Crit Academy: A Dungeons And Dragons Podcast

Want to bring your D&D sessions to life with vivid, immersive storytelling? In this episode of Campaign Crafters, hosts Lore and Sage break down essential narration tips for Dungeon Masters—from crafting atmosphere and cinematic descriptions to keeping players engaged without overloading them with details. Perfect for new DMs learning how to narrate or veteran Dungeon Masters looking to improve storytelling techniques, this episode covers: ✔️ How to create immersive DnD descriptions ✔️ Tips for keeping players engaged with concise narration ✔️ How to use sensory details to build atmosphere ✔️ Balancing rules and roleplay in narration ✔️ Techniques to build suspense and player curiosity Level up your game, master the mic behind the screen, and craft unforgettable worlds one word at a time.

Join us as we break down the 5 modes of D&D in the most chaotic way possible! From player shenanigans in Exploration to ridiculous bartering attempts in Conversation, we dive into what makes each mode tick—and how DMs can keep the game (somewhat) under control. Grab your dice and get ready to laugh!

Want to run an amazing Dungeons & Dragons session but not sure how to prepare? In this episode of Campaign Crafter Podcast, we break down how to prepare for your D&D game—whether you have one hour or four. Learn essential Dungeon Master (DM) skills, from selecting prewritten adventures to crafting immersive encounters, pacing your session, and improvising like a pro. Whether you're a beginner DM or looking to refine your skills, this guide will help you run a smooth, engaging, and unforgettable game. Plus, stay tuned for our next episode on running a game with zero prep!

In this deep dive, we’re diving into the essential table rules every Dungeon Master and player needs to create fun, immersive, and stress-free Dungeons & Dragons sessions. From managing distractions to handling missing players and dice disputes, these tips will keep your game running smoothly and your players engaged. We’ll also explore how to encourage respectful table dynamics, streamline combat, and avoid metagaming, all while keeping the story at the center of your campaign. Plus, we share must-have tools and resources to take your DM skills to the next level.

In this episode of Campaign Crafters, we dive into the diverse ways to structure your Dungeons & Dragons games! From traditional single DM campaigns to collaborative multiple DM setups, episodic adventures, ongoing games, and one-shots, we explore the strengths and weaknesses of each format. Whether you're crafting epic stories, experimenting with fresh ideas, or just trying to keep the game rolling, we’ve got insights to help you find the perfect fit for your table. Tune in and level up your game!   Want more Dungeon Master Advice? Pick up the Winner of the 2019 ENnies! Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master.   Links: Website: www.critacademy.com Blog: https://www.critacademy.com/post Episode Blog Post: https://www.critacademy.com/post/campaign-crafter-understanding-ways-to-play-rpgs Social Media: Search for Crit Academy on TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube

Want to create a D&D campaign that keeps your players engaged and having fun? This episode of Campaign Crafter focuses on understanding different player types so you, as the DM, can tailor your campaigns to their motivations and what to pitfalls to avoid for each. Discover the 8 common player types: Actors, Explorers, Instigators, Power Gamers, Slayers, Storytellers, Thinkers, and Watchers. Learn what motivates each player type, from narrative elements and character development to exploring the world and achieving victory in combat. Get practical tips on how to engage each type of player and keep them happy at the table. Avoid common pitfalls that can lead to frustration for both players and DMs. Level up your DM skills and create a more harmonious and enjoyable gaming experience for everyone. Links: Website: www.critacademy.com Blog: https://www.critacademy.com/post Episode Blog Post: https://www.critacademy.com/post/campaign-crafter-understanding-player-types Social Media: Search for Crit Academy on

Campaign Crafter | What is Dungeons and Dragons? In our first episode, we’ll dive into the heart of what makes Dungeons and Dragons (D&D) so captivating. D&D is a tabletop role-playing game where players create characters and embark on epic adventures in a fantasy world, guided by the Dungeon Master (DM). The game combines storytelling, strategy, and improvisation, allowing players to explore vast landscapes, battle fearsome creatures, and solve intricate puzzles. Whether you’re casting spells, wielding swords, or negotiating with dragons, D&D offers endless possibilities for creativity and camaraderie. Join us as we explore the magic of Dungeons and Dragons and how it has enchanted players for decades. In our first episode, we’ll dive into the heart of what makes Dungeons and Dragons (D&D) and Pathfinder so captivating for Dungeon Masters (DMs) and Game Masters (GMs). These tabletop role-playing games offer endless possibilities for creativity, strategy, and storytelling. As a DM or GM, you

Dice and Dialogue Episode 12 | Furhaven Campaign Overview & Additional Tips to Enhance Your Game The Furhaven campaign takes place in the town of Furhaven, where tensions between two factions, the Furs and the Feathers, are escalating. The players, a group of young adventurers known as the Younglings, are caught in the middle of a conspiracy! Throughout the campaign, the players uncover clues and face various challenges. The campaign highlights themes of betrayal, loyalty, and the struggle for power. It offers opportunities for stealth, combat, and problem-solving. With its engaging story, suspenseful moments, and a mix of urban and wilderness exploration, the Furhaven campaign offers players a thrilling and memorable adventure in a world filled with intrigue and danger.

Dice and Dialogue Episode 11 | Furhaven: Character Creation and Furry Adventures Enter Furhaven, a realm where sentient animals roam and thrive. Choose your fur type and delve into a world brimming with rich lore and diverse cultures. Unleash your creativity as you craft a unique character, blending fur traits, backstory, and mechanics for an unforgettable journey in this vibrant setting.

Dice and Dialogue Episode 10 | Introduction to Fate’s End: Furhaven The World of Aloria is a place of mystery and danger where adorable characters undertake dangerous quests to protect their families and homes. The main hub of commerce and civilization is the settlement of Furhaven, a large community of humble Furs from throughout the forests, pastures, and sunny spaces. Furhaven is an exciting campaign setting for 5th Edition, full of colorful characters, magical items and spells, new races, and daring adventures.

Dice and Dialogue Episode 9 | Advanced Techniques and Tips for Mastering Monster of the Week  Have you ever struggled with keeping your players engaged and invested in your campaigns? Monster of the Week offers a unique approach to storytelling that can help. Listen in to learn how to create memorable moments and build tension in your games.

Dice and Dialogue Episode 8 | Creating and Running a Monster of the Week Campaign Do you struggle with balancing combat and investigation in your RPGs? Monster of the Week offers a unique approach that can help. Tune in to learn how to keep your players engaged and entertained.

Dice and Dialogue Episode 7 | Introduction to Monster of the Week Have you ever wanted to hunt monsters like Buffy the Vampire Slayer or the Winchesters from Supernatural? Join us as we explore Monster of the Week, the tabletop roleplaying game that lets you do just that! Get More Details Here: https://www.critacademy.com/post/Introduction-to-Monster-of-the-Week Crit Academy: Dice and Dialogue is a TTRPG Discussion Podcast. Join us as we try out a variety of tabletop games and then share our experiences with you. We will discuss what makes each game special, what we feel could use improvement, and what aspects you can integrate into other TTRPG games. We will also talk system agnostic tips and tricks that you can bring to your game table. From the team that brought you 300 episodes of Crit Academy A Dungeons and Dragons Discussion podcast, comes a new show: Crit Academy: Dice and Dialogue with hosts Justin, Ian, Brandon, and Aelx. Our hosts each bring different experiences, viewpoints, and styles to the game

Dice and Dialogue Episode 6 | Mastering the Shadows: Advanced Gameplay in Blades in the Dark Get ready to level up your Blades in the Dark game! We're diving into advanced gameplay techniques to enhance your experience. From fiction-first gaming to supernatural elements, we'll explore important aspects of playing at a high level. Join us as we discuss Doskvol's history and culture, advanced abilities, and more. So grab your dice and let's dive in!  

Dice and Dialogue Episode 5 | Creating Characters and Crews in Blades in the Dark Get ready to dive into the gritty and thrilling world of Blades in the Dark! In this episode, we're discussing the crucial elements of character and crew creation and why they're so important for gameplay. Join us as we explore the seven unique playbooks, the process of creating a crew and selecting standard items, and the various crew types, including our own. We'll also be delving into crew upgrades, managing cohorts, and much more. Don't miss out on this exciting introduction to Blades in the Dark! 

Dice and Dialogue 4 | Step into the World of Blades in the Dark for Thrilling RPG Heists Step into the dark and dangerous world of Doskvol with our Blades in the Dark mini-series. Join us as we guide you through the seedy underbelly of this gritty city and experience thrilling heists, dangerous encounters, and nail-biting action. Whether you're a seasoned gamer or a newcomer to the world of RPGs, our podcast will keep you on the edge of your seat and leave you craving for more. Are you ready to roll the dice and take on the shadows?

Dice and Dialogue Episode 3 | Cypher System Rules & Mechanics to Enhance your TTRPG Experience Join us as we explore the Cypher System rules and learn how to use its unique mechanics to enhance your tabletop RPG experience. From using Cyphers to introducing GM Intrusions, we'll show you how to tailor the rules to fit any table and create memorable stories with your players. Whether you're a seasoned RPG veteran or a newcomer to the genre, the Ninth World and the Cypher System RPG offer an exciting and immersive gaming experience that is sure to captivate and inspire. So grab your dice and join us as we create some characters!

Dice and Dialogue Episode 2 | Character Creation in Numenera and the Cypher System Join us as we discuss our first-hand experience creating characters for the first time in Numenera and the Cypher System, a tabletop roleplaying game set in a far-future world. From choosing your character Type and Descriptor to assigning pools and choosing abilities, equipment, and Cyphers, this podcast will guide you through the process of bringing your character to Life. Whether you're a seasoned RPG veteran or a newcomer to the genre, the Ninth World and the Cypher System RPG offer an exciting and immersive gaming experience that is sure to captivate and inspire. So grab your dice and join us as we create some characters!

Dice and Dialogue 1 | Numenera: Ninth World A Cypher System Game Join us as we delve into the fascinating world of the Ninth World, a world where eight previous civilizations have left behind their own legacy of technology and wonders. We'll be discussing our experience with the Cypher System RPG, a game system that perfectly captures the blend of science fiction and fantasy elements that make the Ninth World such a unique and captivating setting. In this podcast, we'll explore the different environments and locations that make up the Ninth World, from the Steadfast to the Cloud Crystal Skyfields. We'll talk about the strange and dangerous creatures that inhabit this world, from robots to mutants to extradimensional beings. We'll also delve into the mechanics of the Cypher System RPG, a game system that is both flexible and easy to understand. We'll discuss the use of cyphers, unique and powerful items that can have a wide range of effects, as well as the system's focus on creative play and problem-solving. W

Crit Academy is joined by Ferruccio to discuss Blod and Doom, a dark fantasy tabletop roleplaying game. The players take on the role of adventurers in a doomed world where the influence of malevolent cults is slowly corrupting the land and its people, with secrets and danger lurking around every corner.