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September 19, 2024 23 mins

Text us, Psyclithids

In this episode, Robert Walker, author of 'Sessions Zero: The DMG to Writing Great Campaigns in Any System,' explores the emotional impact and psychology behind character death in tabletop role-playing games. He delves into the concept of willful suspension of disbelief, originally discussed by Samuel Coleridge, and why it plays a crucial role in how players experience grief and loss during gameplay. Walker offers insights on managing these emotions, fostering meaningful character deaths, and suggests practical tips for Dungeon Masters to incorporate these moments into their campaigns effectively while providing hope and continuity for players. The episode emphasizes the importance of using role-playing as a tool for practicing real-life emotional experiences and highlights the balance between narrative immersion and player enjoyment.

00:00 Introduction to Character Death
00:41 The Psychology Behind Character Death
01:34 Emotional Impact on Players
02:21 Grieving Process in Role-Playing Games
04:17 Benefits of Experiencing Character Death
05:28 Embracing Character Death in Campaigns
06:27 Memorable Moments of Sacrifice
13:56 Making Death Meaningful in Your Games
16:54 Tips for Handling Character Death
21:37 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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Session Zero

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Email: DungeonsDragonsPsychology@gmail.com

Website: http://www.dungeonsdragonspsychology.com

LinkTree https://linktr.ee/dungeonsdragonspsychology

My Etsy Shop https://www.etsy.com/shop/Games4Games

Amazon Link to Session Zero https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BL52LB1X

Amazon Link to The Player’s Handbook for Real Life https://a.co/d/5x6PSLm


Amazon Link to The Art of Living Fully https://a.co/d/3h32fC0


Amazon Link to The Little Book of Daily Rituals https://a.co/d/eRYMEFR

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