Shows
Dungeons & TangentsFright Fight 2018 - Episode 2 - Challenge Rating 1/2This Episode we continue our Halloween Special: A D&D 5th edition monster vs monster tournament.
Robert and I will run through all the monsters in the 5th edition Monster Manual that fit a Halloween theme and seeing how they fair against each other.
For Challenge Rating 1/2 we pit Worg, Shadow, Sahuagin, and Barovian Witch against each other.
2018-11-0638 minDungeons & TangentsFright Fight 2018 - Episode 1 - Intro & Challenge Rating 1/4This Episode we start our Halloween Special: A D&D 5th edition monster vs monster tournament.
Robert and I will run through all the monsters in the 5th edition Monster Manual that fit a Halloween theme and seeing how they fair against each other.
It's a helpful review of the monster manual, and a good way to see your favorite Halloween themed monsters in action.
2018-10-2932 min
Dungeons & TangentsEpisode 42: Backstories (Part 2) - The BackeningIn Episode 16 of of this podcast we talked about the process of creating a Character's Backstory. But once you have that backstory, what do you do with it?
This episode we talk about how backstories are integrated into game play. We discuss the differences between writing an elaborate backstory or creating a simple character concept. Halfway though this episode we inadvertently develop a new backstory generation technique. We discuss that and more, this week on Dungeons & Tangents
2018-06-1942 min
Dungeons & TangentsEpisode 41: Massive Tangents #4 - The Pokemon Universe is a DARK placeSometimes, when the mics are on, we start talking about some odd things.
And sometimes those odd things are worth sharing with our listeners.
This episode started as a couple of off hand comments from Ben. What resulted was a very dark conversation about the horrors of Universe that Surrounds Pokemon.
Follow us down a Massive Tangent, this week on Dungeons & Tangents
2018-06-1219 min
Dungeons & TangentsEpisode 40: Religion & Role-playingRole-playing games have had a difficult time getting along with religion, and specifically American Christians.
From the start, there was a disconnect between them.
Sadly, misunderstandings in the early 80's started a feud that continues to this day.
It's a difficult and sensitive subject, but we will discuss that and more, this week on Dungeons & Tangents.
2018-06-0545 min
Dungeons & TangentsEpisode 39: How Players Become Murder HobosThe term "Murder Hobo" is a recently popularized term. It is, however, a surprisingly accurate description of the tendency for some D&D players to use killing as their primary problem solving tool.
Is it a result of video game culture? Antagonistic DMs? Or maybe it's just the nature of playing D&D?
We'll discuss how players become Murder Hobos, this week on Dungeons & Tangents.
2018-05-2235 min
Dungeons & TangentsEpisode 38: Munchkin MechanicsThere have been loopholes in nearly every editions of D&D. Those loopholes are often the target of "Munchkins", or players who will exploit any and every advantage in a rule-set.
Obviously, the DM has the ultimate authority to allow such exploitation, but these cracks in the rules can still cause headaches.
We'll walk through a series of examples and discuss the implications of Munchkin Mechanics, this week on Dungeons & Tangents
2018-05-1530 min
Dungeons & TangentsEpisode 37: Every Edition of D&DDungeons & Dragons was first published in 1974. But the game has changed a lot in the last 4 decades. There have been 8 official versions released in that time. Some with small, incremental changes. Some that fundamentally transformed the feel and mechanics of the game.
We discuss what we know about each version, what makes them different, and how and why the game changed this week on Dungeons & Tangents.
2018-05-081h 09
Dungeons & TangentsEpisode 36: Introducing new players to D&DWe all have friends, family and coworkers who've never played a role-playing game.
Plenty of them just aren't interested. And that's okay. But when you have the opportunity to introduce new players, how do you do so in a way that has them coming back for more? We discuss this and more, this week on Dungeons & Tangents.
2018-03-2734 min
Dungeons & TangentsEpisode 35: Players Contributing to the Gaming WorldIf a player wants to write the back-story for their character's home village. That's cool, right?
If, during session 0, they suggest that the world you're about to play in should have no magic at all. Is that cool?
What if they recommend that the villain of your campaign should be seeking revenge on another Player's Character?
Players and DMs are always working together to tell a collaborative story, but it CAN be unclear where the line between DM agency and Player Agency should be drawn. We discuss this and more, this week on Dungeons & Tangents.
2018-03-2034 min
Dungeons & TangentsKnowledge History D&D - Episode 5: The Start Up (1974-1975)This episode is all about the first two years of the existence of TSR, the company that Gary and Don created to publish D&D.
2018-03-0612 min
Dungeons & TangentsEpisode 34: GCPWest 2018 - An Interview with April WesterveltThis week we have our first official interview.
Robert and I talk with April Westervelt; the organizer of the Portland based GCPWest TableTop gathering.
What is GCPWest? How did it start and what makes it unique?
We talk to April about these subjects and more, this week on Dungeons & TangentsSpecial Guests: .
2018-02-1330 min
Dungeons & TangentsEpisode 33: Session 0: the planning sessionWhen you build a house, you need a blueprint.
But When you play D&D, you may run a module that gives you a plot, but there's no blueprints for how your players interact with each other or the world around them.
A planning session, sometimes called "session 0" can help make sure Player and DM expectations are in sync.
We discuss makes a good session 0, this week on Dungeons & Tangents
2018-02-0648 min
Dungeons & TangentsEpisode 32: Failing Forward & Awareness of RisksA rogue tries to pick a lock. "Roll a sleight of hand Check" that DM says. The roll is low.
So What happens next?
Does the DM say "you failed to pick the lock"?
Is this a dead end in the game?
It doesn't have to be.
If a player is rolling the dice, failure must always an option, but success or failure, the game must go on.
We consider the relationship between risks, successes, and failures this week on Dungeons & Tangents.
During this podcast, we discussed the content of...
2018-01-3045 min
Dungeons & TangentsKnowledge History D&D - Episode 4: The Making of Dungeons & Dragons (1972-1974)This episode is all about the first edition of D&D. How it was written and the struggles of publishing a innovative game without any money.
Resources for this episode included the following:
* Chainmail:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chainmail_(game)
http://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/17010/Chainmail-Rules-for-Medieval-Miniatures-0e?it=1
* TRS:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_Geneva_Tactical_Studies_Association
* Gary Gygax:
https://www.wired.com/2008/03/dungeon-master-life-legacy-gary-gygax/
*
Special credit should be given to Jon Peterson Who wrote the book "Playing at the World" and maintains a beautiful...
2018-01-1615 minDungeons & TangentsEpisode 31: At The Movies (part 1)A Cartoon in 1983,
A live action Feature in 2000,
An Animated Feature in 2008,
There have been a lot of attempts to take D&D into the world movies and TV, but many have fallen far short of fan expectations.
In late 2017, a new D&D movie was announced and is set for release in October of 2021.
we'll discuss that and more, this week on Dungeons & Tangents
2018-01-0927 minDungeons & TangentsEpisode 30: Party DynamicsWhat would the A-Team be without Hannibal?
The Fellowship of the Rings be without Gandalf?
Buffy the Vampire Slayer without Giles?
Are there character archetypes that are necessary for a party to gel?
Are there character pairings that make parties fall apart?
We'll ask these questions and discuss general party dynamics today on Dungeons & Tangents.
2018-01-0231 minDungeons & TangentsEpisode 29: Alignment (the inevitable episode)Most of you have seen your favorite fictional characters pigeon holed into a chart of the 9 Alignments.
Obiwan is "Lawful Good", Treebeard is True Neutral, The Joker is "Chaotic Evil".
Obviously that grid was popularized by D&D, but you may not know that it was not originally part of D&D.
We'll discuss that as well as how it fits into game play today on "Dungeons & Tangents"
2017-12-1933 minDungeons & TangentsEpisode 28: Sports vs eSports vs Tabletop StreamsSports is a Trillion Dollar industry in the United States alone. And while Sports has been a part of our cultural landscape for more than a hundred years, eSports and tabletop streaming are very new industries that are vying for a very different audience. Can these new forms of entertainment satisfy the Nerd world's need for an alternative to Football, Basketball, and Baseball?
We'll discuss that and more, today on Dungeons & Tangents.
2017-12-1229 minDungeons & TangentsEpisode 27: Running a "Theater of the Mind" GameWe're planning on running an Actually Play in the future, but that means changing the way we play D&D. The main change is the removal of all visual aids from the game. Making the game purely audible. This episode we discuss how to run a "Theater of the Mind" style game and how it's different than running a game with Maps, miniatures, and other physical props.
2017-11-2838 minDungeons & TangentsEpisode 26: DM for Hire & the Untapped Potential of D&DThis episode we discuss a man named John Dempsey from Toronto Canada who has started making a living as a professional Dungeon Master. He charges clients for his time and efforts in prepping and running games of D&D. We also talk about the untapped potential of D&D as a form of entertainment and a viable platform for businesses like John Dempsey's
2017-11-2122 min
Dungeons & TangentsKnowledge History D&D - Episode 3: Birth of the Fantasy Game (1967 to 1972)This episode covers the events that lead Dave Arneson and Gary Gygax to meet and have the inspiration they needed to create the first drafts of D&D.
Resources for this episode included the following:
Bodenburg:
https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/26603/siege-bodenburg
Early Works of Gary Gygax:
http://playingattheworld.blogspot.com/2012/11/the-early-works-of-gary-gygax.html
Don't Give up the Ship:
https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/7791/dont-give-ship
http://playingattheworld.blogspot.com/2012/08/dont-give-up-ship-in-manuscript.html
Chainmail:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chainmail_(game)
http://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/17010/Chainmail-Rules-for-Medieval-Miniatures-0e?it=1
TRS:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki...
2017-11-1416 minDungeons & TangentsEpisode 25: Massive Tangent #3 - Who's the best JokerHey everyone and welcome to Dungeons & Tangents
Today Robert and Erik B.S. about Batman and the Joker.
This is a SUPER short Episode because it was a spur of the moment thing.
But we just had to share it because Erik does his impersonation of Mark Hamil's Joker.
Also, Erik will be on vacation for a week so we're padding out our schedule wink wink
2017-11-0706 min
Dungeons & TangentsKnowledge History D&D - Episode 2: Setting up the Pieces (1953 - 1967)This episode, we continue the new series "Knowledge - History - D&D". A chronological review of the creation of Dungeons & Dragons. We'll intro you to the people who created D&D and how they first got interested in table top gaming. We talk through the early days of Gary Gygax, Don Kaye, and Dave Arneson.
Again, a lot of research went into this episode, so I'm sharing my bibliography.
I also highly recommend the following books:
Empire of Imagination by Michael Witwer
Of Dice And Men by David M. Ewalt
Gary & Don
...
2017-10-3114 minDungeons & TangentsEpisode 24: Criticals and FumblesThis Episode we're talking about, perhaps the most overused phrase in D&D; "Critical Hit".
It's the moment in every D&D game where people scream and jump up and down. But Critical Hits haven't always been part of the game. We discuss the history, the mechanics, the narrative, and the different variations of critical hits and misses.
2017-10-2430 min
Dungeons & TangentsKnowledge History D&D - Episode 1: The Prehistory to D&D (500 - 1950)This episode, Erik starts a new series called "Knowledge - History - D&D". A chronological review of how Dungeons & Dragons came into being.
We'll start by releasing episodes every other week.
This first episode starts with the prehistory of D&D from 500 AD to 1950.
Since this episode involved a lot of research, I wanted to share all my sources and give credit where credit is due. So, here is my big thick bibliography. It wouldn't pass muster in a college level class, but you trust my sources are legit, right?
I also highly...
2017-10-1714 minDungeons & TangentsEpisode 23: Alternative Methods of PlayThis episode Robert and Erik discuss 4 Alternative Methods of playing D&D.
We go through the good and the bad of each one. Of course we talk about our opinions and experiences. Because... that's kinda how this podcast goes.
2017-10-1038 minDungeons & TangentsEpisode 22: THAC0 & Armor ClassRemember THAC0? What a Thac0 crap.
In this episode we're going to recap the history of Armor Class and Attack Bonuses from 1st Edition of D&D through 5th edition.
We'll start by scratching our heads at the earliest mechanics for determining whether a weapon connected with the enemy.
Once we're done with that, we'll try to explain THAC0 to each other.
Then we'll review how Armor Class and THAC0 evolved into the d20 system.
A system that has become the core to D&D since the year 2000.
All in all...
2017-10-0333 minDungeons & TangentsEpisode 21: Psionics & DinosaursPsionics suck.
So do Dinosaurs.
We really don't want that shit in our D&D.
The two of us get into a heated debate about Telepathy and T-Rexes in our worlds of Swords of Sorcery.
Psionics have been a semi-regular part of D&D for decades. As have Dinosaurs. But we're not fans of either.
The recent release of Tomb of Annihilation includes Dinosaur races, which has opened a few old wounds for us.
2017-09-2626 minDungeons & TangentsEpisode 20: InitiativeInitiative is the D&D mechanic for deciding the order of play during an encounter.
As players of D&D we don't often question how initiative works or how it could be different.
But in this episode Robert and Erik do exactly that. Why do we use initiative? And what alternatives are there?
Is there a better way to run initiative?
2017-09-1924 minDungeons & TangentsEpisode 19: Massive Tangent #2 - Rose City Comic Con 2017This week Robert and Erik talk about the 2017 Rose City Comic Con.
Rose City Comic Con is an annual comic book and pop culture convention that takes place here in Portland, Oregon each September.
We went with some friends, saw the sights and wanted to share what we saw and out thoughts on Comic Cons in general
The content of this episode is not 100% Dungeons and Dragons oriented, but chances are, we'll touch on subjects you care about.
2017-09-1247 minDungeons & TangentsEpisode 18: Death of a CharacterThis episode we discuss the most unfortunate thing that can happen in a game of D&D.
Running out of snacks.
I mean... A player's character dying.
We ask the question: "Can a game of D&D still be fun when a character dies?"
And then we answer that question.
2017-09-0527 minDungeons & TangentsEpisode 17: Setting the MoodWant to set the right mood with your D&D Players?
We all do.
In this episode we talk about methods that go beyond the game play.
Creative means of using Audio, Visuals, Props and Voices
2017-08-2931 minDungeons & TangentsEpisode 16: Building a BackstoryDo D&D characters need a backstory and why? Where do I get one? Can I get a new one if mine's broken?
We talk about:
Inspirations for back-stories.
Mechanical devices to help with solo or collaborative back-story writing.
Limitations of the back-story.
And in the middle of our podcast we invent "D&D Speed-Dating" (patent pending). Find the gaming group of your dreams!
2017-08-2236 minDungeons & TangentsEpisode 15: Anatomy of an EncounterErik and Robert take a close look at what the basic parts of Encounters in D&D. We dissect them down to their key elements, then get into how Bruce Willis doesn't like water. Erik's big take away is: the players should always believe they can fail any encounter.
2017-08-1532 minDungeons & TangentsEpisode 14: Session StructureErik and Robert take a macro look at a session of D&D. The food, the banter, the setup, the getting settled and eventually the game play. Since D&D sessions can take between 3 to 6 hours, we discuss how that plays out and what to be aware of. The logistics of getting a group of people to come together for a common gaming experience is not trivial. And often it requires a lot of snack foods.
2017-08-0826 minDungeons & TangentsEpisode 13: Massive Tangent #1 - CastlevaniaThis being our 13th episode, we decided to review something spooky. Robert and Erik talk about the new Netflix series "Castlevania". We talk through every monotonous detail of the plot, so... Spoilers!
To avoid spoiling anything for people who don't want things spoiled, I'm not putting anything more here. So there.
2017-08-0140 minDungeons & TangentsEpisode 12: Tools for Character GenerationIn this episode, Chris and Erik discuss character generation software and third party content systems.
Character Generation systems we mention:
PCgen (http://pcgen.org/)
Fantasy Grounds (https://www.fantasygrounds.com/)
Roll20 (https://roll20.net/)
Hero Lab (http://www.wolflair.com/index.php?context=hero_lab)
Myth Weaver (https://www.myth-weavers.com/)
The 4e character gen website Chris mentioned that may crash your browser: (http://www.pathguy.com/cg4.htm)
Third party content providers we mention:
DriveThruRPG (http://www.drivethrurpg.com/)
Open Gaming Network: (https://opengamingnetwork.com/)
Stack Exchange (RPG): (https://rpg.stackexchange.com/)
...
2017-07-2526 minDungeons & TangentsEpisode 11: D&D Beyond - Pricing AnnouncementIn this episode, Robert and Erik discuss the recently announced D&D Beyond pricing. What is the pricing, our reaction to it, and how the new tool fits into the growing D&D online ecosystem.
D&D Beyond is scheduled to release August 15th
One Time Fees:
Source Books (PHB, DMG, Monster Manual, Volo's Guide, etc.) $29.99
Adventure Modules (Curse of Strahd, Lost mine of Phandelver, etc.): $24.99 each
First Week Special: $19.99 each for PHB, DMG, Monster Manual
Subscriptions:
Hero: $2.99/month
Master: $5.99/month
See more here: D&D Beyond - How much will...
2017-07-2022 minDungeons & TangentsEpisode 10: D&D BeyondIn this episode, Erik and Chris Rutledge discuss the D&D Beyond website. What it is, what it promises to be, and how it came about.
Here is the timeline we run through:
May 2014 - Fantasy grounds in steam
July 2014 - WOTC releases D&D 5e
April 2015 - Lost Mine of Phandelver on Fantasy Grounds.
June 2015 - Geek & Sundry starts "Critical Role" on Twitch
March 2016 - WOTC starts "Dice Camera Acton" on Twitch
July 2016 - Roll20 licensing deal
August 2016 - Twitch acquired by Curse
Nov 2016 - Twitch becomes Exclusive MTG video content/tournament broadcasting
Early 2017...
2017-07-1822 minDungeons & TangentsEpisode 9: Adventure PrepWe talk through casting NPCs, buying materials, gathering and writing your own reference materials, the fears of being a DM and how to create conflict. The good kinda conflict. You know? The kind that involves killing goblins.
Our official website: http://www.dungeonsandtangents.net/
2017-07-0650 minDungeons & TangentsEpisode 8: Memorable MomentsIn this episode, Robert and Erik discuss how to make a gaming moments that stick in our memories.
We talk through the three most memorable moments we've experienced, then talk through what it is that make them a fun experience and something we remember years later.
Here are a bunch of our references:
Chutes and Ladders
Monopoly
Candyland
Dominion
Pathfinder
Baldur's Gate
The episode of Angel Erik was inspired by: Season 4, Episode 16
Lost Mine of Phandelver
Droop
Gandalf
Darth Vader
2017-06-1952 minDungeons & TangentsEpisode 7: MetagamingIn this episode, Robert and Erik discuss the contentious subject of metagaming.
We define metagaming as "The use of knowledge from outside a game's universe to gain an advantage inside of a game's universe."
We talk about what it is, how it can help or hurt a gaming experience, ways of stopping or curbing metagaming, horror stories, and donuts.
Here are links to the various people and products we mention. We did a lot of intellectualizing and thus, didn't mention a lot of people or products.
Fate Core gaming system
Official site of Adventure...
2017-06-0643 minDungeons & TangentsEpisode 6: MiniaturesThis time, Robert and Erik talk Miniatures. Big, medium, and small. Pewter, plastic, and paper. We discuss miniatures that help with tactics and establish a shared understanding.
We talk scale, brands, painting, transportation options, and the sexism of fantasy and how it translates to miniatures.
Here are link to the various people and products we mention:
Pathfinder tokens
Reaper Miniatures
Miniature Market
Robert's Favorite foam miniature carrying case
Female Centric Miniature line
Boris Vallejo's official website
Matthew Colville's Youtube Channel
Games Shops in PDX we know about:
Guardian Games
Rainy Day Games
Portland...
2017-06-0150 minDungeons & TangentsEpisode 5: MapsIn this Episode, Robert and Erik talk Maps.
We discuss maps that inspire, establish setting, help with tactics or establish a shared understanding. Then we get philosophical about how maps and other inspirational pieces need to leave gaps that the viewer can fill with their imagination. It gets all existential. Then we talked about Mel Gibson LARPing.
Here are link to things we mention so you don't think we're making stuff up:
Works of Karen Wynn Fonstad
Forgotten Realms Atlas
Atlas of the Dragonlance World
The Atlas of Middle-earth
2017-05-1156 minDungeons & TangentsEpisode 4: NarrationIn this Episode, Chris Rutledge joins Erik to talk about Narration. We discuss back stories, settings, imagery verses perception, environmental consistency, building your descriptive vocabulary and a bunch of other subjects. They all surround the central ideas of keeping the players engaged, believing in the world of the game, and having fun.
Things we reference (or blatantly endorse):
The Glass Cannon Podcast
Matthew Colville
Patrick Stewart
Pathfinder & Paizo
Special Guests: .
2017-05-0544 minDungeons & TangentsEpisode 3: Table MannersIn this Episode, Robert and Erik talk Table Manners. We discuss an obscene amount of topics: Good and bad Banter, staying focused while gaming, eating at the table, knowing the rules, player preparedness, arguing with DMs, and what DMs can do to ruin a game.
Things we reference:
Mary Sue
D&D Adventure League
The 10 Commandments of being a Good D&D player
2017-05-011h 03Dungeons & TangentsEpisode 2: We can talk about dice for hoursIn this Episode, Robert and Erik talk dice... for an hour! We discuss the purpose of dice, dice accuracy, dice superstitions, dice rolling, and our first memories of dice.
Things we mention:
Chessex Dice
Game Science Dice - creator Louis Zocchi
Erik's Crazy Spreadsheet of dice rolls
Someone else's crazy dice rolling experiment
Matt Colville's Running the Game Series
DriveThruhRPG
Encounter Roleplay
2017-04-3058 minDungeons & TangentsEpisode 1: What the hell are we calling this?In this Episode, Robert and Erik try to stay on topic. The topic being; what to name this Podcast. We discuss other podcasts, potential names, and past D&D experiences.
Podcasts we mention:
Acquisitions Inc
RPGMP3
Check It Out, Comrade! – With our friend and coworker Nick.
Glass Cannon – May include Chris Rutledge as guest star
Critical Role
The Adventure Zone
Drunks & Dragons
D&DUI
Matthew Colville
Hello from the Magic Tavern
Harmontown
HarmonQuest
Names we discuss:
DM Academy
Funny Dice
Dungeon Debacle
Dungeon Debauchery
“What’s this 20 Sided Die doing in my dreams?”
D20 Dreams
20...
2017-04-2434 min