Podcasts by GameMasters Studio

"Best Uncle, Ever!" Darkhounds S2:E20 from 2019-04-20T19:01:07

⚔️ Dungeons & Dragons 🛡️ ►THEN: The party met some more locals. ►NOW: They learn more about the island from new friends...

[THE STORY] The party searches for a way to thwart the powerful...

"Meet the Neighbors" Darkhounds S2:E19 from 2019-04-20T18:59:48

⚔️ Dungeons & Dragons 🛡️ ►THEN: The party hate some 'us' time with their counter parts. ►NOW: They run into some more locals...

[THE STORY] The party searches for a way to thwart the pow...

"Conference Call" Darkhounds S2:E18 from 2019-04-16T14:39:48

⚔️ Dungeons & Dragons 🛡️ ►THEN: The party met some locals. ►NOW: They test their bonds...

[THE STORY] The party searches for a way to thwart the powerful Death Knight, Clovis who seeks t...

"Raptor? Damn Near Killed 'er!" | Darkhounds S2:E17 from 2019-04-16T14:36:54

⚔️ Dungeons & Dragons 🛡️ ►THEN: The party made their way closer to the temple. ►NOW: The party has some unexpected guests...

[THE STORY] The party searches for a way to thwart the powerf...

"Over the River and through the Woods" | Darkhounds S2:E16 from 2019-03-19T15:26:41

⚔️ Dungeons & Dragons 🛡️ ►THEN: Jorell survives a T-Rex. ►NOW: The party trudges forward...

[THE STORY] The party searches for a way to thrwart the powerful Death Knight, Clovis who seek...

"It's just a T-Rex" | Darkhounds S2:E15 from 2019-03-19T15:25:05

⚔️ Dungeons & Dragons 🛡️ ►THEN: The party lands on Tifyra. ►NOW: Jorell plays with a T-Rex...

[THE STORY] The party searches for a way to thrwart the powerful Death Knight, Clovis who se...

"Land, ho!" | Darkhounds S2:E14 from 2019-03-19T15:23:22

⚔️ Dungeons & Dragons 🛡️ ►THEN: The party twarts the attacking kraken. ►NOW: They find the island of Tifyra...

[THE STORY] The party searches for a way to thrwart the powerful Death Knig...

"Release the Kraken" Pt 2 | Darkhounds S2:E13 from 2019-03-14T17:43:39

⚔️ Dungeons & Dragons 🛡️ ►THEN: The party takes up arms against a kraken. ►NOW: They continue their assault on the beast...

[THE STORY] The party searches for a way to thrwart the powerf...

"Release the Kraken" Pt 1 | Darkhounds S2:E12 from 2019-03-14T17:35:51

⚔️ Dungeons & Dragons 🛡️ ►THEN: The party survives the storm. ►NOW: They must survive a kraken...

[THE STORY] The party searches for a way to thrwart the powerful Death Knight, Clovis wh...

"Tentacle Slap" | Darkhounds S2:E11 from 2019-03-12T18:31:17

⚔️ Dungeons & Dragons 🛡️ ►THEN: Neriah started a fire. ►NOW: They have some fun with somoe tentacles...

[THE STORY] The party searches for a way to thrwart the powerful Death Knight, Clo...

"Up in Flames" | Darkhounds S2:E10 from 2019-03-12T18:29:17

⭕ 360° ⚔️ Dungeons & Dragons 🛡️ ►THEN: The party finds a sahaugin aboard the ship. ►NOW: Neriah finds another stowaway and causes a ruckus...

[THE STORY] The party searches for a way to ...

"Sahuagin what!?" | Darkhounds S2:E9 from 2019-03-09T20:38:08

⭕ 360° ⚔️ Dungeons & Dragons 🛡️ ►THEN: The party makes way to Tifyra. ►NOW: They party handles some issues onboard...

[THE STORY] The party searches for a way to thwart the powerful Deat...

"Inner Selves" | Darkhounds S2:E8 from 2019-03-09T20:32

⭕ 360° ⚔️ Dungeons & Dragons 🛡️ ►THEN: Tristan opens Jorell & Neriah's eyes to their new items. ►NOW: They investigate further...

[THE STORY] The party searches for a way to thwart the p...

"My Name is..." | Darkhounds S2:E7 from 2018-08-21T23:58:59

Audio only version of our Actual Play Series, Darkhounds Check out this episode and others in 360 video format on VeeR or VeeR or VeeR or VeeR or  from 2018-07-12T15:09:49

Audio only version of our Actual Play Series, Darkhounds Check out this episode and others in 360 video format on VeeR or VeeR or VeeR or VeeR or VeeR or VeeR or VeeR or VeeR from 2018-01-18T23:50:16

Audio only version of our Actual Play Series, Darkhounds Check out this episode and others in 360 video format on VeeR or  from 2018-01-18T23:48:26

Audio only version of our Actual Play Series, Darkhounds Check out this episode and others in 360 video format on VeeR or 

VeeR or  from 2018-01-10T18:34:03

Jared and Jerry sit back and chat about what they have been up and what is coming for GameMasters' Studio!

GameBound

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Darkhounds 9: Boning Up from 2018-01-09T01:13:23

Audio only version of our Actual Play Series, Darkhounds Check out this episode and others in 360 video format on VeeR or VeeR or VeeR or  Listen

Darkhounds 6: A Trail of Blood from 2017-12-31T19:17:29

Audio only version of our Actual Play Series, Darkhounds Check out this episode and others in 360 video format on VeeR or VeeR or VeeR or VeeR or VeeR or VeeR or

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The Social Contract (Re-Uploaded)* from 2017-10-05T18:00:30

Most of us have heard of it. Most of us know it well. Yet it seems there are some that don't. And it is for them that we made this episode. Share it freely with friends, fellow players and even ...

Players are GMs too! from 2017-09-20T21:34:27

This week we chat about how to use your players at the table as assistant GMs. There are many ways you can have them help you, help them to improve the coopperative story telling experience!

ReImagining Character Classes | Dungeon& Dragons 5e from 2017-09-13T18:44:52

We chat about how to reskin and reflavor the d&d base classes from 5th edition.

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The Other Side of the Table: Player to GM from 2017-07-09T21:51:11

In this episode we look at the other side of the coin and look at the tools and advantages of going from the Player seat to the DM seat and how one can improve the other!

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Bonus: After Action Report - Portcon 2017 from 2017-07-03T21:06:39

We share a few stories about how our Panel and games we ran went at Portcon 2017 in Portland, ME. **Also an important announcement at the end of the show!!

Lis...

The Other Side of the Table: From DM to Player from 2017-06-29T19:20:57

In this episode we talk about taking your DM skills and knowledge to the Player seat and how to make the most of it!

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Inspiration; Where to Find it, How to Use it from 2017-06-20T23:36:53

This episode we talk Inspiration. Where to find it, how to use it. Sound simple? It really kinda is!! 

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Using Voice for Effect at the Table from 2017-06-13T21:20:23

This episode we chat about using your voice at the table, pitch volume, accents and other ways to get the effect you want for your players!

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Villainous Power Structures from 2017-06-07T00:01:48

In this Episode we talk shop about structuring your antagonists organizations. What is the power dynamic for those that work for, or are under your antagonist?

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Bonus: Mass Naval Combat Ideas [A Question from Tim] from 2017-06-05T18:05:26

This Bonus Episode is inspired by Tim from Iowa who sent us a question via Facebook asking for some "sweet ideas" to handle a large 100 vs 100 ship, naval combat. We put our heads together and c...

Omens, Prophecies,& Foreshadowing from 2017-05-30T20:32:31

This show we chat about using Omen and Prophecies in your game and how to foreshadow coming events. We give some ideas on ways to add, how to add and why to add them into your game. 

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Taking Breaks + Some Special Announcements! from 2017-05-23T22:37:33

In this episode we chat about Taking Breaks sometimes as a GM (or player) you just need to take a break either you didn't prep or your burning out or another reason, we talk about some ideas and...

HOW TO RUN: Political from 2017-05-17T15:02:51

We discuss a variety of ideas and suggestions for running Political based games and a few things just to be mindful of ingeneral while planning and running these types of games! 

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HOW TO RUN: Comedy from 2017-05-09T23:20:53

In this episode of GameMasters' Studio we talk shop on running comedy based games and how to bring moments of levity to your regular games to break up the mood! From slap stick to improv to main...

Scaling Encounters on the Fly from 2017-05-02T22:38:20

We chat about a variety of ways to tweak encounters during/mid-encounter. Increasing difficulty, decreasing difficulty, all around tweaking! Listen, learn, like! 

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HOW TO RUN: Super Heroes #3 from 2017-04-25T22:50:55

The conclusion of our 3 part mini series on how to rock some Super Hero based games! 

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Adding Depth to Encounters: Story from 2017-04-04T17:14:45

Weaving storying before, after, and into your encounters is one of the greatest ways to add depth to your encounters, listen and learn!

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Bonus: Special Message! from 2017-04-01T18:17:54

After months of hype we finally bring you our special message!

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WORLD BUILDING 4: Cultures& Peoples from 2017-02-21T22:33:52

We continue from our town building discussion straight into the cultures, populations, peoples and cliques that fill those cities and towns and how they might view and interact with the world an...

WORLD BUILDING 3: Town and City Placement from 2017-02-14T21:56:02

We chat about the where and why's of town and city placement in your world, from the natural evolution of placement to random oddities. There are lots of reasons for why a town might pop up in a...

...and Player Problem from 2017-02-08T23:07:13

Dealing with Players that bring tension to the table and cause issues with the other players around them. How do you handle them? We've got some ideas.

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Problem Players... from 2017-01-19T00:38:33

We discuss how to deal with problem players, from Meta gaming to just being a plan ol jerk! We hope it's helpful!

Listen, learn, use, enjoy!

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Cohorts, and Followers, and Hirelings, oh my! from 2017-01-10T18:48:32

In this show we chat about how to use and run several varieties of NPCs and we give our 2 cents on the subject of... the "DM PC"!! dun dun dunnnnnnnnn!!

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Rate of Experience from 2017-01-03T23:04:33

In this show we chat about the various speeds of rewarding experience point to players be it "slow", "fast" or "Milestone" or "Trained". We chat about the perks and draw backs of each and as alw...

Bonus: Telling More Tales from 2017-01-01T22:05:31

In this Bonus Episode we share more tales of games we have run and a couple we've had on our minds. We share these stories as learning experiences and as a source of creative inspiration! 

Making Unnecessary Rolls& Checks from 2016-12-28T21:03:05

We discuss the mistake of having players make unnecessary check and rolls and also allowing rolls and checks that shouldn't be made. Confused? 

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Being Tactically Sound from 2016-12-13T21:55:18

This episode we talk about playing monster, animals and NPCs tactically sound and more realistic. Not all things run into the middle of a party and go blow for blow. In fact, most never would. <...

Rewarding Players 2: In Game Rewards from 2016-12-07T00:09:25

In this episode we discuss ingame rewards such as gold/money, magic items & treasures to titles and reputations and more!! 

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Rewarding Players 1: Out of Game Rewards from 2016-11-30T01:26:53

We begin our discussion on the topic of rewarding players, in this episode, part 1 we discuss 'out of game' rewards; XP, inspiration, fate tokens etc.

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Adding Calendars and Holidays to your game! from 2016-11-22T20:20:10

Adding calendars and holidays and events to your world can bring a sense of realism to your games and allows a chance for some truely creative ideas and original stories!

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Changing it up& Sharing the Load from 2016-11-15T14:22:36

We chat about how to keep things fresh at the table and in the bedroom (joke)! By switching things up in a variety of ways; be it who is the GM or what role a player takes. 

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Defining what rating your game is from 2016-11-02T23:19:31

What rating do your games fall into? E for Everyone, T for Teen, M for Mature, or AO for Adults Only? Does it matter? Should you be mindful of your rating? 

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WORLD BUILDING 2: Cosmology and Population from 2016-10-26T21:21:46

Who are the gods of your world? Who are the people? How do they relate to one another? In this episode we talk about all that and more! 

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WORLD BUILDING 1: Top Down or Bottom Up? from 2016-10-19T00:16:08

In this episode we discuss where to start when building your world; Do you start at the TOP and work your way DOWN? (or) Start at the BOTTOM and work your way UP? Well that choice is yours but w...

Ending a Campaign. from 2016-10-11T19:04:44

Iin this Episode we chat about the whens, the whys and the hows to end a good campaign. Check out this episode if you want a few new ideas or inspirations on the subject!

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Managing In-Game Downtime. from 2016-10-04T23:30

In this episode we chat about a variety of ways to include and manage downtime in your tabletop games! 

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Mass Combat!!! from 2016-09-27T22:02:12

In this Episode we chat about various ways to run a Mass Combat encounter, how to keep it paced and a variety of things you might want to keep in mind when planning and running them!

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Advice for Aspiring GMs from 2016-09-20T20:32:26

In this Episode we share some advice for aspiring GMs. Ever thought about running a table top game?

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Cut Scenes& Monologuing from 2016-09-13T21:50:33

This episode we chat about how to use cut scenes and monologues in your games. They can be a huge addition to your game if used properly! 

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Non-Combat Encounters from 2016-08-30T22:16:30

In this episode we chat about running encounters other than combats to help fill your games and challenge your players.

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Spicing up Combats! from 2016-08-25T00:18:56

In this Episode we give you ideas on how to spice up your combats, add some twists, and boost the difficulty~  

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WORLD BUILDING 0: The Balance of Tech v Magic from 2016-08-16T21:34:26

In this Episode we talk shop about picking what level of Tech and Magic you want in your world/game. And we talk about a variety of systems to pick which is right for what you want to run.

Meta-Gaming& How to Handle it! from 2016-08-09T23:14:33

In this episode we chat on how to handle and deal with players and their Meta-Gaming.

Listen, learn, use, enjoy!

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Role-Playing vs. Roll-Playing from 2016-07-19T23:22:40

In this Episode of Game Masters' Studio we talk about Role-playing your character versus just rolling your stats and skills. There is no right way to play your PCs or run your games but we share...

HOW TO RUN: Horror Games from 2016-07-13T15:11:55

In this Episode of Game Masters' Studio we chat about how to put together the right combo of previously discussed tips and tricks to achieve a successful table top horror game! 

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Splitting the Party from 2016-07-07T00:50:10

In this Episode of Game Masters' Studio we talk about when, why, and how to Split the Party! 

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Props from 2016-06-29T00:55:24

In this Episode of Game Masters' Studio we talk props! This show is an extension of the previous show discussing immersion, props can greatly add to immersion!

...

Immersion from 2016-06-21T21:16:53

In this Episode of Game Masters' Studio we chat about ways to help immerse your players and keep them immersed. 

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Keeping the Flow from 2016-06-15T00:07:34

In this Episode we discuss ways to help set & keep the flow of your game going. We give some tips and tricks on how to avoid road blocks and time sucks. 

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Alignment v Personality from 2016-06-07T22:56:38

In this Episode of Game Masters' Studio we chat about Alignments and Personalities and share our thoughts on the matter.

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PC Death& TPK from 2016-05-31T23:23:31

In this Episode we chat about Death. We'll Character death anyways. We give our thoughts and views on how to handle and approach killing off PCs and a few thoughts on how/when/why to kill off th...

Tec at the Table from 2016-05-24T15:38:27

In this Episode we chat about various pieces of Tec that can be used at the table to help enhance your gaming experience. A few examples of which are D20Pro,...

Engaging Players& Sharing the Spotlight from 2016-05-18T01:25:25

In this Episode of Game Masters' Studio we chat about keeping your players engaged at the table and also discuss how to Share the Spotlight between characters! Topics we feel are quite important...

Incorporating PC Backstories from 2016-05-10T21:22:44

In this Episode of Game Masters' Studio we chat about PC Backstories and how to use them in your games and in your world. We start off talking shop about what to expect when you ask your players...

HOW TO RUN: Action games from 2016-05-04T17:46:54

In this Episode of Game Masters' Studio we talk about ideas for running an Action based table top game. Which includes ideas and concepts for keeping you pacing up and running combats! This is t...

Antagonists from 2016-04-26T21:01:36

In this Episode of Game Masters' Studio we discuss Antagonists! We talk about a variety of ways to approach them, including origins, goals, failures and successes. If you need some ideas, advice...

DM Styles: Railroad v Sandbox from 2016-04-19T22:10:16

In this Episode of Game Masters' Studio we discuss Railroad campaigns versus Sandbox style campaigns. We talk about the pros and cons of each.

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How to Handle Low Stat PCs from 2016-04-12T22:12:44

In this Episode of Game Masters' Studio we discuss a variety of ways to handle or treat Player Characters with low or poorly rolled stats. From how to approach changing or correcting those poor ...

Making Memorable NPCs from 2016-04-06T01:47:38

In this Episode of Game Masters' Studio we discuss a variety of ideas on how to make even your regular NPCs stand out. This episode is not for villians or BBEGs (Big Bad Evil Guys) persay. Just ...

Bonus: Telling Tales from 2016-03-30T02:07:40

In this BONUS Episode of Game Masters' Studio we tell stories and recount the days of old as both GM and player. There may be a few little hidden gems of tips in this but really its just 3 GMs t...

Improv vs. Prep from 2016-03-30T00:27:30

In this Episode of Game Masters' Studio we discuss the pros and cons improving and prepping for your role-playing games and how the right blend can work for you!

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Group Size from 2016-03-23T01:15:49

In this Episode of Game Masters' Studio we talk about group sizes from an average group of 4-6 to small size groups of 1-3 and large groups of 7+. All these numbers are not including the GM them...

Character Creation from 2016-03-16T06:19:05

In this Episode of Game Masters' Studio we discuss the various type of character creation and the various options of getting character stats, like rolling verses point-buy, or array. This is a g...

Identifying Player Types #2 from 2016-03-09T00:45:45

In this episode of Game Masters' Studio we discuss the remaining types of players and how to identify them and engage them. We also cover what NOT to do, so as not to discourage our various play...

Identifying Player Types #1 from 2016-03-02T02:34:59

In this episode of Game Masters' Studio we discuss the various types of players and how to identify them and engage them. We also cover what NOT to do, so as not to discourage our various player...

Let's get this Party started! from 2016-02-24T04:34:53

This Episode of Game Masters' Studio is focused on the various ways to bring a group of PCs together (in-game.) We discuss the generic old school tropes and some other less common ideas and meth...

Bonus: Getting to know the GMs from 2016-02-17T21:25:43

This is the first of many bonus episodes. Bonus episodes will be in addition to our standard weekly episodes. Many bonus episodes will be on topics that we hope you DON'T need help with or have ...

Gather the Group from 2016-02-17T03:04:43

In this episode of Game Masters' Studio we discuss a variety of ways to start or find and join a game group. We mention some of our own experiences and give ideas and suggestions for you to use ...