Storyteller Conclave

Storyteller Conclave

Running a tabletop roleplaying game like Dungeons & Dragons can be a daunting task, even for experienced players. Rob and Sara share their combined 50 years of gaming experience across multiple game systems every week to help make that task easier and enjoyable for everyone! Whether you’re new to tabletop RPGs and want to try running one, or an experienced Dungeon Master looking to take your game to the next level, this podcast is for you! read less

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The Real BBEG…time

The Real BBEG…time

All things must come to an end. After 5 years and more than 260 episodes Sara and Rob are stepping away from the microphones and putting down their headsets. This episode wraps up the culmination of their efforts to bring more narrative nuance, reviews of different systems, and fresh perspectives on ttrpg topics. So listen in as they bid a fond farewell to their listeners. From Rob and Sara: Farewell, friends Thank you for joining us for Storyteller Conclave - a show we sincerely hope helped you run the best tabletop roleplaying game you can - whether you were a new storyteller or dungeon master learning the craft, or an experienced Storyteller looking to take your game to the next level… I’m Sara I’m Rob Saying goodnight, we love you all, and may your stories be memorable for all at your tables. Listen to us on your favorite device! Or Amazon Audible Find us on Twitter (@st_conclave) – Instagram (st_conclave) Support the show by joining our Patreon : https://www.patreon.com/StorytellerConclave Please join us on Discord, to submit questions for the show, chat with Rob, Sara, and other Storytellers, and read over the detailed show-notes for more information and links to stuff we may not have been able to detail during the show! Discord : https://t.co/7H8p1lGYqG Or find our older episodes at Https://Storytellerconclave.com

Episodes

The Real BBEG…time

The Real BBEG…time

All things must come to an end. After 5 years and more than 260 episodes Sara and Rob are stepping away from the microphones and putting down their headsets. This episode wraps up the culmination of their efforts to bring more narrative nuance, reviews of different systems, and fresh perspectives on ttrpg topics. So listen in as they bid a fond farewell to their listeners. From Rob and Sara: Farewell, friends Thank you for joining us for Storyteller Conclave - a show we sincerely hope helped you run the best tabletop roleplaying game you can - whether you were a new storyteller or dungeon master learning the craft, or an experienced Storyteller looking to take your game to the next level… I’m Sara I’m Rob Saying goodnight, we love you all, and may your stories be memorable for all at your tables. Listen to us on your favorite device! Or Amazon Audible Find us on Twitter (@st_conclave) – Instagram (st_conclave) Support the show by joining our Patreon : https://www.patreon.com/StorytellerConclave Please join us on Discord, to submit questions for the show, chat with Rob, Sara, and other Storytellers, and read over the detailed show-notes for more information and links to stuff we may not have been able to detail during the show! Discord : https://t.co/7H8p1lGYqG Or find our older episodes at Https://Storytellerconclave.com

Our Future Games

Our Future Games

For the last 5 years of the show we have had a lot of game systems, themes, and stories that we have thought about running. Tonight Sara and Rob will discuss what games they are looking to run, what interests them about it, and what their challenges might be. Listen to us live, every Wednesday night at 7pm EST, at http://www.mixlr.com/storyteller-conclave. Listen to us on your favorite device! Or Amazon Audible Find us on Twitter (@st_conclave) – Instagram (st_conclave) Support the show by joining our Patreon : https://www.patreon.com/StorytellerConclave Please join us on Discord, to submit questions for the show, chat with Rob, Sara, and other Storytellers, and read over the detailed show-notes for more information and links to stuff we may not have been able to detail during the show! Discord : https://t.co/7H8p1lGYqG Or find our older episodes at Https://Storytellerconclave.com

This week we polled our discord for their "hot takes" on things in the TTRPG world. This could be anything from system design, acceptance of rules, homebrew, anything at all. And we were delighted by the number of responses we received. Sara and I are thrilled to go through each and everyone one, and either stand fast with you or plunge a dagger of detest in your opinions cold dead heart. After all "we have a microphone and you don't". In all seriousness, we support and encourage our community opinions and ideas. Everyone's table and storytelling style is different. So come listen to how the other half lives, plays, and their "hot takes" Listen to us live, every Wednesday night at 7pm EST, at http://www.mixlr.com/storyteller-conclave. Listen to us on your favorite device! Or Amazon Audible Find us on Twitter (@st_conclave) – Instagram (st_conclave) Support the show by joining our Patreon : https://www.patreon.com/StorytellerConclave Please join us on Discord, to submit questions for the show, chat with Rob, Sara, and other Storytellers, and read over the detailed show-notes for more information and links to stuff we may not have been able to detail during the show! Discord : https://t.co/7H8p1lGYqG Or find our older episodes at Https://Storytellerconclave.com

TTRPGs often have their own lexicon of terms we need to learn to engage with the game, with terms like "THAC0" and "Benny" to describe the mechanics. The in-game world can often have unique terms as well, with "Netrunners sporting some preem chrome" instead of "Hackers with excellent cyberware" This week, Sara & Rob discuss the unique lingo tossed around at the table, and how to use it to make games more immersive, while still being accessible. Listen to us live, every Wednesday night at 7pm EST, at http://www.mixlr.com/storyteller-conclave. Listen to us on your favorite device! Or Amazon Audible Find us on Twitter (@st_conclave) – Instagram (st_conclave) Support the show by joining our Patreon : https://www.patreon.com/StorytellerConclave Please join us on Discord, to submit questions for the show, chat with Rob, Sara, and other Storytellers, and read over the detailed show-notes for more information and links to stuff we may not have been able to detail during the show! Discord : https://t.co/7H8p1lGYqG Or find our older episodes at Https://Storytellerconclave.com

System Spotlight: Eureka: Investigative Urban Fantasy

System Spotlight: Eureka: Investigative Urban Fantasy

Tonight's show is our April System Spotlight, and it is focused on System Spotlight: Eureka: Investigative Urban Fantasy. This urban fantasy investigative ttrpg trusts your intellect, and has its gameplay focused on WHO your character is, with deadly realistic combat. We are also delighted to have two of the crew from its creation, Addison Goff & Ash Sanders, joining us. Listen to us live, every Wednesday night at 7pm EST, at http://www.mixlr.com/storyteller-conclave. Listen to us on your favorite device! Or Amazon Audible Find us on Twitter (@st_conclave) – Instagram (st_conclave) Support the show by joining our Patreon : https://www.patreon.com/StorytellerConclave Please join us on Discord, to submit questions for the show, chat with Rob, Sara, and other Storytellers, and read over the detailed show-notes for more information and links to stuff we may not have been able to detail during the show! Discord : https://t.co/7H8p1lGYqG Or find our older episodes at Https://Storytellerconclave.com

Dessert in Storytelling

Dessert in Storytelling

Not every session needs to be about the plot. Sometimes your characters need to see what makes life worth living, talk to other NPCs, or simply just fool around. This week, Sara and Rob will be addressing the moments in stories when players and storytellers can sit back and have some light hearted fun. Listen in as they discuss the Desserts in Storytelling. Listen to us live, every Wednesday night at 7pm EST, at http://www.mixlr.com/storyteller-conclave. Listen to us on your favorite device! Or Amazon Audible Find us on Twitter (@st_conclave) – Instagram (st_conclave) Support the show by joining our Patreon : https://www.patreon.com/StorytellerConclave Please join us on Discord, to submit questions for the show, chat with Rob, Sara, and other Storytellers, and read over the detailed show-notes for more information and links to stuff we may not have been able to detail during the show! Discord : https://t.co/7H8p1lGYqG Or find our older episodes at Https://Storytellerconclave.com

Game systems that we would love to see

Game systems that we would love to see

Special Note: This show had some audio issues, the opening is a bit different due to this. We are sorry. After 5 years of system spotlights, Sara and Rob have seen a ton of different settings and themes for games. But this just opened the door to focused themes and ideas that they have never seen, but probably exist somewhere. This week they will talk about systems, themes, and styles that they would like to see in the TTRPG space and perhaps some mechanics that can bring them to life! Listen to us live, every Wednesday night at 7pm EST, at http://www.mixlr.com/storyteller-conclave. Listen to us on your favorite device! Or Amazon Audible Find us on Twitter (@st_conclave) – Instagram (st_conclave) Support the show by joining our Patreon : https://www.patreon.com/StorytellerConclave Please join us on Discord, to submit questions for the show, chat with Rob, Sara, and other Storytellers, and read over the detailed show-notes for more information and links to stuff we may not have been able to detail during the show! Discord : https://t.co/7H8p1lGYqG Or find our older episodes at Https://Storytellerconclave.com

Is D&D Hurting the Hobby?

Is D&D Hurting the Hobby?

A frequent rant of Sara’s has been about the damage that D&D has done to the gaming community. This week, she officially drags out the soap box and takes a good long deep dive into the full negative impact that D&D5e’s popularity has done to the TTRPG community as a whole. Listen to us live, every Wednesday night at 7pm EST, at http://www.mixlr.com/storyteller-conclave. Listen to us on your favorite device! Or Amazon Audible Find us on Twitter (@st_conclave) – Instagram (st_conclave) Support the show by joining our Patreon : https://www.patreon.com/StorytellerConclave Please join us on Discord, to submit questions for the show, chat with Rob, Sara, and other Storytellers, and read over the detailed show-notes for more information and links to stuff we may not have been able to detail during the show! Discord : https://t.co/7H8p1lGYqG Or find our older episodes at Https://Storytellerconclave.com

System Spotlight: Tiny D6 (Tiny Taverns)

System Spotlight: Tiny D6 (Tiny Taverns)

Do you have 3 six sided dice, some 3x5 notecards, pens, and a bit of time? Well you can not only learn but also play Tiny D6! This week Rob & Sara review this minimalistic rule set that explores many different settings. Listen to us live, every Wednesday night at 7pm EST, at http://www.mixlr.com/storyteller-conclave. Listen to us on your favorite device! Or Amazon Audible Find us on Twitter (@st_conclave) – Instagram (st_conclave) Support the show by joining our Patreon : https://www.patreon.com/StorytellerConclave Please join us on Discord, to submit questions for the show, chat with Rob, Sara, and other Storytellers, and read over the detailed show-notes for more information and links to stuff we may not have been able to detail during the show! Discord : https://t.co/7H8p1lGYqG Or find our older episodes at Https://Storytellerconclave.com

OSR vs Narrative

OSR vs Narrative

Ok, we are Storyteller Conclave not “roll the dice and consult the charts” Anonymous. But why can’t we have stories in OSR? What makes dice such an adverse reaction to narrative. This week Rob and Sara pull back their sleeves and start to discuss OSR vs Narrative. Listen to us live, every Wednesday night at 7pm EST, at http://www.mixlr.com/storyteller-conclave. Listen to us on your favorite device! Or Amazon Audible Find us on Twitter (@st_conclave) – Instagram (st_conclave) Support the show by joining our Patreon : https://www.patreon.com/StorytellerConclave Please join us on Discord, to submit questions for the show, chat with Rob, Sara, and other Storytellers, and read over the detailed show-notes for more information and links to stuff we may not have been able to detail during the show! Discord : https://t.co/7H8p1lGYqG Or find our older episodes at Https://Storytellerconclave.com

What BDSM teaches us about TTRPGs

What BDSM teaches us about TTRPGs

It’s come up more than once when writing shows and its time to bring it to light. Sara and Rob have made more than one reference between BDSM and TTRPGs and how much it can teach. So find a comfy leather back chair, grab a warm drink, and be attentive, for this show is going to be a bit racy. Listen to us live, every Wednesday night at 7pm EST, at http://www.mixlr.com/storyteller-conclave. Listen to us on your favorite device! Or Amazon Audible Find us on Twitter (@st_conclave) – Instagram (st_conclave) Support the show by joining our Patreon : https://www.patreon.com/StorytellerConclave Please join us on Discord, to submit questions for the show, chat with Rob, Sara, and other Storytellers, and read over the detailed show-notes for more information and links to stuff we may not have been able to detail during the show! Discord : https://t.co/7H8p1lGYqG Or find our older episodes at Https://Storytellerconclave.com

Evolving Relationships

Evolving Relationships

Love and Hate are extremes that follow our PC’s and NPC’s alike. But there are shades of gray, moments of understanding, and possibly even attraction that can infiltrate. Join Rob and Sara as they pen letters of envy on the topic of Evolving Relationships in roleplaying games. Listen to us live, every Wednesday night at 7pm EST, at http://www.mixlr.com/storyteller-conclave. Listen to us on your favorite device! Or Amazon Audible Find us on Twitter (@st_conclave) – Instagram (st_conclave) Support the show by joining our Patreon : https://www.patreon.com/StorytellerConclave Please join us on Discord, to submit questions for the show, chat with Rob, Sara, and other Storytellers, and read over the detailed show-notes for more information and links to stuff we may not have been able to detail during the show! Discord : https://t.co/7H8p1lGYqG Or find our older episodes at Https://Storytellerconclave.com

System Spotlight: Thirsty Sword Lesbians

System Spotlight: Thirsty Sword Lesbians

Defined as “joyously fun and disastrously romantic”, Thirsty Sword Lesbians, from Evil Hat Games, is our system spotlight for this very RED month. Keeping up with the theme of February, Sara and Rob grab their weapons, don their gayest apparel, and step into this PbtA system about celebrating queerness! Listen to us live, every Wednesday night at 7pm EST, at http://www.mixlr.com/storyteller-conclave. Listen to us on your favorite device! Or Amazon Audible Find us on Twitter (@st_conclave) – Instagram (st_conclave) Support the show by joining our Patreon : https://www.patreon.com/StorytellerConclave Please join us on Discord, to submit questions for the show, chat with Rob, Sara, and other Storytellers, and read over the detailed show-notes for more information and links to stuff we may not have been able to detail during the show! Discord : https://t.co/7H8p1lGYqG Or find our older episodes at Https://Storytellerconclave.com

TTRPGs are often about escape from reality, a step away from the drama of our lives. But there are still adult themes there to explore. No, not just romance, but loss, grief, depression, and even death. This week Rob and Sara step into the month and talk about gaming with Adult Themes. Listen to us live, every Wednesday night at 7pm EST, at http://www.mixlr.com/storyteller-conclave. Listen to us on your favorite device! Or Amazon Audible Find us on Twitter (@st_conclave) – Instagram (st_conclave) Support the show by joining our Patreon : https://www.patreon.com/StorytellerConclave Please join us on Discord, to submit questions for the show, chat with Rob, Sara, and other Storytellers, and read over the detailed show-notes for more information and links to stuff we may not have been able to detail during the show! Discord : https://t.co/7H8p1lGYqG Or find our older episodes at Https://Storytellerconclave.com

How Games Teach Us to Play Them

How Games Teach Us to Play Them

We say it in our system spotlights, “Games teach you how to play them”. Things like instincts, backgrounds, hubris/virtue, and goals give PCs direction for their characters. This episode, Rob & Sara round up those tools and discuss how that could shape your game sessions. Listen to us live, every Wednesday night at 7pm EST, at http://www.mixlr.com/storyteller-conclave. Listen to us on your favorite device! Or Amazon Audible Find us on Twitter (@st_conclave) – Instagram (st_conclave) Support the show by joining our Patreon : https://www.patreon.com/StorytellerConclave Please join us on Discord, to submit questions for the show, chat with Rob, Sara, and other Storytellers, and read over the detailed show-notes for more information and links to stuff we may not have been able to detail during the show! Discord : https://t.co/7H8p1lGYqG Or find our older episodes at Https://Storytellerconclave.com

Escapism vs Realism

Escapism vs Realism

While framing stories, we often want the game to feel a particular way. A key part of that is how “real” it should feel and what consequences should be. This episode, Rob and Sara will discuss where escapism and realism collide when defining feel TTRPGs. Listen to us live, every Wednesday night at 7pm EST, at http://www.mixlr.com/storyteller-conclave. Listen to us on your favorite device! Or Amazon Audible Find us on Twitter (@st_conclave) – Instagram (st_conclave) Support the show by joining our Patreon : https://www.patreon.com/StorytellerConclave Please join us on Discord, to submit questions for the show, chat with Rob, Sara, and other Storytellers, and read over the detailed show-notes for more information and links to stuff we may not have been able to detail during the show! Discord : https://t.co/7H8p1lGYqG Or find our older episodes at Https://Storytellerconclave.com

System Spotlight: Wanderhome

System Spotlight: Wanderhome

Wanderhome is a “slice of life” TTRPG, where players explore their characters versus the world around them through conversation and moves. So this week Rob and Sara will take a journey, village to village, season to season, to explore the mechanics & more that Jay Dragon created. Listen to us live, every Wednesday night at 7pm EST, at http://www.mixlr.com/storyteller-conclave. Listen to us on your favorite device! Or Amazon Audible Find us on Twitter (@st_conclave) – Instagram (st_conclave) Support the show by joining our Patreon : https://www.patreon.com/StorytellerConclave Please join us on Discord, to submit questions for the show, chat with Rob, Sara, and other Storytellers, and read over the detailed show-notes for more information and links to stuff we may not have been able to detail during the show! Discord : https://t.co/7H8p1lGYqG Or find our older episodes at Https://Storytellerconclave.com

Keeping group harmony

Keeping group harmony

It’s one thing to have a good group play well together, but another to have their methods of play mesh. One might be an opportunist, another plans, and others just want to adopt NPCs. This week Sara and Rob discuss what group harmony looks like from the Storytellers seat. Listen to us live, every Wednesday night at 7pm EST, at http://www.mixlr.com/storyteller-conclave. Listen to us on your favorite device! Or Amazon Audible Find us on Twitter (@st_conclave) – Instagram (st_conclave) Support the show by joining our Patreon : https://www.patreon.com/StorytellerConclave Please join us on Discord, to submit questions for the show, chat with Rob, Sara, and other Storytellers, and read over the detailed show-notes for more information and links to stuff we may not have been able to detail during the show! Discord : https://t.co/7H8p1lGYqG Or find our older episodes at Https://Storytellerconclave.com

Year End Review 2023

Year End Review 2023

Let's sit back, relax, and recap the year. Join us live @ 7pm Eastern on MixLR.com/storyteller-conclave for our Year-End Review! The Discord Live Chat will be open to all, so please come hang out with us! Ask questions, review the year, and talk about what is to come in 2024! Listen to us live, every Wednesday night at 7pm EST, at http://www.mixlr.com/storyteller-conclave. Listen to us on your favorite device! Or Amazon Audible Find us on Twitter (@st_conclave) – Instagram (st_conclave) Support the show by joining our Patreon : https://www.patreon.com/StorytellerConclave Please join us on Discord, to submit questions for the show, chat with Rob, Sara, and other Storytellers, and read over the detailed show-notes for more information and links to stuff we may not have been able to detail during the show! Discord : https://t.co/7H8p1lGYqG Or find our older episodes at Https://Storytellerconclave.com

Handling Stealth Scenes

Handling Stealth Scenes

Stealth is a mechanic that nearly every TTRPG has. Who hasn’t dreamt of playing the mysterious ninja or catburglar? However, it can seem like your players are avoiding all of the obstacles you've laid out! This week, Sara & Rob discuss the best ways to run stealth encounters! Listen to us live, every Wednesday night at 7pm EST, at http://www.mixlr.com/storyteller-conclave. Listen to us on your favorite device! Or Amazon Audible Find us on Twitter (@st_conclave) – Instagram (st_conclave) Support the show by joining our Patreon : https://www.patreon.com/StorytellerConclave Please join us on Discord, to submit questions for the show, chat with Rob, Sara, and other Storytellers, and read over the detailed show-notes for more information and links to stuff we may not have been able to detail during the show! Discord : https://t.co/7H8p1lGYqG Or find our older episodes at Https://Storytellerconclave.com