Different Styles of Storytelling (GM Tips w/ Satine Phoenix) 

"I'm not Matt Mercer." hmm exactly what incognito Mercer would say.

Thank god she explained that she's not Matt, I was really wondering if Matt had switched shampoos or something for the first minute.

Is it just me or one of the voices shouting "What?!" when she said she's not Matt Mercer is actually him...?

I love Satine, always seems like she's trying to cast a spell while she's talking with all the fluid hand movement

The accessory game is strong with Satine

I'll be GM for the first time this saturday. With a group of newbies that never played a pen&paper rpg before, at that. I don't know if that makes it easier or more difficult, lol. I'm so excited! Wish me luck :'D

I love the idea of bringing on guest GMs to make conversational style GM tips. Great start to season 2!!! Welcome Satine ❤️❤️❤️

Sitting these two next to each other, instead of across a table, makes this conversation seem so honest. Great video, great advice. Way to make the series your own Satine!

Wait.... She isn't Matt?

Alternative title: Jangling jewelry ASMR with DnD talk in background.

WOW that was a quick 15 minutes and 25 seconds. Really enjoyed it. Great tips Finding your style, practice, learn from running games, except feedback, and playing in games all good stuff. Excellent job Satine and Ivan. Finding your style is so important it allows a GM to play to their strengths and shore up the weak spots. -Nerdarchist Dave

Ivan is a wizard and/or magical being. Sideburns looking good on someone? That's something you don't see everyday.

Did Matt get a haircut?

I love this format. Also, thank you to G&S for keeping this on RU-vid!

Holy crap that was amazing. Easily my favorite episode yet. Loved listening to Ivan and Satine share their thoughts and experiences together.

Awesome way to start the new series. I love the conversational style. Great job!

i have like a guycrush on matt mercer

While Matt will be missed, Satine is a doing great.

As much as i'm in a highly platonic and heterosexual love for Matt, i like this new format. I played with a lot of girls and their view of the game was always fun and different, i think having another opinion on all those things will be great. The fact that it isnt just a copypasta of the ''old'' gm tips and that she actually add more things is also very cool. Loved her,loved their conversation, can't wait for the next one

I recently DM'd for the first time. Players were two who play a main game alongside myself with a great DM (father-in-law) and my parents. My father played before when he was a youngster, but that was a long time ago, and my mother had never played before. In the end we had a great time, and I even ran into a slew of problems. Balance of the game was too hard even though I used to do so (I no longer like the books balance system lol) and the game went on longer than we wanted, and we had to finish it that night, or postpone for months and months which we didn't want to do. I created all the characters myself and they chose which they wanted based on a description. They all had a great time, loved my story, and my mother turned out to be one of the best in-character role-players of the group. I am definitely looking forward to playing with them again. :D

Satine has a very interesting cadence to her voice. It's simultaneously alluring and gently unsettling. Great new format for he show. Excited for the future!

I've been DMing for ten years and I LOVED all of these tips, it's true. Especially the feedback portion. Not only so you can adapt and become better but also so you can tailor your style to the specific players you're DMing for. I definitely have my "style" but depending on what the players want I switch it up. An example would be some players like to skip the minor details of playing (such as lifestyle expenses) to focus on the bigger picture. Other players want to be hyperrealistic and count all of those little nuances that the game provides. Feedback is CRUCIAL so, if you're DMing for more than one group, you can be sure you're providing what the players in that specific group are looking for so ALL of you can have fun =)

ok "voltroning" a legit good GM tip.

Satine you beautiful gypsy princess! I tried so hard to be upset that Matt was gone but I couldn't. You honored Matt, gave good advice, and brought Ivan into it. Damn you and your gypsy magic! I'll go watch Maze Arcana now.

I absolutely love seeing other DMs describe their journeys and experiences. Great vid, many thanks :)

Watching the chemistry between Satine and Ivan made this whole discussion more engaging. This was a real joy.

Really digging this format. Sitting down and talking out ideas and concepts of GM'ing. Kudos dudes.

Amazing video. I'm not sure how much of the format/set change was Satine, but it feels like GM Tips is going to the next level. Keep up the good work in the weeks to come!

The chemistry between you two was intense, it felt like I was watching a sensual couple talking which threw me off

loved this, great team up/ voltroning guys!

I really enjoyed this and I loved the conversation bit! I don't know if that'll be a regular thing, but I'm always down for more of that! Great first episode, Satine!

love this series! Excited to see your next tips Satine!

They have amazing chemistry, the video was an absolute treat to watch i really felt like i was watching ancient friends talk about a shared passion

Man, this is just fantastic content. I was a little apprehensive at first not seeing matt mercer, but once again geek and sundry has surpassed my expectations. This was expertly made, the fact that it was almost a conversation between two seasoned GMs made it so much more organic and enjoyable to watch. Thanks for making such high-quality content guys, keep it up!

I've been playing or DMing since 1981. I've played under a LOT of DMs, but only a few good ones. I know that sounds harsh, but that's my experience. However, they taught me a lot in not only what to do, but what not to do. I also had a trial by fire in that I was thrust into tournament DMing after a last minute cancellation. That taught me a lot about dealing with unfamiliarity and about remaining calm under tense conditions. LARPing taught me to think on my feet and RP in the moment. Those two experiences taught me the Jillian Michaels adage: "get comfortable being uncomfortable." Two great DMs I've had taught me that there's no "right" way to do it, as one was "Obstructive" and the other was "Uplifting". Both, though, also were excellent in understanding a narrative. Even after all the DMing I've done, I still see them as my betters in the field. Hats off to you Paul and Lorne. So, based on all of that, I consider myself Experiencial/Narrative/Obstructive. I improv a lot, and can fall into voices/body language/accents easily, have an overall story in mind, but do it in a way that forces the players to think. Great video, and great start Satine. I look forward to future content.

Expectations were high and Satine delivered. She's great and breath of fresh air to this series. Keep it going girl!

Every time I see Ivan, I can't help but think "dang. Those are some awesome sideburns."

Love what you've done with the show Satine! Keeping the core of the show while bringing in your own original and engaging ideas. Love that you are also bringing guests on the show since it bring us some fresh faces or new perspectives!

this was super insightful honestly, especially the bit about asking your players what they want to get out of the situation to start with, keep up the good work!!!

But I thought last episode proved that she was female Matt Mercer.

The combination of tips and conversation is realy great, i love it. !

i really really really love this format!

I like the different style of GMTips. It's a great reminder at the beginning that failure is a part of learning something. Not sure if there'd ever be time for this exercise but I'd love to see different GMs take on the same one-shot, to show Satine's point that each GM approaches a game differently.

I am just getting into GM ing.. its very daunting but this video certainly helped. Thanks!

Thanks so much! Happy Easter

My campaigns tend to be heavily character focused. I originally tried running more plot-lined games, but two things brought me back off of it: I had to constantly keep nudging the players back into the line of the plot, and really, it was a lot more boring for me as a GM. Knowing where it's going, and how it ends robbed ME of the enjoyment. I know, a slightly weird point, but stick with me here. I thought of all the things I hated GMs pulling when I was a player: The obsessive hand-holder, the fudging, the balancers, and such. I routinely became less interested in every campaign once I realize there was only a single story being told, favoring the campaigns that allowed me as a player to shape the world itself. It gives drive when you have that sort of autonomy, rather constantly keep hitting invisible wall after invisible wall. So, I decided to test out my new theory, with a character focused campaign of Exalted. Instead of trying to keep my players on track, I simply had events going on, and the players could choose what they chased after. I did this with three different groups, keeping track of the choices for my own notes. It was interesting to watch, because even though they were all having the same set of starter events, not one time did the stories turn out even remotely close. All three groups, for instance, took up hunting bandits, a sort "Let's go beat some mooks" setup, rather than immediately jumping in. Group A went out and crushed the bandits in suitably epic fashion, with many interesting stunts being done. They kicked much ass, and collected the bounties, then followed some rumors about a potential lost manse. Group B went out and fought the bandits, but their tactics were completely different. They pain-stakingly hunted them, using various means of stealth, picking off small groups of the bandits leaving not trace, and no sound as they did so. They even got rid of tracks, so bandits would just disappear. They did this mental torture to such a level that everyone started to believe that the woods were haunted, and began leaving sacrifices and prayer strips to the forest god as tribute. For those not knowledgeable about Exalted, this led to an increase in the forest god's power, who in turn started playing up the haunted bit, using its powers to take out the "unclean souls" within it, just as the PCs had. This group, while they got the lost manse information as well, instead saw an opening with the forest god, and began doing tasks for various gods, trading for artifacts and the like. Group C saw the Eclipse whip up a fat Guild caravan bound for Nexus, and when the bandits came out to attack the caravan, the Eclipse used social charms to convince the bandits to join them, then bound the deal with this Eclipse caste power. She then whipped up an overland trading company, racking up resources, while they would use it as a cover to keep converting various bandits, barbarians, and such that they came across. Eventually, of course, they got significant enough that the Realm took notice in a bad way. In a plot-line game, it would've gone only one way, and that just gets boring for me as GM. I don't KNOW how my games will end, whether in victory or defeat. That's why I have heroes.

Wow, what a video! The moment that Ivan described was great! Thanks for the tips!

I cried with lulz at the elephant in the room, reveal. Satine, you Rock!

i have a story writing exam coming up so im using vids like these since GM's storytelling are really good.

Welcome, new GM tips team! Fun new format. I'm looking forward to seeing what else you have for us.

At first I was sad that Matt was taking a break but these segments have been great! Thanks so much guys.

lovely new look on the videos. love everything ya'll did.

Im so happy to be able to watch this. Huge fan of the series and the new host.

Excellent conversation!

Awesome part 2 to the handover and nice area to start, thanks :) also that outro was fun

THIS was a delight to watch. And also educational.

Very cool. Love the different perspectives.

First of all awesome video! You did such a good explaining different storytelling techniques and didn't put anyone down for their style. Secondly you must be a witch, you have this genuine, sincere, fluid air about you. You are so fantastic!

Nice job, like the new format! Welcome to GM tips, excited for more episodes :)

I appreciate the size and content of this video. Good stuff.

Is it just me or do Satine and Ivan have that look of 'janitor closet, 5 minutes, no pants' look for each other

Ever since my first pathfinder session with my friends last week I've been obsessed with the rpg community. I love the passion and the commitment people have to these games and I can't wait to delve deeper!

probably one of my favorite GM's Tips so far, and several things i hadn't considered until watching, thank you G&S, Satine, and Ivan! :)

This was an amazing topic to pick for switching up a host! And super great video overall! ✨✨✨

Yes please. Been loving the DM tips with Matt, but good on you for getting another person and another perspective in there.

Wow, that is a great beginning to a new set of GM Tips. Can't wait to see how this evolves.

Really good video, I realy loved the episode, Satine and Ivan made a great job.

Great episode, learned a lot!

Very enjoyable. Well done.

Excellent episode! Digging the new format. My initial reaction when Ivan explained the four categories was "but I'm all of those", glad I'm not the only one. :P My only gripe is that, despite the hella awesome bling, you can hear a little bit of clinking in the background during the first segment. But definitely looking forward to more episodes and god i need those earrings.

That Outro by Ivan was fire. For real, you had me there, unexpectedly and not quite by my own will, you had me there.

That was an excellent GM episode. Though I will miss Matt doing this, you are an phenomenal replacement and I adore your style of telling these just as much. It was also nice to have Ivan participate, my favourite part of this episode was that it was longer and went more in depth than usual, which I find especially enjoyable. Though I am an experienced GM it is always rewarding to have my horizon broadened by these kinds of videos :) Thank you very much for the episode.

Great episode!

I use the Voltroning thing in my world too. It is based on battle order, so if you want to work with a specific player, then you have to remove the players/npcs in between, or Rp asking them to stand down. It helps create, or destroy, RP bonds made by the players. They get advantage and inspiration for what they are doing, so there's a benefit, but it is random based on initiative rolls who you can work with (avoiding it becoming OP). Players tend not to stand down, but if there's a crisis, then they will decide if their alignments and character traits dictate whether they would or not. A lot of side quests and stories come out of these moments!

That was amazing and so inspiring!

Excellent presentation my friend! Love that we can see it on YT. I'll gladly watch all the ads to help fund it.

Gotta say as one who just came back to D&D and binge watching this playlist... Satine Rules!! So looking forward to everything else she does.

Great format. Keep it up.

The camera shifts seem a little pushed.

Well played both Satine and Ivan! I enjoyed this episode very much! BRAVO! I very much look forward to the next one. 8-)

Great new series!

Brilliant! Please keep them coming :)

Satine and Ivan should read EVERYTHING! I get so entranced by their voices.

What i love the most here is the human aspect of the games. i've seen a few videos that seemed to focus on the systems and concepts. This felt quite warm in contrast. Most enjoyable :)

I enjoyed the vid! keep it coming.

This was a damn good episode

that cooking example was a great example actually, I have a player that loves to cook, so he enjoys being put into situations where he can cook, and describing the ways he prepares the food

I'm always skeptical when I see new hosts for shows I'm used to watching, but she did a fantastic job. :D

Honestly I think Satine has done a wonderful job carrying the torch Matt passed her, and I love her outlook and how shes changed the format slightly. Can't wait to hear more from her.

I like the new format!

Wow. That story actually had me tearing up. That was really beautiful.

For new GM's, this should be the first video in the playlist. While Matt's stuff is great for more experienced Gm's, this is a wonderful first step. Also, HI Ivan!

Useful advice!

Fantastic! At the interest of being burnt alive, found this more helpful than Matt Mercer's advice. Geek and Sundry, you might want to do something about the set spacing/camera angles. If they were any closer, one would be giving the other a lap dance.

the chemistry between the two of them, is electric haha @14:00

Wonderful pivot in perspective.

Hey Satine just wanna say great to see your show. Its a pleasure to see female insights into GMing. I am kinda noob male GM, desperate to learn as fast and much as possible to make great game sessions, and I think its important thing to learn from both male and female. I would love to see more female specific stuff, as I have a hard time to figure out, how to overcome my male preset. Not that i want to deny it, far away from that, but I think its a worthy skill being both. What may cause a female char drive insane or evil, besides the "being a witch", "being a carrying mother" and so forth... ? How do you handle meta gaming? I am looking forward to your upcoming episodes. Youre doing an amazing job! Thank you :)

Great video!

Love the Voltron tip ! these two are great by the way ! love satine's style

This series has been great so far... JUST found a group ( haven't played for close to 2 decades.... ) and I am going to GM... I'm scared and excited at the same time.