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 31, 2023
00:00
29:46
Crowd Funding Projects: currently active and late ones
I go through some current crowd funding campaigns: Castle Zagyg (Troll Lords), Ryecroft (Monkeyblood Design), Shadowdark Western Reaches (Arcane Library), Castles & Crusades Reforged. And I also run through the naughty list; projects I backed that are late: Mythic Bastionland, Scientific Barbarian, The Many Crypts of Lady Ingrade, and Harrowed Ground.
Mar 28, 202537:00
Ambition & Avarice 1e Deep Dive 1
The first in a deep dive series looking at the OSR game, Ambition & Avarice 1e by Greg Christopher of Chubby Funster Games published in 2012. I’m delving into what’s different about this compared to a more traditional TSR era game like Moldvay Cook/Marsh B/X (or Old School Essentials if you prefer). There are substantial differences, yet this is still very compatible with your old school adventures and supplements. In this episode, I focus on base task resolutions, and player characters. Both Ambition & Avarice 1e and 2e are available in print and pdf via DrivethruRPG. I’m confident you can all find them easily :).
Oct 30, 202446:53
Campaign Diary 1: The Forsaken North
When I recorded this, there wasn’t a real object, but after listening back, this is the start of a series I’ll keep doing as a sort of campaign diary. This will entail both the planning for The Forsaken North, and discussions about the new (for me) system I’ll be using: Ambition & Avarice 1e by Greg Christopher of Chubby Funster Games. Later entries might include session recaps or updates that develop out of our game sessions. Enjoy!
Oct 12, 202418:43
OSR October: Ambition & Avarice 1e
A tentative return to podcasting for OSR October, 2024. This is a rough one as I try to navigate the new recording approach without the benefit of my familiar Anchor app. A thumbnail look at the new system I’m going to try out: Ambition & Avarice by Greg Christopher.
You can get a copy at DrivethruRPG: Chubby Funster Games.
Oct 01, 202407:45
Knave 2e Review: the Final Episode?
An armchair QB review of Knave 2e by Ben Milton of Questing Beast. It’s “ a flexible, classless rule set for players who scheme, strategize, and seek adventure.” It’s also closely compatible with most adventures and supplements of your favorite old school fantasy RPG. I go over the good, bad, and uncertain aspects I see (keeping in mind I haven’t played it) in this last ride of Down in a Heap. Thanks for all the fun over the years! Stay in touch: bigbalboni “at” gmail.com.
Jul 10, 202401:15:07
Halberds & Henchmen: a Retrospective
I look back at my Frankenstein’s Monster of a hack from 2017, Halberds & Henchmen. What circumstances led to it, what the design goal was, what’s good, bad, and ugly about it? Also how I squandered the opportunity for it and what its future might be. Email me at bigbalboni “at” gmail to get any updates and/or PDFs of my work after the podcast.
Jul 07, 202401:06:59
Calamities!
Add depth and uncertainty to your game setting by throwing in an occasional calamity that changes the landscape (political or actual). Inspired by the Advanced Civilization board game. Also calls from Jason & Spencer. Check out current Kickstarters for Castles & Crusades “Reforged” by Troll Lord Games (ends 7/9/24) and Gary’s Appendix Issue 6 by Jeffrey Jones of RPG Ramblings (ends 7/10/24).
Jun 30, 202433:42
I’m Not Dead …I’m getting better :)
Spotify extended the mobile app life until July 9th, so Down in a Heap lives on for another month. Calls from Jason and Riley provide discussion on attribute gains & losses, training, what’s going to happen after the podcast, and just why the heck is wearing helmets and armor not cool, and when, how, and why did this trend emerge? Send messages to bigbalboni “at” gmail. Thanks!
Jun 08, 202443:54
Compleat Adventurer Deep Dive 6: and the rest…
I finally wrap up the deep dive into Bard Games’ Compleat Adventurer with MaryAnne, the Professor, and Wrongway Feldman: I mean the Knight, Martial Artist, and Swordsman. Definitely the weaker links in this supplement, but I promised a thorough deep dive, so….😁
May 30, 202439:43
Compleat Adventurer Deep Dive 5: Rogues & Spies
In this installment, I compare the Compleat Adventurer’s Rogue & Spy class to what we get in classic D&D from the Thief (and Assassin). What doesn’t work for some with the Thief, and are these alternatives any better? Will they spice up the criminal characters in your game? Listen and decide…
May 29, 202453:59
The Compleat Adventurer Deep Dive 4: The Hunters!
I get back to my deep dive into Bard Games’ The Compleat Adventurer from 1983. This time it’s the Hunters!: the Scout, Bounty Hunter, and Witch Hunter. Are these more interesting (or better fantasy archetypes) than the Ranger (which was essentially making Aragorn for D&D)? Listen up and decide for yourself. Last call for calls! Send by 5/30 to bigbalboni “at” gmail.
May 29, 202452:51
The Last Call-in Bonanza?
Calls from Mirke, Jason, Daniel, and Joe react to and spark conversation about: character attribute generation in B/X: OSE and AD&D; Animal Companions in games and a potential method to mechanize their use in B/X; the Compleat Adventurer classes and how exclusive should “class abilities” be; a pack of monkeys on Planet Eris; How optimal character abilities can lead to boring encounters; the Creature From The Black Lagoon; Boat Nerd action from Duluth, MN; Thanks guys!
May 26, 202458:05
Rob & Jason vs. The Universal Monsters: Creature From The Black Lagoon
Once again I’m joined by Jason of Nerd’s 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 don’t 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 Nerd’s 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, “postdiluvian” RPG, The Big Wet, by Sam Sorensen. Physical copies available at Exalted Funeral (along with pdf), or pdf only at Sam’s 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 wall…
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 “at” gmail.
Feb 26, 202450:43
You Blew it Up!
The Anchor-pocolypse finally has arrived in June. Jason from Nerd’s 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. I’m weird…🤪 Plus some conversations with Spencer from Keep Off the Borderlands and Daniel from Bandit’s 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 Nerd’s RPG Variety Cast, Michael from Mirke the Meek, and Daniel from Bandit’s Keep about my Into the B/oX smash up. Five years of podcasting - thanks everyone! 👍
Dec 16, 202347:03
My Magic-user Attacks with their Axe! ??? How I’d 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 Nerd’s 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! 🦃
Nov 20, 202347:05
Different Approaches to Rock’em Sock’em Robots
Jason from Nerd’s RPG Variety Cast calls in to describe how three old games dealt with the Rock’em Sock’em Robots effect. Plus some talk about my bitchin’ Camaro and the great ‘91 Halloween Blizzard.
Nov 13, 202332:07
Gary’s Appendix Issue 3 and OSR October wrap.
I take a look at the Halloween themed Issue 3 of Gary’s Appendix by Jeff Jones of the RPG Ramblings podcast and do a little wrap up of OSR October 2023. Happy Halloween!🎃
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 McDowall’s game Into the Odd. Will two great flavors create a new taste sensation ala Reese’s, or would it be like topping your Count Chocula with sauerkraut?
Oct 28, 202347:11
OSR October: A Guide to Thieves’ Guilds by Todd Leback
I take a look at the supplement, A Guide to Thieves’ Guilds by Todd Leback of Third Kingdom Games. It’s part of his Filling in the Blanks Populated Hexcrawl Series. Available at Drivethru RPG. Also a call from Jason from Nerd’s RPG Variety Cast.
Oct 21, 202330:29
Gary’s Appendix Issue 2 for OSR October
A cold has dropped my voice an octave, so please forgive my froggy delivery. Today I look through Gary’s 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 Nerd’s 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. Here’s 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
It’s been a while, but already that time of year again: OSR October! I blabber about how it came about, what’s 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 Gary’s Appendix KS
There’s a new KS for Gary’s 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). It’s a bonanza!
Aug 04, 202301:14:31
Gary’s Appendix: Issue 1 plus calls
I take a look at the zine, Gary’s 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 “lazy design”. What do I mean by that, and is combat part of a game’s “story”? 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 Nerd’s 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 Nerd’s 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) you’re tired of “EPIC “ CGI nonsense.
May 31, 202329:46
What’s Up? Knave 2e Kickstarter, S&W KS, Shadowdark KS thoughts.
Hey. It’s been a while. Talk about what I’ve 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 haven’t 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. “Whumming” by Goblin’s Henchman and another song from Chaos Warband.
Mar 03, 202337:57
“Acquisitions” 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 Gnome’s 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. 👍
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. 👍
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, Goblin’s Henchman, and Joe.
Oct 30, 202237:15
OSR October: Thursday Theories (Friday Edition 🤣)
The last Thursday Theory in October ends with the closing line of my theme song: “Try not to go, Down in a Heap.” 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 😉).
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