How to Make Your Adventures, NPC's and Campaigns Feel Real

[@HowtobeaGreatGM]

*Thanks for watching!* Don't forget to try the task at the end of the video and let us know in the comments below how it went for you. Were you able to design a unique adventure based on a real truth...let us know!

[@MakCurrel]

You are one of my heroes!

[@ingramsmart]

I do like the challenge, but I'm having a hard time of it. I immediately came up with three events that certainly fill the bill, but for the life of me, can't come up with an opportunity for roleplay based on those events. Ok, yes, this was an embarrassing moment, but what is there for a party of PCs to do here? Still, it's an interesting idea and I'll poke further into my distant memories to see if there are any undiscovered gems.

[@sillyjellyfish2421]

Oh man, i have so many embarassing stories that immediately came to my mind :D who wants to sleep anyway :'D

[@ALJessica]

I do not agree a 100%. Because if you rp someone truly vile and cruel, like hags who corrupts and sacrifices children according to dnd lore, Then how do you be yourself in that moment? Hopefully that isn’t you at your core.

[@ashtonpeterson4618]

Hey! I was the one who requested this topic a week or so ago. You hearted my comment. Thank you so much! Drawing on my experiences, knowledge, and personality, is a great idea. Thank you so much!

[@MegaMawileTheNommer]

What I usually do for NPCs is remind myself "These were once kids with hopes and dreams. They are now adults with new hopes and dreams. Even the worst person has personal goals and desires they wish fulfilled" It has helped immensely when deciding how an NPC should react. Why is the Orc Bandit, raised on fighting, going to surrender when all that awaits him is the gallows? But... maybe surrendering will show him mercy? That thought process alone, him stopping attacking for a round, considering the party's offer of mercy, adds so much to an NPC. "Well why should I?! All that is left for me is the gallows!" He won't go back to fighting right away, because he wants to live, and he hopes that the party will provide him a way out of this with his neck intact.

[@seanbissett-powell5916]

Nice one ! I do something similar, but I ask an extra question; what happened to damage this person ? What turned them from a child with hopes and dreams, to an adult with hopes, dreams, fears and flaws ?

[@LastoftheMofreakins]

@@seanbissett-powell5916 I love doing this, but I often get caught up in the loop of "bad writing on the fly" so I often have one pre-loaded (for lack of a better term) average bad guy personality and one leader bad guy, as a default for each encounter. The pre-load changes from scenario to scenario of course. (Ogrun barbarian grunts don't act the same way as humans who follow a genteel highwayman) But That way I am cocked and loaded with a unique villain, regardless of which of the characters the heroes decide to interrogate/press gang into service/send a message etc, etc. Just the other day one of my players murdered my big boss character before he could escape to take a hostage. So instead I had Grunt 9 grab the girl instead and put him in charge of the hostage scenario. The "pre-load" really helped out a lot since I had already thought out what would happen if the mook had to walk through this beforehand.

[@seanbissett-powell5916]

@@LastoftheMofreakins Definitely - having options pre-prepared allows for so much flexibility, and the ability to let the players do the kind of things no GM can truly plan for. But I always give my generic baddies names (it's a homebrew world, so I've got lists to fit the flavour of each area). To twist the old metaphor, every bad guy grunt has an arch-villain's baton in his knapsack :D It's wonderful to mess with players minds to know that the creatures they slaughter have names and families who will miss them. It's even made a world-changing difference on occasion - a captured kobold with a name went from "prisoner to butcher" to "Fizz the reluctant guide". Eventually he became the kobold who was able to negotiate with the party for the kobolds (he had become co-chieftain of) to move into town as refugees from a greater threat, and now that town has a thriving community of friendly kobold citizens..... all totally unplanned for, because one insignificant creature had a name.

[@thewackerly]

I had my first proper session as a GM yesterday, and it went swimmingly despite all the anxiety I was feeling beforehand. My players loved it, they were super into their characters, they were wholly invested in the events, they tried some sideways shenanigans (respect the hustle), and I had an absolute blast. Thank you for inspiring me to start and giving me a direction to go in as I continue this journey with my friends.

[@sillyjellyfish2421]

Well done, you! I had the similar experience about a month ago but surprisingly, somehow i managed to switch into the DM head space i didn't even know i had mid reading the intro i put together like a week before (together with the rest of my materials like maps, NPCs etc). I don't know if it helps anyone reading this, but as i was doing that intro it felt like out of body experience, like i'm not the one on the spotlight, players are. All my job is just to nudge them forward a bit. I have no idea how 3 hours passed by.

[@mygeekdom4414]

Rock on!!!! That is so cool. Your players had a great time which means you did your job right. Enjoy this new side of our wonderful hobby. Enjoy.

[@Nerdarchy]

I'm here to hear Guy say hooligan. Nerdarchist Dave

[@HowtobeaGreatGM]

Always great to have you here... you hooligan.

[@carlh7714]

I like the switching of the angles. The timing felt a little random sometimes, so maybe use the angled view at dramatic moments exclusively; you definitely nailed it a couple times. Keep messing with it; it's cool.

[@StarwarsInvader]

If I had to offer criticism it's that switching the angle isn't at all bad, but it feels kinda random at times. Definitely agree.

[@stevebreedlove9760]

Agree. Production value continues to improve.

[@mr.makepeace3465]

I came here to say the same exact thing. A little too much swapping, but I loved it! And all the green in the background, too! Background is amazing all the way around!

[@oneMeVz]

I think switching to the side camera would come useful when you (Guy) is acting a character.

[@SaraShepherd_PDX]

DMing is living truthfully under imaginary circumstances 🤯 another fantastic video.

[@PartridgeQuill]

Being honest to yourself is literally some of the best advice I have ever heard for being a great GM.

[@eliasvernieri]

Most KZbinrs: "please write on my comments" ( helps with the algorithm) Guy: "Don't put it in the comments down below, i don't need to know that. " KEEP THE GOOD WORK :)

[@Lionrhod212]

Fantastic post. Back when I was in fourth grade or so (around the time of the dinosaurs) there was a girl named Leah in my class. Now, of course one of the tasks you get in school is reading aloud from whatever deadly boring textbook they're making you read - the class itself is probably English, History or Social Studies. (Probably not the former or it might have actually been interesting reading in the first place.) Anyway it's Leah's turn to read. And it's awe-inspiring. She reads her passage with passion and energy. It's like listening to a bedtime story told by the best actor ever. She absolutely pours herself into it, and it's...beautiful. What happens? The moment she's done, and the magic spell of her tone of excitement has faded *sigh* all the kids start to titter. Cause whatever the stupid subject we're learning about is "not cool" enough to engender with passion. Leah becomes a pariah. And because the rest of the "cool kids" (I was NOT a "cool kid" but desperately WANTED to be one.) immediately went back to reading in a drone like voice that suggested, "we are bored beyond belief!) i too learned to read in that dronish voice. That's sort of how things happen. As kids we learn to conform to the lowest common denominator. But I always carried Leah with me. The moment she dragged me into her moment of magic and mystery could never be forgotten. And as I grew up and allowed my own passion as a writer and a DM , I allowed myself to let go of my "supposed boredom" and enmesh myself in the full blown and amazing drama of the stories I help tell. So glad that Leah taught me to be, not one of the :"cool kids" but one of those who lives their passions.

[@ArvelDreth]

Wtf?

[@winterrye3022]

I DM with two exceptionally shy players who often feel very inhibitied in roleplaying their characters. What's been amazing to see is that in our most recent campaign one has ranger companion and the other a familair and they both (seemingly without realizing it) put so much more personality in these so effortlessly. Just creating a little bit of ego space does wonders.

[@jazzmouse2498]

It’s always great to see a new video they’re the best preparation to get into the best mindset before running a session.

[@w.m.6116]

The two things I love about your videos as a newbie GM: basically everything AND comments below. The thing I don't like is being able to give only one like

[@Kiwi9552]

Great video and good advice in the right groups. Just two disadvantages I feel can come up with this method: - NPC can feel the very similar with this method after a while, because it's always "your" reaction to a situation and not that of a different person. - You might feel hurt if someone is making fun of a way that a NPC acts. This is due to you being closer to the NPC and the player might not realise this is like you might react.

[@DragonFlagonWagon]

Hey Guy! I just finished a Master Class on voice acting and after 14 episodes realized that you had already taught me everything they talked about. Thank you for all you do for our hobby.

[@mercury199runner]

Thanks, I really needed this. I've been GMing for almost 10 years. Probably for 12-18 hours weekly for that whole time. Recently I've had some sessions that i didn't feel good about, I started putting in more and more hours into prep, enough to be flexible, and stuff I am passionate about only for players not to show up, bot pay attention, and barely engage. I think this is exactly what I needed to hear.

[@event.cruises]

That "none shall pass" was casually glorious

[@Jasonwfd]

The background, overlays, and camera usage were all great!

[@robertduckworth1490]

Excellent video, Guy! Maybe we can profitability trope that old chestnut: “A DM is least believable when he tries to embody an NPC. But when he is himself as the NPC, he will tell you his truth.” - DM Oscar Wilde

[@carlh7714]

I commented on style, but I'll comment to say I really like the substance, too. I'm a new GM (3 weeks and counting), but a long time writer, and getting into the character's heads has been greatly beneficial to me in writing. I'm not good at it as a GM yet, but I'm glad to hear it's a good thing to keep working on.

[@CrazedArmadill0]

Wow, just wow. I keep clicking on these videos and over and over again, its an absolute delight to hear what you have to say. You are full of great knowledge, and the way you phrased a lot of these ideas made great sense. I think a lot of it is all stuff I've heard before (acting classes and whatnot) but this really clicked for me.

[@dragonflamesteel7056]

I think the idea of creating an adventure with your most embarrassing moment is a cool idea actually. Gives people a chance to put something into a story that they can really identify with, enabling them to roleplay better after jumping over that first hurdle. As for the fuel cameras, I don't think it added anything to the video or took away from it. It seemed weird at first but then I quickly forgot about it

[@candiedskull9841]

"you're still you, the only thing that changes is your current desires and motivations (and sensations)". Absolutely phenomenal advice, and actually useful even outside of just the tabletop space for whenever you're taking on a role different from yourself

[@worthasandwich]

I do love brining a bit of my self int NPCs, the big thing is not to always bring your best self. This can require a lot of introspection and really knowing what you are capable of. This can also teach you a lot about yourself.

[@dungeonstaverns6707]

I absolutely love your videos. You have a wonderful author voice and impressive oratory skills. I have watched several of your videos multiple times and this is going to be another one I watch again and again. I can feel your enthusiasm and love for the tabletop in your videos and it is infectious enthusiasm so keep up the great work.

[@davispower1013]

I love this as a GM. I like to give my villans a "piece" of me. So I know how I am when I'm angry, so I turn that up to 11 in my angry villains. I love building with what I know

[@jakegoodrich97]

This absolutely hit the mark on what I was looking for and will give me some fun ways to work with the group I'm running a game for

[@juliantheassassin]

That was amazing. It is a good idea to get better into the NPCs. I often thinking of how to create a tick of my npcs, but thinking about how their day was and how you would feel in their body is so 'simple' but helpful.

[@gabes7356]

I really like your videos definitely has helped me during a few sessions. Got players always excited to play.

[@BrotherSkodidi]

Guy, I love how genuine you are with all of your videos, and how absolutely personable you are. I've been struggling to get into the heads of a few of my characters lately -- this will help immensely.

[@ElSpiko]

I like the multiple camera angles, and after binging some older vids recently the improved fidelity really shows and makes the videos more engaging. This video really speaks to me and my GMing style. Oddly, I switch between incredibly emotional scenes in my games and distant, unemotional simulation throughout my sessions; it's like I save it all for those emotional scenes, and when I do I go all in.

[@RauMins]

When it comes to editing style of this one, I was happy with it, I feel like what you were talking about fits well with the music and camera angles. When it comes to what you are actually talking about, this is what I needed. Thank you ♥

[@michellethomas6494]

I think something finally clicked with this video. Thank you for the advice. Im looking forward to trying it out in my next game. Im also digging all the updated video flairs. There was another video you uploaded and the switching pov was a bit jarring, but not so in this video. I think its bc it was a little less frequent and quick. I also love the little notes on the bottom left! Great idea, reminds me of the notes placed in some of the dnd core books. Also your newish backdrop setup is amazing. Its interesting but not too distracting, and has lot of character. Dig it.

[@Kestas_X]

I definetly live my truth in roleplaying. Even before I was roleplaying so to speak. It's what makes imersion super great and escapism compelling.

[@Denis461997]

I was hoping for something like this today. thnx

[@matthewkuehne5480]

Agreed. It's nice to get more tools for the DM toolbox.

[@gstaff1234]

As always you hit the nail on the head. Everyone has a motivation and a feeling we have perhaps experienced ourselves. Keep pushing me to do more. Thanks!!

[@dawsonehlke1290]

If you take this advice and start practicing it, congratulations, you are now an actor.

[@vassilisanagiannis5989]

Great advice! The NPCs that I always find harder to bring to life are indeed the ones that are supposed to have been through experiences that I'm not overly familiar with in real life. It seems kind of obvious why after watching your video, but I guess I had not fully realized these points till now!

[@solace761]

Thank you for assuaging my fears that I’m not a good enough GM! I already do all these things and having you affirm that they’re the right things to be doing is very comforting to my imposter syndrome.

[@edwardblacklock2446]

So ture in my experience. I have only been dming for a year but my npcs that have had the best reactions from my players come from a place inside me as a person and react in an honest way to the pcs actions. Keep up the great work Guy and continue inspiring us DMs with your wise words.

[@jeratrend357]

I'm honestly pretty true with my NPCs. My players love and enjoy a lot of them. (There's 3 relationships that developed with random NPCs that were supposed to be just one and Done NPCs.)

[@souponthefly3750]

Your videos inspired me to try GMing with my group about a year ago. Now I'm running three games a week and find a lot of my downtime noodling around on dungeonfog. You have a knack for uploading videos that have to do with what I've been recently thinking about, it's almost a little scary. Love your content Guy, the helpful vids and your campaign sessions.

[@penanceixx447]

Art is a reflection of reality. To make games artistic, and thus to have the same emotional impact as art, it must be truthful; and your video has just helped me better understand how to do that. Thank you. I believe even in a beer & pretzels style game truth would enhance the fun as the best jokes ring true.

[@mikecarson7769]

world's best acting advice - especially valuable for GMs and Players - all within 15 minutes

[@bigheadface]

Being true to yourself in roleplaying is the exact same advice all young actors need, and for the same reasons. It's not "not caring what other people think", it's living the reality of the moment for that character. More actors should be into RPGs.

[@afkgator]

This is such a great perspective for me as a music artist. One of my favorite videos yet!

[@benmwalls]

As I am finally getting to awaken that inner Scottish Dwarf with my current table group, it's equally as fun to see everyone here also gaming to their hearts content. "Really" nice vid!

[@TheHiro1900]

I will absolutely be doing this more next session! Love these videos!

[@thomashunsaker6884]

Thank you. I'm actually a pretty brand new dm and i was just being myself if i was a "blacksmith, guard blah blah" and i stopped and started to act like someone else but you inspired me to go back to being myself. Thank you.

[@TaberIV]

I think this is something I really need to work on and really appreciate this video. I'm naturally a pretty good story teller, but I don't transfer that into my games enough. Thanks for this!

[@Melvin7727]

Love the new format. But honestly, it does not matter, because you sir, have the best d&d channel on youtube, and it's because as a parallel to your video, you as a PERSON have always come from a real place and have given it all a lot of thought. You could have the worst mic and grainiest camera, and we'd all still watch you and listen to your wisdom. That's why your channel succeeded to begin with. Keep doing what you do, and God bless

[@AndrewIHanna]

This video felt much more rehearsed than normal. Great work

[@gwavana7996]

There is a consequence to all what is said in the video : you need some time to switch to a character to another, from the tired blacksmith to the charmed goblin for instance. Many times when I'm not happy with how I roleplayed a NPC, I think back about it and realize I was just too fast and didn't take enough time to focus on the character in the heat of the session. Now that I get more experienced, I try to always give me 10 or 15 sec to "enter" in the role each time I need to switch from a NPC to another : I take a deep breath, make a mental check up of all I know about the character, get into their mindset and then go. The 10 seconds I stay silent are really worth the gain in accuracy in the roleplay. Moreover, by waiting a bit before talking you make people more focused on what you will say, so it's totally a win-win situation.

[@cowboy_dogg2124]

This video runs along the lines of thinking present in the Meisner technique of acting. Popular thought about actors dictate that they separate from themselves to embody someone else. However Meisner (like guy) intoned that people should be their authentic selves and present feelings colored by their own experiences. For characters (in dnd) meant to be sympathetic, I find this “authentic” technique works well. But I find that making villains into really despicable bastards means putting yourself in someone else’s shoes to be effective. Great vid.

[@dynjarren5454]

As a DM fairly actively gaming since the 1st edition of D&D, I must say that this is sound advice. If we run a game, we must first make our game fun and in doing so, we must play many roles on demand. And the way we do that is to have a broad range of tools and act out our parts. Its critical to your game to be versatile. We sometimes are the enemy, the ally, the merchant, and at times the drunken fool. Whatever the case, this is certainly good advice.

[@kennedyteixeira2570]

Ok that's by far, the best video about GMing that I've ever seen.

[@georgebowen3176]

In my opinion, the second camera was nice but not necessary. I watched this video for what you were saying, not what you were doing. The content was amazing and spot on. I just don't want you to spend a lot of effort on something with such little return. Thanks for being such a great teacher.

[@shroomer952]

Thank you for the suggestion, I was really needing some advice to make my onging campaign more realistic. I will definitely try the "task of the week"

[@DrewTombs]

My first adventure all important npcs were unique personality-wise in their engagement, but I only resorted to default English accents. It still worked for my players because it felt like real people, just they had a harder time distinguishing who was who in larger dialogues. Now I'm in my own campaign and there's accents, and cadence, and tones so everyone they engage with feels more... alive, and different. I'm by no means a voice actor and their accents will dip sometimes but it works for the aesthetic and definitely makes it more engaging. They also engage more in that social RP element.

[@basicfrogginhuman6023]

that part of your truth is a question I've had for a while! Thank you for the video!

[@VeganBeerSnob]

I run my NPCs as though I am them - not as though they are me. I think that makes it feel real. IMO

[@thomasbittner1009]

6:09 "Intellect! We all have them!" Please make a T-Shirt with that quote. ;)

[@turtlerollover9382]

This is such a nice format! Definitely a fan of it

[@Castheknotted]

Once again you've put something into words that I feel like I needed to hear. Guy you are truthfully a modern day bard, thank you again.

[@donovanmcdonald167]

Wahahaha! Love that cut scene at the end... as usual great topic, getting people to throw themselves and all their awkwardness into their story, creating strengths and flavour... Like and good stew ;)

[@edathompson2]

This will help me coach other DMs. I wasn't sure how to put it into words.

[@davidrose7938]

I prefer the straight on view. I would not mind the side angle view if you were talking to a guest.

[@aaronjones1666]

Loving the dual camera

[@MRCLHC]

It's something to take for life. Sometimes, we restrict ourselves to not be judged by other. Anyway, it reduce our potencial. Good tip GM

[@saeravi]

This is brilliant! Thank you so much Guy!! What you said seems so obvious now that I think about it but I wouldn't have thought about it this way for a long time! Thank you 😃

[@andrewandroulidakis5578]

Honestly guy, I'm going to have to shout you out when my game cones out. If my characters are even remotely good, it is probably because of these videos.

[@felipelomba7033]

Always loving your videos, continue the great job!

[@BeneBeauvais]

Personally I liked more when the camera wasn't switching points of view all the time, I find it annoying, its better to see you from a fixed camera, the one you are looking at. I have a video request: How to make your adventures more personnal to your PCs? How to trigger their personnal interests, their emotions, so that they don't feel like they have to do something, but rather like its them who want the adventure to happen for their own individual motives? How to unite the group as one through those? I feel like I must trigger the interest of my PCs to be together and to WANT the adventure to happen to them because x reasons. It helps in making the campaign feel very much less railroaded to them and more of an open world one, since they have the impression the initiative comes from them, when in fact I made it happen this way.

[@timh797]

Letting you now what I think in the comments below about this 0:19 (I assume you mean the editing between two cameras). It doesn't add anything for me because you are very animated so I find the straight on shots perfectly fine. If you want to have that newsy bouncy cuts between cameras you can, but I think that might become less personable. Also, I guess it could add more work on your cameraperson's/editor's end managing different shots.

[@stevebreedlove9760]

Yeah. I agree. The problem is with editing. They should only use the angle if he is looking at that camera. Then Guy just needs to practice pacing the switch between cameras.

[@poilboiler]

I find it a bit disorienting and it distracts me from being able to listening properly.

[@JeffsGameBox]

Good video. I think it's okay to hold these discussions given we have a lot of smaller groups and slightly more intimate settings these days. Unless you're playing online, and then memorable is better. All around good job!

[@mikeyrambo2742]

I love your videos before I. Started watching I was afraid to be a GM. But since I have bin watching your videos. For the last couple of months. I have started building my own campaign. And I just had my first session zero the other day.

[@RiotSSB]

The second camera is a nice touch, but I found the difference in quality between the two shots very distracting. A great video as always regardless, keep it up!

[@superbeast8938]

I agree with Guy 💯 percent, I always give NPCS motivations and flaws I try to make them as real as I can to the point of them having remorse

[@FrontwaysLarry]

Great video and fantastic advice that not only pertains to GMing, but also personal self confidence. As for the angle switching, it's a little unnecessary in the current format. Cinematography and framing is great, but the point of the "interview" angle is to relay the idea that someone else is filming/interviewing the subject. Furthermore, the big technical reason for multiple angles in interviews is to allow for a disguising of cuts; waiting for a section in two separate clips where the subject has their arms down can easily be cut between to give the illusion of there being no cut. That being said, it's a bit unnecessary because you're such a well spoken individual and don't need cuts usually. Personally, it made the side angles feel less personable. If you continue with the second camera, I'd recommend utilizing it by talking to the other angle for side-comments, little jokes, or using the angle to splice together separate takes. Love the cinematic effort to change it up, though!

[@ToddHowardWithAGun]

I like the straighforward video essay format.

[@psycopuppy3047]

This is exactly what I needed to hear. Thanks!

[@gilbertolopez8904]

I loved the new version with different cameras ❤️

[@synthetic20]

I see you're embodying your truth of a two-camera setup. I like the production value. For me I have to inhabit characters that are different from my truth, because I'm autistic, and my usually neurotypical players will often expect neurotypical worlds. However, I do sprinkle in aspects of myself into NPCs, things like they will often be forward about how they truly feel in words or that they have a flat affect in their presentation. Those things are tools that both make it easier for me as an autistic individual to embody the characters and give the sense of realism I think you're talking about. Mostly, it is about providing the spark of truth, not necessarily going whole hog on such presentations.

[@TheSwamper]

I'm a huge fan but I'm struggling with your advice here. The main reason I play fantasy is because I want the escapism. While I think it's important to look at real life to help make the pretend game feel more real, I don't want to play me. I completely agree with the part about when GM'ing, to do what is interesting to you. I don't agree with the NPCs being me. I try hard to create NPCs that DON'T think like me. I try to reason out why their way of thinking might seem the best way to them.

[@goffus4733]

Tomorrow I will be DMing a game where a character meets a childhood friend, and I think this video will help me roleplay him better. As far as your challenge? Well... maybe next session. But it will be fun to think about.

[@GillesProvenzano]

Great video as always. Great tips, thanks 😊

[@keiths81ca]

One comment regarding the use of two cameras for this video: the side camera appears to be of a lower or different quality front the front on camera. Is it a difference in the camera or an effect of the lighting in your room? As for the content of the video, definitely a thought provoking video.

[@vitkutak158]

As GM I'm saying that I'm trying to give a soul to charakters and to the world itself to make it all more real. I think that is very similar what you were describing in this video from your point of view. Realy good topic and realy important thing in storytelling.

[@jonpatras1567]

Thanks so much Guy I love your videos they are helping me on my path to Great GM status.

[@jt8568]

Some very interesting ideas. Going to need to use this!

[@scottfitzpatrick7115]

This truth into the NPCs is the Carry Grant school of acting. "I am Gary Grant, being a blacksmith. I am me, being this person, and giving the audience what that means ("the truth")

[@sinkler123]

While I love role-playing and find it much more interesting, I think my players prefer to play D&D more like a computer game, and not like a proper RPG. They enjoy the mechanics, game systems, the progression and the story, but prefer to mostly observe / fight / solve puzzles and not to actually role-play and engage with the world socially. on rare occasions when they do, they play as themselves without considering the characters much. It makes me want to tone down social interactions since it feels weird to be the only participant... xD

[@davec1]

Hi, thanks for all the great content and tips! If I may offer some feedback you didn't ask for (or maybe you do later in the video): I find the cuts rather distracting, especially since I didn't find any pattern or logic to them, the just seem to kind of happen every couple of seconds. Personally, I don't mind a more static image, with only the occasional cut and would actually prefer that, tbh. Just a thought...

[@HowtobeaGreatGM]

Noted! Look out for next weeks show where I take all the advice and try to put it into action!

[@whitenightmare3575]

Left a comment down bellow (and another step towards becoming a better GM)

[@Aussie_Archmage]

As a real life blacksmith, I find it very easy to be the blacksmith. You're pretty spot on about the end of a long work day. Perhaps I've just been pretending this whole time... Oh God. The Imposter syndrome is setting in.

[@mythologicalwhale9936]

I think the origin of this fear of "acting yourself" while dming, or playing a pc. Stems from when adults tell children to stop living/doing their fantasies. I myself, and I'm sure many many others. Have had a moment in their lives when other people tell them to "act normal" or "stop being childish" when getting lost in fantasy and play. So I try to tell my players to get that child mindset back. You're now transported, and don't be afraid of getting judged. And for the love of every god, nymph, deity, floating loaf of bread whatever. Don't make fun of a character someone tries to play.

[@nerfherder5211]

10/10 subscribed cause amaze content. Idea: Keep a water bottle around and take a zip and a breath ocasionally. The lack of oxygien from talking a bit is what generates yawns. Your abundant passion and your wish to convey it all right now is your strength but probably also leads to this! I noticed myself doing this and that's how I fixed it. Most singers or talkers have similar stuff. The liquid is important for the voice too ofc but is a side-product for me since I don't talk for an hour straight, onl a couple of minutes! ^^

[@griner65]

Loved this style video. It felt like you were being your true self while talking about being your true self. Selfception?

[@HowtobeaGreatGM]

Totally!

[@hannesverstreken4403]

Last week i did my very first session (could call it sessions zero) of a group looking for a DM. The explaination of the work worn out blacksmith really sparked the idea to think more about characters in the future... Will a wizard, who studied all his life, really be interested in that new group of hero's with no name whatsoever? Would a duke really call on them without any reknown? Wouldn't townfolk be scared of a walking dragonborn with giant weapons? I might not make a campaign about "my most embarrassing moment" but i will add some more flavour to characters this way.

[@noaharaldsson703]

This was incredibly helpful

[@jackmulcahy5046]

Love the new setup

[@lancepickett5653]

As within, so without... We all have within us some measure of a measure of everyone, except for the truly fringe psychotic personalities. You look within yourself for that bit and give it more or less emphasis and you're giving that NPC (or PC) that truth. I even do this when creating the antagonist of the game and use it to create the outline of the adventure.