Episode 154 – Subsystems a.k.a. Cut Down Like Ep1 of Squid Game
The lads chat through chases, Dramatic Tasks, the funnel, spell duels, grappling and all other manner of subsystems and extra bits. Core mechanics are all very well and good, but how do you do mass battle? Find out in this episode!
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Episode 149 – Advancement a.k.a The Other Sin is 1XP
Thanks to a Listener’s Letter, this episode is all about advancement. Of course a lot of the chat is about XP and mechanically improving your character, but the lads also think about what else advancing a character could mean.
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Mike Shea Interview a.k.a Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
It’s the Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master, or first time on the show for Mike Shea, also know as Sly Flourish on the Twitters. Mike’s books about how to get the most out of the game prep and spend less time doing it have been an inspiration to many hard-pressed GMs, and the lads take a dive into his secrets and tease out details on how you can be smarter about your downtime activities while making your games at the table more awesome.
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Episode 144 – Games You Should Have Too
In a continuation of last episode, the lads go through a veritable cornucopia of games that you should consider looking at, to round out your roleplaying chops. If you’re looking for inspiration or fancy broadening your horizons, get your earballs round this episode covering settings, GM advice, adventure support, art & layout and much more!
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Episode 144 – Games You Should Have
The lads have been listening to other podcasts and hearing their thoughts on systems, creating a Frankenstein’s monster of a game etc. and reminded of all the sections they have done on particular parts of games. It seemed about time to draw some of this together and go through a variety of games people should have in their collections for a more well rounded view of the gaming world. So, get ready to draw up a shopping list as The Smart Party rattle through a bunch of mechanics and games you might want to purchase to make your gaming life better.
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Episode 135 – Role+Play+Game
(aka I Want to Roll Dice in the First Half Hour)
Due to the plague, the lads have drafted in a Stunt Baz for this episode, but it’s a goodie! Guy Milner off of the Burn After Running blog joins Gaz to talk about rolling dice and all elements of the Roll plus Game plus Playing hobby. Some top tips on using dice in your games and what to think about before you even start.
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Episode 127 – Reviewing GM Advice
(aka “I’m the Unknown Stunt Man”)
There’s plenty of GM advice out there in roleplaying land, but what about advice on the advice? This time on the ‘cast, Gaz is joined by the Lee Majors of roleplaying, Dirk the Dice, from the Grognard Files Podcast to discuss sources of GM advice. From the ancient tomes handed down by Gygax himself, to the latest hot takes from blogs and the internet, our scholarly heroes delve into the dungeons to bring out the shimmering gems of golden advice.
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Episode 126 – One Shots
(aka “All I Need Is One Good Shot”)
In these times of muchos online play, virtual conventions and more, it’s worth taking time to reflect on how to put together a decent one shot game and tips on playing or running. This time Gaz and Stunt Baz (Guy) talk through some expert advice on setting up your one shot games, garnered from many years of trial and error. Join the lads as they lay out what to do with your one shot slots, whether as a first timer or older hand looking for new tidbits!
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Episode 124 – Negotiating D&D
(aka “Nicole, please don’t @ me”)
There’s more than one way round a problem, and this week the gents are joined by Dmitry Grozoubinski – an expert in negotiation and trade – to discuss how GMs and players can negotiate a session. The role of NPCs in a session, giving players what they want, the role of streaming games and the wealth of players on Reddit are discussed, among many interesting topics.
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