Posts

Say Their Name(s)

-
Image
Often on DM forums - I read a lot regarding players failing to engage with the game.  This is a problem that I struggle with from time to time.  Be it real or imagined - sometimes it does not feel like the players are upholding their end of the social contract.  Too often this blame gets laid at the feet of DM's - who often are expected to produce critical role -esque NPC's, stories, and encounters - without having players put in similar effort.  That rant is too long for the post I imagined today, so I'll shelve that for a later discussion.  But I will offer a tool to increase engagement that requires no prep and no production quality.  Say their names. No - not my name. Their names.  Nothing commands more attention turning to Zynn the Paladin and stating: "the farmer turns to you and asks 'I need you. I need you Zynn.'"  Bam.  At that point - the player is compelled to acknowledge being addressed directly and by name.  More importantly, their response mu
Post a Comment
Read more

Session 0

-
Very excited to make the leap into blogging!    A bit about me: I am a cat father, husband, and lawyer.  Most important for the blog: I am also a dungeon master and avid reader of TTRPGs.  My experience with TTRPG's began with 5e in 2017, where I ran a Lost Mines of Phandelver game.   After running 5th edition since 2017 - I realized that everything about fantasy rpg's that I engaged with required a lower magic setting.  My futile attempts of retooling and houseruling 5e made me frustrated with the system.  After being introduced to Knave, DCC, and other OSR systems - I absolutely fell in love!     Majority of my posts will be about my thoughts as a DM and suggesting tools for players and DM's alike to create a more enjoyable experience for all at the table.  My session will be documented here and I'll have a running list of "lessons learned" from the game -- very similar to the Chris Perkins sheet of old.  I'll also occasionally review adventures I ran or
Post a Comment
Read more