Episode 209: Kansai JIGG (Japan International Gamers Guild)

“If you build it, they will come.”- Field of Dreams

“If you build it and provide snacks, they will come.”
Gaming Table of Dreams

In this episode, we talk to Jools Thomas* and Ryan Thomas* about the Japan International Gamers Guild (JIGG). Jools is the unofficial JIGG historian (he made a T-shirt with that on it, so…), whose blog sparked the idea for this interview. Ryan is one half of the duo, Linda Thomas being the other, that brought gaming to Kansai. If you’re interested in the history of the best gaming community in the world, or if you’re interested in how to start up a gaming community or group, this is the episode for you.

*No relation. Did we run out of last names?

Share

Video Unboxing: Dark Imperium: Warhammer 8th Edition Starter Set

Still on the fence about getting into the latest edition of Warhammer 40K? Well, you’re in luck. We unbox Dark Imperium, the “ultimate” Warhammer 40,000 8th edition starter set. We also discuss the value of the set, the quality of the miniatures, and how to best approach getting into 40k if you are new to the hobby.

Share

Episode 198: Malifaux

We take a look at the world of Malifaux in its many incarnations including the miniatures skirmish game, the recently Kickstarted miniatures strategy game, The Other Side, and the RPG Through the Breach. Joining us is special guest Nick, the organizer of our local Malifaux group, gremlin lover and all around knowledgeable fellow regarding matters on both sides of the Breach. If you are new to Malifaux, this should give you a good taste of the setting and help you decide if now is the right time to make the leap. If you are already playing let us know in the comments which faction you play and what got you into the game. All responses will be reported to the local Guild office and any use of magic may be severely punished. 

Share

Episode 193: Looking Ahead to 2017

To close out 2016, the year that hated the film and music industries, we discuss the TV shows, movies, and games we’re most looking forward to in 2017 (and some that we aren’t at all). We also discuss Kate Beckinsale’s marriages, how Alan is difficult to break up with, and the two Coreys!

Share

Episode 157: Game Stores

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.

Share

Episode 144: Playing Han Solo

Chris: “Lyal, Can I play Batman in your DC game. Batman with a Scottish accent. ‘Ach. Ay’m the heerooo this city deserves, ya wee lass.'”
Lyal: “Wow. I’m not looking forward to that, but sure. Wayne?”
Wayne: “Hmm, maybe Sen … Sensible … Sensual … Sen … tence. Centennial. The Centennial.”
Lyal: “The Sentry. Wrong universe. How about Superman?”
Wayne: “No thanks. I do like Spee … Speeder … Speederma … Spice. Spicer … Spicerman …”
Lyal: “Spider-Man. Wrong universe, again.”

In this episode, we discuss the advantages of playing iconic characters as well as retelling classic or not so classic stories. Also, listen to find out what all the fuss about Sparks Nevada is.

Share

Tabletop RPG Survey

Please take the survey below. It asks how and why you play tabletop role-playing games, what other games you play, and how to get children more involved in the hobby. If you play TRPGs, the survey should take under 10 minutes. If you don’t play TRPGs, then you must love our extremely late movie reviews and will be able to complete the survey in a couple of minutes.

This survey is for a school paper I’m doing. The results of the survey will never be presented in any way that individuals will be able to be identified.

I would really appreciate it if you shared the survey with as many people as you can.

https://mcgillmgmt.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_dgmqjaiZHn2EHKl

Thanks,

Lyal

Share

Episode 128: (Re)Introductions

Well, hello again. Meet the Idle Red Hands for the second time. Even after two years, their stories on how they got started in gaming remain the same. From the drug-infested, Magic-playing ghettos of Philly to the cheese-eating, cheese-wearing wasteland of Wisconsin to the nuclear-fearing, sparkly-scarf-loving ground zero of West Germany, these three gamers found and fell in love with the hobby.

Listen for the answers to these questions:

Is Heroquest is an RPG?
Who was the “inspiration” for the Punisher?
How many stolen D&D products has Chris bought?

Share

Episode 115: Creature Feature: Sin-Eaters

Have a bunch of hungry of listeners and only one hour to prepare? Well, if you have a corpse in the fridge and a few human foibles in the cupboard, you can satisfy even the most demanding guest with this zesty variation of our Creature Feature series.

Sin-eater Steaks

  • 1 corpse, brined in the tears of a condemned man
  • a splash of wasted ability
  • seven vulgarities, diced
  • 1 cup of the last words of a dying man (For a low-fat alternative, use the last words of a toddler.)

Cover the corpse in a sauce made from the ingredients.
Pass through the flames of Hell until the sinner recants or the meat is pink in the middle.
Slice into steaks and serve with sprigs of parsley, uh, from the damned.

Share

Episode 74: Magic: Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn

With male strippers, Vancian magic and the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, this episode has something for everyone. It’s also the debut of our Magic series, which will examine real world examples of “magical” organizations and magic.

Plus: Another entry in our D&D Next Diary (yes, magic)

Share