I talk about saving throws, their primary purpose and how that can change depending on the RPG.

I talk about what hit points represent and how far past zero is dead.

I talk about what makes up Armor Class and how it applies to different RPGs.

I talk about combining your prep notes for ease of use.

I talk about playing RPGs without (or a substitute for) magic.

I talk about some games that don't read well at first but play great.

I answer an email about currency in RPGs.

I talk about how to care and use PC equipment.

I talk about (IMO) how you should integrate the stat roll into the role-playing.

I talk about 'zines in general and Torchlight in particular.

I answer a voicemail about thief's skills and an email about handling encounter lethiality.

I talk about an important part of thinking on your feet as a GM, the grand tradition of stalling for time.

I talk about using gridless maps in session.

I talk about spreading clues, information and how to shrink the pool of NPCs to move the game along.

I talk about my 1E AD&D books, how I care for them, reflecting on the history of RPGs and pontificating on all other things gaming.

I talk about basic stats in RPGs, different kinds and how many (if any) are needed.

I talk about describing things in a game that are dark.

I talk about how a hunting scenario can develop into an adventure.

I talk about my aversion of note-taking during the session and electronic alternatives.

I talk about how fighters and others approach a fight.

I talk about options and alternatives for clerical weapon selection.

I talk about other rulesets besides D&D's, showing math is in all of them.

I talk about Using Reference Sheets to help with character creation at the table.

I talk about making up an adventure out of things around you.

I talk about planning your adventures as scenes on a framework and how to avoid the possible pitfall of that technique.

I talk about clues and info, the two things that hold RPG sessions together.

I talk about how the social contract at the game table has changed over the years and what behavior is not good for the game.

I talk about messages and other topics like that in RPGs and how I avoid them.

I talk about book covers, coloring, Adding name and contact info and generally personalizing your RPG books.

I talk about how prominent adversaries can and should develop over time.

I talk about an upcoming Swords & Wizardry zine and more on how to use and craft hooks.

I answer voicemails and talk about converting NPCs to a different ruleset.

I talk about maintenance of your books outside the game and your character's equipment inside the game.

I answer an email from Dan Greig and then give my opinion on level titles in 1E AD&D.

I talk about how the end-of-year Holiday Season affects your normal gaming schedule and how to get through it.

I talk about how to deal with foreshadowing in your games.

I talk more about firearm use in RPGs.

I sit down and talk with Mark Hunt, designer of the new Gangbusters B/X Edition.

I talk about how adversaries should be played per their intelligence and how they should react to characters foiling their plans.

I talk about some ideas for using undead as adventure hooks and other ideas like that.

I talk about the Neutral alignment and the purpose of alignments in general.

I talk about mining entertainment, good or bad,  for adventure ideas.

I talk about playing Games outside your interests and how it can possibly give you inspiration.

I talk about where you play and what kind of table setup you use.

I talk about translating your prep notes into an adventure at the table.

Since I just got my Immersive Battle Maps books I talk about different map types I've used.

I talk about unarmed combat and a possible way to do it.

I talk about house rules and customizing spells for your campaign.

I talk about artifacts and how the 1E DMG is a great resource for every GM AND player.

I talk about magic items and charging them.

I talk about taking notes during a game session.

I talk about the use of portals in RPGs.

I talk about creative thinking leading to possible house rules.

I talk about mining monster books and other resources to come up with different, and tougher monsters.

I talk about using a prison break to kick off and maintain a campaign.

I talk about how to run a spooky, lighter-themed Halloween game.

I talk about the GM's timing and flow.

I talk about how GMs can use description and action words in their gameplay.

I talk about the struggles to minimize outside distractions at bay and keep players (and sometimes the GM) focused and immersed in the game.

I talk about the flexibility of earlier editions of D&D, B/X in particular.

I talk about having a standard encounter or two ready to go for playtesting and impromptu games.

I talk about hit points and other ways to track damage in RPGs.

I talk about expanded equipment lists and other items.

I talk about how gamers spend their downtime - breaks from the game.

I talk about what the OSR is as defined on YouTube vlogs with a highlight on Question Beast's YT channel. Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wRVJNkOObIU

I talk about single die-type RPGs and variations on success and failure.

I talk about spell storing and how to commercialize magic in your campaign world.

I talk about how it's okay to be in the back during an encounter.

I talk about thief specialization to better define the PC.

I talk about adventure ideas revolving around the death of a character or NPC.

I talk about thieve's guilds and different ways to run them in a campaign.

I talk about how characters can treat magic like science.

I talk about service and support businesses for adventurers that would pop up.

I talk about dice drop tables.

I talk about house rules and how they affect the evolution of your game.

I talk about how to play dragons.

In a followup to yesterday's episode, I talk about adding some marital arts flavor into a traditional fantasy RPG game.

I talk about and compare version of one of my favorite classes, The Monk.

I talk about horror elements and how to do "jump scares" in your game.

I talk about how to streamline your adventures to fit into a shorter session time.

I talk about stream-of-consciousness thinking and how you shouldn't impede yourself with restrictions.

I talk (okay, rant a bit) on how gamers will sometimes use "the math is too hard" as a reason why they don't like a game.

I talk about rules-light RPGs and what is a good balance of rules.

I talk about interacting with the players and reacting to what they're doing.

I talk about how to deal with new (to the hobby) players.

I talk about looking for pictures to help me create adventures.

I talk about rules which we use, not use or occasionally use, focusing on advantage/disadvantage vs dice roll modifiers.

I do some musing on how to do mysteries in RPGs.

I talk about completing the adventure and running a gauntlet to get back.

I talk about creating an adventure using the Lester Dent method.

I talk about how to use the deceased in your adventures.

I talk about the social contract thing going around and what players can expect out of me at a game.

I talk about allowing races outside the standard races in your game.

I talk about how to voice NPCs using your normal voice.

Marc Wallring sends in a voicemail and I look at the fighter in earlier editions vs. the current edition of D&D.

I talk about literary points-of-view and how to start adventures in the middle.

I talk about characters getting lost and how to use that for your games.

I talk about using things like the Encyclopedia Magica and other sources for magic item adventure McGuffins.

I talk about "theater of the mind" play vs. actually mapping out encounters.

I talk about displaced critters and how you can work them into an adventure.

I talk about having a list of basic plots to recycle, mix n' match and create something new.

I talk about making your own side adventures.

I talk about resisting the urge to railroad and a new technique for the GM.

I talk about the condition of OOP and collectible RPG books.

I talk about how you sometimes have to "unlearn" things to understand an RPG rules system.

I talk about how gamers should remember to share the fun.

I talk about players who must examine EVERYTHING and how to put them on a time limit.

I talk about a recent game I GMed and how to put a new player at-ease.

I talk about last-minute things to do before the game.

I talk about retconning a campaign and how to go about it.

I talk about different kinds of initiative in RPGs.

I talk about the direction the RPG hobby is going due to a higher profile in media and the public.

I talk about how I use OneNote for mobile GM reference.

I talk about how I digitally organize my campaigns using note apps.

I talk about box text, putting them in your own words and how to enliven descriptions and NPC interactions for your players.

I talk about learning from (bad) movies can really help a GM with running the game.

I talk about pyrrhic and bittersweet victories.

A followup on a previous episode, I answer a voicemail and then talk about what I listen to during prep and inspiration you can get from music.

I talk about how things like random encounters should be used to further the adventure.

I talk about winging a story, placing encounters and keeping the game going for one more session.

I talk about having an overall premise and how it really helps party cohesion in your games.

I talk about powerful NPCs, how they should not overshadow the PCs and how to make them disappear (temporarily).

I talk about two different plot structures and how writers like Dickens and Doyle help with the game.

I talk about realism, plausibility and the fantastic in RPGs.

I talk about using horror in RPGs.

I talk about keeping your health, energy and stamina for GMing games (and life in general).

I talk about ad-libbing, keeping the game loose and most importantly, trusting your instincts as a GM.

I talk about how noth the players and the GM work to set the pace of the encounter/adventure/campaign.

I talk about putting limits on your creativity to enhance your campaigns.

I talk about the hexcrawl vs. pointcrawl.

I answer a voicemail and talk about adversity (GM vs. Players) in RPGs.

I talk about converting characters to completely different RPG rulesets.

I talk about how to have NPCs interact with the PCs.

I talk about a great, inexpensive (as in PWYW) adventure-creating resource on DriveThruRPG. Link:  https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse/pub/9108/thunder-bunny-press 

Wth the ENnies coming up and a new Kickstarter fulfilling I again sit down with  Glynn Seal of MonkeyBlood Design to talk about his Best Cartography nomination for Midderlands Expanded, The City of Great Lunden, future projects and how to use ordinary fantasy RPG monsters in the Midderlands.

I ramble about modular thinking in adventures.

I answer an email about why I use Bluffside in my campaign world and what's so great about The Mouth of Doom (from the megadungeon Rappan Athuk).

I talk about D&D editions and why I like what I like.

I remind Game Masters (and myself) to observe and listen to players for a richer game session.

I talk about using an introductory adventure to kick off a new campaign - or not.

I talk about always saying "yes" and player expectation.

I talk about putting mysteries in a campaign world and how to manage them.

I read an email and talk a bit about resource management.

I talk about the difference between rules-light and stripped-down RPG rulesets.

I talk about how I have more games than I can regularly play and the importance of choosing the one(s) that will get the most use.

I do a mini-tribute to RFI and Vince Florio and talk about distinctive equipment.

I talk about traps (focusing on pits) and how you can compound the danger.

I talk about working new monsters into your world.

I talk about when campaigns tend to dissolve after a handful of sessions and what to do about it.

I talk about how I make rulings and modify the "Yes" rule.

I talk about how I learned how to play NPC bad guys per their intellect.

I talk about how real-life experiences can help your character and the GM.

I sort of ramble on about sub-classes in RPGs.

On this one-year anniversary episode of Radio Grognard I talk about what RPGs and the OSR is all about for me.

I talk about a really funny parody of this show and, in honor of Independence Day here in the USA, I talk about the 1E spells Faerie Fire and Pyrotechnics.

I talk about folks who have too many copies of gamebooks and I do a contest for a few of mine.

 I talk about how a GM can do a lot with a little and how they should make the most of what they got. 

I talk about watching my grandson run a game and a couple pointers I gave him that'd help other young GMs out there.

I talk about how I look over a module for possible use in my games.

I talk about getting inspiration from the more sensational tabloids such as (especially) the Weekly World News.

I talk about how playtesting your convention scenario will help make a better game.

I talk about one of Matt Colville's YouTube videos, player agency, how capturing PCs happen and what to do about it.

I talk about how timing and judicious use of illusions (or any spell for that matter) can make your wizard quite effective. 

I talk about what it takes to be a better Game Master.

I talk about health, age and RPGs.

I talk about megadungeons and how they can be used in pieces for many different scenarios.

I talk about how running a game By The Book just doesn't do it for me and how i need to houserule them.

I talk about older copies of 1st Edition AD&D and the feel of nostalgia they inspire.

I talk about intelligent (and not-so-intelligent) weapons.

I rant a bit about the film vs. book viewpoint in RPGs.

I talk about starting a campaign in a group of islands such as those in Mystara's Sea of Dread.

I talk more about 5E cantrips in response to John Alan Large's Red Dice Diaries blogpost.

I talk about the history of cantrips in D&D and how I think 5E got it right.

I talk about using bits of current tech in your fantasy campaign after disguising them in the trappings of the genre.

I talk about starting the PCs in an all-wilderness campaign by having their world underground so they have to "explore the dungeon" on the surface.

I talk about how to mesh other locations into whatever campaign world you're using.

I talk about group cohesion and what a GM can do if the game has none.

I talk about my experiences at North Texas RPG Con 2019 and bits about running con games.

Okay, I sat down with Erik Tenkar and Vincent Florio at the Frog God Games booth to talk about NTRPG Con, gaming and stuff in general. We also chatted with Matt Finch and Mike Badolato (BadMike). I trimmed the worst of the language but it's still kinda ribald so You Have Been Warned.

I talk about games to pack for conventions. It's also my last episode until after North Texas RPG Con 2019.

I talk about my three favorite indie RPG publishers out there today: Monkeyblood Designs, Night Owl Workshop and Bloat Games.

I talk about a campaign idea I never used, based on an Orson Welles film.

I talk about how I'm enjoying when the game goes south because of PC actions.

I talk about animals, in particular familiars and animal companions.

I talk about different types of places PCs can use as their home base.

I talk about cataloging your RPG collection for when you pass on.

I talk (rant) about how I don't like DCs, target numbers and the like.

I answer an email about population, monster distribution and other stats in a fantasy world.

I reflect on power the PCs have in-game and wonder if it's a good thing or not.

I talk about some genre mash-ups I've seen and thought about.

I brainstorm some ideas on how to run PCs versus multiple opponents.

I talk about a couple tips for running games at conventions.

I talk about random dungeon-building books out there and the thoughts and concepts I use to stock said dungeons.

I talk about starting the PCs in another interesting place - The Town Dump.

I talk about editing and saving scenes and ideas for your game.

I talk about wearing down high-level characters to make the adventure manageable.

I start off talking about making dungeon maps, then dice-drop tables and finally I end up on the subject of the supplement Vornheim. Just one of those days, I guess. 

 I talk about how to replace characters when players leave the group. 

I talk about the space behind the GM's screen and how I maximize it.

I talk about the upcoming NTRPG Con and some general things about bringing non-gamers to cons.

I talk about higher-level games and how it helps the GM.

I talk about how the mundane things in character's lives can be used as RPG fodder.

I talk about starting a campaign in an usual place and way.

I talk about humor in games and how to use it.

I talk about how the OSR mindset differs from later RPG editions and how the newer gamers could use a bit of it.

I talk about how a GM handles the flow of information to the players.

I talk about a Kickstarter that ends soon and quick RPG rules you can take on the go.

I answer an email about AS&SH and then muse about using elements of Film Noir in RPGs.

I talk about exposition, info dumps and how to handle them.

I talk about how to keep your NPCs busy, keep going forward with their plans and generally keeping campaign life going on.

I talk about writing up NPCs like monster stat blocks.

I talk about how the use of adjectives in place descriptions helps you immerse the players into the campaign.

I talk about the flow of the game and how the GM and players control it.

I talk about tech and weapons in your world and how they affect it.

I talk about how to tailor you RPG campaign to your players.

I talk about tightening up and condensing my prep.

I ramble on about races, classes, race/classes and if the special abilities you get as you level up need to add a skills on top of them.

I talk about the difficulties in adding a horror element into your campaign.

I answer a few voice and emails then ask my listeners what they want me to talk about.

I talk about how my campaigns do not have recurring villains and steps to take to fix that.

I talk about R.A.W. (Rules As Written) in RPGs.

I talk about players who want to model a character from other medium and the problem it creates.

I talk about figuring out sub-systems and how I do chases in RPGs.

I talk about modules and how I prefer plot hooks for campaign use.

I talk about a recent Magic Missile discussion going around and ponder how house rules come to be.

I weigh in on the entitlement and accountability issue that seems to be going around.

I answer Mark Wallring's email about what I think wold be good "starter" modules.

 I talk about where to get OSR material, how it's changed in the last 5-10 years and tips on how to buy. 

I talk about things like how to record hit points and initiative.

I answer an email and give some thoughts on dealing with the worst type of players.

I talk about in-game descriptions and how to add to your vocabulary.

I talk about a different way to plot out adventures.

I talk about the rules in OSR games that folks don't always use (thanks to Erik Tenkar for the idea).

I talk about XP, levels and training for them.

I talk about planning out locations in RPG adventures.

I talk about giving it your all behind the screen.

I talk about adjusting things for higher-level PCs, in prep and at the table.

I answer another email from Mark Wallring about how to rework and adapt things from current RPGs to the OSR.

I answer an email about converting later editions of D&D to OSR rules.

 I talk more about arch-enemies, how they meet their demise and how they may NOT stay dead. 

I talk more about developing arch enemies for your campaign.

I talk about the creating Arch Enemies for your campaign.

I talk about using art, photos and Pintrest to generate RPG ideas.

I talk about how to restart the game from a cliffhanger or mid-combat.

I talk about campaign worlds and how to make them more cohesive.

I talk about PCs who marry or have a family and playing different genders in RPGs.

I talk about splitting the party, why you should not do it and how to handle it when it does happen.

I talk about overly-complex RPG plots.

I talk about using henchmen and hirelings in a game.

I talk about using the film "Dark City" as a supers campaign background.

I talk about when one PC is the focus of the session.

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 us