Environment

Thinking Critically: A D&D Discussion

I am joined once more by Karim, a.k.a. FeverDreamStudios, and we talk about the environments we create, play in, and maintain. Again, a surprisingly broad topic with varied interpretations and connotations. We begin with the mechanical, discussing how to design dynamic combat environments to encourage and empower PCs and NPCs alike. One major benefit this has is making "non-attack actions" useful in combat, enabled by making the space full of "tools". This helps makes some classes, which can often be perceived as two-dimensional, more versatile and viable in several different environments and settings. Karim then takes us through his three-step method for constructing interesting environments: hazards, tools, home-field advantage. The last part of the episode is around how to enable a healthy and effective mental wellbeing caring for and maintaining your environments - micro and macro. The desktop and DM screen is one thing, but the world we live in impacts us all, and is important for a healthy lifestyle, which is of course conducive to optimised game time!

• 01:31 - From training rooms to certain doom - designing combat environments
• 12:31 - Environmental story telling
• 21:41 - Facilitating dynamic combat through the environments
• 32:51 - The World Stage
• 41:30 - Moving from an in-person to online games
• 48:14 - Physical, mental, and interpersonal wellbeing

Follow (@studios_fever) on:

• Twitter: https://twitter.com/studios_fever
• Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/FeverDreamStudios
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXy8rL0kRJ5e4_hicJe1XNw/featured
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@feverdreamstudios?lang=en
• 'Karrnathi Killers' on DMs Guild: https://www.dmsguild.com/product/351804/Karrnathi-Killers

Follow me on:

• Website: https://www.thinkingcritically.co.uk
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/Danilo_DnD
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thinking_critically_dnd/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThinkingCriticallyDnD

References:

• Design episode of Thinking Critically
• Azgaar Fantasy Map Generator
• FoundryVTT
• Dungeons, Dice, and Dudes actual-play podcast

Intro Music: 'Local Forecast' by Kevin MacLeod
Intermission Music: 'Chill' by Kevin MacLeod
Outro Music: 'Local Forecast - Elevator' by Kevin MacLeod