J.P. Gill
Dekahedron Fannish Podcast
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.
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Episodes
163: Mega Monthly Fudge Review: Arcane Alienist Addendum 11.02.2025 11:22
When I posted the first part of the FUDGE RPG Mega-Review, I accidentally left off the Arcane Alienist! So here he is! Sorry about that! Share your thoughts via:🌐 sayhi.chat/dekahedron 📧 feedback@dekahedron.com 📞📱 562-RPG-CAST (562-774-2278...
162: Monthly Mega Review: Fudge 04.02.2025 1:13:07
Six podcasters. One RPG. The Fudge RPG is in the spotlight! Tune in for the perspectives of six voices in the gaming podcasting world, each sharing their unique take on Fudge. Is Fudge a hidden gem or just another system? Tune in to find out! Share your thoughts via: 🌐 sayhi.chat/dekahedron 📧 feedback@d...
161: The Death of D&D YouTube (Has Been Greatly Exaggerated) 28.01.2025 8:52
Is D&D YouTube dying? Some YouTubers claim declining viewership is forcing them out. But I believe this is a chance for a resurgence of authentic, community-driven content. I discuss the negative impacts of chasing ad revenue and the rise of production values on the D&D YouTube scene. I encourage YOU to embrace the opportunity to share their own RPG experiences with the world. Share your t...
160: Announcing The Anchorite Amateur Press Association 21.01.2025 13:30
Remember the old days of paper-based fanzines and APAs (Amateur Press Associations)? I'm reviving this classic format for tabletop gamers with The Anchorite APA! This episode explains what an APA is, how it works, and how you can become a member of our growing community. Whether you're into OSR, indie RPGs, or any other type of tabletop gaming, this is a fantastic way to share your writing...
159: Tunnels & Trolls-The Problem with Armor 16.01.2025 15:07
I make the case that armor in Tunnels & Trolls is overpowered. I delve into the mechanics of armor in T&T, and offer two examples of why these rules are broken. I also provide some alternative solutions for balancing armor in T&T. #ttrpg #rpg Share your thoughts via: 🌐 sayhi.chat/dekahedron 📧 feedbac...
Announcing The Anchorite APA 15.01.2025 1:39
Joe announces his latest projest: The Anchorite Amateur Press Association. https://sites.google.com/view/Anchorite/home
158: RPG Reviews Announcement 07.01.2025 5:00
I announce that the first "everyone" review will be for FUDGE. You can get Fudge here: https://www.fudgerpg.com/goodies/fudge-files/download/3-core/54-fudge-1995-pdf-bookmarked.html Share your thoughts via: 🌐 sayhi.chat/dekahedron 📧 feedback@dekahedron.com 📞📱 562-RPG-...
157: Lunchtime with Karl on Traveller/2300AD 05.01.2025 7:16
Another lunchtime chat. In this one I respond to feedback from Karl of the GMologist podcast. We discuss the potential connection between Traveller 2300 and Twilight 2000. Karl's show: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/karl-rodriguez Share your thoughts via: 🌐 sayhi.chat/dekahedron 📧 feedback@dekahedron.com...
156: Christmas 2024 24.12.2024 3:02
Merry Christmas, my friends. Share your thoughts via: 🌐 sayhi.chat/dekahedron 📧 feedback@dekahedron.com 📞📱 562-RPG-CAST (562-774-2278) More information is at dekahedron.com
155: Minimum Viable Riley 21.12.2024 13:36
Another lunchtime chat! This time I answer Riley's call regarding "Minimum Viable RPG." Also, I backtrack a bit on my earlier stance about implicit settings. So, grab a bite, settle in, and join me and Riley! Don't forget to check out Riley's podcast, the Diegetic Advancement Podcast, for more great insights. https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/diegeticadvancement/ Share your thoughts via: 🌐 ...
154: Minimum Viable Jason 19.12.2024 6:28
I recorded a quick feedback episode—this time recorded from the parking lot of a cozy little café as I make my way to lunch. Today, I respond to some thoughts from Jason about my "Minimum Viable RPG" episode. So, grab a snack and join me for this lunchtime chat! Don't forget to check out Jason’s podcast, the Nerds RPG Variety Cast, for more great insights. https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/jas...
153: Adventure Site Design: Plan Less, Play More 17.12.2024 7:18
I respond to a thought-provoking question from Jason over at the Nerds RPG Variety Cast: Should GMs pre-plan specific adventure site bonuses, or leave them open to improvisation? I share why I opt for a flexible, on-the-fly approach to site design and gameplay in D&D and other RPGs. Topics include: * The pitfalls of pre-planning bonuses and tactical combat. * How abstract combat and player cre...
152: Minimum Viable RPG 11.12.2024 21:19
I share my thoughts on what's absolutely necessary to include in an RPG. Inspired by discussions on the Diegetic Advancement podcast and the Minions & Musings Podcast, I break down the bare minimum required for a game to be considered a role-playing game. I also share my opinion on what's not necessary, including artwork, "learn how to play" sections, and explicit settings. I feel that GM advi...
151: Slavery in RPGs 26.11.2024 11:10
Joe examines a challenging topic: the portrayal of slavery in the early days of tabletop role-playing games. As the holiday season approaches, he takes a moment to reflect on the darker aspects of gaming history that often go unexamined. Beginning with his insights from OSR October and Dave Arneson's First Fantasy Campaign, Joe highlights how slavery is presented as a commodity, complete with pric...
150: Mail Call: Traveller & Healing 19.11.2024 19:37
In this episode, Joe responds to listener feedback about the evolution of Traveller and alternative healing mechanics. Additionally, he discusses the philosophy behind hit points. Links: Evil Jeff's show: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/eviljeff Karl's show: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/karl-rodriguez Jason's show: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jason376 Share your thou...
149: Traveller: An Overview (Viewer Request) 12.11.2024 23:38
In this episode, Joe answers a listener's question about getting started with Traveller. In his response, Joe meaders through every edition of the classic science fiction RPG from 1977 to today. Links: Jason's Podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jason376 Classic Traveller Facsimile Edition: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/355200/classic-traveller-facsimile-edition Share your t...
148: That Healing Feeling 05.11.2024 13:20
Joe talks about how he handles RPG healing mechanics in both new-school and old-schools games. Inspired by the classic works of Judges Guild and John M. Ford, he explores the concept of individual wound tracking and the importance of first aid in recovering from battle. #rpg #dnd #ttrpg Links: The Roleplayer Article: https://www.sjgames.com/gurps/Roleplayer/Roleplayer16/Wounds.html Share your thou...
41 Years Ago Today... and Today (Off Topic/Bonus) 31.10.2024 28:36
Joe marks a significant life milestone. He shares an intimate and candid reflection of a chapter of his life that is coming to an end 41 years--to the day--after it began. Links: Article about Joe: https://www.afcent.af.mil/Units/379th-Air-Expeditionary-Wing/News/Display/Article/809055/taking-care-of-service-members-first-priority-for-first-aid-kit-assembly-party/ Share your thoughts via: 🌐 ...
147: Trade in Blackmoor... and Beyond (OSR October) 29.10.2024 20:46
Joe wraps up OSR October by exploring Dave Arneson’s trade system for Blackmoor. From there, he delves into the evolution of trade mechanics in early RPGs, including the classic Traveller game. Finally he talks about his own system to handle mercantile trade by players characters in D&D and other fantasy role-playing games. Key topics covered: Blackmoor’s Trade Mechanics: Discover Dave Arneson...
146: Wilderness Generation in Blackmoor (OSR October) 23.10.2024 18:30
Journey back to the early days of D&D with this look at random wilderness generation in Dave Arneson's Blackmoor campaign. In this episode, Joe explores the approach to wilderness creation used by one of the pioneers of role-playing games. Discover how Arneson combined random tables with detailed descriptions to bring the world of Blackmoor to life. Share your thoughts via: 🌐 ...
145: XP in Blackmoor (OSR October) 15.10.2024 26:17
For OSR October, Joe explores Dave Arneson's original reward system that he used in his Blackmoor while developing Dungeons & Dragons. Unlike the familiar XP system of modern D&D, Blackmoor required players to spend gold in order to gain experience points. Discover this strange and fascinating peek into the origins of the hobby, and how these mechanics differed from the more traditional ap...
144: Magic in Blackmoor (OSR October) 08.10.2024 11:11
Welcome back to OSR October! This week, Joe dives deep into the original magic system used in Dave Arneson's Blackmoor , the proto- Dungeons & Dragons campaign. Blackmoor 's magic system is very different from what we see in modern D&D. Here, magic users don't memorize spells – they create potions and other formulaic concoctions that need to be prepared beforehand. These ingredients can be...
143: Shallow Dives (OSR October) 01.10.2024 12:37
For the first episode of OSR October, Joe dives into the early days of D&D with Dave Arneson's Blackmoor. He talks about "shallow dungeon dives" and how they evolved naturally from the megadungeons of the early days of the hobby. He also discusses the bottom-up world-building method used in Blackmoor. Get ready for a nostalgic journey through the origins of Dungeons & Dragons! #dnd #osroct...
142: In Defense of Metacurrency 24.09.2024 13:03
Joe discusses why he believes metacurrency is a valuable tool for enhancing role-playing games. He discusses the definition of metacurrency, with examples, and why he believes that metacurrency can increase player agency and streamline mechanics. The YouTube Poll: https://www.youtube.com/post/Ugkxote0nlgw5i3pX_uKFNBjioJoAhRL712S Share your thoughts via: 🌐 sayhi.chat/dekahedron...
141: Review of Star Trek: Adventure Gaming in the Final Frontier 18.09.2024 35:17
Joe is joined by James to celebrate Dekahedron's two year anniversary. In this episode, they dive into the depths of Star Trek: Adventure Gaming in the Final Frontier , the very first licensed Star Trek RPG. This classic game, released in 1978, offered a unique blend of science fiction and role-playing. In this episode, we explore the game's mechanics, its place in RPG history, and how muc...
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