Aesthetic

Thinking Critically: A D&D Discussion

CW: 36:40-37:10 Single reference to rape and sexual coercion in the context of the Vampire trope.

Philippa Mort joins me to talk about the varied and wonderful topic of aesthetic. The discussion starts around the different approaches to TTRPG and campaign design; a different perspective to the typical top down/bottom up paradigm. How does one approach "visual design", and how does it differ from "mechanical design"? Philippa shares her experience in designing from visual prompts, and we talk through the various pros and cons when compared to my own meticulous, detail-centric process. A solid campaign aesthetic not only aids world building and provides a strong identify, but it can also help guide players through character creation.

• 01:10 - Aesthetic Design Process
• 08:16 - Mechanical Design Process
• 13:15 - How to Design for a Specific Aesthetic
• 21:13 - How Clear Theming Supports Character Creation
• 25:36 - Two Sessions Zeroes
• 33:12 - Safely Leveraging Tropes
• 40:16 - Catharsis, not Therapy
• 49:19 - Flavouring your Table

Find Philippa (@MortPhilippa) on:

• Linktree: https://linktr.ee/PhilippaMort
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/MortPhilippa
• DMs Guild: https://www.dmsguild.com/browse.php?author=Philippa%20Mort&page=1&sort=4a?affiliate_id=2197041
• DriveThruRPG: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse/pub/18041/Philippa-Mort?affiliate_id=2197041
• itch.io: https://philippa-mort.itch.io

Find me on:

• Website: https://www.thinkingcritically.co.uk
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/ThinkCritDnD
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thinking_critically_dnd/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThinkingCriticallyDnD

References:

• 'Romance' episode of Thinking Critically
• The Crystal Maze
• Uncaged Anthology

Intro Music: 'Local Forecast' by Kevin MacLeod
Intermission Music: 'Chill' by Kevin MacLeod
Outro Music: 'Local Forecast - Elevator' by Kevin MacLeod