Biggus Geekus
Joe Hardin and Randy Nichols
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Randy and Joe talk RPGs past and present, general roleplaying topics, gaming news, the occasional rant, RPG design and Worldbuilding. Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/biggusgeekus/support
Available episodes
Newest first
Oldest first
4 days ago
I Don’t Want No Stinkin’ D&D
Episode 131 Streamed Live Tuesday March 21, 2023
Main Topic: 10 games You can and Should Play if you don’t want no stink’in D&D!
Randy’s List: (will populate asap)
Joe’s List:
Hyperborea
Shadowrun
Dungeons and Delvers
Stars Without Number
Mutants and Masterminds
Chronicles of Aeres
Rifts
Earthdawn
Scarlet Heroes
Castles and Crusades
We briefly discuss each one listing its merits and sometimes a flaw or two. Joe’s list has many he hasn’t played yet, but is committed to playing them each over the coming year. The purpose is to highlight the vast array of games available that haven’t the baggage of WOTC and have some support or extended game lines. Also these games have online communities or fan bases that can answer question or just provide a new group of friends.
We had such a great response from live chat that we kicked our next segment to next week:
To Be Continued: Alignment in roleplaying games
Random Geek-itude
Call Ins and Emails: Joe finally resolved his sound sharing issue and we listened to John of the Red Dice Diaries podcast ask us what we think of the newest version of Hyperborea. Its in our list of games to recommend, so there is that.
Shameless Plug Time:
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Email:thegeeks@biggusgeekuspodcast.com
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Mar 15, 2023
Monster Mash #9 - NPCs as Monsters
Episode 130 Streamed Live Tuesday March 14, 2023 (National Pi Day!)
Main Topic: Monster Mash #9 - using NPCs as Monsters
1) NPCs & their most common types, characteristics & powers throughout the editions.
OD&D: Page 15 Book III dungeon encountered Monsters (NPC’s?) all couldto see in the dark
BECMI/Rules Cyclopedia: RC p.155 and humanoids by alphabetical order
1e & 2e: alphabetical order- Monster description discusses options
3.x: build as needed, but as Pcs with more limited gp equivalent gear: large table in DMG with sample low medium and higher-level NPCs
4e: by alphabetical order, but in MM special examples…don’t build as PCs
5e: at the back of MM are certain NPC archetypes with particular powers don’t’ build as PCs…Appendix B- Stats for NPCs
2) Ecology & influence of monster in the campaign world & how best to use them
How do they fit?
What role as foes?
Do PCs eventually reach a level where NPCs are the best and challenge?
3) Named NPCs in IP Canon: Should you use these NPCs in your game?
Game IP: Elminster, Drizzt, Mordenkainen, etc
Fiction IP: Gandalf, Darth Vader, the Joker, etc
NPC generators:_
_0e/RC: _https://agathokles.pythonanywhere.com/chargen_
1e/2e: _https://www.dwarvenautomata.com/leveled-npc-generator/_
3e: _https://dnd3rd.sourceforge.net/_and resource page: _https://forum.rpg.net/index.php?threads/3-5-d-d-3-5-npc-generator-and-other-tools.479319/_
4e: https://donjon.bin.sh/4e/random/#type=npc
5e: _https://www.thievesguild.cc/npc/__
_4.) Our favourite examples
Derdrom- Morded backwards- tricky npc wizard…more just a one trick pony
Ravenlock- first NPC friend
Beauregard – NPC lord from Elysium. A thorn in the PCs side for years.
Segment #2: Quick Hit- Hard Target - The Paladin and Alignment
Lawful A-hole or Lawful Stupid?
General Champion of “choose an alignment” or “some concept”
Do they have to be LG?
_Random Geek-it__ude
_Mad Scribe Magazine #1 by Mad Scribe Games: Issue #1 on sale now at DriveThru(boo!), Walmart, Amazon and B&N. Available in pdf and print.
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. We are on all the socials, video and podcast places as well.
Support
PayPal: _https://paypal.me/biggusgeekus__
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_Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/BiggusGeekus
On the Web:
Website: _www.biggusgeekuspodcast.com__
_Email: _thegeeks@biggusgeekuspodcast.com__
_Big Geek Emporium: _https://biggeekemporium.com/_ --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/biggusgeekus/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/biggusgeekus/support
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Mar 11, 2023
Controlling The Narrative
Episode 129 Streamed Live Tuesday, March 7, 2023
Weekly WOTC Crap Wrap-Up: Emasculating the Men ... obviously.
Main Topic: Controlling the Narrative in D&D and other Games
_GM tool/responsibility
_Is concern for the Narrative just story time?
Is there value to giving opportunities for motivation to the PCs and NPCs.
Thinking a bit about protagonists and antagonists.
_Sharing with the players: Narrative control
_pitfalls and advantages
_Running short on time…narrating an ending to a session or one-shot
_pitfalls and advantages
_Games that use extreme narrative elements such as Fate, 13thage, etc.
_pitfalls and advantages
Quick Hit/Hard Target: What about Multiple Dms
Within one campaign?
Shared world?
Can there be a rich narrative in this type of game?
Running parallel campaigns within the same world?
Running different settings/systems/campaigns all together
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. We are on all the socials, video and podcast places as well.
Cash Support
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On the Web:
Website: _www.biggusgeekuspodcast.com__
_Email: _thegeeks@biggusgeekuspodcast.com__
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Mar 1, 2023
MASTER YOUR GAME PREP | DARK SUN PROBLEMATIC | PLAYING MULTIPLE PCS
Episode 128 Streamed Live Tuesday, February 28, 2023
Weekly WOTC Crap Wrap-Up: Dark Sun is problematic, according to WOTC's Kyle Brinks
https://www.wargamer.com/dnd/dark-sun-problematic
Main Topic: MASTER YOUR GAME PREP - Randy has a game prep Masterclass! His evolution through the editions of play from little more than drawing a dungeon to 6 - 8 hrs for one session of play. Randy has been on all sides of this aspect of running a ttrpg.
Quick Hit/Hard Target: Multiple PCs: Hirelings, shared pool of characters, stable of characters - all explored.
Support
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Feb 21, 2023
The Final Word: Race vs Species vs Ancestry
Episode 127 Streamed Live Tuesday, February 21, 2023
The Red Room Redacted: The Red Room has been booted from DriveThru RPG following posting their book "Men", in a fit of inconsistent application of "Standards" ... or some such.
BGE was down due to a tech error AND potential hosting shenanigans. We hope we do not have to move hosts AGAIN. (up the next morning)
Main Topic: Race/Species/Ancestry, Which words is best. The FINAL word is Race. It is what has been used for decades and brought no harm to anyone, despite rumors to the contrary. Other words simply add nothing of value.
Quick Hit: Split the party, is it a good idea. Final verdict: It depends... obviously.
Our Links:
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Feb 14, 2023
Monster Mash Special - Homebrewed Monsters
Episode 126 Streamed Live Tuesday February 14, 2023
Nerdcognito: https://www.nerdcognito.com/
Weekly WoTC crap round up: State of the Hobby- the DnD movie, playing 5e & MtG, etc. Are most folks still that concerned about the issues?
Jenny Di - _https://twitter.com/TheBasicExpert1/status/1623383430963810304?t=JBaz148u05SXj8vjG6-twg&s=01__
_DM’s not wanted _https://youtu.be/yFaAHc8Qye4_
Monster Mash Special: Homebrewed Monsters
* With all the available monster books why would you bother?
* Does changing one or two aspects make a beasts seem new
* How careful should you be to keep verisimilitude, or does it matter?
* Do homebrew monsters make the game better?
* Do you prefer standard or homebrewed beasts?
* How about a world where every creature is completely homebrewed?
* What good and bad experiences have you had with homebrewed monsters?
Our Hobby: Ways we participate? And Why?
Playing games (mostly TTRPG’s), talking about playing games, watching/listening to youtube/podcasts about gaming, participating in media, attending conventions, or organizing your own, consuming other media related to our hobby: live plays, watching movies, watching videos, and reading books, talking about gaming, creating games and game products.
_Random Geek-it__ude: _Report from Big Geek Land
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.
Cash Support
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On the Web:
Website: _www.biggusgeekuspodcast.com__
_Email: _thegeeks@biggusgeekuspodcast.com__
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Feb 8, 2023
TTRPGs vs Other RPG-like Games
Episode 125 Streamed Live Tuesday February 7, 2023
Be sure to check out Nerdcognito: https://www.nerdcognito.com/
WoTC Trash Again x2
* D&D Beyond shut down for a while this past weekend _https://youtu.be/_n0zdSCzkB8_
* WotC’s Kyle Brink says White Men can’t leave the hobby fast enough
Diversity and Dragons: _https://youtu.be/yVjRJdBXA4M__
_Mr. Max Boivin: _https://youtu.be/UtywtAOWRLE_
* Done with WoTC
TTRPGs vs Other RPG-like Games With Special Guest: Patrick Demo of Pointy Hat Games
Board Games: Talisman, Heroquest (V1.0 and 2.)0, Descent, D&D Adventure System: (Wrath of Ashardalon, Castle Ravenloft etc), Runewars , Gloomhaven
Video Games: Goldbox Games, Legend of Zelda, Baldur’s Gate (original), Mass Effect, Skyrim
Card Games: Expedition(_https://expeditiongame.com/_), Pathfinder Adventure Card Game (_https://paizo.com/pacg_)
Do these games adequately re-create the TTRPG experience?
What audience do these serve?
Are they worth the effort when compared to a true TTRPG?
Do you want or need miniatures for any of them?
How well do you like them, ie, the categoriesof games?
Which are your favorites and why?
Random Geek-itude: Report from Big Geek Land
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: _https://paypal.me/biggusgeekus__
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_Anchor:_https://www.anchor.fm/biggusgeekus__
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On the Web:
Website: _www.biggusgeekuspodcast.com__
_Email: _thegeeks@biggusgeekuspodcast.com__
_Big Geek Emporium: _https://biggeekemporium.com/_ --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/biggusgeekus/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/biggusgeekus/support
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Jan 31, 2023
Dm Blackwell and Horde Wars | WOTC and more OGL1.0a stuff
Episode 124 Streamed Live Tuesday January 31, 2023
Main Topic: DM Blackwall and Horde Wars D12 System
Questions/Comments Related to the Game
* Where does the game fall on the OSR-Modern-Indie scale?
* Is it simulationist/gamist/narrativist?
* High/low Fantasy or grim gritty?
* P.2 Rule zero without using rule zero is alive in this game it seems?
* Why the d12? Auto success on a 12, but no auto fail?
* The clockwise initiative system…why did you go with this?
* What is the purpose of the Afflictions and its comparison to Hit Points? 1 Healing Potion per day…why this choice?
* Death in 1d4 rounds once you hit zero hit points. I like it. Have you thought of not letting players know how long they have? That is, roll behind the screen…my preference.
* Simplified Creature types, but more granular damage types. Why the difference?
* Object Vulnerability Example of play P.11.
* Seems you have some level of abstraction say with encumbrance and creative solutions seems to be encouraged in the way players might solve challenges.
* Why level 12 cap?
OGL 1.0a, Yeah, we won!!!...so what now?
Lots of opinions by youtubers:
_https://youtu.be/VUBinw9H2DA_(Professor DM)
_https://youtu.be/IlzdFy0vB8k_(RPGpundit)
_https://youtu.be/Df6K65pHO9Q_(Tenkar)
_https://youtu.be/URY3fhm6R18_(Diversity & Dragons)
_https://youtu.be/HX5iZ5r8hyE_(the dungeon delver)...and many others.
In the end:
So what? Not enough? Back into their loving arms(should you?)
Is the creative commons going enough?
Folks like us aren’t going back.
I’m glad for the creators whose livelihood is saved but they should take the time to pivot
Random Geek-itude
Report from Big Geek Land
BGE,Dungeon 23, BGA or BGCon
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. We are on all the socials, video and podcast places as well.
Cash Support
PayPal: _https://paypal.me/biggusgeekus__
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_Anchor:_https://www.anchor.fm/biggusgeekus__
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On the Web:
Website: _www.biggusgeekuspodcast.com__
_Email:_thegeeks@biggusgeekuspodcast.com__
_Big Geek Emporium: _https://biggeekemporium.com_ --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/biggusgeekus/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/biggusgeekus/support
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Jan 25, 2023
What do we want from a Dungeon?
Episode 123 Streamed Live Tuesday January 24, 2023
Tired of OGL stuff yet?
Recent news and thoughts:
* DnD Shorts _https://youtu.be/J4kGMsZSdbY_
* T-shirted Historian _https://youtu.be/jP2JLWPX_LI_
* Done with WoTC so maybe we should just move
* Dungeoncraft _https://youtu.be/4oV9Fnkyyfc_
* Grim's Project: https://postmortemstudios.wordpress.com/2023/01/24/opendnd-public-domain-roleplaying-panza-draft-1-0
Main Topic: What do we want from a Dungeon?
We used Dungeons by Central Casting to inspire the creation of a dungeon
(Thanks to Ryan David @nerdcognito and Max @legion of myth for the suggestion)
From both player and DM perspective, what makes for a good dungeon?
* Even with a Mad God, how random/funhouse before it loses its verisimilitude?
* Random monsters: many? few? with a theme?
* Traps and tricks: many? few?
* Mega?
* Past dungeon experience: successes/failures
* Mapping the dungeon - details or broad strokes
* Flavor text: more or less?
* How do they fit in the campaign world?
* Using Central Casting: Dungeon - not sure it’s my cup of tea
Random Geek-itude
Call Ins - One from John at Red Dice Diaries re: Hyperborea RPG (tech fail)
Joe’s Birthday he is 56 … the old geezer!
News for theEmporium
Giveaway 2.0- the Double Whammy Giveaway!
Guess the number of official3.5 game books by Wizards of the Coast that Randy currently owns in hardcopy. Consider: supplements, sourcebooks, or modules. (28)
Winner gets TWO of the following fabulous prizes:
* C&C’s Monsters & Treasures by Troll Lord Games (the good guys)/5th printing
* Cardboard heroes Castles- the Keep by SJ games (sorry)in the shrink
* Legends & Lairs: Mythic Races – by Fantasy Flight Games
* Star Wars: Edge of the Empire RPG (BETA) by Fantasy Flight Games
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: _https://paypal.me/biggusgeekus__
_Streamlabs: _https://streamlabs.com/biggusgeekus1/tip__
_Anchor: _https://www.anchor.fm/biggusgeekus__
_Ko-fi: _https://ko-fi.com/biggusgeekus_
On the Web:
Website: _www.biggusgeekuspodcast.com__
_Email: _thegeeks@biggusgeekuspodcast.com__
_Big Geek Emporium: _https://biggeekemporium.com/_ --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/biggusgeekus/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/biggusgeekus/support
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Jan 18, 2023
Grim Jim and the Weasels of the Coast
Much Ado about D&D w/special guest Grim Jim
Episode 122 Streamed Live Tuesday January 17, 2022
Shout out to Nerdcognito! Twitter: @Nerdcognito, https://www.nerdcognito.com/
Merch at Big Geek Emporium! https://biggeekemporium.com/big-geek-merch/
Main Topic: Much Ado About D&D w/Special Guest- Grim Jim
Grim details his background from picking up Fighting Fantasy adventure books at the tender age of 8 to running his own independent game company Postmortem Studios: https://post-mort.com/
YouTube: _https://youtu.be/XnrTdF8scX0__
_Blog: _https://talesofgrim.wordpress.com/__
_Grim’s latest is Wightchester: Prison City of the Damned
PDF - https://tinyurl.com/ynan34m9
Print Book - https://tinyurl.com/35vvc2be
We then get into some history ofthe OGL and discuss the latest shenanigans at Hasbro and Wizards of the Coast.
Related Links:
OGL 1.1_
__Paizo Speaks__
__https://youtu.be/b4aTpzsU388__
__https://youtu.be/Jobead_Nq8A__
__DnD Beyond Post__
__https://youtu.be/LTXkxy2KjXU__
__https://youtu.be/51tZquziqF0__
__DnDBegone__
__Critical Role "Response"__
__https://youtu.be/7y-nITUilGM__
_Random Geek-itude
Dungeon 23 Report
Taigon’s Falls Update - Draft 1B sent to my editor!!!
Giveaway 2.0- the Double Whammy Giveaway! (thanks to the generosity of Martenson!)
The 2nd Giveaway of the Year Announcement…well sort of
You can win your choice of TWO of the following fabulous prizes:
* C&C’s Monsters & Treasures by Troll Lord Games
* Cardboard heroes Castles- the Keep by SJ games
* Legends & Lairs: Mythic Races – (DnD 3e) by Fantasy Flight Games
* Star Wars: Edge of the Empire RPG (BETA) by Fantasy Flight Games
Guess the number of official 3.5 roleplaying game books by Wizards of the Coast that Randy currently owns in print. Consider only: core books, supplements, sourcebooks, and modules.
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. We are on all the socials, video and podcast places as well.
Our Links
Website
Store
PayPal
Ko-Fi --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/biggusgeekus/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/biggusgeekus/support
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Jan 11, 2023
Dump Dungeons and Dragons
Episode 121 Streamed Live Tuesday January 10, 2023
Main Topic: Done with D&D
With the OGL 1.1 “leaked”, where does that leave the true fans and indie creators in our hobby? Where does that leave many traditional publishers who use OGL 1.0 for their works? It seems to us that we must look to new games and new ideas in the hobby and away from Wizards of the Coast whether or not the new “stance” pans out to be true or not. We cannot trust that WOTC will not pull the rug out from all of us to bolster their flagging profits.
DMDave – _https://www.patreon.com/posts/76837590__
_ReferencedGizmodo link:
_https://gizmodo.com/dnd-wizards-of-the-coast-ogl-1-1-open-gaming-license-1849950634__
_Many have tackled this topic:
Diversity & Dragons: _https://youtu.be/4LYgW-tM0vg_and _https://youtu.be/PzoHOZ8Xt7k__
_RPGPundit: _https://youtu.be/TJ1ZlGOV804__
_T-shirted Historian: _https://youtu.be/k5347CLcq6M__
_Professor DM: _https://youtu.be/yydxzM8p4RI__
_Tenkar: _https://you…
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Jan 4, 2023
Why Learn A New Game?!?!?!?
Episode 120 Streamed Live Tuesday, January 3 2023
Main Topic: Learning New Rpgs
This new years we plan on on covering more tabletop RPGs that aren’t Dungeons and Dragons
How many times do you play a game before you know if it is for you?
Do you prefer to
* watch a ‘how to” video on Youtube or elsewhere?
* be taught by an experienced play/gm?
* dive in with friends and see what happens?
* read it yourself and teach it to your fellows at the table?
Should everyone commit to buying the book after a few sessions?
The games on the list for 2023:
* Rifts
* Dungeons and Delvers
* Castles and Crusades
Dungeons23 – Our Take
We hope to be using Dungeons by Central Casting to create a dungeon over many segments. (Thanks to Ryan David @nerdcognito and Max @legion of myth for the inspiration and suggestion)
Loose Background – The Mad God created this dungeon. The god’s name is unknown as is the reason why he made this dungeon in the first place. It is a dang…
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Dec 30, 2022
2022 ... Year In Review
Year End Review
Episode 119 Streamed Live Thursday, December 29, 2022
Main Topic: Highlights Of The Year
Deep Dive into 13thage
Lots of Guests: Bruce Lombardo, T-Shirted Historian, Shadow of Shadow And Son, Legacy Gamemaster, Patrick (Potpourri with)
Monster Mash episodes began
Revisited some topics: Stats/Attributes, High Level, OSR, Alignment, Ending a Campaign
The Satanic Panic
Contests: 100th episode giveaway: Grimtooth’s Ultimate Trap Collection, Riddle of the Sphinx Old Skool- WEGS RPG
Episode 100
Controversies: The Woke, ONEDND, OGL 1.1, other WOTC mistakes
Comic Book Woes: sexuality changes, Isom #1, DC and Marvel missteps, few movies shows worth watching: Spider Man and Black Adam
Retro Reviews: White Plume Mountain, Ravenloft
Hopes for Next year
Biggus Geekus changes?
Big Geek Emporium
Big Geek Con
Random Geek-itude
Report from Big Geek Land
Red book Dungeons and Delvers from NerdCognito EP#154
Rifts Session 1: SSDI campaign/Rules questions
OGl 1.1 –…
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Dec 20, 2022
Ten Words You Cannot Use In Gaming
We discuss at least ten words folks wag their fingers at. And why they are good for your game. In addition, we take a tour of other "problematic" nerd issues.
master, slave, barbarian, savage, oriental, exotic, race, species, gypsy, no
Links to resources discussed:
Articles:
https://screenrant.com/dungeons-dragons-lore-changes-removed-dd-5e-why/
http://www.lisefrac.net/log/on-making-the-drow-less-problematic/
https://comicbook.com/gaming/news/dungeons-and-dragons-orcs-racist/
https://screenrant.com/dungeons-dragons-dated-offensive-problematic-changes-update-alignment/
https://www.belloflostsouls.net/2022/10/warhammer-40k-what-really-went-down-with-female-space-marines.html
https://web.archive.org/web/20180708153619/http://www.dogwithdice.com/whitewolfaredead/
https://www.enworld.org/threads/deadlands-is-retconning-the-confederacy-away-they-lost-the-war-no-longer-playable.667444/
Videos:
https://youtu.be/fgWlPcyi34U?t=1078
https://youtu.be/Z146pflU3KU
Chro…
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Dec 14, 2022
Demons and Devils | Dungeons and Dragons Not Monetized Enough
Episode 117 Streamed Live Tuesday, December 13, 2022
Main Topic: Demons & Devils In Dungeons and Dragons
Mythological etymology:
Demons: _https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demon__
_Devils: _https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Devil_
Demons and Devils have been in Dungeons and Dragons since the beginning and continuing to the current edition. They have been forces of evil all along until the current edition, in which all creatures seem to have a human’s breadth of perspective. These creatures are mostly possessed of great supernatural powers and physical might, which make them fearsome foes to battle. Their appearance varies greatly, but they tend to be largegrotesque.
In myth demon and devil are interchangeable terms, but in DnD they are distinct creatures. Devils prefer order and to lure mortals to wickedness, while demons are unpredictable and prefer outright destruction. They also hail from different planes of existence, devils from The Nine Hells, demons the Abyss. However,…
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Dec 7, 2022
Monster Mash #6: The Drow
Episode 116 Streamed Live Tuesday, December 6, 2022
Our condolences to Kevin Siembeida https://www.palladiumbooks.com/
Our Recent Gaming: OSE- The Black River Valley Campaign now on hiatus
Randyplayed Rifts on Legion of Myth this past Friday Dec 2, 2022
Big Geek Emporium gets a server upgrade, site upgrades coming soon!
Main Topic: Monster Mash #6-The Drow
Mythological etymology: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dark_elf
Their first appearance in DnD books: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drow
Description: cruel, wicked, depraved, dreaded, EVIL blackskinned elves w/white hair
OD&D/Basic/Rules Cyclopedia: no mention
1e: The origin of the drow for DnD
Magical equipment: Adamantite alloy- cloaks, boots, weapons (KO poison coating/-4 saving throw), armor of highly magical quality. MR= 50% +2%/LEVEL weakness to light.
GDQ series of modules they encounter Lolth and the city of Erelhei-Cinlu. Mentions Drow war partys of certain compositions will have female leaders and males could be l…
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Nov 29, 2022
Houserules in Dungeons and Dragons amd other ttrpgs.
House Rules in D&D: Yea or Nay?
Episode 115 Streamed Live Tuesday, November 29, 2022
Main Topic: House Rules in D&D and other RPGs
* What is a House Rule? Definition: _https://www.dictionary.com/browse/house-rule_
* Does removing a rule, class, feature, spell, etc count as a house rule?
* Is there a difference between a house rule and homemade setting?
* Is filling in the gaps of the rules system the same as a house rule? That is, if a game has no grappling rules so you add some in due to a situation showing in a game or perhaps due to your desire to have them?
* Players’ Perspective: How much is too much? How much warning do you need?
* GM’s Perspective: When should you make a house rule?
* Is interpreting a questionable/unclear rule (RAI???) a house rule? _https://www.dungeoneersguildgames.com/single-post/confounded-rules_ lists some examples from 1e AD&D
* RAW vs House Rules: table experience effects, at individual tables, in shared/league play: Adventurer…
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Nov 27, 2022
Tuesday Night Pre-Thanksgiving Chill Stream
Joe started out solo, but was joined by Bruce Lombardo of Dix Division, Hungar the Starvarian, then Randy joined in.
links: Bruce: https://youtube.com/@YourBuddy75
Hungar: https://youtube.com/channel/UCHmL5dT_lLONt5ZnJ2eA1Nw
Scrying Dutchman's Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/scryingdutchman/the-modern-adventurers-guide-to-guns-and-gear-a-5e-add-on
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: https://paypal.me/biggusgeekus
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Anchor: https://www.anchor.fm/biggusgeekus
Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/biggusgeekus
On the Web: Website: www.biggusgeekuspodcast.com
Email: thegeeks@biggusgeekuspodcast.com
Big Geek Emporium: https://biggeekemporium.com/ --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/biggusgeekus/message Support thi…
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Nov 16, 2022
Attributes in D&D and Other TTRPGs
Episode 114 Streamed Live Tuesday November 15, 2022
Main Topic: Attributed to Attributes
The attributes of a character:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Attribute_%28role-playing_games%29
Compare and contrast the DnD attributes: STR, DEX, CON, INT, WIS, CHA
Other systems:
Target Number systems- DnD 3.X +Savage Worlds: https://www.uptofourplayers.com/ready-to-roll/savage-worlds-rules/
Marvel Superheroes RPG (FASERIP): https://rollhighordie.com/what-is-marvel-faserip/
Roll and keep systems- L5R, Vampire: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vampire:_The_Masquerade#Game_system
https://rollandkeep.fandom.com/wiki/Introduction_and_Design_Goals#What_is_Roll_and_Keep?
Rolemaster/CoC: percentile system: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rolemaster#Basic_game_mechanics
Fate: descriptive attributes- https://fate-srd.com/fate-core/basics
1. Should attributes play a large role in the general power level of your PC?
2. Should attributes modify skills, or should skills be separate?
3. How many level…
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Nov 8, 2022
Monster Mash #5: Giants (ogres & trolls) In Your DnD Game
Episode 113 Streamed Live Tuesday November 8, 2022
Main Topic: Monster Mash: Giants, Ogres, and Trolls, oh my!
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_giants_in_mythology_and_folklore
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giant_(Dungeons_%26_Dragons)
Giants have a long history in Dungeons and Dragons, likely due to its creators’ love of mythology. Beings of large size (typically 7 feet or larger) feature in many myths and legends around the world. Their legendary fierce nature translates well in the tabletop arena. Giants are fearsome foes in any version of the game, which makes them great at nearly any level. What makes low level characters run screaming at a clearly unmasculine register, makes for solid challenges later in the game.
There is also great variety in this creature type, giving the enterprising DM a lot of material over the many editions to have something that fits his world, or simply his table. From the brutish ogre, to the exotic oni, to the enigmatic storm giants, the…
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Nov 3, 2022
Ending a Campaign | Dungeons and Dragons Thief Class Analysis
Episode 112 Streamed Live Tuesday November 1, 2022
With Surprise guest: TShirted Historian
The edition wars can be heated, especially considering the “That’s not DnD” refrain. This just shuts down discussion of one or more “problematic” versions of the game. Most if not all of these “editions” have something good to contribute, even if the game design went in a direction you don’t like (3rd, 4th, and 5th). There has not been “A” DnD since the 1970’s when it was ODnD. After that there have been multiple versions. Some with small rules changes, some larger. Some with tone changes to one degree or another.
These are all versions of DnD. Not the same, but not completely different either (maybe 4e)
Campaigns end, but what situations indicate they should. The total party kill (TPK) is a go to end, as is boredom. Does there need to be a plan? Should the plan be “in case”, or “on purpose”? is this plan just the DM’s or does he consult the players? The answ…
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Oct 26, 2022
The Many Faces of Evil in D&D
Episode 111 Streamed Live Tuesday October 25, 2022
Main Topic: The Many Faces of Evil in D&D
See Episodes #38: What does evil do? & 80: Evil Campaigns and PCs
1. What is evil: https://www.britannica.com/topic/seven-deadly-sins
2. D&D evil vs Real World evil.
Should we stray from the definition of evil in D&D.
How evil do you get with Monsters or NPCs?
Is there a line short of graphic description?
Where is that line?
Should you put limits on the evil your NPCs or monsters will do?
Are certain topics just off the table or maybe just best described in general?
Does the X-card or its various incarnations come into play here?
How devious should the DM be with his evil characters?
Just up to his ability or up to the ability of his players to detect (not spell)?
Does the DM make the game less fun if his intelligent villains are played to the hilt?
3. Oppressively evil world - World of Darkness, Midnight, or Ravenloft
Are these fun to play?
Can it be too much?
How much of a c…
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Oct 19, 2022
Ravenloft-The Spooky D&D Setting
Ravenloft - The Spooky D&D Setting
Episode 110 Streamed Live Tuesday October 18, 2022
Main Topic: Ravenloft - The Spooky D&D Setting
Ravenloft was released October 1983. This is a very popular module that spawned sequels, a setting, and many supplements over the various editions for Dungeons and Dragons. Set in the fictional region called Barovia, the PCs must find a way to defeat the vampire Strahd von Zarovich to leave this cursed land, as it is surrounded by poisonous mists that the PCs will find difficult to circumvent.
This adventure features original art by fan favorite Clyde Caldwell and iconic isometric maps by David Southerland. Encounters range in difficulty with iron golems being fearsome for the suggested 6th to 8th level characters.
There are some railroad-y elements to the adventure: the mists, the reincarnated lover, the “need” to have a fighter who wields a longsword, to name a few. Another feature is the tarot-inspired plot generator which provides replay wi…
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Oct 12, 2022
Creating Engaging Encounters for Dungeons and Dragons, and other ttrpgs
Creating Engaging DnD Encounters
Episode 109 Streamed Live Tuesday, October 11, 2022
Main Topic: Creating Engaging DnD Encounters
1. Types of Encounters
Combat: primarily concerned with fighting
Puzzle/Skill Challenge: challenge the PCs’ skills or the players’ wits
Social/RP: roleplay and interaction with NPCs
2. Random vs pre-set
3. Making them good
4. The use of professionally created adventure encounters
5. Be careful to not get in a rut.
6. Creating Encounters for jaded/experienced players vs new players
A CC Moment - Biggest and Geekiest of all events in the universe!
It’s about time for the annual business meeting (what is this?).
Random Geek
Biggus Geekus Updates
On DC’s Gay Superman book https://boundingintocomics.com/2022/10/10/dc-comics-announces-the-cancelation-of-tom-taylors-woke-superman-son-of-kal-el-series/
Safe Spaces in our hobby somehow trending again
Riddle of the Sphinx Contest! - Guess the number of dice in the fishbowl: The answer was 691…
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Oct 5, 2022
Episode 108: Retro review of D&D’s White Plume Mountain, Finale | DnD Pushing Boundaries, Finale
Retro review of D&D’s White Plume Mountain
Episode 108 Streamed Live Tuesday, October 4, 2022
Main Topic (Part 1): Retro-Review: White Plume Mountain
Summary of the module
WoTC 3.5e version vs. TSR 1e
Favorite and not-so favorite parts
What changes or additions might you make?
how would you rate it?
Main Topic (Part 2): D&D - Pushing Boundaries (Settings and Adventure Modules)
Original Settings: Greyhawk, Forgotten Realms, Mystara
Others that pushed boundaries past standard fantasy fare:
Dragonlance
Ravenloft, Masque of the Red Death
Dark Sun
Birthright
Spelljammer
Planescape
Eberron
Council of Wyrms
Kara-Tur, Maztica, The Horde, Theros
Lankmar
Ravnica, Strixhaven and Theros
Honorable Mention 3rd party Campaign Settings for D&D:
The Scarred Lands
Golarion
Midgard
Ptolus
Complete List of DnD Sttings
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dungeons_%26_Dragons_campaign_settings
The modules/adventures
Top 25 adventures of all time(?): https://rpggeek.com/geeklist/49…
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Sep 27, 2022
Retro review of D&D’s White Plume Mountain (1e) | The OSR is Dying?
Episode 107 Streamed Live Tuesday September 27 ,2022
Programming Note:
Joe was solo for half of the show. He was joined by Bruce Lombardo of Dix Division: https://www.youtube.com/c/brucelombardo75
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.
Big Geek Updates
BG Emporium: We showed of pics of the new design.
https://biggeekemporium.com/
Geekosphere:
The OSR is DYING?!?!?
Bruce and Joe react to Gamers on Games laughable video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U2R3sOoGAbU&t=196s
Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/GamersOnGames
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
Anch…
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Sep 21, 2022
Dungeons and Dragons - Pushing Boundaries
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 awe…
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Sep 13, 2022
The Great DnD Modules & Adventures
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
Main Topic: The Great D&D Modules & Adventures
Ø BECMI (or OD&D): https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/155271.Dungeons_and_Dragons_BECMI_and_Mystara_Adventure_Modules
Ø AD&D 1e: https://dnd-wiki.org/wiki/1e_Modules
Ø AD&D 2e: https://dnd-wiki.org/wiki/2e_Modules
Ø 3.X: https://dnd-wiki.org/wiki/3.5e_Adventures
Ø 4e: https://dnd-wiki.org/wiki/4e_Adventures
Ø 5e: https://dnd-wiki.org/wiki/5e_Adventures
Ø 3rd party Adventures: Judges Guild: Dark Tower, Tegel Manor, Caverns of Thracia
Ø White Wolf’s Sword & Sorcery imprint: Rappan Athuk, OSR: Barrowmaze, Paizo: Rise of the Runelords
Ø How an…
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Sep 9, 2022
D&D and RPG Sundry
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.
A. Played 5e dnd 1-shot this past Saturday- game is without doubt very soft
B. The Hadozee Controversy: https://dnd.wizards.com/articles/statement-hadozee
C. BG Emporium updates
D. Biggus Modulus updates
E. Big Geek Con update
F. Call-ins/emails/reviews from Itunes
G. Fighting the power- Rings of Power first episode https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/the_lord_of_the_rings_the_rings_of_power
H. Random topics of geekery!
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: ht…
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Aug 30, 2022
ARTIFACTS In Your Dungeons and Dragons Game
Episode 103 Streamed Live Tuesday August 30, 2022
Main Topic: ARTIFACTS, Simply The Coolest!
1.) History of Artifacts in DnD: OD &D and BECMI
2.) AD & D Era: 1e and 2e- The Best? And why we loved it
3.) 3e – 5e ‘s Take on Artifacts
4.) Links: https://dungeonsdragons.fandom.com/wiki/Artifact and https://annex.fandom.com/wiki/List_of_major_artifacts_in_Dungeons_%26_Dragons
5.) Our favorites and why
6.) How to best use them in a campaign.
7.) Should all magic items be more like artifacts?
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,
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…
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Aug 24, 2022
Episode 102: Golems and Constructs in Dungeons and Dragons | Favorite DnD Game Mechanics | One DnD
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 mag…
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Aug 16, 2022
Starting a New Campaign
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…
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Aug 10, 2022
Episode 100 Retrospective
Episode #100 Streamed Live Tuesday August 9, 2022
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,…
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Aug 2, 2022
Safety Tools | Staying Positive | Blain Pardoe | Gencon 2022
The Penultimate Potpourri Episode
Episode 99 Streamed Live Tuesday August 2, 2022
With Patrick Demo of Pointy Hat Games http://www.pointyhat.games
Main Topic: Safety Tools Re-Dux
1. Brought up again by twitter?
2. What are they? https://www.loremaster.io/safety-tools-in-ttrpg/
a.) Session Zero
b.) C.A.T.S.
c.) X-card
d.) Lines & Veils
e.) More: https://thegiftofdice.itch.io/safety-tools-and-wellbeing-a-curated-list
3. The value of safety tools in F2F, Online, and Convention play.
4. When will it end?
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?…
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Jul 29, 2022
Monster Mash - The Terrasque in your Dungeons and Dragons Game
Monster Mash: The Tarrasque
Episode 98 Streamed Live Thursday July 28, 2022
Shout outs:
Honey Badger Radio: https://youtu.be/5lFI8YRz2eM
The Basic Expert: https://youtu.be/DH51HdIvE2k at the 20:22 mark
Legion of Myth clip coming soon: https://www.youtube.com/c/LegionofMyth
Future Appearances
Red Room: 7/29 at 11am
T-Shirted Historian: 7/30 time TBD
Main Topic: Monster Mash - The Tarrasque
Topical Links:
https://thecampaign20xx.blogspot.com/2014/07/everything-you-need-to-know-about.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tarasque
https://mythus.fandom.com/wiki/Tarasque
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.gmbind…
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Jul 20, 2022
Alignment in Dungeons and Dragons ... Again
Episode 97 Streamed Live Tuesday July 19, 2022
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.
Some links as food for discussion:
Changing Meaning of Alignment
https://grognardia.blogspot.com/2008/12/od-planes.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alignment_(Dungeons_%26_Dragons)
Tolkien and DnD Alignment
https://www.gamersdecide.com/articles/dnd-alignments-explained
https://en.wikipedia.or…
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Jul 13, 2022
OSR, Old School, and the DnD divide with Legacy Game Mastering
Episode 96 Streamed Live Tuesday July 12, 2022
Main Topic: OSR, Old School and the DnD divide with The Legacy GM
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4OoPEzT5nq0c7ToEpWSe3A
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…
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Jul 5, 2022
Five More Cool RPGs That Are Not Dungeons and Dragons
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…
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Jul 2, 2022
On The DriveThruRPG Controversy
Episode 94 Recorded Thursday June 30th 2022
Joe flies solo to talk about how the latest nonsense from DriveThru should have us all looking for or making alternatives to the platform.
To support the show please go to:
https://www.biggusgeekuspodcast.com/support
Please like share and subscribe!
Links to Materia Discussed:
Lamentations of The Flame Princess (Raggi)
https://youtu.be/PufXMjSA-Kw
Total Party Skills (waspinator)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQkf5TOFKyM --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/biggusgeekus/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/biggusgeekus/support
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Jun 22, 2022
D&D Lessons You wish you’d learned earlier
Episode 93 Streamed Live Tuesday June 21, 2022
Geek Culture
1. Satine Phoenix & her husband: https://www.enworld.org/threads/d-d-celebrity-satine-phoenix-husband-jamison-stone-accused-of-abuse-towards-freelancers.689276/page-3
2. https://twitter.com/dndinacastle/status/1536742772694298625
And Venger’s response https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=847850639508484&set=gm.559008798995734
3. RDD @ UK Game EXPO: https://youtu.be/v80e0shnS2c
4. Venger Con 2022 (7/22-7/24): https://tabletop.events/conventions/venger-con-2022
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…
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Jun 15, 2022
Stereotypes, Inclusion and Representation in D&D
Episode 92 Streamed Live Tuesday June 14, 2022
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 hea…
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Jun 7, 2022
We Love The OSR, But Is It D&D?
Our fascination with OSR
Episode 91 Streamed Live Tuesday June 7,2022
Random Geek-itude
1. Batman Knights-Batman is possibly Bi-sexual https://youtu.be/zovi-CwUxrk
2. The Stranger Things Final Season Villain? https://www.themarysue.com/what-d-and-d-villain-stranger-things-final-season/
3. Vecna Statue: https://icv2.com/articles/news/view/51255/wizkids-unveils-dungeons-dragons-vecna-premium-statue
4. Shout out to Patrick Demo: Randy’s Orcus mini is no longer lonely in the Abyss of my miniature collection!
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…
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Jun 1, 2022
Dungeons and Dragons vs. The Satanic Panic and the Woke Mob
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://groovyhi…
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May 27, 2022
Cultivating a Game Group & Fantastic Locations
Episode 89 Streamed Live, Thursday May 24, 2022
Random Geek-itude
1. Call-ins/emails: John and Taylor
2. Warner Bros does something right: https://variety.com/2022/film/news/wonder-twins-movie-canceled-hbo-max-1235254892/
3. DC Fails again: https://screenrant.com/batman-bisexual-bruce-wayne-dc-fans-react/
4. Demogorgon mini to be released: https://comicbook.com/gaming/news/dungeons-dragons-demogorgon-demon-lord-critical-role/
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?…
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May 18, 2022
CC16 Re-Cap and Lessons learned
Episode 88 Streamed Tuesday May 17, 2022
Call ins & Emails from the Outlands
1. Call-ins/emails none so far
2. We’ve lost two great ones in comics- George Perez: https://www.vulture.com/2022/05/george-perez-death-marvel-dc-comic-book-artist.html and Neal Adams: https://nypost.com/2022/04/30/neal-adams-legendary-comic-book-creator-and-batman-artist-dead-at-80/
3. Midnight rpg being re-released…yep its 5e: https://www.enworld.org/threads/what-if-sauron-won-check-out-this-trailer-for-the-midnight-rpg.688317/
4. Dark tower Kickstarter is live!: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/devillich/original-adventures-reincarnated-7-the-dark-tower?ref=53cnov
Main Topic: CC16- Re-cap and Lessons Learned
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, Al…
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May 10, 2022
What We Love About D&D | Doctor Strange 2 | Violence in RPGs
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,…
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May 4, 2022
Things We Hate in D&D
Episode 86 Streamed Live Tuesday May 3, 2022
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 cla…
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Apr 28, 2022
Monster Mash 2 - Incorporeal Undead in D&D
Episode 85 Streamed Live on Thursday April 28, 2022
Call ins & Emails from the Outlands
Call-ins & emails - John Alan Large
Thor: Love & Thunder Trailer- https://youtu.be/tgB1wUcmbbw
Total Party Skills: Brand antagonizing their fan base https://youtu.be/2GxDPnNg8qI
WoTC screws over Hungarian Game Company: https://youtu.be/4clIK3VmazM
Randy’s wife learn hilarious griefing lesson.
WriterDojo: https://www.writerdojo.com/
Main Topic: Incorporeal Undead
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 hum…
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Apr 19, 2022
What’s Stats got to do with it?
Episode 84 Streamed Live April 19, 2022
_Call ins & Emails from the Outlands_
1. Call ins and emails - None
2. Interesting ability score generation method for “DnD” https://youtu.be/xpH4bhYYFwI
3. HASBRO purchases DnD Beyond : https://www.techspot.com/news/94209-wizards-coast-parent-company-hasbro-purchase-dd-beyond.html
Main Topic: What’s Stats got to do with it? Discussing Attributes in Dungeons and Dragons
Relevant Links:
https://www.dmingwithcharisma.com/2011/10/dd-stats-in-simple-language/
https://grognardia.blogspot.com/2021/05/whats-point-of-ability-scores-part-i.html
https://grognardia.blogspot.com/2021/05/whats-point-of-ability-scores-part-ii.html
https://grognardia.blogspot.com/2021/05/whats-point-of-ability-scores-final.html
The Big Six: S/D/C/I/W/CH
Why so many ability scores anyway?
How important ARE they in play?
How important SHOULD they be in play?
_Other Stats:_ Hit Points, Armor Class, and Saving Throws (derived stats)
HPS: https://youtu.be/VM2…
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Apr 12, 2022
High Level Breakdown: Real or Fiction?
High Level Breakdown: Real or Fiction?
Episode 83 streamed live on April 12, 2022
The Outlands
Professor DM says dumb stuff https://youtu.be/6aO_sSCOo9w
Main Topic: High Level in Dungeons and Dragons (DnD)
Why do most games end before the highest levels?
https://www.thegamer.com/dungeons-dragons-player-level-campaign-statistics/
https://www.enworld.org/threads/90-of-d-d-games-stop-by-level-10-wizards-more-popular-at-higher-levels.666097/
-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
5e: https://makeaskillcheck.com/5e-tiers-of-play/and http://dmsworkshop.com/2021/09/10/dnd-101-tiers-levels/
4e: https://dnd4.fandom.com/wiki/Tier
3.x: RPG.net
What about the EPIC Level handbook?
2e or lower: no tiers of…
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Apr 5, 2022
Monster Mash Pt. 1: Corporeal Undead
Episode 82 April 5, 2022
Call ins & Emails from the Outlands
1. Call ins and emails – John Alan Large and his wife Hannah
2. Paizo to create a 5e conversion of an AP: https://paizo.com/products/btq02d54?Pathfinder-Adventure-Path-Abomination-Vaults
3. Christ a mutant? Tread carefully? https://www.cbr.com/immortal-x-men-reveals-jesus-christ-mutant-marvel/
Main Topic: Monster Mash - Corporeal Undead
Definion (1): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Undead
*Defintion (2): https://www.definitions.net/definition/undead
*Undead:An undead is a being in mythology, legend or fiction that is deceased yet behave as if alive
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 creatur…
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Mar 29, 2022
Monster Mash Overview: Monsters in your DnD Game
Episode 81 March 29, 2022
Call ins & Emails from the Outlands
1. Cancel culture has no allies: https://www.giantfreakinrobot.com/cltr/brie-larson-being-canceled-for-controversial-new-video.html
2. Competitive DnD: https://comicbook.com/gaming/news/dungeons-dragons-onslaught-board-game-wizkids/
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…
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Mar 24, 2022
Evil Campaigns & PCs
Episode 80 Thursday 24, 2022
Call ins & Emails from the Outlands
1. Calls ins/emails? John (Red Dice Diaries) and Taylor (Clerics Wear Ringmail)
2. 3-D printing and gaming?
3. Mudsword is saved:
4. Are Hit Points Risk Assessment?
5. New DnD book:
and Pundit had to make a quick video about it:
Waspinator’s take on it:
6. Emperor’s Choice
7. Shadow’s Videos on Arduin:
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 p…
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Mar 16, 2022
Default DnD Assumptions
Episode 79 Tuesday March 15, 2022
Call ins & Emails from the Outlands
1. Call ins and emails
2. Congratulations on birth of son of Taylor from Cleric’s wear Ringmail podcast.
3. DC’s Days are numbered?
4. A Set of Faerie Dragons to celebrate pride week, hmmm
5. Set of kobolds- you decide which is the better deal: WizKids or ebay
6. Dragonlance on the horizon?
Default DnD Assumptions
What is DnD? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dungeons_%26_Dragons
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 t…
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Mar 10, 2022
5 RPGs To Play That Are Not DnD
Episode 78 Tuesday, March 8, 2022
Special Guest Host Patrick Demo!
_Call ins & Emails from the Outlands
_1.) No calls ins or emails.
2.) A salty Brian Sanderson https://winteriscoming.net/2022/02/23/brandon-sanderson-salty-george-rr-martin-work-fromsoftware-elden-ring/
3.) A successful Brian Sanderson https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/dragonsteel/surprise-four-secret-novels-by-brandon-sanderson
5 Games
Joe:
Hackmaster
Rifts (Paladium)
Ars Magica
Champions
Aliens
Patrick:
Earthdawn
Shadowrun
Harn
Lone Wolf
Sliver
Lightning Round!
1) Why?
2) What quality does it have that is different from DnD?
3) Play or GM?
4) Do you have something ready for it now?
5) Is it good for Cabin Con?
To OSR or Not To OSR: Randy and Joe are waffling on the direction of Musdsword…
Shameless Plug Time:
If you would like to support our show, please visit the many places you can find us on the inter-webs:
PayPal: paypal.me/biggusgeekus
Streamlabs: https://streamlabs.com/biggusge…
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Mar 2, 2022
Keeping it Real while Playing Pretend
Episode 77: Keeping it Real while Playing Pretend (Verisimilitude vs It’s just a game)
Episode 77 Tuesday March 1,2022
Call ins & Emails from the Outlands
1. Call-in from John Alan Large
2. Tiamat, again! https://icv2.com/articles/news/view/50487/wizkids-reveals-d-d-icons-realms-aspect-tiamat
3. Marvel Fans?: https://insidethemagic.net/2022/02/evangeline-lilly-canadian-trucker-protest-canceled-al1
4. Randy backed this OSE KS https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/exaltedfuneral/old-school-essentials-fantasy-rpg-box-sets
and https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/545820095/hell-on-the-high-plains-a-deadlands-booster-campaign
Main Topic: Keeping it Real (verisimilitude in gaming)
Verisimilitude : the quality of seeming true or of having the appearance of being real
Related articles:
https://nerdarchy.com/balancing-rpg-verisimilitude-against-were-still-playing-a-game-right/
http://www.rickneal.ca/?p=308
https://www.reddit.com/r/rpg/comments/474xlb/an_idea_about_realismverisimil…
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Feb 24, 2022
Death and Taxes with T-Shirted Historian
Episode 76 Tuesday February 22, 2022
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 Wa…
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Feb 17, 2022
The 3 R’s: Renounce, Ridicule and Replace
Episode 75 Tuesday, February 15, 2022
Main Topic: Renounce, Ridicule and Replace
1.) Vanity Fair calls critics trolls: https://boundingintocomics.com/2022/02/10/amazon-prime-video-uses-vanity-fair-to-attack-critics-of-the-lord-of-the-rings-the-rings-of-power-as-trolls/
2.) Venger calls for DnD insurrection of some sort: https://youtu.be/m10NnMSQdMo
3.) The Waspinator: https://youtu.be/wNYG7tfeLY8
4.) For Canon’s Sake https://youtu.be/gRy--1DqF-8
5.) Nerdrotic https://youtu.be/QyResw8A_ssRc
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 t…
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Feb 9, 2022
Initiative Revisited With Bruce
Episode 74 Livestreamed on February 8, 2022
Welcome Bruce Lombardo of Dix Division to the show.
Call ins & Emails from the Outlands
1. Call-ins & emails – John Alan Large
2. Dark Souls/5E Further explained - https://comicbook.com/gaming/news/dark-souls-roleplaying-game-5e-mechanics-interview-steamforged/
3. Zinequest becomes Zine Month! https://www.polygon.com/tabletop-games/22912969/kickstarter-alienating-creators-zine-quest-zine-month
4. Nostalgia Bait: https://boundingintocomics.com/2022/02/06/eric-july-people-who-eat-up-hollywoods-nostalgia-bait-are-part-of-the-problem/
5. https://cosmicbook.news/woke-superman-tanks-confirmed-dc-comics-sales-january
6. Discovery is buying DC (and take over WarnerMedia) and DC comics sales continue to plummet!
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 , st…
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Feb 2, 2022
Episode 73: 13th Age Finale ... Part Two
Come see if Biggus Geekus can manage to finish this topic. We will also banter with live chat and discuss industry and geek news.
Support the show:
PayPal: paypal.me/biggusgeekus
https://streamlabs.com/biggusgeekus1/tip
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 o…
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Jan 26, 2022
13th Age Deep Dive Part Finale ... Part 1
Episode 72 Tuesday, January 25,2022
Call ins & Emails from the Outlands
1. Call-ins and Emails – John Alan Large of The Red Dice Diaries
2. DC shooting themselves in the foot or are they?
https://bleedingcool.com/comics/dc-comics-cancels-and-kills-off-the-justice-league/
and the New JLA?: https://i.pinimg.com/originals/19/e8/d6/19e8d691b6f2d5be601586a668d73163.jpg ( thanks to Eric Sciver: https://youtu.be/gp0WJoIvzJU for a great overview)
3. Cthulhu Awakens by Green Ronin: https://www.dicebreaker.com/games/cthulhu-awakens/news/cthulhu-awakens-rpg-green-ronin
4. 13th age SRD: https://www.13thagesrd.com/ and the ARCHMAGE engine pdf: http://pelgranepress.com/media/SRD/CombatRules.pdf
Main Topic: 13thAge Deep Dive Part 3
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?
Shameless Plug…
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Jan 20, 2022
13th Age Deep Dive Part 2
Episode 71 Tuesday January 18, 2022
Call ins & Emails from the Outlands
1. Emails and call – ins? John Alan Large (Red Dice Diaries): call in
2. Venger Con in trouble?: https://youtu.be/QFcpO9ghBfI
3. Free D&D Adventure: Work at Strixhaven's Firejolt Café in 'No Tears Over Spilled Coffee!': https://www.dndbeyond.com/posts/1118-free-d-d-adventure-work-at-strixhavens-firejolt
4. Mudsword: thoughts on the session and the game
5. Unpainted Tiamat: https://enjoysubway.com/dungeons-dragons-tiamat-miniature-is-now-available-unpainted-get-your-brushes-ready/
6. YouTube Appearances and shout-outs:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BLnVwzOad4c
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCXdOeid6BtTy-Z-q1wzxjQ
https://youtu.be/xlM7UHZYniM at 00:45:00
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gh0dbbwWDhA&t=20s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WBvQ43VP14k
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 a…
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Jan 12, 2022
13th Age Part 1: Icons and Setting
Episode 70 Tuesday January 11, 2022
Call ins & Emails from the Outlands
1.) Call ins from Taylor of Clerics Wear Ringmail
2.) Discussion with live chat
3.) Industry news:
a) Champions of the Realm
b) Strixhaven Credit Omission
c) Removing slavery from TTRPGs
4.) Message from PedantryInMotion on twitter
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:
PreGens
https://13thage.org/
The Archmage Engine
B.) Layout and look
· 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 p…
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Jan 6, 2022
The Hickman Manifesto/Are You Too Old For RPGs
Episode 69Tuesday January 4,2022
From Silent Josh
1. The END of DC & Marvel too!
https://youtu.be/tsO7g3Lp8YA
Superman Abused
2. Session 0 stuff: https://roleplayersrespite.com/dnd-session-0-checklist
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.
a.) https://muleabides.wordpress.com/2012/03/23/manifesto-of-the-hickman-revolution/
b.) https://grognardia.blogspot.com/2012/03/roots-of-revolution.html
c.) https://grognardia.blogspot.com/2008/12/scrappy-doo-and-hickman-revolution.html
d.) https://monstersandmanuals.blogspot.com/2012/03/hickman-revolution-and-frustrated.html
e.) http://www.kungfuology.com/andybest/2012/08/35-dd-theory-the-hickman-revol.html
f.) https://youtu.be/dCmKwSzXM…
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Dec 29, 2021
Pros & Cons of Spellcasting Systems In Your TTRPG
Episode 68 Streamed Live Tuesday December28, 2021
Call ins & Emails from the Outlands
None
Silent Josh Presents:
Weird Frontiers: https://www.enworld.org/threads/weird-frontiers-takes-dcc-west.684619
New Dragonlance Novel: https://www.belloflostsouls.net/2021/12/dd-theres-a-new-dragonlance-trilogy-in-the-works-for-2022.html
Main Topic: Pros and Cons of Spellcasting Systems
_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 abilit…
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Dec 22, 2021
The Right Game for the Right Job
Episode 67 Tuesday, December 21,2021
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.…
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Dec 16, 2021
Save or Suck /Die in Dungeons and Dragons
Episode 66 Tuesday December 14,2021
With special guest co-hosts OG GM and Bruce Lombardo of Dix Division
Call ins & Emails from the Outlands
Call-ins & emails: Email from Web Warrior. To be addressed with Randy
1. Nu-TSR is at it again and then they are not:https://techraptor.net/tabletop/news/tsr-crowdfunds-campaign-to-stop-wizards-of-coast and then https://www.tenkarstavern.com/2021/12/bews-tsr-voluntarily-dismisses-legal.html
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…
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Dec 8, 2021
RPG Campaign Nuts & Bolts: Procedural Play
Episode 65 Tuesday, December 7,2021
Call ins & Emails from the Outlands
No Emails and Call ins … Sad
Silent Josh Presents
1. Critical Drinker reviews MoTU Part 2: https://youtu.be/u9lXAt8gyJk
2. Tis the season: https://www.enworld.org/threads/gift-ideas-for-game-masters.684006/
Quick review of World of the Lost Sun, by RPGPundit https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/336819
Contest of Champions Update
Main Topic: Campaign Nuts & Bolts: Procedural Play- Sandbox/Hexcrawl
_Procedural generation_ is a type of creation based on an algorithmic set of variables to produce a randomized but logical set of data.
from this reddit post: https://forum.rpg.net/index.php?threads/how-procedural-generation-for-sandboxes.834914/
_Articles Related to the Discussion
_1.) https://psionicblastfromthepast.blogspot.com/2020/11/designing-content-with-hierarchical.html
2.) 2nd Comment- response to question- *https://www.reddit.com/r/DnD/comments/2miqiy/sandbox_campaigns/
3.) The Alexandrian* Hits…
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Dec 2, 2021
Campaign Nuts & Bolts: Using Published Modules, Part 1
Episode 64 Tuesday, November 30, 2021
Call ins & Emails from the Outlands
Call Ins From Taylor of Clerics Wear Ringmail
Silent Josh Presents:
1. Supes is finally “OLD”: https://screenrant.com/superman-action-comics-1036-redesign-gray-hair/
2. Roleplaying as a crow: https://www.dicebreaker.com/games/be-like-a-crow/news/be-like-a-crow-solo-rpg-kickstarter?fbclid=IwAR2i9is3LF5Jd53AS4Dl9oqaWdrcJ3M5zCebQMsOIL7RV64VdnEQ6sznZhQ
3. DnD Themed Restaurant in Lake Geneva, WI possibly in 2024: https://www.jsonline.com/story/entertainment/2021/11/19/dungeons-and-dragons-lake-geneva-restaurant-experience-being-planned/8650011002/?fbclid=IwAR2Yta0Pt-23uxkc3rvQlZGL3obKY1qFKLlwQYuFzgZHS8JK6wxZxoryQK0
Main Topic: Campaign Nuts & Bolts: Using Published Modules
1. You’ve got your system…What now?
2. Collect a series of modules or just pick one you like and start
3. Preparing to run the module
4. What if the published adventure is not ‘appropriate’ for your PCs?
5. Weaving the modul…
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Nov 24, 2021
Potpourri with Patrick: A Special Wizard Analysis Edition
Potpourri with Patrick Special Edition - Class Analysis: The Wizard
Episode 63 Tuesday, November 23,2021
See what Patrick is up to at: www.pointyhat.games buy his stuff especially Elemental Conflux!
Main Topic: Class Analysis: The Wizard
Wizard defined: https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/wizard
1.) Throughout DnD Editions
_OD+D:_ The Magic User is described as the most powerful characters in the game
_BECMI:_ The Magic User is a ‘human’ character, fears damage
_AD+D 1e__:_ Mentions that MU’s need high intelligence
_AD+D2e:_ Wizard Group: mages & specialists
_3.x:_ NOW FORMALLY CALLED WIZARDS - cautious adventurers
_4e:_ powers and stuff, Balance attempted
_5e:_ Cantrips be bad, Balance attempted
2.) Item creation: potions, scrolls and permanent items through the editions.
3.) Has any edition of DnD gotten the Wizard right?
4.) How do Wizards compare in other games?
_Playing in the Mud_: We discuss Wizard design considerations for Mudsword.…
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Nov 18, 2021
On the Clock: Tracking Time In Your DnD Game
Episode 62 Tuesday, November 16 ,2021
Call ins & Emails from the Outlands
Calls-ins from Taylor of Clerics Wear Ringmail
Contest of Champions
Silent Josh Presents:
DnD Movie: https://www.slashfilm.com/658391/dungeons-dragons-release-date-cast-and-more/
DnD TV Show: https://comicbook.com/gaming/news/dungeons-dragons-g4-tv-show-announced/
Willow TV Show: https://tvline.com/2021/11/12/willow-tv-series-video-warwick-davis-cast-disney-plus/
Marvel Crumbling: https://cosmicbook.news/marvel-crumbling-disney-bob-chapek-rejects-kevin-feige-woke-content
Joe Has A Rant: There are many ways to run your Dungeons and Dragons Campaign
Main Topic: On The Clock:
Tracking Campaign/Adventure time:
Tracking actions, initiative & spells
When is it time to end a campaign/session?
Character aging and “believable high-level PCs.
Is there a time to stop playing a character in a game/campaign besides at death?
Too many games and not enough time
Shameless Plug Time:
If you would like to supp…
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Nov 11, 2021
Is the DM Just a Player?
Episode 61 November 9, 2021
This week on Biggus Beekus we talk about the role of the Dungeon Master in you DnD game, and more broadly in tabletops RPGs: Is the DM just a player?
We dabble a bit in Project Mudsword: Is the current iteration of the game rules fun?
We also have the usual call ins and hobby news, including a new Actual Play: Battle for Beyond
(https://www.dndbeyond.com/posts/1099-join-the-battle-for-beyond-a-6-part-dungeons)
--See More--
Our Links:
Website: www.biggusgeekuspodcast.com click on support for ways to give us your money
PayPal: paypal.me/biggusgeekus
Email: thegeeks@biggusgeekuspodcast.com
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Odysee: https://odysee.com/@biggusgeekus:3
Twitter: @biggusgeekus
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/biggusgeekuspodcast
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyVze8TfIB16j0PdmE4lOJg
Voicemail on Anchor: https://anchor.fm/biggusgeekus click “Message”
Please Subscribe, Like, Share and Rate us in all the…
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Nov 3, 2021
The Narrative or the Dice: Which Rules Your Game
Call ins & Emails from the Outlands
Call Ins from John Alan Large
New Contest of Champions Winner Announced: We reached 100 YouTube subs
Paizo drops the word “phylactery”
Bugs and company get Ad& D stats…back in the day
Main Topic: The Narrative and/or the Dice
Which is more important: (1) what the dice determines or (2) what the story “needs”
Perspective:
Are the players the heroes in the story?
Are the dice sacrosanct?
Narrative control as in 13th Age and other games makes the game more about a group story. Does a changing party composition over its duration take the steam out of a campaign?
Is this a necessary result of Binary mechanics?
---Click for More--- --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/biggusgeekus/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/biggusgeekus/support
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Oct 27, 2021
How High is too High to Play?
Episode 59 Tuesday October 26,2021
Call ins & Emails from the Outlands
Call-ins from: Jason, Taylor and John Allan Large
Interesting article: Arneson's Hit Points for Characters
http://playingattheworld.blogspot.com/
Contest of Champions #2
Wizard Tower Games “Controversy” https://twitter.com/realwizardtower/status/1452767531798781955/photo/1
Main Topic: How High is Too High to Play?
FOCUS: DUNGEONS AND DRAGONS
1.) Preparing for High level while playing low or mid-levels: Plant the seeds
2.) Understanding the characters: wizards v fighters v clerics v rogues
3.) Understanding the limitations of the rules: Usually No Official rules beyond level 20
4.) Understanding the limitations of players: how bad do you want it?
5.) Understanding the motivations of your PC: It’s time for my close-up Mr. DeVille!
6.) Understanding the Power of Magic: He who casts Time Stop first, wins!
7.) Understanding High level foes and challenges: It cannot be the Tarrasque every week!
8.) D…
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Oct 20, 2021
It’s Time to Level Up!
Episode 58 Tuesday October 19, 2021
Call ins & Emails from the Outlands
1.) Call-ins & Emails
2.) Truth, Justice and … eh whatever: https://variety.com/2021/film/news/superman-new-motto-dc-fandome-1235090712/
3.) Contest of Champions #2- how goes it?
4.) THAC0 the clown
Main Topic: It’s Time to Level Up! “definition”: To "level" or "level up" means to gain enough XP to reach the next level.
Character Improvement/Advancement
What should “leveling up” mean practically?
Is it necessary?
What should it look like going from level 1 to level 2, or Novice to Seasoned?
Should there be a cap on advancement?
_Pacing and Types of Advancement
_Should you level in big chunks, small bits or incrementally and steady?
Should you use XP Charts such as classic DnD?
Incremental advances?
Milestones: DM caveat/fiat or when the story requires/allows it?
When your PC uses their skills?
Fail Example- Dungeon World: https://a-dungeon-world.fandom.com/wiki/Leveling
Success Exampl…
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Oct 13, 2021
The Ultimate Topic: Alignment- yes no or maybe
Episode 57 Tuesday October 12,2021
Call ins & Emails from the Outlands
1.) Call Ins
Jason of Nerd's RPG Variety Cast
Taylor of Clerics Wear Ringmail
2.) Old email address
3.) New mail?
4.) Finally a Tarrasque figure: https://www.ign.com/articles/dnd-tarrasque-mini-statue-reveal-wizkids but of course $399.99...yeah, pass.
5.) Gay Johnathan Kent
6.) Arkhaven
7.) Eric July, RipperVerse
Main Topic: The Ultimate Topic: Alignment- yes or nor or maybe?
1.) What is alignment for?
2.) The Various Dungeons & Dragons Alignment Systems along with a few others
_OD+D:_ Character Alignment, Including Various Monsters and Creatures
_AD+D 1e,2e, and 3.x DnD:__ _9 alignment system: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alignment_(Dungeons_%26_Dragons)
_4e DnD:_ A character’s alignment (or lack thereof) describes his or her moral stance
_5e DnD:_ https://www.dandwiki.com/wiki/5e_SRD:Alignment
_Palladium Alignment system: _https://imgur.com/gallery/DmKvb
_Pendragon:_series o…
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Oct 8, 2021
Bringing Your World to Life
Episode 56 Friday October 8 ,2021
Call ins & Emails from the Outlands
John from Red Dice Diaries
Jason from The Nerd’s RPG Variety Cast
News from the Silence (news from Silent Josh):
1.) Juiblex Figure
2.) Superman's Boyfriend?
3.) Metric System in DnD?
4.) https://comicbook.com/gaming/news/dungeons-dragons-counterspell-5e-statblock-changes/
5.) https://screenrant.com/tabletop-rpg-campaigns-non-violent-apocalypse-world-pacifist/
6.) https://www.wargamer.com/dnd/alignment-rules-changes
7.) Legion of Myth: gatekeepers Episode 1: https://youtu.be/T19Tyl1Vqcw
8.) Critical role makes the bucks: https://youtu.be/UndkdHKgdl0
Main Topic: Bringing your world to Life (sparking interest longevity and enjoyment at the table for your campaign)
_Players
_1. Gather people who can commit and want to play the game you are running
2. Let them play what they want within the framework of the world.
3. Share Spotlight Time
4. Watch to see what is most interesting to each player
5. Make…
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Sep 30, 2021
The Con Game
Episode 55 Wednesday, September 29,2021
Call ins & Emails from the Outlands
Jason of Nerds RPG Variety Cast
John of Red Dice Diaries
A.) Joe cheated on Randy: https://youtu.be/RdQN0RNyT0U
Links on Dungeons and Dragons History
https://followmeanddie.com/2017/05/11/review-dave-arnesons-true-genius-robert-j-kuntz/
https://nerdvanamedia.com/gaming/fact-check-lorraine-williams-destroyed-not-created-tsr/13825/
https://dmdavid.com/tag/tag/lorraine-williams/
https://archive.org/details/60_minutes_on_dungeons_and_dragons/60_minutes_on_dungeons_and_dragons.flv
B.) Contest of Champions #2: and the winner is… hockeypuckjr
C.) Next edition of DnD announced? 50th anniversary 2024…5.5E? https://comicbook.com/gaming/news/dungeons-dragons-2024-sixth-edition-fifth-edition/?fr=operanews
Main Topic: The Con Game
Planning, creating, and running a game at Conventions: Big cons, not-so-big cons, and CC
1) Timed or not
2) Pre-gens or not
3) Crunchy or Rules Light
4) Experienced Players…
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Sep 23, 2021
OOC Player Choices, FrogGate, DnD 5e is Flawed?
Episode 54 Wednesday September 20, 2021
Call ins & Emails from the Outlands
Call Ins: Jason of Nerd’s RPG variety Cast and John of The Red Dice Diaries
Contest of Champions 2: Out of the Abyss (5e DnD hardback), Codex Infernus (Savage Worlds guide to Hell), or Maximum XCrawl (PF 1e version of X-Crawl)
Game Coming up this weekend.
Gen Con:
GenCon 2021 Report from Greg D.
FROG-GATE: https://youtu.be/JtAoAWc7ObY
Kotaku Article Requires Discussion: https://kotaku.com/d-d-5th-edition-is-deeply-flawed-so-why-not-play-somet-1847698975
Main Topic: OOC Player Choices
1) In-depth vs little planning vs No planning for PC backgrounds
2) Splitting Treasure: who gets what and when/group decision
3) Choosing a Character to play
4) Meta-game knowledge usage
5) Party leader
6) Keeping secrets/being the sneaky guy
7) Stealing from the party/self-interest or group interest
Like it, Love it or Leave it
_Dig this Setting: _Golarion - the world and setting for the Pathfinder RPG. Our dis…
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Sep 15, 2021
DnD Campaign Design: Top-down vs. Bottom-up
Episode 53Wednesday September 15,2021.
Call ins & Emails from the Outlands
We played last Friday…together and it was Mudsword V.1
Contest of Champions 2
Call ins:
Jason Connerly of Nerd's RPG Variety Cast
Taylor of Cleric's Wear Ringmail podcast
Pat of Pointy Hat Games
_5 quick treats_ (courtesy of our very own Silent Josh)
Tier and Levels in Dungeons and Dragons
Stupid THACO?
Descent again
50 Riddles for DMs
Becoming a Pro DM
Main Topic: Top-Down or Bottom-Up Campaign Design?
scrivthebard
noblecrumpet
Advantages and Disadvantages
Played and/or run both
Some of the other types such as: Reactive, Mad libs, Randomization & Three-Beat Premise
Are Outside-In and Inside-out really different?
Top 10 inspirational Music
Like it, Love it or Leave it
Playing in the Mud
After-action report from September 11 game
Used the RC- as a basis- it’s a bit weird if coming from AD&D
Stat Mods for Races < Stat Max/Min for races
The Rogue may need help: Momentum (13thage)…
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Sep 9, 2021
Naming Conventions in RPGs
Episode 52 Wednesday September 8, 2021
_Call ins & Emails from the Outlands
_Call ins from Jason and Joe_
_We talk about Randy’s recent gaming and Joe’s lack, office work, and:
Ed Greenwood’s new campaign setting Kickstarter for 5e D&D
EnWorld’s rabbit hole discussing New School and Old School playstyles.
Naming Conventions in RPGs
Definition: A naming convention is a convention (generally agreed scheme) for naming things.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naming_convention
How important is it in tabletop roleplaying games?
If a GM decides on one, what should the players do?
What about a DM just following the players lead?
How Tolkien do we want to get?
Middle Earth Naming Guide
Elven Customs
Does it seem that most players/DMs even care?
Like it, Love it or Leave it
Playing in the Mud - Re-visiting coinage economics and encumbrance
Silver vs gold piece standard?
How much money is enough?
Accounting vs. abstraction?
How many coins weigh a pound?
What can you b…
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Sep 2, 2021
Dungeons and Dragons Class Analysis: The Gish (The Multiclassing Question)
Episode 51 Wednesday September 1, 2021
Call ins & Emails from the Outlands
Jason
Taylor
Nod to Joe Richter- dropped his MOTU calls as we were arguing past one another in many cases and are gonna have to agree to disagree and move on…because neither of us are changing, Props to him for quadruple Bible reading however.
Main Topic: Class Analysis: A Gish (and Multi-classing in general)
Where we discuss the history and define terms relating to the gish and multiclassing in general and through the carious editions of Dungeons and Dragons.
Definition: https://www.wordsense.eu/gish/
Good/Bad/Ugly
Is Multi-classing necessary?
Is Niche protection problems (3.x/Pathfinder)?
Favorite Rules edition for multiclassing?
Thumbs up or thumbs down for multiclassing?
Like it, Love it or Leave it
Playing in the Mud - Mudsword the RPG
1) The setting question again, and here is what I’m thinking:
2) Rules we’ll Be trying
Hollywood Sucks and hates the fans that made certain IPs popula…
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Aug 27, 2021
A BG Retrospective: Rules, Rulings, and Roles
A BG Retrospective: Rules, Rulings, and Roles
Episode 50 Wednesday August 25,2021
Special Guests:
Patrick from Pointy Hat Games
Taylor from Clerics Wear Ringmail
Call Ins and messages:
Jason
Taylor
Josh
The Positive Material Plane
Played 5e 1-shot last Saturday…much fun…no short rest…pretty deadly challenging!
Main Topic: Rules, Rulings & Roles
1. After 50 episodes:
A.) Technical side
B.) Letting each other speak: Joe, Randy & Guest(s)
C.) Show Focus
D.) Our journey to OSR Adjacent
E.) Mud-sword the RPG
2. Rules and rullings
A.) Rule Zero
B.) Is Game Balance same or different from having a CR system?
C.) Is the GM “just a player”?
D.) Safety tools
E.) Resource Management
The Contest of Champions
Contest Winner: Taylor! Congrats!
Shameless Plug Time:
If you would like to support our show, please help get the word out and check out our website at: www.biggusgeekuspodcast.com/support.
Share with your friends and let us know if there is another way th…
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Aug 18, 2021
Top 10 Inspirational Books For Your TTRPG
Episode 49 Wednesday August 18, ,2021.
Call ins and Emails
Jason of The Nerds RPG Variety Podcast
Our friend Josh shared WizKids announces sprue-based minis
The Positive Material Plane
The Contest of Champions is next week…Episode 50! Enter Here
Main Topic: Top 10 Inspirational Books
Can we categorize them as to what RPG it best helps us with?
How do books motivate you?
Should you try to mimic Books at the table?
How about stealing the plot?
How valuable are Books for gaming research?
Do you ever read books specifically to get in the “mood” for a game/campaign?
Like it, Love it or Leave it
Dig this Setting: Eberron
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eberron
Shameless Plug Time:
If you would like to support our show, please help get the word out and check out our website at: www.biggusgeekuspodcast.com/support.
Share with your friends and let us know if there is another way that you listen that we could support better.
Rate us on your favorite podcatcher such as iTu…
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Aug 13, 2021
A Biggus Geekus One Shot
Episode 48 Wednesday August 11,2021.
Joe is out this week due to illness
The Plane of Concordant Opposition (The Outlands)
Laurel Hubbard apology.
Friend’s daughter no like-y our show … and that is fine!
The Contest of Champions Update
The prizes: Waterdeep Dragon Heist, Feng Shui 2, or (Labyrinth Lord) Advanced Edition Companion.
Game Review: Ankur- The Kingdom of the Gods
Soon to be on KS as of September 1staccording to its author, Chris Miller.
Mono-Gamy or Poly-Gamy - which is better?
Shameless Plug Time:
If you would like to support our show, please help get the word out and check out our website at: www.biggusgeekuspodcast.com/support.
Share with your friends and let us know if there is another way that you listen that we could support better.
Rate us on your favorite podcatcher such as iTunes, or Stitcher.
Check us out on YouTube and Odysee. Please Like and Subscribe.
Our email is thegeeks@biggusgeekuspodcast.com feel free to send any questions or comments t…
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Jul 29, 2021
Dragons in Fantasy RPGs
Episode 47 Wednesday July 28, 2021
Call ins & Emails
Taylor
John
Jason
The Positive Material Plane
Great Minds think alike: we both picked “In the Name of the King” for Jason’s give-away competition.
Update on our 50thepisode/ viewership YouTube GIVE-AWAY?
Played Deadlands last week also, ran a short 13th age scenario
Dragons in Fantasy RPGs
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon
Iconic: HALF OF THE NAME of the most famous of RPGS: Dungeons & Dragons
We discuss Types, Sizes, Rarity, Magic usage, Alignment, Combat, Dragons Beyond combat, etc.
Like it, Love it or Leave it
Dig this Setting: The World of Darkness https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_of_Darkness
We’ve not played this a lot...
Shameless Plug Time:
If you would like to support our show, please help get the word out and check out our website at: www.biggusgeekuspodcast.com/support.
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Jul 21, 2021
Resource Management: Abstraction or Accounting
Episode 46 Friday July 16 ,2021
Call ins & Emails
Jason
Tim
The Positive Material Plane
Upcoming Contest, New twitter account
Resource Management in RPGS: Abstraction vs Accounting
https://edowarsblog.wordpress.com/2011/12/26/supply-points-abstracting-resource-management-in-dd/
Systems to consider: OD+D – 5e, Savage Worlds: EX: Deadlands vs Necessary Evil, Post-Apocalyptic: Zombie Apocalypse vs RIFTS, 13th Age, others?
Why is it that "mundane" resource management (rations, fatigue) is generally seen as tedious, while "fantastic" resource management (power uses, item charges) isn't?
Would you want to play a game where "mundane" resource management takes center stage, and is as important to the game as the "fantastic" resource management is in games like D+D? [ https://www.enworld.org/threads/resource-management-in-rpgs.258753/ ]
Is resource management fun in RPGs?
Do abstract mechanics for resource management make the story hollow or less complete?
In fantasy games, is…
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Jul 15, 2021
How Do You Roll (DnD styles)?
Episode 45 Wednesday July 14, 2021
Call ins & Emails
Josh
John
Taylor
The Positive Material Plane
50th episode/YouTube subscriber contest
We played last week, Deadlands, Twitter account
How Do You Roll (DnD styles)?
The Crawls: Dungeon, Mega-Dungeon, Hex, Point, Urban
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dungeon_crawl
https://www.runagame.net/2014/03/the-hex-crawl.html
Jaquaying the Dungeon
https://slyflourish.com/pointcrawls.html
http://hillcantons.blogspot.com/2016/02/hexcrawls-vs-pointcrawls.html
The Drives:
Character Driven
Plot Driven
Homebrew DM Plotted
Character driven/Pure Sandbox
GM managed: Limited Sandbox
https://youtu.be/hDxoI2uBzH0
Episodic/ Module of the Week/Month
Adventure Paths
One Shot
Like it, Love it or Leave it
Playing in the Mud
Experiment #1- the game last Thursday
Slow weapons, skill checks via backgrounds from 13th age, wizard spells, modifiers, and the one thing I studied in detail and didn’t really put in the adventure.
Shameless Plug…
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Jul 8, 2021
What Type of Gamemaster Are You
Episode 44 Wednesday July 7, 2021
Call ins
Jason
John
Joe
Andy
The Positive Material Plane
Going to play some OSR- Swords and Wizardry running one of the Classic Adventures reincarnated as a starting point tomorrow.
Main Topic: GM Types
Do GMs GM different games differently? I.E., do you GM Deadlands differently than 3.5 DnD?
Do you fit into one or more of these types? Creator, Director, Fanatic, Manager, Opponent, Player, and Romantic: https://gnomestew.com/what-type-of-gm-are-you/
On a scale of 1 (low) to 10 (high) how important is the following characteristics for a GM
Builds or Buys scenario and/or setting
Prepares the adventure
Upkeep on campaign elements for consistency
Considers the players preferences and their character types
Sets appropriate challenges for the players
Ability to Improvise
Ability to read the room
Ability to pace the game
Knowing when to fudge rules or dice rolls
Understanding that it is about the players
Varies encounters
Rule consisten…
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Jun 30, 2021
Top 10 Inspirational Movies for RPG Gaming
Episode 43 Recorded on Tesday June 22, released on Wednesday June 30, 2021
Call ins
Jason of Nerd’s RPG Variety Cast
Andy of Expedition to The Grizzly Peaks
The Positive Material Plane
Playing Swords & Sorcery Whitebox
Got Lion & Dragon in hardback
Main Topic: Top 10 Inspirational Movies for RPG Gaming
Joe’s List: Superman, Blade, Dune, The Holy Grail, The Dark Crystal, The Three Musketeers (1978), Iron Man, Army of Darkness, Wrath of Khan, Willow
Randy’s List: LoTR, Aliens, Princess Bride, Tombstone, Army of the Dead (Netflix), Conan, Hellboy, Star Wars, The Magnificent 7 & The Avengers
Honorable Mention: The X-men 1+2, Dog Soldiers, The Hateful 8, Blade Runner, Conan the Destroyer, The 13th Warrior, Ladyhawke, Shaun of The Dead, Near Dark, Mission Impossible, Unbreakable
Like it, Love it, or Leave it Each Host asks other Host 3 questions
Dig this Setting: X-CRAWL!!
Think Pro Wrestling, Running Man, Let’s Make a Deal, & DnD all mixed together (3e, PF1)
Currently…
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Jun 23, 2021
Class & Role: Fighter Analysis
Episode 42June 16,2021
Call ins
John Alan Large
Joe Richter
Taylor
The Positive Material Plane
50th episode contest
Taylor has a podcast!
Main Topic: Class and Role: Melee Analysis
Warrior: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/warrior
DnD Focus : _Through the DnD editions
_Recall the old adages? Do you like to play them?
Have they lost their luster in later editions? If so, why?
Which DnD version of Fighter is your favorite one? Why?
Opinions on fighter sub-classes/variants
What might be some fun variants?
Like it, Love it, or Leave it: Hosts each get 3 questions
Dig this Setting: Necessary Evil
Shameless Plug Time:
If you would like to support our show, please help get the word out asnd check out our website at: www.biggusgeekuspodcast.com/support.
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Rate us on Apple iTunes or your fav…
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Jun 15, 2021
Playing the Whole Game
Episode 41 June 15, 2021
Call ins
Jason
John Alan Large
The Positive Material Plane
Our hobby now allows such an easy entrance to producing/designing RPG products.
Main Topic: Playing the Whole Game
Level 1 (beginning) and level 20(max level) or Open-Ended (no end in sight or planned)
Youtube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dd3Bc_6ks3U
Like it, Love it, or Leave it - Getting to Know your Hosts: 3 questions for each of us
Dig this Setting: Rippers
Victorian era Monster Hunting for Savage Worlds RPG – We both dig it!
Shameless Plug Time:
If you would like to support our show, please help get the word out and check out our website at: www.biggusgeekuspodcast.com/support.
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Check us out on Youtube and Odysee. Rate and review us on your favorite pod-catcher.
Free to send any questions or comments to thegeeks@biggusgeekuspodcast.com.
We would also like to en…
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Jun 8, 2021
Class and Role Analysis: The Cleric
Episode 40 Tuesday June 8, 2021
Call ins
Taylor
Jason
Andy
The Positive Material Plane:
Further savage antics
We are Now on Odysee
Class and Role: Divine Analysis
Healer discussion
1.) Focus: The Cleric Through the DnD editions
2.) Recall the old adages? Do you like to play them?
3) Are they too good? Are they too generic?
4) Which DnD version of Cleric is your favorite one? Why?
5) What might be some fun variants?
6) What are some final thoughts on Clerics if any?
A Cabin Con Moment
How long until you start thinking about CC16 with gusto?
Like it, Love it, or Leave it (our thoughts on things)
No Negative Material Plane This Week
Shameless Plug Time:
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Rate u…
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Jun 2, 2021
RPG Collections & Downsizing
Episode 39 Wednesday June 2, 2021
Call Ins
Andy
Patrick
The Positive Material Plane
1)We played the Sanctuary game- good times- dumb wizard, serial killer, assassins guild, and ghosts, oh my!
2) Taylor from Clerics Wear Ringmail Blog in response to us being “noisome”:
3) T-shirt idea: “Biggus Geekus, you just have to smell it to appreciate it”
RPG Collections & Downsizing
Collector mentality - do you have it or not? Buying new RPGs: got to get it all or not? If you have space, then why ditch it?
A Cabin Con Moment
Downsizing at CC. Advantages & Disadvantages of larger groups.
Dig this Setting: DEADLANDS! Wild west meets zombies while magic & technology collide.
Shameless Plug Time:
If you would like to support our show, please help get the word out and check out our website at: www.biggusgeekuspodcast.com/support.
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May 27, 2021
What Does Evil Do
Episode 38 Wednesday May 26, 2021
Call ins
Jason
Andy
Tim
The Positive Material Plane
Back to Sanctuary/SW game this coming weekend?
New Article Up: Orcs are Not Human
Main Topic: What Does Evil Do?
Definition of evil- profound immorality and wickedness, especially when regarded as a supernatural force
1) The 7 Deadly Sins
2) How to Portray Evil as a GM?
3.) Which Deadly sins map onto the various villain archetypes above?
4.) It is ok to use very simple/cliched villains or villainous plots to
5.) Avoid detailed descriptions of acts of Extreme/grotesque Evil
6.) Generic evil might be worthwhile to use early on in a campaign until you know what makes the PCs tick.
A Cabin Con Moment
The post cabin con sadness…is it a thing? I immediately start thinking about next year and what I will do/run.
Ideas: CC swap meet (blanket barter- Joe), Dungeon Mastery Workshop, Teaching a Game Workshop, & 20+ player RPG 1-shot.
Beat This Game (in the ground): Swords & Wizardry Whitebox…
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May 19, 2021
Extreme PCs
Episode 37 May 19, 2021
Call-ins:
Jason of Nerd’s RPG Podcast
John of The Red Dice Diaries
Taylor of the Clerics Wear Ringmail blog
Patrick of Pointy Hat Games
The Positive Material Plane
Reviews:
“5”: ‘Highly Recommended: Excellent, Funny, and Entertaining ‘
“1”: ‘Mouthbreathers: Their views are pretty rancid. Shame as they have some good things to say about games but they just can’t get past the whinging bitterness about their hobby being stolen’
Main Topic: Extreme PCs
1. The comparison character: Fighty -Mc Fighter Man, Mr. Wizard, Holy HealBOt, and Sneaky Thief Dude- standard template
2. Cowardly or overly cautious
3. The Lone Wolf
4. The Unique Snowflake
5. Destiny’s Child
6. The Insanely Brave
A Cabin Con Moment
CC15 debrief!
OSR love
Thanks to Patrick for videos and photos!
Dig this Setting: The Dragon Empire
Pros: highly evocative geographical, political, monstrous, & cultural features:
Cons: Almost too many extremes for one small l…
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May 12, 2021
The Elusive Game Balance
Episode 36 Wednesday, May 12, 2021.
Call ins
The Positive Material Plane
Cabin Con starts tomorrow. How can we rationally talk about anything else?
The Elusive Game Balance
What is Game Balance?
"a state of equilibrium between two or more elements of a game."
https://evil-plan-banjo.blogspot.com/2013/11/the-first-question-of-game-balance.html
1) Is it an illusion?
Pro: https://mythcreants.com/blog/four-reasons-balance-matters-in-roleplaying-games/
Neutral: http://evil-plan-banjo.blogspot.com/2013/11/the-first-question-of-game-balance.html
Con: https://ruscumag.wordpress.com/2010/10/12/rpg-design-the-illusion-of-game-balance/
2) Within rules mechanics
3) Within the RP/Story part of the game
4) What does it mean for a game or mechanic to be broken
5) With your life
A Cabin Con Moment
Again, CC and balance. Elysium did we ever achieve it. Did it even matter?
Dig This Setting Planescape
Sigil the city of doors is a waystation to access to all the planes. “Listen up CLU…
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May 6, 2021
Wasting Time At the Table?
Episode 35 Wednesday May 5, 2021 ( J )
The Call-In Segment
Jason of Nerd’s RPG Podcast
John of The Red Dice Diaries
The Positive Material Plane
1) It requires math and reading. Yes!
2) We have a YouTube channel now: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyVze8TfIB16j0PdmE4lOJg
3) Jeff Goldbloom and Dark Dice Actual Play
Wasting Time at the Table of Time
Sometimes it’s the player’s fault. Sometimes it’s the DM’s fault. Sometimes it’s everyone’s fault.
A Cabin Con Moment
How do we waste time at CC? How can we fix it?
Dig This Setting: Ravenloft Pros and Cons
Shameless Plug Time:
If you would like to support our show, please help get the word out and check out our website at: www.biggusgeekuspodcast.com/support.
Share with your friends and let us know if there is another way that you listen that we could support better.
Check us out on YouTube now as well: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyVze8TfIB16j0PdmE4lOJg
Our email is questions@biggusgeekuspodcast.com feel…
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Apr 28, 2021
Potpourri With Patrick Part Deux
Episode 34 Wednesday April 28, 2021
The Positive Material Plane
Call ins: Jason, Patrick, John, and New Caller Taylor!
Other: Our hobby invites all manner of participants: highly committed, casual and all flavors in between.
Potpourri With Patrick II
1.) Dealing with Player conflict at the Table
2.) Homebrew vs Pre-Fab- adventures/campaigns/rules
3.) Fudging Dice rolls: Yay or Nay
4.) Interrupting the DM’s monolog, can it be justified?
5.) Splitting the Party: Yay or Nay
6.) Let the Players Help
A Cabin Con Moment
How to deal with Player conflict at CC?
Splitting the party at CC?
Segment #4: Dig this Setting
(alternate segment)
Dark Sun: 1991 2nd ed release, desert world/survival/city-states/Magic-ravaged/psionics more common campaign setting
Shameless Plug Time
If you would like to support our show, please check out our website at: www.biggusgeekuspodcast.com/support Any contribution is much appreciated, and we thank you for your consideration.
Please share the po…
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Apr 22, 2021
Gaming Inspiration
Episode 33Wednesday April 21,2021
The Positive Material Plane
Call-ins: Jason has a whopping 33
We are in a Golden Age of Options: Crowdfunding collection
Gaming Inspiration
Both Direct and Indirect
Movies, Books, Comics, Other Games, Miniatures, Maps, Not playing, Discussion of RPGs with friends, Browsing Internet, Other Podcasts, Biggus Geekus, YouTube, Music, Blogs
A Cabin Con Moment
What is inspiring about CC? Which is greater Before or After? What inspires you to prepare for CC?
Dig this Setting: The Forgotten Realms (1987 1e, 2e, 3e, 4e, and 5e):
Shameless Plug Time
A Changeup…
Please share the podcast with your friends. We really just want to get in people's ears. Its available most places you can get your podcasts.
Our email is questions@biggusgeekuspodcast.com feel free to send any questions or comments to us.
We would also like to encourage you to check out a few podcasts that we like:
Red Dice Diaries (with John Alan Large and his wife Hannah)
Radio Grogn…
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Apr 15, 2021
Managing the Known vs the Unknown
Episode 32 Wednesday, April 14, 2021
The Positive Material Plane
Call-ins (Jason Connerly, and John Alan Large)
Good news? Making games and making game systems
Managing the Known vs the Unknown
1)Player knowledge vs character knowledge
2) How does DM keep what he knows from influencing
3) How much of the campaign setting to share with the players
4) GM Screens- is all about The Known vs the Unknown
5) The Impact of Knowing vs NOT Knowing
A Cabin Con Moment
What do we know about CC15 so far? attendees, theme, games offered, Trivia Family Feud style, Biggus Geekus Youtube every night/day?
Dig this Setting - The World of Greyhawk
Discuss pros and cons, best/worst aspects, our experiences, memorable sessions/adventures/ campaigns, and rank it
Shameless Plug Time
If you would like to support our show, please check out our website at: www.biggusgeekuspodcast.com/support
Any contribution is much appreciated, and we thank you for your consideration.
Please share the podcast wi…
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Apr 7, 2021
Game & Gamer Mindsets
The Positive Material Plane
Call ins: Jason of the Nerds RPG Variety Cast
_3 great_ things about our hobby
Game & Gamer Mindsets
Def. of Mindset:a habitual or characteristic mental attitude that determines how to interpret and respond to situations.
Games and Their Mindsets:
Dungeons and Dragons (Clones +OSR, 13th Age , Pathfinder,Warhammer, Shadow of the Demon Lord, Rolemaster)
TSR vs WOTC Dungeons and Dragons
1. Definitional Characteristics of TSR/OSR vs WOTC DnD
2. 3e and the FEEL of DnD
Savage Worlds (GURPs/Gurps-lite, Cortex System, Hero System)
RIFTS (Paranoia, Gamma World, Over the Edge)
Call of Cthulhu (Trail of Cthulhu, Alien the RPG)
Vampire and World of Darkness
Fate (other highly narrative games Dungeon World, Blades in the dark, Genesys)
Amber Diceless (Dragonlance fifth Age, Marvel Super Adventure Game)
Gamers and Their Mindsets
GM presents challenges and the PCs overcome them/GM must have balanced encounters
The world is open and dange…
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Mar 31, 2021
Discussing & Playing RPGs And How to Even it Out (twofer)
Episode 30 of our podcast and the date is Wednesday March 31, 2021.
The Positive Material Plane
What have you done this week related to RPGs that has been a net positive for you and why?
Discussing vs Playing RPGs and how to even it out
1) Ignoring the podcast time, which do you/we do more of?
2) What do you think most gamers do more of, talk about or play?
3) Why don’t we play more?
4) Is discussion ever preferred over playing?
5) What is your preferred ratio of playing to discussing?
It’s Just a Game why make as big deal over it?*
1) Is it just a game?
2) Does the fact that it’s a hobby matter?
3) When is this phrase* correct/appropriate to say and when isn’t it?
4) Does it matter if such a phrase* comes from a fellow gamer or non-gamer?
5) I think it may be a lifestyle hobby, at least for us.
6) Hobbies are important
A Cabin Con Moment
Is cabin con a con? Is it just friends getting together to just play games? Is it just a vacation with pals? Or is it someth…
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Mar 30, 2021
Making High Level Play Playable (updated)
Episode 29 Wednesday March 24, 2021
The Positive Material Plane “Something positive about TTRPGs that we have learned over the years” We get to be heroes!
Call-Ins & Sundry
Jason from Nerd’s RPG Variety Cast
John from Red Dice Diaries
Making High level Play Playable (in D & D)
1. What are the issues?
2. Why this topic? OSR friends, recent discussions on Tenkar’s Iron Rations
3. Making the campaign open to higher level play at the start.
4. Skip the temptation to make it Monty Haul.
5. Managing player expectations. Defining/Clarifying PC goals.
6. Respect, expect, and encourage the use of your PCs awesome abilities!
7. Taking breaks: You can’t save the universe every other month nor can you defeat Smaug once each summer.
8. De Planes De Planes!!!
Class/Level vs Point-Buy System is the Wrong Argument
A package of “benefits” vs You want a granular advancement without a path.
A Cabin Con Moment
High level at Cabin con. What are the moments? Was Elysium high l…
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Mar 17, 2021
Potpourri with Patrick
Episode 28 Wednesday March 17, 2021
Call Ins
Our man, Jason C with some truth bombs!
Check out Iron Rations podcast from 3/12/21 “Why 5e Doesn’t teach how to DM”
The Gaming NEWS:
1) 3-D Printed Minis
2) Greg Gillespia’s Barrowmaze: Dwarrowdeep
3) The Terminator RPG Kickstarter is up
4) Encyclopedia Kickstarter is live- for DM’s & 15 different cities
5) Obvious leftist article on why DnD is dropping alignment
6) “Cook”-y Monster is up to it again- The Darkest House
A Potpourri of Gaming Topics
1) Erik Tenkar on The Most influential Edition of DnD EVA!!!
2) Player & DM Expectations & The Matt Mercer Effect real or not? And is Critical Role scripted? Does it matter?
3) Downtime- oh what to do? Should we bother.
4) Minis or Theater of the Mind? Toys or no toys, that is the question.
5) Death Rules: good/bad/ugly
A Cabin Con Moment
It’s almost time. What are most looking forward to? What are we running? What Games for this year’s Con? THE T-SHIRT!!!
Beat…
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Mar 14, 2021
Shorties Episode 3
Episode 3, Sunday March 14, 2021
Call Ins
Fun times with Jason from NERDS RPG Variety
Jason discusses issues such as Player Agency, Bennies and other Hero Points, Our website (such as it is) and many other topics.
Wing’in It!
We discuss Race n Dungeons and Dragons, and how it has lost its savor. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/biggusgeekus/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/biggusgeekus/support
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Mar 11, 2021
Player Agency & Bennies (A Twofer)
Episode 27 Wednesday, March 10, 2021
We open with our usual intro and we talk about recent and future games.
The Gaming NEWS
KS cancels Perfect RPG Campaign:
Zak Smith sues Gencon and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k-3HX1-wrlQ
DnD Survivalist Guide KS with Douglas Niles
A Twofer
1) Player Agency - this is one of those terms like RPGs and replayability that is tough to define. We give it the Geekus treatment.
Stack Exchange: What is Player Agency and what is it good for
Ask Angry: Stealing Agency
2) Bennies, Hero Points and all that Jazz.
What are they good for? When should you get them? Yadda yadda.
A Cabin Con Moment
Is player agency a consideration at CC? How does it work well with such a convention style?
Beat This Game (in the ground) 13th Age
pros and cons, best/worst mechanics, favorite sessions/campaigns/settings
Shameless Plug Time
If you would like to support our show, please check out our website at: www.biggusgeekuspodcast.com/support
Any contribution is…
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Mar 7, 2021
Shorties episode 2
Sunday March 7, 2021
Call Ins
Fun times with Jason from NERDS RPG Variety Cast
-His GM stuff
-SW: edges his only negative (btw: we are old as well - 54)
-Re-skinning trolls/don’t say the name/
-Group think/Sourcing for certain skill checks
-No such thing as GM metagaming?
-GM keeps sheets behind lots of work
-Games as Therapy
John and Hannah from the Red Dice Diaries
-chuckled at our mention of her LARP experience
Wing’in It!
How different should different tasks look in the rules: e.g.: skill checks vs combat?
Face to Face is Da Bomb! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/biggusgeekus/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/biggusgeekus/support
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Mar 4, 2021
The Obligatory Meta-Gaming Episode
Episode 26 Wednesday March 3, 2021
We begin with our typical intro and talk about upcoming games.
The Gaming NEWS
Big Money KS
DnD Gets New Division at Hasbro
WOTC Gets a New Logo
WOTC Levels Up at Hasbro
WOTC Makes More Money Than Hasbro’s Toy Division
Production update for New DnD Movie and Magic TV Series
6 Things The New DnD movie needs, according to Dicebreaker
Hugh Grant in as villain for movie
When should GMs ask for dice rolls
Play D &D to Discover your Gender ID (actually … don’t do that)
Meta-Gaming
Lengthy Definition or “using ooc knowledge to make ic decisions”
Reference articles:
Respect the Meta-Game
Dear GMs: Metagaming is your fault
Metagaming: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly
A Cabin Con Moment
Has metagaming been a concern of at CC? Have you even heard it bandied about?
Beat This Game (in the ground)
Savage Worlds:
We talk about:
· the pros and cons
· best/worst mechanics
· favorite sessions/campaigns/settings
Shameless Plug Time…
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Feb 24, 2021
CR & Predictability
Episode 25 February 24, 2021
1st Year Anniversary (roughly)
Our usual intro and gaming blather…
Special Guest
Glen Halstrom of Radio Grognard
The Gaming NEWS
Another roll20 ranking this week (I think I know what Uncategorized is) And even more
Pericle RPG
Ravenloft …again…: and again
Beadle and Grimm Strikes Again with Finger Puppets(?) ONLY $359!!!
Jon Peterson’s Other book
Main Topic: CR & Predictability in RPGs
We discuss: Challenge Ratings and appropriately challenging encounters.
Angry GM CR, There’s a Better Way (Part 1)
Angry GM CR, There’s a Better Way (Part 2)
Balance Challenge and Antagonism
Encounter Balance
A Cabin Con Moment
CR & Encounter Building in the old Elysium game-
Building A Better Gaming World
Should OUR RPG/setting at least pay lip service to CR?
Shameless Plug Time
If you would like to support our show, please check out our website at: www.biggusgeekuspodcast.com/support
Any contribution is much appreciated, and we thank you f…
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Feb 21, 2021
Shorties Episode 1
Tuesday February 16, 2021
We do our usual intro and discuss recent gaming.
Call Ins
Jason from Nerds RPG Variety Cast calls in to discuss various points relative to episode 23.
Wing’in It!
A rambling discourse of many RPG topics
Shameless Plug Time
If you would like to support our show, please check out our website at: www.biggusgeekuspodcast.com/support
Any contribution is much appreciated, and we thank you for your consideration.
Please share the podcast with your friends. Its available most places you can get your podcasts. If you have an app that’s unsupported, let us know!
Our email is questions@biggusgeekuspodcast.com feel free to send any questions or comments to us. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/biggusgeekus/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/biggusgeekus/support
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Feb 16, 2021
PC Progression: Zero to Hero … OR NOT?
Episode 24, Monday February 15, 2021
We do our usual intro and briefly talk about home games.
The Gaming NEWS:
Savage Pathfinder Q & A
Free League’s One Ring 2e KS good start (but read this short article)
We’re #2!! We’re #2!! …are you really?
A Mathematics Moment
We (or Randy to be honest) goes deep into the math of 5e’s advantage/disadvantage mechanic. Some reading can be found here
Main Topic: PC Progression: Zero to Hero … OR NOT?
We discuss RPG character progression (or advancement) types:
Zero-to-Hero as described at Gnome Stew
Hero to Superhero, Static and Others defined by us.
A Cabin Con Moment
We try all sorts of games at our private Con, the origin of which we detail.
Building A Better Gaming World
Zero to Hero in our game. Also Hero to Super Hero. So There!!!
Shameless Plug Time
If you would like to support our show, please check out our website at: www.biggusgeekuspodcast.com/support
Any contribution is much appreciated, and we thank you…
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Feb 11, 2021
5E DnD a Belated Review
Episode 23 February 10 ,2021
Call In: From Jason of Nerds RPG Variety Cast
The Gaming NEWS:
Jon Peterson continues to provoke good discussion: “Does System Matter?”
Recall: The Blood War
Shadow of the Demonlord (been around a while)
1 on1 RPG play
Pathfinder spells to SW Powers
Keith Baker’s Eberron Remember the win
Main Topic: 5E Dungeons and Dragons- A Belated Review
We start with the Players Handbook: Rollout, Production Value, and Readability
WOTC’s replacement site for bad first printings
Phil, Joe and Randy State Their 5 Positives and 5 Negatives for DnD 5e
Char Gen, Classes and Races, Ability Scores, Spellcasting, Conditions, Bounded Accuracy
Bounded Accuracy explanation 1 (long read), Bounded Accuracy Explanation 2
A Cabin Con Moment
5E at CC … reception, preferences etc.
Building A Better Gaming World
5E things that we’d like to steal.
Shameless Plug Time
If you would like to support our show, please check out our website at: www.biggusgeek…
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Feb 4, 2021
OSR ReDux
Episode 22 Recorded on Wednesday February 3, 2021
The Gaming NEWS:
Rob Kuntz, TLB Games and Legends of Roleplaying
Additional Info
Free Sunken City Map Package
Immersion and Roleplaying
Zinequest 3
Call Ins
We really appreciate the praise!
Red Dice Diaries- John Alan Large comments on episode 20 and about the OSR
Hobbs & Friends of the OSR - Jason Hobbs [Low Fantasy Gaming] comments on episode 21: Railroad vs Sandbox
Min-Topic - OSR Redux
Re-cap and re-hash our discussion on 3D with E.Tenkar and G. Halstrom on the Dungeons, Dragons , & Discourse livestream last week.
General thoughts on the 4-man Livestream:
good fun and even better company
the OSR is a welcoming DIY community in the best sense
Negatives to OSR games(maybe): Vancian magic, Low Level Play
Another Mini- Topic: The +1 [Newbie Player Advice] …First Timer Vs General newbie
Tl;dr don’t overdo it
A Cabin Con Moment
Old guard; OSR in the house!
Building A Better Gaming World
OSR is in the future.…
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Jan 27, 2021
The Railroad vs The Sandbox
The RR vs The Sandbox
Episode 21. Wednesday January 27, 2021
We do the usual intro and chit chat.
The Gaming NEWS:
Dragonlance Classic Announced
The Rise of Offensive Games
And Virtue Signal The Game of Social Justice
The Origins of Rule Zero
What’s an RPG?
Main Topic: The RR vs the Sandbox
We define the terms from the interwebs:
Railroad
Linear game design
_Carrot-and-stick__
_Sandbox Game Design
We discuss these definitions, and a number of questions with respect to hoe these terms coincide with module play, our preferences and experience.
A Cabin Con Moment
Do we do RR or Sandbox at Cabin Con?
Building A Better Gaming World
We discuss level of campaign detail.
Shameless Plug Time
If you would like to support our show, please check out our website at: www.biggusgeekuspodcast.com/support
Any contribution is much appreciated, and we thank you for your consideration.
Please share the podcast with your friends. Its available most places you can get your podcasts.…
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Jan 19, 2021
Is This OSR?
Is this OSR?
Episode 20. Tuesday, January 19th, 2021
We do our usual intro and recent gaming reports.
_The Gaming NEWS:
_DnD TV Show in the works: and oh and
The Origins of Rule Zero
A Bit more news on Savage Pathfinder: It launched today [ 1-19-21]. Did you back it?
How to roleplay?
Main Topic: Is this the OSR?
We define and discuss various aspects of OSR play, what we like and don’t like. We hope its an accurate decription.
A Cabin Con Moment
We really haven’t played any OSR game at cabin con, but many are nostalgia types.
Segment #4: Building A Better Gaming World
OSR influence in our game?
Shameless Plug Time:
If you would like to support our show, please check out our website at: www.biggusgeekuspodcast.com/support
Any contribution is much appreciated, and we thank you for your consideration.
Please share the podcast with your friends. Its available most places you can get your podcasts. If you have an app that’s unsupported, let us know!
Our email is q…
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Jan 13, 2021
Player Burnout
Episode 19 Wednesday January 13, 2021
We have our usual intro and gaming situations.
The Gaming NEWS:
Candlekeep Mysteries (announced 1-12-21)
Really just the Korvair Map Rug
Is this the way?
Origins pushed back to fall in hopes of F2F Con
Free maps
New Dragonlance Novel Announced?
Main Topic: Player Burnout (in RPGS)
We define burnout and talk about how to recognize it. We also talk about solutions, and other deeper things.
A Cabin Con Moment
Do you think we will ever tire/grow out of/burnout on CC?
Building A Better Gaming World
Will we burn out of a game that we make for ourselves or others?
Support:
If you would like to support our show, please check out our website at: www.biggusgeekuspodcast.com/support
Any contribution is much appreciated, and we thank you for your consideration.
Please share the podcast with your friends. Its available most places you can get your podcasts. If you have an app that is unsupported, let us know!
Our email is questions@biggusgeek…
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Jan 7, 2021
Combat in RPGs
Episode 18 Recorded on Wednesday January 6, 2021
We have our usual intro and gaming situations.
The Gaming NEWS:
ENWORLD is 20 years old
Diversity woes for WOTC
Playing for Two
Main Topic: Combat in RPGs
We get into the nitty gritty of combat: initiative, movement, terrain, length, PC roles, PC vs Player skill, and a host of other questions.
Initiative types taken from: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Initiative_(role-playing_games)
Some Questions taken from: https://rpg.stackexchange.com/questions/7040/how-do-i-make-and-use-tactically-interesting-terrain/7044#7044
A Cabin Con Moment
A short bit on combat in Cabin Con games
Building A Better Gaming World
Potential combat systems in our game
Support:
If you would like to support our show, please check out our website at: www.biggusgeekuspodcast.com/support
Any contribution is much appreciated, and we thank you for your consideration.
Please share the podcast with your friends. Its available most places you can get your po…
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Dec 31, 2020
If You Build Them We Will Play - Making PCs
Episode 17 Recorded on November 28, 2020 for release on December 31, 2020
We have our usual Intro and moaning about the lack of in person gaming.
Back in My Day
We talk about the Talisman board game from way back.
Main Topic: Making PCs in DnD
We compare and contrast how PCs are made in the various editions of DnD. In situations where our experience is limited and/or it is from Eons ago quotes were taken from https://rpg.stackexchange.com/questions/13212/what-are-the-big-differences-among-the-dd-editions
We also name preferences and compare to some other popular RPGs
A Cabin Con Moment
Character building for Elysium, pros and cons.
Building A Better Gaming World
We discuss our preferences (so far) for our far off, near fictional game.
Shameless Plug Time:
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Any contribution is much appreciated, and we thank you for your consideration.
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Dec 23, 2020
What We Love about RPGs
Saturday November 28, 2020 pre-recorded for Wednesday December 23rd, 2020
Our usual intro and gaming situations
No Gaming News because we prerecorded
Main Topic: What we love about RPGs
Wherein we discuss the many things that draw us to RPGs. From escapism to socializing with our pals. The kinds of games and game genre we like best. Also, we discuss our who and where gaming preferences.
A Cabin Con Moment
Our favorite things about our favorite gaming event of the year
Building A Better Gaming World
Shall we continue building?
Shameless Plug Time:
If you would like to support our show, please check out our website at: www.biggusgeekuspodcast.com/support
Any contribution is much appreciated, and we thank you for your consideration.
Please share the podcast with your friends. Its available most places you can get your podcasts. If you have an app that is unsupported, let us know!
Our email is questions@biggusgeekuspodcast.com --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/big…
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Dec 16, 2020
Get Off My Domain
Wednesday December 16, 2020
Our usual intro and gaming situations
The Gaming News:
Chris Pine to star in new Dungeons and Dragons movie
Seems a little late for the DnD Beyond App to just now get a dice roller
LotFR has something other than Samurai to play. It’s in the top 20 for 2020 at GeekNative.
Things We Actually Like:
Tale of The Manticore
New Financial Backer!!!
Thank you to Amy and Trent. You guys are great!!!
Main Topic: Get Off My Domain!
We discuss the inclusion of a player’s domain. As in a castle, tower, or keep.
A Cabin Con Moment
We had a keep like structure for the glaives in Elysium. Mostly GM controlled.
Building A Better Gaming World
Should we include this as a feature? An Option?
Shameless Plug Time:
If you would like to support our show, please check out our website at: www.biggusgeekuspodcast.com/support
Any contribution is much appreciated, and we thank you for your consideration.
Please share the podcast with your friends. Its available mos…
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Dec 10, 2020
Wealth in RPGs
Wealth in RPGs
Episode 14, Wednesday December 9,2020
We do the usual, the intro and we lament the lack of gaming for the week.
The Gaming NEWS:
Free League to release Colonial Marines Supplement
Cypher Creator System
Gift Ideas for Players
Wealth in RPGs (and their value)
We discuss tracking wealth, what we do with it as players, and it’s utility as a part of the game (or not).
Some useful articles:
https://theangrygm.com/nothing-here-but-worthless-gold/
https://mythcreants.com/blog/three-ways-of-handling-money-in-roleplaying-games/
http://bigballofnofun.blogspot.com/2009/12/rpg-wealth-lets-not-be-vague.html
A Cabin Con Moment
Gold issues with Elysium. And how it went awry.
Building A Better Gaming World
Money in our game system that is admittedly way out in the future, if ever.
Shameless Plug Time
Please share, like or review our podcast on Anchor, Breaker, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, etc.
If you’d like to support out show then please Check out our website: www.big…
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Dec 3, 2020
PC Power Disparity and How to Handle it
Thursday December 3rd, 2020
We opened with our usual intro but deviated the norm to play a few messages from John of The Red Dice Diaries. These were great and we appreciate the time he took to listen and comment. Thanks John!!!
Shout outs to Tenkar’s Tavern and Roleplay Rescue as well
We went on to discuss Randy’s lack of gaming and my excess of gaming.
The Gaming News:
_Clarification #1:_ Comparing “Free League, the company who is responsible for Alien RPG/Tales from the Loop etc.) Revolutionary League (Anarchists) vs the Free League (the Indeps).
_Clarification #2:_ GF9 made Korean Version-WOTC’s translator OK’d it but ended up having issues as well as issues with the French translations.
1.) Pinnacle to Savage Pathfinder (and Rise of the Runelords):
2.) Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything is the Beginning of ch-ch-ch-changes for D&D
3.) And more dumbness/Uggghhhh
4.) And EVEN more foolishness!
5.) WOTC to be sold…maybe???...nah…we will see
6.) Darth Vader has…
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Nov 24, 2020
GM & Player RANTS
Recorded Tuesday, November 24th, 2020
We open with the usual intro and talk about the next session of Savage Worlds
The Gaming NEWS
1. GaleForce 9 sues WOTC breach of contract…another one?
And another?
2. Sweet towns and taverns maps
3. Pop-up terrain
4. Mophidius (of Conan fame- 2d20 system?) shows some art from the new DUNE RPG
5. The Yawning Portal ($350 price tag…YIKES!)
6. Tasha’s Cauldron Of Everything is Out
Rant Time: Frustrations with GMs and Players from the perspective of a Player and a GM
We discuss quite a few pet peeves about players and GMs. Chiefly, honesty, game mastery, and being “in the game” at the table.
A Cabin Con Moment
We discuss Cabin Con annoyances, or more accurately, the absence of them.
Building A Better Gaming World
Avoiding many setting issues, such as over development, anachronistic, features, and leaning too heavily on Tolkein.
Shameless Plug Time
Special thanks to Glen at Radio Grognard and THACO’s HAMMER podcasts for…
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Nov 20, 2020
Newbie GM Advice
November 19th, 2020
Intro and gaming catchup where Randy and Joe talk about their latest in person Savage Worlds Fantasy game together.
The Gaming NEWS:
1) Fun and annoyance with swords
2) New Old Survey for DnD
3) Reorg at Asmodee shuffles Star Wars mini games away from FFG
4) Free League is on Fire
5) Traveller Box Set on the Horizon
6) Blue Rose Quickstart
7) Vampire changes owner?
8) Non profit VTT
9) Nominate your fav rpg podcast
New GM Advice:
Highlights: Play with friends, keep it simple, don’t fear mistakes or modules.
Link discussed:
Don’t Prep Plots…prep situations: https://thealexandrian.net/wordpress/4147/roleplaying-games/dont-prep-plots
A Cabin Con Moment
First time GM failures and successes
Building A Better Gaming World
Newbie friendly setting advise
Support Biggus Geekus!!!
Please share, like or review our podcast on Anchor, Breaker, Apple Itunes, Spotify, Stitcher, etc.
If you’d like to support the show then please go to biggusgeekuspodca…
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Nov 13, 2020
Magic systems and Making Magic Magical
_Episode 10: Magic systems and Making Magic Magical_
This is Episode 10 and the date is Thursday November 12, 2020.
We had a special guest to our podcast, our good friend, fellow CabinCon attendee, and CEO of Pointy Hat Games: Patrick Demo!
Pointy Hat Games can be found here.
After our usual intro and recent gaming catch-up, Joe waxed poetic about HackMaster!
_The Gaming NEWS:
_1) Beginner Box for PF2
2) RPG Dice Accessories Folding Tower
3) Starfinder Bundle of Holding
4) The Terminator Quick Start Rules out next month
5) Wizkid announces 2-D miniatures for 5E
6) Black Friday DnD 5e Gift Set reduced 25%
7) Wrath of the Immortals free to download from Drivethrurpg
8) Goodman Games Castle Amber reincarnated
9) Aliens Destroyer of Worlds HC
10) Starfall: DnD 5e adventure
11) Alternity by sasquatch Games
12) Heroes of the Cypher System
The Main Topic
Part 1: Magic Systems: How we Grade Them (Good/bad/Ugly)
Various Types for of magic systems for RPGs were discussed with…
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Nov 5, 2020
Who Are You as a TTRPG Gamer
November 5, 2020
Intro and Our recent game together!
The Gaming NEWS:
Dungeons and Dragons Live Action Show in the works at Hasbro (Thanks to Josh Z for the tip)
Magpie Games-Urban Shadows 2e( Dresden-esque/WOD and is PbtA game)
Mutants and Masterminds 3e releases The Super team Handbook
Beadle & Grimm’s Character Chronicles
The Dungenerator Randy kicked this one.
Main topic: Who Are you as a TTRPG Gamer?
Joe and I answer a potpourri (~12 that is) of questions related to who we are as TTRPG gamers. Seeing as how we just played a session this past weekend and it seemed that everyone had fun, for the most part.
We discuss this survey: http://captainjoy.chunkyboy.com/RPGs/PlayerQuiz.html
Our Results:
Randy
Power Gamer: 25%
Butt-Kicker: 21%
Tactician: 58%
Specialist: 29%
Method Actor: 58%
Storyteller: 63%
Casual Gamer: 58%
Joe
Power Gamer: 42%
Butt-Kicker: 42%
Tactician: 50%
Specialist: 38%
Method Actor: 46%
Storyteller: 46%
Casual Gamer: 21%
We also discuss…
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Oct 28, 2020
Let's Start a Campaign
October 28, 2020
Intro:
The usual intro and the obligatory gaming catch-up
Gaming news:
1)New Pathfinder Board game- competitive/monster fighting (to be crowdfunded)
2)New Terminator RPG coming out by Nightfall games
3)Curse of Strahd Revamped: deluxe version $99(?)
4)The Dungeon Hobby Museum and FB site what is this? Hmmmmmm……
Main Topic: Let’s Start a Campaign
We discuss starting up a campaign. DM decision or group discussion. To have Session Zero or not. X Cards; what are they and do we need them. This and more in our main topic
A Cabin Con Moment
Elysium- a shared campaign world issues(*?)
World Building:
To Balance or No to Balance- a PC’s story
Support Biggus Geekus!!!
Please share, like or review our podcast on Anchor, Breaker, Apple Itunes, Spotify, Stitcher, etc. If you’d like to support the show then please go to biggusgeekuspodcast.com/support where we have several options.
Any contribution is appreciated, and we thank you for your consideration.
E…
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Oct 22, 2020
Handling PC death
“It’s Worse than That, He’s Dead Jim” (handling PC death)
October 22, 2020
The usual intro and the obligatory gaming catch-up
The Gaming News:
Hickman & Weis have sued WOTC for breach of contract
Sexism/racism accusations at WOTC recently
Nazi Dracula Must Die! Kickstarter
Main Topic: Handling PC Death
Is PC death a thing that should be at the gaming table? Sure it sucks, but is that a bad thing? How does player investment figure in? How about resurrection? How about no resurrection? Does system matter? The geeks discuss these and other points.
A Cabin Con Moment
Death In Elysium: The Milk baths (movie: Wanted with A.Jolie and J. McElvoy)
The Infamous Banshee Incident
D&D 4-EVA CR sucks! I want a world that lives and breathes and PC ‘s can choose to bite off more than they can chew if they want. I also like a fleeing mechanic.
World Building:
Tiers of Play.
Low level: gritty, life is cheap.
Mid-levels: well-known heroes of a region.
High level: worl…
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Sep 30, 2020
D&D Through The Ages
Wednesday September 30th, 2020
We open with the usual intro and talk about the next session of Savage Worlds
The Gaming News:
1) Fans (with some help) have made the final episode of DnD cartoon: REQUIEM
2) Power Rangers RPG coming out soon (5e rules)
3) Hellboy RPG coming (5e rules)
Main Topic: Dungeons and Dragons though the Ages
Old DnD:
OD&D (1974-1977) + Greyhawk (’75)
Holmes Basic (77’), Moldvay Basic set (81’) and D. Cook’s Expert creates B/X
Mentzer’s BECMI (83’-85’)à Rules Cyclopedia (AARON Allston revised BECMI in 1991):
Advanced DnD:
1E AD&D (77’-79 all 3 core different years through 1989
2E AD&D (1989-2000) note: 2.5/Players Options (1995-2000):
3e DND (2000-2003) (WOTC) (4 yrs), 3.5 (2003-2007) (5 yrs)|
4e DND (2008-2010) (3 yrs) and 4.5 Essentials (2010-2014) (5 yrs)
5e DND (2014- present [2020])
Interesting Comparisons: https://rpg.stackexchange.com/questions/13212/what-are-the-big-differences-among-the-dd-editions
A Cabin Con Moment
Fa…
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Jul 30, 2020
The Prep Scale
Thursday, July 30th, 2020
We open with the usual intro and talk about the next session of Savage Worlds
Segment #2: _The Gaming NEWS:
_1. On the D&D Celebration
2 Batman Gotham City Chronicles: The Role Playing Game,
Main Topic: The Prep Scale
1. How much is too much? And how much is too little?
2. Is there a ratio for hours played vs prepped? Both in general and for you specifically?
3. What kind(specifically what items)/how much do you do when you run a game? What is your process?
4. Can players tell if a GM has prepped? If so, what are clues?
5. What Level of prep would you prefer your GM do? What do you think makes for a better game or is that even a thing?
6. Do certain genres and/or systems require more or less prep?
7. Is Low/Medium/High Prep more important than Quality vs Wasted*
A Cabin Con Moment
Covid Con Report from June 11-14, 2020
Attendance: 11 out of 23-25-ish last year
+1 Dog- Brego/tree doom
My Ultimate DnD
Wizards & spellcasting- Randy's latest thou…
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May 9, 2020
High vs. Low Fantasy
Saturday May 9th, 2020
We open with the usual and talk about not gaming. Listening to podcasts.
Main Topic: High and Low Fantasy
We come up with some definitions, then compare and contrast. Fantasy literature and other media are also brough to bear.
A Cabin Con Moment
New date announced: June 11-14, 2020
We discussed games we prepped and COVID19 related attendance issues
The Gaming NEWS
Free League doing Twilight 2000 4e
Also doing Aliens
and recently got LOTR
No Worldbuilding this time around!!!
Shameless Plug Time
Please share, like or review our podcast on Anchor, Breaker, Apple Itunes, Spotify, Stitcher, etc.
If you’d like to support the show then please go to biggusgeekuspodcast.com/support where we have several options.
Any contribution is appreciated, and we thank you for your consideration.
Email us at: questions@biggusgeekuspodcast.com --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/biggusgeekus/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/biggusgeekus/supp…
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May 2, 2020
What Is Adventure?
Saturday, May 9th, 2020
We open with the usual intro and talk about preparing for CabinCon, and our short-lived Deadlands game. Also Randy’s harrowing cellar escapade.
What is Adventure?
We defined it and spoke at length about that and how to flavor it with heroism. How Lord of the Rings, Conan, and John Carter are a kind of foundation. Also how western culture figures in.
A Cabin Con Moment
We talk schedule and number of attendees with respect to our governor’s restrictions.
The Gaming NEWS
No News this time around
Shameless Plug Time
Please share, like or review our podcast on Anchor, Breaker, Apple Itunes, Spotify, Stitcher, etc.
If you’d like to support the show then please go to biggusgeekuspodcast.com/support where we have several options.
Any contribution is appreciated, and we thank you for your consideration.
Email us at: questions@biggusgeekuspodcast.com --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/biggusgeekus/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.…
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Apr 5, 2020
Campaigns vs. One Shots
Wednesday, October 7th, 2020.
This episode replaces Episode 2 from Sunday, April 5, 2020 due to it being lost.
We open with the usual intro and talk about how we are not gaming much.
The Gaming News
Monte Cook’s Diamond Throne RPG Kickstarter
BG 3 Early Access yesterday 10/6/20
Campaigns vs. One-Shots:
Campaigns and One-shot games are defined, compared and contrasted. The we say what we like about them. We express our general preference for campaigns while providing some good uses for one-shots.
A Cabin Con Moment
The end of one campaign, Elysium. Transition through another, the Black Blades. Culminating in a “West Marches” style campaign.
D.N.D. 4. EVA.(Our Magnum Opus)
Hit Points, we talk about them.
World Building
The need for the game world to be dangerous and mysterious is discussed
Shameless Plug Time
Please share, like or review our podcast on Anchor, Breaker, Apple Itunes, Spotify, Stitcher, etc.
If you’d like to support the show then please go to biggus…
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Mar 1, 2020
A Very Special Episode
Tuesday, October 7th, 2020
This episode replaces our lost episode from March 1. Lost because I failed to download it from Skype before it was deleted. This is one of 2 that was lost in the same manner.
We open with the usual intro and lament at the lack of gaming in our lives.
The Gaming News:
1. As the holiday season approaches GAMA has a cool charity
2. WOTC has an update to sage advice
3. Human teeth dice
4. Pelgrane to release 3 new books
Politics and Gaming
1. Is it needed?
2. Is it there when it seems not? (western culture tropes)
3. Must keep out modern political issues
4. Kill progressive (regressive) IDPol with FIRE!!!
5. Strong white male imagery missing
6. Skinny girl barbarian with giant sword
7. Equal representation in game text (male/female)
8. Diversity!!! The word race is problematic … somehow
9. This is tiresome.
A Cabin Con Moment: The end of an era - Elysium Destroyed.
Sling’n M.U.D.D. (My Ultimate DnD) Fighter/Wizard disparity. Is it really a…
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Feb 26, 2020
Our First Time
Wednesday, February 26th, 2020
Opening: This is our inaugural episode attempting to tell you a little bit about how we got into RPGs and the gaming hobby as well as what we hope to cover in this podcast.
Then we discussed our progression through the editions of DnD. We then discuss other games we tried…how our play changed and what helped form it.
Questions:
1) What do you recall of your first time?
2) What drew you to DnD?
3) What do you remember the most about our early games…say the first few years: BECMI through AD&D 1e
4) What other games do you recall us trying? Why do you think they never stuck?
5) Your thoughts on 2e, 3.X( Pathfinder 1e) , 4E and now 5E?
6) Your thoughts on the Editions of RPGs in general?
7) What are you up to now RPG-wise?
Cabin Con:once/year in the great white north of Michigan…actually not even in UP…the REAL BEST 4 Days of Gaming…not Gencon…
Joeseppie’s Rants: What’s bugs ya about DnD/RPGs in general? (Joe can’t rant on cue!!!…
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