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We're back with the best production boy I could hope for, Mark Hartop from Dungeons, Dice, & Dudes. This episode, we talk about the heart of TTRPGs; the freedom of choice and the benefits and drawbacks that brings. 02:01 - The Beautiful Game 05:36 - Character Creation 19:11 - The Heat of Combat 25:52 - DM Choices and How That Impacts the Table 40:55 - Player/Character Divide 48:05 - Do Dice Remove Agency?Find Mark on: Dungeons, Dice, & Dudes: https://linktr.ee/DDandDFind Thinking Critically online: Website: https://www.thinkingcritically.co.uk Socials: @ThinkCritDnD Music Credits:"Chill", "Local Forecast", "Local Forecast - Elevator"Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ Podcast art by Lily from https://www.facebook.com/beiworkshop

Welcome back! I'm joined by fellow Englishman Austin, a.k.a. AC Whikcom, to discuss how to translate concepts and ideas into your TTRPG settings. Austin takes us through how to take those errant thoughts you have at 3am and turn them into publishable content worldwide, with a spattering of anecdotes throughout. We also criticise the language bloat of D&D 5e, and conclude that having a million random, niche languages that only one creature speaks probably doesn't add much value! 02:48 - From Brain to Page 15:41 - A Creative Journey 37:51 - The Language Problem 49:21 - Self-Publishing 53:56 - Genre Remixing Buy Dead Surprise on Amazon! Find Austin on: Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/A-C-Whikcom/author/B0CHWCZHT2 Waterstones: https://www.waterstones.com/book/dead-surprise/a-c-whikcom/9781803528717 Website: https://www.acwhikcom.co.uk/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/The-Lands-of-Ferox/100086909630678/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/landsofferox/ Find Thinking Critically online: Website: https://www.thinkingcritically.co.uk Socials: @ThinkCritDnD Dungeons, Dice, & Dudes: https://linktr.ee/DDandD Patrons: Tabletop Journeys @ttjourneys: https://ttjourneys.com/ Joe from The Fourth Leg @jcd0818: https://anchor.fm/james-h-anderson Optional Rule @optionalrule: https://www.optionalrule.com/ Matt Street @mpstreet88: https://www.virtualtimehustle.com/ Intro Music: 'Local Forecast' by Kevin MacLeodIntermission Music: 'Chill' by Kevin MacLeodOutro Music: 'Local Forecast - Elevator' by Kevin MacLeod Podcast art by Lily from https://www.facebook.com/beiworkshop

It's my pleasure to welcome back to the show a previous guest from the Generations episode, Mikey! What I had intended to be a "how characters can influence the campaign" discussion, quickly turned into what makes us tick, where we get inspiration from, and the people who've supported us along the way. Listen for titbits on how to conscientiously crib from popular culture and advice on finding our own DM soundboard. 02:00 - The Sub/Conscious Real World 29:31 - Art Rather than Science 36:52 - The Thinking Critically Effect Find Thinking Critically online: Website: https://www.thinkingcritically.co.uk Socials: @ThinkCritDnD Dungeons, Dice, & Dudes: https://linktr.ee/DDandD References: 'Generations' episode of Thinking Critically 'Ravenloft' episode of Thinking Critically Patrons: Tabletop Journeys @ttjourneys: https://ttjourneys.com/ Joe from The Fourth Leg @jcd0818: https://anchor.fm/james-h-anderson Optional Rule @optionalrule: https://www.optionalrule.com/ Matt Street @mpstreet88: https://www.virtualtimehustle.com/ Intro Music: 'Local Forecast' by Kevin MacLeodIntermission Music: 'Chill' by Kevin MacLeodOutro Music: 'Local Forecast - Elevator' by Kevin MacLeod Podcast art by Lily from https://www.facebook.com/beiworkshop

I'm joined once again by John from Double Fox Gaming, but this time, he's bought reinforcements! It's my pleasure to also host Glenn, Matt, and Mike to discuss the legacy of Dungeons & Dragons. The guys take us through five generations of play, and how the wishes of one character can have cascading effects decades later. We hear the epic parable of The Abyss Donkey, which is ultimately a lesson in how gaming can bring us all together, no matter the circumstances. 04:27 - Harn's Legacy 14:27 - Inheriting the Hobby 32:28 - The Abyss Donkey (TM) 51:01 - Maturing Attitudes 57:48 - How the Game has Changed Find John on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doublefoxgaming/ Find Thinking Critically online: Website: https://www.thinkingcritically.co.uk Socials: @ThinkCritDnD Dungeons, Dice, & Dudes: https://linktr.ee/DDandD References: 'Ravenloft' episode of Thinking Critically '123s of D&D' by Ivan Van Norman and Wizards RPG Team, ISBN-10: 0786966688 'ABCs of D&D' by Ivan Van Norman and Wizards RPG Team, ISBN-10: 0786966661 Patrons: Tabletop Journeys @ttjourneys: https://ttjourneys.com/ Joe from The Fourth Leg @jcd0818: https://anchor.fm/james-h-anderson Optional Rule @optionalrule: https://www.optionalrule.com/ Matt Street @mpstreet88: https://www.virtualtimehustle.com/ Intro Music: 'Local Forecast' by Kevin MacLeodIntermission Music: 'Chill' by Kevin MacLeodOutro Music: 'Local Forecast - Elevator' by Kevin MacLeod Podcast art by Lily from https://www.facebook.com/beiworkshop

We're back! And this time joined by Anya, a.k.a. La Lionne Cosplay, to discuss immersion in your TTRPGs. Anya shares her experience as a Pro-GM on ways to truly pull your players into the game, no matter the system or medium. 04:29 - Remote vs. In Person 12:41 - “Acting Is What You Do When You’re Not Saying Lines” 21:09 - Filling the Space 33:25 - Soft Edges 50:47 - Toggling that Role Play Brain Tale of the Manticore: https://taleofthemanticore.podbean.com/ Find Anya on: Twitter: https://twitter.com/lalionnecosplay Itch.io: https://lalionnepublishing.itch.io/mountaintop-isolation StartPlaying: https://startplaying.games/gm/lalionne Find Thinking Critically online: Website: https://www.thinkingcritically.co.uk Socials: @ThinkCritDnD Dungeons, Dice, & Dudes: https://linktr.ee/DDandD References: Aether: https://eldritchcrow.itch.io/aether-a-heroic-fantasy-rpg Ramona a.k.a. Alderdoodle: https://twitter.com/alderdoodle Under the Floorboards: https://loottheroom.itch.io/under-the-floorboards Patrons: Tabletop Journeys @ttjourneys: https://ttjourneys.com/ Joe from The Fourth Leg @jcd0818: https://anchor.fm/james-h-anderson Optional Rule @optionalrule: https://www.optionalrule.com/ Matt Street @mpstreet88: https://www.virtualtimehustle.com/ Dial-up modem 'Modron voice' sound from BBC Sound Effects: ⁠https://sound-effects.bbcrewind.co.uk/search?q=07070097 Intro Music: 'Local Forecast' by Kevin MacLeodIntermission Music: 'Chill' by Kevin MacLeodOutro Music: 'Local Forecast - Elevator' by Kevin MacLeod Podcast art by Lily from https://www.beiworkshop.com/

For this productive episode I'm joined by Sarah, CEO of Girls Run these Worlds, who's hear to share her knowledge and experience on how to produce top quality TTPRG content. No matter your reach or experience, there is always opportunity for growth and learning, so we cover some typical gotchas and best practice to help you get off the starting block! 02:19 - Best Practice & GRtW History 27:40 - From Casual to Professional 46:18 - Live Production Considerations Find Sarah from Girls Run these Worlds on: Girls Run These Worlds Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/girlsruntheseworlds Girls Run These Worlds Twitter: https://twitter.com/girlsrunworlds Twitter: https://twitter.com/SMooreAD Find Thinking Critically online: Website: https://www.thinkingcritically.co.uk Socials: @ThinkCritDnD Dungeons, Dice, & Dudes: https://linktr.ee/DDandD References: Foozca on Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/foozca Patrons: Tabletop Journeys @ttjourneys: https://ttjourneys.com/ Joe from The Fourth Leg @jcd0818: https://anchor.fm/james-h-anderson Optional Rule @optionalrule: https://www.optionalrule.com/ Matt Street @mpstreet88: https://www.virtualtimehustle.com/ Intro Music: 'Local Forecast' by Kevin MacLeodIntermission Music: 'Chill' by Kevin MacLeodOutro Music: 'Local Forecast - Elevator' by Kevin MacLeod Podcast art by Lily from https://www.beiworkshop.com/

John Gent, DM of our D&D one-shot from the RPGaming Faversham event, joins us to discuss everything and anything about his favourite Dungeons & Dragons setting. 03:04 - History of Ravenloft 21:42 - Responsive Bleakness 33:53 - Delineating "Depression" 42:43 - Integrating Ravenloft into your Campaign Find Thinking Critically online: Website: https://www.thinkingcritically.co.uk Socials: @ThinkCritDnD Dungeons, Dice, & Dudes: https://linktr.ee/DDandD Patrons: Tabletop Journeys @ttjourneys: https://ttjourneys.com/ Joe from The Fourth Leg @jcd0818: https://anchor.fm/james-h-anderson Optional Rule @optionalrule: https://www.optionalrule.com/ Matt Street @mpstreet88: https://www.virtualtimehustle.com/ Intro Music: 'Local Forecast' by Kevin MacLeodIntermission Music: 'Chill' by Kevin MacLeodOutro Music: 'Local Forecast - Elevator' by Kevin MacLeod Podcast art by Lily from https://www.beiworkshop.com/

I'm once again joined by Philippa Mort who previously joined us on the Aesthetic⁠ episode back in season 2. This time it's to chat about confidence and taking risks when it comes to experimenting with new systems, characters, and homebrew. Philippa shares her experience in MÖRK BORG & Mausritter, and the best ways to incorporate design features you vibe with into existing campaigns. 06:08 - Taking Risks 25:00 - Stuck in a Rut 31:07 - Retcon & Homebrew 37:49 - The Design Intent of Systems Find Philippa on: Linktree: https://linktr.ee/PhilippaMort Twitter: https://twitter.com/MortPhilippa D8 Dungeon: https://www.twitch.tv/d8dungeon Glitter Hearts: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rvMvyeiFTCE DMs Guild: https://www.dmsguild.com/browse.php?author=Philippa%20Mort&page=1&sort=4a?affiliate_id=2197041 DriveThruRPG: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse/pub/18041/Philippa-Mort?affiliate_id=2197041 itch.io: https://philippa-mort.itch.io Find Thinking Critically online: Website: https://www.thinkingcritically.co.uk Socials: @ThinkCritDnD Dungeons, Dice, & Dudes: https://linktr.ee/DDandD References: 'Aesthetic' episode of Thinking Critically Patrons: Tabletop Journeys @ttjourneys: https://ttjourneys.com/ Joe from The Fourth Leg @jcd0818: https://anchor.fm/james-h-anderson Optional Rule @optionalrule: https://www.optionalrule.com/ Matt Street @mpstreet88: https://www.virtualtimehustle.com/ Intro Music: 'Local Forecast' by Kevin MacLeodIntermission Music: 'Chill' by Kevin MacLeodOutro Music: 'Local Forecast - Elevator' by Kevin MacLeod Podcast art by Lily from https://www.beiworkshop.com/

It's my pleasure to welcome back to the show Josh, Lewanika, and Glen, the inimitable hosts of my sister podcast Tabletop Journeys. They share their wealth of experience with building engaging and interesting factions, enabling more engaging and rewarding settings! There's some odd video things going on in this one; every episode I learn something new! Please accept my apologies as it hopefully shouldn't happen again. 11:14 - Worldbuilding via 'Show, don't Tell' 26:33 - Interacting with Player Backstories 39:21 - Building Factions as Nuanced as Player Characters Can Be 01:08:43 - Roleplaying within the Framework of a Faction Find Tabletop Journeys on: Website: https://ttjourneys.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/ttjourneys Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ttjourneys Find Thinking Critically online: Website: https://www.thinkingcritically.co.uk Socials: @ThinkCritDnD Dungeons, Dice, & Dudes: https://linktr.ee/DDandD References: 'Star Trek Adventures' by Modiphius Patrons: Tabletop Journeys @ttjourneys: https://ttjourneys.com/ Joe from The Fourth Leg @jcd0818: https://anchor.fm/james-h-anderson Optional Rule @optionalrule: https://www.optionalrule.com/ Matt Street @mpstreet88: https://www.virtualtimehustle.com/ Intro Music: 'Local Forecast' by Kevin MacLeodIntermission Music: 'Chill' by Kevin MacLeodOutro Music: 'Local Forecast - Elevator' by Kevin MacLeod Podcast art by Lily from https://www.beiworkshop.com/

We're back after a short, unscheduled break to discuss burnout with fan of the show and Warhammer sensei, Harry Cowdrey. Having both suffered from DM burnout in the past, as I'm sure most DMs have, we talk through what we can now identify as the early warning signs that it's about to set in. Prevention rather than cure is of course the solution though, so understanding why it's happening is critical. Thankfully, this episode contains several tricks for dealing with DM burnout. The other side of the coin is just as valid, though, so we round out the episode tackling the unique predicament of player burnout, and how that affects the game. 03:07 - Red Flags of DM Burnout 24:04 - Weight of Responsibility 42:46 - Benefits & Bullets 55:39 - Player Burnout Find Harry on Twitter: https://twitter.com/harrycowdrey Find Thinking Critically online: Website: https://www.thinkingcritically.co.uk Socials: @ThinkCritDnD Dungeons, Dice, & Dudes: https://linktr.ee/DDandD References: https://www.vice.com/en/article/padk7z/how-inmates-play-tabletop-rpgs-in-prisons-where-dice-are-contraband Patrons: Tabletop Journeys @ttjourneys: https://ttjourneys.com/ Joe from The Fourth Leg @jcd0818: https://anchor.fm/james-h-anderson Optional Rule @optionalrule: https://www.optionalrule.com/ Matt Street @mpstreet88: https://www.virtualtimehustle.com/ Intro Music: 'Local Forecast' by Kevin MacLeodIntermission Music: 'Chill' by Kevin MacLeodOutro Music: 'Local Forecast - Elevator' by Kevin MacLeod Podcast art by Lily from https://www.beiworkshop.com/

Charity Donation Page: https://justgiving.com/fundraising/sl-gameon23 Charity Stream: https://www.twitch.tv/thinkcritdnd This episode was recorded live at the RPGaming Faversham event on 18th March 2023, organised by Boys from the Baltic Star. The first half was recorded with The Keeper of our Cult of Cthulhu TTRPG session moments before starting, while the second half catches us as we recover from the horrors we experienced. 05:21 - Pre-game Intros and Explanations 11:16 - Post-game Therapy Find Steve at: Broadside Game Show: https://www.miltonhundred.com/broadside Find Thinking Critically online: Website: https://www.thinkingcritically.co.uk Socials: @ThinkCritDnD Dungeons, Dice, & Dudes: https://linktr.ee/DDandD References: Call of Cthulhu by Chaosium: https://www.chaosium.com/call-of-cthulhu-getting-started/ Dice & Destiny: https://diceanddestiny.co.uk/ Dead Light: https://www.chaosium.com/dead-light-and-other-dark-turns-pdf/ 'Integrity' episode of Thinking Critically: https://www.thinkingcritically.co.uk/integrity/ 'Experience' episode of Thinking Critically: https://www.thinkingcritically.co.uk/experience/ Patrons: Tabletop Journeys @ttjourneys: https://ttjourneys.com/ Joe from The Fourth Leg @jcd0818: https://anchor.fm/james-h-anderson Optional Rule @optionalrule: https://www.optionalrule.com/ Matthew Perkins @heyitsMattyP: https://www.matthewperkins.net/ Matt Street @mpstreet88: https://www.virtualtimehustle.com/ Intro Music: 'Local Forecast' by Kevin MacLeodTransition Music: 'Digital City Lights Loop' from the Anime Attack Pack 01 by Aaron Richards AudioOutro Music: 'Local Forecast - Elevator' by Kevin MacLeod Podcast art by Lily from https://www.beiworkshop.com/

*Minor Outer Wilds spoilers in this episode* I'm joined by Michael K. Ross from The RPG Academy to talk how to design enthralling and fair mysteries, puzzles, and enigmas. Action 12 Cinema Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/therpgacademy/action-12-cinema 12-Hour Charity Stream for Naomi House: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/sl-gameon23 04:24 - There’s Been a Murder! 12:54 - Crafting Rewarding Mysteries 29:53 - Implicit Trust and the Beauty of Experimentation 45:35 - Building a Thematic Setting 55:33 - Quickfire Tips Find Michael on: Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheRpgAcademy Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/therpgacademy/action-12-cinema Website: www.therpgacademy.com AcadeCon: http://www.acadecon.com/ Find Thinking Critically online: Website: https://www.thinkingcritically.co.uk Socials: @ThinkCritDnD Dungeons, Dice, & Dudes: https://linktr.ee/DDandD References: GUMSHOE: https://pelgranepress.com/2018/02/14/gumshoe/ Brindlewood bay: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/410316/Brindlewood-Bay-Kickstarter-Edition Patrons: Tabletop Journeys @ttjourneys: https://ttjourneys.com/ Joe from The Fourth Leg @jcd0818: https://anchor.fm/james-h-anderson Optional Rule @optionalrule: https://www.optionalrule.com/ Matthew Perkins @heyitsMattyP: https://www.matthewperkins.net/ Matt Street @mpstreet88: https://www.virtualtimehustle.com/ Intro Music: 'Local Forecast' by Kevin MacLeod Intermission Music: 'Chill' by Kevin MacLeod Outro Music: 'Local Forecast - Elevator' by Kevin MacLeod Podcast art by Lily from https://www.beiworkshop.com/

CW: Slavery I'm joined by Ben, Ewan, and Luke from the Boys from the Baltic Star Traveller stream to discuss some of the many different definitions of integrity in TTRPGs. Nothing is off the table as we share tips on building memorable heroes and villains with strong identities in logically consistent settings, along with the meta-topic of how to stay true to oneself in the competitive and ever changing content creation market. Apologies for the technical difficulties in this one, leaving us with just Ben! 03:30 - Being Honest with the Game 17:52 - The Nature of Evil & The Villainy Scale 40:39 - Logical Internal Consistency 52:19 - Staying True to Yourself RPGaming Faversham 2023 https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rpgaming-faversham-2023-tickets-472241295427 Find The Boys on: Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/boysfromthebalticstar Twitter: https://twitter.com/BoysBaltic YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@boysfromthebalticstar1656 Find Thinking Critically online: Website: https://www.thinkingcritically.co.uk Socials: @ThinkCritDnD Dungeons, Dice, & Dudes: https://linktr.ee/DDandD References: 'Fudging' episode of Thinking Critically Patrons: Tabletop Journeys @ttjourneys: https://ttjourneys.com/ Joe from The Fourth Leg @jcd0818: https://anchor.fm/james-h-anderson Optional Rule @optionalrule: https://www.optionalrule.com/ Matthew Perkins @heyitsMattyP: https://www.matthewperkins.net/ Matt Street @mpstreet88: https://www.virtualtimehustle.com/ Intro Music: 'Local Forecast' by Kevin MacLeod Intermission Music: 'Chill' by Kevin MacLeod Outro Music: 'Local Forecast - Elevator' by Kevin MacLeod Podcast art by Lily from https://www.beiworkshop.com/

“I found them all. I won." Finally, I welcome George from our 'Dungeons, Dice, and Dudes' actual play podcast to discuss how to build adventures, and why it's important to define one. No matter if you're top-down or bottom-up, there always needs to be that call to adventure, a catalyst, and the form that takes can drastically alter the theme and direction of a campaign. Giving your players that Elden Ring moment is all about the "scale in detail"; having a wide enough pond to splash around in with just enough depth to make it worthwhile. 03:48 - The 'Breath of the Wild' Moment 14:40 - Call to Adventure 25:47 - Worldbuilding 40:49 - Character Motivations 51:01 - Fighting DM Anxiety Find George on Dungeons, Dice, and Dudes: https://linktr.ee/DDandD Find Thinking Critically online: Website: https://www.thinkingcritically.co.uk Socials: @ThinkCritDnD References: 'Conflict' episode of Thinking Critically with Rob (Ulysses) 'Time' episode of Thinking Critically with Tim (Ulrik) 'Macro' episode of Thinking Critically with Nathan (DM) 'Happiness' episode of Thinking Critically with Simon (Owain) Patrons: Tabletop Journeys @ttjourneys: https://ttjourneys.com/ Joe from The Fourth Leg @jcd0818: https://anchor.fm/james-h-anderson Optional Rule @optionalrule: https://www.optionalrule.com/ Matthew Perkins @heyitsMattyP: https://www.matthewperkins.net/ Matt Street @mpstreet88: https://www.virtualtimehustle.com/ Intro Music: 'Local Forecast' by Kevin MacLeod Intermission Music: 'Chill' by Kevin MacLeod Outro Music: 'Local Forecast - Elevator' by Kevin MacLeod Podcast art by Lily from https://www.beiworkshop.com/

This episode I'm joined by Harlen Ogni, DM of previous guest Aaron's Games and prolific worldbuilder, with a staggering 250,000 words on World Anvil! Harlen joins me to to chat about our approaches to worldbuilding and what drives us to put pen to paper. 02:52 - Catharsis 13:22 - Letting Go of Your World 31:34 - Environmental Storytelling 46:03 - Of Gods and Kings Find Harlen on Twitter: https://twitter.com/OgniHarlen Find Thinking Critically online: Website: https://www.thinkingcritically.co.uk Socials: @ThinkCritDnD YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ThinkCritDnD Dungeons, Dice, & Dudes: https://linktr.ee/DDandD References: World Anvil worldbuilding tools 'Chaos' episode of Thinking Critically Patrons: Joe from The Fourth Leg @jcd0818: https://anchor.fm/james-h-anderson Optional Rule @optionalrule: https://www.optionalrule.com/ Matthew Perkins @mperkinsDM: https://www.matthewperkins.net/ Matt Street @mpstreet88: https://www.virtualtimehustle.com/ Intro Music: 'Local Forecast' by Kevin MacLeod Intermission Music: 'Chill' by Kevin MacLeod Outro Music: 'Local Forecast - Elevator' by Kevin MacLeod Podcast art by Lily from https://www.beiworkshop.com/