Episode Summary: Building Your Own Campaign Setting with Johnny Stanton IV

Podcast: Critical Role & Sagas of Sundry
Episode: Building Your Own Campaign Setting w/ Johnny Stanton IV | Quests N’ Answers
Release Date: March 5, 2025
Hosts: Dan Casey & Guest Johnny Stanton IV
Current Season: Sagas of Sundry: Goblin Mode

Introduction to the Episode

In this enlightening episode of Quests N’ Answers, host Dan Casey sits down with Johnny Stanton IV—a pro athlete, seasoned role player, and innovative game designer—to delve into the intricacies of building a unique campaign setting for tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs). Moving beyond the usual after-show discussions of Sagas of Sundry: Goblin Mode, this conversation explores the art of storytelling, game design, and the seamless integration of personal passions into tabletop gaming.

Johnny Stanton IV’s Journey into Tabletop Role-Playing Games

Johnny kicks off by sharing his initial foray into the world of TTRPGs, highlighting how media democratization through platforms like YouTube introduced him to Dungeons & Dragons (D&D):

“My first introduction to tabletop role playing game was through a YouTube channel called Corridor Digital or more specifically their partner channel called Node in which they played a, I think a Pokemon version of D and D, which kind of introduced me to it.” (02:32)

He recounts setting up his first game at a local comic book store, despite not having a traditional theater background, demonstrating the inclusive and accessible nature of the hobby.

Bridging Athletics and Gaming: Building Camaraderie Through D&D

Johnny discusses how tabletop gaming served as a vital tool for building relationships within his NFL team, especially during the isolating times of the pandemic:

“When I joined the Browns... it was really hard to develop relationships with guys on the team... Playing Dungeons and Dragons became that one piece away from football, where you got to connect with guys.” (05:56)

He emphasizes the parallels between team sports and collaborative storytelling in TTRPGs, highlighting how both foster a sense of community and camaraderie.

Overcoming Gatekeeping: Making TTRPGs Accessible

The conversation shifts to addressing common apprehensions newcomers might have about entering the TTRPG space. Johnny identifies the shortage of Dungeon Masters (DMs) as a significant barrier:

“There’s an ever-present problem of too many players, not enough DMs, I think is the biggest hurdle...” (08:12)

He encourages experienced players to step into DM roles and assures that bringing personal interests and existing relationships into the game can alleviate the intimidation factor.

Designing a Unique Campaign Setting: The Birth of Sync Adventures

Johnny unveils his latest project, Sync Adventures on the Call to Reach Sea, a collaborative effort with Rick Escavius and Sam Rusk under the banner of Crimson Herald. This campaign setting marries piracy themes with innovative game mechanics, inspired by titles like One Piece and Sea of Thieves.

“Why not just make a pirate dungeon crawler? So that's where the idea for pirates came from.” (37:47)

Key elements of the setting include:

• Modularity: Designed to allow DMs to plug adventures into their existing games seamlessly.
• Magic Item Tattoos: A novel mechanic where temporary tattoos represent magic items, enhancing character customization and storytelling.
• Sunken Condition: A unique rule where hit dice represent a character’s tether to their soul, increasing the stakes of combat and resource management.

Johnny discusses the rigorous development process, including successful Kickstarter campaigns raising over $300,000, and the collaboration with Hit Point Press to bring the project to fruition.

Innovative Mechanics: Enhancing Player Experience

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to exploring the innovative mechanics Johnny is introducing with Sync Adventures. He elaborates on the Sunken Condition:

“The sunken condition, in which your hit die now represents the tether to your own soul. And if you end up at zero hit points while having zero hit die left... your character is dead.” (34:48)

This mechanic reintroduces the importance of managing hit dice beyond leveling up, adding a layer of strategy and tension to gameplay. Additionally, the Magic Item Tattoos offer a tactile and visually engaging way for players to interact with their characters’ abilities and items.

Incorporating Influences: From Video Games to Traditional Art

Johnny shares how his background in video games and collaboration with artists like Sam Rusk influenced the design of Sync Adventures:

“I like a guided experience. I don't need it to be, you know, doing exactly what you're being told, but you do need something to kind of guide me along.” (22:11)

The integration of American traditional tattoo art into the campaign setting not only provides a unique aesthetic but also serves as a foundation for the magic item mechanics, enriching the overall narrative and player immersion.

Expanding Beyond D&D: Exploring Other TTRPGs

Beyond D&D, Johnny expresses his passion for other role-playing systems like Dread, Ten Candles, and Kids on Bikes. He is currently collaborating with Hunters Entertainment to develop Kids in Cleats, a supplement that blends TTRPG mechanics with high school sports themes, further showcasing his versatile approach to game design.

Advice for Aspiring DMs and Game Designers

Towards the end of the episode, Johnny offers valuable insights for those looking to run their first game or innovate within their current campaigns:

“Let your mind go wild. Allow different mechanics. It doesn't have to be dice. It can be Jenga blocks, It can be Lincoln Logs. I don't care. Like, it can be anything you want if you're able to develop some cool mechanics behind it.” (51:22)

He emphasizes the importance of creativity, flexibility, and listening to players’ feedback to enhance the gaming experience.

Conclusion

The episode concludes with a mutual appreciation for the evolving landscape of TTRPGs, highlighting the endless possibilities for creativity and community building. Johnny Stanton IV’s journey and innovative contributions underscore the dynamic nature of tabletop gaming, inspiring both players and creators to explore and expand their storytelling horizons.

Where to Find More

• Johnny Stanton IV: Visit syncrpg.com to learn more about Sync Adventures and pre-order the book.
• Follow Johnny: Available on Blue Sky, Instagram, and TikTok.
• Join the Conversation: Explore more adventures and updates on Backer Kit via the Sync Adventures Kickstarter page.

Stay connected with Critical Role & Sagas of Sundry by visiting geekandsundry.com and subscribing on your preferred podcast platform for more engaging discussions and deep dives into the world of RPGs.

Notable Quotes:

• Johnny Stanton IV: “This is just like my own version of the Sword Coast. You're going to Neverwinter, but it's my own version of Neverwinter.” (20:08)
• Dan Casey: “There’s a lot of math involved... but the main thing is the sense of community.” (10:10)
• Johnny Stanton IV: “There is so much room in everybody's campaign for a complete left hand left turn and introducing…” (54:36)

This episode is a treasure trove for anyone interested in the creative processes behind TTRPG design, offering both inspiration and practical advice for aspiring dungeon masters and game designers alike.