Difficulty Class (Difficulty Class)

On this weeks Previously On Allie has an adventure on the Wildemount Sea, the Sword Coast Guard eat some weird bread, the Golden Pals walk through a crypt, and the Harrowed become legends. Twice. If you want your story read on the show send them in to DifficutlyClass@gmail.com!

This week Treavor sits down with his co-host from Champions of Lore - Erin M. Evans! She is the author of the Brimstone Angels series, as well as a player in Dungeon Scrawlers, and Idle Champions Presents. She talks about how she got into DnD, started writing for WotC, and what the differences is between a PC and a novel character. 

WotC released some weird new sub classes in an Unearthed Arcana and this week Treavor and Allie talk about not only those, but how subclasses like this could work in the future. 

Starring:

Treavor Bettis

twitter.com/thetreavor

Allie Deutschmann

twitter.com/alliebug321

This week we review and rank Ghosts of Saltmarsh and talk about Using prewritten DnD Book for Homebrews. Spoilers - we get cheerier after the Salrmarsh Review. If you would like your questions, topics, or advice read on the show you can send them in to DifficultyClass@gmail.com and we'll read them on a future episode. 

Thank you to DungeonNotebook.com for sponsoring this episode. You can pick up the Tome of Delving for 5e today and upgrade your character sheet for your next adventure!

This week we answer a listener question and go on a bit of a tangent. After that we talk about holiday themed games we have done and ways we go about planning them. If you have a topic, question, or suggestion for the show send them in to DifficultyClass@gmail.com and we might read them on a future episode!

On this episode we talk about handling multiple NPCs at a time and how not to look like a crazy person talking to yourself in front of your players. After that we talk about Saying No to Players and why that is more of a balancing act than you may think. After that we answer a few questions from our awesome listeners. If you would like your questions read on the show you can send them to DifficultyClass@gmail.com!

On this weeks Previously On the Golden Pals make a strange new friend, the Harrowed become legend, and the Sword Coast Guard play Among Us with some gnomes!

Music and Sound by Syrinscape.

syrinscape.com/?att_difficulty_class

Because Epic Games Need Epic Sound

Complete list of credits here: https://syrinscape.com/attributions/?id=21522&id=23029&id=10460&id=44983&id=16068

Allie is back! And to celebrate that we recorded a fairly laid back episode. This week we talk about what our favorite enemies are to throw at players and why there are just too many good ones to choose from. After that we premier a new ongoing segment called What's the Theme? where we take other properties and try to make them work with DnD - and to kick it off we talk about Dark Souls!

Four Arkham residents are thrust together into a mystery of horror and magic as something old and forgotten begins to infect the minds of their city.

Ben (AKA Puffinforest) runs us through an absolutely horrifying adventure using the Seventh Edition of Call of Cthulhu. Did we die? Did we lose our minds? Find out in this four part series!

For our last show of 2020 we talk about the D&D movie that's coming and what we hope to see in it - as well as what we're looking forward do in 2021 for Dungeons and Dragons. Hope you all have a great holiday season! We'll see you next year!

This week we talk about how best to get into the hobby of Dungeons and Dragons - from both a Player and DM point of view - as well as disscuss why doing a Session Zero can really help both DM and Players. At the end we answer some listener questions about homebrewing, which we should probably do an episode about at some point. If you would like your questions, topic, or whatever read on the show send them in to DifficultyClass@gmail.com

This week we sit down with the CEO of Codename Entertainment, Eric Jordan. We talk about his early career, getting to make Idle Champions, and his love for making items for his DnD games. Don't forget to get your Idle Champions code during the show because it's worth TWO Gold Chests this week!

This week we are making characters for our Monster of the Week game titled Witchwood. Allie, Spencer, Tara, and Dusty create four urban fantasy characters that are going to uncover a mystery and maybe a monster terrorizing a small northern California town. If you've never heard of or played Monster of the Week this is a good episode to listen to ahead of our first episode of the mystery next week. Write in with what you think of the characters and what they might face to DifficultyClass@gmail.com and we'll read them during the break of next weeks show! 

We decided to sit down with our friend Justice Arman and talk about all the awesome cool stuff announced at DnD Live 2020. 

Check Justice out on Twitter at @justice_arman, and find his work on dmsguild.com as well as beadleandgrimms.com.

This week Treavor and Allie talk about the recently announced books for Dungeons and Dragons as well as revisit Skill Checks. Do both of them have a realization that they then panic about? Find out!

On this (even longer) episode we talk with Justice Arman - author of the recently released Step Right Up on DMs Guild! We talk to him about his journey through creating content for Dungeons and Dragons as well as how he goes about doing so. Thought about trying to write adventures for DMs Guild? This is the episode to listen to. After that we answer some listener questions about what adventures to run for strangers, some battle mat problems, and what our top 5 campaign books are. If you would like your questions read on the show you can send them in to DiffictulyClass@gmail.com!

Welcome to the first episode of Previously On - a show where Allie and Treavor of Difficulty Class talk about the games they are a part of. If you love hearing about other peoples games as much as we do we think you'll love this. 

On this episode we reintroduce ourselves, talk about the groups that we are currently in, and then get into what's been going on in our weekly games.

Timestamps:

31:00 - Rime of the Frostmaiden Spoilers

57:15 - Descent into Avernus Spoilers

Music and Sound by Syrinscape.

syrinscape.com/?att_difficultyclass

Because Epic Games Need Epic Sound

Complete list of credits here: https://syrinscape.com/attributions/?id=17&id=48&id=26452&id=22428

This week Allie and Treavor talk about how they leave clues or lore bits for their players in their games. From descriptions, to interest in both parties wanting the information to be out, to a couple of tangents - they have no problem filling an hour with this topic. 

This week Allie and Treavor talk about home bases for your PCs. They discuss why they like their players having them and how they go about making them for their games. 

Hosts:

Allie Deutschmann (Roomie Roamers)

Twitter.com/alliebug321

Treavor Bettis (Champions of Lore, Champions of Psychology)

Twitter.com/TheTreavor

A new UA means a new Bonus Episode. Find out what we think about the new options and where we want to see Wizards go with this concept in the future. 

We're back with new shows for a new year! This week we talk about the games we played over the break - from the Sword Coast Guard, to the Harrowed, and wrapping up with the Academics! 

Four Arkham residents are thrust together into a mystery of horror and magic as something old and forgotten begins to infect the minds of their city.

Ben (AKA Puffinforest) runs us through an absolutely horrifying adventure using the Seventh Edition of Call of Cthulhu. Did we die? Did we lose our minds? Find out in this four part series!

On this episode the Hunters come in contact with their Monster of the Week. 

This week Treavor runs the first part of his homebrew one-shot for four amazing people. Join him, Erin M. Evans, Jasper William Cartwright, Jeremy Cobb, and Kyle St. James for a story too wild to try to explain in a description section. Enjoy!

Starring:

Erin M. Evans (Dungeon Scrawlers)

twitter.com/erinmevans

Jasper William Cartwright (Three Black Halflings)
twitter.com/JW_Cartwright

Jeremy Cobb (Three Black Halflings)

twitter.com/TBHalflings

Kyle St. James (Other Side of Suspicion)
twitter.com/KyleStJames

Treavor Bettis

twitter.com/thetreavor

On this episode we review Tyranny of Dragons (really this time) - the first campaign written for Dungeons and Dragons 5th Edition. We start off with a spoiler free discussion, but after the DMs Guild Spotlight it is all spoilers all the time. After that we answer some listener questions about the campaign which were sent in to DifficultyClass@gmail.com just like you can with any questions, topic suggestions, or stories would want us to talk about on the show!

You may have heard "Crunch" thrown around - even from us. But what is it? This week Treavor Bettis and Allie Deutschmann talk about what they do and don't like about mechanics heavy ttrpgs.

Hosts:

Allie Deutschmann (Roomie Roamers)

Twitter.com/alliebug321

Treavor Bettis (Champions of Lore, Champions of Psychology)

Twitter.com/TheTreavor

On this episode of Difficulty Class we talk about the Stranger Things Starter Kit, give some advice on Pacing, and discuss why Backgrounds and Backstories are important. If you would like your question read on the show send them in to DifficultyClass@gmail.com!

Join Laura-Leigh, Watt 221b, Garlok, and Gaarawarr for another awesome adventure from DM Storyteller Mars. This time they find themselves in Waterdeep and have to deal with, as Gaarawarr puts it - some finger-wiggler bullshit.  

This week we talk about how and why we only sorta do Homebrew with our games and what we like about doing it that way. After that we get real honest and tell you, well, the rules don't matter. If you would like your topic, question, or advice read on the show you can send them in to DifficutlyClass@gmail.com. 

The champions are back! A merchant from a distant town needs help protecting their warehouse - which has been robbed many times and they don't know how! What will the champions find when they spend a night there? And will they be able to handle what lurks in the dark?

Starring:

Ryan Blake Hall

twitter.com/storytellermars

Gaarawarr

twitter.com/gaarawarr 

Allie Deutschmann

twitter.com/alliebug321

Robogoblin

twitter.com/robogoblin01

On this episode we talk about Separating Ability Scores from Races and what ways we could see that working - as well as Dungeons and Dragons Video Games. At the end we answer a question from listener Aaron who asks what is the best advice we've received as DMs. If you would like your question, topic suggestion, or story read on the podcast send them in to DifficultyClass@gmail.com.  

This week we sit down with Unati from the Three Black Halflings podcast! We talk about her getting her start with dnd, how the show came to be, and how we can all put diversity in our games. If you would like your questions, topic, or advice read on the show you can send them in to DifficultyClass@gmail.com and we'll talk about them on a future episode!

This week Treavor sits down the fantastic Anthony Joyce - author The Blood Hunter on DMs Guild (you know - the 1 player 1 dm game we played on this show?!) as well as many other fantastic adventures. Anthony talks about getting into dnd, getting his start on DMs Guild, and now leading big projects with fellow DnD authors! Be sure to check out his new podcast Return to Everquest and have a gnoming good time!

On this episode we talk about the Satanic Panic of the 80s and what people thought DnD players were doing, as well as discuss Alignment and how it affects the way you play your character. If you have questions for the show - or a suggestion for the DMs Guild Spotlight send those in to DifficultyClass@gmail.com

The Satanic Panic - 12:35

DMs Guild Spotlight - 37:40

Alignment - 39:12

On this last episode of 2019 Treavor and Dusty talk about what a crazy year 2019 has been for TTRPGs and content creation. Dusty reminds us that there were A LOT of other RPGs we wanted to play this year that we just, well, didn't. We still answer a listener question at the end about helping players with getting inspired about character creation, but other than that it's just a good old conversational episode. Got your own TTRPG resolution for 2020? Send in your game picks to DiffictulyClass@gmail.com and we might read them on the next episode!

On this episode we talk with our friend Ben - also known as Puffin Forest on YouTube! We chat about how he got into DnD with 4th edition, what other RPGs he likes as well as what it's been like making his hilarious videos. Then at the end Ben answers a few questions from some of our listeners. If you would like your questions read on the show (though probably not answered by Puffin Forest) you can send those in to DifficultyClass@gmail.com!

This week we are debuting a new segment - What Class Would They Be. And to start it all off we talk about what Classes the characters of Thor: Ragnarok would be. Well, at least what WE think they would be. Let us know what other properties you would want us to do, or just tell us we're flat out wrong to DifficultyClass@gmail.com!

In this first part of a two part episode (That's right we couldn't get through the whole thing!) we talk about the player options in the new Tasha's Cauldron of Everything. We go over the classes, what they got, what's changed - and then go over the awesome new feats that are now available. Write in with your thoughts of the book to DifficultyClass@gmail.com and we will talk about them when we go over the DM side of the book next week!

On this episode of Difficulty Class we talk about the Essentials Kit (8:17) and how to Integrate Pre-Written Adventures into your Homebrew (53:01) - as well as answer a listener question about good first adventures. If you would like you’re question read on the show you can write them in to DifficultyClass@gmail.com.

On this episode of Difficulty Class we talk about when to give our magic items and some of what makes a good villain. We also have a DMs Guild Spotlight for pricing magic items as well as answer a listener question about problem players.

This week Treavor runs the second part of his homebrew one-shot for four amazing people. Join him, Erin M. Evans, Jasper William Cartwright, Jeremy Cobb, and Kyle St. James for a story too wild to try to explain in a description section. Enjoy!

Starring:

Erin M. Evans (Dungeon Scrawlers)

twitter.com/erinmevans

Jasper William Cartwright (Three Black Halflings)
twitter.com/JW_Cartwright

Jeremy Cobb (Three Black Halflings)

twitter.com/TBHalflings

Kyle St. James (Other Side of Suspicion)
twitter.com/KyleStJames

Treavor Bettis

twitter.com/thetreavor

This week Treavor sits down with Lee Goldberg - pancake artist extraordinaire who makes all the awesome characters and monster of Idle Champions into delicious treats. After we get to know him and his story we talk about embracing your characters flaws to make a more interesting story. If you want you question, topic, or advice read on the show you can send them in to DifficultyClass@gmail.com!   

This episode is sponsored by https://dungeonnotebook.com/ makers of the Tomb of Delving. Use Discount code DC5 at check out to get $5 off your purchase of this awesome character and adventure record book!

On this weeks episode we build a dungeon with the help of polls answered by listeners like you! Find out what won and see how we go about building a dungeon on the fly. Spoilers; it goes a lot better than we thought it would - well, at least we think so! After that we read some listener mail and answer a question about players changing characters. If you would like your question read on the show send them in to DifficultyClass@gmail.com!

This week Treavor sits down with B. Dave Walters to talk about popular streaming show and successful kickstarter,  Into The Mother Lands. B. Dave talks about all the love and care that went into making the setting and how it's an ever growing project with lots more ahead of it. Be sure to check out the kickstarter before it ends on June 19th 2021!

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/cypheroftyr/into-the-mother-lands-rpg?ref=user_menu

Special Guest:

B. Dave Walters (Black Dice Society, Champions of Lore)

https://twitter.com/BDaveWalters

Host:

Treavor Bettis

https://twitter.com/TheTreavor

On this episode we talk about 4e and Pathfinder and how different they are to 5e, as well as answer a few listener questions at the end. If you would like your question read on the show send them into DifficultyClass@gmail.com

In this episode we talk about the problem DnD currently has with diversity - both in print and in real life. 

On this episode listener Ryan Fitzgerald gives us a topic of how to make your BBEG interesting from a mechanic standpoint. Do we add items, change numbers, just break the game? Find out! After that we talk about playing the game as players get up into the higher levels and what we do to handle that. After that we pull out an extra part of Ryan's topic and talk about a type of story that we just don't enjoy.

This week Treavor sits down with Jasper from Three Black Halflings Podcast. We talk about how he got into DnD and his side of how the Podcast got started. After that we talk about how we go about making our characters interesting - but get into a lot of tangents along the way. If you would like your questions, topics, or suggestions read on the show send them in to DifficutlyClass@gmail.com and we'll talk about them on a future episode!

This week Allie and Treavor wrap up the second part of ranking ALL the pre-written adventure for D&D 5th Edition! Did anything make S Rank? Does anything get moved around? Will Treavor admit he's wrong about something?! Find out!

Hosts:

Allie Deutschmann (Roomie Roamers)

Twitter.com/alliebug321

Treavor Bettis (Champions of Lore, Champions of Psychology)

Twitter.com/TheTreavor

On this weeks episode listener Jonathan Shipp gives us a topic about Creating Character Hooks. After that we talk about Connecting Campaigns and how we go about laying the seeds for that ahead of time. If you would like your question, topic, or advice read on the show you can send them in to DifficultyClass@gmail.com and we might read it on a future episode!

On this weeks episode we are joined by our friend Dusty Hill from the Shouting in Place Podcast! We talk about what systems we would change our on-going games to if we were to leave DnD and what our thoughts are on Fudging Dice rolls on both sides of the screen. We're also announcing a t-shirt fundraiser to give money to Color of Change and Black Table Arts - check out our twitter @DifficultyClass for more!

This week Treavor sits down with Idle Champions' new Community Manager - Lauren Urban! She talks about how she got started with DnD, got working with DnD Beyond, and about her ongoing podcast, Dungeon Drunks. After that we talk about why you - yes YOU - should start DMing if you haven't already!

On this episode we review Wildemount! Allie's boyfriend, Spencer joins us to fill us in on all the things we didn't pick up on from the show and Treavor sounds like he's recording through a cardboard box (sorry in advance). We had a really good time recording this episode and would love to hear what you all thought about the book yourself! You can send in your thoughts, questions, or topics to DifficultyClass@gmail.com!

This week Treavor sits down with Chad, Emily, and Jack Matchette to talk about their new TTRPG and ongoing podcast - Legends: A Superhero Story. They talk about starting up the show and how it's been essentially playtesting the game episode to episode. After that Chad and Jack, who created Legends: A Superhero RPG, talk about how the game works - as well as the wild amount of powers that come in the game!

The last week was so crazy we had to push back our Tyranny of Dragons review. Instead we talk about everything from Hero Forge raising over $900,000 in less than 10 hours, to Idle Champions launching a new show, all the way to announcement of Explorer's Guide to Wildemount. Plus we make our own announcement about joining the Idle Champions Partner Program! After all of that we go through the recently released Unearthed Arcana and talk about our thoughts on the new subclasses. If you would like your question, topic, or story read on the show you can send them in to DifficultyClass@gmail.com!

On this weeks episode we talk about the recently released Unearthed Arcana which updates the Artificer, Druid, and Ranger. After that we talk about some of the things that we aren't quite liking about Unearthed Arcanas as of recently and discuss what we'd like to see instead. If you would like your questions, topics, or stories read on the show please send them in to DifficultyClass@gmail.com and we might read them on a future show. 

REMINDER: 2/29/2020 is the last day you can get $5 off your order fro DungeonNotebook.com!

In some areas of the world we are just about ready to get back to the table. We talk about how we're feeling about that and how we hope the experience goes. After that there are SO many types of campaigns we want to run - and we will for sure never get to run them all. So, we put them to use a little bit and talk about the ways we would run them. 

Dusty Hill from Shouting in Place joins Treavor once again as they talk about Monster of the Week prep, their Pathfinder Second Edition game, and what ridiculous things the Golden Pals are up to this week. 

Music and Sound by Syrinscape.

syrinscape.com/?att_difficulty_class

Because Epic Games Need Epic Sound

Complete list of credits here: https://syrinscape.com/attributions/?id=7&id=10459&id=25971&id=26452

On this episode we talk with Wiz - owner of Wiz's Wondrous Items on Etsy. She is celebrating her First Purchase Anniversary and we talk to her about what it's been like starting, running, and making products for her RPG shop. After that we FINALLY talk about Pathfinder 2e since Wiz herself is our Game Master. Do we like it? Is it better than first edition? And how easy has it been of Wiz to convert Curse of the Crimson Throne to 2e? Find out! Lastly we answer some listener questions about making gold mean something and what our dice superstitions are.  If you have your own questions, topic suggestions, or advice for the show you can send them in to DifficultyClass@gmail.com!

This week we sit down with Hector Reyes to talk about a different style of running a DnD Campaign. West Marches is all about danger and exploration - and Hector has run plenty of games in the format to know the ups and downs. Is it right for your next game? Find out! 

On this episode we get into some heavy topics and discuss why you shouldn't bring some of these elements into your game. We also talk about Impostor Syndrome and how Critical Role has made some DMs worried they aren't good enough. But, we also have some fun with listener questions as well as a good DMs Guild Spotlight. If you would like your question read on the show you can send them in to DifficultyClass@gmail.com

This week Allie and Treavor sit down to talk about what they think Co-DMing will be like - and what strategies they plan to use when trying it out. They also talk about the very near future for the show and what things are going to be changing!

Hosts:

Allie Deutschmann (Roomie Roamers)

Twitter.com/alliebug321

Treavor Bettis (Champions of Lore, Champions of Psychology)

Twitter.com/TheTreavor

On this episode the hunters follow their line of clues around Witchwood and start uncovering things that aren't so dreamy about the mountain town. 

This Season of Games is sponsored by DungeonNotebook.com and their Tome of Devling. Check out this hard cover character folio and upgrade your game!

Allie is back! And this episode is all about her and the Sword Coast Guard! Find out what they have been up to in the past few weeks and try to count how many action movie moments they had!

Music and Sound by Syrinscape.
syrinscape.com/?att_Difficulty_Class
Because Epic Games Need Epic Sound
Complete list of credits here: https://syrinscape.com/attributions/?id=16068&id=44988&id=12155&id=499&id=25971

On this bonus episode we sit down to talk about the recently released Unearthed Arcana - which has the College of Spirits Bard and the Undead Patron for Warlocks. Check out what we thought about this UA and what we think these playtests might be leading to.

Four Arkham residents are thrust together into a mystery of horror and magic as something old and forgotten begins to infect the minds of their city.

Ben (AKA Puffinforest) runs us through an absolutely horrifying adventure using the Seventh Edition of Call of Cthulhu. Did we die? Did we lose our minds? Find out in this four part series!

In this bonus episode we take a look at the recently released Unearthed Arcana which brings Lineages to the game. In this first set there is the Dhampir, the Hex Blood, and the Reborn. We go through each one and talk about what we think of these new rules. 

This week Allie and Treavor got to play in an awesome actual play game on Codename Entertainment's Twitch Channel. They along with Gaarawarr and Lee Goldberg were lead through an adventure written and run by Storyteller Mars.  

This week we catch up on the Sword Coast Guard's adventures, Treavor had an awesome session zero, and the Harrowed are given an old school quest.

On this bonus episode we talk about the recently released unearthed arcana which gave us some awesome new summoning spells plus tattoo magic! 

On this episode we talk about the new Unearthed Arcana that was recently released and go over the new archetypes for Sorcerer and Warlock. After we talk talk about the problem some people are finding with Charisma Checks and what you can do (or can't do) about DMing when you're uncomfortable. If you have questions, topic suggestions, or stories you would like read on the show send them in to DifficultyClass@gmail.com and we might read them on the show.  

This week we're not talking about our games - we're playing one! Live streamed on 11/20/20 we play The Beast of Blemish, written and run by Ryan Black Hall. We had an absolute blast playing it and we hope you enjoy listening to it!

Starring:

Ryan Blake Hall as the DM

@RyanBlakeHall

Allie Deutschmann as Laura-Leigh Waters

@Alliebug321

Gaarawarr as Gaarawarr

@Gaarawarr

Treavor Bettis as Garlok

@TheTreavor

Lee Goldberg as Watt 221B

@Goldberg337

(Idle Champions code good through 11/27/20)

You can pick up The Beast of Blemish on DMsGuild: https://www.dmsguild.com/product/336980/The-Beast-of-Blemish?term=the+beast+of+blemish

On this episode of Difficulty Class we talk about Improvising Encounters and how much of a challenge making Puzzles can be. We also get back on the Alignment conversation with a listener question. If you would like your question read on the show send them in to DifficultyClass@gmail.com

In what will probably be our most chaotic episode ever, we sit down with Dusty, Dusty, and Dusty from the From Dust to Dice Podcast premiering 1/11/2021. We talk to them about how the show came to be and what listeners might expect from the upcoming show. After that we make what might be Treavor's new favorite NPC of all time.

On our first ever bonus episode we talk about the recent Unearth Arcana which brought new archetypes for the Monk and Barbarian - which wasn't going to fit in with our Curse of Strahd Review. If you have any thoughts or questions about these archetypes or about Dungeons and Dragons in general you can send those in to DifficultyClass@gmail.com.

This week Treavor sits down with Luna to talk about her Luboffin YouTube Channel that's all about helping people learn DnD and give advice from her experiences. After that they talk about note taking for a bit and why you should be doing it. Stay tuned after the episode to hear a preview of Champions of Lore - the new twitch stream / podcast from Codename Entertainment hosted by Treavor with B. Dave Walters and Erin M. Evans talking about all the awesome lore behind some of Idle Champions characters and campaigns.  If you would like your topic, question, or advice read on the show you can send them in to DifficutlyClass@gmail.com and we'll talk about them on a future episode!

This week the Golden Pals somehow go somewhere scarier than Hell, the Sword Coast Guard talks to a weird guy, and Allie runs Ravenloft in one night!

Music and Sound by Syrinscape.

syrinscape.com/?att_Difficulty_Class

Because Epic Games Need Epic Sound

Complete list of credits here: https://syrinscape.com/attributions/?id=12155&id=7015&id=7&id=26452&id=33575

This episode is sponsored by dungeonnotebook.com - makers of the Tome of Delving. Keep track of character stats, spells, wild shapes, inventory - and a bunch of other stuff as well as the adventure itself in this hardcover notebook. Use discount code DC5 at checkout to get $5 off your purchase between now and 2/29/20. 

On this weeks episode we talk about the Unearthed Arcana that came out last week and what we think of the new subclasses it introduces for the Bard, Cleric, and Sorcerer. After that we discuss player character romance and why one of us is cool with it and the other is hesitant. Lastly we answer a listener question from our friend Dallas about our first encounter with a dragon as both a player and DM. If you would like your question, topic, or story read on the show send them in to DifficutlyClass@gmail.com!

On this episode we are reviewing Curse of Strahd. We give our spoiler-free thoughts at the beginning, followed by a relevant DMs Guild Spotlight, then get deep into spoilers about the story, layout, and artwork. Also, in order to give an idea of what this campaign can do, we give a recap of what happened when our group played through it. Finally we see where this ranked for us against Storm Kings Thunder and Tomb of Annihilation. 

If you would like you questions read on the show you can send them in to DifficultyClass@gmail.com 

This week we debut another new type of episode - Monster Dives. In these one of our hosts will dig into the lore and mechanics of a monster and present it to the other and together we see what we can come up with for ways to use them in our games. For this first episode Allie dove into where Blights come from and Treavor finds a new favorite creature type. 

This week we sit down to talk about how we go about making NPCs - both on the fly and ahead of time - as well as what House Rules we use and why. At the end we answer a listener question about what Movie we would make into a DnD Campaign! If you would like your question, topic, or advice read on the show send them in to DifficultyClass@gmail.com and we'll talk about them on a future episode!

Four Arkham residents are thrust together into a mystery of horror and magic as something old and forgotten begins to infect the minds of their city. 

Ben (AKA Puffinforest) runs us through an absolutely horrifying adventure using the Seventh Edition of Call of Cthulhu. Did we die? Did we lose our minds? Find out in this four part series!

This week we sit down with Justin Forkner from Mage Hand Press to learn all about Dark Matter for 5e. If you like space and D&D this episode was made for you. After that we take a deep dive into their current Kickstarter for the Dark Matter Starter Kit and everything that's coming with it. If you want your questions, topics, or advice read on the show you can send them in to DifficultyClass@gmail.com

The week we give our first impressions of Baldur's Gate: Descent into Avernus and talk to our fellow professional DM Evan - who started it all at our bookstore. He and Allie answer some old questions from Dungeon Driver, and then the three of us talk about DMing for Strangers. After that Dallas writes in with a question about description in game. If you would like your questions answered on the show you can send them in to DifficutlyClass@gmail.com

On this bonus episode we celebrate the podcasts First Birthday! Yes, it's a lot of us talking about ourselves, but we hope you'll enjoy this stroll down memory lane. 

We recorded a bonus episode right after we finished playing the Thronblood Manuscripts talking about what we thought of Call of Cthulhu. It was a much needed light episode after the insanity of what Ben ran us through and over all a fun discussion about the system itself and what we all think of it. 

We'll be back next Friday with an all new episode of Difficulty Class! Send in your questions to DifficultyClass@gmail.com

This week we answer a listener question from Trevor (AKA Other-Trevor) who asks about when and where to give out magic items. But what if you want to make a custom item? We talk about some of the items we have made and what thoughts went into making them. If you would like your question read on the show you can send them in to DifficultyClass@gmail.com!

This week we talk about what makes us love DMing and what makes us not-so-love DMing. There's going to be a game that makes you want to quit. But there will be even more games that make you glad you didn't. 

Before we start up an Actual Play season we're answering all the listener questions in our email. We have some really good discussions about future UAs, spicy combat - and more!

This week Treavor and Allie talk about some of their old player characters that they would love to bring to the table again. 

Hosts:

Allie Deutschmann

https://twitter.com/alliebug321

Treavor Bettis

https://twitter.com/thetreavor

On this weeks episode we talk about recognizing burnout with RPGs and how media has inspired us as DMs. After that we answer a fun mechanical question from our friend Dusty Hill. If you want to send in your questions, topic suggestions, or advice you can send them in to DifficutlyClass@gmail.com!

This week we try out a new format! With this new way of doing the show we are getting straight into the topics - but don't worry! If you enjoy us talking about our games that has been broken out into it's own show called Previously On which will go up on this same feed every Saturday morning. We would really love for you to check it out.

On this episode we talk about Experience Point Leveling vs Milestone Leveling and why we prefer one over the other. After that we get into some combat pacing that kinda just turns into how to add a little extra spice to your spicy combat. 

This week the hunters get closer to figuring out what's going on in and around Witchwood. Their investigation leads them out into the forest, following strange lights in the dark. Are these lights helpful? Or a new threat? 

Thank you again to DungeonNotebook.com for sponsoring Witchwood. Check out the Tome of Delving today and upgrade your 5th Edition character sheet!

On this episode we talk about D&D books for kids - including the recently released Young Adventurers Guides - as well as talk about actually playing D&D with kids. If you’d like your questions to be read on the show send them into DifficultyClass@gmail.com

As the show in its current form is coming to an end it only made scene to talk about ending a campaign. This week Allie and Treavor talk about how they go about starting a campaign and how many times they have actually gotten to finish one. 

Hosts:

Allie Deutschmann (Roomie Roamers)

Twitter.com/alliebug321

Treavor Bettis (Champions of Lore, Champions of Psychology)

Twitter.com/TheTreavor

On this episode Allie and Treavor review Storm King’s Thunder! There is a spoiler free discussion at first, but spoilers start at 19:15 and go all the way to 52:10 where we answer a listener question. If you’d like your question to be read on the show write them in to difficultyclass@gmail.com

This week Treavor and his lovely wife Tara run through a solo adventure for Call of Cthulhu - Alone Against the Flames - which can be found in the Starter Kit. This will hopefully help everyone understand some of the rules for Call of Cthulhu ahead of the next four episodes in which Ben (Puffin Forest) will be running us through his homebrew game. Enjoy!

This week the Golden Pals make their way out of Avernus with a man down, while one of Allie's friends runs a game for the first time! 

Music and Sound by Syrinscape.
syrinscape.com/?att_Difficulty_Class
Because Epic Games Need Epic Sound
Complete list of credits here: https://syrinscape.com/attributions/?id=30004&id=30438&id=44983&id=44988

This week Treavor (with terrible audio he feels bad about) sits down with Dusty Weathers - the mortal behind the Xanathar account on Twitter and host of the new podcast Behoster. They talk about what it's like running a parody account, how awesome it is to start a podcast, and plenty of tangents along the way. You can find him at the links below:

https://linktr.ee/BehostPod

https://twitter.com/TXanathar

https://twitter.com/DustyWeathers

On this episode we talk about the new Unearthed Arcana which re-introduced Psionics into the playtest material. It's a very different this time around and we give our first impressions about what we think of this new direction. After that we talk about gaming with your family during the holidays and why bringing DnD to Thanksgiving dinner might not be a bad idea. After that we get a little corny with a small bonus topic. If you would like to write into the show with a question, topic suggestion, or story you can send them to DifficultyClass@gmail.com. Happy Holidays!