Down in a Heap

Random Thoughts about organization, D&D Movies, and introducing a recurring segment: Monsters I’ve Never Used. Plus calls from Anthony of Casting Shadows, Cody of No Save For You, and Daniel of Bandit’s Keep.

Don’t call it a call-in Bonanza. Well, it kinda is, but a couple questions from Jason of Nerd’s RPG Variety Cast direct most of my attention to the topic of a continuum of role playing vs. adventure.

Random thoughts about campaign region event tables, and PC rumor & lore tables. Plus calls from Jason of Nerd’s RPG Variety Cast and Daniel of Bandit’s Keep.

My guess about the two most common house rules for B/X D&D (or Old School Essentials if you prefer). Likes & dislikes. Plus conversation with Jason, Joe & Taylor about genre, house rules, Bards, and cleaning cheese graters. 🧀

Calls from Jason, Cody, Joe, and Daniel continue the conversation about dice. Bottom line: rolling dice is fun! Plus some talk about genre, house rules, and pre-shredded cheese 🧀.

Calls from Jason where I essentially say he’s right; Joe & Goblin’s Henchman on cheese, and a final thought wondering why it’s important to some gamers about who actually rolls the dice (and dice superstitions).

My oldest and dearest friend, Bill, passed away. He will never be forgotten. He had joined me on episode 57 discussing props and handouts in gaming. Love you Bill.

Observations inspired by recent podcasts: are house rules part of RAW (or rules as intended)? Genre emulation, Usage Dice, some cheese nuggets on a few common misconceptions and calls.

Divvying up the loot in adventure games. Equal shares? Meritocracy? Bonuses for risks or valiant acts? Chance? How do you do it? Plus calls from Jason, Daniel, Spencer, Joe, and Colin.

Happy to say Ray Otus is back and dropped a few episodes of Plundergrounds lately. His most recent (310 Learning to Love OSE) has me thinking, and rather than boring his listeners with a bunch of call-ins, I’ll ramble here. 😁

Calls from Colin, Jason, Taylor, Daniel, and Joe. Announcement of the latest Midderzine prize. And various sundry rambling nonsense from Yours Truly.

I often get hung up on some insignificant mental roadblock. Here’s my (likely unoriginal) idea for overcoming one.

Some more self reflection as I come to grips with my complete failure as a game referee over the past few years. I outline my plans to turn this around and succeed in just running a *#%&ing game.

Talkings discretionary special abilities that players choose for their PC in DiaH, the RPG. I call them Advances (for now). Plus a new Midderzine contest giveaway and calls from Daniel, Jason, and Menion (aka Rob). Enjoy!

A gap in gaming has me rambling on my commute to work. Self reflection about why I play TTRPGs and what do I hope to get out of them?

The holiday rush hasn’t finished me...yet. And with lots of help from my podcasting friends, another bonanza is here, and another year of podcasting is in the books. Calls about advancement in the DiaH RPG and damage rolls in Into the Odd. Happy New Year!

How do PCs advance in level in DiaH? Plus a new theme song rendition, a heretical combat option for Into the Odd, and calls and conversation from Jason, Rich, Joe, Daniel, & Evil Jeff. Enjoy!

Design goals plus calls from Daniel, Jason, and Taylor discussing movement, charges, reach weapons, parrying, ganging up, encumbrance, Xpts, and magic systems. Plus another musical entry!

2nd part of the DiaH RPG development focusing on encounters, action, and combat. Plus calls from Jason, Joe, and Daniel...and who is singing the theme song this episode? Tune in to see 😁.

I discuss the attributes and base mechanics of my Frankenstein game inspired by Into the Odd (Chris McDowall), Maze Rats & Knave (Ben Milton), and Best Left Buried (Zachary Cox). Plus calls from Safer, Jason, and Daniel.

Calls about Paladins, small scope games and their potential, and reactions to my current dissatisfaction with classic D&D and my interest in designing a new game. What will it be called? Listen to find out...😁. Plus BluRay Otus styling the theme song!

Jason from Nerd’s RPG Variety Cast poses the question: what is it about B/X (classic D&D) that isn’t working- what are you unsatisfied with? Look me in the eye and tell me - I’m Satisfied. 😉

Calls and Anchor conversation with Taylor, Karl, Jason, & Daniel plus Smokey Joe Richter belts out a tune! It’s got it all! 🤪

Seven callers give some of their favorite monster/horror movies for the latest Midderzine contest drawing. Plus my favorite. One that involves a really BIG fish. Enjoy!

What does this idle Referee’s mind turn to: tinkering! And specifically thinking about smaller scope rules sets: Into the Odd, Maze Rats, Knave, Best Left Buried. My likes & dislikes, and how I might brew them together in a stew.