Welcome back! I'm joined by fellow Englishman Austin, a.k.a. AC Whikcom, to discuss how to translate concepts and ideas into your TTRPG settings. Austin takes us through how to take those errant thoughts you have at 3am and turn them into publishable content worldwide, with a spattering of anecdotes throughout. We also criticise the language bloat of D&D 5e, and conclude that having a million random, niche languages that only one creature speaks probably doesn't add much value!

• 02:48 - From Brain to Page
• 15:41 - A Creative Journey
• 37:51 - The Language Problem
• 49:21 - Self-Publishing
• 53:56 - Genre Remixing

Buy Dead Surprise on Amazon!

Find Austin on:

• Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/A-C-Whikcom/author/B0CHWCZHT2
• Waterstones: https://www.waterstones.com/book/dead-surprise/a-c-whikcom/9781803528717
• Website: https://www.acwhikcom.co.uk/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/The-Lands-of-Ferox/100086909630678/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/landsofferox/

Find Thinking Critically online:

• Website: https://www.thinkingcritically.co.uk
• Socials: @ThinkCritDnD
• Dungeons, Dice, & Dudes: https://linktr.ee/DDandD

Patrons:

• Tabletop Journeys @ttjourneys: https://ttjourneys.com/
• Joe from The Fourth Leg @jcd0818: https://anchor.fm/james-h-anderson
• Optional Rule @optionalrule: https://www.optionalrule.com/
• Matt Street @mpstreet88: https://www.virtualtimehustle.com/

Intro Music: 'Local Forecast' by Kevin MacLeod
Intermission Music: 'Chill' by Kevin MacLeod
Outro Music: 'Local Forecast - Elevator' by Kevin MacLeod

Podcast art by Lily from https://www.facebook.com/beiworkshop

It's my pleasure to welcome back to the show a previous guest from the Generations episode, Mikey! What I had intended to be a "how characters can influence the campaign" discussion, quickly turned into what makes us tick, where we get inspiration from, and the people who've supported us along the way. Listen for titbits on how to conscientiously crib from popular culture and advice on finding our own DM soundboard.

• 02:00 - The Sub/Conscious Real World
• 29:31 - Art Rather than Science
• 36:52 - The Thinking Critically Effect

Find Thinking Critically online:

• Website: https://www.thinkingcritically.co.uk
• Socials: @ThinkCritDnD
• Dungeons, Dice, & Dudes: https://linktr.ee/DDandD

References:

• 'Generations' episode of Thinking Critically
• 'Ravenloft' episode of Thinking Critically

Patrons:

• Tabletop Journeys @ttjourneys: https://ttjourneys.com/
• Joe from The Fourth Leg @jcd0818: https://anchor.fm/james-h-anderson
• Optional Rule @optionalrule: https://www.optionalrule.com/
• Matt Street @mpstreet88: https://www.virtualtimehustle.com/

Intro Music: 'Local Forecast' by Kevin MacLeod
Intermission Music: 'Chill' by Kevin MacLeod
Outro Music: 'Local Forecast - Elevator' by Kevin MacLeod

Podcast art by Lily from https://www.facebook.com/beiworkshop

I'm joined once again by John from Double Fox Gaming, but this time, he's bought reinforcements! It's my pleasure to also host Glenn, Matt, and Mike to discuss the legacy of Dungeons & Dragons. The guys take us through five generations of play, and how the wishes of one character can have cascading effects decades later. We hear the epic parable of The Abyss Donkey, which is ultimately a lesson in how gaming can bring us all together, no matter the circumstances.

• 04:27 - Harn's Legacy
• 14:27 - Inheriting the Hobby
• 32:28 - The Abyss Donkey (TM)
• 51:01 - Maturing Attitudes
• 57:48 - How the Game has Changed

Find John on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doublefoxgaming/

Find Thinking Critically online:

• Website: https://www.thinkingcritically.co.uk
• Socials: @ThinkCritDnD
• Dungeons, Dice, & Dudes: https://linktr.ee/DDandD

References:

• 'Ravenloft' episode of Thinking Critically
• '123s of D&D' by Ivan Van Norman and Wizards RPG Team, ISBN-10: 0786966688
• 'ABCs of D&D' by Ivan Van Norman and Wizards RPG Team, ISBN-10: 0786966661

Patrons:

• Tabletop Journeys @ttjourneys: https://ttjourneys.com/
• Joe from The Fourth Leg @jcd0818: https://anchor.fm/james-h-anderson
• Optional Rule @optionalrule: https://www.optionalrule.com/
• Matt Street @mpstreet88: https://www.virtualtimehustle.com/

Intro Music: 'Local Forecast' by Kevin MacLeod
Intermission Music: 'Chill' by Kevin MacLeod
Outro Music: 'Local Forecast - Elevator' by Kevin MacLeod

Podcast art by Lily from https://www.facebook.com/beiworkshop

We're back! And this time joined by Anya, a.k.a. La Lionne Cosplay, to discuss immersion in your TTRPGs. Anya shares her experience as a Pro-GM on ways to truly pull your players into the game, no matter the system or medium.

• 04:29 - Remote vs. In Person
• 12:41 - “Acting Is What You Do When You’re Not Saying Lines”
• 21:09 - Filling the Space
• 33:25 - Soft Edges
• 50:47 - Toggling that Role Play Brain

Tale of the Manticore: https://taleofthemanticore.podbean.com/

Find Anya on:

• Twitter: https://twitter.com/lalionnecosplay
• Itch.io: https://lalionnepublishing.itch.io/mountaintop-isolation
• StartPlaying: https://startplaying.games/gm/lalionne

Find Thinking Critically online:

• Website: https://www.thinkingcritically.co.uk
• Socials: @ThinkCritDnD
• Dungeons, Dice, & Dudes: https://linktr.ee/DDandD

References:

• Aether: https://eldritchcrow.itch.io/aether-a-heroic-fantasy-rpg
• Ramona a.k.a. Alderdoodle: https://twitter.com/alderdoodle
• Under the Floorboards: https://loottheroom.itch.io/under-the-floorboards

Patrons:

• Tabletop Journeys @ttjourneys: https://ttjourneys.com/
• Joe from The Fourth Leg @jcd0818: https://anchor.fm/james-h-anderson
• Optional Rule @optionalrule: https://www.optionalrule.com/
• Matt Street @mpstreet88: https://www.virtualtimehustle.com/

Dial-up modem 'Modron voice' sound from BBC Sound Effects: ⁠https://sound-effects.bbcrewind.co.uk/search?q=07070097

Intro Music: 'Local Forecast' by Kevin MacLeod
Intermission Music: 'Chill' by Kevin MacLeod
Outro Music: 'Local Forecast - Elevator' by Kevin MacLeod

Podcast art by Lily from https://www.beiworkshop.com/

For this productive episode I'm joined by Sarah, CEO of Girls Run these Worlds, who's hear to share her knowledge and experience on how to produce top quality TTPRG content. No matter your reach or experience, there is always opportunity for growth and learning, so we cover some typical gotchas and best practice to help you get off the starting block!

• 02:19 - Best Practice & GRtW History
• 27:40 - From Casual to Professional
• 46:18 - Live Production Considerations

Find Sarah from Girls Run these Worlds on:

• Girls Run These Worlds Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/girlsruntheseworlds
• Girls Run These Worlds Twitter: https://twitter.com/girlsrunworlds
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/SMooreAD

Find Thinking Critically online:

• Website: https://www.thinkingcritically.co.uk
• Socials: @ThinkCritDnD
• Dungeons, Dice, & Dudes: https://linktr.ee/DDandD

References:

• Foozca on Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/foozca

Patrons:

• Tabletop Journeys @ttjourneys: https://ttjourneys.com/
• Joe from The Fourth Leg @jcd0818: https://anchor.fm/james-h-anderson
• Optional Rule @optionalrule: https://www.optionalrule.com/
• Matt Street @mpstreet88: https://www.virtualtimehustle.com/

Intro Music: 'Local Forecast' by Kevin MacLeod
Intermission Music: 'Chill' by Kevin MacLeod
Outro Music: 'Local Forecast - Elevator' by Kevin MacLeod

Podcast art by Lily from https://www.beiworkshop.com/

John Gent, DM of our D&D one-shot from the RPGaming Faversham event, joins us to discuss everything and anything about his favourite Dungeons & Dragons setting.

• 03:04 - History of Ravenloft
• 21:42 - Responsive Bleakness
• 33:53 - Delineating "Depression"
• 42:43 - Integrating Ravenloft into your Campaign

Find Thinking Critically online:

• Website: https://www.thinkingcritically.co.uk
• Socials: @ThinkCritDnD
• Dungeons, Dice, & Dudes: https://linktr.ee/DDandD

Patrons:

• Tabletop Journeys @ttjourneys: https://ttjourneys.com/
• Joe from The Fourth Leg @jcd0818: https://anchor.fm/james-h-anderson
• Optional Rule @optionalrule: https://www.optionalrule.com/
• Matt Street @mpstreet88: https://www.virtualtimehustle.com/

Intro Music: 'Local Forecast' by Kevin MacLeod
Intermission Music: 'Chill' by Kevin MacLeod
Outro Music: 'Local Forecast - Elevator' by Kevin MacLeod

Podcast art by Lily from https://www.beiworkshop.com/

I'm once again joined by Philippa Mort who previously joined us on the Aesthetic⁠ episode back in season 2. This time it's to chat about confidence and taking risks when it comes to experimenting with new systems, characters, and homebrew. Philippa shares her experience in MÖRK BORG & Mausritter, and the best ways to incorporate design features you vibe with into existing campaigns.

• 06:08 - Taking Risks
• 25:00 - Stuck in a Rut
• 31:07 - Retcon & Homebrew
• 37:49 - The Design Intent of Systems

Find Philippa on:

• Linktree: https://linktr.ee/PhilippaMort
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/MortPhilippa
• D8 Dungeon: https://www.twitch.tv/d8dungeon
• Glitter Hearts: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rvMvyeiFTCE
• DMs Guild: https://www.dmsguild.com/browse.php?author=Philippa%20Mort&page=1&sort=4a?affiliate_id=2197041
• DriveThruRPG: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse/pub/18041/Philippa-Mort?affiliate_id=2197041
• itch.io: https://philippa-mort.itch.io

Find Thinking Critically online:

• Website: https://www.thinkingcritically.co.uk
• Socials: @ThinkCritDnD
• Dungeons, Dice, & Dudes: https://linktr.ee/DDandD

References:

• 'Aesthetic' episode of Thinking Critically

Patrons:

• Tabletop Journeys @ttjourneys: https://ttjourneys.com/
• Joe from The Fourth Leg @jcd0818: https://anchor.fm/james-h-anderson
• Optional Rule @optionalrule: https://www.optionalrule.com/
• Matt Street @mpstreet88: https://www.virtualtimehustle.com/

Intro Music: 'Local Forecast' by Kevin MacLeod
Intermission Music: 'Chill' by Kevin MacLeod
Outro Music: 'Local Forecast - Elevator' by Kevin MacLeod

Podcast art by Lily from https://www.beiworkshop.com/

It's my pleasure to welcome back to the show Josh, Lewanika, and Glen, the inimitable hosts of my sister podcast Tabletop Journeys. They share their wealth of experience with building engaging and interesting factions, enabling more engaging and rewarding settings! There's some odd video things going on in this one; every episode I learn something new! Please accept my apologies as it hopefully shouldn't happen again.

• 11:14 - Worldbuilding via 'Show, don't Tell'
• 26:33 - Interacting with Player Backstories
• 39:21 - Building Factions as Nuanced as Player Characters Can Be
• 01:08:43 - Roleplaying within the Framework of a Faction

Find Tabletop Journeys on:

• Website: https://ttjourneys.com/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/ttjourneys
• Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ttjourneys

Find Thinking Critically online:

• Website: https://www.thinkingcritically.co.uk
• Socials: @ThinkCritDnD
• Dungeons, Dice, & Dudes: https://linktr.ee/DDandD

References:

• 'Star Trek Adventures' by Modiphius

Patrons:

• Tabletop Journeys @ttjourneys: https://ttjourneys.com/
• Joe from The Fourth Leg @jcd0818: https://anchor.fm/james-h-anderson
• Optional Rule @optionalrule: https://www.optionalrule.com/
• Matt Street @mpstreet88: https://www.virtualtimehustle.com/

Intro Music: 'Local Forecast' by Kevin MacLeod
Intermission Music: 'Chill' by Kevin MacLeod
Outro Music: 'Local Forecast - Elevator' by Kevin MacLeod

Podcast art by Lily from https://www.beiworkshop.com/

We're back after a short, unscheduled break to discuss burnout with fan of the show and Warhammer sensei, Harry Cowdrey. Having both suffered from DM burnout in the past, as I'm sure most DMs have, we talk through what we can now identify as the early warning signs that it's about to set in. Prevention rather than cure is of course the solution though, so understanding why it's happening is critical. Thankfully, this episode contains several tricks for dealing with DM burnout. The other side of the coin is just as valid, though, so we round out the episode tackling the unique predicament of player burnout, and how that affects the game.

• 03:07 - Red Flags of DM Burnout
• 24:04 - Weight of Responsibility
• 42:46 - Benefits & Bullets
• 55:39 - Player Burnout

Find Harry on Twitter: https://twitter.com/harrycowdrey

Find Thinking Critically online:

• Website: https://www.thinkingcritically.co.uk
• Socials: @ThinkCritDnD
• Dungeons, Dice, & Dudes: https://linktr.ee/DDandD

References:

• https://www.vice.com/en/article/padk7z/how-inmates-play-tabletop-rpgs-in-prisons-where-dice-are-contraband

Patrons:

• Tabletop Journeys @ttjourneys: https://ttjourneys.com/
• Joe from The Fourth Leg @jcd0818: https://anchor.fm/james-h-anderson
• Optional Rule @optionalrule: https://www.optionalrule.com/
• Matt Street @mpstreet88: https://www.virtualtimehustle.com/

Intro Music: 'Local Forecast' by Kevin MacLeod
Intermission Music: 'Chill' by Kevin MacLeod
Outro Music: 'Local Forecast - Elevator' by Kevin MacLeod

Podcast art by Lily from https://www.beiworkshop.com/

Charity Donation Page: https://justgiving.com/fundraising/sl-gameon23

Charity Stream: https://www.twitch.tv/thinkcritdnd

This episode was recorded live at the RPGaming Faversham event on 18th March 2023, organised by Boys from the Baltic Star. The first half was recorded with The Keeper of our Cult of Cthulhu TTRPG session moments before starting, while the second half catches us as we recover from the horrors we experienced.

• 05:21 - Pre-game Intros and Explanations
• 11:16 - Post-game Therapy

Find Steve at:

• Broadside Game Show: https://www.miltonhundred.com/broadside

Find Thinking Critically online:

• Website: https://www.thinkingcritically.co.uk
• Socials: @ThinkCritDnD
• Dungeons, Dice, & Dudes: https://linktr.ee/DDandD

References:

• Call of Cthulhu by Chaosium: https://www.chaosium.com/call-of-cthulhu-getting-started/
• Dice & Destiny: https://diceanddestiny.co.uk/
• Dead Light: https://www.chaosium.com/dead-light-and-other-dark-turns-pdf/
• 'Integrity' episode of Thinking Critically: https://www.thinkingcritically.co.uk/integrity/
• 'Experience' episode of Thinking Critically: https://www.thinkingcritically.co.uk/experience/

Patrons:

• Tabletop Journeys @ttjourneys: https://ttjourneys.com/
• Joe from The Fourth Leg @jcd0818: https://anchor.fm/james-h-anderson
• Optional Rule @optionalrule: https://www.optionalrule.com/
• Matthew Perkins @heyitsMattyP: https://www.matthewperkins.net/
• Matt Street @mpstreet88: https://www.virtualtimehustle.com/

Intro Music: 'Local Forecast' by Kevin MacLeod
Transition Music: 'Digital City Lights Loop' from the Anime Attack Pack 01 by Aaron Richards Audio
Outro Music: 'Local Forecast - Elevator' by Kevin MacLeod

Podcast art by Lily from https://www.beiworkshop.com/

*Minor Outer Wilds spoilers in this episode*

I'm joined by Michael K. Ross from The RPG Academy to talk how to design enthralling and fair mysteries, puzzles, and enigmas.

Action 12 Cinema Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/therpgacademy/action-12-cinema

12-Hour Charity Stream for Naomi House: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/sl-gameon23

• 04:24 - There’s Been a Murder!
• 12:54 - Crafting Rewarding Mysteries
• 29:53 - Implicit Trust and the Beauty of Experimentation
• 45:35 - Building a Thematic Setting
• 55:33 - Quickfire Tips

Find Michael on:

• Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheRpgAcademy
• Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/therpgacademy/action-12-cinema
• Website: www.therpgacademy.com
• AcadeCon: http://www.acadecon.com/

Find Thinking Critically online:

• Website: https://www.thinkingcritically.co.uk
• Socials: @ThinkCritDnD
• Dungeons, Dice, & Dudes: https://linktr.ee/DDandD

References:

• GUMSHOE: https://pelgranepress.com/2018/02/14/gumshoe/
• Brindlewood bay: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/410316/Brindlewood-Bay-Kickstarter-Edition

Patrons:

• Tabletop Journeys @ttjourneys: https://ttjourneys.com/
• Joe from The Fourth Leg @jcd0818: https://anchor.fm/james-h-anderson
• Optional Rule @optionalrule: https://www.optionalrule.com/
• Matthew Perkins @heyitsMattyP: https://www.matthewperkins.net/
• Matt Street @mpstreet88: https://www.virtualtimehustle.com/

Intro Music: 'Local Forecast' by Kevin MacLeod
Intermission Music: 'Chill' by Kevin MacLeod
Outro Music: 'Local Forecast - Elevator' by Kevin MacLeod

Podcast art by Lily from https://www.beiworkshop.com/

CW: Slavery

I'm joined by Ben, Ewan, and Luke from the Boys from the Baltic Star Traveller stream to discuss some of the many different definitions of integrity in TTRPGs. Nothing is off the table as we share tips on building memorable heroes and villains with strong identities in logically consistent settings, along with the meta-topic of how to stay true to oneself in the competitive and ever changing content creation market. Apologies for the technical difficulties in this one, leaving us with just Ben!

• 03:30 - Being Honest with the Game
• 17:52 - The Nature of Evil & The Villainy Scale
• 40:39 - Logical Internal Consistency
• 52:19 - Staying True to Yourself

RPGaming Faversham 2023

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rpgaming-faversham-2023-tickets-472241295427

Find The Boys on:

• Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/boysfromthebalticstar
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/BoysBaltic
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@boysfromthebalticstar1656

Find Thinking Critically online:

• Website: https://www.thinkingcritically.co.uk
• Socials: @ThinkCritDnD
• Dungeons, Dice, & Dudes: https://linktr.ee/DDandD

References:

• 'Fudging' episode of Thinking Critically

Patrons:

• Tabletop Journeys @ttjourneys: https://ttjourneys.com/
• Joe from The Fourth Leg @jcd0818: https://anchor.fm/james-h-anderson
• Optional Rule @optionalrule: https://www.optionalrule.com/
• Matthew Perkins @heyitsMattyP: https://www.matthewperkins.net/
• Matt Street @mpstreet88: https://www.virtualtimehustle.com/

Intro Music: 'Local Forecast' by Kevin MacLeod
Intermission Music: 'Chill' by Kevin MacLeod
Outro Music: 'Local Forecast - Elevator' by Kevin MacLeod

Podcast art by Lily from https://www.beiworkshop.com/

“I found them all. I won."

Finally, I welcome George from our 'Dungeons, Dice, and Dudes' actual play podcast to discuss how to build adventures, and why it's important to define one. No matter if you're top-down or bottom-up, there always needs to be that call to adventure, a catalyst, and the form that takes can drastically alter the theme and direction of a campaign. Giving your players that Elden Ring moment is all about the "scale in detail"; having a wide enough pond to splash around in with just enough depth to make it worthwhile.

• 03:48 - The 'Breath of the Wild' Moment
• 14:40 - Call to Adventure
• 25:47 - Worldbuilding
• 40:49 - Character Motivations
• 51:01 - Fighting DM Anxiety

Find George on Dungeons, Dice, and Dudes: https://linktr.ee/DDandD

Find Thinking Critically online:

• Website: https://www.thinkingcritically.co.uk
• Socials: @ThinkCritDnD

References:

• 'Conflict' episode of Thinking Critically with Rob (Ulysses)
• 'Time' episode of Thinking Critically with Tim (Ulrik)
• 'Macro' episode of Thinking Critically with Nathan (DM)
• 'Happiness' episode of Thinking Critically with Simon (Owain)

Patrons:

• Tabletop Journeys @ttjourneys: https://ttjourneys.com/
• Joe from The Fourth Leg @jcd0818: https://anchor.fm/james-h-anderson
• Optional Rule @optionalrule: https://www.optionalrule.com/
• Matthew Perkins @heyitsMattyP: https://www.matthewperkins.net/
• Matt Street @mpstreet88: https://www.virtualtimehustle.com/

Intro Music: 'Local Forecast' by Kevin MacLeod
Intermission Music: 'Chill' by Kevin MacLeod
Outro Music: 'Local Forecast - Elevator' by Kevin MacLeod

Podcast art by Lily from https://www.beiworkshop.com/

This episode I'm joined by Harlen Ogni, DM of previous guest Aaron's Games and prolific worldbuilder, with a staggering 250,000 words on World Anvil! Harlen joins me to to chat about our approaches to worldbuilding and what drives us to put pen to paper.

• 02:52 - Catharsis
• 13:22 - Letting Go of Your World
• 31:34 - Environmental Storytelling
• 46:03 - Of Gods and Kings

Find Harlen on Twitter: https://twitter.com/OgniHarlen

Find Thinking Critically online:

• Website: https://www.thinkingcritically.co.uk
• Socials: @ThinkCritDnD
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ThinkCritDnD
• Dungeons, Dice, & Dudes: https://linktr.ee/DDandD

References:

• World Anvil worldbuilding tools
• 'Chaos' episode of Thinking Critically

Patrons:

• Joe from The Fourth Leg @jcd0818: https://anchor.fm/james-h-anderson
• Optional Rule @optionalrule: https://www.optionalrule.com/
• Matthew Perkins @mperkinsDM: https://www.matthewperkins.net/
• Matt Street @mpstreet88: https://www.virtualtimehustle.com/

Intro Music: 'Local Forecast' by Kevin MacLeod
Intermission Music: 'Chill' by Kevin MacLeod
Outro Music: 'Local Forecast - Elevator' by Kevin MacLeod

Podcast art by Lily from https://www.beiworkshop.com/

The sky is falling! It's my pleasure to welcome back Matthew Perkins to discuss this months HOT TOPIC: the "leaked" snippets of the alleged OGL 1.1. Disclosure: this episode was recorded on 7th January, we are not lawyer or legal experts, and neither of us have any official affiliation with WotC or Hasbro, nor any familial connection to Christopher Perkins! Through that lens we take a satirical but earnest look at the alleged OGL 1.1, what it means for each of us and the future of the hobby, while trying to avoid the overwhelming doom and gloom.

• 06:41 - Ownership Troubles & The Squeeze
• 20:20- Tinfoil Hat Retroactive Action
• 31:13 - The Money Men
• 40:02 - Critical RoGL
• 50:08 - Sentimental Copyrights
• 01:05:35 - Looking Forward

Find Matty P on:

• Website: https://www.matthewperkins.net
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/heyitsMattyP
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heyitsMattyP/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heyitsMattyP/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@heyitsMattyP
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@heyitsmattyp
• Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/heyitsMattyP

Find Thinking Critically online: https://www.thinkingcritically.co.uk

Dungeons, Dice, & Dudes twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/ddndpod

Citations & Further Reading:

• Gizmodo Article "Dungeons & Dragons’ New License Tightens Its Grip on Competition": https://gizmodo.com/dnd-wizards-of-the-coast-ogl-1-1-open-gaming-license-1849950634
• Treantmonk's Temple "The OGL 1.1 is not "benign" at all it appears: D&D 5e": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fTDDNJN5SvM
• The Arcane Library "The OGL and Me: What Will Happen Now?": https://youtu.be/ewTIS3fHOK0
• 'Pressure' episode of Thinking Critically: 

Patrons:

• Joe from The Fourth Leg @jcd0818: https://anchor.fm/james-h-anderson
• Optional Rule @optionalrule: https://www.optionalrule.com/
• Matthew Perkins @mperkinsDM: https://www.matthewperkins.net/
• Matt Street @mpstreet88: https://www.virtualtimehustle.com/

Intro Music: 'Local Forecast' by Kevin MacLeod
Intermission Music: 'Chill' by Kevin MacLeod
Outro Music: 'Local Forecast - Elevator' by Kevin MacLeod

This mystical episode I'm joined by Jack Weighill of Dice Average RPG to discuss the minutia of the magical. The way WOTC have designed spells is an interesting insight into how they view D&D and how they suggest it should be played. Jack takes us through the best and worst spells, with some interesting surprises that you might not have thought of!

• 02:32 - Viewing D&D Through the Lens of Spell Design
• 08:10 - Why Healing is Wasteful
• 21:58 - Avoid these Spells!
• 29:13 - Subclass &Tier Considerations
• 29:16 - DM Agency & OP Spells
• 43:24 - Completely Busted Spells

Find Jack on:

• Twitter: https://twitter.com/diceaveragejack
• Website: https://diceaveragerpg.carrd.co/
• GOLEM: https://www.dmsguild.com/product/414871/GOLEM--5e-Constructs-Reimagined?src=ThinkingCritically&affiliate_id=1352327
• d'Avenir's Pocketbook to Ravenloft: https://www.dmsguild.com/product/413389/dAvenirs-Pocketbook-to-Ravenloft?src=ThinkingCritically&affiliate_id=1352327
• Drizzt's Travelogue of Everything: https://www.dmsguild.com/product/399285/Drizzts-Travelogue-of-Everything-Volume-1-PDF?src=ThinkingCritically&affiliate_id=1352327

Find Thinking Critically online: https://www.thinkingcritically.co.uk

Patrons:

• Joe from The Fourth Leg @jcd0818: https://anchor.fm/james-h-anderson
• Optional Rule @optionalrule: https://www.optionalrule.com/
• Matthew Perkins @mperkinsDM: https://www.matthewperkins.net/
• Matt Street @mpstreet88: https://www.virtualtimehustle.com/

Intro Music: 'Local Forecast' by Kevin MacLeod
Intermission Music: 'Chill' by Kevin MacLeod
Outro Music: 'Local Forecast - Elevator' by Kevin MacLeod

This episode I'm joined by Ty Moore from Adventure Slang productions to talk about variety and diversity in TTRPGs. We discuss how having an open mind and trying different systems affects not only your approach to playing TTRPGSs, but also the lens through which you view them. 

• 02:22 - Diversity Aided Design
• 06:15 - Different Approaches to TTRPGs
• 15:02 - Nuovarden - Non-Medieval Fantasy
• 23:06 - Maintaining Diversity and Balance
• 31:09 - Avoiding Misalignment Under the Guise of Variety
• 42:14 - Game Design Through a Different Lens

Find Ty on:

• Twitter: https://twitter.com/dungeonmisterty and https://twitter.com/AdventureSlang
• Website: https://adventureslang.com/
• Nuovarden: https://adventureslang.com/nuovarden-rpg
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gaming/AdventureSlang

Find Thinking Critically online: https://www.thinkingcritically.co.uk

Video Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCH_BSgazjwyshzo1jazHeaQ

Patrons:

• Joe from The Fourth Leg @jcd0818: https://anchor.fm/james-h-anderson
• Optional Rule @optionalrule: https://www.optionalrule.com/
• Matthew Perkins @mperkinsDM: https://www.matthewperkins.net/
• Matt Street @mpstreet88: https://www.virtualtimehustle.com/

Intro Music: 'Local Forecast' by Kevin MacLeod
Intermission Music: 'Chill' by Kevin MacLeod
Outro Music: 'Local Forecast - Elevator' by Kevin MacLeod

This very special episode I'm joined by Greg Tito and Shelly Mazzanoble, hosts and producers of the official Dungeons & Dragons podcast: Dragon Talk! They take us through how recording their podcast and writing their new book, Welcome to Dragon Talk, has shaped their D&D experience and shown them all the wonderful ways we interact as a community!

• 03:16 - D&D Community Archetypes
• 15:18 - Surprising Applications
• 25:08 - Complex Systems
• 32:39 - Lowering the Barrier to Entry
• 47:38 - Online Communities

Find Greg and Shelly on:

• Greg's Twitter: https://twitter.com/Gregtito
• Shelly's Twitter: https://twitter.com/shellymoo
• Dragon Talk podcast: https://dnd.wizards.com/podcasts/dragon-talk
• Welcome to Dragon Talk book: https://uipress.uiowa.edu/books/welcome-dragon-talk

Find Thinking Critically online: https://www.thinkingcritically.co.uk

References:

• Lucas Zellers: https://scintilla.studio/
• 'Monster' episode of Thinking Critically
• 'Extinction' episode of Thinking Critically

Patrons:

• Joe from The Fourth Leg @jcd0818: https://anchor.fm/james-h-anderson
• Optional Rule @optionalrule: https://www.optionalrule.com/
• Matthew Perkins @mperkinsDM: https://www.matthewperkins.net/
• Matt Street @mpstreet88: https://www.virtualtimehustle.com/

Intro Music: 'Local Forecast' by Kevin MacLeod
Intermission Music: 'Chill' by Kevin MacLeod
Outro Music: 'Local Forecast - Elevator' by Kevin MacLeod

Part 3 in our Marketing for TTRPG Creators Series

Webinar sign up: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScjBv3TgGVtqTdIfU3az6Izhw-p0_QlIf_Z5fW2iYBIWEw7zw/viewform

Zack from Applewhite Games returns to the show to discuss the value of 'the person behind the logo' and how everything you do affects your reputation.

• 03:08 - How Branding Differs from Marketing
• 10:42 - The Silver Bullet of Good Branding
• 18:53 - You the Brand Versus You the Person
• 32:10 - Fear of Failure
• 38:48 - The Logo Game
• 46:48 - Etymology

Find Zack on:

• Twitter: https://twitter.com/ApplewhiteGames
• Applewhite games: https://linktr.ee/ApplewhiteGames

Find Thinking Critically online: https://www.thinkingcritically.co.uk

References:

• Part 1: 'Marketing' episode of Thinking Critically
• Part 2: 'Kickstarter' episode of Thinking Critically
• Hawkmir on Twitter

Patrons:

• Joe from The Fourth Leg @jcd0818: https://anchor.fm/james-h-anderson
• Optional Rule @optionalrule: https://www.optionalrule.com/
• Matthew Perkins @mperkinsDM: https://www.matthewperkins.net/
• Matt Street @mpstreet88: https://www.virtualtimehustle.com/

Intro Music: 'Local Forecast' by Kevin MacLeod
Intermission Music: 'Chill' by Kevin MacLeod
Outro Music: 'Local Forecast - Elevator' by Kevin MacLeod

This week I'm joined by friend and table mate Sam Henry to talk about our processes used for playing D&D, and how we use our professional backgrounds to improve our experiences.

• 05:21 - A Process Oriented Approach
• 15:46 - Difference Between Players and DMs
• 20:04 - The D&D Machine
• 27:46 - Character Creation
• 43:06 - Getting into Character
• 52:41 - Flow Charts!

Find Thinking Critically online: https://www.thinkingcritically.co.uk

References:

• Dungeons, Dice & Dudes: https://linktr.ee/DDandD
• 'Mistakes' episode of Thinking Critically: https://www.thinkingcritically.co.uk/mistakes
• 'Progression' episode of Thinking Critically: https://www.thinkingcritically.co.uk/progression/

Patrons:

• Joe from The Fourth Leg @jcd0818: https://anchor.fm/james-h-anderson
• Optional Rule @optionalrule: https://www.optionalrule.com/
• Matthew Perkins @mperkinsDM: https://www.matthewperkins.net/
• Matt Street @mpstreet88: https://www.virtualtimehustle.com/

Intro Music: 'Local Forecast' by Kevin MacLeod
Intermission Music: 'Chill' by Kevin MacLeod
Outro Music: 'Local Forecast - Elevator' by Kevin MacLeod