A chimpanzee, dolphin and octopus walk into a bar. The bartender takes their order.
In this episode, we discuss transhumanism and posthumanism. We consider whether or not to explore what it means to be human (i.e., whether to outnavel-gaze a WoD player or whether to just have fun) and what kind of world to play in (“We have both kinds of topia: dys and u.”).
I’m gonna pop some tags,
Only got twenty dollars in my pocket.
I – I – I’m leaving, looking to come ba-ack.
The book was fifty dollars.
“Game Shop” – Idlemore & Red Lewis
In this episode, we discuss what makes a good game store, based on some observations we made during some recent trips to North America, and what could entice people away from online retailers.
Game stores in your area:
Toronto
401 Games
Ottawa
Fandom II
The Comic Book Shoppe
Los Angeles
The War House
Philadelphia
Atomic City Comics
Schaumburg
Gamer’s World
The D&D image discussed in the introduction.
During this episode, listeners may encounter the following (roll d100):
In another Lyal-less episode, Chris and Wayne discuss encounters (both random and planned). Should encounters in RPGs be balanced, or should they follow the fiction of the setting? How to plan encounters, and how to make them interesting, balanced or not. This episode was inspired, in part, by an awesome (and angry) article by the Angry DM.
In this Lyal-free episode, Chris and Wayne discuss a topic they’ve put off for a long time, despite being surrounded by it on a daily basis; anime.
When so much of its defining quality is a specific visual style, we had our doubts about whether “anime” can translate to the tabletop. We explore some common elements and tropes, with the help of a (hilarious and true) i09 article about anime cliches.
Wayne notes make another triumphant and definitively brief appearance.
“The bones must be thrown in three different places before the message must be accepted.”
– Zulu proverb
What bones? Where are they being thrown? Couldn’t someone just sign for the message?
In this episode, we discuss the Zulu Impi, who conquered the surrounding areas and took on the British Empire. Be thankful that Chris didn’t write these notes or they would’ve been in Zulu. What’s the Zulu word for “pretentious”, Chris?
State Trooper: Hey, Doc! We’re looking for a prisoner from that bus-train wreck a couple of hours ago, might be hurt.
Dr. Richard Kimble: Uh, what does he look like?
State Trooper: 6’1, 180, brown hair, brown eyes, beard. See anyone like that around?
Dr. Richard Kimble: Every time I look in the mirror, pal – except for the beard, of course!
State Trooper: Now that you mention it, you do look a lot like him, minus the beard, of course. But that’s easy to shave. Come with me, Dr. Kimble.
– The Fugitive‘s original 30-minute running time didn’t screen well with test audiences.
In this episode, we discuss going undercover and the different types of stories you can tell. We also suggest a mechanic for establishing a cover that can be used for multiple systems.
This episode contains no Chris. Listener discretion is advised.
In this episode, Chris and Wayne discuss Alexander Macris’s article “All about Alignment” and whether or not there’s still value in having morality systems. However, with all their talk about trickle down and bad neighbourhoods, you’d think they were running for Congress on a Republican ticket.
We continue part two of the tabletop role-playing industry survey results by discussing what surprised us. Then we move on to the position map, explaining where some existing games fell and why, and where the gaps were. We wrap up the episode with some ideas on what the best way to introduce new players to the hobby might be.
Watch this space because we will be linking all of the questions and results to the survey here.
The results are in for the tabletop role-playing industry survey that was distributed late last year and what a shock! Actually, the results weren’t that shocking, so we dedicate the first episode discussing them to the results that didn’t surprise us. Well, except for Wayne, who decides to get into one of the biggest surprises for him. (Big surprise.) In addition to this, we discuss some of the books and articles (see the tags) about the tabletop role-playing industry that helped determine what questions were asked on the survey.
Watch this space because we will be linking all of the questions and results to the survey here.
