10 MAG 2024 · The DMs discuss the importance and practicality of third-party resources for game masters looking to enrich their role-playing experiences. They spotlight 'How to Write Adventure Modules That Don’t Suck' by Goodman Games, a collection of essays from 25 authors offering actionable advice on crafting compelling D&D adventures. While examining its applicability across different RPG systems, the hosts analyze its significance among essential GM tools, particularly for seasoned GMs aiming to refine their game design skills beyond standard modules and official D&D materials. The episode also touches on broader third-party publishing trends, highlights notable publishers like Kobold Press, and provides thoughtful insights on maintaining a balance between creativity and user-friendly adventure design. buy the book https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/182608/How-to-Write-Adventure-Modules-That-Dont-Suck?affiliate_id=2836000 tell us your favorite 3rd party book at helloadventurerspodcast@gmail.com

6 MAG 2024 · In this episode, the discussion centers around the Total Party Kill (TPK) scenario in role-playing games like Dungeons and Dragons, providing DMs with strategies to maintain the game narrative following the party's defeat. The conversation progresses from acknowledging character death as a significant aspect of gameplay to methods for avoiding a premature end to the campaign after a TPK occurs. Key tactics include scenarios such as the 'Left for Dead' situation, where characters are incapacitated instead of killed; 'Adventure in the Afterlife', where characters navigate challenges in the afterlife to return to the living world; and the 'It Was All a Dream' approach, offering a narrative reset. The hosts stress the importance of discussing character mortality and post-TPK game continuation during session zero to manage player attachment to characters, noting changes across different D&D editions. The episode wraps up with an invitation for listeners to share their own strategies for handling TPKs and other campaign obstacles. Tell us about your best (or worst) TPK! helloadventurerspodcast@gmail.com or helloadventurerspodcast.com/voice

3 MAG 2024 · In this episode of 'Hello Adventurers,' the DMs discuss a Dungeons and Dragons (D&D) horror story shared by REDDIT user bronze_soul24, titled 'DM invited me then didn't include me.' The story recounts the user's negative experience of being excluded from gameplay for most of a five-hour online D&D session due to poor DM management and player engagement. The hosts explore the challenges of introducing new characters into an ongoing game and stress the importance of including all players from the start. They offer advice on how DMs can better facilitate new player introductions using strategies like cutscenes, flashbacks, and direct inclusion to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience for everyone. The episode highlights the significance of communication, expectation setting, and creative storytelling in role-playing games. Original Post: https://www.reddit.com/r/dndhorrorstories/comments/1cb2qut/dm_invited_me_then_didnt_include_me/ Send us YOUR horror story! helloadventurerspodcast@gmail.com

29 APR 2024 · In this podcast episode, the hosts delve into the world of miniature painting for Dungeons & Dragons enthusiasts. They recount their personal journeys, from initial attempts as amateurs to honing their skills and discovering the joy of painting miniatures. The episode provides a comprehensive guide for beginners, covering essential supplies like paints, brushes, lighting setups, and miniature selections. Additionally, they touch on optional but beneficial tools such as miniature handles, magnifiers, and wet palettes. The hosts also discuss the advantages of having a dedicated painting space and introduce advanced tools like airbrushes and high-quality sable brushes for experienced painters. They stress the significance of community involvement in the hobby, offering suggestions on connecting with fellow painters through online platforms and local game stores. Practical tips for storing painted miniatures, as well as ideas for customization and kit-bashing, are shared to inspire creativity among listeners. Overall, the episode fosters a supportive atmosphere for listeners to exchange painting stories and tips, contributing to a thriving painting community. Jason's actual stuff:  Army painter start set: https://amzn.to/3xWSVdd Reaper starter set: https://amzn.to/4dt2Bwu Light with magnifier: https://amzn.to/3xUfgs3 Paint Puck water cup: https://amzn.to/3UbMfPK Paint palette: https://amzn.to/3UmwfdQ Brush Set: https://amzn.to/4aUdTYW Wood handle: https://amzn.to/3UCJb0J Tweezers: https://amzn.to/44mcLL8 Side cutters: https://amzn.to/49ZS6O9 X-acto knife: https://amzn.to/3xUfgIz Wet Palette: https://amzn.to/3wf5FLQ Desk: https://amzn.to/3WkchmF Heat gun: https://amzn.to/3Wpagpz Apron: https://amzn.to/3WpaqgF Paint storage: https://amzn.to/3JDDCIZ Airbrush: https://amzn.to/3UCJxo5 Mini storage: https://amzn.to/3y65Auj Size 1 sable brush: https://amzn.to/3xUjY94 tell us about your journey with miniature painting! helloadventurerspodcast@gmail.com or helloadventurerspodcast.com/voice

26 APR 2024 · In this episode of 'Hello Adventurers', the DMs engage in discussions about Dungeon Master Player Characters (DMPCs), various role-playing techniques, and the intricacies of balancing the roles of DM and player within a campaign. They draw distinctions between DMPCs, NPCs with heightened agency, and cohorts, highlighting the critical nature of player agency and the potential challenges that DMPCs can pose in overshadowing player characters. The episode also addresses listener questions on the utilization of accents and voices in role-playing, transitioning from a player to a DM role, and practical strategies for supporting new DMs. The hosts share personal stories and offer advice on enhancing the role-playing experience, cautioning against the misuse of DMPCs, and emphasizing the importance of respecting player choices and maintaining a player-centric approach in crafting game narratives. Send us your questions to helloadventurerspodcast@gmail.com or tell us yourself at helloadventurerspodcast.com/voice

22 APR 2024 · In this lively podcast episode, the DMs plunge into the Dungeons & Dragons universe, honing in on one of its most iconic and unpredictable creatures: the Mimic. The conversation kicks off with a fun chat about each host's beloved monster before delving deeply into the intricacies of Mimics.  The hosts share valuable insights into the Mimic's abilities, including its shape-shifting prowess, sticky nature, and tactical combat strategies. They highlight how Mimics can add an element of surprise and suspense to the game by masquerading as anything from a mundane object to a deadly threat. Emphasizing the role of creativity in game mastering, they discuss using Mimics to create psychological tension and present challenges that go beyond simple combat encounters.  The episode also explores various ways to enrich Mimic encounters through storytelling elements, strategic combat tactics, and interactions with other elements within the dungeon environment. Wrapping up with a call for listener engagement, the hosts invite feedback and anecdotes about their audience's most memorable Mimic encounters. TheMonstersKnow Mimic Tactics: https://www.themonstersknow.com/mimic-tactics/ DM Dave's Mimic Museum One-Shot (free version): https://dmdave.com/free-adventure-mimic-museum/ Tell us your craziest mimic story! helloadventurerspodcast@gmail.com or helloadventurerspodcast.com/voice

19 APR 2024 · In this episode of 'Hello, Adventurers', the DMs tackle a Redditor's intriguing query about a novel approach to running a role-playing game campaign, where every action and decision hinges on dice rolls. This concept sparks a lively discussion on player agency, the delicate balance between randomness and control in gaming, and how such a radical idea could potentially revolutionize or impede the traditional dynamics of a tabletop RPG like Dungeons & Dragons. The hosts delve into the ramifications of relinquishing decision-making authority to dice, contemplating its viability for short-term gameplay versus an entire campaign. They also explore broader themes of creativity, innovation, and the readiness to embrace new gaming systems when the usual methods start feeling monotonous. This episode encapsulates an in-depth exploration of the essence of role-playing games, grappling with the core of player choice and the exhilarating uncertainty of leaving fate in the hands of the dice. original story post: https://www.reddit.com/r/DnD/comments/1btabyt/he_wants_to_roll_for_everything/ send us your horror stories! helloadventurerspodcast@gmail.com

15 APR 2024 · In this episode of Hello Adventurers, hosts Jason Portizo, Joe McCall, and Jim Crocker discuss strategies for running mystery campaigns in Dungeons and Dragons. They tackle the challenges posed by D&D's pass-fail system for whodunits and explore three main approaches for game masters to construct engaging mysteries: 'The Pool of Clues' method, involving a fixed set of suspects and clues without pre-determining the culprit; 'The Emergent Solution', which encourages players to come up with their own solutions based on clues given, making the game highly interactive and player-driven; and 'Core Clues, Fixed Solution', a more traditional approach where the DM decides on the outcome but allows the players to discover it through gathering clues. The episode also touches on considerations for magic and divination in mystery settings, the importance of balancing clue distribution and engaging players in the investigative process, and navigating the challenges of high-level play where characters have access to complex problem-solving resources. The hosts share resources and pre-made games that incorporate mystery elements effectively, inviting listeners to engage further by sharing their mystery game experiences. Tell us about your favorite mysteries helloadventurerspodcast@gmail.com or send us a voicemail to helloadventurerspodcast.com/voice

12 APR 2024 · In this episode of Hello Adventurers, the dungeon masters dive into the world of third-party resources for Dungeons and Dragons and tabletop RPGs, with a special focus on 'Sly Flourish's Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master' by Mike Shea. The discussion takes a book club-style approach, shedding light on the significant role of third-party content creators and crowdfunded projects within the RPG community. The trio takes a closer look at 'Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master,' examining its structure, content, and practical value for Dungeon Masters. They highlight how this book serves as a valuable guide for streamlining game preparation, offering actionable insights that complement official guides. Whether you're a seasoned Dungeon Master or just starting out, this podcast episode emphasizes the importance of 'Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master' as an essential addition to every DM's toolkit, enhancing the quality and enjoyment of game sessions. Buy the book here: https://amzn.to/49xQj2K And the workbook: https://amzn.to/3TVsEDp and the companion: https://amzn.to/4aBgWF9 (affiliate links) tell us your favorite book and we'll add it to the book club: helloadventurerspodcast@gmail.com

8 APR 2024 · In this episode of 'Hello Adventurers', the DMs come together to share a treasure trove of practical tips aimed at accelerating gameplay in Dungeons & Dragons. These tips range from rolling attack and damage dice simultaneously to pairing new players with seasoned veterans, utilizing spell cards for quick reference, favoring average monster damage, consolidating monsters for streamlined management, maintaining transparency with target numbers, and reducing device usage during gameplay.  These strategies are meticulously crafted to enhance engagement and efficiency during sessions, allowing players to immerse themselves more deeply in the narrative and spend less time on mechanics. The hosts draw from their own experiences in implementing these tips, highlighting the tangible benefits of heightened player focus and accelerated session pace. Tell us your favorite time saving streategies at helloadventurerspodcast@gmail.com or tell us at helloadventurerespodcast.com/voice