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Matt is joined by Risinger Build Executive Project Manager Daniel Glauser to discuss pre-construction service agreements (PSAs), emphasizing the importance of getting paid for the extensive time and effort builders invest before actual construction begins. They explain how PSAs help weed out unserious clients, foster transparent collaboration with architects and homeowners, and ultimately ensure a smoother, more efficient building process. Matt and Daniel outline Risinger Build's current process, which includes an initial discovery phase, a high-level estimate based on preliminary plans, and a formal PSA requiring a $20,000 deposit billed against their time. This allows them to guide clients early on, avoid surprises, and align budget expectations. They encourage other builders—even those working on smaller projects—to adopt similar practices, advocating for industry-wide change through local builder networks. Both Builders encourage others to value their time and expertise and move away from outdated bidding practices that devalue the work they do. By doing so, builders can cultivate better client relationships, make more informed decisions, and improve outcomes for everyone involved in the building process.Thank you to episode sponsors Huber & Truss. Learn more at huberwood.com & trusspayments.com.Find Daniel on the Web:Website: https://risingerbuild.com/Instagram: @risingerbuild_atx & @glauserbuilding Save the Date for Build Show LIVE 2025 in Dallas, TX: October 16-18, 2025!Don't miss a single episode of Build Show content. Sign up for our newsletter.

What makes a great project manager in the residential construction world? Matt and Risinger Build business partner, Tim Hill, sit down to discuss what they've come to define as a GREAT project manager. Drawing on years of experience, they identify five essential qualities: LeadershipCollaborationCommunicationWork EthicPeople ManagementGreat project managers earn the respect of their teams through fairness, transparency, and deep knowledge. They must also collaborate effectively with everyone involved—from clients and design professionals to subcontractors and suppliers. Strong communication skills are key, with an emphasis on sharing updates early and often, especially when things go wrong. Weekly written progress reports, regular client meetings, and proactive problem-solving help keep projects on track. A solid work ethic is another cornerstone: successful PMs do whatever the project demands, even if that means working late or on weekends. They're not just clocking hours—they're taking ownership. People management, the fifth trait, ties everything together. PMs need emotional intelligence, adaptability, and the ability to influence and motivate a wide range of personalities. Matt and Tim also discuss the value of critical and logical thinking, which underpins all five qualities. They recommend using tools like PSP testing to evaluate applicants' soft skills and cognitive strengths. Tune in for practical guidance for builders aiming to grow exceptional teams.Thank you to episode sponsor Viewrail! Learn more at viewrail.com.Find Tim on the Web:Website: https://risingerbuild.com/Instagram: @risingerbuild_atx & @tim_risingerbuildFind Matt and The Build Show on the web:Build Show Videos: https://buildshownetwork.com/go/mattrisingerInstagram: @risingerbuild and @thebuildshowYouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@buildshowWebsite: https://buildshownetwork.com/  Save the Date for Build Show LIVE 2025 in Dallas, TX: October 16-18, 2025!Don't miss a single episode of Build Show content. Sign up for our newsletter.

Matt and his business partner, Tim Hill, dive deep into the realities of profitability in the construction industry. Recorded in the brand-new Risinger Build studio, Matt & Tim share a candid conversation about the challenges general contractors, home builders, and remodelers face when it comes to profit margins, client expectations, and project planning. Despite the common misconception that builders are highly profitable, they reveal that average net profits hover around just 5–6%. This low margin—combined with high risk—requires smart planning, detailed pre-construction processes, and disciplined financial management to ensure long-term sustainability.Matt and Tim stress the importance of transparency in pricing and standing firm on realistic budgets, even if it risks losing a job. They warn against chasing "portfolio projects" that look good on paper but lead to financial losses and client frustration. A major theme is the need for builders to carefully align with clients, architects, and budgets before contracts are signed to avoid scope creep and misaligned expectations.Not only do Matt & Tim discuss the “what” and the “why” of profit margins but also share the “how” to manage profit and loss statements effectively, including separating direct costs, indirect costs, and overhead.Thank you to episode sponsor Arclin! Learn more about their brand-new product, Firepoint: https://firepoint.arclin.com/.Find Tim on the Web:Website: https://risingerbuild.com/Instagram: @risingerbuild_atx & @tim_risingerbuildFind Matt and The Build Show on the web:Build Show Videos: https://buildshownetwork.com/go/mattrisingerInstagram: @risingerbuild and @thebuildshowYouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@buildshowWebsite: https://buildshownetwork.com/Save the Date for Build Show LIVE 2025 in Dallas, TX: October 16-18, 2025! Don't miss a single episode of Build Show content. Sign up for our newsletter.

It's an IAQ Deep Dive…part two! Matt welcomes Sean Harris back to the studio to continue their discussion indoor air quality improvements for existing homes, focusing on mold prevention, HVAC upgrades, filtration, and dehumidification—especially in hot, humid climates like Texas. Sean emphasizes that mold issues often stem from leaky ductwork in unconditioned spaces, poor ventilation, and high humidity, leading to compromised air quality. Instead of cleaning mold, he recommends removing contaminated materials and improving source control.For HVAC systems, Sean suggests keeping ductwork in conditioned space, using MERV 13+ filters, and installing a ventilating dehumidifier to maintain humidity below 50%. He warns against running HVAC fans continuously, as this can pull humid air into the system, worsening mold issues. He also recommends in-room HEPA filtration (isuch as IQAir or Austin Air) over whole-home air purifiers.They discuss (and advise against) gimmicky air purification methods like UV lights and ionizers, which can create harmful byproducts. Instead, homeowners should monitor IAQ with smart sensors, track humidity, and optimize their home's ventilation and filtration. Sean emphasizes "optimization over maximization"—cost-effective solutions like air sealing, replacing moldy ductwork, and using high-quality air filters rather than full HVAC overhauls.Both Matt & Sean encourage homeowners to prioritize practical, science-backed IAQ improvements for a healthier living environment.Thank you to episode sponsor Mbrico. Learn more at mbricotiledecks.com.Find Sean Harris on the Web:Website: https://iaqtexas.com/Instagram: @aerosealofaustinFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/IAQTexas/Find Matt and The Build Show on the web:Build Show Videos: https://buildshownetwork.com/go/mattrisingerInstagram: @risingerbuild and @thebuildshowYouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@buildshowWebsite: https://risingerbuild.com/ and https://buildshownetwork.com/Save the Date for Build Show LIVE 2025 in Dallas, TX: October 16-18, 2025! Don't miss a single episode of Build Show content. Sign up for our newsletter.

Matt welcomes indoor air quality (IAQ) expert Sean Harris to explore mold prevention strategies for new construction. They discuss key building science principles, including air sealing, moisture management, and proper dehumidification to prevent mold growth in hot, humid climates like Texas. Sean emphasizes the importance of moving ductwork into conditioned spaces, using AeroBarrier and AeroSeal technology, and installing dedicated dehumidifiers to control humidity. He reveals that 90% of the 140 homes he inspected in 2024 had mold in the ductwork, even in new homes, due to poor moisture control. Sean recommends dedicated return and supply duct configurations for dehumidifiers and suggests a separate attic dehumidifier for homes with spray foam insulation. They also cover air quality monitoring, humidity control strategies, and redundancy for long-term performance.Thank you to episode sponsor Allura. Learn more at https://allurausa.com/.Resources:“Ping Pong Water” by Dr. Joe Lstiburek (Building Science Corporation)Florida Solar Energy Center Study on Dehumidifier Installation MethodsPositive Energy (HVAC Design & Building Science Consulting)Find Sean Harris on the Web:Website: https://iaqtexas.com/ Instagram: @aerosealofaustinFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/IAQTexas/ Find Matt and The Build Show on the web:Build Show Videos: https://buildshownetwork.com/go/mattrisingerInstagram: @risingerbuild and @thebuildshowYouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@buildshowWebsite: https://risingerbuild.com/ and https://buildshownetwork.com/ Save the Date for Build Show LIVE 2025 in Dallax, TX: October 16-18, 2025! Don't miss a single episode of Build Show content. Sign up for our newsletter.

Matt is joined by Scott Reynolds, co-founder and CEO of UpCodes, a company that helps builders, architects, tradespeople, and more navigate the complex space of building codes. Their conversation centers around how technology can streamline and improve the building process, with a focus on integrating building codes and standards into digital tools. Scott discusses his company's efforts to create a digital platform that captures industry knowledge and makes it easily accessible to builders and designers, ensuring compliance and improving decision-making during construction. He emphasizes the importance of documenting conversations and decisions for future reference, especially with the rise of remote work. Scott also touches on future developments like expanding product catalogs and closing the gap between building requirements and practical installations. Find Scott & UpCodes on the Web:Website: https://up.codes/X (formerly known as Twitter): @upcodesYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@upcodesLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/upcodes/Scott's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-reynolds/Find Matt and The Build Show on the web:Build Show Videos: https://buildshownetwork.com/go/mattrisingerInstagram: @risingerbuild and @thebuildshowTikTok: @thebuildshowYouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@buildshowWebsite: https://risingerbuild.com/ and https://buildshownetwork.com/Join us at Build Show LIVE this November 7-9 in Austin, TX. Click here to register now! Don't miss a single episode of Build Show content. Sign up for our newsletter.

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This week we discuss why DnD only needs two classes ... maybe three. Tickets for Big Geek Con 2024 on sale now: https://tabletop.events/conventions/big-geek-con-2024 Shameless Plug Time: If you would like to support our show, please like, subscribe, and share us where you are listening or viewing the show. We are on all the socials, video and podcast places as well. Cash Support PayPal: https://paypal.me/biggusgeekus Streamlabs: https://streamlabs.com/biggusgeekus1/tip Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/biggusgeekus Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/BiggusGeekus On the Web:  Website: www.biggusgeekuspodcast.com Email: thegeeks@biggusgeekuspodcast.com Big Geek Emporium: https://biggeekemporium.com/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/biggusgeekus/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/biggusgeekus/support

Episode 184 Streamed Live Tuesday March 26, 2024. (R) Catch-up from the past week This past Friday 3/22/24 we live streamed Horde Wars Ultimate Campaign – much death and much miraculous recoveries. The Priest/Acolyte was, as always, One and Done! Hirelings & Henchmen- Tools of the Trade or just Tools? https://oldschoolroleplaying.com/henchmen-and-hirelings-in-dungeons-and-dragons/ Henchmen: is a better grade of hireling. While money may still be a motivating factor for them these are permanent retainers or allies for the player characters. They are sidekicks. Advantages Gives use for the hard-earned coin. Allows for PCs to feel like big shots and build up to Domain play in an organic way and at lower or the lowest character levels. Challenges Who plays these NPCs especially if there is many of them? Additional burden on the DM??? How do you stop them from becoming fodder or “trap detectors”? How do you handle these characters leveling up? How long will the follow the characters? A PC is level 5 and a henchman is level 4…does the boss-worker dynamic change? At what point would it be ok to have a BBEG convince one of the hirelings/henchmen to turn on the party? Kill them in their sleep? How do they/did they work throughout the editions? Story Mechanics in TTRPGs? Bennies, Re-rolls, Narrative Control, Hero Points, Fail Forward, Success with a Cost …others? Yes, no, maybe, always good, sometimes good , never good? How do they aid play? How do they hinder? Big Geek Con 2 September 20-22, 2024/$30 for those who are 13+ Parents must be with their children at all times. We are not baby sitters. Four Points by Sheraton Saginaw4960 Towne Centre Road, Saginaw, MI 48604 +1 989 790 5050 Shameless Plug Time: If you would like to support our show, please like, subscribe, and share us where you are listening or viewing the show, also we are on all the socials, video and podcast places as well. Cash Support PayPal: https://paypal.me/biggusgeekus Streamlabs: https://streamlabs.com/biggusgeekus1/tip Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/biggusgeekus Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/BiggusGeekus On the Web:  Website: www.biggusgeekuspodcast.com Email: thegeeks@biggusgeekuspodcast.com Big Geek Emporium: https://biggeekemporium.com/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/biggusgeekus/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/biggusgeekus/support

We talk about the magic items in our games and what, if any, good they are. Big Geek Con 2024 tickets on sale!: https://tabletop.events/conventions/big-geek-con-2024 $30 for 3 days! Sept 20 - 22 Four Points by Sheraton Saginaw 4960 Towne Centre Road Saginaw, MI 48604 https://tabletop.events/conventions/big-geek-con-2024 Our Links: PayPal: https://paypal.me/biggusgeekus Streamlabs: https://streamlabs.com/biggusgeekus1/tip Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/biggusgeekus Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/BiggusGeekus On the Web:  Website: www.biggusgeekuspodcast.com Email: thegeeks@biggusgeekuspodcast.com Big Geek Emporium: https://biggeekemporium.com/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/biggusgeekus/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/biggusgeekus/support

This week we talk about advancement in your game, and how you might change it up. We also discuss Dune movie presentations. So watch out for spoilers! Big Geek Con 2024 tickets are on sale! https://tabletop.events/conventions/big-geek-con-2024 Support Our Show! If you would like to support our show, please like, subscribe, and share us where you are listening or viewing the show, also we are on all the social, video and podcast places as well. Cash Support PayPal: https://paypal.me/biggusgeekus Streamlabs: https://streamlabs.com/biggusgeekus1/tip Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/biggusgeekus Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/BiggusGeekus On the Web:  Website: www.biggusgeekuspodcast.com Email: thegeeks@biggusgeekuspodcast.com Big Geek Emporium:https://biggeekemporium.com/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/biggusgeekus/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/biggusgeekus/support

Its a Monster Mash this week as we talk about aberrations! Aberrations are creatures that cannot be easily grouped by physical description. These beings are often amorphous and alien. From the lowly mimic to the mighty beholder these nightmare creatures are often found underground or in the watery depths, seeking to devour or enslave. Sometimes both. Inspired in large part by the Cthulhu mythos, aberrations were part of early Dungeons and Dragons and have a place in many game settings and home tables. BECMI/Rules Cyclopedia: beholder,that's it.1e: Beholder, Mind flayer, Ixitxachitl, and a lot more https://dungeonsdragons.fandom.com/wiki/List_of_Advanced_Dungeons_%26_Dragons_1st_edition_monsters 2e: https://adnd2e.fandom.com/wiki/List_of_Monsters 3.x: https://www.dandwiki.com/wiki/3e_SRD:Aberration_Type 4e: https://dungeonsdragons.fandom.com/wiki/List_of_Dungeons_%26_Dragons_4th_edition_monsters 5e: https://www.dndbeyond.com/monsters?filter-type=1&filter-search=&filter-cr-min=&filter-cr-max=&filter-armor-class-min=&filter-armor-class-max=&filter-average-hp-min=&filter-average-hp-max=&filter-is-legendary=&filter-is-mythic=&filter-has-lair=&filter-partnered-content=f Big Geek Con 2024 Tickets on sale: (Sept 20 - 22)https://tabletop.events/conventions/big-geek-con-2024 If you would like to support our show, please like, subscribe, and share us where you are listening or viewing the show,  we are on all the socials, video and podcast places as well. Cash SupportPayPal: https://paypal.me/biggusgeekus Streamlabs: https://streamlabs.com/biggusgeekus1/tipKo-fi: https://ko-fi.com/biggusgeekus Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/BiggusGeekus On the Web: Website: www.biggusgeekuspodcast.comEmail: thegeeks@biggusgeekuspodcast.comBig Geek Emporium: https://biggeekemporium.com/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/biggusgeekus/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/biggusgeekus/support

This week we discuss many of the odd topics surrounding DnD spewing forth from the internet Big Geek Con 2024 tickets on sale: https://tabletop.events/conventions/big-geek-con-2024 Shameless Plug Time: If you would like to support our show, please like, subscribe, and share us where you are listening or viewing the show.  We are on all the socials, video and podcast places as well. Cash Support PayPal: https://paypal.me/biggusgeekus Streamlabs: https://streamlabs.com/biggusgeekus1/tip Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/biggusgeekus Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/BiggusGeekus On the Web:  Website: www.biggusgeekuspodcast.com Email: thegeeks@biggusgeekuspodcast.com Big Geek Emporium: https://biggeekemporium.com/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/biggusgeekus/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/biggusgeekus/support

With the upcoming release of 6th Edition by WoTC and our ongoing desire for OUR DnD, we bring you some things you can to do to freshen up the old girl. This will be a recurring topic, offering new ideas or changes to previous ideas under this topic. This may (likely will) eventually depart from the old game and birth a new one. Big Geek Con 2024 tickets on sale: https://tabletop.events/conventions/big-geek-con-2024 Shameless Plug Time: If you would like to support our show, please like, subscribe, and share us where you are listening or viewing the show.  We are on all the socials and video and podcast places as well. Cash Support PayPal: https://paypal.me/biggusgeekus Streamlabs: https://streamlabs.com/biggusgeekus1/tip Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/biggusgeekus Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/BiggusGeekus On the Web:  Website: www.biggusgeekuspodcast.com Email: thegeeks@biggusgeekuspodcast.com Big Geek Emporium: https://biggeekemporium.com/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/biggusgeekus/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/biggusgeekus/support

Episode 178 Streamed Live Tuesday February 13, 2024 Main Topic: Who is the true Dungeon Master…Gary or Dave? A review of two documentaries: 1.) Secrets of Blackmoor: A Tue History of Dungeons & Dragons https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9301886/plotsummary/?ref_=tt_ov_pl 2.) The Dreams in Gary's Basement https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10621206/ Both movies painted their respective subjects in a good light Blackmoor for Mr Arneson's part and Dreams for Mr Gygax. However neither treated the other's subject in a bad light, letting the ages old schism remain in the past. Both mostly focused on the positive contributions each paid to our hobby. Secrets of Blackmoor went into great detail about how the tabletop RPG hobby sprung from war gaming, largely though Dave Arneson's efforts. Dreams focused on Gary Gygax's similar journey detailing the rise and fall of TSR and its eventual purchase by Wizards of The Coast. In light of these two documentaries, it seems the hobby owes it existence to both of these visionaries, though it is uncertain as to who gets top billing. At this point it hardly matters. Modules or Roll Your own? Modules/Pre-packaged Adventures Advantages: all encounters and stats done for you, plot ready to go, read-n-run (???), nice maps & visuals, and can dovetail with your own ideas(can even steal them from modules) and they can be fun to read. Disadvantages: may not fit your group, too railroad-y, costly($?), may need to shoe horn the current campaign/party situation into the adventure( Slavers series??/), politicization of games could creep in and long adventure paths/modules can be a lot to read and prepare even though it is all laid out for you. Rolling Your Own Advantages: easier to prep(theoretically), can react on the fly w/o worry of “messing” up the adventure, do not have to spend time reading, allows you infinite freedom and you can tailor it to your group from the start. Disadvantages: must make your own maps & prep time/write stats( ?), may need to use monster books/charts/random tables and “wing'in it” can result in non-sensical situations ( “ an aboleth, that doesn't make any sense!”), inspiration can run dry, Big Geek Con 2: get ticket at - https://tabletop.events/conventions/big-geek-con-2024 September 20-22, 2024/$30 for those who are 13+ Parents must be always with their children. We are not babysitters. Four Points by Sheraton Saginaw 4960 Towne Centre Road, Saginaw, MI 48604 +1 989 790 5050 Shameless Plug Time: If you would like to support our show, please like, subscribe, and share us where you are listening or viewing the show. We are on all the socials, video and podcast places as well. Cash Support PayPal: https://paypal.me/biggusgeekus Streamlabs: https://streamlabs.com/biggusgeekus1/tip Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/biggusgeekus Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/BiggusGeekus On the Web:  Website: www.biggusgeekuspodcast.com Email: thegeeks@biggusgeekuspodcast.com Big Geek Emporium: https://biggeekemporium.com/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/biggusgeekus/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/biggusgeekus/support

Episode 175 Streamed Live Tuesday January 23, 2023 Main Topic: Divide -Divide-Divide The Hobby! https://youtu.be/L9pDhntGoVY?t=30 (sample of the song “Divide” by Disturbed) Bravo Mr. Boivin: https://youtu.be/u20Wuj5gMY0 What is wrong with just accepting the natural division of folks in the hobby? (i.e., BrOSR, 4D, Basic DD 1st-3rd level, 3.X epic tabletop skirmish, Sparkletroll Barista D&D, etc.) Let them do what they want and screech about being Elite, who cares? Shouldn't we all just try to be excellent to each other? Maybe we should try to be excellent in our chosen playstyle? Let's be elite in our own preferred play style, if possible, whatever that may be. Can Big Geek Con begin to be the play we attempt to achieve excellence in our style of play? This may include some Gatekeeping, but only as it pertains to folks trying to horn in on your fun by bringing in some other style you do not enjoy or maybe do NOT want at your table. We can and should still nerd rage but try to pursue this excellence, if nothing else just for ourselves. If it helps others then so be it. Plus, it'll be fun to debate who are the true elites of TTRPGS! More Settings & Adventures and Less Systems! Inspired by a Facebook post I commented on and then was commented on by the following: Bitty Jen(username on Facebook) “Respectfully, I'll pass. As mentioned earlier, there are more than enough rulesets/variants/clones/combo-rewrites..etc etc But good luck with yours. What the community really needs are competent writers of modules/campaigns who don't take themselves too seriously, and don't try to reinvent the wheel with stupid gimmicks.” New systems are not bad may be but less valuable to some these days than new settings/adventures/modules/Pop-in Principles/System neutral. Randy: “I do not deny the gamer fascination and love of new systems/games, but I'd like to see ore settings a la Savage Worlds business model over WoTC and many others endless array of supplements then Rinse&Repeat for each new edition. System neutral is ,for me, superior since it will never require updates/new editions and will be evergreen. Experienced DMs would find more value from Adventures/Modules/Settings than new systems in general if they have a long running campaign…yes, I am speaking for them. Of course, some GMs like other game systems for cannon fodder. Now gamers, in general, cannot resist the new shiny, but in the realm of the OSR, it has been said many times...who needs another clone retro or otherwise? What about Monte Cook's Arcana Unearthed/Evolved style ‘systems? Too much like retro-clones, I guess. But the monetary drawback is 1 DM – 1 purchase…how to monetize such settings and adventure modules to the players? What could a player be offered besides a new system?” Report from Big Geek Land Big Geek Con 2 September 20-22, 2024 Friday Noon-11pm, Saturday 8a-11pm, Sunday Noon-6p??? Considering get-together at the attached Uno's Friday & Saturday 9pm till close to play, wind down, meet-n-greet. Location: Four Points by Sheraton Saginaw: 4960 Towne Centre Road, Saginaw, MI 48604 +1 989 790 5050 Shameless Plug Time: If you would like to support our show, please like, subscribe, and share us where you are listening or viewing the show. We are on all the socials, video and podcast places as well. Cash Support PayPal: https://paypal.me/biggusgeekus Streamlabs: https://streamlabs.com/biggusgeekus1/tip Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/biggusgeekus Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/BiggusGeekus On the Web:  Website: www.biggusgeekuspodcast.com Email: thegeeks@biggusgeekuspodcast.com Big Geek Emporium: https://biggeekemporium.com/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/biggusgeekus/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/biggusgeekus/support

Episode 174 streamed live Tuesday January 16, 2024 Main Topic: What are the OSR's of today? Old School Renaissance or Old School Revival A little History:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_School_Renaissance A couple of primers: A Quick Primer for Old School Gaming (Matt Finch and Mythmere Games 2008): https://ia601802.us.archive.org/28/items/a-quick-primer-for-old-school-gaming/A%20Quick%20Primer%20for%20Old%20School%20Gaming.pdf 2. New OSR Primers (Lumpkin, Milton, & Perry):https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VSa6hSvQAlyvkTfmqhix1Z2EoFJPR-CP/view The Different Flavors of the OSR today https://osrsimulacrum.blogspot.com/2021/12/a-historical-look-at-osr-part-v.html “It was simply a rebirth of interest in old-school Dungeons & Dragons, specifically as its original designers intended it to be played. Its adherents had never entirely disappeared, but it was certainly a playerbase on life support for the longest time. Around 2007 began a renaissance, one that manifested in a variety of ways but at its heart was firmly rooted in mechanical compatibility with TSR-era D&D and a sharing of certain key design principles that went with those editions and the way their designers intended them to be played…” The main four variants: Classic OSR: The original wave. Has both compatibility and principles. OSR-Adjacent: Some principles, some compatibility. NSR: Principles, but not compatibility. Commercial OSR: Compatibility, but not principles. OTHERS: FKR:Free Kriegsspiel Revolution Numbers don't add up to a game. If the fiction fits, try it. You play worlds, not rules. https://followmeanddie.com/2021/10/02/fkr-free-kriegsspiel-revolution/ Great video by ben Milton of Questing beast for overview:https://youtu.be/d4lvrC3ZBzM BRoSR:https://youtu.be/JIEW2r6deXs “AD&D 1st edition with absolutely no house rules, do every single thing Gary told you to do." Also patron play / Braunstein where many domain level characters that would be NPC are run by the players" More annoying links: 1) https://jonmollison.com/2022/11/10/brosr-principles-a-primer/ 2) https://bdubsanddragons.blogspot.com/2021/11/bdubs-essential-guide-to-patron-play.html 3) https://bdubsanddragons.blogspot.com/2021/07/jeffrogaxian-time-keeping-vs-variable.html Live Character Creation Let's create a character with as many random rolls as possible using Horde Wars! Random Geek-itude Big Geek Con 2 Dates: September 20-22, 2024 (Times TBD) Four Points by Sheraton Saginaw Our Links: Cash Support PayPal: https://paypal.me/biggusgeekus Streamlabs: https://streamlabs.com/biggusgeekus1/tip Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/biggusgeekus Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/BiggusGeekus On the Web:  Website: www.biggusgeekuspodcast.com Email: thegeeks@biggusgeekuspodcast.com Big Geek Emporium: https://biggeekemporium.com/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/biggusgeekus/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/biggusgeekus/support

Episode 170 Streamed Live Tuesday December 19, 2023 Main Topic: Horde Wars Basic and Beyond with Blackwall Games We discuss Horde Wars with Todd and Nate of Blackwall Games. Horde Wars is a fantasy tabletop RPG that leans into a medieval European tropes to inform its design. This is mixed with other influences to give it a unique feel. It also relies on a combination of classes and skills that give players many combinations to choose from. Many topics were covered: Where does the Basic game stand? What about the advanced version? How does Horde Wars facilitate campaign play? With so many games on Guilded, how do you keep motivated? Are you and Nate both running playtest groups? Are you and Nate going to Cabin Con #2 How do you design monsters? How do you design encounters? d12 days of Horde Wars! The Christmas Holiday Special giveaway! We have given 9 away so far…Last 3 tonight!!! Shameless Plug Time: If you would like to support our show, please like, subscribe, and share us where you are listening or viewing the show. We are on all the socials, video and podcast places as well. Cash Support PayPal: https://paypal.me/biggusgeekus Streamlabs: https://streamlabs.com/biggusgeekus1/tip Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/biggusgeekus Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/BiggusGeekus On the Web:  Website: www.biggusgeekuspodcast.com Email: thegeeks@biggusgeekuspodcast.com Big Geek Emporium: https://biggeekemporium.com/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/biggusgeekus/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/biggusgeekus/support

Episode 166 Streamed Live Tuesday November 21, 2023 Main Topic: Combating Combat -Things to consider as you design a combat system for a fantasy TTRPG. What kinds of feel or experience do you want combat to give? Frenetic, fog of war, cinematic/heroic action, gritty blood-n-bone combat, other? Emulation vs. SimulationNeed to decide if BALANCE is important, and HOW to handle it Complexity can often stall the game. How “old-school” do you go? (all attacks do d6, weapon vs. armor, speed factor, phases) How should the offense and defense capabilities interact? D&D: AC, attack roll, damage rolls vs HPS Armor as DR, wounds vs vitality Simplified comparison: combat skill vs defensive skill/opposed rolls. Include a separate Dodge/Parry/Block/Evade mechanic? How many actions does a character get per turn? And how does it affect combat Movement: double moves, running, AOO's, withdrawals Attack: melee, range, spell, number of attacks, Other types: speaking, opening a door, interacting with an object. Do actions effect initiative order?Character types and limitations if any in combat. Armor and weapon limitations. Combat skill limitations. Who gets to be good at what? Can wizards wear armor and cast spells? Can warriors sneak around? Spell disruption (OSR vs 3.X vs 13th age) Fear of Magic dominance How does the initiative system interact with combat? Is it turn-based? Side initiative (OSR), individual (3.X, Savage Worlds), # actions based on speed (GURPS/Hackmaster/Shadowrun), He who starts the fight goes first/free form, highest roll goes first then around the table in clockwise order (horde Wars) How important is it? OTHER considerations: Setting and Rules often feed into each other. If the game is mainly about combat, then perhaps the combat system should be robust and detailed. If the game is meant to be about the story that gets told around the table, then maybe the system needs to be more fluid with interchangeable pieces to increase or decrease complexity in the system.Shameless Plug Time: If you would like to support our show, please like, subscribe, and share us where you are listening or viewing the show. We are on all the socials, video and podcast places as well. Cash Support PayPal: https://paypal.me/biggusgeekus Streamlabs: https://streamlabs.com/biggusgeekus1/tip Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/biggusgeekus Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/BiggusGeekus On the Web:  Website: www.biggusgeekuspodcast.com Email: thegeeks@biggusgeekuspodcast.com Big Geek Emporium: https://biggeekemporium.com/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/biggusgeekus/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/biggusgeekus/support

Episode 158 Streamed Live Tuesday September 26, 2023Main Topic: Big Geek Con 1- Post Shenanigans ReportPeople to thankWorkers/helpers: A special nod goes to Randy's wife & K. Scott Appreciation to Joe Hardin and His wife, L. Neumann, Martenson, Greg T., Larry E., and Fladey ( for donations to raffle) as well as David Guyll (donations for raffle- extreme number of miniatures).The GMs: Fladey, Larry N., Larry E., Martenson, Kelley, Tim, and Benny S., Darth Thiek (Commander -style tourney), Halcyon, J. Demo, Nathan Lindy, and Geoff S.Special Kudos:Ben R. playing with Bennie.Bennie gave away his prize to a friendFar travelers: Darth Thiek, Fladey and guest, Abub.Nathan Lindy: ran Horde Wars like a boss!Business endSet upAdvertisingSetting up GMs and sessionsHow did we do?# of AttendeesFriday: 34Saturday: 47Games played by BG and favorite thingsRandy - games played: Modern War by young 13 year old (his own homebrew), Cheating Death- by Tim Scott : TPK and a mighty screw up on my part, and 13th age by Larry E.- enjoyable ,but more guffaws by moi. (very tired)Randy's Favorites: Loved my theme of not reading the dice right, loved my kids' game(great ideas and cool thing), watching Horde Wars tables fill up non-stop, & inspired by my running of my module(very first session), and meeting the various dudes from the chat on this show.Joe - games played: Rifts Coalition Wars, Extreme Xcrawl, Horde Wars, Dungeon Crawl Classics, Palladium Fantasy, and 13th Age Joe's Favorites: Meeting folks from the live stream, you guys ROCK! Getting some gaming in after a long break. Food: hot dogs, pulled pork, chips, cookies, soda, water, candy bars.Good/Bad/UglySuggestion Box: Sound bufferingCredit card payment option on siteStagger early gamesLate start Friday/end SundayAC/Fans neededPlace merchandise closer to entranceAdvertise at local games storesPeople buying weekend pass should get two “raffle” tickets (or more incentive)If possible buy stuff to raffleGame sign up online if possibleTabletop events and dates set earlier45 minute registration pre-game Floating GM each slotEncourage folks to show up ten minutes before gamesMore variety of diet popAdd a space on sign-in sheet for email and to text notificationsKids play placeHow about Big Geek Con 2?Shameless Plug Time:If you would like to support our show, please like, subscribe, and share us where you are listening or viewing the show. We are on all the socials, video and podcast places as well.Cash SupportPayPal: https://paypal.me/biggusgeekus Streamlabs: https://streamlabs.com/biggusgeekus1/tipKo-fi: https://ko-fi.com/biggusgeekus Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/BiggusGeekus On the Web: Website: www.biggusgeekuspodcast.comEmail: thegeeks@biggusgeekuspodcast.comBig Geek Emporium: https://biggeekemporium.com/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/biggusgeekus/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/biggusgeekus/support

Episode 157 Streamed Live Tuesday September 19, 2023 Main Topic: Handling PC Death (a revisit) Should it be on the table at all? How much does it suck to have your PC to die mid-session? Types of Death? Fair (Player poor choices or fairly rolled combat deaths). VS Unfair (GM Fiat/unfair targeting of a PC/1 save or die) Classic D&D solution: Raise Dead/Resurrection Basket full of PCs (old school Dark Sun) How is Death handled in Games outside of the fantasy genre? How has your opinion on PC death changed/evolved/stayed the same since EP7? Death Mechanics You've seen in a game? Squishing Gaming Myths - Roll Players vs Role-Players Is there a divide? Does it matter? Why or why not? Can the two gamers mix? Random Geek-itude Report from Big Geek Land Big Geek Con: September 22-23, 2023, at the Four Points Hotel in Saginaw, MI. This coming weekend is THE weekend! Tickets sold day of show: $40 whether you come Friday(22nd) or Saturday(23rd). Shameless Plug Time: If you would like to support our show, please like, subscribe, and share us where you are listening or viewing the show. We are on all the socials, video and podcast places as well. Cash Support PayPal: https://paypal.me/biggusgeekus Streamlabs: https://streamlabs.com/biggusgeekus1/tip Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/biggusgeekus Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/BiggusGeekus On the Web:  Website: www.biggusgeekuspodcast.com Email: thegeeks@biggusgeekuspodcast.com Big Geek Emporium: https://biggeekemporium.com/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/biggusgeekus/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/biggusgeekus/support

Episode 156 Streamed Live Tuesday September 12, 2023 Mental Illness as badge of Honor https://dotesports.com/dnd/news/first-canonically-autistic-dnd-character-arrives-in-the-book-of-many-things Main Topic: Planescape Reimagined The Great Wheel Cosmology:https://srd.dndtools.org/srd/environment/planesDescriptionsAndCosmology.html Randy's Big IDEA: The prime (Prime Plane) is prime real estate throughout the Multiverse and all the other planes want it. Why? It is the only plane that is not dedicated to a single idea or alignment. It has desirable resource (its residents) and it is not primarily dedicated to a single idea or alignment. Sigil: City of Doors is run by a Great Council of Dominant representatives of non-deity level leaders from the planes of the multiverse They are in a constant political dance called the Kreigstanz in an attempt to outmaneuver each other. This keeps them from mounting a full assault on the prime material plane. Of course, many of these powerful individuals will do a little ‘invading” secretly or sometimes not so secretly from time to time. Lady of Pain: head of the table- a powerful entity who can keep out powerful immortal creatures due to the nature of the City of Doors. She has a seemingly endless horde of warriors called Dabus who do not speak, but only act. They might be constructs or a race of mute beings, no one knows for sure because as they die their bodies dissipate into nothing or meld into the streets of Sigil. The Factions: these could be human/PC race led organizations that attempt to win favors from the Great Council, the Lady of Pain, or perhaps to just keep an eye on the dealings of these planar entities who would wish to dominate the Prime Material Plane. The PORTALS: These exist as the only way to access Sigil and only the Lady and Dabus have control to their access at least officially. Joe's Big IDEA:Skip Sigil and keep the focus on the PCs' homeworld as much as possible. - PCs' home world has occasional invaders from the wider multiverse, maybe other prime worlds - Invasion forces vary in strength - Forces are after a valuable resource (make one up lazy!) - May be a single force, maybe multiple - May be independent forces, maybe coordinated - Can easily be used to springboard a campaign - Can be used as a one shot “Stop The Invaders” adventure -- get to ground zero -- battle to penetrate a stronghold -- find and eliminate the leader/close portal (not necessarily connected)Squishing Gaming Myths: D&D is NOT a GOOD TTRPG. It is just the most popular. It doesn't represent magic well. Levels are dumb and skills are where it's at. It is just an adventure game, no roleplaying support. It doesn't work past level 6/10/12 It is too complicated. Report from Big Geek Land Big Geek Con: September 22-23, 2023, at the Four Points Hotel in Saginaw, MI. “Do Not try that at a Small Con!” We got some good help working on the non-gaming stuff. Tickets sold day of show: $40 whether you come Friday(22nd) or Saturday(23rd). Shameless Plug Time: If you would like to support our show, please like, subscribe, and share us where you are listening or viewing the show. We are on all the socials, video and podcast places as well. Cash Support PayPal: https://paypal.me/biggusgeekus Streamlabs: https://streamlabs.com/biggusgeekus1/tip Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/biggusgeekus Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/BiggusGeekus On the Web:  Website: www.biggusgeekuspodcast.com Email:thegeeks@biggusgeekuspodcast.com Big Geek Emporium:https://biggeekemporium.com/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/biggusgeekus/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/biggusgeekus/support

Episode 153 Streamed Live Tuesday August 22, 2023 Shout out the Geeapaloozapodcast Two of our Cabin Con buddies have started a Twitch podcast on general gaming: https://www.twitch.tv/geekapaloozapodcast Main Topic: Gaming Facts or Fiction? Old DnD Research:https://www.dndresearch.com/blog/2020-survey-result-update-1-demographic-of-ttrpg-players#/ RAW vs RAI vs Homebrew Rules: Is it a big deal at most tables? https://forums.giantitp.com/showthread.php?398993-On-RAW-RAI-amp-RAF Gamer Funk: are gamers are a smelly bunch? Banned!: https://www.theregister.com/2019/04/05/stnky_gamers_banned/ Con Crud:If you go to a convention will you likely come home with the plague? https://publichealthinsider.com/2018/08/31/gaming-cosplay-and-con-crud-oh-my/ Gamers have low social skills: Can gamers interact socially outside of the table? https://digitalcommons.pace.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1199&context=honorscollege_theses Gamers are smart: Does the average gamer have an IQ that is above average? Video gamers article: https://technave.com/gadget/Study-suggests-that-PC-gamers-have-highest-average-IQ-22139.html TTRPGs have been and is still a boy's club: Are there any women in the house? Video games: https://techpenny.com/roleplaying-gamer-demographics-trends/ TTRPGs: https://blog.gitnux.com/tabletop-gaming-statistics/ D&D Weirdness: Leveling Up Old school: Gain XP then gain level after you train..New school: Gain XP then gain level & mid-adventure or in-between encounters Level Caps on non-humans- too weird. But having a level cap on Mortals seems reasonable Everything increases at the same time Defeating opponents/gaining treasure to get stronger. Training – Use a mentor who advises and occasionally offers insight, and adventure seeds.Level caps: Make them setting/table specificHow to get exp: add in goals based exp (some examples in different versions)Everything increases: have to redesign the game on some level to make this change Random Geek-itude: Report from Big Geek Land “Cry Havoc, and remember, you just ‘Try That at a Small Con!” ( Thanks Venger!) 1 Month away folks! Suggestions: Kids 13 and under free with an adult (max two kids per adult) and adult must accompany the child during the whole time. Tickets sold day of show: $40 whether you come Friday(22nd) or Saturday(23rd). Tragedy at Taigon's Falls at BGE:https://biggeekemporium.com/product/tragedy-at-taigons-falls/ Big Geek Con Discord thread for games: https://discord.com/channels/758861997697138759/1142771211298938890 Shameless Plug Time: If you would like to support our show, please like, subscribe, and share us where you are listening or viewing the show, We are on all the socials, video and podcast places as well. Cash Support PayPal: https://paypal.me/biggusgeekus Streamlabs: https://streamlabs.com/biggusgeekus1/tip Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/biggusgeekus Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/BiggusGeekus On the Web:  Website: www.biggusgeekuspodcast.com Email: thegeeks@biggusgeekuspodcast.com Big Geek Emporium:https://biggeekemporium.com/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/biggusgeekus/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/biggusgeekus/support

Episode 152 Streamed Live Tuesday, August 15, 2023 Special Guests DM Blackwall and DM Nate Horde Wars Basic is available on BGE Campaign Analysis: So, you all meet in a bar. Should Pcs be generated together (“session zero”) or individually/separately? Should the Pcs know each other? Many ways to start a campaign (the first adventure): In a tavern with a mysterious stranger. Hired as Caravan guards. In media res. Mission Impossible- your mission if you choose to accept it. No reason. Module or homebrew…just begin. Full sandbox: players choose their starting place and see if the PCs meet up, maybe via some sort of event? Jazzing up these beginnings: Mysterious meeting with hermit sage outside the city. PCs are mercenaries on a merchant ship defending against Pirates. PCs are the only survivors of a battle on a hilltop. PCs begin at the entrance of … (insert module or adventure) PCs are lead to an alchemist who turns out dead ... D&D Weirdness: Randomness Why are we in the RPG sphere so attached to randomness?The need for some element of failure/successThe random elementbrings excitement. Removes arbitrary choices.Combining success/failure with severity of effect:Rolling a hit then getting 1 damage on a random roll, for instance?Lean into randomness to improve the experience: Make the success roll pivotal so it influences the effect, like the way crits work. Dice Superstitions Unlucky/lucky dice and players. Don't touch another gamer's dice. Put new dice through rituals to make them roll well Must have dice of one-color set. Roll with specific dice every time. Random Geek-itude Big Geek Con: September 22-23, 2023, at the Four Points Hotel in Saginaw, MI Big Geek Adventures: Tragedy at Taigon's Falls is done and will be posted on BGE soon! Horde Wars Basic: https://biggeekemporium.com/product/horde-wars-basic/ Find Horde Wars at Grand Con: https://www.grand-con.com/exhibitors-2023 Shameless Plug Time: If you would like to support our show, please like, subscribe, and share us where you are listening or viewing the show. We are on all the socials, video and podcast places as well. Cash Support PayPal: https://paypal.me/biggusgeekus Streamlabs: https://streamlabs.com/biggusgeekus1/tip Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/biggusgeekus Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/BiggusGeekus On the Web:  Website: www.biggusgeekuspodcast.com Email:thegeeks@biggusgeekuspodcast.com Big Geek Emporium:https://biggeekemporium.com/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/biggusgeekus/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/biggusgeekus/support

Deities of Your Campaign Episode 150 Streamed Live Tuesday August 1, 2023 Main Topic: Deities in Your Campaign Pantheons or Monotheistic settings. Using the real world mythologies in your game. Creating your own. Using a game's settings deities as written. No deities To what extent should they take front stage in a campaign? Can you call down the gods? What are the eternal consequences of deities in a campaign? DnD Weirdness: Adventuring Part 2 - The Campaign World's Adaptation to adventuring Adventuring CompaniesTraditional organizations sending out adventurers Folk referring to “adventurers” and understanding it as a thing Adventurers become the pioneers/colonizers and/or troubleshooters 150th episode Giveaway Give away one ticket to BG Con 1 on September 22-23,2023. Random Geek-itude: Report from Big Geek Land Big Geek Con: September 22-23, 2023, at the Four Points Hotel in Saginaw, MI. – be there or be square! Shameless Plug Time: If you would like to support our show, please like, subscribe, and share us where you are listening or viewing the show, also: We are on all the socials, video and podcast places as well. Cash Support PayPal: https://paypal.me/biggusgeekus Streamlabs: https://streamlabs.com/biggusgeekus1/tip Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/biggusgeekus Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/BiggusGeekus On the Web:  Website: www.biggusgeekuspodcast.com Email:thegeeks@biggusgeekuspodcast.com Big Geek Emporium:https://biggeekemporium.com/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/biggusgeekus/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/biggusgeekus/support

Episode 147 Streamed Live Tuesday July 11, 2023 The Main Hobby is Busted Baldur's Gate 3 video game: https://news.yahoo.com/baldurs-gate-3s-commitment-d-190000993.html Cohors Cthuhlhu Game - https://youtu.be/96Eb7ZFgtVE We need a true alternate hobby culture…fight the power! Main Topic: DnD Weirdness Exploring the weirdness of Dungeons. That they exist at all. Old school dungeons don't stay empty If you lean into the last point, empty dungeons don't stay empty, it can serve the atmosphere of your game world. What fills the dungeons? How is it filled? Why do dungeons not stay emptied? Answering these questions, some or all, can be a fun way to add depth and perhaps a dit of quirkiness to your game.Some related points: Are the monsters attracted? Are they spawned? Does this impact the surrounding area? Can the attraction/spawning cause overflow? Where do these monsters come from? Randy is convinced he is not an really an OSR player/DM. There are many things about OSR style play to like. Less number of spells Encumbrance Resource tracking ZERO to HEROHowever there many things to not like:1 HP PCXP charts w/insanely slow progression Spell segments/weapon speed THACO Vancian Magic Random Geek-itude Big Geek Con: September 22-23, 2023, at the Four Points Hotel in Saginaw, MI. Shameless Plug Time: If you would like to support our show, please like, subscribe, and share us where you are listening or viewing the show. We are on all the socials, video and podcast places as well. Cash Support PayPal: https://paypal.me/biggusgeekus Streamlabs: https://streamlabs.com/biggusgeekus1/tip Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/biggusgeekus Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/BiggusGeekus On the Web:  Website: www.biggusgeekuspodcast.com Email: thegeeks@biggusgeekuspodcast.com Big Geek Emporium: https://biggeekemporium.com/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/biggusgeekus/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/biggusgeekus/support

Episode 144 Streamed Live Tuesday June 20, 2023 Main Topic: Monster Mash #14 - Slimes, Oozes, etc. Over the various editions of Dungeons and Dragons (DnD) there have been a few standard monsters in this category. They are generally amorphous, unintelligent, slow moving and are more like hazards than creatures. What makes them creatures is they grow, likely reproduce, and “attack” by some form of acid. In essence, they try to break down their victims and absorb them.These creatures have not organization or culture. Those attacked are done so opportunistically, not from any type of desire or motivation. Something lands on or near them and they attempt to digest it. The standard creatures are: Black Pudding, Gray Ooze, Green Slime, Ochre Jelly, Yellow Mold, and the Gelatinous Cube. The gelatinous cube is a little different from the others as they use pseudopods to attack and can actively move to a target. Later, Violet Fungi, Shriekers, and Gas Spores were added to this category as “fungus creatures”. These are a bit more complex, but still unintelligent. We discuss: 1) Their differences over the editions 2) Memorable encounters 3) Alternate takes or uses in encountersRandom Geek-itude: Report from Big Geek Land Big Geek Con: September 22-23, 2023Four Seasons Hotel in Saginaw, MI. – be there or be square! NEW:1) Kids 13 and under free with an adult (max two per adult) adult must accompany the child 2) Tickets will sold day of show: $40. 3) EP150 give away few tickets for Big Geek Con. Shameless Plug Time: If you would like to support our show, please like, subscribe, and share us where you are listening or viewing the show, also. We are on all the socials, video and podcast places as well. Cash Support PayPal: https://paypal.me/biggusgeekus Streamlabs: https://streamlabs.com/biggusgeekus1/tip Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/biggusgeekus Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/BiggusGeekus On the Web:  Website: www.biggusgeekuspodcast.com Email: thegeeks@biggusgeekuspodcast.com Big Geek Emporium: https://biggeekemporium.com/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/biggusgeekus/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/biggusgeekus/support

Episode 143 Streamed Live Tuesday June 13, 2023A short discussion of “fauxSR”, being an online disagreement about the OSR, with guest Ryan David of Nerdcognito Main Topic: Monster Mash #13: Here there be DRAGONS Part 2We pick up from the discussion on ep142 and begin with “ecology”. How do dragons fit into the world and what considerations should be made. These considerations can be political, territorial, existential, etc. We also discuss some of our favorite dragon encounters, and some alternate ways to use them in your campaigns. Should the concern be with how much they eat?How do they fly?Is it wrong to present tribute?How rare should they be?Bestial or Intelligent?Is it really all that it's cracked up to be? Best of Dragon Magazine Vol. #1: Review and highlights…perhaps even hit the table of contents. Usefulness of such magazines back in the day and today? Where are they now? Opinion on articles? Any specific one you liked? Those who tried to replace them: Gygax Magazine, Kobold Quarterly, etc? Current Day: Mad Scribe magazine - #2 soon to be out with the article from yours truly. Random Geek-itude Report from Big Geek Land Big Geek Con: September 22-23, 2023 at the Four Winds Hotel in Saginaw, MI. – be there or be square! Shameless Plug Time: If you would like to support our show, please like, subscribe, and share us where you are listening or viewing the show, also: We are on all the socials, video and podcast places as well. Cash Support PayPal: https://paypal.me/biggusgeekus Streamlabs: https://streamlabs.com/biggusgeekus1/tip Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/biggusgeekus Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/BiggusGeekus On the Web:  Website: www.biggusgeekuspodcast.com Email:thegeeks@biggusgeekuspodcast.com Big Geek Emporium:https://biggeekemporium.com/ Big Geek Con 2023: https://tabletop.events/conventions/big-geek-con-2023 --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/biggusgeekus/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/biggusgeekus/support

Episode 140 Streamed Live Tuesday May 23, 2023 Main Topic: What is the Player's job at the game table? Talked about the job of the DM and a few ways it can be approached. Let's do the same for the folks on the other side of the screen. Don'tbe a jerk. Learn the rules related to your character. Build characters that get along well in a group environment. Try to do things that are not just fun for you. Know what you want to do on your turn (especially/mainly in tense moments such as combat). Pay attention during such moments. Try to fit in with the group's style. If not, then kindly excuse yourself. Realize your PC isn't the star and could bite the bullet. There is plenty of extra paper to make a new PC. Do NOT try tobreak the game with your uber-PC. Don't overly gimp your PC to become a drain on the group. Don't be overly cautious…engage the scenario/challenge/situation. If the game is long term, try to get the $ to invest in a copy of the rules. Do NOT cheat! Campaign Analysis: Homebrew vs Published/pre-made World. Played Hyperborea, used pre-made adventure -thoughts on the session. Random Geek-itude: Report from Big Geek Land https://tabletop.events/conventions/big-geek-con-2023 Shameless Plug Time: If you would like to support our show, please like, subscribe, and share us where you are listening or viewing the show, also: We are on all the socials, video and podcast places as well. Cash Support PayPal: https://paypal.me/biggusgeekus Streamlabs: https://streamlabs.com/biggusgeekus1/tip Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/biggusgeekus Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/BiggusGeekus Click on the Rant link in live chat on Rumble!On the Web:  Website: www.biggusgeekuspodcast.com Email:thegeeks@biggusgeekuspodcast.com Big Geek Emporium:https://biggeekemporium.com/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/biggusgeekus/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/biggusgeekus/support

Episode 139 Streamed Live Tuesday May 16, 2023 Special Note: Big Geek Con 2023 tickets on SALE!https://tabletop.events/conventions/big-geek-con-2023 Main Topic: What's the DM's job? Relevant links: https://gnomestew.com/how-different-rpgs-define-the-gms-role/ https://gnomestew.com/game-master-referee-storyteller-whats-in-a-name/ https://www.escapistmagazine.com/judging-the-game/ https://www.escapistmagazine.com/its-not-your-story/ https://dwelleroftheforbiddencity.blogspot.com/2020/11/the-dm-as-storyteller-versus-dm-as.html https://gnomestew.com/storyteller-or-facilitator-two-approaches/https://www.dandwiki.com/wiki/Role-Playing_Game_Manifesto_(DnD_Other) https://www.enworld.org/threads/rather-long-dm-as-judge-vs-dm-as-storyteller-in-5ed.321691/ DM Roles: World Builder Adversary Storyteller Judge The Judge referees the interaction of the PCs with the environment. This comes from D&D's wargaming roots. In the old days wargaming rules were a lot less cut and dry and in addition to the two players there was a judge who would not only make sure that both sides followed the rules but who would make rulings when people did things that went outside the rules. This is the same thing that a DM as Judge does, make sure that the players follow the rules and make rulings when they do things that fall into the grey areas of the rules or completely outside them. The Storyteller crafts a story to share with their players. The player characters are the protagonists of the story as the storyteller guides them through it. Through play, the characters experience the story. His job is to make that story unfold and guide the players through it. The players are to play their characters and move through the story. Random Geek-itude Big Geek Con: Friday & Saturday 9/22-23,2023 Tickets: $30 (both days) Shameless Plug Time: If you would like to support our show, please like, subscribe, and share us where you are listening or viewing the show. We are on all the socials, video and podcast places as well. Cash Support PayPal: https://paypal.me/biggusgeekus Streamlabs: https://streamlabs.com/biggusgeekus1/tip Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/biggusgeekus Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/BiggusGeekus On the Web:  Website: www.biggusgeekuspodcast.com Email: thegeeks@biggusgeekuspodcast.com Big Geek Emporium: https://biggeekemporium.com/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/biggusgeekus/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/biggusgeekus/support

Episode 138 Streamed Live Tuesday May 9, 2023 Special Guest: DM Blackwall & N. Lindy(?) Main Topic: Campaign Analysis: Campaign types - advantages and disadvantagesOur first effort: Hyperborea by Jeffrey Talanian of North Wind Adventures: https://www.hyperborea.tv/ Types - Railroad vs Sandbox vs A Mixture Also Procedural and Amusement Parks What type is our Hyperborea game going to be? A Cabin Con Moment: Re-cap CC17 May 4-7, 2023 We had a great time! Lots of napping between games as we are a bit older and not in a rush. Much gaming was had by all: 13th age, Deadlands, Warp Shell, GI Joe, Fallout, Blade Runner and Horde Wars! There were also some board games, and outdoor games (limited due to weather) and even Ping Pong. We had our traditional bonfire and Werewolf session on Friday which is always a lot of laughs. To celebrate Cinco de Mayo, we had a pitch-in taco dinner. One attendee smoke pork for everyone – YUMMY! Report from Big Geek Land BGE gets an update for physical products. Gift Cards coming soon! Big Geek Con will be on Tabletop Events for ticket sales September 22-23,2023 Four Seasons at Sheraton in Saginaw MI If we get 10+ rooms booked we get a larger space to game. Got several folks lined up to be there and run games potentially including the Horde Wars dudes! Shameless Plug Time: If you would like to support our show, please like, subscribe, and share us where you are listening or viewing the show. Direct Support:PayPal: https://paypal.me/biggusgeekus Streamlabs: https://streamlabs.com/biggusgeekus1/tip Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/biggusgeekus Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/BiggusGeekus On the Web:  Website: www.biggusgeekuspodcast.com Email:thegeeks@biggusgeekuspodcast.com Big Geek Emporium:https://biggeekemporium.com/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/biggusgeekus/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/biggusgeekus/support

Episode 137 Streamed Live Tuesday May 2, 2023 Anvil: Iron Age Magazine #1 https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/anvil-iron-age-magazine-issue-1/x/27459496#/ Pinkertons of the Coast Update: https://news.yahoo.com/magic-raid-wasnt-first-time-162558008.html Main Topic: Monster Mash #11 ORCS & More! Orcs, goblins, bugbears, hobgoblins, kobolds, and gnolls through the editions. Some say they are misunderstood. Some say they are stand-ins for the “other”. Honest research into the origins of our shared hobby will reveal that these monsters, for monsters they are without doubt, are formed from bits and pieces of myth and legend and glued together with the imaginings of Gygax and company, and tempered by the literary greats such as Tolkien and Lovecraft. Neither nuance nor depth was not given to these vile creatures as they serve the game as opponents to the player characters. Torn from real-world myth, these bestial humanoids have served as in-game punching bags for decades. Created by demons, these inherently evil villains serve to sow chaos and destruction on the side of darkness generally opposed by humanity and its allies. The embodiment of all of our worst sins, these can remind us of real-world monsters giving us a way, in game, to struggle against and hopefully to defeat them. Though some details have changed though the years and editions, the essence has changed little. The possible exception is in recent years in the newest edition with its slack-jawed adherence to ideological inclusivity. Barring the more recent silliness the general structure is:Orc: The foot soldiers Goblin/Kobold: Small vicious tricksters Hobgoblin/Bugbear/Gnolls: larger enforcers/leaders/scouts Also discussed: The humanoids' place in an ecology and alternate takes on the foes. Cabin Con is Upon Us Randy: (2) 13th age games: Level 7 “Nimielle's Hope (The Egg)” Campaign Continues. Level 1: Into the Great Wide Open - Shared campaign “rules” - 1) can only level @ CC and 2) level every 3 sessions. Deadlands “mega-adventure”: for a posse of 4-5 Seasoned characters Joe may do a sandbox/use our incomplete Dungeon23 materials Report from Big Geek Land Big Geek Con Only change from last week: Tickets to be sold on tabletop.events Shameless Plug Time: If you would like to support our show, please like, subscribe, and share us where you are listening or viewing the show, also: Cash Support PayPal: https://paypal.me/biggusgeekus Streamlabs: https://streamlabs.com/biggusgeekus1/tip Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/biggusgeekus Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/BiggusGeekus On the Web:  Website: www.biggusgeekuspodcast.com Email:thegeeks@biggusgeekuspodcast.com Big Geek Emporium:https://biggeekemporium.com/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/biggusgeekus/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/biggusgeekus/support

Episode 137 Streamed Live Tuesday April 25, 2023 Main Topic: DnD Myths The Game Itself Satanic panic No board non-sense Just playing pretend. Too many esoteric tomes to try to master to learn how to play. Killing things and taking their stuff…that's all there is to it. White Supremacy RAW is the only way RAI is a thing The Players Nerds no girlfriends, all smart No girls allowed. Plays in their mom's basement especially if an adult. Stinky gamer Non-inclusive LARPing as an excuse for Questionable Underground Meetings The Haters D&D is a kid's game Real Gamers move on to better games It is just hack-n-slash 400 Subs Give-Away Congrats to BigBadRPGfor winning the paperback version of ICRPG Master Edition Quick Hit- Hard target: TPK's - Yea or Nay??? Fair play or unfair?Does the campaign have to end?Fudge the dice?Should set one up on purpose? Big Geek Con Details:$30 for Friday & Saturday 9/22-23,2023 (30 people minimum)Guestroom Rates for September 22-23, 2023 (Discounted for 10 or more)King $104 – discounted from $124. Double Queen $114 – discounted from $144. Four Points by Sheraton 4960 Towne Centre Road, Saginaw, MI 4860411 miles from MBS International Airport 42 miles from Flint Bishop116 miles from Detroit Metro International Airport. TICKETS TO BE SOLD ON BGE! Shameless Plug Time: Please like, subscribe, and share us where you are listening or viewing the show. Cash Support PayPal: https://paypal.me/biggusgeekus Streamlabs: https://streamlabs.com/biggusgeekus1/tip Anchor:https://www.anchor.fm/biggusgeekus Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/biggusgeekus Patreon: https://patreon.com/BiggusGeekus On the Web:  Website: www.biggusgeekuspodcast.com Email:thegeeks@biggusgeekuspodcast.com Big Geek Emporium:https://biggeekemporium.com/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/biggusgeekus/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/biggusgeekus/support

Episode 134 of our SHOW, and the date is Tuesday April 11,2023. (J) Main Topic: OSR Glut…time to Move on OneDnd (now just 5th edition revised in 2024) is looking to be leaning to virtual RPGPundit: https://youtu.be/VqL9bi0bdlA?t=603 (time stamped) Dungeon Masterpiece (old one) : https://youtu.be/4wlSCwp_JVA Forget the OSR? Oversaturated? https://retroroleplaying.com/2011/08/long-list-of-old-school-games-and-clones/ Another clone: Shadowdark, Swords & Wizardry, etc? Legacy Gamemastering commented: https://youtu.be/qBK1ya0atac Can the masses be captured by OSR clones? Don't we need something new? We have leave woke companies alone: Hasbro/Wotc, Paizo, Goodman games, Pelgrane press 2nd ed 13th age: https://robheinsoo.blogspot.com/2022/08/13th-age-2e-same-core-team.html Is this not the time to strike? DnD Movie: Does streaming it support WoTC/Does it even matter? Is watching the DnD movie via streaming putting $ in Hasbro/WoTC's pocket? Do/Should you care if it's good? Doesn't look like it's is going to break even: https://boundingintocomics.com/2023/04/03/dungeons-dragons-honor-among-thieves-predicted-to-be-a-flop-despite-better-opening-weekend-box-office-haul-than-originally-predicted/ Shadiversity https://youtu.be/a8yOIB8-9VI Critical Drinker : https://youtu.be/xFmLlpsD6EM Greg Gillespie(author of Barrowmaze): https://youtu.be/MaelKOjzA3o DungeonCraft(Prof DM): https://youtu.be/whWtgc3PwTo A Cabin Con Moment - Less than one month out. - What are we doing about it? - A couple of new faces - How many games/DMs do we need? With 20 people total and 3 slots/day - 4 games of 5 players each day Th-Sat and Sunday one slot. - Survey Results: How many games(adventure) do you usually prep for CC as a DM? How many times do you like to run that game(adventure) over the 4-day weekend? How many slots per day do you like to play? How many slots in total would you like to play over the four days? Would you stay to 4p-6p to play a 2nd slot on Sunday? Segment #4: Random Geek-itude Call Ins and Emails Report from Big Geek Land Big Geek Con: September 22-23, 2023 Saginaw MICHIGAN Shameless Plug Time: If you would like to support our show, please like, subscribe, and share us where you are listening or viewing the show. We are on all the socials, video and podcast places as well. Cash Support PayPal: https://paypal.me/biggusgeekus Streamlabs: https://streamlabs.com/biggusgeekus1/tip Anchor: https://www.anchor.fm/biggusgeekus Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/biggusgeekus Patreon: https://patreon.com/BiggusGeekus On the Web:  Website: www.biggusgeekuspodcast.com Email: thegeeks@biggusgeekuspodcast.com Big Geek Emporium: https://biggeekemporium.com/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/biggusgeekus/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/biggusgeekus/support

Episode 132 Streamed Live Tuesday March 28,2023 Main TOPIC: Alignment in RPGs Definition: ethical and moral perspective Alignment for role playing games was introduced in Dungeons and Dragons back in the late 1970s and is used in many modern games as well. Players use it as an aid to help in playing their characters consistently. DMs and GMs use it for same purpose NPCs and monsters. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alignment_(Dungeons_%26_Dragons) In DnD the 9 alignments are a kind of short-hand, used instead of what can be a convoluted code or moral description. However, the description of these alignments can be vague. Many prefer Palladium's alignments and the do's and don'ts lists it provides as a more concrete system. https://imgur.com/gallery/DmKvb - Should alignment have mechanical effects? - Tracking character's alignment…is it a worthwhile activity? - What about character classes or archetypes being required to have a certain alignment? - Favorite System for alignment or would you rather just drop it/ignore it all together. Alignment Languages(DnD): Lawful good, lawful evil, chaotic good, chaotic evil, and neutrality also have common languages spoken by each respectively. One can attempt to communicate through the common tongue, language particular to a creature class, or one of the divisional languages (lawful good, etc.). While not understanding the language, creatures who speak a divisional tongue will recognise a hostile one and attack. - General thoughts - Do they add value? - Do they seem kind of silly? Campaign Report: Hyperborea We are planning a play through of the game. we are familiarising ourselves with the rules and will give bi-weekly updates on the game focusing on how we like the basic mechanics, the setting, the play of certain classes/races, and the overall grooviness of the tone of the game. Comments on where we are on our read-throughs. Quick Hit - Hard Target: DMPC's - Yes/No/Maybe Hard No Shameless Plug Time: If you would like to support our show, please like, subscribe, and share us where you are listening or viewing the show. We are on all the socials, video and podcast places as well. Cash Support PayPal: https://paypal.me/biggusgeekus Streamlabs: https://streamlabs.com/biggusgeekus1/tip Anchor: https://www.anchor.fm/biggusgeekus Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/biggusgeekus Patreon: https://patreon.com/BiggusGeekus On the Web:  Website: www.biggusgeekuspodcast.com Email:thegeeks@biggusgeekuspodcast.com Big Geek Emporium: https://biggeekemporium.com/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/biggusgeekus/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/biggusgeekus/support

Episode 131 Streamed Live Tuesday March 21, 2023 Main Topic: 10 games You can and Should Play if you don't want no stink'in D&D! Randy's List: (will populate asap) Joe's List: Hyperborea Shadowrun Dungeons and Delvers Stars Without Number Mutants and Masterminds Chronicles of Aeres Rifts Earthdawn Scarlet Heroes Castles and Crusades We briefly discuss each one listing its merits and sometimes a flaw or two. Joe's list has many he hasn't played yet, but is committed to playing them each over the coming year. The purpose is to highlight the vast array of games available that haven't the baggage of WOTC and have some support or extended game lines. Also these games have online communities or fan bases that can answer question or just provide a new group of friends.We had such a great response from live chat that we kicked our next segment to next week: To Be Continued: Alignment in roleplaying games Random Geek-itude Call Ins and Emails: Joe finally resolved his sound sharing issue and we listened to John of the Red Dice Diaries podcast ask us what we think of the newest version of Hyperborea. Its in our list of games to recommend, so there is that. Shameless Plug Time: If you would like to support our show, please like, subscribe, and share us where you are listening or viewing the show. We are on all the socials, video and podcast places as well. Cash Support PayPal: https://paypal.me/biggusgeekus Streamlabs: https://streamlabs.com/biggusgeekus1/tip Anchor: https://www.anchor.fm/biggusgeekus Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/biggusgeekus Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/BiggusGeekus On the Web:  Website: www.biggusgeekuspodcast.com Email:thegeeks@biggusgeekuspodcast.com Big Geek Emporium:https://biggeekemporium.com/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/biggusgeekus/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/biggusgeekus/support

Episode 130 Streamed Live Tuesday March 14, 2023 (National Pi Day!) Main Topic: Monster Mash #9 - using NPCs as Monsters 1) NPCs & their most common types, characteristics & powers throughout the editions. OD&D: Page 15 Book III dungeon encountered Monsters (NPC's?) all couldto see in the dark BECMI/Rules Cyclopedia: RC p.155 and humanoids by alphabetical order 1e & 2e: alphabetical order- Monster description discusses options 3.x: build as needed, but as Pcs with more limited gp equivalent gear: large table in DMG with sample low medium and higher-level NPCs 4e: by alphabetical order, but in MM special examples…don't build as PCs 5e: at the back of MM are certain NPC archetypes with particular powers don't' build as PCs…Appendix B- Stats for NPCs 2) Ecology & influence of monster in the campaign world & how best to use them How do they fit? What role as foes? Do PCs eventually reach a level where NPCs are the best and challenge? 3) Named NPCs in IP Canon: Should you use these NPCs in your game? Game IP: Elminster, Drizzt, Mordenkainen, etc Fiction IP: Gandalf, Darth Vader, the Joker, etc NPC generators: 0e/RC: https://agathokles.pythonanywhere.com/chargen 1e/2e: https://www.dwarvenautomata.com/leveled-npc-generator/ 3e: https://dnd3rd.sourceforge.net/and resource page: https://forum.rpg.net/index.php?threads/3-5-d-d-3-5-npc-generator-and-other-tools.479319/ 4e: https://donjon.bin.sh/4e/random/#type=npc 5e: https://www.thievesguild.cc/npc/ 4.) Our favourite examples Derdrom- Morded backwards- tricky npc wizard…more just a one trick pony Ravenlock- first NPC friend Beauregard – NPC lord from Elysium. A thorn in the PCs side for years. Segment #2: Quick Hit- Hard Target - The Paladin and Alignment Lawful A-hole or Lawful Stupid? General Champion of “choose an alignment” or “some concept” Do they have to be LG? Random Geek-itude Mad Scribe Magazine #1 by Mad Scribe Games: Issue #1 on sale now at DriveThru(boo!), Walmart, Amazon and B&N. Available in pdf and print. Shameless Plug Time: If you would like to support our show, please like, subscribe, and share us where you are listening or viewing the show. We are on all the socials, video and podcast places as well. Support PayPal: https://paypal.me/biggusgeekus Streamlabs: https://streamlabs.com/biggusgeekus1/tip Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/biggusgeekus Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/BiggusGeekus On the Web: Website: www.biggusgeekuspodcast.com Email: thegeeks@biggusgeekuspodcast.com Big Geek Emporium: https://biggeekemporium.com/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/biggusgeekus/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/biggusgeekus/support

Episode 129 Streamed Live Tuesday, March 7, 2023 Weekly WOTC Crap Wrap-Up: Emasculating the Men ... obviously. Main Topic: Controlling the Narrative in D&D and other Games GM tool/responsibility Is concern for the Narrative just story time? Is there value to giving opportunities for motivation to the PCs and NPCs. Thinking a bit about protagonists and antagonists. Sharing with the players: Narrative control pitfalls and advantages Running short on time…narrating an ending to a session or one-shot pitfalls and advantages Games that use extreme narrative elements such as Fate, 13thage, etc. pitfalls and advantages Quick Hit/Hard Target: What about Multiple Dms Within one campaign? Shared world? Can there be a rich narrative in this type of game? Running parallel campaigns within the same world? Running different settings/systems/campaigns all together Shameless Plug Time: If you would like to support our show, please like, subscribe, and share us where you are listening or viewing the show. We are on all the socials, video and podcast places as well. Cash Support PayPal: https://paypal.me/biggusgeekus Streamlabs: https://streamlabs.com/biggusgeekus1/tip Anchor: https://www.anchor.fm/biggusgeekus Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/biggusgeekus On the Web: Website: www.biggusgeekuspodcast.com Email: thegeeks@biggusgeekuspodcast.com Big Geek Emporium: https://biggeekemporium.com/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/biggusgeekus/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/biggusgeekus/support

Episode 128 Streamed Live Tuesday, February 28, 2023 Weekly WOTC Crap Wrap-Up: Dark Sun is problematic, according to WOTC's Kyle Brinks https://www.wargamer.com/dnd/dark-sun-problematic Main Topic: MASTER YOUR GAME PREP - Randy has a game prep Masterclass! His evolution through the editions of play from little more than drawing a dungeon to 6 - 8 hrs for one session of play. Randy has been on all sides of this aspect of running a ttrpg. Quick Hit/Hard Target: Multiple PCs: Hirelings, shared pool of characters, stable of characters - all explored. Support PayPal: https://paypal.me/biggusgeekus Streamlabs: https://streamlabs.com/biggusgeekus1/tip Anchor: https://www.anchor.fm/biggusgeekus Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/biggusgeekus On the Web: Website: www.biggusgeekuspodcast.com Email: thegeeks@biggusgeekuspodcast.com Big Geek Emporium: https://biggeekemporium.com/ Discord: https://discord.gg/PxuFrfybb7 --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/biggusgeekus/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/biggusgeekus/support

Episode 127 Streamed Live Tuesday, February 21, 2023 The Red Room Redacted: The Red Room has been booted from DriveThru RPG following posting their book "Men", in a fit of inconsistent application of "Standards" ... or some such. BGE was down due to a tech error AND potential hosting shenanigans. We hope we do not have to move hosts AGAIN. (up the next morning) Main Topic: Race/Species/Ancestry, Which words is best. The FINAL word is Race. It is what has been used for decades and brought no harm to anyone, despite rumors to the contrary. Other words simply add nothing of value. Quick Hit: Split the party, is it a good idea. Final verdict: It depends... obviously. Our Links: Cash Support PayPal: https://paypal.me/biggusgeekus Streamlabs: https://streamlabs.com/biggusgeekus1/tip Anchor: https://www.anchor.fm/biggusgeekus Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/biggusgeekus On the Web: Website: www.biggusgeekuspodcast.com Email: thegeeks@biggusgeekuspodcast.com Big Geek Emporium: https://biggeekemporium.com/ Discord: https://discord.gg/PxuFrfybb7 --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/biggusgeekus/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/biggusgeekus/support

Episode 126 Streamed Live Tuesday February 14, 2023 Nerdcognito: https://www.nerdcognito.com/ Weekly WoTC crap round up: State of the Hobby- the DnD movie, playing 5e & MtG, etc. Are most folks still that concerned about the issues? Jenny Di - https://twitter.com/TheBasicExpert1/status/1623383430963810304?t=JBaz148u05SXj8vjG6-twg&s=01 DM's not wanted https://youtu.be/yFaAHc8Qye4 Monster Mash Special: Homebrewed Monsters With all the available monster books why would you bother? Does changing one or two aspects make a beasts seem new How careful should you be to keep verisimilitude, or does it matter? Do homebrew monsters make the game better? Do you prefer standard or homebrewed beasts? How about a world where every creature is completely homebrewed? What good and bad experiences have you had with homebrewed monsters? Our Hobby: Ways we participate? And Why? Playing games (mostly TTRPG's), talking about playing games, watching/listening to youtube/podcasts about gaming, participating in media, attending conventions, or organizing your own, consuming other media related to our hobby: live plays, watching movies, watching videos, and reading books, talking about gaming, creating games and game products. Random Geek-itude: Report from Big Geek Land Shameless Plug Time: If you would like to support our show, please like, subscribe, and share us where you are listening or viewing the show. Cash Support PayPal: https://paypal.me/biggusgeekus Streamlabs: https://streamlabs.com/biggusgeekus1/tip Anchor:https://www.anchor.fm/biggusgeekus Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/biggusgeekus On the Web: Website: www.biggusgeekuspodcast.com Email: thegeeks@biggusgeekuspodcast.com Big Geek Emporium: https://biggeekemporium.com/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/biggusgeekus/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/biggusgeekus/support

Episode 125 Streamed Live Tuesday February 7, 2023 Be sure to check out Nerdcognito: https://www.nerdcognito.com/ WoTC Trash Again x2 D&D Beyond shut down for a while this past weekend https://youtu.be/_n0zdSCzkB8 WotC's Kyle Brink says White Men can't leave the hobby fast enough Diversity and Dragons: https://youtu.be/yVjRJdBXA4M Mr. Max Boivin: https://youtu.be/UtywtAOWRLE Done with WoTC TTRPGs vs Other RPG-like Games With Special Guest: Patrick Demo of Pointy Hat Games Board Games: Talisman, Heroquest (V1.0 and 2.)0, Descent, D&D Adventure System: (Wrath of Ashardalon, Castle Ravenloft etc), Runewars , Gloomhaven Video Games: Goldbox Games, Legend of Zelda, Baldur's Gate (original), Mass Effect, Skyrim Card Games: Expedition(https://expeditiongame.com/), Pathfinder Adventure Card Game (https://paizo.com/pacg) Do these games adequately re-create the TTRPG experience? What audience do these serve? Are they worth the effort when compared to a true TTRPG? Do you want or need miniatures for any of them? How well do you like them, ie, the categoriesof games? Which are your favorites and why? Random Geek-itude: Report from Big Geek Land Shameless Plug Time: If you would like to support our show, please like, subscribe, and share us where you are listening or viewing the show, also we are on all the socials, video and podcast places as well. Cash Support PayPal: https://paypal.me/biggusgeekus Streamlabs: https://streamlabs.com/biggusgeekus1/tip Anchor:https://www.anchor.fm/biggusgeekus Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/biggusgeekus On the Web: Website: www.biggusgeekuspodcast.com Email: thegeeks@biggusgeekuspodcast.com Big Geek Emporium: https://biggeekemporium.com/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/biggusgeekus/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/biggusgeekus/support

Episode 124 Streamed Live Tuesday January 31, 2023 Main Topic: DM Blackwall and Horde Wars D12 System Questions/Comments Related to the Game Where does the game fall on the OSR-Modern-Indie scale? Is it simulationist/gamist/narrativist? High/low Fantasy or grim gritty? P.2 Rule zero without using rule zero is alive in this game it seems? Why the d12? Auto success on a 12, but no auto fail? The clockwise initiative system…why did you go with this? What is the purpose of the Afflictions and its comparison to Hit Points? 1 Healing Potion per day…why this choice? Death in 1d4 rounds once you hit zero hit points. I like it. Have you thought of not letting players know how long they have? That is, roll behind the screen…my preference. Simplified Creature types, but more granular damage types. Why the difference? Object Vulnerability Example of play P.11. Seems you have some level of abstraction say with encumbrance and creative solutions seems to be encouraged in the way players might solve challenges. Why level 12 cap? OGL 1.0a, Yeah, we won!!!...so what now? Lots of opinions by youtubers: https://youtu.be/VUBinw9H2DA(Professor DM) https://youtu.be/IlzdFy0vB8k(RPGpundit) https://youtu.be/Df6K65pHO9Q(Tenkar) https://youtu.be/URY3fhm6R18(Diversity & Dragons) https://youtu.be/HX5iZ5r8hyE(the dungeon delver)...and many others. In the end: So what? Not enough? Back into their loving arms(should you?) Is the creative commons going enough? Folks like us aren't going back. I'm glad for the creators whose livelihood is saved but they should take the time to pivot Random Geek-itude Report from Big Geek Land BGE,Dungeon 23, BGA or BGCon Shameless Plug Time: If you would like to support our show, please like, subscribe, and share us where you are listening or viewing the show. We are on all the socials, video and podcast places as well. Cash Support PayPal: https://paypal.me/biggusgeekus Streamlabs: https://streamlabs.com/biggusgeekus1/tip Anchor:https://www.anchor.fm/biggusgeekus Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/biggusgeekus On the Web: Website: www.biggusgeekuspodcast.com Email:thegeeks@biggusgeekuspodcast.com Big Geek Emporium: https://biggeekemporium.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/biggusgeekus/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/biggusgeekus/support

Episode 123 Streamed Live Tuesday January 24, 2023 Tired of OGL stuff yet? Recent news and thoughts: DnD Shorts https://youtu.be/J4kGMsZSdbY T-shirted Historian https://youtu.be/jP2JLWPX_LI Done with WoTC so maybe we should just move Dungeoncraft https://youtu.be/4oV9Fnkyyfc Grim's Project: https://postmortemstudios.wordpress.com/2023/01/24/opendnd-public-domain-roleplaying-panza-draft-1-0 Main Topic: What do we want from a Dungeon? We used Dungeons by Central Casting to inspire the creation of a dungeon (Thanks to Ryan David @nerdcognito and Max @legion of myth for the suggestion) From both player and DM perspective, what makes for a good dungeon? Even with a Mad God, how random/funhouse before it loses its verisimilitude? Random monsters: many? few? with a theme? Traps and tricks: many? few? Mega? Past dungeon experience: successes/failures Mapping the dungeon - details or broad strokes Flavor text: more or less? How do they fit in the campaign world? Using Central Casting: Dungeon - not sure it's my cup of tea Random Geek-itude Call Ins - One from John at Red Dice Diaries re: Hyperborea RPG (tech fail) Joe's Birthday he is 56 … the old geezer! News for theEmporium Giveaway 2.0- the Double Whammy Giveaway! Guess the number of official3.5 game books by Wizards of the Coast that Randy currently owns in hardcopy. Consider: supplements, sourcebooks, or modules. (28) Winner gets TWO of the following fabulous prizes: C&C's Monsters & Treasures by Troll Lord Games (the good guys)/5th printing Cardboard heroes Castles- the Keep by SJ games (sorry)in the shrink Legends & Lairs: Mythic Races – by Fantasy Flight Games Star Wars: Edge of the Empire RPG (BETA) by Fantasy Flight Games Shameless Plug Time: If you would like to support our show, please like, subscribe, and share us where you are listening or viewing the show, also: We are on all the socials, video and podcast places as well. Cash Support PayPal: https://paypal.me/biggusgeekus Streamlabs: https://streamlabs.com/biggusgeekus1/tip Anchor: https://www.anchor.fm/biggusgeekus Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/biggusgeekus On the Web: Website: www.biggusgeekuspodcast.com Email: thegeeks@biggusgeekuspodcast.com Big Geek Emporium: https://biggeekemporium.com/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/biggusgeekus/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/biggusgeekus/support

Episode 121 Streamed Live Tuesday January 10, 2023 Main Topic: Done with D&D With the OGL 1.1 “leaked”, where does that leave the true fans and indie creators in our hobby? Where does that leave many traditional publishers who use OGL 1.0 for their works? It seems to us that we must look to new games and new ideas in the hobby and away from Wizards of the Coast whether or not the new “stance” pans out to be true or not. We cannot trust that WOTC will not pull the rug out from all of us to bolster their flagging profits. DMDave – https://www.patreon.com/posts/76837590 ReferencedGizmodo link: https://gizmodo.com/dnd-wizards-of-the-coast-ogl-1-1-open-gaming-license-1849950634 Many have tackled this topic: Diversity & Dragons: https://youtu.be/4LYgW-tM0vgand https://youtu.be/PzoHOZ8Xt7k RPGPundit: https://youtu.be/TJ1ZlGOV804 T-shirted Historian: https://youtu.be/k5347CLcq6M Professor DM: https://youtu.be/yydxzM8p4RI Tenkar: https://youtu.be/e6mTl6eInA4 Segment #3: Random Geek-itude Report from Big Geek Land BG Emporium News Progress on Tragedy at Taigon's Falls (BG Adventure) Deadline to D.Gyull is Sunday January 29, 2023, God willing. Deadline to BGE: February 30,2023 Rifts Session 2 REPORT First Giveaway of the New Year! Guess the number of official Planescape products that Randy owns, and you can win your choice of one of the following fabulous prizes: Answer is 30 C&C's Monsters & Treasures by Troll Lord Games /5th printing Cardboard heroes Castles- the Keep by SJ games in the shrink Legends & Lairs: Mythic Races – d20 supplement by Fantasy Flight Games Star Wars: Edge of the Empire RPG (BETA) again by FFG Winner: Martenson in chat Shameless Plug Time: If you would like to support our show, please like, subscribe, and share us where you are listening or viewing the show, we are on all the socials, video and podcast places as well. Cash Support PayPal: https://paypal.me/biggusgeekus Streamlabs: https://streamlabs.com/biggusgeekus1/tip Anchor:https://www.anchor.fm/biggusgeekus Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/biggusgeekus On the Web: Website: www.biggusgeekuspodcast.com Email:thegeeks@biggusgeekuspodcast.com Big Geek Emporium: https://biggeekemporium.com/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/biggusgeekus/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/biggusgeekus/support

Episode 120 Streamed Live Tuesday, January 3 2023 Main Topic: Learning New Rpgs This new years we plan on on covering more tabletop RPGs that aren't Dungeons and Dragons How many times do you play a game before you know if it is for you? Do you prefer to watch a ‘how to” video on Youtube or elsewhere? be taught by an experienced play/gm? dive in with friends and see what happens? read it yourself and teach it to your fellows at the table? Should everyone commit to buying the book after a few sessions? The games on the list for 2023: Rifts Dungeons and Delvers Castles and Crusades Dungeons23 – Our Take We hope to be using Dungeons by Central Casting to create a dungeon over many segments. (Thanks to Ryan David @nerdcognito and Max @legion of myth for the inspiration and suggestion) Loose Background – The Mad God created this dungeon. The god's name is unknown as is the reason why he made this dungeon in the first place. It is a dangerous place which attracts adventurers as well as its denizens. It also has a strange propensity to “acquire” rare treasures from across the world. Random Geek-itude Report from Big Geek Land New happenings for the Emporium, Big Geek Con, and Randy's adventure. Randy will have an article posted in Mad Scribe Magazine - https://www.patreon.com/user?u=80594713 SJW staff writer for Troll Lord Gamesinsults OSR and twitter mob loses their collective mind at the game company's response. Related videos: https://youtu.be/HzRgqrOjKLw Diversity & Dragons https://youtu.be/3QeAu_B_LU8 more Diversity & Dragons https://youtu.be/q-A0oixzbU0 RPGPundit Shameless Plug Time: If you would like to support our show, please like, subscribe, and share us where you are listening or viewing the show, also: We are on all the socials, video and podcast places as well. Cash Support PayPal: https://paypal.me/biggusgeekus Streamlabs: https://streamlabs.com/biggusgeekus1/tip Anchor:https://www.anchor.fm/biggusgeekus Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/biggusgeekus On the Web: Website: www.biggusgeekuspodcast.com Email:thegeeks@biggusgeekuspodcast.com| Big Geek Emporium: https://biggeekemporium.com/ --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/biggusgeekus/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/biggusgeekus/support

We discuss at least ten words folks wag their fingers at. And why they are good for your game. In addition, we take a tour of other "problematic" nerd issues. master, slave, barbarian, savage, oriental, exotic, race, species, gypsy, no Links to resources discussed: Articles: https://screenrant.com/dungeons-dragons-lore-changes-removed-dd-5e-why/ http://www.lisefrac.net/log/on-making-the-drow-less-problematic/ https://comicbook.com/gaming/news/dungeons-and-dragons-orcs-racist/ https://screenrant.com/dungeons-dragons-dated-offensive-problematic-changes-update-alignment/ https://www.belloflostsouls.net/2022/10/warhammer-40k-what-really-went-down-with-female-space-marines.html https://web.archive.org/web/20180708153619/http://www.dogwithdice.com/whitewolfaredead/ https://www.enworld.org/threads/deadlands-is-retconning-the-confederacy-away-they-lost-the-war-no-longer-playable.667444/ Videos: https://youtu.be/fgWlPcyi34U?t=1078 https://youtu.be/Z146pflU3KU Chronicles of Aeres: https://www.thechroniclesofaeres.com/ Nerdocognito: https://www.nerdcognito.com/ Our Links PayPal: https://paypal.me/biggusgeekus Streamlabs: https://streamlabs.com/biggusgeekus1/tip Anchor: https://www.anchor.fm/biggusgeekus Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/biggusgeekus On the Web: Website: www.biggusgeekuspodcast.com Email: thegeeks@biggusgeekuspodcast.com Big Geek Emporium: https://biggeekemporium.com/ --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/biggusgeekus/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/biggusgeekus/support

House Rules in D&D: Yea or Nay? Episode 115 Streamed Live Tuesday, November 29, 2022 Main Topic: House Rules in D&D and other RPGs What is a House Rule? Definition: https://www.dictionary.com/browse/house-rule Does removing a rule, class, feature, spell, etc count as a house rule? Is there a difference between a house rule and homemade setting? Is filling in the gaps of the rules system the same as a house rule? That is, if a game has no grappling rules so you add some in due to a situation showing in a game or perhaps due to your desire to have them? Players' Perspective: How much is too much? How much warning do you need? GM's Perspective: When should you make a house rule? Is interpreting a questionable/unclear rule (RAI???) a house rule? https://www.dungeoneersguildgames.com/single-post/confounded-rules lists some examples from 1e AD&D RAW vs House Rules: table experience effects, at individual tables, in shared/league play: Adventurer's League, RPGA, PF Society, ect Are they worth it? Time investment, presenting clearly to players for understanding, do they make the game better? Is it ok if it is just the GM's preference? Can players make them individually or due to consensus, or even against the will of the GM? What type (if any) benefit from using house rules? Are there any games in which you shouldn't make house or rules or if so, do them with a light touch? Where do you land on them in general? A Bit of a Rifts Rant: Character gen and organization- do better please. Seems that RIFTS is annoyingly convoluted. Chat Spotlight: Speculation as to the OGL/SRD for ONEDND Random Geek-itude: Report from Big Geek Land Shameless Plug Time: If you would like to support our show, please like, subscribe, and share us where you are listening or viewing the show, also: We are on all the socials, video and podcast places as well. Cash Support PayPal: https://paypal.me/biggusgeekus Streamlabs: https://streamlabs.com/biggusgeekus1/tip Anchor: https://www.anchor.fm/biggusgeekus Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/biggusgeekus On the Web: Website: www.biggusgeekuspodcast.com Email: thegeeks@biggusgeekuspodcast.com Big Geek Emporium: https://biggeekemporium.com/ --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/biggusgeekus/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/biggusgeekus/support

Joe started out solo, but was joined by Bruce Lombardo of Dix Division, Hungar the Starvarian, then Randy joined in. links: Bruce: https://youtube.com/@YourBuddy75 Hungar: https://youtube.com/channel/UCHmL5dT_lLONt5ZnJ2eA1Nw Scrying Dutchman's Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/scryingdutchman/the-modern-adventurers-guide-to-guns-and-gear-a-5e-add-on If you would like to support our show, please like, subscribe, and share us where you are listening or viewing the show, also: We are on all the socials, video and podcast places as well. Cash Support PayPal: https://paypal.me/biggusgeekus Streamlabs: https://streamlabs.com/biggusgeekus1/tip Anchor: https://www.anchor.fm/biggusgeekus Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/biggusgeekus On the Web: Website: www.biggusgeekuspodcast.com Email: thegeeks@biggusgeekuspodcast.com Big Geek Emporium: https://biggeekemporium.com/ --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/biggusgeekus/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/biggusgeekus/support

Episode 114 Streamed Live Tuesday November 15, 2022 Main Topic: Attributed to Attributes The attributes of a character: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Attribute_%28role-playing_games%29 Compare and contrast the DnD attributes: STR, DEX, CON, INT, WIS, CHA Other systems: Target Number systems- DnD 3.X +Savage Worlds: https://www.uptofourplayers.com/ready-to-roll/savage-worlds-rules/ Marvel Superheroes RPG (FASERIP): https://rollhighordie.com/what-is-marvel-faserip/ Roll and keep systems- L5R, Vampire: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vampire:_The_Masquerade#Game_system https://rollandkeep.fandom.com/wiki/Introduction_and_Design_Goals#What_is_Roll_and_Keep? Rolemaster/CoC: percentile system: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rolemaster#Basic_game_mechanics Fate: descriptive attributes- https://fate-srd.com/fate-core/basics 1. Should attributes play a large role in the general power level of your PC? 2. Should attributes modify skills, or should skills be separate? 3. How many levels of differences would be ideal? What is the best way to scale? 4. How detailed should the modifiers be and exactly what should they modify? 5. How many attributes should you have? 6. Which is currently your favorite attribute system? Is it really all that its cracked up to be? Fright Night retro review Actor comparison: 1985: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0089175/fullcredits/ 2016: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1438176/fullcredits Randy's Rating 1985: 7/10 2011: 4/10 Joe's Rating 1985: 8/10 2011: 1/10 Chat Spotlight: Do you like AI art in RPG books? Random Geek-itude Report from Big Geek Land D&D used as therapy: https://www.superjumpmagazine.com/dungeons-and-dragons-and-therapy-an-interview-with-dr-megan-connell/ Shameless Plug Time: If you would like to support our show, please like, subscribe, and share us where you are listening or viewing the show, also: We are on all the socials, video and podcast places as well. Cash Support PayPal: https://paypal.me/biggusgeekus Streamlabs: https://streamlabs.com/biggusgeekus1/tip Anchor: https://www.anchor.fm/biggusgeekus Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/biggusgeekus On the Web: Website: www.biggusgeekuspodcast.com Email: thegeeks@biggusgeekuspodcast.com Big Geek Emporium: https://biggeekemporium.com/ --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/biggusgeekus/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/biggusgeekus/support