The Psychology of Character Death
Text us, Psyclithids Join me for an in depth look at the psychology of character death and why you should embrace it for more immersive storytelling. Support the show
Sep 11, 2023•16 min•Season 2Ep. 36
Dungeons, Dragons, & Psychology Podcast
The Dungeons, Dragons, & Psychology Podcast is a TTRPG podcast that helps collaborative storytellers build great campaigns using psychology. Each episode dives into different aspects of tabletop roleplaying games, and offers listeners (psyclithids) tricks of the trade for how to improve their own games. Your host, Robert Walker, is a longtime DM and holds a MS in I/O Psychology. He is also the author of "Session Zero: The DMG to Writing Great Campaigns in any System."
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Episodes
The Dice as Narrators
Text us, Psyclithids Episode Details & Links In this story I discuss how to use the dice as tools of the narrative. Tricks of the Trade Information & Links For tricks I give a couple of ideas for how to use critical successes and failures a bit differently. Become a Patreon Join my Patreon to show your support for the show and access exclusive content. https://www.patreon.com/DungeonsDragonsPsychology My Linktree https://linktr.ee/dungeonsdragonspsychology Keywords : dnd, D&D, dnd po...
Sep 03, 2023•11 min•Season 2Ep. 35
10 Tips to Quickly Improve your Storytelling
Text us, Psyclithids Episode Details & Links On today's quickfire episode I give you my list of ten things that DMs can do to quickly improve their storytelling. Storytelling is the heart of an immersive and memorable campaign and improving our stories can be done by applying things that we have learned about humans through psychology. As a reminder this episode and the next few will be shorter than usual as I am currently working on finishing my thesis and the last 8 weeks of my Master's De...
Aug 27, 2023•13 min•Season 2Ep. 34
How Stats can Foster Player Cooperation
Text us, Psyclithids Continuing our looking back to season 1 favorites listen to this great episode with me and my gaming friends about how player stats can help foster cooperation around the table. Support the show
Aug 20, 2023•41 min•Season 2Ep. 33
Why We Should Play Characters Who Don't Represent Us
Text us, Psyclithids Take a look back at this episode from season 1 that discusses why we can and should play characters who don't represent us in real life. Support the show
Aug 13, 2023•16 min•Season 2Ep. 32
Core Assumptions of the Game: Embrace or Ignore?
Text us, Psyclithids Episode Details & Links Today we debate whether core assumptions of the game, such as stat generation methods, character wealth by level, and party size should be embraced or ignored. Tricks of the Trade Information & Links My guests make their closing arguments in defense of their position on this hot topic. Guest Bio & Links Today I'm joined by my friends and long-time gamming buddies Nate Pohl and Joe Henry. Become a Patreon Join my Patreon to show your suppor...
Aug 06, 2023•51 min•Season 2Ep. 30
Making the Best Villains for you Campaigns
Text us, Psyclithids Episode Details & Links Listen again to a great episode from our first season, where I was joined by my friend Kimothy Archer to discuss ways to make the most compelling villains. Tricks of the Trade Information & Links Ideas for villains to use in your own games! Become a Patreon Join my Patreon to show your support for the show and access exclusive content. https://www.patreon.com/DungeonsDragonsPsychology My Linktree https://linktr.ee/dungeonsdragonspsychology Sup...
Jul 30, 2023•29 min•Season 2Ep. 31
Guiding Campaigns to a Successful Conclusion
Text us, Psyclithids Episode Details & Links Today we look back on an excellent episode from season one. If you've been listening to the show all the way through, you've probably heard this episode already but even so, it is chalked full of great information about concluding a game. Become a Patreon Join my Patreon to show your support for the show and access exclusive content. https://www.patreon.com/DungeonsDragonsPsychology My Linktree https://linktr.ee/dungeonsdragonspsychology Support t...
Jul 23, 2023•35 min•Season 2Ep. 30
5 Unique NPCs to use in Your Campaign
Text us, Psyclithids Episode Details & Links Today I give you 5 NPCs to steal and utilize in your own campaign. Enjoy! Tricks of the Trade Information & Links In Tricks I share 3 pointers for DMs who want to create their own unique NPCs Become a Patreon Join my Patreon to show your support for the show and access exclusive content. https://www.patreon.com/DungeonsDragonsPsychology My Linktree https://linktr.ee/dungeonsdragonspsychology Keywords : dnd, D&D, dnd podcast, dungeons and d...
Jul 16, 2023•10 min•Season 2Ep. 29
Realms of Elghrune TTRPG with Cory and Chaney of Super Blood Moon Studios
Text us, Psyclithids Episode Details & Links In today's session I talk with Chaney Hereford and Cory Holman, the creators of Super Blood Moon Studios and their TTRPG Realms of Elghrune Tricks of the Trade Information & Links Cory and Chaney give perspective game creators their best piece of advice for how to get it done. Guest Bio & Links Website Realms of Elghrune Store Visit them at Gencon On Discord On Insta Become a Patreon Join my Patreon to show your support for the show and ac...
Jul 09, 2023•33 min•Season 2Ep. 28
Why you Should Try a System Agnostic Game
Text us, Psyclithids Episode Details & Links Today I talk about why you should consider trying a system agnostic style game, and what that means. Tricks of the Trade Information & Links For Tricks I give you a few ides for how you might consider running a system agnostic game. Become a Patreon Join my Patreon to show your support for the show and access exclusive content. https://www.patreon.com/DungeonsDragonsPsychology My Linktree https://linktr.ee/dungeonsdragonspsychology Keywords : ...
Jul 02, 2023•15 min•Season 2Ep. 27
Testing Four Editions Through the Same Scenarios as a 1st Level Wizard
Text us, Psyclithids Episode Details & Links I'm joined by my friend Joe as he sends me through the gauntlet of two difficult encounters played by me as a 1st level wizard in 3.5 D&D, Pathfinder 1E, 5E D&D, and Pathfinder 2E. Afterwards we discuss the merits and drawbacks of systems and our feelings about them. Become a Patreon Join my Patreon to show your support for the show and access exclusive content. https://www.patreon.com/DungeonsDragonsPsychology My Linktree https://linktr.e...
Jun 25, 2023•1 hr 31 min•Season 2Ep. 26
10 Dos and 10 Don'ts for Dungeon Masters
Text us, Psyclithids On today's episode I give you 10 things that a DM should do and 10 things that they shouldn't do in their games. Useful information for All. Keywords : dnd, D&D, dnd podcast, dungeons and dragons, podcast, ttrpg, rpg, roleplaying, roleplaying game, DM, dungeon master, game master, dnd ideas, Podcast Art by Kyle Baerlocher Intro music by 33nano from GabrielDouglas from Pixabay Support the show...
Jun 18, 2023•19 min•Season 2Ep. 25
The Power of Choice: Agency and Autonomy in TTRPGs
Text us, Psyclithids Episode Details & Links Today's episode is all about the choices that we make in games and how those choices can spill over into our own cognitive function in the real world. Tricks of the Trade Information & Links In Tricks I give you 5 ideas for difficult choices to present to your players that you can utilize in your own games. Knowledge Check References and Links The Mechanics of Choice Become a Patreon Join my Patreon to show your support for the show and access...
Jun 11, 2023•25 min•Season 2Ep. 24
Exploring Real World Benefits of Roleplaying
Text us, Psyclithids Episode Details & Links Today I talk about some of the many real world benefits of engaging in roleplaying games. Although this is only a partial list of the may ways that roleplaying can improve your life, I believe these are some of the most noticeable benefits. Tricks of the Trade Information & Links For tricks I discuss three tools that I believe will help you further reap the real world benefits of roleplaying. Knowledge Check References and Links Toda's Article...
Jun 04, 2023•24 min•Season 2Ep. 23
From Satanic to Streamlined: The Evolution of Nerd Culture
Text us, Psyclithids Episode Details & Links Today we look at the shifting culture that took TTRPGs and all things nerd culture from the outcasts and supposed demonic influences to the modern wide acceptance. I also discuss my thoughts on where the future of TTRPGs and nerd culture could be headed. Tricks of the Trade Information & Links For Tricks I give you three ideas of unique settings for your homebrew campaign that don't fall into the traditional fantasy setting we're used to. Know...
May 28, 2023•24 min•Season 2Ep. 22
From Hero to Villain: The Psychology of Moral Choices in Roleplaying Games
Text us, Psyclithids Episode Details & Links Today we delve into the idea of falling from grace and how your heroes could slide down that slippery slope from hero to villain. Tricks of the Trade Information & Links For tricks I give you five ideas for how a hero could become a villain in your stories. Knowledge Check References and Links The Benefit of Teaching Ethical Dilemmas Become a Patreon Join my Patreon to show your support for the show and access exclusive content. https://www.pa...
May 21, 2023•24 min•Season 2Ep. 21
Sean K Reynolds on Campaign Setting Creation
Text us, Psyclithids Episode Details & Links What an exciting episode in store for you today! I'm joined by the one and only Sean K. Reynolds to discuss campaign setting creation! I ask Sean questions about his history in the gaming community and with other campaign settings. We discuss what it takes to publish professionally, and what you can to build your own setting for your table, or for the world. Tricks of the Trade Information & Links Today Sean and I give you a few ideas to use w...
May 14, 2023•44 min•Season 2Ep. 20
Safely Running Darker Stories With Dan from Beddlym’s Social Hour
Text us, Psyclithids Episode Details & Links Today I'm joined by Dan from Beddlym’s Social Hour: A D&D Podcast to discuss how to safely run a story with darker themes. Tricks of the Trade Information & Links For Tricks we look a a few darker themes you could use in your game, if your players feel comfortable doing so. Guest Links https://peaceinthechaosproductions.com Facebook Instagram Linktree Knowledge Check References and Links Motivating Personal Growth by Seeking Discomfort My ...
May 07, 2023•29 min•Season 2Ep. 19
Understanding Player Archetypes
Text us, Psyclithids Episode Details & Links Today is all about understanding the 5 archetypes that I believe are most representative of the player types you will encounter in your games. The power-gamer, the role-player, the specialist, the casual gamer, and the rules lawyer. Tricks of the Trade Information & Links In tricks today I share some ideas for how to keep each of these five archetypes immersed in your story. Knowledge Check References and Links Campbell, J. (2020). The hero wi...
Apr 30, 2023•21 min•Season 2Ep. 18
Running the First Adventure in a Campaign
Text us, Psyclithids Episode Details & Links Today we are discussing writing and running your first adventure in a campaign! Tricks of the Trade Information & Links Our Tricks today features story prompts generated by AI through the use of the tool Chat GPT Knowledge Check References and Links The Arcane Library Blog HOW TO WRITE A D&D ADVENTURE: THE COMPLETE GUIDE My Linktree https://linktr.ee/dungeonsdragonspsychology Keywords : dnd, D&D, dnd podcast, dungeons and dragons, podc...
Apr 23, 2023•25 min•Season 2Ep. 17
Writing your Introduction and NPCs
Text us, Psyclithids Episode Details & Links Today we continue our discussion on building your campaign and discuss writing your introduction and how I like to "write" my NPCs Tricks of the Trade Information & Links In Tricks we discuss a few plot hooks that you can use to disrupt the normal life of your PCs Knowledge Check References and Links https://www.thegamer.com/dungeons-dragons-best-campaign-beginning/#catastrophe-strikes My Linktree https://linktr.ee/dungeonsdragonspsychology Ke...
Apr 16, 2023•22 min•Season 2Ep. 16
Session Zero and the Main Characters
Text us, Psyclithids Episode Details & Links Today we continue our journey to running our first session and discuss considerations when building characters, the importance of character backstories, and session zero. Tricks of the Trade Information & Links In tricks of the trade we discuss what to discuss during your session and how to set player and game expectations. Knowledge Check References and Links https://www.level1geek.com/dnd-session-0/ The Checklist My Linktree https://linktr.e...
Apr 09, 2023•22 min•Season 2Ep. 15
Bonus Episode: Live from Gem State Comic-Con: Using Rules from Multiple Systems
Text us, Psyclithids Episode Details & Links A special broadcast from Gem State Comic-Con in Boise, ID. I bring you this short episode about cherry-picking rules from different systems, recorded live during the convention. Tricks of the Trade Information & Links How to communicate and keep track of rules that you incorporate into your homebrew. My Linktree https://linktr.ee/dungeonsdragonspsychology Keywords : dnd, D&D, dnd podcast, dungeons and dragons, podcast, ttrpg, rpg, roleplay...
Apr 02, 2023•13 min
All About Dragons
Text us, Psyclithids Episode Details & Links Today we discuss dragons! Their life cycle, how to incubate dragon eggs, and what their hoard means to them. Tricks of the Trade Information & Links In Tricks today I give you three ideas for how to incorporate dragons into your party. Knowledge Check References and Links Ammann, K. (2020). The monsters know what they're doing: Combat Tactics for Dungeon masters . Saga Press. The Monsters Know My Linktree https://linktr.ee/dungeonsdragonspsych...
Apr 01, 2023•27 min•Season 2Ep. 14
Laying the Foundation of a Campaign
Text us, Psyclithids Episode Details & Links Today we are looking at some information from my book, which laying the foundation of a campaign. Tricks of the Trade Information & Links Most of today's episode is tricks of the trade, as I walk you through the process that I typically use to lay the foundation for my own written campaigns. Knowledge Check References and Links https://www.writingbeginner.com/how-to-write-a-dd-campaign/ My Linktree https://linktr.ee/dungeonsdragonspsychology K...
Mar 26, 2023•19 min•Season 2Ep. 13
Invested Players
Text us, Psyclithids Episode Details & Links I'm so busy right now with work and school! I've been traveling state to state to open new locations but I still wanted to provide you with some content. So today, the episode is right from the first chapter of my book Session Zero: The DMG to Writing Great Campaigns in Any System and is all about invested players based on three types of players. Tricks of the Trade Information & Links Today's tricks of the trade are action steps for managing ...
Mar 19, 2023•17 min•Season 2Ep. 12
Game Group Conflict
Text us, Psyclithids Episode Details & Links Today we will be discussing the dreaded game group conflict. How to recognize it, and how to identify the source. Tricks of the Trade Information & Links After identifying the source of conflict, tricks of the trade will focus on ways to resolve conflict in your game group. Knowledge Check References and Links When a conflict can't be resolved it might be time to consider if it is time to bring a friendship to an end. We explore some key signs...
Mar 12, 2023•23 min•Season 2Ep. 11
Improving your Improv w/ Dungeon Radio Hour
Text us, Psyclithids Episode Details & Links Today I am joined by the full cast of Dungeon Radio Hour, to discuss ways to improve your improv skills as a gamer. Tricks of the Trade Information & Links Each member of Dungeon Radio Hour gives us an idea of an exercise or two that you can use to help develop your own improv skills. Guest Bio & Links The Cast of Dungeon Radio Hour are | Dalton Riddle | Andrew Gehrlein | Michael Adair | Alissa Adair On Spotify On Apple Podcasts Instagram ...
Mar 05, 2023•43 min•Season 2Ep. 10
Debunking Gamer Stereotypes W/ John Eric Welker
Text us, Psyclithids Episode Details & Links Today I speak with John Eric Welker from RPG Research about the common gamer stereotypes that exist and what the research actually says about them. Tricks of the Trade Information & Links In today’s Tricks of the Trade, I have asked John to give some advice to the gamers out there on how to have conversations about gaming with non-gamers. Guest Bio & Links John is Co-founder and Vice President of RPG Research . Washington State Department ...
Feb 26, 2023•46 min•Season 2Ep. 9
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