Shows
MERCENARTotuși, unde are loc povestea? | De la 0 la GMFii boier pe bune aici - https://www.patreon.com/MERCENARCe vrei să faci?!Biological Hazard - A 24XX Hack - https://horiamarchean.itch.io/biological-hazard-a-24xx-hackMuzică - Serenity de la Ovani SoundMulțumiri Ioanei pentru editarea audio și Ancăi pentru siglă!S U R S E:tvropes.com - atenție cât timp petreceți aici!MERCENAR - Mic ghid de creație al unei lumi fictive - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1eBOuMJS16NlxS_k5tELufE_TWMUMwnib/view?usp=d...
2024-10-2332 minMERCENARContext, temă, ton, tropi, teorie | De la 0 la GMFii boier pe bune aici - https://www.patreon.com/MERCENARCe vrei să spui?!Biological Hazard - A 24XX Hack - https://horiamarchean.itch.io/biological-hazard-a-24xx-hackMuzică - Serenity de la Ovani SoundMulțumiri Ioanei pentru editarea audio și Ancăi pentru siglă!S U R S E:tvropes.com - atenție cât timp petreceți aici!MERCENAR - Mic ghid de creație al unei lumi fictive - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1eBOuMJS16NlxS_k5tELufE_TWMUMwnib/view?usp=d...
2024-10-0925 min
The Dungeon Master's HandbookEpisode 67 - The EndThe last episode of this podcast. I share some thoughts on why I'm ending the podcast. Thank you for listening!
Credits
Intro music - Dragonaut by Bradley The Buyer (bit.ly/2ASpAlF) / Outro music - Dream by Wild Shores (bit.ly/2jbJehK) / All music used with permission.
2024-09-0206 minThe Dungeon Master's HandbookEpisode 66 - 2023 Year-end UpdateA quick year-end update, since I’ve been busy with holiday and hunting season activities. I want to wish all of you a very Happy Holidays and Happy New Year! If you celebrate, have yourself a Merry Christmas!
I did finish my Dungeon23 project! Here’s the details: https://chgowiz-games.etinerra.com/wp/2023/12/16/finishing-dungeon23-i-did-it/
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Want to comment/ask questions?
Leave a voice message on Speakpipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/MichaelChgowiz
Leave me an audio clip on Discord to user: chgowiz
Email me at chgowiz@gmail.com
I blog/podcast at: https://chgowiz-games.etinerra.com/wp
I'm on Mastodon! Find me here: https://dice.camp...
2023-12-1907 minThe Dungeon Master's HandbookEpisode 65 - Q/A Catch-up from OctoberOctober was a much busier month than I anticipated, so these Q/A call-in answers are a bit late, my apologies!
I answer questions/comments about OSR October, OD&D alignment, and module deconstruction from:
Jason of Nerd’s RPG Varietycast podcast ( )
Bosman Bos of Tales from the Border Baronies ( https://borderbaronies.bearblog.dev/blog/ )
Menion/Rob of Wee Tim’rous Bushie podcast ( https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/menion )
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Want to comment/ask questions?
Leave a voice message on Speakpipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/MichaelChgowiz
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Email me at chgowiz@gmail.com...
2023-11-1616 min
Dekahedron RPG Podcast100 - Munchkinism (with James & ChgoWiz)Welcome to the 100th Episode of the Dekahedron RPG Cast! Join Joe, James, and special guest Mike the ChgoWiz from the Dungeon Masters Handbook podcast for a celebration of this milestone.
In this special episode, the team delves into the intriguing topic of 'munchkin players,' discussing their characteristics and quirks. Following this, they dive into the results of the 'Is James a Munchkin' contest, revealing the answer to this fun competition and the fortunate winner.
And for a nostalgic treat, stay tuned after the outro music to listen to the very first recording from 2019...
2023-11-0148 minThe Dungeon Master's HandbookEpisode 64 - Infinite Barrel of MonkeysIn this episode, I go over how I deconstruct modules for my own use, whether in my campaign or as one-shots. This is how I get around the linear (and sometimes railroad) designs of many modules.
I’m sorry I wasn’t able to get to call-ins, as this was recorded while I was attending GameHoleCon in mid October 2023.
Full credit for the phrase “Chgowiz’s Infinite Barrel of Monkeys” goes to Menion/Rob of the podcast “Confessions of a Wee Tim'rous Bushi” (https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/menion)
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2023-10-2423 minThe Dungeon Master's HandbookEpisode 63 - Moving and OSR OctoberI’m in the middle of a physical move from one side of Illinois to the other, so this is just a quick update and some thoughts on what I’ll talk about in October.
Full credit for the phrase “Chgowiz’s Infinite Barrel of Monkeys” goes to Menion/Rob of the podcast “Confessions of a Wee Tim'rous Bushi” (https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/menion)
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Leave a voice message on Speakpipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/MichaelChgowiz
Leave me an audio clip on Discord to user: chgowiz
Email me at chgowiz@gmail.com
I blog/podcast at: https://chgowiz-games.etinerra.co...
2023-09-2806 minThe Dungeon Master's HandbookEpisode 62 - Help with OSR October and Answering CallinsThis episode, I ask what YOU want to hear about in OSR October, and I discuss some great call-ins with more about Holmes Basic and OD&D.
Help! I’d like to participate in OSR October, but I’m not sure what you’d like to hear about! If you have ideas, suggestions - please let me know by leaving a voice comment (see below). Thank you!
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Call-in guests
Jason of Nerd’s RPG Varietycast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jason376
Daniel of Bandit’s Keep: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/daniel-norton
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Want to comment/ask questions...
2023-09-1524 minThe Dungeon Master's HandbookEpisode 61 - OD&D and Holmes BasicThis episode, I take a look at how I’ve used Holmes Basic with my OD&D (and AD&D) games, and a quick comparison of differences between the influential Basic set and the original game.
Links mentioned:
The Zenopus Archives - a fantastic resource of all things Holmes! https://sites.google.com/site/zenopusarchives/
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Want to comment/ask questions?
Leave a voice message on Speakpipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/MichaelChgowiz
Leave me an audio clip on Discord to user: chgowiz
Email me at chgowiz@gmail.com
I blog/podcast at: https://chgowiz-games.etinerra.com/wp
I'm on Mastodon! Find me here: https://dice.cam...
2023-09-0727 minThe Dungeon Master's HandbookEpisode 60 - Campaign and Chainmail Q&AI answer an email with questions about running my D&D campaign, with some thoughts on 3 hexes and classes. I also answer Chainmail callins! Call in guests: Jason of Nerds RPG Variety Cast, John of Red Dice Diaries, Daniel of Bandits Keep.
Referenced resources
Grognard - a “retroclone” of Chainmail, organizing the rules into a more coherent and modern layout. Effective for deciphering what a phrase or rule might be.
Call in guests
Jason of Nerds RPG Variety Cast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jason376
John of Red Dice Diaries podcast: https://reddicediaries.substack.com/
Daniel of Bandit's Keep podcast: https://p...
2023-08-2525 minThe Dungeon Master's HandbookEpisode 59 - Traveller Campaign ChargenIn this episode, I talk about how I adapted the Classic Traveller chargen to my Battlestar Galactica universe.
Mentions:
Joe/Dekahedron Podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/48PrG9H7mDbdzdxtET1sI6
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Want to comment/ask questions?
Leave a voice message on Speakpipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/MichaelChgowiz
Leave me an audio clip on Discord to user: chgowiz
Email me at chgowiz@gmail.com
I blog/podcast at: https://chgowiz-games.etinerra.com/wp
I'm on Mastodon! Find me here: https://dice.camp/@chgowiz
Credits
Intro music - Dragonaut by Bradley The Buyer (bit.ly/2ASpAlF) / Outro music - Dream by Wild Shores (bit.ly/2jbJehK) / All music used with permission.
2023-08-1822 minThe Dungeon Master's HandbookEpisode 58 - Missile Fire in my Chainmail for OD&DIn this episode, I share how I do missile fire in my adaptation of Chainmail for OD&D. Plus, call-ins!
Show Notes
Old School RPG Planet: https://campaignwiki.org/osr/
Call in guests
Daniel of Bandit's Keep podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/daniel-norton
Jason of Nerds RPG Variety Cast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jason376
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Want to comment/ask questions?
Leave a voice message on Speakpipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/MichaelChgowiz
Leave me an audio clip on Discord to user: chgowiz
Email me at chgowiz@gmail.com
I blog/podcast at: https://chgowiz-games.etinerra.com/wp
I'm on Mastodon! Find me here: https://d...
2023-07-1722 minThe Dungeon Master's HandbookEpisode 57 - How To Play OD&D - The Hidden Resources You Haven't SeenI share four key resources that I think will help anyone who is trying to learn how to play along with the original three little brown books of Dungeons & Dragons as printed back in 1974. Plus, probably one of the most unusual call-ins from a fellow podcaster that you’ll hear!
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OD&D Proboards Forum - https://odd74.proboards.com/
Philotomy’s Musings - https://www.grey-elf.com/philotomy.pdf
Delta’s D&D Hotspot Blog - https://deltasdnd.blogspot.com/
Wayne Rossi’s Original Setting - https://initiativeone.blogspot.com/2013/05/od-setting-posts-in-pdf.html
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2023-06-3023 minThe Dungeon Master's HandbookEpisode 56 - Demystifying AD&D Treasure for MonstersAD&D can be confusing on how to place treasures with creatures in the wilderness and dungeons, and what's up with all those letters for Treasure Types? In this episode, I go over how AD&D tries to lay this out, and what tips/tricks I use to make the process simple -- at least for me!
Plus, I have a great call in from a new listener, Trevor!
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Swords & Wizardry White Box, 3rd printing:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0ByYame2Z2IBCeXljc3gzalNoMUE/view?resourcekey=0-eZQTyIFcjBcZH-L-pZ-94g
(This does not have the great Mark Allen cover, as...
2023-06-2215 minThe Dungeon Master's HandbookEpisode 55 - The Adaptability of ChainmailThird time's the charm! I finally was able to get this episode recorded! In this episode, rather than talking about how I use Chainmail, I give some thoughts on how Chainmail, in some way, expects you to mold it into what you want to do with it.
The companion blog post to this episode goes into some specifics of how I use Chainmail in my OD&D games: https://chgowiz-games.etinerra.com/wp/2023/06/13/chainmail-in-my-odd/
And you can find the amazing work that Daniel does with Chainmail and his OD&D games on his podcast here: https://open.spotify.com/show/02...
2023-06-1318 min
Bandit’s KeepMagic Research in OD&DHow do OD&D characters get new spells?
Beta of Unchained Heroes : https://www.patreon.com/posts/unchained-heroes-84405646
Delta's Book of War: https://www.lulu.com/search?contributor=Daniel+Collins&page=1&pageSize=10&adult_audience_rating=00
Goblin's Henchman Blog: https://goblinshenchman.wordpress.com/
The Joy of War Gaming Chainmail: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL_z29m150g5rRQKBDKt3-Vha5B6LFSXIx
Links
My new podcast - Monsters and Treasure: http://anchor.fm/monsters-and-treasure
Join my Discord Server: https://discord.gg/pDyA2jYvSx
Support me on Patreon: https://www.pat...
2023-06-1131 min
Nerd’s RPG Variety Cast507 Mega Military May Award ShowHere is the award show for the military media contest. Thank you to Eric from The Omega 3D Chicken Coop for joining me to discuss the entries. Entries from Kevin Borrup, Jason Hobbs, Daniel, Karl, Dekahedron Joe, Chgowiz, Joey, Adrian Young, Anthony, Vino, Sam, Ray, Peter (Spezbaby)
Adrian Young Games https://adrian-young-games.itch.io/age-of-adventure-rpg
Camp Hometown Heroes https://www.camphometownheroes.org/
Michael's charity http://www.midwestveteranscloset.org/
Ways to contact me: Google Voice Number for US callers: (540) 445-1145
Speakpipe for international callers: https://www.speakpipe.c...
2023-06-051h 57
Nerd’s RPG Variety Cast504 Clash of the Titans on Movie NightOur inaugural movie for our monthly movie night (thanks again to Goblin's Henchmen for the idea) is Clash of the Titans.
This episode features submissions about the movie from from MW Lewis, Joe, Chgowiz, the Henchlings, Goblin’s Henchman, Ray, Sam, Daniel, Runeslinger, Menion, Amy, Karl, and Darkfluid. Thank you to everyone that participated!
Article on the Harryhausen's Kraken https://firstfandomexperience.org/2020/06/19/ray-harryhausen-released-the-kraken-in-1938/amp/
Our June movie is The Dungeonmaster from 1984 and you have until 23 June 2023 to get your submission in.
Ways to send in your submissions:
Google Voice Nu...
2023-05-291h 02
Nerd’s RPG Variety Cast502 The Agency is in the Dice Roll or REAVER and The Tree of DoomI talk about a recent session of REAVER and field more calls on suppressive fire amongst other topics.
Calls from Spencer aka Free Thrall (Keep off the Borderlands), Safer (Safer Fantasy Crafting), Joe (Hindsightless), Chgowiz (The Dungeon Master's Handbook), Joe (Raven God Games), MW Lewis (The Worlds of MW Lewis), Dekahedron Joe (Dekahedron RPG Podcast), Goblin’s Henchman, The Pink Phantom (Phantom Thoughts), Karl (The GMologist Presents), and Sam.
REAVER: Sword & Sorcery RPG Quickstart https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/419427/Reaver-Sword--Sorcery-RPG-Quickstart
Smoulding Dung Games https://www.smolderingdunggames.com/product/the-mystifying-marvel-of-nicomeiden-s-tower-printed-module/30?cs=true&cst=custom...
2023-05-241h 17Bandit’s KeepSuper Heroes and Wizards in OD&DMid-level OD&D and the same old story emerges...
My video about Hex Crawling: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-0fF88XsILw
Links
My new podcast - Monsters and Treasure: http://anchor.fm/monsters-and-treasure
Join my Discord Server: https://discord.gg/pDyA2jYvSx
Support me on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/banditskeep
My Blog: https://banditskeep.wordpress.com
Calls from :
The Pink Phantom: https://open.spotify.com/show/6FruRifoPx94Vbmi2jGCUr
Jason of The Nerd's RPG Variety Cast: https://anchor.fm/jason376
Micheal ChicagoWiz Blog: https://chgowiz-games.blogspot.com
Micheal The Dungeon Master's Handbook: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thedungeonmastershandbook
More stuff to check out:
My new Actual...
2023-05-2122 minThe Dungeon Master's HandbookEpisode 54 - Is Classic Traveller almost OD&D in space?This episode - I've recently started diving into the three 1977 Classic Traveler "little black books" and I'm finding some surprising similarities and philosophies to the earlier 1974 Original Dungeons & Dragons. I'll talk about those similarities and take some call-ins from folks with questions and comments!
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My call-in guests:
Daniel of Bandit's Keep podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/02QTUpzgKCv2aT6sH6G5rk
Jason of Nerds RPG Variety Cast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jason376
Joe of Dekahedron RPG podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jpgill
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Want to comment/ask questions?
Leave a voice message on Speakpipe: https...
2023-05-1629 minBandit’s KeepCreating a Monk Class for OD&D with ChainmailWhat role would a Monk fill in my OD&D game?
Links
My new podcast - Monsters and Treasure: http://anchor.fm/monsters-and-treasure
Join my Discord Server: https://discord.gg/pDyA2jYvSx
Support me on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/banditskeep
My Blog: https://banditskeep.wordpress.com
Calls from :
Jason of The Nerd's RPG Variety Cast: https://anchor.fm/jason376
Joe from Dekahedron RPG Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/48PrG9H7mDbdzdxtET1sI6
Micheal ChicagoWiz Blog: https://chgowiz-games.blogspot.com
Micheal The Dungeon Master's Handbook: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thedungeonmastershandbook
More stuff to check out:
My new Actual Play: OD&D with Chainmail - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLLWlyyPUNLSxVSJUJ5hxyqKMDZnE5LQ9M
Cerebrevore Podcast (Cha
2023-05-0739 minThe Dungeon Master's HandbookEpisode 53 - Time across multiple groups in the same worldIn this episode, I answer a great question from Daniel Norton (Bandit's Keep podcast) about how I manage time and calendars across the three separate player groups and wargame campaigns I have within my AD&D world of Etinerra.
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Bandit's Keep podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/02QTUpzgKCv2aT6sH6G5rk
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Want to comment/ask questions?
Leave a voice message on Speakpipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/MichaelChgowiz
Leave me an audio clip on Discord to user: chgowiz
Email me at chgowiz@gmail.com
I blog/podcast at: https://chgowiz-games.etinerra.com/wp
I'm on Mastodon! Find me here: https://dice.camp/@chg...
2023-05-0524 minBandit’s KeepFighting Giant Squid From the Back of a Dragon Turtle; Welcome to OD&DMid-level OD&D and the same old story emerges...
My video about Man to Man: https://youtu.be/H11hRAob_SE
Taylor's d20 Man to Man Conversion: https://clericswearringmail.blogspot.com/2023/04/alternative-alternative-combat-2d6-on.html
Stuff Jason Mentions:
CASTLE OLDSKULL - Oldskull Dungeon Generator https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/219905/CASTLE-OLDSKULL--Oldskull-Dungeon-Generator?affiliate_id=464523
CASTLE OLDSKULL - The Book of Dungeon Traps: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/203227/CASTLE-OLDSKULL--The-Book-of-Dungeon-Traps?affiliate_id=464523
Links
My new podcast - Monsters and Treasure: http://anchor.fm/monsters-and-treasure
Join my Discord Server: https...
2023-05-0148 minThe Dungeon Master's HandbookEpisode 52 - 8 Year Play by Post campaign / Dungeon23 UpdateIn this episode, I talk about how good things come to an end… or at least an end of how they’ve been. This is all about an 8 year play by post AD&D campaign that just wrapped up a major story arc and could potentially be the end of the campaign itself, depending on what the players want to do.
I also briefly touch on how Dungeon23 is going for me, as I’ve been plugging away steadily at it, and I just completed my sixth level!
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Chronicles of Etinerra Play by Post campaign archive: https://etinerra.com/archiv...
2023-04-2722 minBandit’s KeepStocking a Mega-Dungeon One Room at a Time in OD&DDiscussing my process for #dungeon23 and how I've been able to keep it fun and simple
Episode 32 of the Dungeon Masters Handbook: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thedungeonmastershandbook/episodes/Episode-32---Interview-With-My-1x1-ODD-Player---My-Wife-ebvvpm/a-a1pffvl
Links
My new podcast - Monsters and Treasure: http://anchor.fm/monsters-and-treasure
Join my Discord Server: https://discord.gg/pDyA2jYvSx
Support me on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/banditskeep
My Blog: https://banditskeep.wordpress.com
Calls from :
Jason of The Nerd's RPG Variety Cast: https://anchor.fm/jason376
Joe from Dekahedron RPG Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/48PrG9H7mDbdzdxtET1sI6
Direct Sun: https://directsungames.blogspot.c...
2023-04-2327 minNerd’s RPG Variety Cast491 Complexity in Roleplaying GamesIn this mailbag extravaganza the listeners discuss their thoughts on complexity in roleplaying games. Sam also talks suppressive fire and I say something nice about GURPS! Calls from Joe, Anthony, Amy & Karl, Chgowiz, and Sam.
Dungeon Craft The Problem with Crunch https://youtu.be/14wMG2FN70I
Find the callers here:
Joe Richter (Hindsightless) https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/joe-richter9
Anthony aka Runeslinger (Casting Shadows) https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/runeslinger
Amy & Karl (The GMologist Presents) https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/karl-rodriguez
Michael "Chgowiz" (The...
2023-04-2131 minBandit’s KeepRoguish Bards, Shape Changers, and Single Player OD&DSome calls and I talk about dungeon exploration with a single PC
Stuff
Rob Kuntz Q&A: https://www.dragonsfoot.org/forums/viewtopic.php?t=16993&start=1470
Swords & Wizardry White Box: https://www.mythmeregames.com/products/swords-wizardry-white-box-rules
Ultima 1,2,3: https://www.gog.com/en/game/ultima_1_2_3
Minimalist Space Combat: http://swensont.epizy.com/MSCbook.pdf?i=1
Links
My new podcast - Monsters and Treasure: http://anchor.fm/monsters-and-treasure
Join my Discord Server: https://discord.gg/pDyA2jYvSx
Support me on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/banditskeep
My Blog: https://banditskeep.wordpress.com
Calls from :
Jason...
2023-04-1631 minThe Dungeon Master's HandbookEpisode 51 - Assumptions/Expectations of OD&D and AD&DThis episode, I’m going to talk about assumptions and expectations that we often have about the rules and the ways things should work - and I think that sometimes takes away from the experience of just being “in” the rules and the game and experiencing it for what it is. Then I’ll answer two call-ins.
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Nerds RPG Variety Cast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jason376
Confessions of a Wee Tim'rous Bushi: https://open.spotify.com/show/0NF1sMhWGIllBFS2u2w14G
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Want to comment/ask questions?
Leave a voice message on Speakpipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/MichaelChg...
2023-04-1222 minBandit’s KeepOh! a D&D MovieCan the D&D movie inspire our OSR (or old school) games?
My new podcast - Monsters and Treasure: http://anchor.fm/monsters-and-treasure
Join my Discord Server: https://discord.gg/pDyA2jYvSx
Support me on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/banditskeep
My Blog: https://banditskeep.wordpress.com
Calls from :
Jason of The Nerd's RPG Variety Cast: https://anchor.fm/jason376
Direct Sun - https://www.directsungames.com/
Micheal ChicagoWiz Blog: https://chgowiz-games.blogspot.com
Micheal The Dungeon Master's Handbook: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thedungeonmastershandbook
More stuff to check out:
My new Actual Play: OD&D with Chainmail - https://youtube.com/pl...
2023-04-0931 min
Nerd’s RPG Variety Cast483 Tag Team Match!I talk about the Severed Fate and Random Quest kickstarters plus field calls about Spotify's engineered Anchorapocalypse, tactics in RPGs, Palladium's Recon, VTT online vs in person play, Savage Rifts, Tri Tac Games, my questionable back catalog, the Space Alert board game, Red Dwarf, The Crow, Tunnels & Trolls third party products and my early episodes from 2019!
Kickstarter watch:
Severed Fate https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/severedfate/severed-fate
Interview with Laurel and John of RoleAids https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e5sd4ug049U&t=7603s
Random Quest ht...
2023-03-3151 minThe Dungeon Master's HandbookEpisode 50 - The Over the Hill Fiftieth Episode!Yay! I hit the big Five-Oh episode with a look back at where I've been, what I've learned and what might be coming next. Plus, call-ins from Jason of Nerd's RPG Variety Cast podcast, and Daniel of Bandit's Keep podcast.
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Link to blogpost of the new Swords & Wizardry Treasure Generator:
https://chgowiz-games.blogspot.com/2023/03/new-release-swords-wizardry-treasure.html
Nerds RPG Variety Cast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jason376
Bandit's Keep: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/daniel-norton
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Want to comment/ask questions?
Leave a voice message on Speakpipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/MichaelChgowiz
Leave me an audio clip on Disc...
2023-03-2927 min
Nerd’s RPG Variety Cast482 Martial Arts Award ShowHere it is, the awards show for the March Martial Arts Contest. Join Joe Richter and myself as we play all the entries & announce the winner.
Movies discussed Musa the Warrior https://youtu.be/6_935RXjYmo , Shinobi No Mono https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shinobi_no_Mono , Kung Fu Hustle, Once Upon a Time in China II, Ultimax Force https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jvyDfU1mh08 , Big Trouble in Little China, Enter the Dragon, The Raid, The Karate Kid, The Next Karate Kid, Kung Fu, Kiss of the Dragon, The One, Kate (not Anna)
...
2023-03-281h 31Bandit’s KeepThe World is Your Boss FightTalking a bit about running a high level game of OD&D
If you plan to attend GaryCon this year, come play on one of my games: https://bit.ly/garycon23
My new podcast - Monsters and Treasure: http://anchor.fm/monsters-and-treasure
Join my Discord Server: https://discord.gg/pDyA2jYvSx
Support me on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/banditskeep
My Blog: https://banditskeep.wordpress.com
Calls from :
Jason of The Nerd's RPG Variety Cast: https://anchor.fm/jason376
Micheal ChicagoWiz Blog: https://chgowiz-games.blogspot.com
Micheal The Dungeon Master's Handbook: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thedungeonmastershandbook
...
2023-03-2025 minBandit’s KeepHigh Level OSR; Politics or Deeper Dungeons?Talking a bit about running a high level game of OD&D
Ray Otus on Creativity: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/plundergrounds/episodes/362-Managing-Creativity-e200kfk
Re: Rob's call, I did a video on introducing new people to the OSR: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F59-lgSJwks
If you plan to attend GaryCon this year, come play on one of my games: https://bit.ly/garycon23
My new podcast - Monsters and Treasure: http://anchor.fm/monsters-and-treasure
Join my Discord Server: https://discord.gg/pDyA2jYvSx
Support me on Patreon: https://ww...
2023-03-1328 minThe Dungeon Master's HandbookEpisode 49 - Decoding AD&D and Encoding GM preparationI recently took up a project to convert my GM preparation tools to a web-based table generator system called Hex-Describe. What started as just taking spreadsheet tables to text tables ended up being a journey through the AD&D core books.
This episode, I share some of that journey and just some thoughts/blathering about AD&D and topics.
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Hex-Describe tool: https://campaignwiki.org/hex-describe/
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2023-02-1821 minThe Dungeon Master's HandbookEpisode 48 - XP and Leveling in my OD&D/AD&D gamesThere are some hidden directions and implications in OD&D and AD&D on XP and leveling beyond just killing things and taking their stuff. Not quest XP, exactly, but the implication of power and influence. I ramble on a bit about that and how I handle it in my OD&D and AD&D games. Also, Dungeon23 continues!
Sorry for the road noise! Commuting episodes can be like that.
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2023-01-1731 minThe Dungeon Master's HandbookEpisode 47 - Empty Dungeon Rooms - Part of the Art of the DungeonAs folks are busy creating dungeons for Dungeon23, they're asking about what to do with empty rooms! This episode, I share some thoughts about how to embrace the art of empty rooms and how I approach them.
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Credits
Intro music - Dragonaut by Bradley The Buyer (bit.ly/2ASpAlF) / Outro music - Dream by Wild Shores (bit.ly/2jbJehK) / All
2023-01-0420 minThe Dungeon Master's HandbookEpisode 46 1/2 - Call-ins on DIY vs published rulesMerry Christmas! It's Christmas Eve and I have a few minutes to answer some great call-ins. We continue the discussion and thoughts on DIY rules versus published rules.
Thank you to Daniel Norton of Bandits Keep ( https://anchor.fm/daniel-norton ) and Jason of Nerd's RPG Variety Cast ( https://anchor.fm/jason376 ) for calling in!
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I blog/podcast at: https://chgowiz-games.etinerra.com/wp
I'm on Mastodon! Find me here: https://dice.camp/@c...
2022-12-2418 minThe Dungeon Master's HandbookEpisode 46 - Permission to Change the Rules -- Granted!It was The Way for Gary/David in 1974, hopefully it could still be considered for today's games? In this episode, I share my thoughts and opinions on houseruling and thinking outside the rules - how that has changed from early D&D versions to today's games. I also share progress on my Dungeon23 megadungeon!
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2022-12-2021 minThe Dungeon Master's HandbookEpisode 45 - What is Dungeon23? The Art of the DungeonAn interesting project is taking shape in the social media-sphere of the TTRPG world - Dungeon23! The idea is to create a room a day, completing a level a month, so that at the end of the year, you'll have a megadungeon of 12 levels, roughly 30 rooms each level. Neat!
In a "commute episode", with the expected audio quality (or lack-thereof), I talk about this new project, how it comes at an interesting time and what kind of interesting things can come out of this!
Plus... the dungeon in me speaks to how it lives and breathes... and kills.
Show Notes:
...
2022-12-1325 minThe Dungeon Master's HandbookEpisode 44 - Ral Partha Legacy Kickstarter InterviewFor many, miniatures on the gaming table is a special part of the experience. One of the original names in Dungeons & Dragons gaming (and wargaming!) is Ral Partha. This storied name and many of the figures are now owned by Jacob Fathbruckner. During the 'teens, he ran three Kickstarters which put many old and some new Ral Partha figures back in print.
Now he's back with another Kickstarter, featuring one of the original and best sculptors in the miniatures business - Tom Meier!
In this episode, we talk to Jacob a bit about his history and about the Kickstarter. I h...
2022-06-2414 minThe Dungeon Master's HandbookEpisode 43 - Running a Heist game in AD&DRunning a heist game in D&D isn't as easy/clear-cut as running a dungeon or wilderness adventure. This episode, I cover how I did it, in response to a vlog by Todd of Hexed Press, and because I intended on making this episode TWO YEARS AGO!
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Link to Hexed Press vlog: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-R7atzWaaVI
Link to "Kidnap the Archpriest": https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/233069/Kidnap-the-Archpriest
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2022-06-1321 minThe Dungeon Master's HandbookEpisode 42 - The Problem is ChoiceI learn lessons from all my games, whether Play-by-Post, online or tabletop/face-to-face. This episode, I talk about how I took the druid from 1st Edition AD&D and made their initiation/level-up more about player choice than relying on combat or skill challenge rolls.
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I'm on Mastodon! Find me here: https://dice.camp/@chgowiz
Credits
Intro music - Dragonaut by Bradley The Buyer (bit.ly/2ASpAlF) / Outro music - Dre
2022-06-0219 min
CerebrevoreJuggling a busy life and TTRPGsFour busy gamers tackle the question, "How can we stay positively engaged with the hobby when we've little time or energy to do so?"
Things mentioned this episode:
DrivethruRPG May D&D Sale ends sometime on 30 May 2022 https://www.drivethrurpg.com/sale.php?filters=0_0_0_0_0_45711
Che Webster Roleplay Rescue https://roleplayrescue.com/
Andy Goodman Grizzly Peaks Radio https://anchor.fm/andy-goodman9
ThoughtEater https://frothsofdnd.blogspot.com/
CHGOWIZ The Dungeon Master’s Handbook https://anchor.fm/thedungeonmastershandbook
Lieren Updates from the Middle of Nowhere https://anchor.fm/lie...
2022-05-2757 minThe Dungeon Master's HandbookEpisode 41 - The Game's Afoot!Achievement unlocked! Post-COVID tabletop gaming resumed! In this episode, I talk about how the recent face-to-face game went and a few things to come out of it.
Link to my campaign website: https://etinerra.com/index.html
Link to Berthier wargames campaign manager: https://sites.google.com/site/berthiercampaignmanager/home
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Leave a voice message on Speakpipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/MichaelChgowiz
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I blog/podcast at: https://chgowiz-games.etinerra.com/wp
I'm on Mastodon! Find me here: https://dice.camp/@chgowiz
Credits
Intro music - Dragonaut by Bra...
2022-05-2423 minThe Dungeon Master's HandbookEpisode 40 - Restarting my campaigns post-COVIDLater this month, I'll restart my tabletop game - the third game in my AD&D campaign world. I'm also looking to restart my 1x1 game with my wife.
In this episode, we discuss how I'm doing all that - how can you pick up the pieces and have a smooth transition when months, or even years, has passed?
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I blog/podcast at: https://chgowiz-games.etinerra.com/wp
I'm on Mastodon! Find me here: ...
2022-05-1222 minThe Dungeon Master's HandbookUpdate - 2 games going, 3rd on the wayKeeping the Chronicles of Etinerra campaign alive! Two of my games have fully restarted, and I'm looking to restart my tabletop campaign. A quick update!
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I blog/podcast at: https://chgowiz-games.etinerra.com/wp
I'm on Mastodon! Find me here: https://dice.camp/@chgowiz
Credits
Intro music - Dragonaut by Bradley The Buyer (bit.ly/2ASpAlF) / Outro music - Dream by Wild Shores (bit.ly/2jbJehK) / All music used with permission.
2022-04-2613 min
Nerd’s RPG Variety Cast341 AD&D Initiative & Fantasy vs Sci Fi or Why Podcast Back Catalogs MatterResponse to questions & comments from Cody (No Save For You) https://anchor.fm/nosaveforyou and Daniel (Bandit’s Keep) https://anchor.fm/daniel-norton plus an argument to leave old podcasts on the air.
Cody asks about AD&D Initiative and I recommend he listen to Chgowiz’s episodes on the topic from The Dungeon Master’s Handbook podcast https://anchor.fm/thedungeonmastershandbook specifically episode 22 https://anchor.fm/thedungeonmastershandbook/episodes/Episode-22---Demystifying-ADD-Combat---Surprise-and-Initiative-e9fo32 and episode 25 https://anchor.fm/thedungeonmastershandbook/episodes/Episode-25---ADD-Combat-Demystified---Initiative-for-Spellcasting--Charging-eaaja5 You should also check out his blog CHICAGOWIZ'S GAMES https://chgowiz-games.blogspot.com
Daniel comment...
2022-04-2426 minThe Dungeon Master's HandbookUpdate Episode: July 2021 Post Pandemic UpdateSo the pandemic is winding down in the United States, but how am I doing with my campaign and gaming?
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Leave a voice message on Speakpipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/MichaelChgowiz
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I blog/podcast at: https://chgowiz-games.etinerra.com/wp
I'm on Mastodon! Find me here: https://dice.camp/@chgowiz
Credits
Intro music - Dragonaut by Bradley The Buyer (bit.ly/2ASpAlF) / Outro music - Dream by Wild Shores (bit.ly/2jbJehK) / All music used with permission.
2021-07-0809 minThe Dungeon Master's HandbookUpdate Episode: How I'm Doing, What I'm PlayingAfter hitting a point in May, I've been taking care of my mental health. Slowly getting back into gaming. Plus, No Man's Sky!
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Leave a voice message on Speakpipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/MichaelChgowiz
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I blog/podcast at: https://chgowiz-games.etinerra.com/wp
I'm on Mastodon! Find me here: https://dice.camp/@chgowiz
Credits
Intro music - Dragonaut by Bradley The Buyer (bit.ly/2ASpAlF) / Outro music - Dream by Wild Shores (bit.ly/2jbJehK) / All music used with permission.
2020-08-1214 minThe Dungeon Master's HandbookEpisode 39 - Reading Unearthed Arcana - The BarbarianBy Crom, I've finally reached the (infamous) Barbarian class as I read through 1st edition AD&D's Unearthed Arcana! This episode, I review the class and share if I'd use it in my campaign.
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I blog/podcast at: https://chgowiz-games.etinerra.com/wp
I'm on Mastodon! Find me here: https://dice.camp/@chgowiz
Credits
Intro music - Dragonaut by Bradley The Buyer (bit.ly/2ASpAlF) / Outro music - Dream by Wild Shores (bit.ly/2jbJehK) / All music used with permission
2020-05-2822 minThe Dungeon Master's HandbookEpisode 38 - Reading Unearthed Arcana - Paladin, Druid, FighterJoin me as I continue my a series of episodes where I read through the (in)famous supplement to AD&D: Unearthed Arcana! Will I use UA in my campaign? Let's find out! This episode, I cover the Paladin, the Druid and the Fighter. I found some surprising elements in each, see what I think about the changes to each class!
Show Notes Links:
Con of Champions - (May 23-25, 2020) - https://tabletop.events/conventions/con-of-champions
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2020-05-2227 minThe Dungeon Master's HandbookEpisode 37 - Reading Unearthed Arcana - The CavalierJoin me as I continue my a series of episodes where I read through the (in)famous supplement to AD&D: Unearthed Arcana! Will I use UA in my campaign? Let's find out!
This episode gets into the classes section of UA, where I discover and consider the cavalier! I had a lot of fun considering the options presented, but let's see if it will make it into my campaign as a PC option.
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2020-05-0832 minThe Dungeon Master's HandbookEpisode 36 - Reading UA - Intro, Comeliness and RacesI've decided to pick up the (in)famous supplement to AD&D: Unearthed Arcana! Join me as I begin a series of episodes where I read through the book and see what all the controversy is about. Will I use UA in my campaign? Let's find out!
This episode is the introduction to the series, and I go over the comeliness attribute option and the rules expansions for races and sub-races.
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2020-04-2335 minNerd’s RPG Variety Cast73 More RPG Lessons From MoviesI answer some voicemails and talk about another trio of movies you can mine ideas from for your games, this time from the 1960's. I discuss 1962's How The West Was Won, 1965's The Naked Prey, and 1968's Witchfinder General.
Goblin's Henchman's Goblin's Henchmen Podcast RSS https://anchor.fm/s/7d26480/podcast/rss
John Alan Large's Red Dice Diaries RPG Podcast RSS https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/977239.rss
Michael Shorten "Chgowiz" 's The Dungeon Master's Handbook Podcast RSS https://anchor.fm/s/100d3ff8/podcast/rss
Ray Otus did the art for this show, you can find his blog at plundergrounds.bl...
2020-04-2025 minThe Dungeon Master's HandbookEpisode 35 - Catching up on Call Ins and QAIt's been a month or so since I've caught up with my call-ins, and I have plenty of observations and questions from some other great podcasters! This is a bit longer than my usual episode, but I hope you enjoy!!
Thanks to these great folks for the call-ins and messages!
Nerds RPG Variety Cast - Jason
https://anchor.fm/jason376
Gothridge Manor - Tim Shorts
https://anchor.fm/gothridgemanor
Roleplay Rescue - Che Webster
https://anchor.fm/rpgrescue
Hindsightless / Weal or Woe - Joe Richter
https://anchor.fm/joe-richter9
Confessions of a Wee Tim'rous Bushi - Menion (aka Rob)
https://a...
2020-04-1539 min
Confessions of a Wee Tim'rous BushiMythic Cider, Playing Online & CommunicationSeries 1, episode 15: In this episode I seek inspiration for fantasy role-playing games in unlikely places, take some call ins, and give some role-play recaps relating to online platforms.
This week's quotations come from the beautifully poetic "Cider with Rosie" by Laurie Lee. The adventures "Winter's Daughter" and "The Hole in the Oak" are published by Necrotic Gnome.
Thanks to Jason of Nerd's RPG Variety Cast, Che of Role-play Rescue, and Mike "Chgowiz" of the Dungeon Master's Handbook, all on Anchor FM. Special thanks also to Paid a Bod yn Dwp (@oilpainting71) for kindly informing me that "Y" in Welsh should be...
2020-04-1545 minThe Dungeon Master's HandbookEpisode 34 - Demystifying AD&D - Pursuit and EvasionA recent question on the AD&D subreddit (/r/adnd) serves as the topic for this episode - regarding the rules around pursuit and evasion in both the dungeon and wilderness.
https://old.reddit.com/r/adnd/comments/fsnkzk/fleeing_and_pursuit_1e/
This is also my first ever streamed recording session! I had two supporters ask some great questions after the recording.
Stream recording: https://youtu.be/YrzWX6l2atI
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2020-04-0830 minNerd’s RPG Variety Cast70 Play by Post Character GenerationI answer calls from Joe, Ray, Ivy, Michael and Menion plus I roll up characters for a couple Play by Post games. Joe's Hindsightless podcast: https://anchor.fm/s/9592550/podcast/rss Ray's Plundergrounds podcast: https://anchor.fm/s/6e8a2b4/podcast/rss Ivy's The Happy Whisk podcast: https://anchor.fm/s/59b3f70/podcast/rss Michael/Chgowiz's Dungeon Master's Handbook podcast: https://anchor.fm/s/100d3ff8/podcast/rss & Menion's Confessions of a Wee Tim'rous Bushi podcast: https://anchor.fm/s/133db0f4/podcast/rss I also mentioned Julz From NZ's awesome YouTube videos while she is locked in...
2020-04-0524 minThe Dungeon Master's HandbookEpisode 33 - Gaming Thoughts on COVID ThursdayA quick episode to talk about what's going on with my shelter-in-place gaming life. Lots of changes and I'm very busy these days!
What do you think?!
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I blog/podcast at: https://chgowiz-games.etinerra.com/wp
I'm on Mastodon! Find me here: https://dice.camp/@chgowiz
Credits
Intro music - Dragonaut by Bradley The Buyer (bit.ly/2ASpAlF) / Outro music - Dream by Wild Shores (bit.ly/2jbJehK) / All music used with permission.
2020-04-0210 minThe Dungeon Master's HandbookEpisode 32 - Interview With My 1x1 OD&D Player - My Wife!My first guest on The Dungeon Master's Handbook! I interview my wife who has been the player in our 11 year one on one OD&D campaign. She talks about what makes it work for her and answers questions from redditors!
Show Notes
Link to a very old wiki I maintained for the 1 on 1 campaign: https://the-vale-solo-campaign.obsidianportal.com/
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I blog/podcast at: https://chgowiz-games.etinerra.com/wp
I'm on Mastodon! Find me here: ht...
2020-03-2632 minThe Dungeon Master's HandbookEpisode 31 - Playing the Ultima CRPG setting in OD&DIn this episode, I take a break from AD&D and talk about a different gaming love - how I combined OD&D and the Ultima CRPG setting from the early 80s into a great homebrew RPG game!
Show Notes
Links to my Ultima/OD&D Game "Siege Perilous"
Players Rulebook: https://drive.google.com/open?id=0BwiMsojGKI2KUldjYjRGRXhNWjg
Game Referee's Guide: https://drive.google.com/open?id=0BwiMsojGKI2KT29LTWdWdms4TW8
Inspirations and Sources
Swords & Wizardry White Box (this page has links to all free PDF versions of Swords & Wizardry): http://snw.smolderingwizard.com/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=4
Skathros's Swo...
2020-03-1038 minThe Dungeon Master's HandbookEpisode 30 - Finishing Up Simplifying AD&D CombatIn this episode, I wrap up my attempt to demystify AD&D combat with a correction, some odds-ends and Weapons vs. AC!
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I blog/podcast at: https://chgowiz-games.etinerra.com/wp
I'm on Mastodon! Find me here: https://dice.camp/@chgowiz
Credits
Intro music - Dragonaut by Bradley The Buyer (bit.ly/2ASpAlF) / Outro music - Dream by Wild Shores (bit.ly/2jbJehK) / All music used with permission.
2020-03-0321 minThe Dungeon Master's HandbookEpisode 29 - Realistic AD&D Initiative, Update on Campaign PlayerThere have been many attempts to house-rule and update AD&D Initiative/Surprise rules to make it more "realistic." I visit one of those alternative systems from an email I received, as well as talk about what happened with my player that I thought was leaving my campaign! Plus... I'm nervous about a new type of game!
You can find the show notes with links to resources on my blog at:
https://chgowiz-games.etinerra.com/wp/2020/02/25/podcast-episode-29-realistic-add-initiative-update-on-campaigns-and-playtests/
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2020-02-2522 minThe Dungeon Master's HandbookEpisode 28 - Lessons Learned and Campaign HappeningsA lot of games over the past couple of weeks, and some lessons learned as a DM! Come listen as I share about running boss battles, using random events in interesting ways and how a big reveal had me worried that I'd lost a player!
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Leave a voice message on Speakpipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/MichaelChgowiz
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I blog/podcast at: https://chgowiz-games.etinerra.com/wp
I'm on Mastodon! Find me here: https://dice.camp/@chgowiz
Credits
Intro music - Dragonaut by Bradley The Buyer (bit.ly/2ASpAlF) / Outro music - Dr
2020-02-1837 min
Playing It WrongEpisode 7: Steve The Paladin & Another Difference in Old-School GamesLet me tell about how much luck that Steve the Paladin had in our last session os Swords & Wizardry, and yet another thing that's different between old and new games. Plus some call-ins from Gothridge Manor and Chgowiz. Listen to their anchor casts. Good Stuff. And a big shout out to Steve C's Dice Roll Zine No 3 Kickstarter.
And I've updated the goals and tiers for the They Might Be Gazebos Patreon.
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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/playing-it-wrong/support
2020-02-0923 minThe Dungeon Master's HandbookEpisode 27 - Horrors Under Tuluk - A Players Journal EntryThis is a VERY special episode and it's an experiment! David, player of Eadwig from my Etinerra campaign, submitted a fantastic adventurer's journal entry that I simply had to share. I've been listening to other spoken word/voice acting podcasts and thought I'd try my hand at reading the journal entry with some effects! I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed creating it! Let me know what you think!
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2020-02-0406 minThe Dungeon Master's HandbookEpisode 26 - Q&A on Advanced Dungeons & Dragons MagicMr. Goblin's Henchman of Goblins Henchmen Podcast (https://anchor.fm/ghench) sent a message with two questions about AD&D - Magic Resistance and how spellbooks work in my campaign. I had great fun sharing the answers!
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I blog/podcast at: https://chgowiz-games.etinerra.com/wp
I'm on Mastodon! Find me here: https://dice.camp/@chgowiz
Credits
Intro music - Dragonaut by Bradley The Buyer (bit.ly/2ASpAlF) / Outro music - Dream by Wild Shores (bit.ly/2jbJehK) / All music used w
2020-01-2821 minThe Dungeon Master's HandbookEpisode 25 - AD&D Combat Demystified - Initiative Part DeuxI'm challenging conventional wisdom that AD&D by-the-book combat is too difficult! In this episode, I visit initiative one more time to talk about melee with a spell-caster, and then I cover charging.
Links from episode:
My AD&D Combat Cheat Sheet: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1buc4Iubou-bH7V1Ud-h_4SkHm9wfm64a
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2020-01-2122 min
The Red Dice DiariesHappy 2020 and 30 days of Colonial BlackpowderA Happy New Year to you all, as we kick off 2020 with Season 3 of the Red Dice Diaries Anchorcast we're Overjoyed to See RPGs, I'm excited to talk about my plans for creating a Colonial Blackpowder D&D campaign setting in 2020.This idea was inspired by ChicagoWiz's excellent podcast and blog: https://chgowiz-games.blogspot.com/I also talk about the workbook 30 Days of Worldbuilding written by Angeline Trevena.The book is available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Days-Worldbuilding-Step-Step-Fictional/dp/1677313129You can also check out the author's...
2020-01-0116 minThe Dungeon Master's HandbookEpisode 24 - 2019 Year End Reflections and Call-In Q/AMy thoughts on the OSR of the past 2019 and coming 2020. As well, I answer call-ins from listeners and other podcasters!
John Alan Large of Red Dice Diaries (https://anchor.fm/the-red-dice-diaries) - Wargames in a D&D Campaign
Che Webseter of Roleplay Rescue (https://anchor.fm/jbpublishing) - Thanks!
Joe aka The Blind Rat of Hindsightless (https://anchor.fm/joe-richter9) - Kind words and why a spreadsheet for D&D 3.5?
Tim Shorts of Gothridge Manor (https://anchor.fm/gothridgemanor) - Driving podcasts and attracting folks to the OSR
Mr. Goblin's Henchman of Goblins Henchmen (https://anchor.fm/ghench) - Thanks a...
2019-12-3028 minThe Dungeon Master's HandbookEpisode 23 - Attracting Old School Game Players, Keeping Old School EldersTaking a cue from how Tim Shorts of Gothridge Manor Podcast makes episodes in his car, I do some philosophizing about attracting players to old school games. I also talk about the difficulties of some of the elders of the RPG community have with the changing world.
On behalf of the Shorten family, we want to wish each and everyone of you a very Happy Holiday! Merry Christmas, if you celebrate. May your season be joyful and full of fellowship and games!
I'll have a "end of year wrapup" next week and then we'll get back to AD&D crunchy...
2019-12-2319 minThe Dungeon Master's HandbookBonus Episode - Dec 20th 2019 - Call-Ins and QuestionsBonus episode with Call-ins from listeners and other podcasters!
Josh Beckelhimer of JB Publishing (https://anchor.fm/jbpublishing) - Breaking assumptions
John Alan Large of Red Dice Diaries (https://anchor.fm/the-red-dice-diaries) - How do I keep interest in a 10 year campaign
Joe aka The Blind Rat of Hindsightless (https://anchor.fm/joe-richter9) - Why do secret reaction rolls? Different dice rolls.
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Email me at chgowiz@gmail.com
I blog/podcast at: https://chgowiz-games.etinerra.com/wp
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2019-12-2020 minThe Dungeon Master's HandbookEpisode 22 - Demystifying AD&D Combat - Surprise and InitiativeI'm challenging conventional wisdom that AD&D by-the-book combat is too difficult! In this episode, I review surprise and initiative and those dreaded words/phrases: "segments" and "weapon speed". Let's learn and see that a bit of crunchy AD&D combat doesn't have to be hard!
My AD&D Combat Cheat Sheet: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1buc4Iubou-bH7V1Ud-h_4SkHm9wfm64a
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2019-12-1722 minThe Dungeon Master's HandbookEpisode 21 - Lessons from Recent Games, Perspective on AD&D CombatI've had a busy couple of weeks with a lot of games, so I share some of the things I've learned and observed. Plus, I get to a topic that I've really been looking forward to doing - demystifying AD&D combat! I share some opinions on why I think AD&D by-the-book combat gets a bad rap, and I set the stage for the next couple of podcast episodes that dive deep. Enjoy!
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2019-12-1232 min
Tavern ChatE560 - Follow Up on AD&D 1e - Call in from The ChgowizMichael Shorten (Chgowiz) call in regarding surprise in AD&D 1e. Oh, and some Black Friday Sales to jump on.
Voicemail # (347) 509-5168
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2019-11-3012 minThe Dungeon Master's HandbookEpisode 20 - 1x1 Game Updates and Making Towns and CitiesIn this episode, I catch up on a couple of my AD&D games, as well as getting some momentum in playing my one on one OD&D campaign with my wife. Then I cover how I create towns and cities for my campaigns.
Links from Episode:
The Domesday Book - Medieval Demographics Made Easy
https://www.rpglibrary.org/utils/meddemog/
Random Roadstop Generator
https://chgowiz-games.blogspot.com/2018/03/random-road-stop-generator.html
Village Generator
(link no longer available)
Jeff Rient's 20 Questions to Start a Campaign
http://jrients.blogspot.com/2011/04/twenty-quick-questions-for-your.html
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2019-11-2630 minThe Dungeon Master's HandbookEpisode 19 - Three Lessons from Recent GamesSurprise! I promised no set schedule for this podcast, and yet here I am, a week later, with another episode. I DM'd quite a bit of AD&D last week, so I thought I would cover some of the more interesting elements:
How I DM overland adventures
Playing a strange race that is very alien in thought
A quickie on AD&D by-the-book combat
What happens when a thief fails to pick a lock
I also talk a bit about my son, Vincent Victor, who lost his life last week.
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2019-11-1232 minThe Dungeon Master's HandbookEpisode 18 - Casting Resurrect on the Podcast!From the unlikeliest of places came a great idea on how to continue this podcast! I talk about the current state of my campaign games, a few changes and future episodes. Thank you so much for the kind comments in the past year - I hope you continue to enjoy the show!
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I blog/podcast at: https://chgowiz-games.etinerra.com/wp
I'm on Mastodon! Find me here: https://dice.camp/@chgowiz
Credits
Intro music - D...
2019-11-0527 minThe Dungeon Master's HandbookEpisode 17 - Populating Dungeons with Monsters and TreasureIn this episode, Michael talks about how he populates his dungeons with monsters and treasures. Also, some trivia behind the lead in music!
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I blog/podcast at: https://chgowiz-games.etinerra.com/wp
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Credits
Intro music - Dragonaut by Bradley The Buyer (bit.ly/2ASpAlF) / Outro music - Dream by Wild Shores (bit.ly/2jbJehK) / All music used with permission.
2018-07-1627 minThe Dungeon Master's HandbookEpisode 16 - Weather in my D&D CampaignIn this episode, I share how I came up with some logical, consistent weather rules and how I base that weather on the real world. It was a long journey through random charts and blog posts to get here, but I finally have a system that I'm happy with!
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Leave a voice message on Speakpipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/MichaelChgowiz
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I blog/podcast at: https://chgowiz-games.etinerra.com/wp
I'm on Mastodon! Find me here: https://dice.camp/@chgowiz
Credits
Intro music - Dragonaut by Bradley The Buyer (bit.ly/2ASp...
2018-07-0219 minThe Dungeon Master's HandbookEpisode 15 - Running a Wargames Campaign - HowToThis episode, I talk through an example of what I do to play wargames in my campaign world - the tools I use, how I use them. There are links below to the books I use as inspiration and to my rules and records I use. Hopefully this brings together what I've been talking about the past few episodes.
Yes, I will talk about weather next time... I know it's an exciting topic! *grin*
Links from this episode:
Book - Setting Up a Wargames Campaign by Tony Bath
http://www.lulu.com/us/en/shop/society-of-ancients-and-tony-bath-and-john-curry/tony-baths-ancient-wargaming/paperback/product-15463540.html
...
2018-06-0332 minThe Dungeon Master's HandbookEpisode 14 - Wargames in your D&D campaign, Part 2In this second of two parts, I finish talking about one of my favorite aspects of my D&D campaign world - wargaming alongside my D&D gaming in the same campaign. I share how I set up my campaign and the tools/books I use to help me.
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I blog/podcast at: https://chgowiz-games.etinerra.com/wp
I'm on Mastodon! Find me here: https://dice.camp/@chgowiz
Credits
Intro music - Dragonaut by Bradley The Buyer (bit.ly/2ASp...
2018-05-2118 minThe Dungeon Master's HandbookEpisode 13 - Wargames in your D&D campaign, Part 1In this first of two parts, I talk about one of my favorite aspects of my D&D campaign world - wargaming alongside my D&D gaming in the same campaign. It's full of challenges and considerations, but the payoff is so much fun!
Links from this episode: Battle of McGillicuddy's Farm: http://oldguyrpg.blogspot.com/2011/04/chainmail-battle-of-mcguillicuddys-farm.html (Campaign lore from a wargame battle)
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I blog/podcast at: https://chgowiz-games.etinerra.com/wp
I...
2018-05-0714 minThe Dungeon Master's HandbookEpisode 12 - "How Do I?" Questions Answered!In this episode, I take a break from talking about creating and running old-school style D&D campaigns to answer some questions that I've gotten from listeners. Thank you for the questions and please keep sending them in! I answer: How I make a wandering monster chart How I make the first level of a dungeon How I run wilderness campaigns PS! Once again, I had allergies, sorry if I sound so quiet! Allergy season was here in the Chicagoland area when I recorded this!
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2018-04-2318 minThe Dungeon Master's HandbookEpisode 11 - Running Online Games in my Campaign WorldIn this episode, I talk about how I've extended my campaign from the tabletop into the virtual world, running play-by-post and online/VTT games.
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Leave a voice message on Speakpipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/MichaelChgowiz
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I blog/podcast at: https://chgowiz-games.etinerra.com/wp
I'm on Mastodon! Find me here: https://dice.camp/@chgowiz
Credits
Intro music - Dragonaut by Bradley The Buyer (bit.ly/2ASpAlF) / Outro music - Dream by Wild Shores (bit.ly/2jbJehK) / All music used with permission.
2018-04-0923 minThe Dungeon Master's HandbookEpisode 10 - How I Map My Campaign WorldIn this episode, I look at how I make maps for my campaign world, tools I use and how I approache mapping in general.
Link to Worldographer by Inkwell Ideas: http://worldographer.com/
PS! I'm really sorry my voice sounds so froggy! Allergy season is here in the Chicagoland area and I guess it's affecting me more than I realized!
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2018-03-2724 minThe Dungeon Master's HandbookSpecial GaryCon Episode - 3 Lessons Running Games at ConsBack from GaryCon X/2018! I share three lessons that I learned from running and playing in convention games. Plus, the nerdiest confession you'll hear all day, guaranteed!
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Leave a voice message on Speakpipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/MichaelChgowiz
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I blog/podcast at: https://chgowiz-games.etinerra.com/wp
I'm on Mastodon! Find me here: https://dice.camp/@chgowiz
Credits
Intro music - Dragonaut by Bradley The Buyer (bit.ly/2ASpAlF) / Outro music - Dream by Wild Shores (bit.ly/2jbJehK) / All music used with permission.
2018-03-1321 minThe Dungeon Master's HandbookEpisode 9 - My Original D&D 1-on-1 Campaign with my WifeIn this episode, I talk about the ongoing 1-on-1 campaign (using the 1974 Original D&D rules) that I run for my wife - thePrincessWife. 1-on-1 games have some interesting challenges and are a lot of fun to play!
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I blog/podcast at: https://chgowiz-games.etinerra.com/wp
I'm on Mastodon! Find me here: https://dice.camp/@chgowiz
Credits
Intro music - Dragonaut by Bradley The Buyer (bit.ly/2ASpAlF) / Outro music - Dream by Wild Shores (bit.ly/2jbJehK) / All
2018-02-2718 minThe Dungeon Master's HandbookEpisode 8 - Modifying AD&D for my campaignIn this episode, I explain the ways I've houseruled and modified Advanced Dungeons & Dragons 1st Edition to my liking.
Different combat mechanic and combat sequence - no segments here!
Encumbrance and counterspelling
Expanding paladins and the all-mighty d30 dice
Links mentioned in this episode are:
Michael/Chgowiz's Houserules Document for the Chronicles of Etinerra Campaignhttps://docs.google.com/document/d/14ZXouC--Yyj3-CcDukJPI3FqVeVT794lWKUgWZHMhQ4/edit?usp=sharing
Target20 mechanic by Daniel Collinshttp://www.oedgames.com/target20/
Philotomy's OD&D Musings (Writings by Jason Cone, PDF by Jason Vey)http://www.grey-elf.com/philotomy.pdf
2018-02-1322 minThe Dungeon Master's HandbookEpisode 7 - Including Mass Combat into D&D Campaign GamesIn this episode, Michael explains how he finally found his Holy Grail - having a D&D game with a seamless transition from mass combat to 1:1 combat, and it was very easy!
In this episode, I explains how I finally found my Holy Grail - having a D&D game with a seamless transition from mass combat to 1:1 combat, and it was very easy!
Books/Supplements mentioned in this episode are:
Book of War by Daniel Collins
Printed version: http://www.lulu.com/shop/daniel-collins/original-edition-delta-book-of-war/paperback/product-17158134.html
PDF version: http://www.lulu.com/shop/daniel-collins/original-edition-delta-book-of-war/ebook/product-17391327.h...
2018-01-3021 minThe Dungeon Master's HandbookEpisode 6 - When Things Go Awry in Your CampaignIn this episode, I talk about when things didn't go exactly as planned in my campaign and how I handled it. I cover:
* When my initial ideas didn't work
* Trouble players
* When real life interfered
* Mistakes in rulings
* TPKs (Total Party Kills)
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I blog/podcast at: https://chgowiz-games.etinerra.com/wp
I'm on Mastodon! Find me here: https://dice.camp/@chgowiz
Credits
Intro music - Dragonaut by Bradley The Buyer (bit.ly/2ASpAlF) / Outro music - Dream by Wild Shores (
2018-01-1622 minThe Dungeon Master's HandbookEpisode 5 - Running Multiple Games In Your CampaignThis episode, I cover the benefits and challenges of running multiple different games in your campaign - at the same time! It might feel like fighting a multi-headed dragon, but it's really a lot of fun!
Happy New Year!
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I blog/podcast at: https://chgowiz-games.etinerra.com/wp
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Credits
Intro music - Dragonaut by Bradley The Buyer (bit.ly/2ASpAlF) / Outro music - Dream by Wild Shores (bit.ly/2jbJehK) /
2018-01-0215 minThe Dungeon Master's HandbookEpisode 4 - Continuing a Sandbox CampaignThis episode, I continue to talk about running a sandbox campaign, discussing issues like keeping the campaign growing, dealing with XP, time, missing players and other issues.
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Leave a voice message on Speakpipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/MichaelChgowiz
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I blog/podcast at: https://chgowiz-games.etinerra.com/wp
I'm on Mastodon! Find me here: https://dice.camp/@chgowiz
Credits
Intro music - Dragonaut by Bradley The Buyer (bit.ly/2ASpAlF) / Outro music - Dream by Wild Shores (bit.ly/2jbJehK) / All music used with permission.
2017-12-1919 minThe Dungeon Master's HandbookEpisode 3 - Starting a Sandbox Campaign - Part 2In this episode, I finish talking about starting a sandbox campaign old school style. Don't let the myths and hype fool you. You don't need a lot to jump right into some great gaming!
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Leave a voice message on Speakpipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/MichaelChgowiz
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I blog/podcast at: https://chgowiz-games.etinerra.com/wp
I'm on Mastodon! Find me here: https://dice.camp/@chgowiz
Credits
Intro music - Dragonaut by Bradley The Buyer (bit.ly/2ASpAlF) / Outro music - Dream by Wild Shores (bit.ly/2jbJehK) / All music used with permission
2017-12-0526 minThe Dungeon Master's HandbookEpisode 2 - Starting a Sandbox Campaign - Part 1Sandbox campaigns, one of the hallmarks of an old school AD&D D&D campaign, are easy to get started! Don't let the myths and hype fool you. You don't need a lot to jump right into some great gaming! I cover three tools that I use to get the adventure started.
Links mentioned in the show:Obsidian Portal campaign wiki - https://www.obsidianportal.comHex map software - http://www.worldographer.com
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2017-12-0520 minThe Dungeon Master's HandbookEpisode 1 - Fun Con Games in a FlashThis episode, I introduces myself and this brand new podcast that will focus on how to Dungeon Master an old school Dungeons & Dragons game. I talk about my AD&D/D&D background and what I'm going to do with this podcast. Plus, this was a great way to shake off the nervousness of doing something I've never done before!
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I blog/podcast at: https://chgowiz-games.etinerra.com/wp
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2017-12-0520 minThe Dungeon Master's HandbookEpisode 0 - Introduction to the Dungeon Master's HandbookThis episode, I introduce myself and this brand new podcast that will focus on how to Dungeon Master an old school Dungeons & Dragons game. I talk about my AD&D/D&D background and what I'm going to do with this podcast. Plus, this was a great way to shake off the nervousness of doing something I've never done before!
2017-12-0515 min