In this episode, Doc (or as the kids call him – unc) & Liv dive into the delightful disorder of “chaos gremlins” with Katie Lear and Jaclyn Lewis. Chaos Goblins can be anyone: players and GMs alike! The ones who follow unexpected ideas, test the edges of your sanity, and turn carefully prepared plans into fire and ash. As game masters for Young Dragonslayers and kids, we discuss the joys and ‘sorrows’ of a party that is completely off the rails!
Episode Topics
- What are chaos goblins and how to spot them
- The difference between productive chaos and disruptive table behaviors
- Why unexpected player choices is some of the best creative material out there
- Tools for keeping a session moving, even when chaos rules
Game Spotlight
This week, we discussed CRASH PANDAS with our guests – where you play raccoons stealing a car! This game has minimal mechanics, but provides MAXIMUM CHAOS at your table.
Peer Review
This week, we explore how different play styles, player goals, and bleed in from everyday life can lead to conflict at the table.
- Social Conflict in Role-Playing Communities: An Exploratory Qualitative Study by S Bowman (2023) examines how conflict can occur between players and their GM via interviews with players across the globe.
Find Us and Our Guests
Katie Lear is a licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor at her clinic, Davidson Child Anxiety Counseling and the owner and founder of Young Dragonslayers.
Jaclyn Lewis is the writer of Rolling with the Youth, a professional game master and blog writer for Young Dragonslayers, and youth worker pursuing a Master’s in Social Work. You can find her work here.
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