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Game Master's Journey

by Lex Starwalker

Game Master’s Journey is a discussion podcast for GMs and players of Dungeons & Dragons and other tabletop RPGs hosted by Lex Starwalker. The show explores strategies players and GMs can use to enhance the gaming experience for everyone at the table. Lex also discusses the creation of his homebrew D&D setting, Primordia, providing a valuable worldbuilding resource for DMs creating their own setting.

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Episodes

  1. Daggerheart Hope & Fear Expansion Part 4: Ancestries, Communities, and Transformations | GMJ 345

    In this episode I go over the new ancestries, communities, and transformations for Daggerheart in the Hope & Fear expansion. There are some really fun character options here and some cool game design in the new features. Play Daggerheart with Me on Start Playing Games. Subscribe via RSS, Apple...

  2. Why Not Say Yes? | GMJ 340

    A lot of times as a GM, we can be tempted to say no to a player. Why not say yes instead? Not only is this embracing the “yes, and” philosophy of improvisation, but it will lead to more fun for the players and for us too. I also discuss leveling in Daggerheart compared with other games I’ve…

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  3. GM Pitfalls to Avoid in Daggerheart & Other RPGs | GMJ 339

    Today I discuss GM pitfalls to avoid in Daggerheart and other RPGs. We also play a little game of finding a way to use any attribute for a task. Even with something obvious, like crossing an icy bridge—that would obviously use agility, you can make a good argument for using any of the six...

  4. Daggerheart GM Best Practices | GMJ 338

    Today I discuss Daggerheart’s GM Best Practices. These will help you be a better GM, no matter what game you’re playing or which system you’re using. Play Daggerheart with Me on Start Playing Games. Sign up for my newsletter. Subscribe via RSS, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify. Check out my sci-fi…

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  5. Daggerheart GM Principles | GMJ 337

    Today I discuss Daggerheart’s GM Principles, which are begin and end with the fiction (story); collaborate at all times, especially during conflict; fill the world with life, wonder, and danger; ask questions and incorporate the answers; make every roll important; play to find out what happens…

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  6. Daggerheart Player Best Practices, Maintaining Trust & Death Moves | GMJ 336

    This week I discuss player best practices presented in the Daggerheart core book. Keeping these in mind will enhance any tabletop RPG you play, not just Daggerheart. The first, and I’d say fundamental, best practice is to embrace danger. At the heart of this and the other best practices is to...

  7. Daggerheart: The Fear Full GM | GMJ 335

    Today I talk about Fear in Daggerheart, a metacurrency used by the GM. Some GMs consider metacurrency to be a bad word. So how do the metacurrencies of Hope and Fear work in DH? Are they boons or flaws? Pros or cons? Buffs or debuffs? I’ll unpack it in this episode. I show how in my experience…

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  8. Daggerheart: Taking the Initiative | GMJ 334

    Today continue my series on Daggerheart with an in-depth explanation and exploration of its initiative system. I was very excited to try Daggerheart’s “lack of initiative initiative,” which is a bit of a misnomer. Daggerheart does have an initiative system, it’s just not like the ones you’re...

  9. Introduction to Daggerheart and Comparison with D&D, Pathfinder, and Numenera | GMJ 333

    Today I’ll share the top 10 most-played tabletop RPGs right now. There are some surprises in this list, at least to me. I’ll also begin my series of episodes exploring the new RPG, Daggerheart, by talking a bit about what I like about it and why I’m excited to run it. I’ll compare and contrast DH...

  10. Running a High-Level Game | GMJ 332

    In this episode I discuss running D&D and other RPGs at high level. It’s often not as fun as we think it’ll be, especially for the GM. A lot of the issues with high level play and advancement are baked into the games, but sometimes we as GMs make the situation even worse through our approach. I...

  11. Evil Characters in a Good Aligned Group | GMJ 331

    This week I have a roundtable discussion with players from my D&D campaign, Blood of the Avatars, that recently ended. Brett, Craig, and Sam join me to discuss our experiences with the end of the campaign, both as players and GM. We talk about our experience with having a character who goes evil...

  12. Wrapping up a Campaign | GMJ 330

    This week I have a roundtable discussion with players from my D&D campaign, Blood of the Avatars, that recently ended. Brett, Craig, and Sam join me to discuss our experiences with D&D at high level, both as players and GM. If there’s a sweet spot for D&D level-wise, what is it? We also talk a…

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  13. Dungeons & Dragons at Endgame | GMJ 329

    This week I have a roundtable discussion with players from my D&D campaign, Blood of the Avatars, that recently ended. Brett, Craig, and Sam join me to discuss our experiences with D&D at high level, both as players and GM. We also talk about what it was like to bring a new player into a campaign...

  14. Blood of the Avatars 61: Blood of the Avatars part 2 | GMJ 328

    The final session of our D&D campaign, Blood of the Avatars. The final battle at the World Axis continues. Aided by the many allies they’ve made throughout their adventures, the PCs fight for the survival of Primordia itself. Together they will make a decision that changes Primordia forever. This...

  15. Blood of the Avatars 60: Blood of the Avatars part 1 | GMJ 327

    The final session of our D&D campaign, Blood of the Avatars. The final battle at the World Axis continues. Aided by the many allies they’ve made throughout their adventures, the PCs fight for the survival of Primordia itself. Together they will make a decision that changes Primordia forever.…

    more

  16. Blood of the Avatars 59: You're On Mute part 2 | GMJ 326

    Our D&D campaign, Blood of the Avatars, continues. This week the final battle at the World Axis continues. Aided by the many allies they’ve made throughout their adventures, the PCs fight for the survival of Primordia itself. They are now level 17. This is part 2 of the session. Check out my…

    more

  17. Blood of the Avatars 58: You're On Mute part 1 | GMJ 325

    Our D&D campaign, Blood of the Avatars, continues. This week the final battle at the World Axis continues. Aided by the many allies they’ve made throughout their adventures, the PCs fight for the survival of Primordia itself. They are now level 17. Check out my sci-fi novel, Critical Balance.…

    more

  18. Blood of the Avatars 57: Blade Barrier is Clutch part 2 | GMJ 324

    Our D&D campaign, Blood of the Avatars, continues. This week the final battle at the World Axis begins. The PCs fight for the survival of Primordia itself. They are now level 17. This is part 2 of the session. Check Out my NEW PODCAST - Lex Out Loud Call the Game Master's Journey voice mail:...

  19. Blood of the Avatars 56: Blade Barrier is Clutch part 1 | GMJ 323

    Our D&D campaign, Blood of the Avatars, continues. This week the final battle at the World Axis begins. The PCs fight for the survival of Primordia itself. They are now level 17. Check Out my NEW PODCAST - Lex Out Loud Call the Game Master's Journey voice mail: 951-GMJ-LEX1 (951-465-5391). If...

  20. Blood of the Avatars 55: It Takes a Lot of Initiative part 2 | GMJ 322

    Our D&D campaign, Blood of the Avatars, continues. This week the PCs return to the World Axis for the final battle. They do some final planning and prepare for a siege. This is part 2 of the session. Check Out my NEW PODCAST - Lex Out Loud Call the Game Master's Journey voice mail: 951-GMJ-LEX1...

  21. Blood of the Avatars 54: It Takes a Lot of Initiative part 1 | GMJ 321

    Our D&D campaign, Blood of the Avatars, continues. This week the PCs return to the World Axis for the final battle. They do some final planning and prepare for a siege. This is part 1 of the session. Check Out my NEW PODCAST - Lex Out Loud Call the Game Master's Journey voice mail: 951-GMJ-LEX1...

  22. Blood of the Avatars 53: Citizens of Elandria, It Is Your Pleasure That Your Heroes Have Arrived! part 2 | GMJ 320

    Our D&D campaign, Blood of the Avatars, continues. This week the PCs return to the city of Elandria to buy some magic items and gather their allies for the final battle. This is part 2 of the session. Check Out my NEW PODCAST - Lex Out Loud Call the Game Master's Journey voice mail: 951-GMJ-LEX1...

  23. Blood of the Avatars 52: Citizens of Elandria, It Is Your Pleasure That Your Heroes Have Arrived! part 1 | GMJ 319

    Our D&D campaign, Blood of the Avatars, continues. This week the PCs return to the city of Elandria to buy some magic items and gather their allies for the final battle. Check Out my NEW PODCAST - Lex Out Loud Call the Game Master's Journey voice mail: 951-GMJ-LEX1 (951-465-5391). If you’re a new...

  24. Blood of the Avatars 51: Hot Tub Scry Machine part 2 | GMJ 318

    Our D&D campaign, Blood of the Avatars, continues. This week the PCs begin by divvying up treasure from the tarrasque. This is part 2 of the session. Check Out my NEW PODCAST - Lex Out Loud Call the Game Master's Journey voice mail: 951-GMJ-LEX1 (951-465-5391). If you’re a new listener, and you’d...

  25. Blood of the Avatars 50: Hot Tub Scry Machine part 1 | GMJ 317

    Our D&D campaign, Blood of the Avatars, continues. This week the PCs begin by divvying up treasure from the tarrasque. Check Out my NEW PODCAST - Lex Out Loud Call the Game Master's Journey voice mail: 951-GMJ-LEX1 (951-465-5391). If you’re a new listener, and you’d like to go back to the...

  26. Blood of the Avatars 49: Fisting the Tarrasque part 2 | GMJ 316

    Our D&D campaign, Blood of the Avatars, continues. This week the PCs battle the legendary Tarrasque. This is part 2 of the session. Check Out my NEW PODCAST - Lex Out Loud Call the Game Master's Journey voice mail: 951-GMJ-LEX1 (951-465-5391). If you’re a new listener, and you’d like to go back…

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  27. Blood of the Avatars 48: Fisting the Tarrasque part 1 | GMJ 315

    Our D&D campaign, Blood of the Avatars, continues. This week the PCs battle the legendary Tarrasque. Check Out my NEW PODCAST - Lex Out Loud Call the Game Master's Journey voice mail: 951-GMJ-LEX1 (951-465-5391). If you’re a new listener, and you’d like to go back to the beginning, here’s a link…

    more

  28. Blood of the Avatars 47: Her Loins Are Girded part 2 | GMJ 314

    Our D&D campaign, Blood of the Avatars, continues. This week the PCs flex their demigod-like powers and take on the weather. This is part 2 of the session. Check Out my NEW PODCAST - Lex Out Loud Call the Game Master's Journey voice mail: 951-GMJ-LEX1 (951-465-5391). If you’re a new listener, and...

  29. Blood of the Avatars 46: Her Loins Are Girded part 1 | GMJ 313

    Our D&D campaign, Blood of the Avatars, continues. This week the PCs flex their demigod-like powers and take on the weather. Check Out my NEW PODCAST - Lex Out Loud Call the Game Master's Journey voice mail: 951-GMJ-LEX1 (951-465-5391). If you’re a new listener, and you’d like to go back to the...

  30. Blood of the Avatars 45: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo part 2 | GMJ 312

    Our D&D campaign, Blood of the Avatars, continues. The PCs make plans and acquire some magic items. They are now level 15. This is part 2 of the session. Check Out my NEW PODCAST - Lex Out Loud Call the Game Master's Journey voice mail: 951-GMJ-LEX1 (951-465-5391). If you’re a new listener, and...

  31. Blood of the Avatars 44: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo | GMJ 311

    Our D&D campaign, Blood of the Avatars, continues. The PCs make plans and acquire some magic items. They are now level 15. Check Out my NEW PODCAST - Lex Out Loud Call the Game Master's Journey voice mail: 951-GMJ-LEX1 (951-465-5391). If you’re a new listener, and you’d like to go back to the...

  32. Blood of the Avatars 43: Save or Suck part 2 | GMJ 310

    Our D&D campaign, Blood of the Avatars, continues. We return to the ongoing battle with demons from an Abyssal rift. Check Out my NEW PODCAST - Lex Out Loud Call the Game Master's Journey voice mail: 951-GMJ-LEX1 (951-465-5391). If you’re a new listener, and you’d like to go back to the…

    more

  33. Blood of the Avatars 42: Save or Suck part 1 | GMJ 309

    Our D&D campaign, Blood of the Avatars, continues. We return to the ongoing battle with demons from an Abyssal rift. Check Out my NEW PODCAST - Lex Out Loud Call the Game Master's Journey voice mail: 951-GMJ-LEX1 (951-465-5391). If you’re a new listener, and you’d like to go back to the…

    more

  34. Blood of the Avatars 41: Abyssal Rift part 2 | GMJ 308

    Our D&D campaign, Blood of the Avatars, continues. Our heroes must deal with a rift to the Abyss and lots of demons. This is part 2 of the session. Check Out my NEW PODCAST - Lex Out Loud Call the Game Master's Journey voice mail: 951-GMJ-LEX1 (951-465-5391). If you’re a new listener, and you’d...

  35. Blood of the Avatars 40: Abyssal Rift part 1 | GMJ 307

    Our D&D campaign, Blood of the Avatars, continues. Our heroes must deal with a rift to the Abyss and lots of demons. Check Out my NEW PODCAST - Lex Out Loud Call the Game Master's Journey voice mail: 951-GMJ-LEX1 (951-465-5391). If you’re a new listener, and you’d like to go back to the…

    more

  36. Blood of the Avatars 39: Who Are You Wearing? part 2 | GMJ 306

    Our D&D campaign, Blood of the Avatars, continues. The party deals with the loss of Edo, Avatar of Elandra. They learn more about the World Axis, and they get a look of some of what they’re up against. This is part 2 of the session. Check Out my NEW PODCAST - Lex Out Loud Call the Game Master's...

  37. Blood of the Avatars 38: Who Are You Wearing? part 1 | GMJ 305

    Our D&D campaign, Blood of the Avatars, continues. The party deals with the loss of Edo, Avatar of Elandra. They learn more about the World Axis, and they get a look of some of what they’re up against. Check Out my NEW PODCAST - Lex Out Loud Call the Game Master's Journey voice mail: 951-GMJ-LEX1...

  38. Blood of the Avatars 37: Edo Elandra part 2 | GMJ 304

    Our D&D campaign, Blood of the Avatars, continues. The party continues their search for the avatar, Edo Elandra. This is part 2 of the session. Check Out my NEW PODCAST - Lex Out Loud Call the Game Master's Journey voice mail: 951-GMJ-LEX1 (951-465-5391). If you’re a new listener, and you’d like…

    more

  39. Blood of the Avatars 36: Edo Elandra part 1 | GMJ 303

    Our D&D campaign, Blood of the Avatars, continues. The party continues their search for the avatar, Edo Elandra. Check Out my NEW PODCAST - Lex Out Loud Call the Game Master's Journey voice mail: 951-GMJ-LEX1 (951-465-5391). If you’re a new listener, and you’d like to go back to the beginning,...

  40. Blood of the Avatars 35: Damn 'Yankis part 2 | GMJ 302

    Our D&D campaign, Blood of the Avatars, continues. This is part 2 of the session. Check Out my NEW PODCAST - Lex Out Loud Call the Game Master's Journey voice mail: 951-GMJ-LEX1 (951-465-5391). If you’re a new listener, and you’d like to go back to the beginning, here’s a link to Episode 1. If...

  41. Blood of the Avatars 34: Damn 'Yankis part 1 | GMJ 301

    Our D&D campaign, Blood of the Avatars, continues. Check Out my NEW PODCAST - Lex Out Loud Call the Game Master's Journey voice mail: 951-GMJ-LEX1 (951-465-5391). If you’re a new listener, and you’d like to go back to the beginning, here’s a link to Episode 1. If you’re interested in…

    more

  42. Blood of the Avatars 31: Session Zero Number Two | GMJ 298

    I’ve returned to my Blood of the Avatars D&D campaign after a four year hiatus. This is a session zero we had as we prepared to get the campaign going again. Check Out my NEW PODCAST - Lex Out Loud Call the Game Master's Journey voice mail: 951-GMJ-LEX1 (951-465-5391). If you’re a new listener…

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  43. You Can Do Anything! Improvisation vs. Preparation & Why Creating Balanced Encounters is a Pipe Dream | GMJ 297

    Welcome to Season 17! I’ve returned to the show. In this episode I discuss how I’ve begun to improvise more and prepare less as a GM. I also talk about why the idea of creating balanced encounters is, and will always be, a fantasy. Check Out my NEW PODCAST - Lex Out Loud Call the Game Master's...

  44. Vampire: The Masquerade Part 3 | GMJ 296

    I continue my overview of Vampire: the Masquerade by White Wolf Games. This week I talk about the virtues and humanity, backgrounds, diablerie, frenzy, rotschrek, and awarding and spending experience points. Check Out my NEW PODCAST - Lex Out Loud Get 10% off your next purchase at Metallic Dice...

  45. Vampire: The Masquerade Part 2 | GMJ 295

    I continue my overview of Vampire: the Masquerade by White Wolf Games. This week I go over the Disciplines—the various vampiric powers—as well as the clans of vampires. I also talk about generation and how the blood pool mechanics work. Check Out my NEW PODCAST - Lex Out Loud Get 10% off your…

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  46. Vampire: The Masquerade Part 1 | GMJ 294

    I give an overview of Vampire: The Masquerade RPG by White Wolf Games. In this first part I talk about some of the things I’ve learned from Vampire that have made me the GM I am today. I discuss how the prelude concept from Vampire changed my games forever, and I’ll go over nature, demeanor, and...

  47. The Storyteller System by White Wolf | GMJ 293

    This week I give a brief introduction to the Storyteller RPG system by White Wolf. This is the system used for the World of Darkness games, including Vampire: the Masquerade, Werewolf: the Apocalypse, Changeling: the Dreaming, Mage: the Ascension, and Wraith: the Oblivion. This versatile system…

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  48. Adventure Paths, Mage & Vignettes | GMJ 292

    Craig joins me again today to continue our discussion of his Mage chronicle. We talk more about the open-ended magic system of Mage and how, to a large degree, the biggest limitation is the players’ own imaginations. We also talk about Pathfinder’s Adventure Paths and how vignettes and preludes…

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  49. Mage the Ascension & Mechanics- vs. Narrative-Focused Games | GMJ 291

    Craig joins me to discuss his Mage chronicle he’s running. What is it like running a game where the player characters can do just about anything they can imagine? We also talk about the differences between more mechanics-focused games and more narrative-focused games. Check Out my NEW PODCAST…

    more

  50. My Ideal RPG System | GMJ 290

    I’m often asked if I’ve ever considered creating my own RPG system, and the answer is Yes! Today I talk about some of the features that my ideal RPG system would have. Check Out my NEW PODCAST - Lex Out Loud Get 10% off your next purchase at Metallic Dice Games. Interested in Beta Reading for my...

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

Game Master’s Journey is a discussion podcast for GMs and players of Dungeons & Dragons and other tabletop RPGs hosted by Lex Starwalker. The show explores strategies players and GMs can use to enhance the gaming experience for everyone at the table. Lex also discusses the creation of his homebrew D&D setting, Primordia, providing a valuable worldbuilding resource for DMs creating their own setting.

HOSTED BY

Lex Starwalker

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does Game Master's Journey have?

Game Master's Journey currently has 300 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is Game Master's Journey about?

Game Master’s Journey is a discussion podcast for GMs and players of Dungeons & Dragons and other tabletop RPGs hosted by Lex Starwalker. The show explores strategies players and GMs can use to enhance the gaming experience for everyone at the table. Lex also discusses the creation of his homebrew...

How often does Game Master's Journey release new episodes?

Game Master's Journey publishes regularly with 300 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.

Where can I listen to Game Master's Journey?

You can listen to Game Master's Journey on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts Game Master's Journey?

Game Master's Journey is created and hosted by Lex Starwalker.
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