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Are your campaign villains feeling generic and disposable? Give this episode a listen to learn the crucial difference between a villain's goals and plans, the importance of villain power dynamics, and why taking time and care to design your villain can turn a predictable encounter into an unforgettable, cinematic climax.   #rpg #ttrpg #dnd #pathfinder #gmtips #dmtips #villains Resources: Buy Me a Coffee! - ko-fi.com/taking20podcast www.taking20podcast.com  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/taking20podcast  Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/taking20podcast  Ep 64 - Beholders - The Eyes Have It - https://www.taking20podcast.com/e/ep-64-monster-series-beholders-the-eyes-have-it/

There’s an art to any kind of mentorship but it’s a critical skill for all of us to learn to bring new players and DMs to the table.  Tune in for some of my tips for guiding the next generation to become the TTRPG players and DMs for tomorrow’s games.   #rpg #ttrpg #dnd #pathfinder #gmtips #playertips #mentoring Resources: Buy Me a Coffee! - ko-fi.com/taking20podcast www.taking20podcast.com  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/taking20podcast  Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/taking20podcast

Ever feel like you're spending too long coming up with  backstories or detailed NPC lore that your players completely ignore—or worse, that your characters end up feeling flat at the table? Give this a listen for some essential advice for both GMs and players on how to make your NPCs and PCs truly come alive.  Also, my apologies that the sound quality is a bit diminished this episode, I had a lot of hard “P” and “B” sounds to remove (called plosives) and didn’t have time to do a re-record. #rpg #ttrpg #dnd #pathfinder #gmtips #PC #NPC Resources: Buy Me a Coffee! - ko-fi.com/taking20podcast www.taking20podcast.com  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/taking20podcast  Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/taking20podcast

Ever feel like your players' chaotic choices are steering your campaign off a cliff? In this episode, we explore the ultimate tool for protecting your game, your players, and your own sanity: the word "No" #rpg #ttrpg #dnd #pathfinder #gmtips #sayingno #no Resources: Buy Me a Coffee! - ko-fi.com/taking20podcast www.taking20podcast.com  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/taking20podcast  Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/taking20podcast

Are your players tired of generic hooded villains who just want to be evil for the sake of it? Let’s dive deep into the mechanics of cults, exploring how to craft antagonists that are active, isolationist (or even well-integrated), and genuinely dangerous. Discover how to transform faceless goons into compelling, campaign-level threats that will keep your players guessing—and maybe even looking over their shoulders.   #rpg #ttrpg #dnd #pathfinder #gmtips #cults Resources: Buy Me a Coffee! - ko-fi.com/taking20podcast www.taking20podcast.com  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/taking20podcast  Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/taking20podcast  Episode 150 - Rovagug - https://www.taking20podcast.com/e/ep-150-rovagug/  Cult Generator:  https://old.reddit.com/r/rpg_generators/comments/1vk05gi/new_generator_secret_society_cults_and/

Following up on Episode 280, this time we’re going to talk about soft debuffs - slow burn threats like poisons, diseases, curses, and lycanthropy.  Tune in for my tips on how to handle these longer-term afflictions.   #rpg #ttrpg #dnd #pathfinder #gmtips #playertips #debuffs #criticalfail Resources: Archives of Nethys:  https://archivesofnethys.com/  Buy Me a Coffee! - ko-fi.com/taking20podcast www.taking20podcast.com  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/taking20podcast  Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/taking20podcast

Let’s dive into the "hard debuffs" that threaten to end your players' fun—and their characters—in a single roll. From paralysis and petrification to mind-controlling charm spells, we discuss the fine balance between challenge and player agency. Join us for actionable DM tips on how to foreshadow these lethal threats and replace "save-or-suck" mechanics with progressive failures that keep the table engaged, not frustrated.    #rpg #ttrpg #dnd #pathfinder #gmtips #playertips #debuffs #criticalfail   Resources: Archives of Nethys Patreon:  https://www.patreon.com/nethys  Archives of Nethys:  https://archivesofnethys.com/  Buy Me a Coffee! - ko-fi.com/taking20podcast www.taking20podcast.com  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/taking20podcast  Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/taking20podcast

In this episode, we explore the pros and cons of letting players swap characters in the middle of a campaign. We discuss exit strategies, player motivations, and how DMs can facilitate this change with minimal loss to game momentum.   #rpg #ttrpg #dnd #pathfinder #gmtips #playertips #characterchange

Please accept my apologies that this episode sounds a bit hollow.  I am having problems with Hindenburg, my audio processing software and their support has been very unsupportive.  I’m working to get the audio issue fixed.   In this episode, we’re flipping the script to explore the reasonable expectations players should have of their GMs. We’re breaking down why the DM screen is an honor, not a crown, and discussing the three essential pillars of a great game.  Give this episode a listen!   #rpg #ttrpg #dnd #pathfinder #gmtips #playertips Resources: Buy Me a Coffee! - ko-fi.com/taking20podcast www.taking20podcast.com  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/taking20podcast  Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/taking20podcast

Game night being derailed by players poor attitudes, unsure actions, and unreliability?  Don’t be that player.  In this episode I talk about the social contract of tabletop RPGs and what YOU can do to support your DM and not be a distraction.   #rpg #ttrpg #dnd #pathfinder #gmtips #playertips Resources: Buy Me a Coffee! - ko-fi.com/taking20podcast www.taking20podcast.com  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/taking20podcast  Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/taking20podcast

Is your long-running RPG group stuck in a rut, playing the same game system year after year? In this episode, we tackle the toughest quest in tabletop gaming: convincing your friends to try something new.  I’ll talk about reasons for resistance, the best arguments for trying new systems and some tips for making it successful   #rpg #ttrpg #dnd #pathfinder #gmtips #NewRPG Resources: Buy Me a Coffee! - ko-fi.com/taking20podcast www.taking20podcast.com  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/taking20podcast  Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/taking20podcast  Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/taking20podcast.bsky.social    Chris Cocks Interview:  https://www.gamesradar.com/tabletop-gaming/our-players-are-going-to-be-pretty-psyched-hasbro-ceo-talks-d-and-d-video-games-and-playing-to-win/  Ep 184 - Preparing One Shots - https://www.taking20podcast.com/e/ep-184-preparing-one-shots/  Ep 221 - Rules Light RPGs - https://www.taking20podcast.com/e/ep-221-rules-light-rpgs/

Let’s look at Golems! Mindless, magically-constructed automatons that are the ultimate guardians. We break down the classic types—Flesh, Clay, Stone, and Iron and give some  essential DM tips for deploying these terrifying, tireless constructs in your D&D and Pathfinder campaigns. #rpg #ttrpg #dnd #pathfinder #gmtips #golems Resources: Buy Me a Coffee! - ko-fi.com/taking20podcast www.taking20podcast.com  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/taking20podcast  Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/taking20podcast  Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/taking20podcast.bsky.social

Want to make your characters better?  Consider adding flaws to your character.  What kinds of flaws are there and how do you add them  in a way that’s not disruptive to the game?  Give this episode a listen and find out.   #rpg #ttrpg #dnd #pathfinder #gmtips #playertips #tabletop #backstory Resources: Buy Me a Coffee! - ko-fi.com/taking20podcast www.taking20podcast.com  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/taking20podcast  Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/taking20podcast  Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/taking20podcast.bsky.social    WOTC TRPG Publishing Lead - https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/4385555228/

Want to make your characters better?  Consider adding flaws to your character.  What kinds of flaws are there and how do you add them  in a way that’s not disruptive to the game?  Give this episode a listen and find out.   #rpg #ttrpg #dnd #pathfinder #gmtips #playertips #tabletop #flaws Resources: Buy Me a Coffee! - ko-fi.com/taking20podcast www.taking20podcast.com  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/taking20podcast  Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/taking20podcast  Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/taking20podcast.bsky.social

NOTE:  My apologies for the audio quality.  The entire recording/audio processing chain was rushed this week.   Is your TTRPG campaign falling apart after only a few sessions? The problem might be that you need a Session Zero. In this third part of our "setting expectations" series  we dive into the vital, often-overlooked conversations DMs and players need to have before rolling the first die. Learn how to align your creative visions, manage game logistics, and agree on crucial player safety tools to ensure everyone is on board with the social contract for a lasting, fun adventure. #rpg #ttrpg #dnd #pathfinder #gmtips #playertips #tabletop #startingcampaign #sessionzero #session0 Resources: Ep 47 - Comprehensive Session 0 Guide for DMs - https://www.taking20podcast.com/e/ep-47-comprehensive-session-0-guide-for-dms/  Ep 48 - Session 0 Guide for Players - https://www.taking20podcast.com/e/ep-48-less-comprehensive-session-0-guide-for-pcs/  Ep 271 - Setting & Tone - https://www.taking20podcast.com/e/ep-271-setting-and-tone/  Ep 214 - House Rules to Make Your Game Easier - https://www.taking20podcast.com/e/ep-214-house-rules-to-make-your-game-easier/  Ep 215 - House Rules to Make Your Game Harder - https://www.taking20podcast.com/e/ep-215-house-rules-to-make-your-game-harder/  Buy Me a Coffee! - ko-fi.com/taking20podcast www.taking20podcast.com  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/taking20podcast  Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/taking20podcast  Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/taking20podcast.bsky.social