Storyteller Conclave

Classes and Levels and Dice are almost synonymous with tabletop roleplaying games. This isn’t always the case, though! This week we explore the pros and cons of various gaming systems and the advancement and resolution systems therein. We also take some time to answer a few listener questions from our Discord server! We record every Wednesday, at 7pm Eastern. Listen live at podcastdetroit.com, Stu...

Gaming groups come and go, life gets in the way, and sometimes this means we have to step away from the game for months or years. Dusting off the books and storytelling again after a hiatus can be intimidating! This week, we discuss what it’s like to get back behind the DM screen, and the challenges it presents. We also take some time to answer a few listener questions from our Discord server! We...

As storytellers we run games and focus on plot hooks, compelling story and intriguing scenes. But all of this can feel thrown out the door when someone is missing. It throws off our groove and can get quite frustrating. How do we handle when players are late very late or miss a session? And what do you do if it becomes a habit? This episode dives into managing a game when players are missing from...

We play roleplaying games in countless ways, across all ages, genders, creeds, and cultures. No matter the game being played, though, we are a group of people gathered around a table for common purpose. What rules and etiquette do we observe? How do we make sure everyone is respected and has fun, and the game is able to run as smooth as possible? This episode, we discuss the often unspoken rules o...

Characters are the gears that make our stories move, and of all characters in our stories, the Player Characters are the most important. A major role of the Storyteller is helping the players create and play interesting and dynamic characters. This episode we discuss tips, tricks, and common pitfalls for helping turn your PCs from walking stereotypes into living, breathing, 3-dimensional character...

Players are a crucial part of our group - without them, we have no game! This episode, we discuss how to find players and form your specific group, what different types of players to expect, and common pitfalls to avoid when inviting 3-5 very diverse individuals to your gaming table. We also take some time to answer a few listener questions from our Discord server! We record every Wednesday, at 7p...

It can feel positively daunting to be the Storyteller for the first time, whether this is your first game ever, or you’re a player moving behind the DM screen. Rob and Sara share their advice for new Storytellers, for what game to pick, what supplies you need, and common dos and don’ts for telling your story! We also take some time to answer a few listener questions from our Discord server! We rec...

We all have dice, paper and pencils right? But what do we need to run a game in the 21st century? What tools do you bring to the table? What makes it easier and when do we stop? Rob and Sara explore the advances in technology that is designed to make our games bigger and better, from Virtual Table Tops (VTTs), to 3d printing, to background music and sound effects. We're joined by special guest Sea...

Every story needs a good villain! But what IS a villain, exactly? What makes a good villain? What about antiheroes and antagonists? This episode, we explore the ins-and-outs of building the best Big Bad Evil Guy for your game, and how they can interact with your story! We also take some time to answer a few listener questions from our Discord server! We record every Wednesday, at 7pm Eastern. List...

NPC’s are a necessary part of any story. Be it a bar keep, enchanter, local constable, or King. Each has a purpose but also has a story of their own. In this episode we discuss NPC creation and when too much can be good or bad. Joining us this week is another fine storyteller and friend, Chris Rummel. We also take some time to answer a few listener questions from our Discord server! We record ever...

Systems and methods for adjudicating the intricacies of social combat - Persuasion, intimidation, influence, seduction, extortion, etc. From puppeteering politicians from the shadows, to out-glamming your nemesis at the Count’s gala ball, Rob and Sara discuss it all! We also take some time to answer a few listener questions from our Discord server! We record every Wednesday, at 7pm Eastern. Listen...

Where to begin? Rob and Sara discuss the fundamentals of creating a story for tabletop roleplay, and how the game system you choose influences how that story will be told. We begin by discussing various games, and the particular types of stories they're good for telling with - specifically, we mention D&D, Palladium, DREAD, the ÆonVerse (Adventure!, Aberrant, Trinity), the World of Darkness, 7th S...