Taking 20 Podcast

Ep 246 - Railroads vs Sandboxes 2

There are railroads and there are sandboxes and never the twain shall meet, right?  Not so fast, my friend.  Today Jeremy discusses the two game types and multiple ways to blend them together.

 

#pf2e #Pathfinder #gmtips #dmtips #dnd #rpg #railroad #sandbox

Resources:

Game Masters of Exandria Roundtable:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LmZSWKPXhZ4

Sandbox vs Railroad:  Which is Better?  https://www.thearcanelibrary.com/blogs/news/sandbox-vs-railroad-which-is-better?srsltid=AfmBOopkIlstCFvZ_Z2HSQu1-oxxkmLXKKzgH5jLgjzjQuX0m5_INiLA

Ep 245 - Unruly Players

No one enjoys having a disruptive player at your table but what can you do with players like that?  This listener-suggested episode has some ideas on how to deal with these unruly players.

Ep 244 - Guard the Fun

There’s a lot to playing and DMing a tabletop RPG.  There are quite a few rules, a story the DM is trying to create for the players, encounters to design, sessions to plan, characters to role play and so much to do to ensure the game can happen.  However, don’t lose sight that the game is supposed to be, first and foremost, fun.

 

#pf2e #Pathfinder #gmtips #dmtips #dnd #rpg #fun

Resources:

J.R. Zambrano - One Passage in the New DMG… - https://www.belloflostsouls.net/2024/11/dd-one-passage-in-the-new-dmg-writes-down-a-powerful-unwritten-rule.html

What is the peasant railgun? - https://knightsdigest.com/what-exactly-is-the-peasant-railgun-in-dd-5e/

Ep 243 - Friendly NPCs

Friendly NPCs are often overlooked when it comes to campaigns.  DMs focus on the antagonists and sometimes forget about the allies.  In this episode I make a case for including friendly NPCs in your game and give you some tips for running them.

 

#pf2e #Pathfinder #gmtips #dmtips #dnd #NPCTips

Resources:

How to Be a Great GM - Adding a Lovable NPC - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NrUrh9p2IM0

How to Be a Great GM - Self-Operating NPCs (OGAS) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RzWXuy8QWgI

Ep 242 - Back to Basics - Just One Thing

It is easy to lose heart when you see these amazing DMs that put out content.  However, in this episode, there is a single piece of advice that can help you improve as a DM and to make everything that’s part of your campaign even better.

 

#pf2e #Pathfinder #gmtips #dmtips #dnd #JustOneThing

Ep 241 - Critical Hits and Misses

Do you love the thrill of a critical hit or the agony of a critical fumble? Ever wanted to add more drama and excitement to your tabletop RPG combat?  In this episode we dive deep into the world of critical hit and miss tables and decks. We explore the pros and cons, share tips for using them effectively, and discuss how they can impact your game.

 

#pf2e #Pathfinder #gmtips #dmtips #dnd #criticalhit #criticalmiss

Ep 240 - Interview with Paizo Infinite Master Tom Robinson

There are adventure designers and ADVENTURE DESIGNERS.  Tom Robinson is definitely the latter, being one of the first authors named as an Infinite Master, an invitation-only group of designers curated by Paizo.  In this episode he gives some tips for publishing adventures and valuable tips for newer players and GMs alike.

 

Thank you so much to Tom for being so generous with his time and expertise!

 

Tom's new adventure, Harvest of Shadows is available for $4.99 at https://www.pathfinderinfinite.com/product/497437/Harvest-Of-Shadows-A-Pathfinder-Second-Edition-Autumn-Harvest-Adventure

 

#pf2e #dnd #paizo #infinitemaster #RPG #designtips

Ep 239 - Write What You Know

Do you ever struggle to create compelling adventures for your RPG group?  I know I have in the past until I embraced the simple tip:  “write what you know”.  But what does that even mean?  Tune in and find out.

 

#pf2e #Pathfinder #gmtips #dmtips #dnd #writingtips #writewhatyouknow

Ep 238 - West Marches Campaigns

West Marches campaigns aren’t like your traditional 4 classes and dungeon game.  In this episode, we delve into the concept of these unique methods  of tabletop RPGand give you some tips for setting them up and running them.

 

#pf2e #Pathfinder #gmtips #dmtips #dnd #campaigns #westmarches

Resources:

Ben Robbins - Grand Experiments:  West Marches - https://arsludi.lamemage.com/index.php/78/grand-experiments-west-marches/

Ben Robbins - Tips for West Marches Campaigns - https://arsludi.lamemage.com/index.php/94/west-marches-running-your-own/

Matthew Colville - Running the Game Episode 30 - https://youtu.be/oGAC-gBoX9k?si=8cSIAaj0o-V9uQLy

Ep 237 - Short vs Long Campaigns

Running long campaigns requires a different focus than running short adventures or one shots.  Each has their own challenges but trying to run one the same way you run the other will lead to burnout or a disastrous disconnected adventure.  In this episode I discuss the difference between these two types of adventures and how GMs must change their tactics to maximize their chance to run a successful game.

 

#pf2e #Pathfinder #gmtips #dmtips #dnd #campaigns

Resources:

Roll 4 Initiative - Digital or Physical? Best Ways to Take Notes in D&D

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6bJepWSFoxg

Roll 4 Initiative - GM Diary - Note Taking

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PZIMf4r_PM8

Roll 4 Initiative - Note-Taking Tips for TTRPG Players

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vhocTIb58hM