Detentions and Dragons
178 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 1 year ago - ★★★★★ - 75 ratingsWelcome to Detentions and Dragons, a podcast dedicated to introducing Dungeons and Dragons into the classroom experience!
Not a teacher? Don't worry! Hosts Josh and Matt are confident that new players, new Dungeon Masters, and fans of Dungeons and Dragons will find this enjoyable and informative as well!
Podcast updates biweekly weekly. We are off during the summer!
Detentions and Dragons is a proud member of the Block Party Podcast Network!!
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Episodes
Lesson # 77: Dungeon Master Screens and Dragons
March 18, 2019 07:00 - 29 minutes - 40.2 MBOn this lesson of Detentions and Dragons, Josh and Matt talk about the Dungeon Master screen. The DM screen is a physical, typically cardboard, divider that separates the DM from the player characters. The purpose is simple: keep prying eyes away from the DM's campaign notes, maps, and stats. However, some DMs choose to forgo the screen. Is one play style better than the other? Josh and Matt discuss the pros and cons to both approaches! Also we have a new official twitter handle! You can f...
Lesson # 76: Librarians and Dragons
March 11, 2019 07:00 - 1 hour - 98.7 MBOn this special lesson of Detentions and Dragons, Matt and Josh interview writer Frances Sinclair. Frances is a librarian in Scotland and leads D&D activities in the library setting! The subject of today's lesson: tips for running D&D with kids at school. If you are still looking for information and inspiration on how to incorporate D&D into your school, especially as a librarian, than you will enjoy hearing all of Frances' insights! You can find out more about her and D&D at: https:/...
Lesson # 75: An Ogre and His Cake and Dragons
March 04, 2019 08:00 - 41 minutes - 56.8 MBOn this special lesson of Detentions and Dragons, Matt and Josh interview writer Chris Walz. Chris authors and publishes one-shot adventures and other supplemental materials on the DMsguild. Chris is also the author of an engaging module for kids called an Orge and His Cake. The subject of the lesson: tips for running and writing D&D games for kids. If you are still looking for insights on how to make the game accessible for younger audiences then you must listen to this lesson! If you ar...
Lesson # 74: Module Authors and Dragons
February 25, 2019 08:00 - 35 minutes - 48.2 MBOn this special lesson of Detentions and Dragons, Matt and Josh interview D&D module author Luciella Scarlett. Luciella writes and publishes modules, D&D adventures or campaigns used by DMs, for the DMs Guild. This is a fantastic interview and especially helpful for anyone interested in writing and publishing their own adventures. If you are interested, you can find a large collection of Luciella Scarlett's work on: https://www.dmsguild.com/browse.php?author=Luciella%20Elisabeth%20Scar...
Lesson # 73: Powerful Questions and Dragons
February 18, 2019 08:00 - 36 minutes - 50.3 MBPowerful questions, or probing questions, are questions often asked by teachers to their students to draw out more thoughtful dialogue within the classroom discussions. However, on this episode of Detentions and Dragons, Josh and Matt talk about how DMs and teacher DMs can use these style of questions in their sessions to draw out more meaningful player involvement. Be the guide on the side and not the sage on the stage! Did these two teachers and podcasters help you find the answers to yo...
Lesson # 72 - Movie Day: Krull and Dragons
February 11, 2019 08:00 - 1 hour - 93.5 MBLesson # 50 Agenda I remember walking around the movie rental store in the 90s and seeing the cover of this movie. The image was of a man holding a boomerang that shot lasers. When I saw it streaming online, i knew this was a good opportunity to review it for the podcast. ... That was a questionable decision. Matt is once again joined by special guest and substitute co-host Rachel Nimlos, a former graduate of Matt's high school and an alumna of his D&D club! On this lesson they revie...
Lesson # 71: Mundane Items and Dragons
February 04, 2019 08:00 - 35 minutes - 48.4 MBOn this lesson of Detentions and Dragons, Josh and Matt talk about Mundane Items in D&D 5e. Mundane items are basic items in D&D with no inherent magical powers or fantastical elements. However, just because these items are common doesn't mean they can't be used in creative ways. In this lesson Josh and Matt look at some mundane items and discuss creative ways they can be implemented in your campaign setting. Don't just rely on spells and magical items. Let the constraints of mediocrity el...
Lesson # 70: One-Shots and Dragons
January 28, 2019 08:00 - 51 minutes - 70.3 MBOn this special lesson of Detentions and Dragons, Matt and Josh interviews Adam DeWees of the One-Shot Onslaught podcast. The topic: one-shot campaigns! Do you have a group of students or friends who like D&D but can't commit to a multi-year campaign? Then one-shots, D&D campaigns meant to be completed in 2 - 6 hours, may be right for you. And the right person to teach you about one-shots is Adam DeWees! In his podcast, One-Shot Onslaught, Adam DMs a group of players and their player char...
Lesson # 69 - Common Mistakes and Dragons
January 14, 2019 08:00 - 34 minutes - 47.6 MBOn this lesson of Detentions and Dragons, Josh and Matt talk about common D&D 5E rules mistakes. D&D is one of the most accessible and streamlined editions of D&D. However, there are still some rules that aren't completely intuitive and even the most experienced players can get them wrong. This lesson highlights five of those mistakes. How far can a halfling jump? Do we need to include a segment on cute kittens? Did these two teachers provide you with an answer key to your rule quest...
Lesson # 68 - Feats and Dragons
January 08, 2019 08:00 - 32 minutes - 44.5 MBOn this lesson of Detentions and Dragons, Josh and Matt talk about feats! Some players enjoy playing the generalist. However, for those players who are looking to focus on a particular niche or play style, feats can help fill that need! Josh and Matt talk about the pros and cons of feats in their classroom campaigns, some of their favorites, and a couple to look out for as well. Also, maybe learn about homonyms??? Did these two teachers help you find the feat that will help you become a ...
Lesson # 67 - Player Character Resolutions and Dragons
January 01, 2019 00:14 - 18 minutes - 25.8 MBNew Year's Resolutions: -Attune self to nature. -Travel more. -Upgrade player character game. In this lesson, Josh and Matt talk about things to be a better player character in the 2019 year. We hope your 2019 is filled with many more exciting D&D Adventures! Detentions and Dragons is a proud member of the Block Party Podcast Network! Check out our show and other great D&D and gaming podcast at https://www.blockpartypodcastnetwork.com/ or where ever you download podcasts!
Lesson # 66 - Story Time: 2018 and Dragons
December 25, 2018 07:15 - 43 minutes - 59.2 MBThe holiday tradition returns! To celebrate the holiday season, Matt gives Josh the present he wants most in life: a chance to talk about fun stories from his D&D games. Listen as Josh and Matt ramble on and embellish their stories and inside jokes from their personal campaigns around the fireplace! Music: Brother Christmas by Lemon Yellow Hayes (http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Lemon_Yellow_Hayes/) Fireplace Sound Effects: hansende (https://freesound.org/people/hansende/sounds/263994/...
Lesson # 65 - Deck of Many Holiday Things and Dragons
December 19, 2018 08:00 - 40 minutes - 56 MBThe Deck of Many Things is a legendary wondrous item in 5th edition D&D that causes game making or game breaking effects for any player character that chooses to draw from this magical set of cards . However, there has never been a Deck of Many HOLIDAY things. A deck based solely around campaign altering effects with a holiday twist. On this episode, Josh and Matt present the cards that they, their fellow podcasters, and listeners created for this deck! If you are looking to add some holiday...
Lesson # 64 - Havoc: Physics and Dragons
December 10, 2018 08:00 - 42 minutes - 58.2 MBProfessional Development Time is Back! Today Josh and Matt discuss how to run a physics lesson using the Havoc Classroom RPG system. If you have been unsure what a content driven lesson of Havoc looks like, regardless of the subject you teach, you should listen! Even non-teacher can find a technique or valuable insight to utilize in their own home campaign. Did these teacher trainers provide you the lessons and confidence to run D&D in your classroom? Please rate and subscribe to Detenti...
Lesson # 63 - NPCs and Dragons
December 03, 2018 08:00 - 22 minutes - 31.5 MBEvery great DM wants to have an inspiring cast of characters with varied backgrounds and intriguing histories. However, what happens when your players decide to stray off the critical path to buy a pretzel? You can panic. Or you can improv a fun NPC! On this lesson of Detentions and Dragons, Josh and Matt discuss making NPCs on the fly and provide tips to help DMs with one of the more challenging narrative aspects of being a DM. A DMs' secret weapon: Lists! Smeagle Bobson returns... Di...
Lesson # 62 - Alignment and Dragons
November 26, 2018 08:00 - 42 minutes - 57.9 MBCharacter Alignments: Does your player character save the cat or do they save their time and steal a bunch of gold? On this lesson of Detentions and Dragons, Josh and Matt discuss character alignments. As a player, deciding how a player character responds to in-game events can be challenging. However, the character alignments system helps to guide players into deciding how their Lawful Good Paladin or Chaotic Neutral Wizard would really act under pressure. There are nine options. Some are ...
Lesson # 61 - Cantrips and Dragons
November 19, 2018 08:00 - 37 minutes - 51.9 MBOn this lesson, Josh and Matt talk about their favorite cantrips in D&D 5th edition. And we are not necessarily talking about the most powerful cantrips but level-0 spells that they think are fun and add an interesting dimensions to any campaign. They also try to answer this question: What is a pebble? Did these teacher teach you the difference between gravel and pebbles??? Please rate and subscribe to Detentions and Dragons! Or help Josh and Matt out by recommending Detentions and Dra...
Lesson # 60 - Character Creation and Dragons
November 05, 2018 08:00 - 50 minutes - 68.7 MBJosh and Matt are joined by founder of the Block Party Podcast Network, Mitch Connelly! The topic: Character Creation tips. Character creation, often referred to as "session zero" can be a textbook slog through stat blocks and dice rolling or an engaging and interactive gaming experience in its own right! Mitch prefers the latter and we do too. This lesson will review DM tips to make character creation a fun experience for all involved. And if you enjoyed listening to Mitch go check out ...
Lesson # 59 - Halloween 2018 and Dragons
October 29, 2018 07:00 - 26 minutes - 35.9 MBTrick-or-Treat! Dressed in festive Halloween garb, Matt and Josh make their way through the spooky avenues of New Trollsburg. Will the residents give them any treats? Or will they be haunted by all tricks? Nope. All Tricks. Let's hope they survive!!!! *evil laugh......* On this lesson, Matt and Josh talk about cursed homebrewed items for your Halloween session of Dungeons and Dragons. Homebrewed items are always a fun way to add flavor to a campaign. But watching your players squirm as t...
Lesson # 58 - Podcasts and Dragons
October 22, 2018 07:00 - 1 hour - 109 MBOn another special interview lesson of Detentions and Dragons, Josh and Matt interview Josh Lorimer from the Sneak Attack! podcast. The subject: How to Start and Run a Real Play Podcast! With over three years of experience running and participating in real play D&D podcasts, Josh brings a well spring of insights that will help anyone looking to start their own podcast adventure. Josh Lorimer is also a busy person and is producing a lot of content for those in the gaming community to enjo...
Lesson # 57 - Conventions and Dragons
October 15, 2018 07:00 - 1 hour - 100 MBOn this special interview lesson of Detentions and Dragons, Josh and Matt interview Michael Ross of The RPG Academy Podcast. The topic: How to get convention ready! D&D and Gaming conventions are a great place for players to connect with like-minded individuals around the game that they love. However, conventions for can be intimidating. This lesson will provide some tips and insights from Michael Ross about what he does to make his convention experience a fun and memorable one! Also, he...
Lesson # 56 - Game to Grow and Dragons
October 08, 2018 07:00 - 55 minutes - 76.7 MBOn this special lesson of Detentions and Dragons, Matt interviews Adam Davis and Adam Johns of Game to Grow, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that uses therapeutic social skills groups to help teens build real-life social skills. Listen to hear about how these dedicated individuals ventured into the unexplored realm of therapeutic gaming, what these sessions look like, and the successes they are having with teenagers using these innovative methods. Seriously, this episode will tug at your...
Lesson # 55 - TPK and Dragons
October 01, 2018 07:00 - 19 minutes - 26.6 MBThe Total Party Kill (aka TPK) is a term used to describe a scenario in which all player characters are defeated. However, it is the decision of the DM to decide if the TPK is a tearful epilogue to a campaign or a plot device to drive the narrative forward. Also, it is a downer when your students lose!!! On this lesson, Josh and Matt discuss their philosophy behind the TPK and three ways to redefine the TPK for your club or home campaign. Did these teacher provide you with some insight int...
Lesson # 54 - Intro to Havoc and Dragons
September 24, 2018 07:00 - 44 minutes - 61 MBProfessional Development Time: We have talked about it but now its finally here! Josh and Matt discuss how to run your first session of Havoc in the classroom. This introduction focuses on aspects such as what modifications were made, why they were made, and how to run the lesson step-by-step in class. If you have been on the fence about how to jump into a game of D&D in the classroom, this is the place to start. We are only sorry that listening to this lesson probably wont count at towards ...
Lesson # 53 - Dragon Heist and Dragons
September 17, 2018 07:00 - 32 minutes - 44.7 MBA new school year means new textbooks! This week on Detentions and Dragons, Josh and Matt take a look at the new module Waterdeep: Dragon Heist. Reason why we like it include: -Easy to follow structure. -Flowcharts. -Dynamic Visuals. -Scenarios that promote creative problem solving. This module is worth checking out! Especially for new DMS, or DMs of new players. Matt also discusses his module he will maybe make some day: Hedgehog Heist: Heist of the Potato Salad. We hit some m...
Lesson # 52 - DIY and Dragons
September 10, 2018 07:00 - 41 minutes - 57.5 MBJosh and Matt get crafty! With the cost of dice these days, why not bust out the glue gun and make some supplies for your D&D classroom. On this lesson, Josh and Matt talk about some fun and inexpensive craft projects for your D&D campaign. -Josh gets artsy with details on making antiqued paper. -Matt talks a lot about Noosa Yoghurt Did these DIY teachers help inspire you start a new project for your D&D campaign? Please rate and subscribe to Detentions and Dragons! Or help them out ...
Lesson # 51 - Dungeon Master's Block and Dragons
September 03, 2018 07:00 - 52 minutes - 71.6 MBA special crossover lesson of Detentions and Dragons!!! Recently, Josh and Matt were invited by DM Mitch and DM Neal to be guests on the Dungeon Master's Block! The subject: using real world places as inspiration for your D&D creations. Our crossover lesson includes "the meat" (the discussion portion) of DM's block episode 162. For those of you unfamiliar with the DM's Block, it is the podcast where the hosts talk about the most important person in the game, the dungeon master. The only ...
Special Lesson: AetherCon and Dragons
August 28, 2018 07:00 - 1 hour - 90.3 MBOn this special lesson of Detention and Dragons, Josh and Matt interview Chris Malidore, Jon Frater, Stephen J. Holodinsky, and Peter Bryant of AetherCon! AetherCon is Tabletop RPG convention hosted entirely online. If you are interested in learning more about all the fun games you can play, panels you can attend at this convention, and more then this episode is for you! Did these teacher mentors motivate you to get Convention Ready? Please rate and subscribe to Detentions and Dragons! ...
Lesson # 50 - Movie Day: The Sequel and Dragons
August 27, 2018 07:00 - 1 hour - 84.8 MBLesson # 50 Agenda They said it was impossible. They said it couldn't be done. They were wrong. Movie day returns. Matt is once again joined by special guest and substitute co-host Rachel Nimlos, a former graduate of Matt's high school and an alumna of his D&D club! On this lesson they review the movie Willow! Lots of Owen Wilson references. Lots of references to Van Kilmer 😊 Hey, you!!! That cool listener listening to this podcast! Please rate and subscribe to Detentions and Drago...
Lesson # 49 - Campaign Outlines and Dragons
August 20, 2018 07:00 - 33 minutes - 46.6 MBPlanning a campaign can be one of the most exciting parts of the game for DMs. However, when running a game within a limited time frame (one school year sounds like a lot of time but it does go by quickly), a DM needs to be flexible and adapt their storytelling to fit these constraints. On this lesson, Josh and Matt discuss the campaign outline techniques to help teacher DMs have a productive and less stressful D&D game at school. Thanks to Kevin MacLeod for allowing us to us the song I Kn...
Lesson # 48 - Back to School and Dragons
August 13, 2018 07:00 - 36 minutes - 49.5 MBSummer is almost over so it is time to start preparing for a new school year filled with D&D clubs and D&D lessons! On this lesson of Detentions and Dragons, Josh and Matt discuss tips for starting your D&D school campaign off right. Spoilers: It involves preparing the behind the scenes materials that are often underappreciated but essential for getting the most out of your D&D game! Did these back-to-school mentors help motivate you for the new year? Help them out by recommending Detentio...
Lesson # 47 - New Listeners and Dragons
August 06, 2018 07:47 - 12 minutes - 16.9 MBA special lesson of Detentions and Dragons for new listeners! If you are reading this and you are new to the podcast, welcome to the podcast! Jumping into a new podcast can be difficult. However, in this lesson, Josh and Matt provide lesson suggestions for all types of listeners! This includes school teachers, club leaders, beginner DMs, and people just looking to hear some nerdy humor about D&D! Still have questions? Contact us via email: [email protected] Thanks for list...
Lesson # 46: Summer Camp and Dragons
July 30, 2018 07:00 - 37 minutes - 51.7 MBGrab your bugbear spray and your folding boat and paddle your way down to Camp Bugbear! On this lesson, Josh and Matt discuss planning, organizing, and implementing a D&D summer camp for kids. Does Dave Starchild survive his tenure as summer counselor?! This is Josh's first time editing and episode! Congrats!! Did these D&D counselors help you earn some 5E merit badges? Help them out by recommending Detentions and Dragons to a friend, teacher, or student. New listeners are the best way...
Lesson # 45 - Kids and Dragons
July 23, 2018 07:00 - 41 minutes - 56.5 MBAnother special Detentions and Dragons Lesson! This time Matt interviews Curt Bolin of the Dungeons & Dragons & Daughters podcast, a D&D 5th Edition live play podcast starring him and his twin daughters Sammy & Birdie. The topic: Top 5 Tips for playing D&D with younger kids! If you are interested in introducing D&D to kids, this is well worth the listen! You can find more info on Curt and Dungeons & Dragons, & Daughters at the following: https://twitter.com/daughterdungeon?lang=en ht...
Lesson # 44: - Q & A: Part 2 and Dragons
July 16, 2018 07:00 - 28 minutes - 38.8 MBPart 2 of our special two-part Q & A lesson! Josh and Matt are on a roll! After answering two D&D questions, they go back into the mailbag, pick out two more easy questions, and attempt to use their experience to answer your DMing questions. They are having a blast. Segment: You might be a Dungeon Master.... The Riddler. The answer is revealed! If your correct answer is randomly selected from all of the correct responses, you will win a hand painted mini fig by Josh! Some shout-o...
Lesson # 43 - Q & A: Part 1 and Dragons
July 09, 2018 07:00 - 29 minutes - 40.5 MBA special two-part Q & A lesson format! Josh and Matt channel Tom and Ray Magliozzi of Car Talk to fix your Dungeon Mastering Questions. How successful are they? Questionable. But at least they are having a good time doing it! The Riddler. Send your answer to The Riddler to: [email protected] If your correct answer is randomly selected from all of the correct responses, you will win a hand painted mini fig by Josh! Did the Car Talk boys of D&D help you fix your campaign ...
Lesson # 42 - Wolfgang Baur and Kobold Press and Dragons
July 02, 2018 07:00 - 54 minutes - 75.4 MBA Detentions and Dragons' First! Josh and Matt interview Wolfgang Baur, the "Kobold in Chief,” founder, and owner Kobold Press. On this lesson of Detentions and Dragons, Wolfgang discusses with Matt and Josh all things D&D. Especially about the campaign setting of Midgard! This is a fantastic conversation with a gaming industry veteran that shouldn't be missed! Did this interview inspire you to pursue new avenues in D&D? Help them out by recommending Detentions and Dragons to a friend, t...
Lesson # 41 - Summer Gear and Dragons
June 25, 2018 06:21 - 35 minutes - 49.3 MBThe Detentions and Dragons boys are back! They aren't in the classroom and their board shorts are a little sandy, but they have made their way back into the studio to introduce a little summer fun to your D&D campaign. This lesson: Summer Gear. While not required to have an excellent outing, the right vacation equipment can add a lot to your summertime experience. The same holds true to D&D! Why not stow away that gloomy pipes of haunting and bust out that beach gear! Don't have any? Josh ...
Lesson # 40 - Graduation and Dragons
June 07, 2018 06:27 - 1 hour - 89.1 MBSchool is out for summer!!! With empty desks and empty classrooms, Josh and Matt sit back and recount adventures from their D&D games in club and in the classroom. No rules, No lesson plans, just two teachers telling stories about the fun they had playing D&D with their students over the 2017 - 2018 school year. Highlights from their adventures include: -3 to 4 player characters pretending to be a tall goblin. -Scrunt II Son of Scrunt. -Josh making a questionably powerful player char...
Lesson # 39 - Last Day of Club and Dragons
May 28, 2018 07:00 - 34 minutes - 47.4 MBIT'S PARTY TIME!!!! 🎉 🎉 🎉 In this lesson, Josh and Matt discuss the Last Day of Club! Whether or not you started your campaign the first week of school or you gathered the courage to play some D&D in class, the end of the school year is here and you and your players deserve a fun conclusion to their D&D experience for the 2017 - 2018 school year. The last session will go by fast so use this episode as your to-do list at your last day of club. And don't worry, this is NOT the last episode...
Lesson # 38 - Final Boss and Dragons
May 21, 2018 07:00 - 28 minutes - 38.5 MBA power-hungry antagonist approaches and presents to you an impassioned speech. It speaks of a diabolic plot or perhaps disillusioned plan. You and your party disagree. You draw your weapons and ready a fighting stance. The lights go dim. The antagonist changes to its true form. A soundtrack with a dramatic score emphasizes the gravity of the situation. Is it the fate of world that will be decided by the outcome of this battle? Or is this simply one last fight for survival? Regardless, this ...
Lesson # 37 - Boss Dungeons and Dragons
May 14, 2018 07:00 - 53 minutes - 73 MBIn the lesson, Josh and Matt jump on the home remodel band wagon and rebrand themselves as dungeon fixer uppers. Why have your player characters run through that same old dungeon?! Just remove that old green avocado owlbear, knock down that load-bearing wall of illusion, and add in some modern trap elements! Seriously though, Josh and Matt look at Boss Dungeons. The end of the school year is near and campaigns need to come to a close. The final dungeon is your students' last chance to mak...
Lesson # 36 - Wand of Wonder and Dragons
May 07, 2018 07:00 - 52 minutes - 72.4 MBBust out your percentile dice and roll for a random effect! Detentions and Dragons have their most random episode to date! They asked for new effects for the Wand of Wonder, a magic item in D&D 5e that casts random effects from a random effect table, and the listeners delivered. In this lesson, Josh and Matt go over their favorite listener submitted homebrewed effects for the Wand of Wonder. Effects include berating spectral parrots, glitter, and more! Hosts from the Block Party Podcas...
Lesson # 35 - Modifications and Dragons
April 30, 2018 07:00 - 40 minutes - 55.1 MBMods. We use them to transform good games into better looking, more playable, and more enjoyable experiences. D&D is not an exception! In this lesson, Matt and Josh talk about rule modifications for D&D. Often times, DMs need to some tricks to maximize the gaming experience. They discuss a variety of tactics they use and mods you should consider implementing in your school or personal campaign. Matt is equipped with Dungum (definitely not Gundam) armor. Gorgonzola makes his return. E...
Lesson # 34 - Slang Part 2 and Dragons
April 23, 2018 07:00 - 41 minutes - 57.3 MBLesson # 34 Agenda Word up! Josh and Matt go hard in the paint again to discuss more important vocabulary for D&D 5th Edition. Will it give you street cred in the average social circle? Probably not. However, knowing this basic vernacular will make you look legit at your next D&D session or convention. Josh got a sweet D&D tattoo. Check his tattoo and him out @ProfessorOlaf Gorgonzola the elderly elf makes an appearance. The cannon of fast travel didn't shoot Smeagle Bobson all that ...
Lesson # 33 - Springtime and Dragons
April 16, 2018 07:00 - 28 minutes - 39.2 MBLesson # 33 Agenda Howdy! Now just don't just sit there like a bump on a log! It is springtime on the Detentions and Dragons hobby farm and there are plenty of chores to do. Do you want to help out by feeding the spring chimera? Or if you are looking for some adventuring, how about solving that mystery involving some curious hibernators? The world is waking up again, kiddo! Time to dust off those adventuring boots and get to work! On this lesson, Josh and Matt discuss Springtime and how ...
Lesson # 32 - Contests and Dragons
April 09, 2018 07:00 - 34 minutes - 47.4 MBLesson # 32 Agenda Many DMs know that a player character can open a door by rolling a high enough number on an ability check. But what happens when that door is sentient and fights back? This situation calls for a 1v1 D20 roll-off, a contest. On this lesson, Josh and Matt discuss the a special variation of ability checks called contests. They discuss what contests are, when to use, and how to run them in a 5th edition game. They also provide several common and uncommon examples of contes...
Lesson # 31 - Shopping Spree and Dragons
April 02, 2018 07:00 - 43 minutes - 59.2 MBLesson # 31 Agenda You've defeated the dragon and taken it treasure, you've bested the wizard and won their gold, or you read your book and earned your Havoc coins. It is now time to relax, sip on a coffee, and go shopping!!! On this lesson, Josh and Matt travel to the fictional town of New Trollsburg to buy some magic items designed by Josh and Matt! Need some new kicks? Head on down to Amberzombie and Witch! Need a dodge ball that sends you to a dodge ball dimension? You can totall...
Lesson # 30 - In-Class Currency and Dragons
March 26, 2018 07:00 - 43 minutes - 59.9 MBLesson # 30 Agenda Want a good reason to integrate D&D into your curriculum? How about this number for you: 5,000. This is the cumulative number of hours students in Josh's classes have read books outside of school. And a major driver behind this stat is Havoc. On this episode, Josh and Matt talk more about Havoc, the modified D&D 5E system that Josh uses in his classroom. Specifically, they discuss the in-class currency system used in his yearlong campaign and how students power up thei...
Lesson # 29 - Spell Slots and Dragons
March 19, 2018 07:00 - 39 minutes - 54.8 MBLesson # 29 Agenda Spells Continued! In this lesson, Josh and Matt finish their topic from last week by examining the topic of spell slots, D&D's spell management system. They also discuss a way to clarify spell slots to new players using everyone's favorite building block, LEGO. Healy McHealerson shows up to help explain spells. Matt steals Josh's idea for a magic item and uses it against him. Exit Ticket: Item Review - Well of Many Worlds Have these two D&D Car Talk boys helped y...