Faking It: Improv Tips for D&D
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- čas přidán 15. 11. 2023
- Improv is a must for this hobby, and while there's a ton of advice out there, I have a few go-to tools I use to make faking it not seem so fake.
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Let me know how many death threats you get for that critical role bit. I got four for my first one. 😂
Baron de Ropp?! Don't worry friend, my PR guy said the statement was foolproof, whatever that means.
You got the Baron, he's like a Ginny 😅
I found this channel as a recommendation after one of your videos! Happily subscribed to both!
Guest appearance… Baron De Ropp?! OMGOMGOMG
😂
OMG, it's not quite Ginny D!
We gotta make Ginny see this video specifically
Oh sweet Ginny, won't you dane to gaze upon this lowly tuber. 😊
What's her channel again? @Ginny Di ?
Hot take: Prepping the game is just improv done early.
Was panicking after a meh session last week, am laying in bed worried for today’s session and watching your videos has helped me calm down and trust in myself. This channel is so underrated
You got this. If they keep coming back to your game you're doing something right.
I think most GMs suffered from this situation. For me, it helped
- to create random-tables (like the reaction-table in the vid)
- to have a small handout with the most frequently used rules of our used rule-system
- to stop caring about Stats. I think more about WHO my NPCs are
... If my group encounters a thief, I assume he has a pretty high dexterity & a pretty low strength. You only have to know the average value & then decide if the NPC is better or worse.
- to know where the story of my campaign is going & deliver at least a bit of it in every single session. If your players want to talk to the barkeeper instead of the mysrerios hooded figure... let them do this, let them have fun. But why can't the barkeeper know about the nearby artifact and then get shot by an assassin? Maybe the hooded guy you wanted them to talk to IS the assassin... thats why you were pointing at him, right? Remember, everything that your players don't know yet is changable. You can even steal their ideas if they fit your story
- to know the game-world
- to use as much player-backstory as possible (they invented NPCs & places, so you can chill & let them describe their stuff when they meet it)
- to talk openly with my players. I actively ask for feedback, wishes, ideas before & after sessions.
@@vesanus5600 this guy knows how to DM👍
Stop worrying! Your players are your friends, they will have fun.... do some prep and then just let the game flow from THEIR decisions. You really don't have to do all that much as a DM!!!! Good luck.
Wouldn't worry about being "late" to the youtube game, you got a style that stands out. Keep up the good work.
I can still see the mark from the burnt post it in the last video and now the spilled mtn dew, let us all have a moment of silence for that poor table...
That "Plan B" I can say with experience works a treat! As long as you clean up the mess every time, you'll eventually find a player willing to do the thing you wanted!
Naming my first nameless-barkeep-the-party-interacts-with "Bart Keep" now, thanks for the idea.
I'm totally adopting your Plan B. It'll make my job a DM so much easier. Tips on how to find additional players would be welcome. No reason...
Not going to lie, the madness in these videos are too fun!
I would actually like a video on you going through your Schrödinger's Scenarios.
Also, as a CR fan, I loved the joke.
I too would love a video about that! Do you have a Patreon or Discord?
To put today in perspective, my family with their (although fairly minor) drama put me in the foulest mood I've been in maybe in years. This honestly made me laugh so many times, that I might just get through this (sound playing: censor beeps, screeching brakes, and general cacaphony). Screen reads: peaceful time of family and joy.
It's a real steamer out there today, but you really helped me out. Thanks! May Ginny Di smile upon ye!
I'm really glad to hear my dumb jokes made your day a little better. Have a Merry Christmas, even if it's only merry in your head.
Your hands are very emotive. Instant Sub
1 Minute in and realising that all my campaigns do in fact last 1d4 sessions.
You are easily my favorite D&D funny man on CZcams. Keep up the good work! We like it! We love it! We respect it!
Most agree with this statement!
I’m glad you mentioned “schrödinger’s scenarios;” I’ve actually been doing something similar for a while now. It takes the beneficial parts of the quantum ogre and removes the main problem point a lot of people have with the concept.
What you touched on also reminds me of a saying my high school band director told me: “The secret to improve is to always be prepared.”
great vid btw👍
Your presentation style is so goated I’m glad you made this channel. Even if it’s 90 years late….in table top years ;P
"schrödinger's senerios" is such a cool way to think about it. Makeing encounters or -fun things- without any specific location in mind, and just collecting them to drop whenever. Sounds so simple. I need to do that more.
I mostly play other TTRPGs than D&D, but these videos are pure gold for me too. I learn so much... Like always having a plan B and spare mags.
I find the hollow point rounds the most effective.
Every… single… video… has been a slam dunk!!! This coupled with your previous video about creating scenarios instead of storylines is really helping me develop my DMing style. I’m loving the videos, man!
Your humor is just the best! I like it! I love it! I respect it!!! I’m happy to be one of the less than 10 percent of women that watch your channel! Great info delivered in a fresh way! Thanks Deficient!
Great vid, I think your right, the key to better improv is to prepare better. There's a fine line between over preparing and underpreparing, and I'm still trying to find it. Thumbs up for your how to prep vid!
It's so gratifying seeing someone else DM in such a sandbox style, the only way that ever felt right for me as a DM. And it's awesome having someone more experienced than me give advice that actually fits my personal style, thanks so much!
Somehow, years and years deep into the TTRPG experience, the Quantum Ogre reference eluded me. And, finally, I have come across the perfect explanation of the Must-Encounters that just mutate in location, time and situation, and yet, are inescapable singularity of the player's timelines. Thank you.
I'm just getting into D&D and you are easily the funniest and most entertaining yet somehow incredibly informative D&D CZcamsr that I have stumbled across in my endless looking at this content for the last 2-3 weeks.
I love deficient master man
And I love you, @jonahgreene4526
One of the most useful, blessedly short, and entertaining videos on TTRPG I've seen in quite a while. And great graphics and editing. Good job! Came to this video after your DM prep video.
Sir, you are just awesome. Delivering really useful info in a clear presentation-like way keeping it so entertaining. It feels so fresh in all ways. I'm glad youtube recs brought me your magnificent channel.
Honestly, the most underrated impressive thing Deficient does with his videos is the segueway into another video. I love the feel of the videos i've seen so far. Keep it up!
My new favorite TTRPG channel.
Bro you’re incredible. Your videos are quickly becoming my favorite to watch for dnd
I love the touch of placing the dice down as a nine after you said the reaction was helpful and that correlates exactly to the reaction table 🙂
this channel has such a unique style and chaotic energy.. i love it. instantly subbed.
Your filming style is incredible. So many different techniques and just cool, well-made scenes.
Just found your channel. I dunno how long you've been doing this, but I gather from the time stamps not all that long, but the production value and quality of the content is excellent, top notch! I do not normally subscribe to channels, but I added yours to my library and I am binge watching your history. Love it!
Since diving into D&D 5e and Pathfinder 2e in 2020/2021, I've found this to be the best channel yet. I declare you The Best!
Putting aside the great advice you give, I enjoy how hard you worked on the editing to make the video funny. Keep going your doing great.
I'm loving your chaotic style, this was a fun and informative video
I've watched a few of your videos and it's solid. I've been gaming for decades and I'm definitely going to use some of your suggestions. You are a very creative creator. Keep it up!
By far the best D&D content on CZcams 🔥
Man these tips and channel are so good, as a dungeon master that is currently making a sandbox im taking so many notes, keep the good work man :)❤
This is gonna help because I’m thinking on starting a dnd game that’s 100% improv because funny like you could start at a tavern or a castle
These are the best edited and most original videos I've seen in a long time D:
I just call it my “grab bag,” but a big thumbs up to that schrodinger’s scenarios tip. It’s saved me several times and is a really simple way to eliminate nervousness.
Keep up the good work and may the Ginny be ever in your favor
This just rolled into my feed so algorithm at work? Love your humor and the first person. Got my sub
Man, I have never laugh so hard for this kind of video. The comedy is very on point, but you have proven some good tips (even me as a DM, I recognize your methods as pretty good actually) and I do think that you have my subscription lol. I love the editing
I use notecards with prewritten parts of encounters, unique to each setting I'm running a game in. Each one has a monster, an emotion, a treasure, a magical effect, and a list of names. I draw as many as I need, mark off the parts I've used, and incorporate the ones the party has encountered as callbacks later in the story :)
Very refreshing takes on improv, well done!
I've never dmed in my whole life and i do feel quite nervous about it, but the idea of rolling dice for improv is amazing and I had never thought of it! Thank you
The Game Master's Book Series, specially Astonishing Random Tables and Random Encounters can be the whole binder by itself. Soooooooo many scenarios to use
Tho the Villians, Minons, and their Tactics is my favorite
Wow, what a breath of fresh air among the endless ocean of hour-long d&d essays that ultimately all say the same thing! Very rarely do I find a d&d video that is helpful but also doesn't take up my entire day.
Good video, made me laugh out loud!
Great Video! I'm invested in the table character arc. Waiting for that game structure video and how it helps prep.
Fantastic editing/format as always sir
You are my new favorite channel!
Reaction rolls (which I wanted to add on to, to allow for outliers/divided groups), list of names, drag n' drop scenarios. Got it!
An interesting things I've done for my improv is instead of just improving what happens in the moment I use a setting I have made (and spent way too long developing. lol) that allows me to, in a way, roleplay as the world around the players. Instead of coming up with what happens, I react to it, I fill out things at base across the entire world that is happening so that any direction that the players go they will find something, but at the same time the world I have makes it so you aren't likely to run into the same place on accident more than once cause a majority of it takes place on an giant massive dessert that can shift and swallow things whole.
I will say, knowing your setting you run in is VERY important.
Also have a map, not necessary, but being able to mark places your players have discovered is SO bloody useful.
I have no idea where you came from but im subscribing. Editing and storytelling was chefs kiss
Oh great! You should've given an example of your Schrodinger scenario and how to apply it in different places! I'd love to hear one!
what amazing content holy hell!
cant wait to see even more of your work!
Schrodinger Scenarios are a vital part of my tool box.
Any time I encounter an idea that would be good... make up some miniatures, maps, some stat blocks, and file them away.
On that note - one of my players is from an older campaign I ran and might notice I am lifting an entire house concept. Changing the map but it will still be close enough to the original concept that they might sus it out. I loved the idea of having a haunted house belonging to a serial killer, filled with no threats to the PC's... just spooky atmosphere, a delve into someone's insanity, and a mid-sized bad to put down at the end.
I think I'm gonna love this channel, great vid
Your humour wins, as a former sufferer of World Builders Disease.....
Honestly I think more players need to know that they can also describe things in the 3rd person. There have been days where I wasn’t feeling up to get into character so I just described his actions and it kept the game moving. Oddly enough it actually resulted in a running gag that at a particular noble’s house the party would always eat fruit of servant trays.
DUDE! You just helped me with the blank space scenario. Thank you! Also with the voice thing. I never used the 3rd person idea because of Critical Role as well. Thanks for that too. Should make my sessions get a lot further.
You sir are absolutely hilarious AND give good advice nice job you have earned my subscription.
I like the Shrödinger's Folder and already begun making mine without realising. I just pulled scenarios I had prepped for something else out of my binder to use as "spontaneous filler" if I didn't know where to go with a session or if players go off my prepared path. So I will just make an actual binder for it now and start accumulating slowly whenever I read stuff that can be yanked ^^
I disagree with the 3rd person stuff though. Ofc not every scene needs to be roleplayed out but generally a first person perspective helps encourage roleplay at the table. So if roleplay is a goal at the table (and this should be discussed in a session 0 anyway) then 1st person narrative is helpful.
Solid video! Great laughs! Made a lot of sense
This needs more views. You're hilarious man
Just discovered this channel. This is gold. Plot twist, I don't play d&d.
Absolutely hilarious video! Great editing too!
Game master tips that are actually original? AND youre funny as well? Where have you been all my life? Subscribed!
3:54 best moment in any gaming related CZcams video ever
44 seconds in and I will subscribe to help this man’s dream lmao
Incredible presentation my guy!
info with clever humor, my type of DnD channel!!
0:42 General Kenobi you are a bold one!
I always used dice rolling to decide on the reactions of NPCs. Maybe I grew on a 0e diet, maybe I just thought it was good. Most NPCs don't even have too much variety on the reactions, either they are favourable or not, because I have very clear places for the NPCs in the world, the social relations are clearly defined.
I had to subscribe, your video montage is supreme! And your videos are pretty cool!
Dude keep up the great content I love it!
New sub! Very well-made videos and well presented. Great information and I will be back frequently. I have players that always do what I was not planning for and seeing conspiracies where there are none. Seriously - the first game they saw an old shop keeper use magic to levitate an item across the room to himself and immediately started trying to tie him into some major plot with a BBEG that didn't even exist at that point! The reality was, I didn't know what kind of players they were going to be, and it was my subtle way of warning them not to go murder hobo on me because you never know who is wielding power.
That reaction chart is pretty good. Thanks
The GOAT posts another video. 🤩
wow maybe my fastest subscribe yet, youre hilarious. i cant see you NOT succeed in this platform. best of luck!
Love your videos!
I love how you use "about 1d4 sessions" not even as a joke but as a legit professional term that the audience will accept naturally
With the quantum ogre thing, one thing I heard is that its only really a problem if it's done in a way to undermine player agency. This is to say, if the players have no info about an ogre being either on the forest trail or mountain pass, then its fair game to use the quantum ogre. However, once its existence is defined, you must stick with it and allow players to plan around it even if the encounter does get avoided. Thats the key difference maker; determine an obstacle, and once its position is confirmed, dont undermine your players to force a direct encounter.
your begining thesis just literally describe myself and my oldest friend... am in the imrpov camp, and my friend only preps....
Thank you for the reaction chart; it solved a problem I'd been having w/ some neutral NPCs.
Yes. This is extremely helpful
Extemporaneous... it's a word I learned in the communications class I took for my degree. Instead of fully writing a speech or fully improvising one, the speaker will instead have notes, usually bullet points, that they can expound upon. Extemporaneous Dungeon Mastering works in a similar way. Have a kit of adventure hooks, npcs, encounters, locations, set pieces and anything else the players may run into and piece them together as you go.
This is so awesome bro 😎
You freaking had me with the Plan B box 🤣🤣
wow this channel needs more viewers
Some of my players’ favorite sessions were created with like, a small table of information and like 2 paragraphs. Some even started as like 5 sentences. And apparently I’m on the higher end of prep
Lost it at "Plan B". Hey Ginny D, this guy's got a ton of energy, you should say hello…
Lesson I've taken with me from this video: 1:43
I just ran a one shot a man I wish I’d seen this video beforehand. I’m stealing some of these ideas bro. I really appreciate it!
Saving that quantum ogre idea for my backup random encounters.
1:50 this is one of the funniest gags I’ve ever seen