Explore every episode of the podcast Thaco Thoughts With Rob

This week Rob, your host sits down and talks about scrolls. How to make one as a player and a DM!

#Adnd2e #tsr #osr

In this very episode, Rob breaks down how you can play monster races as a player and what baggage that comes along with it!

#thaco #adnd2e #TSR

In this episode Rob explains his methods of creating new monsters on the fly. Listen in as he shows his mad science ways of mashing monsters together to get something new and different!

#thaco #adnd2e #TSR

Listen in this week as Rob goes over DM Horror stories at the table and how it related to AD&D 2e!

#adnd #thaco #adnd2e #Tsr

In this episode of Thaco Thoughts with Rob, he delves into the intriguing world of Dungeon Master (DM) Non-Player Characters (NPCs), using The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe as a key example. Rob explores how the DM's NPC can sometimes overshadow the Player Characters (PCs), shifting the focus of the narrative. Tune in for insightful discussions and tips on balancing NPCs in your campaigns!

#adnd2e #thaco #RPG

In this episode, Rob talks about the world of kits, those flavorful add-ons that bring characters to life. I break down a couple of my personal favorites, the Swashbuckler and Forest Runner, sharing how they’ve shaped my games. Then, I take the Barbarian Kit from the Fighter’s Handbook and show you how to reshape and refine it to match your vision. Finally, I wrap up with a simple truth: kits are just creative springboards, not rules set in stone. They’re tools to inspire, adapt, and make your own.

#TabletopRPG #DNDKits #CharacterCustomization #RPGTools #TTRPGHomebrew #FightersHandbook #RPGInspiration #FantasyGaming #DungeonMasterTips #RPGCreativity

This episode is about death and having a healthy attitude towards it. I share my experiences both as a player and DM and try to demonstrate that the death of a character can sometimes be the best part of a game.

Today, Rob is peeling back the layers of myth and legend surrounding one of Dungeons & Dragons’ most iconic monsters—the Medusa. We’re talking first edition versus second edition, the evolution of this petrifying nightmare, and the deep-cut lore that most players (and even some DMs) don’t know.

First, let’s get into the classic Medusa—the terrifying, snake-haired horror that could freeze a man solid with a single gaze. But she’s more than just a one-trick monster. We’ll break down her appearance, her hidden dangers, and how she thrives in dark, forgotten places—or even right under society’s nose. Then we’ll turn our attention to the Greater Medusa, a far rarer and even more terrifying version with a serpentine body, deadlier venom, and a presence that commands sheer horror.

But the real hidden gem of this discussion? The Maedar. Most people don’t even know about these guys, but they’re the male counterpart to the Medusa, immune to her deadly stare and boasting their own terrifying abilities. They can literally walk through stone, turn petrified victims back into flesh, and if you think that’s wild, wait until you hear about what happens when they die. Ever heard of a Glyptar? We’ll break down how these cursed spirits get trapped in gemstones, animating weapons and statues, turning them into living weapons of vengeance.

We’ll also talk about tactical encounters—how to use Medusas right in a campaign, how to surprise your players, and how to make these creatures more than just a random monster in a cave. Medusas work just as well in urban settings as they do in dungeons, and we’ll discuss exactly how to make them into compelling villains (or reluctant allies).

So get ready for a deep dive into petrifying lore, forgotten monsters, and some stone-cold horror that’ll change the way you see these creatures forever.

#DNDLore #Medusa #OldSchoolDND

In this episode of “THAC0 Thoughts with Rob,” Rob discusses the role of divine servants in role-playing games, particularly focusing on clerics, druids, and paladins. He emphasizes that these characters are not merely healers or support roles but are representatives of a higher power, carrying a significant responsibility. The discussion highlights the importance of aligning a character’s motivations with the party’s goals, the borrowed nature of their powers, and the need for guidance from their deities. Rob encourages players to engage deeply with their characters’ roles, suggesting that true enjoyment comes from fully embracing the responsibilities and motivations that come with being a servant of the divine.

Highlights

• 🌟 Servants of the Divine: Clerics, druids, and paladins are not just support characters; they embody a mission.
• 🤝 Party Alignment: Ensure your character’s ideals match those of the party to avoid conflicts.
• 📜 Borrowed Power: Powers granted to clerics come from a higher being, not from the character themselves.
• 🙏 Seek Guidance: Players should engage in seeking divine guidance through prayer or consultation with higher-level clerics.
• 🔄 Concept vs. Deity: Worshiping a concept can be limiting; it’s better to have a relationship with a deity for negotiation and forgiveness.
• 🎭 Role Embrace: Players should fully embrace their character’s roles for a richer gaming experience.
• 🌌 Unique Motivation: Unlike other classes, divine servants have a built-in motivation that drives their actions and story arcs.

In this episode, Rob talks about one of the more overlooked but fascinating aspects of Advanced Dungeons & Dragons 2e: non-lethal combat. Pulled straight from the Player’s Handbook (pages 128–130), we’re breaking down the four distinct forms of subduing your foes without leaving a pile of bodies in your wake: punching, wrestling, overbearing, and using the flat of your blade.

Here’s a taste of what we’ll cover:

• Punching: Fists, gauntlets, and brass knuckles take the stage. Learn how a solid strike can lead to damage—or even a knockout—based on the attack roll. We’ll explain the unique mechanics that combine raw strength and strategy, including the infamous haymaker roll.

• Wrestling: Grapples, holds, and counters come into play here. Whether it’s a leg twist or a crushing bear hug, this section highlights how strength modifiers, armor penalties, and persistence can turn a single hold into a devastating sequence.

• Overbearing: Size matters! We’ll unpack the rules for overwhelming opponents with sheer numbers or brute force, from knocking them prone to the ongoing battle of pins and counters. And of course, we’ll tweak the book’s mechanics to add some practical logic (because really, does a pixie in the mix matter when there’s an ogre on top of you?).

• Weapons for Subduing: Bladed weapons can still play a role in non-lethal combat if you’re careful—or cunning. We’ll cover how to flip that blade, deal calculated damage, and leave your enemies stunned instead of slain.

We’ll also touch on the quirks, fixes, and homebrew tweaks to streamline these mechanics and make them flow better at your table. Whether you’re looking to add more depth to combat or just want to throw in a bar fight without a body count, this episode has you covered.

Ready to take your AD&D combat game to a whole new level? Listen in and learn how to punch, grapple, and pin your way to victory—all without drawing blood (well, not too much, anyway).

Got questions or thoughts to share?

• Email: askthedm@theevildm.com
• Support and bonus content: youtube.com/@theevildm/join

Roll initiative and let’s get into it!

🎙️ In this spellbinding episode, Rob dives deep into the world of the Vancian magic system, tracing its roots in literary history and exploring how it has shaped tabletop RPGs as we know them. He unpacks the unique "flavor" this structured spell-slot system brings to games and examines its impact on the global balance of power within a fantasy setting. Rob also delves into the intriguing possibilities of breaking away from Vancian restrictions at high levels, imagining the creative chaos that might follow. Finally, he considers how tweaking the system can broaden player options while still honoring its iconic legacy. This episode is a must-listen for any gamer who loves dissecting the mechanics of magic!

• Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/thaco-thoughts-with-rob/id1784135285
• Spotify Podcasts - https://open.spotify.com/show/52ncGdRc0ONP8npv4TK5dD

In this episode of the podcast, Rob explores the concept of saving throws and how they compare to using attributes as saving throws in tabletop games. He delves into what saving throws represent, examining their role as a reactive mechanic, and contrasts them with the proactive nature of attributes. Rob also discusses the broader implications of each approach, offering insights into how these mechanics shape gameplay, storytelling, and player experience. It's a thoughtful discussion that sheds light on a fundamental aspect of game design, making this episode a must-listen for tabletop enthusiasts.

• Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/thaco-thoughts-with-rob/id1784135285
• Spotify Podcasts - https://open.spotify.com/show/52ncGdRc0ONP8npv4TK5dD

Who’s Rob? He’s the guy with over three decades of dice rolls, character deaths, and late-night campaigns under his belt. In this first episode of Thaco Thoughts, Rob pulls back the curtain and sets the stage for what’s to come. From unraveling the mysteries of THAC0 to sharing war stories from the tabletop trenches, this is your all-access pass to AD&D 2nd Edition—raw, unfiltered, and straight from a veteran who’s seen it all. Buckle up, adventurers. The journey starts here.

• Spotify Link: https://open.spotify.com/show/52ncGdRc0ONP8npv4TK5dD
• Apple Link: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/thaco-thoughts-with-rob/id1784135285