J.P. Gill

Dekahedron Fannish Podcast

Leisure EN ↓ 275 episodes

Dekahedron is a weekly podcast featuring Joe, an old referee discussing tabletop RPGs. Di ve into topics ranging from classic OSR/D&D gameplay to modern systems like FATE. Join the conversation by- Email (text or attach an audio file): email feedback@dekahedron.com- Phone (call or text): 562-RPG-CAST (562-774-2278)- Web: https://sayhi.chat/dekahedronCover art logo by DesignKat.

Author

J.P. Gill

Category

Leisure

Podcast website

www.dekahedron.com

Latest episode

Jul 6, 2026

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Episodes

204: GNS, Real Men, Real Roleplayers, Loonies & Munchkins 06.07.2026

I’m look at two different player models: the classic academic GNS Theory (Gamist, Narrativist, Simulationist) and the hilarious 1983 joke "Real Men, Real Roleplayers, Loonies, and Munchkins." I also share my spoiler-free thoughts about Widows Bay on Apple TV+ and give an update on a trope-heavy, narrative martial arts RPG I’m tinkering with. Show Notes & Links: The 1983 Chaosium Docu...

203: Mailcall for June 2026 28.06.2026

I clear out the old mailbag and answer 13 pieces of feedback! Stay Connected Thanks for listening and for all the feedback! If you want to weigh in on the episode, tell me what you think of the new format, or suggest topics for future episodes, here is how you can reach me: Voice Message: 562-RPG-CAST (562 774-2278‬) Email: feedback@dekahedron.com Online: sayhi.chat/dekahedron Until next time... h...

202: Memorizing Spells in the '70s 22.06.2026

YouTube commenter MrRourk made some comments about magic users in Holmes that I wanted to address. I also answer other comments from recent episodes. Stay Connected Thanks for listening and for all the feedback! If you want to weigh in on the episode, tell me what you think of the new format, or suggest topics for future episodes, here is how you can reach me: Voice Message: 562-RPG-CAST (562 774-...

201: Difference Between Holmes & AD&D 16.06.2026

Welcome to a new era for the show! After hitting the 200-episode milestone, I’ve decided to broaden the focus. While I’ll always have a special love for tabletop games, the podcast is officially expanding to cover all things fantasy and science fiction. This Episode’s Highlights: Geek Out: I kick things off with my thoughts on the Amazon Prime series Spider Noir. It was a fun watch with a great ta...

200: Holmes Edition (with James) 31.05.2026

It's the big 200! To celebrate this massive milestone, Joe & James take a nostalgic trip back to the exact edition that started it all for them nearly 50 years ago: the iconic 1977 Holmes Basic Blue Box. Share your thoughts via: 🌐 sayhi.chat/dekahedron 📧 feedback@dekahedron.com 📞📱 562-RPG-CAST (562-774-2278) More information is at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠dekahedron.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

199: Mailcall for T&T A New Age 03.05.2026

I got a lot of feedback about my review of Tunnels & Trolls: A New Age. Here it is. Share your thoughts via: 🌐 sayhi.chat/dekahedron 📧 feedback@dekahedron.com 📞📱 562-RPG-CAST (562-774-2278) More information is at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠dekahedron.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

198: Mailcall! Setting up a Sandbox Campaign 13.04.2026

I answer your feedback from my series about making a sandbox campaign. here's the 20 Quick Question about the rules: https://necropraxis.com/2012/02/24/20-quick-questions-rules/ Share your thoughts via: 🌐 sayhi.chat/dekahedron 📧 feedback@dekahedron.com 📞📱 562-RPG-CAST (562-774-2278) More information is at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠dekahedron.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

197: Making a Sandbox Campaign, Part 8 (Inciting Incident) 21.03.2026

I finish my step-by-step series on building a sandbox campaign from scratch. In this episode I look at how to kick things off with an inciting incident. Next time I'll answer listener feedback. Share your thoughts via: 🌐 sayhi.chat/dekahedron 📧 feedback@dekahedron.com 📞📱 562-RPG-CAST (562-774-2278) More information is at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠dekahedron.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

196: Making a Sandbox Campaign, Part 7 (Rapid Fire Questions) 09.03.2026

I continue my step-by-step series on building a sandbox campaign from scratch. Following the framework of Jeff Rients’ 20 Questions , this seventh installment does rapid-fire answers to questions 11 through 20 to define where and how players can be healed and look at how magic users interact with the Concilium Arcanum. Promised Links: The 20 Questions: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://jrients.blogspot.com/2011/04/twen...

195: Tunnels & Trolls: A New Age 01.03.2026

Tunnels & Trolls: A New Age--the new versions of T&T is out! I looked it over and these are my thoughts. Spoiler: This isn't the T&T you're looking for! Promised links: The T&T: A New Age free quickstart: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/555881/tunnels-trolls-a-new-age-beta-quickstart-rules TunnelQuest: http://www.1km1kt.net/rpg/tunnel-quest-v3-5 Note: this site seem...

194: Making a Sandbox Campaign, Part 6 (Healing & Magic Guild) 23.02.2026

I continue my step-by-step series on building a sandbox campaign from scratch. Following the framework of Jeff Rients’ 20 Questions , this sixth installment answers questions 7, 8, and 9 to define where and how players can be healed and look at how magic users interact with the Concilium Arcanum. Promised Links: The 20 Questions: ⁠⁠⁠https://jrients.blogspot.com/2011/04/twenty-quick-questions-for-y...

193: Making a Sandbox Campaign, Part 5 (Power Centers) 16.02.2026

I continue my step-by-step series on building a sandbox campaign from scratch. Following the framework of Jeff Rients’ 20 Questions , this fifth installment dives into questions 4, 5, and 6 to establish the major power players in the region. I define the mightiest figures in the land, moving away from high-fantasy tropes to create characters that fit this gritty, historical-fantasy setting. Key to...

192: Making a Sandbox Campaign, Part 4 (Gear & Commerce) 18.01.2026

Where do adventurers actually buy gear in a grounded, early‑medieval sandbox? In this episode, Joe tackles Questions 2 and 3 from Jeff Rients’ “20 Quick Questions” and shows how equipment, specialists, and custom items really work in a low‑tech fantasy world. Learn why general stores don’t belong in Dark‑Age settings, how market days shaped real commerce, and how to use demographics to decide whic...

191: Making a Sandbox Campaign, Part 3 (Religion) 13.01.2026

How do you create a pantheon for a sandbox campaign? Episode 191 continues my 'How I Create a Sandbox' series. I explore the 20 Questions of world-building, focusing on the cleric’s religion. Learn about building a three-point alignment system, naming deities using Icelandic roots, and creating conflict between the Northern and Southern kingdoms. Promised Links: The 20 Questions: ⁠https://...

190: Making a Sandbox Campaign, Part 2 11.01.2026

In the second of a multi-part series, I talk about how I'm stealing from history to make Almsfjord different, and I ask about how I should continue the series. Promised Links:- The Trelleborg ring fort: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viking_ring_fortress- The 20 Questions: https://jrients.blogspot.com/2011/04/twenty-quick-questions-for-your.html- Riley's podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podca...

BONUS: Christmas 2025 24.12.2025

My annual Christmas poem. Merry Christmas, my friends.

BONUS: Christmas Movies 2025 (with Jason) 13.12.2025

I'm joined by Jason of The Nerd's RPG Variety Cast and we talk about 5 classic "Christmas" movies, depending how you want to define that... The movies are: * A Tree Grows in Brooklyn (1945) * It Happened on 5th Avenue (1947) * The Bishop's Wife (1947) * Desk Set (1957) * Donovan's Reef (1963)

189: Making a Sandbox, Part 1 01.12.2025

In the first of a multi-part series, I go through my process for making a sandbox campaign, this one based on longhouses. Share your thoughts via: 🌐 sayhi.chat/dekahedron 📧 feedback@dekahedron.com 📞📱 562-RPG-CAST (562-774-2278) More information is at dekahedron.com 0:00 Introduction: Starting a Sandbox Campaign Series 0:37 What is a Sandbox Campaign? (A Quick Definition) 1:10 The First Two Ste...

188: What is Tunnels & Trolls? 23.11.2025

@marcusblacknell-andrews1783 asked me "What is Tunnels & Trolls?" Here's my answer! Not to oversell it, but Tunnels & Trolls (T&T) from Flying Buffalo is one of the most important games in history. I'll tell you why it's the reason the entire RPG industry exists today, paving the way for everything after D&D. I'll also break down the rules that make T&...

187: Mailcall-Most Wished for OSR System, Part 2 18.11.2025

This time I'm answering feedback from Martin from Spotify and BJ, the Arcane Alienist about OSR game system preferences. Share your thoughts via: 🌐 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠sayhi.chat/dekahedron⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 📧 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠feedback@dekahedron.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠📞📱 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠56...

186: Mailcall-Most Wished for OSR System 04.11.2025

Answering feedback from Mirke the Meek, Riley, and "Vid" about OSR game system preferences. Share your thoughts via: 🌐 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠sayhi.chat/dekahedron⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 📧 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠feedback@dekahedron.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠📞📱 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠562-RPG-CAST (⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠562-...

184: #OSRoctober Favorite Magic System 28.10.2025

I close out this year's #OSRtober talking about my favorite magic systems. Share your thoughts via: 🌐 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠sayhi.chat/dekahedron⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 📧 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠feedback@dekahedron.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠📞📱 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠562-RPG-CAST (⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠562-774-2278⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠...

185: #OSRoctober Magic Items 21.10.2025

I realized I forgot to record this topic last week, so Episode #184 is actually next week—oops! Anyway, this week for #OSRtober, I'm talking about Magic Items --specifically Minor Magic Items . Share your thoughts via: 🌐 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠sayhi.chat/dekahedron⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 📧 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠feedback@dekahedron.com ⁠⁠⁠...

183: Strangest OSR Rule #OSRoctober 14.10.2025

The week's #OSRtober prompt is "Strangest OSR Rule" and I talk about weapon restrictions. Share your thoughts via: 🌐 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠sayhi.chat/dekahedron⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 📧 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠feedback@dekahedron.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠📞📱 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠562-RPG-CAST (⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠56...

182: Dekahedron turns 3! 13.10.2025

The Dekahedron celebrates it's 3rd birthday by inviting former co-host James on to answer this year's #OSRoctober prompts. Share your thoughts via: 🌐 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠sayhi.chat/dekahedron⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 📧 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠feedback@dekahedron.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠📞📱 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠...

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