Dads 'n Dragons

A Goblin, a Minotaur, and a Tiefling walk into a coliseum, but the fights get interrupted for something much bigger.  In this first episode we kick off a D&D campaign in the city-plane of Ravnica and explore what it's like to play D&D with your kids.  Listen along and you’ll hear unique takes on roleplaying, on problem solving, and dumb jokes that you can’t get anywhere else. Follow us on Twitter @dadsndragons for the latest updates. Email ryan@dadsndragons.com to connect. Some tips we learned in this episode:Find a setting your kids will really buy into.Kids are here just to play. Be forgiving of mistakes you think you might make. Not the main goal, but the game can be a great place to emphasize patience and encouraging each other. Magic the Gathering cards mentioned:  Grenzo, Dungeon WardenMusic credits:Song: Anthem - Color ParadeMusic provided by Ninety9LivesVideo: https://youtu.be/VIWIgQaeQAsDownload: http://99l.tv/anthemYU 

The gang gets out of a sticky situation, gets to know each other a little better, and gets a new mission from a mysterious official.  Some tips we learned in this episode:Include in your prep specific things to help them think about their characters (e.g. thought-provoking questions).Sometimes 'on-the rails' (heavily guided) adventures make for better experiences with younger players.Magic the Gathering cards mentioned: Krenko, Mob BossFollow us on Twitter @dadsndragons for the latest updates. Email ryan@dadsndragons.com to connect. Music credits:Song: Anthem - Color ParadeMusic provided by Ninety9LivesVideo: https://youtu.be/VIWIgQaeQAsDownload: http://99l.tv/anthemYU 

Our unlikely trio of heroes accepts a mission to find Krenko, a goblin mob boss, and bring him back to justice. Some tips we learned in this episode:The clues you think might be obvious are not always so obvious to your young players (or your older ones). Instead of getting frustrated and just giving it away, give them time to figure it out, or reward the player with the highest perception or insight roll with some extra hints. It's ok to fail. If it's a story critical plot point, then have a consequence and another option (or two) to move forward. If it's not critical then let them fail and move on. Magic the Gathering cards mentioned: Niv Mizzet Nicol BolasBorborygmosKrenko, Mob BossTin Street MarketFollow us on Twitter @dadsndragons for the latest updates. Email ryan@dadsndragons.com to connect. Music credits:Song: Anthem - Color ParadeMusic provided by Ninety9LivesVideo: https://youtu.be/VIWIgQaeQAsDownload: http://99l.tv/anthemYU 

The gang convinces Falish to lead them to the shipment drop-off so they can finally meet Krenko, but things don't go as smoothly as they plan. Some tips we learned in this episode:Be on the player's side too, don't give into the urge to always be the antagonist. Encourage creativity when you see it. Is D&D a great math tutor, you ask? Is 1d8+5 better than 1d10+3?Magic the Gathering cards mentioned: Krenko, Mob BossShattergang BrothersTin Street HooliganFollow us on Twitter @dadsndragons for the latest updates. Email ryan@dadsndragons.com to connect. Music credits:Song: Anthem - Color ParadeMusic provided by Ninety9LivesVideo: https://youtu.be/VIWIgQaeQAsDownload: http://99l.tv/anthemYU 

The trap to capture Krenko is sprung! Can Zofvys hold out until help arrives? Will Krenko get away? Will there be exploding goblins? This episode guaranteed to answer at least one of those questions.Some tips we learned in this episode:First level is just, the worst. Everyone has to start somewhere, I guess that's the point, but don't forget how low their hit points are at first level. Magic the Gathering cards mentioned: Krenko, Mob BossGoblin GrenadeFollow us on Twitter @dadsndragons for the latest updates. Email ryan@dadsndragons.com to connect. Music credits:Song: Anthem - Color ParadeMusic provided by Ninety9LivesVideo: https://youtu.be/VIWIgQaeQAsDownload: http://99l.tv/anthemYU 

Krenko is determined not to go back to prison, so it's going to take the skills of all three heroes to keep him from getting away. Tune in for part two of the warehouse fight here! Some tips we learned in this episode:Options, options, options. Don't leave your players stuck. If they are getting frustrated, maybe they just aren't visualizing everything you are. Try suggesting 2-3 options plus "or if you can think of anything better to do"Magic the Gathering cards mentioned: Krenko, Mob BossKrenko's CommandFollow us on Twitter @dadsndragons for the latest updates. Email ryan@dadsndragons.com to connect. Music credits:Song: Anthem - Color ParadeMusic provided by Ninety9LivesVideo: https://youtu.be/VIWIgQaeQAsDownload: http://99l.tv/anthemYU 

Invasion! Zofvys, Skylar, and Yarven enlist the help of dwarven cleric, Turlen, to save innocent citizens from zombie marauders. In the background, an epic battle between planeswalkers brings war to Ravnica.Some tips we learned in this episode:Get them involved, the game only works if people actually playLet players describe visual effects of magic or moves in a fightMagic the Gathering cards mentioned: Zombie Army (Token)Kiora, Behemoth BeckonerTamiyo, Collector of TalesFblthp the LostWar of the Spark Set (Spoilers!)War of the Spark Storyline (Spoilers!)Follow us on Twitter @dadsndragons for the latest updates. Email ryan@dadsndragons.com to connect. Music credits:Song: Anthem - Color ParadeMusic provided by Ninety9LivesVideo: https://youtu.be/VIWIgQaeQAsDownload: http://99l.tv/anthemYU 

Our heroes stand in awe as they realize legendary dragon Nicol Bolas has brought war to Ravnica. Outmatched, for now all they can do is run and survive. Amidst the chaos, they must defend the helpless against those with no mercy, both foreign and Ravnican. Some tips we learned in this episode:Scott! Turn on your microphone!Opposed Skill checks don’t get crits. Houserule it if you want, but be consistent.You can give two or three tries on skills, but assign a cost with each failure. Don't let it go on forever.Gotta keep track of these named NPC contacts, it’s hard, but worth it. What does Yarven really want to be? Maybe there is a change his future, Stay tuned!Magic the Gathering cards mentioned: Fblthp the LostKiora, Behemoth BeckonerTamiyo, Collector of TalesNicol Bolas, Dragon GodGod-Pharoah's StatueBolas's CitadelAwakening of Vitu-GhaziTotally LostEnter the God EternalsWar of the Spark Set (Spoilers!)War of the Spark Storyline (Spoilers!)Follow us on Twitter @dadsndragons for the latest updates. Email ryan@dadsndragons.com to connect. Music credits:Song: Anthem - Color ParadeMusic provided by Ninety9LivesVideo: https://youtu.be/VIWIgQaeQAsDownload: http://99l.tv/anthemYU 

Yarven tries to save some civilians, Skylar tries to save Yarven, Turlen tries to save the whole group, and Zofvys tries to save... Ravnica? Find out in the epic conclusion to the War of the Spark! Special Wrap up this episode with Scott (Turlen)!Magic the Gathering cards mentioned: Fblthp the LostJiang YangguMowu, Loyal CompanionDeathrite ShamanNicol Bolas, Dragon GodGideon BlackbladeUnlikely AidLiliana, Dreadhorde GeneralNiv-Mizzet RebornWar of the Spark Set (Spoilers!)War of the Spark Storyline (Spoilers!)Want to picture what was going on the whole time? Check out the War of the Spark set official trailerFollow us on Twitter @dadsndragons for the latest updates. Email ryan@dadsndragons.com to connect. Music credits:Song: Anthem - Color ParadeMusic provided by Ninety9LivesVideo: https://youtu.be/VIWIgQaeQAsDownload: http://99l.tv/anthemYU 

Turlen gets a request for aid from his neice, Fifiline, but it leads into the dangerous Gruul lands known as the Rubblebelt. Ryan learns that letting players name NPCs sometimes means he has to say "Fifiline" for several episodes. Special Wrap up this episode with Alex (Yarven)!Magic the Gathering cards mentioned: Zofvys has become an official Dimir InformantSelesnya GuildmageTransguild PromenadeGruul TurfFollow us on Twitter @dadsndragons for the latest updates. Email ryan@dadsndragons.com to connect. Music credits:Song: Anthem - Color ParadeMusic provided by Ninety9LivesVideo: https://youtu.be/VIWIgQaeQAsDownload: http://99l.tv/anthemYU 

The team's plan to deal with the druid spying on them launches with 'Step One: Jump him'.Some tips we learned in this episode:No need to one-up each other all the time. Working with each other can lead to more fun. Special Wrap up this episode with Jack (Skylar)!Magic the Gathering cards mentioned: FireboltCloak and DaggerClan GuildmageFollow us on Twitter @dadsndragons for the latest updates. Email ryan@dadsndragons.com to connect. Music credits:Song: Anthem - Color ParadeMusic provided by Ninety9LivesVideo: https://youtu.be/VIWIgQaeQAsDownload: http://99l.tv/anthemYU 

The group runs into trouble as they try to sneak into Rogar's camp. We learn that Yarven's war hammer makes a *bonk* noise.Some tips we learned in this episode:NPC voices can be fun!Feel like my descriptions of combat are getting better. Ask players to describe their actions too.You can also ask Players to help define history or setting background. It makes the setting more personal to them.When you are asking for player input, you also have to be prepared for the occasional answer like "Bonk"Special Wrap up this episode with BJ (Zofvys)!Magic the Gathering cards mentioned: Rubblebelt RaidersRubblebelt BoarFaith's ShieldFollow us on Twitter @dadsndragons for the latest updates. Email ryan@dadsndragons.com to connect. Music credits:Song: Anthem - Color ParadeMusic provided by Ninety9LivesVideo: https://youtu.be/VIWIgQaeQAsDownload: http://99l.tv/anthemYU 

Can our heroes survive the incursion into Rogar's camp? They've got one shot, because the challenge with Borborygmos is tomorrow!Some tips we learned in this episode:Really enjoyed the non-combat parts of this episode. There are still plenty of things to roll for out of combat, and getting to use skills is a great feature of the game. Take advantage!Level up! Get to third level as fast as possible. In my opinion, it's much more fun from there. Use alternate types or rewards too, like renown among their peers. Magic the Gathering cards mentioned: Master BiomancerRogar is probably  a Treasonous Ogreor a Brawl-Bash OgreIntimidationBorborygmosFollow us on Twitter @dadsndragons for the latest updates. Email ryan@dadsndragons.com to connect. Music credits:Song: Anthem - Color ParadeMusic provided by Ninety9LivesVideo: https://youtu.be/VIWIgQaeQAsDownload: http://99l.tv/anthemYU 

It's time for the midwinter festival, but an Orzhov lawyer has a plan to put an end to all the festivities! Tune in for this special double-length holiday episode and see if the heroes of the War of the Spark can save the Midwinter Queen as well.Special ending interview with a new guest player and brand new father! Stick around for some insight from Jason on the early days of D&D on military bases in the 80s. Follow us on Twitter @dadsndragons for the latest updates. Email ryan@dadsndragons.com to connect. Music credits:Song: 'Tis the SeasonProduced by: MookeyDownload: https://soundcloud.com/mookey-731780075/tis-the-season

A clash in the Gateway Plaza pits the heroes against not two, but three feuding guilds!Goals for this year:Better and better NPCsMore balancing role-play with combat, even during combatLet the kids start advancing character arcsMagic the Gathering cards mentioned: Riot ControlYeva, Nature’s HeraldFollow us on Twitter @dadsndragons for the latest updates. Email ryan@dadsndragons.com to connect. Music credits:Song: Anthem - Color ParadeMusic provided by Ninety9LivesVideo: https://youtu.be/VIWIgQaeQAsDownload: http://99l.tv/anthemYU 

With three guilds at each other's throats and reporters watching, will "Guild War!" be tomorrow's headline? Our normally brash heroes have to think fast and talk faster to get themselves out of this jam. Some tips we learned in this episode:Consequences - allow chances for kids to consider the consequences of their actions. Having a spectator watching them is a good way to do that. Magic the Gathering cards mentioned: Peace talksYeva, Nature’s HeraldFollow us on Twitter @dadsndragons for the latest updates. Email ryan@dadsndragons.com to connect. Music credits:Song: Anthem - Color ParadeMusic provided by Ninety9LivesVideo: https://youtu.be/VIWIgQaeQAsDownload: http://99l.tv/anthemYU 

The group investigates a strange entry found in Talia's notebook and tries to stop a magical killer from striking again. Some tips we learned in this episode:Recurring NPCs are the lifeblood of a fun, memorable campaign, homegrown or pre-written module. Magic the Gathering cards mentioned: Nightshade AssassinFollow us on Twitter @dadsndragons for the latest updates. Email ryan@dadsndragons.com to connect. Music credits:Song: Anthem - Color ParadeMusic provided by Ninety9LivesVideo: https://youtu.be/VIWIgQaeQAsDownload: http://99l.tv/anthemYU Song: Dark Alleys - Kai EngleDownload available at Free Music Archive

Talia leads the way into the underbelly of Ravnica to hunt down Ludmilla, last surviving member of the Sisters of the Stone Death.Some tips we learned in this episode:Railroad style campaigns don't have to mean no choices, no fun.Take a time out to let players plan and prepareRemember the contract, DM's decide "what" players decide "how"Magic the Gathering cards mentioned: Nightshade AssassinSisters of Stone DeathFollow us on Twitter @dadsndragons for the latest updates. Email ryan@dadsndragons.com to connect. Music credits:Song: Anthem - Color ParadeMusic provided by Ninety9LivesVideo: https://youtu.be/VIWIgQaeQAsDownload: http://99l.tv/anthemYU Song: A Dark Blue Arc - PC IIIDownload available at Free Music Archive

The party faces death by petrification as they confront the gorgon, Ludmilla, in the Golgari underbelly of Ravnica.Some tips we learned in this episode:Raise tension by targeting player's favorite NPCsRoleplaying games to increase teamwork and friendship? Yep, and it's awesome.Magic the Gathering cards mentioned: Nightshade AssassinSisters of Stone DeathWill-o-the-WispFollow us on Twitter @dadsndragons for the latest updates. Email ryan@dadsndragons.com to connect. Music credits:Song: Anthem - Color ParadeMusic provided by Ninety9LivesVideo: https://youtu.be/VIWIgQaeQAsDownload: http://99l.tv/anthemYU Song: A Dark Blue Arc - PC IIIDownload available at Free Music Archive

The Tenth District colosseum has been rebuilt, but strange events surrounding its grand re-opening have our heroes suspicious. Also in this episode, I totally lie to the players so they don't spoil something. I'm not telling you what it is either!Some tips we learned in this episode:Allowing players to choose elements is a great way to build investment in the story. Magic the Gathering cards mentioned: Goat TokenCat TokenChagrach (from Nettling Curse)Juri (from Act of Treason)Follow us on Twitter @dadsndragons for the latest updates. Email ryan@dadsndragons.com to connect. Music credits:Song: Anthem - Color ParadeMusic provided by Ninety9LivesVideo: https://youtu.be/VIWIgQaeQAsDownload: http://99l.tv/anthemYU Song: Floating Cities by Kevin MacLeodLink: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3765-floating-citiesLicense: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/