Ep88: Running Theater of the Mind Combat

Do you find yourself wanting to encourage certain behaviors in players?  Whether it's roleplaying, heroics, or something different adding the Inspiration optional rule to your game may be just what you're looking for.  Join us as John and Danielle talk through on the episode requested by listener Ryan Ross!  We talk about some of the official rules as well as tips and tricks that we have for implementing it and customizing it for a better fit for your game. And don't forget that as part of our approach to episode 100, you have the chance to win fabulous prizes.  Check out https://becomingDM.com/100 for details!

Part 2 is here!  If you were waiting for the second half of our episode on running games for large groups, this is it!  Join Danielle, John, and Robert as they continue the discussion and touch on skill checks, combat, and more for large parties at the table.  Also learn why Danielle is a monster and John is a slacker! Don't forget that as we get closer to episode 100 we are giving away prize packs!  There are three easy ways to enter an win, you can find all the details about the prizes and how to enter here:  https://becomingdm.com/100

Our episode about running games for large groups was so large we had to split it into two parts!  In the first part of this discussion, Robert Spann joins John and Danielle to talk about whether you really need to have such a large group and some tips and tricks to keep players engaged if you have a large group at your table.  Don't forget our contest as we go to 100 where you can win some fantastic prizes.  Make sure to check out https://becomingdm.com/100 for details on the prizes as well as information about how to enter!

Heists can be a great way to add a sense of intrigue.  But how do you add them to your game in a meaningful way?  And how do you do so without it ending up being "the rogue show".  John and Danielle talk about working backwards from the objective to plan out a heist adventure for your table. And don't forget, we are counting down to episode 100!  If you would like to learn more about the prizes we are giving away and how to enter, make sure to visit: https://becomingDM.com/100

Join us as John and Danielle discuss this topic that was suggested by listener Robert Spann! If you're getting new players to your table, they probably don't know or understand the differences between the various classes that they can choose from.  In this episode, we discuss different strategies and techniques to help players settle on a choice while still having it be their decision.  Join us! Have you got an idea like Robert did?  Let us know!  Submit your idea for a future becomingDM episode topic by going to https://becomingDM.com/ideas

At some point you may need to end your campaign.  Maybe you've come to the logical conclusion of the story for these characters, maybe people are needing to move away.  Whatever the reason, how you end your game can have a big impact on how people look back on the game and you as a DM.  Join John and Danielle in this episode as they talk about some of the questions to ask when a game is ending and some strategies to use to make the most memorable game possible! As always, we want to hear from you!  If you've got an idea for a future episode of becomingDM, let us know by submitting an idea at: https://becomingDM.com/ideas

If you think about the world that your characters are moving through, there is probably some sort of legal structure that says what is allowed and what's not allowed. Within communities of the world there may be a moral structure that is in line with or counter to the laws of the land.  In this episode of becomingDM, John and Danielle talk about defining laws and moral structures for your game to add depth and flavor to the experience.  Join us now! If you've got an idea for a future episode of becomingDM, let us know!  Go to https://becomingDM.com.ideas to submit your idea today!

In part 2 of our Running Large Scale Combat episodes we continue the conversation digging deeper into what happens when the party members take on leadership roles in the military.  Join us as John and Danielle further explore this topic!   Got an idea for a future episode?  We'd love to hear it!  Go to https://becomingDM.com/ideas to let us know!

Are there large armies clashing in your world? If so, then eventually you may have the party getting involved with fighting them, so knowing how to run large scale combat is a useful skill for DMs.  In this episode of becomingDM, John and Danielle talk about some options for how to run large scale combat scenarios and what to consider before you get yourself into this fun situation.  Join us! We'd love to hear from you!  Let us know what you'd like a future episode of becomingDM to be about by submitting it at https://becomingdm.com/ideas

Sometimes you don't have time to create a map for your combat encounters.  Sometimes the players do something unexpected and get into a fight that you weren't prepared to put on the table in front of you.  Sometimes you just don't have enough space to run the combat that you would like with minis and everything.  Whatever the reason, running theater of the mind combat is a great way to add a different perspective to you game.  Join John and Danielle as they discuss the things to consider when running theater of the mind and find out why Danielle is so infatuate with bees! We'd love to hear your ideas for new episode topics!  Let us know by going to https://becomingdm.com/ideas