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Power gamers. Min-maxers. Optimizers. Love them or dread them, they show up at nearly every table — especially in professional TTRPG games. But instead of trying to shut them down, what if we designed better experiences around them?

In this episode, I unpack what drives optimization, how to support high-performance play without alienating the rest of your table, and what to watch for when power gaming turns toxic. From encounter design and session pacing to party balance, roleplay, and session zero expectations — this is your full guide to running great games for players who love the numbers and the narrative.

If you’ve ever struggled with a player who outpaces the party, or wondered how to make everyone shine without nerfing a build, this episode is for you.

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What separates a good player from a great paying player? In this episode of Dice and Quills, I explore the player side of the professional TTRPG table. We’ll look at what makes a paying player a joy to run for, how to help new clients succeed in their first few sessions, and what red flags might signal future problems — even when the credit card clears.

From building trust and respecting boundaries to session etiquette and emotional investment, this episode is packed with practical insights that GMs can use to cultivate a healthy, thriving table environment — and that aspiring pro-level players might learn from too.

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Turning your passion for tabletop RPGs into a profession isn’t just about rolling dice for money — it’s about structure, consistency, and delivering a player experience worth coming back for. In this episode of Dice and Quills, I walk you through everything I’ve learned from years of running paid games: how to get started, how to build a strong listing, how to handle pricing, scheduling, player dynamics, burnout, and more.

Whether you’re still wondering if this path is right for you or you’ve already run a few paid sessions, this episode is packed with honest advice, hard-won lessons, and actionable tools to help you build a sustainable, professional GM career — without losing your love for the game.

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