Join Nicole, Cory, Phill, and Brandon as they explore the crazy sci-fi dungeon we created in Episode 78! With Chris as GM, they encounter space pirates, escape from space bugs, and do many other exciting space-related things.
The system used to run this game is the excellent Caltrop Core, which puts the divisive d4 to good use in a fast-moving rules system that the group found easy to learn on the fly. You can follow Caltrop Core’s creator @titanomachyRPG on Twitter.
To help you follow along with the game, you’ll want to reference this amazing ASCII art map of the space dungeon by Kyle “Map Crow” Latino, who helped design the dungeon and shared tips for making ASCII dungeons in a video companion to this episode. Here’s the map:
It’s our annual Build a Dungeon Special! Andy and Chris are joined by John Corey and Kyle Latino to brainstorm and build out a dungeon/adventure live on-air. Our next episode will be a play-through of the dungeon with some other special guests.
Episode 76 — How Do You Incorporate PCs' Family and Friends into Your Games?
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Do the family, friends, and loved ones of your PCs play a role in your campaigns? Are they mostly there to disadvantage the PCs, or do they contribute something more to the game?
It’s Halloween one-shot season! Andy and Chris are both prepping spooky one-shots, and talk about how to quickly ease players into game rules that are new to them and make the most of the session.
Episode 74 — How Do You Deal with Imposter Syndrome?
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This episode takes an unusual turn as Chris and Andy chat about the experience of “imposter syndrome”—of feeling unworthy to participate in this hobby we all love. After a heartfelt discussion, the episode closes out with a more upbeat talk about Halloween one-shots.
Episode 73 — How Do You Increase Player Investment in Your Game?
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Andy and Chris discuss ways to get your players more invested in a roleplaying game—but not before they pursue tangents including Jack Vance’s “Dying Earth” novels and how to handle keeping-watch sequences at the table.
This week Chris talks with GM Phill Cameron! We talk about a lot of stuff including Vampire: The Masquerade, make a d6 table about the places you’ll go if you follow a butterfly, and then we even roll on the table to talk about designing puzzles.
Episode 71 — What's Up with D&D Character Creation?
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Andy and Chris diverge from the show’s regular format to discuss a novel they both love and how to set meaningful stakes for RPG encounters… until Chris fails his saving throw and goes into a wild rant about the character creation process in D&D. Listen as they try to salvage some positive insight from Chris’ despair!
We had ourselves a game convention! Chris and Andy share some brief reflections on the first Roll for Topic Con, a (very) mini-convention at which games were run, old RPG sourcebooks were traded, and fun was had.
