Episodes
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In this episode of 'Hello Adventurers,' hosts Jason Portizo, Joe McCall, and Jim Crocker dive into some of the most memorable RPG horror stories, highlighting common challenges faced by players and Dungeon Masters. They explore tales from Reddit, including a disruptive player who stole from their party, a player who introduced an overpowered homebrew cantrip, and a real-life breakup caused by in-game events.
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In this episode of 'Hello, Adventurers,' hosts Jason Portizo, Joe McCall, and Jim Crocker dive into the intriguing concept of running a Dungeons & Dragons campaign where all players choose the same class—specifically, Rangers. They discuss the challenges and unique opportunities this approach offers, including handling spellcasting, favored enemies, and terrain. The team emphasizes creating a homebrew campaign tailored to the strengths and weaknesses of Rangers, and explores how this setup can lead to creative storytelling and dynamic gameplay. Listeners are given practical tips on rule adjustments from Tasha's Cauldron of Everything and other sources to enhance their single-class adventures.
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Missing episodes?
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In this episode of 'Hello Adventurers,' Dungeon Masters Jason Portizo, Joe McCall, and Jim Crocker share a mix of humorous and cautionary RPG horror stories. Drawing from player interactions on Reddit's r/RPGhorrorstories, they discuss issues like problematic player behavior, misunderstandings between DMs and players, and the complexities of role-playing disabilities. The episode also covers combat strategies, game mechanics, and the critical role of clear communication in tabletop gaming. The hosts blend lighthearted anecdotes with serious reflections on ensuring an inclusive and enjoyable gaming experience for everyone involved.
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In this episode of 'Hello Adventurers,' The Dungeon Masters share their insights on managing player absences in tabletop RPG sessions. They discuss how to handle both planned and unexpected absences, emphasizing the importance of establishing protocols during session zero. The hosts explore practical solutions such as running prequels, side quests, or alternative activities like one-shots or board games. They also highlight the importance of mutual respect, punctuality, and the flexibility to adjust game plans according to the group's needs. Listener questions are featured, with a special focus on a voicemail from a fan named Harren. This episode serves as a valuable resource for DMs aiming to keep the game running smoothly despite player absences.
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In this episode of 'Hello Adventurers,' Dungeon Masters Jason Portizo, Joe McCall, and Jim Crocker dive into Jim's recent experience at '20 Sided Tavern,' a unique and interactive Dungeons & Dragons-themed Broadway show. Jim provides an in-depth look at the show's setup, its blend of improv and D&D elements, audience engagement, and the overall theatrical experience. They discuss how this type of production appeals to both hardcore and casual D&D fans and its potential as a model for future shows. The conversation wraps up with comparisons to other D&D media and some light-hearted banter about theater-going costs and the immersive nature of such productions.
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In this episode, Dungeon Master Jason Portizo hosts a solo session with special guest DM Tony from the D&D 404 podcast. They discuss various aspects of running a successful D&D podcast, emphasizing the importance of consistent quality and the significant amount of work involved. Tony shares insights into his DMing style, particularly how he designs engaging boss fights with multiple phases and tailors games to player preferences. They also talk about the importance of player synergy and the evolving nature of storytelling in their campaigns. Tune in to learn how to elevate your D&D game and hear behind-the-scenes stories from both hosts.
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In this episode, Dungeon Master Jason Portizo and former co-hosts Josey Diaz and Greg Genovas recount the epic story of 'The Ballad of Edgardo.' Originally aired on 'Curmudgeons and Dragons,' this tale follows the tumultuous journey of Edgardo, a brawler navigating a hostile role-playing game environment. Facing constant opposition from overpowered players and biased moderators, Edgardo forms an alliance with an unlikely companion, a player named Squid, and eventually, Goldenharl—a former enemy. Together, they navigate betrayal, exploit game mechanics, and ultimately challenge the tyrannical player, Zero. Filled with humor, camaraderie, and the triumph of underdogs, this story culminates in the legendary punch into the sun and a dramatic conclusion.
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This episode features a replay from their previous show 'Curmudgeons and Dragons,' specifically episode 103 titled 'Jim's Top Five Tips for Preparing Your Session.' Jason and Jim Crocker discuss essential steps for DMs to effectively prep for their game sessions, covering reviewing notes from previous sessions, setting up play spaces, and understanding monster tactics. They emphasize the importance of being well-prepared to create engaging and seamless gameplay.
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In this episode, the trio tackles fan queries from Reddit's r/DMAcademy. Topics include strategies for dealing with players who kill the main villain too early, the ethics of using loaded dice on players, and the endlessly amusing dangers of cursed items. With lively debates and practical advice, they cover how to navigate unexpected player behaviors and create fun, engaging game experiences. Whether you're a game master or an adventurer, you'll find valuable insights and plenty of laughs.
Send us your questions to [email protected] or helloadevnturerspodcast.com/voice -
In this podcast episode, Dungeon Masters Jason Portizo, Joe McCall, and Jim Crocker examine the intriguing world of Owlbears, iconic monsters from Dungeons & Dragons. They discuss the origins, characteristics, and ecology of Owlbears, including their role in campaigns and their place in popular culture. The episode delves into Owlbear behavior, combat tactics, and notable encounters, while also addressing the creature's surprising rise in popularity, especially after the 2023 D&D movie. The hosts share insights from primary sources and discuss various Owlbear variants and mythologies.
Sources:
https://www.cbr.com/dnd-anatomy-owlbears/
https://www.cbr.com/facts-dungeons-dragons-owlbears/
https://www.themonstersknow.com/owlbear-tactics/
Owlbear-Themed One-Shot by DMDave:
https://dmdave.com/free-adventure-owlbear-wood/
tell us your mom's favorite monster! [email protected] or helloadventurerspodcast.com/voice -
In this episode of 'Hello Adventurers,' the hosts discuss a unique challenge faced by a dungeon master (DM) when players wanted to follow the 'Curse of Strahd' module strictly, without any deviations or creative input from the DM. This situation highlights the importance of having a session zero to ensure the DM and players are on the same page regarding game expectations. The inexperienced DM, taken aback by the rigid demands, decides not to proceed with the campaign. The hosts consider the players' perspective, suggesting that previous negative experiences might have led them to such extremes. They humorously explore possible outcomes and solutions, emphasizing the collaborative and improvisational nature of Dungeons and Dragons (D&D) and role-playing games. The episode wraps up by inviting listeners to share their thoughts or similar experiences.
Send us your horror stories to [email protected] or tell us yourself in your best (worst?) Strahd voice at helloadventurerspodcast.com/voice -
In this episode of 'Hello, Adventurers,' hosts Jason Portizo, Joe McCall, and Jim Crocker present a comprehensive guide for RPG players and Dungeon Masters on strategically building their game library. They cover essential starting points for newcomers, recommended buys for progression, and explore specialized resources that enhance gameplay and creativity. The discussion is structured into phases for easier navigation, beginning with fundamental texts like the Player's Handbook and progressing to more nuanced and genre-specific materials. Key suggestions include resources for character development, effective game mastering techniques, and techniques for incorporating improvisation into roleplaying. The hosts stress the importance of thoughtful acquisition based on the player or DM's stage in their RPG journey and interests, also highlighting the value of third-party publications and other non-traditional resources that enrich the gaming experience.
Did we miss your favorite book? Tell us at [email protected] or helloadventurerspodcast.com/voice
Grab the books here! (affiliate links where applicable)
Player's Books:
PHB: https://amzn.to/4bfgOeX
Tasha's: https://amzn.to/3UEKTxj
Live To Tell The Tale: https://amzn.to/4bgeCDK
Eberron Rising: https://amzn.to/4bfWfPn
Toms of Heroes: https://amzn.to/44FyFsX
Deep Magic: https://amzn.to/3yg0jAN
Ultimate RPG Character Backstory Guide: https://amzn.to/3yjF8h5
LOTR Box Set: https://amzn.to/4dFLnvZ
How To Win Friends and Influelce People: https://amzn.to/3JZQ4mM
Game Master's Guide to Proactive Roleplaying: https://amzn.to/3WIYvKN
DMs Books:
Core Set: https://amzn.to/3UXsu0b
Supplemental Set: https://amzn.to/44DpaKI
The Monsters Know...: https://amzn.to/3wwMflF
Lazy DM Guide: https://amzn.to/3WCKzSs
Explorer's Guide to Wildemount: https://amzn.to/3QJSARQ
Tome of Beasts: https://amzn.to/3yoYilv
Game Master's Guide to Astonishing Random Tables: https://amzn.to/3JVggPc
How to Write Adventure Modules That Don't Suck: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/182608/How-to-Write-Adventure-Modules-That-Dont-Suck?affiliate_id=2836000
Improv For Gamers: https://evilhat.com/product/improv-for-gamers-second-edition/
Hamlet's Hit Points: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/83450/Hamlets-Hit-Points?filters=0_0_0_10139_0?affiliate_id=2836000 -
The DMs discuss the importance and practicality of third-party resources for game masters looking to enrich their role-playing experiences. They spotlight 'How to Write Adventure Modules That Don’t Suck' by Goodman Games, a collection of essays from 25 authors offering actionable advice on crafting compelling D&D adventures. While examining its applicability across different RPG systems, the hosts analyze its significance among essential GM tools, particularly for seasoned GMs aiming to refine their game design skills beyond standard modules and official D&D materials. The episode also touches on broader third-party publishing trends, highlights notable publishers like Kobold Press, and provides thoughtful insights on maintaining a balance between creativity and user-friendly adventure design.
buy the book HERE!
tell us your favorite 3rd party book at [email protected] -
In this episode, the discussion centers around the Total Party Kill (TPK) scenario in role-playing games like Dungeons and Dragons, providing DMs with strategies to maintain the game narrative following the party's defeat. The conversation progresses from acknowledging character death as a significant aspect of gameplay to methods for avoiding a premature end to the campaign after a TPK occurs. Key tactics include scenarios such as the 'Left for Dead' situation, where characters are incapacitated instead of killed; 'Adventure in the Afterlife', where characters navigate challenges in the afterlife to return to the living world; and the 'It Was All a Dream' approach, offering a narrative reset. The hosts stress the importance of discussing character mortality and post-TPK game continuation during session zero to manage player attachment to characters, noting changes across different D&D editions. The episode wraps up with an invitation for listeners to share their own strategies for handling TPKs and other campaign obstacles.
Tell us about your best (or worst) TPK! [email protected] or helloadventurerspodcast.com/voice -
In this episode of 'Hello Adventurers,' the DMs discuss a Dungeons and Dragons (D&D) horror story shared by REDDIT user bronze_soul24, titled 'DM invited me then didn't include me.' The story recounts the user's negative experience of being excluded from gameplay for most of a five-hour online D&D session due to poor DM management and player engagement. The hosts explore the challenges of introducing new characters into an ongoing game and stress the importance of including all players from the start. They offer advice on how DMs can better facilitate new player introductions using strategies like cutscenes, flashbacks, and direct inclusion to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience for everyone. The episode highlights the significance of communication, expectation setting, and creative storytelling in role-playing games.
Original Post: https://www.reddit.com/r/dndhorrorstories/comments/1cb2qut/dm_invited_me_then_didnt_include_me/
Send us YOUR horror story! [email protected] -
In this podcast episode, the hosts delve into the world of miniature painting for Dungeons & Dragons enthusiasts. They recount their personal journeys, from initial attempts as amateurs to honing their skills and discovering the joy of painting miniatures. The episode provides a comprehensive guide for beginners, covering essential supplies like paints, brushes, lighting setups, and miniature selections. Additionally, they touch on optional but beneficial tools such as miniature handles, magnifiers, and wet palettes.
The hosts also discuss the advantages of having a dedicated painting space and introduce advanced tools like airbrushes and high-quality sable brushes for experienced painters. They stress the significance of community involvement in the hobby, offering suggestions on connecting with fellow painters through online platforms and local game stores. Practical tips for storing painted miniatures, as well as ideas for customization and kit-bashing, are shared to inspire creativity among listeners. Overall, the episode fosters a supportive atmosphere for listeners to exchange painting stories and tips, contributing to a thriving painting community.
Jason's actual stuff:
Army painter start set: https://amzn.to/3xWSVdd
Reaper starter set: https://amzn.to/4dt2Bwu
Light with magnifier: https://amzn.to/3xUfgs3
Paint Puck water cup: https://amzn.to/3UbMfPK
Paint palette: https://amzn.to/3UmwfdQ
Brush Set: https://amzn.to/4aUdTYW
Wood handle: https://amzn.to/3UCJb0J
Tweezers: https://amzn.to/44mcLL8
Side cutters: https://amzn.to/49ZS6O9
X-acto knife: https://amzn.to/3xUfgIz
Wet Palette: https://amzn.to/3wf5FLQ
Desk: https://amzn.to/3WkchmF
Heat gun: https://amzn.to/3Wpagpz
Apron: https://amzn.to/3WpaqgF
Paint storage: https://amzn.to/3JDDCIZ
Airbrush: https://amzn.to/3UCJxo5
Mini storage: https://amzn.to/3y65Auj
Size 1 sable brush: https://amzn.to/3xUjY94
tell us about your journey with miniature painting! [email protected] or helloadventurerspodcast.com/voice -
In this episode of 'Hello Adventurers', the DMs engage in discussions about Dungeon Master Player Characters (DMPCs), various role-playing techniques, and the intricacies of balancing the roles of DM and player within a campaign. They draw distinctions between DMPCs, NPCs with heightened agency, and cohorts, highlighting the critical nature of player agency and the potential challenges that DMPCs can pose in overshadowing player characters.
The episode also addresses listener questions on the utilization of accents and voices in role-playing, transitioning from a player to a DM role, and practical strategies for supporting new DMs. The hosts share personal stories and offer advice on enhancing the role-playing experience, cautioning against the misuse of DMPCs, and emphasizing the importance of respecting player choices and maintaining a player-centric approach in crafting game narratives.
Send us your questions to [email protected] or tell us yourself at helloadventurerspodcast.com/voice -
In this lively podcast episode, the DMs plunge into the Dungeons & Dragons universe, honing in on one of its most iconic and unpredictable creatures: the Mimic. The conversation kicks off with a fun chat about each host's beloved monster before delving deeply into the intricacies of Mimics.
The hosts share valuable insights into the Mimic's abilities, including its shape-shifting prowess, sticky nature, and tactical combat strategies. They highlight how Mimics can add an element of surprise and suspense to the game by masquerading as anything from a mundane object to a deadly threat. Emphasizing the role of creativity in game mastering, they discuss using Mimics to create psychological tension and present challenges that go beyond simple combat encounters.
The episode also explores various ways to enrich Mimic encounters through storytelling elements, strategic combat tactics, and interactions with other elements within the dungeon environment. Wrapping up with a call for listener engagement, the hosts invite feedback and anecdotes about their audience's most memorable Mimic encounters.
TheMonstersKnow Mimic Tactics: https://www.themonstersknow.com/mimic-tactics/
DM Dave's Mimic Museum One-Shot (free version): https://dmdave.com/free-adventure-mimic-museum/
Tell us your craziest mimic story! [email protected] or helloadventurerspodcast.com/voice -
In this episode of 'Hello, Adventurers', the DMs tackle a Redditor's intriguing query about a novel approach to running a role-playing game campaign, where every action and decision hinges on dice rolls. This concept sparks a lively discussion on player agency, the delicate balance between randomness and control in gaming, and how such a radical idea could potentially revolutionize or impede the traditional dynamics of a tabletop RPG like Dungeons & Dragons.
The hosts delve into the ramifications of relinquishing decision-making authority to dice, contemplating its viability for short-term gameplay versus an entire campaign. They also explore broader themes of creativity, innovation, and the readiness to embrace new gaming systems when the usual methods start feeling monotonous. This episode encapsulates an in-depth exploration of the essence of role-playing games, grappling with the core of player choice and the exhilarating uncertainty of leaving fate in the hands of the dice.
original story post: https://www.reddit.com/r/DnD/comments/1btabyt/he_wants_to_roll_for_everything/
send us your horror stories! [email protected] -
In this episode of Hello Adventurers, hosts Jason Portizo, Joe McCall, and Jim Crocker discuss strategies for running mystery campaigns in Dungeons and Dragons. They tackle the challenges posed by D&D's pass-fail system for whodunits and explore three main approaches for game masters to construct engaging mysteries: 'The Pool of Clues' method, involving a fixed set of suspects and clues without pre-determining the culprit; 'The Emergent Solution', which encourages players to come up with their own solutions based on clues given, making the game highly interactive and player-driven; and 'Core Clues, Fixed Solution', a more traditional approach where the DM decides on the outcome but allows the players to discover it through gathering clues.
The episode also touches on considerations for magic and divination in mystery settings, the importance of balancing clue distribution and engaging players in the investigative process, and navigating the challenges of high-level play where characters have access to complex problem-solving resources. The hosts share resources and pre-made games that incorporate mystery elements effectively, inviting listeners to engage further by sharing their mystery game experiences.
Tell us about your favorite mysteries [email protected] or send us a voicemail to helloadventurerspodcast.com/voice - Show more
