Nerdcognito

On this week's episode the gang dives into the "revalations" made by the Duffer Brothers, creators of Stranger Things. The discussion also turns to the impact of the show and the movement on the hobby... and the potential irreversible damage it has done to Dungeons & Dragons. *** SUPPORT THE SHOW! Be a Check Mark Hero: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=VREXR2J3E6GGA *** Episode S...

This week, there was a deluge of items that could have made our news segment... so we did an entire show on the news. The pop gaming media dissappointed as always and we mocked and commented as necessary! Hypocriscy and hyperbole gets exposed in this fun run through the headlines! *** SUPPORT THE SHOW! Be a Check Mark Hero: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=VREXR2J3E6GGA *** Episode...

This week, the gang talks about balance in Tabletop Role-Playing Games. Looking at the total picture from design to implementation when running a game, they discuss how balance is a critical design piece that has been exploited by the SparkleTroll and modern gaming. *** SUPPORT THE SHOW! Be a Check Mark Hero: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=VREXR2J3E6GGA *** Episode Sponsors and Af...

Starting a new campaign for any gaming group can be tough. Different personalities, characters, systems, levels of knowledge, and expectations all play a part. Today we're not talking a "Session Zero," we are discussing some design choices that the GM can make to ensure a great kickoff (not a six session) campaign! *** SUPPORT THE SHOW! Be a Check Mark Hero: https://www.paypal.com/do...

NO ONE is talking about the fact that Wizards of the Coast is gearing up to implement ID Verification on DnD Beyond. "To play Dungeons & Dragons, we need your government ID and biometric data?!?" This week, the discussion, confusion, and outrage that should be happening everywhere happens here. *** SUPPORT THE SHOW! Be a Check Mark Hero: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_i...

RD and Siobhan are in a new game! ...running Dungeons and Dragons 2024. ...using DnD Beyond. This week, the show is more of an exercise in frustration as they walk the show's OSR grognard Kyle through "modern" character creation! *** SUPPORT THE SHOW! Be a Check Mark Hero: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=VREXR2J3E6GGA *** Episode Sponsors and Affiliates We earn a smal...

Often when DMs are world-building or even running a game, there is such focus on the direction of the story that some elements of the "rest of the realm" are forgotten. Today, we talk about the importance of holidays, celebrations, and events in your game world. After the news, we also have a listen at Ginny Di's newest singing endeavor. *** SUPPORT THE SHOW! Be a Check Mark Hero: ht...

Two VERY different approaches to the same concept. Pets, animal companions, and familiars have always been in Dungeons and Dragons and TTRPGs -- but NOW, the modern gamer through culture, perversion, and self-insertion chips away at yet another staple of the hobby. *** SUPPORT THE SHOW! Be a Check Mark Hero: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=VREXR2J3E6GGA *** Episode Sponsors and Aff...

It's the holiday season! That means a nightmare is coming... for your TTRPG/DnD group's schedule! How do you keep a game going over the next few months? We talk about staying focused and maintaining your game. After the news, we dive into last week's bumped topic, the Random Number -- is there such a thing as too much random? *** Be a Check Mark Hero: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hos...

Modern Gaming's pinup gal, Ginny Di has her new calendar coming out, and markets it... like an anime gal? The gang talks about marketing and monetizing the hobby before diving into the news, which is always a treat! After a hot few weeks in our corner of the hobby, this week is a good time to kick back and just have a fun chat! *** Be a Check Mark Hero: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_bu...

OSE is leaving the B/X ruleset behind, opting to only support and produce their 'Advanced' ruleset, which is a unique hybrid of B/X and AD&D. With Race as Class now in the rear view mirror, does this represent another nail in the coffin of the OSR? *** Be a Check Mark Hero: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=VREXR2J3E6GGA *** Episode Sponsors and Affiliates We earn a small...

WHAT'S IN THE BOX??? This week, we examine seven (yes, seven!) different Reddit yarns spun by the modern gamer. The state of that vocal fringe of the hobby is frightenting, but their voices are loud, and are often mistaken for the mainstream gamer. Are you ready for this journey? *** Be a Check Mark Hero: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=VREXR2J3E6GGA *** Episode Sponsors and Af...

CELEBRATION TIME! Nerdcognito's 300th episode brings EVERY host back together for a good time! They also discuss Dan Ayoub's DnD/Dragonlance reveal with Joe Manganiello, Margaret Weis, and Tracy Hickman. As always, there is the news, Mikey gets introducted to Reddit, and the gang shares some "how we first met" stories! *** Be a Check Mark Hero: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?host...

This week, appropriate for the season, the Nerdcognito crew discusses horror, both mechanics and themes, when applied in Dungeons and Dragons or at your table with any TTRPG! They also talk horror-specific games; including what makes a great horrific experience! *** Be a Check Mark Hero: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=VREXR2J3E6GGA *** Episode Sponsors and Affiliates We earn a sma...

Bert brings a great question to the table: Are long-gapped sequels in nerdy movies really worth the wait? The gang and special guest Yang, Yan Zhao tear through a litney of new again old films! Plus, Yang talks about his upcoming TTRPG release for both 5e D&D and the OSR, Empire of the Undying Sun!   *** Be a Check Mark Hero: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=VREXR2J3E6GGA *** Ep...

Inspired by a question posed by the Nerdcognito Nation this past weekend on the Saturday Speakeasy, the gang decides if, and when, they would have "halted" edition progression in D&D. System nuance and personal preferences all get discussed about this fictional grand choice that could be made for the good of the hobby.   *** Be a Check Mark Hero: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted...

The internet and weak progressive culture never cease to amaze. This week, we tear through a list of "controversial" monsters that some want re-imagined for modern audiences or even outright eliminated. Put your spandex on -- it's time for mental gymnastics!   *** Be a Check Mark Hero: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=VREXR2J3E6GGA *** Episode Sponsors and Affiliates W...

This week, after playing a "filthy storygame" (and having a good time, which is WHY we game in the first place), the Nerdcognito crew digs deep into storygames and discusses their place and setting at your tabletop roleplaying table. It ain't D&D, by design.   *** Be a Check Mark Hero: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=VREXR2J3E6GGA *** Episode Sponsors and Affiliat...

The gang talks about how and if you should implement a "pacifist" character into your tabletop game. What are the challenges for not only the player, but the dungeon master, and the group as a whole? This plus some much needed laughs and the news.   *** Be a Check Mark Hero: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=VREXR2J3E6GGA *** Episode Sponsors and Affiliates We earn a small...

Siobhan did some "research" and presents to the guys her findings of campaign and play styles, but did the pop gaming media get it right?  We take a look at some of the buzzwords and descriptors and discuss how, if, and when they may apply to your Dungeons & Dragons or TTRPG table!  Plus, the news is a fun trip this week -- so much so that it goes long!   *** Be a Check Mark Hero: https://www....

This week the team discusses influential items, be they products, books, people, experiences, and more that made them the gamers that they are today.  Though not experts, the boys (and girl) talk about nuance that was memorable and "gamer-life"-shaping!  It's a great conversation that will have you thinking fondly back on YOUR impactful moments both at and away from the TTRPG/Gaming table!     ***...

A West Marches campaign style is going to be adopted by Critical Role.  Before the format gets defiled, we are obligated to run down what that type of game actually is, giving nods to rationale, reason, and (yes) the BrOSR for refining the style of gameplay.  Who knows how this Classic Gaming style is going to be corrupted and reimagined by the modern gaming creators and audience?  Plus, Bert is a...

When drama mongers, grifters, and Fauxs need to drum up clicks or controversy, they often attack "the OSR."  Do they even know what the OSR is?  This week, we definitively define the OSR and call out these internet warriors for their bad behavior.  No longer should this bad behavior be used to juke numbers.  No one is getting a pass, from "creators" to "commentators."     *** Be a Check Mark Hero:...

Critical Role's new DM, Brennan Lee Mulligan recently took the opportunity to not only dump on Classic Gamers and philosophy, but showed the world that he felt basic subtraction is too hard to include in a game.  Isn't it grand how the concept of THAC0, love it or hate it, seperates the wheat from the chaff?  Plus, Molly Sideshave might just be morphing into one of us!   *** Be a Check Mark Hero:...

We're chugging down the line!  This week we look into the dreaded DM device.... railroading.  Is there any good that can come of it?  Why and how is it applied in Dungeons and Dragons and the TTRPG hobby?  Also, we have a chat with Ben from the Manacaster team about their current projects!   *** Be a Check Mark Hero: https://www.nerdcognito.com/p/be-a-check-mark-hero/ *** Episode Sponsors and Affi...