Thinking Critically: A D&D Discussion

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! Buy Dead Surprise on Amazon! Find Austin on: https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/A-C-Whikcom/author/B0CHWCZHT2https://www.waterstones.com/book/dead-surprise/a-c-whikcom/9781803528717https://www.acwhikcom.co.uk/https://www.facebook.com/people/The-Lands-of-Ferox/100086909630678/https://www.instagram.com/landsofferox/ Find Thinking Critically online: https://www.thinkingcritically.co.ukhttps://linktr.ee/DDandD Patrons: @ttjourneyshttps://ttjourneys.com/@jcd0818https://anchor.fm/james-h-anderson@optionalrule https://www.optionalrule.com/@mpstreet88https://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.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. Find Thinking Critically online: https://www.thinkingcritically.co.ukhttps://linktr.ee/DDandD References: GenerationsRavenloft Patrons: @ttjourneyshttps://ttjourneys.com/@jcd0818https://anchor.fm/james-h-anderson@optionalrule https://www.optionalrule.com/@mpstreet88https://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.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. Find John on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doublefoxgaming/ Find Thinking Critically online: https://www.thinkingcritically.co.ukhttps://linktr.ee/DDandD References: Ravenloft123s of D&DABCs of D&D Patrons: @ttjourneyshttps://ttjourneys.com/@jcd0818https://anchor.fm/james-h-anderson@optionalrule https://www.optionalrule.com/@mpstreet88https://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.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. Not Tale of the Manticore: https://taleofthemanticore.podbean.com/ Find Anya on: https://twitter.com/lalionnecosplayhttps://lalionnepublishing.itch.io/mountaintop-isolationhttps://startplaying.games/gm/lalionne Find Thinking Critically online: https://www.thinkingcritically.co.ukhttps://linktr.ee/DDandD References: https://eldritchcrow.itch.io/aether-a-heroic-fantasy-rpghttps://twitter.com/alderdoodlehttps://loottheroom.itch.io/under-the-floorboards Patrons: @ttjourneyshttps://ttjourneys.com/@jcd0818https://anchor.fm/james-h-anderson@optionalrule https://www.optionalrule.com/@mpstreet88https://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 MacLeod Intermission Music: 'Chill' by Kevin MacLeod Outro 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! Find Sarah from Girls Run these Worlds on: https://www.twitch.tv/girlsruntheseworldshttps://twitter.com/girlsrunworldshttps://twitter.com/SMooreAD Find Thinking Critically online: https://www.thinkingcritically.co.ukhttps://linktr.ee/DDandD References: https://www.twitch.tv/foozca Patrons: @ttjourneyshttps://ttjourneys.com/@jcd0818https://anchor.fm/james-h-anderson@optionalrule https://www.optionalrule.com/@mpstreet88https://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/

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. Find Thinking Critically online: https://www.thinkingcritically.co.ukhttps://linktr.ee/DDandD Patrons: @ttjourneyshttps://ttjourneys.com/@jcd0818https://anchor.fm/james-h-anderson@optionalrule https://www.optionalrule.com/@mpstreet88https://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'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. Find Philippa on: https://linktr.ee/PhilippaMorthttps://twitter.com/MortPhilippahttps://www.twitch.tv/d8dungeon https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rvMvyeiFTCEhttps://www.dmsguild.com/browse.php?author=Philippa%20Mort&page=1&sort=4a?affiliate_id=2197041https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse/pub/18041/Philippa-Mort?affiliate_id=2197041https://philippa-mort.itch.io Find Thinking Critically online: https://www.thinkingcritically.co.ukhttps://linktr.ee/DDandD References: Aesthetic Patrons: @ttjourneyshttps://ttjourneys.com/@jcd0818https://anchor.fm/james-h-anderson@optionalrule https://www.optionalrule.com/@mpstreet88https://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/

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. Show, don't Tell Find Tabletop Journeys on: https://ttjourneys.com/https://twitter.com/ttjourneyshttps://www.patreon.com/ttjourneys Find Thinking Critically online: https://www.thinkingcritically.co.ukhttps://linktr.ee/DDandD References: Star Trek Adventures Patrons: @ttjourneyshttps://ttjourneys.com/@jcd0818https://anchor.fm/james-h-anderson@optionalrule https://www.optionalrule.com/@mpstreet88https://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/

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. Player Find Harry on Twitter: https://twitter.com/harrycowdrey Find Thinking Critically online: https://www.thinkingcritically.co.ukhttps://linktr.ee/DDandD References: https://www.vice.com/en/article/padk7z/how-inmates-play-tabletop-rpgs-in-prisons-where-dice-are-contraband Patrons: @ttjourneyshttps://ttjourneys.com/@jcd0818https://anchor.fm/james-h-anderson@optionalrule https://www.optionalrule.com/@mpstreet88https://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/

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. Find Steve at: https://www.miltonhundred.com/broadside Find Thinking Critically online: https://www.thinkingcritically.co.ukhttps://linktr.ee/DDandD References: https://www.chaosium.com/call-of-cthulhu-getting-started/https://diceanddestiny.co.uk/https://www.chaosium.com/dead-light-and-other-dark-turns-pdf/https://www.thinkingcritically.co.uk/integrity/https://www.thinkingcritically.co.uk/experience/ Patrons: @ttjourneyshttps://ttjourneys.com/@jcd0818https://anchor.fm/james-h-anderson@optionalrule https://www.optionalrule.com/@heyitsMattyPhttps://www.matthewperkins.net/@mpstreet88https://www.virtualtimehustle.com/ Intro Music: 'Local Forecast' by Kevin MacLeod Transition Music: 'Digital City Lights Loop' from the Anime Attack Pack 01 by Aaron Richards Audio Outro 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 Find Michael on: https://twitter.com/TheRpgAcademyhttps://www.kickstarter.com/projects/therpgacademy/action-12-cinemawww.therpgacademy.comhttp://www.acadecon.com/ Find Thinking Critically online: https://www.thinkingcritically.co.ukhttps://linktr.ee/DDandD References: https://pelgranepress.com/2018/02/14/gumshoe/https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/410316/Brindlewood-Bay-Kickstarter-Edition Patrons: @ttjourneyshttps://ttjourneys.com/@jcd0818https://anchor.fm/james-h-anderson@optionalrule https://www.optionalrule.com/@heyitsMattyPhttps://www.matthewperkins.net/@mpstreet88https://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! RPGaming Faversham 2023 https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rpgaming-faversham-2023-tickets-472241295427 Find The Boys on: https://www.twitch.tv/boysfromthebalticstarhttps://twitter.com/BoysBaltichttps://www.youtube.com/@boysfromthebalticstar1656 Find Thinking Critically online: https://www.thinkingcritically.co.uk@ThinkCritDnDhttps://linktr.ee/DDandD References: Fudging Patrons: @ttjourneyshttps://ttjourneys.com/@jcd0818https://anchor.fm/james-h-anderson@optionalrule https://www.optionalrule.com/@heyitsMattyPhttps://www.matthewperkins.net/@mpstreet88https://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. Find George on Dungeons, Dice, and Dudes: https://linktr.ee/DDandD Find Thinking Critically online: https://www.thinkingcritically.co.uk References: ConflictTimeMacroHappiness Patrons: @ttjourneyshttps://ttjourneys.com/@jcd0818https://anchor.fm/james-h-anderson@optionalrule https://www.optionalrule.com/@heyitsMattyPhttps://www.matthewperkins.net/@mpstreet88https://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. Find Harlen on Twitter: https://twitter.com/OgniHarlen Find Thinking Critically online: https://www.thinkingcritically.co.ukhttps://www.youtube.com/@ThinkCritDnDhttps://linktr.ee/DDandD References: World AnvilChaos Patrons: @jcd0818https://anchor.fm/james-h-anderson@optionalrule: https://www.optionalrule.com/@mperkinsDMhttps://www.matthewperkins.net/@mpstreet88https://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/

The sky is falling! It's my pleasure to welcome back Matthew Perkins to discuss this months HOT TOPIC: the "leaked" snippets of the alleged OGL 1.1. Disclosure: this episode was recorded on 7th January, we are not lawyer or legal experts, and neither of us have any official affiliation with WotC or Hasbro, nor any familial connection to Christopher Perkins! Through that lens we take a satirical but earnest look at the alleged OGL 1.1, what it means for each of us and the future of the hobby, while trying to avoid the overwhelming doom and gloom. Find Matty P on: https://www.matthewperkins.nethttps://twitter.com/heyitsMattyPhttps://www.instagram.com/heyitsMattyP/https://www.facebook.com/heyitsMattyP/https://www.youtube.com/@heyitsMattyPhttps://www.tiktok.com/@heyitsmattyphttps://www.twitch.tv/heyitsMattyP Find Thinking Critically online: https://www.thinkingcritically.co.uk Dungeons, Dice, & Dudes twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/ddndpod Citations & Further Reading: Dungeons & Dragons’ New License Tightens Its Grip on Competitionhttps://gizmodo.com/dnd-wizards-of-the-coast-ogl-1-1-open-gaming-license-1849950634The OGL 1.1 is not "benign" at all it appears: D&D 5ehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fTDDNJN5SvMThe OGL and Me: What Will Happen Now?https://youtu.be/ewTIS3fHOK0Pressure Patrons: @jcd0818https://anchor.fm/james-h-anderson@optionalrule: https://www.optionalrule.com/@mperkinsDMhttps://www.matthewperkins.net/@mpstreet88https://www.virtualtimehustle.com/ Intro Music: 'Local Forecast' by Kevin MacLeod Intermission Music: 'Chill' by Kevin MacLeod Outro Music: 'Local Forecast - Elevator' by Kevin MacLeod

This mystical episode I'm joined by Jack Weighill of Dice Average RPG to discuss the minutia of the magical. The way WOTC have designed spells is an interesting insight into how they view D&D and how they suggest it should be played. Jack takes us through the best and worst spells, with some interesting surprises that you might not have thought of! Find Jack on: https://twitter.com/diceaveragejackhttps://diceaveragerpg.carrd.co/https://www.dmsguild.com/product/414871/GOLEM--5e-Constructs-Reimagined?src=ThinkingCritically&affiliate_id=1352327https://www.dmsguild.com/product/413389/dAvenirs-Pocketbook-to-Ravenloft?src=ThinkingCritically&affiliate_id=1352327https://www.dmsguild.com/product/399285/Drizzts-Travelogue-of-Everything-Volume-1-PDF?src=ThinkingCritically&affiliate_id=1352327 Find Thinking Critically online: https://www.thinkingcritically.co.uk Patrons: @jcd0818https://anchor.fm/james-h-anderson@optionalrule https://www.optionalrule.com/@mperkinsDMhttps://www.matthewperkins.net/@mpstreet88https://www.virtualtimehustle.com/ Intro Music: 'Local Forecast' by Kevin MacLeod Intermission Music: 'Chill' by Kevin MacLeod Outro Music: 'Local Forecast - Elevator' by Kevin MacLeod

This episode I'm joined by Ty Moore from Adventure Slang productions to talk about variety and diversity in TTRPGs. We discuss how having an open mind and trying different systems affects not only your approach to playing TTRPGSs, but also the lens through which you view them. Find Ty on: https://twitter.com/dungeonmistertyhttps://twitter.com/AdventureSlanghttps://adventureslang.com/https://adventureslang.com/nuovarden-rpghttps://www.facebook.com/gaming/AdventureSlang Find Thinking Critically online: https://www.thinkingcritically.co.uk Video Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCH_BSgazjwyshzo1jazHeaQ Patrons: @jcd0818https://anchor.fm/james-h-anderson@optionalrule: https://www.optionalrule.com/@mperkinsDMhttps://www.matthewperkins.net/@mpstreet88https://www.virtualtimehustle.com/ Intro Music: 'Local Forecast' by Kevin MacLeod Intermission Music: 'Chill' by Kevin MacLeod Outro Music: 'Local Forecast - Elevator' by Kevin MacLeod

This very special episode I'm joined by Greg Tito and Shelly Mazzanoble, hosts and producers of the official Dungeons & Dragons podcast: Dragon Talk! They take us through how recording their podcast and writing their new book, Welcome to Dragon Talk, has shaped their D&D experience and shown them all the wonderful ways we interact as a community! Find Greg and Shelly on: https://twitter.com/Gregtitohttps://twitter.com/shellymoohttps://dnd.wizards.com/podcasts/dragon-talkhttps://uipress.uiowa.edu/books/welcome-dragon-talk Find Thinking Critically online: https://www.thinkingcritically.co.uk References: https://scintilla.studio/MonsterExtinction Patrons: @jcd0818https://anchor.fm/james-h-anderson@optionalrule: https://www.optionalrule.com/@mperkinsDMhttps://www.matthewperkins.net/@mpstreet88https://www.virtualtimehustle.com/ Intro Music: 'Local Forecast' by Kevin MacLeod Intermission Music: 'Chill' by Kevin MacLeod Outro Music: 'Local Forecast - Elevator' by Kevin MacLeod

Part 3 in our Marketing for TTRPG Creators Series Webinar sign up: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScjBv3TgGVtqTdIfU3az6Izhw-p0_QlIf_Z5fW2iYBIWEw7zw/viewform Zack from Applewhite Games returns to the show to discuss the value of 'the person behind the logo' and how everything you do affects your reputation. Find Zack on: https://twitter.com/ApplewhiteGameshttps://linktr.ee/ApplewhiteGames Find Thinking Critically online: https://www.thinkingcritically.co.uk References: MarketingKickstarterHawkmir Patrons: @jcd0818https://anchor.fm/james-h-anderson@optionalrulehttps://www.optionalrule.com/@mperkinsDMhttps://www.matthewperkins.net/@mpstreet88https://www.virtualtimehustle.com/ Intro Music: 'Local Forecast' by Kevin MacLeod Intermission Music: 'Chill' by Kevin MacLeod Outro Music: 'Local Forecast - Elevator' by Kevin MacLeod

This week I'm joined by friend and table mate Sam Henry to talk about our processes used for playing D&D, and how we use our professional backgrounds to improve our experiences. Find Thinking Critically online: https://www.thinkingcritically.co.uk References: https://linktr.ee/DDandDhttps://www.thinkingcritically.co.uk/mistakeshttps://www.thinkingcritically.co.uk/progression/ Patrons: @jcd0818https://anchor.fm/james-h-anderson@optionalrule: https://www.optionalrule.com/@mperkinsDMhttps://www.matthewperkins.net/@mpstreet88https://www.virtualtimehustle.com/ Intro Music: 'Local Forecast' by Kevin MacLeod Intermission Music: 'Chill' by Kevin MacLeod Outro Music: 'Local Forecast - Elevator' by Kevin MacLeod