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Main Topic: Retro-Review: White Plume Mountain Summary of the 1e module
Was a TSR module. Good DM advice.
Made in the Old School ‘DIY’ way. Light on story, big on expandability.
Episode 106 Streamed Live Tuesday September 20, 2022
Main Topic: D&D - Pushing Boundaries: TSR/WoTC often pushed boundaries
Does D&D just have to be high fantasy? The Various Editions and the Boundaries they pushed:
Old DnD (Oe) First of its name, Gygax and Arneson create a masterpiece of a game: no winners and never-ending story, delve into dungeons to get loot and gain power
BECMI/RC Level to 36, immortals, XP for roleplaying, completing goals as well as defeating monsters, more classes, added weapon mastery, select personality and background, Mods -3 to +3
1e Advanced More guidance, adventure types: dungeon, outdoor, town, focus on adventure and RP, Magic Resistance based on 11th level, race/class combos
Foolishness: https://law.justia.com/cases/federal/district-courts/FSupp/473/759/2148159/
Other media: The Dungeons and Dragons Cartoon https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dungeons_%26_Dragons_(TV_series)
2e Advanced: THAC0, Standard magic resistance, Dragons awesome, Character Class groups, Spell caps, Specialty priests, settings, more narratively focused, bloat, The four horsemen: Parkinson, Elmore, Caldwell, Easley
Foolishness: Removing Gary Gygax: https://boingboing.net/2014/08/12/how-gary-gygax-lost-control-ov.html
Monstrous Compendium Binders: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monstrous_Compendium
*Caving: (Removal of Devils and Demons) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dungeons_%26_Dragons_controversies#TSR_removes_Satanic_monsters
3e Selling to WoTC: https://www.enworld.org/threads/ryan-dancey-acquiring-tsr.661632/ in 1997- http://gamecabinet.com/news/TSRWotC.html
WoTC purchased by Hasbro- https://money.cnn.com/1999/09/09/deals/hasbro/
The OGL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Open_Game_License
The Creation of 3e: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Editions_of_Dungeons_%26_Dragons#Dungeons_&_Dragons_3rd_edition New approach, character build, Stat mods increased, FRW saves, Unified XP chart, Feats, skills, BAB and ascending AC, D20 checks high/good and low/bad, magic shop, CR, New Setting: Eberron
Chances taken: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Book_of_Vile_Darkness
D&D The Movies: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dungeons_%26_Dragons_(film_series)
4e: big changes, new direction, every class has powers: daily, at will and encounter, miniatures & maps required, informed by video games such as wow, cartoonish art/anime, divided fan base and gave room for PF. New setting: Points of Light: The Nentir Vale
The Creation of 4e: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Editions_of_Dungeons_%26_Dragons#Dungeons_&_Dragons_4th_edition
Foolishness: Advertisement leading up to 4e: “Hey, let’s alienate old fans.” https://youtu.be/sbbqMoEwDqc
Funny: https://youtu.be/4UqFPujRZWo
5e: Lots of 3e stuff and bits of 4e (short and long rests), optional feat system, controlled character build, easy mode, characters rarely die, legendary and lair actions, DnD Beyond digital components become significantly useful after 2-3 editions of empty promises
Episode 105 Streamed Live, Tuesday September 13 ,2022
Geekosphere
Ø Call-In (no emails) Taylor of Clerics Wear Ringmail
Ø Played last Thursday- OSE/B/X-flaws in the system: death and dying, hiring retainers, the Barbarian in OSE may suck, not a fan of the five saving throws, and other?
Ø Big Geek Emporium: POD ready!
Ø Big Con update
Ø Big Geek Adventures: art, map making
Episode 104 Steamed Live Tuesday September 6, 2022
Main Topic: D&D and RPG Sundry We take a night off from fully planned and amazingly detailed gaming discussion for a more off the cuff discussion with our homies on the stream and elsewhere.
Mordenkainen’s Magnificent Mechanics:
3.X: unified die mechanic(mostly), SR, CR (conceptually- as a guide for the fledgling DM), Fort/Ref/Will, ease of multiclassing(conceptually), BAB Pathfinder (exception 3.75): CMB/CMD 4e: No Comment 5e: Advantage/Disadvantage, easy to learn/teach, HD for healing,
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We are on all the socials, video and podcast places as well.
Episode 102: Golems and Constructs in Dungeons and Dragons | Favorite DnD Game Mechanics | One DnD
24 Aug 2022
02:30:25
Monster Mash #4: Golems & Constructs
Episode 102 Streamed Live Tuesday August 23, 2022
Geekosphere ONE D&D coming 2024, but sign up now for playtest document: https://youtu.be/OpI7J9vtbnw
Main Topic: Monster Mash #4 - Golems & Constructs
1) Their first appearance in DnD: Golems and other constructs had their start all the way back in the Greyhawk Supplement for OD&D in 1975. There were many variants over the editions: Obsidian, Wood, Bronze in NX, BECMI, RC Modrons appeared in 1e Necrophidius Golem, Stone Guardian, caryatid column in 2e Inevitables (modrons and maruts) in Planescape Big four and a total of 74 types other types in 3e Warforged of Eberron: https://eberron.fandom.com/wiki/Warforged and http://eberronunlimited.wikidot.com/warforged#toc0 (+) No Modrons until Dragon 414 in 4e. Big four, animated objects, clockwork creatures, Modrons, Marut in 5e
2) Their most common types, characteristics & powers throughout the editions. Golems: immune to magic, no sneak attack, SR, could go berserk, unique ways to kill PCs especially Clay and Iron
3) Ecology & influence of monster in the campaign world. Built by spellcasters, eternal guardians, odd defenders, generally difficult to defeat, even for the creator, great higher-level foes, usually limited influence on the world and campaign
4.) How best to use them? They should be guardians of ancient/hidden treasures. They should be challenging and terrifying. My Favorite Examples: 3.X: Demonflesh Golem that was programmed to act like it was Demogorgon as well as to frustrate spellcasters and terrify 2e characters.
6.) 3+ alternate takes:
a.) What if the technique to creating golems were lost to time?
b.) A powerful wizard summons an Ultron-like creature bound eons ago in the plane of law (Mechanus).
c.) Consider a world not unlike Eberron wherein constructs are a part of life, a highly magical world. Suddenly one day, they all stop working.
Mordenkainen’s Magnificent Mechanics:
OD+D: nothing comes to mind
BECMI/BX/: stat mods(lower), domain play emphasized, power of spells, CLW though slight difference
TSR Era DnD: monster immunities, PC fragility, save or suck spells/conditions, stat boosting items/situations hard to come by, power of spells
Shameless Plug Time:
If you would like to support our show, please like, subscribe, and share us where you are listening or viewing the show, also:
We are on all the socials, video and podcast places as well.
Cash Support
PayPal: paypal.me/biggusgeekus
Streamlabs: https://streamlabs.com/biggusgeekus1/tip
Anchor: https://www.anchor.fm/biggusgeekus
On the Web: Website: www.biggusgeekuspodcast.com
Email: thegeeks@biggusgeekuspodcast.com
Episode 101 of our SHOW and the date is Tuesday 16,2022. (R)
Big Geek Emporium!
The Alt-Drive is Live!!!
Main Topic: Starting a New Campaign
Choose setting and rules set Old tried and true stuff
Brand new setting
Brand new system
Starting characters-restrictions
Choosing the Players & Setting the IRL parameters Online vs F2F
Previous players vs new players
Same old group vs mix-it-up
Time/days/length of sessions/length of campaign/# of players
The First Session PCs meet at the tavern.
PCs know each other
PCs being hired to complete a mission.
A more organic start
PCs start at the entrance to the dungeon.
In media res
Differing Approaches Sandbox/Open ended but with some limits Linear Adventure or homebrewed storyline
Combination: Sandbox & Linear Adventure
No/low prep/wide open TRUE SANDBOX
What are you looking for in a DnD Style Adventure/Campaign Setting Size? Style? Details?
OSR or OSR adjacent or DnD version X
How about something New, but familiar?
Our New Campaign & 1st Session last week We began a new campaign. Analysis:
Homebrew setting: Hymyr/ OSE/3rd level PCs/F2F/Mixed group new & old/ Began at the negotiation table with patron for a mission/assumed PCs had worked together before
This differs a bit from a standard campaign as I am hoping to playtest a module (perhaps a series of them/setting) and build up to a true Mudsword RPG.
If you would like to support our show, please like, subscribe, and share us where you are listening or viewing the show, also:
We are on all the socials, video, and podcast places as well.
Gencon 2022 Report from Patrick Demo of Point Hat Games
Main Topic: We finally made it, or did we?
I. Our own personal history with D&D and RPGs
II. Biggus Geekus – A retrospective
III. Biggus Geekus- the future
IV. Thanks to: Wherein we give thanks to those who helped.
Geekosphere
1. Call-ins/emails – let’s do it!!
2. Episode #100- Milestone Contest - thegeeks@biggusgeekuspodcast.com
Grimtooth’s Ultimate Traps Collection by Goodman Games (Kickstarter edition)
3. Zaslov https://theculturednerd.org/2022/08/warner-bros-discoverys-ceo-david-zaslav-confirms-that-major-changes-are-on-the-horizon-for-the-dceu/
4. A totally boss take down of woke Hollywood losers: https://youtu.be/NXIoEmyofoQ
Shameless Plug Time:
If you would like to support our show, please like, subscribe, and share us where you are listening or viewing the show, also:
We are on all the socials, video and podcast places as well.
Spotify, Stitcher, Apple Podcasts and virtually everywhere you get your podcasts
Cash Support PayPal:
paypal.me/biggusgeekus
Streamlabs: https://streamlabs.com/biggusgeekus1/tip
Anchor: https://www.anchor.fm/biggusgeekus
On the Web:
Emporium: www.biggeekemporium.com
Website: www.biggusgeekuspodcast.com
Email: thegeeks@biggusgeekuspodcast.com
Staying Positive King Waspinator inspired https://youtu.be/SUuPyD7Xisk
1. With the rpg hobby in general
2. With your own personal games
3. With the nerd culture in general
4. Why don’t we focus on positive things?
5. Are they simply not interesting enough?
6. How do we keep it interesting?
7. Why are rants and complaints content always so much more interesting?
Gencon 2022: Pointy Hat and P. Demo 1.) What are the current requirements to attend and vend at the show?
2.) How excited are you to go?
3.) Do you expect to have a good outing: sales, time value and fun?
4.) What about the BiPoC room?
5.) Other concerns/comments.
1) Its first appearance in DnD books
2) Its most common characteristics & powers throughout the editions.
3) Ecology & influence of monster in the campaign world.
4) How best to use them? Our favorite examples.
5) Mythological etymology:
6) 3 alternate takes on the creature
a) 13th age: https://www.13thagesrd.com/monsters/
b) The 5e Book of the Tarrasque: page 7
c) The True Tarrasque: https://www.gmbinder.com/share/-M9usahTVHiYqci1OHYA
Venger Con Report 1. Stayed until 10:30 am on Sunday
2. The ATTENDEES & Venger
3. The games: OSE, BECMI/Rules Cyclopedia, Venger’s own, “198?” Conan, homebrews, DCC
4. Venger Con 2?
5. Pics on will be up on the website or social media
Main Topic: Alignment in D&D Alignment is defined as a categorization of the ethical and moral perspective of player characters, non-player characters, and creatures.
Yes, we have covered this before going to try to go in more depth. When did it originate? It seems pretty clear alignment began in Chainmail as a way to have the “good guys” and the “bad guys”. The good guys were Lawful, and the bad were Chaotic.
Later in Advanced Dungeons and Dragons, alignment became much more detailed and granular with the iconic 9 alignments. These have been debated on their meaning over the years, even though they were spelled out in the books.
Alignment-based character classes (Paladin, Cleric, Barbarian, Thief, etc.)
Changing alignment and its effects on your character
Alignment languages
The Geekosphere 1. Call-ins/emails
2. THE CONTEST OF CHAMPIONS:
enter win here: http://biggusgeekuspodcast.com/contest-entry/
3. Big Geek Emporium: biggeekemporium.com
Shameless Plug Time:
If you would like to support our show, please like, subscribe, and share us where you are listening or viewing the show, also:
We are on all the socials, video and podcast places as well.
We discuss many aspects of “Old School” or OSR gaming. Legacy GM (LGM) discusses his favorite games and gaming style. We go over some potential differences between OSR games and Old School feel. LGM talks about getting younger folks into older style games.
Then we discuss the, largely, sociopolitical divide in the hobby. We try to figure out why it is so stark a divide. Also, we discuss what we feel the essence of the divide is and take swipes at post modernism. We agree that likely the only way to bridge the gap is to set a good example of being accepting of the folks we are accused of hating but concede that it will only be a few of them we can hope to convince.
Segment #2: Like it Love it, or Leave it TSR (the original company-version 1.0) - Love
Psionics in D&D - Like
Movie Reboots - Leave
Contest of Champions-Finally! We’ve hit 250+. Now the give-away, you get to choose ONE
1) Feng Shui 2 by Robin D Laws
2) Traps & Treachery d20 book (sticker on cover) by FFG
3) Rackham Vale: Fantasy Adventures from the Art of Arthur Rackham (OSE related)
If you would like to support our show, please like, subscribe, and share us where you are listening or viewing the show, also:
We are on all the socials, video and podcast places as well.
Five More Cool RPGs That Are Not Dungeons and Dragons
06 Jul 2022
01:39:47
Episode 95 Streamed Live Tuesday July 5, 2022
Main Topic: 5 Other Non-D&D RPGs to play
These are not D&D, play experience is different
Links to games mentioned savage worlds: https://peginc.com/savage-settings/savage-worlds/
mage the ascension: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/199/Mage-The-Ascension-Revised?term=mage+the
dungeon crawl classics: https://goodman-games.com/dungeon-crawl-classics-rpg/
legend of the five rings: https://www.fantasyflightgames.com/en/legend-of-the-five-rings-roleplaying-game/
heroes unlimited: https://www.palladiumbooks.com/modern/heroes-unlimited
1) Savage Worlds
a) Great for time-challenged: This is a game that is easy to understand and get to playing in no time.
b) Cheap barrier to entry. One book is all that is needed. pdf 10 bucks, hardback 40. (used to be cheaper)
c) Plays fast: target number is 4
d) The dice explosion mechanic is fun
e) Very deadly, approach fighting with care
2) Dungeon Crawl Classics
a) Though superficially like BX D&D, it differs enough to have a very different table experience.
b) Spells have a very wide array of effects, each having its own random table.
c) Character creation is fast and can be interesting with The Funnel.
d) Has a more Gonzo sword and sorcery vibe than D&D given the randomness of spells, fumbles, and crits
3) Legend of the Five Rings
a) May make wokeskolds irate "because reasons". Be exotic.
b) The exotic Roll and keep is a favorite dice mechanic of mine.
c) Combat, thought exotic, is very deadly, approach with caution, and use stealth or diplomacy when possible.
d) Has a lore that is very exotic in tone and well thought out. Edition changes has wrought some havoc on the lore though.
e) Very different play experience from D&D, some would call it ... exotic
4) Mage The Ascension
a) This more of a wish to play. Especially if the more emo elements remove. H/T to Heathendog at Legion of Myth
b) World of Darkness has some stark tonal differences to many other RPG. Its Dark man.
c) Freeform magic is always attractive to as a long time D&D wizard player.
5) Heroes Unlimited
a) I love a supers game. I like Paladium. Seems like a good fit.
b) Paladium's system will feel familiar to D&D players, but different at the same
c) This is another "would like to play" rather than a true recommendation. I already know the base system and understand it.
d) Like all Paladium's games, it is a self-contained game but can be used with their other offerings. It has enough of it's own lore to you going.
Geekosphere
1. Call-ins/emails: We have accumulated a large set of call ins. We will set up an episode just to clear them. Coming soon!
2. Wizards for Justice: https://twitter.com/WizardsJustice
3. The channel has reached over 200 subs.
4. Shout out to Venger Satanis’ Publishing imprint. Hopefully some of it is still available at Drivethru RPG, also he can be reached via email and accepts paypal directly.
http://vengersatanis.blogspot.com/
https://www.youtube.com/c/VengerSatanis
5. Random Shout Out to Wizard Tower Games. The company has an upcoming board game offering called d20 Delving. https://twitter.com/realwizardtower/status/1538194462811295744?s=20&t=vxpZ4gWg5alBOpGWtMRjOw
https://wizardtowergames.com/
D&D Lessons You wish you’d learned earlier 1. DM’s Perspective
a. It’s not a competition
b. Play by the rules before you decide to house rule/homebrew
c. It’s more than just combat
d. Let the players be heroes
e. Prep less/game more
f. It’s more about the players than the game
g. Don’t lose confidence
h. Learn to be open to a bigger table
i. Prep efficiently
2. Player’s Perspective
a. It’s not just about my character
b. Help the DM
c. Help other player’s characters be cool
d. Do what is expected sometimes
e. Be helpful but not pushy
f. Know at least enough to run your character
g. Relax and have a good time
3. General Perspective
a. Know thyself: do not waste time on the new shiny if it isn’t in your wheelhouse. b. Discern want vs need (and can/will use) in purchases
c. Be willing to try a variety of RPG’s
d. Consider Alternate Locations/Variations
e. Cultivate your group.
f. Don’t be quick to get rid of books
1 Random Question(s) How do you handle RPG nostalgia?
ToMvsTotal grid/minis focused play. Pros & Cons to using miniatures. Pro: Aids in visualization and imagination Con: Can be a pain to put on the table, expensive, take up space
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Random Geek-itude
1. Eric July got his first shipment … of what? Not sure, but I’m ready for the Rippaverse: https://twitter.com/EricDJuly/status/1534615182705565696
2. https://boundingintocomics.com/2022/06/13/screenrant-star-wars-article-epitomizes-everything-wrong-with-the-lefts-racial-perspectives/
3. Just for fun: https://www.gamersdecide.com/articles/10-greatest-weapons-dnd-legendary-weapons-1
Main Topic: Stereotypes, Inclusion and Representation in D&D
I Definition Stereotype: https://www.dictionary.com/browse/stereotype
How Stereotypes can be good:
1.) Set base lines/make the world believable (need to see the normal before the abnormal becomes truly “weird”).
2.) Stereotypical NPCs/monsters allow players a more predictable way to react to the world making the exception more interesting and intriguing. ex: the friendly barkeep, the sagely, but forgetful wizard, kindly old priest, or the edgy rogue with a heart of gold.
3.) Definition Monsters: https://www.dictionary.com/browse/monster
- monsters are essentially evil
- frees folks from moral relativism
- the game has alignment, so intention is that there is REAL evil and good in the game
When/how can Stereotypes be bad?
Depends on the temperaments of the folks at the table, and how the stereotype is delivered.
II Definitions of Inclusion:
https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/inclusion
https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/include
1.) Legion of Myth Nod: natural inclusion not forced diversity
2.) Not the inclusion we hear about today: https://www.cbr.com/dungeons-and-dragons-representation-inclusivity-plans/
3.) When has the hobby not ever been inclusive?
4.) How can Inclusion be good?
5.) When/how can Inclusion be bad?
III Definition Representation: https://www.dictionary.com/browse/represented
1.) Legion of Myth: Escapism not Representation
2.) Representation must have limits: from DM perspective, your world cannot really be representative of all things unless it becomes cartoonish 3.) Representation today: https://www.themarysue.com/representation-in-d-and-d/
4.) When/how can representation be good?
5.) When/how can representation be bad?
One Random Question: How much use/mileage do you get out of “good” monsters in D&D?
Open Discussion: Generating Good Content
Revisiting old stuff/deeper dive into old topics
Evergreen topics: Gm Advice
How To topics
Exploration of Actual Play
Shameless Plug Time:
If you would like to support our show, please like, subscribe, and share us where you are listening or viewing the show, also:
Podcast:
Spotify, Stitcher, Apple Podcasts and virtually everywhere you get your podcasts
Our fascination with the OSR
I. Mile high View
Is the OSR Nostalgia?
A Return to your Roots?
A Re-focusing of what you think is important?
The Truth in D&D?
II.Exhibit A: BG’s recent Exploration of B-X through OSE We played OSE Saturday: Are the mechanics solid? Does it have the right feel? Any quirks?
Some old adventure design stuff became glaringly apparent.
The sheer gonzo nature.
III.Building Back Better Should we: 1.) play OSR & just remove the warts as we see them 2.) to start fresh from 3.x – removing the cumbersome rules 3.) do our own thing from scratch OR 4.) Create a cool/fun setting (Hymyr) and just play all the variants of DnD and enjoy them for what they are
1 Random Question: What keeps bringing you back to the table after all these years?
Shameless Plug Time: If you would like to support our show, please like, subscribe, and share us where you are listening or viewing the show, also:
Podcast: Spotify, Stitcher, Apple Podcasts and virtually everywhere you get your podcasts
Dungeons and Dragons vs. The Satanic Panic and the Woke Mob
01 Jun 2022
02:04:32
Episode 90 Streamed Live Tuesday May 31, 2022
Random Geek-itude
1. Call-ins/emails: Taylor from Clerics Wear Ringmail on playing with “Randos”
2. Stranger Things Season 4 Tackles the Satanic Panic: link below
Main Topic: Dungeons and Dragons vs. The Satanic Panic and the Woke Mob
How are they similar?
How are they different?
Which was worse?
Does it matter now?
How did we fight the former and how do we fight the current?
Our experiences with it.
The Satanic Panic- the time when Dungeons and Dragons was thought to be connected to devil/Satan worship and the destruction of the youth.
60 Minutes: https://youtu.be/Cm_2S8E_UOI
B.A.D.D.: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patricia_Pulling
The BBC: https://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-26328105
The Nerdist - Part 1: https://nerdist.com/article/how-did-gaming-greats-navigate-the-satanic-panic-of-the-1980s/
The Nerdist - Part II: https://nerdist.com/article/how-dd-writers-fought-the-satanic-panic/
Groovy History: https://groovyhistory.com/satanic-panic-brief-history-hysteria
Demons and Devils Facelift: https://screenrant.com/dungeons-dragons-satanism-controversy-demons-devils-tanarri-baatezu/
The Grunge: https://www.grunge.com/179063/the-controversial-history-of-dungeons-dragons/
Stranger Things: https://www.denofgeek.com/tv/stranger-things-season-4-dungeons-and-dragons-satanic-panic/
Dark Dungeons (Chick Tract) https://www.chick.com/products/tract?stk=0046
Michael Stackpole: http://pc.gamespy.com/articles/539/539635p1.html
The Woke Invasion- The slippery slope of virtual signaling, SJW-madness, representation and woke insanity
Color Code to The Woke: https://www.therpgsite.com/pen-paper-roleplaying-games-rpgs-discussion/list-ttrpg-guide-to-woke-companies/
Woke RPG’s v Non-woke RPGs: https://medium.com/theuglymonster/woke-roleplaying-games-sell-better-than-not-woke-rpgs-cb5853fba7a2
Fighting against WOKE Culture: https://nypost.com/2021/01/31/10-ways-to-fight-back-against-woke-culture/(application to gaming)
POC Gamer: https://pocgamer.com/2019/08/02/decolonization-and-integration-in-dd/
Orcs = Black People: https://www.wired.com/story/dungeons-dragons-diversity/
Playing in the Mud:
Setting motivates rules, right?
3.X is the new old hotness…or is it?
What things do we wish to leave behind from 3.X?
Shameless Plug Time:
If you would like to support our show, please like, subscribe, and share us where you are listening or viewing the show, also:
Podcast: Spotify, Stitcher, Apple Podcasts and virtually everywhere you get your podcasts
Cash Support
PayPal: paypal.me/biggusgeekus
Streamlabs: https://streamlabs.com/biggusgeekus1/tip
Anchor: https://www.anchor.fm/biggusgeekus
On the Web:
Website: www.biggusgeekuspodcast.com
Email: thegeeks@biggusgeekuspodcast.com
Main Topic: Part One - Cultivating a Gaming Group Should every player play in every game?
Choosing the right players: setting & system preferences or limitations, RP level, action level, exploration level
Playing with random players- game store, internet, or message board
When to bow out?
Main Topic: Part 2 - Setting up Fantastic Locations & Situations The idea: something exotic, interesting, challenging
How important is it to make a location fantastic?
Show the mundane consistently to accentuate the fantastic
How can you generate these neat ideas? Movies, comics, books, paintings/pics (internet), modules/adventures
How important is it to most games that you have these places?
How do you place such ideas in a world trying to maintain some verisimilitude?
Good 1. Great time, ran smoothly,
2. loved not running any games
3. played a lot
4. DCC is good
5. OSR feel/style and D&D 3e
6. bed for everyone
7. experience with lots of games: Wasteland Express, Fireball island, D&D 3.5 variant, DCC 3rd level XCrawl & Funnel, Shiver, Fallout, Aliens, 13th Age, Trivia contest of Awesome!
Pics of CC16
Bad 1. not enough time to visit
2. ‘hot’ weather
3. some whining
4. not enough time to game
What We’ve Learned: 1) Randy should run less games
2) Joe and Randy may be unique at CC
3) CC runs smoothly practically on its own.
Segment #3: Is it really all that it’s cracked up to be? Original Clash of the Titans (1981) vs the Clash of the Titans(2010) -
Randy’s Rating 1981: 7/10
2010: 7/10
Joe’s Rating 1981: 6/10
2010: 5/10
Shameless Plug Time: If you would like to support our show, please like, subscribe, and share us where you are listening or viewing the show, also:
Podcast: Spotify, Stitcher, Apple Podcasts and virtually everywhere you get your podcasts
What We Love About D&D | Doctor Strange 2 | Violence in RPGs
11 May 2022
02:39:01
Episode 87 Tuesday May 10,2022
Call ins & Emails from the Outlands
1. Call-ins/emails
2. Violence in DnD- REEEEEEEE!!!!: http://www.hopesandfears.com/hopes/culture/video-games/216625-dungeons-dragons-violence-ethics and Aaron the Pedantic Roundtable: https://youtu.be/2Kn0Z6k5Hxk
3. The DnD Movie History: https://www.slashfilm.com/853351/somehow-the-2000-dungeons-dragons-movie-got-two-straight-to-video-sequels/
4. Stephen King’s Dark Tower gets an RPG?: https://byodinsbeardrpg.itch.io/we-deal-in-lead
5. https://gizmodo.com/new-grants-are-helping-diversify-tabletop-gaming-scene-1848882030
Main Topic: For the Love of the Game – What We Love about Dungeons and Dragons
Oe: the original- a visionary style of game
BECMIE/RoC: sense of wonder conveyed from the cover of the little booklets
1e: level limits for non-human races, SAVE or DIE!!!!, lots of new spells
2e: specialty priests, Monstrous manual was in color (and liked the 3 ring binder approach)
3.x: ascending AC, actually got to use miniatures and maps in a meaningful way
4e: Very simple to learn 5e: cut out the majority of the build game, kept D&D core so easy to play, better for beginners
Patrick Reviews Doctor Strange 2: The Multiverse of Madness
A Cabin Con Moment: Two days until the DAY!!!! Mini-episodes over CC 16: Just Podcasting
Next Episode: The Satanic Panic vs The Woke Panic
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Call ins & Emails from the Outlands
1. Call-ins/emails
2. https://clericswearringmail.blogspot.com/2022/04/sepulchre-of-grave-robber.html
3. We recommend Red Dice Diaries go watch it/listen to it
4. Dungeons and Dragons Rules Cyclopedia a $20 reprint from www.drivethrurpg.com very cheap entry into the hobby
5. Something to laugh at https://www.cbr.com/disability-representation-marvel-multiverse-ttrpg
Main Topic: Criticisms of Dungeons and Dragons
TSR DnD
OD&D: d6 hp for all classes, saving throw categories are weird, assumes knowledge of Chainmail. DM rolls PC stats, stats matter very little, all dungeon delving, spell descriptions often defined too loosely, race as class, alignment not explained BECMI/RC: THACO, alignment), weapon mastery, 36 levels, Turn Undead
1e: THAC0 counterintuitive, Descending AC counterintuitive, percentile for Thief skills, roll under for everyone else’s skills, alignment, con mods for different classes, weapon speed, armor vs weapon tables, damage vs S/M/L creatures, dragons sucked, dual classing
2e: druid fighting to gain levels, spell dice caps, Non Weapon Proficiencies, Bending the Knee to Satanic Panic
WoTC DnD
3.x: special maneuvers too fiddly, the build game, monsters built like PCs, No Lore Consistency
4e: same-y characters, start out a hero
5e: Art is crap, Turn Undead, Monster CR, 3 attuned items, Fighter while not weak seems Irrelevant, Skill system is weak, Bounded Accuracy is Dumb, Bending the Knee to Woke Panic
Random Question: Should every player try to GM at least once?
A Cabin Con Moment Next Thursday it begins…the greatest convention ever conceived & executed by mankind. Podcasting at CC16.
Next Episode: Monster Mash #3 or What We Love about D&D
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1.Banshee, Ghost, Spectre, Shadow, Wraith
2.First appearance in DnD
3.What are the basic and most long enduring/interesting powers of each of those listed through the editions?
4.Ecology & Influence of Corporeal Undead in a campaign world
5.Alternate Takes:
1.)Make them more dangerous as spirits which cannot be hurt by mortal weapons
2.)What if incorporeal undead acted as spirit guides 3.)Harrowers- an organization of incorporeal undead who hunger for life again even if it is only a semblance through taking over humans/demi-humans bodies.
1 random question: Is it GM or DM and does it matter?
The Batman Review: Randy explores the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
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-PC power levels too ridiculous?
-GM unable to manage the abilities of the PCs or create challenges for them?
-are the rules just broken? Just too much to keep track of
-outside influences
-too much effort
Who plays to max levels?
What makes high level “Hard” to play in DnD?
Tiers of play through the Editions
What about the EPIC Level handbook? 2e or lower: no tiers of play, but there were level titles Why does OSR seem to avoid it?
A Nod to SuperHero Games:
A Related Question (or two)
What is the highest level/longest lasting campaign you ever played and enjoyed? Which is more important: long lasting or reaching the pinnacle of levels/powers?
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The Undead we are discussing: skeletons(S) & zombies(Z), ghouls(G1) & ghasts(G2), wights(W) & vampires,(V) liches(L),n Death Knight (DK), and mummies(M).
1.First appearance in DnD
2.What are the basic and most long enduring powers of each of those listed?
3.Ecology & Influence of Corporeal Undead in a campaign world 4. Some examplesof our best uses of these creatures or experiences encountering these when playing a character 5.Alternate Takes on Corporeal Undead
6.Ranking Undead amongst the other monsters of fantasy.
Segment #3: Level Drain, Yes or No? Effects that take away experience levels. Are there any other games besides DnD that does something like this (removes character advancement from a PC after a monster “attack”)?
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Monster Mash #1 (introduction) - SHOUT out to Red Dice Diariesfor the idea! We hope to discuss the following:
1) Its first appearance in DnD books
2) Its most common characteristics & powers throughout the editions.
3) Ecology & influence of monster in the campaign world.
4.) How best to use them?
5.) Our favorite examples of how we have and continue to use them in our own games.
6.) Mythological etymology
7.) Rank from 10 all the way up to #1
Some Possible Candidates:
The Tarrasque
Giants
Orcs & Goblinkin
Demons & Devils
Dragons
Constructs
Bulette
Undead
Beholder
Mind Flayers
And Many More
WHEN IS IT OK TO TPK? Total party Kill (wipe,etc): when the adventure ends due to every PC being Killed.
1. Why do they happen? Whose fault? Player or Gm? Or the game itself? Bad dice rolls, bad player decisions, bad adventure design,
2. Consequences of TPK’’s:
Negative- possible campaign ending, player frustration, loss of motivation to play Positive- learn more about the game, starting a new campaign is invigorating, chance to try out a new character type/class/build
3. Can TPK’s be used to teach lessons (both to Players and DMs)? Practical example to be given (from *Saturday 3/28/22)
4. What are some of your own memories of TPK’s? Good, bad, or ugly
1 Random Question: When should you kick a player out of your group, and whose job is it?
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Evil Campaigns & PCs
Evil is: 1. Morally bad or wrong; wicked.
2. Causing ruin, injury, or pain; harmful.
3. Characterized by or indicating future misfortune; ominous.
The advantages or merits of an evil campaign/evil pcs if there are any.
What archetypes would you emulate in such a game?
Does it give the players a chance to explore their dark sides?
What kind of goals would make for a fun/worthwhile evil campaign?
Why play evil characters in a group oriented DnD game?
How about other games? Sci-fi, horror, etc.
Does it make it hard for the GM to motivate the PCs?
How evil should PCs go?
Evil pcs in a primarily good/heroic group
Do most evil games just devolve into backstabbing?
“1 Random Question” How do you decide who to invite into your group to play?
How should/could you vet potential new players to your group.
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When we sit down to play DnD what assumptions do we have from both the DM and Player sides of the screen? If these assumptions are not met when, if at all, does it start to seem like it is NOT DnD.
Is DnD generic Fantasy? I. Character types/classes, alignment, levels, xp, treasure, world expectations, monsters, combat, spells & magic, types of adventures, , other? II. OD&D, BECMI, and AD+D 1e or 2e
III. 3.x and onward (WoTC DnD)
IV. OSR in general
Gaming on the Cheap: How can you save money these days and still game?
Drop the peripheral stuff: minis, maps, cards, extra dice,etc
Buy only core books and create your own stuff
Play games that are free and available online such as 5e basic game or any other free starter set and extrapolate yourself.
Buy pdfs of books not hard copies.
Play online…saves gas money
Play longer, but less frequent sessions.
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Economics: bands of adventurers with tons of gold, flooding markets with goods Religion: different religions and placing them believably within your campaign world Ecology: big dragons and other awesome monsters Community: life and death, diseases, poisons, accidents, industry, etc. Politics: democracies, oligarchies, monarchies, all sorts …
A Cabin Con Moment Payment deadline passed…
Randy is waffling between running a 13thage game (50%) and running nothing (50%)
Welcome to T-shirted Historian! Check Him out at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCXdOeid6BtTy-Z-q1wzxjQ
Call ins & Emails from the Outlands 1. Call-ins/emails
2. I’m now sworn to Sunsworn!
Main Topic: Death and Taxes 1. PC Death
a. Which system simulates death in a way you prefer? Your favorite?
b. When should death occur? At 0 HP, 4 wounds, -10 HP etc, death saves or just knocked out of the scene
c. How hard should it be to die? Campaign tone, character creation time investment
d. Save or die powers/spells? One roll vs many rolls, auto death vs lots of damage which might or might not cause death
e. Is there such a thing as too many hit points, too high defenses, or too high bonuses to saving throws?
2. Fudging dice rolls? Do you or do you not?
a. To save pcs
b. To save the BBEG/your story
c. To make the fight more interesting
d. TPK or No TPK
Food for Thought: Edition Wars and Gatekeeping- thought provoking video from the Waspinator: https://youtu.be/IrXaLuYCzgA
What Happened Last Time 1-shot: Rippers (Savage Worlds) “The Third Hand of Kali”: Dropped someone’s PC in the first attack of the first encounter of the night. PC out…nearly dead!
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All these speak to something serious for TTRPG gamers and nerds and reasonable folk alike- we need to stop funding this nonsense.
RENOUNCE Buying old TSR stuff from WoTC
Should we (Biggus Geekus/Joe & Randy) encourage this attitude?
Should we proselytize like E.July ?
What about the OSR?
How do we resist the allure of these properties?
RIDICULE Make fun of the IDEAS not the regular people.
Ridicule the people that make themselves open for it.
REPLACE With what?
Do we need to try to compete with the 800lb gorilla in the room?
Do we focus on just finding a customer base?
Who is on the short list of creatives?
A Cabin Con Moment Time to get pumped up. It is less than one month to payment deadline about and less than 3 months to the main event. What’s your plans? What are you running?
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Revisiting Initiative 1. Favorite Initiative system
a. Roll Once
b. Roll every Round
c. By Teams
d. Individual
e. Narrate
f. Mix and Match
g. Other
2. The Physical: Cards, dice , stats, or other?
3. How do we get a cinematic feel, and is it important?
4. How Important is Going First
5. How Important Are Minis?
6. How important is the time it takes at the table?
Random Question: Gatekeeping or Bridgebuilding … which one?
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Come see if Biggus Geekus can manage to finish this topic. We will also banter with live chat and discuss industry and geek news.
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13th Age Deep Dive Finale part 2
Episode 73 February 1, 2022
Call ins & Emails from the Outlands Instead of calls and emails we talk about the Ottawa Tucker Convoy
JP Sears video on the subject: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sl88jzJK1Rs
Comic readers don’t like bi-sexual Superman? Shocking!?! https://www.outkick.com/sales-for-woke-superman-comics-tank/
Dark Souls RPG written with 5e rules: https://www.polygon.com/tabletop-games/22848850/dark-souls-tabletop-rpg-steamforged-teaser-trailer-5e
Do you agree or disagree or do we even care? https://www.cbr.com/tabletop-rpgs-changed-hobby-forever/
13th Age Deep Dive Finale part 2
DM Stuff & Monsters
Campaign advice (pp.183-92):
Loot distribution, true magic items, consumables, uniqueness of magic items, incremental advances, rituals, 10 session campaign, trap design, and tiered environments.
Monster Stats Damage is set value, abilities are triggered based upon rolls, escalation die or success of other attacks and leveled. Their stat blocks are small and manageable. Broken into roles (pp. 202)
Sizes: normal, large (double strength), huge (triple strength)
Some special abilities: fear, Death attacks= Last Gasp Saves, Group Abilities, Nastier Specials
Building Battles (pp. p.203) adventurer tier- 4 level 3 adventurers vs 4 Level 4 Monsters
Pros and Cons about 13th Age
Randy’s Pros: prep is easy, action is high, combat rules simple, monsters easy to run, great for new players to learn, and great for one shots of any level.
Randy’s Cons: predictable combat, Relationship Points can lead to chaos, OUT’s can detract from verisimilitude, and rules favor PCs too much
Joe’s Pros: Very familiar so easy to get into. Backgrounds are a nice way to not spell out EVERY skill
Joe’s Cons: Too many mechanics in favor of the PC. PCs start out as the Heroes instead of BECOMING the heroes. Backgrounds are a challenge to those who like structure.
1 Random Question Will the RPG hobby ever bounce back from the current woke/leftist invasion?
John “The Potatoe” Battle’s video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FseXEJ7myk4
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The New One Unique Thing (OUT)
Relationship Points [RP]
Background Points [BP]
Failing Forward
Weapon & Armor Categories, Damage and Goods
Rallying
Rest and Re-charges
Full Heal Ups
Fleeing
1 Random Question: Is the GM just a player?
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Main Topic: 13thAge Deep Dive Part 2 This is the first of a foray into the mechanics of 13th age. Here we will focus with some familiar type of rules and next time we will focus more on the Indie Aspects of the rules of 13thage.
The Familiar: Classes, Races, Stat Gen, HPS, Defenses, Combat
The Less Than Familiar: Death and Dying, Conditions, Spellcasting, The Escalation Die, Tiers of Play, Class Talent & Feats, Recoveries
Final Question: Response Videos?
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Main Topic: 13thAge, Part 1 A.) 13thage by Rob Heinsoo & Jonathan Tweet (2013) Overview
· It is similar to dnd: race/class/level and it is a d20 rolling game
· Has plenty of supplements, free adventures
· Used to have organized play: Tales of the 13th age
· Has lots of free stuff available:
· 321pages, color and decent art, trying to find things for PC creation can be quite annoying and if you know 3.X some confusion commences. It could use a good re-editing pass and a re-organization
· not the best of editing nor a good index
· useful charts and character sheet near pp.309-310
C.) Setting and Tone
· The setting is the Dragon Empire, and the icons are what make it tick.
· The quotes for each Icon, their allies and enemies, common knowledge, how they relate to the pcs (through the Relationship Points- story game element/resource), and True Dangers.
· High Adventure setting
· The world contains 13 ages so far and that 13 is the default one
· World described vividly and rife with adventure in mind
· PCs are Big Damn Heroes from the jump.
· Wide open to individual interpretation and encouraged to make it your own
· No gods defined. But they discuss how you could do it if you want. (pp.196-199)
· The Land is a big flat disk with oceans all around
· The civilized area is the Dragon Empire, map purposefully incomplete
· The 7 Cities (p.260) are Icons’ centers of power, and a smattering of small towns.
· At least two possibilities are mentioned with many entries, not expected to follow canon. (EX: The Dire Wood pp.264, and Gorogan’s Maw, pp.269)
· Some of the more exotic elements:
o The Living Dungeons pp. 265-66
o The Flying Realms pp.266-67
o Hellholes pp.269-70
o Migration Trail of the Koru Behemoths pp.272-74
o The Sea Wall pp.279-80
· The Overworld and Underworld are mentioned, but not given as much detail
Random Question: Do we need to rant?
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Main Topic (Part 1): The Hickman Manifesto & Revolution The Hickman Manifesto:
1. A player objective more worthwhile than simply pillaging and killing.
2. An intriguing story that is intricately woven into play itself.
3. Dungeons with an architectural sense.
4. An attainable and honorable end within one to two sessions playing time.
Segment #3: (Twofer) Am I just too old for this game? As we become well-aged and well-cured gamers, is learn new games, complex games, or just different games (mainly rpgs but can apply this to any) too much of a chore and simply not worth it?
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Main Types
1. Vancian: fire and forget Dungeons and Dragons
2. Sub-category of Vancian such as spell slots limited but adjustable: Arcana Evolved
3. Spell Points: Savage Worlds
4. Stat Drain: Cypher System
5. Spell check system: Dungeon Crawl Classics
Consequences for Spell Casting
1. DnD: hit while casting lose spell or can’t move during round that you cast. 3.x: AOO’s
2. Price for power: CoC and DCC spell check and bad fail means bad news…sucked through a portal, grow four tentacles, etc.
3. 5e practically no way for spells to fail other than if they are counter-spelled.
4. Loss of abilities: Draining Stats (Cypher System), backlash (Savage Worlds) or physical damage or stunned (Shadowrun), etc.
What are pros and cons of each system?
Which systems to spellcasters seem the most powerful or the least powerful?
Segment #3: Gaming Goals for 2022 A year end discussion of what plans Biggus Geekus has including plans for podcast/livestream, gaming, Mudsword,
Joe:
1) Play more games
2) Run some games
3) Get to writing more rules and setting for Mudsword
Randy:
1.) Play the crap out of Mudsword
2.) Have a working pdf ready to publish on DriveThru in time for Christmas purchase for 2022.
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Call ins & Emails from the Outlands 1. Call ins and emails: No Call ins and 1 email
2. RPGPundit discussion on what’s wrong with most 5e players and really the big difference between story games and RPGs: https://youtu.be/oDacPZsirRs
3. More on the Lore deletion from WOTC
Main Topic: The Right Game for the Right Job 1. Which system is the right one? 2. One system to rule them all? Should you choose a system designed for a specific type of game over a game you are familiar with and just try to manipulate it to make it “work”? Does it just “depend” or do you have strong preference one way or the other?
3. Have you ever thought a game would be better served by a different system?
4. Have you ever played a hacked version of game to run a style which the rules didn’t cover?
5. Are generic systems the solution? They cover all genres, right? Go GURPS, HERO SYSTEM or Savage Worlds! Do these systems struggle doing some genres well?
6. Do the physical components or design of mechanics fit certain ideas better? d20, dice pools, percentile only, etc.
Gaming Wishes- wherein we wax fondly of the possibilities
1. If you could, what non-RPG game would you like to play that you don’t seem to ever get to
2. What RPG would you like to GM though you never seem to get to
3. What RPG would you like to play take part in as a player, but never seem to get to
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2. WOTC erases its own lore: https://twitter.com/alienropeburn/status/1470586389821542401?s=21
Main Topic: Save or Suck 1. What are these things called “save or suck”?
2. DnD editions had plenty of these until 3.5, 4e (and Pathfinder to a lesser extent) & 5e.
3. Alternatives:
a.) Gradual effects
b.) Maybe lots of damage
c.) Hit Point Threshold
4. How bad do they suck or do they just force other interesting challenges/choices?
5. Do the “save or suck” spells imply a certain style of game vs the others? If so, what are the main differences?
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1. How to Sandbox?
2. Using/creating Maps
3. Player Choice as a guide not a strait jacket
4. Keep Good if not Meticulous Notes
5. Modules are still helpful
6. The World Goes on With or Without the Players involvement
7. Prepping for Procedural Play
8. Hexcrawls (https://welshpiper.com/hex-based-campaign-design-part-1/)
Playing in the Mud: Should we have a more sandbox play test instead of modified module approach? It could reveal questions we’ve yet to consider in the design process. It could allow players to pursue the parts of their PC that they find interesting and might show us places we need to work on or shore up.
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