Here we get to know the Game Master, Scott Hoffman behind the popular Dice of Thunder: Outlaws of Alkenstar podcast (new episode every Sunday at 9pm PST,) a story based in Pathfinders 2E system, where the outlaws known as "The Shumfallow Five" uncover a plot that threatens not only their city but the entire world. (Click here to find the podcast on your favourite player.)
Totally Pawsome: As a creator of podcasts for TTRPG's, what inspires you each time you sit down to record?
Scott Hoffman: What inspires me the most is the listener. It doesn’t matter if they’re old Thunder Buddies who have been plugged in from the first week or if they are discovering the show for the first time. It brings joy knowing that strangers all over the world have become the friends we never knew we had.
TP: What would you say is the best selling point of your Podcast and what has people coming back for more?
SH: I think our best selling point is good audio quality. I’m still learning audio engineering, but we started strong with clear audio. It’s always been a goal of ours for the listener to feel like they’re sitting at the table with us. I was a fan of podcasts long before I started producing one and I think audio quality is key for a good experience.
TP: Why the TTRPG space?
SH: The TTRPG space is a unique way to build experience for characters that make a long-lasting impact. I’ve been playing TTRPGs for 30 years. I can still remember my friend’s elven bard from 8th grade who played massive Japanese drums that we had to haul around with oxen to every encounter. Every TTRPG game I’ve played over hundreds of hours always comes with special moments created by friends and family. Thankfully, technology has advanced to the point where those wild stories can be shared.
TP: What is your favourite individual podcast that you've worked on and why?
SH: Well, I’ve only worked on The Dice of Thunder Podcast, but I did have a guest appearance on Big Campaign Stories, so I think Big Campaign wins by default.
TP: With some podcasts being a little behind the actual play of the game what can you tell us about what you're up to now?
SH: Our recording schedule has us between two to four episodes ahead of publishing. We have a new recording this weekend where our characters will leave the city they have grown accustomed to for the first time. I’m excited to push them out of their comfort zone.
TP: Who do you think would love to play your TTRPG's and why?
SH: Anyone who is interested in a balanced TTRPG would enjoy Pathfinder. My favorite draw about the Pathfinder system is that it puts more responsibility on the player to know how the game works. This takes a lot of the rule responsibility off the Gamemaster which allows them to craft a more narrative story. I also think Pathfinder is a very safe game which allows anyone to express themselves creatively without fear of throwing the game balance or putting their Gamemaster in a compromising position. For example, if one wants to play a simple Human Ranger that is an option. Also, one could play a wheelchair bound half-vampire/half-frog-man demon-blooded sorcerer and both are viable, balanced characters available at level 1.
TP: Where do you see your TTRPG podcast taking you in 5 years?
SH: In five years, the current edition of our show will be over. I’d like to continue telling stories through podcasts after. The goal is to have at least four shows up and running by that point. Actual Play podcasting is a slow burn, but it is very rewarding. If there is a demand for more Dice of Thunder over the years, then we will rise to meet it.
TP: If you were given the time and opportunity to develop something unique, what would it be and why?
SH: I would like to write a novel. It’s something I’ve done off and on over the last twenty years as hobby, but I lack the discipline of a writer. I think that’s why I gravitated toward podcasting. The stories must be told!
Lutin played by Brittany Hoffman, Dar’Nyru played by Gregg Santee, Kainros Du’Vallo played by Du’Vall Gibson, Balnor played by Jordan Elwanger, and Varg also played by Jordan Elwanger.
TP: Who do you admire in the podcast community and why?
Oh there are too many people to list. I have great admiration for all the indie creators in the podcast community. I do my best to listen to as many of them as possible. The world is blessed with an embarrassment of storytellers and podcasting has given them all a voice. I also have much love for the supporters of the podcasting community. We wouldn’t have a show if it wasn’t for Steve and Verónica from Pod Sound School. They have a whole online education suite which helped us get off the ground. More personally, we are grateful to the writers of Paizo for crafting such a rich and thoughtful story setting. Our show sticks as true to the Pathfinder canon as possible. We do that so our listeners who are also Pathfinder fans can have a more immersive experience, but it wouldn’t be possible without the talented folks at Paizo who wrote it all in the first place.
TP: What got you into TTRPG's in the first place?
Being a lonely kid at a new school is what led to my involvement with TTRPGs. I was lucky enough to be friend-adopted by a bunch of amazing nerds who were playing Advanced Dungeons & Dragons and needed a 5th player. I’m still friends with them today.
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