Dungeon Guides

Jul 24 2024
Dungeon Guides Podcast artwork

Not THAT kind of dungeon... Or maybe it could be! As your guides, we seek to explore and chart the various aspects of arranging, preparing, and collaborating while enjoying what we believe is one of the most satisfying hobbies: tabletop gaming. We will explore the ins-and-outs from both the player and gamemaster's perspective, hoping to bring inspiration to any who grace us with the presence of their ears

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Episode 29 - The Player Is Willing, The PC Is Not

Jul 24 2024 33 mins  
Nobody likes to lose control of their player, but perhaps there are times when it's not only a reality, but it simply makes sense? Another discussion along the lines of RP and where/when a GM could or should step in to protect a character from its player, or to help a player to better roleplay. As well as likes/dislikes regarding this occurrence, as well as possible reasons why the

Episode 28 - One Does Not Simply Bonk With a Monster

Jul 18 2024 35 mins  
Monsters look cool and sound cool, but what else about encountering the various foes and horrific monsters can make for memorable moments at your table? We spitball and vamp about ways in which GMs can help make their toys seem more tangible, more real, more.. more

Episode 27 - Is This a Meta?

Jul 10 2024 38 mins  
The RP in RPG means different things to different people, both in definition and in importance to their enjoyment of these wonderful games. Some love roleplay, while others favor leaning into "Roll" play. In our follow-up to last week's "Hot Take" duo, we ask each other what roleplay means, and how we enjoy employing the various approaches.

Episode 26 - I'd Buy That for a Gold Piece

Jul 03 2024 33 mins  
Coppers burnin' a hole in your pocket? Need a new set of armor, or perhaps some potions of anti-flatulence? The little brother of the social pillar, shopping brings as many smiles as it does frowns with the players. We discuss ways in which a GM can make shopping more fun or interesting for the players. Besides, you're gonna need some means to get those money-grubbing munchkins to

Episode 25 - 'Tis But a Scratch

Jun 26 2024 37 mins  
Not every RPG system is focused on combat, but D&D started out as a combat simulator. We discuss the way combat feels in 'today's' D&D and take a look at ways we want combat to work in our play. There is always a balancing act between crunchy, realistic mechanics and smooth gameplay that may not be so focused on long combat encounters or hefty calculation of modifiers.

Episode 24 - DG Presents: A Marvel Super Heroes Review

Jun 19 2024 46 mins  
Our first entry for our 2024 New Game Bucket List is TSR's Marvel Super Heroes advanced set. Published in 1987, there are certainly some moments when reading this and can absolutely tell that this was the 80's. One computer in a room was a "computer room" with a "database", and if you were savvy you also had a microfiche reader and maybe even a color TV!! I kid, I kid.. Give this o

Episode 23 - Oh, Oh No, It's Magic!

Jun 12 2024 48 mins  
In this episode we toss out our takes on how to make magic "feel" like magic. Comparing how magic works in different systems or editions, there will be poking at vancian magic, spell points, and how or when certain classes can feel like a unique take on spellcasting, or just feel like a reskinned version of the same ol' same ol'. Where does your group fall on the spectrum of button

Episode 22 - You Got Magic in My Technology!

Jun 05 2024 33 mins  
As Arthur C. Clarke wrote "Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic", so where does that leave us who play TTRPGs? One man's Molotov cocktail is another man's fireball spell... Setting, scope, and ability are crucial elements to any story or RPG engagement, with magic and technology typically defining those elements to great degree. We discuss various wa

Episode 21 - Who's Your Baddie?

May 29 2024 32 mins  
It's easy to make a BBEG, but not so easy to make them memorable or especially hateable. In this episode we discuss possible ways to make bad guys interesting, compelling, or downright horrible. Whether through sheer power, mighty magic, or the power of social engineering and manipulation, there are many ways to impose the will and presence of the most dastardly characters in your

Episode 20 - To Inspiration and Beyond

May 21 2024 30 mins  
Some times the gold loses its luster.. The gems cease to sparkle.. And Zach is subjected to yet another Conan reference. You can only buy what is available, and only sell to those who can afford it; there is a limit to the allure and utility of conventional "D&D" rewards like xp and gp's. What ways do you or your GM reward players beyond the typical coin and magic items? We tak