Dekahedron RPG Podcast

I talk about problems GMs run into when they have too much "color" in thir campaign world.Share your thoughts via:

I look at 5 different way to map your universe in Space Opera type games.Share your thoughts via:

I get feedback from Jason and Riley about the locked dungeon door.I'm pondering a classic D&D moment: the dreaded locked door and the failed lock pick. Does it kill the adventure, or does it actually make things more interesting? I share my thoughts on why I think it's the latter, and throw the question out to you all – what do you think happens when your party hits an unyielding lock?Jason's podcast: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/jason376/Riley's podcast: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/diegeticadvancement/ Share your thoughts via:

I'm pondering a classic D&D moment: the dreaded locked door and the failed lock pick. Does it kill the adventure, or does it actually make things more interesting? I share my thoughts on why I think it's the latter, and throw the question out to you all – what do you think happens when your party hits an unyielding lock?Share your thoughts via:

The Arcane Alienist called in to let me know about an optional rule in Mongoose Traveller 2. I respond to that and talk about some alternatives before I go way off the rails and talk about ditching Traveller altogether.The Arcane Alienist podcast: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/arcanealienistShare your thoughts via:

Guess what? New Classic Traveller book! "Pirates." I'm both excited and nervous, which is pretty much how I feel about most things. I also go off on a tangent trying to figure out how I feel about Traveller in general. I mean, I love the game, but...Share your thoughts via:

I put together the first issue of The Anchorite APA.https://sites.google.com/view/Anchorite/Share your thoughts via:

Another rules-as-written T&T character. This time it's Seraphina the Werebear Wizard! Share your thoughts via:

Ways to send your review:E-mail: feedback@dekahedron.comPhone: 562-774-2278 (562-RPG-CAST)Web: https://sayhi.chat/dekahedronDiscord: @snowgen

I wanted to do something to get us warmed up for the big Tunnels & Trolls mega-review coming up in March, so I'm rolling up a character in real time. We're going old-school with 5th Edition, so get ready for some classic T&T action. Watch as an old-school unlucky stat roll turns my planned Seraphina the Fairy into Clayfoot the Dwarf! I'll go through all the steps: rolling stats, picking a kindred, figuring out combat adds, and grabbing some gear. I'll also be chatting about some of the differences between T&T and D&D – you know, the stuff that makes it unique. Whether you're a T&T pro or have never even heard of it, come hang out and let's make a character together! It's all leading up to that mega-review, so you don't want to miss it. Share your thoughts via:

This episode is a bit of an experiment! I wanted to see if AI could actually create a decent TTRPG campaign introduction, so I put Notebook LM to the test. I uploaded all the details of my campaign setting and let the AI do its thing. In this episode, I'll walk you through the process and share my thoughts on the results. We'll listen to the AI-generated intro in the final 20 minutes. Was it a success? Tune in to find out!Share your thoughts via:

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:

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:

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 thoughts via:

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, connect with like-minded people, and get your work seen. We're accepting zine submissions now! Learn more and join The Anchorite APA today! #apa #zines #tabletoprpg #osr #community #writing #rpg #fanzine #amateurpressassociation Anchorite website: https://sites.google.com/view/Anchorite/home Share your thoughts via:

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:

Joe announces his latest projest: The Anchorite Amateur Press Association. https://sites.google.com/view/Anchorite/home

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:

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:

Merry Christmas, my friends. Share your thoughts via:

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:

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/jason376 Share your thoughts via:

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 creativity enrich the game. * Using luck rolls to resolve player actions dynamically. * Encouraging collaborative storytelling for a more immersive experience. Check out the Nerds RPG Variety Cast episode that inspired this discussion here: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/jason376/episodes/S2B13-Approaching-TTRPG-Adventure-Site-Design-e2rfpeu Share your thoughts via:

In this episode, Joe shares his thoughts on what's absolutely necessary to include in an RPG. Inspired by discussions on the Diegetic Advancement podcast and the Minions & Musings Podcast, Joe breaks down the bare minimum required for a game to be considered a role-playing game. He also shares his opinions on what's not necessary, including artwork, "learn how to play" sections, and explicit settings. Joe argues that GM advice should be tailored to specific play styles and that different types of gamers have different needs. Topics discussed: The bare minimum for an RPG: a task resolution system What makes a satisfying game: character creation rules, skill systems, and dedicated mechanics The role of artwork and "learn how to play" sections in RPGs The importance of separating settings from rules GM advice and its limitations The different needs of various types of gamers (GNS) Other podcasts mentioned: Minions and Musings: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/eviljeff Diegetic Advancement: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/diegeticadvancement/ Nerds RPG Variety Cast: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/jason376/ Share your thoughts via:

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 pricing mechanisms for male and female slaves. He contrasts this with the portrayals in other early RPGs (Tunnels & Trolls and Empire of the Petal Throne) where the treatment of slavery raises serious ethical concerns. Exploring the absence of slavery in TSR's D&D and how it was used to depict villains in AD&D modules, Joe emphasizes the importance of portraying slavers as true villains in the narrative. He also touches on Judges Guild's manumission rules, offering a glimmer of hope within the context of gaming, suggesting that characters can indeed act as liberators. Throughout the episode, Joe shares his personal stance that slavery has no place in heroic narratives, insisting that players should not embody slavers. He encourages a reevaluation of how these sensitive topics are handled in modern gaming, advocating for narratives that align with values of empathy and justice. Join Joe as he engages with this critical topic, inviting listener feedback and thoughts on the role of morality in gaming. Key Points Covered: * Historical context of slavery in early TTRPGs * Analysis of Dave Arneson's First Fantasy Campaign * The troubling mechanics of Tunnels & Trolls * Absence of slavery in TSR's D&D and its moral implications * The significance of portraying heroes as liberators * Personal reflections on gaming ethics and character choices What are your thoughts on the portrayal of slavery in RPGs? Do you allow players to engage with such themes at your table? Share your feedback with us at feedback@Dekahedron.com or leave a comment. Happy holidays, and until next time: happy gaming, happy life! Share your thoughts via:

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 thoughts via:

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 thoughts via:

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 Links: Share your thoughts via:

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:

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's approach to trade. Judges Guild's Trade System: Explore the foundations of trade in RPGs. Traveller's Trade System: Learn from one of the most influential space RPGs. Rolemaster's approach to handling speculative trading. Joe's home-grown solution. Links: Joe's blog post: https://vagabondgm.blogspot.com/2021/06/a-simple-trade-system.html Share your thoughts via:

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:

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 approaches we see in modern RPGs. Happy gaming! Happy life! Share your thoughts via:

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 dangerous or difficult to find, and spells are single-use! Joe also shares his fascination with single-use magic and mentions his own homebrew rules for creating magical items that are used up after a single cast. Do you think single-use magic could be interesting? Would you try running a game with this system? Share your thoughts in the comments! Links mentioned in the episode: Rules to the Game of Dungeon: https://playingattheworld.blogspot.com/2012/08/rules-to-game-of-dungeon-1974.html Don't forget to subscribe for more OSR October goodness! Happy gaming! Happy life! Share your thoughts via:

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 #osroctober #osrtober #gaminghistory Share your thoughts via:

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:

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 much it still holds up today. We'll discuss what we believe to be the game's pros and cons, from the easy-to-learn rules to the lack of starship combat. Whether you're a long-time Star Trek fan or just curious about the early days of RPGs, this episode is a must-watch! Share your thoughts via:

This episode of the Dekahedron RPG Podcast dives into the world of character motivation! Joe explores Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs and how it can be applied to creating compelling characters in your Dungeons & Dragons game. Learn how basic needs like safety and esteem can translate into powerful motivations for your adventurers. This episode will give you a tool to build characters that are driven by a clear and personal purpose. #dnd #rpg #ttrpg #dndcharacters Share your thoughts via:

Joe reflects on the #RPGaDay2024 challenge by expressing his gratitude to viewers and sharing his plans for future content. While he will be returning to his regular long-form podcast and YouTube videos, he hints at the possibility of continuing short-form content in the future, potentially during events like OSR October.

Joe concludes the #RPGaDay2024 challenge by reflecting on a fellow gamer he misses: Peter. They met through their shared passion for RPGs and maintained a long-lasting friendship, even after moving away. Joe fondly remembers their gaming sessions and the impact Peter had on his life.

For Day 30 of the #RPGaDay Challenge, "Person you'd like to game with," Joe reflects on the rewarding experience of introducing new players to the hobby. He discusses his enthusiasm for mentoring others and the joy of watching them discover the magic of role-playing games.

Joe's "awesome app" for today's #RPGaDay2024 challenge is his own custom-built dice roller that's only 400 pixels wide. It's designed for discreet and efficient dice rolling while maintaining focus on the game itself. Share your thoughts via:

Joe shares his "Great Gamer Gadget" for today's #RPGaDay2024 challenge: a foldable dice tray. He highlights its convenience for keeping dice contained and protecting surfaces, making it a valuable tool for any tabletop gamer. Share your thoughts via:

Joe shares his unique perspective on "Marvelous Miniatures" for today's #RPGaDay2024 challenge. While he doesn't rely heavily on miniatures, he recommends Prince August molds as a great DIY option. He briefly mentions Cardboard Heroes as a more affordable alternative but ultimately chooses Prince August for its "cool" factor. Prince August: https://shop.princeaugust.ie/ Share your thoughts via:

Joe shares his thoughts on today's #RPGaDay2024 prompt: "Superb screen." He argues that screens can create a barrier between players and the gamemaster, and prefers a more open and collaborative approach where everyone can see the dice rolls and engage in the game together. Share your thoughts via:

Joe shares his thoughts on "desirable dice" for RPGs in today's #RPGaDay2024 challenge. He emphasizes practicality over aesthetics, advocating for plain, easy-to-read dice that serve their purpose without distractions. Share your thoughts via:

Joe's "acclaimed advice" for today's #RPGaDay2024 challenge is DungeonWorld's "be a fan of your players." He emphasizes the importance of rooting for players' success, focusing on making the game enjoyable for everyone, and embracing the unexpected twists and turns that can arise during play. Share your thoughts via:

Today's #RPGaDay2024 topic is "peerless player" and Joe chooses James. Despite teasing him for his "munchkin" tendencies, Joe acknowledges James's valuable contributions to the gaming group. James is a dedicated team player who always prioritizes the party's needs while maintaining his own character. Share your thoughts via:

Joe discusses today's #RPGaDay2024 prompt: "Notable non-player character." He highlights Ned Shakeshaft and Oceanus from the U-series of AD&D modules as memorable NPCs that offer DMs flexibility in development and storytelling. Share your thoughts via:

Today's #RPGaDay2024 prompt is "Classic Campaign". Instead of focusing on a full-fledged campaign setting, Joe highlights the U-series of AD&D modules as a fantastic option for a smaller, self-contained adventure. #adnd #dnd Share your thoughts via:

Joe recommends a classic Dungeons & Dragons adventure module for today's #RPGaDay2024 prompt: "Amazing adventure." He highlights Frontier Forts of Kelnore as a versatile and reusable resource for game masters, offering endless possibilities for exploration and storytelling. #dnd Share your thoughts via:

Joe shares a memorable gaming moment for today's #RPGaDay2024 challenge. A player's unexpected critical hit turned the tide of a climactic battle, forcing the GM to think on his feet and adapt to the unexpected outcome. Share your thoughts via: