Radio Grognard

I talk about how to figure out some movie tricks to be used in RPG sessions.

I talk about lethality in RPGs and where (or if) you draw the line.

I talk about how to handle (or not handle) age in RPGs.

Okay, in this extended episode I talk to Glynn Seal of Monkeyblood Design about his campaign world of The Midderlands and his new Kickstarter focusing on the City of Great Lunden.  Here's the link: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/monkeyblooddesign/the-city-of-great-lunden?ref=nav_search&result=project&term=lunden

I talk about how to create monster stats and the hacks you can use to create them.

I talk about the organization and layout of RPG books.

I talk about description in RPGs and how to use it.

I ruminate on recycling monster sheets for your campaign.

I talk more about creating frameworks and how to adjust your adventure on-the-fly.

I talk about certain ways GMs run their games that are hard-wired into them plus how they sometimes have to change their perspective in the game.

I talk about a couple of types of halflings to use in your games.

I talk about different kinds of elves to use in your RPG sessions.

I talk about dwarves in RPGs and a few different personalities that can be used by players or the GM.

I talk about using player (and your own) real-life experience to enhance your games.

I talk about getting a bit sloppy in my GMing and setting a goal to fix that.

I talk about how to re-engage your muse after prep interruptions.

I talk about the inevitable urge that happens to every RPG gamer.

I talk about how focusing on one PC in a campaign can still be an enjoyable experience for all.

I talk about ad-libbing encounters.

I talk about when a session isn't going well and how to pull the plug.

I talk about how everyone at the table should have fun, including the GM.

I talk about figuring out what makes your RPG BBEG tick and what are his weaknesses.

I talk about using electronics vs printed books for RPG reference at the table.

I rant about "casual gamers."

I talk about RPGs based on licensed properties.

I talk about how food can be used in RPGs.

I talk about a trope that works well in RPGs - the PCs On The Run.

I talk about the convenience of pre-printed maps.

I talk about why I like using islands in my campaigns.

I talk about how far After The End to set post-apocalyptic RPGs.

I talk about cutscenes in RPGs and whether they're useful or not.

I talk about Writer's Block and ways to work through it.

I talk about a few more things about arc welding RPG material I didn't mention in the last episode.

I talk about how to blend in other sources to original story material in a campaign.

I talk about making convention games special and what to use in place of minis.

I talk about gaming in a limited time slot and getting the session going quickly.

I talk about a couple of things to do when creating and running bad guys.

I talk about first-time GMs and my grandson talks about the campaign his brother is running.

I talk about my love for random encounter tables and how they can enhance the game.

And now a few random thoughts about atmosphere in RPGs.

I talk about why I game and how it fills a need from something else.

I talk about variant druids and how to play them.

I talk about the 1E monk and the Basic D&D Mystic along with ways to play them.

I talk about different types of paladins in RPGs and how to play them.

I talk about various types of rangers for RPGs.

I talk about different types of bard for your RPG.

I talk about ways to play an assassin.

I listen to an email from Rich and elaborate on prepping to ad-lib in a game.

I talk about how to manage your GM "resources" and trusting the prep.

I talk about what it means to be a dual-class player/GM.

I talk about plot twists and how to create and use them.

I talk about non-magic equipment that help with magic-based creatures.

I talk about different types of magic-users in RPGs and how to play them.

I talk about a few different types of clerics and how to play them in RPGs.

I talk about a few different takes on a fighter in RPGs.

I talk about a few types of thief in RPGs.

I talk about "package deals" for character creation in class-and-level RPGs.

I talk about building terrain pieces for RPGs and why I don't.

I talk about scheduling times for games and what to do about absences.

I talk about using props in RPGs.

I talk about aging in AD&D.

Inspired by Joethelawyer's email, I talk about describing the flora and fauna of your campaign world.

I talk about setting and keeping the right tone in your game.

I talk about ways to use those groups you've been creating.

I talk about what to do with organizations and how they operate.

I talk about how to create groups and organizations for RPGs.

I talk about X.P.-based leveling vs. Adventure-based leveling in class/level RPGs.

In this, the 200th episode, I talk about liches and how to use them in RPGs.

I talk about the ghost in RPGs and how I'd handle them.

I talk about the spectre and their use in a game.

I talk about the use of the ghast in RPGs.

I talk about shadows and what to do with 'em.

I talk about one of my favorite undead, the mummy and how to use them.

I talk about the wight's "cousin", the wraith and how to use them in a game.

I talk about wights and how to use 'em.

I talk about the lowly skeleton and how I would use them in my games.

I talk about vampires and my favorite incarnation.

I talk about zombies vs. ghouls, the difference between the two and how they should be used.

I talk about adventure "layers" and how many should you have (if any).

I talk about secret groups, societies, etc. - they're not just for bad guys.

I talk about PCs and monsters that are not 100% healthy or disabled in some way and how to work that into an adventure.

I talk about how traps aren't just for bad guys.

I talk about running away, being captured and how that's not always a bad thing.

I talk about how sometimes you prep too much and how to cut back.

I talk about 2-3 of my favorite modules I've used and reused.

I talk about the Artifacts and Relics chapter in the 1E DMG and what it was intended for.

I talk about how to deal with a mix of younger players and older gamers.

I talk about how GMs should use their muse to brainstorm and help with creativity.

I talk about how to set up long-ranging plot points in games.

I talk about adapting material from other media for your game.

I talk about the current goings-on in the OSR and who and why I I support some publishers.

I talk about prepping numbers for the game.

I talk about how GMs can get module-bound and how I keep that from happening.

I talk about what kind of holiday-themed adventures I run.

I talk about how I referee and how I dislike adversarial/killer GMs.

I talk about how to do mapless combat by using landmarks.

I talk about monster descriptions.

I answer a voicemail on megadungeons and an email about my FLGS episode.

I talk about how to get more use out of a megadungeon.

I talk about giving PCs things that aren't game-breakers but do have an impact on future adventures.

I talk about making sounds to set the mood and atmosphere.

I check the slush pile and check out The Spitting Duck.

I talk about my Friendly Local Game Store and how it measures up.

I talk about keeping track of player characters.

I talk about finding older used OSR games in this digital age.

I talk about how Spaghetti Westerns are a good source of adventure ideas.

I talk about how mundane random encounters can be good opportunities to spice up the game.

Back after a hiatus, I talk about setting your systems and sort-of balancing encounters.

I answer a few emails pertaining to previous episodes.

I talk about how running battles with more than 2 opponents will keep the PCs on their toes and help them think out of the box.

I talk about the NPC admirer/hanger-on/pest that turns up all the time and how this is a good role-playing opportunity.

I talk about how I have my physical books stored and what is the best way to do it for transient (and not so transient) people.

I disjointedly talk and maybe semi-rant (I'm not sure) about RPGs that, while good systems, I don't care for and why,

I talk about playing foes smarter.

I talk about walls and other fortifications in addition to having a "chain" of businesses in a campaign world.

A short episode about finding maps in unusual places.

I go on a bit of a rant defending Thunder Rift then I talk about how to do convention game write-ups.

I talk about getting inspiration from rock and country songs.

I talk alignment, that ol' bugaboo Chaotic Neutral and how to play crazy without ruining the game.

I pull the 1E AD&D DMG off the shelf and show how to use the 5 "W"s and the Appendix tables to create adventures.

I brainstorm about goblins tunneling.

I brainstorm about a rather peculiar hog farm.

I dig into my slush pile and brainstorm about an elderly ogre visiting the city one last time.

I talk about stealing mechanics from other RPGs for your game.

I talk about using monsters and magic items in your campaign world that fit.

I talk about running a hex crawl in a small sandbox

I talk about some game adventure premises: "bottle episodes" and a typical shift/day/night of a group.

I talk about the the ways to use androids (especially replicants) in Mutant Future.

I talk about how I file and keep track of the physical papers, note and other ephemera of adventures I have ran.

I talk about what I use to create adventures and what I take with me for such endeavors (plus a mini-review of the Table Fables books).

I talk about my dislike for RPG gatekeepers and how the hobby always needs an influx of new gamers.

I talk about how OSR books need more word-of-mouth.

I talk about how a good premise can give your campaign the foundation to thrive.

I talk about my RPG heartbreaker systems.

I talk about testing the PCs and adjusting/ramping up encounters based on their stats and growth throughout the campaign.

I talk about writing monster stats for newly-created critters.

Thanks to Colin's voicemail I finish up my talk on finding/making/using pregens.

I talk about playing the pre-gen you have at conventions.

After I answer a voicemail from Chrispy I talk about how to handle demihumans' darkvision ability and plug an old TSR FR supplement.

I talk about another way to prep sandbox sessions.

I talk about the migration to MeWe and how I don't like NPC classes.

I talk about character backstories, their relation to Method Acting and my take on creating them.

I talk about my dislike of level-drains and a couple of alternates.

I talk about how having character contacts can enrich the game.

I talk about making connections, plot twists and how you can use the players to enrich the adventure.

I talk about how I found out that playing or GMing an RPG game is closer to stage acting than I realized.

I talk about having to start with a new character after a PC death in my Thursday Mithgarthr (http://www.rpgnow.com/product/213852/ME1001--Mithgarthr-RPG-Core-Rulebook) group.

I talk about the social contract for RPG groups in a vague way.

I talk about how formulas can be used to create and enhance your adventures.

I talk about how to hand out XP and class/level systems vs. point-buy systems.

I talk about the three things (stat-wise) that make up a good PC.

I talk about how I use dice and how I roll.

I talk about how my GM sessions are like cool 50's jazz improvisations.

I talk about recording the GM's after-session notes and plans for next session (featuring - once again - the bullet journal).

I talk about how I deal with making and using maps in sessions.

I talk about running gags and callbacks in games plus wondering what purpose I serve in the OSR. WARNING: introspection and navel-gazing in the 2nd half.

I talk about things I as a GM do regardless of system like initiative, XP and race-as-class.

I talk about some of my favorite "supplemental" monster books to punch up a scenario (with a minor rant about said books).

I talk about the 36 Dramatic Situations and how they help to create adventures.

I talk about certain rules in RPGs you hate or cannot understand.

I talk about the journey vs. the destination in RPG games.

I talk about my favorite terrains and landscapes and how they inspire me.

This time I reflect on a 2-year D&D campaign that recently ended, one of the best I've ever played in and a model campaign.

I talk about how to use pre-generated characters and where to get them.

I talk about using the PC's shopping trips in town as a place to hang plot hooks.

I talk about finding a good intro adventure for neophyte gamers.

I talk about random encounter tables and how the AD&D 1E Monster Manual II is the best for rolling your own.

This, the 100th episode, I talk more about the state of RPG publishing after being spurred on by a couple of voicemails and an email. Then it's thank to you folks out there who listen to an ol' grog ramble. I'm grateful.

I rant about too much production value in RPG material. BTW, no game publishers were hurt in this episode.

I talk about loose cannon NPCs, how they can spice up your game and keep the PCs on their toes.

I talk about the fact that maybe I plan too simple a scenario.

In a followup from the last time, in this double-size episode I go through a way to prep a game in about an hour.

I talk about how fast a GM can come up with a scenario from scratch.

I talk about generally leading a group to adventure by giving them what their characters want.

I talk about how I take and use notes and my recent discovery of bullet journals.

I talk about how dungeons should be logical and plausible.

I talk about deities books and how they're of limited use to me.

I ponder Erik Tenkar's question of how much fantasy is in my games and give my inscrutably peculiar answer.

I talk about the venerable Secondary Skills Table in the 1E DMG and (with a little help from Mike Stewart) how I get it to work for me as a skill system.

I talk about times to be quiet as a GM and (thanks to Jason Hobbs) my take on indy campaigns and when you can (and can't) integrate them into your game.

I talk about character attachment.

I talk about using the brute-type monsters such as gnolls and bugbears as something more than just a mob by combining stronger, smarter monsters to whip 'em into shape.

I talk about the use of undead (particularly low-level undead) in RPGs.

I talk about a couple of plots that will work with the right group or system and a little finesse.

I talk about pointcrawls vs. hexcrawls when mapping.

I have the dreaded, inevitable psionics talk and recommend alternatives to AD&D's system.

I talk about punching up your adventure and the value of having another look at it.

I talk about how difficult it is to write adventures for certain genres.

I talk about laying styles over RPG genres using the Film Noir style.

I talk about the flow of information between the GM and players.

I talk about rules additions, new classes and anything else GMs and/or players want to bring into the campaign.

I talk about "back pocket scenarios" for impromptu game sessions and campaign arcs that are easy to break up/modify.

I talk about equipment for the PCs and how Adventurer's Packs can be very handy.

I talk about adjusting the levels in a campaign and also about rules light vs. rules heavy RPGs and how players can (or can't) adapt to the ruleset.

I talk about cutting down higher-level adventures for lower-level (or undermanned) groups of PCs.

Prompted by a voicemail, I talk about my Rosy Sandbox technique.

I talk about beats in an adventure and how they change at the table.

I talk about linear plots and how to loosen up the beats of the story for player agency.

I talk about distractions, paying attention and electronics at the table.

I talk about how to find hooks in published material and how to create your own.

I talk about names for PCs and NPCs.

I talk about how I use my sketchbook to generate ideas for my game sessions.

I talk about how kidnappings and rescues can work for your game.

I talk about a plot device and NPC that has to do with PC's identity.

I talk about the hacks I use in RPGs.

I talk about Conan, Thundarr and why I don't get the dislike of Pulp Fantasy.

I talk about using electronic means (mostly Campaign Logger) to do my campaign notes.

I listen to a voicemail and then go off on a whine about popular games, peer pressure and how intro gaming videos kinda dumb down the game.

After I congratulate some ENnie winners I talk more about post-apocalyptic gaming.

After a voicemail and a quick music/SFX update I talk about the way I like to run horror/thriller scenarios.

I talk about how I (try to) organize my session/campaign material.

I talk about the essential books I have at hand and using character actors as NPCs.

I talk about putting characters in deadly situations.

I talk about how much description to put into campaign worlds.

I talk about character sheets, my preferences and where to get them.

I talk about traps and how to use them.

Talking about gripes I have with RPGs.

I talk about post-apocalypse games and how to handle them.

I talk about how to balance (and not balance) encounters.

I talk about micro settings/hexcrawls and how to manage them using the Rosy Sandbox method.

Talking about how to kick start ideas when you have nothing in your head.

Voicemails then I talk about three toolbox RPGs - HERO/Champions, GURPS and Savage Worlds.

I answer some voicemails and talk (rant?) about 5E and my attitude/concerns over it.

I talk about my favorite FLGS and the feelings that keep me coming back to the OSR.

As a followup to Episode 42 I talk about how I do the rest of my game prep.

I talk about monster stat blocks and how to keep them simple.

I answer Colin's email and talk about the basics of what I carry in my game bag.

I talk about minis vs. tokens and why I use 'em (tokens, that is).

I talk about GM screens (again) and the usefulness of a mini screen.

Here I talk about a couple things left out of my YouTube review of Victorious and give my 2 cents about the ENnies and awards and award shows in general.

In my final episode from New Mexico I talk about things I picked up GMing for my grandkids and how to streamline things when running at the table.

I answer a voicemail and then it's back to New Mexico to talk about plot hooks and where to put 'em.

Here I talk a little about The Temple of Elemental Evil and then it's off to New Mexico where I chat about padding and extending your game session.

I answer a viocemail and talk from New Mexico about using festivals and celebrations in RPGs.

More musing from New Mexico. This time about organic vs. tacked-on RPGs.

In this episode I answer a voicemail and play the first in a series of field recordings. This time: more about GM screens.

This time I answer a voicemail from Jason Hobbs and Dave writes in asking how I started the YouTube videos, which I gladly answer.

I talk about adapting X1 The Isle of Dread to suit my needs.

I answer an email and talk about where to put goofy places in your world.

I talk about using a deadpan face and rolling dice as a GM to be enigmatic to your players.

I talk about firearms in fantasy RPGs.

I talk about how I handle monster stats in-game.

I talk about creating adventures for a road trip.

I pontificate on role-playing vs. roll-playing and how I like a balance.

I answer an email and talk about my favorite skill system.

I talk a bit about using tables for scenarios and how I come up with adventures.

I talk about buying RPGs, what to look for and how character sheets can tell you a lot about the game.

I talk about supers games and the genre for RPGs.

I talk about not bringing baggage to or work out your problems at the table.

I talk about why I roleplay and GM.

I go over the previous nights' game, muse over what to run at my next convention and how I weld plots together.

I talk about pacing and timing in games and how to structure an adventure to take advantage of them.

I answer an email and talk (Well, rant a bit) about how and why I use a GM screen.

I talk about the hows and whys of reviewing in general and my reviews in particular.

I recap North Texas RPG Con 2018 and talk about experiencing your first convention.

I talk about character backgrounds.

I talk a bit about condensing convention stuff but the main topic is the NPCs playing off the PCs and ad-libbing in general.

I talk about monster reactions and morale in RPGs.

I talk about sandbox campaigns and how I deal with them, featuring the Sandbox Compass.

I talk about how music and SFX can add to your RPG session.

Topic: How I prep for a con and overdo it.

I do a shout-out, recommend some comics and talk about how to use Kelly's Heroes as the basis for an RPG adventure.

I have last thoughts (for now) on Acting Behind The Screen, answer a voice message and talk about using the plot of Rio Bravo in your game.

I answer a voicemail and talk about using a movie plot in RPGs.

I talk about Acting Tips in RPGs and why you should try it.

Here I talk about prepping for NTX 2018 and how benchmarks make statting out NPCs and monster a lot easier.

My first episode where I intro myself, talk about my experience and game philosophy and answer a couple emails.