Shows
Game Master's JourneyMy Approach to Game Mastering & Returning to the World of Darkness | GMJ 289I field some questions from listener-GM Matt Yancik on topics of game mastering: my GM philosophy, managing the table & players, and GMing compared to playing. I then talk a bit about the new Mage: the Ascension campaign I’m playing in and reminisce about my time with the old World of Darkness games Changeling: the Dreaming & Vampire: the Masquerade.Check Out my NEW PODCAST - Lex Out LoudInterested in Beta Reading for my new novel, Critical Balance? Find out more here.Check out my interview with Matt Yancik.Hear part 2 of...
2022-05-091h 27Game Master's JourneyMy Approach to Game Mastering & Returning to the World of Darkness | GMJ 289I field some questions from listener-GM Matt Yancik on topics of game mastering: my GM philosophy, managing the table & players, and GMing compared to playing. I then talk a bit about the new Mage: the Ascension campaign I’m playing in and reminisce about my time with the old World of Darkness games Changeling: the Dreaming & Vampire: the Masquerade.Check Out my NEW PODCAST - Lex Out LoudGet 10% off your next purchase at Metallic Dice Games.Interested in Beta Reading for my new novel, Critical Balance? Find out more here.Ch...
2022-05-091h 27Game Master's JourneyMy Approach to Game Mastering & Returning to the World of Darkness | GMJ 289I field some questions from listener-GM Matt Yancik on topics of game mastering: my GM philosophy, managing the table & players, and GMing compared to playing. I then talk a bit about the new Mage: the Ascension campaign I’m playing in and reminisce about my time with the old World of Darkness games Changeling: the Dreaming & Vampire: the Masquerade.Check Out my NEW PODCAST - Lex Out LoudInterested in Beta Reading for my new novel, Critical Balance? Find out more here.Check out my interview with Matt Yancik.Hear part 2 of...
2022-05-091h 27Game Master's JourneyProblem Solving & Combat | GMJ 288This week I resurrect the show to discuss how problem solving can be a refreshing alternative to combat in your RPG.Check Out Lex’s NEW PODCAST - Lex Out LoudCall 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 worldbuilding and/or Lex’s D&D campaign setting of Primordia, check out the first worldbuilding episode. You can go to this page to see all th...
2022-02-141h 02Game Master's JourneyProblem Solving & Combat | GMJ 288This week I resurrect the show to discuss how problem solving can be a refreshing alternative to combat in your RPG.Check Out Lex’s NEW PODCAST - Lex Out LoudCall 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 worldbuilding and/or Lex’s D&D campaign setting of Primordia, check out the first worldbuilding episode. You can go to this page to see all th...
2022-02-141h 02Game Master's JourneyProblem Solving & Combat | GMJ 288This week I resurrect the show to discuss how problem solving can be a refreshing alternative to combat in your RPG.Get 10% off your next purchase at Metallic Dice Games.Check Out Lex’s NEW PODCAST - Lex Out LoudCall 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 worldbuilding and/or Lex’s D&D campaign setting of Primordia, check out the first...
2022-02-141h 02
Lex Out Loud: Writing Science FictionFuture Earth History 2: Developing Cislunar Space | LOL 009Lex continues his exploration of the future history of Earth. This week he looks into goals to better utilize cislunar space, using the Roadmap to Space Settlement published by the National Space Society as a guide. Lex focuses in on how space solar power, especially, will change life on Earth for the better and make the rest of what we want to do not only possible, but easier and cheaper.
2021-02-1557 minLex Out Loud: Writing Science FictionBeer-Can-Cities in Space! | LOL 006Lex explores some of his ideas for the cities of his story, which are great rotating cylinders in geostationary orbit around Earth, connected to the Earth by space elevators. To aid in this discussion, Lex explores some real-world designs of orbital habitats, including the O’Neill Cylinder, the McKendree Cylinder and Kalpana One. He also touches on arcologies and graphene.
2021-01-251h 05Lex Out Loud: Writing Science FictionWorldbuilding the Future of our Solar System | LOL 005Lex gives a clarification on his enjoyment of space opera, and then goes on into worldbuilding. He talks about how he’s using a few different sources to aid in his projections of how humanity will settle the solar system. He figures out how far he wants this process to have progressed, and this helps determine the level and types of technology that will be required. Finally, Lex wraps up the episode with a preview of the topics he’s planning for the near future and an invitation for listeners to help guide the show’s trajectory.
2021-01-1850 minLex Out Loud: Writing Science FictionResearching the Future | LOL 003Writing most novels is going to require at least some research. How much depends a lot on the genre you’re writing in and the details of your novel. Research is the natural place to start your worldbuilding, and in this episode, Lex discusses the research he’s doing for his current project and his approach to research in general. Finally, Lex shares some resources and inspirations he’s found invaluable.
2021-01-0457 minLex Out Loud: Writing Science FictionSetting the Stage: Beginning with Setting & Science Fiction Subgenres | LOL 002This week Lex discusses how he approaches starting a novel and takes you through his progress on his current project so far. He also talks a bit about some of the subgenres of science fiction and how and why one should avoid the dreaded “worldbuilder’s disease”. Finally, Lex discusses why the chef would probably be one of the more important people on a spaceship.
2020-12-2947 minLex Out Loud: Writing Science FictionIntroductions | LOL 001Lex Out Loud is a podcast for writers, readers and all lovers of speculative fiction. Lex Starwalker is beginning work on his third novel, and he’s taking you along for the journey. Whether you’re wanting to write a novel or screenplay yourself, or you’re a game master wanting to write an adventure or campaign, or you’re just curious about the creative writing process, this show is for you! In this first season, Lex will explore worldbuilding in depth. The setting is the stage where the story takes place, so it’s a natural place to start....
2020-12-2842 minGame Master's JourneyStar Trek Adventures: the Good, the Bad & the Ugly | GMJ 286Lex explores the Star Trek Adventures RPG. Although this is a game with a lot of flaws, there are some cool ideas and innovations you can apply to any roleplaying game. Lex gives an overview of the merits & flaws of this game, and then he explores his favorite elements and how they could be used in other games.
2020-12-082h 19Game Master's JourneyStar Trek Adventures: the Good, the Bad & the Ugly | GMJ 286Lex explores the Star Trek Adventures RPG. Although this is a game with a lot of flaws, there are some cool ideas and innovations you can apply to any roleplaying game. Lex gives an overview of the merits & flaws of this game, and then he explores his favorite elements and how they could be used in other games.
2020-12-082h 19Game Master's JourneyStar Trek Adventures: the Good, the Bad & the Ugly | GMJ 286Lex explores the Star Trek Adventures RPG. Although this is a game with a lot of flaws, there are some cool ideas and innovations you can apply to any roleplaying game. Lex gives an overview of the merits & flaws of this game, and then he explores his favorite elements and how they could be used in other games.
2020-12-082h 19Game Master's JourneyReflecting Diverse Cultures in Your World & Creating a World Your Players are Invested In | GMJ 285In this worldbuilding episode, Lex explores how to created a world your players are invested in and how to increase player interest in the setting. Lex discusses how to use player ideas and PC backstories in adventures. Finally, Lex talks about how to reflect different and diverse cultures in your world, and he provides a list of anthropological resources to give you some ideas.
2020-11-171h 44Game Master's JourneyReflecting Diverse Cultures in Your World & Creating a World Your Players are Invested In | GMJ 285In this worldbuilding episode, Lex explores how to created a world your players are invested in and how to increase player interest in the setting. Lex discusses how to use player ideas and PC backstories in adventures. Finally, Lex talks about how to reflect different and diverse cultures in your world, and he provides a list of anthropological resources to give you some ideas.
2020-11-171h 44Game Master's JourneyReflecting Diverse Cultures in Your World & Creating a World Your Players are Invested In | GMJ 285In this worldbuilding episode, Lex explores how to created a world your players are invested in and how to increase player interest in the setting. Lex discusses how to use player ideas and PC backstories in adventures. Finally, Lex talks about how to reflect different and diverse cultures in your world, and he provides a list of anthropological resources to give you some ideas.
2020-11-171h 44Game Master's JourneyWorldbuilding for Small-Scale Stories & Using Cliches | GMJ 284Lex returns to Game Master's Journey to discuss worldbuilding. In the first of a two episode series, Lex talks about how to use cliches in your game. He then talks about how to approach worldbuilding for small-scale stories and conflicts.
2020-11-041h 03Game Master's JourneyWorldbuilding for Small-Scale Stories & Using Cliches | GMJ 284Lex returns to Game Master's Journey to discuss worldbuilding. In the first of a two episode series, Lex talks about how to use cliches in your game. He then talks about how to approach worldbuilding for small-scale stories and conflicts.
2020-11-041h 03Game Master's JourneyWorldbuilding for Small-Scale Stories & Using Cliches | GMJ 284Lex returns to Game Master's Journey to discuss worldbuilding. In the first of a two episode series, Lex talks about how to use cliches in your game. He then talks about how to approach worldbuilding for small-scale stories and conflicts.
2020-11-041h 03
Game Master's JourneyPC Races & Subraces, Reskinning Classes, Mining from Previous Editions, Beyond Pass/Fail & Player Agency | DMJ 282Lex discusses reskinning or redesigning a class that doesn’t fit your campaign instead of removing it. Just as the classes available to play in a campaign set the tone & flavor for the campaign, so too can you achieve a specific goal through the PC races & subraces you allow (or don’t allow). Lex also talks about using material from previous editions in 5th edition and moving beyond simple binary pass/fail in your D&D game. Finally Lex talks about player agency and why player perception is far more important than the amount of agency they do or don’...
2020-07-222h 06Game Master's JourneyPC Races & Subraces, Reskinning Classes, Mining from Previous Editions, Beyond Pass/Fail & Player Agency | DMJ 282Lex discusses reskinning or redesigning a class that doesn’t fit your campaign instead of removing it. Just as the classes available to play in a campaign set the tone & flavor for the campaign, so too can you achieve a specific goal through the PC races & subraces you allow (or don’t allow). Lex also talks about using material from previous editions in 5th edition and moving beyond simple binary pass/fail in your D&D game. Finally Lex talks about player agency and why player perception is far more important than the amount of agency they do or don’...
2020-07-222h 06Game Master's JourneyPC Races & Subraces, Reskinning Classes, Mining from Previous Editions, Beyond Pass/Fail & Player Agency | DMJ 282Lex discusses reskinning or redesigning a class that doesn’t fit your campaign instead of removing it. Just as the classes available to play in a campaign set the tone & flavor for the campaign, so too can you achieve a specific goal through the PC races & subraces you allow (or don’t allow). Lex also talks about using material from previous editions in 5th edition and moving beyond simple binary pass/fail in your D&D game. Finally Lex talks about player agency and why player perception is far more important than the amount of agency they do or don’...
2020-07-222h 06
Game Master's JourneyCampaign Recap: For Whom the Bel Trolls & Where's Wahl, Though? | DMJ 279Lex is joined by Brett & Phoebe, to recap a session of their D&D campaign, Blood of the Avatars. This week the PCs make a deal with a devil. This is a homebrewed campaign set in Lex’s D&D world, Primordia, that is currently using elements of the published campaign, Descent into Avernus.
2020-04-2759 minGame Master's JourneyCampaign Recap: For Whom the Bel Trolls & Where's Wahl, Though? | DMJ 279Lex is joined by Brett & Phoebe, to recap a session of their D&D campaign, Blood of the Avatars. This week the PCs make a deal with a devil. This is a homebrewed campaign set in Lex’s D&D world, Primordia, that is currently using elements of the published campaign, Descent into Avernus.
2020-04-2759 minGame Master's JourneyCampaign Recap: For Whom the Bel Trolls & Where's Wahl, Though? | DMJ 279Lex is joined by Brett & Phoebe, to recap a session of their D&D campaign, Blood of the Avatars. This week the PCs make a deal with a devil. This is a homebrewed campaign set in Lex’s D&D world, Primordia, that is currently using elements of the published campaign, Descent into Avernus.
2020-04-2759 minGame Master's JourneyCampaign Recap: Arkhan? No, Ar-CAN'T! & Pit Stop | DMJ 277Lex is joined by two players from his D&D group, Phoebe & Craig, to recap two sessions of their campaign, Blood of the Avatars. This is a homebrewed campaign set in Lex’s D&D world, Primordia, that is currently using elements of the published campaign, Descent into Avernus.
2020-04-151h 14Game Master's JourneyCampaign Recap: Arkhan? No, Ar-CAN'T! & Pit Stop | DMJ 277Lex is joined by two players from his D&D group, Phoebe & Craig, to recap two sessions of their campaign, Blood of the Avatars. This is a homebrewed campaign set in Lex’s D&D world, Primordia, that is currently using elements of the published campaign, Descent into Avernus.
2020-04-151h 14Game Master's JourneyCampaign Recap: Arkhan? No, Ar-CAN'T! & Pit Stop | DMJ 277Lex is joined by two players from his D&D group, Phoebe & Craig, to recap two sessions of their campaign, Blood of the Avatars. This is a homebrewed campaign set in Lex’s D&D world, Primordia, that is currently using elements of the published campaign, Descent into Avernus.
2020-04-151h 14Game Master's JourneyModifying a Monster & Creating Quick Monster Stats | DMG Chapter 9 | DMJ 276Lex returns to his in-depth discussion of the Dungeon Master’s Guide. This week he discusses how to modify a monster and how to create quick monster stats. If you want to make a custom monster for your game, you might be able to make some minor modifications to an existing monster. Lex also shows how you can quickly create a monster of a given CR on-the-fly during play. Finally, this episode lays the groundwork for creating a completely new and unique monster from scratch. Anyone can do this, and Lex walks you through the process. The next episode in...
2020-04-101h 47Game Master's JourneyModifying a Monster & Creating Quick Monster Stats | DMG Chapter 9 | DMJ 276Lex returns to his in-depth discussion of the Dungeon Master’s Guide. This week he discusses how to modify a monster and how to create quick monster stats. If you want to make a custom monster for your game, you might be able to make some minor modifications to an existing monster. Lex also shows how you can quickly create a monster of a given CR on-the-fly during play. Finally, this episode lays the groundwork for creating a completely new and unique monster from scratch. Anyone can do this, and Lex walks you through the process. The next episode in...
2020-04-101h 47Game Master's JourneyModifying a Monster & Creating Quick Monster Stats | DMG Chapter 9 | DMJ 276Lex returns to his in-depth discussion of the Dungeon Master’s Guide. This week he discusses how to modify a monster and how to create quick monster stats. If you want to make a custom monster for your game, you might be able to make some minor modifications to an existing monster. Lex also shows how you can quickly create a monster of a given CR on-the-fly during play. Finally, this episode lays the groundwork for creating a completely new and unique monster from scratch. Anyone can do this, and Lex walks you through the process. The next episode in...
2020-04-101h 47
Game Master's JourneyMatt Mercer's Heroic Chronicle from Explorer's Guide to Wildemount | DMJ 275Lex discusses Matt Mercer’s Heroic Chronicle system from Explorer’s Guide to Wildemount. This is a great system for fleshing out PC backstories and grounding them in the setting of your campaign. This system is especially fantastic for DMs using their own homebrewed campaign settings, but DMs using published settings will also find inspiration in the application of these ideas. Lex discusses how to take this system and adapt it for your campaign so you can better tie in the PCs to your setting of choice.
2020-03-311h 06Game Master's JourneyMatt Mercer's Heroic Chronicle from Explorer's Guide to Wildemount | DMJ 275Lex discusses Matt Mercer’s Heroic Chronicle system from Explorer’s Guide to Wildemount. This is a great system for fleshing out PC backstories and grounding them in the setting of your campaign. This system is especially fantastic for DMs using their own homebrewed campaign settings, but DMs using published settings will also find inspiration in the application of these ideas. Lex discusses how to take this system and adapt it for your campaign so you can better tie in the PCs to your setting of choice.
2020-03-311h 06Game Master's JourneyMatt Mercer's Heroic Chronicle from Explorer's Guide to Wildemount | DMJ 275Lex discusses Matt Mercer’s Heroic Chronicle system from Explorer’s Guide to Wildemount. This is a great system for fleshing out PC backstories and grounding them in the setting of your campaign. This system is especially fantastic for DMs using their own homebrewed campaign settings, but DMs using published settings will also find inspiration in the application of these ideas. Lex discusses how to take this system and adapt it for your campaign so you can better tie in the PCs to your setting of choice.
2020-03-311h 06Game Master's JourneyRunning Higher Level Characters in a Lower Level Adventure | DMJ 274Lex discusses how he would approach running an adventure for PCs who are significantly higher level than the adventure assumes. He also gives his thoughts on dealing with a problem player who’s out to ruin the fun for everyone else at the table. Finally, Lex ponders how he’d handle a character who gets advantage on perception checks using smell and disadvantage on perception checks using sight.
2020-03-241h 18Game Master's JourneyRunning Higher Level Characters in a Lower Level Adventure | DMJ 274Lex discusses how he would approach running an adventure for PCs who are significantly higher level than the adventure assumes. He also gives his thoughts on dealing with a problem player who’s out to ruin the fun for everyone else at the table. Finally, Lex ponders how he’d handle a character who gets advantage on perception checks using smell and disadvantage on perception checks using sight.
2020-03-241h 18Game Master's JourneyRunning Higher Level Characters in a Lower Level Adventure | DMJ 274Lex discusses how he would approach running an adventure for PCs who are significantly higher level than the adventure assumes. He also gives his thoughts on dealing with a problem player who’s out to ruin the fun for everyone else at the table. Finally, Lex ponders how he’d handle a character who gets advantage on perception checks using smell and disadvantage on perception checks using sight.
2020-03-241h 18
Game Master's JourneyDMG Chapter 7: Treasure | GMJ 257Lex returns to his exploration of the Dungeon Master’s Guide to discuss treasure and other types of rewards the player characters can earn through adventuring. Coins, gems, art objects and magic items are covered, as well as sentient magic items and artifacts. Lex also talks about other rewards PCs can receive, including blessings, charms, marks of prestige and epic boons.
2019-06-301h 30Game Master's JourneyDMG Chapter 7: Treasure | GMJ 257Lex returns to his exploration of the Dungeon Master’s Guide to discuss treasure and other types of rewards the player characters can earn through adventuring. Coins, gems, art objects and magic items are covered, as well as sentient magic items and artifacts. Lex also talks about other rewards PCs can receive, including blessings, charms, marks of prestige and epic boons.
2019-06-301h 30Game Master's JourneyDMG Chapter 7: Treasure | GMJ 257Lex returns to his exploration of the Dungeon Master’s Guide to discuss treasure and other types of rewards the player characters can earn through adventuring. Coins, gems, art objects and magic items are covered, as well as sentient magic items and artifacts. Lex also talks about other rewards PCs can receive, including blessings, charms, marks of prestige and epic boons.
2019-06-301h 30
Game Master's JourneyReveals & the Long Con, Initiative Revisited & Tailoring the Game to Your Group | GMJ 253Lex discusses his experience with reveals as a GM and whether or not to go for the long con. He also revisits his initiative system with some additions for players that may try to take advantage of the system. Finally, Lex talks about tailoring your game to fit your group of players.
2019-05-131h 12Game Master's JourneyReveals & the Long Con, Initiative Revisited & Tailoring the Game to Your Group | GMJ 253Lex discusses his experience with reveals as a GM and whether or not to go for the long con. He also revisits his initiative system with some additions for players that may try to take advantage of the system. Finally, Lex talks about tailoring your game to fit your group of players.
2019-05-131h 12
Game Master's JourneyGMJ 245: Waterdeep: Dragon Heist ReviewLex takes a deep dive into Waterdeep: Dragon Heist, an adventure for 5th edition D&D. He gives an honest review of the good and bad of this adventure and discusses its usefulness to DMs who don’t end up running the adventure.Lex begins with a spoiler free review, and then goes into a more detailed review for DMs and others considering buying the adventure. Please don’t listen to the later, spoiler-filled, part of the review if you’re going to be a player in the adventure.
2019-03-041h 30Game Master's JourneyGMJ 245: Waterdeep: Dragon Heist ReviewLex takes a deep dive into Waterdeep: Dragon Heist, an adventure for 5th edition D&D. He gives an honest review of the good and bad of this adventure and discusses its usefulness to DMs who don’t end up running the adventure.Lex begins with a spoiler free review, and then goes into a more detailed review for DMs and others considering buying the adventure. Please don’t listen to the later, spoiler-filled, part of the review if you’re going to be a player in the adventure.
2019-03-041h 30
Game Master's JourneyGMJ 213: Managing Disruptive Players, Handing Out Treasure & Upcoming Relics SupplementLex covers a variety of RPG and GMing topics. How do we deal with players who make rolls we haven’t called for, or expect to always “win” the game with little to no effort? How do we know what kind of magic items and treasure to hand out? Lex also discusses an upcoming supplement which will allow you to create relics in your game—magic items that grow with the PCs who wield them.
2018-03-061h 09Game Master's JourneyGMJ 213: Managing Disruptive Players, Handing Out Treasure & Upcoming Relics SupplementLex covers a variety of RPG and GMing topics. How do we deal with players who make rolls we haven’t called for, or expect to always “win” the game with little to no effort? How do we know what kind of magic items and treasure to hand out? Lex also discusses an upcoming supplement which will allow you to create relics in your game—magic items that grow with the PCs who wield them.
2018-03-061h 09
Game Master's JourneyGMJ 207: DMG Chapter 3: Random EncountersLex continues his exploration of the Dungeon Master's Guide with discussion of random encounters from chapter 3. He discusses how, why and when to use random encounters, and he explains how they don't really have to be random at all. A better term to describe how Lex, at least, uses these types of encounters is "flexible encounters".
2018-02-191h 42Game Master's JourneyGMJ 207: DMG Chapter 3: Random EncountersLex continues his exploration of the Dungeon Master's Guide with discussion of random encounters from chapter 3. He discusses how, why and when to use random encounters, and he explains how they don't really have to be random at all. A better term to describe how Lex, at least, uses these types of encounters is "flexible encounters".
2018-02-191h 42
Game Master's JourneyGMJ 203: Hinterlands of Elandria Prelude 7: Manny as LerissaThis is the seventh prelude in Lex's Hinterlands of Elandria D&D campaign. Lex talks with Manny about his character, Lerissa, the tiefling glamour bard.
2018-01-291h 00Game Master's JourneyGMJ 203: Hinterlands of Elandria Prelude 7: Manny as LerissaThis is the seventh prelude in Lex's Hinterlands of Elandria D&D campaign. Lex talks with Manny about his character, Lerissa, the tiefling glamour bard.
2018-01-291h 00
Game Master's JourneyGMJ 201: Hinterlands of Elandria Prelude 6: Craig as QuincyHinterlands of Elandria is a new D&D campaign set in Lex's homebrew campaign world, Primordia. Five years after the beginning of the Breaking of the World, the Time of Rifts and the Retreat of Humanity, a new team of adventurers leave the safety of the city of Elandria to explore rumors of a lone village somehow surviving in the Hinterlands to the east. Very few cities survived the Breaking, and it's believe no smaller settlements did. If there is a village out there, how has it survived on its own? The answer to this question could decide the...
2018-01-151h 09Game Master's JourneyGMJ 201: Hinterlands of Elandria Prelude 6: Craig as QuincyHinterlands of Elandria is a new D&D campaign set in Lex's homebrew campaign world, Primordia. Five years after the beginning of the Breaking of the World, the Time of Rifts and the Retreat of Humanity, a new team of adventurers leave the safety of the city of Elandria to explore rumors of a lone village somehow surviving in the Hinterlands to the east. Very few cities survived the Breaking, and it's believe no smaller settlements did. If there is a village out there, how has it survived on its own? The answer to this question could decide the...
2018-01-151h 09Game Master's JourneyGMJ 201: Hinterlands of Elandria Prelude 6: Craig as QuincyHinterlands of Elandria is a new D&D campaign set in Lex's homebrew campaign world, Primordia. Five years after the beginning of the Breaking of the World, the Time of Rifts and the Retreat of Humanity, a new team of adventurers leave the safety of the city of Elandria to explore rumors of a lone village somehow surviving in the Hinterlands to the east. Very few cities survived the Breaking, and it's believe no smaller settlements did. If there is a village out there, how has it survived on its own? The answer to this question could decide the...
2018-01-151h 09
Game Master's JourneyGMJ 200: Creating AdventuresLex returns to his exploration of the Dungeon Master’s Guide with a discussion of the first part of chapter 3: Creating Adventures. Lex covers the elements of a great adventure, running published adventures versus adventures of your own creation, location-based adventures, event-based adventures, mysteries, intrigues, framing events, moral quandaries, side quests and more!
2018-01-101h 36Game Master's JourneyGMJ 200: Creating AdventuresLex returns to his exploration of the Dungeon Master’s Guide with a discussion of the first part of chapter 3: Creating Adventures. Lex covers the elements of a great adventure, running published adventures versus adventures of your own creation, location-based adventures, event-based adventures, mysteries, intrigues, framing events, moral quandaries, side quests and more!
2018-01-101h 36
Game Master's JourneyGMJ 199: Hinterlands of Elandria Prelude 5: Danielle as GitfirhanHinterlands of Elandria is a new D&D campaign set in Lex's homebrew campaign world, Primordia. Five years after the beginning of the Breaking of the World, the Time of Rifts and the Retreat of Humanity, a new team of adventurers leave the safety of the city of Elandria to explore rumors of a lone village somehow surviving in the Hinterlands to the east. Very few cities survived the Breaking, and it's believe no smaller settlements did. If there is a village out there, how has it survived on its own? The answer to this question could decide the...
2018-01-0136 minGame Master's JourneyGMJ 199: Hinterlands of Elandria Prelude 5: Danielle as GitfirhanHinterlands of Elandria is a new D&D campaign set in Lex's homebrew campaign world, Primordia. Five years after the beginning of the Breaking of the World, the Time of Rifts and the Retreat of Humanity, a new team of adventurers leave the safety of the city of Elandria to explore rumors of a lone village somehow surviving in the Hinterlands to the east. Very few cities survived the Breaking, and it's believe no smaller settlements did. If there is a village out there, how has it survived on its own? The answer to this question could decide the...
2018-01-0136 minGame Master's JourneyGMJ 199: Hinterlands of Elandria Prelude 5: Danielle as GitfirhanHinterlands of Elandria is a new D&D campaign set in Lex's homebrew campaign world, Primordia. Five years after the beginning of the Breaking of the World, the Time of Rifts and the Retreat of Humanity, a new team of adventurers leave the safety of the city of Elandria to explore rumors of a lone village somehow surviving in the Hinterlands to the east. Very few cities survived the Breaking, and it's believe no smaller settlements did. If there is a village out there, how has it survived on its own? The answer to this question could decide the...
2018-01-0136 min
Game Master's JourneyGMJ 198: Hinterlands of Elandria Prelude 4: Brett as Wahl Part 2Hinterlands of Elandria is a new D&D campaign set in Lex's homebrew campaign world, Primordia. Five years after the beginning of the Breaking of the World, the Time of Rifts and the Retreat of Humanity, a new team of adventurers leave the safety of the city of Elandria to explore rumors of a lone village somehow surviving in the Hinterlands to the east. Very few cities survived the Breaking, and it's believe no smaller settlements did. If there is a village out there, how has it survived on its own? The answer to this question could decide the...
2017-12-3050 minGame Master's JourneyGMJ 198: Hinterlands of Elandria Prelude 4: Brett as Wahl Part 2Hinterlands of Elandria is a new D&D campaign set in Lex's homebrew campaign world, Primordia. Five years after the beginning of the Breaking of the World, the Time of Rifts and the Retreat of Humanity, a new team of adventurers leave the safety of the city of Elandria to explore rumors of a lone village somehow surviving in the Hinterlands to the east. Very few cities survived the Breaking, and it's believe no smaller settlements did. If there is a village out there, how has it survived on its own? The answer to this question could decide the...
2017-12-3050 minGame Master's JourneyGMJ 198: Hinterlands of Elandria Prelude 4: Brett as Wahl Part 2Hinterlands of Elandria is a new D&D campaign set in Lex's homebrew campaign world, Primordia. Five years after the beginning of the Breaking of the World, the Time of Rifts and the Retreat of Humanity, a new team of adventurers leave the safety of the city of Elandria to explore rumors of a lone village somehow surviving in the Hinterlands to the east. Very few cities survived the Breaking, and it's believe no smaller settlements did. If there is a village out there, how has it survived on its own? The answer to this question could decide the...
2017-12-3050 min
Game Master's JourneyGMJ 197: Hinterlands of Elandria Prelude 3: Steve as MaligarHinterlands of Elandria is a new D&D campaign set in Lex's homebrew campaign world, Primordia. Five years after the beginning of the Breaking of the World, the Time of Rifts and the Retreat of Humanity, a new team of adventurers leave the safety of the city of Elandria to explore rumors of a lone village somehow surviving in the Hinterlands to the east. Very few cities survived the Breaking, and it's believe no smaller settlements did. If there is a village out there, how has it survived on its own? The answer to this question could decide the...
2017-12-2746 minGame Master's JourneyGMJ 197: Hinterlands of Elandria Prelude 3: Steve as MaligarHinterlands of Elandria is a new D&D campaign set in Lex's homebrew campaign world, Primordia. Five years after the beginning of the Breaking of the World, the Time of Rifts and the Retreat of Humanity, a new team of adventurers leave the safety of the city of Elandria to explore rumors of a lone village somehow surviving in the Hinterlands to the east. Very few cities survived the Breaking, and it's believe no smaller settlements did. If there is a village out there, how has it survived on its own? The answer to this question could decide the...
2017-12-2746 minGame Master's JourneyGMJ 197: Hinterlands of Elandria Prelude 3: Steve as MaligarHinterlands of Elandria is a new D&D campaign set in Lex's homebrew campaign world, Primordia. Five years after the beginning of the Breaking of the World, the Time of Rifts and the Retreat of Humanity, a new team of adventurers leave the safety of the city of Elandria to explore rumors of a lone village somehow surviving in the Hinterlands to the east. Very few cities survived the Breaking, and it's believe no smaller settlements did. If there is a village out there, how has it survived on its own? The answer to this question could decide the...
2017-12-2746 min
Game Master's JourneyGMJ 196: Hinterlands of Elandria Prelude 2: Phoebe as BrynHinterlands of Elandria is a new D&D campaign set in Lex's homebrew campaign world, Primordia. Five years after the beginning of the Breaking of the World, the Time of Rifts and the Retreat of Humanity, a new team of adventurers leave the safety of the city of Elandria to explore rumors of a lone village somehow surviving in the Hinterlands to the east. Very few cities survived the Breaking, and it's believe no smaller settlements did. If there is a village out there, how has it survived on its own? The answer to this question could decide the...
2017-12-2356 minGame Master's JourneyGMJ 196: Hinterlands of Elandria Prelude 2: Phoebe as BrynHinterlands of Elandria is a new D&D campaign set in Lex's homebrew campaign world, Primordia. Five years after the beginning of the Breaking of the World, the Time of Rifts and the Retreat of Humanity, a new team of adventurers leave the safety of the city of Elandria to explore rumors of a lone village somehow surviving in the Hinterlands to the east. Very few cities survived the Breaking, and it's believe no smaller settlements did. If there is a village out there, how has it survived on its own? The answer to this question could decide the...
2017-12-2356 min
Game Master's JourneyGMJ 195: Hinterlands of Elandria Prelude 1: Brett as Wahl Part 1Hinterlands of Elandria is a new D&D campaign set in Lex's homebrew campaign world, Primordia. Five years after the beginning of the Breaking of the World, the Time of Rifts and the Retreat of Humanity, a new team of adventurers leave the safety of the city of Elandria to explore rumors of a lone village somehow surviving in the Hinterlands to the east. Very few cities survived the Breaking, and it's believe no smaller settlements did. If there is a village out there, how has it survived on its own? The answer to this question could decide the...
2017-12-201h 00Game Master's JourneyGMJ 195: Hinterlands of Elandria Prelude 1: Brett as Wahl Part 1Hinterlands of Elandria is a new D&D campaign set in Lex's homebrew campaign world, Primordia. Five years after the beginning of the Breaking of the World, the Time of Rifts and the Retreat of Humanity, a new team of adventurers leave the safety of the city of Elandria to explore rumors of a lone village somehow surviving in the Hinterlands to the east. Very few cities survived the Breaking, and it's believe no smaller settlements did. If there is a village out there, how has it survived on its own? The answer to this question could decide the...
2017-12-201h 00
Game Master's JourneyGMJ 187: Behind the Screen 04: Running Session 01: Into the WildsBehind the Screen is a series of GM commentary companion episodes to Lex's new D&D campaign, Hinterlands of Elandria. This week Lex discusses running session 1, Into the Wilds.
2017-11-061h 03Game Master's JourneyGMJ 187: Behind the Screen 04: Running Session 01: Into the WildsBehind the Screen is a series of GM commentary companion episodes to Lex's new D&D campaign, Hinterlands of Elandria. This week Lex discusses running session 1, Into the Wilds.
2017-11-061h 03
Game Master's JourneyGMJ 186: Behind the Screen 03: Preparing Session 01: Into the WildsBehind the Screen is a series of GM commentary companion episodes to Lex's new D&D campaign, Hinterlands of Elandria. This week Lex discusses how he prepared for the first session, Into the Wilds.
2017-10-301h 16Game Master's JourneyGMJ 186: Behind the Screen 03: Preparing Session 01: Into the WildsBehind the Screen is a series of GM commentary companion episodes to Lex's new D&D campaign, Hinterlands of Elandria. This week Lex discusses how he prepared for the first session, Into the Wilds.
2017-10-301h 16
Game Master's JourneyGMJ 185: Behind the Screen 02: Hinterlands of Elandria Campaign PreparationBehind the Screen is a series of GM commentary companion episodes to Lex's new D&D campaign, Hinterlands of Elandria. This week Lex discusses his preparation for the campaign.
2017-10-2700 minGame Master's JourneyGMJ 185: Behind the Screen 02: Hinterlands of Elandria Campaign PreparationBehind the Screen is a series of GM commentary companion episodes to Lex's new D&D campaign, Hinterlands of Elandria. This week Lex discusses his preparation for the campaign.
2017-10-2700 min
Game Master's JourneyGMJ 184: Behind the Screen 01: Introduction to PrimordiaBehind the Screen is a series of GM commentary companion episodes to Lex's new D&D campaign, Hinterlands of Elandria. This week Lex gives an introduction to his homebrew D&D world, Primordia.
2017-10-252h 17Game Master's JourneyGMJ 184: Behind the Screen 01: Introduction to PrimordiaBehind the Screen is a series of GM commentary companion episodes to Lex's new D&D campaign, Hinterlands of Elandria. This week Lex gives an introduction to his homebrew D&D world, Primordia.
2017-10-252h 17
Game Master's JourneyGMJ 183: DMG Chapter 2: The Astral PlaneLex returns to his discussion of the Dungeon Master’s Guide with an exploration of the astral plane. This is the first part of a two part discussion. We'll go over the basics of the astral plane. We’re not given a lot of details on this plane in the 5e DMG compared to previous editions, so in part two we’ll refer to the Manual of the Planes from 3rd edition to fill in the gaps. This week Lex also discuss some of the spells used to travel the planes--plane shift, gate and astral projection.
2017-10-171h 53Game Master's JourneyGMJ 183: DMG Chapter 2: The Astral PlaneLex returns to his discussion of the Dungeon Master’s Guide with an exploration of the astral plane. This is the first part of a two part discussion. We'll go over the basics of the astral plane. We’re not given a lot of details on this plane in the 5e DMG compared to previous editions, so in part two we’ll refer to the Manual of the Planes from 3rd edition to fill in the gaps. This week Lex also discuss some of the spells used to travel the planes--plane shift, gate and astral projection.
2017-10-171h 53
Game Master's JourneyGame Master's Journey 180: Hacks for DMs, Handing Out Powerful Magic Items & Is Worldbuilding a Waste of Time?Lex covers a variety of RPG topics today including getting PCs back to town at the end of the session in West Marches campaigns, Limitless Adventures' Limitless NPCs, stepping on toes, Jeremy Crawford's DM hacks and handing out legendary and other powerful magic items. Finally Lex discusses the belief that worldbuilding is a waste of the GM's time because the players won't care about the setting anyway.
2017-09-212h 18Game Master's JourneyGame Master's Journey 180: Hacks for DMs, Handing Out Powerful Magic Items & Is Worldbuilding a Waste of Time?Lex covers a variety of RPG topics today including getting PCs back to town at the end of the session in West Marches campaigns, Limitless Adventures' Limitless NPCs, stepping on toes, Jeremy Crawford's DM hacks and handing out legendary and other powerful magic items. Finally Lex discusses the belief that worldbuilding is a waste of the GM's time because the players won't care about the setting anyway.
2017-09-212h 18
Game Master's JourneyGame Master's Journey 171: Worldbuilding, Railroading & High Tier Play with Brett NilssonToday Lex moves to the other side of the GM screen to talk with his DM, Brett. Lex has been playing in Brett’s campaign quite a while now and having a lot of fun. Lex asks him about his GMing style and about his homebrew setting of Terindal. They also talk about how to avoid railroading the PCs, and Brett's experiences running D&D at the higher tiers of play.
2017-08-142h 11Game Master's JourneyGame Master's Journey 171: Worldbuilding, Railroading & High Tier Play with Brett NilssonToday Lex moves to the other side of the GM screen to talk with his DM, Brett. Lex has been playing in Brett’s campaign quite a while now and having a lot of fun. Lex asks him about his GMing style and about his homebrew setting of Terindal. They also talk about how to avoid railroading the PCs, and Brett's experiences running D&D at the higher tiers of play.
2017-08-142h 11Game Master's JourneyGame Master's Journey 171: Worldbuilding, Railroading & High Tier Play with Brett NilssonToday Lex moves to the other side of the GM screen to talk with his DM, Brett. Lex has been playing in Brett’s campaign quite a while now and having a lot of fun. Lex asks him about his GMing style and about his homebrew setting of Terindal. They also talk about how to avoid railroading the PCs, and Brett's experiences running D&D at the higher tiers of play.
2017-08-142h 11
Game Master's JourneyGMJ 165: DMG Chapter 1: Creating Campaign EventsLex returns to the Dungeon Master's Guide to discuss creating campaign events. These events are the perfect way to begin or end a campaign, or to renew flagging interest in a campaign that's grown stagnant. Finally, Lex discusses ending a campaign.
2017-07-201h 35Game Master's JourneyGMJ 165: DMG Chapter 1: Creating Campaign EventsLex returns to the Dungeon Master's Guide to discuss creating campaign events. These events are the perfect way to begin or end a campaign, or to renew flagging interest in a campaign that's grown stagnant. Finally, Lex discusses ending a campaign.
2017-07-201h 35
Game Master's JourneyGMJ 155: DMG Chapter 1: Developing Gods & Pantheons for Your WorldLex discusses developing gods and a pantheon for his homebrew world of Primordia. Lex first attempted to base Primordia's gods on the domains in D&D, but finally realized it wasn’t working. Lex shares what he's learned from this and what he thinks is a better approach to creating gods and pantheons for your homebrew world.
2017-05-231h 36Game Master's JourneyGMJ 155: DMG Chapter 1: Developing Gods & Pantheons for Your WorldLex discusses developing gods and a pantheon for his homebrew world of Primordia. Lex first attempted to base Primordia's gods on the domains in D&D, but finally realized it wasn’t working. Lex shares what he's learned from this and what he thinks is a better approach to creating gods and pantheons for your homebrew world.
2017-05-231h 36Game Master's JourneyGMJ 155: DMG Chapter 1: Developing Gods & Pantheons for Your WorldLex discusses developing gods and a pantheon for his homebrew world of Primordia. Lex first attempted to base Primordia's gods on the domains in D&D, but finally realized it wasn’t working. Lex shares what he's learned from this and what he thinks is a better approach to creating gods and pantheons for your homebrew world.
2017-05-231h 36
Game Master's JourneyGMJ 154: DMG Chapter 1: Gods of Your WorldLex continues his exploration of the DMG with a discussion of gods and deities in your world. Lex explores different types of pantheons and religious systems, and provides examples from his own homebrew world of Primordia.
2017-05-161h 09Game Master's JourneyGMJ 154: DMG Chapter 1: Gods of Your WorldLex continues his exploration of the DMG with a discussion of gods and deities in your world. Lex explores different types of pantheons and religious systems, and provides examples from his own homebrew world of Primordia.
2017-05-161h 09
Game Master's JourneyGame Master's Journey 153: Tales from the Yawning Portal ReviewToday Lex discusses Tales from the Yawning Portal, an adventure supplement for Dungeons & Dragons. Lex gives a full review of the book overall and each of the seven included adventures.
2017-05-091h 48Game Master's JourneyGame Master's Journey 153: Tales from the Yawning Portal ReviewToday Lex discusses Tales from the Yawning Portal, an adventure supplement for Dungeons & Dragons. Lex gives a full review of the book overall and each of the seven included adventures.
2017-05-091h 48
Game Master's JourneyGMJ 152: DMG Chapter 1: A World of Your OwnLex begins a discussion of the first chapter of the Dungeon Master's Guide with an exploration of the core assumptions of the published D&D settings and how you can alter them to create a world that’s truly unique. Lex accompanies this with an introduction to his own homebrew D&D world of Primordia and how he's approached these core assumptions. Finally, Lex talks a bit about his continuing journey in designing the god, pantheons, portfolios and domains of Primordia.
2017-05-031h 24Game Master's JourneyGMJ 152: DMG Chapter 1: A World of Your OwnLex begins a discussion of the first chapter of the Dungeon Master's Guide with an exploration of the core assumptions of the published D&D settings and how you can alter them to create a world that’s truly unique. Lex accompanies this with an introduction to his own homebrew D&D world of Primordia and how he's approached these core assumptions. Finally, Lex talks a bit about his continuing journey in designing the god, pantheons, portfolios and domains of Primordia.
2017-05-031h 24Game Master's JourneyGMJ 152: DMG Chapter 1: A World of Your OwnLex begins a discussion of the first chapter of the Dungeon Master's Guide with an exploration of the core assumptions of the published D&D settings and how you can alter them to create a world that’s truly unique. Lex accompanies this with an introduction to his own homebrew D&D world of Primordia and how he's approached these core assumptions. Finally, Lex talks a bit about his continuing journey in designing the god, pantheons, portfolios and domains of Primordia.
2017-05-031h 24
Expanse The Unofficial Podcast - Your Source for News & Fandom Regarding SyFy's The ExpanseExpanse The Unofficial Podcast 02 - Introducing Dominique Tipper as Naomi NagataThis week we introduce Dominique Tipper who plays Naomi Nagata on The Expanse. We also reveal why Naomi is Lex's favorite character and Nikki's second-favorite character and why Lex thinks long hair in zero-g is a bad idea. Finally, can we please excise sexism from the English language? Thank you.
2015-10-2200 min
Lex StarwalkerGMI E58 The Obsidian Monolith AP Session 01 Part 1 - The Town of BonespirGreetings Numenerian and welcome to Session 1 part 1 of The Obsidian Monolith Actual Play podcast. I’m your host, Lex Starwalker. I’ve explained how I’ve created the adventure, now we can see how it survives, or doesn’t survive, first contact with the players.
2014-10-2400 min
Lex StarwalkerGM Intrusions E31 - Navel Gazing in the Ninth WorldNikki Starwalker takes the captain's chair in this episode of GM Intrusions. She interviews Lex on a variety of topics including Numenera, the Cypher System, roleplaying and gamemastering in general, and the future of the GM Intrusions podcast.\\Nikki Starwalker takes the captain's chair in this episode of GM Intrusions. She interviews Lex on a variety of topics including Numenera, the Cypher System, roleplaying and gamemastering in general, and the future of the GM Intrusions podcast.
2014-06-041h 20