becomingDM

Ep50: Games with Familiars, Animal Companions, and Pets

Whether it is a character feature that grants players the ability to have a familiar or an animal companion or you have players that just want to befriend every potential pet they encounter, the game you run can change significantly with these additions.  In this episode of becomingDM, John and Danielle talk about how to integrate these creatures into your game, as well as the differences between familiars, animal companions, and pets.

 

If you have a comment about this or any other episode, please let us know!  You can find becomingDM in the following locations:

 

Web: https://becomingDM.com 

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Twitter: https://twitter.com/becomingDM 

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Ep49: Running Games With Little or No Prep - Part 2

In the second part of our two part series, John and Danielle continue their discussion on running games with little or no prep.  In this part, they cover how to get out of trouble you may have created (overpowered magic items, unintended plot lines) as well as some additional improv tips.  Join use for more!

Let us know if we have missed anything.  If you have suggestions for additional content for this or any other episodes, please reach out one of the following ways:

Web: https://becomingDM.com 

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Twitter: https://twitter.com/becomingDM 

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Ep48: Running Games With Little or No Prep - Part 1

Sometimes you don't have time to put together a plan for your next session.  Life gets in the way, or maybe you even got writers block.  Whatever the reason, if you're a DM, at some point you will find yourself needing to run a session with little or no prep.  In this episode, John and Danielle talk about their suggestions for successfully running games this way.  Whether it's John's experience gradually reducing the amount of planning time that goes into his well established world or Danielle's style where she runs entire campaigns with little to no planning, there is sure to be some advice to help you better run games with little or no prep.

 

Let us know what you think!  If you have comments about this or any episode, please reach out using one of the following methods:

 

Web: https://becomingDM.com 

Facebook: https://facebook.com/becomingDM 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/becomingDM 

Instagram: https://instagram.com/becomingDM 

Ep47: Adding Downtime to Your Games

Let's face it, your adventurers can't go from quest to quest indefinitely.  Eventually they are going to find a town where they need to take a little break, recover, maybe even do some research or build their own business.  Adding downtime to your games is an important piece of making your world feel like a living environment instead of a place that the characters just travel through to get to the next dungeon.  Join John and Danielle as they discuss some tips, tricks, and ways to implement downtime into your games!

We love to hear from you!  If you have suggestions on this or any other episodes or ideas for future episodes, please reach out!  You can contact us with one of the following ways:

 

Web: https://becomingDM.com 

Facebook: https://facebook.com/becomingDM 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/becomingDM 

Instagram: https://instagram.com/becomingDM 

Ep46: Planning and Running One Shots

One shot adventures can be a great way to break up a campaign if you need some time off from the main story line.  They can also be a good way to introduce players that haven't played together before or just try out a new type of adventure with your group.  But how do you keep a one shot to actually only take up one session?  How do you structure the story so it can be completed in that time?  In this episode of becomingDM John and Danielle will talk about how to structure the story and time for running a one shot to not only make it fun but to try and keep it time bound within one gaming session.  Whether you're just thinking about running your first one shot or you've run plenty there's something for you, so join us!

If you have comments on this or any episodes or if you have ideas for a future episode, let us know!  We want to hear from you.  Please use one of the following ways to contact us:

 

Web: https://becomingDM.com 

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Twitter: https://twitter.com/becomingDM 

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Ep45: Improving Your Descriptions

Whether it's the dark spooky forest just outside of town or the raucous bar that the characters find themselves in, having the right description so that players understand what's going on around them is extremely important.  That's why, in this episode of becomingDM John and Danielle are talking about tips and trips to guide you in improving your descriptions. They talk about things to consider for each of the senses you can use to describe a scene as well as tools and resources to improve your descriptive abilities! 

We always want to know what you think!  Reach out to us on one of the following methods and let us know!

 

Web: https://becomingDM.com 

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Ep44: Implementing Games of Chance and Gambling

Do your players yearn to lose some money at a casino?  Or maybe they are just looking for an illicit back room card game.  Do they want a game of chance or would they prefer to use their skills at a gambling to win some money?  In this episode, John and Danielle talk  about implementing games of chance and gambling into your world.  We will cover locations where gambling might happen, types of games to include, as well as other things to consider when deciding to put gambling games in your world.

We would love yo hear your thoughts!  If you have thoughts on this or any other episode of becomingDM, or if you have an idea for a future episode, please let us know!  You can reach us at one of the following locations:

 

 

Web: https://becomingDM.com 

Facebook: https://facebook.com/becomingDM 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/becomingDM 

Instagram: https://instagram.com/becomingDM 

Ep43: Keeping Players Engaged

When you have players that stop paying attention when it's not their turn, that's a problem.  But if they aren't following the storyline at all and have been checking out, that's a huge problem!  Join Danielle and John in this episode of becomingDM where they talk about strategies for keeping your players engaged and excited about your game and sessions.  With incorporating player back stories, setting rules for digital devices, and streamlining combat there's a lot of stuff to cover!

We always want to hear thoughts from listeners!  If you want to let us know what you think of this or any episode or if you have ideas for a future episode, let us know!  You can reach us at one of the following locations:

 

Web: https://becomingDM.com 

Facebook: https://facebook.com/becomingDM 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/becomingDM 

Instagram: https://instagram.com/becomingDM 

Ep42: Leveling Up

Eventually your players are going to get to the point where they are interested in leveling up their characters.  But maybe you have questions on how they get to that point or even what happens when the character is ready for the next level.  Join Danielle and John as we discuss options for leveling up.  Whether you go old school and use gold as a way to get experience, more modern with milestone leveling, or somewhere in between we've got suggestions and tips for how to up your leveling game. 

We always want to hear from you!  Make sure to contact us via one of the following methods to let us know what you think of the show or ideas for future episodes:

 

Web: https://becomingDM.com 

Facebook: https://facebook.com/becomingDM 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/becomingDM 

Instagram: https://instagram.com/becomingDM 

Ep41: Holidays and Calendars

Holidays and calendars?  No, we're not talking about creating homemade gifts, it a new episode of becomingDM!  This time John and Danielle talk about using holidays to create unique experiences within towns and also to represent the passage of time.  They also talk about calendars and determining whether or not creating a calendar makes sense for your game.  So whether you're looking to create a harvest festival or a day of the dead for your RPG, join us as we discuss the options and pitfalls for adding them to your game.

Let us know what you think!  If you have any comments on this episode or suggestions for future episodes, please let us know!  Contact us in one of the following ways:

 

Web: https://becomingDM.com 

Facebook: https://facebook.com/becomingDM 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/becomingDM 

Instagram: https://instagram.com/becomingDM