Episodes

  • 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!

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    46 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!

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    1 hr and 29 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 25 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
    55 mins
  • It's Mainstream Now
    Jul 13 2024

    The paladins are talking about the hobby space of tabletop role playing games being Mainstream now. From some long-humbled roots in obscurity such as Dungeon Majesty, a televised Public Access late night actual play that set the stage for today's format to WotC's own funded Acquisitions, INC being the groundfloor to how Critical Role has dominated the internet culture surrounding most things table-top. We also talk a bit about how it's branched out into other media, where you can see it Stranger Things, or as far back as being mentioned in the film E.T.

    As always, we're looking for your feedback, so feel free to hop in Spotify and send us a message!


    You can ⁠⁠⁠Join our Discord⁠⁠⁠ and find us online at ⁠⁠⁠EpicTableGames.com⁠⁠⁠, or ⁠⁠⁠Facebook.com/EpicTableGames⁠⁠⁠

    Mike TaylorLyfe and his many projects through his ⁠⁠⁠Linktree⁠⁠⁠

    And, for most of your SRD needs, check out the OpenGamingNetwork and ⁠⁠d20pfsrd.com⁠

    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
    58 mins
  • The Mind of a Storyteller
    Jun 29 2024

    In the latest episode of SideQuests!, Rob and Mike, the intrepid Paladins of Podcast, journey into the creative depths of storytelling with their newest member, Mike. Get ready to uncover the secrets behind Mike's storytelling prowess as he shares insights into his inspirations, creative process, and experiences crafting adventures for LootQuest. From his love for solo games to his knack for spinning captivating narratives, Mike's passion for storytelling shines through in every word.

    Join Rob and Mike as they delve into Mike's journey as a storyteller, exploring his influences, preferences, and the art of crafting immersive narratives. From board games to solo adventures, discover the myriad ways Mike draws inspiration from his love for reading, movies, and more. Get ready for an episode filled with tales of adventure and imagination, only on SideQuests!


    You can ⁠⁠⁠Join our Discord⁠⁠⁠ and find us online at ⁠⁠⁠EpicTableGames.com⁠⁠⁠, or ⁠⁠⁠Facebook.com/EpicTableGames⁠⁠⁠

    Mike TaylorLyfe and his many projects through his ⁠⁠⁠Linktree⁠⁠⁠

    And, for most of your SRD needs, check out the OpenGamingNetwork and ⁠⁠d20pfsrd.com⁠⁠


    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 2 mins
  • From HeroQuest to Heroic Adventures
    Jun 15 2024

    SideQuests! returns with a revamped lineup, introducing the newest podcast paladin, Mike Taylor (TaylorLyfe). Rob and Mike dive into Mike's intriguing journey from childhood adventures with HeroQuest and comic books to his distinguished military career and, surprisingly, his initial resistance to tabletop roleplaying games. Despite being drawn to the lore and stories within RPG books during his deployments overseas, Mike didn't fully embrace the gaming world until after retiring from the military. It was then that he leaped into the hobby with enthusiasm, hosting family game nights during the pandemic and becoming an integral part of the tabletop RPG community, all while volunteering with an aerial rescue and working towards being a part of the rescue team.

    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 2 mins
  • Evil Genius Games is Hemorrhaging
    Feb 17 2024

    In this gripping episode, the paladins of podcast, Rob and Eli, are joined by fellow paladins, Lauren and Tucker, to dissect the recent exposé shaking the foundations of tabletop gaming. The spotlight falls on Evil Genius Games, the masterminds behind Everyday Heroes, as a damning article from EnWorld thrusts their business practices and leadership into the unforgiving light.

    With swords drawn and minds sharp, we delve into the depths of Evil Genius Games' alleged missteps, dissecting their peculiar approach to the tabletop realm, often likened to that of a Silicon Valley startup. However, the true darkness lies in the allegations surrounding CEO Dave Scott's treatment of his employees—a tale of conflicting testimonies where whispers of misconduct collide with silent witnesses.

    In a world where inclusivity is just starting to become the norm, the paladins reflect on the evolving landscape of the role-playing community, emphasizing the imperative for publishers to navigate the currents of social responsibility with unwavering vigilance. Leading with empathy, integrity, and an unyielding commitment to progress is the mandate of the hour, as the hosts assert the paramount importance of fostering environments where all voices are heard and valued.

    Amidst the turmoil, the fate of Evil Genius Games hangs in the balance, their workforce dwindling by a staggering 80% in a mere two months. Yet, amidst the shadows of uncertainty, a glimmer of hope remains—a testament to the enduring allure of a well-crafted game and the resilient spirit of its devoted fanbase.

    Join the us today as as we unravel the spiral of Evil Genius Games' descent into darkness, contemplating the myriad lessons to be gleaned from their tumultuous saga and the boundless potential for redemption in a world ripe with possibility.

    --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/epictablegames/support

    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 1 min