Adaptation

I am once again joined by Manny a.k.a. Growed Up Geek to talk about adaptation. One great way to kill two birds with one stone is by integrating player character backstories into published adventure modules; not only do you get to customise the module and make it unique, but the players feel embedded in the world and get to make it their own. As for DMing, there are two kinds of adaptation: Micro - that moment-to-moment, immediate response to player actions, and macro - adapting the world in response to the dynamic plot. For both, the DM is part charlatan, part conman, part magician, and the ratio between those three is hugely variable. It's a unique proposition! Manny and I also share our tips for allaying that newer DM fear of "what the heck am I meant to be doing?" Ultimately, don't put undue pressure on yourself, no one is expecting global level talent from any given DM. This is a street that goes both ways, as at the core of D&D is generally being a decent human. Many problems, both in-universe and at the table can be resolved with compassion and empathy.

00:00:00 - Introduction
00:02:33 - Adapting Modules
00:18:05 - Tips for New DMs
00:41:37 - Macro Adaptation - Incorporating Backstories
00:54:33 - Making Space for Players
01:04:07 - Outro and Patreon

Find Manny (@Growedupgeek) on:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Growedupgeek
Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/growedupgeek
YouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCbHErVkfA9d_UnxMs0lSwZQ

Find me on:

Website: https://www.thinkingcritically.co.uk
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ThinkCritDnD
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thinking_critically_dnd/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThinkingCriticallyDnD
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCH_BSgazjwyshzo1jazHeaQ
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thinkingcritically
Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/thinkingcritically

References:

'Emotion' episode of Thinking Critically

Patrons:

Matt Street @mpstreet88: virtualtimehustle.com

Intro Music: 'Local Forecast' by Kevin MacLeod

Intermission Music: 'Chill' by Kevin MacLeod

Outro Music: 'Local Forecast - Elevator' by Kevin MacLeod