Mastering Dungeons

146
Games #124

RPG veterans and game designers Teos Abadía and Shawn Merwin look at the game and the hobby of D&D from a variety of viewpoints: reporting the news, understanding the business, reviewing the products, and illuminating the design. Whether you’re a fan, a player, a DM, or a designer, Shawn and Teos cover topics of interest to you!

Recent Episodes
  • Daggerheart’s Adversaries and Environments! (MD 195)
    Jun 19, 2024 – 01:37:02
  • Daggerheart: Building a Campaign! (MD 194)
    Jun 12, 2024 – 01:30:54
  • Daggerheart: Running a Session! (MD 193)
    Jun 5, 2024 – 01:42:19
  • Daggerheart: GM Moves and Mechanics! (MD 192)
    May 29, 2024 – 01:25:48
  • 13th Age 2E Design with Rob Heinsoo! (MD 191)
    May 22, 2024 – 01:17:09
  • Daggerheart’s Amazing GM Advice (MD 190)
    May 15, 2024 – 01:36:05
  • Daggerheart Domains and Actions (MD 189)
    May 8, 2024 – 01:24:06
  • Daggerheart’s Character Creation (MD 188)
    May 1, 2024 – 01:46:55
  • Daggerheart Review: Core Rules (MD 187)
    Apr 24, 2024 – 01:21:02
  • Keep a New Campaign Healthy and Strong (MD 186)
    Apr 17, 2024 – 01:20:00
  • Design Player-Facing Campaign Options (MD 185)
    Apr 10, 2024 – 01:18:31
  • Design an RPG Starting Encounter (MD 184)
    Apr 3, 2024 – 01:29:48
  • Design an RPG Starting Adventure (MD 183)
    Mar 27, 2024 – 01:23:32
  • Design an RPG Starting Village! (MD 182)
    Mar 20, 2024 – 01:25:10
  • Shadowdark Finale – GM Tips, Monsters, and Treasure (MD 181)
    Mar 13, 2024 – 01:36:21
  • Building and Changing Rules to Fit Your RPG World (MD 180)
    Mar 6, 2024 – 01:20:13
  • Worldbuilding Tips and Tricks (MD 179)
    Feb 28, 2024 – 01:18:44
  • Shadowdark RPG – Combat, Travel, and Downtime (MD 178)
    Feb 21, 2024 – 01:32:57
  • Shadowdark RPG – Gameplay (MD 177)
    Feb 14, 2024 – 01:08:58
  • News with Graham Ward! (MD 176)
    Feb 7, 2024 – 59:13
  • Shadowdark RPG – Characters and Magic (MD 175)
    Jan 31, 2024 – 01:35:58
  • Shadowdark RPG - Reviewing the Basics (MD 174)
    Jan 24, 2024 – 01:18:22
  • Blade Runner Starter Set – Electric Dreams Adventure Review (MD 173)
    Jan 17, 2024 – 01:17:25
  • Blade Runner Starter Set – Rules Review (MD 172)
    Jan 10, 2024 – 01:25:01
  • 2023 Review and 2024 RPG Outlook (MD 171)
    Dec 27, 2023 – 01:19:30
  • Planescape’s 5E Adventure – Conclusion! (MD 170)
    Dec 20, 2023 – 01:49:08
  • Planescape’s 5E Adventure – Outlands and Spire! (MD 169)
    Dec 12, 2023 – 01:34:25
  • Planescape’s 5E Adventure – Gate Towns! (MD 168)
    Dec 6, 2023 – 01:42:26
  • Planescape’s 5E Adventure – Casino and Outlands (MD 167)
    Nov 29, 2023 – 01:34:01
  • Planescape’s 5E Adventure – Turn of Fortune’s Wheel (Mastering Dungeons 166)
    Nov 22, 2023 – 01:28:52
  • Planescape’s Monsters – Morte’s Planar Parade (Mastering Dungeons 165)
    Nov 15, 2023 – 01:19:38
  • Planescape 5E – The Outlands of Sigil! (Mastering Dungeons 164)
    Nov 8, 2023 – 01:31:51
  • Planescape 5E – Sigil’s Factions and Wards! (Mastering Dungeons 163)
    Nov 1, 2023 – 01:28:22
  • Live at Gamehole 2023! Pronouncing Sigil, Setting Products, D&D Digital Releases
    Oct 25, 2023 – 57:12
  • Planescape 5E – City of Sigil! (Mastering Dungeons 161)
    Oct 18, 2023 – 01:18:05
  • Mastering Dungeons 160: Planescape 5E – Character Options!
    Oct 11, 2023 – 01:27:32
  • Mastering Dungeons 159: Modiphius 2D20 RPGs – Dune, Star Trek, and more!
    Oct 4, 2023 – 01:20:02
  • Mastering Dungeons 158: DM’s Workshop – Creating Monsters, Spells, Magic Items. Appendices!
    Sep 27, 2023 – 01:18:55
  • Mastering Dungeons 157: DM’s Workshop – Firearms, Plot Points, Initiative and Action Variants!
    Sep 20, 2023 – 01:22:46
  • Mastering Dungeons 156: DM’s Workshop - Optional Rules!
    Sep 13, 2023 – 01:24:50
  • Mastering Dungeons 155: Running the Game – Initiative, Chases, Siege Weapons, XP!
    Sep 6, 2023 – 01:12:06
  • Mastering Dungeons 154: Running the Game – Adjudicating Rolls, Social, Exploration!
    Aug 30, 2023 – 01:17:01
  • Mastering Dungeons - Shadow of the Weird Wizard with Rob Schwalb!
    Aug 23, 2023 – 01:27:13
  • Mastering Dungeons - 2014 DMG Chapter 8 – Running the Game!
    Aug 16, 2023 – 01:40:31
  • Mastering Dungeons - Treasure in the DMG!
    Aug 9, 2023 – 01:39:59
  • Mastering Dungeons - Downtime!
    Aug 2, 2023 – 01:42:40
  • Mastering Dungeons - Between Adventures!
    Jul 26, 2023 – 01:17:19
  • Mastering Dungeons - Urban, Water, Sky, Traps!
    Jul 19, 2023 – 01:27:35
  • Mastering Dungeons - James Introcaso on Custom RPGs vs 5E Content!
    Jul 12, 2023 – 01:44:29
  • Mastering Dungeons - Mike Shea on Organized Play vs Home Games!
    Jul 5, 2023 – 01:25:17
Recent Reviews
  • Jason Ward 1977
    Great DM and industry resource!
    Teos and Shawn are so knowledgeable, and they have great insights into topics that are relevant for any GM for any system. Though focus often returns to D&D, many episodes are about other systems, at least in part. Highly recommended!
  • banjoeywright
    Years of professional game advice
    WONDERFUL news and content!!! Been listening for years and have learned so many tips and approaches to game design. It’s entertaining too the hosts are industry veterans and have fair and balanced thoughts on various topics. Can’t wait for more episodes and interviews each week :)
  • Dimottoro
    Great Breakdown of RPG News
    Teos and Shawn give great breakdown of what is happening in the RPG world. They also give good insight into game rules or new adventures. Thanks!
  • Here I is!
    Happy to Listen
    The hosts are informative, well-researched and consistent. In a world where any dice-roller kissing a microphone can make a podcast, I look forward to the dialog of these multi-classed creatives (they are accomplished writers, players AND DMs) who pleasurably roll around in the nuts-and-bolts drawer of DND whilst maintaining focused banter. (Dear Shawn, please remember: You hold vigil in Sigil as we wriggle and giggle.😂❤️)
  • Brian R Decker
    The Car Talk of D&D Podcasts
    Shawn and Teos are knowledgeable and funny, and they cover thoughtful topics of interest to anyone in the tabletop roleplaying game world.
  • TheGameKillr
    A MUST Listen! 🤯🤯🤯
    I am a forever DM and have been for about five years now. Just as I thought I got everything I would need and I know everything, apparently you learn something everyday. Or in this case it’s every Wednesday. This podcast is up there with listening to Critical Role!
  • gkrotkov
    Teos & Shawn are Masters
    I love listening to Mastering Dungeons; Teos and Shawn have a lot of insight into game design and the RPG industry which is valuable to me. They have a very “been there, done that” view which is a great counterbalance to the overreactions of Twitter and the clickbait of Youtube.
  • Chumplestilskin
    I feel like I'm going to RPG school!
    I really enjoy this podcast! Shawn and Teos do a great job of covering the latest news and goings on in RPG gaming and add their perspectives on the impact of those topics to the consumer and the industry. When I listen, I feel like I just stepped into the RPG classroom to hear industry veterans teach. Shawn and Teos are different enough in their personalities that it makes that you truly get two great perspectives on whatever the daily topic is. I don't say "great perspectives" lightly... Definitely a podcast I would recommend adding to your regular rotation!
  • Eadgster
    A real sleeper (in the best way!)
    Wow, I’ve really come to love this podcast over the past few months. Shaun and his guests (shout out to Teos) do such a great job engaging the audience on so many aspects of DND. It’s great to hear from individuals with so much history in the industry and enough of a connection to WoTC to be well informed but not unduly biased. I especially love how much they bring to the conversation as game designers and veterans of the industry. As a DM and fan of the games somewhat tremulous past, all of their conversations are so engaging. And the best part is that they are so modest, unassuming, and companionate towards their guests, industry compatriots and listeners. I can’t believe it took me this long to find and these guys aren’t more celebrated.
  • toastmilke
    New DM
    I’m in the 2nd year of DMing. This show does the best job of any show, bleh of breaking down game design and the considerations that go into it. It has helped me immensely as DM in making calls during our gaming sessions and considering the impacts of making a certain decision. The group I DM is a mix of new and experienced players so having that is immensely helpful.
  • rbmcnutt
    Superb and broad
    Shawn does a tremendous job of getting industry stalwarts and newer talent and taking the conversations in enlightening directions. Great for all aspects of the industry. Updating. Great thoughtful discussions. Love the interaction between Shawn and Teos.
  • KamanDM
    Lots of inspiration from masters of D&D podcasting
    I've listened to a lot of D&D podcasts and so far this is my favorite. Shawn and Teos are a great duo, offering valuable insights from years of professional experience, mixed with friendly banter that makes them very approachable. They provide a good mix of industry news, content reviews, and gaming advice for players and DMs. (A little more AL and UA focused than I would prefer, but better to be well rounded.) Every episode is thoroughly enjoyable and inspirational. - @kamander
  • ChefJonji
    Weekly Necessity
    One stop shop for DnD news with experienced perspective. A good easy listen and a must on my weekly DnD rotations.
  • grahamward7
    Essential listening
    There’s no better podcast for catching up on D&D news and discussion of what it all means. But it’s the walkthroughs and design analysis from Shawn and Teos that are truly invaluable. Getting to hear these longtime D&D contributors and community members opine on aspects of the hobby is a gift of gold. Thanks for all you do for D&D!
  • rfbranch
    A great balance of News
    If you’re a D
  • Hyper_lexic
    Great D&D podcast
    I started listening to this recently - when Teos aka Alphastream joined - and I love it. Each episode starts with a (usually lengthy) round up of D&D news (amazing how much there is these day), and then move on to a topic of the week. Special guests are common, the conversation is always thoughtful, and the sound quality is good. Definitely recommended!
  • J-Swiftimus
    DM Advice
    I ran Icewind Dale recently and without their advice it wouldn’t have been a great as it was. I had fun, but most importantly the players had a campaign they’ll always remember. The insight provided and suggestions are must listen to before running an Adventure Path
  • Emerald Wildstar
    Recent changes for the worst
    Started listening to the backlog of this podcast and was enjoying it. Somewhere the cohost changed. Said co-host seems compelled to get pretty politically judgmental towards a lot of people in and out of gaming. Bad form and with the frequency of it increasing in more recent episodes, I gotta lower my review. I’ll check back in a while hopeful that the focus gets back to the good industry coverage and product breakdowns I know this show is capable of.
  • Wulfdred
    Nope
    Hey Shawn Merwin, racist marketing is always a bad business move. You’re welcome.
  • StuckintheMuk
    Don’t bother with the title of the episode
    Out of a hour long podcast the first half Shaun talks about all the things he has written. If he is interviewing a creator, he will spend the second half hour telling them about all the things he worked on. He should just post his resume and forget doing a podcast.
  • araklusta
    LONGtime listener here...
    As someone just recently deciding to become more active and less of a hermit, I feel I really need to give this podcast a shoutout. In particular, Shawn Merwin's experience and friendliness make him a pillar of the D&D community. Chris Sniezcak is great too, but you can hear him talk on other podcasts. This is where you come to hear Shawn. Latest D&D news, insight on producing content, tips for DMing, and interviews with wonderful gamers and designers are just some of the things that I look forward to and enjoy. Thanks guys!
  • Jongrahar
    Blog
    If the podcast is half as good as his writing, I can’t wait to listen on my commute!
  • Little Lyle
    Easily the best
    Compared to every other D&D podcast I've consumed, Down with D&D is easily the best. The hosts are insightful and well-informed, but remain humble and pleasant. As far as straightforward and focused Dungeons and Dragons podcasts go, this is as good as it goes.
  • Le0hart
    One of the best D&D shows for DMs!
    A lot of great insight from two awesome people within the industry of Table Top RPGs! Reviews, news and lots of tips for DMs and even players! Give it a listen!
  • Goodmania7000
    Used to be great
    Worth listening to for Shawn Merwin’s deep knowledge but the other guy Chris is just getting more annoying over time.
  • Zerhackermann
    Mediocre and biased
    Yeah I know its all about the 5e. But Ive skipped out on a few episodes after one of the hosts devotes a whole bunch of time dumping on a company he doesnt like, then dumping on another approach to play.. Generally Ive been just listening to the news bits and then get tired of the main topic and skip it.
  • J.T. Evans
    Insightful and Fun
    Listening to veterans like Shawn and Chris speak intelligently about the news and state of D&D is great. It's an excellent "warm up" to the main topic of each podcast, which is always educational and inspirational.
  • Alpinetam
    One of the best
    Consistently one of the best D&D design-oriented podcasts. Well produced, insightful, and informative. Top notch.
  • kfgfdf
    My go-to podcast
    This is the one pod-cast I listen to every week, without fail. I am constantly getting inspiration and new ways of thinking about games from these two. Thank you!
  • Becca Seraph
    A Great D&D News, Reviews and Tips Cast
    An awesome duo that has great chemistry together! They give interesting insights into D&D and seem to have a lot of fun! Thanks for the great pod!
  • SpykesCP
    Fantastic!!!!
    Very insightful commentary on D&D. Topics are timely and full a great nuggets for home games or organized public play. Keep up the good work guys.
  • EvilJohn_
    Worth your time.
    Down with D&D is one of the top news and informational podcast about Dungeons and Dragons. Hosted by game designer Chris Sneizak and veteran RPG freelancer Shawn Merwin, the podcast's concise format is focused, insightful, and jam-packed with useful tidbits of Dungeons and Dragons information. Chris keeps the conversation on topic while Shawn provides the insight only a writer of dozens and dozens of commercial adventures could provide. Give it a try, you won't be disappointed!
  • Bitspersecond
    Solid information in a concise package
    I listen to the Misdirected Mark podcast and finally decided to give DWD&D after I heard them mention it. I was a fool! I should have started so much sooner. I listen to a lot of RPG podcasts -- some live play, some DM advice. Not all podcasts are created equal, differing in sound quality and having a hard time staying on topic. These guys are top notch and I look forward to each episode.
  • Crazed Artist
    One of my chosen few
    The Misdirected Mark network offers plenty of excellent audio deliciousness, and Down with D&D is one of my favorites. I get actionable advice and great stories from every episode. — Jen / Pixelscapes
  • AmerMike
    Really great!
    Chris and Shawn make an excellent team and they do a great job talking about (you guessed it) D&D. Every episode I've listened to has been both entertaining and informative. Definitely one of the best D&D pods out there.
  • mumphry999
    Chris and Mad Wizard Merwin
    These 2 fellows talk over DnD in its current incarnation and conventions and official material from Wizards. part of the misdirected mark network. Some good cutting edge information here about whats coming down the pike.
  • Tim Family of 8
    Awesome podcast with fun contests
    I recently discovered Down with D&D, and I've enjoyed listening to it each week. The hosts provide timely coverage of the latest D&D news, while delivering helpful advice. They also offer occasional contests. For example, I want the lizard king.
  • Cpt-Safety
    Thanks for the cast!
    I find the discussions in this podcast to be helpful and get me back into the game after quite a long time off. Hosts are knowledgeable without being jerks about it. Thanks, guys! Looking forward to the new Annihilation related stuff - especially "Return of the Lizard King"
  • Alphastream
    On my always-listen-to list!
    This is one of the podcasts I never miss each week. Breaks down the news, provides great gaming insights, and brings on fantastic guests. Excellent work by excellent people! Thanks!
  • Jkokoski
    Great D&D show!!
    Definitely both entertaining and game enhancing. Highly recommended for any D&D fan.
  • GM-TheDM
    Marathon lIsten
    I just finished listening to this podcast from 1 to 106, it took me about a month listening during my commute and a few hours on my days off! I was a little sad I don't have more in the queue and I can not wait until new episodes come out. DWD offer excellent insight from true professionals and insiders and does so in an upbeat positive manner that is very approachable and easy to follow. I have been a fan/player of all thing D&D for nearly 30 years and after hearing so many great stories and through the excitement of Shawn and Chris for the first time I am looking into playing/running Adventure League content and planning my first road trip to next years Origins! Listening to these podcasts have made feel as if I am part of a welcoming community that I can not believe I have been missing out on for so long. I particularly enjoy the guest visits of some of my favorite D&D Celebrities like Mike Shea and James Intercaso!!! Now that I am caught up I have delved deeper into MMP and subscribed to Gnomecast and other network podcasts.
  • Ashley.L.Smith
    Great D&D Podcast
    My Husband listens to your podcast every week. He loves it! The topics range from advice, to anecdotes and new and exciting products and story lines in the realms of Dungeons and Dragons. Chris and Shawn bring their A game every episode. This is a must listen for those who love to play or run games of Dungeons and Dragons!
  • MarkCsigs
    Great place for D&D News and Analysis
    This is absolutely the best blend of D&D news and analysis that I've found in the podcasting world. Combined with the forums on their G+ community Down with D&D is a valuable resource.
  • Forester994
    Worth a listen!
    Thoughtful and fun analysis of all things D&D
  • PadmesLover
    Absolute best Dungeons and Dragons information podcast
    Shawn and Chris are the absolute best with being in the know, on what's new in dungeons and dragons. Intelligent Informative and Innovative.
  • KnightErrantJR
    Solid D&D Discussion Podcast
    This is a solid show. Good information about D&D. Interesting topics. Sometimes the minutia of the bussiness end of things slows the pace down a bit, especially when some hosts or guests have to play it cool about upcoming information. Overall, worth the listen if you are a fan of D&D.
  • Steele223
    Must listen for D&D players
    Great D&D podcast. Lots of adventure league info. Reviews of books and unearthed arcana. As well as DM tips. Always a good listen.
  • darklament
    Best podcast ever
    I’ve bounced around to a lot of D&D podcasts & I gotta say this is my favorite. I just got done listening to your last two episodes (What D&D Means to…) & being a 51 year old gamer who’s been playing since 1977, you guys are my people. And as someone who works at WotC, all your kind words mean the world to me. All the hard work is worth it. Thanx again, folks. - on twitter as Prepress DM @darklament :)
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