I Cast Pod!

Here's a rundown of the episode: 00:43 + Heard Any Good Rumours Lately? News from the Planes 01:56 + Off To The Races: This episode features - nothing. We've covered all the races in the PHB! 03:56 + You So Classy! This episode, we're looking at Sorcerers 15:55 + Background Check: Entertainer 18:40 + Monster Menagerie: Jackalweres 22:03+ Lore Academy: Volo Total runtime 26:53 Sources & further reading:Sorcerer: PHB: 99-104 XGTE: 48-52 SCAG: 136-137 Entertainer: PHB: 130-131  Jackalwere: MM: 193 LinksNewshttps://www.ultrapro.com/product_list.php?cPath=248_265 (Ultra Pro)'s range of D&D merch https://www.80stees.com/?q=dungeons%20and%20dragons&page=1 (80's Tees)- D&D selection. Volohttps://forgottenrealms.fandom.com/wiki/Volo%27s_Guide_to_All_Things_Magical (https://forgottenrealms.fandom.com/wiki/Volo%27s_Guide_to_All_Things_Magical)- Volo on the FR wiki https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Volothamp_Geddarm (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Volothamp_Geddarm)- Wikipedia's entry on Volo Contact me:email https://icastpod.com/ (https://icastpod.com) - Website https://instagram.com/icastpod (Instagram) (most often used Social media) https://facebook.com/icastpod (Facebook) https://twitter.com/icastpod (Twitter) Episode TranscriptCold openWelcome to I Cast Pod, a D&D podcast about creating characters, taking chances, rolling dice and having fun. I'm Mike, your DM and guide to all things dungeonesque and dragon-y. This episode is the end of season finale, and we're talking about Entertainers, Sorcerers, Jackalweres, and Volo. Heard Any Good Rumours Lately?WotC has been busy recently, in light of the Black Lives Matter movement and general social change of our time, adding disclaimers to some of its older content, which may be seen a racially or culturally insensitive, or gender biased. D&D includes many races and has never penalised players who choose to play any gender, which was already admirable, but these steps will continue to ensure that anyone can play without feeling excluded or maligned. Ultra Pro showed off their ultra-cute vinyl Figurines of Adorable Power during the D&D Live 2020 livestream, including adorable Mimics, Flumphs, Owlbears and more. I've already seen the Red Dragon figure for sale and have been tempted… 80's Tees now have a range of D&D based merch, both from the main game and from the 80's cartoon spinoff, and includes character armour hoodies that make you look like you're wearing the armour of Hank the Ranger, Bobby the Barbarian or Eric the Cavalier, with more to come. Off to the RacesNoneWe're skipping playable races in this episode, as we've actually covered all the races in the PHB. Now I know that there are many more playable races, but it seemed a good point to end the season, and give me time to buy one of the other sourcebooks. Do you think I should go for Vole's Guide to Monsters, which contains Aasimar, Goblins, Orcs, Kenku, Tabaxi, Yaun-ti and more, or perhaps Mordekainen's Tome Of Foes, that includes Gith, and… er, well, Eladrin. Let's be honest, in terms of continuing to make content, it's going to be Volo's. I will also be looking into the Elemental Evil Player's Guide, which add Genasi, Goliath and Aarakocra, (the latter of which was covered as a monster way back in EP 3.) as well as the Dungeon Master's Guide: The Tortle Package, which perhaps unsurprisingly, adds options for playing as a Tortle - giving you the option of playing a young Rogue - Essentially a Teenage Mutant Ninja Tortle? Sorry, couldn't resist. Tortle. Tortle. Tortle. Word has lost all meaning. Ok, I swear I'm done with the Tortle jokes now. Anyway, let me know which race has been your favourite that we've covered so far, which is your favourite D&D playable race overall, or which race you've not played as yet & want to.  Also I'd love to hear your feedback on season 1. So far I only have one rating on iTunes, so that's one way of letting... Support this podcast

Here's a rundown of the episode: 00:43 + Heard Any Good Rumours Lately? News from the Planes. 03:31 + Off To The Races: This episode features  08:54 + You So Classy! This episode, we're looking at 16:27 + Background Check:  18:23 + Monster Menagerie:  22:18+ Lore Academy:  Total runtime 29:57 899 4 2 161 Sources & further reading: Half-orc: PHB - 40-41 Rogue: PHB - 94-98; SCAG: 134-136; XGTE: 44-47 Folk Hero: PHB - 131-132 Intellect Devourer: MM - 191 LinksNewshttps://dnd.wizards.com/products/tabletop-games/rpg-products/icewind-dale-rime-frostmaiden (https://dnd.wizards.com/products/tabletop-games/rpg-products/icewind-dale-rime-frostmaiden)- WotC page on Rime of the Frostmaiden https://dnd.wizards.com/products/fiction/comicsgraphic-novels/spine-world (https://dnd.wizards.com/products/fiction/comicsgraphic-novels/spine-world)- At the Spine of the World https://dnd.wizards.com/products/tabletop-games/rpg-products/icewind-dale-dice (https://dnd.wizards.com/products/tabletop-games/rpg-products/icewind-dale-dice)Icewind Dale Dice and Miscellany https://dnd.wizards.com/products/tabletop-games/rpg-products/icewind-dale-platinum (https://dnd.wizards.com/products/tabletop-games/rpg-products/icewind-dale-platinum)- Beadle and Grimm's Platinum Edition https://dnd.wizards.com/products/tabletop-games/miniatures/icewind-dale (https://dnd.wizards.com/products/tabletop-games/miniatures/icewind-dale)WizKids Icewind Dale Icons of the Realms Illithidshttps://forgottenrealms.fandom.com/wiki/Mind_flayer (https://forgottenrealms.fandom.com/wiki/Mind_flayer)FR Wiki on Mind Flayers https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XSc17QXxfyU (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XSc17QXxfyU )Baldur's Gate 3 Live Gameplay Presentation - includes opening cinematic. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B9hU6UJX_pc (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B9hU6UJX_pc)First gameplay demo of BG3, featuring combat with Intellect Devourers. Syrinscapehttps://syrinscape.com - syrinscape tabletop audio. Episode TranscriptCold openWelcome to I Cast Pod, a D&D podcast about creating characters, taking chances, rolling dice and having fun. I'm Mike, your DM and guide to all things dungeonesque and dragon-y. In this episode, we're talking about Icewind Dale, Half-orcs, Rogues, Folk Heros, Illithids and Intellect Devourers. Heard Any Good Rumours Lately?There's a new sourcebook coming! Icewind Dale: The Rime of the Frost Maiden ties in with not only R. A. Salvatore's Icewind Dale trilogy of novels - the first he wrote containing the Drow ranger Drizzt Do'Urden, but also it apparently has some tie in to the upcoming Dark Alliance game. (And presumably the previous Icewind Dale CRPG,) Touted as a horror adventure module, with 320 pages and over 50 stat blocks contained within - the most in any 5e module so far, several of which will be for the Frostmaiden Auril, herself as she can appear in various forms. Journey to the frozen wastes of the far north, to the communities of Ten-Towns and help defeat an ancient evil, brave blizzards, fish for Knucklehead trout or participate in an as-yet unnamed Goliath sport! The release date is Sept 15th and it should retail for $49.99. Want more Icewind Dale? IDW Publishing is going to be releasing At the Spine of the World on 21st Oct. The comic is set in Iceland Dale and features Saarvin, a Dragonborn Ranger, facing off against feral beasts, blizzards and a strange madness that has gripped the residents of Ten-Towns.  Still not enough? Well prepare for your adventure in Icewind Dale with Rime of the Frostmaiden Dice and Miscellany, which features eleven frosty looking dice, a foldout map of Icewind Dale and Ten-Towns, a felt lined box that doubles as two dice trays, and twenty double sided cards with descriptions and illustrations of creatures and characters from the area. The set is due to release on the 15th Sept for around $30. What? More? What makes you think…? Ok fine. Wizkids is releasing Support this podcast

Here's a rundown of the episode: 00:43: - Heard Any Good Rumours Lately? News from the Planes. 03:25 + Off To The Races: This episode features Half-elves 08:52 + You So Classy! This episode, we're looking at the Ranger 18:30 + Background Check: Guild Artisan 23:16 + Monster Menagerie: The Hook Horror 29:56 + Lore Academy: The Underdark Total runtime - 34:56  Sources & further reading:Half Elf - PHB: 38-39 Ranger - PHB: 89-93, XGTE: 40-43, SCAG: 133-134 Guild Artisan - PHB: 132-133 Hook Horror - MM: 189 LinksNewshttps://www.dndbeyond.com/sources/lrdtob (https://www.dndbeyond.com/sources/lrdtob)D&D Beyond - Legends of Runeterra: Dark Tides of Bilgewater https://www.dmsguild.com/product/316467/The-Book-of-Weird-Magic (https://www.dmsguild.com/product/316467/The-Book-of-Weird-Magic)- The Book of Weird Magic by Oliver Clegg  https://www.dndbeyond.com/marketplace/sourcebooks/mythic-odysseys-of-theros?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=moot&utm_campaign=TOF_+D%26D%2BMTG&utm_content=spider-+preorder&fbaid=23844632008460174&fbclid=IwAR3O09bVyZDKqt0rKkSpD5VMm8qgbz55CEuSpCbjIpTIomQmC6t6UheEQXI (https://www.dndbeyond.com/marketplace/sourcebooks/mythic-odysseys-of-theros?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=moot&utm_campaign=TOF_+D%26D%2BMTG&utm_content=spider-+preorder&fbaid=23844632008460174&fbclid=IwAR3O09bVyZDKqt0rKkSpD5VMm8qgbz55CEuSpCbjIpTIomQmC6t6UheEQXI)- Mythic Odysses of Theros on D&D Beyond Underdark areas https://forgottenrealms.fandom.com/wiki/Underdark (https://forgottenrealms.fandom.com/wiki/Underdark)- FR Wiki on the Underdark https://forgottenrealms.fandom.com/wiki/Buried_Realms (https://forgottenrealms.fandom.com/wiki/Buried_Realms)- FR Wiki on the Buried Realms https://forgottenrealms.fandom.com/wiki/Darklands (https://forgottenrealms.fandom.com/wiki/Darklands)- The Darklands https://forgottenrealms.fandom.com/wiki/Deep_Wastes (https://forgottenrealms.fandom.com/wiki/Deep_Wastes)- The Deep Wastes https://forgottenrealms.fandom.com/wiki/Earthroot (https://forgottenrealms.fandom.com/wiki/Earthroot) - Earthroot https://forgottenrealms.fandom.com/wiki/Glimmersea (https://forgottenrealms.fandom.com/wiki/Glimmersea)- Glimmersea https://forgottenrealms.fandom.com/wiki/Great_Bhaerynden (https://forgottenrealms.fandom.com/wiki/Great_Bhaerynden)- Great Bhaerynden https://forgottenrealms.fandom.com/wiki/Northdark (https://forgottenrealms.fandom.com/wiki/Northdark)- Northdark https://forgottenrealms.fandom.com/wiki/Old_Shanatar (https://forgottenrealms.fandom.com/wiki/Old_Shanatar) - Old Shanatar https://forgottenrealms.fandom.com/wiki/Great_Rift (https://forgottenrealms.fandom.com/wiki/Great_Rift)- the Great Rift Underdark denizenshttps://forgottenrealms.fandom.com/wiki/Phaerimm (https://forgottenrealms.fandom.com/wiki/Phaerimm) - Phaerimm https://forgottenrealms.fandom.com/wiki/Aboleth (https://forgottenrealms.fandom.com/wiki/Aboleth)- Aboleth https://forgottenrealms.fandom.com/wiki/Kuo-toa (https://forgottenrealms.fandom.com/wiki/Kuo-toa) - Kuo-toa https://forgottenrealms.fandom.com/wiki/Sahuagin (https://forgottenrealms.fandom.com/wiki/Sahuagin) -Sahuagin Episode TranscriptCold open Welcome to I Cast Pod, a D&D podcast about creating characters, taking chances, rolling dice and having fun. I'm Mike, your DM and guide to all things dungeonesque and dragon-y.  In this episode, we're talking about Half-elves, rangers, guild artisans, hook horrors and the Underdark! So let's get started! Heard Any Good Rumours Lately?We made it to ten episodes! That's not including the 2 bonus episodes so far. If you're listened to all 12, I want to thank you personally for coming on this journey with me. I've had almost 200 unique listeners, according to my stats, and they've come from all over the world. I've had listeners from the UK, the US, Canada, Germany, Iran, the Netherlands, Uruguay, and Australia! Wow. Thanks so... Support this podcast

Here's a rundown of the episode: 00:42 + Heard Any Good Rumours Lately? News from the Planes. 01:39 + Off To The Races: This episode features Tieflings 07:27 + You So Classy! This episode, we're looking at Paladins 20:51 + Background Check: The Hermit 23:42 + Monster Menagerie: Goblins 28:18 + Lore Academy/Announcements Total runtime - 30:31 Sources & further reading: Tieflings:PHB: 42-43 Paladins:PHB: 82-88 SCAG: 131-133 XGTE: 36-39 Hermit:PHB: 134-135 Goblins: Monster Manual: 165-166 Linkshttps://dnd.wizards.com/dndlive2020 (https://dnd.wizards.com/dndlive2020)- WotC's red Nose Day event: Roll With Advantage https://forgottenrealms.fandom.com/wiki/Tiefling (https://forgottenrealms.fandom.com/wiki/Tiefling)- FR Wiki on Tieflings https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tiefling (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tiefling)- Wikipedia on Tieflings https://syrinscape.com/ (https://syrinscape.com)- Syrinscape tabletop audio. I'm also including a full transcript of each show in the show notes from now on, so you can go over my scripts and see where I've flubbed bits, or just check over some of the stats I mentioned. I'll go back and put transcripts into all previous shows up to this point too, but that might take a little while, so check back later if you can't see them for a particular episode. Thanks. Episode 9 - Tieflings, Paladins, Goblins, and Hermits.Cold openWelcome to I Cast Pod, a D&D podcast about creating characters, taking chances, rolling dice and having fun. I'm Mike, your DM and guide to all things dungeonesque and dragon-y. In this episode, we're talking about Tieflings, Paladins, Goblins and Hermits - Red Nose Day and other podcasts too! Heard Any Good Rumours Lately?Between 18th-20th June, WotC are doing a series of live play D&D events called D&D live: Roll With Advantage, with various celebrities DM'ing and playing, including Deborah Ann Woll, Felicia Day, Brian Posehn, Amy Acker, Janina Gavankar, Matthew Lillard, David Harbour, Brandon Routh and more, to help Red Nose Day. WotC are also creating a special adventure, called Return to the Glory, available via the DM's Guild, as well as event apparel, showing a Snowy Owlbear with a red nose AND a way to participate remotely through their live event portal - with proceeds going to Comic Relief US and the Red Nose Day fund - link in the show notes. Off to the RacesTieflingOriginally introduced to D&D in the Planescape setting, Tieflings were described as a mix of human and, “something else”… implying that they had heritage that originated in the lower planes, which were evil. Tieflings were said to be descended from Fiends, but because their ancestral evil was many generations ago, they are not classed as half-fiends. This was changed in 4th Ed. So that now their ancestors made a bargain with devils to increase their power. They get their name from the the German “Tief” meaning deep, or low and the suffix “ing' as in offspring. German also has another connected word: “Teufel” meaning devil, which may also have contributed. Tieflings are generally maligned in society, due to their infernal heritage. Descended from a pact that happened generations ago, where the essence of Asmodeus, overlord of the nine hells, was infused into their bloodline, in order to make him a racial god, and ensure he had enough followers to gain godly powers. They carry vestiges of this demonic ancestry in their physical appearance - with large, prehensile tails that curl around their legs when they get nervous, extended canine teeth, and pupil-less eyes of solid colour - usually black, red, white, silver or gold. The most noticeable of their anatomical differences from humans, is a set of horns on their heads. Their horns come in a variety of colours and shapes. They may curl around their ears like a sheep, or spiral upwards like an antelope, or any number of variants, including antlers on those descended from Beshaba.  Some Tieflings whose... Support this podcast

Here's a rundown of the episode: 00:41 + Heard Any Good Rumours Lately? News from the Planes. 01:24 + Off To The Races: This episode features  10:17 + You So Classy! This episode, we're looking at  18:30 + Background Check:  22:31 + Monster Menagerie:  27:17 + Lore Academy: Total runtime - 32:54 Sources & further reading: GnomesPHB: 35-37 SCAG: 114-115 XGTE: 178 (names only)  MonkPHB: 76-81 NoblePHB: 135-136 FlumphMonster Manual: 135 Linkshttps://discord.gg/QC9d2YQ (https://discord.gg/QC9d2YQ)- Discord server to chat with me and others https://dnd.wizards.com/remote/freematerial (https://dnd.wizards.com/remote/freematerial)WotC free materials page https://forgottenrealms.fandom.com/wiki/Flumph (https://forgottenrealms.fandom.com/wiki/Flumph)- FR Wiki on Flumph's https://forgottenrealms.fandom.com/wiki/Bahamut (https://forgottenrealms.fandom.com/wiki/Bahamut )- FR Wiki on Bahamut https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bahamut_(Dungeons_%26_Dragons) (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bahamut_(Dungeons_%26_Dragons))- Wikipedia on Bahamut https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwiTrtD3kbbpAhUbiFwKHYDkAiAQFjAAegQICBAC&url=https%3A%2F%2Fsyrinscape.com%2F&usg=AOvVaw2gvDVpPkpmCdg53aRhl7gR (Welcome to Syrinscapesyrinscape.com) - Syrinscape tabletop audio Episode TranscriptCold openWelcome to I Cast Pod, a D&D podcast about creating characters, taking chances, rolling dice and having fun. I'm Mike, your DM and guide to all things dungeonesque and dragon-y.  In this episode, we're talking about Gnomes, Nobles, Flumphs, Monks and Bahamut! Heard Any Good Rumours Lately?Off to the RacesGnomeGnomes love life. They try to enjoy as much of it as possible, which considering they live for 3-5 centuries, means they're here for a good time AND a long time. Despite this lengthy lifespan, Gnomes still worry that they won't get to see and do everything they want to do in the time that is given to them.  Gnomes love to explore, create, invent, investigate and play, well into their adult lives.  Gnomes love to laugh, enjoying jokes and pranks. Their workshops erupt in peals of laughter as often as minor explosions and plumes of smoke.  Gnomes speak as fast as they think, which is generally pretty fast. Standing at slightly over 3 feet tall, and weighing 40-45 pounds, with tan faces and fair hair that has a tendency to strike out on it's own in several directions at once, bright eyes and a cheerful disposition. Males are often bearded, and in contrast to their hair, their beards are well-kempt and often styled into forks or points. These diminutive peoples, called the forgotten folk by some, are some of the least populous and influential in the world. Not having a major presence on the world stage would infuriate some races, but not the Gnomes - they revel in the anonymity it affords them and the protection that brings. Legend tells that Gnomes first sprang forth on Faerûn from mystic gems buried deep in the earth. This explains both their love of gems and their predilection for living in underground warrens. The forest Gnomes came from emeralds, diamonds became the rock Gnomes, and rubies became the deep Gnomes, or Svirfneblin. Gnomes tend to live in secluded, hidden places, away from other races, but will gladly work and socialise with humans, elves and dwarves, although Gnome interests often take second place to the concerns of the other races. Gnomes are often underestimated by the other races, but Gnomes have learned to use this to their advantage, both defensively and offensively, when required. Their homes are generally underground, but they come up into the sunlight more often than Dwarves. Their dwellings are hidden by a combination of clever architecture and illusions. Welcome visitors are quickly ushered into their bright little burrows, whereas those who are not welcome will Support this podcast

Bonus Episode #2 - A Brief History of D&DIntro Now in it's 5th edition, Dungeons and Dragons is experiencing a resurgence into popular culture, in large part due to the internet, and live streaming shows such as Critical Role; Acquisitions Incorporated, and Force Grey, as well as thousands of other live play shows, streams, youtube channels and podcasts. It has spawned countless other games, influenced most of the forms of entertainment we enjoy in some form or another and brought to the world the concept of “Levelling Up”. Without it, there'd be no World of Warcraft, or video games like The Witcher 3, and the entire field of gamification might never have arisen to help us enjoy our to-do lists. D&D has become a cornerstone of geek culture. It wasn't always so popular though. In fact during the 80's, it was positively vilified … but we'll get to that later. Join me now as I delve into the sprawling corridors of history to discover what D&D is, and how it came about. The beginningFirst, we need to travel back to 1971 before even your wizened and grey-bearded host was born - to a game called Chainmail, that was written by Gary Gygax and Jeff Perren. Gary was a long time miniature war-game veteran - the type still played by Military buffs around the globe today, as well as Warhammer and its variants. Essentially you have an army, represented by miniature figures. You enact or reenact battles by manoeuvring the army around the playing field using rulers and resolve battles by rolling dice, with the help of a referee. Gary saw that there was potential in expanding the rules of wargaming, which he felt could be constricting. In addition, Gary wanted to get away from using only 6 sided dice, as there was an inherent bell curve when rolling 2 of them: 2's and 12's were rare rolls, whereas 6's 7's and 8's are more common due to the increased combinations of numbers that can result. Gary initially used numbered poker chips 1-20, to ensure a 5% chance of getting any particular number. Later, he found a school supply catalogue that had dice shaped like all the Platonic solids, including the now-famous Icosahedron: A 20 sided die that will forever be known as the D20, thanks to D&D. ChainmailBetween 1968 & 1971, Gary and his friend Jeff Perren worked on what would become 16 pages of rules for a new type of game. They called it Chainmail, it differed from traditional war-games in 2 major ways: First, some of the miniatures, instead of representing multiple units, were instead known as ‘Hero' units, that could withstand much more punishment than ordinary units. Secondly, just for fun, rules were included for magical fantasy settings. Things like wizards, spells, elves and … dragons! Gary was a big fan of Robert E Howard's Conan series, and hoped to bring some of the swashbuckling adventure to tabletop gaming. In 1971, Chainmail was published by a games company started by a friend of Gary's. It was the company's biggest hit, making around $300 per month. Dave ArnesonDave Arneson, having already collaborated on a high seas naval combat game with Gary, modified Chainmail further to include improvisatory play, and moved the setting to a dungeon in order to make games easier to deal with. Dave also added an experience system, necessitated by his player groups wanting to play games that spanned multiple sessions. Characters now earned experience points, based on what they do in the game. Earn enough points and the character goes up a level. Dave also took a different approach to being the game's referee too, instead of just acting as an arbitrator of the rules, he also performed as a kind of guide to the dungeon and the world itself, describing the scenery and encounters. Gary and Dave agreed to collaborate again after talking about what Dave's group were up to, with Gary trying to codify new rules from Dave's notes and during long phone calls. There were four races in the original edition; Human, Elves,... Support this podcast

Here's a rundown of the episode: 00:41 + Heard Any Good Rumours Lately? News from the Planes. 04:39 + Off To The Races: This episode features Humans 08:32 + You So Classy! This episode, we're looking at the Fighter 17:47 + Background Check: The Outlander 20:05 + Monster Menagerie: The Ettin 24:18+ Lore Academy: None this time, listen to find out why 24:33 + The Infamous: Tiamat Total runtime - 30:45 Sources & further reading: Humans - PHB: 29-31 SCAG: 100-112, XGTE:(Names) 181-192 Fighters - PHB: 70-75 XGTE: 27-31, SCAG: 127-128 Oulander background - PHB: 136-137 Ettin - Monster Manual: 132 Linkshttps://www.icastpod.com/episode/episode-4-soldiers-and-beholders-and-dwarves-oh-my (https://www.icastpod.com/episode/episode-4-soldiers-and-beholders-and-dwarves-oh-my )I Cast Pod episode 4, which includes the Soldier background - useful for Fighter builds. https://forgottenrealms.fandom.com/wiki/Tiamat (https://forgottenrealms.fandom.com/wiki/Tiamat)- FR Wiki on Tiamat https://amzn.to/3d90UV4 (https://amzn.to/3d90UV4)- Amazon affiliate link to Tyranny of Dragons https://amzn.to/3aVVTxi (https://amzn.to/3aVVTxi) - Amazon affiliate link to Hoard of the Dragon Queen https://amzn.to/3aSEshd (https://amzn.to/3aSEshd)- Amazon affiliate link to Rise of Tiamat https://syrinscape.com/ (https://syrinscape.com) - Syrinscape tabletop audio. (Not an affiliate link) Episode TranscriptCold openWelcome to I Cast Pod, a D&D podcast about creating characters, taking chances, rolling dice and having fun. I'm Mike, your DM and guide to all things dungeonesque and dragon-y. In this episode, we're talking about Death Metal, Ettins, Tiamat, Fighters, and Outlanders. Heard Any Good Rumours Lately?I finally took delivery of my package of The Depths of Drasted - a limited edition boxed set of CD and one shot 5E compatible adventure, from the death metal band, The Black Dahlia Murder - who I'm already a big fan of. The adventure is designed to take around 3 hours to complete, so perfect for a one shot, and the character sheets all start at level 5, (“simply because at level 5 you have access to all the cooler spells and abilities” according to the booklet.) The adventure takes place in the long-deserted ruins of the city of Drasted, which in its prime was a centre for magical learning, but has been abandoned for long ages. Stories tell of this repository of knowledge being home to many powerful and magical artefacts, ripe for plunder - but superstitions abound of this dark and foreboding place being home to an ancient force that rose up from under the city, poisoning it's inhabitants and turning some into horrific abominations beyond the limits of flesh and imagination. In fact, as you enter a pall falls over the group and there seems to be an ominous green glow emanating from somewhere out of sight… The set contains: The CD of the album Verminous A 24 page adventure booklet, with hand drawn artwork for items, enemies, maps, and page borders as well as tables for slime mutations and temporary insanity.  A custom set of green dice, with a variation of the biohazard symbol on the ‘one' face, (apart from the D4, where it is in the middle on each face.) A DM screen featuring artwork from the album's cover  Custom pre-generated character sheets for Sloan McCord, cleric; Dux Lefevre, wizard; Wagner Lionheart, fighter; Walker Garrotte, fighter; and Chance Deveraux, rogue High quality thick presentation cards for the unique enemies in the game: Dark Cultist, Tomb Hornet Grave Rat and King Rat, with hand drawn artwork printed on one side and background info and stats printed on the reverse 4 Hand drawn printed pull out maps to play on with minis. There's definitely more than I expected in the box and it's of high quality overall. I'm really pleased with not only one of my favourite bands putting out a D&D adventure as a boxed set for its album release, but also the fact that the module has... Support this podcast

Here's a rundown of this episode: 00:30 + Dragons in human culture  01:58 + You Down With OG D&D? (Yeah You Know Me) 04:34 + The Magazine That Bears Their Name 08:22 + 2E Or Not 2E? 10:40 + Close Encounters of the Third Edition Kind 12:17 + May the Fourth Edition Be With You 14:07 + State of Play  16:07 + Colour Me Chromatic 20:04 + Metallics-a 25:21 + The Dracolich  Total runtime - 27:48  Further ReadingMonster Manual: 83-118 Linkshttps://dnd.wizards.com/articles/features/draco-historia (https://dnd.wizards.com/articles/features/draco-historia)- WotC on draconic history through the various editions https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=3&ved=2ahUKEwi0udSmhoHpAhXRT8AKHVKACWMQFjACegQIAhAB&url=https%3A%2F%2Fblogs.scientificamerican.com%2Fobservations%2Fhere-be-dragons%2F&usg=AOvVaw0icNgSfDOpmxtJ79ARfqyD (Here Be Dragons - Scientific American Blog Networkblogs.scientificamerican.com › observations › here-be-...) - Scientific American on Dragon ubiquity https://allthatsinteresting.com/dragon-legends (https://allthatsinteresting.com/dragon-legends)- All That's Interesting on Dragon legends Episode TranscriptIn this, our first bonus episode, we're talking about dragons. Dragons are ubiquitous across human culture and no one really seems to know why. Studies of Vervet monkeys showed that they have an innate fear of lions, eagles and snakes. Add those together in the right ways and you could end up with something that looks like a dragon, so perhaps humanity's obsession with the creatures is in part, evolutionary? Or perhaps the tales sprang from earlier times when we unearthed the fossilised remains of dinosaurs without the knowledge we have about them now? Those huge lizards seem primed for tales about gigantic flying beasts with preternatural powers, such as bringing rains or breathing fire. They permeate even into today's pop culture too, with the Hobbit and Game of Thrones both displaying impressive versions. In antiquity they were features in the Chines, Greek and Moari cultures, amongst others. The Babylonians had a serpent diety-monster called Tiamat - a name which may be familiar to you, or will be by the end of this episode. In the 1970's the creatures made their way into a game that evolved from tabletop war-games into something more fantasy based, which provided an ideal home for these reptillian monstrosities… So listen on, intrepid adventurer, but beware - for here be Dragons! You down with OG D&D? (Yeah You Know Me)Originally there were six types of Dragons in D&D: Black, White, Blue, Green, Red, and Golden. Dragons took up pages 11-14 of the Monsters and Treasures booklet for OD&D. Considering that most monsters at the time warranted only a paragraph or two, it showed how important Dragons were to the game - they are in the title, after all. In their original incarnation, dragons looked quite similar to their later and current versions. They already had set alignments - Golden dragons were lawful, while chromatic dragons were chaotic - and breath weapons that were different for each colour: Acid for black, cold for white, Chlorine gas for the greens, lightning for blues, fire for reds and either fire or gas for the golden. They also each inhabited unique terrains and represented different challenges for players of certain levels. Levels 5-7 would battle white dragons, 9-11 would face reds and 10-12 could fight golden dragons. They could also appear in different age groups, which defined their hit points and breath weapon damage. One major difference with OD&D dragons was their vulnerability and resistance to certain elements, for example: Blue dragons were vulnerable to fire but resistant to lightning and water. They also differed from most monsters, which were supplied only with combat stats, whereas dragons had percentages listed of likely they might be to talk with adventurers, or be... Support this podcast

Here's a rundown of the episode: 00:45 - Heard Any Good Rumours Lately? News from the Planes. 01:07 + Off To The Races: This episode features Halflings 08:30 + You So Classy! This episode, we're looking at Druids  18:12 + Background Check: The Sage 21:16 + Monster Menagerie: Not Dragons 22:04 + Lore Academy: The Harpers 26:29 + The Infamous: Elminster Aumar Total runtime - 35:15  Sources & further reading: Halflings: PHB: 26-28; SCAG: 108-110; XGTE: Racial feats - 73-75, Names - 179 Druid: PHB: 64-69; SCAG: 126-127; XGTE: 21-26 The Harpers: SCAG: 54, 123, 127, 147 Linkshttps://i.redd.it/3pmztddrf0v11.jpg - 5E race size comparison chart https://dnd.wizards.com/remote/freematerial (https://dnd.wizards.com/remote/freematerial)- WotC free material for its Play at Home, Stay at Home campaign during Covid lockdown. https://forgottenrealms.fandom.com/wiki/Elminster_Aumar (https://forgottenrealms.fandom.com/wiki/Elminster_Aumar) - FR wiki on Elminster https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elminster (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elminster)- Wikipedia on Elminster https://dnd.wizards.com/dungeons-and-dragons/what-dd/heroes/elminster (https://dnd.wizards.com/dungeons-and-dragons/what-dd/heroes/elminster )- WotC on Elminster https://amzn.to/2K81xBH (https://amzn.to/2K81xBH)- Amazon's list of Elminster novels, by Ed Greenwood (affiliate link) https://dnd.wizards.com/dungeons-and-dragons/story/faction/harpers (https://dnd.wizards.com/dungeons-and-dragons/story/faction/harpers)- WotC on the Harpers https://forgottenrealms.fandom.com/wiki/Harpers (https://forgottenrealms.fandom.com/wiki/Harpers)- FR wiki on the Harpers https://syrinscape.com/ (https://syrinscape.com)- Syrinscape tabletop audio Episode TranscriptCold openWelcome to I Cast Pod, a D&D podcast about creating characters, taking chances, rolling dice and having fun. I'm Mike, your DM and guide to all things dungeonesque and dragon-y. In this episode, we're talking about … Halflings, Harpers, Druids, Elminster - but not Dragons. Listen on to find out why. Heard Any Good Rumours Lately?Stay at Home, Play at Home - free resources Off to the RacesHalflingSmall in stature but large of heart, halflings enjoy a good meal, a blazing hearth, good drink and good conversation. Lovers of peace and home comforts, some halflings live in remote agricultural communities, while others, tempted by the wonders of new lands and new foods, form nomadic travelling societies, constantly moving in their caravan of covered wagons or boats, chasing the horizon. Thought of by most other races as plucky, lucky and deft, The Halflings, or Hin, are nimble, and courageous - sometimes beyond their apparent means. Halfling tales are often peppered with lucky escapes and narrow squeaks. Like Tolkien's Hobbits, D&D halflings in general stand about 3ft tall, which makes them smaller than most other races, including Gnomes. This, along with their stout nature, tends to make them… less than intimidating, for the most part, which has lead to them surviving for centuries by going either unnoticed, or at the very least appearing as no threat to anything else. Their complexion ranges from pale and ruddy, to tan and they usually sport brown or sandy brown wavy hair. Brown or hazel eyes are common and males often sport bushy sideburns, with beards being less common and moustaches being rare among them. They like brightly coloured clothes that favour comfort and function over style. In fact they are a generally practical and pragmatic race in general, their main concerns being occupied with basic needs rather than frippery and ostentation. Halflings have a knack for finding straightforward solutions to problems and don't have much patience for dithering. Wealth is not flaunted in halfling society, rather kept away in a cellar or other secret place.  Halflings are a happy and cheerful lot for the most part, and try to get on with everyone, other races included.... Support this podcast

Here's a rundown of the episode: 00:59 - Heard Any Good Rumours Lately? News from the Planes 01:10 - Off To The Races: This episode features the Elves 09:06 - You So Classy! This episode, we're looking at Clerics 16:09 - Background Check: Sailor 18:45 - Monster Menagerie: The Carrion Crawler 21:50 - Playing Safe: How to play D&D online during lockdown 25:42 - The Infamous: Minsc and Boo! Total runtime - 32:08  Sources & further reading:Elves: PHB: 21-25, SCAG: 105-108, XGTE: 176 (Names only) Cleric: PHB: 56-63 PHB Appendix B: Gods of the Multiverse: PHB 293-299 SCAG: Clerics: 125-126 SCAG: Religion in the Realms: 19-20 SCAG: The Faerûnian Pantheon: 21-23 SCAG: The Gods of Faerûn: 23-41 SCAG: The Gods of Mulhorand: 41 XGTE: Cleric: 17-20 Sailor: PHB - 139 Carrion Crawler: MM - 37 Linkshttps://forgottenrealms.fandom.com/wiki/Elf (https://forgottenrealms.fandom.com/wiki/Elf)- Forgotten Realms Wiki on Elves. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Nightmare (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Nightmare)- John Henry Fuseli's painting of The Nightmare, depicting a demon or incubus sitting on her chest as she sleeps, which almost certainly stemmed from folklore regarding elves. https://dnd.wizards.com/remote (https://dnd.wizards.com/remote)- Wizards of the Coast on how to play D&D remotely. https://forgottenrealms.fandom.com/wiki/Carrion_crawler (https://forgottenrealms.fandom.com/wiki/Carrion_crawler)Forgotten Realms Wiki on the Carrion Crawler https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=2&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwiEp-_xq8zoAhVAREEAHU-ACzIQFjABegQIDhAJ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3D0K2VORvNapM&usg=AOvVaw0KOHpqcuUEurpwnRnhcve4 (How to Play D&D Online | Roll20 Tutorial - YouTubewww.youtube.com › watch) - Roll20 How to play D&D online tutorial https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=9&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwiEp-_xq8zoAhVAREEAHU-ACzIQFjAIegQIAhAB&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.techradar.com%2Fuk%2Fhow-to%2Fhow-to-play-dd-online-and-actually-enjoy-yourself&usg=AOvVaw0DDVQPhq_IJifSsoy8u9cP (How to play D&D online – and actually enjoy yourself ...www.techradar.com › how-to › how-to-play-dd-online-and-actually-e…)- TechRadar's take on how to play D&D online https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=10&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwiEp-_xq8zoAhVAREEAHU-ACzIQFjAJegQIAxAB&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dndbeyond.com%2Fposts%2F750-new-players-guide-how-to-play-d-d-online&usg=AOvVaw0ytaOrenRarl5SbAe2sETN (New Player's Guide: How to Play D&D Online - Posts - D&D ...www.dndbeyond.com › posts › 750-new-players-guide-how-to-play-…)- D&D Beyond's guide to playing online https://nerdist.com/article/how-to-play-dungeons-and-dragons-online/ (https://nerdist.com/article/how-to-play-dungeons-and-dragons-online/)- Nerdist on playing online https://www.dndtomb.com/how-to-play-dnd-online/ (https://www.dndtomb.com/how-to-play-dnd-online/)- DnDTomb on playing online https://dm-helper.itch.io/dm-helper (https://dm-helper.itch.io/dm-helper)- DM Helper software https://app.roll20.net/ (https://roll20.net/) - Roll20's site for playing TTRPG's online https://www.fantasygrounds.com/home/home.php (https://www.fantasygrounds.com/home/home.php) - Fantasy Grounds software https://www.wizards.com/dnd/dice/dice.htm (https://www.wizards.com/dnd/dice/dice.htm)Wizards of the Coast dice roller. https://www.ddo.com/en (https://www.ddo.com/en)- D&D Online (videogame) https://www.playneverwinter.com/ (https://www.playneverwinter.com) - Neverwinter D&D MMORPG https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minsc (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minsc)Wikipedia on Minsc https://forgottenrealms.fandom.com/wiki/Minsc (https://forgottenrealms.fandom.com/wiki/Minsc)- Forgotten Realms Wiki on Minsc... Support this podcast

Here's a rundown of the episode: 01:30 - Heard Any Good Rumours Lately? News from the Planes. 01:57 - Off To The Races: This episode we discuss Dwarves. 08:00 - You So Classy: Looking at the Bard class. 13:33 - Background Check: Join the army! We check out the Soldier background. 16.54 - Monster Menagerie: The nightmarish Beholder is this episode's focus. Geddit? Focus! 24:36 - Lore Academy: Ever wanted to tear a planet apart? We talk about The Sundering(s) 27:00- The Infamous: The Drowse ranger Drizzt Do'Urden Total runtime: 32:37 Further readingDwarves: PHB: 18-20, SCAG:103-105, XGTE: 176 (Names only) Bard: PHB: 51-55 SCAG:122-124 XGTE: 12-16 Soldier: PHB: 104-141 Beholder: MM: 26 Drizzt Do'Urden: PHB: 21 (illustration)  R. A. Salvatore's novels (affiliate link) I recommend starting with Homeland, which is The legend of Drizzt, book 1: https://amzn.to/3a6xtSr (https://amzn.to/3a6xtSr) Linkshttps://discord.gg/g7HbME (https://discord.gg/g7HbME)- the I cast pod Discord server. Come and chat with me! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6WJHNxqXVWA (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6WJHNxqXVWA)A J Pickett on Dwarves. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-m73NN7_ETU (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-m73NN7_ETU) - the Dungeon Dudes on Bards https://geekandsundry.com/explore-the-unusual-history-of-the-beholders/ (https://geekandsundry.com/explore-the-unusual-history-of-the-beholders/)Geek and Sundry on Beholders, including video by Mr. Rhexx. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_CRIFPSIZbI&feature=emb_rel_pause (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_CRIFPSIZbI&feature=emb_rel_pause)Mr Rhexx, on Beholders https://forgottenrealms.fandom.com/wiki/Beholder (https://forgottenrealms.fandom.com/wiki/Beholder)- Forgotten Realms Wiki on Beholders https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beholder_(Dungeons_%26_Dragons) (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beholder_(Dungeons_%26_Dragons))- Wikipedia on Beholders https://forgottenrealms.fandom.com/wiki/Large_Luigi (https://forgottenrealms.fandom.com/wiki/Large_Luigi)Forgotten Realms Wiki on Large Luigi. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0bstyqFw3H8 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0bstyqFw3H8)- Jorphdan on The Sundering https://geekandsundry.com/who-the-heck-is-drizzt-dourden-one-of-dds-iconic-characters-explained/ (https://geekandsundry.com/who-the-heck-is-drizzt-dourden-one-of-dds-iconic-characters-explained/)- Geek and Sundry's Guide to Drizzt Do'Urden. https://forgottenrealms.fandom.com/wiki/Drizzt_Do%27Urden (https://forgottenrealms.fandom.com/wiki/Drizzt_Do%27Urden)- The Forgotten Realms Wiki on Drizzt. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drizzt_Do%27Urden (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drizzt_Do%27Urden)Wikipedia's page on Drizzt. Episode TranscriptCold openWelcome to I Cast Pod, a D&D podcast about creating characters, taking chances, rolling dice and having fun. I'm Mike, your DM and guide to all things dungeonesque and dragon-y.  I hope you're all well and not too stir crazy for those of you that are self isolating and social distancing! Hopefully you've had some extra time to play D&D or catch up on reading, prepping maps etc. As for me I'm currently off work and at home. My last session came just before the lockdown, and we're looking into doing our next session online. How have things affected you and your games? Drop me a line at icastpod@gmail.com to let me know.  Alternatively you can chat to me on our new Discord server! Search for I cast pod or use the link in the show notes. I'll try to be there as much as possible, especially during the lockdown. In this episode, we're talking about Dwarves, Bards, Soldiers, Beholders and the Legendary character Drizzt Do'Urden. So let's strap on our scimitars, pocket the statue of Guenhwyvar, and get stuck in! Heard Any Good Rumours Lately?We're a little light on news this episode, although it's worth mentioning that the explorer's Guide to Wildemount is now available, for those of you wanting to follow in the Support this podcast

Here's a rundown of the episode: 01:02 - Heard Any Good Rumours Lately? News from the Planes. 04:23 - Off To The Races. This episode features the Dragonborn as its playable race to discuss. 11:02 - You So Classy! This episode, we're focussing on the Barbarian. 17:36 - Background Check. Talking about the Urchin background and ways it can inform your roleplay of your character. 19:28 - Monster Menagerie. Starting with the Aaron A. Aaronson of D&D Monsters - The Aarakocra. 25:40 - Lore Academy. The Spellplague and its effects. 29:41 - The Infamous. Legendary characters from Dungeons and Dragons. This episode, we learn about Tymora. Total runtime - 33:17. Sources & further reading: DragonbornPHB: 32-34; SCAG: 112-114; XGTE: 74, (Racial feats,) 175-176 (Dragonborn names.)  BarbarianPHB: 141 XGTE: 8 SCAG: 121 Linkshttps://i.chzbgr.com/full/9088162304/h0F7EBDF4/poster-barbarian-know-nothing-passion-rage-can-sunder-mountains-may-speak-passion-diydespaircom (poster-barbarian-know-nothing-passion-rage-can-sunder-mountains-may-speak-passion-diydespaircom)- Barbarian Quote https://i.pinimg.com/originals/c4/2c/40/c42c40f371f67ce113250a26f87d58fb.jpg - Barbarian quote 2 https://forgottenrealms.fandom.com/wiki/Aarakocra (https://forgottenrealms.fandom.com/wiki/Aarakocra)- Aarakocra https://forgottenrealms.fandom.com/wiki/Syranita (https://forgottenrealms.fandom.com/wiki/Syranita)- Syranita, Patron God of Aarakocra. https://forgottenrealms.fandom.com/wiki/Akadi (https://forgottenrealms.fandom.com/wiki/Akadi)- Akadi, Queen of air. https://forgottenrealms.fandom.com/wiki/Aerdrie_Faenya (https://forgottenrealms.fandom.com/wiki/Aerdrie_Faenya) - Aerdrie Faenya, Elven goddess of the Seldarine. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tk7Xcd4OyBI (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tk7Xcd4OyBI)- AJ Pickett on Aarakocra https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wa9OyLmkSq8&t=134s (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wa9OyLmkSq8&t=134s)- WebDM on Aarakocra (& Kenku) https://forgottenrealms.fandom.com/wiki/Spellplague (https://forgottenrealms.fandom.com/wiki/Spellplague)- The Spellplague https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BDyqSsJPIs4 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BDyqSsJPIs4)- Jorphdan on the Spellplague https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UmYD-vyZv3U (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UmYD-vyZv3U) - Poohead189 (what a username!) on the Spellplague https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VMSOYUaZcBo (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VMSOYUaZcBo )- Jorphdan on Tymora (First half of video is on Torm.) Episode TranscriptCold openWelcome to I Cast Pod, a D&D podcast about creating characters, taking chances, rolling dice and having fun. I'm Mike, your DM and guide to all things dungeonesque and dragon-y. I'm excited about this episode as this marks the transition to how I think the show will be going forward. I wanted to do episode 1 & 2 as beginner episodes and the focus going forward will still be learning and have the beginner in mind - but I wanted to create all new sections to discuss things like playable races and classes, as well as famous NPC's and characters from D&D, and loads of other good info. So let's get started. Heard Any Good Rumours Lately?On the 2nd June, Wizards of the Coast are releasing Mythic Odysseys of Theros, a new campaign sourcebook based in the Magic: The Gathering world of Theros, which adapts Greek Mythology for its setting. Players will choose a supernatural gift and then go on an epic quest across the realms of mortals, gods and the five realms of the underworld, pitting players against mighty heroes, imprisoned titans and prophecies, to leave their mark as a legend. The supernatural gifts work similar to character races mechanically and give your character a variety of traits.  There will be new races available, drawn from myths such as Satyrs, Minotaurs or Leonin. There will be new subclasses available including ones for Bard and Paladin. New monsters will include... Support this podcast

Welcome to the second episode of i cast pod, a podcast about Dungeons and Dragons! Every two weeks I'm going to be talking about various aspects of D&D, with plenty of tips and tricks to add flavour to your own roleplay sessions. Here's a rundown of the episode: 00:49 - What's Involved? (In being a DM,.) 1:38 - What Makes A Good DM? 03:30 - What Makes A Bad DM? 4:58 - Responsibilities 6:14 - Session 0 8:40 - Rules You Should Know 10:47 - House Rules 11:42 - Homebrew Vs Pre-Built Campaign 12:43 - Preparation Time 13:14 - Maps & Minis Vs Theatre Of The Mind 15:16 - Describing The Scene 17:27 - Tools 21:02 - Music & Ambient Sounds 21:38 - NPC Tips 22:41 - Designing Encounters & Scenarios 23:23 - Monsters 24:10 - Handling Awkward Players 27:15 - It's OK To Have To Look Things Up 28:10 - The DM Screen & DM Magic 29:53 - Reward Your Players 30:39 - DM Guidelines 31:41 : Wrap up Total runtime: 32:42 Linkshttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkVdb9Yr8fc05_VbAVfskCA (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkVdb9Yr8fc05_VbAVfskCA)- Matt Colville's Youtube Channel https://www.youtube.com/user/wilwheaton (https://www.youtube.com/user/wilwheaton) - Will Wheaton's Youtube channel https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/facilitator (https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/facilitator)Collins Dictionary definition of ‘Facilitator'. https://www.dndbeyond.com/ (https://www.dndbeyond.com/) D&D Beyond - online DM tools. https://www.dndbeyond.com/sources/sac/sage-advice-compendium#RulesReferences (https://www.dndbeyond.com/sources/sac/sage-advice-compendium#RulesReferences) - The Sage Advice Compendium - loads of good DM rules stuff. http://roll20.net/ (http://roll20.net/ )- Roll20 online TTRPG playing site https://www.fantasygrounds.com/home/home.php (https://www.fantasygrounds.com/home/home.php)- Fantasy Grounds https://dm-helper.itch.io/dm-helper (https://dm-helper.itch.io/dm-helper)- DM Helper https://www.dndbeyond.com/encounter-builder (https://www.dndbeyond.com/encounter-builder) - D&D Beyond Encounter Builder Mapping: https://inkarnate.com/ (https://inkarnate.com/)Inkarnate - Browser based map maker https://www.wonderdraft.net/ (https://www.wonderdraft.net)Wonderdraft - Desktop based map maker https://www.profantasy.com/products/cc3.asp (https://www.profantasy.com/products/cc3.asp)Campaign Cartographer - Windows based map maker  https://azgaar.github.io/Fantasy-Map-Generator/ (https://azgaar.github.io/Fantasy-Map-Generator/) Azgaar - another browser based map maker. Links with: https://watabou.itch.io/medieval-fantasy-city-generator (https://watabou.itch.io/medieval-fantasy-city-generator) Medieval Fantasy City Generator Music/Sounds https://syrinscape.com/ (https://syrinscape.com)- Syrinscape https://tabletopaudio.com/ (https://tabletopaudio.com) - Tabletop Audio http://www.bluefacegames.com/dmdj/ (http://www.bluefacegames.com/dmdj/)- DMDJ https://www.worldanvil.com/ (https://www.worldanvil.com)- World Anvil, Worldbuilding software https://www.amazon.co.uk/Cherry-Halma-Plastic-Playing-Pieces/dp/B01DCXSH5Q/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Big+Cherry+40x+Halma+Pawns&qid=1582240707&sr=8-1 (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Cherry-Halma-Plastic-Playing-Pieces/dp/B01DCXSH5Q/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Big+Cherry+40x+Halma+Pawns&qid=1582240707&sr=8-1) - Amazon.co.uk link to multicolour player token Pawns. https://www.reddit.com/r/rpghorrorstories/ (https://www.reddit.com/r/rpghorrorstories/) - RPG Horror stories on Reddit. Worth a browse to see what NOT to do. Stat Block Generator https://tetra-cube.com/dnd/dnd-statblock.html (https://tetra-cube.com/dnd/dnd-statblock.html) 5e Stat Block Generator - I used this to create a Statblock for my Picklezilla monster that I posted on Instagram. (@icastpod) Episode TranscriptCold Open Welcome to I Cast Pod, a podcast about D&D. I'm Mike, your host, DM, and... Support this podcast

Welcome to the first episode of I cast pod, a podcast about Dungeons and Dragons! Every two weeks I'm going to be talking about various aspects of D&D, with plenty of tips and tricks to add flavour to your own roleplay sessions. Here's a rundown of the first episode: 1.01: Intro to your host - I DM, but I'm no expert! 2.09: News - D&D Video games, Comics, Books, Merch & movie news from around the web. 4.43: What is D&D?  6.41: D&D Basics 8.54: Three Aspects of Play: 9.37: Exploration 10.32: Roleplaying 13.19: Combat 17.51: Getting Started 19.20: Don't I Need to Know a Lot to Play, Like Lore, and Maths? 20.10: Rolling Characters 21.37: Choose a Race 22.26: Choose a Class 24.24: Choose Your Alignment 25.57: Background 26.26: Ability Scores 29.38: Playing the Game 30.43: Ability Checks 33.20: Crits and Failures 34:28: Advantage and Disadvantage 34.59: Close Links from the show: Free basic rules PDF - It even has a blank character sheet template near the end. https://media.wizards.com/2018/dnd/downloads/DnD_BasicRules_2018.pdf Free, prebuilt character sheets from the starter set https://media.wizards.com/downloads/dnd/StarterSet_Characters.pdf_ Character sheet for people with Dyslexia https://www.geeknative.com/70088/dd-character-sheets-for-players-with-dyslexia/ More character sheet variants for people with Dyslexia https://www.dyslexic-charactersheets.com A handy table to work out modifier scores from ability rolls: [https://dnd5e.info/using-ability-scores/ability-scores-and-modifiers/ - Click on ‘Customisation options on the left, then “Ability Scores and Modifiers”] SyrinScape Fantasy & Sci-Fi Sounds player: (Used for some awesome sound effects during the show,) [https://store.syrinscape.com/what-is-syrinscape/?att_icastpod] I also used Freesounds.org for a few effects: https://freesound.org All content is copyrighted respective their original creators unless otherwise stated. Episode Transcript Cold OpenWelcome to I Cast Pod, a podcast about D&D. I'm Mike, your host, DM, and guide to all things dungeonesque and dragon-y. In our first episode, I'm going to be talking about what D&D is, and how to get started playing. We'll cover D&D basics, game etiquette, the three aspects of play: Exploration, Role Playing, and Combat, Character Creation, Hits, Crits and more.  So if you have just dipped your toe into the deep, deep waters of D&D - perhaps by watching or listening to Critical Role, The Adventure Zone, Acquisitions Incorporated, or any of a number of live play streams or podcasts or seen it on TV shows such as Community, Stranger Things, or Rick and Morty - the latter two of which actually have official D&D modules available now to play - and thought D&D looks like fun; or maybe you played a little in your youth and want to get back into it; or maybe you've just always been D&D curious, but have never had the chance to get involved - then this episode is for you. A Little About MeSo before we go any further, I figured I'd tell you a little bit about myself - in relation to D&D, so don't worry, this won't be my entire backstory! I currently act as DM for a local group in my city that runs out of a cafe after hours. I have both played and DM'd in the past - but I'm no D&D expert. I have no degrees in Lore, my main playtime has been with 5th edition, which is the most recent version. I have a vague recollection of playing, I think, 4th edition a long time ago, but my passion for the game has developed much more recently. In fact, part of the reason for starting this podcast, was to help me learn more about the game and become a better DM for my group, and also a better player in general. So with that said, let's learn together! NewsVideo games: Baldur's Gate 3 being developed by Larian Studios, the people behind Divinity Original Sin 2. Considering that game is considered one of the... Support this podcast

A trailer for the upcoming podcast, "i Cast Pod!" A Dungeons and Dragons discussion show. Support this podcast