Random

Thinking Critically: A D&D Discussion

This episode I'm joined by Nikki from Beholder to No One, the award winning TTRPG podcast featuring discussions and one-shots. Broadly this episode can be summed up as "how random elements affect gameplay", however as we quickly find out that's a much deeper and multifaceted discussion. For example, even character generation (standard array versus rolling) can dramatically affect the theming of a character and how you approach role play. It's often considered that to embrace randomness, one must relinquish control, but Nikki and I discuss how this isn't always the case in Dungeons & Dragons, and despite D20s ostensibly "dictating" everything, the DM still has control. We propose a number of interesting discussions, such how the game is in a constant tug-of-war with itself: player agency is undoubtedly critically important, but the outcomes of their decisions are inherently unknown. Furthermore, how can we collaborate on a compelling story when the dice sit primed and ready to undermine our actions?

• 01:27 - How character and setting generation affect role play
• 17:02 - The impact of dice rolls on a story
• 22:47 - Mitigating the chaotic nature of dice
• 38:22 - Less random alternative TTRPGs

Find Nikki (@beholdertonoone) on:

• Twitter: https://twitter.com/beholdertonoone
• Dice Before Dawn: https://twitter.com/DiceBeforeDawn
• Sound Control TTRPG: https://twitter.com/SoundControlRPG

Find 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:

• Kobold Fight Club
• Hamund's Harvesting Handbook (DMs Guild)
• Fudging episode of Thinking Critically
• Honey Heist
• Zweihänder RPG
• Fiasco

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