Down in a Heap
By Rob c
A big pot of old school RPG stew.
Cover art photo provided by Mathew Schwartz on Unsplash: unsplash.com/@cadop
Cover art photo provided by Mathew Schwartz on Unsplash: unsplash.com/@cadop
Down in a HeapMay 18, 2021
00:00
01:08:23
Rob & Jason vs. The Universal Monsters: Creature From The Black Lagoon
Once again Iām joined by Jason of Nerdās RPG Variety Cast to talk about our beloved Universal Monsters! This time we dive into the Black Lagoon to swim with the iconic gill-man. Load up your speargun, check your air tanks, and grab a bag of rotenone (just donāt sprinkle it on your popcorn), and join us one last time. Enjoy!
May 07, 202401:30:18
Compleat Adventurer Deep Dive 3
A call from Jason and continuing the Compleat Adventurer deep dive with the Gladiator and Harlequin.
May 04, 202452:07
The Compleat Adventurer Deep Dive 2, plus THANKS Jason!
Part 2 of the Deep Dive continues with a look at the Beastmaster & Buccaneer. Also calls from Daniel and Keith and a special big thank-you! to Jason of Nerdās RPG Variety Cast who has announced the upcoming end of the show.
Apr 27, 202459:25
The Compleat Adventurer Deep Dive: Part 1
I begin a deep dive into an RPG supplement from Bard Games in 1983: The Compleat Adventurer. Plus a call from Spencer regarding my review of Cairn and Jason with a call on post apocalyptic gaming.
Apr 10, 202442:45
The Big Wet Postdiluvian RPG Review
Review of the post apocalyptic, āpostdiluvianā RPG, The Big Wet, by Sam Sorensen. Physical copies available at Exalted Funeral (along with pdf), or pdf only at Samās Itch page.
Mar 09, 202443:09
Throwing Spaghetti
A couple ideas were popping in my head this morning. Sacrificing a level as meta currency, and magical healing at a cost. Just throwing spaghetti at the wallā¦
Mar 07, 202408:25
Cairn RPG 1e Review
I dig into the Cairn RPG by Yochai Gal per the request of AaronNPC. Get a free pdf of the game at cairnrpg.com or Drivethru RPG. Questions, comments, requests to bigbalboni āatā gmail.
Feb 26, 202450:43
You Blew it Up!
The Anchor-pocolypse finally has arrived in June. Jason from Nerdās RPG Variety Cast calls to ask my podcasting fate. And new caller Riley from Diogetic Advancement recommends the game, Swyvers, now live on Kickstarter.
Feb 20, 202414:06
New Year, New Conversations
I blabber a bit about how the fiction I want my games to emulate is much more grounded, small scope & slow burn than most. Iām weirdā¦š¤Ŗ Plus some conversations with Spencer from Keep Off the Borderlands and Daniel from Banditās Keep.
Jan 23, 202433:54
Into the B/oX Holiday Call-in Bonanza
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Calls from BJ of Arcane Alienist, Jason of Nerdās RPG Variety Cast, Michael from Mirke the Meek, and Daniel from Banditās Keep about my Into the B/oX smash up. Five years of podcasting - thanks everyone! š
Dec 16, 202347:03
My Magic-user Attacks with their Axe! ??? How Iād rule on it.
Ideas for PCs restricted in weapon choice by class using weapons outside those lists in classic D&D. Inspired by conversations on recent episodes of Nerdās RPG Variety Cast. Plus, last day chance to back Mythic Bastionland KS: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/bastionland/mythic-bastionland-rpg-before-into-the-odd
Dec 06, 202316:37
Into the B/oX Combat Run-through 1
I run through a small low-level skirmish between a party and group of Hobgoblins to see how a mash-up of B/X and Into the Odd might be different from straight B/X. Plus calls from Jason and Aaronnpc. Happy Thanksgiving! š¦
Nov 20, 202347:05
Different Approaches to Rockāem Sockāem Robots
Jason from Nerdās RPG Variety Cast calls in to describe how three old games dealt with the Rockāem Sockāem Robots effect. Plus some talk about my bitchinā Camaro and the great ā91 Halloween Blizzard.
Nov 13, 202332:07
Garyās Appendix Issue 3 and OSR October wrap.
I take a look at the Halloween themed Issue 3 of Garyās Appendix by Jeff Jones of the RPG Ramblings podcast and do a little wrap up of OSR October 2023. Happy Halloween!š
Oct 31, 202319:50
Into the B/oX: a Peanut Butter Cup Smash-up?
I noodle about a mash-up of B/X with combat inspired by Chris McDowallās game Into the Odd. Will two great flavors create a new taste sensation ala Reeseās, or would it be like topping your Count Chocula with sauerkraut?
Oct 28, 202347:11
OSR October: A Guide to Thievesā Guilds by Todd Leback
I take a look at the supplement, A Guide to Thievesā Guilds by Todd Leback of Third Kingdom Games. Itās part of his Filling in the Blanks Populated Hexcrawl Series. Available at Drivethru RPG. Also a call from Jason from Nerdās RPG Variety Cast.
Oct 21, 202330:29
Garyās Appendix Issue 2 for OSR October
A cold has dropped my voice an octave, so please forgive my froggy delivery. Today I look through Garyās Appendix Issue 2 from Jeff Jones at RPG Ramblings Publishing. Check it out at DrivethruRPG.
Oct 17, 202318:37
Call-in OSR October
Calls and conversation from John Large of Red Dice Diaries, Rich Fraser of Cockatrice Nuggets, and Jason Connerly from Nerdās RPG Variety Cast. Thanks guys! Wanna get in the fun? Email me a voice file to bigbalboni at gmail dot com.
Oct 10, 202330:06
OSR October: Tuesday Tidbits - Jazz Up the Fighter
Spicing up the vanilla fighter is a common house rule in OSR games. Hereās one method (Fighting Tricks) from Dice Roll Zine #3 by Steve Cook of Hog Town Games.
Oct 03, 202315:21
OSR October 2023: Episode 1
Itās been a while, but already that time of year again: OSR October! I blabber about how it came about, whatās happening, what I have planned, and has gamer wanderlust always existed? Plus I drink a blue cheese flavored soda...
Oct 02, 202331:05
Placement of Treasure in B/X plus new Garyās Appendix KS
Thereās a new KS for Garyās Appendix issue 3 from Jeffery Jones. And calls from Evil Jeff, Joe, Pink Phantom, Taylor, Jason, and Darkfluid prompt me to a deep dive into procedural treasure placement in B/X (among other topics). Itās a bonanza!
Aug 04, 202301:14:31
Garyās Appendix: Issue 1 plus calls
I take a look at the zine, Garyās Appendix by RPG Ramblings Publishing available in pdf/print direct at rpgramblings.com or pdf at DrivethruRPG.com plus calls from Jason & Daniel about bugs, traps, treasure, and granularity. A new caller (Joe from Dekahedron podcast) takes issue with my use of ālazy designā. What do I mean by that, and is combat part of a gameās āstoryā? Leave a voice message at bigbalboni at gmail. Thanks!
Jul 15, 202301:02:33
I Hate Bugs!
Originally meant to be a call-in show, with updates on playing FTF for the 1st time since 2020 morphs into a screed against giant bugs. But through venting, perhaps wisdom, and a place for the bugs is found? Still have the calls too! from Rob (Menion) of Confessions of a Wee Timrous Bushi; Jason from Nerdās RPG Variety Cast, and The Pink Phantom from Phantom Thoughts.
Jun 23, 202358:51
Knave 2e Kickstarter Talk plus Thieves, Advantage/Dis and the movie, The Last Valley
Calls from Jason of Nerdās RPG Variety Cast prompts discussion about Knave 2e, mass battle systems, Advantage/Disadvantage, Thieves, and a strong recommendation for the movie, The Last Valley. Released in 1971, Directed by James Clavell, starring Michael Caine and Omar Sharif. Set during the 30 Years War. A breathe of fresh air if (like me) youāre tired of āEPIC ā CGI nonsense.
May 31, 202329:46
Whatās Up? Knave 2e Kickstarter, S&W KS, Shadowdark KS thoughts.
Hey. Itās been a while. Talk about what Iāve been up to and thoughts about the Knave 2e Kickstarter (9 days left to go if you want to back it) as well as about the Shadowdark & S&W KS...and why I havenāt seen the D&D movie.
May 23, 202348:45
Lore & Rumors on Planet Eris
I go over my method for providing starting PCs with campaign Lore & Rumors. Plus calls from Jason, Joe, and Daniel. āWhummingā by Goblinās Henchman and another song from Chaos Warband.
Mar 03, 202337:57
āAcquisitionsā From Backstory and a Transmission from Planet Eris
My Planet Eris game finally started and I share a moment that came up while finishing PC creation. What would you have done? Plus calls from James Knight, Jason, Daniel and a Rogue transmission from Planet Eris.
Feb 28, 202334:01
OSE Advanced Fantasy Deep Dive: 4
A look at the rest of the optional rules in the Character book from OSE Advanced Fantasy by Gavin Norman of Necrotic Gnome: separate race & class, multi-class, learning spells, combat, etc. Plus calls from Jason and Daniel.
Jan 28, 202301:04:07
OSE Advanced Fantasy Deep Dive 3
Wrapping up the remainder of PC classes outlined in Necrotic Gnomeās OSE Advanced Fantasy by Gavin Norman: Half-elf, Half-Orc, Illusionist, Knight, Paladin, Ranger, and Svirfneblin. Plus a call from Jason. Enjoy!
Jan 18, 202355:57
OSE Advanced Fantasy Deep Dive 2
Calls from Jason & Joe and a close looks at Bards, Drow, Druids, Duergar, and Gnomes in OSE Advanced Fantasy by Gavin Norman of Necrotic Gnome.
Jan 15, 202357:20
OSE Advanced Fantasy Deep Dive 1
The first Deep Dive episode of the Old School Essentials Advanced Fantasy Box set by Gavin Norman of Necrotic Gnome covers an overview of the line, a look at the box set, and the elements of the Acrobat, Assassin, and Barbarian PC classes.
Jan 10, 202351:56
Call-in Bonanza Ramble
What was planned as the 1st episode of the OSE Advanced Deep Dive morphs into a straight call-in bonanza ramble featuring Jason, Daniel, Pink Phantom, and Spencer. Dungeon23, OGL, Spirit of the Rules, AD&D Nostalgia, Separate attribute adjustments for fighters, Pets, and gaming gifts. Settle in. OSE Advanced Deep Dive will commence next episode. š
Jan 08, 202345:51
Roll For Random Thoughts...December?
Calls from Keith and Daniel about The School of Hard Knocks; Gaming goodies from Christmas; Kickstarter goodness Hyperborea 3E and OSE Advanced, and a look ahead at podcasting and gaming in 2023. Happy New Year!
Dec 31, 202232:02
The School of Hard Knocks?
I offer up a potential new house rule for those who enroll at The School of Hard Knocks. Crazy, really crazy, or crazy good? YOU decide. Plus calls about Planet Eris & OSR October. š
Nov 08, 202223:40
OSR October Finale: Planet Eris by Jimm Johnson
Spotlight on a great World Setting, Planet Eris, by Jimm Johnson of the Scribes of Sparn. While intended for OD&D, this could easily be used for any Fantasy RPG. Get the PDF or Print + PDF at DrivethruRPG.com. World map can be viewed at: cubeofquazar.blogspot.com and http://knights-n-knaves.com/thescribesofsparn/planet-eris-map.jpg
Oct 31, 202235:58
OSR October: Call-in Bonanza
Calls from the last week of OSR October featuring Jason, Aaron the NPC, Goblinās Henchman, and Joe.
Oct 30, 202237:15
OSR October: Thursday Theories (Friday Edition š¤£)
The last Thursday Theory in October ends with the closing line of my theme song: āTry not to go, Down in a Heap.ā Character death is part of the deal in old adventure games. Long-term survival is a badge of honor (and a sign of good luck š).
Oct 28, 202221:30
OSR October: Wednesday Wanderings - Whisper & Venom
This Wednesday Wandering leads to the mini setting and adventure book, Whisper & Venom by Zach Glazar. Originally published by his company, Lesser Gnome, it was recently on KS with a new edition through Necromancer Games in both an OSE and 5e version.
Oct 27, 202213:32
OSR October: Tuesday Tidbits - Midderzine Tables
Tired of that humdrum +1 weapon or scroll? Crack open a Midderzine from Monkeyblood Design and roll for a āSlightly Less Shitā one! š. Midderzines are available at Monkeyblooddesign.co.uk or through DrivethruRPG.com.
Oct 26, 202214:02
OSR October: Monster Monday - Name That Monster!
I take a trip through the way-back machine to the earliest time I can recall trying to stat out a unique monster. Can you name it? You probably wonāt be surprised where I stole it from...š
Oct 24, 202221:35
OSR October: Saturday Call-in Bonanza on Sunday š¤¦āāļø
Lots of calls about lots of topics fielded by a grumpy host who had just returned to work after an all-too-brief vacation. Sound fun? Woo hoo! Hey Ho, letās GO!
Oct 24, 202201:02:14
OSR October: Thursday Theories - Bring Your Pole, Oil, & Rope
Thursday Theories addresses the importance of equipment, exploration, and resource management in OSR games. Plus, was there a āProto-OSRā that started way back in the early 1980ās?
Oct 20, 202222:33
OSR October: Wednesday Wanderings among the clouds of Highfell by Greg Gillespie
My Wednesday Wandering shoots us towards the moon in this unique mega dungeon adventure setting: Highfell, The Drifting Dungeon by Greg Gillespie. Available at DrivethruRPG. Check out all four of Gregās mega dungeons. Theyāre fantastic! š
Oct 19, 202220:51
OSR October: Tidbit Tuesday a Lifepath Random Generator
For Tidbit Tuesday I dive into Dice Roll Zine #3 from Steve C of Hog Town Games. I really like the quick random tables here to generate a beginning characterās background. Check out all three issues of Dice Roll Zine. Theyāre great!
Oct 19, 202211:03
OSR October Mashup: Monster Friend Monday!
The recording I did with my old friend I thought lost was found! And weāre discussing monsters; reskinning them, and thoughts about player knowledge about monsters powers & vulnerabilities. Itās a Monster Monday/ Friend Friday mashup!
Oct 17, 202224:23
OSR October: Supplement Sunday going Back to BasiX
Supplement Sunday is looking at the compilation of the 1st ten issues of the Back to BasiX Zine by Thom Wilson of ThrowiGames. Itās available on DrivethruRPG for $15 (pdf) or $25 (Hardcover + PDF). Great B/X material!
Oct 16, 202217:11
OSR October: Saturday Call-in Bonanza
An Anchor conversation with Rich, Jason, Kevin, and The Pink Phantom about the d30, OSR Generations, early Domain Play, Zombies & The Night Stalker, playstyle preferences and other assorted bric a brac. Contact me at bigbalboni at gmail or via Discord where Iām RC/DowninaHeap. Thanks!
Oct 15, 202238:28
OSR October: Thursday Theories - Donāt be a Dope
I delve further into my Theme Song outlining how I view āOld School Styleā play. Today, donāt be a Dope. Donāt pull punches based on PC attributes. War not sport. PC roles in party vs. PC persona. Lore, not Intelligence. But thatās, like, just my opinion Man. š
Oct 13, 202218:32
OSR October: Wednesday Wanderings into The Fungus Forest!
This quick adventure review looks at The Fungus Forest by Nash Press from 2016. Available as a PWYW PDF at DrivethruRPG. Itās a large cavern system filled with unusual creatures and (of course!) weird fungi of every imaginable type. Potentially months of exciting play for $3 (recommended price)? What are you waiting for?!?
Oct 12, 202213:19
OSR October: Tidbit Tuesday - I Canāt Hardly Wait
Blurring the lines between Tidbits and Theories, I talk about the Stages of an Adventuring Party, and how I Canāt Wait for āNameā level to begin the Domain building phase of the game. Plus a Replacementās song makes anything better...š
Oct 11, 202218:42