Dungeon Guides

This time we address a hot button issue for many players and GM’s alike, and that’s banning elements of TTRPG play. We’ll take a look at the what, why, when, and how GM’s might make that decision, and offer some insights and advice regarding bans and why they might be issued.

The basic question being asked in this episode is “What does this level-up look like?” Not meant to be a “how you should play” as much as an additional tool in your TTRPG kit to be used if you like. We explore what leveling up feels like in D&D-like systems as related to story/RP-based elements of character growth.

We’re hitting the monster workshop this episode, taking a look at what approaches might inspire and motivate GM’s in homebrewing foes. Moving away from sourcebooks and established lore can be a very daunting prospect, but one doesn’t have to re-invent the wheel in order to bring fresh blood to your combat encounters.

We take another look at one of our favorite systems, one which stole our attention for nearly a year. Back again to TSR’s Marvel Super Heroes, featuring the FASERIP Attribute array which is so iconic for this great old-school system. We gush and rave as we share stories and delights from one of the most “sandbox” systems this GM has experienced.

Always a solid choice for some comic relief and uncanny hijinx, gnomes and halflings often provide great satisfaction from both a roleplay aspect, and as far as interesting traits and abilities. Carrying on with our examination of the various lineages available in 5e D&D, we find ourselves facing the pluckiest, luckiest, and clever---est beings of them all.

In this episode we talk about spell slots and how they’ve changed from the original Vancian magic developed by Gygax & company. We perhaps shed some light on what can seem like a very abstracted mechanic or reasoning to how and why spell slots work like they do.

Another installment in our lineage/heritage/race examinations brings us to Dwarves and Half-Elves. From one people, created by their god in the perfect image.. to those born with the privilege of Elven blood (or the curse of a shorter lifespan), we dive into what makes Dwarves Dwarves, and Half-Elves the most popular ones in your average tavern.

Sometimes in TTRPGs (and in many other types of game), some elements, mechanics, or values may be approximated or abbreviated so as to not get bogged down in too much minutia, nuance, or calculation. Hit points are probably the biggest culprit of this phenomenon, and we take a look at “what Hit Point loss looks like.” What does a health bar or HP pool represent? What does it mean to have more HPs than someone else?

We begin another discussion series with taking a look at the core heritages/lineages/races in D&D, with our first installation covering humans and elves. Also, how one of them has been revamped over the years in order to make them more desirable selections for PCs.

Language barriers are some of the most significant obstacles when it comes to engaging civilization and sentient beings. Without a means of sharing information in a meaningful manner, we are left with pantomimes and crude imagery. The distinctions necessary for intelligent discourse rely upon a shared basis for which to continue exploring ideas. Use of varied and nuanced language can be an invaluable aspect of TTRPG gaming.

One of the things you can count on regarding secret vaults, villainous hideouts, and top-shelf burial chambers is that the designers don’t want you in there. This week we’re talking about one of the primary means for thwarting would-be looters or defilers.. and that’s traps. Nasty, ingenious, dastardly means with which to end the lives of all who dare to take what doesn’t belong to them.

Join us as we delve into the topic of mega-dungeons, and one of the simplest railroads to present your players. Sometimes the thrill of delving and procuring vast wealth and power is incentive enough to draw your PCs into a massive dungeon crawl. We will give our hot takes on what makes these monstrous crawls compelling, interesting, and challenging for your table.

In this episode we take a look at the monk; a classic and well-traveled class, loved by many and hated by as many GM’s. A nice step away from the more gear-dependent classes, monks have a unique take on martial supremacy as compared to their more weapon-dependent peers in the DPS field. A blend of physical damage output, insane skill, and access to supernatural abilities make the monk a versatile class to play.

Brawny, bare-chested, big-beef-boy, brawler, barbarian. Is there anything wrong with that sentence? We think not! If might makes right, then this class is right on.. dude. Nothing beats beefcake bad-asses borne upon the beef they got with you, your horse, or even simply the terrible pattern in the tile-work of the temple-turned-battleground.