Episode Description

Live from FanX Salt Lake 2025, this is one of six panels we recorded at the convention — and it might be the most relatable one we've done. If you've ever had a player blow up your carefully crafted plot, chase a side quest for three sessions, or demand a demonic arm mid-campaign, this panel is for you.

Justin and Tanner are joined by Ian Hawkes and Cameron Cardoza from Worldsmith for a live audience conversation about one of the most common — and most misunderstood — challenges at the table: the chaos gremlin.

What We Cover

Framing the ProblemNot all chaos is created equal. We dig into what actually makes someone a "chaos gremlin," why chaos at the table isn't always a problem (and can actually be a gift), and how to tell the difference between harmless unpredictability and genuine disruption. One key question every DM should ask: is this chaos — or is it control? Is it excitement — or is it boredom?

Setting Expectations & Knowing Your TableWe talk about the importance of Session Zero, how to have honest conversations with your players about the kind of game everyone wants to play, and how to tell when chaotic behavior crosses the line from organic fun into a respect issue. There's a meaningful difference between occasional disruption and consistent derailing — and one of them needs a real conversation.

Managing Chaos in the MomentThis is where it gets practical. What do you actually do when your players go completely off-script? We cover managing your own reaction, using improv skills to embrace the chaos, and how to encourage beautiful storytelling even within unpredictable choices. Sometimes the session that goes sideways becomes the one everyone remembers.

Prepping for a Chaotic GroupIf your table is classically chaotic, your prep should reflect that. We discuss how to build flexible, modular sessions — random tables, adaptable NPCs, storylines that can bend without breaking — so that no matter what your players do, you're ready to make it feel intentional.

Folding the Chaos Into the StoryOne of the best long-term solutions: make the story big enough that there's no such thing as "off-script." Pull player backstories in. Let their chaotic choices reshape the BBEG. Change your expectations about what the story is supposed to be. The most memorable campaigns are usually the ones that went somewhere no one planned.

Featured Panelists

Justin Lewis — Co-host, H2BBDMTanner Weyland — Co-host, H2BBDMIan Hawkes — WorldsmithCameron Cardoza — Worldsmith

Thanks for listening to today’s show. If you like our stuff and want to support us, here are some sponsor links and links to our other stuff:

• Worldsmith: http://session0studios.com/worldsmith

• Hire a Professional Dungeon Master: https://session0studios.com/dungeon-master-for-hire/

• Discord: http://session0studios.com/discord

• Patreon:https://session0studios.com/patreon

• Dungeon Master Level Up Guide: https://session0studios.com/newsletter

The back and forth. The planned and cancelled sessions. The frustration when you finally schedule a time to meet and one player can't make it... all of this will be extremely familiar for the common DM. But it doesn't HAVE to be a reoccurring, frustrating nightmare! In today's episode, Tanner shares 5 tips to avoid scheduling frustration with your D&D party.

In Part 2 of this series, we finish breaking down the Performance Pillar of Dungeon Mastering—this time focusing on the two senses most DMs rely on… but rarely master: Sight and Sound.

These are the tools that bring your world to life—but if you’re not intentional with them, they can fall flat or feel repetitive.

In this episode, we dive into:

* Sight – from ambience to battle maps, from minis to props, what your players see can deepen the immersion or destroy it

* Sound – using voices, tone, pacing, and silence to create tension, emotion, and memorable moments

You’ll learn how to move beyond generic descriptions and start creating scenes your players can actually see and hear in their minds.

Just like Part 1, this episode is built around practical techniques you can use immediately—whether you’re running your next session tonight or planning ahead.

If you want your players leaning in, paying attention, and remembering your sessions long after they end… this is where it starts.

Thanks for listening to today’s show. If you like our stuff and want to support us, here are some sponsor links and links to our other stuff:

Worldsmith: http://session0studios.com/worldsmith

Hire a Professional Dungeon Master: https://session0studios.com/dungeon-master-for-hire/

Discord: http://session0studios.com/discord

Patreon:https://session0studios.com/patreon

Dungeon Master Level Up Guide: https://session0studios.com/newsletter