Episode 97: The Coward's Way

Matt and Rob discuss a couple of new UAs and answer some mail, make sure to listen to the end, where we give advice on how to be a coward for fun and profit!

Music:

Pac Div - Roll the Dice
Tennessee Mafia Jug Band "Turkey In The Straw"
E-40 - Choices (Yup)
Geinoh Yamashirogumi - "Tetsuo"
Cats In The Cradle-Harry Chapin
Kenny Rogers - Coward of the County

Matt and Rob discuss a couple of new UAs and answer some mail, make sure to listen to the end, where we give advice on how to be a coward for fun and profit!

Ep 96: Eberron Rising

Matt and Rob review the official Eberron hardcover source book for 5th edition Dungeons and Dragons, Eberron: Rising from the Last War.

 

Music:

Pac Div - Roll the Dice

The Doors - The Changeling

Matt and Rob review the official Eberron hardcover source book for 5th edition Dungeons and Dragons, Eberron: Rising from the Last War.   Music: Pac Div - Roll the Dice The Doors - The Changeling

Episode 95: Building Big Bads

From Iago to Ivan Drago, your campaign is only as good as its villain, so Matt and Rob talk about how to make one that doesn't suck. Please enjoy the digressions on ball-thwacking, dwarves, and the moon.

Music:

Billie Eilish -- Bad Guy
Lion King -- Be Prepared
Taylor Swift -- The Man
Tears for Fears -- Everybody Wants to Rule the World
Deltron 3030 -- Mastermind
Bishop Briggs -- Jekyll & Hyde
Shinedown -- Enemies

From Iago to Ivan Drago, your campaign is only as good as its villain, so Matt and Rob talk about how to make one that doesn't suck. Please enjoy the digressions on ball-thwacking, dwarves, and the moon.

Episode 92: 2Fast, 2Avernus

Matt and Rob review Descent Into Avernus (please ignore the fact that they call it "Descent TO Avernus" through the entire podcast). Rob gets really excited and says 'like' a lot, sorry, and Matt's internet connection goes out halfway through and we have to communicate via morse code, so sorry about that too.

We also talk about the new UA and how much smarter we are than the professionals.

Music:

Pac Div - Roll the Dice

Fear Factory - Descent

Dethklok - Go Forth and Die

Slayer - Hell Awaits

Matt and Rob review Descent Into Avernus (please ignore the fact that they call it "Descent TO Avernus" through the entire podcast). Rob gets really excited and says 'like' a lot, sorry, and Matt's internet connection goes out halfway through and we have to communicate via morse code, so sorry about that too.

Ep 91: Unwanted Advice - The Reawakening

Rob and Matt are back to save your game. Plus, what is good for the goose is good for the gander, as we build a magic item using a Kushan relic. Here's the link!

Image from the Seshat Databank. 

 

Music:

Pac Div - Roll the Dice

Metalocalypse - Impeach God

David Bowie - Rebel, Rebel

Travis Scott - goosebumps 

Rob and Matt are back to save your game. Plus, what is good for the goose is good for the gander, as we build a magic item using a Kushan relic. Here's the link!

Episode 90: Of Brands and Burgers

Matt and Rob talk about Feast of Legends, the Wendy's themed RPG.

Recording this episode made our souls feel the way eating a Wendy's burger makes our bodies feel.

 

Music:

Pac Div - Roll the Dice

Jimmy Buffet -- Cheeseburger in Paradise

Matt and Rob talk about Feast of Legends, the Wendy's themed RPG. Recording this episode made our souls feel the way eating a Wendy's burger makes our bodies feel.   Music: Pac Div - Roll the Dice Jimmy Buffet -- Cheeseburger in Paradise

Ep 89: Worldbuilding Horny Victorian Fantasy

Lord help us, DMs Matt and Rob are back on their BS. Your hosts review the worldbuilding in the new fantasy series, Carnival Row.

Letters:

MP writes, "How do both of you organize your notes?"

 

Music:

Pac Div - Roll the Dice

The Decemberists - The Perfect Crime #2

Lord help us, DMs Matt and Rob are back on their BS. Your hosts review the worldbuilding in the new fantasy series, Carnival Row. Letters: MP writes, "How do both of you organize your notes?"   Music: Pac Div - Roll the Dice The Decemberists - The Perfect Crime #2

Episode 88: Subclass September

The dark and gritty Dungeon Master of None reboot, "DMoN 2000," is upon us. We talk subclasses:

Bard and Paladin

Sorcerer and Warlock

Monk and Barbarian

Letters:

"Help me design a way to kill god!"

"Can an RPG module be art?"

Music:

Pac Div - Roll the Dice

The Ventures - Walk, Don't Run

Stone Temple Pilots - Dead & Bloated

Talking Heads - Artists Only

The dark and gritty Dungeon Master of None reboot, "DMoN 2000," is upon us. We talk subclasses: Bard and Paladin Sorcerer and Warlock Monk and Barbarian Letters: "Help me design a way to kill god!" "Can an RPG module be art?"

BONUS: Actual Prep 2 - Finishing Touches

It's part two of DM Matt's Actual Prep series. You can listen to part one, in which Matt designs an adventure "live," here.

DM Matt reflects on how to use your few moments before a game session to prep, what to adjust on the fly, and how to reflect on your adventures critically. 

Also, the adventure that Matt and Rob wrote based on these episodes is available for purchase on the DMsGuild! 

Links:

Rumblings on the DMsGuild

Rumblings_cover_resized.jpg

Music:

Pac Div - Roll the Dice

Reba McEntire - Why Not Tonight 

The J. Geils Band - Freeze-Frame 

Bobby Bare - Dropkick Me, Jesus 

It's part two of DM Matt's Actual Prep series. You can listen to part one, in which Matt designs an adventure "live," here.

BONUS EPISODE: BS about GNS

Fate has forced us into another desperate solo episode, so please enjoy Rob talking about GNS theory, and if you're mad about anything he said that's wrong, please e-mail Matt.

You can read the original post about GNS yourself here: http://www.indie-rpgs.com/articles/1/.

Fate has forced us into another desperate solo episode, so please enjoy Rob talking about GNS theory, and if you're mad about anything he said that's wrong, please e-mail Matt. You can read the original post about GNS yourself here: http://www.indie-rpgs.com/articles/1/.  

Episode 87: Class Analysis

Matt and Rob talk about how to fit a proper class analysis into your worldbuilding, though this time it's mostly about designing character classes for your RPG and not a materialist interpretation of fantasy worlds, we managed to hold off on the dialectics this time around.

Music:

Pac Div - Roll the Dice

Freedom Call - Warriors

Aladdin - A Whole New World

Sheb Wooley - Purple People Eater

Sabaton - Winged Hussars

Matt and Rob talk about how to fit a proper class analysis into your worldbuilding, though this time it's mostly about designing character classes for your RPG and not a materialist interpretation of fantasy worlds, we managed to hold off on the dialectics this time around.

Episode 86: Dungeon Master of One

Your favorite DMs discuss a topic they are ABSOLUTELY qualified to give advice on: running "solo" or "duet" campaigns. Listen for some useful tips on how to make a campaign for one person and to listen to Matt mispronounce "smorgasboard" and "gestalt".

Letters at the end!

Links:

Actual Prep Episode

Music:

Pac Div - Roll the Dice

Celine Dion - All By Myself

The Turtles - So Happy Together

Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr. - You Don't Have To Be A Star (To Be In My Show)

One Direction - You & I

Your favorite DMs discuss a topic they are ABSOLUTELY qualified to give advice on: running "solo" or "duet" campaigns. Listen for some useful tips on how to make a campaign for one person and to listen to Matt mispronounce "smorgasboard" and "gestalt". Letters at the end!

Ep 85: DM Tips from Dungeon World

As part of our quest to steal advice from every RPG ever published, DMs Rob and Matt discuss Dungeon World by Sage LaTorra and Adam Koebel. Dungeon World has a great description of how RPGs work and some excellent tips you can use in games run in any system.

Stay tuned for the mailbag and the return of "Real or Woe!"  

 

Letters:

Jason asks: "Can I get a preview copy of the Actual Prep adventure?"

Nick asks: "How can I role-play a Kenku without being annoying?"

Vic asks: "Here are some logical rules for different spell-casting stats for the various Warlock patrons. Also, should I remove the ability score requirements for multi-classing?" 

Douglas asks: "What advice do you have for running a one-on-one play?" 

 

Links:

Dungeon World

The Dungeon World SRD

 

Music:

Pac Div - Roll the Dice

New Order - Blue Monday

Lowland Hum - In the Garage

Grover Washington Jr. - Just the Two of Us

Motörhead - The Game 

As part of our quest to steal advice from every RPG ever published, DMs Rob and Matt discuss Dungeon World by Sage LaTorra and Adam Koebel. Dungeon World has a great description of how RPGs work and some excellent tips you can use in games run in any system.

Ep 84: 2 Path 2 Finder

Remember Pathfinder? It's back, in pog form!

DMs Matt and Rob review the brand new 2nd edition rules of the Pathfinder Role-Playing Game. 

 

Music:

Pac Div - Roll the Dice

Dua Lipa - New Rules

Roxy Music - Editions of You 

Remember Pathfinder? It's back, in pog form! DMs Matt and Rob review the brand new 2nd edition rules of the Pathfinder Role-Playing Game.    Music: Pac Div - Roll the Dice Dua Lipa - New Rules Roxy Music - Editions of You 

Ep 83: Worldbuilding - Technology

Technology. What is it? Dungeon Masters Rob and Matt discuss how to think about and deploy technology in your own campaign worlds. Then, it's the firearms debate to end all firearms debates. 

 

Letters:

Gerard writes - "Are the DMoNs fans of Baldur's Gate?"

John writes - "Here's a great way to present the confusing one-spell-a-round rule to new players!"  

Don't forget to call in to the DUNGEON MASTER HOTLINE: (774) 203-4629!

 

Music: 

Pac Div - Roll the Dice

Marilyn Manson - Killing Strangers 

Technology. What is it? Dungeon Masters Rob and Matt discuss how to think about and deploy technology in your own campaign worlds. Then, it's the firearms debate to end all firearms debates.    Letters: Gerard writes - "Are the DMoNs fans of Baldur's Gate?"

Ep 82: Anyone Can DM

DMs Matt and Rob discuss the basics of what a Dungeon Master is and what a Dungeon Master does. Today, we review the DM advice presented in the 5e D&D Essentials Kit. But first, a game of "Weal or Woe," in which, Rob has to guess whether the RPG product is real or fake! 

Matt and Rob discuss the roles presented in the Essentials Kit: referee, storyteller, and role-player. They break down the core mechanics and goals of any Dungeon Master.
Conclusion: Anyone can DM!

 

Letters:

Dalton asks: "Do I need a wizard in my party?"

Adam writes: "Aren't there times when it is good to hide your DM dice rolls?" 

Alexander writes: "Where are my half-feats?"

 

Links:

Matt's Homebrew Half-Feat Rules

 

Music:

Pac Div - Roll the Dice

BTS (featuring Hasley) - Boy with Luv

Weezer - In the Garage 

 

DMs Matt and Rob discuss the basics of what a Dungeon Master is and what a Dungeon Master does. Today, we review the DM advice presented in the 5e D&D Essentials Kit.

Ep 81: Dungeon Master Book Club - Black Leopard, Red Wolf

Welcome to our first Dungeon Master Book Club! DMs Matt and Rob discuss Marlon James' Black Leopard, Red Wolf. Listen in for some great inspirational storytelling and ideas for monsters, NPCs, and fantastical magic!

 

Links:

Black Leopard, Red Wolf by Marlon James

 

Letters:

Dan writes: You forgot about Earthsea's sexual peaches!

Michael writes: I love the Genesys system. Do you have tips for running with only two players?

 

Music:

Pac Div - Roll the Dice

Damian Marley - Welcome to Jamrock 

Welcome to our first Dungeon Master Book Club! DMs Matt and Rob discuss Marlon James' Black Leopard, Red Wolf. Listen in for some great inspirational storytelling and ideas for monsters, NPCs, and fantastical magic!   Links: Black Leopard, Red Wolf by Marlon James   Letters: Dan writes: You forgot about Earthsea's sexual peaches!

Ep 80: Greyhawk!

Special guest Andy is back to talk about the first Dungeons and Dragons campaign setting: Greyhawk!

We delve into the history of Greyhawk's design, discuss what makes Oerth unique, and share our favorite things for you to pilfer from Flanaess for your own campaign worlds. 

 

Links:

Anna B. Meyer's Greyhawk Cartography

Return to the Temple of Elemental Evil by Monte Cook 

David Howery's adventures in Dungeon Magazine #15, #22, #30, and #32

DA Series of Adventures

 

Music:

Pac Div - Roll the Dice

Drake - Started from the Bottom

Clap Your Hands Say Yeah - Satan Said Dance

Duran Duran - The Wild Boys

Special guest Andy is back to talk about the first Dungeons and Dragons campaign setting: Greyhawk! We delve into the history of Greyhawk's design, discuss what makes Oerth unique, and share our favorite things for you to pilfer from Flanaess for your own campaign worlds.    Links: Anna B.