Mastering Dungeons
Episodes
Mastering Dungeons – Updating Old Adventures Part 8
07 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Concluding the series on updating adventures from prior editions of D&D, Shawn and Teos go over some of the things they’ve learned over the last eig...
Mastering Dungeons – Updating Old Adventures Part 7
31 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
One of the greatest D&D adventures of all time; and the first to be published under the D&D “Expert” rules; the Isle of Dread! Sure it’s been up...
Mastering Dungeons – Updating Old Adventures Part 6
24 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Continuing this series, Shawn and Teos tackle the classic 1984 adventure Dragons of Despair; the first of an epic series of Dragonlance adventures! Li...
Mastering Dungeons – Updating Old Adventures Part 5
17 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Shawn and Teos tackle the classic adventure N1. Enjoy! (Oh, sorry. Back in the day, we all knew the adventures in the same way you might attack your s...
Mastering Dungeons – Updating Old Adventures Part 4
10 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The Dungeoneering Duo finishes their breakdown of the classic adventure Pharaoh! They take a look at what is classic and fun and what might need some ...
Mastering Dungeons – Updating Old Adventures Part 3
03 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Question: Does Teos have a favorite adventure? Answer: Yes! Question: Is it an old adventure from a prior edition of D&D? Answer: Again, yes! Specific...
Mastering Dungeons – Updating Old Adventures Part 2
24 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Shawn and Teos continue their discussion on converting adventures from the Original Dungeons & Dragons, 1st and 2nd Edition Advanced Dungeons & Dragon...
Mastering Dungeons – Updating Old Adventures Part 1
17 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
There are tons (kind of literally) of adventure content supported by the Fifth Edition of Dungeons & Dragons; especially given the breadth and depth o...
Mastering Dungeons – Back to Fizban’s
10 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
After a brief hiatus, the dragons are back and the Dynastic Dungeoneers are ready to finish them off! Shawn and Teos break down the last of the bestia...
Mastering Dungeons – Keith Ammann Knows What He’s Doing
03 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Blogger and author Keith Ammann (The Monsters Know What They’re Doing, Live to Tell the Tale, and MOAR! The Monsters Know What They’re Doing) join...
Mastering Dungeons – New AL Admin Toni Winslow-Brill!
27 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Teos welcomes game designer and the brand new Adventurers League Admin, Toni Winslow-Brill on to talk about the amazing arc of her career and what to ...
Mastering Dungeons – Fizban’s Treasury of Dragons Part 9
20 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
New year, new dragons! Enter the bestiary of Fizban’s as Teos and Shawn take a look at the creatures related to dragons, as well as a slew of new ki...
Mastering Dungeons – Fizban’s Treasury of Dragons Part 8
13 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Draconomicon. There’s really nothing more that needs be be said about this chapter than that. Draconomicon. There, I said it again… Draconomicon! ...
Mastering Dungeons – Fizban’s Treasury of Dragons Part 7
06 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
So, where do dragons live and what do they sleep on? No, the Masters of Dungeons aren’t launching bespoke ad campaigns for Zillow and Helix Sleep, r...
Mastering Dungeons – Happy New Year!
30 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
As 2021 comes to a close, we present a very special Mastering Dungeons with a letter to Shawn and Teos from a future game designer and a break down of...
Mastering Dungeons – Fizban’s Treasury of Dragons Part 6
22 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Some dragons might try to go it alone, but for the ones that don’t, Shawn and Teos talk different kinds of dragon relationships and new options for ...
Mastering Dungeons – Fizban’s Treasury of Dragons Part 5
16 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Sure, you know what your dragon thinks of the PCs and you have every single piece of that dragon’s massive treasure hoard accounted for and your PCs...
Mastering Dungeons – Fizban’s Treasury of Dragons Part 4
10 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Tis the season of giving and, in that very spirit, the Masters of Dungeons discuss the various gifts the Dragons of the worlds of D&D can offer player...
Mastering Dungeons – Fizban’s Treasury of Dragons Part 3
02 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Want draconic character options? Shawn and Teos give us a crash course on the options presented in Fizban’s! This Episode’s Links D&D TV Shows are...
Mastering Dungeons – Fizban’s Treasury of Dragons Part 2
24 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
What would a book about dragons be without subclasses? The Masters of Dungeons break down the Fizban’s all-new options for Monks, Rangers, and more!...
Mastering Dungeons – Fizban’s Treasury of Dragons Part 1
18 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The Masters of Dungeons, together once more, have decided to take on the other half of the title of the game in which they’ve become such experts: D...
Mastering Dungeons – Mario Ortegón!
12 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
There’s been a lot going on! So much that Shawn was eaten and we failed to notice in time to help him! While he fights his way out of that […]
Mastering Dungeons – Dark Fantasy and Horror Panel Gamehole Con
04 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Shawn and Teos host a panel with Greg Marks, Content Manager for Adventurers League, talking about inserting horror into your games. They break down w...
Mastering Dungeons – LIVE at Gamehole Con!
28 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
With all the news coming out of everywhere, the Masters of Dungeons decided to discuss it in front of the audience at Gamehole Con! This Episode’s L...
Mastering Dungeons – Starting Strong Part 5: The End?
21 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
After a couple weeks apart, Shawn and Teos. the Mad Wizard and AlphaStream, are back together to strongly finish their discussion on starting strong w...
Mastering Dungeons – Mike Shea on All the News (and The Lazy DM’s Companion)
14 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
With Teos adventuring through Europe, Shawn sits down with Mike Shea to talk about the massive amount of news over the last several weeks. Among these...
Mastering Dungeons – Stacey Allan and Will Doyle from The Wild Beyond the Witchlight!
07 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The fantastic creative team responsible for creating the terrifying Witchlight Carnival (and bringing the characters from the 1980s action figure line...
Mastering Dungeons – Starting Strong Part 4
30 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Having broken down the opening tales of various world-saving, monster-stopping, nearby-community-protecting, heroic adventures for use by brand new Du...
Mastering Dungeons – Starting Strong Part 3
23 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Shawn is back and he and Teos continue to break down the opening sequences of the hard cover D&D Fifth Edition adventures! Which ones hold up as adven...
Mastering Dungeons – Scott Fitzgerald Gray
16 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
With Shawn off wrestling another monster project, the amazing Scott Fitzgerald Gray steps in to join Teos in chatting about how to Master the Dungeons...
Mastering Dungeons – Starting Strong Part 2
09 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Shawn and Teos continue their deep dive into what’s good—and what could maybe use some other fixing—in the opening adventures and/or adventure s...
Mastering Dungeons – Starting Strong Part 1
02 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
How does a new Dungeon Master make sure they’re coming out of the gate running? The Masters of Dungeons take a look at the opening adventures (or ad...
Mastering Dungeons – Running Intro Adventures Part 3
26 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Now that they’ve talked about what you need to do before you even consider running a game, Shawn and Teos break down, in detail, what they would lik...
Mastering Dungeons – Running Intro Adventures Part 2
19 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
So after listening to the first part, you’ve studiously taken everything into account and prepared as best you can for running your game… now what...
Mastering Dungeons – Running Intro Adventures
13 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Shawn and Teos go back basics as they tackle the topic of getting started and where to do it: the beginning? before that? Once again, the Masters of D...
Mastering Dungeons – James Haeck on Updating Critical Role’s Tal’Dorei Setting
05 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Shawn and Teos welcome James Haeck to discuss Critical Role’s Tal’Dorei Campaign Setting (link) – what’s new, what’s updated, and what’s M...
Mastering Dungeons – Van Richten’s 7
29 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Who knows what evils lurk in the mists, shadows, and echoing halls of Ravenloft? Shawn and Teos know! Let’s take a look at the Monsters that Make th...
Mastering Dungeons – Adventurers League and Dune with Bee Zelda!
22 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
With the Mad Wizard once more on a quest, Teos summons the new AL Community Director and his fellow streamer; from the Broadswords!; the amazing Bee Z...
Mastering Dungeons – Van Richten’s 6
14 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
What is the nature of the Mists of Ravenloft? Where do the Domains come from? Why is magic different in the Realm of Mists? Shawn and Teos take on que...
Mastering Dungeons – Van Richten’s 5
08 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
There are more to the Domains of Dread than can be held in a singular tome. So what does it take to build a Dread Domain from scratch? Shawn and […]
Mastering Dungeons – Van Richten’s 4
01 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
What sort of hero would dare brave the mists of Ravenloft? What kind of adventurer would be willing to fight for hope against the unending waves of te...
Mastering Dungeons – Apocalypse Forever with Special Guest – Jim Davis!
23 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
WebDM co-host Jim Davis stops by as Shawn gets some much needed rest… or he’s battling his way out of a hive of neogi or the like. There was oddly...
Mastering Dungeons – Van Richten’s 3
17 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
We go through the adventure in Van Richten’s Guide to Ravenloft, the House of Lament! Spoilers abound as the Dungeoneers break down the experience o...
Mastering Dungeons – Van Richten’s 2
11 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Having defined horror in D&D games, we now look at the tools a DM might use to bring those themes to their campaign. From specific tools to Ravenloft ...
Mastering Dungeons – Van Richten’s 1
03 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
What does horror mean in Dungeons and Dragons? The Masters of the Dungeons, Shawn and Teos, discuss this as they jump forward to chapter 4 of Van Rich...
Mastering Dungeons – Candlekeep or Bust!
27 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
We take a quick tour of Candlekeep and the selection of anthology adventures written by some of the best designers working today! Shawn and Teos break...
Mastering Dungeons – Putting Tasha’s to Bed
20 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
With the 10th episode talking Tasha’s, what left for Shawn and Teos to discuss? Feats and Spells and Magic Items! Oh, my! We say goodbye to Tasha’...
Mastering Dungeons – Tasha’s Bonanza 9
13 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The Masters finish up their coverage of Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything… or do they! They break down the section on group patrons: What kind of opt...
Mastering Dungeons – Tasha’s Bonanza 8
06 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
So what does Tasha’s offer for those who are looking for something different with their Wizard? Spells! Arcane Traditions! And Cantrip Formulas? Yep...
Mastering Dungeons – Tasha’s Bonanza 7
29 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
After a massive pile of news, Shawn and Teos dive back into Tasha’s epic tome, sifting through the enigma wrapped in a mystery shoved in a conundrum...
Mastering Dungeons – The Economy of D&D
21 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Shawn and Teos are joined by economist, journalist, and podcaster Tim Harford to talk about the future of Dungeons & Dragons (and the role-playing hob...
Mastering Dungeons – Tasha’s Bonanza 6
14 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Get ready to make a deal as Shawn and Teos walk us through the Warlock options in Tasha’s. Including new spells, new class options, new eldritch cha...
Mastering Dungeons – Tasha’s Bonanza 5
07 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Shawn and Teos work more of their magic on the player side of Tasha’s with a breakdown of the Sorcerer options and subclasses. Then they navigate th...
Mastering Dungeons – Tasha’s Bonanza 4
01 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Shhh! The Masters of the Dungeons are breaking down the options for Rogues from Tasha’s including the long-awaited Soulknife! Whoops. Got excited th...
Mastering Dungeons – Celeste Conowitch and Making Rules
25 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The amazing Celeste Conowitch comes by to chat with Shawn and Teos about making rules as she breaks down her latest project, The Venture Maidens Campa...
Mastering Dungeons – Tasha’s Player and DM Bonanza 3
17 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Shawn and Teos talk the folk of the Feywild from the latest Unearthed Arcana, discuss the latest from Adventurers League, and review other D&D news. T...
Mastering Dungeons – Tasha’s Player and DM Bonanza 2
10 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Shawn and Teos home in on the Ranger options from Tasha’s, breaking down the variety of options for one of the most discussed classes. Then we start...
Mastering Dungeons – Tasha’s Player and DM Bonanza!
04 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
What was the purpose of the ghostly visions from last week? Found out here as Shawn and Teos head back into Tasha’s Guide to break down the options ...
Mastering Dungeons – Icewind Dale Final Thoughts with GM Tim and Marcello De Velazquez
26 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Shawn and Teos come in from the cold and are joined by another pair of Masters of Dungeons, GM Tim and Marcello De Velazquez to break down what they’...
Mastering Dungeons – Icewind Dale, Pt. 23
20 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Coming in a little late and in from the cold, we wrap up the last few chapters of the Icewind Dale. Also: more alternate Monk action with fewer Monk p...
Mastering Dungeons – Icewind Dale, Pt. 22
11 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
After the news, the Men of Mastery KICK this one off by GRAPPLING with the options for the Monk, from Tasha’s. Does the Monk get the PUNCH it needs ...
Mastering Dungeons – Icewind Dale, Pt. 21
04 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
I’m writing this before I even look at the notes in an attempt to predict what will be in this episode and I foresee… even more news, including a ...
Mastering Dungeons – Icewind Dale, Pt. 20
28 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The news in the D&D world continue to come fast and furious and the Dungeoneers sort it out before tackling Tasha’s twisted turn at the Fighter and ...
Mastering Dungeons – Icewind Dale, Pt. 19
21 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
With a pile of news heading up this episode, Shawn and Teos break down the many events of the week before heading back into Tasha’s tome and continu...
Mastering Dungeons – Icewind Dale, Pt. 18
14 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The Masters of Dungeons continue to crash their way through the Dale; pushing through Chapter 5, where those hanging threads can get tied up; as well ...
DwDD (Mastering Dungeons) – Icewind Dale, Pt. 17
07 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to the second episode of our rebranded show! Teos and Shawn boldly bear on through Cleric Domains in Tasha’s Guide and the encounters of Cha...
DwDD (Mastering Dungeons) – Icewind Dale, Pt. 16
31 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Shawn and Teos continue their path through… wait a minute! This is a different podcast! *Ahem* WELCOME to Mastering Dungeons! Continuing on from the...
DwDD – Icewind Dale, Pt. 15
23 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
This week, Shawn and Teos continue reviewing bard options from Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything and then return to the cold to wrap up Chapter 2 of Ic...
DwDD – Icewind Dale, Pt. 14
16 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
This week, the Dungeon Master Duo keeps Tasha’s discussion to a minimum, breaking down the options for the Bard, and head back out into the cold, di...
DwDD – Icewind Dale, Pt. 13(?)
10 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Shawn and Teos brace for the glacial chill of the rime-covered skies of the… wait, no… they kind of get into with with Tasha’s, this time. Hey, ...
DwDD – Icewind Dale, Pt. 12
02 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
With their snowshoes tied on tight and cold steel in their hands, Shawn and Teos continue to trudge through the unrelenting chill of the Icewind Dale....
DwDD – Icewind Dale, Pt. 11
26 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
The Dungeoneering Duo continues their trek into the inhospitable frigidity of the Dale. This time around, they offer some advice on the various quests...
DwDD – Icewind Dale, Pt 10: Chapter Two
19 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
The adventures begin… somewhat! Shawn and Teos discuss the finer points of the sandbox that is presented in Chapter Two, which includes going throug...
DwDD – Icewind Dale, Pt 9: The Wrap of Chapter One!
11 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Shawn and Teos close the book on Chapter 1 of Icewind Dale, addressing how to run your players through the extensive contents of this chapter! This Ep...
DwDD – Icewind Dale, Pt 8
04 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Shawn and Teos continue their long trek into the cold wilderness of the Icewind Dale, scraping the secrets of the Ten Towns from the unforgiving ice. ...
DwDD – Icewind Dale, Pt 7
28 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Shawn and Teos continue their look at the Ten Towns and the quests they have to offer. This Episode’s Links Table Top Babble More information about ...
DwDD – Icewind Dale, Pt 6
21 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Shawn and Teos start taking a look at the Ten Towns and the quests they have to offer. The Three Musketeers on Kickstarter through October 30th Nazi D...
DwDD – Icewind Dale, Pt 5
16 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
We’ve learned what we can of the harsh environment and been introduced to the basics of the Ten Towns, it’s time to delve in, addressing the vario...
DwDD – Icewind Dale, Pt 4
08 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
What are the Ten Towns and how do characters in the Icewind Dale interact with them? Shawn and Teos break down this chapter and all the resources, the...
DwDD – Icewind Dale, Pt 3
06 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
The exploration of the frozen lands continues with a discussion on the many ways the environment can kill! As a bonus: tips on fishing the knucklehead...
DwDD – Icewind Dale, Pt 2
24 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
The Gents continue their long trek across the frozen wastes of the Icewind Dale, this time, addressing some advice for new GMs! D&D Celebration was a ...
DwDD – Icewind Dale, Pt 1
18 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Shawn and a safe-and-sound Teos kick off a series on the cold, unforgiving landscape of Icewind Dale! Avalon Hill is now directly part of Hasbro Watch...
DwDD – Using the Mythic Odysseys of Theros in Your Campaign, Part 3
10 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
The final journey into the mythical realms of Theros as Shawn and Teos talk about how your players can deal with the gods! Wizards Announces Magic the...
DwDD – Using the Mythic Odysseys of Theros in Your Campaign, Part 2
03 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
The breakdown of the Theros content continues as Shawn and Teos talk about the kinds of stories that could be told with the supplement. Pick up Mythic...
DwDD – Using the Mythic Odysseys of Theros in Your Campaign
27 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Shawn and Teos break down using the Magic: The Gathering world of Theros in everyone’s campaigns! Pick up Mythic Odysseys of Theros D&D Celebration!...
DwDD – Exploring Exploration, Pt. 3
20 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Successfully navigating their way to the last of the series focusing on exploration in Dungeons & Dragons, the gentlemen of DwDD talk about hexes… n...
DwDD – Exploring Exploration, Pt. 2
13 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Walking the twisting, winding path of all the facets of exploration, once more, Shawn and Teos pull out their verbal machetes* and cut through the bru...
DwDD – Exploring Exploration, Pt. 1
06 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
One of the pillars of Dungeons & Dragons that doesn’t always get the spotlight, what does exploration mean in D&D? Teos and Shawn really get into th...
DwDD – New Players
30 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
So how do you teach Dungeons & Dragons to a new player? Well, Teos and Shawn break down the challenges and pitfalls of teaching a new player while off...
DwDD – Traps with NEW Co-Host… TEOS ABADIA!!!
23 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to Teos, the new on-going co-host to Down with D&D! Shawn and Teos break down traps! What are they used for, how can they be used by a DM, […...
DwDD – Looking at Feats with Greg Marks
16 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Feats, don’t fail them now! Shawn brings in Adventurers League Content Manager, Game Designer, and Writer, Greg Marks to break down some of the conc...
DwDD – D&D Live with Teos Abadia
25 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Shawn is joined, once again, by Teos Abadia to discuss the recent D&D Live event and the future of live gaming! Teos has a website you can check out! ...
DwDD – World and Character Building with Lysa Penrose
18 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Lysa joins Shawn, once more, to discuss the process of building a world to run games in and how to make the people in them come to life while DMing […...
DwD&D – Fantastic Lairs with James Introcaso, Mike “Sly Flourish” Shea, and Scott Fitzgerald Gray
05 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Shawn is joined by James Introcaso, Mike “Sly Flourish” Shea, and Scott Fitzgerald Gray to talk about the trio’s new project Fantastic Lairs: Bo...
DwDD – The Underdark, but with Ghouls, with Meagan and Wolfgang
01 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
[Editor’s Note: Thanks for being patient with this episode. There will be two eps of Down with D&D, this week. Enjoy!] Meagan Maricle and Wolfgang B...
DwDD – Dungeon Mastery for 5e with Greg Marks
21 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Content manager for the Adventurer’s League and super-DM, Greg Marks joins Shawn to dig into what is needed to be a DM for Fifth Edition D&D. Follow...
DwDD – Rich Lescouflair on 5e for Other Games
14 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Shawn is joined by the creator of Esper Genesis, Rich Lescouflair, and they have a chat about using the rules of 5e to adapt to other settings, games,...
DwDD – LaTia Bryant on D&D Community
07 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
LaTia Bryant joins Shawn to talk about the amazing D&D Community and how it’s expanding and evolving! Follow LaTia on Twitter Follow LaTia on Instag...
DwDD – Writing Adventures with Ashley Warren
30 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Joining the Mad Wizard is the ENie-Award Winning Ashley Warren to talk about what it takes to really get into writing great stories for RPGs! These tw...
DwDD – Chris Lindsey of Wizards of the Coast on Community During the Pandemic
23 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Chris joins Shawn to talk about the effects of the Pandemic on gaming currently, and how it may affect the future. This is a powerful and hopeful conv...