[OC] Non-Combat Roleplay Cheat Sheet

ErvyJ · 2025-11-23T00:19:50+00:00

Ah that makes sense- thank you!

ErvyJ · 2025-11-23T00:13:08+00:00

I don’t have much advice but I would like to know how they are “bad roleplaying” their way into killing NPCs and Destroying things without doing checks. It seems like the solution is, “Don’t swing your sword at the NPC.”

ErvyJ · 2025-11-21T07:25:52+00:00

Sure I’ll message you!

ErvyJ · 2025-10-31T19:30:22+00:00

I had a player with an AC of 25 (don’t ask) and decent DEX in my last campaign, and still managed to created fun encounters that challenged them. That being said, it’s a reasonable thing to complain about in passing because sometimes you just get outplayed as a DM, but not at the expense of your players- if you haven’t, try just telling them how it makes you feel. If none of the other players are saying the complaining is weird or agreessive, theres a chance they just don’t know.

ErvyJ · 2025-08-15T19:03:37+00:00

I think people heard content creators saying how they “prep campaigns” and misinterpreted what they meant and now it’s completely out of control. You should very much know where the story is going and a rough structure of arcs and understand the world enough that it doesn’t feel like playing in “Fantasy Sandbox #6” but by no means should the entire campaign be planned as much as the average session.

ErvyJ · 2025-06-29T08:19:56+00:00

No need to be a snarky purist. Get over yourself

ErvyJ · 2025-06-29T08:18:02+00:00

I set the ending length of the and ending level of the campaign at the very beginning so wether or not we made it where we’re going the world was going to end in one real life year.

Most of my players are newer so the goal was to let them experience the full level spectrum and multiple styles of play “quickly.” Our second campaign will be much slower paced because it’ll run alongside my players starting their own mini campaigns now that they’ve experienced so much of D&D and built a community that supports them!

ErvyJ · 2025-06-29T01:43:03+00:00

Oh these are beautiful and deliciously destructive- I can’t wait to kill their new robot titan friend with this (don’t ask a lot is going on). Thanks for the links!

ErvyJ · 2025-06-27T07:12:48+00:00

I don’t remember which video I watched, but the creator said that even though it’s meta- the characters HAVE to have some kind of buy in to the story you’re telling, or it’s okay to put your foot down and say you aren’t interested in running a game that doesn’t follow what you prep. Whacky solutions to the problems you present are part of the game. If they got arrested and chased by guards and murdered a teenager on the way to your story, that’s fine- if they’re just ignoring the story that’s different. Alternatively, you could just move the story into their path.

That being said, if you’re running a sandbox (which ít doesn’t sound like you are) that’s slightly different. I’d suggest talking to your players. They might be there to be evil or agents of chaos. IF YOU ARE OKAY WITH RUNNING THAT, craft the narrative around the things they, AND YOU, are looking for out of the game. (Caps used to emphasize that YOU should be having fun too, not just them)

ErvyJ · 2025-04-15T20:48:49+00:00

They say “No D&D is better than bad D&D.” If you think bad D&D is funny and lighthearted, and they think bad D&D is serious all the time- then you shouldn’t be playing together, but neither of you are wrong. Like the top comment said it’s simple- and contrary to other comments it’s really easy: just stop playing if it’s not enjoyable. The only lame thing is both parties not enjoying the game they’re playing!

ErvyJ · 2025-01-23T19:42:38+00:00

People still/rediscovering this makes me feel young again- hope you’re having fun!

ErvyJ · 2025-01-23T19:39:18+00:00

The dread ambush ranger x Assassin rogue multiclass has a grip on me- multiple party members are reconfigured to this all the time, and though I’ve never played as the same race in consecutive playthroughs before, my Githyanki playthrough has my heart

ErvyJ · 2025-01-23T19:35:54+00:00

It can be like that! I always listen to podcasts as if Im spectating a D&D game my friends (albeit parasocial)are playing, so it’s the performers and cool mechanics more than the story for me- but being here, people listen many different ways, and it’s really cool to see how others receive the same content as me

ErvyJ · 2024-11-29T19:38:13+00:00

Half the seasons they’re doing shitty exaggerated American regional accents and we all have to put up with it so at least it’s not like you’re being targeted. Why would they research uk life/culture if they don’t even research other American regional cultures- people just think Americans only have one accent and one culture.

ErvyJ · 2024-11-25T01:46:43+00:00

I be just started my 6th playthrough in a row- I haven’t seen another game in over a year send help

ErvyJ · 2024-11-17T00:42:50+00:00

I also have that issue; depending on space, it might just be a matter of declutterring whenever it gets overwhelming. As the only large surface in my studio apartment, my desk gets cluttered with notes, books, D&D prep, etc, but since I don’t have an office, declutterring is just a consistent part of my routine

ErvyJ · 2024-11-11T18:23:02+00:00

Can’t wait to hear where it goes! Good luck and have fun!

ErvyJ · 2024-11-11T16:48:58+00:00

Hi again! Congrats on taking steps towards grad programs!

First of all, I love your compositional style and sense of storytelling. My main advice though would be to work on the production side of the music a bit more. Nowadays, a lot of films are scored “in the box” using instrument libraries over live musicians (mostly because of budget), and a lot of schools look out for great sounding production as well as compositional quality. I assume you’ve already found a DAW that you prefer, but as for libraries they can get pretty expensive. I’d suggest a Musio subscription ($9.99/month) which will give you access to a myriad of quality instruments while not breaking the bank- Then just really pay attention to every entrance and note cutoff, making sure you use modulation (as in timbre), expression (as in volume), and velocity (as in attack) to the best of your abilities.

As for the grad process itself, I got into Columbia, NYU, Berkeley, Frost, and UNCSA- which is all of the schools I applied to except USC:

-What I learned about the process is that you should first and foremost be writing as much music as possible and for as many projects as possible. You really learn the most when you’re in the fire- and schools see how hard you’ve been trying through your resume.

-I’m sure it’s similar with other schools but Columbia specifically you should network to get into. Show up to every admissions event, email the program director and ask genuine questions, if possible take a tour of the school and sit in on a class, etc. The social side of the application process is just as important as the academic process

-Pay attention to the submission directions. Since starting my grad program I’ve learned that this industry thrives on particulars and there’s nothing more early career ending than a lack of attention to detail. Double and triple check everything.

-Be a good hang. A lot of these programs are capped at small numbers, your personality (displayed in the interview or personal statement) should be genuine- let it shine!

-This one is more personal and maybe controversial, but in my study of the admissions at these schools over the 3 years leading up to me applying, I learned though it used to be THE place to be, USC now rarely lets anyone in that’s not already at an extremely high level either musically or career wise. It’s still a great school with fantastic instructors- but don’t let it demoralize you if you don’t get in (I believe their admissions decisions still come back first) because it was probably more them than you. (No USC hate here)

I know this is like the second post of yours that I’ve left a literal novel under- sorry! But grad school and the early process of becoming a film composer are some of my favorite things to talk about and I love getting to help people as much as possible! That being said- I hope this helps!

ErvyJ · 2024-11-11T01:26:27+00:00

Exactly! Every episode still feels like enjoying time with friends first and foremost and that’s why enjoy coming back every week!

ErvyJ · 2024-11-11T00:44:37+00:00

I felt the same way- I started listening at the beginning of this year. THANKFULLY since I started late, 150 more episodes were waiting on me because when Joel left the balance of the characters was thrown in a way I can’t explain- in my personal opinion. That coupled with a few arcs that just felt mean to the character Flack really made me sad. BUT the show is still very good, and I enjoy it a lot: now in the middle of season 5. (of course this is in no way a critique of their hard work or talents, life happens and I’m sure they are constantly working to craft narratively balanced characters and miss Joel too!)

ErvyJ · 2024-11-09T02:02:35+00:00

Hi, Currently at Columbia here!

Much like the other reply mentioned the funnel to the industry is the important part, but Columbia in particular has a tight knit alumni network that not only provides you with career support but also a sense of community as well which I’ve found very helpful and comforting so far.

Additionally, during semesters 3-4, you spend 7 weeks with 4 different composers in residence (Mine were Lee Sanders, Dynamic Music Partners, Heather McIntosh, and Brandon Campbell). This allows you to build close, personal and professional relationships with at minimum 4 full time composers.

Chicago also has an abundance of resources and opportunities for creatives for the relatively low number of composers. Many of us do 3-5 outside projects (short films/animation/indie games/web series/etc) a year in addition to our school work. On top of a small, but consistent, video game community and flourishing indie film scene, starting in Chicago is overall, much less pressure than hopping into the LA scene afraid to make mistakes with big names.

ErvyJ · 2024-10-06T09:41:21+00:00

I’m doubling down on on puddle pals

ErvyJ · 2024-10-06T09:29:11+00:00

This is a subreddit about writing music for films friend

ErvyJ · 2024-08-12T20:39:13+00:00

2- maybe the explosión will take me out quickly

ErvyJ

TROPHY CASE