Dungeons & Tangents

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We are Erik & Robert. Two guys from Portland Oregon who play and run Dungeons & Dragons. Dungeons & Tangents is our Podcast where we discuss a myriad of topics surrounding D&D. The culture, the mechanics, new product releases, common mistakes. We cover the full breadth of the D&D world. And sometime…

Dungeons & Tangents


    • Nov 6, 2018 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 34m AVG DURATION
    • 49 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Dungeons & Tangents

    Fright Fight 2018 - Episode 2 - Challenge Rating 1/2

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 6, 2018 38:04


    This Episode we continue our Halloween Special: A D&D 5th edition monster vs monster tournament. Robert and I will run through all the monsters in the 5th edition Monster Manual that fit a Halloween theme and seeing how they fair against each other. For Challenge Rating 1/2 we pit Worg, Shadow, Sahuagin, and Barovian Witch against each other.

    Fright Fight 2018 - Episode 1 - Intro & Challenge Rating 1/4

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 29, 2018 32:35


    This Episode we start our Halloween Special: A D&D 5th edition monster vs monster tournament. Robert and I will run through all the monsters in the 5th edition Monster Manual that fit a Halloween theme and seeing how they fair against each other. It's a helpful review of the monster manual, and a good way to see your favorite Halloween themed monsters in action.

    Episode 42: Backstories (Part 2) - The Backening

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 19, 2018 42:33


    In Episode 16 of of this podcast we talked about the process of creating a Character's Backstory. But once you have that backstory, what do you do with it? This episode we talk about how backstories are integrated into game play. We discuss the differences between writing an elaborate backstory or creating a simple character concept. Halfway though this episode we inadvertently develop a new backstory generation technique. We discuss that and more, this week on Dungeons & Tangents

    Episode 41: Massive Tangents #4 - The Pokemon Universe is a DARK place

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 12, 2018 19:45


    Sometimes, when the mics are on, we start talking about some odd things. And sometimes those odd things are worth sharing with our listeners. This episode started as a couple of off hand comments from Ben. What resulted was a very dark conversation about the horrors of Universe that Surrounds Pokemon. Follow us down a Massive Tangent, this week on Dungeons & Tangents

    Episode 40: Religion & Role-playing

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 5, 2018 45:05


    Role-playing games have had a difficult time getting along with religion, and specifically American Christians. From the start, there was a disconnect between them. Sadly, misunderstandings in the early 80's started a feud that continues to this day. It's a difficult and sensitive subject, but we will discuss that and more, this week on Dungeons & Tangents.

    Episode 39: How Players Become Murder Hobos

    Play Episode Listen Later May 22, 2018 35:00


    The term "Murder Hobo" is a recently popularized term. It is, however, a surprisingly accurate description of the tendency for some D&D players to use killing as their primary problem solving tool. Is it a result of video game culture? Antagonistic DMs? Or maybe it's just the nature of playing D&D? We'll discuss how players become Murder Hobos, this week on Dungeons & Tangents.

    Episode 38: Munchkin Mechanics

    Play Episode Listen Later May 15, 2018 30:52


    There have been loopholes in nearly every editions of D&D. Those loopholes are often the target of "Munchkins", or players who will exploit any and every advantage in a rule-set. Obviously, the DM has the ultimate authority to allow such exploitation, but these cracks in the rules can still cause headaches. We'll walk through a series of examples and discuss the implications of Munchkin Mechanics, this week on Dungeons & Tangents

    Episode 37: Every Edition of D&D

    Play Episode Listen Later May 8, 2018 69:19


    Dungeons & Dragons was first published in 1974. But the game has changed a lot in the last 4 decades. There have been 8 official versions released in that time. Some with small, incremental changes. Some that fundamentally transformed the feel and mechanics of the game. We discuss what we know about each version, what makes them different, and how and why the game changed this week on Dungeons & Tangents.

    Episode 36: Introducing new players to D&D

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 27, 2018 34:45


    We all have friends, family and coworkers who've never played a role-playing game. Plenty of them just aren't interested. And that's okay. But when you have the opportunity to introduce new players, how do you do so in a way that has them coming back for more? We discuss this and more, this week on Dungeons & Tangents.

    Episode 35: Players Contributing to the Gaming World

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 20, 2018 34:42


    If a player wants to write the back-story for their character's home village. That's cool, right? If, during session 0, they suggest that the world you're about to play in should have no magic at all. Is that cool? What if they recommend that the villain of your campaign should be seeking revenge on another Player's Character? Players and DMs are always working together to tell a collaborative story, but it CAN be unclear where the line between DM agency and Player Agency should be drawn. We discuss this and more, this week on Dungeons & Tangents.

    Knowledge History D&D - Episode 5: The Start Up (1974-1975)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 6, 2018 12:58


    This episode is all about the first two years of the existence of TSR, the company that Gary and Don created to publish D&D.

    Episode 34: GCPWest 2018 - An Interview with April Westervelt

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 13, 2018 30:14


    This week we have our first official interview. Robert and I talk with April Westervelt; the organizer of the Portland based GCPWest TableTop gathering. What is GCPWest? How did it start and what makes it unique? We talk to April about these subjects and more, this week on Dungeons & Tangents Special Guests: .

    Episode 33: Session 0: the planning session

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 6, 2018 48:23


    When you build a house, you need a blueprint. But When you play D&D, you may run a module that gives you a plot, but there's no blueprints for how your players interact with each other or the world around them. A planning session, sometimes called "session 0" can help make sure Player and DM expectations are in sync. We discuss makes a good session 0, this week on Dungeons & Tangents

    Episode 32: Failing Forward & Awareness of Risks

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 30, 2018 45:04


    A rogue tries to pick a lock. "Roll a sleight of hand Check" that DM says. The roll is low. So What happens next? Does the DM say "you failed to pick the lock"? Is this a dead end in the game? It doesn't have to be. If a player is rolling the dice, failure must always an option, but success or failure, the game must go on. We consider the relationship between risks, successes, and failures this week on Dungeons & Tangents. During this podcast, we discussed the content of this article by Game Creator Rob Donoghue: http://walkingmind.evilhat.com/2018/01/17/risks/

    Knowledge History D&D - Episode 4: The Making of Dungeons & Dragons (1972-1974)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 16, 2018 15:21


    This episode is all about the first edition of D&D. How it was written and the struggles of publishing a innovative game without any money. Resources for this episode included the following: * Chainmail: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chainmail(game) http://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/17010/Chainmail-Rules-for-Medieval-Miniatures-0e?it=1 * TRS: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LakeGenevaTacticalStudies_Association * Gary Gygax: https://www.wired.com/2008/03/dungeon-master-life-legacy-gary-gygax/ * Special credit should be given to Jon Peterson Who wrote the book "Playing at the World" and maintains a beautiful archive of information on tabletop games at playingattheworld.blogspot.com Additionally, I'd like to thank David Ewalts for his book "Of Dice And Men" which was one of many inspirations for starting this series.

    Episode 31: At The Movies (part 1)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 9, 2018 27:25


    A Cartoon in 1983, A live action Feature in 2000, An Animated Feature in 2008, There have been a lot of attempts to take D&D into the world movies and TV, but many have fallen far short of fan expectations. In late 2017, a new D&D movie was announced and is set for release in October of 2021. we'll discuss that and more, this week on Dungeons & Tangents

    Episode 30: Party Dynamics

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 2, 2018 31:05


    What would the A-Team be without Hannibal? The Fellowship of the Rings be without Gandalf? Buffy the Vampire Slayer without Giles? Are there character archetypes that are necessary for a party to gel? Are there character pairings that make parties fall apart? We'll ask these questions and discuss general party dynamics today on Dungeons & Tangents.

    Episode 29: Alignment (the inevitable episode)

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2017 33:52


    Most of you have seen your favorite fictional characters pigeon holed into a chart of the 9 Alignments. Obiwan is "Lawful Good", Treebeard is True Neutral, The Joker is "Chaotic Evil". Obviously that grid was popularized by D&D, but you may not know that it was not originally part of D&D. We'll discuss that as well as how it fits into game play today on "Dungeons & Tangents"

    Episode 28: Sports vs eSports vs Tabletop Streams

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 12, 2017 29:23


    Sports is a Trillion Dollar industry in the United States alone. And while Sports has been a part of our cultural landscape for more than a hundred years, eSports and tabletop streaming are very new industries that are vying for a very different audience. Can these new forms of entertainment satisfy the Nerd world's need for an alternative to Football, Basketball, and Baseball? We'll discuss that and more, today on Dungeons & Tangents.

    Episode 27: Running a "Theater of the Mind" Game

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 28, 2017 38:01


    We're planning on running an Actually Play in the future, but that means changing the way we play D&D. The main change is the removal of all visual aids from the game. Making the game purely audible. This episode we discuss how to run a "Theater of the Mind" style game and how it's different than running a game with Maps, miniatures, and other physical props.

    Episode 26: DM for Hire & the Untapped Potential of D&D

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 21, 2017 22:22


    This episode we discuss a man named John Dempsey from Toronto Canada who has started making a living as a professional Dungeon Master. He charges clients for his time and efforts in prepping and running games of D&D. We also talk about the untapped potential of D&D as a form of entertainment and a viable platform for businesses like John Dempsey's

    Knowledge History D&D - Episode 3: Birth of the Fantasy Game (1967 to 1972)

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 14, 2017 16:50


    This episode covers the events that lead Dave Arneson and Gary Gygax to meet and have the inspiration they needed to create the first drafts of D&D. Resources for this episode included the following: Bodenburg: https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/26603/siege-bodenburg Early Works of Gary Gygax: http://playingattheworld.blogspot.com/2012/11/the-early-works-of-gary-gygax.html Don't Give up the Ship: https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/7791/dont-give-ship http://playingattheworld.blogspot.com/2012/08/dont-give-up-ship-in-manuscript.html Chainmail: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chainmail_(game) http://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/17010/Chainmail-Rules-for-Medieval-Miniatures-0e?it=1 TRS: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LakeGenevaTacticalStudiesAssociation Special credit should be given to Boardgame Geek for their entries and Jon Peterson Who wrote the book "Playing at the World" and maintains a beautiful archive of information on tabletop games at playingattheworld.blogspot.com Additionally, I'd like to thank David Ewalts for his book "Of Dice And Men" which was one of many inspirations for starting this series.

    Episode 25: Massive Tangent #3 - Who's the best Joker

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 7, 2017 6:02


    Hey everyone and welcome to Dungeons & Tangents Today Robert and Erik B.S. about Batman and the Joker. This is a SUPER short Episode because it was a spur of the moment thing. But we just had to share it because Erik does his impersonation of Mark Hamil's Joker. Also, Erik will be on vacation for a week so we're padding out our schedule wink wink

    Knowledge History D&D - Episode 2: Setting up the Pieces (1953 - 1967)

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 31, 2017 14:29


    This episode, we continue the new series "Knowledge - History - D&D". A chronological review of the creation of Dungeons & Dragons. We'll intro you to the people who created D&D and how they first got interested in table top gaming. We talk through the early days of Gary Gygax, Don Kaye, and Dave Arneson. Again, a lot of research went into this episode, so I'm sharing my bibliography. I also highly recommend the following books: Empire of Imagination by Michael Witwer Of Dice And Men by David M. Ewalt Gary & Don https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gary_Gygax (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gary_Gygax) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Don_Kaye (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Don_Kaye) Gettysburg https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/3099/gettysburg (https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/3099/gettysburg) Chainmail http://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/17010/Chainmail-Rules-for-Medieval-Miniatures-0e?it=1 (http://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/17010/Chainmail-Rules-for-Medieval-Miniatures-0e?it=1) GenCon: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gen_Con (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gen_Con) Dave Wesely & Braunstein (Kreigsspiel variant) (St. Paul, Mn.) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Wesely (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Wesely) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Braunstein_(wargame) (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Braunstein_(wargame)) Music is used under the creative commons license. "Rhythm Green" by Latch Swing (used during Part 1) "Vanlig" by Jahzzar (used during Part 1) "Eastminster" by Kevin MacLeod (used during Part 2) "Genval" by Hicham Chahidi (used during Part 3) These musicians can be found on freemusicarchive.org Intro and Outro music written by Erik Dewhurst

    Episode 24: Criticals and Fumbles

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 24, 2017 30:53


    This Episode we're talking about, perhaps the most overused phrase in D&D; "Critical Hit". It's the moment in every D&D game where people scream and jump up and down. But Critical Hits haven't always been part of the game. We discuss the history, the mechanics, the narrative, and the different variations of critical hits and misses.

    Knowledge History D&D - Episode 1: The Prehistory to D&D (500 - 1950)

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 17, 2017 14:45


    This episode, Erik starts a new series called "Knowledge - History - D&D". A chronological review of how Dungeons & Dragons came into being. We'll start by releasing episodes every other week. This first episode starts with the prehistory of D&D from 500 AD to 1950. Since this episode involved a lot of research, I wanted to share all my sources and give credit where credit is due. So, here is my big thick bibliography. It wouldn't pass muster in a college level class, but you trust my sources are legit, right? I also highly recommend the following books: Empire of Imagination by Michael Witwer Of Dice And Men by David M. Ewalt Chaturanga http://www.chessvariants.com/historic.dir/chaturanga.html (http://www.chessvariants.com/historic.dir/chaturanga.html) https://www.chess.com/blog/Shadow_47/chaturangahellipthe-lost-game (https://www.chess.com/blog/Shadow_47/chaturangahellipthe-lost-game) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chaturanga (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chaturanga) Chess https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chess (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chess) Kriegsspiel Developed in 1812 by Lieutenant Georg Leopold von Reiswitz and his son Georg Heinrich Rudolf von Reiswitz of the Prussian Army https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kriegsspiel_(wargame) (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kriegsspiel_(wargame)) https://web.archive.org/web/20090710224303/http://www.boardgamestudies.info/pdf/issue3/BGS3Hilgers.pdf (https://web.archive.org/web/20090710224303/http://www.boardgamestudies.info/pdf/issue3/BGS3Hilgers.pdf) (see page 63 or so) https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/16957/kriegsspiel (https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/16957/kriegsspiel) Little Wars: http://www.thortrains.net/downloads/litwars.pdf (http://www.thortrains.net/downloads/litwars.pdf) Napoleonic Miniature War Gaming: http://www.wargamer.com/articles/an-introduction-to-napoleonic-miniature-wargaming/ (http://www.wargamer.com/articles/an-introduction-to-napoleonic-miniature-wargaming/) History of the War Gaming Hobby: http://www-personal.umich.edu/~beattie/timeline2.html (http://www-personal.umich.edu/~beattie/timeline2.html) Jack Scrubby: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jack_Scruby (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jack_Scruby) War Gaming Digest (1957-1963) Music is used under the creative commons license. "Raga Bageshri" by Ashok Pathak (used during Part 1) "Pierre" by Hicham Chahidi (used during Part 2) "Tendresse" by Hicham Chahidi (used during Part 3) Intro and Outro music written by Erik Dewhurst

    Episode 23: Alternative Methods of Play

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 10, 2017 38:35


    This episode Robert and Erik discuss 4 Alternative Methods of playing D&D. We go through the good and the bad of each one. Of course we talk about our opinions and experiences. Because... that's kinda how this podcast goes.

    Episode 22: THAC0 & Armor Class

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 3, 2017 33:33


    Remember THAC0? What a Thac0 crap. In this episode we're going to recap the history of Armor Class and Attack Bonuses from 1st Edition of D&D through 5th edition. We'll start by scratching our heads at the earliest mechanics for determining whether a weapon connected with the enemy. Once we're done with that, we'll try to explain THAC0 to each other. Then we'll review how Armor Class and THAC0 evolved into the d20 system. A system that has become the core to D&D since the year 2000. All in all, D&D has come quite a long way and I am very grateful for the progress. Because I do not want to deal with 8 different charts just to hit an orc with a sword.

    Episode 21: Psionics & Dinosaurs

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 26, 2017 26:34


    Psionics suck. So do Dinosaurs. We really don't want that shit in our D&D. The two of us get into a heated debate about Telepathy and T-Rexes in our worlds of Swords of Sorcery. Psionics have been a semi-regular part of D&D for decades. As have Dinosaurs. But we're not fans of either. The recent release of Tomb of Annihilation includes Dinosaur races, which has opened a few old wounds for us.

    Episode 20: Initiative

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 19, 2017 24:05


    Initiative is the D&D mechanic for deciding the order of play during an encounter. As players of D&D we don't often question how initiative works or how it could be different. But in this episode Robert and Erik do exactly that. Why do we use initiative? And what alternatives are there? Is there a better way to run initiative?

    Episode 19: Massive Tangent #2 - Rose City Comic Con 2017

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 12, 2017 47:07


    This week Robert and Erik talk about the 2017 Rose City Comic Con. Rose City Comic Con is an annual comic book and pop culture convention that takes place here in Portland, Oregon each September. We went with some friends, saw the sights and wanted to share what we saw and out thoughts on Comic Cons in general The content of this episode is not 100% Dungeons and Dragons oriented, but chances are, we'll touch on subjects you care about.

    Episode 18: Death of a Character

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 5, 2017 27:12


    This episode we discuss the most unfortunate thing that can happen in a game of D&D. Running out of snacks. I mean... A player's character dying. We ask the question: "Can a game of D&D still be fun when a character dies?" And then we answer that question.

    Episode 17: Setting the Mood

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 29, 2017 31:35


    Want to set the right mood with your D&D Players? We all do. In this episode we talk about methods that go beyond the game play. Creative means of using Audio, Visuals, Props and Voices

    Episode 16: Building a Backstory

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 22, 2017 36:08


    Do D&D characters need a backstory and why? Where do I get one? Can I get a new one if mine's broken? We talk about: Inspirations for back-stories. Mechanical devices to help with solo or collaborative back-story writing. Limitations of the back-story. And in the middle of our podcast we invent "D&D Speed-Dating" (patent pending). Find the gaming group of your dreams!

    Episode 15: Anatomy of an Encounter

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 15, 2017 32:06


    Erik and Robert take a close look at what the basic parts of Encounters in D&D. We dissect them down to their key elements, then get into how Bruce Willis doesn't like water. Erik's big take away is: the players should always believe they can fail any encounter.

    Episode 14: Session Structure

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 8, 2017 26:14


    Erik and Robert take a macro look at a session of D&D. The food, the banter, the setup, the getting settled and eventually the game play. Since D&D sessions can take between 3 to 6 hours, we discuss how that plays out and what to be aware of. The logistics of getting a group of people to come together for a common gaming experience is not trivial. And often it requires a lot of snack foods.

    Episode 13: Massive Tangent #1 - Castlevania

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 1, 2017 40:02


    This being our 13th episode, we decided to review something spooky. Robert and Erik talk about the new Netflix series "Castlevania". We talk through every monotonous detail of the plot, so... Spoilers! To avoid spoiling anything for people who don't want things spoiled, I'm not putting anything more here. So there.

    Episode 12: Tools for Character Generation

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 25, 2017 26:56


    In this episode, Chris and Erik discuss character generation software and third party content systems. Character Generation systems we mention: * PCgen (http://pcgen.org/) * Fantasy Grounds (https://www.fantasygrounds.com/) * Roll20 (https://roll20.net/) * Hero Lab (http://www.wolflair.com/index.php?context=hero_lab) * Myth Weaver (https://www.myth-weavers.com/) * The 4e character gen website Chris mentioned that may crash your browser: (http://www.pathguy.com/cg4.htm) Third party content providers we mention: DriveThruRPG (http://www.drivethrurpg.com/) Open Gaming Network: (https://opengamingnetwork.com/) Stack Exchange (RPG): (https://rpg.stackexchange.com/) Subreddits worth looking at: * Behind The Screen (https://www.reddit.com/r/DnDBehindTheScreen/) * Matthew Colville (https://www.reddit.com/r/mattcolville/) * DM Toolkit (https://www.reddit.com/r/DMToolkit/) If you have questions or comments, you can find us on Twitter: @dungeon_tangent Anything else you might want to know about us can be found here: www.dungeonsandtangents.net Special Guests: .

    Episode 11: D&D Beyond - Pricing Announcement

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 20, 2017 22:16


    In this episode, Robert and Erik discuss the recently announced D&D Beyond pricing. What is the pricing, our reaction to it, and how the new tool fits into the growing D&D online ecosystem. D&D Beyond is scheduled to release August 15th One Time Fees: * Source Books (PHB, DMG, Monster Manual, Volo's Guide, etc.) $29.99 * Adventure Modules (Curse of Strahd, Lost mine of Phandelver, etc.): $24.99 each * First Week Special: $19.99 each for PHB, DMG, Monster Manual Subscriptions: * Hero: $2.99/month * Master: $5.99/month See more here: D&D Beyond - How much will it cost? (https://dndbeyond.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/115004549028-How-much-will-it-cost-) or here: Release Date August 15th - Pricing Details Announced (http://www.dndbeyond.com/forums/d-d-beyond-general/news-announcements/5335-release-date-august-15th-pricing-details-announced)

    Episode 10: D&D Beyond

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 17, 2017 22:18


    In this episode, Erik and Chris Rutledge discuss the D&D Beyond website. What it is, what it promises to be, and how it came about. Here is the timeline we run through: May 2014 - Fantasy grounds in steam July 2014 - WOTC releases D&D 5e April 2015 - Lost Mine of Phandelver on Fantasy Grounds. June 2015 - Geek & Sundry starts "Critical Role" on Twitch March 2016 - WOTC starts "Dice Camera Acton" on Twitch July 2016 - Roll20 licensing deal (http://kotaku.com/playing-d-d-online-is-about-to-get-easier-1784473155) August 2016 - Twitch acquired by Curse (https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Curse,_Inc.) Nov 2016 - Twitch becomes Exclusive MTG video content/tournament broadcasting (http://magic.wizards.com/en/articles/archive/news/magic-twitch-and-you-full-2017-video-coverage-picture-2017-02-01) Early 2017 - DNDBeyond.com alpha Early March 2017 - WOTC announces DND beyond as app March 2017 - DNDBeyond.com phase 1 beta June 2017 - DNDBeyond.com phase 2 beta Special Guests: .

    Episode 9: Adventure Prep

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 6, 2017 50:31


    We talk through casting NPCs, buying materials, gathering and writing your own reference materials, the fears of being a DM and how to create conflict. The good kinda conflict. You know? The kind that involves killing goblins. Our official website: http://www.dungeonsandtangents.net/

    Episode 8: Memorable Moments

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 18, 2017 52:29


    In this episode, Robert and Erik discuss how to make a gaming moments that stick in our memories. We talk through the three most memorable moments we've experienced, then talk through what it is that make them a fun experience and something we remember years later. Here are a bunch of our references: - Chutes and Ladders (https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/5432/snakes-and-ladders) - Monopoly (https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/1406/monopoly) - Candyland (https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/5048/candy-land) - Dominion (https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/36218/dominion) - Pathfinder (http://paizo.com/pathfinder) - Baldur's Gate (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baldur%27s_Gate) - The episode of Angel Erik was inspired by: Season 4, Episode 16 (http://buffy.wikia.com/wiki/Players) - Lost Mine of Phandelver (http://dnd.wizards.com/articles/events/starting-dd-starter-set) - Droop (https://dungeonsdonuts.tumblr.com/post/99526810284/my-friday-game-groups-goblin-companion-droop-i) - Gandalf (https://glasscannonpodcast.tumblr.com/image/134403117362) - Darth Vader (https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/ea/1c/c5/ea1cc57bc846b2a3a9dbd46eb7c26c58.jpg)

    Episode 7: Metagaming

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 5, 2017 43:17


    In this episode, Robert and Erik discuss the contentious subject of metagaming. We define metagaming as "The use of knowledge from outside a game's universe to gain an advantage inside of a game's universe." We talk about what it is, how it can help or hurt a gaming experience, ways of stopping or curbing metagaming, horror stories, and donuts. Here are links to the various people and products we mention. We did a lot of intellectualizing and thus, didn't mention a lot of people or products. Fate Core (http://www.evilhat.com/home/fate-core/) gaming system Official site of Adventure League/D&D Organized Play (http://dnd.wizards.com/playevents/organized-play) Matthew Colville's Youtube Channel (https://www.youtube.com/user/mcolville) List of Player Types (http://dustin.wikidot.com/player-types) closely resembling the list in the 5th edition Dungeon Master's Guide

    Episode 6: Miniatures

    Play Episode Listen Later May 31, 2017 50:56


    This time, Robert and Erik talk Miniatures. Big, medium, and small. Pewter, plastic, and paper. We discuss miniatures that help with tactics and establish a shared understanding. We talk scale, brands, painting, transportation options, and the sexism of fantasy and how it translates to miniatures. Here are link to the various people and products we mention: - Pathfinder tokens (https://paizo.com/pathfinder/miniatures/pawns) - Reaper Miniatures (https://www.reapermini.com/) - Miniature Market (https://www.miniaturemarket.com/) - Robert's Favorite foam miniature carrying case (http://us.battlefoam.com/) - Female Centric Miniature line (http://www.oathswornminiatures.co.uk/) - Boris Vallejo's official website (http://www.borisjulie.com/) - Matthew Colville's Youtube Channel (https://www.youtube.com/user/mcolville) Games Shops in PDX we know about: - Guardian Games (http://www.ggportland.com/) - Rainy Day Games (http://www.rainy-day-games.com/) - Portland Games Store (http://www.theportlandgamestore.com/) - Time Vault Games (http://www.timevaultgames.com/#&panel1-1) - The Game Lodge (http://thegamelodgeoregon.com/beaverton-tigard/index.html)

    Episode 5: Maps

    Play Episode Listen Later May 10, 2017 56:38


    In this Episode, Robert and Erik talk Maps. We discuss maps that inspire, establish setting, help with tactics or establish a shared understanding. Then we get philosophical about how maps and other inspirational pieces need to leave gaps that the viewer can fill with their imagination. It gets all existential. Then we talked about Mel Gibson LARPing. Here are link to things we mention so you don't think we're making stuff up: Works of Karen Wynn Fonstad (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karen_Wynn_Fonstad) - Forgotten Realms Atlas (http://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/120837/The-Forgotten-Realms-Atlas-2e) - Atlas of the Dragonlance World (http://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/182424/Atlas-of-the-Dragonlance-World-1e) - The Atlas of Middle-earth (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Atlas_of_Middle-earth)

    Episode 4: Narration

    Play Episode Listen Later May 4, 2017 44:48


    In this Episode, Chris Rutledge joins Erik to talk about Narration. We discuss back stories, settings, imagery verses perception, environmental consistency, building your descriptive vocabulary and a bunch of other subjects. They all surround the central ideas of keeping the players engaged, believing in the world of the game, and having fun. Things we reference (or blatantly endorse): - The Glass Cannon Podcast (http://www.glasscannonpodcast.com/) - Matthew Colville (https://www.youtube.com/user/mcolville) - Patrick Stewart (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HTROgQORCt4) - Pathfinder & Paizo (http://paizo.com/pathfinder) Special Guests: .

    Episode 3: Table Manners

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 30, 2017 63:45


    In this Episode, Robert and Erik talk Table Manners. We discuss an obscene amount of topics: Good and bad Banter, staying focused while gaming, eating at the table, knowing the rules, player preparedness, arguing with DMs, and what DMs can do to ruin a game. Things we reference: - Mary Sue (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_Sue) - D&D Adventure League (http://dnd.wizards.com/playevents/organized-play) - The 10 Commandments of being a Good D&D player (https://www.reddit.com/r/DnD/comments/3dkcx5/can_we_compile_the_ten_commandments_of_being_a/)

    Episode 2: We can talk about dice for hours

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 29, 2017 58:53


    In this Episode, Robert and Erik talk dice... for an hour! We discuss the purpose of dice, dice accuracy, dice superstitions, dice rolling, and our first memories of dice. Things we mention: - Chessex Dice (http://www.chessex.com/index.html) - Game Science Dice (http://www.gamesciencedice.com/) - creator Louis Zocchi - Erik's Crazy Spreadsheet (https://drive.google.com/open?id=0BygxTT12PjUwMXhNSWJNSmRIU00) of dice rolls - Someone else's crazy dice rolling experiment (https://www.awesomedice.com/blog/353/d20-dice-randomness-test-chessex-vs-gamescience/) - Matt Colville's Running the Game Series (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e-YZvLUXcR8&list=PLlUk42GiU2guNzWBzxn7hs8MaV7ELLCP_) - DriveThruhRPG (http://www.drivethrurpg.com/) - Encounter Roleplay (http://www.encounterroleplay.com/)

    Episode 1: What the hell are we calling this?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 23, 2017 34:08


    In this Episode, Robert and Erik try to stay on topic. The topic being; what to name this Podcast. We discuss other podcasts, potential names, and past D&D experiences. Podcasts we mention: - Acquisitions Inc (https://www.penny-arcade.com/patv/show/acquisitions-incorporated-the-series) - RPGMP3 (http://www.rpgmp3.com/) - Check It Out, Comrade! (http://www.checkitoutcomrade.com/) – With our friend and coworker Nick. - Glass Cannon (http://www.glasscannonpodcast.com/) – May include Chris Rutledge as guest star - Critical Role (http://geekandsundry.com/shows/critical-role/) - The Adventure Zone (http://www.maximumfun.org/shows/adventure-zone) - Drunks & Dragons (http://geeklyinc.com/category/drunks-and-dragons/) - D&DUI (http://www.dndui.com/) - Matthew Colville (https://www.youtube.com/user/mcolville) - Hello from the Magic Tavern (https://hellofromthemagictavern.com/) - Harmontown (http://www.harmontown.com/) - HarmonQuest (https://www.seeso.com/view/series/harmonquest) Names we discuss: - DM Academy - Funny Dice - Dungeon Debacle - Dungeon Debauchery - “What’s this 20 Sided Die doing in my dreams?” - D20 Dreams - 20 Sided Podcast - Bob & Erik Save the World - Murder Hobos - THE Murder Hobos Art for 1-900-D20-DRMS came from these artists: - http://karafactory.deviantart.com/ - http://meganerid.deviantart.com/ - http://lindalisa.deviantart.com/ - http://sicilianvalkyrie.deviantart.com/ - http://glinelen.deviantart.com/ - http://mistresselysia.deviantart.com/ - http://faithkata.deviantart.com/ Music: - Classical Guitar Intro by Erik Dewhurst - 80’s Sax music: unknown source

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