Tales From the Hydian Way: Recent Episodes
Benjamin Yendall
I’m calling this episode impossible because I never expected it to come out. Here I talk with Adam of Force Majeure and Leslie of Heroes/Tales about kickstarters and what gets us to look at other table top RPGs. Things discussed in this episode: Rowan, Rook and Deckard Honey Heist Die RPG Goat Crashers Adventure Skeletons … Continue reading "301- The Impossible Tale"
We look back at what has happened in the last 300 episodes and some of the lessons we’ve learned, what is happening on The Hydian Way, and where our hearts will take us. Things discussed in this episode Xphile Brian Casey Spider Robinson Challahan’s Crosstime Saloon Sink the Bismark Thisspasian You can find us on … Continue reading "300 – The Tales Tale"
We had two Heroes and two denizen the Force Majeure podcast on to talk about what they put into developing characters for a short and long time, including how far ahead they make it, as well as what extra thoughts that are beyond mechanical go into a character. Things we talked about on this episode: … Continue reading "299 – The Mindset Tale"
We have Kristine and Adam on to talk about the fun to be had with Rise of the Separatists and Collapse of the Republic. We go in depth on the new careers and how they can mold your campaigns in new and fun ways. Things discussed in this episode: A New Dawn Ahsoka Queens Shadow … Continue reading "298 – The Rise of the Republic Tale"
With three others Ben dives into the end of the prequel trilogy and comes up with several ideas and complications for campaigns and settings in some very novel ways. Things discussed in this episode: Darth Maul Hope Punk 1313 Star Wars: Infinities Ahsoka Crokinole A New Dawn You can find us on TwitterShow updates are … Continue reading "297 – The Revenge of the Sith Tale"
Brandon and Wren come to talk about how their characters were built and grew over the season 2 of the Heroes of the Hydian Way, from taking a universal specialization to start with, to getting almost all 25 talents in the doctor specialization. You can find us on TwitterShow updates are @TheHydianWayBen is @DeuteriumIceHelp us … Continue reading "296 – The Heroic Build Tail"
With a band of merry co-hosts we look at the middle movie of the prequel trilogy, the highs, the lows, the car theft. We have fun and come up with some interesting ideas for our own tables Things talked about in this episode: Poetry of the skywalker series Coruscant Knights Fifth Element Sandbaggers Queen and … Continue reading "295 – The Attack of the Clones Tale"
Wren joins us to talk about their introduction to the Narrative Dice system, as well as their experiences in joining a podcast. How the dice shapes their outlook and how to choose a character that fits their narrative style. Things talked about in this episode: Make_Believe_RP Starfinder Call of Cthulhu Dungeon World Burning Wheel Mouse … Continue reading "294 – The New Wren Tale"
Between Return of the Jedi and The Force Awakens there is a new galaxy for our adventures, we have Kristine on to talk about this era and man of the plot hooks that jump to mind when talking about the shift in the Galaxy Far Far Away. Things discussed in this episode Bloodline Phasma Aftermath … Continue reading "293 – The 30 Years In Between Tale"
We have Kristine on to talk about several of the outlooks that change when moving to a Force and Destiny game in Star Wars RPG, and how that perspective shift colors everything else in the players galaxy. Things talked about in this episode: Obsidian Entertainment Arrowverse Legends of Tomorrow Glass Dagger Jewel of Yavin Omen’s … Continue reading "292 – The Perspective Change Tale"
With a special guest we talk about using conflict in the Force and Destiny system and how it can both help and hurt a campaign idea if it’s not discussed ahead of time. Things talked about in this episode: Force Majeure Glass Dagger Batman Gambit Xanatos Gambit Soloshot Expanse You can find us on TwitterShow … Continue reading "291 – The Conflict Tale"
We discuss the ways that starting force powers are deceptively powerful, as well as how to make sure that players at your table are not getting frustrated by starting experiences with a force user. You can find us on TwitterShow updates are @TheHydianWayBen is @DeuteriumIceRissa is @KookyKitt Help us out financially for the show on … Continue reading "290 – The Low XP Force Tale"
This episode has us talking about the tiny adventure before the big adventure so we all can get comfortable with our characters. From pilots to prologues we talk about how to set your own expectations for your games. Things talked about in this episode: Murder on the Mantellian Express Light saber tonfa Encounter at Farpoint … Continue reading "289 – The Prologue Tale"
We bring Brandon on board as a guest to help talk about encounters and adventures looking to resolve without violence, from how to frame an encounter to ideas to discuss the topic at the start of the campaign. Things discussed in the show: Enterprise Club Star Trek Discovery Star Trek Adventures Murder on the Mantellian … Continue reading "288 – The Reason for Violence Tale"
We decided to use the Expanded Setting Sheet and create our own setting. What came out was an empowering setting filled with fanciful technology of medical heights. With mutations in the world and how the world has been shaped by them. Things discussed in this episode: Expanded Setting Sheet Watchmen Steel Atomic Robo Umbrella Academy … Continue reading "287 – The Mutant Tail"
We talk about using vehicles in your encounters and what happens when you do finally give the pilot an episode focused around them. From ideas on what others can do, to ways of structuring the encounter. Things we talk about in this episode: Space ship Combat Cheat Sheet Serenity space battle Solo X-wing Alliance Rebels … Continue reading "286 – The Vehicle Encounter Tale"
Our look into the Expanded Players Guide continues with a look into themes, magic, and some of the cool ideas we have about how to bring this to the table. From helping new players learn the system and advancement to the vast fields of story that can be had. Things talked about in this episode: … Continue reading "285 – The Expanded Players Guide"
We take a look at the Expanded Players Guide from Fantasy Flight Games and give our thoughts on this new book for Genesys. From the depths of a post apocalyptic future to the high Gothic of old school monsters we talk about how to use this book and some of the ways it inspires us. … Continue reading "284 – The Expanded Players Tale"
We find the tales in The Phantom Menace that we think would be amazing adventures from podracing to the heights of Courscant intrigue. Things we talk about in the episode: Master and Apprentice Queens Shadow Bourne Last Shot Star Wars Racer Star Wars Racers Revenge Speed Racer Sil Zero Day the Earth Stood Still Star … Continue reading "283 – The Phantom Menace Tale"
To talk about The Mandalorian we brought on Brandon from Heroes and Chris Ing. We have a fair bit of fun looking at the surface of the show, some of the themes and some of the very generic ways that the galaxy is working in a post Endor time. Things talked about in this episode: … Continue reading "282 – The Mandalorian Tale"
Preparing to improvise is one of the trickier things to happen. We talk about some of how players can twist how we change things because how our players act and expect to make a much more engaging story. This episode also contains a crossover from Ted on the Manellian Express. Brought up in discussion in … Continue reading "281 – The Follow On Tale"
We’re all back to talk about the force and redemption in the Rise of Skywalker. The ways that it can feel fulfilling to us and the ways that show an understanding. Things talked about in this show: Empire of Dreams Full Metal Alchemist Brotherhood Zuko Sil Zero charts People on this episode: Kristine Chris Adam … Continue reading "280 – The Rise of Skywalker Tale Pt 2"
There was a movie that came out recently that had a crawl and was a Star Wars movie. This is part one of our discussion about the movie, the choices made, and a few thoughts of what we thought would make a more satisfying story. Contributors and things we talked about in this episode: Kristine … Continue reading "279- The Rise of Skywalker Tale PT 1"
A discussion about how to prepare players for a campaign launches us into talking about how you communicate ahead of time about a general topic, what specializations are allowed, and how to adjust player character ideas to what the campaign actually is. Things mentioned in this episode: Wanderers TTRPG Safety Toolkit Karate Kid You can … Continue reading "278 – The Specialized Tale"
We look to the first ending of a trilogy in Star Wars, from murder bears to the ending of galactic crime lords we have ideas on where we can put stories that coincide and are inspired by the Return of the Jedi. Things talked about in this episode: Ewoks Umbrella Academy Zygerrian Is it a … Continue reading "277 – The Return of the Jedi"
Getting going again at the start of a new session can be torturous, echoing our favourite hotshot pilot of who talks first. We have ideas on how to keep notes on what comes next and how to start off for your players to hit the ground running. Things talked about in this episode: Supernatural Recap … Continue reading "276 – The Recap Tale"
Taking on deeper topics at the table can be a great way of working through your feelings as a group, but it can be intimidating. We have ideas on how to do it at the table without scaring your players away and to make it touch on the topics the players want. Things we talked … Continue reading "275 – Into the Fire Tale"
It can only mean one thing, invasion. We were emailed a question about a player using the crafting mechanics at the table, from there we expanded the scope into talking about disruptive players and how to deal with them. Things talked about in this episode: Heroes Obligations Consent in gaming You can find us on … Continue reading "274 – The Disruption Tale"
When Ben is looking for help coming up with tag team rules for a fight in a game he turns to Rissa for advice and a second set of eyes. We then take a look at a few of our own house rules that we’ve had to create. Things we’ve talked about in the episode: … Continue reading "273 – The House Rule Tale"
We were given a prompt on our discord server, and got talking about using sabers and the force in Star Wars adventures and how to make getting a lightsaber into something momentous for the characters and players. Things we talked about in the episode: 265 – The Consequences Tale Dark Empire I Jedi Oo’oob You … Continue reading "272 – The Saber Tale"
Rissa and Ben take a look at The Empire Strikes Back to see what stories that they get inspired to tell by the movie and little corners that create new avenues for adventures for you to use. Things discussed in this episode: Episode 267 – A New Hope Tale The Ghost and the Darkness Jewel … Continue reading "271 – The Empire Strikes Back Tale"
We talk of setting and communicating difficulty to not overpower your characters, and to make sure that your players understand the difficulties that are presented to them. From a single patrol to a gang that’s chasing after the party we have ideas on how to make sure no one is taken by surprise. Things talked … Continue reading "270 – A Tale of Building"
Law enforcement through out the galaxy has different textures that your players can feel. We start off talking about what to do with players who seem to be a law unto their own, not paying Stormtroopers any mind. Then we move to the outer rim and find ways to make a one ronto town feel … Continue reading "269 – The Lawless Tale"
We talk about making obligation and character side quests simple and and achievable along side the main plots. From keeping the ideas contained, to getting the players involved we have ideas on how to make character quests awesome for you and your players. Things talked about in this episode: The Witcher 3 Assassins Creed Odyssey … Continue reading "268 – The Side Quest Tale"
We start our series on taking inspiration from the Star Wars movies and seeing what stories we want to tell in the cracks, and what giant plots and galaxy changing things we see as coming from the text of the movies. Things talked about in this episode Tales from Jabbas Palace Rogue One Tales from … Continue reading "267 – The New Hope Tale"
We talk about the stages of an adventuring party, from the poverty of starting to gaining the experience and equipment to be awesome. Ideas about how to handle the frustrations and lack of equipment abound in this episode. Things talked about in this episode: ARC-170 Freemaker Adventures Mordin – Mass Effect You can find us … Continue reading "266 – The Expensive Tale"
There are times when players seem to not recognize when their actions should have consequences for their characters. We give advice on how to tie their actions explicitly back to the character actions and in how to make it more interesting when a die result means it’s complicated. Things talked about in this episode: Master … Continue reading "265 – The Consequences Tale"
Every GM will have issues they have to overcome, there isn’t a set path to learning and being good at it. Rissa and Ben have had to learn along the way from their own mistakes. We share some of the weird things that have happened and how we can learn from them. Things we talked … Continue reading "264 – Tales of the Early Years"
We started to talk about how to build in the flexibility to deal with your players improvising at the table in the scenes you’re creating. Plus how to shape the fun in a way to not curtail the players exuberance while keeping your own fun as a core part of the game. Things talked about … Continue reading "263 – The Structured Tale"
Adam from Force Majure asked about vergences and how to use them to guide the story and adventure. We have several ideas on how to make things even more out there for Star Wars and how we’re able to focus on making it fun and meaningful for the players. Things talked about in this episode … Continue reading "262 – The Tale of Vergences"
We go back to the list of RPG plots and gain ideas for you and us to use. From a fish out of water, to diplomacy, and racing in between we have ideas on engaging plots and some nifty places to find ideas. Things we talk about in the show: Big list of RPG Plots … Continue reading "261 – The Three Plot Tale"
We talk about story hooks and trying to set the ones you as a GM want, while still being okay with the changes your players will inadvertently want. Growing beyond the plots we have and maturing into the stories of the whole table. Things we talked about on the show Gridded Easel Pads West Marches … Continue reading "260 – Setting The Hook Tale"
Rissa was posed a question about how to get players to run blockades, we both have ideas and advice on how to make the seemingly impossible into challenges your players won’t balk to see. Things we talked about in this episode: Terminal Velocity Arquitens Light Cruiser A Little White Armor Lie You can find us … Continue reading "259 – A Blockade Run Tale"
For Heroes Act 2 Ben needed advice on how to do an important characters voice without doing an accent. Rissa has experience with making new voices and showing off different personalities for characters. The advice given becomes useful for differentiating characters for all. Things we talked about in this episode: Daria You can find us … Continue reading "258 – A Tale of Two NPCs"
Ben had a question for Rissa, how do you guide the players without taking their agency away from them? How do you get the players to choose to do something that will be cool, but they have no idea how to get there? Rissa has some ideas and Ben has a thought or two as … Continue reading "257 – The Shepard’s Tale"
In part 2 of our Android review we talk careers, the construction of the book, the favor economy, and hacking. We loved the setup and found that it sparked each of our imaginations in making us want to explore the universe more. Things we talked about in the show: Predators Shadow of the Beanstalk Night … Continue reading "256 – The Android Tale"
A little while back Shadow of the Beanstalk launched from FFG, we decided to do a review episode about it and even brought in noted cyberpunkfile David Pickering. We talk about the lore and why the setting and mechanics lead to interesting choices to be made and how adventured hooks drip from the book. Things … Continue reading "255 – The Beanstalk Tale"
Players grow and some want to move from the Edge of the Empire style of scum and villainy and a shade of grey for every action to something more obvious of good and bad. We have ideas on how to suggest this to your players and a few ways to nudge them into the rebellion. … Continue reading "254 – The Edge to Age Tale"
Ben’s Thursday night campaign is coming to an end, but he’s unsure how he should do it. Rissa has several helpful ideas on how to bring it in for an end in a satisfying fashion. Things talked about in this episode: Star Wars Sheets Allies and Adversaries Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom You can find us … Continue reading "253 – The End of Thursday Tale"
After a session or two when your players are having no luck with the dice it can be so disheartening, and which can lead to player resentment. We talk about how to deal with failure after failure in a story and how to make it more interesting and fun for the player. Things talked about … Continue reading "252 – The Failing Up Tale"
We get talking about the Destiny pool and how to keep it in play and moving between sides. From using it as a GM intrusion to an adventure to upgrading rolls and so many places in between You can find us on TwitterShow updates are @TheHydianWayBen is @DeuteriumIceRissa is @KookyKitt Help us out financially for … Continue reading "251 – The Tale of Destiny"
We have David and Leslie on to talk about our methods of preparation, what we find needed, and how to encourage a new GM into running a second campaign. Things we talked about in the episode: Fiasco Dice for Brains Force Majeure Dark Heresy Realms of Terrinoth NPC deck Android NPC deck Star Wars Allies … Continue reading "250 – The GM Experience"
Playing in the Old Republic Era has no stats behind it, nor does the Sequel Era. We have ideas on how to still use the system to tell amazing tales and not worry about the mechanics behind everything. Things talked about in this episode: Knights of the Old Republic 2 Saw Gerrera Steela Gerrera Star … Continue reading "249 – The Period Tale"
Translating the inspiration for a campaign into what the players hear and see is hard. We have a few ideas on how to take that comncept that evoked your desire to run the adventure into what your players are having a blast in doing. Things described in this podcast: Rissa’s Stream Kelly’s Heroes Seven Samurai … Continue reading "248 – The Composition Tale"
An episode of Heroes makes Ben wonder about different ways of presenting encounters to the players. Rissa and Ben have some ideas on how to make sure that the players weapons aren’t always the first thing grabbed for. Things discussed in this episode: Heroes Season 2 Mask of the Pirate Queen Act 1 Episode 2 … Continue reading "247 – The Rumble Tale"
Recounting a few missteps in our own history we have a few ideas on how to make the pets of a player matter to the game and to the players in ways that aren’t always obvious. References for the show: Force Majeure Podcast Lassie You can find us on TwitterShow updates are @TheHydianWayBen is @DeuteriumIceRissa … Continue reading "246 – The Player Pet Tale"
We said it was going to be a series, and we’re starting it. Threat is a tricky thing to use since it’s very easy to undervalue it, we have ideas on how to make it more vibrant and how to not try to steal the success of a roll with threat. Things Discussed in this … Continue reading "245 – The Growing Threat Tale"
We start our discussion about the extra mechanics in the FFG narrative system with advantage, as we start talking about the scale of what makes one advantage a small boost versus making three or four amazing and how to scale mechanically and narratively between. Things discussed in this episode: BC rain forest Supernatural Tomb Raider … Continue reading "244 – The New Advantage Tale"
We talk about methods of how you as a player and a GM can move a disagreement at the table between characters and players along to some form of resolution, with a few examples from our own tables. Things we talked about on the show D&D Alignment Chart Enemy Mine Tabletop Simulator You can find … Continue reading "243 – The Indecisive Tale"
Surprises can be an amazing thing, and we have a few ideas on how to turn a cliff hanger into something that the players will never expect. From fantastic settings to NPCs that will haunt your players long after they’re put back in the box, we have ideas. Things talked about in this episode: Baby … Continue reading "242- The Unexpected Tale"
An explosion of discussion happens in this episode about using the conflict mechanic as two GMs talk about their strategy for completely integrating the mechanic into their adventures and sessions. Things discussed in this episode Trolley Problem Star Wars the Old Republic You can find us on TwitterShow updates are @TheHydianWayBen is @DeuteriumIceRissa is @KookyKitt … Continue reading "241 – The Conflicted Party Tale"
We talk about how to end a scene and how to keep narrative momentum up when interest feels like it’s flagging. From adventure starts and getting that spur into adventure to the pacing when your player group is traveling. Things we talked about in this episode Mask of the Pirate Queen Oceans Eleven You can … Continue reading "240 – The Momentum Tale"
We talk about getting your players to narrate their actions more, from beginners who have never played an RPG before, to dungeon crawlers, to GMs who are there to relax. Things talked about in the episode Fiasco Tabletop Simulator You can find us on TwitterShow updates are @TheHydianWayBen is @DeuteriumIceRissa is @KookyKitt Help us out … Continue reading "239 – The Narrative Tale"
Ben and Rissa watched a live stream of Star Wars the RPG and things happened, over the top things, things that made us want to talk about it. Here we are talking about what happens when a group that’s combat heavy comes to your more moderate adventure. Things talked about in this episode Season 2 … Continue reading "238 – The Explosive Character Tale"
A longtime patron got in touch with us about something that was on their mind and we thought it would make a good episode. This is talking about what do you give characters to start with and how do you guide them into directions your story might want to put on display. We only talked … Continue reading "237 – The Starting Character Tale"
We have Adam Beltane on from the Force Majeure Podcast to talk about their experience with running their games, how they prepare, and how they got into the fun of Star Wars Roleplaying Things we talked about in this episode Force Majeure Podcast Dice For Brains Redemption Silhouette Zero West End Games Star Wars RPG … Continue reading "236 – The Force Majeure Tale"
We looked to a list of RPG plots and figured out many ways of making them work, from escorting NPCs to transporting items, to what happens when you find a ghost ship? Things discussed in this episode Rolltop Indigo – List of RPG plots Magnificent 7 Rogue One Tron Tron Legacy Hitmans Bodyguard Big Lebowski … Continue reading "235 – The Escort Tale"
We talk about the need of theatrics at the table and how and why the need grows the less you know the players at the table as well as how it can become harder to do at the table. We referenced in this episode: Firefly Nancy Drew Mark Meer – Dnd You can find us … Continue reading "234 The Variable Party Tale"
Tropes get brought up quite a bit, we’ve heard it so much, from how a scene is hollow because there isn’t anything else attached to the trope to how some tropes repeated enough can be harmful to your own gaming table. We talk about how this happens and how to deal better with tropes. Things … Continue reading "The Trope Tale"
Rissa ran into writers block and we go through a few ways of inspiration while doing a very good method of talking out what lead to the indecision. Talked about in this episode The Single Shot Tale Cypress Hills Park Plaza de España Edge of the Empire GM Screen Detroit Become Human Tex Murphy You … Continue reading "The Writers Block Tale"
We talk with Leslie from Heroes and get questions about how to make sure your adventures don’t hit dead walls when giving players paths forward, especially with setting scenes and making sure that clues are actual clues. Things talked about in this episode: Scooby Doo D1-C3 Kiss Kiss Bang Bang The New Legends of Monkey … Continue reading "The Clue Path Tale"
I got watching the Bumblebee trailer and then wouldn’t stop talking about it, so Rissa and I got talking about how to bring our more favorite franchises into being used in Genesys and Star Wars. Things talked about in this episode: Shadow of the Beanstalk Lord of the Rings Fellowship of the Rings Avatar the … Continue reading "The Branded Tale"
We look at environments and how to make them matter to your players who have taken talents and species that would make use of them. We also talk about how to lead the way in getting the most use out of an environment Things talked about on this episode: Curling Heroes of the Hydian Way … Continue reading "The Environmental Tale"
We’re back and talking social skills, how we use them, how the intent of the rolls are a good indication of how they should be adjudicated, and how two skills can be used for the same roll Things talked about in this episode: Braveheart Speech Ezra Rebels Divine Divinity Original Sin Knights of the Old … Continue reading "The Social Tale"
Thinking about the one shots we’ve run, and how we’ve gone into preparing the adventures. We look at two vastly different styles of creating an experience for our players. Things we talked about in this show: Star Wars Armada Hunt the Bismark Vindicator Class Cruiser MC 40A light Cruiser The Pit Visas Marr You can … Continue reading "The Single Shot Tale"
We talk about what 2018 has brought to the show and where we’re planning to take Heroes and Tales in the next year. Things we talked about in the show: Tales from the Loop Jeff Romo The Glass Dagger Legends of the Five Rings Things from the Flood Star Trek Adventures Force Majeure Solo Episode … Continue reading "The Road Ahead Tale"
We talk about how big can one social check be in a combat action, especially one that has gone on quite long. From there we talk about types of actions that are easier to adjudicate and give some fun examples of how charm can be used to deflect combat from happening. Things talked about in … Continue reading "The Charming Combat Tale"
People aren’t always paying attention and can be distracted by a great many things, we talk about when it starts impacting their participation at the table as well as others. Thing talked about in this episode: Eldritch Horror You can find us on TwitterShow updates are @TheHydianWayBen is @DeuteriumIceRissa is @KookyKitt Help us out financially … Continue reading "The Present Player Tale"
We look at the difficulties in adding a new player and their character in the middle of an ongoing campaign and making it as seamless and as rewarding as possible. Thing we talked about in the show: Oggdude You can find us on TwitterShow updates are @TheHydianWayBen is @DeuteriumIceRissa is @KookyKitt Help us out financially … Continue reading "The Adding a Player Tale"
Secret societies show up in more places than we’d normally think. They are a very valuable story telling tool and we explore them in a fashion that makes them easier to use. Things talked about in this episode: Freemasons Red Herring Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade The Mummy The White Lotus – Avatar the … Continue reading "The Secret Society Tale"
We talk about a topic from the discord regarding mixed groups and how to make it feel that everyone is in the story, instead of just given simple tasks to do. From magic users and Genesys to how to get force users to constrain their powers, we have ideas. Things we talk about in the … Continue reading "The Group of Individuals Tale"
We talk about villains in your game, from introducing them, how much different types of adventures bring a villain out to the players, and so many places in between. We have advice and tales of when things didn’t go right. Things talked about in this episode Die Hard Under Siege Indiana Jones with Belloq Curse … Continue reading "The Villainous Tale"
From policing what or why your character would act a certain way to figuring out ways to make sure your split party compartmentalizes we have ideas on how to get your players and characters to identify closer to each other. We talk about how to metagame with a much freer conscience and a few simple … Continue reading "The In Character Tale"
Your players do weird things and will deal with situations out of the order in your head. We talk about some of our experiences with players going left when we’d have expected them to go right, and give a few ideas on how to deal with it otherwise. Talked about in this episode: Mission Impossible … Continue reading "The Plotting Tale"
Ben has players that through paying attention to all the little throw away ideas he had have found enough parts to go into business for themselves as an arms manufacturer. This boggled his mind, so he asked Rissa for advice. Also there are tales of a wookiee rescue and commune. Things talked about in this … Continue reading "The Going into Business Tale"
Sometimes players get analysis paralysis and it gets frustrating for both the GM and the players alike. We have a few strategies to lessen the effect of it at the start of a session when the last session seems so long ago Things talked about in this episode: Force Majeure Podcast Silverwing Armory Newfounlander dog … Continue reading "The Player Guidance Tale"
Ben is joined by Heroes Kristine and Leslie to talk about character backstory and motivations. From informing the characters actions to providing hooks for the Game Master to propel the story along we dive deep in these concepts. Things talked about in the show: Kristine Leslie West Marches Fagin Tony Toponi Princess Bride Leverage Critical … Continue reading "The Backstory Tale"
We talk about challenges we’ve had as GMs to get players engaged with the stories we’re trying to tell and some of the solutions we’ve had for when the players actively try to derail your plot. Things talked about in this episode: Total Eclipse of the Heart Assassin Corvette Fiasco Imperial Assault You can find … Continue reading "The Lost in Space Tale"
Rissa and Ben set out to talk a little about making careers in Genesys, that idea was a red herring apparently as they fall into the trap of making a whole murder mystery one shot for you to use. Things talked about in this episode: The Steam Setting Tale Poirot Sherlock Holmes Nancy Drew Peter … Continue reading "The Murder Mystery Tale"
From discipline to astrogation many skills are forgotten by the whole table. We talk about several ways to make them more valuable for you and your players. Things talked about in this episode: Vapor Lock Iocaine Powder A New Hope You can find us on Twitter Show updates are @TheHydianWay Ben is @DeuteriumIce Rissa is … Continue reading "The Forgotten Skill Tale"
This week we start with a Minotaur stepping on the gas and it gets weirder from there. We talk about how you can plan for players being unpredictable and how you can recover from them doing something completely unexpected. Things talked about on this show: The Steam Setting Tale Fast 5 safe chase Heroes of … Continue reading "The Player Choice Tale"
Ben and Rissa talk about bringing meaning to your scenes and items. From making the blaster your gambler is carrying mean something extra to the framing of a dead body at the start of an adventure. We have ideas and tips for bringing your players into being more descriptive and making those descriptions matter. Things … Continue reading "The Expanding Narrative Tale"
Ben and Rissa talk about the differences in approach that character driven and plot driven campaigns can take and are generated for your players. Things talked about in this episode Buffy The Vampire Slayer Bones Castle Murder She Wrote Taken 2 Die hard With a Vengeance Princess Bride Spider-Man home coming Mass Effect You can … Continue reading "The Driven Tale"
We start talking about the different sorts of force traditions there are from the Gand Findsmen to the Dathomiri Witches and try to come up with ways to make it matter in your game. Things we talked about in this episode: Baran Do sages Aing Tii Monks Courtship of Princess Leia Dark Disciple Weik Miraluka … Continue reading "The Traditional Tale"
We talk about finding the stories that specializations want to tell and learning to find the ones that are there and not always forcing our own onto the career and specializations. Things talked about in this episode Knights of Fate Unlimited Power Four Man Band Ton Phanan Leap of Faith You can find us on … Continue reading "The Character Finding Tale"
Ben, Rissa, and Leslie were talking about the absolute cheese that is in Star Wars and related products, how it’s baked into the essence of it, and discuss many ways to add it in and vectors to add some tension breaking levity to your adventures Things talked about in this episode Ewoks Theme Mo – … Continue reading "The Cheese Wheel Tale"
We talk about the players who shoot first and may remember to ask questions after they’ve looted the bodies. We get ideas on how to make the experience broader with them and how to try and how to make their actions matter to the stories you’re telling. Things talked about in this episode Murder hobo … Continue reading "The Player Mayhem Tale"
Ben is getting ready to run Mask of the Pirate Queen, Rissa runs a bunch of investigation and mysteries for her players. Rissa gives insights from her many adventures and what has worked and what hasn’t. Things talked about in this episode: Game Night Clue A Pup Named Scooby Doo Miss Marple Poirot You can … Continue reading "The Investigation Tale"
This week we’re excited to welcome James D’amato from the One Shot Network to talk about improvisation and some strategies to make it easier at the game table when players throw you for a loop. Things talked about in this episode One Shot Campaign Podcast Fiasco OSR Cannibal Halfling Mech Rules X Card Star Crossed … Continue reading "The One Shot Tale"
A scenario that’s always hard to setup is getting player characters captured. We talk about how to make it more intuitive for the characters to be captured, how to deal with a near total party kill, and how to make it so the players get the idea to be captured ‘all on their own’ Things … Continue reading "The Captured Character Tale"
We started to talk about playing different species for your games and how to make it matter for your players. From how NPCs interact to how to set expectations at the table Things talked about in this episode: Dice for Brains Galaxy Guide 9 – Fragments from the Rim McKays Chattanooga Defel Pao Drabata Peekpa … Continue reading "The Thisspiasian Tale"
Episode 200, you’d think we’d talk about something profound. We talk about one of the most profound things you can actually do for your campaign. How to end it. Three hosts talk about the different kinds of endings we’ve seen and give some advice for GMs on how to make it satisfying. Things discussed in … Continue reading "The Closing Tale"
The topic of difficult players came up in discussion in the Tales twitter DMs. This brought up the different sorts of ways players and GMs can not see eye to eye on ideas and drew us to this episode topic. Things talked about in this episode: Zuckuss Dice for Brains Rebels Jodo Kast You can … Continue reading "The Challenging Player Tale"
We were asked about a particular build for a character, it raised a bit of a flag for us and all hosts decided we should talk about specializations that require a bit more work by those around the table. Things talked about in this episode: Domino Deadpool 2 Minority Report You can find us on … Continue reading "The Gambler Tale"
We have a huge group to talk about Solo: A Star Wars Story and share our perspectives. To a person we liked the movie, but we also are the sort who can look at it and see what could be done better. Things talked about in this episode: Solo: A Star Wars Story Hail Ceaser! … Continue reading "The Han Tale"
Communicating difficulty in an encounter is trickier than just giving out a number of dice. The players need to know before hand how to set their expectations. We discuss how and a few things that would normally be missed. Things talked about in this episode: Toph Galaxy Quest Crushers You can find us on Twitter … Continue reading "The Difficulty Tale"
We talk about how to inhabit a character and create a perspective to separate two characters in a scene. We also touch on ways of acting to make a character unique in your play group as a player Things talked about in this episode: Zork Gru Heroes Dice for Brains Accents A Manual For Actors … Continue reading "Into The Character Tale"
Ben and Rissa discuss running a module and some of the pitfalls that can emerge from trying to follow too close to the text as written. Things talked about in this episode: Beyond the Rim Friends like These Nam Beroya Reom Jewel of Yavin You can find us on Twitter Show updates are @TheHydianWay Ben … Continue reading "The Module Tale"
We created a steampunk setting in Genesys and look to different ideas that could come from the location we’ve created in Firemouth Outpost. Things talked about in this episode: Heroes of the Hydian Way – Genesys Warhammer 40K Cypress Hills Massacre East India Trading Company Hudsons Bay Company South Sea Trading Company – Extra History … Continue reading "The Steam Setting Tale"
Ben Rissa and David talk about vehicles in Genesys and how they’re different from Star Wars while trying to remember all the rules for both systems. Things talked about in this episode: Sea of Thieves Battlefront II Hunt for Red October Crimson Skies US Navy Recon Blimps Goblin Shane Edge of the Empire rules clarification … Continue reading "The Genesys Vehicle Tale"
No, we haven’t gone full Star Trek. We’re bringing on a new host and we’re interviewing her in this episode to give our listeners an idea of her style and some of the things she’s bringing to the table Things discussed in this episode: Agatha Christie Pathfinder Lost Girl Surviving Mars Alien Star Trek First … Continue reading "The Rissa Tale"
Ben and Marcus talk about some of the mechanics involved with starting characters and why somethings are more important than others at low XP amounts. Things talked about in this episode: Old Man Logan Logan Dark Tower Blue Max Elom Elomin Wookiepedia Assassins Creed Solid Snake Gossam Neimoidian Nute Gunray Dice for Brains Ross Rockafelow … Continue reading "The Starting Player Tale"
Ben has Marcus on to talk about his Force and Destiny podcast he creates with his kids and the lessons that can be learned from there. So much of the advice can be well used for bringing in any new player. Things talked about in this episode: Marcus Hirschfield Force Vs Darkside Dan Shessel Dice … Continue reading "The Tale Vs Darkside"
Ben and David talk about preparation tools for GMs and players as well as communication and character creation. Things talked about in this episode: Adversary Cards OneNote Obsidian Portal Band Gamers Plane World Anvil DropBox Oggdude Roll20 Fantasy Grounds Hangouts Skype Zoom Evernote Sando Aqua Monster Colo Claw Fish Drop Bear Bear Sloth Arboreal Octopus … Continue reading "The Tools Tale"
Ben has guest Leslie on to talk about ways to use maps and things to consider when using maps in person and online for your players. Things talked about in this episode: Leslie Heroes Obsidian Portal Maps Easel Pads – grid Command and Colours Mansions of Madness 2nd Ed Betrayal at House on the Hill … Continue reading "Map Tales"
Kristine and Ben talk about what they do when the players surprise them and leave them wondering what to do next. Things we talked about on the show: Weik Deadspace Stay on Target Mouseguard Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy Mass Effect 2 You can find us on Twitter Show updates are @TheHydianWay Ben is @DeuteriumIce … Continue reading "The Surprised GM Tale"
We talk about some of the ideas and issues of starting a player character and how much background is too much, as well as how much is not near enough. Things talked about in this episode: Angel – Xmen Black Lightning Christian Kane Eliot Spencer Fate Leverage RPG The 5 Man Band Firefly Star Trek … Continue reading "The Backgrounder Tale"
Ben and David talk about villains and how to present them to your players as fallible beings who can be defeated. Things talked about in this episode Horus Heresy Bruce Banner The Joker Injustice Dred Vs Batman Judge Dredd – Stalone Judge Dredd – Urban Star Trek Space Seed The Wrath of Khan Sybok Xanatos … Continue reading "The Villainous Tale"
We’ve all had players missing a game or having to leave the game, Kristine and Ben talk about how to make the blow softer and strategies to make it more fun for you and your group. Things talked about in this episode: Launchpad McQuack Eldritch Horror Mansions of Madness Fiasco Dusk City Outlaws Pathfinder Lords … Continue reading "The Absent Player Tale"
Ben and Kristine discuss with David what we’ve taken away from the Genesys core book and some of the interesting tidbits we are looking forward to for the system. Things talked about in this episode Genesys Magic – 217 Decent Legacy of Dragonholt Battlelore Realms of Terrinoth Android Twilight Imperium Deadlands Savage Rifts Savage World … Continue reading "The Genesys Tale"
Ben has Chris Ing from Silhouette Zero and Heroes on to talk about the force and some of the deeper things you can look at when using the force in your games. From what is light and dark, to the different force traditions we have ideas on how to make the force deeper in your … Continue reading "The Deep Force Tale"
We talk about space combat and a few issues that can come up as well as a few unintended consequences of putting mechanics before narrative. Things talked about in this episode: Serrano Legacy Series – Once a Hero Mandalorian Fang Fighter Freespace 2 Edge of the Empire Point Defence Side Bar – Page 267 X-com … Continue reading "The Everything is Terrain Tale"
We talk about how to run an adventure with few player resources and how to make it so player ingenuity is welcome when you take their toys away. From survival to horror to investigations we talk about ways of a few things to expect and ways to make it awesome. Things we talk about on … Continue reading "The Low Resource Tale"
We talk about failure in your game and how to make it feel like that isn’t the end of the action or the story. We show how there is always effects after an action even if they aren’t the desired ones. Things we talked about in this episode: Gladiator Stranger Things Smaug – Hobbit Live … Continue reading "The Fail Tale"
This week we talk about NPCs why some get elevated, how to deal with the mechanics for those that do get elevated, and why some people make full PCs for an NPC. Things talked about in this episode: Heroes of the Hydian Way Silhouette Zero From A Certain Point of View Kitt Harrington Freemaker Adventures … Continue reading "The Allied NPC Tale"
We talk about themes in The Last Jedi and several of the things we ponder about the story, from using bombers to why using force face time would be useful in an RPG setting. Things talked about in this episode: The Last Jedi Dice for Brains Silhouette Zero Fandable Soloshot Redtails The Tuskegee Airmen Leia, … Continue reading "The Last Jedi Tale"
We talk about how to end a session and a scene. With tips and examples of dramatic situations to leave your players in, the hosts have some deep thoughts about coming to that brick wall. Things talked about in this episode: Fiasco Fiasco Dice Fiasco Playsets Table Top: Fiasco Setup Part 1 Part 2 Hail … Continue reading "The Way to End Tale"
Kristine and Ben talk about the ways that you can use the in between session times to make your games better and keep engagement going when you have ideas that just need to get out. Things we talked about in this episode: X-Files Dice for Brains pregame Northern Nerdcast Bothan Banter The West Marches Discord … Continue reading "The Behind the Scenes Tale"
Splitting the party can be treacherous for a GM, from boring other players to finding there’s just too much going on to keep track of. We have ideas on making it make more sense and a few tricks on keeping everyone engaged. Things we talked about on the show: SilZeroChris Rise of the Rune Lords … Continue reading "The Split Party Tale"
We talk of how to make a failed crafting check mean something, what comes from not making something, and how to make it become a part of the story. Things discussed in this episode: Stranger Things The Walking Dead The Threatening Tale Burn Notice You can find us, at TheHydianWay.com You can find us on … Continue reading "The Failed Crafting Check Tale"
We talk about making a setting up for yourself. From new adversaries and minions to new pieces of equipment. This can broaden your horizons so much we wanted to give our initial takes on how to grow beyond the time between A New Hope and The Empire Strikes Back.Things talked about on the show: Marcus … Continue reading "The Home Brew Tale"
This is Kristine and Ben talking about the ‘hunt the Bismark’ campaign Ben did and ways to bring out the things that Ben had in his head for it at the table. We also talk of how to take ideas and see how big the idea really is. Things we talk about on the show: … Continue reading "Finding the Destroyer Tale"
We get talking about the morality mechanic and a few things we’ve been having a hard time with lately when looking at what the morality system can become and how to make it grow into bigger character beats than simple good or bad. Things talked about in the show: Usagi Yojimbo Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles … Continue reading "The Moral Beginner Tale"
We talk about Bounty Boards and how they can tell a story, even just in how they are accessed, and how they can propel your story forward to make amazingly complex worlds. Things talked about on the show: The Lego Freemaker Adventures John Wick 2 Mass Effect 2 Zuckus Dengar From a Certain Point of … Continue reading "The Bounty Board Tale"
We start talking about social encounters and then expand to talk about how to bring threats and advantage to the table in more narrative ways than just boosts and setbacks going into the next roll.Things discussed in this episode: Legends of the Five Rings RPG Genesys – social scenes Powered By the Apocalypse Dungeons and … Continue reading "The Threatening Tale"
We slip from idea to idea as we talk about learning what your players want to do and giving them the tools to do it. Things talked about in this episode: Masks Dungeons and Dragons Secret of Monkey Island Witcher 3 Firefly Genesys Monster of the Week Spelljammer Starfinder The A-Team You can find us, … Continue reading "The First Tale"
We look into some of the ways to save a flagging group from having co GMs to genre swapping on a regular basis. Talked about in this episode: Masks Pathfinder Yggdrasil Dresden Files Silhouette Zero Chris Ing Community Fate 5th Edition DnD Monster of the Week Stargate Call of Cthulhu Dungeons and Dragons Animated Willy … Continue reading "The Round Table Tale"
We talk about Dead in the Water and how you can break down the modules you see and read to make them more your own and get inspiration for the campaigns you want to run. Things talked about in the episode: Onslaught at Arda I Friends Like These Mask of the Pirate Queen Jewel of … Continue reading "The Personal Module Tale"
We talk about how to make adversaries and villains build in power, how to make them build in threat relevant to your player characters, and how to make these characters be more of an actual character to your players than just cardboard cutouts. Things talked about in this episode: Team Rocket Batman Vs Superman – … Continue reading "The Party’s Problem Tale"
We have Kristine Chester on to talk about obligation and ways to braid it into your plots so they don’t become plot derailing intrusions into your story and complement the characters that are there. Things talked about on the show: Kristine Chester Firefly Macguffin René Emile Belloq Lego Freemaker Adventures Dark Matter Valette You can … Continue reading "The Obligation Tale"
We talk about building mysteries and setting hooks for players to get interested in the adventure you have planned. From disappearing children to a penpal that wants to meet we have ideas on how to make a plot hook into that consuming little thing that drives players wild. Things talked about in the show: Mad … Continue reading "The Mysterious Tale"
We talk about several ways to make creatures matter to a scene and how to make sure they don’t get lost in normal role-playing. From keeping tracking of characters to helping them set scenes. Things talked about on the show: Exogorth Godzilla Ray Harryhausen Predator Alien Arboreal Octopus Gizka Avatar the Last Air Bender Cabbage … Continue reading "The Creature Tale"
We talk about getting the players to be hooked for an adventure lead and how to make them more of a player party instead of just players. From discussing other RPGs to how to manage disagreements we have a jam packed episode for you today. Things talked about on the show: Powered by the Apocalypse … Continue reading "The Party Starting Tale"
We talk about some of our different approaches of rules at the table, from how powerful the force is, to how much experience we give out at the table. It’s fun to see our different approaches and how varied our styles are. Things talked about on the show: The Force Unleashed Limitless The Avengers Roll20 … Continue reading "The Home Brew Tale"
Chris Ing has been a part of Heroes almost from the start, but Ben wanted to talk to him about his other podcast Silhouette Zero and two person gaming in general since it isn’t the typical way to run Star Wars RPG from FFG Things talked about in the show: Silhouette Zero Sir Bearington One … Continue reading "The Silhouette Zero Tale"
For our three year anniversary David and Ben talk about making brawling and mêlée characters that can keep up for damage, as well as looking at ways to build up specializations that don’t normally get a light on the cool ways they can be in a fight. Things talked about in this episode: The Mad … Continue reading "The Street Fighter Tale"
We get talking about how to show your gear is your gear. From the care that Mandalorians put into their armour to the lengths that gunfighters will customize their blasters. We also touch upon bringing gear into play with checks beyond just shooting people. Things talked about in this episode: Dungeons and Dragons Sabine Wren … Continue reading "The Gearing Up Tale"
We get talking about how to use some of the other traditions of force use, where you can expand past the ideas of Jedi and Sith. We also talk about how to feel more epic for your power level and how to capture that clone wars feel for Jedi. Things talked about in the show: … Continue reading "The Traditions Tale"
We get talking about how to entice your player onto the plot you’re wanting and what to do when they don’t do what you expect or will not engage with what you put before them. (hint: talk to your players) Things we talked about in this show: Avatar the Last Airbender Mass Effect Conrad Verner … Continue reading "The Learning GM Tale"
We start asking how can you bring the narrative from a video game to the table top and get into emphasizing how you can show off narrative choice in letting the players find agency in what their choices mean. Things talked about in this episode: Ursula Vernon Digger Swiss Family Robinson tweet storm Harriet the … Continue reading "The Video Game Tale"
We talk about how characteristics need to be thought of for your characters as your creating, knowing where your character is now in the timeline of their growth, and how you can shape your character off of abilities that aren’t common. Things talked about in the show: Purrgil Pelta class Lucky sevens Ogg Dudes character … Continue reading "The Characteristic Tale"