Plot Points

Ladies and Gentlemen, people of all genders, and gifted woodland animals, this is Ben Riggs, Brad Davies, and Sarah Babe coming to you with a very special message. Since starting Plot Points in September 2013, we have put out 264 episodes. Today, we announce that Plot Points is going dark. Running this podcast has been a tremendously fulfilling experience, and we can only hope that our listeners have gotten as much enjoyment from it as we have.  We'll maintain our email (plotpointsemail@gmail.com), Twitter (@PlotPointsPod), and keep the archive of the show open.    Remember, you can still find more of our work out in the interwebs. Both Brad and Sarah are part of Theatre of the Mind Players. You can find still more Sarah on Encounter Party and Romancing the Game. Buy Ben's book, SLAYING THE DRAGON anywhere books are sold.  and Reading the Dungeon Master's Guide Aloud will doubtless find a home somewhere.  Thanks to our endlessly generous patrons, our loyal listeners, and the TTRPG community that welcomed us with open arms. For the last time for the foreseeable future, we are Ben Riggs, Brad Davies, Sarah Babe, and the always wonderful Producer Chris.  -Brad, Sarah, Chris & Ben  

One last call for alcohol! Ben, Brad, & Sarah dive deep into OSR darling and Zinequest champion, Barkeep on the Borderlands! If you want to talk about this more, here is a (functional) link to the Discord: https://discord.gg/Q66gVjc9

Well. That blew up and went everywhere. Ben responds to some comments and thoughts here on episode 263. With him as always is Dr. Scott! If you want to talk about this more, here is a (functional) link to the Discord: https://discord.gg/Q66gVjc9

Is D&D a postmodern medium? Scott & Ben also chew over the WotC layoffs.  Like what we do? Support us on Patreon! Can't get enough of Scott? Join us on Discord! It's poppin' and hoppin' over there!

We have lived in a bright and fortunate time as TTRPG fans for over a decade. Have recent events brought that to an end? Historian Ben Riggs & academic Dr. Scott Bruner reflect.  Like what we do? Support us on Patreon! Can't get enough of Scott? Join us on Discord! It's poppin' and hoppin' over there!

Ben & Scott continue, and to be frank repeat a little bit, of the section on henchmen from the 1st edition DMG.  Like what we do? Support us on Patreon! Can't get enough of Scott? Join us on Discord! It's poppin' and hoppin' over there!

This week, game designer Julian Kay talks to Sarah, Ben, & Brad about his current RPG hotness, Mutants in the Now, which takes a modern look at playing a mutant animal with the martial arts skills of your choice! Like what we do? Support us on Patreon! Can't get enough of Scott? Join us on Discord! It's poppin' and hoppin' over there!

Learn the secrets of the steward and the castellan in this week's episode of Reading the DMG Aloud with historian Ben Riggs & academic Scott Bruner! Like what we do? Support us on Patreon! Can't get enough of Scott? Join us on Discord! It's poppin' and hoppin' over there!  

Ben Riggs and Scott Bruner chew the fat on whether or not there will be an OGL for 6th edition D&D.  Like what we do? Support us on Patreon! Can't get enough of Scott? Join us on Discord! It's poppin' and hoppin' over there!    

An interview with the creators of a GM-less RPG of eldritch horror, Becky Annison & Josh Fox! Back their crowdfunding campaign here!

Our intrepid hosts once again wade into the wilds of the 1st ed Dungeon Masters Guide. What setting is implied by Gygax's text? Like what we do? Support us on Patreon! Can't get enough of Scott? Join us on Discord! It's poppin' and hoppin' over there!  

We take a break from the 1st edition DMG this week to ask a different question: Is the 4th ed Player's Handbook the greatest intro to the game in its history? Join us over on Discord! It's booming over there! Here's a link!  

  RPG historian Ben Riggs and RPG academic Dr. Scott Bruner continue their long chew on the Sage section of the 1st editin AD&D DMG! Join us over on Discord! It's booming over there! Here's a link!

Historian Ben Riggs & RPG academic Dr. Scott Bruner chew over the sage from the 1st edition AD&D Dungeon Master's Guide! Here's a link to the Matt Colville video where he talks about The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings as D&D models: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EkXMxiAGUWg&t=2s Join us on Discord! It's booming over there! (https://discord.gg/95nH7AdnyA)

We're back with Sarah Babe of Encounter Party and gamer about town Brad Davies to review the new quickstart rules from Critical Role, Candela Obscura!

It's a celebration today as we recognize the graduation of Scott Bruner, Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin! We also discuss sages! Join us on Discord! It's booming over there! (https://discord.gg/95nH7AdnyA)

We talk about the D&D movie a mere two months after it came out, and then march on with our merciless read-aloud of the 1st edition Dungeon Master's Guide.  Join us on Discord! It's booming over there! (https://discord.gg/95nH7AdnyA)

We continue our unrelenting and merciless recitation of the 1st edition Dungeon Master's Guide. This week! Gem cutters and heavy cavalry! Oh my! Join us on Discord! It's booming over there! (https://discord.gg/95nH7AdnyA)

Hobilar? Hobilar? What the heck is a hobilar?  Harken and enjoy the 1st edition DMG's rules for expert NPCs as read and commented on by RPG historian Ben Riggs and RPG academic Scott Bruner! Join us on Discord! It's booming over there! (https://discord.gg/95nH7AdnyA)

Haberdashers! Teamsters! And more! Oh my! Harken and enjoy the 1st edition DMG's rules for expert NPCs as read and commented on by RPG historian Ben Riggs and RPG academic Scott Bruner! Join us on Discord! It's booming over there! (https://discord.gg/95nH7AdnyA) Like Plot Points? Support it on Patreon!

We're back! Hear Ben & Scott talk over the equipment list in the 1st edition Dungeon Masters Guide! Join us on Discord! It's booming over there! (https://discord.gg/95nH7AdnyA) Like Plot Points? Support it on Patreon!

Hear friends of the show Craig Campbell (Good Strong Hands) and Peter Petrusha (Rest in Pieces) talk about their experience being nominated for ENnies this year! Vote for the pair of them here! At last! Ben's book on D&D history, Slaying the Dragon, is available for sale here!  

Hear about armor and Armor Class in the 1st edition DMG with Ben Riggs and Scott Bruner! Join us on Discord! It's booming over there! (https://discord.gg/95nH7AdnyA) Preorder Ben's book on TSR history by clicking here, and you will receive FOR FREE a bookplate featuring art by D&D icon Jeff Easley and signed by Ben. It's just our way of saying thanks for preordering the book! Already preordered the book? Click here to acquire your Jeff Easley bookplate! Like Plot Points? Support it on Patreon!

Today, we start with the value and uses of gems and stones. Join us on Discord! It's booming over there! (https://discord.gg/95nH7AdnyA) Preorder Ben's book on TSR history by clicking here, and you will receive FOR FREE a bookplate featuring art by D&D icon Jeff Easley and signed by Ben. It's just our way of saying thanks for preordering the book! Already preordered the book? Click here to acquire your Jeff Easley bookplate! Like Plot Points? Support it on Patreon!

Today, we finally conclude our alignment discussion by talking about changing alignment! Join us on Discord! It's booming over there! (https://discord.gg/95nH7AdnyA) Preorder Ben's book on TSR history by clicking here, and you will receive FOR FREE a bookplate featuring art by D&D icon Jeff Easley and signed by Ben. It's just our way of saying thanks for preordering the book! See the bookplate in this episode's show notes!  Already preordered the book? Click here to acquire your Jeff Easley bookplate! Like Plot Points? Support it on Patreon!

At long last, we wrap up our discussion of alignment with alignment languages. Here's a link to the article on RPGs and religion Ben referenced in the episode. Join us on Discord! It's booming over there! (https://discord.gg/95nH7AdnyA)  Preorder Ben's book on TSR history by clicking here, and you will receive FOR FREE a bookplate featuring art by D&D icon Jeff Easley and signed by Ben. It's just our way of saying thanks for preordering the book! See the bookplate in this episode's show notes!  Already preordered the book? Click here to acquire your Jeff Easley bookplate! Like Plot Points? Support it on Patreon!

We continue our discussion of alignment, diving down on the alignment graph! Join us on Discord! It's booming over there! (https://discord.gg/95nH7AdnyA)  Preorder Ben's book on TSR history by clicking here, and you will receive FOR FREE a bookplate featuring art by D&D icon Jeff Easley and signed by Ben. It's just our way of saying thanks for preordering the book! See the bookplate in this episode's show notes!  Already preordered the book? Click here to acquire your Jeff Easley bookplate! Like Plot Points? Support it on Patreon!  

Continuing with alignment! Historian Ben Riggs & academic Scott Bruner read aloud the section of the DMG on alignment.  We now have a channel on Discord! (https://discord.gg/95nH7AdnyA) Come on over to chat.  Preorder Ben's book on TSR history by clicking here, and you will receive FOR FREE a bookplate featuring art by D&D icon Jeff Easley and signed by Ben. It's just our way of saying thanks for preordering the book! See the bookplate in this episode's show notes!  Already preordered the book? Click here to acquire your Jeff Easley bookplate! Like Plot Points? Support it on Patreon!

What's your alignment? Historian Ben Riggs & academic Scott Bruner read aloud the section of the DMG on alignment.  We now have a channel on Discord! Come on over to chat.  Preorder Ben's book on TSR history by clicking here, and you will receive FOR FREE a bookplate featuring art by D&D icon Jeff Easley and signed by Ben. It's just our way of saying thanks for preordering the book! See the bookplate in this episode's show notes!  Already preordered the book? Click here to acquire your Jeff Easley bookplate! Like Plot Points? Support it on Patreon!

Let's talk Lycanthropes! We now have a channel on Discord! Come on over to chat.  Preorder Ben's book on TSR history by clicking here, and you will receive FOR FREE a bookplate featuring art by D&D icon Jeff Easley and signed by Ben. It's just our way of saying thanks for preordering the book! See the bookplate in this episode's show notes!  Already preordered the book? Click here to acquire your Jeff Easley bookplate! Like Plot Points? Support it on Patreon!  

Listen as Scott and Ben discuss Gygax's thoughts on the monster as PC... Preorder Ben's book on TSR history by clicking here, and you will receive FOR FREE a bookplate featuring art by D&D icon Jeff Easley and signed by Ben. It's just our way of saying thanks for preordering the book! See the bookplate in this episode's show notes!  Already preordered the book? Click here to acquire your Jeff Easley bookplate! Like Plot Points? Support it on Patreon!

Once again, RPG academic Scott Bruner and RPG historian Ben Riggs convene to read and chew over the 1st edition Dungeon Masters Guide! Preorder Ben's book on TSR history by clicking here, and you will receive FOR FREE a bookplate featuring art by D&D icon Jeff Easley and signed by Ben. It's just our way of saying thanks for preordering the book! See the bookplate in this episode's show notes!

Once again, RPG academic Scott Bruner and RPG historian Ben Riggs convene to read and chew over the 1st edition Dungeon Masters Guide! Interested in Ben's book? Preorder it from the store of your choice here! Check out his current book on RPG theory here! Ben started a YouTube channel with his friend Eliza about what to play after D&D. Check it out here!   Image courtesy Wizards of the Coast.   

Ben and Scott finish up with spies and start in on thieves as they plunge ever deeper into the 1st edition AD&D Dungeon Master's Guide! Interested in Ben's book? Preorder it from the store of your choice here! Check out his current book on RPG theory here! Ben started a YouTube channel with his friend Eliza about what to play after D&D. Check it out here!   Image courtesy Wizards of the Coast.   

Hear about the paladin's warhorse and spying as academic Scott Bruner and historian Ben Riggs continue their tortoise-like read-aloud of the DMG! Interested in Ben's book? Enter here to win an early reader's copy! Ben started a YouTube channel with his friend Eliza about what to play after D&D. Check it out here!   Image courtesy Wizards of the Coast. 

Once more, Scott Bruner & Ben Riggs return to discuss the 1st edition Dungeon Masters Guide, this time covering everyone's favorite topic, followers for upper-level PCs!  Ben's book the collapse of TSR and sale to Wizards is available for preorder here!  Want to read more Ben now? His book on RPG adventure design, Encounter Theory, is on DriveThruRPG. Click here to pick up this essential volume! Like Plot Points? Support it on Patreon! Image courtesy Wizards of the Coast.  

Again, Scott Bruner & Ben Riggs return to discuss the 1st edition Dungeon Masters Guide! Ben's book on RPG adventure design, Encounter Theory, is on DriveThruRPG. Click here to pick up this essential volume! Like Plot Points? Support it on Patreon! Image courtesy Wizards of the Coast.

Explore the seas! Discover shanties! Watch them come to life before your very eyes! Experience a game like no other from RPG luminary Tristan Zimmerman! Back it on Kickstarter here! Ben's book on the failure of TSR is finally available for pre-order here on Amazon or through your friendly local bookstore. Ben's book on RPG adventure design, Encounter Theory, is on DriveThruRPG. Click here to pick up this essential volume! Like Plot Points? Support it on Patreon! Image courtesy Tristan Zimmerman.   

Which races love money and a good time the most? Why are those the axes Gygax chose to judge races in the first place? Weirder questions and thoughts follow in this episode with Scott Bruner and Ben Riggs! Ben's book on RPG adventure design, Encounter Theory, is on DriveThruRPG. Click here to pick up this essential volume! Like Plot Points? Support it on Patreon! Image courtesy Wizards of the Coast.

Behold Secrets of the Vibrant Isle! The solo RPG on Kickstarter right now by revolutionary game designer Craig Campbell! Explore the wonders and dangers of the island upon which you've been shipwrecked! Click here to learn more!

Play a trash panda! Raid suburbs for the garbage that is rightfully yours! Check it out here!

One of our favorite publishers is Pelgrane Press. Geek journalist extraordinaire Ben Riggs sat down with Pelgrane co-owner Cat Tobin to see what the publisher of 13th Age and Dracula Dossier is up to!

Synthicide: Sharpers in the Dark takes the setting from a bestselling game of grimdark cyberpunk and translates it into the brilliant Forged in the Dark game system. Listen to find out more in this interview with creator, Dustin DePenning! Click here to support it on Kickstarter!

These bards go to eleven! Gamer glitterati Satine Phoenix and Jamison Stone of Apotheosis Studios are Kickstarting a campaign of intrigue and art, songs and spycraft, portraying a city in which art and abomination abounds! Click here to check out the Kickstarter! Image courtesy Apotheosis Studios.  

A D&D adventure with a rocket ship? Probe "Kandlekeep Dekonstrukted" by Amy Vorpahl, part of Candlekeep Mysteries for 5E! Ben’s book on RPG adventure design, Encounter Theory, is on DriveThruRPG. Click here to pick up this essential volume! Like Plot Points? Support it on Patreon! Image courtesy Wizards of the Coast.  

Imagine running an adventure online, and instead of books, notes, and PDFs, everything is in a single app, right before your eyes. Now imagine the app has art from world-class artists, and design from RPG luminaries. That is what the brilliant and bodacious designers of Monte Cook Games have created: an adventure made to be run online. Explore more at The Darkest House Kickstarter today!  Image courtesy Monte Cook Games.

City of Winter and Fall of Magic are story games centered around journeys in fantasy worlds. Play revolves around gorgeous, hand-made scrolls, and mechanics so simple and elegant that they bring one to question where RPGs end and storytelling begins. Furthermore, these games get to the good stuff of RPG play with shocking speed. We probe these questions and more with the games' designer, Ross Cowman! If you're interested, City of Winter is on Kickstarter right now. Play a demo here now!  Image by Doug Keith and courtesy Heart of the Deernicorn.   

Hear a stellar panel of nerds discuss the Appendix N text, At the Mountains of Madness by HP Lovecraft! Included are 7th edition Call of Cthulhu designer Mike Mason, RPG academic Scott Bruner, and the regular Plot Points crew! Never tried Call of Cthulhu? Hie thee forth to Chaosium.com for all your sanity-blasting needs! If you want to see the most eye-goggling and disturbing edition of At the Mountains of Madness yet published, check out this edition illustrated by Francois Baranger and published by Design Studio Press and Free League Publishing here! Ben’s book on RPG adventure design, Encounter Theory, is on DriveThruRPG. Click here to pick up this essential volume! Like Plot Points? Support it on Patreon! Image by Francois Baranger courtesy Design Studio Press & Free League Publishing.   

An impenetrable table! Rolling attributes! Hear the 1st edition DMG read aloud with RPG academic Scott Bruner and host Ben Riggs! Eighth in a series! Ben’s book on RPG adventure design, Encounter Theory, is on DriveThruRPG. Click here to pick up this essential volume! Like Plot Points? Support it on Patreon! Image courtesy Wizards of the Coast.

Inspired by epic poetry and pulp television, John Harper & Sean Nittner's Agon takes an old system, dice pools, and makes it new to produce a play style more Greek than Gygax!  Ben’s book on RPG adventure design, Encounter Theory, is on DriveThruRPG. Click here to pick up this essential volume! Like Plot Points? Support it on Patreon! Check out Agon here! Wanna hear more epic Agon adventures featuring our own Sarah Babe? Click here to experience Theatre of the Mind Players actual play of the series! Music: "Highland Song" by Alexander Nakarada (www.serpentsoundstudios.com) Licensed under Creative Commons BY Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Image courtesy Evil Hat Productions.

Is Vaesen the best new RPG of the year? How does it stack up against Call of Cthulhu as a horror game? What does it teach about how to make an excellent RPG? All these questions and more are tackled in this week's Plot Points! Ben’s book on RPG adventure design, Encounter Theory, is on DriveThruRPG. Click here to pick up this essential volume! Like Plot Points? Support it on Patreon! Image courtesy Fria Ligan.