Storytelling

Thinking Critically: A D&D Discussion

Minor Spider-Man: No Way Home spoilers in this episode!

I'm joined by Sam Bradley from Starter Set Studios to talk all how to tell, or be told, a good story. We dissect a couple of common storytelling tools such as 'show, don't tell', and how these translate to running a TTRPG. The implementation of these tools varies system to system, table to table, and requires additional overhead on the GM. I put Sam on spot by asking him exactly who's responsible, and how much so, for creating a good story. Our discussion could be considered a hot take! And once more we discuss the "knowledge divide" between GM and players and how, if you're not careful, this can negatively impact the experience.

• 03:36 - The Art of Leading
• 09:39 - Who's Responsible for the Story?
• 21:10 - Storytelling versus Worldbuilding
• 30:09 - Communicating Through Filters
• 37:05 - Serving the Story
• 44:32 - How Players Can Help
• 52:39 - Railroading Successfully

Find Sam on:

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/017DIgzgMJkvxOru4rywNr?si=bpBPJRrLRjW02WcANDUP0Q
• Starter Set Show: https://twitter.com/StarterSetShow
• Let's Get Shawarma: https://letsgetshawarma.com/
• DMs Guild: https://www.dmsguild.com/product/371898/The-StarterSet-Handbook-of-Homebrew-Heroes?view_as_pub=1

Find Thinking Critically 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

Patrons:

• Robert Hartley @RobertHartleyGM: https://www.patreon.com/RobertHartleyGM
• Optional Rule @optionalrule: https://www.optionalrule.com/
• Matthew Perkins @mperkinsDM: https://www.matthewperkins.net/
• Matt Street @mpstreet88: https://www.virtualtimehustle.com/

Intro Music: 'Local Forecast' by Kevin MacLeod
Intermission Music: 'Chill' by Kevin MacLeod
Outro Music: 'Local Forecast - Elevator' by Kevin MacLeod