Shows
Biggus GeekusDivide, Divide, Divide The Hobby!Episode 175 Streamed Live Tuesday January 23, 2023
Main Topic: Divide -Divide-Divide The Hobby!
https://youtu.be/L9pDhntGoVY?t=30 (sample of the song “Divide” by
Disturbed)
Bravo Mr. Boivin: https://youtu.be/u20Wuj5gMY0
What is wrong with just accepting the natural division of folks in the
hobby? (i.e., BrOSR, 4D, Basic DD 1st-3rd level, 3.X epic tabletop
skirmish, Sparkletroll Barista D&D, etc.) Let them do what they want
and screech about being Elite, who cares? Shouldn’t we all just try to
be excellent to each other? Maybe we should try to be excellent in our
chosen...2024-01-241h 53Biggus GeekusWhat makes a Challenging Game?What
makes a Challenging Game?
Episode 167 Streamed Live Tuesday November 28, 2023
Main Topic: What makes a Challenging Game?
CR vs random tables vs encounters to fit the ‘story’/adventure.
When does challenging become a meat grinder?
How can mechanics inform the challenge of a game?
Some examples for comparison:
DnD OSR : fairly random, expect that the ‘wilderness’ could produce
almost any creature, no skill checks to challenge Player characters-
proficiencies allowed for this to a lesser extent in later editions,
combat d...2023-11-301h 51Biggus GeekusJoe V. Randy D&D Edition War Round 2: 1e vs. 2enotes to follow
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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/biggusgeekus/support2023-10-292h 11Biggus GeekusJoe v. Randy - A Battle in the D&D Edition WarNotes to follow
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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/biggusgeekus/support2023-10-191h 59Biggus GeekusBig Geek Con #1 ReportEpisode 158 Streamed Live Tuesday September 26, 2023Main Topic: Big Geek Con 1- Post Shenanigans ReportPeople to thankWorkers/helpers: A special nod goes to Randy’s wife & K. Scott Appreciation to Joe Hardin and His wife, L. Neumann, Martenson, Greg T., Larry E., and Fladey ( for donations to raffle) as well as David Guyll (donations for raffle- extreme number of miniatures).The GMs: Fladey, Larry N., Larry E., Martenson, Kelley, Tim, and Benny S., Darth Thiek (Commander -style tourney), Halcyon, J. Demo, Nathan Lindy, and Geoff S.Special Kudos:Ben R...2023-09-272h 07Biggus GeekusPlanescape ReimaginedEpisode 156 Streamed Live Tuesday September 12, 2023
Mental Illness as badge of Honor
https://dotesports.com/dnd/news/first-canonically-autistic-dnd-character-arrives-in-the-book-of-many-things
Main Topic: Planescape Reimagined
The Great Wheel Cosmology:https://srd.dndtools.org/srd/environment/planesDescriptionsAndCosmology.html
Randy’s Big IDEA: The prime (Prime Plane) is prime real estate throughout the Multiverse and all the other planes want it. Why? It is the only plane that is not dedicated to a single idea or alignment. It has desirable resource (its residents) and it is no...2023-09-132h 03Biggus GeekusDnD WeirdnessEpisode 147 Streamed Live Tuesday July 11, 2023
The Main Hobby is Busted
Baldur’s Gate 3 video game: https://news.yahoo.com/baldurs-gate-3s-commitment-d-190000993.html
Cohors Cthuhlhu Game - https://youtu.be/96Eb7ZFgtVE
We need a true alternate hobby culture…fight the power!
Main Topic: DnD Weirdness
Exploring the weirdness of Dungeons. That they exist at all. Old school dungeons don’t stay empty
If you lean into the last point, empty dungeons don’t stay empty, it can serve th...2023-07-122h 17Biggus GeekusCampaigns, Cabin Con CC17 and Horde WarsEpisode 138 Streamed Live Tuesday May 9, 2023
Special Guest: DM Blackwall & N. Lindy(?)
Main Topic: Campaign Analysis:
Campaign types - advantages and disadvantagesOur first effort: Hyperborea by Jeffrey Talanian of North Wind
Adventures: https://www.hyperborea.tv/
Types - Railroad vs Sandbox vs A Mixture
Also Procedural and Amusement Parks
What type is our Hyperborea game going to be?
A Cabin Con Moment: Re-cap CC17 May 4-7, 2023
We had a great time! Lots of napping between games as we...2023-05-102h 20Biggus GeekusMonster Mash #11: ORCS & More!Episode 137 Streamed Live Tuesday May 2, 2023
Anvil: Iron Age Magazine #1
https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/anvil-iron-age-magazine-issue-1/x/27459496#/
Pinkertons of the Coast Update:
https://news.yahoo.com/magic-raid-wasnt-first-time-162558008.html
Main Topic: Monster Mash #11 ORCS & More!
Orcs, goblins, bugbears, hobgoblins, kobolds, and gnolls through the editions.
Some say they are misunderstood. Some say they are stand-ins for the “other”. Honest research into the origins of our shared hobby will reveal that these monsters, for monsters they are without doubt, are formed from...2023-05-032h 12Biggus GeekusI Don’t Want No Stinkin’ D&DEpisode 131 Streamed Live Tuesday March 21, 2023
Main Topic: 10 games You can and Should Play if you don’t want no stink’in D&D!
Randy’s List: (will populate asap)
Joe’s List:
Hyperborea
Shadowrun
Dungeons and Delvers
Stars Without Number
Mutants and Masterminds
Chronicles of Aeres
Rifts
Earthdawn
Scarlet Heroes
Castles and Crusades
We briefly discuss each one listing its merits and sometimes a flaw or two. Joe’s list has many he ha...2023-03-222h 15Biggus GeekusMASTER YOUR GAME PREP | DARK SUN PROBLEMATIC | PLAYING MULTIPLE PCSEpisode 128 Streamed Live Tuesday, February 28, 2023
Weekly WOTC Crap Wrap-Up: Dark Sun is problematic, according to WOTC's Kyle Brinks
https://www.wargamer.com/dnd/dark-sun-problematic
Main Topic: MASTER YOUR GAME PREP - Randy has a game prep Masterclass! His evolution through the editions of play from little more than drawing a dungeon to 6 - 8 hrs for one session of play. Randy has been on all sides of this aspect of running a ttrpg.
Quick Hit/Hard Target: Multiple PCs: Hirelings, shared pool of characters, stable of characters - all explored.
Support2023-03-012h 39Biggus GeekusWhat do we want from a Dungeon?Episode 123 Streamed Live Tuesday January 24, 2023
Tired of OGL stuff yet?
Recent news and thoughts:
DnD Shorts https://youtu.be/J4kGMsZSdbY
T-shirted Historian https://youtu.be/jP2JLWPX_LI
Done with WoTC so maybe we should just move
Dungeoncraft https://youtu.be/4oV9Fnkyyfc
Grim's Project: https://postmortemstudios.wordpress.com/2023/01/24/opendnd-public-domain-roleplaying-panza-draft-1-0
Main Topic: What do we want from a Dungeon?
We used Dungeons by Central Casting to inspire the creation of a dungeon
(Thanks to Ryan David @nerdcognito and Max @legion of myth for the suggestion)
From both...2023-01-252h 12Biggus GeekusGrim Jim and the Weasels of the CoastMuch Ado about D&D w/special guest Grim Jim
Episode 122 Streamed Live Tuesday January 17, 2022
Shout out to Nerdcognito! Twitter: @Nerdcognito, https://www.nerdcognito.com/
Merch at Big Geek Emporium! https://biggeekemporium.com/big-geek-merch/
Main Topic: Much Ado About D&D w/Special Guest- Grim Jim
Grim details his background from picking up Fighting Fantasy adventure books at the tender age of 8 to running his own independent game company Postmortem Studios: https://post-mort.com/
YouTube: https://youtu.be/XnrTdF8scX0
Blog: https://talesofgrim.wordpress.com/
Grim’s latest is...2023-01-182h 33Biggus GeekusDump Dungeons and DragonsEpisode 121 Streamed Live Tuesday January 10, 2023
Main Topic: Done with D&D
With the OGL 1.1 “leaked”, where does that leave the true fans and indie creators in our hobby? Where does that leave many traditional publishers who use OGL 1.0 for their works? It seems to us that we must look to new games and new ideas in the hobby and away from Wizards of the Coast whether or not the new “stance” pans out to be true or not. We cannot trust that WOTC will not pull the rug out from all of us to bolster their flagging p...2023-01-112h 09Biggus GeekusWhy Learn A New Game?!?!?!?Episode 120 Streamed Live Tuesday, January 3 2023
Main Topic: Learning New Rpgs
This new years we plan on on covering more tabletop RPGs that aren’t Dungeons and Dragons
How many times do you play a game before you know if it is for you?
Do you prefer to
watch a ‘how to” video on Youtube or elsewhere?
be taught by an experienced play/gm?
dive in with friends and see what happens?
read it yourself and teach it to your fellows at the table?
Should everyone commit to buying the book after...2023-01-042h 07Biggus GeekusDemons and Devils | Dungeons and Dragons Not Monetized EnoughEpisode 117 Streamed Live Tuesday, December 13, 2022
Main Topic: Demons & Devils In Dungeons and Dragons
Mythological etymology:
Demons: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demon
Devils: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Devil
Demons and Devils have been in Dungeons and Dragons since the beginning and continuing to the current edition. They have been forces of evil all along until the current edition, in which all creatures seem to have a human’s breadth of perspective. These creatures are mostly possessed of great supernatural powers and physical might, which make them fearsome foes to battle. Thei...2022-12-152h 26Biggus GeekusTuesday Night Pre-Thanksgiving Chill StreamJoe started out solo, but was joined by Bruce Lombardo of Dix Division, Hungar the Starvarian, then Randy joined in.
links: Bruce: https://youtube.com/@YourBuddy75
Hungar: https://youtube.com/channel/UCHmL5dT_lLONt5ZnJ2eA1Nw
Scrying Dutchman's Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/scryingdutchman/the-modern-adventurers-guide-to-guns-and-gear-a-5e-add-on
If you would like to support our show, please like, subscribe, and share us where you are listening or viewing the show, also:
We are on all the socials, video and podcast places as well.
Cash Support
PayPal: https://paypal.me/b...2022-11-273h 24Biggus GeekusAttributes in D&D and Other TTRPGsEpisode 114 Streamed Live Tuesday November 15, 2022
Main Topic: Attributed to Attributes
The attributes of a character:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Attribute_%28role-playing_games%29
Compare and contrast the DnD attributes: STR, DEX, CON, INT, WIS, CHA
Other systems:
Target Number systems- DnD 3.X +Savage Worlds: https://www.uptofourplayers.com/ready-to-roll/savage-worlds-rules/
Marvel Superheroes RPG (FASERIP): https://rollhighordie.com/what-is-marvel-faserip/
Roll and keep systems- L5R, Vampire: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vampire:_The_Masquerade#Game_system
https://rollandkeep.fandom.com/wiki/Introduction_and_Design_Goals#What_is_Roll...2022-11-162h 10Biggus GeekusRetro review of D&D’s White Plume Mountain (1e) | The OSR is Dying?Episode 107 Streamed Live Tuesday September 27 ,2022
Programming Note:
Joe was solo for half of the show. He was joined by Bruce Lombardo of Dix Division: https://www.youtube.com/c/brucelombardo75
Main Topic: Retro-Review: White Plume Mountain
Summary of the 1e module
Was a TSR module. Good DM advice.
Made in the Old School ‘DIY’ way. Light on story, big on expandability.
Big Geek Updates
BG Emporium: We showed of pics of the new design.
https://biggeekemporium.com/
Geekosphere:
The OSR is DYING?!?!?
Bruce and...2022-09-282h 13
Biggus GeekusOn The DriveThruRPG ControversyEpisode 94 Recorded Thursday June 30th 2022
Joe flies solo to talk about how the latest nonsense from DriveThru should have us all looking for or making alternatives to the platform.
To support the show please go to:
https://www.biggusgeekuspodcast.com/support
Please like share and subscribe!
Links to Materia Discussed:
Lamentations of The Flame Princess (Raggi)
https://youtu.be/PufXMjSA-Kw
Total Party Skills (waspinator)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQkf5TOFKyM
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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/b...2022-07-0208 minBiggus GeekusWe Love The OSR, But Is It D&D?Our fascination with OSR
Episode 91 Streamed Live Tuesday June 7,2022
Random Geek-itude
1. Batman Knights-Batman is possibly Bi-sexual https://youtu.be/zovi-CwUxrk
2. The Stranger Things Final Season Villain? https://www.themarysue.com/what-d-and-d-villain-stranger-things-final-season/
3. Vecna Statue: https://icv2.com/articles/news/view/51255/wizkids-unveils-dungeons-dragons-vecna-premium-statue
4. Shout out to Patrick Demo: Randy’s Orcus mini is no longer lonely in the Abyss of my miniature collection!
Our fascination with the OSR
I. Mile high View
Is the OSR Nostalgia?
A Return to your Roots?
A Re-focusing of what you think is important?2022-06-081h 41Biggus GeekusCC16 Re-Cap and Lessons learnedEpisode 88 Streamed Tuesday May 17, 2022
Call ins & Emails from the Outlands
1. Call-ins/emails none so far
2. We’ve lost two great ones in comics- George Perez: https://www.vulture.com/2022/05/george-perez-death-marvel-dc-comic-book-artist.html and Neal Adams: https://nypost.com/2022/04/30/neal-adams-legendary-comic-book-creator-and-batman-artist-dead-at-80/
3. Midnight rpg being re-released…yep its 5e: https://www.enworld.org/threads/what-if-sauron-won-check-out-this-trailer-for-the-midnight-rpg.688317/
4. Dark tower Kickstarter is live!: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/devillich/original-adventures-reincarnated-7-the-dark-tower?ref=53cnov
Main Topic: CC16- Re-cap and Lessons Learned
Good
1. Great time, ran smoothly,
2. loved not running any games
3. played a lot2022-05-181h 53Biggus GeekusMonster Mash 2 - Incorporeal Undead in D&DEpisode 85 Streamed Live on Thursday April 28, 2022
Call ins & Emails from the Outlands
Call-ins & emails - John Alan Large
Thor: Love & Thunder Trailer- https://youtu.be/tgB1wUcmbbw
Total Party Skills: Brand antagonizing their fan base https://youtu.be/2GxDPnNg8qI
WoTC screws over Hungarian Game Company: https://youtu.be/4clIK3VmazM
Randy’s wife learn hilarious griefing lesson.
WriterDojo: https://www.writerdojo.com/
Main Topic: Incorporeal Undead
1. Banshee, Ghost, Spectre, Shadow, Wraith
2. First appearance in DnD
3. What are the basic and most long en...2022-04-292h 15
Biggus Geekus5 RPGs To Play That Are Not DnDEpisode 78 Tuesday, March 8, 2022
Special Guest Host Patrick Demo!
Call ins & Emails from the Outlands
1.) No calls ins or emails.
2.) A salty Brian Sanderson https://winteriscoming.net/2022/02/23/brandon-sanderson-salty-george-rr-martin-work-fromsoftware-elden-ring/
3.) A successful Brian Sanderson https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/dragonsteel/surprise-four-secret-novels-by-brandon-sanderson
5 Games
Joe:
Hackmaster
Rifts (Paladium)
Ars Magica
Champions
Aliens
Patrick:
Earthdawn
Shadowrun
Harn
Lone Wolf
Sliver
Lightning Round!
1) Why?
2) What quality does it have that is different from DnD?
3) Play...2022-03-102h 59Biggus GeekusKeeping it Real while Playing PretendEpisode 77: Keeping it Real while Playing Pretend (Verisimilitude vs It’s just a game)
Episode 77 Tuesday March 1,2022
Call ins & Emails from the Outlands
1. Call-in from John Alan Large
2. Tiamat, again! https://icv2.com/articles/news/view/50487/wizkids-reveals-d-d-icons-realms-aspect-tiamat
3. Marvel Fans?: https://insidethemagic.net/2022/02/evangeline-lilly-canadian-trucker-protest-canceled-al1
4. Randy backed this OSE KS https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/exaltedfuneral/old-school-essentials-fantasy-rpg-box-sets
and https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/545820095/hell-on-the-high-plains-a-deadlands-booster-campaign
Main Topic: Keeping it Real (verisimilitude in gaming)
Verisimilitude : the quality of seeming true or of having the appearance of being real
Re...2022-03-031h 55Biggus GeekusThe 3 R’s: Renounce, Ridicule and ReplaceEpisode 75 Tuesday, February 15, 2022
Main Topic: Renounce, Ridicule and Replace
1.) Vanity Fair calls critics trolls: https://boundingintocomics.com/2022/02/10/amazon-prime-video-uses-vanity-fair-to-attack-critics-of-the-lord-of-the-rings-the-rings-of-power-as-trolls/
2.) Venger calls for DnD insurrection of some sort: https://youtu.be/m10NnMSQdMo
3.) The Waspinator: https://youtu.be/wNYG7tfeLY8
4.) For Canon’s Sake https://youtu.be/gRy--1DqF-8
5.) Nerdrotic https://youtu.be/QyResw8A_ssRc
All these speak to something serious for TTRPG gamers and nerds and reasonable folk alike- we need to stop funding this nonsense.
RENOUNCE
Buying old TSR stuff from WoTC
Should we (Biggus Ge...2022-02-172h 08Biggus GeekusEpisode 73: 13th Age Finale ... Part TwoCome see if Biggus Geekus can manage to finish this topic. We will also banter with live chat and discuss industry and geek news.
Support the show:
PayPal: paypal.me/biggusgeekus
https://streamlabs.com/biggusgeekus1/tip
13th Age Deep Dive Finale part 2
Episode 73 February 1, 2022
Call ins & Emails from the Outlands Instead of calls and emails we talk about the Ottawa Tucker Convoy
JP Sears video on the subject: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sl88jzJK1Rs
Comic readers don’t like bi-sexual Superman? Shocking!?! https://www.outkick.com/sale...2022-02-032h 07Biggus GeekusPros & Cons of Spellcasting Systems In Your TTRPGEpisode 68 Streamed Live Tuesday December28, 2021
Call ins & Emails from the Outlands
None
Silent Josh Presents:
Weird Frontiers: https://www.enworld.org/threads/weird-frontiers-takes-dcc-west.684619
New Dragonlance Novel: https://www.belloflostsouls.net/2021/12/dd-theres-a-new-dragonlance-trilogy-in-the-works-for-2022.html
Main Topic: Pros and Cons of Spellcasting Systems
Main Types
1. Vancian: fire and forget Dungeons and Dragons
2. Sub-category of Vancian such as spell slots limited but adjustable: Arcana Evolved
3. Spell Points: Savage Worlds
4. Stat Drain: Cypher System
5. Spell check system: Dungeon Crawl Classics
Consequences for Spell Casting
1. DnD...2021-12-302h 10Biggus GeekusThe Right Game for the Right JobEpisode 67 Tuesday, December 21,2021
Call ins & Emails from the Outlands
1. Call ins and emails: No Call ins and 1 email
2. RPGPundit discussion on what’s wrong with most 5e players and really the big difference between story games and RPGs: https://youtu.be/oDacPZsirRs
3. More on the Lore deletion from WOTC
Main Topic: The Right Game for the Right Job
1. Which system is the right one?
2. One system to rule them all? Should you choose a system designed for a specific type of game over a game you are familiar with and ju...2021-12-231h 46Biggus GeekusSave or Suck /Die in Dungeons and DragonsEpisode 66 Tuesday December 14,2021
With special guest co-hosts OG GM and Bruce Lombardo of Dix Division
Call ins & Emails from the Outlands
Call-ins & emails: Email from Web Warrior. To be addressed with Randy
1. Nu-TSR is at it again and then they are not:https://techraptor.net/tabletop/news/tsr-crowdfunds-campaign-to-stop-wizards-of-coast and then https://www.tenkarstavern.com/2021/12/bews-tsr-voluntarily-dismisses-legal.html
2. WOTC erases its own lore: https://twitter.com/alienropeburn/status/1470586389821542401?s=21
Main Topic: Save or Suck
1. What are these things called “save or suck”?
2. DnD editions had plenty of these until 3.5, 4e (a...2021-12-162h 23Biggus GeekusRPG Campaign Nuts & Bolts: Procedural PlayEpisode 65 Tuesday, December 7,2021
Call ins & Emails from the Outlands
No Emails and Call ins … Sad
Silent Josh Presents
1. Critical Drinker reviews MoTU Part 2: https://youtu.be/u9lXAt8gyJk
2. Tis the season: https://www.enworld.org/threads/gift-ideas-for-game-masters.684006/
Quick review of World of the Lost Sun, by RPGPundit https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/336819
Contest of Champions Update
Main Topic: Campaign Nuts & Bolts: Procedural Play- Sandbox/Hexcrawl
Procedural generation is a type of creation based on an algorithmic set of variables to produce a randomized bu...2021-12-091h 45Biggus GeekusCampaign Nuts & Bolts: Using Published Modules, Part 1Episode 64 Tuesday, November 30, 2021
Call ins & Emails from the Outlands
Call Ins From Taylor of Clerics Wear Ringmail
Silent Josh Presents:
1. Supes is finally “OLD”: https://screenrant.com/superman-action-comics-1036-redesign-gray-hair/
2. Roleplaying as a crow: https://www.dicebreaker.com/games/be-like-a-crow/news/be-like-a-crow-solo-rpg-kickstarter?fbclid=IwAR2i9is3LF5Jd53AS4Dl9oqaWdrcJ3M5zCebQMsOIL7RV64VdnEQ6sznZhQ
3. DnD Themed Restaurant in Lake Geneva, WI possibly in 2024: https://www.jsonline.com/story/entertainment/2021/11/19/dungeons-and-dragons-lake-geneva-restaurant-experience-being-planned/8650011002/?fbclid=IwAR2Yta0Pt-23uxkc3rvQlZGL3obKY1qFKLlwQYuFzgZHS8JK6wxZxoryQK0
Main Topic: Campaign Nuts & Bolts: Using Publ...2021-12-022h 05Biggus GeekusPotpourri with Patrick: A Special Wizard Analysis EditionPotpourri with Patrick Special Edition - Class Analysis: The Wizard
Episode 63 Tuesday, November 23,2021
See what Patrick is up to at: www.pointyhat.games buy his stuff especially Elemental Conflux!
Main Topic: Class Analysis: The Wizard
Wizard defined: https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/wizard
1.) Throughout DnD Editions
OD+D: The Magic User is described as the most powerful characters in the game
BECMI: The Magic User is a ‘human’ character, fears damage
AD+D 1e: Mentions that MU’s need high intelligence
AD+D2e: Wizard Group: mages...2021-11-252h 55
Biggus GeekusOn the Clock: Tracking Time In Your DnD GameEpisode 62 Tuesday, November 16 ,2021
Call ins & Emails from the Outlands
Calls-ins from Taylor of Clerics Wear Ringmail
Contest of Champions
Silent Josh Presents:
DnD Movie: https://www.slashfilm.com/658391/dungeons-dragons-release-date-cast-and-more/
DnD TV Show: https://comicbook.com/gaming/news/dungeons-dragons-g4-tv-show-announced/
Willow TV Show: https://tvline.com/2021/11/12/willow-tv-series-video-warwick-davis-cast-disney-plus/
Marvel Crumbling: https://cosmicbook.news/marvel-crumbling-disney-bob-chapek-rejects-kevin-feige-woke-content
Joe Has A Rant: There are many ways to run your Dungeons and Dragons Campaign
Main Topic: On The Clock:
Tracking Campaign/Adventure time:
Tracking actions, initiative & spells
When is...2021-11-182h 03Biggus GeekusIs the DM Just a Player?Episode 61 November 9, 2021
This week on Biggus Beekus we talk about the role of the Dungeon Master in you DnD game, and more broadly in tabletops RPGs: Is the DM just a player?
We dabble a bit in Project Mudsword: Is the current iteration of the game rules fun?
We also have the usual call ins and hobby news, including a new Actual Play: Battle for Beyond
(https://www.dndbeyond.com/posts/1099-join-the-battle-for-beyond-a-6-part-dungeons)
--See More--
Our Links:
Website: www.biggusgeekuspodcast.com click on support for ways...2021-11-112h 10
Biggus GeekusThe Narrative or the Dice: Which Rules Your GameCall ins & Emails from the Outlands
Call Ins from John Alan Large
New Contest of Champions Winner Announced: We reached 100 YouTube subs
Paizo drops the word “phylactery”
Bugs and company get Ad& D stats…back in the day
Main Topic: The Narrative and/or the Dice
Which is more important: (1) what the dice determines or (2) what the story “needs”
Perspective:
Are the players the heroes in the story?
Are the dice sacrosanct?
Narrative control as in 13th Age and other games makes the game more about a group stor...2021-11-042h 23Biggus GeekusHow High is too High to Play?Episode 59 Tuesday October 26,2021
Call ins & Emails from the Outlands
Call-ins from: Jason, Taylor and John Allan Large
Interesting article: Arneson's Hit Points for Characters
http://playingattheworld.blogspot.com/
Contest of Champions #2
Wizard Tower Games “Controversy” https://twitter.com/realwizardtower/status/1452767531798781955/photo/1
Main Topic: How High is Too High to Play?
FOCUS: DUNGEONS AND DRAGONS
1.) Preparing for High level while playing low or mid-levels: Plant the seeds
2.) Understanding the characters: wizards v fighters v clerics v rogues
3.) Understanding the limitations of the rules: Usually No Official rules beyo...2021-10-282h 17Biggus GeekusIt’s Time to Level Up!Episode 58 Tuesday October 19, 2021
Call ins & Emails from the Outlands
1.) Call-ins & Emails
2.) Truth, Justice and … eh whatever: https://variety.com/2021/film/news/superman-new-motto-dc-fandome-1235090712/
3.) Contest of Champions #2- how goes it?
4.) THAC0 the clown
Main Topic: It’s Time to Level Up! “definition”: To "level" or "level up" means to gain enough XP to reach the next level.
Character Improvement/Advancement
What should “leveling up” mean practically?
Is it necessary?
What should it look like going from level 1 to level 2, or Novice to Seasoned?
Should there be a cap on adv...2021-10-212h 18Biggus GeekusThe Ultimate Topic: Alignment- yes no or maybeEpisode 57 Tuesday October 12,2021
Call ins & Emails from the Outlands
1.) Call Ins
Jason of Nerd's RPG Variety Cast
Taylor of Clerics Wear Ringmail
2.) Old email address
3.) New mail?
4.) Finally a Tarrasque figure: https://www.ign.com/articles/dnd-tarrasque-mini-statue-reveal-wizkids but of course $399.99...yeah, pass.
5.) Gay Johnathan Kent
6.) Arkhaven
7.) Eric July, RipperVerse
Main Topic: The Ultimate Topic: Alignment- yes or nor or maybe?
1.) What is alignment for?
2.) The Various Dungeons & Dragons Alignment Systems along with a few others
OD+D: Character Alignment, Including Various Monsters...2021-10-142h 20Biggus GeekusBringing Your World to LifeEpisode 56 Friday October 8 ,2021
Call ins & Emails from the Outlands
John from Red Dice Diaries
Jason from The Nerd’s RPG Variety Cast
News from the Silence (news from Silent Josh):
1.) Juiblex Figure
2.) Superman's Boyfriend?
3.) Metric System in DnD?
4.) https://comicbook.com/gaming/news/dungeons-dragons-counterspell-5e-statblock-changes/
5.) https://screenrant.com/tabletop-rpg-campaigns-non-violent-apocalypse-world-pacifist/
6.) https://www.wargamer.com/dnd/alignment-rules-changes
7.) Legion of Myth: gatekeepers Episode 1: https://youtu.be/T19Tyl1Vqcw
8.) Critical role makes the bucks: https://youtu.be/UndkdHKgdl0
Main Topic: Bringing your world to Life (sparking in...2021-10-082h 28Biggus GeekusThe Con GameEpisode 55 Wednesday, September 29,2021
Call ins & Emails from the Outlands
Jason of Nerds RPG Variety Cast
John of Red Dice Diaries
A.) Joe cheated on Randy: https://youtu.be/RdQN0RNyT0U
Links on Dungeons and Dragons History
https://followmeanddie.com/2017/05/11/review-dave-arnesons-true-genius-robert-j-kuntz/
https://nerdvanamedia.com/gaming/fact-check-lorraine-williams-destroyed-not-created-tsr/13825/
https://dmdavid.com/tag/tag/lorraine-williams/
https://archive.org/details/60_minutes_on_dungeons_and_dragons/60_minutes_on_dungeons_and_dragons.flv
B.) Contest of Champions #2: and the winner is… hockeypuckjr
C.) Next edition of DnD announced? 50th anniversary 2024…5.5E? ht...2021-09-302h 38Biggus GeekusOOC Player Choices, FrogGate, DnD 5e is Flawed?Episode 54 Wednesday September 20, 2021
Call ins & Emails from the Outlands
Call Ins: Jason of Nerd’s RPG variety Cast and John of The Red Dice Diaries
Contest of Champions 2: Out of the Abyss (5e DnD hardback), Codex Infernus (Savage Worlds guide to Hell), or Maximum XCrawl (PF 1e version of X-Crawl)
Game Coming up this weekend.
Gen Con:
GenCon 2021 Report from Greg D.
FROG-GATE: https://youtu.be/JtAoAWc7ObY
Kotaku Article Requires Discussion: https://kotaku.com/d-d-5th-edition-is-deeply-flawed-so-why-not-play-somet-1847698975
Main Topic: OOC Player Choices
1) In-depth vs li...2021-09-232h 32Biggus GeekusDnD Campaign Design: Top-down vs. Bottom-upEpisode 53Wednesday September 15,2021.
Call ins & Emails from the Outlands
We played last Friday…together and it was Mudsword V.1
Contest of Champions 2
Call ins:
Jason Connerly of Nerd's RPG Variety Cast
Taylor of Cleric's Wear Ringmail podcast
Pat of Pointy Hat Games
5 quick treats (courtesy of our very own Silent Josh)
Tier and Levels in Dungeons and Dragons
Stupid THACO?
Descent again
50 Riddles for DMs
Becoming a Pro DM
Main Topic: Top-Down or Bottom-Up Campaign Design?
scrivthebard
noblecrumpet
Adv...2021-09-162h 36Biggus GeekusNaming Conventions in RPGsEpisode 52 Wednesday September 8, 2021
Call ins & Emails from the Outlands
Call ins from Jason and Joe
We talk about Randy’s recent gaming and Joe’s lack, office work, and:
Ed Greenwood’s new campaign setting Kickstarter for 5e D&D
EnWorld’s rabbit hole discussing New School and Old School playstyles.
Naming Conventions in RPGs
Definition: A naming convention is a convention (generally agreed scheme) for naming things.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naming_convention
How important is it in tabletop roleplaying games?
If a GM decides on one...2021-09-092h 00Biggus GeekusDungeons and Dragons Class Analysis: The Gish (The Multiclassing Question)Episode 51 Wednesday September 1, 2021
Call ins & Emails from the Outlands
Jason
Taylor
Nod to Joe Richter- dropped his MOTU calls as we were arguing past one another in many cases and are gonna have to agree to disagree and move on…because neither of us are changing, Props to him for quadruple Bible reading however.
Main Topic: Class Analysis: A Gish (and Multi-classing in general)
Where we discuss the history and define terms relating to the gish and multiclassing in general and through the carious editions of Dungeons and Dragons.
De...2021-09-022h 44Biggus GeekusA BG Retrospective: Rules, Rulings, and RolesA BG Retrospective: Rules, Rulings, and Roles
Episode 50 Wednesday August 25,2021
Special Guests:
Patrick from Pointy Hat Games
Taylor from Clerics Wear Ringmail
Call Ins and messages:
Jason
Taylor
Josh
The Positive Material Plane
Played 5e 1-shot last Saturday…much fun…no short rest…pretty deadly challenging!
Main Topic: Rules, Rulings & Roles
1. After 50 episodes:
A.) Technical side
B.) Letting each other speak: Joe, Randy & Guest(s)
C.) Show Focus
D.) Our journey to OSR Adjacent
E.) Mud-sword the RPG
...2021-08-273h 17Biggus GeekusTop 10 Inspirational Books For Your TTRPGEpisode 49 Wednesday August 18, ,2021.
Call ins and Emails
Jason of The Nerds RPG Variety Podcast
Our friend Josh shared WizKids announces sprue-based minis
The Positive Material Plane
The Contest of Champions is next week…Episode 50! Enter Here
Main Topic: Top 10 Inspirational Books
Can we categorize them as to what RPG it best helps us with?
How do books motivate you?
Should you try to mimic Books at the table?
How about stealing the plot?
How valuable are Books for gaming research?
Do you ever read bo...2021-08-192h 18Biggus GeekusA Biggus Geekus One ShotEpisode 48 Wednesday August 11,2021.
Joe is out this week due to illness
The Plane of Concordant Opposition (The Outlands)
Laurel Hubbard apology.
Friend’s daughter no like-y our show … and that is fine!
The Contest of Champions Update
The prizes: Waterdeep Dragon Heist, Feng Shui 2, or (Labyrinth Lord) Advanced Edition Companion.
Game Review: Ankur- The Kingdom of the Gods
Soon to be on KS as of September 1staccording to its author, Chris Miller.
Mono-Gamy or Poly-Gamy - which is better?
Shameless Plug Time:
If you...2021-08-131h 06Biggus GeekusDragons in Fantasy RPGsEpisode 47 Wednesday July 28, 2021
Call ins & Emails
Taylor
John
Jason
The Positive Material Plane
Great Minds think alike: we both picked “In the Name of the King” for Jason’s give-away competition.
Update on our 50thepisode/ viewership YouTube GIVE-AWAY?
Played Deadlands last week also, ran a short 13th age scenario
Dragons in Fantasy RPGs
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon
Iconic: HALF OF THE NAME of the most famous of RPGS: Dungeons & Dragons
We discuss Types, Sizes, Rarity, Magic usage, Alignment, Combat, Dragons Beyond combat...2021-07-292h 01Biggus GeekusResource Management: Abstraction or AccountingEpisode 46 Friday July 16 ,2021
Call ins & Emails
Jason
Tim
The Positive Material Plane
Upcoming Contest, New twitter account
Resource Management in RPGS: Abstraction vs Accounting
https://edowarsblog.wordpress.com/2011/12/26/supply-points-abstracting-resource-management-in-dd/
Systems to consider: OD+D – 5e, Savage Worlds: EX: Deadlands vs Necessary Evil, Post-Apocalyptic: Zombie Apocalypse vs RIFTS, 13th Age, others?
Why is it that "mundane" resource management (rations, fatigue) is generally seen as tedious, while "fantastic" resource management (power uses, item charges) isn't?
Would you want to play a game where "mundane" resource ma...2021-07-211h 28Biggus GeekusHow Do You Roll (DnD styles)?Episode 45 Wednesday July 14, 2021
Call ins & Emails
Josh
John
Taylor
The Positive Material Plane
50th episode/YouTube subscriber contest
We played last week, Deadlands, Twitter account
How Do You Roll (DnD styles)?
The Crawls: Dungeon, Mega-Dungeon, Hex, Point, Urban
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dungeon_crawl
https://www.runagame.net/2014/03/the-hex-crawl.html
Jaquaying the Dungeon
https://slyflourish.com/pointcrawls.html
http://hillcantons.blogspot.com/2016/02/hexcrawls-vs-pointcrawls.html
The Drives:
Character Driven
Plot Driven
Homebrew DM Plotted
Character driven...2021-07-152h 26Biggus GeekusWhat Type of Gamemaster Are YouEpisode 44 Wednesday July 7, 2021
Call ins
Jason
John
Joe
Andy
The Positive Material Plane
Going to play some OSR- Swords and Wizardry running one of the Classic Adventures reincarnated as a starting point tomorrow.
Main Topic: GM Types
Do GMs GM different games differently? I.E., do you GM Deadlands differently than 3.5 DnD?
Do you fit into one or more of these types? Creator, Director, Fanatic, Manager, Opponent, Player, and Romantic: https://gnomestew.com/what-type-of-gm-are-you/
On a scale of 1 (low) to 10 (high) how important...2021-07-082h 33Biggus GeekusTop 10 Inspirational Movies for RPG GamingEpisode 43 Recorded on Tesday June 22, released on Wednesday June 30, 2021
Call ins
Jason of Nerd’s RPG Variety Cast
Andy of Expedition to The Grizzly Peaks
The Positive Material Plane
Playing Swords & Sorcery Whitebox
Got Lion & Dragon in hardback
Main Topic: Top 10 Inspirational Movies for RPG Gaming
Joe’s List: Superman, Blade, Dune, The Holy Grail, The Dark Crystal, The Three Musketeers (1978), Iron Man, Army of Darkness, Wrath of Khan, Willow
Randy’s List: LoTR, Aliens, Princess Bride, Tombstone, Army of the Dead (Netflix), Conan, Hellboy, Star Wars...2021-06-301h 21Biggus GeekusClass & Role: Fighter AnalysisEpisode 42June 16,2021
Call ins
John Alan Large
Joe Richter
Taylor
The Positive Material Plane
50th episode contest
Taylor has a podcast!
Main Topic: Class and Role: Melee Analysis
Warrior: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/warrior
DnD Focus : Through the DnD editions
Recall the old adages? Do you like to play them?
Have they lost their luster in later editions? If so, why?
Which DnD version of Fighter is your favorite one? Why?
Opinions on fighter sub-classes/variants
What might be some f...2021-06-232h 08Biggus GeekusPlaying the Whole GameEpisode 41 June 15, 2021
Call ins
Jason
John Alan Large
The Positive Material Plane
Our hobby now allows such an easy entrance to producing/designing RPG products.
Main Topic: Playing the Whole Game
Level 1 (beginning) and level 20(max level) or Open-Ended (no end in sight or planned)
Youtube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dd3Bc_6ks3U
Like it, Love it, or Leave it - Getting to Know your Hosts: 3 questions for each of us
Dig this Setting: Rippers
Victorian era Monster Hunting...2021-06-151h 40Biggus GeekusClass and Role Analysis: The ClericEpisode 40 Tuesday June 8, 2021
Call ins
Taylor
Jason
Andy
The Positive Material Plane:
Further savage antics
We are Now on Odysee
Class and Role: Divine Analysis
Healer discussion
1.) Focus: The Cleric Through the DnD editions
2.) Recall the old adages? Do you like to play them?
3) Are they too good? Are they too generic?
4) Which DnD version of Cleric is your favorite one? Why?
5) What might be some fun variants?
6) What are some final thoughts on Clerics if any?
A Cabin...2021-06-092h 11Biggus GeekusRPG Collections & DownsizingEpisode 39 Wednesday June 2, 2021
Call Ins
Andy
Patrick
The Positive Material Plane
1)We played the Sanctuary game- good times- dumb wizard, serial killer, assassins guild, and ghosts, oh my!
2) Taylor from Clerics Wear Ringmail Blog in response to us being “noisome”:
3) T-shirt idea: “Biggus Geekus, you just have to smell it to appreciate it”
RPG Collections & Downsizing
Collector mentality - do you have it or not? Buying new RPGs: got to get it all or not? If you have space, then why ditch it?
A Cabin Con Mome...2021-06-031h 53Biggus GeekusWhat Does Evil DoEpisode 38 Wednesday May 26, 2021
Call ins
Jason
Andy
Tim
The Positive Material Plane
Back to Sanctuary/SW game this coming weekend?
New Article Up: Orcs are Not Human
Main Topic: What Does Evil Do?
Definition of evil- profound immorality and wickedness, especially when regarded as a supernatural force
1) The 7 Deadly Sins
2) How to Portray Evil as a GM?
3.) Which Deadly sins map onto the various villain archetypes above?
4.) It is ok to use very simple/cliched villains or villainous plots to
5.) Avoid...2021-05-272h 24Biggus GeekusExtreme PCsEpisode 37 May 19, 2021
Call-ins:
Jason of Nerd’s RPG Podcast
John of The Red Dice Diaries
Taylor of the Clerics Wear Ringmail blog
Patrick of Pointy Hat Games
The Positive Material Plane
Reviews:
“5”: ‘Highly Recommended: Excellent, Funny, and Entertaining ‘
“1”: ‘Mouthbreathers: Their views are pretty rancid. Shame as they have some good things to say about games but they just can’t get past the whinging bitterness about their hobby being stolen’
Main Topic: Extreme PCs
1. The comparison character: Fighty -Mc Fighter Man, Mr. Wizard, Holy HealBOt, and Sneaky Thief Dud...2021-05-191h 52Biggus GeekusThe Elusive Game BalanceEpisode 36 Wednesday, May 12, 2021.
Call ins
The Positive Material Plane
Cabin Con starts tomorrow. How can we rationally talk about anything else?
The Elusive Game Balance
What is Game Balance?
"a state of equilibrium between two or more elements of a game."
https://evil-plan-banjo.blogspot.com/2013/11/the-first-question-of-game-balance.html
1) Is it an illusion?
Pro: https://mythcreants.com/blog/four-reasons-balance-matters-in-roleplaying-games/
Neutral: http://evil-plan-banjo.blogspot.com/2013/11/the-first-question-of-game-balance.html
Con: https://ruscumag.wordpress.com/2010/10/12/rpg-design-the-illusion-of-game-balance/
2) Within rules mechanics
3) Within the RP/Story part of the game
4...2021-05-121h 51Biggus GeekusWasting Time At the Table?
Episode 35 Wednesday May 5, 2021 ( J )
The Call-In Segment
Jason of Nerd’s RPG Podcast
John of The Red Dice Diaries
The Positive Material Plane
1) It requires math and reading. Yes!
2) We have a YouTube channel now: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyVze8TfIB16j0PdmE4lOJg
3) Jeff Goldbloom and Dark Dice Actual Play
Wasting Time at the Table of Time
Sometimes it’s the player’s fault. Sometimes it’s the DM’s fault. Sometimes it’s everyone’s fault.
A Cabin Con Moment
How do we...2021-05-062h 31Biggus GeekusPotpourri With Patrick Part DeuxEpisode 34 Wednesday April 28, 2021
The Positive Material Plane
Call ins: Jason, Patrick, John, and New Caller Taylor!
Other: Our hobby invites all manner of participants: highly committed, casual and all flavors in between.
Potpourri With Patrick II
1.) Dealing with Player conflict at the Table
2.) Homebrew vs Pre-Fab- adventures/campaigns/rules
3.) Fudging Dice rolls: Yay or Nay
4.) Interrupting the DM’s monolog, can it be justified?
5.) Splitting the Party: Yay or Nay
6.) Let the Players Help
A Cabin Con Moment
How to deal with Player conflict at...2021-04-292h 24Biggus GeekusGaming InspirationEpisode 33Wednesday April 21,2021
The Positive Material Plane
Call-ins: Jason has a whopping 33
We are in a Golden Age of Options: Crowdfunding collection
Gaming Inspiration
Both Direct and Indirect
Movies, Books, Comics, Other Games, Miniatures, Maps, Not playing, Discussion of RPGs with friends, Browsing Internet, Other Podcasts, Biggus Geekus, YouTube, Music, Blogs
A Cabin Con Moment
What is inspiring about CC? Which is greater Before or After? What inspires you to prepare for CC?
Dig this Setting: The Forgotten Realms (1987 1e, 2e, 3e, 4e, and 5e):
2021-04-222h 48Biggus GeekusManaging the Known vs the UnknownEpisode 32 Wednesday, April 14, 2021
The Positive Material Plane
Call-ins (Jason Connerly, and John Alan Large)
Good news? Making games and making game systems
Managing the Known vs the Unknown
1)Player knowledge vs character knowledge
2) How does DM keep what he knows from influencing
3) How much of the campaign setting to share with the players
4) GM Screens- is all about The Known vs the Unknown
5) The Impact of Knowing vs NOT Knowing
A Cabin Con Moment
What do we know about CC15 so far? attendees, theme, games...2021-04-153h 27Biggus GeekusGame & Gamer MindsetsThe Positive Material Plane
Call ins: Jason of the Nerds RPG Variety Cast
3 great things about our hobby
Game & Gamer Mindsets
Def. of Mindset:a habitual or characteristic mental attitude that determines how to interpret and respond to situations.
Games and Their Mindsets:
Dungeons and Dragons (Clones +OSR, 13th Age , Pathfinder,Warhammer, Shadow of the Demon Lord, Rolemaster)
TSR vs WOTC Dungeons and Dragons
1. Definitional Characteristics of TSR/OSR vs WOTC DnD
2. 3e and the FEEL of DnD
Savage Worlds (GURPs/Gurps-lite, Cortex System, Hero System)
...2021-04-082h 32Biggus GeekusDiscussing & Playing RPGs And How to Even it Out (twofer)Episode 30 of our podcast and the date is Wednesday March 31, 2021.
The Positive Material Plane
What have you done this week related to RPGs that has been a net positive for you and why?
Discussing vs Playing RPGs and how to even it out
1) Ignoring the podcast time, which do you/we do more of?
2) What do you think most gamers do more of, talk about or play?
3) Why don’t we play more?
4) Is discussion ever preferred over playing?
5) What is your preferred ratio of playing to discussing?
...2021-04-011h 20Biggus GeekusMaking High Level Play Playable (updated)Episode 29 Wednesday March 24, 2021
The Positive Material Plane “Something positive about TTRPGs that we have learned over the years” We get to be heroes!
Call-Ins & Sundry
Jason from Nerd’s RPG Variety Cast
John from Red Dice Diaries
Making High level Play Playable (in D & D)
1. What are the issues?
2. Why this topic? OSR friends, recent discussions on Tenkar’s Iron Rations
3. Making the campaign open to higher level play at the start.
4. Skip the temptation to make it Monty Haul.
5. Managing player expectations. Defining/Clarifying PC goals. 2021-03-301h 57
Biggus GeekusMaking High Level Play PlayableEpisode 29 Wednesday March 24, 2021
The Positive Material Plane “Something positive about TTRPGs that we have learned over the years” I get to be a hero!
Call-Ins & Sundry
Jason from Nerd’s RPG Variety Cast
John from Red Dice Diaries
Making High level Play Playable (in D & D)
1. What are the issues?
2. Why this topic? OSR friends, recent discussions on Tenkar’s Iron Rations
3. Making the campaign open to higher level play at the start.
4. Skip the temptation to make it Monty Haul.
5. Managing player expectations. Defining...2021-03-251h 56Biggus GeekusPotpourri with PatrickEpisode 28 Wednesday March 17, 2021
Call Ins
Our man, Jason C with some truth bombs!
Check out Iron Rations podcast from 3/12/21 “Why 5e Doesn’t teach how to DM”
The Gaming NEWS:
1) 3-D Printed Minis
2) Greg Gillespia’s Barrowmaze: Dwarrowdeep
3) The Terminator RPG Kickstarter is up
4) Encyclopedia Kickstarter is live- for DM’s & 15 different cities
5) Obvious leftist article on why DnD is dropping alignment
6) “Cook”-y Monster is up to it again- The Darkest House
A Potpourri of Gaming Topics
1) Erik Tenkar on The Most influential Ed...2021-03-182h 21Biggus GeekusShorties Episode 3Episode 3, Sunday March 14, 2021
Call Ins
Fun times with Jason from NERDS RPG Variety
Jason discusses issues such as Player Agency, Bennies and other Hero Points, Our website (such as it is) and many other topics.
Wing’in It!
We discuss Race n Dungeons and Dragons, and how it has lost its savor.
---
Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/biggusgeekus/support2021-03-1559 minBiggus GeekusPlayer Agency & Bennies (A Twofer)Episode 27 Wednesday, March 10, 2021
We open with our usual intro and we talk about recent and future games.
The Gaming NEWS
KS cancels Perfect RPG Campaign:
Zak Smith sues Gencon and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k-3HX1-wrlQ
DnD Survivalist Guide KS with Douglas Niles
A Twofer
1) Player Agency - this is one of those terms like RPGs and replayability that is tough to define. We give it the Geekus treatment.
Stack Exchange: What is Player Agency and what is it good for
Ask Angry: Stealing A...2021-03-112h 18Biggus GeekusShorties episode 2Sunday March 7, 2021
Call Ins
Fun times with Jason from NERDS RPG Variety Cast
-His GM stuff
-SW: edges his only negative (btw: we are old as well - 54)
-Re-skinning trolls/don’t say the name/
-Group think/Sourcing for certain skill checks
-No such thing as GM metagaming?
-GM keeps sheets behind lots of work
-Games as Therapy
John and Hannah from the Red Dice Diaries
-chuckled at our mention of her LARP experience
Wing’in It!
How different should different tasks look in t...2021-03-081h 01Biggus GeekusThe Obligatory Meta-Gaming EpisodeEpisode 26 Wednesday March 3, 2021
We begin with our typical intro and talk about upcoming games.
The Gaming NEWS
Big Money KS
DnD Gets New Division at Hasbro
WOTC Gets a New Logo
WOTC Levels Up at Hasbro
WOTC Makes More Money Than Hasbro’s Toy Division
Production update for New DnD Movie and Magic TV Series
6 Things The New DnD movie needs, according to Dicebreaker
Hugh Grant in as villain for movie
When should GMs ask for dice rolls
Play D &D to Discover your Gender ID...2021-03-052h 00Biggus GeekusCR & PredictabilityEpisode 25 February 24, 2021
1st Year Anniversary (roughly)
Our usual intro and gaming blather…
Special Guest
Glen Halstrom of Radio Grognard
The Gaming NEWS
Another roll20 ranking this week (I think I know what Uncategorized is) And even more
Pericle RPG
Ravenloft …again…: and again
Beadle and Grimm Strikes Again with Finger Puppets(?) ONLY $359!!!
Jon Peterson’s Other book
Main Topic: CR & Predictability in RPGs
We discuss: Challenge Ratings and appropriately challenging encounters.
Angry GM CR, There’s a Better Way (Part 1)
Angry GM CR, The...2021-02-251h 50Biggus GeekusShorties Episode 1Tuesday February 16, 2021
We do our usual intro and discuss recent gaming.
Call Ins
Jason from Nerds RPG Variety Cast calls in to discuss various points relative to episode 23.
Wing’in It!
A rambling discourse of many RPG topics
Shameless Plug Time
If you would like to support our show, please check out our website at: www.biggusgeekuspodcast.com/support
Any contribution is much appreciated, and we thank you for your consideration.
Please share the podcast with your friends. Its available most pl...2021-02-2133 minBiggus GeekusPC Progression: Zero to Hero … OR NOT?Episode 24, Monday February 15, 2021
We do our usual intro and briefly talk about home games.
The Gaming NEWS:
Savage Pathfinder Q & A
Free League’s One Ring 2e KS good start (but read this short article)
We’re #2!! We’re #2!! …are you really?
A Mathematics Moment
We (or Randy to be honest) goes deep into the math of 5e’s advantage/disadvantage mechanic. Some reading can be found here
Main Topic: PC Progression: Zero to Hero … OR NOT?
We discuss RPG character progression (or advancement) types:
Zero-to-Hero...2021-02-161h 45Biggus Geekus5E DnD a Belated ReviewEpisode 23 February 10 ,2021
Call In: From Jason of Nerds RPG Variety Cast
The Gaming NEWS:
Jon Peterson continues to provoke good discussion: “Does System Matter?”
Recall: The Blood War
Shadow of the Demonlord (been around a while)
1 on1 RPG play
Pathfinder spells to SW Powers
Keith Baker’s Eberron Remember the win
Main Topic: 5E Dungeons and Dragons- A Belated Review
We start with the Players Handbook: Rollout, Production Value, and Readability
WOTC’s replacement site for bad first printings
Phil, Joe and Randy St...2021-02-112h 09Biggus GeekusOSR ReDuxEpisode 22 Recorded on Wednesday February 3, 2021
The Gaming NEWS:
Rob Kuntz, TLB Games and Legends of Roleplaying
Additional Info
Free Sunken City Map Package
Immersion and Roleplaying
Zinequest 3
Call Ins
We really appreciate the praise!
Red Dice Diaries- John Alan Large comments on episode 20 and about the OSR
Hobbs & Friends of the OSR - Jason Hobbs [Low Fantasy Gaming] comments on episode 21: Railroad vs Sandbox
Min-Topic - OSR Redux
Re-cap and re-hash our discussion on 3D with E.Tenkar and G. Halstrom on the Dungeons...2021-02-041h 50Biggus GeekusThe Railroad vs The SandboxThe RR vs The Sandbox
Episode 21. Wednesday January 27, 2021
We do the usual intro and chit chat.
The Gaming NEWS:
Dragonlance Classic Announced
The Rise of Offensive Games
And Virtue Signal The Game of Social Justice
The Origins of Rule Zero
What’s an RPG?
Main Topic: The RR vs the Sandbox
We define the terms from the interwebs:
Railroad
Linear game design
Carrot-and-stick
Sandbox Game Design
We discuss these definitions, and a number of questions with respect to hoe th...2021-01-281h 53Biggus GeekusIs This OSR?Is this OSR?
Episode 20. Tuesday, January 19th, 2021
We do our usual intro and recent gaming reports.
The Gaming NEWS:
DnD TV Show in the works: and oh and
The Origins of Rule Zero
A Bit more news on Savage Pathfinder: It launched today [ 1-19-21]. Did you back it?
How to roleplay?
Main Topic: Is this the OSR?
We define and discuss various aspects of OSR play, what we like and don’t like. We hope its an accurate decription.
A Cabin Con Moment
We r...2021-01-201h 10Biggus GeekusPlayer BurnoutEpisode 19 Wednesday January 13, 2021
We have our usual intro and gaming situations.
The Gaming NEWS:
Candlekeep Mysteries (announced 1-12-21)
Really just the Korvair Map Rug
Is this the way?
Origins pushed back to fall in hopes of F2F Con
Free maps
New Dragonlance Novel Announced?
Main Topic: Player Burnout (in RPGS)
We define burnout and talk about how to recognize it. We also talk about solutions, and other deeper things.
A Cabin Con Moment
Do you think we will ever tire/grow...2021-01-141h 14Biggus GeekusCombat in RPGsEpisode 18 Recorded on Wednesday January 6, 2021
We have our usual intro and gaming situations.
The Gaming NEWS:
ENWORLD is 20 years old
Diversity woes for WOTC
Playing for Two
Main Topic: Combat in RPGs
We get into the nitty gritty of combat: initiative, movement, terrain, length, PC roles, PC vs Player skill, and a host of other questions.
Initiative types taken from: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Initiative_(role-playing_games)
Some Questions taken from: https://rpg.stackexchange.com/questions/7040/how-do-i-make-and-use-tactically-interesting-terrain/7044#7044
A Cabin Con Moment
...2021-01-071h 26Biggus GeekusIf You Build Them We Will Play - Making PCsEpisode 17 Recorded on November 28, 2020 for release on December 31, 2020
We have our usual Intro and moaning about the lack of in person gaming.
Back in My Day
We talk about the Talisman board game from way back.
Main Topic: Making PCs in DnD
We compare and contrast how PCs are made in the various editions of DnD. In situations where our experience is limited and/or it is from Eons ago quotes were taken from https://rpg.stackexchange.com/questions/13212/what-are-the-big-differences-among-the-dd-editions
We also name preferences and compare to some other...2020-12-311h 43Biggus GeekusWhat We Love about RPGsSaturday November 28, 2020 pre-recorded for Wednesday December 23rd, 2020
Our usual intro and gaming situations
No Gaming News because we prerecorded
Main Topic: What we love about RPGs
Wherein we discuss the many things that draw us to RPGs. From escapism to socializing with our pals. The kinds of games and game genre we like best. Also, we discuss our who and where gaming preferences.
A Cabin Con Moment
Our favorite things about our favorite gaming event of the year
Building A Better Gaming World
Shall we continue...2020-12-241h 20Biggus GeekusGet Off My DomainWednesday December 16, 2020
Our usual intro and gaming situations
The Gaming News:
Chris Pine to star in new Dungeons and Dragons movie
Seems a little late for the DnD Beyond App to just now get a dice roller
LotFR has something other than Samurai to play. It’s in the top 20 for 2020 at GeekNative.
Things We Actually Like:
Tale of The Manticore
New Financial Backer!!!
Thank you to Amy and Trent. You guys are great!!!
Main Topic: Get Off My Domain!
We discuss the in...2020-12-171h 33Biggus GeekusWealth in RPGsWealth in RPGs
Episode 14, Wednesday December 9,2020
We do the usual, the intro and we lament the lack of gaming for the week.
The Gaming NEWS:
Free League to release Colonial Marines Supplement
Cypher Creator System
Gift Ideas for Players
Wealth in RPGs (and their value)
We discuss tracking wealth, what we do with it as players, and it’s utility as a part of the game (or not).
Some useful articles:
https://theangrygm.com/nothing-here-but-worthless-gold/
https://mythcreants.com/blog/three-ways-of-handling-money-in-roleplaying-games/
http://bigballofnofun.bl...2020-12-101h 31Biggus GeekusPC Power Disparity and How to Handle itThursday December 3rd, 2020
We opened with our usual intro but deviated the norm to play a few messages from John of The Red Dice Diaries. These were great and we appreciate the time he took to listen and comment. Thanks John!!!
Shout outs to Tenkar’s Tavern and Roleplay Rescue as well
We went on to discuss Randy’s lack of gaming and my excess of gaming.
The Gaming News:
Clarification #1: Comparing “Free League, the company who is responsible for Alien RPG/Tales from the Loop etc.) Revolutionary League (Anarch...2020-12-041h 37Biggus GeekusGM & Player RANTSRecorded Tuesday, November 24th, 2020
We open with the usual intro and talk about the next session of Savage Worlds
The Gaming NEWS
1. GaleForce 9 sues WOTC breach of contract…another one?
And another?
2. Sweet towns and taverns maps
3. Pop-up terrain
4. Mophidius (of Conan fame- 2d20 system?) shows some art from the new DUNE RPG
5. The Yawning Portal ($350 price tag…YIKES!)
6. Tasha’s Cauldron Of Everything is Out
Rant Time: Frustrations with GMs and Players from the perspective of a Player and a GM
We discuss quite a few pe...2020-11-252h 02Biggus GeekusNewbie GM AdviceNovember 19th, 2020
Intro and gaming catchup where Randy and Joe talk about their latest in person Savage Worlds Fantasy game together.
The Gaming NEWS:
1) Fun and annoyance with swords
2) New Old Survey for DnD
3) Reorg at Asmodee shuffles Star Wars mini games away from FFG
4) Free League is on Fire
5) Traveller Box Set on the Horizon
6) Blue Rose Quickstart
7) Vampire changes owner?
8) Non profit VTT
9) Nominate your fav rpg podcast
New GM Advice:
Highlights: Play with friends, keep it simple, don’t fear mi...2020-11-202h 03Biggus GeekusMagic systems and Making Magic MagicalEpisode 10: Magic systems and Making Magic Magical
This is Episode 10 and the date is Thursday November 12, 2020.
We had a special guest to our podcast, our good friend, fellow CabinCon attendee, and CEO of Pointy Hat Games: Patrick Demo!
Pointy Hat Games can be found here.
After our usual intro and recent gaming catch-up, Joe waxed poetic about HackMaster!
The Gaming NEWS:
1) Beginner Box for PF2
2) RPG Dice Accessories Folding Tower
3) Starfinder Bundle of Holding
4) The Terminator Quick Start Rules out next month
5) Wizkid announces 2-D...2020-11-133h 06Biggus GeekusWho Are You as a TTRPG GamerNovember 5, 2020
Intro and Our recent game together!
The Gaming NEWS:
Dungeons and Dragons Live Action Show in the works at Hasbro (Thanks to Josh Z for the tip)
Magpie Games-Urban Shadows 2e( Dresden-esque/WOD and is PbtA game)
Mutants and Masterminds 3e releases The Super team Handbook
Beadle & Grimm’s Character Chronicles
The Dungenerator Randy kicked this one.
Main topic: Who Are you as a TTRPG Gamer?
Joe and I answer a potpourri (~12 that is) of questions related to who we are as TTRPG gamers. Seeing as...2020-11-061h 48Biggus GeekusLet's Start a CampaignOctober 28, 2020
Intro:
The usual intro and the obligatory gaming catch-up
Gaming news:
1)New Pathfinder Board game- competitive/monster fighting (to be crowdfunded)
2)New Terminator RPG coming out by Nightfall games
3)Curse of Strahd Revamped: deluxe version $99(?)
4)The Dungeon Hobby Museum and FB site what is this? Hmmmmmm……
Main Topic: Let’s Start a Campaign
We discuss starting up a campaign. DM decision or group discussion. To have Session Zero or not. X Cards; what are they and do we need them. This and more in our main topic2020-10-291h 48Biggus GeekusHandling PC death“It’s Worse than That, He’s Dead Jim” (handling PC death)
October 22, 2020
The usual intro and the obligatory gaming catch-up
The Gaming News:
Hickman & Weis have sued WOTC for breach of contract
Sexism/racism accusations at WOTC recently
Nazi Dracula Must Die! Kickstarter
Main Topic: Handling PC Death
Is PC death a thing that should be at the gaming table? Sure it sucks, but is that a bad thing? How does player investment figure in? How about resurrection? How about no resurrection? Does system matter? The geeks discuss these...2020-10-231h 24Biggus GeekusD&D Through The AgesWednesday September 30th, 2020
We open with the usual intro and talk about the next session of Savage Worlds
The Gaming News:
1) Fans (with some help) have made the final episode of DnD cartoon: REQUIEM
2) Power Rangers RPG coming out soon (5e rules)
3) Hellboy RPG coming (5e rules)
Main Topic: Dungeons and Dragons though the Ages
Old DnD:
OD&D (1974-1977) + Greyhawk (’75)
Holmes Basic (77’), Moldvay Basic set (81’) and D. Cook’s Expert creates B/X
Mentzer’s BECMI (83’-85’)à Rules Cyclopedia (AARON Allston revised BECMI in 1991):
Advanced...2020-10-011h 07Biggus GeekusThe Prep ScaleThursday, July 30th, 2020
We open with the usual intro and talk about the next session of Savage Worlds
Segment #2: The Gaming NEWS:
1. On the D&D Celebration
2 Batman Gotham City Chronicles: The Role Playing Game,
Main Topic: The Prep Scale
1. How much is too much? And how much is too little?
2. Is there a ratio for hours played vs prepped? Both in general and for you specifically?
3. What kind(specifically what items)/how much do you do when you run a game? What is your process?
4. Can...2020-07-3157 minBiggus GeekusHigh vs. Low FantasySaturday May 9th, 2020
We open with the usual and talk about not gaming. Listening to podcasts.
Main Topic: High and Low Fantasy
We come up with some definitions, then compare and contrast. Fantasy literature and other media are also brough to bear.
A Cabin Con Moment
New date announced: June 11-14, 2020
We discussed games we prepped and COVID19 related attendance issues
The Gaming NEWS
Free League doing Twilight 2000 4e
Also doing Aliens
and recently got LOTR
No Worldbuilding this time around!!!
...2020-05-101h 04Biggus GeekusWhat Is Adventure?Saturday, May 9th, 2020
We open with the usual intro and talk about preparing for CabinCon, and our short-lived Deadlands game. Also Randy’s harrowing cellar escapade.
What is Adventure?
We defined it and spoke at length about that and how to flavor it with heroism. How Lord of the Rings, Conan, and John Carter are a kind of foundation. Also how western culture figures in.
A Cabin Con Moment
We talk schedule and number of attendees with respect to our governor’s restrictions.
The Gaming NEWS
No News this...2020-05-031h 22Biggus GeekusCampaigns vs. One ShotsWednesday, October 7th, 2020.
This episode replaces Episode 2 from Sunday, April 5, 2020 due to it being lost.
We open with the usual intro and talk about how we are not gaming much.
The Gaming News
Monte Cook’s Diamond Throne RPG Kickstarter
BG 3 Early Access yesterday 10/6/20
Campaigns vs. One-Shots:
Campaigns and One-shot games are defined, compared and contrasted. The we say what we like about them. We express our general preference for campaigns while providing some good uses for one-shots.
A Cabin Con Moment
The end of on...2020-04-061h 25Biggus GeekusA Very Special EpisodeTuesday, October 7th, 2020
This episode replaces our lost episode from March 1. Lost because I failed to download it from Skype before it was deleted. This is one of 2 that was lost in the same manner.
We open with the usual intro and lament at the lack of gaming in our lives.
The Gaming News:
1. As the holiday season approaches GAMA has a cool charity
2. WOTC has an update to sage advice
3. Human teeth dice
4. Pelgrane to release 3 new books
Politics and Gaming
1. Is it needed?
2...2020-03-021h 16Biggus GeekusOur First TimeWednesday, February 26th, 2020
Opening: This is our inaugural episode attempting to tell you a little bit about how we got into RPGs and the gaming hobby as well as what we hope to cover in this podcast.
Then we discussed our progression through the editions of DnD. We then discuss other games we tried…how our play changed and what helped form it.
Questions:
1) What do you recall of your first time?
2) What drew you to DnD?
3) What do you remember the most about our early games…say the firs...2020-02-271h 07