Taking 20 Podcast

It can be hard to find a Dungeons and Dragons group to play with. When you finally find one, it may be even harder to make the decision to leave the group. Why should you leave a gaming group? If you've made the decision, how do you leave your group and find another one? Tune in this week to find out. #Pathfinder #DungeonsandDragons #DnD #RPGs www.taking20podcast.com

Game Masters, vampires are fascinating characters from both literary and RPG lore. They are always powerful, beautiful, and mysterious, right? Not so fast, my friends. In today's episode we talk about some of the vampire myths, people from history who inspired them, and discuss how vampires can be used in your Dungeons and Dragons and Pathfinder games. #DungeonsandDragons #Pathfinder #Dnd #Vampires

We DMs tend to be quick to tell players to grab their dice during our game sessions but should we? Before having your players make yet another roll this game session, there are some things to ask yourself. In this episode, Jeremy discusses the times when die rolls don't make sense and takes a moment to praise another content provider: Ginny Di who produced a similar episode previously. #DungeonsandDragons #DnD #Pathfinder #RPG Ginny Di's video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UgDff35jtHw&t=152s

Running games for younger players has some similarities to running games for adults but there are some key differences that we all must be mindful of. In this episode I interview Paul Lazrow of AdventuringPortal.com who is a professional DM for younger players. We discuss the changes you should and should not make while running a game for children, the use of RPGs in education, and how children approach problems differently than adults. #DnD #DungeonsandDragons #Pathfinder #AdventurePortal

Players, do you get disheartened when your character fails their acrobatics check and slips off the ice into the freezing river? DMs, do you worry that your PCs may not be able to make it past a point in your adventure because they could fail the skill check, ability roll, or saving throw? In this episode, we talk about both situations and describe the design concept of failing forward when it comes to adventures.

Earthfall on Golarion, much like the Cataclysm on Krynn, set the stage for the world that was to come for both good and for ill. At first glance this appears to be just another massive comet strike but there is so much more going on behind the scenes. Tune in to learn more about this world-shaping event. #Pathfinder #Golarion #EarthFall

This week I get to answer some of the questions sent in to me by listeners, from how to work with players who can't game as long as others to the Kender controversy to what my favorite dessert is. You don't have to wait for mailbag episodes if you have questions. Find me on social media @Taking20Podcast or send them to [email protected] #AskADM #DungeonsandDragons #Pathfinder #DnD

There are relatively few people who thrive on interpersonal conflict and most people shy away from it in the real world. But what about in your game or at your gaming table? In this episode, I discuss how to handle arguments between characters, between characters and NPCs, between players and finally between players and GMs. #DMTips #DnD #Pathfinder #DungeonsandDragons #Dungeons #Dragons

In this episode suggested by Daniel during a donation to ko-fi.com/taking20podcast, I talk about the good, bad, and ugly of allowing your players to harvest their kills and the situations you want to try to avoid if you allow it. Also, I muttered a lot in this episode and will be going to sit in the sunshine after this to improve my mood. #DnD #Pathfinder #DungeonsandDragons

We've all been there. We put together this little adventure of daring adventurers doing amazing things to save those that need saving. Our bad guys are clever, the twist is unexpected and you've worked hours to make sure everything is balanced...and come game night, your players can't even be arsed to learn the quest giver's name or why clearing out the ankhegs is even important. In this episode, I discuss the difficulty of getting players to care, some techniques to make it easier, and close the episode wtih a little fireside chat with the players on the topic. #DnD #RPG #DungeonsandDragons #Pathfinder

By nature of any role playing game where dice are involved, death is a real possibility. There is a huge difference, however, between one of your PCs dying and all of them. In this episode I talk about how TPKs happen and what GMs can do before, during, and after the TPK to keep the campaign going using lessons learned from my TPK experiences in the past.

This episode idea comes courtesy of Lauren in California! Character Downtime is mishandled by too many DMs. They look at it as time the characters could better spend stabbing things in the face and discovering the Lost Place Settings of Korrak. I think downtime has a place in nearly any adventure. In this episode, I discuss why downtime is important and what activities can fill this time that still drives your story forward.

If you'll pardon the phrase, this week Jeremy gushes over an event from the Dragonlance campaign world, Krynn: the Cataclysm. This world-altering event was born from the pride of one man: the Kingpriest who developed a twisted sense of the nature of good, believed the end justified the means, and made demands of the world's gods who responded with fire followed by silence. Jeremy discusses this destruction, the events leading up to it, and the tragedy that followed. Finally, he gives a brief tips on how to think about cataclysms and disasters in your world.

I was introduced to some of the wonderful members of the Venture Forth podcast a couple of months ago and I was taken aback by the quality of the podcast they produce and the extremely high quality role playing they consistently perform. I knew I had to interview one of the cast members and Shane O'Loughlin was gracious enough to give me some time to talk about Venture Forth and conflict in a game world. I think you will find their podcast is a master class on staying in character and good role playing. Check them out at: Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNl1hOaZiXruwLE8Ct1NNNA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ventureforthdnd/?hl=en Twitter: https://twitter.com/ventureforthdnd Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ventureforthdnd Listen to their audio-only podcast on: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/venture-forth-a-d-d-podcast/id1554397630 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6kQvkZd5XwbaYSJzoYvxbS #ventureforthdnd #rpg #DungeonsandDragons #DnD

At last we wrap up the class series with the Sorcerer and the Wizard. We're finally talking about some of those arcane spellcasters who can wield SUPREME COSMIC POWER with a tiny amount of hit points. How should you arrange their ability scores? What feats should you take? Come on in and find out. Note: There is an error in this episode in the Pathfinder 1e section. Strength should be your lowest ability score. I didn't notice the error until after the episode was published. Sorry about that.

Today's episode comes to us from listener Brett. Thank you for the topic suggestion! If there is Good and Evil in your world, why does Good allow Evil to remain? Why wouldn't the forces of Good do whatever they had to in order to crush the forces of Evil? Also, if Evil exists in the world, where would it be? If you have an idea for a topic, send it to me at [email protected].

They say a lie makes it around the world before the truth has time to get its shoes on. Whether true or false, rumors make your game worlds feel real, lived in, alive. In this episode, we discuss the types of rumors you can include in your Dungeons and Dragons or other RPG game, tips and tricks for their use, and one situation to avoid when giving your PCs rumors. By the way, Lori works in the castle and she told me that the royal family keeps prisoners in their forest lodge and releases them to hunt them for sport. Sounds like we could save some people and piss off the king at the same time. You in?

Another episode continuing the lore series, this time focusing on one of my favorite Big Bads: Strahd von Zarovich. Treating him as just another vampire does this amazing villain a disservice. He is complex, has a rich backstory, amazing powers, and can serve as a great antagonist to the PCs, whether in Barovia or your custom home game. If you're interested in supporting the podcast, please consider donating at ko-fi.com/taking20podcast.

In this burboun-soaked episode, Jeremy discusses the different types of quests available, some of the variations on the themes, how to modify them by adding complications, and finally provides some tips and tricks for good quest design.

In this episode Jeremy talks about the different rules for Critical Hits and Misses in Pathfinder, Starfinder, and 5e; discusses some alternate rules and gives advice for how he handles these situations in his games. Finally, he gives some advice about what food you should NEVER bring into the bedroom.

Elementals are a foreign concept in a lot of ways. Creatures made up of water or air that are relatively intelligent, can be summoned or spontaneously created, and aren't just a humanoid in an element suit just seem weird. If you ever wandered where they come from, what they can do and how the fight, give this episode a listen. I want to specifically thank Keith Ammann and his great book The Monsters Know What They're Doing. I cannot recommend this book highly enough. It's an amazing read!

Happy Holidays one and all! Didn't get enough of the Blood War last time? Good. Let's talk some more about Demons and Devils slaying each other by the billions in a fight that's lasted damn near forever. But what about the Celestials? Who is the Lady of Pain? Where do these fights happen? Tune in and find out!

It's easy to come up with NPCs. What's hard is coming up with NPCs that feel like more than a one dimensional cariacature of someone real. In a topic suggested by Michael K. in Illinois, we discuss a simple 3-bullet technique for GMs to make realisitic NPCs and a similar technique for players to make compelling backstories. Also, Jeremy gets sent to horny jail.

This week we talk about two specialized martial characters: the Paladin and Ranger. These are not dumb fighters or mindless barbarians. These characters have options when it comes to fighting and can really give you lots of options when it comes to running a character...with some caveats of course.

Continuing last week's discussion on encounter design, this week we tackle the environment, tactics, stakes and motivations of the combat. We discuss variety of the above and how to make combats feel different and better for our 5e and Pathfinder players.

This episode is a deeper dive into what makes for a good encounter and how we GMs can make them more memorable by adding variety to the monsters, the location, the motivations and the stakes of the encounter.

Taverns are the most overdone trope of starting campaigns. Taverns are familiar and easy but also bland and boring. While you can start your campaign with a clandestine meeting or good old fistfight in the local tavern, there are so many better options available to you. In this episode, I make a case for making a better choice.

Kobolds are just moronic annoying little tunneling monsters who are just goblins in a different body, right? WRONG! Kobolds aren't like other monstrous humanoids. They build complicated lairs, work with other races, and are masterful hit-and-run combatants.

Wizards of the Coast released some radical character creation ideas in Tasha's Cauldron of Everything and Pathfinder 2e drastically changed the way ancestries were treated in the newest edition of its game. What are those changes? Are they good for the game? Tune in and find out.

Curses have played major roles in numerous movies and media: the ring in Lord of the Rings, the Aztec gold in Pirates of the Caribbean, Ladyhawke, Shrek, Ella Enchanged, the list goes on. How can you use these curses in your game and not have your player try to kill you with a d4? Tune in to find out.

GMs, do your players like treasure? Sure they do. Everyone does; and that's why mimics are always medium-sized treasure chests in the corner, right? Not so fast, my friend. Mimics are more than mindless, opportunistic hunters. Tune in for some tips and tricks for using these creatures in your game.

PCs have a number of options when it comes to bringing more allies to the battlefield and to the campaign. What are some best practices for PCs who want to have a super-intelligent celestial dinosaur best friend that they can bring into this plane anytime they want? Tune in and find out.

This week we return to the class series, focusing on those classes that focus a lot on baddie hit points: fighters and monks. Do you want some ideas on how to build a Pathfinder or D&D 5e Fighter or Monk? Then this episode is for you.

Is your game moving online or staying online longer than you expected? Mine are staying online for a while so I compiled a list of tips that can help you and your game while using Virtual Tabletops (VTTs). Music is: Smooth Lovin by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4379-smooth-lovin License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Travel between adventures doesn't have to be a boring slog of survival checks or reinforcement of how empty your world is. Travel and exploration activities can spark the imagination, jump start role play and help set the tone for your entire campaign. Tune in for some ideas on how to execute your players...er...a good travel section of your adventure.

Fair warning: I'm doing weird episodes again. This week, I advocate taking lessons from video games and movies and introducing new class abilities and gameplay mechanics in a safe, non-lethal environment...except for the one case where it doesn't make sense.

Building worlds, countries, and even towns can be tough. There are a lot of moving parts to try to tame and it's easy to miss preparing some important information. Luckily, the GRAPES worldbuilding system is here to help provide a framework on which you can build your world. In this episode we talk about how we can use this great tool.

Goblins are classic low level one-note baddies that eat anything they can, kill everything else, except for the few things that they try to mate with. There's no nuance there, right? Not so fast my friends. Goblins can be just as nuanced as the other ancestries and make for great player characters and big bads for your campaigns.

Clerics and Druids are more diverse than most people realize. Playing them as Healy McHealface and Joe Ent-Lover may come second nature (ba-dum-tss) but they can be played a lot of different ways to satisfy a lot of different players. In this week's episode we look at the fun and choices of playing these two classes.

At the beginning of the D&D 5th Edition Dungeon Master's Guide there is a paragraph that was likely only included as a joke and it reinforced my belief that inspiration for good DMing really can come from anywhere. During this episode, we go over the paragraph and Jeremy gives some advice that all of us can take from this unusual source.

Skill challenges were one of the best things to come out of the much maligned 4th edition of Dungeons and Dragons. What are they? How can you use them in your campaign? Will Jeremy ever be able to limit himself to a 20 minute episode again?

Like most people who have done something for a while, I look back at my early days of playing D&D and cringe at some of the mistakes I made as a new player. In this episode we talk about 15 of those mistakes and the lessons I've learned since then.

Adding aerial or swimming combatants to your battlefield can make things very complicated very quickly. It doesn't help matters when the different game systems are so different in the way they handle these situations. In this episode, Jeremy talks about the challenges, reasons to persevere through those challenges, and tips he's learned running these complicated combats. Tune in next week when I'll talk about what I wish I'd known when I started playing Dungeons and Dragons

I received a listener suggestion to talk about some of the classes available in 5e and Pathfinder. This episode starts that series, beginning with the Barbarian and the Bard. Jeremy talks about tropes, playing with them and against them, and his wife helps him with a beep button when things get a little...suggestive.

"Part of the journey is the end," as it was so wisely said. As tough as it can be guiding the adventure to an end, handling the end properly can be surprisingly tougher. In this episode Jeremy talks about his favorite method to put a bow on a campaign and prime the next one for success.

Oops. One of your PCs was just bitten by a werewolf and have begun the transformation into a howling, flesh-devouring monster. How do you handle this as a GM? Does the PC automatically become an NPC? Tune in and find out. Now with an introduction recorded by Suzysays on Fiverr. She did amazing work. Get her help with your voice over project at https://www.fiverr.com/suzysays/

Combat encounters are easy. Stab, slash, or shoot the other team until they aren't trying to kill you. Non-combat encounters can be just as challenging and fun, though. In this episode Jeremy talks about types of this important tool in your arsenal and how to challenge PCs with them.

The Blood War isn't good vs evil. It's evil vs evil. In Dungeons and Dragons Demons and Devils have been battling it out for millennia in what's known as The Blood War. What do we know about this conflict and more importantly, how can you use it in a campaign?

Do you struggle describing what the characters see? Do you need a magic method to instantly make you better? I can't help with that but I can provide a couple of formulas I've used to describe scenes for my players. Thank you Trevor for the topic idea.

Is combat getting a little bit...stale? Are your D&D or Pathfinder combats taking too long and they have become a long battle of hit point attrition, rules research, and having to explain 3 times per round what's going on? Are you willing to try a few things that are...unconventional? Well, my good open-minded listener, we talk about 20 ideas in 20 minutes for making combat faster, easier, crazier, and maybe a little better.