Podcasts about dungeon masters

Welcome back to DM-Nastics - the gym for Dungeon Masters to work out their minds! Content: We plunge Dayeimbe's capital into the Shadowfell Inspiration: Discord Exercise Exercise: Shadowfell Through Lifting Partner: Bob World Builder Twitter: @DMs_Block DM Neal's @joatmoniac DM Celeste's @cconowitch BlueSky: @dmsblock.bsky.social Discord: https://bit.ly/DMBanter Intro/Outro provided by: @bomBARDedcast Check them out at bombardedcast.com

Welcome, dear Dungeon Masters and Game Masters! Today Danny Barrett shows us how reskinning can optimize effort and enhance success at the table.Do you have some more examples we missed?Creative Contraband is a segment designed and hosted with love by Danny Barrett for How to Be a Better DM.Find Danny at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/gamemaster.hof⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠If you want more content for Dungeon Masters and Game Masters alike, you can find related projects and sponsored links here: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

This week we're covering everything GOBLIN, praise be to Maglubiyet. That's right, gang! We're talking about Goblin lore, Goblin stats, and Goblin up those player expectations to keep things fun and fresh! So how can Dungeon Masters use Goblins throughout their worldbuilding, encounters, and campaigns… well, let's jump into it! Music by Epidemic Sound Use our Link for a FREE TRIAL for all your music and sound effect needs. Gang, this has changed the game for us!  Epidemic Sound Link And remember to give us 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ AND a positive review! This helps us so much, so tell your friends!  Subscribe to our YouTube to see the podcast! And other content! --------------------------- And CLICK HERE to find links to our Discord, YouTube, Twitch, TikTok, Instagram, and more! Email us at Soyouwannabeadm@gmail.com WE HAVE MERCH! Click the link above!

Welcome once again, dear Dungeon Masters and Game Masters! Today we talk about how the Lord of the Rings trilogy can be described mostly as DnD checks and situations.In this episode you will learn how to take a movie and analyze it in DnD terms, maybe even translating some situations into the table.Creative Contraband is a segment designed and hosted with love by Danny Barrett for How to Be a Better DM.Find Danny at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/gamemaster.hof⁠⁠⁠⁠If you want more content for Dungeon Masters and Game Masters alike, you can find related projects and sponsored links here: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

Welcome back to DM-Nastics - the gym for Dungeon Masters to work out their minds! Content: We totally love all these house rules ... for someone else. Inspiration: House Rules for Fun and Memorable Moments Exercise: Talking about House Rules Supplements: The Final Seance Twitter: @DMs_Block DM Neal's @joatmoniac DM Celeste's @cconowitch BlueSky: @dmsblock.bsky.social Discord: https://bit.ly/DMBanter Intro/Outro provided by: @bomBARDedcast Check them out at bombardedcast.com

Hear ye, loyal Cabalists! Gather now before the Lords of the Dungeon, for they convene to decree upon one of the greatest virtues of masterful game mastering: the noble arts of rhythm and pacing. Know this, how swiftly the tale unfolds, how boldly each scene marches onward, and how deftly the momentum is commanded shall determine whether thine adventurers remain enthralled or drift into idle distraction. Attend this royal council and claim the wisdom for grand adventure awaits!

This week we're setting out to help Dungeon Masters who are trying to bring their players into the promised land known as Roleplay. For some, it may be the epitome of cringe. But that's because they're imagining a forced roleplay encounter during a corporate sales meeting. We, of course, refer to the art of portraying another person, of mastering empathy through acting, of collaborating with confidence. Music by Epidemic Sound Use our Link to check out Epidemic Sound for all your music and sound effect needs. Gang, this has changed the game for us!  Epidemic Sound Link And remember to give us 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ AND a positive review! This helps us so much, so tell your friends!  Subscribe to our YouTube to see the podcast! And other content! --------------------------- And CLICK HERE to find links to our Discord, YouTube, Twitch, TikTok, Instagram, and more! Email us at Soyouwannabeadm@gmail.com WE HAVE MERCH! Click the link above!

Welcome once again, dear Dungeon Masters and Game Masters! Today we talk about suspense and surprise from Alfred Hitchcock's movies and Game of Thrones.In this episode you will learn how to make the most impact by managing the knowledge your players have about each situation.Creative Contraband is a segment designed and hosted with love by Danny Barrett for How to Be a Better DM.Find Danny at: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/gamemaster.hof⁠⁠⁠If you want more content for Dungeon Masters and Game Masters alike, you can find related projects and sponsored links here: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

Welcome to Part 4 of our Ravenloft: The Horrors Within review, where the real horror isn't Strahd. It's Ash's campaign. In the span of ten minutes, his players accidentally created Baba Yaga, nearly invented a magical nuclear weapon, tried to break the multiverse "just to see what happens," and immediately asked if they could automate it with a Rube Goldberg machine. At this point, the Dark Powers aren't tormenting the players. They're trying to survive them. Show Notes We wrap up our four-part review of Ravenloft: The Horrors Within by touring the remaining Domains of Dread, digging into the new monsters and NPCs, exploring haunted Bastions, and deciding whether Wizards of the Coast finally delivered the definitive Ravenloft sourcebook. Before the review even begins, Ash recounts the latest catastrophes from his home Ravenloft campaign. His players accidentally elevate a coven of hags into a new Baba Yaga, nearly tear open reality with artifacts capable of destroying demiplanes, and somehow conclude that the obvious solution is building a magical doomsday device. As always, the greatest threat to Ravenloft isn't the Dark Lords. It's the player characters. The panel finishes its tour of the remaining Domains of Dread, highlighting favorites like the haunted countryside of Mordent, Arthurian-inspired Shadowlands, Lord Soth's Sythicus, the folk-horror nightmare of Tepest, and the deadly jungle hunts of Valachan. Each domain receives new maps, campaign outlines, adventure hooks, and fully realized Dark Lord stat blocks that make them dramatically easier to run than previous editions. Attention then shifts to the new DM tools. Haunted Bastions become an instant favorite, adding supernatural events, cursed facilities, and even Backrooms-inspired liminal spaces to the 2024 Bastion system. The group also praises the new patron mechanics, expanded horror guidance, and dozens of flavorful campaign-building resources for Dungeon Masters. The bestiary proves equally impressive. New horrors range from Lovecraftian monstrosities and terrifying Relentless Killers to updated versions of classic Ravenloft creatures like the Dullahan and Grimishkas. Several monsters introduce brutal mechanics involving exhaustion, possession, regeneration, and instant death, giving horror encounters a unique identity beyond simply dealing more damage. Finally, the hosts deliver their verdict on the book. While the player-facing subclasses receive mixed reviews throughout the series, everyone agrees that The Horrors Within is a massive upgrade for Dungeon Masters. Between expanded lore, stronger adventures, memorable monsters, and fully developed Domains of Dread, this may be the best Ravenloft campaign resource Wizards has published for Fifth Edition. Ravenloft: The Horrors Within (affiliate link) RPGBOT.store - Pish Pash, My Memory is Trash! Other Stuff Rikki Tikki Tavi Roxane but it gets faster Spirited Away Content from RPGBOT.net DnD 5e Dark Gifts Guide Key Takeaways Ash's home campaign continues to prove that players are more dangerous than any Dark Lord. The remaining Domains of Dread receive substantial expansions with maps, adventures, and campaign frameworks. Shadowlands, Tepest, Mordent, and Valachan each offer unique horror genres beyond gothic vampires. Haunted Bastions are one of the most creative additions to the 2024 Bastion system. The liminal-space Bastion facility is basically the Backrooms for D&D. The bestiary introduces memorable new horrors, especially the Relentless Killer variants. Updated classic monsters receive more interesting mechanics while remaining faithful to their original themes. Named NPCs like Van Richten, Ez, Madame Eva, and the Weathermay-Foxgrove twins finally receive dedicated stat blocks. The book is packed with campaign hooks, DM tools, and adventure ideas that make Ravenloft easier than ever to run. Final verdict: player options are somewhat uneven, but for Dungeon Masters this is an outstanding sourcebook and one of the strongest setting books Wizards has released for the 2024 rules. Welcome to the RPGBOT Podcast. If you love Dungeons & Dragons, Pathfinder, and tabletop RPGs, this is the podcast for you. Support the show for free: Rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any podcast app. It helps new listeners find the best RPG podcast for D&D and Pathfinder players. Level up your experience: Join us on Patreon to unlock ad-free access to RPGBOT.net and the RPGBOT Podcast, chat with us and the community on the RPGBOT Discord, and jump into live-streamed RPG podcast recordings. Support while you shop: Use our Amazon affiliate link at https://amzn.to/3NwElxQ and help us keep building tools and guides for the RPG community. Meet the Hosts Tyler Kamstra – Master of mechanics, seeing the Pathfinder action economy like Neo in the Matrix. Randall James – Lore buff and technologist, always ready to debate which Lord of the Rings edition reigns supreme. Ash Ely – Resident cynic, chaos agent, and AI's worst nightmare, bringing pure table-flipping RPG podcast energy. Join the RPGBOT team where fantasy roleplaying meets real strategy, sarcasm, and community chaos. How to Find Us: In-depth articles, guides, handbooks, reviews, news on Tabletop Role Playing at RPGBOT.net Tyler Kamstra BlueSky: @rpgbot.net TikTok: @RPGBOTDOTNET Ash Ely Professional Game Master on StartPlaying.Games BlueSky: @GravenAshes YouTube: @ashravenmedia Randall James BlueSky: @GrimoireRPG Amateurjack.com Read Melancon: A Grimoire Tale (affiliate link) Producer Dan @Lzr_illuminati

Welcome to Part 4 of our Ravenloft: The Horrors Within review, where the real horror isn't Strahd. It's Ash's campaign. In the span of ten minutes, his players accidentally created Baba Yaga, nearly invented a magical nuclear weapon, tried to break the multiverse "just to see what happens," and immediately asked if they could automate it with a Rube Goldberg machine. At this point, the Dark Powers aren't tormenting the players. They're trying to survive them. Show Notes We wrap up our four-part review of Ravenloft: The Horrors Within by touring the remaining Domains of Dread, digging into the new monsters and NPCs, exploring haunted Bastions, and deciding whether Wizards of the Coast finally delivered the definitive Ravenloft sourcebook. Before the review even begins, Ash recounts the latest catastrophes from his home Ravenloft campaign. His players accidentally elevate a coven of hags into a new Baba Yaga, nearly tear open reality with artifacts capable of destroying demiplanes, and somehow conclude that the obvious solution is building a magical doomsday device. As always, the greatest threat to Ravenloft isn't the Dark Lords. It's the player characters. The panel finishes its tour of the remaining Domains of Dread, highlighting favorites like the haunted countryside of Mordent, Arthurian-inspired Shadowlands, Lord Soth's Sythicus, the folk-horror nightmare of Tepest, and the deadly jungle hunts of Valachan. Each domain receives new maps, campaign outlines, adventure hooks, and fully realized Dark Lord stat blocks that make them dramatically easier to run than previous editions. Attention then shifts to the new DM tools. Haunted Bastions become an instant favorite, adding supernatural events, cursed facilities, and even Backrooms-inspired liminal spaces to the 2024 Bastion system. The group also praises the new patron mechanics, expanded horror guidance, and dozens of flavorful campaign-building resources for Dungeon Masters. The bestiary proves equally impressive. New horrors range from Lovecraftian monstrosities and terrifying Relentless Killers to updated versions of classic Ravenloft creatures like the Dullahan and Grimishkas. Several monsters introduce brutal mechanics involving exhaustion, possession, regeneration, and instant death, giving horror encounters a unique identity beyond simply dealing more damage. Finally, the hosts deliver their verdict on the book. While the player-facing subclasses receive mixed reviews throughout the series, everyone agrees that The Horrors Within is a massive upgrade for Dungeon Masters. Between expanded lore, stronger adventures, memorable monsters, and fully developed Domains of Dread, this may be the best Ravenloft campaign resource Wizards has published for Fifth Edition. Ravenloft: The Horrors Within (affiliate link) RPGBOT.store - Pish Pash, My Memory is Trash! Other Stuff Rikki Tikki Tavi Roxane but it gets faster Spirited Away Content from RPGBOT.net DnD 5e Dark Gifts Guide Key Takeaways Ash's home campaign continues to prove that players are more dangerous than any Dark Lord. The remaining Domains of Dread receive substantial expansions with maps, adventures, and campaign frameworks. Shadowlands, Tepest, Mordent, and Valachan each offer unique horror genres beyond gothic vampires. Haunted Bastions are one of the most creative additions to the 2024 Bastion system. The liminal-space Bastion facility is basically the Backrooms for D&D. The bestiary introduces memorable new horrors, especially the Relentless Killer variants. Updated classic monsters receive more interesting mechanics while remaining faithful to their original themes. Named NPCs like Van Richten, Ez, Madame Eva, and the Weathermay-Foxgrove twins finally receive dedicated stat blocks. The book is packed with campaign hooks, DM tools, and adventure ideas that make Ravenloft easier than ever to run. Final verdict: player options are somewhat uneven, but for Dungeon Masters this is an outstanding sourcebook and one of the strongest setting books Wizards has released for the 2024 rules. Welcome to the RPGBOT Podcast. If you love Dungeons & Dragons, Pathfinder, and tabletop RPGs, this is the podcast for you. Support the show for free: Rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any podcast app. It helps new listeners find the best RPG podcast for D&D and Pathfinder players. Level up your experience: Join us on Patreon to unlock ad-free access to RPGBOT.net and the RPGBOT Podcast, chat with us and the community on the RPGBOT Discord, and jump into live-streamed RPG podcast recordings. Support while you shop: Use our Amazon affiliate link at https://amzn.to/3NwElxQ and help us keep building tools and guides for the RPG community. Meet the Hosts Tyler Kamstra – Master of mechanics, seeing the Pathfinder action economy like Neo in the Matrix. Randall James – Lore buff and technologist, always ready to debate which Lord of the Rings edition reigns supreme. Ash Ely – Resident cynic, chaos agent, and AI's worst nightmare, bringing pure table-flipping RPG podcast energy. Join the RPGBOT team where fantasy roleplaying meets real strategy, sarcasm, and community chaos. How to Find Us: In-depth articles, guides, handbooks, reviews, news on Tabletop Role Playing at RPGBOT.net Tyler Kamstra BlueSky: @rpgbot.net TikTok: @RPGBOTDOTNET Ash Ely Professional Game Master on StartPlaying.Games BlueSky: @GravenAshes YouTube: @ashravenmedia Randall James BlueSky: @GrimoireRPG Amateurjack.com Read Melancon: A Grimoire Tale (affiliate link) Producer Dan @Lzr_illuminati

In our second interview episode, we sit down with Sacred, and talk about Solo TTRPGs, intention, immersion and getting to know yourself.Sit back and enjoy this light-hearted talk about all things tabletop!Creative Contraband is a segment designed and hosted with love by Danny Barrett for How to Be a Better DM.Find Danny at: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/gamemaster.hof⁠Find Sacred on YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@Sacred_Art_of_GamingIf you want more content for Dungeon Masters and Game Masters alike, you can find related projects and sponsored links here: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

What happens when a group of Dungeon Masters get on a panel at FanX and start riffing about improv? Exactly what you'd expect — a lively, unscripted conversation about the skill every DM needs but almost nobody practices on purpose.In this live panel episode, Justin sits down with three fellow DMs to talk about improv at the table — what it looks like, why it's hard, and how to get better at it without freezing up when your players go completely off the rails.Topics we touched on: • Building improv confidence before you ever sit behind the screen • What to do in the moment when players throw you for a loop • How to keep your players involved so improv feels collaborative • Recovering gracefully when something comes out of your mouth and you immediately regret itThanks 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/worldsmithHire a Professional Dungeon Master: https://session0studios.com/dungeon-master-for-hire/Discord: http://session0studios.com/discordPatreon: https://session0studios.com/patreonDungeon Master Level Up Guide: https://session0studios.com/newsletter

Send us Fan MailWelcome to you heard it here last were we talk about news, you've already heard.Let's start todays episode off with…WoWAnd I mean that in a good sense.https://www.enworld.org/threads/dungeons-dragons-announces-gen-con-plans-including-a-takeover-of-6-story-building.719238/Wizards of the Coast has released some of it's plans for GenCon. And it's pretty cool. The recently announced plans include a live performance of their Dungeon Masters show, a live concert, and a "short-play" experience. All of this will take place at the Indiana Repertory Theater, a six-story building in the heart of downtown Indianapolis that's being taken over by D&D and turned into a "D&D Tower," which Wizards describes as "six D&D-ified floors and adventures galore."As everyone should be well aware of by now we are not fans of Hasbro, Wizards of the Coast, or D&D but for a change I have to say, good on them.When I first attended GenCon way back in the Milwaukee days the exhibit hall floor was dominated by a D&D castle. Filled with all things TSR it was glorious to behold and a joy to the eyes. I have missed that over the years. I have missed the biggest game in our hobby being basically absent from GenCon for far to long so It's about time they changed course and brought back a presence to the convention.And it looks like it's going to be a massive presence indeed.Christina, what do you think about D&D taking over a 6-story building in Indy for GenCon?[Kick to Christina]Mike, what about you. Glad to see D&D back in a big way to GenCon?[Kick to Mike]Up next, we have our own GenCon announcement straight from Oddfish Games.www.oddfishgames.comAdventure Scents by Oddfish Games will be at booth 720 this year in the exhibit hall, which is basically the same location they had last year so it should be easy enough for fans to find. On top of that cool news, we have a couple of new additions to announce that will be sold exclusively at GenCon.First, we have a complete campaign book for How to RPG With Your Cats. Scratch Marks: The Nine Lives of Claw Malone will be available for purchase at the booth. This campaign book has three distinct adventures for How to RPG With Your Cat that can be played separately or together as a complete campaign. Just like the core game you can play this with any gaming system or as a stand-alone system with your cats or inspired by your cats. And after GenCon you will be able to pick it up at Oddfishgames.com.Next, the Systems Reference Document for Leviathan Rising will be available. Not a QuickStart, because it won't have any art or diagrams, but the basic rules for Dr. Christina Stiso's new game will be available for download. She will be running three sessions of the game, but they sold out fast. So, if you didn't get a chance to register to play then stop by the booth, scan the code, and get a copy of the rules to play around with. Leviathan Rising will be going to crowdfunding soon to be able to match the incredible game system with some incredible art and layout.Basically, make the Adventure Scents by Oddfish Games booth 720 a must stop on your exhibit hall foray this year.Christina, any other tidbits of information about Leviathan Rising you want to share?[Kick to Christina]Mike, are you excited to be able to offer some new things this year for GenCon?[Kick to Mike]And there you have it, all the news, you've already heard.

This week… you've seen em, you know em, you're familiar with em, we're talking about Tropes! These familiar themes can be found throughout storytelling. Hero's Journey? Ever heard of it!? Listen gang, at the end of the day TTRPGs are about telling stories. Recognizing and discussing tropes can help Dungeon Masters in as many ways as there are tropes! Music by Epidemic Sound Use our Link to check out Epidemic Sound for all your music and sound effect needs. Gang, this has changed the game for us!  Epidemic Sound Link And remember to give us 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ AND a positive review! This helps us so much, so tell your friends!  Subscribe to our YouTube to see the podcast! And other content! --------------------------- And CLICK HERE to find links to our Discord, YouTube, Twitch, TikTok, Instagram, and more! Email us at Soyouwannabeadm@gmail.com WE HAVE MERCH! Click the link above!

(Thanks to Zach for letting me know about the audio issues!)Welcome once again, dear Dungeon Masters and Game Masters! Today we steal from rappers and producers: How do they take good ideas and make them theirs?In this episode you will learn how to get the best of your favourite Dungeon Masters while staying authentic!Creative Contraband is a segment designed and hosted with love by Danny Barrett for How to Be a Better DM.Find Danny at: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/gamemaster.hof⁠⁠If you want more content for Dungeon Masters and Game Masters alike, you can find related projects and sponsored links here: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

Welcome back to DM-Nastics - the gym for Dungeon Masters to work out their minds! Content: Monsters that can't carry loot, but have some somewhere. Inspiration: Monsters With Hidden Treasure Exercise: Can't Loot the Body Supplements: Ted's Treasure Trove Twitter: @DMs_Block DM Neal's @joatmoniac DM Celeste's @cconowitch BlueSky: @dmsblock.bsky.social Discord: https://bit.ly/DMBanter Intro/Outro provided by: @bomBARDedcast Check them out at bombardedcast.com

Welcome once again, dear Dungeon Masters and Game Masters! Here is a little bit about what is going in my life and an apology for missing a week of content, plus some reflexions about getting inspired.Creative Contraband is a segment designed and hosted with love by Danny Barrett for How to Be a Better DM.Find Danny at: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/gamemaster.hof⁠Find Dr. Ben on YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@rpgphd⁠If you want more content for Dungeon Masters and Game Masters alike, you can find related projects and sponsored links here: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

Welcome, my good Cabalists. This day, the Lords of the Dungeon gather within the Ludus to discuss the rewarding of adventurers. Many a Game Master spends countless hours crafting challenges, encounters, and memorable characters, yet gives little thought to the rewards awaiting those who overcome them. A worthy reward is more than mere coin or treasure, it is the fruit of heroic labor and a force that gives greater meaning to the tale! Join us as we explore how thoughtful rewards can enrich your players' journeys and make their victories all the sweeter. Huzzah!

Dan and Paul discuss the role of physical size in D&D. From adventures set in giant-sized environments to scenarios where player characters are magically shrunk, changing scale can completely alter how players experience the game world. How have classic D&D adventures used size as a central theme? What happens when spells and magic items like Enlarge or Potions of Diminution change a character's physical presence? How do small ancestries such as halflings and dwarves affect our perception of the fantasy world? And what makes creatures like pixies, giants, and other extreme-sized monsters so memorable at the table? We'll also tackle one of the trickiest challenges for Dungeon Masters: communicating size and scale in a shared imaginary space. How can DMs help players truly appreciate the difference between tiny and colossal creatures, vast environments, and impossible proportions? What techniques make scale feel meaningful instead of just another number on a character sheet?

Welcome back to DM-Nastics - the gym for Dungeon Masters to work out their minds! Content: We test our knowledge and talk about all the answers. Inspiration: Diabolical D&D Quiz Exercise: Our brains! Supplements: D&D Trivial Pursuit Twitter: @DMs_Block DM Neal's @joatmoniac DM Celeste's @cconowitch BlueSky: @dmsblock.bsky.social Discord: https://bit.ly/DMBanter Intro/Outro provided by: @bomBARDedcast Check them out at bombardedcast.com

In our first-ever interview episode, we sit down with Dr. Ben, whose work and studies span storytelling, game design, philosophy, and many other disciplines.Together, we distill practical insights on authority at the table, both within the fiction and beyond it.Creative Contraband is a segment designed and hosted with love by Danny Barrett for How to Be a Better DM.Find Danny at: https://www.instagram.com/gamemaster.hofFind Dr. Ben on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@rpgphdIf you want more content for Dungeon Masters and Game Masters alike, you can find related projects and sponsored links here: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

Now with guests you might know from Youtube, we bring you more and better thoughts regarding Dungeon Mastering and other aspects of our beloved hobby.Danny Barrett gives us a glimpse of what is to come for the next 3 months!Creative Contraband is a segment designed and hosted with love by Danny Barrett for How to Be a Better DM.If you want more content for Dungeon Masters and Game Masters alike, you can find related projects and sponsored links here: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

John welcomes back Phil Hay (Destroyer, The Invitation) to ask, how do you get a movie made with independent financing? They look at how indie movies get made, where you get the money, deciding when to go indie, and whether streamers complicate the picture. We also follow up on testing movies with focus groups and answer listener questions on how to navigate the editing room, daily routines, and what to do when your story has too many themes. In our bonus segment for premium members, we look back on what Phil learned about D&D from his documentary The Dungeon Masters. Links: Phil Hay Scriptnotes Episode 244, Episode 377, and Episode 505 The Dungeon Masters The Answering Machine Meltdown from Swingers John's daily to-do template Pamela Ribon's One Act documentary Petey USA's The Yips KOXY College Radio Get your copy of the Scriptnotes book! Get a Scriptnotes T-shirt! Check out the Inneresting Newsletter Become a Scriptnotes Premium member, or gift a subscription Subscribe to Scriptnotes on YouTube Follow Scriptnotes on Instagram and TikTok John August on Bluesky and Instagram Outro by Craig Good (send us yours!) Scriptnotes is produced by Drew Marquardt and edited by Matthew Chilelli. Email us at ask@johnaugust.com You can download the episode here.

Dan and Paul dive into the D&D adventures they would happily run again and again. From classic tournament modules to sprawling campaign epics, what adventures stand the test of time? Which modules keep surprising players, reveal new depths on repeat play, and remain endlessly rewarding for Dungeon Masters? Join us as we discuss the adventures we'd revisit forever, what makes a module replayable, and the design qualities that turn a good scenario into a timeless classic.

Welcome back to DM-Nastics - the gym for Dungeon Masters to work out their minds! Content: Every species you know the PCs will take. Inspiration: Best Weird D&D Species Exercise: Wonderfully Weird World Supplements: Pirate Borg  Twitter: @DMs_Block DM Neal's @joatmoniac DM Celeste's @cconowitch BlueSky: @dmsblock.bsky.social Discord: https://bit.ly/DMBanter Intro/Outro provided by: @bomBARDedcast Check them out at bombardedcast.com

Running your first D&D session can feel overwhelming — but it doesn't have to be. In this episode of The Bearded Nerd Podcast, Brian walks new Game Masters through a simple, step-by-step approach to running their first session with confidence. You'll learn: How to structure your first game What to focus on (and what to ignore) How to handle rules uncertainty How to keep players engaged Common beginner mistakes to avoid Perfect for new Dungeon Masters preparing for Session 1. --- Check out the links below to join a community of new and experiences players to help you on your gaming journey: Discord ➡️ https://discord.gg/uqfUzg3aH5 Instagram ➡️ https://www.instagram.com/brianthebeardednerd/ TikTok ➡️ https://www.tiktok.com/@thebeardednerd1   Do you finally want to try playing Dungeons & Dragons? Do you want to learn how to play in a more relaxed environment? Feel free to book a session with me here: https://www.ttrpgacademy.life/store

Hearken, travelers, to this gathering of Game Masters, wherein the Lords speak of the folk who breathe life into realms of fantasy and adventure - the Non-Player Characters! From steadfast companions and black-hearted villains to merry fools and curious villagers, we unravel the craft of creating memorable souls to wander thy world. We speak of weaving these characters into grand tales, stirring the hearts of players through cunning plots, tense encounters, and moments of laughter round the table. Come, and learn how a well-spun character may turn a humble campaign into a legend sung through the ages!

Send us Fan MailGreetings adventurers! Welcome to The Crithalla Podcast, and welcome back! In this episode Wayward Traveler, join Cosmic Key as he once again is joined by those elusive creatures, those Hobos of Murder and those Who Cancel Games and Conflict Schedules .... THE PLAYERS! We have a returning champion and a plucky newcomer with us today as we discuss their perspectives on all things roleplaying. Gumbo even joins in on the discussion!  Hope you enjoy the latest episode of the World Famous CRITHALLA PODCAST!

Hey, it's our 400th numbered episode! Check it out. Big announcements about the podcast, plus the 400 (or so) reasons/feelings/vibes why we love being Dungeon Masters. The Oracle: https://open.spotify.com/show/6imtB64oHORHtrxVVoyZOm  Follow Dungeon Master of None on Blue Sky:  https://bsky.app/profile/dmofnone.bsky.social   https://www.patreon.com/DungeonMasterOfNone   Join the DMofNone Discord! Music: Pac Div - Roll the Dice

Pinnacle Entertainment Group is launching a Kickstarter campaign on Tuesday, May 5th, 2026, for East Texas University: Fresh Blood, a fully updated edition of their cult-favorite college horror setting for the Savage Worlds roleplaying game. The game, set in Pinebox, Texas, blends campus life with supernatural horror, challenging players to balance their academic lives with survival against strange and deadly forces. The new edition updates the fan-favorite setting for the latest Savage Worlds Adventure Edition and introduces a brand-new Plot Point Campaign that carries players through their entire college career. The campaign features a 228-page core book, the Chickens in the Mist graphic novel, and an accessories box. Modiphius Entertainment announced the upcoming release of the Star Trek Adventures 2E: Allies and Adversaries Sourcebook, slated for July 2026. This 128-page, full-color supplement for the Star Trek Adventures RPG is geared primarily toward Gamemasters and offers new lore and mechanics for the various factions and NPCs in the Star Trek Universe. The book provides detailed background information on major powers, including the Borg, Cardassians, Dominion, Klingon Empire, Romulans, and Tholians. Additionally, it expands on NPC content with new stat blocks and includes rules and guidance for creating original creatures. The physical hardcover version will retail for $54 USD. Wizards of the Coast (WotC) has launched a new official Actual Play show called Dungeon Masters, starring Jasmine Bhullar as the Dungeon Master. Alongside the show, WotC is releasing free Play-Along Packs, which are standalone encounters designed for home games and include early access to a monster from Ravenloft: The Horrors Within. The first pack, “Zombie Clot,” features a fight in the village of Hroth, where a grieving doctor has unleashed undead horrors. This pack provides stats for the Swarm of Zombie Limbs and the Zombie Clot, which is described as a putrid mass of rotten flesh with a singular will. Two new softcover adventures for the Mothership Sci-Fi Horror RPG are now available: Orphans and Straight Arrows. Orphans by Tuesday Knight Games is a one-shot starter adventure that is highly-regarded as an excellent introduction to the system. In it, player characters (PCs) are a corporate retrieval team sent to Imuen Station to find two missing children, who are being protected by “AUNTIE,” a terrifying creature made of moss and bones. Straight Arrows by RAC Computing is a 36-page campaign setting where the PCs are bounty hunters for the insidious Arrow Biomed corporation, performing extrajudicial abductions of privileged addicts. This module focuses on a gritty, dystopian corporate horror vibe and incorporates social issues like drug crime and a tiered healthcare system. #dungeonmasters #stal #eturpg #mothership East Texas University: Fresh Blood: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/545820095/east-texas-university-fresh-blood-savage-worlds D&D Beyond Play Along Pack: https://www.dndbeyond.com/claim/source/dungeon-masters-zombie-clot-play-along-pack Orphans: https://www.tuesdayknightgames.com/products/orphans Straight Arrows: https://www.tuesdayknightgames.com/products/straight-arrows Dune Bundles: Physical – https://humblebundleinc.sjv.io/1G1KE9 Digital – https://humblebundleinc.sjv.io/WO4PBA Warmachine on MyMiniFactory: https://mmf.io/upturned Mantic Companion App: https://companion.manticgames.com/ Use our Referral code: MCTXEE Support Us by Shopping on DTRPG (afilliate link): https://www.drivethrurpg.com?affiliate_id=2081746 Matt’s DriveThruRPG Publications: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse.php?author=Matthew%20Robinson https://substack.com/@matthewrobinson3 Chris on social media: https://hyvemynd.itch.io/​​ Jeremy's Links: http://www.abusecartoons.com/​​ http://www.rcharvey.com ​​Support Us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/upturnedtable Give us a tip on our livestream: https://streamlabs.com/upturnedtabletop/tip​ Donate or give us a tip on Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/2754JZFW2QZU4 Intro song is “Chips” by KokoroNoMe https://kokoronome.bandcamp.com/

This week we revisit the hidden differences between D&D 5e and 5.5e, review the Dungeon Masters live play "Play Along Pack", and Dael actually reads an Unearthed Arcana including the Barbarian Path of Lament, Monk Warrior of Venom, and Warlock Primordial Patron.LAST WEEK to back Lairs of Etharis: https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_GHLA_2026_4_236Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.comBen: @TheBenByrneDael: @dailydaelTodd: @ToddKenreckShawn: @shawnmerwinEditor: @jberrtTopics:00:00 - D&D 5.5e rules Quiz14:39 - Do you like a one-shot?23:10 - D&D live play "Play Along Pack"38:53 - Unearthed Arcana: Villains 249:03 - Louis Zocchi passing50:24 - D&D 6e on the horizon?

Ryan and Ben praise the Dungeon Masters actual play, look into round 2 of the Villainous Subclasses, and then discuss how to join in for improv and story at the table. Community Pages: Dungeon Masters episodes 1 and 2; Dungeon Masters: Zombieclot Play-along pack; Designer Insights Villainous Options 2; Villainous Options 2 Unearthed Arcana; Ginny Di video: “This game fixes D&Ds ‘roll persuasion’ problem.” Socials: Discord; Bluesky; Ryan's Bluesky; Ben's Bluesky

Welcome back to DM-Nastics - the gym for Dungeon Masters to work out their minds! Content: We move right through this one! Inspiration: Best Mobility Spells Exercise: Gotta Move It Move! Light Bulb: Loke Battle Mats Twitter: @DMs_Block DM Neal's @joatmoniac DM Celeste's @cconowitch BlueSky: @dmsblock.bsky.social Discord: https://bit.ly/DMBanter Intro/Outro provided by: @bomBARDedcast Check them out at bombardedcast.com

This week we're cracking open the long list of monsters to discuss how the typing of monsters can help Dungeon Masters. This classification system, although at times arbitrary, can lend itself to a variety of advantages. From worldbuilding to encounter creation, from lore dropping to character backstories… we're going to cover it all! Music by Epidemic Sound Use our Link to check out Epidemic Sound for all your music and sound effect needs. Gang, this has changed the game for us!  Epidemic Sound Link And remember to give us 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ AND a positive review! This helps us so much, so tell your friends!  We have VIDEO now! Subscribe to our YouTube to see the podcast! And other content! --------------------------- And CLICK HERE to find links to our Patreon, Discord, YouTube, Twitch, TikTok, Instagram, and more! Email us at Soyouwannabeadm@gmail.com WE HAVE MERCH! Click the link above!

Struggling with slow or boring combat in Dungeons & Dragons? In this episode of The Bearded Nerd Podcast, Brian breaks down how new Game Masters can make combat faster, more engaging, and more meaningful — without adding complexity. You'll learn: Why combat feels slow or repetitive How to design better combat encounters Ways to add tension and stakes How to speed up combat at the table Beginner-friendly combat tips Perfect for new Dungeon Masters running their first campaigns. Check out the links below to join a community of new and experiences players to help you on your gaming journey:   Discord ➡️ https://discord.gg/uqfUzg3aH5 Instagram ➡️ https://www.instagram.com/brianthebeardednerd/ TikTok ➡️ https://www.tiktok.com/@thebeardednerd1   Do you finally want to try playing Dungeons & Dragons? Do you want to learn how to play in a more relaxed environment? Feel free to book a session with me here: https://www.ttrpgacademy.life/store  

Show Notes Step into the Feywild, where nothing behaves quite the way you expect and everything feels just a little too magical to trust. In this episode, twe dive into one of the most unpredictable and story-rich planes in Dungeons and Dragons, blending lore, mechanics, and table advice into a conversation that feels equal parts wonder and warning. We explore how the Feywild mirrors the Material Plane while twisting it through emotion, whimsy, and ancient magic, creating a setting where time slips, deals carry hidden costs, and even the landscape seems alive. The discussion leans into what makes Feywild adventures so memorable for both players and Dungeon Masters. From strange courts and powerful archfey to bizarre creatures and shifting environments, the plane rewards creativity but punishes assumptions. We share practical tips for running Feywild encounters, including how to lean into roleplay, embrace unpredictability, and use narrative consequences instead of straightforward combat. We also touch on common pitfalls, like overcomplicating the chaos or losing player direction in a setting that thrives on confusion. Along the way, the episode highlights how to build compelling Feywild story hooks, design encounters that feel magical without becoming frustrating, and balance humor with danger. Whether you are planning a full Feywild campaign or just a quick planar detour, this episode offers a grounded way to bring the Feywild to life while keeping your table engaged and entertained. Key Takeaways The Feywild is a reflection of the Material Plane shaped by emotion, magic, and unpredictability Time, distance, and logic do not behave normally, which creates unique storytelling opportunities Archfey and their courts are central to Feywild adventures and often drive the narrative Roleplay and creative problem solving matter more than combat in most Feywild encounters Deals and bargains are a core mechanic, and consequences should always matter Dungeon Masters should embrace chaos but still provide enough structure to guide players Strange creatures, environments, and magical effects help make the Feywild feel alive The best Feywild sessions balance whimsy, danger, and a sense that something is always slightly off Welcome to the RPGBOT Podcast. If you love Dungeons & Dragons, Pathfinder, and tabletop RPGs, this is the podcast for you. Support the show for free: Rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any podcast app. It helps new listeners find the best RPG podcast for D&D and Pathfinder players. Level up your experience: Join us on Patreon to unlock ad-free access to RPGBOT.net and the RPGBOT Podcast, chat with us and the community on the RPGBOT Discord, and jump into live-streamed RPG podcast recordings. Support while you shop: Use our Amazon affiliate link at https://amzn.to/3NwElxQ and help us keep building tools and guides for the RPG community. Meet the Hosts Tyler Kamstra – Master of mechanics, seeing the Pathfinder action economy like Neo in the Matrix. Randall James – Lore buff and technologist, always ready to debate which Lord of the Rings edition reigns supreme. Ash Ely – Resident cynic, chaos agent, and AI's worst nightmare, bringing pure table-flipping RPG podcast energy. Join the RPGBOT team where fantasy roleplaying meets real strategy, sarcasm, and community chaos. How to Find Us: In-depth articles, guides, handbooks, reviews, news on Tabletop Role Playing at RPGBOT.net Tyler Kamstra BlueSky: @rpgbot.net TikTok: @RPGBOTDOTNET Ash Ely Professional Game Master on StartPlaying.Games BlueSky: @GravenAshes YouTube: @ashravenmedia Randall James BlueSky: @GrimoireRPG Amateurjack.com Read Melancon: A Grimoire Tale (affiliate link) Producer Dan @Lzr_illuminati

What is a sandbox campaign in D&D — and how do you run one without losing control? In this episode of The Bearded Nerd Podcast, Brian explains how new Game Masters can balance player freedom with narrative structure in open-world tabletop RPG campaigns. You'll learn: What sandbox play actually means How to prep factions instead of plots How to add stakes and escalation How to guide players without railroading Beginner-friendly sandbox structure Perfect for new Dungeon Masters building their first open-world campaign!   Check out the links below to join a community of new and experiences players to help you on your gaming journey:   Discord ➡️ https://discord.gg/uqfUzg3aH5 Instagram ➡️ https://www.instagram.com/brianthebeardednerd/ TikTok ➡️ https://www.tiktok.com/@thebeardednerd1   Do you finally want to try playing Dungeons & Dragons? Do you want to learn how to play in a more relaxed environment? Feel free to book a session with me here: https://www.ttrpgacademy.life/store

Good morrow, esteemed Cabalists. On this day, the Lords of the Dungeon convene in earnest discourse upon the noble Art of designing encounters within the realm of role-playing. They shall expound upon the intricacies of social dealings, the perils and stratagems of martial combat, and the treacherous trials imposed by the very environment itself, each bearing its own hazards and the promise of worthy reward. By what methods, then, might one craft encounters most fitting and memorable for their grand adventures? Attend closely, and let the inquiry be joined with vigor. Huzzah!

Welcome back to DM-Nastics - the gym for Dungeon Masters to work out their minds! Content: Time to break the mold! Inspiration: Builds That Can Break the Rules of Their Class Exercise: C-C-C-Class Breakers Light Bulb: Time Timer Twitter: @DMs_Block DM Neal's @joatmoniac DM Celeste's @cconowitch BlueSky: @dmsblock.bsky.social Discord: https://bit.ly/DMBanter Intro/Outro provided by: @bomBARDedcast Check them out at bombardedcast.com

In this episode Jeff and Tracy review campaign journals made for D&D players and Dungeon Masters. Thanks to our Sponsor: The Tome Show's Awesome Patreon Patrons!!!!!!!!!!!! Links: Jeff on Twitter Tracy on Twitter Tracy on the Web Thetomeshow.com Patreon.com/thetomeshow

The party stands heroically on the docks. The bard composes a sea shanty. The fighter sharpens his sword. The wizard prepares a speech about buoyancy physics he read on a forum at 3:00 AM. The rogue realizes sneak attack requires not drowning. The cleric discovers healing word does not cure lack of oxygen (or does it?). The DM Googles drowing rules mid-initiative because everyone forgot how breathing works. Welcome to underwater combat, where your character sheet becomes a flotation device and the real boss monster is physics. Show Notes In this episode the RPGBOT crew dives into underwater combat in tabletop RPGs (especially D&D 5e's mechanics), exploring how the environment radically changes tactics, character builds, spell effectiveness, and encounter design. From fighting sea monsters to exploring sunken cities, the episode focuses on helping both players and Dungeon Masters survive combat in aquatic environments. The hosts discuss how underwater encounters fundamentally alter normal assumptions about combat: movement slows, weapon effectiveness changes, ranged attacks suffer, and suddenly everyone cares deeply about breathing. Holding your breath and weapon limitations become major survival mechanics, sometimes more dangerous than the enemies themselves. They also cover adventure design inspiration from nautical campaigns and aquatic modules, emphasizing that underwater sessions feel memorable because they force players to rethink their habits. Instead of pure damage math, success often depends on preparation, environment-appropriate gear, teamwork, and creative problem solving. The episode balances mechanical analysis with humor, especially the universal tabletop experience of realizing too late that your character was designed exclusively for land combat and is now essentially a confused housecat thrown into the ocean. Ultimately, the crew frames underwater encounters as a powerful storytelling tool: when used intentionally, aquatic combat becomes less about hit points and more about tension, creative problem solving, and environmental immersion. Key Takeaways Underwater combat changes the meta: normal D&D 5e tactics don't always work the same way. Breathing mechanics and suffocation rules can be deadlier than monsters. Many weapons and ranged attacks are dramatically less effective underwater. Spell choice matters. Some spells become amazing while others become useless. Movement restrictions force teamwork and positioning strategy. Preparation (gear, magic, planning) beats raw DPR optimization. Aquatic encounters create memorable sessions because players must adapt. Environmental storytelling works best when mechanics reinforce danger. DMs should telegraph danger so failure feels fair, not arbitrary. Randall should not be trusted with physics experiments. Welcome to the RPGBOT Podcast. If you love Dungeons & Dragons, Pathfinder, and tabletop RPGs, this is the podcast for you. Support the show for free: Rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any podcast app. It helps new listeners find the best RPG podcast for D&D and Pathfinder players. Level up your experience: Join us on Patreon to unlock ad-free access to RPGBOT.net and the RPGBOT Podcast, chat with us and the community on the RPGBOT Discord, and jump into live-streamed RPG podcast recordings. Support while you shop: Use our Amazon affiliate link at https://amzn.to/3NwElxQ and help us keep building tools and guides for the RPG community. Meet the Hosts Tyler Kamstra – Master of mechanics, seeing the Pathfinder action economy like Neo in the Matrix. Randall James – Lore buff and technologist, always ready to debate which Lord of the Rings edition reigns supreme. Ash Ely – Resident cynic, chaos agent, and AI's worst nightmare, bringing pure table-flipping RPG podcast energy. Join the RPGBOT team where fantasy roleplaying meets real strategy, sarcasm, and community chaos. How to Find Us: In-depth articles, guides, handbooks, reviews, news on Tabletop Role Playing at RPGBOT.net Tyler Kamstra BlueSky: @rpgbot.net TikTok: @RPGBOTDOTNET Ash Ely Professional Game Master on StartPlaying.Games BlueSky: @GravenAshes YouTube: @ashravenmedia Randall James BlueSky: @GrimoireRPG Amateurjack.com Read Melancon: A Grimoire Tale (affiliate link) Producer Dan @Lzr_illuminati

We're back with a special two-hour hang with some of our favorite guests, Temple of Void! Will was on location with the full band in a secret metal dungeon to discuss their crushing new album, The Crawl. Mike, Alex, Jason and Justin talk about the process for writing songs that are redefining their music beyond death doom. Plus, unexpected love for the 90s riffs of Bush, why boxing is truly the sweet science, what D&D character classes best represent the band, the need for exceptional dexterity when shooting music videos and... the power of haiku? All this and more awaits you, brave adventurer, in Episode #166: Dungeon Masters featuring Temple of Void.

Welcome back to DM-Nastics - the gym for Dungeon Masters to work out their minds! Content: More than just magic! Inspiration: Magic Weapons That Do More Than +1 Damage Exercise: More Fun Than Just +1 Supplement: Mycologist's Primer Twitter: @DMs_Block DM Neal's @joatmoniac DM Celeste's @cconowitch BlueSky: @dmsblock.bsky.social Discord: https://bit.ly/DMBanter Intro/Outro provided by: @bomBARDedcast Check them out at bombardedcast.com

Want to design a D&D one-shot without spending hours prepping? In this episode of The Bearded Nerd Podcast, Brian breaks down a simple 30-minute framework for building short, engaging one-shot adventures — perfect for new Game Masters. You'll learn: What makes a great one-shot How to structure a single-session adventure What not to overprepare A beginner-friendly one-shot template How to build confidence as a new GM Ideal for new Dungeon Masters and busy adults who want to run great games without burnout. If you believe that you would benefit from one-on-one time to help build the best one-shot, book an appointment by clicking this link.

Hearken, loyal Cabalists, and well met! This day the Lords gather in council to speak upon a matter of great import: the keeping of harmony within the fellowship of the gaming table, and the careful tending of the culture of play that binds our company together. Together shall the assembled Lords deliberate on how best to grant the players the experience they seek, and what rightful charge the Game Master must bear within the fellowship. For as in any kingdom, the balance of duty, guidance, and merriment must be wisely kept.

Welcome back to DM-Nastics - the gym for Dungeon Masters to work out their minds! Content: Things get weird and we love it! Inspiration: Weird Gods Exercise: Get Weird With Gods Supplement: Stranger Things: D&D: Tales from the Table Twitter: @DMs_Block DM Neal's @joatmoniac DM Celeste's @cconowitch BlueSky: @dmsblock.bsky.social Discord: https://bit.ly/DMBanter Intro/Outro provided by: @bomBARDedcast Check them out at bombardedcast.com

Hark and well met, noble Cabalists! Return ye now to the dust-laden tomes and candlelit halls of the Dungeon Master's Ludus, that ancient library of wisdom and whispered lore. On this day, the Lords gather in solemn counsel to ponder a matter most sacred to all who bear the mantle of Storycrafter - the elusive spark of inspiration. Come then, and let us speak of where ideas flare bright as dragonfire bringing forth sagas of brave heroes, dark ruins, and fearsome beasts.

Welcome back to DM-Nastics - the gym for Dungeon Masters to work out their minds! Content: If you blink you'll miss it! Inspiration: 244: Blink Dogs Exercise: Don't Even Blink Supplement: Night Hunters Twitter: @DMs_Block DM Neal's @joatmoniac DM Celeste's @cconowitch BlueSky: @dmsblock.bsky.social Discord: https://bit.ly/DMBanter Intro/Outro provided by: @bomBARDedcast Check them out at bombardedcast.com

Welcome back to DM-Nastics - the gym for Dungeon Masters to work out their minds! Content: We dive into homebrew potions and talk AI for good measure Inspiration: Homebrewed Potion Ideas Exercise: Have A Potion On Me Supplement: Worldsmith.io Twitter: @DMs_Block DM Neal's @joatmoniac DM Celeste's @cconowitch BlueSky: @dmsblock.bsky.social Discord: https://bit.ly/DMBanter Intro/Outro provided by: @bomBARDedcast Check them out at bombardedcast.com

Hearken, O Cabalist, and attend these words drawn from dust-laden halls and candlelit vaults of memory. Welcome to the first chronicle of the reborn Dungeon Master's Ludus. On this day, the Lords of the Dungeon unseal the ancient tomes of wisdom, seeking to reveal the true art of fellowship between Game Master and players alike. Learn ways to forge adventuring companies bound by unity, tempered by trust, strengthened through cooperation, and guided by a shared yearning for the most glorious game that may be played. Huzzah!