The Arcane Alienist

The Arcane Alienist

By B. J. (aka “GameDoc”)

A podcast mostly about tabletop roleplaying games, from game theory and concepts to session recaps to sources of inspiration. I also occasionally delve into other nerdy things like board games, comics, books, movies, and television.

Email: arcane.alienist@gmail.com.

You can leave a voicemail message here or through Speakpipe:

http://www.speakpipe.com/ArcaneAlienist

#oldschoolessentials #d&d5e #mongoosetraveller #talesofthevaliant #morkborg

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RPGaDay 2024 #13 & 14 - Evocative Environments and Compelling Characters

The Arcane AlienistAug 13, 2024
00:00
07:43
Review: Black Powder and Brimstone

Review: Black Powder and Brimstone

My quick review of Black Powder and Brimstone by Benjamin Tobitt. I also, this episode's cover art is the map to my Black Sword Hack have solo game, as suggested by a call from the GMologist. I made it using Inkarnate.

Mar 30, 202541:05
A Brother's Lament (Part 5) - Black Sword Hack Solo Play
Mar 11, 202551:59
A Brother's Lament (Part 4) - Black Sword Hack Solo Play
Feb 24, 202522:28
A Brother's Lament (Part 3) - Black Sword Hack Solo Play
Feb 15, 202536:36
A Brother's Lament (Part 2) - Black Sword Hack Solo Play
Feb 09, 202524:33
A Brother's Lament (Part 1) - Black Sword Hack Solo Play

A Brother's Lament (Part 1) - Black Sword Hack Solo Play

After character generation and word-building, it's finally time for solo play with Black Sword Hack.

Meet Dolen, once a barbarian thrall, now an agent of a powerful merchant house, as he prepares to deal with a personal tragedy.

Special music for this episode curtesy of Bleupanda at Pond5.

Be sure to catch the latest episode of Cerebrevore, where Arlen and Karl join me to discuss Star Wars.

Leave a comment here, or reach out to me directly!

  • You can email me at arcane.alienist@gmail.com
  • You can leave a voice message through Speakpipe


Feb 01, 202519:32
Worldbuilding with Black Sword Hack - Part 2
Jan 25, 202522:56
Worldbuilding with Black Sword Hack - Part 1

Worldbuilding with Black Sword Hack - Part 1

In this episode we get one step closer to solo play with Black Sword Hack as I fill in the major factions of the campaign setting and put them on the map using the tools from the rulebook.

Jan 19, 202528:35
Black Sword Hack Character Creation
Jan 11, 202524:52
An Overview of Black Sword Hack
Jan 07, 202529:18
A Mörk Borg Christmas - Preview
Dec 30, 202403:50
A Grendel Roasting on an Open Fire

A Grendel Roasting on an Open Fire

I've got calls about Mörk Borg from Riley of Diagetic Advancement and from Karl and Amy of the GMologist Presents, and a recap of the latest D&D with Theater Kids in which we see why random rolls and referee rulings are the raddest route to robust roleplaying.

Also, be sure to check out this episode of Analytic Dice, where Kevin and Gabe discuss Black Sword Hack. It really stirred up some interest in that game for me.

Dec 17, 202432:40
Mörk Borg Solo Play - The Rancid Maze, Part 7

Mörk Borg Solo Play - The Rancid Maze, Part 7

The final installment of my Mörk Borg solo play using ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sölitary Defilement⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Eldar Rottentoe discovers the corruption that plagues the Rancid Maze of Chrud Nech. Will he survive?

Special music for this episode courtesy of romulosandri, from ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.pond5.com.⁠⁠⁠⁠

Dec 07, 202452:47
Indigenous People's Month 2024
Nov 30, 202404:19
Mörk Borg Solo Play - The Rancid Maze, Part 6

Mörk Borg Solo Play - The Rancid Maze, Part 6

Another installment of my Mörk Borg solo play using ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sölitary Defilement⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Eldar Rottentoe must survive an encounter with the walking dead deep within the Rancid Maze of Chrud Nech.

Special music for this episode courtesy of romulosandri, from ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.pond5.com.⁠⁠⁠⁠

Nov 29, 202447:20
Mörk Borg Solo Play - The Rancid Maze, Part 5

Mörk Borg Solo Play - The Rancid Maze, Part 5

I've got a call from the GMologist, followed by another installment of my Mörk Borg solo play using ⁠⁠⁠⁠Sölitary Defilement⁠⁠⁠⁠. Eldar Rottentoe survives a knife fight and discovers a deadly new magical power.

Special music for this episode courtesy of romulosandri, from ⁠⁠⁠www.pond5.com.⁠⁠⁠

Nov 23, 202429:08
Mörk Borg Solo Play - The Rancid Maze, Part 4

Mörk Borg Solo Play - The Rancid Maze, Part 4

Another installment of my Mörk Borg solo play using ⁠⁠⁠Sölitary Defilement⁠⁠⁠. Eldar Rottentoe goes deeper into the Rancid Maze of Chrud Nech and makes a new friend (much to the chagrin of Urm).


Special music for this episode courtesy of romulosandri, from ⁠⁠www.pond5.com.⁠⁠

Nov 17, 202442:47
Procedures on Deck

Procedures on Deck

In this episode I recount the latests OSE/Knave game, where I tested out my latest idea - the combat procedure deck.

Oct 09, 202417:44
Mörk Borg Solo Play - The Rancid Maze, Part 3

Mörk Borg Solo Play - The Rancid Maze, Part 3

Another installment of my Mörk Borg solo play using ⁠⁠Sölitary Defilement⁠⁠. Eldar Rottentoe enters the Rancid Maze of Chrud Nech and must overcome his first battle with its inhabitants.

I also have a call from Karl Rodriquez of The GMologist.

Be sure to go over to Kickstarter and back Reaver, an amazing game by Joe Salvador of Raven God Games. You can find interviews and actual plays at the GMologist YouTube Channel (linked above) as well as some discussion of Reaver on the latest episode of Cerebrevore.


Special music for this episode courtesy of romulosandri, from ⁠⁠www.pond5.com.⁠⁠

Sep 29, 202426:06
One Round With A Grease Dragon
Sep 26, 202429:45
Mörk Borg Solo Play - The Rancid Maze, Part 2

Mörk Borg Solo Play - The Rancid Maze, Part 2

Here's the second installment of my Mörk Borg solo play using ⁠Sölitary Defilement⁠. The story picks up as Eldar Rottentoe confronts a band of goblins guarding the entrance to the Rancid Maze of Chrud Nech.


CONTENT WARNING: This episode contains a reference to suicide. If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, please contact a healthcare professional or go to the closest emergency room. Help is also available through the national 988 Lifeline. Just call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org to live chat with someone.


Special music for this episode courtesy of romulosandri, from ⁠www.pond5.com.⁠

Sep 22, 202428:08
Yo Ho! International Talk Like a Pirate Day 2024

Yo Ho! International Talk Like a Pirate Day 2024

Just a short episode to commemorate International Talk Like a Pirate Day with some reflections on two of my most pirate-like characters. Also, anyone up for Pirate Borg?

Sep 20, 202411:01
Mörk Borg Solo Play - The Rancid Maze, Part 1

Mörk Borg Solo Play - The Rancid Maze, Part 1

In this episode, I dive into Mörk Borg solo play using the supplement Sölitary Defilement by 1d10+5. Listen as Eldar Rottentoe and his weird little dog approach the Rancid Maze of Chrud Nech!


I also have calls from Joe Richter of the Hindsightless podcast and Riley of Diagetic Advancement.


Special music for this episode courtesy of romulosandri, from www.pond5.com.


Sep 15, 202428:28
Making a Mörk Borg Character

Making a Mörk Borg Character

In this episode we go dark and experimental with Mörk Borg character creation and first person narrated solo play. Meet the esoteric warlock, Eldar Rottentoe, and his vicious little dog, Urm. It's mud core, but it's good clean fun.


Special music for this episode courtesy of romulosandri, from www.pond5.com. It can be found here:

  • https://www.pond5.com/royalty-free-music/item/124082052-greed-terror-horror-thrilling-ambient-texture-soundtrack-atm
Sep 10, 202436:14
RPGaDay 2024 #31 - The Friends We Made Along the Way

RPGaDay 2024 #31 - The Friends We Made Along the Way

It’s time for #RPGaDay2024

Check out all of this year’s prompts at www.autocratik.com

Aug 31, 202405:17
RPGaDay 2024 #30 - People I’d Like to Game With

RPGaDay 2024 #30 - People I’d Like to Game With

It’s time for #RPGaDay2024

Check out all of this year’s prompts at www.autocratik.com

Aug 30, 202403:52
RPGaDay2024 #29 - Awesome App

RPGaDay2024 #29 - Awesome App

It’s time for #RPGaDay2024

Check out all of this year’s prompts at www.autocratik.com


D&D Beyond

  • https://www.dndbeyond.com​


Demiplane

  • https://app.demiplane.com/home
Aug 29, 202404:53
RPGaDay 2024 #28 - An Anecdote (Sort of) About Gadgets (Sort of)

RPGaDay 2024 #28 - An Anecdote (Sort of) About Gadgets (Sort of)

It’s time for #RPGaDay2024

Check out all of this year’s prompts at www.autocratik.com

Aug 28, 202403:40
RPGaDay2024 #27 - Marvelous Miniature

RPGaDay2024 #27 - Marvelous Miniature

It’s time for #RPGaDay2024

Check out all of this year’s prompts at www.autocratik.com


Owlbear from Nolzur’s Marvelous Minis

  • ​https://us.thearmypainter.com/products/d-d-monsters-paint-set


ArcKnight flat plastic minis

  • ​http://arcknight.squarespace.com
Aug 28, 202403:05
RPGaDay 2024 #26 - Superb Screen

RPGaDay 2024 #26 - Superb Screen

It’s time for #RPGaDay2024

Check out all of this year’s prompts at www.autocratik.com

Aug 27, 202403:15
RPGaDay 2024 #25 - Dice

RPGaDay 2024 #25 - Dice

It’s time for #RPGaDay2024

Check out all of this year’s prompts at www.autocratik.com

Aug 25, 202402:00
RPGaDay 2024 #24 - Acclaimed Advice

RPGaDay 2024 #24 - Acclaimed Advice

It’s time for #RPGADay2024

Be sure to check out all of this year’s prompts at www.autocratik.com

Aug 24, 202408:52
RPGaDay 2024 #22 & 23 - Notable NPCs and Peerless Players

RPGaDay 2024 #22 & 23 - Notable NPCs and Peerless Players

It’s time for #RPGaDay2024

Check out all of this year’s prompts at www.autocratik.com


Dugh the Dwarf will appear here on August 24th

  • ​https://youtu.be/6yFaU3ujJh8?si=VfJkxoNwsTdFziDU
Aug 23, 202408:42
RPGaDay 2024 #21 - A Classic Campaign

RPGaDay 2024 #21 - A Classic Campaign

It’s time for #RPGaDay2024 !

Check out all of this year’s prompts at www.autocratik.com


U1-U3 Bundle (1e AD&D)

  • ​https://www.dmsguild.com/product/110325/U1U3-Underwater-Series-1e-BUNDLE?src=also_purchased&filters=0_0_0_0_0_45346_0_0


Ghosts of Saltmarsh (5e D&D)

  • ​https://www.amazon.com/Dungeons-Dragons-Saltmarsh-Hardcover-Adventure/dp/0786966750
Aug 21, 202402:50
RPGaDay 2024 #20 - An Amazing Adventure

RPGaDay 2024 #20 - An Amazing Adventure

It’s time for #RPGaDay20204 !

Check out all of this year’s prompts at www.autocratik.com


The Sinister Secret of Saltmarsh

https://www.dmsguild.com/m/product/17069

Aug 20, 202403:36
Call-In Roundip

Call-In Roundip

Today I am taking a pause on #RPGaDay2024 to answer some calls from various esteemed colleagues. Be sure to check out their content at the links below. Also, as mentioned in this episode, I will be running games at this year's Big Texas Comicon in San Antonio. There's a link to that below as well. If you'll be in the area, come check it out.


Mirke the Meek

  • https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mirke-the-meek


Spikepit (by Collin Green)

  • https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/spikepit


The GMologist (by Karl Rodriguez)

  • https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOx7VJObmeKlCjdSDkKZfTQ


Nerd's RPG Variety Cast (by Jason Connerly)

  • https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jason376


Phantom Thoughts (by the Pink Phantom)

  • https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/phantomthoughts


Big Texas Comicon

  • https://bigtexascomicon.com/
Aug 19, 202434:38
RPGaDay #18 & 19 - Memorable Moments and Sensational Sessions

RPGaDay #18 & 19 - Memorable Moments and Sensational Sessions

It’s time for #RPGaDay2024!

Check out all of this year’s prompts at www.autocratik.com

Aug 19, 202411:04
RPGaDay 2024 #17 - An Engaging Community

RPGaDay 2024 #17 - An Engaging Community

It’s time for #RPGaDay2024!

Check out all of this year’s prompts at www.autocratik.com


I think my answer for today’s prompt should come as no surprise.

Aug 18, 202402:21
RPGaDay 2024 #16 - Quick to Learn

RPGaDay 2024 #16 - Quick to Learn

It’s time for #RPGaDay 2024!

Check out all of this year’s prompts at www.autocratik.com


White Box: Fantastic Medieval Adventure Game

https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/190631/white-box-fantastic-medieval-adventure-game


Basic Roleplaying

https://www.chaosium.com/basic-roleplaying/?srsltid=AfmBOorPo2y_zkvrDtmeehTFDjmFzbUgq26OGvNy9j3Nstn_ZgAOBY4Q

Aug 17, 202401:54
RPGaDay 2024 #15 - Good Gear

RPGaDay 2024 #15 - Good Gear

It’s time for #RPGaDay20204!

Check out all of this year’s prompts at www.autocratik.com

Aug 16, 202406:28
Review: Tales of the Vailant, Part 2/Call-In Roundup

Review: Tales of the Vailant, Part 2/Call-In Roundup

In this episode, I have some calls from several fellow podcasters (links below) about Deadpool, trolls, and character building, I also have second installment of my review of Tales of the Valiant, this time discussing tool proficiencies, magic, and more metacurrency.


Joe Richter (Hindsightless)

  • https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/joe-richter9


Daniel Norton (Bandit's Keep)

  • https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/daniel-norton


Jason Connerly (Nerd's RPG Variety Cast

  • https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jason376
Aug 14, 202451:38
RPGaDay 2024 #13 & 14 - Evocative Environments and Compelling Characters

RPGaDay 2024 #13 & 14 - Evocative Environments and Compelling Characters

It’s time for #RPGaDay 2024!

Check out all of this year’s prompts at www.autocratik.com

Aug 13, 202407:43
RPGaDay 2024 #12 - Well Supported Campaigns

RPGaDay 2024 #12 - Well Supported Campaigns

It’s time for #RPGaDay 2024!

Check out all this year’s prompts at www.autocratik.com

Aug 12, 202403:01
RPGaDay 2024 #11 - One Shots

RPGaDay 2024 #11 - One Shots

It’s time for #RPGaDay 2024!

Check out all of this year’s prompts at www.autocratik.com


https://annarchive.com/dungeon.html


https://cairnrpg.com/adventures/

Aug 11, 202402:17
RPGaDay 2024 #10 - I Want My RPGtv

RPGaDay 2024 #10 - I Want My RPGtv

It’s time for #RPGaDay 2024!

Check out all of this year’s prompts at www.autocratik.com


https://www.mongoosepublishing.com/collections/traveller-rpgs

Aug 10, 202405:24
RPGaDay 2024 #9 - An Accessory I’d Like

RPGaDay 2024 #9 - An Accessory I’d Like

It’s time for #RPGaDay 2024!

Check out all of this year’s prompts at www.autocratik.com

Aug 09, 202404:00
RPGaDay 2024 #8 - Accessories

RPGaDay 2024 #8 - Accessories

It’s time for #RPGaDay 2024!

Check out all of this year’s prompts at www.autocratik.com

Old School Spell Cards:

https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/408131

Dragon Shield Card Sleeves:

https://www.dragonshield.com/en-us/card-sleeves/all-sleeves?gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAAqW4Mpzwczt1r5krsA5R8Gs9Gl1Hs&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIqMS_9dXehwMVXgKtBh0l0AGmEAAYASAAEgJsxPD_BwE


Aug 08, 202403:57
RPGaDay 2024 #7 - Good Form(at)

RPGaDay 2024 #7 - Good Form(at)

It’s time for #RPGaDay 20204!

Check out all of this year’s prompts at www.autocratik.com

Shadowdark RPG

https://www.thearcanelibrary.com/pages/shadowdark


Aug 07, 202402:32
RPGaDay 2024 #6 - Easy to Use

RPGaDay 2024 #6 - Easy to Use

It’s time for #RPGaDay 2024! Check out all of this year’s prompts at www.autocratik.comTodays prompt was “RPG that is easy to use” but I wasn’t paying attention and talked about “easy to play”. But I guess that’s the same thing, isn’t it? Anyway, here’s a family of games that are easy to to use/play:https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/publisher/2503/fire-ruby-designs

Aug 06, 202404:49
RPGaDay 2024 #5 - Great RPG Writing

RPGaDay 2024 #5 - Great RPG Writing

It’s time for #RPGaDay 2024!Check out all of this year’s prompts at www.autocratik.comCoyote & Crow RPGhttps://coyoteandcrow.netCoyote & Crow Play Sessionshttps://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLrq-VHIZJHpBVAYF4DNJkV9xodWEGFMno&si=mgRFhmfu4m5Z-bj1

Aug 05, 202404:23