6 DM Tips I Learned from the BEST Dungeon Master in D&D | Dungeon Coaching #2

[@TheDungeonCoach]

Who is the Best DM YOU know and why? I would love to add this into the "Dungeon Coaching" Series! 💜 Support on Patreon: www.patreon.com/thedungeoncoach

[@steverennie5787]

in 1994, I went to GenCon in Milwuakee... and I played in a game of "Nephelim" (which was just being released that year)... and the GM was the writer of the game, Robin D Laws... that was such a fun game, it ran an hour over time because we were having so much fun.

[@alexfikar7757]

Brennan is my favorite, but I would also love to see more Brian Murphy (especially if you like Brennan), who runs his own D&D podcast and is a player on Dimension 20. Other great GM's I have come across and learned from are you, Professor Dungeon Master from "DungeonCraft," Mark Hulmes, Colville, Jorphdan and the DM Lair. I would LOVE to see someone do an interview with Professor Dungeon Master. He has some great ideas on how to make the game more efficient and bring in the more realistic vibes to counter the "superhuman" design of 5E.

[@nielsvanoosten]

I personally really enjoy Monty Martin from the Dungeon Dudes.

[@alexfikar7757]

@@nielsvanoosten oh ya! I honestly paused watching when they stopped in person Drakkenheim, but I really like his style as well. Only so much D&D to watch with your time and that’s around the time I really got into Dimension20. I don’t think he’s at the top tier like Brennan, but I enjoy his style for sure. I’ll catch back up with Drakkenheim.

[@SarJulem]

Of the current streamers - Arcadum. Because of shear number and quality of games streamed. Since all his games are via VTT there's less gimmicks that comes with a fully funded game like critical role. All "groups" have at least some first timers so you can see when they get immersed in D&D.

[@RulesandRulings]

Honestly, I would watch the hell out of a series of 'DM Analysis'. Clips from different DMs highlighting what they do really well and how to use it in your own games. Also, interviews with other DMs are always fun.

[@TheDungeonCoach]

Game play footage breakdown! That’s so on brand lol!

[@thereisn0m0re]

Yep, I agree. This would be a great series.

[@xenthine]

I definitely want to see this if for any other reason than to get exposed to other DMs and streams.

[@EricVulgaris]

@@TheDungeonCoach seems like a lotta work but it'd be great!

[@aadlersberg]

Yes I think this was very good. I would watch more breakdowns

[@spiritandsteel]

I'm so glad that Brennan is finally getting the chatter he deserves. He's absolutely the most incredible DM I've ever seen. His ability to roll with the punches and turn them to gold is just... unbelievable. His improv background really shows, and his on-the-fly worldbuilding is really incredible. The other thing he's a MASTER at, that I don't think gets talked about enough, is the re-weaving of loose threads; He will off handedly mention something in session 2 that comes back in to play in session 18 in a way that ties a bunch of other mysteries together. And he does callbacks of things that weren't initially planned, but then weaves them back in to the story in huge and pivital ways- whether they were oddball player choices or a totally improvised NPC he had to come up with on the fly. His skill at keeping track of loose threads and seamlessly integrating them is just incredible. It's worth checking out his Adventuring Academy podcast- really great interviews with other players and creators, with a wonderful focus on inclusivity and some of the under-represented demographics within the hobby. It's also a great way to get some insight as to just how much in his games he literally makes up off the top of his head.

[@TheDungeonCoach]

Call backs and in the fly NPCs! YES!! Dude I 100% agree! “Incredible”

[@Groznor.Grumbles]

You can be as "good" as Mercer and Mulligan but if your players aren't as involved or as interested in the game as THEIR players are, it's all moot. A DM's enthusiasm and amazing skill isn't enough to make up for lack luster players, IMO.

[@TheDungeonCoach]

What’s so funny... is THAT is what I’m talking about with Brennan in our interview! I totally agree!

[@4mazingZarek]

totaly agree! A great DM cant make a freat group alone. Most of these amazing experiences are the incredible chemistry of a great DM and their great players.

[@Zertryx]

This is why i don't like the term "Matt Mercer Effect" because if you ever watch critical role its mostly the PLAYERS who drive the story, they are so good at playing the character and not meta gaming even if they know info and they even call each other out on it when they slip. Travis is like top tier player, he gets excited for everyone.

[@TheDungeonCoach]

@@Zertryx YES!! Even one good player can enhance the table and shake up the other players too! I agree!

[@Fabled42]

That being said, the DM sets the tone. The players will respond to the DM being excited. While that doesn't work with every party it is our job as DMs to bring the players into our world. I always say its my world and its the players story.

[@BobWorldBuilder]

Oooh villain dialogue is great! I really don’t do it enough, but whenever my party is getting trash-talked, they’re wayyy more into it!!

[@TheDungeonCoach]

I know right! I used to get too wrapped up in mechanics but you gotta stop and talk some smack!!

[@rustlepalace-inn7229]

Came here for the coach, stayed because of the Mulligan content, and pleasantly surprised by the Bob comments. 🙃

[@johnathanrhoades7751]

My most inspirational DM, personally, has been Chris Perkins. His playing off of the players, improvisational skills, and general flow and style has really changed how I work. But yeah. Brendan is really great! I definitely need to watch him more...

[@kidmythicgames]

THE BEST Dming video ever. So good! Thank you.

[@TheWordN3rd]

When I asked my brother for more info on DnD (w zero intention of playing... at the time), he sent the first season of D20. I'm 90% sure he did that because he was tired of always being the DM and he knew there was no way I could watch Brennan and NOT want to start doing my own games 🤣🤣🤣 (It worked. Lol.)

[@michaelwolf8690]

A bit trick to running a game with dramatic swings is finding those moments where comedy works. You should actively look for those zones in the flow of a game where you don't need to be building tension where a botched roll or misunderstanding in roleplay can result in something where everyone gets to laugh. Moments of levity not only give your players a relief from dramatic tension but when done well those laugh spots in your game can set up great horror moments or sudden falls into breathless drama at your table.

[@BestgirlJordanfish]

He really is the greatest DM. He has other series and interviews online and I gotta say empathy with players is the most important DM asset of all time. They're all into improv and comedy and think about how to LIFT each other's stories. Practice roleplaying and try improv, comedy, or straight monologuing! Me taking a public speaking class in uni and working as a teacher honestly helped, since COMMUNICATION is singlehandedly the most important power a GM can wield

[@TheDungeonCoach]

DUDE! I couldn’t agree more! Such a funny and wholesome dude with a great message to share! I want more people to know about him!

[@b.a.barackas2141]

/\ this. Can't tell you how much easier being a DM is now with 10 years of experience coaching both skiing and soccer.

[@BestgirlJordanfish]

@@b.a.barackas2141 Yessss I think DC also teaches math like I do as well? But yeah. Teachers, tutors, improvisers, and babysitters are honestly had a lot of hidden potential for GMing

[@spiritandsteel]

@@BestgirlJordanfish YES. Empathy and communication skills are paramount. I teach massage therapy- which is to say I have to teach people how to hold space for other people in a safe, communicative, and constructive manner- and it has been such a boon for my ability to run games. It's good life skills in general, but you really get to see what you've learned shine when you're running a game. Brennan- in addition to working as an improv coach and teacher, worked for many years as a camp counselor for Wayfinders, which was a kind of kids LARP summer camp in upstate NY. It really, really shows in how he holds space and navigates the table, makes sure everyone feels heard and valued, etc.

[@letsplaysquire3257]

Every time I hear some new random background to his upbringing I think "Of course he did that!" Mum's a got a doctorate in Mythology and is a Comic book writer He and his brother alternated one on one D&D every night growing up He was a camp councillor at a LARP Summer Camp Taught and did improv stand up etc etc. He is the best

[@dmshowerthoughts5034]

Setting an example for your players of what you want to see at the table is my top mission at the moment.

[@deanburton6536]

Speaking of telling the players the dice roll that they need… I just ran Coach’s resurrection ritual. I told the player the roll needed for the ritual to be a success before hand. The entire table was staring at the die to see what it was. Even though the die was well over the DC, the players all lost their mind immediately as it was rolled

[@TheDungeonCoach]

DUUUUUDE YES!!! I just got chills from reading your comment!!’ HELL YES!

[@keksjanik2138]

I did a Hype-roll for my Party to get more information from the Abbot in cos. I told the bard with +11 to persuasion that I will let her Roll, but it is almost impossible so she will need a 30 or higher. She rolled a 17 I think. Then the wild magic sorcerer told me: "yeah I'll bend luck!" He rolled a 2. The whole table started cheering and laughing and they got quite a few helpful tips and a good deal if they can get something for him. So even for small things sometimes it can just create fun little moments.

[@live4twilight4ever]

Brennan is such an icon, up there with Branson Reese and Troy Lavallee as some of the best GMs making comedy content right now. I would say another great thing he does is that his combats usually if not always have secondary goals, besides just reducing the other guys to 0hp before they reduce you to 0hp. Also, the combats always have clear stakes and connections to the narrative to keep players (and viewers) engaged.

[@TheDungeonCoach]

OMG YES!! They ALL do! And if there isn’t one... he creates one on the fly!!! Brilliant! 100% agree

[@reesalogan1052]

Will start my first DM live session in a month. Came across your sight and I have to say, I love your enthusiasm. I like where your head is at and have voraciously eaten up your videos. You have given me much to ponder on.. New subscriber here. Thank you for your time.

[@TheDungeonCoach]

and thank YOU for your time to come by, subscribe and comment :) welcome to the dungeon crew!

[@GenericHeretic]

My personal DM hero is Jason Carl with his narration and stoic attitude for his role as storyteller

[@tacobeck19]

Man, as a coach, I am so jealous you had this idea of the Dungeon Coach on KZbin first. With that said, you do great work! Thanks for doing all this work for us!

[@TheDungeonCoach]

Hahaha it really was a perfect fit for me 👌🏼 the weird jock nerd hybrid I’ve been my whole life!

[@tacobeck19]

@@TheDungeonCoach lol I love it so much! Well done!

[@jamesyoung643]

Bro, best video of yours yet. I search KZbin for DM tips and usually hear the same stuff in different forms over and over again. But dang son, all those tips were stuff I hadn't heard before. Thanks again for your content!

[@TheDungeonCoach]

Yea?? Sweet! I’m trying to shake things up here too! Lots more to come! That fires me up man!

[@LeMayJoseph]

This is a great video! I love having concrete examples of a tip in action. And Brennan is an INCREDIBLE DM!

[@sambaker1121]

Better than Mercer, huh? That's high praise. I'll have to check this guy out. Speaking of quality. Your channel is fast becoming one of my favorites.

[@samchafin4623]

Hyping the target to build tension - that's great advice; really highlights part of the role of GM as showman, and building in dramatic tricks to increase the energy at the table - which is a real thing I hope we can all be getting back to soon.

[@SeeAche]

Yea I used to think Brennan was to comedic games what Matt is to dramatic games. But after Sophomore year, Unsleeping city and Crown of Candy, he really is just all round fantastic.

[@TheDungeonCoach]

O after crown of candy.... I was FLOORED... like... WHAT!?!? lol

[@Mystic-Moose]

Brennan Lee Mulligan is the best!

[@TheDungeonCoach]

I know right!? 💜

[@Mystic-Moose]

Great video and thanks for the tips!

[@sillymonger]

I'd sell my soul to play in one of his campaigns.. You hear me Asmodeus? Make it happen

[@roninanwar]

Agreed. And my favorite DM is Brennan Lee Mulligan's own player, Brian Kevin Patrick Murphy. He learned from the best.

[@dmshowerthoughts5034]

Adventuring Academy has been my latest little listening pleasure every morning. Such thought provoking discussions

[@MayBlaze0]

I was at the beginning and was really hoping you were going to say Brennan. I just finished Fantasy High and it was so fast paced and absurd that I was joy ridden throughout the entire thing. Critical Role has always been a fantastic show for me, but it got slow and I would stop and continue watching everyone now and then Brennan always keeps the tension high with tons of laughs and craziness, it was brilliant.

[@g_m_jojo]

Brennan is absolutely a HUGE inspiration to me as a DM. I have barreled through much of Dimension 20 by now, and I often am listening to The Adventuring Academy for GM tips, theories and discussions. Lots of amazing view points all around. Would freakin' love seeing you two dive into a DnD Discussion together!

[@TheDungeonCoach]

It’s being planned for as we speak!! I can’t wait! 😄

[@lizzyarceo2202]

I appreciate your input and thoughts on other dms

[@bruced648]

tool #5 was defined very well. I usually don't reveal target numbers. now I am going to re-think that approach.

[@greyborg3846]

As soon as I saw the thumbnail I immediately thought of Brennan. Matt is amazing, but I think Brennan is just as good and maybe even a slight bit better.

[@TheKOzality]

Coach, love the vid and the tips! I felt the same way when I came across Dimension 20 (Escape from the Bloodkeep). I hadn't seen Brennan Lee Mulligan DM until this and it was like a breath of fresh air, a punch to the chest, and a slap to the face all at the same time. The sheer amount of energy and creativity he brings is so impressive. I love this kind of video and would love to see more like it.

[@whaddonutube]

This is the best DM tips video I've seen yet. Thank you.

[@jeffquinz2118]

I know I'm more than a year too late, but the most recent example of Tip#1 is his recent run for Exandria Unlimited: Calamity. This scene has been dubbed, "The Problem with Invisibility". Check Exandria Unlimited: Calamity, Episode 1 at hour 4:04:09.

[@alexfikar7757]

I am so glad Brennan is getting soooooo much more attention now. If I could play with one DM, it would be him (don't worry, you're in my top 3) He seems to be making his way around for interviews and I am so glad for this. If you haven't checked out the other shows on Dropout, he is a regular contestant on "Um, Actually" and "Game Changer" and you see his competitive nerdiness come through full force. Do you have a favorite season of Dimension 20?

[@TheDungeonCoach]

1. Thanks for that! I am honored to be in the top 3! 2. HANDS DOWN Crown of Candy

[@Daxthemonk]

@@TheDungeonCoach a year ago when you posted this I would have agreed about crown of candy but damn starstruck was amazing!

[@dmbrewcrew7649]

Crown of candy might be my favourite piece of fantasy ever. Not just D&D

[@Crooked_Raven_Project]

Brenden Lee Mulligan is such an amazing DM. I aspire to be even a tenth of the DM he is.

[@the_allstar3699]

Brennan is also my favorite DM! I especially love his combats because they always have dynamic terrain and an important goal outside of just kill the bad guys

[@TheDungeonCoach]

The battlefields are ALWAYS Nuts lol. For sure!

[@karanfaldu2804]

me who plays it online with friends, but now has the inspiration to do find alternate ways to incorporate this into my DM style

[@benholman6801]

Slowly working my way through you amazing videos. Just wanted to say that I love how unique this vid was compared to other dm tip videos. Clearly pulled from your own experience with thought to what will actually help people. Cheers!

[@zreyon]

Just watching the few clips you've shown I got another tip for your list: Stand up. And you as a teacher would know, there's a difference between sitting and reading the lesson and standing and being passionate about it. You're putting up a show, stand up and use that body language. Didn't know that guy, but his games sure must be amazing. Currently finishing Critical Role season 1, so I'll watch one of his games before I start with the second one.

[@TheDungeonCoach]

Or for sure!! I stand up all the time! Didn’t learn it from Brennan but I’ll definitely write that tip down! I didn’t even think/ learn that lol Totally from a teacher background 😆

[@Ambers128]

Watching other DMs helped me to up *my* game. Emphasis mine. It's a conglomeration of several whether its style, tools, etc. Its made me a better DM.

[@vernonhampton5863]

The DM that I emulate the most is actually TJ Storm from Beyond Heroes fame. He gets 100% into it and his fun is contagious.

[@reespewa]

Was hoping Brennan was your pick. I've learnt so much from him!

[@rhd3tuba]

Yes, way more DM tips videos please! Love it. -- Not everybody homebrews extensively, but EVERYbody needs to be a better DM...

[@TheDungeonCoach]

Hahahaha wow... that is very well said and insightful!

[@redfalconx8138]

hey, you should check out Arcadum, he might not be matt mercer, nor Brennan, but he is a god of worldbuilding and D&D (I recommend watching multiple campaigns for the full experience as he plays all his campaigns in the same world at the same time making every crazy mess up effecting other campaigns like shattered crowns when they fireballed a tent with expensive scrolls and killed an important npc which effected like 6 other campaigns and being sent into space landing on one of the 24 planets he set up. Its worth the watch)

[@DeavTech]

I knew you were talking about Brennan before I saw the comments or the reveal. He's amazing.

[@TheDungeonCoach]

Haha! Yes! He’s too next level!!

[@sologamer6863]

Excellent video! I will be checking that game series out. I would throw in Chris Perkins as a great DM as well. I've learned so much from your channel. I appreciate the videos!

[@jasonp9508]

Love your stuff as always! Great tips. Pure gold. Useful immediately. One thing... singular of dice is die. It might sound weird to you, but it’s not weird. Try it for a week and it’ll start sounding normal. You’ll never go back once you make the switch! ;)

[@TheDungeonCoach]

Awwww did I mess up and say dice??? Lol damn! You got me!

[@fasthandshero85]

Great tips for making things way more exciting! Thanks for helping me up my game DC!

[@TheDungeonCoach]

I am honored, literally is why I do this 💜

[@elmsigreen]

Reminds me off a thing that happens a lot in my experience. We have been fighting one big monster for a while and one player attacks, does a whole lot of damage and the DM just says "it dies, only had 2 hp,, and everyone at the table chuckles a bit. But it's so anticlimactic. But if the DM had told the players how much health the monster had then that second to last hit would have been so exciting. I need to try this, telling the players just exactly what they need to roll so that the dice build up excitement at the table

[@TheDungeonCoach]

DUDE!! YES YES YES that is exactly why this is huge!!!

[@AtomSkeptic]

Mulligan is an amazing DM. He ranks up there with Matt. They are both great but He made Matt have a blast as a player even with Matt having horrible roles. My favorite point is when Matt's character is falling "We have come for the crown of the king of the vinguri! Leeland what the fuck?" Matt "Ahhh!"

[@GrimBrotherIV]

Would love a DM inspiration series!

[@ddickson1167]

Brenban is awesome. I watched his campaign with Matt and Co. in the roles as evil minions. It was great.

[@TheDungeonCoach]

SOOO many great moments!

[@archer111000]

Escape from the Bloodkeep is INCREDIBLE. Highly suggest starting there for anyone new to Dimension20 content.

[@TheDungeonCoach]

OMG yes!! And have you seen crown of candy???? Brilliant!!

[@David-vs4rt]

I was reminded of a time where my player decided to moon a city guard. So the guard straight up spartan kicked him in his butt sending the pc flying forward on his face

[@valasafantastic1055]

Yes! Brennan is fantastic! Top tier DM! Learning what we like from different DMs is a great way!

[@TheDungeonCoach]

Look it all together for your own style for sure!! 👌🏼

[@legladiateur9070]

THAT'S the stuff we need as learning dms

[@NoFunAllowed]

back in my day we used to do hype rolls in person, now we sit behind screens and see a digital dice roll haha

[@TheDungeonCoach]

Hahaha I know right! Hype rolls are now a digital dice rollin around lol

[@NoFunAllowed]

@@TheDungeonCoach playing in person vs playing online just hits differently!

[@ethanlocke3604]

If you’d continue this series that’d be epic

[@TheDungeonCoach]

Stay turned for Wednesday!

[@ethanlocke3604]

@@TheDungeonCoach poggers

[@HiddenNerdySide]

Yes!!! I've been saying this for ages! Brennan Lee Mulligan deserves to be considered among the Dungeon Master greats!!!

[@TheDungeonCoach]

He is FAR too underrated!

[@BlazingBlazer1]

Really love these dm tips videos!

[@kylecorbett2471]

I love the way you break things down into simple ideas we can implement in games! Also I didn't know about Brennan thanks for the new show to watch!

[@TheDungeonCoach]

Thanks man! I really try and tap into that teacher background for it lol! And yes check out those links!

[@shonlewis8336]

Shows true humility to even do this video. Nice work! Besides your tips/brews, I take a lot from Matt Colville as well.

[@TheDungeonCoach]

For sure I haven’t seen him DM but learned a lot from his videos FOR SURE!! Always gotta stay humble to learn!

[@henrykottsick6622]

Love you videos and DM tips, they really helped with implementing new rules and making rulings on certain things.

[@TheDungeonCoach]

That’s huge! Rules and rulings help DMs feel SO much more confident! Agreed!

[@timothyhayes2726]

Something I've learned about tension building is that you need to know how your players process stress. I'm playing in CoS right now that is heavily homebrewed by the DM and is very stressful. One of the ways that our group processes stress is through humor so we tell a lot of jokes and laugh but it's more of a defense mechanism. The stress level is very high and he is using a homebrew madness table as well, we have just learned that humor is how we handle that as a group.

[@TheDungeonCoach]

For sure! Humor is a great stress reliever lol!

[@Uphold-your-Rights]

I have a couple of players that use humor to break the tension and it works. But it also breaks the moment when they over use humor.

[@thedarklord8388]

First off, I completely agree, I always preferred Brennan Lee Mulligan myself. One because I think his comedy backgrounds makes the more humourous scenes in his games feel a lot more enjoyable, and secondly the creativity behind the settings in his games. In terms of my friend group, there isn't a Matt Mercer effect, as far as we're concerned it's the Brennan Lee Mulligan effect. Anyways, great tips.

[@TheDungeonCoach]

Hahahaha BLM effect! Yes, his comedy background definitely bleeds into the game for sure, so freaking hilarious!

[@thedarklord8388]

@@TheDungeonCoach Rolls a nat 1 on Perception. You think your tyrannical PE coach,, might be your Dad.

[@paulcave87]

Keeps making more of these DM tips! Love it.

[@TheDungeonCoach]

Will do!! 💜

[@scatterbug]

You said "another whole" instead of "whole 'nother." I'm so proud. :) Oh, and a really good video too. It really brought back moments in my games where things like that happened AND gave me ideas on what else I could do next time.

[@TheDungeonCoach]

Hahaha I didn’t actively think of that... so that’s your influence teaching me then!! lol

[@christopheracea5835]

I love Brennan Lee Mulligans campaigns! He has definitely inspired me heavily as a GM.

[@TaberIV]

Knowing what number you need to roll on the die definitely helps put tension in the right place. Rolling an attack and having to do math before it's resolved is kind of a buzz kill. Not a fan of THAC0, but I think old character sheets had the right idea putting the die roll needed to hit certain ACs right on the sheet

[@TheDungeonCoach]

I totally agree... THACO is bad... but the intent was great!!

[@airdragon11studios]

Loved this video! I always saw his vids recommendation but never watched. Definitely will now! I usually give the saves for spells, traps, abilities, and ac to my players. They tell me theirs so I tell them mine. But only after the first successful roll. They hit or save they get to know.

[@TheDungeonCoach]

You won’t regret it!!

[@JeffsGameBox]

I like your DM tips. Keep em coming! ❤🙏👽

[@agsilverradio2225]

I think Luke Heart from the DM Layer gives some good advice. ... My current DM is also pretty good so far, at least for my group. ... He's no Mat-Mercer-esqe thesbian, (that feels kind of fake to me anyways,) but he has us invested in roleplaying and lore of his world, wich is somthing I'm personally really into.

[@TallonMartin86]

I have a dropout subscription only for dimension 20, no offense to the other content but Brennan and his players are amazing, love his sets as well

[@TheDungeonCoach]

SAME that’s all I have it for too! Twins!!!

[@josephdellavecchia7828]

I actually haven't watched Dimension 20 games so now I'll check it out. You're hungry videos are amazing coach and I am definitely interested in hearing your other thoughts on running D&D

[@BeyondTheScreenRPG]

Brennan is a legend. Such an amazing DM.

[@MariaRodriguez-zk3dn]

I really like this type of content. Great tips :)

[@TheDungeonCoach]

Thanks! I’ll keep em coming! So much more to come

[@Kaiseraihn]

Awwwh yeah! I love these! I want my own box of doom for those epic "pressure's on" kind of rolls! For my NPCs, I always have them have banter and stuff before and after they act. That's been one of my favorite things, so when I finally reveal my main villain to the group, I can't wait to break up a monologue between attacks! lol

[@TheDungeonCoach]

YES! We’re so synced up man! 👍🏼👍🏼

[@VanxHelsing03]

I love the list and all and completely agree. but... I recommend Arcadum to this list because I think the guy is a crazy world builder (the guy has 7 galaxies as a setting), boss fight master, homebrew most of his rules and so damn hype, you can feel and hear how much he loves dnd. He has a way of changing the mood of his games and he does all that without cameras. I say he must have mastered the right way to play dnd on streams. He is literally running a dnd mmorpg of his own like his own Adventure League. That is so detail then everything that happens is prepared for. so far he has something 97% of the time and that is so damn much. Because seriously, we all know we mostly listen to the dnd game instead of looking so who needs cameras.

[@aravar2772]

Just found your channel and subbed. Great stuff!

[@TheDungeonCoach]

Thank you for that’ I got more commin too!! 👍🏼

[@the_allstar3699]

This is one of my favorite of your videos!

[@vigilantgamesllc]

I did not that coming, but I mesh with you so hard man! Brennon Lee!

[@TheDungeonCoach]

HELL YEA! More people need to see him!

[@LaurelWest]

A thing I experience in the group I'm part of as a player is that we are all very sassy. It's so easy to get caught up in the sassy behaviour and remarks once one is made (they are hilarious) but the consequence is that we can no longer take our bbeg seriously anymore. He is no longer considered a threat, and tbh, that is very sad imo. When I want to DM a campaign, I would not punish sassy behaviour, but I do like for my players to take the bbeg seriously, and see it as a real threat. Do you have a video concerning this topic? Or has anyone any tips on how to encourage the players to take the bbeg seriously?

[@invaderzam]

I love Matt Mercer but I think Brennan Lee Mulligan is better for introducing people into Dnd. The creativity and comedy that he brings to the table makes him such a fun DM to watch. And he is the only DM I have seen that can (I wish I had a better way to describe this) weaponize memes. He can be a little permissive as a DM, which leads his players to keep pushing the boundary of what he will allow. At some point the action on the table starts resembling a cartoon. But he is the epitome of "be careful what you wish for" because he can turn the ridiculous antics and running gags of his players into threats that haunt them later down the road.

[@TheDungeonCoach]

Definitely less intimidating for new players 👌🏼 And can get comedic for sure and I was originally turned away from that, but I can see how at least a little bit of it can impact a game table in a positive way

[@XoRandomGuyoX]

My only nitpick watching Brennan is how he does 'quick and dirty' rolls in secret for NPC checks, saves, and attacks. His NPCs tend to be so successful in everything they do that it makes me suspect he's fudging some rolls. It also diminishes the usefulness of using status effects against his NPCs, since Brennan will completely forget about them in the moment. That's an area where Mercer does something useful: bottle rings on minis to track status ailments.

[@trioofone8911]

Do it: make a series of videos about your favorite DMs

[@theparanerdist2863]

I completely agree. Best DM ever

[@sesimie]

MAtt & Matt ...mercer and colville....Chris perkins...and indeed Brennan!!

[@broke_af_games9661]

Yeah tip videos are good. Even if someone else has provided the same tip, you can deliver it in a way that resonates better or just in a different way.

[@TheDungeonCoach]

For sure! And sometimes it isn’t literal tips from the DMs it’s just think I learned from watching them in action

[@broke_af_games9661]

@@TheDungeonCoach yeah! Because i'll be honest..... I'm not watching people play dnd to learn those tips. I have 11 game sessions a month.... I'm not spending 3 hours on a stream game. Lol So basically style recaps are cool for those like me

[@KnicKnac]

You might enjoy Dungeons of Drakkenheim by The DungeonDudes. and second campaign Shadows of Drakkenheim. Interesting video.

[@kaemonbonet4931]

Would love to see you on adventuring academy

[@TheDungeonCoach]

Omg I would die!!

[@jordanpatrick2627]

For the algorithm! But seriously, great tips. I would love to see more.

[@cwesley2005]

Trying to get my kids off the computer and into d and d. They are in elementary school and have played a few times. I made very simple character sheets to help them out. They just love the computer way more than anything I can create at a table. My family has a serious stigma about d and d and will not back me up in my attempts to show them how amazing this hobby is! So I'm stuck because I know they would love it if they just gave it a chance! Any advice on how to show your family that d and d can actually be better than watching Flamingo and Roblox videos all day?

[@tastycrabs]

Love your videos! I can only agree! On another note: You should really get a better camera! Its very blurry and when cutting to other videos it really shows. You deserve one! ;)

[@TheDungeonCoach]

I am actually saving up for one right now! Going to be my next big purchase! Appreciate the feedback! 👍🏼

[@christianchase9909]

What enemy information do you recommend letting players know? I don’t ever share their ac but now I’m thinking I will

[@TheDungeonCoach]

I share the AC once they “exactly hit” I say it Or when they just barely hit (they were one AC above Or they just barely miss (they were 1 AC below Sometimes I let em see behind the curtain to scare them too... OMG THEY HAVE THAT MUCH _____!?!? Haha

[@ScreenFiends]

I prefer Matts style but Bren is amazing too!

[@TheDungeonCoach]

Matt is definitely more “professional” 👌🏼

[@goontubeassos7076]

I have my players roll their own difficulties on a separate red D20. the killing blows that they do, I make them describe their killing blows however the hell they wanna do it.

[@brandonokeeffe1193]

Why do you get your players to roll their own difficulties? And is that for all DC checks or just certain ones? How does it work exactly?

[@goontubeassos7076]

@@brandonokeeffe1193 I use a red D20 for it, for all skill difficulties, or situational where there is no dc provided and the DM determines the DC. It provides the players with a sense responsibility for their actions, self competition, and the dm actually has the final word to over ride with a secret bonus to roll if needed to save a player.

[@brandonokeeffe1193]

@@goontubeassos7076 so you dont have any DC over 20? Do the players add their modifiers or is it just straight roll? I feel if they can add modifiers it is easily broken, especially at higher levels E.g a lvl 13 rogue with prof and expertise in stealth and a dex score of 10, can't roll under a 20 with reliable talent

[@goontubeassos7076]

@@brandonokeeffe1193 I’ll give it a disadvantage if needed, or just give a negative. To be honest they don’t run from fights, and even chase enemies. So they rarely reach level 13 before they TPK themselves, and they refuse to play a cleric. Sometimes I think the characters have more intelligence then the players. I open roll too, and I’m a natural high roller so critical hits happen a lot. It started because they don’t like my high rolling they would rather die by their own rolls. All n all, it puts the life of their characters in their hands a little bit more.

[@TheDungeonCoach]

Ooooo I love the special die used

[@zachwild2178]

Did you ever have that interview, that would be awesome to give a listen.

[@donovanarthen]

Brennan and I went to the same Larping summer camp!

[@TheDungeonCoach]

Haha!!! No way!!

[@kalleendo7577]

Brennan is my absolute favorite

[@TheDungeonCoach]

Same!! I could watch his games on loop... like I do! Crown of Candy is the BEST dnd series EVER!

[@Piqipeg]

And another video for my RPG playlist... =D

[@TheDungeonCoach]

HUZZA!! 💜

[@revgizmo]

Link to Dimension 20’s stuff, and what parts are good intros for those who don’t follow?

[@TheDungeonCoach]

Just added the link to the description! Good call! Fantasy high is a GREAT start! Season 1 episode 1

[@turfinat0r]

Bloodkeep is a smaller series and is a easy gateway in!

[@spiritandsteel]

@@turfinat0r Strong agree - Bloodkeep has some familiar faces in it if folks are familiar with other D&D streams, and it's been the one I've used to hook people in to D20 for a while now, since it's short and easily digestible, yet has some incredible moments in it. The other one I tend to use is Tiny Heist, particularly if the person I'm introing to D20 is familiar with the McElroys. That season is so brilliantly cinematic and satisfying and off the wall.

[@spiritandsteel]

(also, the entirety of Bloodkeep is available on youtube, which isn't true for all of the games, last I checked.)

[@tehfenor]

Thanks coach!!! -Fenor

[@TheDungeonCoach]

Always here on release day baby! You rock bro!