Taking 20 Podcast

Description Today we dive into the age-old debate that divides Dungeon Masters: When do you negate a powerful spell or maneuver? We explore the thin line between creating epic tension and causing frustration. Tune in to discover the crucial difference between an earned victory and a slog, and learn the rules of engagement for challenging your players in the most satisfying way.   #rpg #ttrpg #dnd #pathfinder #gmtips #playertips #tabletop #roleplaying #Countering Resources: Episode 135 - The Rule of 3 Episode 64 - Beholders, the Eyes Have It Buy Me a Coffee! - ko-fi.com/taking20podcast www.taking20podcast.com  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/taking20podcast  Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/taking20podcast  Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/taking20podcast.bsky.social

Running a high-level character (Level 11+) is a different animal altogether. Forget easy skirmishes and simple ability checks—you're now facing world-breaking threats.  In this episode I’ll give you some tips for running these legendary characters.   #rpg #ttrpg #dnd #pathfinder #gmtips #playertips #tabletop #roleplaying #highlevel Resources: Buy Me a Coffee! - ko-fi.com/taking20podcast www.taking20podcast.com  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/taking20podcast  Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/taking20podcast  Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/taking20podcast.bsky.social 

Running high-level TTRPGs (level 11+) are different animals! In this episode I break down essential GM tips for these epic campaigns. Plus, I’ll give you some advice on how you need to change your prep to run a legendary game.   #rpg #ttrpg #dnd #pathfinder #gmtips #playertips #tabletop #roleplaying #highlevel Resources: Episode 45 - Minions - https://www.taking20podcast.com/e/ep-45-usining-minions-from-dd-4e-to-make-combat-better/  Buy Me a Coffee! - ko-fi.com/taking20podcast www.taking20podcast.com  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/taking20podcast  Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/taking20podcast  Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/taking20podcast.bsky.social

This week, I talk about players’ and DMs’ relentless pursuit of perfection in tabletop RPGs.  I encourage both to embrace failures and give you some tips to help every roll and choice become a chance for exciting, unpredictable adventures.   #rpg #ttrpg #dnd #pathfinder #gmtips #playertips #tabletop #roleplaying #failure   Resources: Buy Me a Coffee! - ko-fi.com/taking20podcast www.taking20podcast.com  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/taking20podcast  Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/taking20podcast  Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/taking20podcast.bsky.social

This week, we're diving into the often-debated topic of Dungeon Master Player Characters (DM PCs). In this episode we talk about alternatives ot the DMPC, how to effectively integrate a DM-controlled character into your campaign without overshadowing your players, maintaining player agency, and enhancing the overall game experience. Give us a listen to discover tips for creating supportive DM PCs, managing their role, and knowing when it's best to let them go.    #rpg #ttrpg #dnd #pathfinder #gmtips #dmpcs #tabletop #roleplaying   Resources: Buy Me a Coffee! - ko-fi.com/taking20podcast www.taking20podcast.com  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/taking20podcast  Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/taking20podcast  Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/taking20podcast.bsky.social

This week, we're diving into how players can best work together in TTRPGs. From character building to in-game tactics, discover how to form a cohesive team and make your adventures unforgettable. Tune in to learn how to turn challenges inside out and achieve success together!   #rpg #ttrpg #dnd #pathfinder #gmtips #playertips #tabletop #roleplaying   Resources: Buy Me a Coffee! - ko-fi.com/taking20podcast www.taking20podcast.com  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/taking20podcast  Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/taking20podcast  Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/taking20podcast.bsky.social  Invincible Kickstarter - https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1192053011/invincible-the-roleplaying-game 

Diving into the terrifying world of aberrations, this episode explores why these alien beings pose a unique challenge for GMs. Discover their bizarre physiologies, incomprehensible motives, and innate magical abilities drawn from their alien minds, and learn how to weave truly unsettling encounters into your campaigns   #pf2e #Pathfinder #gmtips #dmtips #dnd #rpg #aberrations Resources: Buy Me a Coffee! - ko-fi.com/taking20podcast Nerdarchy’s Guide to Aberrations - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9n98sk2AC2Y  www.taking20podcast.com  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/taking20podcast  Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/taking20podcast  Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/taking20podcast.bsky.social 

Tired of combat dragging? This episode offers 5 crucial tips for players to keep the game moving. Discover how paying attention, anticipating your turn, and coordinating with allies can transform your tabletop experience from a slog to a dynamic adventure!"   #pf2e #Pathfinder #gmtips #dmtips #dnd #rpg #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  Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/taking20podcast.bsky.social 

In this episode, we're blasting off into the unknown with tips for running epic space adventures, from exploring derelict ships to discovering bizarre new worlds. Plus, get an in-depth review of the Starfinder 2e Player Core, diving into its mechanics, ancestries, and how it connects to Pathfinder 2e. Don't miss this cosmic journey!   Resources: Buy Me a Coffee! - ko-fi.com/taking20podcast Episode 140 - Spelljammer Review Episode 137 - The Gap and Empty Histories Starfinder 2e Archives of Nethys - https://2e.aonsrd.com/  

Whether you make up your own canon or use the lore pregenerated by someone else, there are challenges to maintaining the canon and lore for your world.  In this episode I discuss some tips and tricks I’ve learned through the years to help keep it all straight.   #pf2e #Pathfinder #gmtips #dmtips #dnd #rpg #lore #canon Resources: Buy Me a Coffee! - ko-fi.com/taking20podcast Episode 224 - Lore Part 1 - https://www.taking20podcast.com/e/ep-224-lore-part-1/  Episode 225 - Lore Part 2 - https://www.taking20podcast.com/e/ep-225-lore-part-2/  Episode 114 - The Cataclysm of Krynn - https://www.taking20podcast.com/e/ep-113-the-cataclysm-of-krynn/  DnD Shorts - The Original Rules for Women in D&D are Wild - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BSvCP401kK0    Million Podcasts Award - https://www.millionpodcasts.com/dungeon-master-podcasts/    RJD20 - Canon, Your Homegrown Setting and You - https://www.rjd20.com/2021/06/canon-your-homegrown-setting-and-you.html  

Unlock more fun and epic storytelling in your TTRPGs by embracing a little recklessness! In this episode we explore how "driving your characters like you stole them" can lead to unforgettable moments, balancing narrative focus with thrilling unpredictability. Discover why taking bolder choices, communicating with your group, and understanding your character's motivations can elevate your game, knowing that the low stakes of failure in-game lead to incredibly high potential for legendary tales.   #pf2e #Pathfinder #gmtips #dmtips #dnd #rpg #reckless Resources: Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/taking20podcast BlueSky- https://bsky.app/profile/taking20podcast.bsky.social  

What do you do when a player cheats in your RPG? In this episode, we tackle the tricky subject of player cheating from the DM's perspective, exploring why players cheat and specific types of in-game dishonesty. Learn practical strategies for DMs and players to address cheating, foster a fair and fun gaming environment, and ensure everyone at the table has a blast!   #pf2e #Pathfinder #gmtips #dmtips #dnd #rpg #cheating #WOTC #JeremyCrawford #ChrisPerkins Resources: Crawford and Perkins join Darrington Press - https://www.gamesradar.com/tabletop-gaming/legendary-designers-ditch-d-and-d-for-critical-roles-with-critical-role-in-major-coup/

Ever wondered if "chosen ones" and "horny bards" have a place in your RPG campaigns? In episode 255 of Taking 20 Podcast, we dive into the world of RPG clichés—when to use them, when to subvert them, and how they can elevate your game. Plus, I also review the Starfinder 2e Galaxy Guide! Join us as we explore familiar tropes and exciting new worlds..     #pf2e #Pathfinder #Starfinder #gmtips #dmtips #dnd #rpg #cliches #tropes Resources: Episode 75 Better Backstories - https://taking20.podbean.com/e/ep-75-better-backstories/ Episode 104 3 Bullet NPCs and Backstories - https://taking20.podbean.com/e/episode-104-3-bullet-npcs-and-backstories/ Episode 190 - Integrating Character Backstories with Rick Sandidge - https://taking20.podbean.com/e/ep-190-integrating-character-backstories-with-rick-sandidge-of-find-the-path-ventures/ Episode 137 The Gap and Empty History - https://taking20.podbean.com/e/ep-137-lore-series-starfinder-gap-empty-history/ Episode 182 Campaigns Bigger Than the PCs - https://taking20.podbean.com/e/ep-182-campaigns-bigger-than-the-pcs/

The back to basics series takes things back to the fundamental principles of tabletop RPGs.  It’s so easy to get lost in the rules and mechanics of the game and forget these important lessons.     #pf2e #Pathfinder #gmtips #dmtips #dnd #rpg #backtobasics Resources: Matthew Colville - Language not Rules - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OIkwABECfR0 Ep 245 Unruly Players - https://taking20.podbean.com/e/ep-245-unruly-players/  Ep 47 Session 0 Guide for DMs  - https://taking20.podbean.com/e/ep-47-comprehensive-session-0-guide-for-dms/  Ep 219 Let Players Use New Abilities - https://taking20.podbean.com/e/ep-219-let-players-use-new-abilities/

Have you ever wanted to craft unforgettable recurring villains that will haunt your players' dreams? In this episode I’ll give you some secrets to making your big bads more than just one-dimensional threats and learn how to weave them seamlessly into your campaign for maximum impact.   #pf2e #Pathfinder #gmtips #dmtips #dnd #rpg #villains Resources: PF2e Core pg 66

There’s nothing wrong with the comfortable same old same old.  However, what if you want to become a better DM.  How do you start and what can that progression look like?  Give this episode a listen to find out. #pf2e #Pathfinder #gmtips #dmtips #dnd #rpg Resources: Episode 27 - Role vs Roll Playing Episode 184 - Preparing One Shots Episode 237 - Short vs Long Campaigns

Conflict is inevitable around the RPG table but that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t play the game or that you should shy away from it.  In this episode we talk about how conflict can manifest and what players and GMs can do about it.   #pf2e #Pathfinder #gmtips #dmtips #dnd #rpg #paizo #conflict #dnd #Wotc   Resources: Social Emotional Skills at the D&D Table:  https://www.youngdragonslayers.com/d-and-d-video-blog/dnd-social-emotional-skills   Examples of problem players https://www.cottageofeverything.com/blog/dealing-with-problem-players   Screen Rant - Chris Perkins and Jeremy Crawford Leave Dungeons and Dragons Design Team - https://screenrant.com/jeremy-crawford-chris-perkins-leaving-dnd-interview/  

Not all NPCs are created equal, or at least they shouldn’t be created that way.  There are some NPCs who are simply more important to your campaign?  Which ones and how should you treat them?  Give this episode a listen!   #pf2e #Pathfinder #gmtips #dmtips #dnd #rpg #npccore #npc #paizo Resources: Paizo NPC Core.  https://paizo.com/products/btq06x2l

Making 2 dimensional characters is easy.  Pick your ability scores, feats, equipment etc. but what if you want or need to make a deeper character to role play?  How do you do it?  In this episode I give your character just a few questions to add depth   #pf2e #Pathfinder #gmtips #dmtips #dnd #rpg #characterdesign #backstory

Should you let your baby shoot you down in RPG games?  Do you allow pistols and rifles in your world with dragons and gnomes?  If your immediate reaction is no, why?  In this episode I discuss guns in fantasy worlds and offer a brief review of the new Paizo book Guns and Gears Remastered.   Disclosure:  I did receive a PDF copy of the book for free but that never taints my review and I give you an honest take on the quality and value of the book.   #pf2e #Pathfinder #gmtips #dmtips #dnd #rpg #gunsinfantasy #GunsandGears Resources: Guns and Gears Remastered - https://paizo.com/products/btq05498