1 JUL 2024 · 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.

24 JUN 2024 · 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.

3 JUN 2024 · 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.

27 MAY 2024 · 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.

24 MAY 2024 · 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 helloadventurerspodcast@gmail.com or helloadevnturerspodcast.com/voice

20 MAY 2024 · 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! helloadventurerspodcast@gmail.com or helloadventurerspodcast.com/voice

17 MAY 2024 · 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 helloadventurerspodcast@gmail.com or tell us yourself in your best (worst?) Strahd voice at helloadventurerspodcast.com/voice

13 MAY 2024 · 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 helloadventurerspodcast@gmail.com 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

10 MAY 2024 · 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 https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/182608/How-to-Write-Adventure-Modules-That-Dont-Suck?affiliate_id=2836000 tell us your favorite 3rd party book at helloadventurerspodcast@gmail.com

6 MAY 2024 · 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! helloadventurerspodcast@gmail.com or helloadventurerspodcast.com/voice