NOTE: the opinions expressed in interviews are those of the guests, not necessarily those of shadomain.com
Holy Moly, we’re talking to ourselves! Yes, today’s interview is with contributing writer and RPG host and AP personality, GamerMomLuna! You can find her show on twitch the first Sunday of each month at 8pm ET at https://www.twitch.tv/gamermomluna or on all the socials as GamerMomLuna! Let’s hear what she has to say!
How did you first get started in TTRPGs?
I had heard about Dungeons & Dragons growing up (I’m an Elder Millennial/Xennial, so D&D predates me, but not by much), but didn’t know anything about it really until I was in my 20’s. Magic The Gathering was what I saw kids playing in the cafeteria in middle school, so I didn’t know anyone who actually played until I met my now-ex husband. He started a group at our house, and I basically invited myself to the table to see what it was all about. I knew I was into fantasy and I was a budding video gamer, so it was all right up my alley.
How did your TTRPG show “Tales From the Tavern” get started?
The idea sort of came from being a guest on another show that did panel interviews. After doing it, I thought it would be a neat idea to do a panel show, but allow chat to ask questions, in order to make each show different in a very different way. Chat comes up with far better questions than I ever could.
\Where did you learn to interview and run a show?
I just sort of… did, I guess. A lot of it was just about what made (and continues to make) sense to me. I started by asking myself what I’d like if I were a guest on my show, and went from there. As time has gone on, I’ve learned things I both liked and didn’t like from watching and being a guest on other podcasts and streams, and tried to apply them to Tales from the Tavern
Do you have any advice about connecting with “bigger names” in the TTRPG space?
Don’t harass them, and don’t invade their private space. Oftentimes, my interactions have started by tagging them on social media, saying something to the effect of what it is I’d like to ask them about. A few times, I’ve had them reach out and open their DMs to me. I don’t take advantage of having that connection. I ask them what I need to ask, and if they say no, I thank them for their time, and leave it at that. I also make a point to not reach out to someone on behalf of another individual unless my previous interactions with them have indicated that it’s okay. I try to respect their privacy.
Who is your favorite TTRPG character?
My favorite character that I’ve played is probably Idabrix (pronounced like Eat-a-Bricks). She was a halfling rogue/ranger/fighter in a Pathfinder 1e game a few years ago. She was a master at Parkour, and her nickname was “Yeetabrix”
What other hobbies do you have outside of TTRPGs?
I like to knit, but I don’t tend to do that in warmer weather, though I’m working on a temperature blanket this year (2024) so I have to do at least some knitting all year so I don’t fall behind. I also enjoy video games, and thanks to the awesome Steam Deck I got for my birthday, I get to do that a lot more often! I dabble in photography a little, I like to read, and most importantly, spend time with my daughter and my boyfriend.
What TTRPG would you like to play that you haven’t had the chance to play yet?
Oh boy, that’s a big one. There’s a lot that I’d love to check out, but I think the one I’m most interested in trying is 10 Candles. I’m just obsessed with the idea behind how the game works, and the ideas of stories that could be told with it. I’ve got a whole idea pictured in my head for running it – I just need to find local players!
What have you learned from TTRPGs that you’ve brought to your non-gaming life?
I feel like I’m always learning new things from TTRPGs. I guess I’d say the biggest thing I’ve taken from TTRPGs is how to connect with people in new ways. It seems weird to say that given that I’ve always been pretty good with people. But it has made me more confident and better at reaching out to people about new things.
What have you learned in your non-gaming life that you’ve brought into TTRPGs?
This is a really tricky one. I think I carry more from my gaming life into my non-gaming life, honestly. But if I had to pick anything, it would be how to work with people I don’t always get along with.
What made you laugh the hardest, ever in your whole life?
I can’t think of anything that’s made me laugh the hardest, specifically, but I’d be willing to bet it had something to do with my teenager. She’s just so freaking funny sometimes, and I don’t think she even realizes it!
Recently, though, I played a game of Disaster Hamsters (a 5e Supplement by Plot Hooks) with some local friends, and that really got us laughing hard! It was one of the funniest games I’ve played in ages, and we had a great time!
Thanks, Luna!
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