Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything (TCoE) introduced some optional changes to the Ranger class that help to address some of the common complaints about the class as it’s presented in the Players Handbook. This episode talks about what options are available to you and why they might be a good choice for your character. The Critical Dice and the Endless Bag of Dice was the sponsor for this episode – listen in for a code that will save you 50% off your first month’s subscription. You can also support t...
Feb 15, 2022•8 min•Season 3Ep. 5
As your ranger levels up they gain access to more options and abilities to both niche their character and broaden their skillset. This episode covers what to expect as your character rises through the ranks from levels 3-20. The Critical Dice and the Endless Bag of Dice was the sponsor for this episode – listen in for a code that will save you 50% off your first month’s subscription. You can also support the podcast through Patreon. Get early access to episode content every month for less than a...
Feb 11, 2022•10 min•Season 3Ep. 5
It usually isn’t long before your level 1 character gets to level up, and Rangers unlock access to some of their best abilities at level 2. This episode discusses covers everything you need to know about a level 2 Ranger: fighting styles and magic. The Critical Dice and the Endless Bag of Dice was the sponsor for this episode – listen in for a code that will save you 50% off your first month’s subscription. You can also support the podcast through Patreon. Get early access to episode content eve...
Feb 08, 2022•13 min•Season 3Ep. 5
This episode breaks down everything that every ranger gets to start their character with. We’ll talk about your options for armor and weapons, some suggestions on assigning your character’s ability scores, as well as a couple abilities they get to use right away. The Critical Dice and the Endless Bag of Dice was the sponsor for this episode – listen in for a code that will save you 50% off your first month’s subscription. You can also support the podcast through Patreon. Get early access to epis...
Feb 04, 2022•15 min•Season 3Ep. 5
Rangers fall into the category of ‘half-casters,’ since they utilize both martial tactics and magic. Unlike other classes, Rangers were not an OG D&D class back with first edition, and their introduction received a lack-luster welcome from some. In this episode Kasie and Jason talk about why there has been some resistance to this class in the past, as well as some insight as to where your ranger might have learned their trade if you’re interested in building one. The Critical Dice and the En...
Feb 01, 2022•17 min•Season 3Ep. 5
Barbarians are the tanks of any party, and wear their passions – specifically rage – on their sleeves. If you’re curious about playing a Barbarian, are getting ready to level one up in a campaign, or want to understand the class better as a DM, this episode will cover everything you need to know. Like most heavy hitters, Barbarians get lucky when it comes to how many dice they get to roll- make sure you’re supply is well-stocked when you subscribe to the Critical Dice’s Endless Bag of Dice . Lis...
Jan 28, 2022•52 min•Season 3Ep. 4
Hitting level 3 is a big milestone for every character, since they get the opportunity to select a sub-class for their character, unlocking a myriad of abilities that help to define your character, their journey, and their specific skillset. This episode is a comprehensive overview of all the different primal paths you can choose from at level 3- those in the PHB and a few in other source materials as well. Like most heavy hitters, Barbarians get lucky when it comes to how many dice they get to ...
Jan 25, 2022•16 min•Season 3Ep. 4
It’s rare (read: not impossible) that your D&D characters stay at level 1 for long- and starting at level 2 and going up to 20 you unlock additional benefits for playing a barbarian class. This episode discusses each level up perk so you know what to expect along the way. Like most heavy hitters, Barbarians get lucky when it comes to how many dice they get to roll- make sure you’re supply is well-stocked when you subscribe to the Critical Dice’s Endless Bag of Dice . Listen in for a special ...
Jan 21, 2022•15 min•Season 3Ep. 4
So what does your barbarian get immediately at level 1, and where should you put your best and worst ability score? Contrary to common belief (and even the Player’s Handbook suggestion) Kasie and Jason don’t think that Strength is actually where it’s at. This episode will cover suggestions on where to put your ability scores, the options you get when you play a barbarian as far as equipment you receive, proficiencies you get, and other starting factors of building your character. Like most heavy...
Jan 18, 2022•13 min•Season 3Ep. 4
Barbarians are a well-known class of action hero spanning from Conan the Barbarian (as the name implies) to Grog from Critical Role. But are these buff and burly barbarians destined by build to be bumbling bonehead? Are they always the lone wolf, or can they emerge from tribes, cities, or towns? In this Episode of The CompenDM, Kasie and Jason discuss some of the common stereotypes barbarians face, why they exist, and dive into their origin story. Like most heavy hitters, Barbarians get lucky wh...
Jan 14, 2022•13 min•Season 3Ep. 4
This sidequest episode explores the role that music plays in creating an immersive gameplay experience. We talk with Weston from Arcane Anthems about his experience writing music for and using it in D&D campaigns. Check out Arcane Anthems and help support them on Patreon . You can also click here to watch his newest series One-Shot 101 teaching people how to play D&D. As always, The Compendm is currently supported 100% through listener support- check out our own Patreon to help support t...
Dec 14, 2021•53 min•Season 5Ep. 4
This sidequest episode explores the role that music plays in creating an immersive gameplay experience. We talk with Weston from Arcane Anthems about his experience writing music for and using it in D&D campaigns. Last but not least, information on sourcing music for your games, including music Weston himself has composed. Check out Arcane Anthems and help support them on Patreon . You can also click here to watch his newest series One-Shot 101 teaching people how to play D&D. As always,...
Dec 10, 2021•15 min•Season 5Ep. 4
This sidequest episode explores the role that music plays in creating an immersive gameplay experience. We talk with Weston from Arcane Anthems about his experience writing music for and using it in D&D campaigns. Now that you know a little about how music can influence your games, this episode gives you some practical tips on how to plan out and implement music during your games. Check out Arcane Anthems and help support them on Patreon . You can also click here to watch his newest series O...
Dec 07, 2021•9 min•Season 5Ep. 4
This sidequest episode explores the role that music plays in creating an immersive gameplay experience. We talk with Weston from Arcane Anthems about his experience writing music for and using it in D&D campaigns. This episode breaks down the different types of sound you can use at your table, including music, ambiance, and sound effects, as well as tips on when to interject each of them into your campaign. Check out Arcane Anthems and help support them on Patreon . You can also click here t...
Dec 03, 2021•13 min•Season 5Ep. 4
This sidequest episode explores the role that music plays in creating an immersive gameplay experience. We talk with Weston from Arcane Anthems about his experience writing music for and using it in D&D campaigns. This episode dives into what makes music so powerful, creating the foundation for why music can be an incredible tool to use during campaigns. Check out Arcane Anthems and help support them on Patreon . You can also click here to watch his newest series One-Shot 101 teaching people...
Nov 30, 2021•8 min•Season 5Ep. 4
This sidequest episode explores the role that music plays in creating an immersive gameplay experience. We talk with Weston from Arcane Anthems about his experience writing music for and using it in D&D campaigns. This episode introduces Weston, and he shares a little bit about his history leading up to stepping into his full-time career as a TTRPG musician. Check out Arcane Anthems and help support them on Patreon . You can also click here to watch his newest series One-Shot 101 teaching pe...
Nov 26, 2021•14 min•Season 5Ep. 4
Monk's aren't one of the OG D&D classes, and when they were first introduced they didn't get a lot of love... but since then the Monk class has been refined into an incredibly unique class. This episode covers the Monk class start to finish with everything you need to know about building and playing a Monk in your next campaign. Did you know that only about 1% of CompenDM listeners support the Podcast through Patreon? If you have benefited from this resource, please help us keep the podcast ...
Nov 23, 2021•1 hr 17 min•Season 3Ep. 3
Curious to hear some tips on the best way to leverage your ability scores or character traits? This episode is a casual discussion about some options to consider depending on what type of character you're wanting to build. Click here to become a patron and enroll for early episode release or contribute questions for episode content. This episode was sponsored by Quests for Authenticity , the leading program for helping build confidence and look forward to every day as though it was D&D night...
Nov 19, 2021•7 min•Season 3Ep. 3
As usual, additional source materials (cue Sword Coast Adventurer's Guide) contain some additional sub-class options for you to choose from. This episode gives you an overview of the remaining traditions and where to find them. Feeling thankful? Consider helping us cover the costs of the podcast by becoming a patron for as little as $2 per month . Patrons can enjoy early episodes, submit questions for episode recordings, get CompenDM bumper stickers, and more. This episode was sponsored by Quest...
Nov 16, 2021•6 min•Season 3Ep. 3
The CompenDM could use your help! Did you know that just to upload and host the podcast online it costs a couple hundred dollars a year? Without the support of our loyal listeners, that money comes out of our pockets. But with as little as $2 per month, you can help offset those costs and make sure the content you love doesn't experience unexpected interruptions because our coin purses come up a few dragons short. This episode finishes our deep-dive into the Player's Handbook monastic traditions...
Nov 12, 2021•7 min•Season 3Ep. 3
The Monk sub-classes, called Monastic Traditions, layer on EVEN MORE ways to buff your Monk. This episode talks in-depth about the first one in the players handbook, The Way of the Open Hand. Here is a mystery link if you're feeling curious.... We'll give you a hint, it's a peek into how the Podcast is able to create this useful content for you. And here's another mystery link , from our sponsor....
Nov 09, 2021•9 min•Season 3Ep. 3
Did you know that Monk's eventually get the ability to just not age? Find out all the cool things to expect as you level your monk to 3 and beyond. The CompenDM is also on Patreon , which is basically a way to tip your waitress when it comes to online content like our podcast. It's quick, simple, and you'll get some free perks for joining. Did I mention it's only $2 per month? Don't forget to head over to Quests for Authenticity while you're at it to take their FREE quiz that will use scientific...
Nov 05, 2021•17 min•Season 3Ep. 3
Monks are a little unique in that they get some pretty incredible abilities at early levels. This episode focuses on the improvements your Monk will experience as soon as they kill a couple of goblins and make it to Level 2. Be sure you DON'T click this link unless you really, really love our podcast. This episode was sponsored by Quests for Authenticity, a coaching program that helps people become just as confident in real life as their characters are at the game table. Take their free quiz to ...
Nov 02, 2021•11 min•Season 3Ep. 3
Hear about everything your level 1 monk gets right from the start of their adventuring career. If you're feeling generous (or impatient), head over to our Patreon to help support us . Memberships start at less than a cup of coffee, and you can get cool perks like the full-length episodes before they're officially released. And don't forget to take the quiz at Quests for Authenticity to see how you would stat as a D&D character in real life!...
Oct 29, 2021•12 min•Season 3Ep. 3
Monk's aren't one of the original classes in D&D, and they weren't always that loved. Listen in to this introduction of the Monk class to learn more about it's history in D&D and the general character concept behind playing one. Curious what you're D&D stats would be in real life? Find out here. Don't forget to buy us a cup of coffee on Patreon - It costs a couple hundred dollars each year to host The CompenDM pocast on the web, and your support will help ensure we can continue to of...
Oct 26, 2021•14 min•Season 3Ep. 3
From thieves cant to sneak attack, leveling up to sub-classes, this episode will cover everything you need to know about playing a rogue in D&D. Are you as confident in real life as your rogue is at the game table? Head over to www.questsforauthenticity.com to take a free quiz and find out.
Sep 10, 2021•1 hr 9 min•Season 3Ep. 2
Finishing out the last of the rogue sub-classes, this episode discusses the Arcane Trickster, as well as some final thoughts on playing rogues (including race pairing ideas). Are you as confident in real life as your rogue is at the game table? Head over to www.questsforauthenticity.com to take a free quiz and find out.
Sep 07, 2021•14 min•Season 3Ep. 2
Once your rogue hits level 3, you get to choose a Roguish Archetype (also known as the rogue's subclass). This episode breaks down two of the three main options available to select from the Players Handbook: Thief and Assassin. Are you as confident in real life as your rogue is on game nights? Head over to www.questsforauthenticity.com to take a free quiz to find out.
Sep 03, 2021•19 min•Season 3Ep. 2
As magnificent as rogues are right out of the gate at level one, it only gets better from there. This episode breaks down the improvements that happen as your rogue increases from levels 2-20. Are you as confident in real life as your rogue is on game nights? Head over to www.questsforauthenticity.com to take a free quiz to find out.
Aug 31, 2021•12 min•Season 3Ep. 2
This episode covers the core perks your character will get by playing a rogue right from the start. Are you as confident in real life as your rogue is on game nights? Head over to www.questsforauthenticity.com to take a free quiz to find out.
Aug 29, 2021•22 min•Season 3Ep. 2
