Tag Archives: Advice

Games You Should Have



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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Role+Play+Game



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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Skills



Episode 133 – Skills
(aka Show Me Your Penumbra)

The lads talk skills. Have we got them, do we need them, where did it all start and has it gone horribly wrong? From the good old days of 8% in detect / disarm traps, to the feat and abilities, what use are skills in RPGs, if any?

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It’s a Kind of Magic



Episode 131 – It’s a Kind of Magic
(aka Have You Spelled it Right?)

Magical energies suffuse the ‘cast this time as the lads discuss magic in gaming. Sure, you can have mystical power, but at what price? How have the different iterations of D&D handled magic and did they get it right? All this and more awaits your summoning spell.

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Fights Too



Episode 129 – Fights Too
(aka The World’s Most Complicated Initiative System)

Back by popular request, both of the show’s glorious listeners got in touch to say they’d like to hear more on fights in RPGs. Well, The Smart Party are here to please.

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Fights



Episode 128 – Fights
(aka Back in Black)

Did you look at my pint funny? Roll for initiative! After a few games of Feng Shui 2 recently, the lads have thought about fights in RPGs. Is it necessary for combats to occur? Do they go on too long? How can you make them more interesting? All this and more, this episode!

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Reviewing GM Advice



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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Negotiating D&D



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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Burnout



Episode 122 – Burnout
(aka It’s Not Me, It’s You)

The global pandemic is biting and it’s entirely possible folk are getting a little run down. This time the lads talk through burnout. What is it and what can be done? Are you just fed up for now and need a break, or is there something different going on? Settle into your favourite quiet space dear listeners, and let the old hands give you some words of advice.

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System Matters Too



Episode 121 – System Matters Too
(aka Systems Are Doing it for Themselves?)

The lads have been in lockdown and gaming like daemons. Gaming ones. This has given them exposure to new systems, allowed them to stress test some old ones, jaw about the comparisons between them and even think about what system are for. Dive on in and get the pithy answer to the eternal question “Does system matter?”.

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