Character Death
We are starting off the year with an intense topic. Character death doesn't always mean the end, sometimes there is a rebirth. We talk about how Critical Role makes death a gift to the story and how you can do the same. This episode covers planned and unplanned deaths in Campaign 2 and early Campaign 3, and the significant experience it holds for the players at the table.
11 Jan 202449min
Character Creation
Prepare to get inspired this episode as we go over the many approaches to character creation, and we get inspiration from our favorite bards, the cast of Critical Role. We take a dive into how the cast of Critical Role has created their iconic characters and share a few ways we've done it in the past. We hope to get the sparks flying for you! Our next episode will release on January 11th, Happy Holidays!!
21 Dec 202342min
Safety Tools
Critical Role has a number of communication strategies to keep each other safe, and we call those Safety Tools! They are ways that the cast make sure they are all having a good time no matter how dramatic or intense the role-play gets. From lines & veils to check-ins, there are a handful of key tools that we go over in our podcast that you can bring back to your own table. Get ready to get vulnerable! "Safety Tools in Critical Role" by Soda Wax: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g-mjkcjWaZ0&t=498s TTRPG Safety Toolkit: https://i.4pcdn.org/tg/1583202183294.pdf
7 Dec 202347min
Improv for Gamers
**Released early so you can listen while you travel to Thanksgiving** Can't think on your feet?! You don't need to be an actor to be able to do improv! We go over some common improv practices that Critical Role does and how you can incorporate them in your own game. We especially highlight Laura Baily's Jester LaVorre, because she is the master of improv. Also cause Dev loves Laura <3 The book we reference in our episode is called Improv for Gamers and you can find it here: https://evilhat.com/product/improv-for-gamers-second-edition/
22 Nov 202342min
Character Arcs
What makes a compelling character arc? Josh and Dev highlight the development of some of Critical Role's greatest characters and discuss the components so you can adapt them at your table. This whole podcast is a spoiler, but this episode will specifically spoil the arcs of Scanlan, Fjord, and Caleb.
10 Nov 202340min
Voice Machine
Who says you need to be a voice actor to be able to do a character voice? Josh and Dev talk about different techniques you can try, all while not needing to be a trained actor. We discuss topics like sustainable voices, how to practice and get comfortable doing voices, and creating NPCs on the fly. Using examples from Critical Role, we unpack the talents of the imitable Matt Mercer and the rest of the cast. Art by Amy's Art Animations @pastripink on Instagram Music by Sarah Vinci
26 Okt 202333min
The Adventure Begins
In our debut episode, what better place to start than at the beginning. Our beginnings and also Critical Role's beginnings. We discuss how it's okay to be new at something and share our first impressions of Critical Role. We hope our episode gives you the courage to try something new! Art by Amy's Art Animations @pastripink on Instagram Music by Sarah Vinci
26 Okt 202331min
