Bill Allan my teacher, Mr.smithson runs the dnd club after school in the town I live in and he's pretty cool I haven't gone to the club though because I have already been in a campaign with my friends for 3 years before and we don't want to do anything else until we decide to end our current campaign. But anyway the point is that I love teachers like you who have similar interests with the students and relate to them and I'm happy that there are a plethora of teachers like that at my school
Bruh.. S01E04, The Finale, at 3:33 he makes a mention of your comment about his technique, and it has totally broken him. "He's in my head, Mr. Allen!" Lol. Fucking. Beautiful.
@@dseray9494 Tfw you expose yourself as being a horrible DM. You can easily nerf the spell or just add higher Dex monsters or overall stronger monsters. Honestly faking die rolls isn't even as bad completely removing a core mechanic of a certain class.
@@dseray9494 Let them have it, but model enemy attacks and terrain so that it wouldn't be their best move. Doesn't take long to put ruins, houses, trees, hills, etc into conflict map.
I love how he promotes useful spell usage, it was a small thing but at the start when they are looking for tracks The DM turns to the mage and points out he has a useful light spell to help out, then instead of just saying "hey you have this" he says "and you cats your light spell"... At first it could seem like he's taking control from the player, but what he's doing for the player is saying "hey, you have this spell, it creates light, these are the kind of situations you would want to use that kind of spell" ... Because I play with my two little sisters who are under the age of 12 at my table, they do pretty good, but sometimes they don't realize other ways certain abilities can be used or how useful they are until they use them, i might carefully try that technique :)
our sorcerer casted light while I was looking under a door immediately causing the party to get attacked by 6 kobolds and I'm hit with the door as it opens
In a way, yes this is helpful but it can lead to railroading. I prefer to let things play out organically. After all, he just needs to look at his sheet and ask if he isn't sure what a spell or ability does. It also doen't help when the other players are ragging all over him. If that didn't happen maybe he would open up like Heather did.
Also, what if the light attracted something out in the woods? As a player, you might be reluctant to cast Light without the knowledge that it was relatively safe to do so. This was an excellent move, because he was so casual about it, too. Big fan.
Ok, in episode 2 they had there torches range 20ft + 20 more dim. Light has to be cast on a object even if say he cast it on his hand the range is still 20ft + 20 more dim. How does this help?
DM advice: To help the players think inside their character's minds. If a player does poorly on a perception check, ask the players, "What is your character doing that he's so unaware of his surroundings?" Doing this also requires less explanations by the DM.
Raymond Bingham Thank you! I’m a first time DM and I’ve only had one session so far, but every time one of my players rolled low on perception, I was the one narrating it. Now I can help them get into their characters head more and less work on me. Very much appreciated!
This is a great tip! I've been playing D&D for a long time, but I want to start to DM. Even with my current PC character I'm really trying to lean heavy into the RP and the story-telling of my actions not just what the dice dictate. I'm going to use this when I do get my game going. Thanks!
Until you find out that depending on the DM the Skeletons would need at least a +1 -- +3 weapon , a magical weapon or even a silver one to even hit them.
@@raerncornerproduction6073 In 5th edition D&D skeletons don't require magical weapons to hit. The only attack/damage condition that applies is that they are vulnerable to bludgeoning damage. There are other "rule mechanics" that the DM is getting wrong, like you can't disengage (an action) and then do another action like cast a spell or attack with a weapon. That being said, it is up to the DM's discretion as long as the rules stay consistent.
@@Kokoroean I was commenting on Raern corner production's comment about the need for magical or silvered weapons to be able to hit skeletons in D&D 5E. That's all.
@@Kokoroean I didn't re read my entire comment. You're correct, casting a bonus action spell can be done after using the disengage action as long as you haven't already used your bonus action already.
"In the world of dungeons and dragons, completely open. You can shove it up your own rear end if you wanted to." Ha ha ha ha! As a dm from multiple pathfinder and d&d games, I know that too well. Too many weird things can be said and done.
@@niconicer6463 I was playing Warhammer my character was the following a lowborn nobleman who was a skirt-chasing drunk The party after just rescued a female elf and 2 female humans had set up camp and one was going to be the lookout and the DM asked me so what are you doing while I was trying to think of something I just said more as a joke. I said I will bed the elf and the 2 human females. The Dm said ok roll your dice I ended up in my tent with all 3 of them. While the other players were looking at me like WTF. I pointed out that I was a skirt chaser and that is what they do :). The DM was like while Raern is in his tent with the 3 females that you had just rescued doing whatever he is doing in there with them. LOL
ive been very lucky over the last year. I have been teaching a group of 5th, 6th, and 8th graders how to play D and D here in Taiwan. The core group are headed for 9th level now. We play once a week for 2 hours. I get paid about 40 US dollars an hour to play D and D with them. There was one month when a 6th grader who was super into it was the DM and I got to play and still get paid. I suggest anyone who has teaching experience to work on doing something like this in their community. Parents will pay to get their kids out of their hair and off the streets.
I do the same thing, but on a volunteer basis with a group of 4 to 5 guys (13-20) who all are on the autism spectrum, I DM for them, we play once a month from 4-5 hours. I absolutely love how creative these guys can be when role playing their characters. I love seeing kids play something like this instead of starting at a screen all the time.
That could have being a good excuse for the druid and the sorceror to smell him while close (if he is carrying or had contact recently with weird substances used on nature/arcane spells). -> I really like that "paranoid" aspect the players seems to share.
I had a situation like Cooper when I was younger. Slung the bow and fumbled my sword draw resulting in me cutting the string and being knocked out by the limbs of the bow. My mom was our DM and had all kinds of goofy homebrew punishments to divvy out when we pissed her off lol.
Yeah but they are teenagers. And that happens with teens. Kids at the school I work in are like this all the time. I usually call them out on it if I get the chance.
As a high schooler around their age I can say that this is completely normal for kids as a joking method saying "you are the worst" when he rolled a 1 was likely not intended to be mean but to be more of like friendly competition type thing.
I have read other comments that Cooper is becoming the party leader but I don't see it that way. He is becoming "That Guy" who tells others how to play their character and berate others for their random die roles. If this isn't nipped in the bud he will become a toxic player. Since he is a new player the DM really needs to communicate and educate him on table top rpg etiquette.
I'm starting to get into D&D 5th Ed with my step son. Im excited to see how his reaction would be this weekend when we get to create our characters and play our first game.
he's even leading other players actions, bit frustrating because the other players just tend to do what he tells them to do instead of have time and space to choose what they would do, its a typ of player that plays the game for the person next to them, and it makes it so that the party misses out on that persons good/bad/incredibly mindblowing ideas and actions and instead its more like 'the coop show', instead of a party bringing their strong points together and forming a unit that trancends each individuals capability's think of the megazord from powerrangers: combined powers to build a strong well rounded fighting machine. where "the coop show" : is just a robot made completely out of right legs you cant build the megazord from only right legs coop :P
completely agree totally strong armed the group currently dealing with someone like this in my games he'll get tko or knocked out and will start going to the other players telling em what to do or stop what theyre doing to heal him and i keep trying to remind him hes out they wouldnt b able to hear or communicate . urks me
Anthony Rivera I havnt even played D&D (although I'm trying to find a group ) and I completely agree. Honestly, I've thought of his playstyle as pretty annoying to say the least. But as long as everyone is enjoying theirselves that's all that matters.
20:16 man, Cooper is on FIRE doing his strategy thing with two of his companions.Even makes sure the NPC is covered! Natural 20 on this kid's initiative ;)
Shillelagh is a bonus action, you mentioned in the previous episode as well, that she'd be able to cast, but not attack, but she can cast as bonus, attack for standard, and move for movement action. I usually don't like critiquing rules of others, because your fun is your fun. Though, I do think using the spell correctly is more fun than not in this case.
They are level 1... I know for sure that "Light" & "Shillelagh" are lvl 0 spells (so in 5e -> no slots required, unlimited use). The ice & fire spells are casted by a sorceror, so those may be low damage "free cantrips" as well.
@@ghostapostle7225 she was also allowed to disengage as an action and then cast cure wounds which counts as an action as well. DM is a bit too generous.
its interesting how their mentality on the game is set on numbers: Cooper tried to shot an arrow to a skeleton, tried to change a bow with a rapier and have time to attack generally speaking, the rest of the players are always expecting the next movement from the DM instead of their own actions and limiting themselves to small actions like walk, protect, attack instead of going further in exploration, as if they were playing a videogame, and later, Heather starts to make a stand in the game and question the situation, trying to go beyond the story the DM is giving and trying to figure her own destiny
Lowkey I hope Brian comes back to get revenge on Cooper talking shit cause he's just being cocky he's getting good rolls and rolled insane stats. Magic is powerful, hang in there Brian!
The guy (Cooper) who wanted to leave had a great idea... none of the bones have to deal with saving the kid and wife so no need to be there. Of course, the rest of the group - Heather specifically - said they should stay & look what happened... a battle with skeletons! I saw that coming from a mile away.
They are not "professionals" for this "production" (so it is ok). You can hear a door in the room open and close normally (not slowly and carefully, as someone would after reading the *RECORDING IN PROGRESS!!* sign outside), people going in and out, even talking normal/loud on next room are things they did not took into consideration for this "first session" [or the precise time to do it was out of their control].
These kids have no idea how lucky they are to have this fantastic instructor. Really glad to see some of them really getting into the experience (especially Cooper).
It's interesting to watch how their thoughts and feelings have changed as the game progresses, originally they were all keen to just charge out into the night to help this random poor bastard and now they're questioning why did they even do this from the start or if malcom is even trustworthy
I’m a new player as well in the sense that in the campaign I’m in at school we haven’t had combat or anything. I’d love to see if they can get more into their characters later, because the roleplay aspect is pretty nice. Like you can play whatever character you want, and no one can judge you I always like to consider the character I want when making the stats. ((I have filled five slots in dndbeyond because I always make characters I’ll never get to use for the heck of it)) Ie giving my monk more dexterity since she was a dancer in her background, or giving my aaracokra(I don’t know how to spell it but it’s the bird person) five intelligence because she squawks at random times for no reason
Love these honestly. Short but fun and interesting. Glad to see someone getting new people into it. I would've never started if it wasn't for my D&D club at school. Now over a little bit over a year i am a DM now. Still a beginner at it but trying. Currently making my own personal adventure. My only issue is encounters for certain environments and terrains.
Cooper is just having fun man. Maybe he thinks that he knows how to make better decisions then them. To change that, the others should talk more. Cooper is doing most of the talking in that group.
After watching two episodes, I have to say that this series is great so far! I am pretty new to D&D myself, but I have played other RPGs. Seeing these students so intrigued by the game is inspiring.
Shillelagh is a bonussss actionnnn - she could also take the attack action after casting it and moving! But i loved this series, big props to Bill and the kids (who def aren't kids anymore by now)!
My understanding (25:00) Disengage is one of the actions you can take on your turn, so is Attack. Disengaging and attacking is taking two actions. (I think rogues can do this with cunning action where disengage is a Bonus Action). (27:00) again Disengage and casting a spell is two actions. BTW not criticizing just want to make sure you knew. (I was using the 5 foot step rule from PF/3.5 in 5e for ages before I discovered it wasnt a thing in 5e)
I'd argue that it seems as though they do this on some form of break during school hours. As a previous episode they referred to having to go due to the bell. Regardless of rules, these sort of changes speed combat up. Rather than having to use your action, it allows them to disengage and attack. speeding up the process.
Yep, if its been done on purpose cool, just wanted to make sure a mistake didnt creep in. Coz it sorta cancels out the rogues ability to attack then disengage if every class can do it..
Some spells/things like spells can be cast as bonus actions, but if it's intentional to speed up the flow of the game due to limited time, then yeah, it's a necessity for the group and while technically only rogues can disengage as a bonus action, it makes sense in this context to allow everyone to do it
I’m enjoying the series. I do want to point out when you disengage you can’t also attack or do a normal action. Just wasn’t sure if you knew or not. Either way looks like everyone is having fun.
But that's also where it's dangerous. If a GM goes off-key on hard rules, then the next time someone wishes to Disengage but DOESN'T get to also get that attack action, they'll get a bit sour over it. the Golden Rule should be more about 'oh you rolled really well? and you want to do a summersault over the badguys and slice them from behind? sure go ahead. you rolled well so 'Rule of Cool' works.' It's the same with if a GM lets someone survive even though they should have died, then when someone else dies and the GM doesn't give THEM the freebie extra life, then people get crossed and sour as well. This is specifically why I consider myself a Rules Traditionalist. I want the rules to be followed and exceptions should ever only happen if the rule itself goes against the flow of the game. Not because 'Golden Rule' excuse.
I feel that you aren't encouraging the other kids to engage in the actual role-playing of their characters. For example when the boy in the hood says "we're all warriors" younger him and have been lettingbhim dictate what the others should do or how they should be since episode one. That would have been a great time let's saying one of them maybe wasn't used to all the gore and battle for them to act out the part, to be different from his or her male ranger partner. Encourage them to have freedom to express and act out their roles. Other than that I'm loving this, good on you for doing this.
One of the things that I love about D&D, AD&D, as well as other RPG games like this is they all make you think. As in you see a lone gobin walking toward you, What do you do well most people would attack without thinking, goblin bad attack. A smarter player would be like let us find out what the goblin wants first. The DM continues that the Goblin was not only hurt, but defenseless as well the goblin also was not even going to attack the party but to warn the party of the real danger. The ones that had just attacked and killed the goblin gets an alignment shift of one or more towards evil. On top of lose all the information of what the real danger is. My alignment is always Chaotic Good I can not even play a LG character, I would shift it to CG in no time.
this series is great, not only as a great outlet for these kids but also as a way to help people who are familiar with dnd learn some of the rules, hopefully they can all get comfortable with rping so we can watch more of their decisions and stuff but other then that, love!
I know that it's been 2 years, and you've undoubtedly learned more about the rules, but I still cringe every time the sorcerer is short changed, being told to add only his Charisma Bonus instead of the Spell Attack Bonus (Charisma Bonus + Proficiency Bonus)
This is awesome. The story is good and what your doing for this kids is great. I was about their age when I discovered dnd and it changed my life for the better.......much much much better. Great stuff.
Really enjoying this series so far, I think D&D is great for kids and relationship building. It really feels like it's this episode they all got invested in the game and understand the magic of D&D and shared imagination.
Thank you! Yes, I would agree that the 3rd episode of season 1 is where they really began the role playing and immersion. Hope you'll check out the whole series; Seasons 2-5 all take place in my original world of Kikapulan, and they have overlapping and interconnected storylines.
@@BillAllanWorld I stayed up until 3am watching various videos on your channel, I was impressed! I'm going to be starting my own campaign (first time) with some kids at the youth centre I work at -- so I got a lot of great tips from yours. I've been playing D&D for about 15 years, and now I want to start building my own world as well, painting figs and really dive into the hobby!
@@elliottslinn5478 That is awesome! If you need any resources, I'm happy to share. You can check out our D&D Club page and see some of the materials - www.lths.net/dndclub
Loving this series, but you shoulda been adding Brian's proficiency bonus to his spell attacks. He should be getting plus 5 to hit with his fire bolt and ray of frost
How have I not come across your videos before? I run a D&D group for my friends at home and its fun, but the real interesting game I play is at my childcare. I work with children between gr 1-6 and the children LOVE to play D&D. They come up with great out of the box solutions for a lot of scenarios. I get them to draw up their characters as our art project, and they write reviews and come up with newspaper articles for what happened in the game. Its a ton of fun.
That's awesome! I have run games for my own kids and their friends, as well as games for kids and families at conventions. It's amazing how sometimes the kids play RPGs better than adults! They are creative, engaged, and collaborative. Thanks for sharing, and hope you'll continue to watch and subscribe!
this series is gonna be so fun to watch and learn more about being a dm than i already do from the several games ive run but no matter what i always go by 1 main rule, Rule Of Cool Overrule
thank you for keeping DnD alive throughout generations Bill, remember that at least 2/4 of this players will teach their sons aswell what is a natural 20 XD
Thanks, and sorry this reply is 1 year late. Something weird happened with my comments settings. I hope to encourage the new kids to try other games as well.
TBH I wish my players were still this green. In my opinion, it gets less fun to be a gm when the PCs hit double digits because they're just like "I look at the thing and it dies" or "I cast this spell and your puzzle is broken" Great work tho :) you explain things in a way that's not boring, but still simple enough that new players can follow easily
You could try adding some random negative consequences to them using certain spells, "unfortunately the use of this spell seems to be having some unforseen side affects... roll a d6"
Try switching to Warhammer, Zweihander or Call og Chulhu. There even an Archmage or other high level char can be killed by a low level grunt with a precise shot to the head :P
As a DM, though, you have all of the power to combat those situations. If they kill monsters too easily, make the monsters stronger or have more of them. A puzzle can easily have an anti-magic field around it. If your players have high AC, don't just throw physical damage at them. Test all of their saves. You can easily adapt any encounter or situation to challenge the players in various ways, no matter how strong they become.
Thank you for being one of the few who notice that. It's taken me decades to develop a mental memory device. I plan on making a video this fall about DMing without a screen. SPOILER: some people need screens, some don't. It's a personal preference.
Really enjoying these videos, my only comment is that I kinda wish the cameras facing the players would tilt down to the table a bit more. Otherwise very enjoyable.
We normally have a dedicated camera for a close up on the minis and terrain, but it's being used on another production. We should have it back for 2018.
This dude is a genius! He figured out a way to play D&D on the job
Thank you!
Bill Allan I want to be in your class
bill allan can i be in your class
Bill Allan my teacher, Mr.smithson runs the dnd club after school in the town I live in and he's pretty cool I haven't gone to the club though because I have already been in a campaign with my friends for 3 years before and we don't want to do anything else until we decide to end our current campaign. But anyway the point is that I love teachers like you who have similar interests with the students and relate to them and I'm happy that there are a plethora of teachers like that at my school
Since this is a media class he could have the students setting up the cameras, running the audio, and even doing the editing.
Everyone else; *normal rolls*
Cooper; TOSS THE DIE TO THE HEAVENS AND LET FATE DECIDE!
I dont get it but I like it
YES TO THE HEAVENS!
Bruh.. S01E04, The Finale, at 3:33 he makes a mention of your comment about his technique, and it has totally broken him. "He's in my head, Mr. Allen!"
Lol. Fucking. Beautiful.
I loved to see these kids open up. Heather was so quiet and reserved in the first episode and now she's really involved and talkative.
Brian is still coming along
thats the best part 100 percent!
Ya agree even tho heather was hit by the skeleton and then she heal her self she mange to get out of the way after the 2nd hit
I hope the other two boys begin to get that way!!!
@@kelciba oh ffs why am i reading comments while watching
It’s ok Brian everyone hates the spellcaster in the beginning. Then you get fireball and all else is insignificant
I banned fireball from my campaign and the spellcasters died
@@dseray9494 Dude that's cruel, you didn't have to do that, just nerf it, you're the DM, you can change the stats instead of straight-up banning it
@@dseray9494 Tfw you expose yourself as being a horrible DM. You can easily nerf the spell or just add higher Dex monsters or overall stronger monsters. Honestly faking die rolls isn't even as bad completely removing a core mechanic of a certain class.
@@dseray9494 Let them have it, but model enemy attacks and terrain so that it wouldn't be their best move. Doesn't take long to put ruins, houses, trees, hills, etc into conflict map.
I banned fireballs, firebolts, chromatic orbs, sorcery points, the players, theirs mothers, fathers, all videogames and now I'm banning myself. out.
Bill clearly follows the Golden Rule of Gaming: Fun first, rules later.
Yeah it seems so
The golden rule of gaming is try hard and always win
Lol
I forgot i commented on this
Yup
Screw the rules I have money
everyone else: investigating bones
brian: what a nice tree
LoL
Trees are pretty
I love how he promotes useful spell usage, it was a small thing but at the start when they are looking for tracks The DM turns to the mage and points out he has a useful light spell to help out, then instead of just saying "hey you have this" he says "and you cats your light spell"... At first it could seem like he's taking control from the player, but what he's doing for the player is saying "hey, you have this spell, it creates light, these are the kind of situations you would want to use that kind of spell" ... Because I play with my two little sisters who are under the age of 12 at my table, they do pretty good, but sometimes they don't realize other ways certain abilities can be used or how useful they are until they use them, i might carefully try that technique :)
our sorcerer casted light while I was looking under a door immediately causing the party to get attacked by 6 kobolds and I'm hit with the door as it opens
@@isaiahf-d846 nice
In a way, yes this is helpful but it can lead to railroading. I prefer to let things play out organically. After all, he just needs to look at his sheet and ask if he isn't sure what a spell or ability does. It also doen't help when the other players are ragging all over him. If that didn't happen maybe he would open up like Heather did.
Also, what if the light attracted something out in the woods? As a player, you might be reluctant to cast Light without the knowledge that it was relatively safe to do so. This was an excellent move, because he was so casual about it, too. Big fan.
Ok, in episode 2 they had there torches range 20ft + 20 more dim. Light has to be cast on a object even if say he cast it on his hand the range is still 20ft + 20 more dim. How does this help?
When asked to decide the order of the group and I heard Malcom was at the end I totally expected someone to say, "Put Malcom in the middle!".
That WOULD have been the greatest thing!
Bill Allan maybe introduce a duo of characters named Rick and Morty to see if the kids catch on.
They're probably too young for that
Yeah, that refrence would have totally gone over their heads!
Except these kids(im assuming 15?) Are too young to know that reference
DM advice: To help the players think inside their character's minds. If a player does poorly on a perception check, ask the players, "What is your character doing that he's so unaware of his surroundings?" Doing this also requires less explanations by the DM.
Raymond Bingham Thank you! I’m a first time DM and I’ve only had one session so far, but every time one of my players rolled low on perception, I was the one narrating it. Now I can help them get into their characters head more and less work on me. Very much appreciated!
Also mention Inspiration. Give them an extra reason to roleplay.
Thank you!
This is a great tip! I've been playing D&D for a long time, but I want to start to DM. Even with my current PC character I'm really trying to lean heavy into the RP and the story-telling of my actions not just what the dice dictate.
I'm going to use this when I do get my game going. Thanks!
Coop: Skeletons? pffft! Easy!
3 rounds in
Everybody: Don't kill the druid!
Classic level one d&d 😂😂😂
Until you find out that depending on the DM the Skeletons would need at least a +1 -- +3 weapon , a magical weapon or even a silver one to even hit them.
@@raerncornerproduction6073 In 5th edition D&D skeletons don't require magical weapons to hit. The only attack/damage condition that applies is that they are vulnerable to bludgeoning damage. There are other "rule mechanics" that the DM is getting wrong, like you can't disengage (an action) and then do another action like cast a spell or attack with a weapon.
That being said, it is up to the DM's discretion as long as the rules stay consistent.
@@pierowmania2775 if you're talking about 26:58, healing word is bonus action, so yes, you can disengage and cast healing word.
@@Kokoroean I was commenting on Raern corner production's comment about the need for magical or silvered weapons to be able to hit skeletons in D&D 5E. That's all.
@@Kokoroean I didn't re read my entire comment. You're correct, casting a bonus action spell can be done after using the disengage action as long as you haven't already used your bonus action already.
"In the world of dungeons and dragons, completely open. You can shove it up your own rear end if you wanted to." Ha ha ha ha! As a dm from multiple pathfinder and d&d games, I know that too well. Too many weird things can be said and done.
Actual conversation
"Thats too big you cant fit that there"
"How do you know we never went over the carrying capacity of my asshole?"
*rolls a d20 to determine anal circumference
Seduce the bone
@@niconicer6463 I was playing Warhammer my character was the following a lowborn nobleman who was a skirt-chasing drunk
The party after just rescued a female elf and 2 female humans had set up camp and one was going to be the lookout and the DM asked me so what are you doing while I was trying to think of something I just said more as a joke. I said I will bed the elf and the 2 human females. The Dm said ok roll your dice I ended up in my tent with all 3 of them. While the other players were looking at me like WTF. I pointed out that I was a skirt chaser and that is what they do :). The DM was like while Raern is in his tent with the 3 females that you had just rescued doing whatever he is doing in there with them. LOL
My players had a pissing contest to put out a fire after a rest. 😂 It was great. All the games I’ve watched and I’ve never seen that.
I love seeing thier progression from not even knowing what the game is to enjoying it this much. Cooper was loving it lol.
Bet you didn't expect this reply!
It’s hard to not love the game when most of your stats have at least a +2 lol
Cooper was clearly going to be into it from the 1st episode actually! lol
My boy Brian got cheated! He didn't get to add his proficiency bonus to his spell attacks.
Valid
6:53
THAT just made my day! "The world of D&D is completely open, you can shove it up in your rear end if you want! "
I wish my high school teachers were as cool as this guy
Vodka my art teacher is ha we are starting a d&d club
The problem is he's not "cool". He probably got picked on as a kid for this exact thing. Or even worse his family thought he was a satanist.
@@jeffreymoffitt4070 : |
@@jeffreymoffitt4070 kind of drastic man
@@jeffreymoffitt4070 he is fucking cool. He’s a great dungeon master. You could go fuck off with your “D&D iS fOr NeRdS”
"Coop's so into it" :D Hell yeah!
ive been very lucky over the last year. I have been teaching a group of 5th, 6th, and 8th graders how to play D and D here in Taiwan. The core group are headed for 9th level now. We play once a week for 2 hours. I get paid about 40 US dollars an hour to play D and D with them. There was one month when a 6th grader who was super into it was the DM and I got to play and still get paid. I suggest anyone who has teaching experience to work on doing something like this in their community. Parents will pay to get their kids out of their hair and off the streets.
That's amazing
I do the same thing, but on a volunteer basis with a group of 4 to 5 guys (13-20) who all are on the autism spectrum, I DM for them, we play once a month from 4-5 hours. I absolutely love how creative these guys can be when role playing their characters. I love seeing kids play something like this instead of starting at a screen all the time.
Sadly in my country, there is nothing like this in schools. 😢
God bless you man, as a 37 year old going back to school I can say the teacher or professor makes a huge difference
Thank you! Hope your adventures in school are fulfilling. As my old man said, it's never too late to learn.
"Do you give him a hug" ? lol!
That could have being a good excuse for the druid and the sorceror to smell him while close (if he is carrying or had contact recently with weird substances used on nature/arcane spells).
-> I really like that "paranoid" aspect the players seems to share.
Roll for charisma to see what effect the hug has
I had a situation like Cooper when I was younger. Slung the bow and fumbled my sword draw resulting in me cutting the string and being knocked out by the limbs of the bow. My mom was our DM and had all kinds of goofy homebrew punishments to divvy out when we pissed her off lol.
(Playing 1e)
Me: rolls
Dm: wait, that’s illegal
I think Coop is a bit harsh on Brian
True.
Yeah but they are teenagers. And that happens with teens. Kids at the school I work in are like this all the time. I usually call them out on it if I get the chance.
As a high schooler around their age I can say that this is completely normal for kids as a joking method saying "you are the worst" when he rolled a 1 was likely not intended to be mean but to be more of like friendly competition type thing.
I have read other comments that Cooper is becoming the party leader but I don't see it that way. He is becoming "That Guy" who tells others how to play their character and berate others for their random die roles. If this isn't nipped in the bud he will become a toxic player. Since he is a new player the DM really needs to communicate and educate him on table top rpg etiquette.
Cass Smith dude you are just old he’s a kid that’s how everyone jokes. Sure he’s being a bit much but he’s not any worse than normal
I'm starting to get into D&D 5th Ed with my step son. Im excited to see how his reaction would be this weekend when we get to create our characters and play our first game.
Good luck & have fun with the game :)
I wish u were my stepdad
Jay Trinidad good luck and have fun
Lucky my step dad just beats me.
@@Vospader21 me too man
Apart from the regular high school social dynamics, it is really nice to see kids having fun outside of a smartphone screen.
Jokes on you kids these days use digital character sheets on their phone. Some even use digital dice.
@@FlyXcur Yup. I don't even own physical dice. I click the relevant skill or item on my character sheet and it rolls and adds modifications for me.
8:00 Cooper: No, it looks old, it looks old...
Malcolm: ARE YOU IMPLYING MY WIFE IS OLD?!
I like how Cooper thought strategically and took the role of party leader.
he's even leading other players actions, bit frustrating because the other players just tend to do what he tells them to do instead of have time and space to choose what they would do,
its a typ of player that plays the game for the person next to them, and it makes it so that the party misses out on that persons good/bad/incredibly mindblowing ideas and actions and instead its more like 'the coop show', instead of a party bringing their strong points together and forming a unit that trancends each individuals capability's
think of the megazord from powerrangers: combined powers to build a strong well rounded fighting machine.
where "the coop show" : is just a robot made completely out of right legs
you cant build the megazord from only right legs coop :P
Denise Adams was that a Teen Titans Go! reference at the end there ;]?
no sorry m8 i was thinking "megazord robot" from the powerrangers hahaha
completely agree totally strong armed the group
currently dealing with someone like this in my games he'll get tko or knocked out and will start going to the other players telling em what to do or stop what theyre doing to heal him and i keep trying to remind him hes out they wouldnt b able to hear or communicate . urks me
Anthony Rivera I havnt even played D&D (although I'm trying to find a group ) and I completely agree. Honestly, I've thought of his playstyle as pretty annoying to say the least. But as long as everyone is enjoying theirselves that's all that matters.
20:16 man, Cooper is on FIRE doing his strategy thing with two of his companions.Even makes sure the NPC is covered! Natural 20 on this kid's initiative ;)
I love Brian super quietly exhaling an F bomb after a bad roll
Sorry it took me 3 years to reply; something weird with my comments.
Shillelagh is a bonus action, you mentioned in the previous episode as well, that she'd be able to cast, but not attack, but she can cast as bonus, attack for standard, and move for movement action. I usually don't like critiquing rules of others, because your fun is your fun. Though, I do think using the spell correctly is more fun than not in this case.
And I don't think they're counting the spell slots also. lol
They are level 1... I know for sure that "Light" & "Shillelagh" are lvl 0 spells (so in 5e -> no slots required, unlimited use). The ice & fire spells are casted by a sorceror, so those may be low damage "free cantrips" as well.
Heather used lvl 1 spells to heal. But maybe the DM knows the slots by heart and didn't need to point that out.
@@ghostapostle7225 she was also allowed to disengage as an action and then cast cure wounds which counts as an action as well. DM is a bit too generous.
its interesting how their mentality on the game is set on numbers: Cooper tried to shot an arrow to a skeleton, tried to change a bow with a rapier and have time to attack generally speaking, the rest of the players are always expecting the next movement from the DM instead of their own actions and limiting themselves to small actions like walk, protect, attack instead of going further in exploration, as if they were playing a videogame, and later, Heather starts to make a stand in the game and question the situation, trying to go beyond the story the DM is giving and trying to figure her own destiny
It was certainly an interesting experiment, and like all experiments, not perfect.
Way to leave us hangin', Bill! ;) Enjoying the story and the kids' reactions. It's always so fun to see new players get into the game. Great job! :)
Lowkey I hope Brian comes back to get revenge on Cooper talking shit cause he's just being cocky he's getting good rolls and rolled insane stats. Magic is powerful, hang in there Brian!
LoL
The guy (Cooper) who wanted to leave had a great idea... none of the bones have to deal with saving the kid and wife so no need to be there. Of course, the rest of the group - Heather specifically - said they should stay & look what happened... a battle with skeletons! I saw that coming from a mile away.
Brian: misses his attack
Cooper: YOU JUST KILLED HEATHER
LoL!
Heather was like "I was scared!". Its what you got for saying those wolves were so easy xD
27:47 We see you on your phone, Heather :D But seriously, what great videos!
They are not "professionals" for this "production" (so it is ok).
You can hear a door in the room open and close normally (not slowly and carefully, as someone would after reading the *RECORDING IN PROGRESS!!* sign outside), people going in and out, even talking normal/loud on next room are things they did not took into consideration for this "first session" [or the precise time to do it was out of their control].
@@adolfodef I think it was a joke about how they're in class
brian is literally me playing as a wizard and getting 3s on rolls and doing nothing on the battle
These kids have no idea how lucky they are to have this fantastic instructor. Really glad to see some of them really getting into the experience (especially Cooper).
It’s fun watching them come out of their shell’s
It's interesting to watch how their thoughts and feelings have changed as the game progresses, originally they were all keen to just charge out into the night to help this random poor bastard and now they're questioning why did they even do this from the start or if malcom is even trustworthy
Come back! We have so many more seasons!
I’m a new player as well in the sense that in the campaign I’m in at school we haven’t had combat or anything.
I’d love to see if they can get more into their characters later, because the roleplay aspect is pretty nice.
Like you can play whatever character you want, and no one can judge you
I always like to consider the character I want when making the stats. ((I have filled five slots in dndbeyond because I always make characters I’ll never get to use for the heck of it))
Ie giving my monk more dexterity since she was a dancer in her background, or giving my aaracokra(I don’t know how to spell it but it’s the bird person) five intelligence because she squawks at random times for no reason
Love these honestly. Short but fun and interesting. Glad to see someone getting new people into it. I would've never started if it wasn't for my D&D club at school. Now over a little bit over a year i am a DM now. Still a beginner at it but trying. Currently making my own personal adventure. My only issue is encounters for certain environments and terrains.
Paul Syers the dungeon masters guide has a bunch of terrains with sensible monsters in it. You can get it on amazon for like 30 bucks
It’s kind of annoying when Cooper tries make everyone else’s decisions for them.
Until he gets them killed he’s making good calls *shrugs*
That and he keeps saying you are dead
Cooper is just having fun man. Maybe he thinks that he knows how to make better decisions then them. To change that, the others should talk more. Cooper is doing most of the talking in that group.
He just started an he's very young
Hmm, maybe so, maybe not. Depends on how you see it.
After watching two episodes, I have to say that this series is great so far! I am pretty new to D&D myself, but I have played other RPGs. Seeing these students so intrigued by the game is inspiring.
The visual bonus you get from seeing the miniatures laid out like this is really a good way to start learning how to play. Pretty nice job doing that.
i was in a situation like the one at the end as a rouge, throws knife rolls a 1 hits teammate in between the eyes
Rogue
The world needs more teachers like this. Make learning fun!
He's a pretty good DM. I like that he had them roll insight and that the high rolls for it might ACTUALLY just be paranoid thoughts, lol.
Bill: "The power of Shelele compels you"
*Nobody laughs*
Me: *Chuckles* "Mortals know no jokes"
Bill, how are these four students enjoying this game? Also, do other students react differently to them now that they are on a RUclips series?
Jonathan Scruggs Your question shall soon be answered.
How soon shall this question be answered?
One year later... to be continued.
Lol still waiting I see
I think he forgot to answer it 😂
I'm loving Cooper's enthusiasm whenever something good happens.
Me too!
"Wolves Bane" the Druid whipped them wolves.
I could make a joke, but that joke is beneath me. Just like your mom ohhhhhhhhh yeah lol
All jokes aside she really did
8:55 Heather, bored to death again..
18:50 And again, almost ten minutes later.
Yes! LoL! I think she was disassociating #MKULTRA
Im in highscool and our dnd sessions are always in character and fun. So its nice to
See them playing more openly
Thank you! Come back and watch all of the seasons!
Shillelagh is a bonussss actionnnn - she could also take the attack action after casting it and moving!
But i loved this series, big props to Bill and the kids (who def aren't kids anymore by now)!
18:52 That moment when you just want to have your turn 🤣
My understanding (25:00) Disengage is one of the actions you can take on your turn, so is Attack. Disengaging and attacking is taking two actions. (I think rogues can do this with cunning action where disengage is a Bonus Action). (27:00) again Disengage and casting a spell is two actions. BTW not criticizing just want to make sure you knew. (I was using the 5 foot step rule from PF/3.5 in 5e for ages before I discovered it wasnt a thing in 5e)
I'd argue that it seems as though they do this on some form of break during school hours. As a previous episode they referred to having to go due to the bell. Regardless of rules, these sort of changes speed combat up. Rather than having to use your action, it allows them to disengage and attack. speeding up the process.
Yep, if its been done on purpose cool, just wanted to make sure a mistake didnt creep in. Coz it sorta cancels out the rogues ability to attack then disengage if every class can do it..
He does make a lot of mistakes regarding the rules.
Some spells/things like spells can be cast as bonus actions, but if it's intentional to speed up the flow of the game due to limited time, then yeah, it's a necessity for the group and while technically only rogues can disengage as a bonus action, it makes sense in this context to allow everyone to do it
I’m enjoying the series. I do want to point out when you disengage you can’t also attack or do a normal action. Just wasn’t sure if you knew or not. Either way looks like everyone is having fun.
Tabletop Gaming with Juce he probably knows. Just making it fun
Disengage is an action for everyone else except rogues who get it for a bonus action through cunning action
Rogue has Cunning Action at level 2
Forget not The Golden Rule of Gaming: Fun first, rules later.
But that's also where it's dangerous. If a GM goes off-key on hard rules, then the next time someone wishes to Disengage but DOESN'T get to also get that attack action, they'll get a bit sour over it. the Golden Rule should be more about 'oh you rolled really well? and you want to do a summersault over the badguys and slice them from behind? sure go ahead. you rolled well so 'Rule of Cool' works.'
It's the same with if a GM lets someone survive even though they should have died, then when someone else dies and the GM doesn't give THEM the freebie extra life, then people get crossed and sour as well.
This is specifically why I consider myself a Rules Traditionalist. I want the rules to be followed and exceptions should ever only happen if the rule itself goes against the flow of the game. Not because 'Golden Rule' excuse.
Really enjoying this series. Excellent introduction.
Malcom is SHOOK!
Skeletons are easy.
SKELETONS ARE EASY???!!!!!
I feel that you aren't encouraging the other kids to engage in the actual role-playing of their characters. For example when the boy in the hood says "we're all warriors" younger him and have been lettingbhim dictate what the others should do or how they should be since episode one. That would have been a great time let's saying one of them maybe wasn't used to all the gore and battle for them to act out the part, to be different from his or her male ranger partner. Encourage them to have freedom to express and act out their roles. Other than that I'm loving this, good on you for doing this.
Roll initiative AKA shit's about to go down xD
I love how when they encounter anything Cooper is just like, these guys are nothing. Or, we’re warriors! We can handle it!
19:20 Ray of Frost: D20 + spellcasting ability mod (charisma + proficiency mod).
Yeah I was like why is he only adding 2?
Thank you for posting this, it was fun to see kids enjoy a game many of us played growing up and still love.
One of the things that I love about D&D, AD&D, as well as other RPG games like this is they all make you think.
As in you see a lone gobin walking toward you, What do you do well most people would attack without thinking, goblin bad attack.
A smarter player would be like let us find out what the goblin wants first. The DM continues that the Goblin was not only hurt, but defenseless as well the goblin also was not even going to attack the party but to warn the party of the real danger. The ones that had just attacked and killed the goblin gets an alignment shift of one or more towards evil. On top of lose all the information of what the real danger is. My alignment is always Chaotic Good I can not even play a LG character, I would shift it to CG in no time.
If they're like MY group I played with for years. Giants went down like popcorn. Giant Rats were TPK.
I hope this series continues :) I like it so far :)
I like how all of these kids were all quiet and passive at the Tavern and are already meta gaming of what to do next.
this series is great, not only as a great outlet for these kids but also as a way to help people who are familiar with dnd learn some of the rules, hopefully they can all get comfortable with rping so we can watch more of their decisions and stuff but other then that, love!
Thank you for your kind words and your support.
your class is rather small is this detention? or extraa credit?>
The class size is limited to 16 students.
I know that it's been 2 years, and you've undoubtedly learned more about the rules, but I still cringe every time the sorcerer is short changed, being told to add only his Charisma Bonus instead of the Spell Attack Bonus (Charisma Bonus + Proficiency Bonus)
This is so nice i enjoy watching it. I HOPE the series continues
This is awesome. The story is good and what your doing for this kids is great. I was about their age when I discovered dnd and it changed my life for the better.......much much much better. Great stuff.
This series has become something amazing. Found it last night and as a new player, it's definitely a help
Thank you! Hope you'll explore season 2!
Already 3 episodes in! I'm loving the new players (Sorry Heather)
Cooper immediately knows the golden rule of DND: never trust the NPC
When he said it was 2 in the morning its actually 2am here
I'm Binging your channel, This was very unique, i wish my Media class inspired this level of production and creativity.
Bill is a master story teller and the coolest teacher a student could ever hope to have.👈👌👍
It’s always cool to see how ttrpgs bring people’s creative side out.
I love how excited they get in the middle of combat with the skeletons!
this has got some classic old school dnd nostalgia vibes and i am loving it
Really enjoying this series so far, I think D&D is great for kids and relationship building. It really feels like it's this episode they all got invested in the game and understand the magic of D&D and shared imagination.
Thank you! Yes, I would agree that the 3rd episode of season 1 is where they really began the role playing and immersion. Hope you'll check out the whole series; Seasons 2-5 all take place in my original world of Kikapulan, and they have overlapping and interconnected storylines.
@@BillAllanWorld I stayed up until 3am watching various videos on your channel, I was impressed! I'm going to be starting my own campaign (first time) with some kids at the youth centre I work at -- so I got a lot of great tips from yours.
I've been playing D&D for about 15 years, and now I want to start building my own world as well, painting figs and really dive into the hobby!
@@elliottslinn5478 That is awesome! If you need any resources, I'm happy to share. You can check out our D&D Club page and see some of the materials -
www.lths.net/dndclub
Dude does this all in 30 mins. If you DM, you know how fast that is. Great knowledge.
Thanks! As I look back now, it certainly wasn't perfect, but for something that was unplanned, I'm proud of what we did.
Loving this series, but you shoulda been adding Brian's proficiency bonus to his spell attacks. He should be getting plus 5 to hit with his fire bolt and ray of frost
Also, Skellies are vulnerable to bludgeoning damage, meaning Heather's Shillelagh strike should have one-shotted it. Just a reminder, love the series
Crabby Dragoon it’s one of those small things that a lot of people miss. Idk why but it just happens
I thought it was based on the damage it dealt, even though things take more damage from weaknesses
ok i have to admit this was really well planned. amazing use of trick dices
LoL
How have I not come across your videos before? I run a D&D group for my friends at home and its fun, but the real interesting game I play is at my childcare. I work with children between gr 1-6 and the children LOVE to play D&D. They come up with great out of the box solutions for a lot of scenarios. I get them to draw up their characters as our art project, and they write reviews and come up with newspaper articles for what happened in the game. Its a ton of fun.
That's awesome! I have run games for my own kids and their friends, as well as games for kids and families at conventions. It's amazing how sometimes the kids play RPGs better than adults! They are creative, engaged, and collaborative.
Thanks for sharing, and hope you'll continue to watch and subscribe!
bro when he said "suffer" at 23:48 i died
Such a fresh take on D&D to see the youth of this generation tackle their first tabletop adventure. Awesome! Keep up the good work Bill, and the team.
this series is gonna be so fun to watch and learn more about being a dm than i already do from the several games ive run but no matter what i always go by 1 main rule, Rule Of Cool Overrule
well said
thank you for keeping DnD alive throughout generations Bill, remember that at least 2/4 of this players will teach their sons aswell what is a natural 20 XD
Thanks, and sorry this reply is 1 year late. Something weird happened with my comments settings. I hope to encourage the new kids to try other games as well.
That absolute look of glee on his face at the end, that is how every DM feels when their plan comes together :)
Come back! We have so many more seasons!
TBH I wish my players were still this green. In my opinion, it gets less fun to be a gm when the PCs hit double digits because they're just like "I look at the thing and it dies" or "I cast this spell and your puzzle is broken"
Great work tho :) you explain things in a way that's not boring, but still simple enough that new players can follow easily
Celty, good puzzles for high level characters can be difficult. I think riddles can be pretty useful. Not a lot of spells can bypass those.
You could try adding some random negative consequences to them using certain spells, "unfortunately the use of this spell seems to be having some unforseen side affects... roll a d6"
Try switching to Warhammer, Zweihander or Call og Chulhu. There even an Archmage or other high level char can be killed by a low level grunt with a precise shot to the head :P
As a DM, though, you have all of the power to combat those situations. If they kill monsters too easily, make the monsters stronger or have more of them. A puzzle can easily have an anti-magic field around it. If your players have high AC, don't just throw physical damage at them. Test all of their saves. You can easily adapt any encounter or situation to challenge the players in various ways, no matter how strong they become.
Im totally using this for my final class project for sure, this is just great
awesome
As a dm I am absolutely amazed by the fact that bill doesn't use a notebook to keep track of initiative and hp
Thank you for being one of the few who notice that. It's taken me decades to develop a mental memory device. I plan on making a video this fall about DMing without a screen.
SPOILER: some people need screens, some don't. It's a personal preference.
Mittens 4 Kittens I was thinking that too! I can’t imagine memorizing all of that information
24:08 oh god her pleas. "I don't wanna die" gave me life
Really enjoying these videos, my only comment is that I kinda wish the cameras facing the players would tilt down to the table a bit more. Otherwise very enjoyable.
We normally have a dedicated camera for a close up on the minis and terrain, but it's being used on another production. We should have it back for 2018.
Lmao! They didn’t know that a battle was about to start when the dm said roll initiative😂 Why does that make me so happy!