Ep 285 - Mentoring Players and DMs

Sure, playing unstoppable, unflappable heroes who can slay entire armies of low level baddies is fun but there are other options.  In this episode I introduce you to the Call of Cthulhu 7th edition rules to explore why this d100 system is brutal, and why your sanity matters just as much as your hit points.  Give this a listen to talk about how to survive and run the uncomfortable reality of Call of Cthulhu. #rpg #ttrpg #dnd #pathfinder #gmtips #dmtips #callofcthulhu #chaosium Resources: Chaosium Call of Cthulhu rulebooks - https://www.chaosium.com/call-of-cthulhu-rpg/  Buy Me a Coffee! - ko-fi.com/taking20podcast www.taking20podcast.com  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/taking20podcast  Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/taking20podcast  Podcast theme - Sneaky Snitch by Kevin Macleod

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 Coffee! - ko-fi.com/taking20podcast www.taking20podcast.com  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/taking20podcast  Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/taking20podcast  Ep 64 - Beholders - The Eyes Have It - https://www.taking20podcast.com/e/ep-64-monster-series-beholders-the-eyes-have-it/

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  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/taking20podcast  Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/taking20podcast

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 of hard “P” and “B” sounds to remove (called plosives) and didn’t have time to do a re-record. #rpg #ttrpg #dnd #pathfinder #gmtips #PC #NPC Resources: Buy Me a Coffee! - ko-fi.com/taking20podcast www.taking20podcast.com  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/taking20podcast  Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/taking20podcast 

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  Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/taking20podcast

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 over their shoulders.   #rpg #ttrpg #dnd #pathfinder #gmtips #cults Resources: Buy Me a Coffee! - ko-fi.com/taking20podcast www.taking20podcast.com  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/taking20podcast  Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/taking20podcast  Episode 150 - Rovagug - https://www.taking20podcast.com/e/ep-150-rovagug/  Cult Generator:  https://old.reddit.com/r/rpg_generators/comments/1vk05gi/new_generator_secret_society_cults_and/

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 www.taking20podcast.com  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/taking20podcast  Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/taking20podcast 

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 engaged, not frustrated.    #rpg #ttrpg #dnd #pathfinder #gmtips #playertips #debuffs #criticalfail   Resources: Archives of Nethys Patreon:  https://www.patreon.com/nethys  Archives of Nethys:  https://archivesofnethys.com/  Buy Me a Coffee! - ko-fi.com/taking20podcast www.taking20podcast.com  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/taking20podcast  Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/taking20podcast 

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 crown, and discussing the three essential pillars of a great game.  Give this episode a listen!   #rpg #ttrpg #dnd #pathfinder #gmtips #playertips Resources: Buy Me a Coffee! - ko-fi.com/taking20podcast www.taking20podcast.com  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/taking20podcast  Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/taking20podcast