2 Kobolds in a Trenchcoat

What happens when your D&D character dies, retires, or simply isn't working out anymore? This week on Two Kobolds in a Trenchcoat we're talking about the challenges of introducing a brand-new character into an already established adventuring party. Do you need to replace the healer? What happens when two players want to play the same class? And how do you convince a group of battle-har...

What makes a great dungeon crawl? This week on Two Kobolds in a Trenchcoat, we're heading underground to talk about one of the classics of tabletop RPGs: the dungeon crawl. From sprawling underground fortresses and shifting labyrinths to traps, puzzles, rival adventurers and rooms you really shouldn't have opened, we explore what makes a dungeon worth delving into and how GMs can keep one...

Could Batman actually work in D&D? What about Aragorn, Goku, Hulk, or your favourite anime character? This week on Two Kobolds in a Trenchcoat , we're taking characters from anime, comics, films, and TV and asking what happens when you try to squeeze them onto a character sheet. Some translate surprisingly well. Others need enough multiclassing to make your DM quietly leave the table. And...

How prepared does a GM actually need to be? This week on Two Kobolds in a Trenchcoat, we're digging into GM prep, from planning long-term campaigns and keeping track of player abilities to having a Plan B when the party murders the NPC who was supposed to give them the next quest. We talk overpreparing, underpreparing, mysterious dice rolls, adapting encounters when players are missing, keepin...

Every great RPG character begins somewhere. Maybe they’re inspired by a favourite film character, a relationship from real life, an old hero you never got to finish playing, or a bizarre idea that arrived fully formed at two in the morning. This week on Two Kobolds in a Trenchcoat, we explore where character inspiration comes from and what happens after that initial spark. We discuss building char...

Some RPG systems are a perfect fit. Others turn a fun game into homework, improv, or a GM test you never signed up for. If you’ve ever wondered why one game clicks instantly while another leaves you overwhelmed, this conversation breaks down exactly what to look for before you sit at the table. Shiv and Aely unpack the hidden reasons a system works or fails for different players, from narrative-he...

The Fighter is not the “basic” class, it’s the smartest pick if you want a martial character that’s easy to play, hard to break, and wildly more versatile than people give it credit for. Shiv and Aely make the case for why Fighter is one of the best entry points into D&D, and why its simplicity is exactly what makes it dangerous. They break down why Fighters stay satisfying all the way from le...

Solo TTRPGs are more than a backup plan when your group falls through, they might be the most flexible, creative way to play. If you’ve ever wanted to roleplay without scheduling headaches, tabletop prep, or waiting on anyone else, this episode opens up the world of solo adventures and why they’re quietly winning over players. Shiv and Aely break down how solo play actually works, from oracle roll...

Most tabletop gamers are familiar with the classic D20 system, but the vast universe of dice mechanics holds far more secrets and surprises. In this episode of Two Kobolds in a Trenchcoat, Shiv and Aely explode the myth that D20 reigns supreme by dissecting unconventional systems like D10 pools, stress dice in Alien, the transformative Breathless mechanics, and the intricate custom dice of Star Wa...

When is it worth creating something from scratch? How do you ensure your big boss leaves a lasting impression and keeps your players on their toes? If you're tired of cookie-cutter monsters and predictable battles, this episode is your ultimate guide to crafting encounters that captivate and challenge at just the right moments. Discover how to turn simple creatures into unforgettable foes by blend...

The darkness of space hides secrets and danger, unlike anything you've explored before. In this episode, Shiv dives into Coriolis: The Great Dark, a standalone sci-fi fantasy game set on a battered, mysterious asteroid city forged from the wreckage of a shattered civilisation. If you love cosmic horror mixed with hard sci-fi and riveting faction politics, this episode is your ticket to a new u...

The secret to overcoming the world-building block might be simpler than you think, and it’s not just about grinding harder or waiting it out. When even seasoned creators hit a daunting wall, what’s the secret to breaking through? Aely's solo spin on this episode reveals how to turn frustration into fresh inspiration, even when prompts seem impossible to crack. If you’ve ever stared at a blank...

Most GMs struggle with keeping their storytelling on track without falling into the dreaded railroading trap. If your game feels like it's wandering or long pauses kill the pacing, this episode is your secret weapon. Shiv and Aely reveal practical, easy-to-implement techniques to guide your story smoothly, without taking away player agency. In this lively discussion, they dive into real-world...

Uncover the truth about metagaming, why it can either ruin or enhance your role-playing experience. Is your obsession with inside info hurting your game, or can it be a secret weapon? Find out how top game masters and players navigate the fine line between strategic advantage and breaking immersion in this fiery debate. In this episode, we break down the different faces of metagaming, from rule cl...

Unlikable characters can be some of the most compelling in storytelling, but why do we gravitate toward them, and how do they shape our game nights? In this candid episode, two veteran TTRPG players dive deep into the psychology of complex, flawed characters. Discover how characters like the passive healer, the abrasive antihero, or the unpredictable rogue reflect not only the story but the player...

Unlock the hidden power of tool proficiencies in your tabletop RPG campaigns. Despite their potential to fuel creativity and problem-solving, tools are often overlooked or underutilized—until now. In this episode, we peel back the curtain on how tool proficiencies can transform ordinary gameplay into epic moments. Discover why most players never capitalize on their tools beyond basic uses and lear...

Most of us don't create backup characters — but maybe we should. When a favorite drops dead mid-adventure or a campaign takes an unexpected turn, the pain of losing a character can be overwhelming. Yet, the idea of deliberately crafting a "backup" could save you from heartbreak...or curse your game entirely. In this episode, two seasoned players explore the unspoken rules and superst...

Most players still misunderstand the true difference between intelligence and wisdom. In this episode of Two Kobolds in a Trench Coat, we unveil the hidden mechanics behind these core D&D stats that can transform your characters and gameplay. Ever wondered why perception checks spot the obvious, while investigation digs deeper? Or how wisdom applies to survival instincts versus knowledge of th...

In this episode of Two Kobolds in a Trenchcoat, the hosts dive headfirst into the chaos that can erupt from a single, seemingly innocuous decision. Join us as we explore a chance encounter with a cunning fox tied to shadowy deities and navigate the tangled web of city politics and underground alliances. Every choice your characters make sends shockwaves through their lives, leading to unexpected r...

Discover the simple joys that make tabletop RPGs truly magical, from dice that sing to epic stories born from tiny moments. Ever wonder what keeps players and DMs coming back to the table year after year? It’s not just the rules or the worlds—they’re the little sparks of joy that turn a game into a lifelong memory. In this episode, we explore the unexpected sources of happiness in TTRPGs, from dig...

Unlock the secret power of storytelling in your tabletop RPGs by mastering the subtle art of themes—beyond just genre and tone. Discover how understanding and crafting themes can transform your campaigns from ordinary to unforgettable, layered with depth, emotion, and meaningful character arcs. Whether you're a seasoned DM or a curious player, this episode reveals how themes influence your gam...

Most players feel stuck with the new 2024 D&D rules, but what if the changes actually make character creation more frustrating than fun? In this wild episode, we dive into the chaos of rolling characters with the latest version, revealing how some seemingly "improved" mechanics actually restrict creativity and leave you feeling less like a hero and more like... average Joe. Join us a...

Large tables in D&D, more than just the number of seats, can be a balancing act that challenges even seasoned GMs. Have you ever wondered how to run a thriving game with 6, 7, or even more players without losing control or engagement? If the thought of managing big groups feels overwhelming, this episode is your essential guide to mastering the art of large-table D&D. We kick off by explor...

Most D&D campaigns feature goblins, dragons, and undead, but plant monsters? Surprisingly rare, yet brimming with untapped potential. Imagine giant, carnivorous trees that trap and digest adventurers, or vines that respond like intelligent predators, silent, deadly, and eerily plausible in a fantasy world. In this episode, we explore why plant-based creatures are underutilised in gaming, despi...

In this episode, we dive deep into the evolution of the Monk, from the mystical, sometimes confusing origins to the more grounded, combat-focused class of today. We unpack the shifting terminology, from monastic traditions to martial arts, and discuss how the latest editions aim to strip away the mystical fluff, focusing instead on inner strength, discipline, and realistic abilities. Why is the te...