Episodes

  • Translation

    Translation

    · Thinking Critically: A D&D Discussion

    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

  • Influence

    Influence

    · Thinking Critically: A D&D Discussion

    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

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  • Generations

    Generations

    · Thinking Critically: A D&D Discussion

    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

  • Immersion

    Immersion

    · Thinking Critically: A D&D Discussion

    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/

  • Production

    Production

    · Thinking Critically: A D&D Discussion

    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/

  • Ravenloft

    Ravenloft

    · Thinking Critically: A D&D Discussion

    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/

  • Experimentation

    Experimentation

    · Thinking Critically: A D&D Discussion

    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/

  • Factions

    Factions

    · Thinking Critically: A D&D Discussion

    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/

  • Burnout

    Burnout

    · Thinking Critically: A D&D Discussion

    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/

  • More Live

    More Live

    · Thinking Critically: A D&D Discussion

    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/

  • Mystery

    Mystery

    · Thinking Critically: A D&D Discussion

    *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/

  • Integrity

    Integrity

    · Thinking Critically: A D&D Discussion

    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/

  • Adventure

    Adventure

    · Thinking Critically: A D&D Discussion

    “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/

  • Worldbuilding

    Worldbuilding

    · Thinking Critically: A D&D Discussion

    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/

  • OGL

    OGL

    · Thinking Critically: A D&D Discussion

    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

  • Spells

    Spells

    · Thinking Critically: A D&D Discussion

    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

  • Variety

    Variety

    · Thinking Critically: A D&D Discussion

    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

  • More Community

    More Community

    · Thinking Critically: A D&D Discussion

    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

  • Branding

    Branding

    · Thinking Critically: A D&D Discussion

    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

  • Process

    Process

    · Thinking Critically: A D&D Discussion

    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

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