Lesson # 138 - Plot Twists and Dragons

Lesson # 138 - Plot Twists and Dragons

Author: Block Party Podcast Network March 8, 2021 Duration: 34:59

On this lesson of Detentions and Dragons, Josh and Matt talk about using plot twists to adapt your D&D game to the benefit of your players. We get it. D&D campaigns run long, Players get distracted by NPCs you didn't think to write a back story for, and people rather punch goblins that role-play in your nuanced corporate espionage campaign. You don't have to scrap the story. Instead add a plot twist to adapt or reinvigorate the game!

Did these two teachers convince you to add your own plot twist to your next D&D game? Then help Josh and Matt out by recommending Detentions and Dragons to a friend, teacher, or student. New listeners are the best way to help us grow as a podcast. Thanks again for all of your support!

Detentions and Dragons is a proud member of the Block Party Podcast Network! Check out our show and other great D&D and gaming podcast at https://www.blockpartypodcastnetwork.com/ or where ever you download podcasts!


Ever wondered how the collaborative storytelling of a tabletop roleplaying game could transform a classroom or simply enrich your own game night? That’s the territory explored in Detentions and Dragons, hosted by Josh and Matt. While the core idea is built around integrating Dungeons and Dragons into educational settings, the conversations extend far beyond the school walls. The hosts delve into practical advice for crafting manageable adventures, adapting rules for different age groups, and using game mechanics to teach everything from critical thinking to social skills. You’ll hear specific examples of classroom campaigns, breakdowns of educational concepts framed as game mechanics, and reflections on what makes a collaborative narrative truly engaging. Whether you're an educator looking for a dynamic new tool, a brand new Dungeon Master seeking foundational tips, or a longtime player curious about the game's applied potential, this podcast offers a unique perspective. It’s a biweekly show that takes a summer break, giving hosts and listeners time to recharge and plan their next campaigns. Detentions and Dragons is part of the Block Party Podcast Network, focusing on the tangible ways a fantasy game can build real-world skills and community, making the podcast a resource that’s as informative as it is genuinely fun to listen to.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Detentions and Dragons
Podcast Episodes
Lesson # 166 - Roll Modeling: Combat Basics and Dragons [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:13
On this lesson of Detentions and Dragons, Josh and Matt talk about the basics of combat. They discuss how set up combat, roll for initiative, and the demo through roll play some basic combat. Did these two teachers help…
Lesson # 165 - Roll Modeling: Ability Checks and Dragons [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:28
On this lesson of Detentions and Dragons, Josh and Matt talk about how to do an ability check. They discuss what an ability check is and then role model ability checks in a mini-session of D&D. Did these two teachers hel…
Lesson # 164 - How to Make a Character and Dragons [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:38
On this lesson of Detentions and Dragons, Josh and Matt talk about how to fill out a character sheet. They discuss what needs to be considered before making a character and then take a step-by-step approach to filling ou…
Lesson # 163 - Bringing D&D into the Classroom and Dragons [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:04
On this special crossover lesson, Matt and Josh join Neal on the Dungeon Master's Block podcast to interview Senior Brand Manager of D&D and Co-host of the Dragon Talk podcast Shelly Mazzanoble and veteran teacher Kade W…
Lesson # 162 - Roll Models and Dragons [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:29
Detentions and Dragons is back and ready to kickoff their 6th season of the podcast! Josh and Matt have always focused on making D&D fun and accessible for new players and new teacher DMs. However, at the start of the 6t…
Lesson # 161 - Graduation 2022 and Dragons [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:06
School is out for summer!!! With empty desks,empty classrooms, and empty Zoom meetings, Josh and Matt sit back and recount adventures from their D&D games in club and in the classroom. No rules, No lesson plans, just two…
Lesson # 160 - Social Interactions and Dragons [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:03
On this lesson of Detentions and Dragons, Josh and Matt talk about running in campaign social interaction. They discuss the official published rules for running social interactions, when to role play and when to roll pla…
Lesson # 159 - Splitting the Party and Dragons [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:40
On this lesson of Detentions and Dragons, Josh and Matt talk about the controversial topic of splitting the party. They discuss what it is, why most DMs advise against it, and thoughtful ways to integrate this narrative…
Lesson # 158 - Vintage Items and Dragons [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:18
On this lesson of Detentions and Dragons, Josh and Matt talk about vintage magical items for your D&D campaign. D&D 5E has many fantastic published and homebrewed items. However, why should we limit ourselves to just the…
Lesson # 157 - Advanced Ability Checks and Dragons [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:23
On this lesson of Detentions and Dragons, Josh and Matt talk about advanced ability checks. They discuss the variant ability check rule, some examples of checks using the variant rules, and pros and cons of utilizing thi…