Why Your Players Are Checked Out (And How to Fix It)

Goblin Salvage Rites

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In this episode, we dive into the idea of "Attention as Currency"—a homebrew framework for GMs and players to better understand and manage the emotional and cognitive energy spent during TTRPG sessions. Whether it’s combat, roleplay, exploration, or complex encounter mechanics, every moment at the table costs something. And just like gold, attention is limited.
💬 Topics include:
How to spot when players are mentally “spent”
The drama budget: what to spend and when
Elite monsters, complex terrain, and pacing fatigue
When to go big with set pieces—and when to just throw some trees at 'em
Spoon theory at the game table