan O'Coin and Adam Nason Intro/Outro Music by:  Cory Wiebe Logo by:  Katie Skidmore at https://www.instagram.com/clementineartportraits/ Current Gear: Microphone (USA) - https://amzn.to/2WWuCsz  Microphone (CAN) - https://amzn.to/2WTZ69G This post or video may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission for purchases made through our links. This episode is meant to be used as an inspirational supplement for Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition and tabletop roleplaying games in general.  It's A Mimic! does not own the rights to any Wizards of the Coasts products. Artwork included in this episode's visualizations is published and/or owned by Wizards of the Coast.

A KAIJU CHRISTMAS is a children's book for All Ages based on The Night Before Christmas, but instead of a Santa flying down to drop off presents a giant monster snowman appears through an extra-dimensional portal to ruin the holidays! And it's up to a group of brave children to save Christmas and the world! Check out the Kickstarter campaign here: A Kaiju Christmas — Kickstarter Bios: Samuel Haine - Writer: Sam, was born six days before Christmas and grew up in the wilderness of Alaska. --So the Holidays are in his blood! The critically-acclaimed Slow City Blues was Sam's first comic series, but he also has four more new titles coming out over the next 6 months! His mentors have included the legendary Jim Shooter and NY Times Bestselling author Kristin Hannah. Sam, his wife, Laura, and their dog, Sandy recently moved to Colorado to be closer to family. When he's not working on comics, he's reading(currently: Book 4 of The Stormlight Archives), playing MTG, working on their house, or Dungeon Mastering. --And on Christmas Eve, he makes sure that A Christmas Story is playing ALL DAY! John Schrad - Artist: John is a Los Angeles-based illustrator who has worked along the edges of the art world and in the heart of the entertainment world for over 15 years. Working primarily in film and television John has done concept art, graphic design, and storyboarding for independent features hand-in-hand with his passion for film production. His friendship with Sam led to several projects in development with Kaiju Christmas being his freshman excursion into print. When he's not drawing or filmmaking, John is spending time with his fiancé, Victoria and his cat Butters, or spending his Saturdays playing D&D. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/under-the-lens/support

Welcome to Everyday Dungeon Master! Our guest Dungeon Master today is William F. and in today's episode, we talk about creating story lore using both published and homebrew content. Listen in to hear DM William tell us about his first character death as a dungeon master, how Magic and other games/media can and should influence your DMing and to answer the burning question, do hags belong in caves? Spoiler, the answer is yes. William can be found on instagram @lord_ov_the_pale_ale (not a typo!) where he is creepin' but rarely postin. Reach out to him there or on his Facebook page if you wanna hit him up to pick his brain more and talk shop. Here are the links to all the third-party content that William shared with us in the episode for you to check out, I hope you find it useful on your Dungeon Mastering journey: DM Dave Ghostfire Gaming (Grim Hollow and Arora, and other adventures and worlds!) Kobold Press Sly Flourish DMs Guild With that, I hope you enjoy today's episode. If you are a DM wanting to be featured on a future episode send me an email at everydaydungeonmaster@outlook.com or find me on Twitter and Facebook at @EverydayDMPod. Happy Gaming, Nerdy Adventurers! Music Credits: Intro Song: A Seafaring Adventure by All Good Folks Used with permission under Creative Common License: B81RQXNWH5VAQNSQ Break Songs: Adventure Island by Studio Kolomna Used with permission under Creative Common License: X7WBGI54YGLJ84UX Curiosity by All Good Folks Used with permission under Creative Common License: CU8ISGXWPJGDJEOJ Outro Song: The Great Wonder by Roger Gabalda Used with permission under Creative Common License: NXLWSJGTDREIZUQB

You wouldn't steal a map. You wouldn't steal a NPC.  You wouldn't steal a monster. Stealing is against DragonLaw.  Dungeon Mastering. It's a crime.  No jokes in this one; it's a serious episode of solving Dungeon Mastering problems from your letters.  Join DMofNone on Discord. And support the show on Patreon!

Welcome back to The Nerd Expansion! Today's guest is the one and only Ben Farley and his nerd love is Dungeon Mastering. Woah. It's awesome.Ben Farley has been playing in or running TTRPGs like Dungeons & Dragons since 2008. Previous to that, he was an avid tabletop war gamer for many years.Helpful D&D links from our guest:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMZ04s0SU1glq6SrAVQCbHwFeFXGko_v0https://www.youtube.com/user/mcolvillehttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdMl19aDv5e_2l_AeJRXp2gHosted By: Nick Bowan & Sasha WeissTheme song written by Korrie YamaokaPerformed by Sasha Weiss & Korrie Yamaoka

Spencer invents an excuse to announce the launch of his Spiteron. Then it's time for an old episode of Master Manual, his defunct podcast about Dungeon Mastering that was, fun fact, invented for Spencer to have a podcast once harmontown died, only to die well before harmontown ended. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices