The Tavernkeep's Guide!
68 episodes - English - Latest episode: 1 day ago -A D&D Podcast discussing rules and play discussion and ideas.
Check out the links below to support this!
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheTavernkeep
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thetavernkeepsguide
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCr91rGgJ0WpTbRMHeXnvfPw
Podcast art by Hermit's Media: https://www.artstation.com/northernhermit
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Episodes
Solo TTRPG Minisode: Bloodless
July 13, 2024 17:05 - 34 minutes - 80 MBDue to unforeseen circumstances, the bartender is taking a long rest via Gritty Realism Rules (DMG pg. 267), and so it's just the Tavernkeep! Alone, in the dark, the Tavernkeep has decided the best way to spend the time is playing a TTRPG, specifically a solo TTRPG called Bloodless! A vampire at the end of his wits, just hoping to make it home before sunrise, Simon Beldevon has to try to navigate a troublesome night. Will he make it to his safe-house, tomes in hand, or will he become a v...
Session Zero
June 29, 2024 17:00 - 35 minutes - 81.8 MBWhere did it all begin? Was there a time before time itself? What was the great prime cause? Why are we here, and why do we exist at all? We have no idea how to answer those questions, but in this episode we'll discuss session zero, which is sort of the same, right? We discuss what a session zero is, what it's for, why you should use it, and how to use it! If you want to support us, spreading the word and sharing on the social medias is the best way to help us grow. We appreciate it ...
Homebrew!
June 15, 2024 17:00 - 42 minutes - 96.4 MBWho wants some mead, maybe some ale? Well, too bad. We're talking about homebrew, not microbrew. What is homebrew? How do you use it? What kinds are there? We cover all that in this episode of The Tavernkeep's Guide! If you want to show your support, please spread the word and boost us on social medias, we really appreciate it. Patreon:Here Twitter: Here Discord: Here Tumblr: Here Tiktok: Here Mastodon: Here Bluesky: Here Contact Us: [email protected] Art by Herm...
One-Shots!
June 01, 2024 17:00 - 40 minutes - 92.4 MBIf you only had one shot, one opportunity, what would you do with it? What system would you run? In this episode, we discuss One-Shots. What are they, and how do they work? Well, tune in for this episode, and learn how to one-shot like a pro! Project Olive Branch: Here Patreon:Here Twitter: Here Discord: Here Tumblr: Here Tiktok: Here Mastodon: Here Bluesky: Here Contact Us: [email protected] Art by Hermit's Media: Here
New Player Onboarding
May 04, 2024 17:00 - 47 minutes - 109 MBWe were all new at some point, so how do we help those who might be coming into the hobby after us? That's the topic for today. We discuss tips for DM's and players trying to bring in new players, as it's how the hobby grows. Remember to like, share, subscribe, rate us, or whatever else you can do to interact and help spread the word. It really means a lot to us right now! Patreon:Here Twitter: Here Discord: Here Tumblr: Here Tiktok: Here Mastodon: Here Bluesky: Here Art by ...
Failing Forward
April 20, 2024 17:00 - 30 minutes - 70.1 MBSometimes you try your best, and you don't succeed. It's okay though, the DM knows how to handle it. In this episode, we discuss the idea of Failing Forward, which allows the story to continue even if the party rolls only nat 1's. It's not giving the party free successes, but rather making their failures cost something while not stalling out the game. Remember to like, share, subscribe, rate us, or whatever else you can do to interact and help spread the word. It really means a lot to u...
Brainstorm: Nature God Apocalypse
April 06, 2024 17:00 - 47 minutes - 110 MBThe gods have died, and the world is fading. It's up to the adventurers to... barely make ends meet. In this episode, we brainstorm a campaign from a few themes. This was an exercise in improvisation and campaign-building, and a slight break from our usual format, but we had a lot of fun, and we hope you did to! Please share the podcast through whatever channels you have available to you, we really appreciate it! Patreon:Here Twitter: Here Discord: Here Tumblr: Here Tiktok: Here Masto...
Safety Tools!
March 23, 2024 17:00 - 41 minutes - 95.7 MBIt's dangerous to go alone, take these! In this episode, we discuss safety tools. These are useful barriers for discomfort, and can actually elevate the experience for everyone at your table. You might not think you need them, and maybe you don't, but there's a good chance you use at least one of them, without even really acknowledging it. As always, please spread the word of our podcast, we appreciate anything you do to increase our reach! Correction: The "Let's Not" card is from Fiasco,...
Tales from the Tavern's Tables: Con of the North 2024 Recap!
March 09, 2024 18:00 - 1 hour - 165 MBWe have returned from a long and perilous journey into a strange, far-off land. We bring with us tales of heroism, treasure, vanquishing our enemies, magical girl princesses defeating aliens with power of friendship and fashion, and changing hearts with power of rock and roll. This episode is all about Con of the North 2024 and how it turned out for us. Sit down and listen to the tales of the con. If you can, please like, share, or spread the podcast in some way. We really appreciate it....
Encounters, How do they work?
February 24, 2024 18:00 - 1 hour - 137 MBThis one is brought to you by one of our tiktok viewers. We were asked on how to run encounters. This episode is a guide to both playing and running encounters. Tips, tricks, and tools reside within. Please like, subscribe, share, follow, comment, and whatever other means of interacting you can. It really helps us out, and we appreciate it so very much! Patreon:Here Twitter: Here Discord: Here Tumblr: Here Tiktok: Here Mastodon: Here Bluesky: Here Art by Hermit's Media: Here
Sell High, Buy-In Low!
February 10, 2024 18:00 - 36 minutes - 82.7 MBBuy-In, Immersion, Suspension of Disbelief. These are terms used to describe a certain phenomenon in gaming, or group activities in general. It's when a person is sucked into the game that the world around them melts away, and the players embody their characters. We discuss Buy-In, what it means, what can affect it, what can effect it, and whether or not you need it. Remember to follow, like, subscribe, comment, favorite, or engage with the content wherever you see it, and spread it ...
A Journey? FOR HEROES?!
January 27, 2024 18:00 - 44 minutes - 102 MBThe Hero's journey is well known in literary circles, and has become pervasive across almost all story-telling media. If the story being told is one of a hero, then it is likely to be compared to, if not based off of, this idea. In this episode, we discuss the Hero's Journey, it's steps, how to possibly use it in your campaign, and how we feel about it overall. Remember to like us, rate us highly, follow, and do whatever else it is that you do to show that you love our work! Thank yo...
Magic Item Distribution: Monty Hall, or Scrooge?
January 13, 2024 18:00 - 45 minutes - 103 MBWe all love magic items. They provide power, and opportunity. They are a great reward for players. All DM's have to ask themselves an important question though. "How do I get these items to my players?" In this episode, we discuss a few different ways of distributing magic items, our favorites, and of course we have our quiz and monster minute. Patreon:Here Twitter: Here Discord: Here Tumblr: Here Tiktok: Here Mastodon: Here Art by Hermit's Media: Here
Quests: A DM’s To-Do list for Players
December 30, 2023 18:00 - 32 minutes - 74.9 MBQuests: we all know them, but why do we have them? Are they necessary? What service do they provide? What kind of quests are there? In this episode, we hope to answer these questions, as the DM said we need to in order to kill the BBEG. Your quest for this episode is to like us, follow us, rate us, and share us wherever you find us, including all our social medias! Patreon:Here Twitter: Here Discord: Here Tumblr: Here Tiktok: Here Mastodon: Here Art by Hermit's Media: Here
Confounding Conundrums, or Rather, Puzzles!
December 02, 2023 18:00 - 44 minutes - 102 MBWe hope this episode doesn't confuse you, it's just a discussion on puzzles! We discuss the anatomy of puzzles, types of puzzles, and how to hand them with ease. Remember to signal boost us wherever you can, we'd very much appreciate it! Patreon:Here Twitter: Here Discord: Here Tumblr: Here Tiktok: Here Mastodon: Here Art by Hermit's Media: Here
Spellcombos!
November 18, 2023 18:00 - 1 hour - 140 MBSome spells can be combined to be greater than the sum of their parts, which is exciting, interesting, and sometimes overpowered. We discuss all sorts combos, some that work, some that don't, some that should never be written down, and some that are just funsies! Remember to signal boost us wherever you can, we'd very much appreciate it! Patreon:Here Twitter: Here Discord: Here Tumblr: Here Tiktok: Here Mastodon: Here Art by Hermit's Media: Here
Personal DM Styles!
October 21, 2023 18:49 - 1 hour - 176 MBWhat do you like, in a DM? We all have preferred style, for both DM'ing and playing. We discuss a few axes along which DM's and can vary, our personal styles, and what we prefer as players! Drop a signal boost wherever you listen! Patreon: Here Twitter: Here Discord: Here Tumblr: Here Tiktok: Here Mastodon: Here Art by Hermit's Media: Here
The Rules Extravaganza!
October 07, 2023 17:00 - 1 hour - 192 MBWhen the Bartender's away, the Tavernkeep will play! On this episode of The Tavernkeep's Guide, we discuss rules, the easily forgotten, the often homebrewed, and the obscure. These are great tools for players and DM's, and have a lot of potential! Drop a like and signal boost wherever you listen! Patreon: Here Twitter: Here Discord: Here Tumblr: Here Tiktok: Here Mastodon: Here Art by Hermit's Media: Here
Character Arcs!
September 09, 2023 17:00 - 49 minutes - 114 MBTrials and troubles, falls from grace and failures, growth and redemption, all this and more, and guest adventurers! On this episode of The Tavernkeep's Guide, we discuss character arcs, what players want from them, what characters want from them, and how to utilize them as a DM! Make sure to give us a rating wherever you listen, and follow us on our socials, it really helps! Captioned Seal Video: Here Patreon: Here Twitter: Here Discord: Here Tumblr: Here Tiktok: Here Mas...
Sandbox Vs Railroads!
August 26, 2023 17:00 - 59 minutes - 137 MBAll aboard the Kalimari Express! We're here to discuss sandboxes, railroads, sandboxes to railroads, railroads to sandboxes, and railroads through sandboxes! It's everything you need to know, minus anything that isn't in this episode! Hop aboard and enjoy the ride! Make sure to like, subscribe, rate highly, and bongle whatever dongles you have in your podcatcher of choice, it really helps us out! Patreon: Here Twitter: Here Discord: Here Tumblr: Here Tiktok: Here Mastodon: H...
Opening Scenes!
August 12, 2023 17:00 - 53 minutes - 123 MBYou all meet in a tavern! ... What do you mean you've heard that before? You know what, we're going to discuss opening scenes in today's episode! Make sure to subscribe wherever you listen, and give us a good rating! Patreon: Here Twitter: Here Discord: Here Tumblr: Here Tiktok: Here Mastodon: Here Art by Hermit's Media: Here
Modern Settings for D&D
July 29, 2023 17:00 - 45 minutes - 105 MBDo you want to drive a car as a halfling? Do you want to cast magic on your work boss, not the BBEG kind? Well, you should probably go play a system built for that. If you don't want to learn a new system though, or your group is hesitant to switch, we're here for you, discussing the different types of modern D&D settings and how to make them work for you! Patreon: Here Twitter: Here Discord: Here Tumblr: Here Tiktok: Here Mastodon: Here Art by Hermit's Media: Here
NPC Interaction
July 15, 2023 17:00 - 51 minutes - 119 MBDo you, as a DM struggle with setting DC's for your charismatic bard? Are you unsure how a PC should react to the players' requests? We're here to discuss the rules and our own ways of running NPC and PC interactions! Rules of NPC interaction are rarely discussed, but here we are! We also discuss PC on PC checks, and NPC on PC checks as well, in our usual roundabout fashion! Patreon: Here Twitter: Here Discord: Here Tumblr: Here Tiktok: Here Art by Hermit's Media: Here
Backstory Knives!
July 01, 2023 17:00 - 1 hour - 150 MBAre you a DM looking for a way to traumatize your players and their characters? Here you go! In this episode, we discuss "backstory knives" and other tools for weaving your characters into the world and keeping your players enthralled. We also discuss why players should offer up backstory to the DM, allowing the DM to make a more interesting story for them. Patreon: Here Twitter: Here Discord: Here Tumblr: Here Tiktok: Here Art by Hermit's Media: Here
DMPC’s and Sidekicks
June 17, 2023 17:00 - 57 minutes - 132 MBIs your party lacking something? Can't quite handle the monsters like you used to? You might be suffering from PD, party disfunction. If you suffer, from PD, ask your DM if a DMPC or sidekick is right for you! We discuss our DMPC's, sidekicks, the difference between them, how to apply them in your TTRPG's, and their purpose. Patreon: Here Twitter: Here Discord: Here Tumblr: Here Tiktok: Here Art by Hermit's Media: Here
Multiclassing
June 03, 2023 17:00 - 51 minutes - 117 MBI heard you like D&D classes, so we put extra classes in your classes. It's multiclassing! We discuss multiclassing, the rules, benefits, detriments, favorite combination, and best dips. Patreon: Here Twitter: Here Discord: Here Art by Hermit's Media: Here
Martial Vs Caster
May 20, 2023 17:00 - 31 minutes - 71.7 MBSwords are cool. Magic is sweet. But which is better? That's not what we're discussing. Instead, we're discussing a common argument in the D&D space, the power level difference between martials and casters. We discuss why the gap exists, what problems exacerbate it, and how you, both as a player, and as a DM can be more cognizant of the issue and how to work on it. Patreon: Here Twitter: Here Discord: Here Art by Hermit's Media: Here
Two Player TTRPG’s
May 06, 2023 17:00 - 30 minutes - 70 MBOh no, there's two of us, and there's only one TTRPG! I guess we'll just have to share! On today's episode, we discuss two-player TTRPG's. Even though you don't have a party, two is more than enough to have a great time! We discuss the pro's and con's, and how it varies from your typical group TTRPG's. Patreon: Here Twitter: Here Discord: Here Art by Hermit's Media: Here
Party Roles
April 22, 2023 17:00 - 31 minutes - 72 MBWhat are we doing here? Why do we exist? What's our purpose in life? Is this really what we should be doing? If you ask these questions of yourself, that's your issue to solve. If your TTRPG character is asking that of themselves, then this is the episode for you! We're discussing party roles and how they apply in combat, social, and exploration situations. We also discuss why they're important, why they're not, and how to play around with roles. Patreon: Here Twitter: Here Discord...
System Burnout & Fluff V. Crunch
April 08, 2023 17:00 - 35 minutes - 81.7 MBDo you feel burnt out by your TTRPG system? Are there too many rules? Too few rules? Too fiddly? Too loose? You may be suffering from a Fluff and Crunch imbalance. On this episode, we discuss the challenges balance of these two aspects of games, and why it's so very important to understand your preference in regards to these. We also discuss how to avoid or treat system burnout, especially for DM's. Patreon: Here Twitter: Here Discord: Here Art by Hermit's Media: Here
The Unconventional and the Conventions!
March 25, 2023 13:00 - 33 minutes - 77.1 MBWe went a Convention, and we've come back to bring the wisdom we learned with you! We have feelings about Cons, how it differs from your normal home games, and what can be brought back to our home games! Patreon: Here Twitter: Here Discord: Here Art by Hermit's Media: Here
The Return of The Tavern! (Episode 35)
January 23, 2023 17:51 - 29 minutes - 68.5 MBWe're back, and we'll be discussing the recent news, the OGL! Also, a new style, a new host, and a new segment! There's been a lot of talk, but let's make sure you know what happened, and what it means! Youtube: Here Patreon: Here Twitter: Here Discord: Here Art by Hermit's Media: Here
The Weird World of Magic! (Episode 34)
March 21, 2021 19:28 - 17 minutes - 39.3 MBMagic is all over the place, but in D&D it has some rules it has to follow. We'll discuss the different shapes, sizes, components, and timings for spells, and how rituals work. Youtube: Here Patreon: Here Twitter: Here Discord: Here Art by Hermit's Media: Here
How to Fight, the Basics of Combat (Episode 33)
March 07, 2021 12:00 - 15 minutes - 35.7 MBA very important part of D&D is the combat, and while we may have brushed the subject before, this time we're going a little deeper into the nitty-gritty. We'll be discussing actions, bonus, and reactions and what all they can, and can't do. We'll also discuss initiative, and how it can be affected. Youtube: Here Patreon: Here Twitter: Here Discord: Here Art by Hermit's Media: Here
Half and Half, but Wholly Interesting, Half-elf and Half-orcs! (Episode 32)
February 21, 2021 12:00 - 18 minutes - 43 MBBorn between two worlds, and struggling to find a place within, we're discussing both half-orcs and half-elves today. We'll discuss their places in the world, what they inherited from their parents, and what their possible roles in the party is. They are both extremely complex, and deeply interesting. Youtube: Here Patreon: Here Twitter: Here Discord: Here Art by Hermit's Media: Here
Unfairly Judged for the Sins of the Father, Tieflings. (Episode 31)
January 24, 2021 12:00 - 23 minutes - 52.8 MBBorn of an infernal pact made centuries ago, and still facing the repercussions thereof, tieflings are what we're discussing. They are a complex and diverse people with a wide skillset. Unfortunately, they are prejudiced against and judged unfairly by shallow folk with simple minds. We'll discuss what boons they can bring to a part who will treat them fairly and kindly. Youtube: Here Patreon: Here Twitter: Here Discord: Here Art by Hermit's Media: Here
Dragonborn. No, not THAT Dragonborn! (Episode 30)
December 27, 2020 12:00 - 17 minutes - 38.9 MBPowerful, ancient, and in the title of the game, dragons. They are not what we're discussing. We're discussing their humanoid successors, the Dragonborn! They are proud, powerful, resilient, and have a deep connection to their ancestors. We'll discuss the different lineages, and what their special abilities are. We'll also discuss what roles they can pull in a party. Youtube: Here Patreon: Here Twitter: Here Discord: Here Art by Hermit's Media: Here
Bright and Full of Life, the Gnomes! (Episode 29)
December 13, 2020 12:00 - 18 minutes - 43.3 MBSmart, funny, and full of joie de vivre, it's gnomes! We discuss the intelligent people that are the gnomes. They have a very interesting skillset, and are great people to be around. We'll discuss what roles and classes they can play. Youtube: Here Patreon: Here Discord: Here Twitter: Here Art by Hermit's Media: Here
Let's Discuss Us, The Humans! (Episode 28)
November 29, 2020 12:00 - 22 minutes - 51.7 MBThey're varied, complex, and full of incredible potential, it's the humans! We'll discuss their varied abilities, and what makes them the truly well-rounded wonders they are. We also discuss their ambition, and what different classes and roles a human can pull off. There's now a Golden Wheel Discord you can join: Here Youtube: Here Twitter: Here Patreon: Here Art by Hermit's Media: Here
Elegant and Elusive, the Elves! (Episode 27)
November 15, 2020 12:00 - 29 minutes - 67.1 MBSlender, graceful, and beautiful, it is the elves! We discuss the culture and capabilities of the elves, with their multitude of divisions, created by their long and vast history. We also briefly discuss the vast array of roles an elf can fill. Youtube: Here Patreon: Here Twitter: Here Art by Hermit's Media: Here
Short and Sweet, the Halflings! (Episode 26)
November 02, 2020 00:00 - 18 minutes - 42.5 MBThey're small, kind, generous, and adorable, but they are not to be underestimated! They're the halflings! We'll discuss their capabilities, their culture, their shared traits, and what makes each of their subraces unique. We will also discuss what roles they may be able to fill. There's now a Tavernkeep's Discord you can join! https://discord.gg/vyPaqWA Youtube: Here Patreon: Here Twitter: Here Art by Hermit's Media: Here
Off to the Races! (Episode 25)
October 18, 2020 23:00 - 17 minutes - 41.1 MBThere are so many peoples and cultures in the world of D&D, and so we begin our discussion of races! Dwarves are where we begin, the strong sturdy miners of D&D. They are far more than what Snow White might have you believe. There is now a Discord for The Tavernkeep's Guide! Join it here: https://discord.gg/vyPaqWA Youtube: Here Patreon: Here Twitter: Here Art by Hermit's Media: Here
Intro to Metalworking, Artificer Class (Ep 24)
October 04, 2020 11:00 - 21 minutes - 48.2 MBPut down your personal projects, your pens, and your blueprints, it's time we discuss the finest craftsmen of D&D, the artificer! They can craft unique magic items, cast spells, and build friends! We'll discuss just how they go about that, and what powers allow them to be the varied class they are. Youtube: Here Patreon: Here Twitter: Here Art by Hermit's Media: Here
Pedagogy, Wizard Class (Ep 23)
August 11, 2020 11:00 - 25 minutes - 59.2 MBToday, we discuss the scholars, and nerds of D&D, the wizard! The wizard is a unique spellcaster in regards to how the pick their spells, and one of the classes with the most subclasses, so we have a lot to discuss today! Youtube: Here Patreon: Here Twitter: Here Art by Hermit's Media: Here
Game Theory, Warlock Class (Episode 22)
August 03, 2020 00:00 - 19 minutes - 44.2 MBToday, we discuss the dealmakers and rule breakers of D&D, the Warlock We discuss what makes a warlock such a wildly varied class, possibly being the most customizable class in all of D&D. Youtube: Here Patreon: Here Twitter: Here Art by Hermit's Media: Here
Genealogy, Sorcerer Class (Episode 21)
July 26, 2020 11:00 - 23 minutes - 54 MBToday, we discuss the most innately magical class of D&D, the sorcerer. We discuss the sorcerer's ability to bend and shape their spells, their role in the party, and the, honestly, quite few class abilities they get. Youtube: Here Patreon: Here Twitter: Here Art by Hermit's Media: Here
Criminal Psychology, Rogue Class (Ep. 20)
July 10, 2020 11:00 - 22 minutes - 51 MBToday, we discuss the sneakiest and slyest class of D&D, the rogue. We discuss the rogue's incredible striker abilities, their ability to dodge and duck through combat, their multiclass and subclass potential, and we also have a brief discussion about the dreaded chaotic neutral rogue. Youtube: Here Patreon: Here Twitter: Here Art by Hermit's Media: Here
Ecology, Ranger Class! (Ep. 19)
June 28, 2020 11:00 - 21 minutes - 48.1 MBToday, we discuss the lone rangers... er... the lone WOLVES of D&D, the Ranger. We'll discuss their abilities, limitations, possible party roles, their subclass variations, and we'll even briefly touch upon a common issue with Rangers in regards to playing with a group. Youtube: Here Patreon: Here Twitter: Here Art by Hermit's Media: Here
Theology, Paladin Class (Ep. 18)
June 14, 2020 15:38 - 21 minutes - 48.3 MBToday, we discuss the devout warriors of the world of D&D, the paladin. In our discussion, we cover their abilities, the limitation of their spellcasting, what roles they can easily pull in the party, what classes they pair well with, and we discuss the dreaded reputation of the goody-goody paladin. Twitter: Here Patreon: Here Youtube: Here Art by Hermit's Media: Here
Kinesiology, Monk Class (Ep. 17)
June 08, 2020 11:00 - 18 minutes - 42 MBToday, we discuss the most incredibly trained martial arts master, the monk. We talk about the suite of abilities a monk gets, what their roles can be, and what multiclass options are available to make them even deadlier than the fighting machines they are built to be. Also, please, share the tweet for this episode. Please. Thank you. Twitter: Here Youtube: Here Patreon: Here Art by Hermit's Media: Here