Episode 70: Vampire: The Masquerade Clan Primer

Vampire: The Masquerade is one of the most popular role-playing systems ever, outside of D&D and its clones.  However, if you’re just getting into it, there’s a lot of choices you have to make and a lot of lore to sift through.  Probably the most important option is your clan, and Kurt is here to sum them up for you to make deciding easier.

“Now that your rose is in bloom, a light hits the gloom on the grey” (They actually use this quote in the book)

The game inspired a one-season show called “Kindred: The Embraced.” It was…not great.

The namesake of the Nosferatu clan.

Lost Boys…Brujah…same difference.

The most Toreador to ever Tory a Door.

Episode 66: How Important is “Lore” in RPGs?

We dive into another aspect of Tabletop Role-Playing Games this episode, and discuss the importance of world lore.  How much should a player know before they start playing in that world, and how do they go about learning those details?  Take a listen and find out!

But first, a correction from last episode, then a memorial for a fallen actor.

How the Captain became a Commander, despite their being no such rank in his branch of the military.

Chadwick Boseman: 1976-2020. Rest in Power.

“Short and Stout?” Is this a dwarf or a teapot?

Episode 60: D&D On-Screen - Community’s “Advanced Dungeons & Dragons” Episode

Dungeons and Dragons has been seen played in many TV shows and movies.  But, what did they get right, and what was totally wrong?  A curious listener wants to know specifically about the “Advanced Dungeons and Dragons” episode of Community, and Kurt obligingly breaks it down for her.

As mentioned in the episode, be sure to check Twitter for #comicwriterschallenge for a bunch of great stuff being auctioned off to support Black Lives Matter.

The Caverns of Draconis. Yes, the Dragon is named Draconis. Abed’s not the only one bad at coming up with names.

No Chang. Just…no.

This is cheating. If you are not the DM, DO NOT LOOK at the module you are currently playing in.

Episode 59: What to Expect When You’re at the D&D Table (or any other RPG game)

Let’s talk D&D Conventions!  Well, not Conventions, but conventions, aka the social expectations one is likely to find when they first sit down at a table to play D&D, or other role-playing games.  A new listener is afraid to start playing, and Kurt is here to assuage those fears, and let her (and you) know how you should behave at your first (and subsequent) session.

This is pretty close to what my first D&D table looked like (without the costume; I don’t recommend that). And honestly, other than the players being much older, that’s not too far from the current table.

And something to aspire to…when I get rich.

Yeah, but can I find anyone to play with?

One of the Virtual Tabletop options (VTTs) out there. Roll20. Not a sponsor, but I’m open to it…

Episode 20: Introduction to Dungeons and Dragons

What is Dungeons and Dragons, and how to explain its long-term popularity?  Also, is it possible to try the game out without committing a lot of time and/or money?  I take the time to answer these questions on this episode.  If you’re at all curious what all the hype is about, take a listen!

The very original printing. Good luck finding that!

Let the looting begin!

2nd Edition. Pretty cover, horrible layout inside.

3rd Edition, then 3.5. So few changes, they didn’t even bother coming up with a new font.

4th Edition. The red-headed stepchild of the D&D Franchise, although it still has its supporters, including me!

The current version, 5th Edition.

Want to get a free copy of the D&D rules, and try it yourself? Just click here!

Episode 16: Min-Maxing and Meta-Gaming in Role-Playing Games

Min-Maxing and Meta-Gaming.  If you're sitting at a table playing D&D, you likely do not want to be accused of either of these.  But, what are they exactly, and can they ever be a force for good?  Find out in this week's episode.  Bonus: Where does the opening phrase of the podcast come from?

Don’t forget to listen on the Radiopublic App to help support the show. Now, with direct tipping possible!

Perhaps a point or two more in perception would have been good.

Please, do go on…

Pretty please?