Audible HARDCORE

As the gang looks forward to a week of vacation, this first part of a two part episode brings you a discussion of large scale combat and big battles in TTRPGs!  There are a bevy of ways to handle these as a Dungeon Master, but when your party goes to war... what works for YOUR table?  All the massive scale chatter you can handle, plus a tiptoe into the news make for a delightful "part one" episode!     *** DIRECTLY SUPPORT THE SHOW: https://bit.ly/nerdcognito *** Be a Check Mark Hero: https://www.nerdcognito.com/p/be-a-check-mark-hero/ *** Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Get YOUR T-shirt! https://amzn.to/3D5xr0z Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each Amazon purchase at no additional cost to you!

Lord Matteus sits in as guest host to discuss eroticism, sexuality, and naughty bits in gaming -- specifically taking a look at Paizo's new rainbow-stravaganza game blurring the lines between the gaming table and LGBT activism. After the news, the gang talks about long game sequels and how a show can be necro'ed, sometimes after decades!     *** DIRECTLY SUPPORT THE SHOW: https://bit.ly/nerdcognito *** Be a Check Mark Hero: https://www.nerdcognito.com/p/be-a-check-mark-hero/ *** Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Get YOUR T-shirt! https://amzn.to/3D5xr0z Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each Amazon purchase at no additional cost to you!

We know that the "six sessions" that the modern DnD gamer call a campaign seems short, so this week we ask the question of "why?"  The differences between Classic Gaming/OSR tables vs. modern absolutely impact how we can have campaigns lasting years while they can't make a week.  Then after the news, the guys break down the latest in the City State of the Invincible Overlord drama between Judge's Guild and Goodman Games.     *** DIRECTLY SUPPORT THE SHOW: https://bit.ly/nerdcognito *** Be a Check Mark Hero: https://www.nerdcognito.com/p/be-a-check-mark-hero/ *** Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Get YOUR T-shirt! https://amzn.to/3D5xr0z Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each Amazon purchase at no additional cost to you!

One year later... Daniel D. Fox, controversial creator of Zweihander and other TTRPGs, returns to Nerdcognito.  His first trip addressed the "why we should not like each other" bits... and we came out of it... friends?!?  This time around, Dan sits in with Ryan and Kyle and just talk about the hobby, their families, Wizards of the Coast, a hint of politics, and their friendship.  Plus, Ryan introduces Daniel to the news... with a hint of Reddit!     *** DIRECTLY SUPPORT THE SHOW: https://bit.ly/nerdcognito *** Be a Check Mark Hero: https://www.nerdcognito.com/p/be-a-check-mark-hero/ *** Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Get YOUR T-shirt! https://amzn.to/3D5xr0z Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each Amazon purchase at no additional cost to you!

Goodman Games, creators of Dungeon Crawl Classics are now endeavoring to re-release The City State of the Invincible Overlord -- a legendary module which shaped Dungeons and Dragons and TTRPGs.  Two issues have them drawing fire from all sides. "Reimagining for modern audiences" has Classic Gaming and the OSR up in arms while supporting a creator the SparkleTroll leftists view as a 1940s German is bringing ire from the other side.  We dig deep into the situation and discuss if and how Goodman can navigate this minefield.     *** DIRECTLY SUPPORT THE SHOW: https://bit.ly/nerdcognito *** Be a Check Mark Hero: https://www.nerdcognito.com/p/be-a-check-mark-hero/ *** Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Get YOUR T-shirt! https://amzn.to/3D5xr0z Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each Amazon purchase at no additional cost to you!

Rule Zero!  The gang dives back into Rule 0 as TTRPG/DnD buzz online has picked up about it, RAW (rules as written), and the pros and cons of implementing this at the table.  Opinions are across the board, and Bert gets a little hot at RD.  Plus not one, but TWO trips to Reddit... with a twist!   *** DIRECTLY SUPPORT THE SHOW: https://bit.ly/nerdcognito *** Be a Check Mark Hero: https://www.nerdcognito.com/p/be-a-check-mark-hero/ *** Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Get YOUR T-shirt! https://amzn.to/3D5xr0z Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each Amazon purchase at no additional cost to you!

The guys reflect back on the visit that shocked the hobby... when Daniel D. Fox, creator of Zweihander and "enemy of the OSR" sat in and talked with RD and Kyle.  We revisit this chat in anticipation of the upcoming "One Year Later" episode when Dan stops by again!  Plus, chatter about the nerdy things we love, the news, and... a trip to Reddit!     *** Check out the FULL original appearance here: https://rumble.com/v4rw9qu-special-nerdcognito-episode-219-discomfiting-dialogue-with-daniel-d.-fox-fr.html   *** DIRECTLY SUPPORT THE SHOW: https://bit.ly/nerdcognito   Be a Check Mark Hero: https://www.nerdcognito.com/p/be-a-check-mark-hero/   *** Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Get YOUR T-shirt! https://amzn.to/3D5xr0z Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each Amazon purchase at no additional cost to you!

Ryan doesn't have a voice, but that doesn't stop he and Kyle from educating the very disconencted-from-the-internet Bert about the recent delving into Wizards of the Coast's license agreement -- which can be interpreted as opening the door to "stealing" content from designers and players alike.  We don't often agree, but we can agree on this... content lifting is NOT cool.   *** DIRECTLY SUPPORT THE SHOW: https://bit.ly/nerdcognito *** Be a Check Mark Hero: https://www.nerdcognito.com/p/be-a-check-mark-hero/ *** Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Get YOUR T-shirt! https://amzn.to/3D5xr0z Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each Amazon purchase at no additional cost to you!

Jeremy Crawford has followed in the footsteps of others and "exited" (on his terms?) Wizards of the Coast. With now ALL of the core designers and decision makers out of the mix, where does this leave Dungeons and Dragons specifically, and the future of hobby in general?   *** DIRECTLY SUPPORT THE SHOW: https://bit.ly/nerdcognito *** Be a Check Mark Hero: https://www.nerdcognito.com/p/be-a-check-mark-hero/ *** Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Get YOUR T-shirt! https://amzn.to/3D5xr0z Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each Amazon purchase at no additional cost to you!

With a tumultuous economy made even more murky with tariffs, the future of the hobby has been questioned by some.  In today's slightly-more-political-than-usual Nerdcognito, the guys discuss tariffs in general and then move the lens over our hobby.  How can and will these increased potential costs impact design, product availability, and production in general?     *** DIRECTLY SUPPORT THE SHOW: https://bit.ly/nerdcognito *** Be a Check Mark Hero: https://www.nerdcognito.com/p/be-a-check-mark-hero/ *** Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Get YOUR T-shirt! https://amzn.to/3D5xr0z Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each Amazon purchase at no additional cost to you!

Ryan rounds up Kyle and Bert to discuss yet another lost art in the modern DnD/TTRPG hobby: Homebrewing.  Why is it fading?  Where has the creativity of the modern Dungeons & Dragons fan gone?  Can this bespoke talent be resurrected or is it destined to vanish?     *** DIRECTLY SUPPORT THE SHOW: https://bit.ly/nerdcognito *** Be a Check Mark Hero: https://www.nerdcognito.com/p/be-a-check-mark-hero/ *** Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Get YOUR T-shirt! https://amzn.to/3D5xr0z Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each Amazon purchase at no additional cost to you!

With Wizards of the Coast all but scrapping their official VTT for Dungeons & Dragons, laying off 90% of their digital staff, and Shadowdark roaring... we need a break!  The gang talks about their gaming, enjoy a session recap from the Nerdcognito group, and dive into other news from the hobby this week.  Reset button smashed!   ***   Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Get YOUR T-shirt! https://amzn.to/3D5xr0z Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each Amazon purchase at no additional cost to you!

Ryan David leads the Nerdcognito crew through The Arcane Library's latest journey with Shadowdark.  The gang discuss the success of the current Kickstarter, the impact of SD to the hobby, and even posit some positive (and negative) future outcomes.  Kelsey and Shadowdark have changed the landscape of the industry, and everone needs to pay attention to the new terrain! *** Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Get YOUR T-shirt! https://amzn.to/3D5xr0z Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each Amazon purchase at no additional cost to you!

The boys get together to commiserate with Ryan; it seems like everything that could go wrong this week, did. The gang bounces around idea to idea and talk about random, flitting nerdy things... while RD broods. Forgive the audio quality as our production board blew up. Forgive the lack of format as our brains blew up.   ***   Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Get YOUR T-shirt! https://amzn.to/3D5xr0z Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each Amazon purchase at no additional cost to you!

Minutes after the announcement of the late Ernie Gygax's passing... SparkleTrolls went on the attack online. Of course, this was hosted on Reddit. We take them to task here. Be like Ernie.   ***   Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Get YOUR T-shirt! https://amzn.to/3D5xr0z Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each Amazon purchase at no additional cost to you!

Small groups of loud voices with bad takes are shouting into the void about "Zero Prep" and what it means.  When is no prep too much prep?  How absurd can it get?  We laugh as fauxs and joes alike double down on an absurd argument.   ***   Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Get YOUR T-shirt! https://amzn.to/3D5xr0z Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each Amazon purchase at no additional cost to you!

Paizo has done it again, reminding us that they are no friend of the mainstream gamer.  Catering to the woke warriors and weirdos that do not really play the game, they will be introducing mechanics for romance in their new core book.  That's right, your resident rules laywer can now argue the size of their... heart.   ***   Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Get YOUR T-shirt! https://amzn.to/3D5xr0z Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each Amazon purchase at no additional cost to you!

Lost arts at the TTRPG table. Mapping in Dungeons & Dragons was at the top of the list this past weekend on the Speak, so the conversation continues here. Plus, the news of the week and a sidestep into another lost art -- the investigation.   ***   Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each Amazon purchase at no additional cost to you!

The 2025 Monster Manual is out!  The changes are woke!  And crippling!  And lore erasing (literally!)  The gang goes through the most egregious of these changes and discusses the future of these monsters and Dungeons and Dragons in general.  Although they expected it to be bad, they did not expect it to be this dramatic of a change.  What does this mean for the future of the hobby?   ***   The News: "Freelancer" Vibes! DnD adds MORE UNNECESSARY Subclasses The full Wizards of the Coast Dungeons and Dragons release schedule *** Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each Amazon purchase at no additional cost to you!

"There was no satanic panic." Ok, pal. The gang deep dives into an apparent X engagement grab and examines what they believe to be the root cause of the campaign against D&D, Heavy Metal, and more in the 1980s. The triple-six discussion is capped off with a trip into the news of the week! *** The News: Kaiju! Alien! Reddit? *** Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each Amazon purchase at no additional cost to you!

After spending some time in the Nerdcognito Nation... Jack asks the forbidden question, "What is Horse Girl?"  Well, he finds out.  Then we take a trip into the news with a dip in the Reddit cesspool!  After the news, former BrOSR, Joel Peterson drops in to talk about his bro journey as well as his video and tabletop games development.  Suck it, Cuppa!   ***   The News: 2025 Anticipated Board Games It Came From Reddit... *** WATCH THIS EPISODE'S VIDEO VERSION ON OUR RUMBLE CHANNEL! https://rumble.com/c/Nerdcognito ***   Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each Amazon purchase at no additional cost to you!

Ryan, Jack, and Bert dig into the details of the 2025 Monster Manual.  It's great... if you listen to the pop gaming media.  We have other opinions.  After slogging through the news, the gang each throw out the name of their personal "favorite" TTRPG monster book.   ***   The News: You leveled up twice doing what? An classic board game "updated for modern audiences" "The new books" in TTRPG-land to watch out for in 2025... not. *** Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each Amazon purchase at no additional cost to you!

A prominent and previously politically benign designer gets political and then blasted for talking down to you about "Anticolonialism" in your TTRPG game.  The guys have some very pointed opinions, as expected.  The news delves into more DnD "lifestyle brand" announcements.  After the gang survives another week of news, they share a list of the "best" nerdy vacation and holiday spots.  Of course, this list of the best... well, it isn't.   ***   The News: Dungeons and Dragons Pinball ...and D&D Slot Machines *** Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each Amazon purchase at no additional cost to you!

Nerdcognito LIVE! This special dual-broadcast episode kicks off with the gang talking about what makes the "quintessential DnD party."  What group of characters is almost a must-have for a TTRPG campaign of adventure?  The news highlights a pondering that makes people scratch their heads, likely because of the source.  After the news, what media -- across all mediums -- should NEVER be "remade, re-envisioned, or reimagined?"   ***   The News: Mike Mearls dishes 5e design flaw Dairy Queen's new old Blizzard WotC and mainstream media spin "It came from Reddit..." *** Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each Amazon purchase at no additional cost to you!

It's Christmastime and the gang is talking all aspects of the holiday!  Hear what each of the guys would love to see under their tree and what they have planned for the season!  Plus, all the news you could want (or not want)!  Siobhan also invades a news segment with some "fan" insight to a story that carried over from the Speakeasy -- "Dungeons and Drag Queens."  Top off your eggnog and strap in for a fun Christmas chat; dragons optional. *** The News: More Pop Gaming Media "Best Builds" Drag Queens Leveraging the Hobby CD Projekt Red Dev Trashes Fans *** Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each Amazon purchase at no additional cost to you!

Fan Fiction has always existed, but now, the lines between fanfic and canon are blurred.  The barrier for entry of user created schlock into canon has all but been removed.  Is this a good or a bad thing?  How does this effect the hobby and your table?  After the news, RD, Bert, and Kyle discuss holiday games at the TTRPG table.  What role do these play and why do they exist? *** The News: RuneQuest Video Game Coming Up! "Best" Holiday Board Games Pamela Anderson's Reboots A Reading from Ryan's "Favorite" Source *** Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each Amazon purchase at no additional cost to you!

RD has no voice and the gang pick up the slack!  Drizzt Do'Urden is too "problematic" for Wizards of the Coast to produce in a TV show.. or possibly any "old Drizzt" materials according to the pop gaming media and your average SparkleTroll.  The news features a story that makes RD vow to revisit it on the next Speakeasy.  Lastly, the guys rattle off movies that are better Dungeons and Dragons movies than the existing DnD films. *** The News: DnD Christmas: Bah, Humbug! Asmodee Restructuring and Buying Studios EVERYONE WANTS This Game! *** Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each Amazon purchase at no additional cost to you!

With the TTRPG scene buzzing about Elon Musk potentially buying Hasbro and/or Wizards of the Coast, the guys weigh in with pros... AND cons of a possible Musk takeover.  You might be surprised about who has apprehension!  Then, after the news, the gang talks about a push in gaming to intentionally produce games as a mental health tool!  But wait, it's worse!  ...a mental health therapeutic designed for children.   *** The News: New tech "changing" the way you play DnD? 9-year-old RD wants THAT Revisiting the wallpaper copyright case Alien: Earth details are unsettling *** Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each Amazon purchase at no additional cost to you!

You do not need to check your glasses or rub your eyes... Ryan has invited BDubs of the #BrOSR to pop in to the big show.  Never shying away from a conversation with anyone, this special episode does not disappoint!  With the noticeable shift in power, poise, and presentation, RD had to find out the "State of the BroSR."  BDubs does not disappoint talking about general bro theory, Brozer, and the perceived shift in power in this niche of our niche.  Of course, "Where's Jeffro?" comes up and the guys find some common ground and diverging philosophy with the new number one in the BrOSR.   ----more---- The News: None this week -- The full hour is RD, BDubs, and Bert! ----more---- Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each Amazon purchase at no additional cost to you!

We hop on the controversey carousel and FINALLY give our thoughts on the old argument about paladins.  Which of the gang believes they must be Lawful Good (and human) and who is playing the tiefling holy warrior?  Then, we tackle the news with pop gaming garbage that boggles the minds of each of the guys.  Lastly, we take a trip to Reddit where a LOT of SparkleTrolls and NuGamers are bemoaning that "DnD is too hard!"  Crunch is good!   ----more---- The News: A Drizzt movie should NOT be a fantasy adventure?!? Schizo DMG Says Say "No" While Indulging Player's Power Fantasies It came from Reddit... ----more---- Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each Amazon purchase at no additional cost to you!

The whole gang is here and Ryan David leads the discussion around what "bones" are a must-have for the perfect fantasy role playing game?  Spanning from philosophy to mechanics, the crew nominate elements that they simply couldn't exclude from their own "perfect D&D."  The news is just one article -- but what an article it is!  Do you know what your dice type tells the table about YOU?  After that silliness, the guys discuss aberrations including personal favorites and weaker entries.     ----more---- Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each Amazon purchase at no additional cost to you!

Wizards of the Coast has further GUTTED 2024 Dungeons and Dragons.  Thanks to a leak and preview materials, we review all of the options and play choices that new to the hobby players and 5e folks alike now have had erased!  It's not just an attack on most current players and old school classic gamers, it's open season for anything that doesn't fit the VTT model.  Ryan and Kyle dig into the most egregious deletions and wonder how the DMG can provide any insight to a new GM and/or group.   ----more---- The News: Bioware nearly vaporware thanks to Dragon Age woke BS! ANOTHER WotC Whoopsie! Continuity in your TTRPG and its importance   ----more---- Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each Amazon purchase at no additional cost to you!

Your Dungeon Master has no autonomy.  Players can steamroll the table.  PCs get a safe space where they are untouchable.  The Wizards of the Coast 2024 Dungeon Master's Guide has codified safety tools and empowered the woke crybullies that run rampant in the hobby.  Further accelerating the destruction of our hobby and bending the knee to the screaming social justice warriors, the 2024 DMG details have tricked out and the gang discusses some of the "finer" points.   ----more---- The News: Grotesque and "Scary" art in the Monster Manual 2024 for the SparkleTrolls that cannot handle it? "Oh, wow!  Thanks!" Clank! Digital makes some noise.   ----more---- Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each Amazon purchase at no additional cost to you!

Randy dropped in and the gang just couldn't keep it to an hour!  Listen to the overtime segment where the topic turns to the dark side... what happens when you have to remove a player from your group.  The old kick to the curb is necessary and a part of the hobby, but how do you and your table handle this unpleasant task?  Listen for insight, tales of those who got the boot, and more.   ----more---- Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each Amazon purchase at no additional cost to you!

This week, friend of the show Randy Nichols sits in and talks with Ryan and Bert about preparations a player makes when tackling a new system, new table, or both.  The boys talk their rituals and TTRPG "study habits."  Of course, they get to talking and get caught up in the conversation -- so once the chat about the news finishes discussing the pop gaming media's grumblings, they have to table the final topic for the future.  (Fear not, it will release as a bonus nano episode later this week!)   ----more---- The News: Steve Jackson's Fighting Fantasy LIVES! The D&D Movie is STILL Pulling Eyeballs Horrible pop gaming media headlines   ----more---- Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each Amazon purchase at no additional cost to you!

Extreme violence.  Naughty bits.  Gore.  Uncomfortable situations.  How much is too much at the table?  Where is there a line?  IS THERE a line?  The gang weighs in.  The news includes some surprising 2024 DND PHB information kicking off the week's update.  After the news, the guys discuss player engagement and how to keep the focus on the table instead of on their tablets.   ----more---- The News: Dungeons & Dragons 2024 PHB shocker Sea of Legends... deckbuilding?!? Monsters with "drops" Former Blizzard dev drops new "stare at a screen" game   ----more---- Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each Amazon purchase at no additional cost to you!

Ryan David does no prep.  Bert does a lot.  Kyle is in the middle.  What session prep style is best, how does prep affect a game, and what ramifications does it have for your group at the table?  Some interesting news with a new contender to dethrone the "horse."  After, a DND DM is looking for an exit... but is he not enjoying the game because he isn't really playing it?!? ----more---- The News: "What a cute abomination!" LEGO meets a "real" board game Ghibli printable poster/game ----more---- Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Bedrock Games: bedrockgames.net  Pick up Strange Tales of Songling! Print: https://studio2publishing.com/products/strange-tales-of-songling PDF: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/300445/strange-tales-of-songling Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each Amazon purchase at no additional cost to you!

The 2024 DND Players Handbook is the best selling Dungeons & Dragons supplement... EVER?!?  Really?  We dig into the numbers that are available and have some questions and commentary.  This week we also welcome the Lost Lore Scholar, Jack into his seat as the newest host of Nerdcognito!  After the news, all four of your friends, Ryan David, Bert, Jack, and Kyle discuss how #GatekeepingIsGood and why the mechanics of a system can actually vet your players. ----more---- The News: "New" Greyhawk maps Drow can't be evil!  Drizzt was wrong! Ginny Di monetizing the stupidity of her fans ----more---- Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each Amazon purchase at no additional cost to you!

The show picks up where we left off last week -- talking about comedy TTRPGs.  Can funny have legs?  Is a long-term comedy campaign sustainable?  Then, we get buried in the news this week starting with a deep discussion on 2024 DND's new "time out" cleric spell; the one that allows you to short rest during a combat.  Plus, woke warriors are forming yet another sensitivity reader company to give game designers a big progressive thumbs up.  SweetBaby for tabletop?   ----more---- The News: Wizards of the Coast further 'supers' D&D Cultural approval, Indian-giving style Rayman on the table? Would you run 5e? ----more---- Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each Amazon purchase at no additional cost to you!

The gang pivots from talking about WotC, woke, or faux warrior drama this week and puts on their player character hats.  What mindset, procedure, and thought process go behind the making of a character for D&D or any other TTRPG?  Three very different perspectives and practices that offer insight into their game -- and hopefully yours!  Plus, an extended trip through the news means we have to bump talk about comedy games until a future show!   ----more---- The News: DND licensed Dice Cups from a great dice maker Pre-generated "Boss" encounters at the table Final Fantasy XIV TTRPG ----more----   ----more---- Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each Amazon purchase at no additional cost to you!

The Hero's Feast artwork from OneDND is the most Wizards of the Coast thing WotC has done... this week.  We pick it apart, talk about "why?", and have a general good time because YouTube sensation The Dungeon Delver, Mr. Bill Silvey is guest hosting this week!  This, plus one or two abysmal Reddit takes and the news makes for a great conversation about the hobby with lots of laughs!   ----more---- The News: D&D Lifestyle Brand... Beer? "I want to autokill everything..." Cosplay at Universal Studios ----more----   ----more---- Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each Amazon purchase at no additional cost to you!

Continuing the path of destruction and erasure of the OG creators of D&D, Wizards of the Coast has announced that the new DND 5.5/OneDND starter set will include a new version of B2: Keep on the Borderlands, but "updated for modern audiences."  Why are they intentionally scrubbing or rewriting classic content that has no need for revision?  Then, after the news which includes even MORE reimaginings, the gang talks about how you can build layers of intrigue, mystery, and engagement as a Dungeon Master for the players at your table!   ----more---- The News: ...not just "Keep" Diablo IV borrowing from D2! Darkest Dungeon 2 meets XCOM? That (cardboard) Treasure Chest (notebook) is a MIMIC! ----more----   Grab The Village of Greenhaven for your table! A complete forest town with NPCs, events, environments, shops, surroundings, and lots of random tables!   https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/465184/The-Village-of-Greenhaven?affiliate_id=3908211   ----more---- Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each Amazon purchase at no additional cost to you!

Well, Wizards of the Coast (with lots of Hasbro fingerprints) has stuck it to fans again -- this time, their 5e base.  WotC has chosen to force the shift to OneDND and will auto convert all materials in D&D Beyond to the new platform, once again breaking their word about backwards compatibility.  The SparkleTroll crowd is NOT happy.  Can we utilize this move to save one or more 5e darlings and bolster our corner of the hobby?  A detailed discussion between Ryan, Bert, and Kyle; and the stances the three take about saving (or not saving) the mainstream will surprise you!   ----more---- The News: Civ VII Going Back to Basics Dinosaurs and Knights!! Games Workshop AI Hypocrisy Pathfinder Wants Creators' Money! ----more----   Grab The Village of Greenhaven for your table! A complete forest town with NPCs, events, environments, shops, surroundings, and lots of random tables!   https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/465184/The-Village-of-Greenhaven?affiliate_id=3908211   ----more---- Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each Amazon purchase at no additional cost to you!

In the debut episode of the Elven Maid Inn's short-form show, she talks about Fudging and it's implications and impact on games and the hobby.   ***   SUBSCRIBE TO OUR CHANNEL!! ...and go to your favorite podcast player or nerdcognito.com or to subscribe to the OG podcast, Nerdcognito! linktr.ee/nerdcognito

Continuing the 2-part show from last week, Grim Jim joins RD and Bert to talk about the discussion in the mainstream TTRPG/DnD hobby for the "need" for game designers to insert and address political themes, social justice, and "wrongs" of society in their games.  Why is this a "need?"  Answer: It is not.  Plus, we begin the show laughing at some insanity in the pop media with the news and a trip to our favorite inmates-running-the-asylum online cesspool, Reddit.   ----more---- The News: Pop it! Milk it! Promote it! Reddit! ----more----   Grab The Village of Greenhaven for your table! A complete forest town with NPCs, events, environments, shops, surroundings, and lots of random tables!   https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/465184/The-Village-of-Greenhaven?affiliate_id=3908211   ----more---- Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each Amazon purchase at no additional cost to you!

OneDND has been set free by Wizards of the Coast.  With WotC's "new" and "daring" upgrade now getting a lot of buzz, we take an ENTIRE episode talking about other games you can and should bring to your table!  With Kyle out on vacation, our friend Grim Jim Desborough sits in and brings his unique perspective and two decades of professional game design experience to the conversation.  Our picks span fantasy, horror, sci-fi, post-apocalyptic, and more.. the guys dive deep into their choices of TTRPGs for your crew.     ----more---- The News: Coming up next week! ----more----   Grab The Village of Greenhaven for your table! A complete forest town with NPCs, events, environments, shops, surroundings, and lots of random tables!   https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/465184/The-Village-of-Greenhaven?affiliate_id=3908211   ----more---- Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each Amazon purchase at no additional cost to you!

Did you know that Dave Arneson worked on a super-secret follow-up to Blackmoor with a nobody studio that no one has heard of?  NEITHER DID THE ARNESON ESTATE.  This disgusting grift really has RD and the boys upset, and they detail the situation for you.  Plus, Kelsey and ShadowDark sweep the ENNIEs and a Reddit redemption story.   ----more---- The News: ENNIEs and ShadowDark Venger, Dungeon Master, and Nostalgia Mystery Board Game-Turned-TTRPG! A SparkleTroll wakes up! ----more----   Grab The Village of Greenhaven for your table! A complete forest town with NPCs, events, environments, shops, surroundings, and lots of random tables!   https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/465184/The-Village-of-Greenhaven?affiliate_id=3908211   ----more---- Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each Amazon purchase at no additional cost to you!

Hasbro's 2nd Quarter earnings have posted.  WotC continues to bleed.  Sales are down.  BUT -- RD thinks the Q looks... good?!?  An economics light discussion of why Hasbro may not be in as much peril as some in the hobby would like.  Plus, Elder Gods and Woke Warriors in the news.  After the news, the guys look at how Wizards of the Coast believes they are pandering to their SparkleTroll audience, but it may be backfiring based on response to the "new" Ranger class.   ----more---- The News: Arkham Horror TTRPG Makes RD Swoon Stormlight RPG Getting a Bad Shake? Dungeons and Dragons Comics to Woke Horse ----more----   Grab The Village of Greenhaven for your table! A complete forest town with NPCs, events, environments, shops, surroundings, and lots of random tables!   https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/465184/The-Village-of-Greenhaven?affiliate_id=3908211   ----more---- Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each Amazon purchase at no additional cost to you!

Bert and RD sit down and talk about a request from a friend of the show: "What is your personal 'Appendix N-like' curated list of non-print inspiration?"  Listen as the guys chronicle everything from Movies to TV to Video Games and more!  How did these items impact their games and their creativity?  The news this week is, well, exactly what you would expect during a week when Wizards of the Coast released a Rainbow Brite sorcerer.  It's a fun discussion that pulls from all of the things we love!   ----more---- The News: The new Xbox controller is... what? Pathfinder Keeps the Bloat Coming Cyberpunk 2077 Board Game WotC's Slimmer Wizards ----more----   Grab The Village of Greenhaven NOW! https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/465184/The-Village-of-Greenhaven?affiliate_id=3908211   ----more---- Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each Amazon purchase at no additional cost to you!

Oh no!  That giant just turned Bert's character into meat paste!  What considerations are necessary and what must a player, a DM, and a gaming group do to pivot when a PC buys the farm?  RD and Bert pontificate this point because, well, Bert's character was turned into meat paste at the last gaming session.  After the news, the duo discuss what input, if any, is appropriate for players to have and what sway do they carry as it relates to world building.   ----more---- The News: Pour a drink with this Board Game "Old" DND supplements for your 5e game.  Heh. 'The worst monster ever!' ----more----   Grab The Village of Greenhaven NOW! https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/465184/The-Village-of-Greenhaven?affiliate_id=3908211   ----more---- Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each Amazon purchase at no additional cost to you!

Surprise, surprise: Wizards of the Coast continues to "re-imagine" Dungeons & Dragons... potentially into the grave.  The "improvements" to crafting and the introduction of a hybrid "Minecraft" and "MMO" crafting system were released, and it looks like once again the game is getting fundamentally changed for the worse.  The news makes us laugh as we ride the struggle bus through a Reddit post.  Finally, we talk death in space with the fantastic horror/sci-fi TTRPG, Mothership.   ----more---- The News: Oooohhh Yeah!  Dig it! Moar Elf Subraces!!! The Best Legacy Board Games to Buy in 2024 Bear-banging Anniversary! ----more----   Grab The Village of Greenhaven NOW! https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/465184/The-Village-of-Greenhaven?affiliate_id=3908211   ----more---- Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each Amazon purchase at no additional cost to you!