Taking 20 Podcast

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...

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   Inst...

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...

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   Faceb...

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 ov...

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 w...

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...

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 cr...

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....

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...

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.taking20p...

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.i...

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.insta...

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. Le...

In this episode we continue the “setting expectations” series, hopefully helping to stop mismatched expectations from derailing your TTRPG campaign! GMs, this episode is packed with practical advice for designing and effectively communicating your game's Tone and Setting.    #rpg #ttrpg #dnd #pathfinder #gmtips #playertips #tabletop #tone #setting #expectations Resources: Buy Me a Coffee! - ko-fi....

Ready to start your TTRPG campaign in some way besides a boring tavern? Episode 270 is here to help! We dive deep into the real purpose of a campaign's beginning and explore three powerful ways to unite your party from the jump   #rpg #ttrpg #dnd #pathfinder #gmtips #playertips #tabletop #startingcampaign Resources: Episode 47 - Comprehensive Session 0 Guide for DMs - https://www.taking20podcast.c...

Do your descriptions fall flat?  Are your characters, locations, and NPCs just static items in time that never change?  In this episode I’ll give players some tips for changing their character descriptions and for GMs to change NPC and place descriptions to improve their game.   #rpg #ttrpg #dnd #pathfinder #gmtips #playertips #tabletop #burnout #descriptions Resources: Crispy’s Tavern, The Real M...

Is your campaign's "big bad" just evil, or is there a hero beneath the monster? This episode dives into the age-old debate for Dungeon Masters: how important is a sympathetic backstory for a villain, and whether you should include complex antagonists in your game   #rpg #ttrpg #dnd #pathfinder #gmtips #playertips #tabletop #roleplaying #villains Resources: Episode 180 - https://www.taking20podcast...

Description Today we dive into the age-old debate that divides Dungeon Masters: When do you negate a powerful spell or maneuver? We explore the thin line between creating epic tension and causing frustration. Tune in to discover the crucial difference between an earned victory and a slog, and learn the rules of engagement for challenging your players in the most satisfying way.   #rpg #ttrpg #dnd...

Running a high-level character (Level 11+) is a different animal altogether. Forget easy skirmishes and simple ability checks—you're now facing world-breaking threats.  In this episode I’ll give you some tips for running these legendary characters.   #rpg #ttrpg #dnd #pathfinder #gmtips #playertips #tabletop #roleplaying #highlevel Resources: Buy Me a Coffee! - ko-fi.com/taking20podcast www.taking...

Running high-level TTRPGs (level 11+) are different animals! In this episode I break down essential GM tips for these epic campaigns. Plus, I’ll give you some advice on how you need to change your prep to run a legendary game.   #rpg #ttrpg #dnd #pathfinder #gmtips #playertips #tabletop #roleplaying #highlevel Resources: Episode 45 - Minions - https://www.taking20podcast.com/e/ep-45-usining-minion...

This week, I talk about players’ and DMs’ relentless pursuit of perfection in tabletop RPGs.  I encourage both to embrace failures and give you some tips to help every roll and choice become a chance for exciting, unpredictable adventures.   #rpg #ttrpg #dnd #pathfinder #gmtips #playertips #tabletop #roleplaying #failure   Resources: Buy Me a Coffee! - ko-fi.com/taking20podcast www.taking20podcast...

This week, we're diving into the often-debated topic of Dungeon Master Player Characters (DM PCs). In this episode we talk about alternatives ot the DMPC, how to effectively integrate a DM-controlled character into your campaign without overshadowing your players, maintaining player agency, and enhancing the overall game experience. Give us a listen to discover tips for creating supportive DM PCs,...

This week, we're diving into how players can best work together in TTRPGs. From character building to in-game tactics, discover how to form a cohesive team and make your adventures unforgettable. Tune in to learn how to turn challenges inside out and achieve success together!   #rpg #ttrpg #dnd #pathfinder #gmtips #playertips #tabletop #roleplaying   Resources: Buy Me a Coffee! - ko-fi.com/taking2...