I am a game designer in So-Cal. 95% or more of the people I speak to, have never heard of Critical Role or Dimension 20. So in the 3 hour radius of LA to San Diego, the number of people I can network with that know Mercer or Mulligan, is basically no one.
To hook new players and "teach" how skill checks work, their chars met up at a funfair. I prepped a few simple games involving different skills - didn't took them to long to get the d20 concept. We spend almost the whole session on the funfair - needless to say the where hooked.
I wrote out a maze. It was a mini dungeon, and they were racing for a grand prize. There was a see-saw bridge over a shallow pool of water, an animal handling check (i knew they wouldn't destroy the rabbits, so they had to catch one for a key) a short fight and a puzzle.
I’ve been fascinated with TTPRG for years, especially the DM side. But I’ve never played and the rules always overwhelms me. Thanks for making these vids to make it easier to understand!
One thing you can also learn from this campaign to make your games better and more fun for new players: lean into THEIR expertises as players and use it for engaging hooks. Brennan knew Alaska, Jujubee, Bob, and Monet were coming in full drag looks, and he wasn’t sure how he should dress. Should he do his normal outfits? Should he do full pageantry drag? What did he do? He asked them, “hey, I want to match your energy with my look, but I’m not sure what to do. What would you recommend?” Bob responded by breaking down drag to its simpler form: an elevated and over exaggerated version of the persona you want to present. So Brennan decided he wanted to be more of a classic fantasy elf persona and they ran with it to create a full look that gave him the confidence to be more over the top with his story. In return, he used his expertise as a DM to help make their ideas fit into the game.
Off Craigslist actually! Someone was selling it as a poker table, but I'm pretty sure it's a diy gaming table that someone built. It was only $300 including chairs! Definitely got a steal
I’m watching this on a Tuesday I have session 1 of a camping of entirely new players on Sunday with session 0 we did character creation last Sunday. This is the most clutch vid ever
That was very good and insightful. I liked the idea of having some of the mechanics out in the open by divulging the DC. I think in cases of opposing skill check (e.g. insight vs. deception), it may be good to have that rolled in front of the players as Brennan sometimes does in his campaign. Also, good reminder of having the tropes be played out instead of doing a super convoluted plot for a one-shot.
The cliffhanger thing would be awesome thing to pull off, but it rarely happens unfortunately. Usually the time is up way before the set cliffhanger comes up
And don't forget, gauge your newbies! For example, some people are turned off by character creation and may find it a daunting task, while others will eat it up and get into every detail. All good advice, just don't forget to watch how your new little D&D babies are reacting so you can roll with it. Haha. 'Cause we roll dice in D&D. ^___^
Hey, love your stuff, but I dont like the first tip that much. Or at least the example:as a new DM, just rolling with things like talking with undead when they dont have the spells for that can quickly become overwhelming i belive. Brennan of course can handle that, but as a complete beginner I think i would stick closer to rules. Or maybe I am missing something? :)
Men dressing as women should be looked at with much skepticism given the current climate. Brennan is a known lefty cultist, as is a lot of the cast as is. He is a talented writer and storyteller, but also out of touch. Drag queens are a turn off. Hard pass.
@@joshm.1483 Who said anything about gays? You think I'm out of touch for pointing out that a majority of people find Drag Queens to be off-putting? Especially with how the alphabet mafia uses them as a prop for their idelogical mess. Drag Queen story hour for kids. Drag Queens dancing in a thong for children in crowds, and etc. You think I'm out of touch because I find Drag Queens off-putting and associate them with degenerate behavior? I find that really out of touch of you. Lefties always are.
I am a game designer in So-Cal. 95% or more of the people I speak to, have never heard of Critical Role or Dimension 20. So in the 3 hour radius of LA to San Diego, the number of people I can network with that know Mercer or Mulligan, is basically no one.
To hook new players and "teach" how skill checks work, their chars met up at a funfair. I prepped a few simple games involving different skills - didn't took them to long to get the d20 concept. We spend almost the whole session on the funfair - needless to say the where hooked.
I wrote out a maze. It was a mini dungeon, and they were racing for a grand prize. There was a see-saw bridge over a shallow pool of water, an animal handling check (i knew they wouldn't destroy the rabbits, so they had to catch one for a key) a short fight and a puzzle.
Ngl I thought this would be a guide on how to dm AS a new player 😢
Still a great video though and I did still learn quite a bit
Nice stache, btw. I like it. It's bold.
I’ve been fascinated with TTPRG for years, especially the DM side. But I’ve never played and the rules always overwhelms me. Thanks for making these vids to make it easier to understand!
Your content is consistently useful and entertaining. I appreciate you!
One thing you can also learn from this campaign to make your games better and more fun for new players: lean into THEIR expertises as players and use it for engaging hooks. Brennan knew Alaska, Jujubee, Bob, and Monet were coming in full drag looks, and he wasn’t sure how he should dress. Should he do his normal outfits? Should he do full pageantry drag?
What did he do? He asked them, “hey, I want to match your energy with my look, but I’m not sure what to do. What would you recommend?” Bob responded by breaking down drag to its simpler form: an elevated and over exaggerated version of the persona you want to present. So Brennan decided he wanted to be more of a classic fantasy elf persona and they ran with it to create a full look that gave him the confidence to be more over the top with his story. In return, he used his expertise as a DM to help make their ideas fit into the game.
This is actually a really working fancy mustache
Excellent video! This is quickly becoming one of my favorite TTRPG channels!!
Side question: Where did you get that wonderful table??
Off Craigslist actually! Someone was selling it as a poker table, but I'm pretty sure it's a diy gaming table that someone built. It was only $300 including chairs! Definitely got a steal
I’m watching this on a Tuesday I have session 1 of a camping of entirely new players on Sunday with session 0 we did character creation last Sunday. This is the most clutch vid ever
I'm so glad it was helpful! Good luck!
I hope you keep making videos. They are great!
Gotta keep that moustache up for movember also love the work, easy to comprehend and use in my own games!
That was very good and insightful. I liked the idea of having some of the mechanics out in the open by divulging the DC. I think in cases of opposing skill check (e.g. insight vs. deception), it may be good to have that rolled in front of the players as Brennan sometimes does in his campaign.
Also, good reminder of having the tropes be played out instead of doing a super convoluted plot for a one-shot.
Yeah definitely rolling in front of players is a great idea!
Good sir, that mustache is on point
The cliffhanger thing would be awesome thing to pull off, but it rarely happens unfortunately. Usually the time is up way before the set cliffhanger comes up
I loved this ep of D20 and loved your take on it!
💯 Great video! I forgot about the dungeons and drag queen episode...gotta check it out!
Awesome video man! Great work.
This was incredibly helpful
That were some great practical trips and of course, the queens are fabulous!
Thanks for the content!
Thanks!
Thank you very much Susan!
Wise words!
P.s. I appreciate you!
What would you recommend for a new DM
And don't forget, gauge your newbies! For example, some people are turned off by character creation and may find it a daunting task, while others will eat it up and get into every detail. All good advice, just don't forget to watch how your new little D&D babies are reacting so you can roll with it. Haha. 'Cause we roll dice in D&D. ^___^
Based channel
Hey, love your stuff, but I dont like the first tip that much. Or at least the example:as a new DM, just rolling with things like talking with undead when they dont have the spells for that can quickly become overwhelming i belive. Brennan of course can handle that, but as a complete beginner I think i would stick closer to rules. Or maybe I am missing something? :)
Men dressing as women should be looked at with much skepticism given the current climate. Brennan is a known lefty cultist, as is a lot of the cast as is. He is a talented writer and storyteller, but also out of touch.
Drag queens are a turn off. Hard pass.
There have been plenty of gays in the DND fandom for a very long time, you’re the one who is out of touch
@@joshm.1483 Who said anything about gays?
You think I'm out of touch for pointing out that a majority of people find Drag Queens to be off-putting? Especially with how the alphabet mafia uses them as a prop for their idelogical mess. Drag Queen story hour for kids. Drag Queens dancing in a thong for children in crowds, and etc.
You think I'm out of touch because I find Drag Queens off-putting and associate them with degenerate behavior? I find that really out of touch of you. Lefties always are.