

Taking 20 Podcast
Taking 20 Podcast
Short, bite-sized RPG advice, tips, and tricks for DMs and players of tabletop role playing games (TTRPG)
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 1, 2021 • 23min
Ep 84 - 3-Dimensional and Underwater Combat
Adding aerial or swimming combatants to your battlefield can make things very complicated very quickly. It doesn't help matters when the different game systems are so different in the way they handle these situations. In this episode, Jeremy talks about the challenges, reasons to persevere through those challenges, and tips he's learned running these complicated combats.
Tune in next week when I'll talk about what I wish I'd known when I started playing Dungeons and Dragons

Jul 25, 2021 • 19min
Ep 83 - Class Series - Barbarian and Bard
I received a listener suggestion to talk about some of the classes available in 5e and Pathfinder. This episode starts that series, beginning with the Barbarian and the Bard. Jeremy talks about tropes, playing with them and against them, and his wife helps him with a beep button when things get a little...suggestive.

Jul 18, 2021 • 19min
Ep 82 - Ending the Campaign
"Part of the journey is the end," as it was so wisely said. As tough as it can be guiding the adventure to an end, handling the end properly can be surprisingly tougher. In this episode Jeremy talks about his favorite method to put a bow on a campaign and prime the next one for success.

Jul 11, 2021 • 18min
Ep 81 - Lycanthropy and Inflicted Transformations
Oops. One of your PCs was just bitten by a werewolf and have begun the transformation into a howling, flesh-devouring monster. How do you handle this as a GM? Does the PC automatically become an NPC? Tune in and find out.
Now with an introduction recorded by Suzysays on Fiverr. She did amazing work. Get her help with your voice over project at https://www.fiverr.com/suzysays/

Jul 4, 2021 • 20min
Ep 80 - Non-Combat Encounters
Dive into the world of non-combat encounters and discover how they can elevate your tabletop RPG experience. From social interactions to environmental challenges, these scenarios encourage creativity and problem-solving. Learn how diverse character abilities can lead to richer gameplay and more engaging storytelling. Explore ways to craft encounters that not only entertain but also promote exploration and rewarding role-playing moments. Unleash the potential of non-combat dynamics for a truly immersive adventure!

Jun 27, 2021 • 20min
Ep 79 - Demons Devils and the Blood War
The Blood War isn't good vs evil. It's evil vs evil. In Dungeons and Dragons Demons and Devils have been battling it out for millennia in what's known as The Blood War. What do we know about this conflict and more importantly, how can you use it in a campaign?

6 snips
Jun 20, 2021 • 20min
Ep 78 - Tips for Scene Descriptions
Dive into the art of crafting rich scene descriptions that enhance player engagement in role-playing games. Discover the EASE method for structuring immersive details by tapping into Environment, Atmosphere, Senses, and Events. Learn about the SISLEM technique to build suspense and captivate players with sensory elements. Explore how lighting, mood, and events play crucial roles in storytelling, using film examples for inspiration. Transform your gameplay with evocative language that pulls players into the action!

Jun 13, 2021 • 20min
Ep 77 - Optional and Crazy Combat Rules That Can Quicken Your Game
Are your tabletop combats dragging on endlessly? Discover innovative rules that can speed up gameplay and keep everyone engaged. Explore strategies for faster initiative rolls and simplified damage calculations. Learn about unconventional ideas that balance efficiency with the thrill of unpredictability. Say goodbye to long waits and repetitive explanations, and hello to a more dynamic gaming experience. Get ready to transform your D&D or Pathfinder sessions with these fresh and exciting combat techniques!

Jun 6, 2021 • 18min
Ep 76 - Customizing Prewritten Campaigns
Prewritten modules and adventures are a DM's friend. They are simple, canned documents that you can insert into your world as needed but they're better if you customize them; make them more integrated with your game world, your players' characters, and important NPCs. Don't know where to get started? I'm here to help.

May 30, 2021 • 17min
Ep 75 - Better Backstories
You're starting a new campaign! Yay! Everything is so shiny and new. Your DM has asked you to come up with a backstory for your dragonborn druid from the high deserts and you have no idea where to begin. How do I incorporate my backstory into the DM's world? How can I help my DM create adventures with my backstory?
Or you may be a DM who wants to incorporate backstories into the new campaign and you aren't quite sure how to proceed. Good news everyone! This episode can help you either way.


