Episodes

  • Gamemaster Resources
    Nov 2 2024

    Rob and Mike, the Paladins of Podcast sit down and talk about what resources they utilize to help run their games, keep track of information, and make sure to have everything they need to run a successful short-term game, or long-term campaign. Many of these resources can easily be found online through a quick google search, and while we talk about our favorites, don't forget to let us know what you're using to keep things moving as smoothly as possible.

    Send us a text

    Epic Adventures by OddFish Games, featuring Steve Kellams and Mike Howlett

    Thanks for tuning in to SideQuests! For more epic adventures, visit our website at EpicTableGames.com . Don't forget to like us on Facebook and join our Discord community.

    Follow Mike TaylorLyfe and Chatoic Chronicles through his ⁠⁠Linktree⁠

    We love the hard work and SRD referenced over at the Open Gaming Network! Check out their references for pathfinder, traveler, 5e, and more!

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    56 mins
  • Introduction to Kickstarter
    Oct 19 2024

    Today we sit down with quite a few guests who have either worked their magic on kickstarter and have had a successful campaign. We ask question from a perspective of what it takes to plan a successful crowdfunding campaign, as well as how to plan and execute some of the finer details. However we have learned that one of the biggest things any campaign needs to be successful is a community of support behind you.

    Send us a text

    Epic Adventures by OddFish Games, featuring Steve Kellams and Mike Howlett

    Thanks for tuning in to SideQuests! For more epic adventures, visit our website at EpicTableGames.com . Don't forget to like us on Facebook and join our Discord community.

    Follow Mike TaylorLyfe and Chatoic Chronicles through his ⁠⁠Linktree⁠

    We love the hard work and SRD referenced over at the Open Gaming Network! Check out their references for pathfinder, traveler, 5e, and more!

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    1 hr and 49 mins
  • Improving and Preperation
    Oct 5 2024

    Today we tackle the idea of improvisation techniques and preparing your games. We also have a few guests, Calamity Punk, and DM Seti join us as we talk about what it takes to prepare for sessions and what we do to help build our improve skills.

    The audio got a bit splotchy as not everyone's technology was 100%, and it actually took one of our guests over 3 hours to upload all his recorded audio which was incredible! We did what we could to make this as listenable as possible, however there may be portions where the audio doesn't suffice well enough. Please let us know your thoughts as we continue to improve.

    Follow Calamity Punk at Calamity Punk Publishing | Indie TTRPG Publisher
    and DM Seti, the professional DM at startplaying.games

    Send us a text

    Epic Adventures by OddFish Games, featuring Steve Kellams and Mike Howlett

    Thanks for tuning in to SideQuests! For more epic adventures, visit our website at EpicTableGames.com . Don't forget to like us on Facebook and join our Discord community.

    Follow Mike TaylorLyfe and Chatoic Chronicles through his ⁠⁠Linktree⁠

    We love the hard work and SRD referenced over at the Open Gaming Network! Check out their references for pathfinder, traveler, 5e, and more!

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 15 mins
  • Building Community and TTRPGs as a Creative Outlet
    Sep 21 2024

    In this episode of SideQuests!, Rob and Mike explore the powerful role tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs) play in building vibrant communities, both in person and online. Discover how these games bring people together, fostering creativity and collaboration in ways that extend far beyond the gaming table.

    Rob and Mike highlight the benefits of creating and participating in TTRPG communities, sharing personal experiences of how these groups have enriched their lives. They delve into the impact of platforms like Discord, specifically praising the Dungeon Scribe Society for its role in shaping the indie TTRPG scene. Since its inception, this community has provided a supportive space for indie creators to share ideas, gain feedback, and grow together.

    The discussion then broadens to how TTRPG communities encourage creativity in various forms. Beyond storytelling and writing, Rob and Mike emphasize how the hobby inspires passions for painting miniatures, crafting terrain, 3D printing, and more. They share anecdotes of how engaging in these activities has not only enhanced their gaming experiences but also opened up new avenues for creative expression.

    Whether you're a game master, player, or just curious about the TTRPG world, this episode offers valuable insights into the community-building potential of tabletop games. Join Rob and Mike as they celebrate the diverse and inclusive nature of these communities, and discover how you can get involved and contribute to this dynamic and ever-evolving hobby space.

    Send us a text

    Epic Adventures by OddFish Games, featuring Steve Kellams and Mike Howlett

    Thanks for tuning in to SideQuests! For more epic adventures, visit our website at EpicTableGames.com . Don't forget to like us on Facebook and join our Discord community.

    Follow Mike TaylorLyfe and Chatoic Chronicles through his ⁠⁠Linktree⁠

    We love the hard work and SRD referenced over at the Open Gaming Network! Check out their references for pathfinder, traveler, 5e, and more!

    Show More Show Less
    47 mins
  • Getting player feedback
    Sep 7 2024

    In this episode of SideQuests!, Rob and Mike, your trusted paladins of podcasting, dive deep into the essential topic of player feedback. Join them as they discuss the best times and methods for gathering player insights to enhance your games, ensuring everyone at the table has an amazing experience.

    Starting with Session Zero, Rob emphasizes the importance of checking in regularly to understand what players are looking for and how their preferences might evolve. Sharing a personal anecdote, he recalls how his players desired more quirky and light-hearted elements in their games. This feedback led to the creation of a traveling bard trio band inspired by Alvin, Simon, and Theodore, adding a delightful twist to his campaign.

    Mike, on the other hand, shares his straightforward approach of directly asking his players for feedback towards the end of each session. He highlights how this method has helped him maintain a dynamic and engaging game environment.

    In a burst of creative inspiration, Rob proposes the idea of starting a Twitch game where viewers can pay to introduce random events into the party’s adventures. This concept sparks a conversation about the potential for a masterclass on improv, showcasing how spontaneous feedback can elevate your storytelling.

    Tune in for practical tips, entertaining stories, and innovative ideas on how to effectively incorporate player feedback into your games. Whether you're a seasoned GM or just starting out, this episode is packed with valuable insights to help you become a master at reading and responding to your players' needs.

    Send us a text

    Epic Adventures by OddFish Games, featuring Steve Kellams and Mike Howlett

    Thanks for tuning in to SideQuests! For more epic adventures, visit our website at EpicTableGames.com . Don't forget to like us on Facebook and join our Discord community.

    Follow Mike TaylorLyfe and Chatoic Chronicles through his ⁠⁠Linktree⁠

    We love the hard work and SRD referenced over at the Open Gaming Network! Check out their references for pathfinder, traveler, 5e, and more!

    Show More Show Less
    45 mins
  • World Building Series 2 - Nomadic Magic
    Aug 24 2024

    In this episode of SideQuests!, we dive deeper into the world we began building in our previous episode. Focusing on one of the two cultures we defined, we start to flesh out the intricacies of how magic influences and operates within our desolate world, reminiscent of the dry, barren landscape of Dark Sun.

    Drawing inspiration from various sources, we introduce the concept of death cults and societies of nomadic travelers who possess a greater affinity for magic compared to others in the region. Join us as we paint with broad strokes the vibrant and complex culture of the Nomadic Mages, and watch as it begins to weave into the fabric of our evolving world.

    Tune in to discover how these elements blend together to create a unique and captivating setting in our world-building journey.

    Send us a text

    Epic Adventures by OddFish Games, featuring Steve Kellams and Mike Howlett

    Thanks for tuning in to SideQuests! For more epic adventures, visit our website at EpicTableGames.com . Don't forget to like us on Facebook and join our Discord community.

    Follow Mike TaylorLyfe and Chatoic Chronicles through his ⁠⁠Linktree⁠

    We love the hard work and SRD referenced over at the Open Gaming Network! Check out their references for pathfinder, traveler, 5e, and more!

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 27 mins
  • World Building Introduction - Scorched Earth
    Aug 10 2024

    In this exciting episode of SideQuests!, we embark on the creative journey of world building with a focus on the concept of 'Scorched Earth'. We delve into the process of determining the best method for constructing a captivating world: should we start with macro, large-scale ideas and work our way down to the granular details, or should we begin with the small elements and build the world around those?

    After a thorough discussion, we decide on a blended hybrid approach, combining the best of both methods to create a rich and immersive world. Joining us are two special guests who bring their unique perspectives and expertise to help us lay down the foundation for this world-building endeavor.

    With plans to create something truly worth putting in binding, this episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about storytelling and world creation. Get ready to build this world with us!

    All of Our World Building Guests;
    Danger Dan Jerz of DnDark: https://www.dndarkpodcast.com/
    Andrew Welker of QL Games: https://www.dmsguild.com/browse.php?author=QL%20Games
    Marcin, the Architect DM: https://www.patreon.com/architectgm

    Send us a text

    Epic Adventures by OddFish Games, featuring Steve Kellams and Mike Howlett

    Thanks for tuning in to SideQuests! For more epic adventures, visit our website at EpicTableGames.com . Don't forget to like us on Facebook and join our Discord community.

    Follow Mike TaylorLyfe and Chatoic Chronicles through his ⁠⁠Linktree⁠

    We love the hard work and SRD referenced over at the Open Gaming Network! Check out their references for pathfinder, traveler, 5e, and more!

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 24 mins
  • Ethical Considerations in Tabletop Gaming
    Jul 27 2024

    Today the Paladins of Podcast talk about the Ethical Considerations in the table top gaming space. Mike's bullet points really help us keep track of some of the biggest points within this topic, and we start out with one of the best considerations which is Consent and Safety Tools. While we understand that not all tables know what the are, or use them knowingly, many things such as lines and veils are often employed are second nature depending on the type of storyteller you are and the game you run. While keeping manners a priority and a good session zero to help set precedents and standards are covered, we also talk about the issues with representation of marginalized voices. Usually these representations can devolve into stereotypes and mockery, but when done with proper intent and earnest effort it adds a breadth of new depth into your games.

    We talk a bit more about some of the power dynamics and a few examples from Rob on how he does what he can to keep games above board and Mike references his own games and what he does to keep them in line with younger players.

    Send us a text

    Epic Adventures by OddFish Games, featuring Steve Kellams and Mike Howlett

    Thanks for tuning in to SideQuests! For more epic adventures, visit our website at EpicTableGames.com . Don't forget to like us on Facebook and join our Discord community.

    Follow Mike TaylorLyfe and Chatoic Chronicles through his ⁠⁠Linktree⁠

    We love the hard work and SRD referenced over at the Open Gaming Network! Check out their references for pathfinder, traveler, 5e, and more!

    Show More Show Less
    54 mins