Gaming and BS RPG Podcast

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Brett and Sean (BS) are two of your friends talking about tabletop roleplaying games. We don't take ourselves too seriously and don't always agree. That's our charm. Segments include Random Encounter to field comments from listeners, Main Topic, and Die Roll which is 2-4 links to gaming-related stuf…

Brett and Sean

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    • Apr 18, 2023 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 1h 59m AVG DURATION
    • 509 EPISODES

    4.7 from 96 ratings Listeners of Gaming and BS RPG Podcast that love the show mention: misdirected mark, semper fidelis, great rpg, tabletop rpgs, ttrpg, brett, rpg podcast, sean, role playing, gaming podcasts, gamers, hobby, systems, two guys, rotation, con, players, games, great topics, production.



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    Latest episodes from Gaming and BS RPG Podcast

    Chasing the Spotlight

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 18, 2023 64:57


    Brett and Sean meetup during a Saturday LIVE stream to catch up and talk about spotlight hogging, or rather chasing the spotlight.  Join Sean every Saturday at 8am CT LIVE on Youtube https://youtube.com/how2rpg Stay in touch with the community, join the Discord. http://gamingandbs.com/discord Buy Brett's The Streets of Avalon rpg setting https://bit.ly/streets_avalon

    Surprise 2023

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 13, 2023 105:24


    Streaming on a Saturday morning, the boys got together to talk about some stuff. === Join Sean on Saturdays at 8am CT: http://how2rpg.com Discord: http://gamingandbs.com/discord Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/seanpkelley

    Announcement: BSer Con 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 19, 2022 1:58


    BSer Con 2: Electric Boogaloo is happening! Back by popular demand, we will be holding our virtual online #ttrpg convention in January 2023. Event submission and badge registration is open now. Head over to http://gamingandbs.com/bsercon for badges, dates, and more!

    Until We Meet Again

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 30, 2022 151:49


    The final episode of the show, we chose to do an AMA format. Thank you for all the questions. Special thanks to John for keeping us on the mics for just a little longer. Thank you to all the BSers! This one is dedicated to you. Random Encounter Voicemail from Jason Hobbs Mirko the Digitalhobbit... The post Until We Meet Again appeared first on Gaming and BS RPG Podcast.

    gaming ama until we meet again
    What Have We Learned

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 15, 2022 96:03


    We look back and reflect upon things we've learned over the last 7+ years. Random Encounter Chris Shorb calls in about Are They Lying? Email from my friend Chris D. Follow up email from Roger Brasslett about hanging it up Audio from Harrigan, friend and moderator of our Discord Die Roll Dwarven Fiasco Covenstead: A... The post What Have We Learned appeared first on Gaming and BS RPG Podcast.

    gaming harrigan what have we learned
    Are They Lying?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 1, 2022 74:11


    How the hell do you deal with lying in your rpgs? Lying NPCs that is, or lying PCs perhaps – not talking about out of game lying (e.g. “I swear it was Sean that took the last beer!”), but lying in your games. Announcements First episode of GM Mastermind dropped today. Go subscribe Random Encounter... The post Are They Lying? appeared first on Gaming and BS RPG Podcast.

    GBS Finale Trailer

    Play Episode Listen Later May 12, 2022 1:27


    Gaming and BS trailer leading up to the final episode – #384. Submit your questions for the AMA: https://gamingandbs.com/ama Join us LIVE on June 27th at 8pm CT/1am GMT The post GBS Finale Trailer appeared first on Gaming and BS RPG Podcast.

    RPG Starter Sets

    Play Episode Listen Later May 11, 2022 72:08


    Is getting a rpg starter set worth purchasing or should you go straight to the core book? Announcements Thank you carlclare for the kind review GM Mastermind! Random Encounter Matt aka mgr comments on the last episode Duet Gaming Forrest comments on Duet Gaming Die Roll Trailhead from Discord: 150 Toothless Skulls in Mexico, Ancient... The post RPG Starter Sets appeared first on Gaming and BS RPG Podcast.

    mexico gaming discord ancient starter sets announcements thank
    Duet RPG Play

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 26, 2022 64:13


    Duet gaming, or one game master and one player. Announcements End is near. After 7+ years and what will be 384+ episodes of the show, B and I have decided to retire. Random Encounter DM Cojo voicemail on save or die Die Roll Caught in the Backrooms – a little something by our friend Chad... The post Duet RPG Play appeared first on Gaming and BS RPG Podcast.

    Brett GMs, Sean Player

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 24, 2022 152:17


    Brett assumes the role as game master as Sean plays two characters in this short adventure. Only this time Brett talks about the decisions he makes and why, and he does it in real-time.   Subscribe on iOS or Android so you don't miss our next episode where we have a big news to share.... The post Brett GMs, Sean Player appeared first on Gaming and BS RPG Podcast.

    Vaesen, An Overview

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 2, 2022 105:24


    Vaesen, a nordic horror rpg by Free League Publishing. You will find out why we like this rendition of a curated role-playing game. Fancy talk for what we're about to divulge. Random Encounter Voicemail from Chris Shorb Voicemail from Todd Crapper of Broken Ruler Games Jim F. emails about ep 377 using lore and setting... The post Vaesen, An Overview appeared first on Gaming and BS RPG Podcast.

    Using Lore and Setting to Solve Issues

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 19, 2022 79:00


    If you want the Players to engage with your lore/setting/cool stuff – you need to make that stuff part of the solution to their problems. The lore must be relevant to the adventure. If they can solve everything with their character sheet, they don't need your setting. Unless the player(s) really like learning your lore,... The post Using Lore and Setting to Solve Issues appeared first on Gaming and BS RPG Podcast.

    Story and Drama

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 4, 2022 69:48


    Of all of the things that we steal from other art forms (e.g. movies, novels, TV, etc.) for our games, one of the things that would be most helpful would be to understand story structure, drama, and pacing. Developing and tuning our senses for these things will help us not only as GMs, but also... The post Story and Drama appeared first on Gaming and BS RPG Podcast.

    Motivation, Believability, Immersion

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 20, 2022 86:17


    We talk about making a setting/world believable for us/our players – helping to keep the verisimilitude working. But do we know what we need/want? I mean, what does it take for us to believe? What about the other players in the game? Perhaps we need to provide different things to different players to help them?... The post Motivation, Believability, Immersion appeared first on Gaming and BS RPG Podcast.

    RPG, The Rough Draft

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 28, 2022 81:44


    One of the things we like to compare RPGs to is to novels, screenplays, etc. One of the things that we need to really understand and appreciate about this is that those products are HEAVILY edited, managed, and modified before they come to us. When we create an rpg adventure, campaign, or even a simple... The post RPG, The Rough Draft appeared first on Gaming and BS RPG Podcast.

    X-over Third Floor Wars

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 14, 2022 146:35


    A special crossover episode. This week we feature an episode from Craig Shipman's podcast Third Floor Wars. In this episode Craig interviews Sage LaTorra, co-creator of Dungeon World.  Enjoy. Find more Third Floor Wars: Website: https://thirdfloorwars.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/ThirdFloorWars Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/thirdfloorwars Subscribe on iOS or Android so you don't miss our next episode. GamingandBS.com/Discord GamingandBS.com/Forums GamingandBS.com/Games... The post X-over Third Floor Wars appeared first on Gaming and BS RPG Podcast.

    Rival Adventuring Party

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 8, 2022 73:15


    Rival adventuring party in your role-playing game, do you use them? How do you use them? It is obvious to the players they are a rival group? Announcements BSer Con event registration opens Jan 10 at noon CT Random Encounter Voicemail from Old School DM Warden sounds off on last episode DnD Success with a... The post Rival Adventuring Party appeared first on Gaming and BS RPG Podcast.

    Random Encounter – 5e Success with Setback

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 30, 2021 100:01


    An extended Random Encounter segment as we talk more about 5e success and failure. Announcements Change in release schedule Intro the show – sign up BSer Con Evercon – website Arcadia – website Random Encounter Stephen Dragonspawn phones in a couple – bad dice Edwin emails us about Bad Dice Old School DM comments on... The post Random Encounter – 5e Success with Setback appeared first on Gaming and BS RPG Podcast.

    Multiple NPC’s in the Same Scene

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 23, 2021 73:13


    Multiple NPC's in the same scene can cause the game master to have a conversation with themselves. The players will want to know who is who. Thanks Edwin Nagy for inspiration on this one. Announcements BSer Con – submit your events. Event submission closes Jan 3rd. http://gamingandbs.com/bsercon Random Encounter Eric J comments on Good Dice... The post Multiple NPC's in the Same Scene appeared first on Gaming and BS RPG Podcast.

    When Good Dice Go Bad

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 16, 2021 54:19


    What do we do when the dice turn on us? How to have fun even if the randomizer of choice fails us. Announcements BSer Con – event submission closes Jan 3, 2022 Introsignup Die Roll The Wachterhaus Crypt, dnd5e adventure. Expands on events from St. Andral's Feast in Curse of Strahd on DMs Guild  ... The post When Good Dice Go Bad appeared first on Gaming and BS RPG Podcast.

    Confusion Ignorance Discovery

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 11, 2021 88:09


    One of the things that can be very frustrating for our players is when they feel confused or ignorant. Sometimes though, being ignorant and working towards clarity is pretty necessary for the game to work. Announcements BSer Con – submit your events. Random Encounter Rory comments on episode 368 Hack Job or No Voicemail from... The post Confusion Ignorance Discovery appeared first on Gaming and BS RPG Podcast.

    RPG Hack Job or No

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 3, 2021 75:46


    Do we only want a solid core mechanic and then we lean on outside skills or ideas? In short, how much do we like to tinker/develop mechanics ourselves? We talk about the RPG hack job. Announcements BSer Con – Submit your events! Random Encounter Voicemail from Chris Shorb Voicemail from DM Cojo Edwin Nagy writes... The post RPG Hack Job or No appeared first on Gaming and BS RPG Podcast.

    gaming rpg hack job
    Choose, RPG Setting or System

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 24, 2021 80:45


    What makes us interested in a tabletop rpg? Is it the role-playing game setting(s), or is it the rpg system? Announcements BSer Con Random Encounter Gabe comments on ep 366 handling multiple expectations at the table Davy W writes in Laramie comments on Limiting PC Creation Options for Sake of Tone LordBob comments on Limiting... The post Choose, RPG Setting or System appeared first on Gaming and BS RPG Podcast.

    Multiple Expectations at the RPG Table

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 12, 2021 76:44


    What happens when you have more than one set of expectations/desires at the table? Have one person who doesn't care if their PC dies early or often, another never wants to die, another wants to just have combat encounters, someone else only wants to role-play…. Announcements BSer Con badge registration and event submission open now... The post Multiple Expectations at the RPG Table appeared first on Gaming and BS RPG Podcast.

    Limiting PC Options to Preserve Tone

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 5, 2021 77:36


    Maintaining tone in a #ttrpg is one of the hardest things to maintain – Sometimes creating limits to player character generation options can help enforce and maintain this through the campaign. Announcements BSer Con – submit your events. Random Encounter Matt Bohnhoff emails us on The End is Near Voice mail from Chris Shorb Die... The post Limiting PC Options to Preserve Tone appeared first on Gaming and BS RPG Podcast.

    Save or Die!

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 29, 2021 80:10


    Brett is running some AD&D and one of the features (bugs?) in this game is the Save or Die situation. Some folks hate this and others enjoy it. Where are we? Announcements BSer Con is underway with registration and event submission!! Head to gamingandbs.com/bsercon . It's virtual/online Jan 28-30, 2022. Random Encounter Jim, inspiration for... The post Save or Die! appeared first on Gaming and BS RPG Podcast.

    How Do We Organize as GM’s

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 21, 2021 83:19


    How are Sean and Brett organizing their GM stuff? campaigns, sessions, etc. Anything not working? How much is a matter of having to use the tools and use the tools (practice)? Thanks to patron Jim I. for the inspiration! Announcements IntroSignUp – Thank you Angus, check out Kirby's Kids Podcast: https://bit.ly/3Gjv6My Project BS: Delta Green... The post How Do We Organize as GM's appeared first on Gaming and BS RPG Podcast.

    The End is Near

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 8, 2021 63:58


    What are the Up and Down sides to knowing when a campaign is going to end? “Well… this is the last session so…” “We only have X more sessions” Does any of this impact how we plan, play, run? Announcements Project BS Random Encounter Bob L. writes in on episode 361 and Brett's Dungeon E... The post The End is Near appeared first on Gaming and BS RPG Podcast.

    End Goal in Mind

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 30, 2021 101:11


    Location Encounters are sometimes a bit of a special beast. How in-depth do we make them? How big? How much time does that party want to spend here? How many game sessions are we ready have in this location? Sean and I got to talking about building and using dungeons and other such locations where... The post End Goal in Mind appeared first on Gaming and BS RPG Podcast.

    No Right Answer

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 23, 2021 76:22


    One of the key things that make a TTRPG a TTRPG is that there is no “Right Answer” for nearly everything. By that I mean – when you have any encounter, there are quite nearly unlimited options for how you will solve it. No two groups will play through the same adventure the same way.... The post No Right Answer appeared first on Gaming and BS RPG Podcast.

    Don’t Tell Me What Play

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 18, 2021 74:27


    How do we nicely discuss the topic of “you should play X game instead of Y game” so that we don't come across as snobbish assholes? “I want to play X type of game with Y system” is often met with, “Then you shouldn't play that system, you need this better system.” Announcements Project BS:... The post Don't Tell Me What Play appeared first on Gaming and BS RPG Podcast.

    You Meet in a Tavern

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 11, 2021 90:58


    It's a classic rpg trope. You all meet in a tavern, but it doesn't have to be boring or the same every time you use it. Besides, there are other ways to bring your role-playing game party of characters together. Announcements Project BS: The Delta Green Experiment Sign up for some games Random Encounter Harrigan... The post You Meet in a Tavern appeared first on Gaming and BS RPG Podcast.

    Always Be Prepping

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 3, 2021 76:09


    Always be prepping rpg's. Many people don't think Brett does any prep for his games, but that's not necessarily true. Announcements Delta Green Experiment – we've chosen Hourglass (print / pdf) as our adventure. Next phase: Pick the dates and times for the game Gameholecon.com Random Encounter Chris Shorb leaves voicemail on dedication vs serious.... The post Always Be Prepping appeared first on Gaming and BS RPG Podcast.

    Picture This

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 27, 2021 94:36


    Using an image to portray the scene. Montage boards, throwing a picture down on the table or simply describing it to the players. Announcements Project BS: The Delta Green Experiment Third Floor Wars hosts Streets of Avalon game with Brett. Friday, Aug 27th at 8pm CT US Random Encounter David B. emails on homework and commitment... The post Picture This appeared first on Gaming and BS RPG Podcast.

    Player Homework RPG’s

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 21, 2021 86:11


    Players in rpg's don't read the handouts, or read the GM notes about the setting or home rules, how much homework should they do? Announcements Event registration is under way for Gamehole Con Avalon game – Friday, June 27th at 8pm on Twitch Random Encounter Harrigan, Rory, Vece and FeelinGoodLouis comment on Delta Green Initiative... The post Player Homework RPG's appeared first on Gaming and BS RPG Podcast.

    BS To Run The Same RPG

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 12, 2021 89:35


    Sean and I have been talking about running the same game with the same adventure to see who's better… actually, just to compare notes on how things are going, talk about how we're approaching things, and see if we can learn from each other.So, let's see if we can setting on a system and an... The post BS To Run The Same RPG appeared first on Gaming and BS RPG Podcast.

    Dedicated vs Serious RPG’ers

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 7, 2021 101:16


    Sean and I take this hobby seriously – more seriously than some other folks do. What happens when there are differences in dedication between folks in a group? Should folks like Sean and I cut some slack to those who don't take it as seriously/dedicated as we do? Announcements Gamehole Con events – 10 under... The post Dedicated vs Serious RPG'ers appeared first on Gaming and BS RPG Podcast.

    RPG Player Feedback

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 29, 2021 88:26


    RPG player feedback is not often considered. It is a little different from giving game masters feedback. We talk about it. Announcements Gamehole Con Random Encounter Stephen Dragonspawn emails us on Retcon Deputy Dragonspawn, of the BSPD I believe that you may have forgotten to mention that players often times have the ability to retcon... The post RPG Player Feedback appeared first on Gaming and BS RPG Podcast.

    Breaking the Fourth Wall

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 23, 2021 81:52


    Getting information to our players and to our GMs can be challenging. We want to do it in character, or as a character. Sometimes it's just easier to break the 4th wall. Announcements Gamehole Con Random Encounter Timothy Stone calls one in Timothy Stone calls one in Edwin emails us on hex crawls Edwin emails... The post Breaking the Fourth Wall appeared first on Gaming and BS RPG Podcast.

    RPG Retcon

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 17, 2021 86:55


    RPG Retcon, revise. A piece of new information that imposes a different interpretation on previously described events. Announcements Sean submitted a game for Gamehole Con Brett has submitted 3 games for Gamehole! Email sent out. You didn't get it? Sign up here Edwin Nagy is needing BS'er feedback, go here to provide it Random Encounter... The post RPG Retcon appeared first on Gaming and BS RPG Podcast.

    Pull Mechanics In From Other RPG’s

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 8, 2021 91:28


    You appreciate the thing that one rpg does but you prefer to run another game. Why not pull in a mechanic from one system into another? Thanks Cojo for the inspiration. Announcements Sean and Brett submitting games to Gamehole Con Email about to go out. Sign up here Random Encounter Timothy Stone calls in about... The post Pull Mechanics In From Other RPG's appeared first on Gaming and BS RPG Podcast.

    The Thing About RPG Editions

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 1, 2021 75:12


    Thing about rpg editions is we look back at older editions and find things familiar, that we miss. Newer editions could bring ingenuity, a certain pragmatism or mechanics that make better sense. Announcements Gamehole Con registration opens July 1st! Random Encounter Email from Ty Email from Ty Hey guys I really love the show. As... The post The Thing About RPG Editions appeared first on Gaming and BS RPG Podcast.

    Lessons Learned Running an RPG

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 28, 2021 84:54


    Brett wonders what kind of lessons did Sean learn when running one his most recent games. A GM's journey is never over. Announcements Let's play! Topic on Discord and Forums. Gamehole Con, come have fun! Random Encounter Sky comments on Discord about episode 345 modifying combats on the fly Sky comments on Discord about episode... The post Lessons Learned Running an RPG appeared first on Gaming and BS RPG Podcast.

    Being a Better TTRPG Player

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 21, 2021 76:55


    Being a better ttrpg player, it doesn't have to always fall to the game master to produce a great gaming experience. Announcements Let's play! Topic on Discord and Forums. Jim Fitzpatrick will be running a Sign Language game at Gamehole Con 2021! Random Encounter Todd Broken Ruler Games comments on modifying encounters on the fly... The post Being a Better TTRPG Player appeared first on Gaming and BS RPG Podcast.

    Modifying Combat Encounters on the Fly

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 10, 2021 76:55


    You plan a combat encounter, but the party walks through it, or it knocks them down too quickly. We talk about modifying encounters on the fly. Thanks to Eric Salzwedel for the inspiration! Announcements Gamehole Con register an event under Gaming and BS. Official plushie is the Blink Dog! Random Encounter Todd Crapper comments on... The post Modifying Combat Encounters on the Fly appeared first on Gaming and BS RPG Podcast.

    Streaming or Recording Actual Play

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 7, 2021 74:00


    Streaming or recording rpg actual play takes a different approach to how might run your game. It all depends on why you want to do it. Announcements Get your events into Gamehole Con. Consider running under GBS banner! Random Encounter Email from Mark Tasaka Email from Mark Tasaka Hi Sean, I would like to wish... The post Streaming or Recording Actual Play appeared first on Gaming and BS RPG Podcast.

    Expecting Too Much from RPG’s

    Play Episode Listen Later May 28, 2021 74:26


    RPG’s, source of joy, friendship, creativity, and much more. But for some of us they can become an obsession and possibly a crutch. We try and find the perfect game. Are we expecting too much? Announcements Let’s play! Topic on Discord and Forums.Submit events to Gamehole Con under GBS banner Random Encounter Voicemail from Timothy... The post Expecting Too Much from RPG’s appeared first on Gaming and BS RPG Podcast.

    Changing the RPG Setting

    Play Episode Listen Later May 20, 2021 72:54


    Jared Rascher broke Brett’s Avalon cosmology by changing the rpg setting!  Why isn’t Brett mad about that?  Let’s talk about what Jared did, why it’s pretty cool, and what ideas/lessons we can learn from this. Changing the RPG setting can be done. Make it your game. Will the changes make sense? Does it matter? We... The post Changing the RPG Setting appeared first on Gaming and BS RPG Podcast.

    Overview of Symbaroum by Free League Publishing

    Play Episode Listen Later May 12, 2021 100:51


    Overview of Symbaroum, the dark, gritty, and deadly tabletop rpg by Free League Publishing. We briefly touch on the mechanics and the setting. Announcements Let’s play! Want to try a new game, or play with other members of the BS community? Forbidden Lands – Year Zero Engine on How2RPG youtube channel Random Encounter Jared Rascher... The post Overview of Symbaroum by Free League Publishing appeared first on Gaming and BS RPG Podcast.

    The Game Master Saying No

    Play Episode Listen Later May 6, 2021 65:55


    A game master can say no when running a tabletop rpg. It doesn’t always have to be ‘yes and’ or ‘no but’. For the sanctity of the game! Announcements Let’s play! Topic on Discord and Forums. Gamehole Con even submission opened May 1st. Third Floor Wars runs Brett and Sean through Blades in the Dark,... The post The Game Master Saying No appeared first on Gaming and BS RPG Podcast.

    Horror, Tension, Suspense

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 29, 2021 84:24


    Games with horror, tension and suspense are not always easy to run, or play. Setting the tone of these games is not always that easy given that many of us play games outside the genre and for fun. Whereas these games may need a level of seriousness in order to ‘get it right’. Announcements GameholeCon... The post Horror, Tension, Suspense appeared first on Gaming and BS RPG Podcast.

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