Shows
Dungeon Master of NoneTEASER - Trinity After Action ReportMatt and Rob talk about the most recent playtest of Rob's game-in-progress: Trinity! Listen in to hear about game design, playtesting, and how this can help you work through sticky problems with both your table and your prep! Music: Pac Div - Roll the Dice Follow Dungeon Master of None on Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/dmofnone.bsky.social Join our Patreon for bonus episodes: https://www.patreon.com/DungeonMasterOfNone Join the DMofNone Discord!
2025-11-3005 minDungeon Master of NoneUNLOCKED - Dice WorkshopWe're unlocking one of our bonus Patreon episodes in anticipation of an upcoming project... DMs Rob and Matt clock into the Dice Workshop for a long shift working on custom dice mechanics and discuss dice probabilities and mechanics put in practice! Matt's Dice Mechanics Taxonomy Music: Pac Div - Roll the Dice Follow Dungeon Master of None on Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/dmofnone.bsky.social Join our Patreon for bonus episodes: https://www.patreon.com/DungeonMasterOfNone Join the DMofNone Discord!
2025-11-271h 05Dungeon Master of None375 - Night's Black AgentsHere is a final "spooky" episode for everyone! DMs Rob and Matt review Kenneth Hite's Night's Black Agents. It's "Spies vs. Vampires" in a "mystery inside a thriller." While it may not be the perfect system, (or the perfect system for Matt and Rob), it is an endlessly fascinating bit of TTRPG design. It may have some of the most interesting and useful campaign building tools of any rule book. While it's maybe not for slacker DMs, if you like to prep your campaign using flow charts and story maps or if the phrase "dramatic villain response algorithm" fills...
2025-11-061h 09Dungeon Master of None373 - A Gathering of Gamers with Matt ShoemakerMatt and Rob talk with historian, game designer, and GenCon expert Matt Shoemaker about his new book, Gathering of Gamers! Free PDF: https://works.hcommons.org/records/kfcpx-xqb42 https://best50yearsingaming.com Music: Pac Div - Roll the Dice Follow Dungeon Master of None on Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/dmofnone.bsky.social Join our Patreon for bonus episodes: https://www.patreon.com/DungeonMasterOfNone Join the DMofNone Discord!
2025-10-2658 minDungeon Master of NoneTEASER - Tabletop Newsroom Listen to the full episode here! DMofNone is back from GenCon and over GenCon sicknesses for another edition of Your Kickstarter Sucks: Tabletop Edition (here are entries one and two). This time, DMs Rob and Matt are talking about Tabletop News, a crowd-funded video news show, that unlike our previous projects, actually delivered what it promised in a timely fashion. Our discussion gets into the show's weird production, cringe tone, hiring practices, refusal to do "journalism", and strange metrics. Was it awful? Not really. Did they do some shady stuff? Tune in to find out!...
2025-08-1505 minDungeon Master of None336 - Letters from the Infinite TavernDMs Rob and Matt are here to wish you a happy holiday season and to answer your Dungeon Master and TTRPG questions and letters: how to start a campaign collaboratively, dealing with identity with games and SF&F, reading RPG books quickly, learning new systems. and a dozen or so ideas for weird space worlds! Then, Matt and Rob are invited to test out a new AI-based RPG by a publisher that definitely listens to the show. Follow Dungeon Master of None on Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/dmofnone.bsky.social https://www.pat...
2024-12-141h 07Dungeon Master of None283 - Rob Talks Baldur's Gate 3Matt is down with COVID (don't worry, he's fine), so Rob is stealing the mic to talk about Baldur's Gate 3, the unexpected gaming phenomenon of the season. Turns out there's a lot of cool stuff you can do if you're willing to bend the rules of 5e (and have six years to polish a game). Check out our Patreon! Join us on Discord!
2023-10-1940 minDungeon Master of NoneBONUS: D&D Trivial Pursuit (TEASER)Matt and Rob play TRIVIAL PURSUIT: DUNGEONS & DRAGONS ULTIMATE EDITION to find out who knows more obscure and pointless D&D lore (it's Matt). https://www.patreon.com/DungeonMasterOfNone https://discord.gg/ZAjPWQCp7u
2023-05-0800 minDungeon Master of None263 - The Pinkertons🚩Happy May Day!🚩 DM Rob takes Matt through a deep dive into the sordid history of one of the most evil corporations in American history: the Pinkerton Detective Agency. 👁️ We never cast sleep. 👁️ You can listen to Rob's other rants about and research into Radical History right here! Join DMofNone on Discord. And support the show on Patreon!
2023-05-021h 08Dungeon Master of None214 - Blades in the Dark Part 2: The DarkeningMatt and Rob talk about the GMing section of BLADES IN THE DARK, which is very cool and stylish and full of good advice. Matt switches to his LATE NITE voice midway through because we were recording LATE at NIGHT.
2022-04-011h 09Dungeon Master of None209 - Talking 40k, Zines, and Kickstarter with Ben WenhamSpecial Warhammer Correspondent Ben Wenham joins DM Rob and Matt to update us on his excellent breakdown of 40k and fascism and to talk about the indie RPG scene, zines, and publishing on Kickstarter. People can find Ben at: https://twitter.com/DarkForestPress and https://benjaminwenham.itch.io People interested seeing some of the interesting stuff happening in the indie space right now can check out: https://www.zinemonth.com You can join Ben, Matt, Rob, and hundreds of other amazing DMs on the DMofNone Discord.
2022-02-171h 11Dungeon Master of None206 - Rob Talks to DM Steve!Rob sits down to talk DMing, actual plays, cosplay, lifting, and so much more with Asians Represent co-host DM Steve! Unbreakable Volume 1
2022-01-271h 04Dungeon Master of None163 - O Brother My Brother Where Art Thou: Learning from TAZMatt and Rob discuss THE ADVENTURE ZONE, specifically the now-finished arc, Graduation, which has generated some discourse. There's a lot to learn from other DMs, even and especially Travis McElroy. Also Rob gets really worked up. Everyone Loves the McElroys, So Why Is Everyone Mad at the McElroys? Join DMofNone on Discord. And support the show on Patreon! Music: Pac Div - Roll the Dice Alice Cooper - School's Out O Brother Where Art Thou - Man of Constant Sorrow Vitamin C - Graduation
2021-05-061h 37Dungeon Master of None161 - Worldbuilding: Adventure HubsYou have built the perfect world. Now, with DM Matt and Rob as your guides, let's turn it into something to adventure in. Links: The Warlord Class by Matt & Rob New Draconic Unearthed Arcana Cute Armadillo Girdled Lizard Music: Pac Div - Roll the Dice; The Godfathers - The City.
2021-04-231h 01Dungeon Master of None156 - Greyhawk Federation of Murderhobos Local #42069DMs Matt and Rob answer your Dungeon Master questions. But first! The most ridiculous DM cease & desist letter plus a brief discussion of a new Feywild-themed Unearthed Arcana. Also, let your players start a union. The questions: What is thac0? How do you calculate damage in Mutants & Masterminds? How do I describe diverse NPCs? How should I best transition from the virtual tabletop to in-person games? How can increase the tension in my campaign? What are your favorite adventures written by BIPOC & LGBTQ+ authors? Unearthed Arcana - Fold of the Feywild Writing With Co...
2021-03-1851 minDungeon Master of None155 - At the Monongahelas of Madness (Actual Prep)Matt and Rob sit down and go through the process of designing a Call of Cthulhu investigation, based on Matt's con-based one-shot, At the Monongahela's of Madness! The final adventure is here on our Patreon! Music: Pac Div - Roll the Dice Big Rock Candy Mountain Take Me Home, Country Roads Sinnerman
2021-03-111h 17Dungeon Master of None149 - Genesys Roleplaying SystemNew year, same Dungeon Master of None. DMs Matt and Rob reflect on the best of 2020. Good vibes only! Then, they dive into the generic narrative Roleplaying System from Fantasy Flight Games: Genesys! Here's some pictures below, because it's hard to understand the system without looking at the dice, the outcome symbols, and the probability chart. Stick around for DM Matt's Goodfellas parody at the end of the show! Pictures: Links: Genesys Roleplaying System Star Wars: Edge of the Empire Genesys/St...
2021-01-051h 18
Dungeon Master of NoneREPLAY: Everyone Can DMDM Rob is England and DM Matt's school is fighting a COVID outbreak, so here is our first ever replay of one of our favorite episodes, "82 - Anyone Can DM." There is a lot we can all learn from the basics and some good Dungeon Master thinking here. We hope to bring you more of these types of episodes in the near future. See you next week! Episode 82 - Anyone Can DM DMs Matt and Rob discuss the basics of what a Dungeon Master is and what a Dungeon Master does. Today, we review the DM a...
2020-11-121h 15Dungeon Master of NoneBONUS - Rob's review of Shadowrun Sixth WorldRob reviews the newest edition of Shadowrun, Sixth World, a book that was definitely not rushed out unfinished by a bunch of amoral grifters!
2020-10-0836 minDungeon Master of NoneEpisode 135: An Interview with Mikayla EbelWriter and designer Mikayla Ebel joins Matt and Rob to talk about the upcoming WotC release, Icewind Dale: Rime of Frostmaiden, and how they ended up writing for the big leagues. Goats, labor relations, anxiety -- folks, this interview has it all. Follow Mikayla on Twitter or visit their website!
2020-09-061h 01Dungeon Master of NoneEpisode 133: Encounter DesignRob is back with a functioning microphone, and the DMs are talking about WotC surveys, APPS, and of course, encounter design. If you're mad that Matt said "WILLIAM Dafoe", don't worry, so am I. https://dnd.wizards.com/articles/news/dd-survey-2020 Inclusive TTRPG List Music: Pac Div -- Roll the Dice Nightwish - Wishmaster Imagine Dragons - Warriors
2020-08-201h 25Dungeon Master of None131 - Too Many Hobgoblins and Other DM ProblemsHow many hobgoblins are too many? How can you mix up antagonists so your players aren't bored? What is the best system for a Last Airbender game? How can you get your foot in the door if your group is all experienced Dungeon Masters? DMs Matt and Rob do their best to answer these and other questions! Plus, they discuss a refutation of the erasure of people of color in medieval Europe from a fan, new RPGs on the horizon, the joy of one of your players taking over as Dungeon Master, a pro-D&D take from a Christian D...
2020-08-051h 02Dungeon Master of None129 - iHunt with Olivia HillDMs Matt and Rob are joined by special guest Olivia Hill to discuss her new tabletop RPG, iHunt: Killing Monsters in the Gig Economy. Stay tuned for a discussion of RPG design, FATE mechanics, writing games for working and marginalized people, and some great game master insights from our guest! Can you guess who the real monster is? (Hint: It begins with "capitalist..." and ends with "...mode of production.") Links: iHunt the Tabletop RPG: Killing Monsters in the Gig Economy by Olivia Hill and Filamena Young Machine Age Productions Olivia and Fil...
2020-07-2248 minDungeon Master of NoneBONUS - Feat PicksDMs Matt and Rob discuss the character options in the most recent Dungeons and Dragons Unearthed Arcana on Feats! Links: Unearthed Arcana - Feats Matt's Half-Feat Rules Music Pac Div - Roll the Dice Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds - Fifteen Feet of Pure White Snow
2020-07-1935 minDungeon Master of None128 - The One-Page RPG Expo (and DM Advice)Welcome to the World of Tomorrow! DMs Matt and Rob take you on a tour of both host and listener created one-page Role-Playing games. Thank you to everyone who submitted a game! Then, it's on to some Dungeon Master advice: how to deal with a party that has a magical solution to every problem, how to set prices for magical stuff in 5e, and how should we think about Tolkien's racism and colonialism? One-Page RPGs: Guns & Butter by Rob Suplexes & Sliders by Matt Pomp & Circumstance by Steve from Yorkshire
2020-07-151h 30Dungeon Master of None127 - How Did We Get Here?DMs Matt and Rob attempt to take stock of the failures of the corporations that control Dungeons and Dragons (Wizards of the Coast, Hasbro, and OneBookShelf) over the past decade and discuss recent goings on in both D&D and Magic: The Gathering. Then, we answer your letters on dealing with overpowered homebrew classes and speeding up combat with large parties! Links of stuff discussed: Orion D. Black's Itch Page Eat the Rich Anthology Asians Represent Podcast Oliver Clegg's DMG Page Olivia Hill's #iHunt: The RPG
2020-07-081h 02Dungeon Master of None126 Avatar: The Last Dungeon MasterDMs Matt and Rob journey to the mystic realm of Avatar: The Last Airbender for inspiration for world building and characters. Time to get bent!
2020-07-011h 04Dungeon Master of None125 Diversity and One-Page RPGsDMs Matt and Rob discuss successes and limitations of Wizards of the Coast's recent statement. Then, we discuss One Page Role-Playing Games! Perfect for breaking you out of a quarantine Dungeon Mastering rut. Share your One Page RPG with us here: dmofnone@gmail.com Links: BIG GAY ORCS Lasers and Feelings Everyone is John Honey Heist All Outta Bubblegum Music: Pac Div - Roll the Dice Fight Like Apes - I'm Beginning to Think You Prefer Beverly Hills...
2020-06-2654 minDungeon Master of NoneEpisode 124: Mailbag of Holding Mark IIMatt & Rob answer more letters! We've got fire! We've got edition wars! We've got cool initiative stuff! Plus your regular tangents on vaguely related topics. Also make sure to check out the Black AF Roundtable! Fate Worlds Volume One: Worlds on Fire Perilous Wilds Music: Pac Div -- Roll the Dice Billy Bragg -- The World Turned Upside Down Anna Mae - Can't Knock Me Down
2020-06-1857 minDungeon Master of None123 Mythic Odysseys of TherosDungeons and Dragons is back with another Magic: The Gathering crossover campaign setting: Mythic Odysseys of Theros. Dungeon Masters Matt and Rob review the ideas that we love and critique the executions of those ideas that falls woeful short. Strap on your winged sandals, burnish your shield to a mirror shine, and grab your friendly Bubo, because it's time to get Greek with D&D! Links: Mystic Odysseys of Theros Odyssey of the Dragonlords Music: Pac Div - Roll the Dice Hedwig & the Angry Inch - The Ori...
2020-06-091h 19Dungeon Master of None122 Dungeon Master Book Club - Throne of the Crescent MoonThis week DMs Matt and Rob read Throne of the Crescent Moon by Saladin Ahmed. Dungeon Master of None highly recommends this excellent novel! Come for a discussion of action and adventure in a world modeled on D&D ideas, and stay for the great characters, items, and world-building to steal for your own campaigns. Links: Throne of the Crescent Moon by Saladin Ahmed "Judgement of Swords and Souls" by Saladin Ahmed Music: Pac Div - Roll the Dice Dick Dale - Misirlou
2020-06-031h 18Dungeon Master of NoneEpisode 121: A Christian Response to Dungeons & DragonsSit down by the fire and stoke your pipe, because today Matt & Rob put on their academics' robes and read a classic of D&D history. We revisit the halcyon days of the Satanic Panic with "A Christian Response to Dungeons & Dragons: A Catechism for the New Age". Come learn why D&D is "the most effective introduction to the occult in man's recorded history". Fun AND educational!
2020-05-281h 04Dungeon Master of NoneEpisode 120: Lost Mine of PhandelverDMs Matt and Rob dive deep into the Dungeons and Dragons introductory adventure from the 5e Starter Set, Lost Mine of Phandelver. Tune in for a discussion of how to prep, how to make the module your own, and how to punch up the key NPCs of LMoP!
2020-05-221h 20Dungeon Master of NoneEpisode 119: Handy Haversack (of Mail)Matt and Rob talk about the news, answer some mail, and dispense questionable advice, as usual. Rob has his best game of "real or woe" yet!
2020-05-141h 00Dungeon Master of NoneEpisode 118: Dungeons and Dragons: The MovieDungeon Masters Matt and Rob brave the lowest point in D&D history: the 2000 New Line film by Courtney Solomon. Joined by guests Adam, Katie, and Sam we watch this entire film full of Garbage Dwarves, Stuffed Cats, and Jeremy Irons' O-face. The instructions for watching along with us are in the show so you can experience the beautiful pain along with us!
2020-05-062h 11Dungeon Master of NoneWorldbuilding SettlementsMatt and Rob build out the sleepy little town of High Cyre and come up with some truly terrible names in the process. Get some tips on building settlements for fun and profit (well, maybe not profit). Music: Pac Div - Roll the Dice Will Smith - Wild, Wild West Linda Ronstadt - Desperado The Animals - The House of the Rising Sun Ennio Morricone - The Ecstasy of Gold
2020-04-231h 08Dungeon Master of NoneEpisode 115: Roll for InitiativeDMs Matt and Rob roll for initiative! Let's talk everything initiative and turn order: when to use it, why to use it, and how to track it. Plus, six different variants to the system you can use in your game! Unearthed Arcana: March 2020 - Spell Tattoos and Summon Spells April 2020 - Psionics (Again!) Links: Matt's Psionics Rules Marvel Heroic Roleplaying initiative aka "popcorn" Pathfinder 2e initiative rules Savage Worlds initiative Dungeon World "initiativeless" rules Simple initiative options by Sly Fl...
2020-04-161h 15Dungeon Master of NoneEpisode 114: Greater NewsbagMatt and Rob talk about the news, free stuff, and answer some letters. Here's the links! https://dnd.wizards.com/remote/freematerial https://blog.roll20.net/post/612497773955350528/stay-at-home-play-at-home https://www.dndbeyond.com/sources/lmop/ https://www.myth-weavers.com/ https://beyond20.here-for-more.info/
2020-04-0853 minDungeon Master of NoneEp. 113: So You Want to Play an ONLINE RPGDungeon Masters Matt and Rob are here to walk you through everything you need to know to play a game of Dungeons and Dragons ONLINE. Free Adventures: The Celestial Job Rumblings Links: Maptools Token Stamp Foundry Virtual Table Top Fantasy Grounds Roll20 Music: Pac Div - Roll the Dice Rodriguez - Sugar Man Right On - Marvin Gaye Adam Schlesinger (R.I.P.) - That Thing You Do
2020-04-021h 14Dungeon Master of NoneBONUS: Quarantined DM AdviceQuarantined Dungeon Master Matt and Quarantined Dungeon Master Rob are here with advice and answers to RPG questions. May this podcast be a light to you in dark places, when all other lights go out. Keep sending us letters at dmofnone@gmail.com or leave us a message on the Dungeon Master Hotline at (774) 203-4629. Links: Dark Sun 5e Homebrew that Rob likes Music: Pac Div - Roll the Dice; M.I.A - Internet Connection; Arcade Fire - Normal Person; The Decemberists - The Legionnaire's Lament; David Bowie/Mott the Hoople - All t...
2020-03-271h 10Dungeon Master of NoneEp. 112: Explorer's Guide to WildemountDMs Matt and Rob review the first new official Dungeons and Dragons campaign setting in two (?) decades: Critical Role's Explorer's Guide to Wildemount! Links: Salt in Wounds Music: Pac Div - Roll the Dice The Killers - All These Things That I've Done Tom Jones - It's Not Unusual City of Heroes: Freedom - Main Theme Yusuf - Wild World
2020-03-241h 08Dungeon Master of NoneEpisode 111: Gather: The MagickingMatt and Rob sit down and try to figure out what the hell is happening with Magic: The Gathering lore and how you can use it for your own worldbuilding. Please ignore the coughing. We're fine. Music: Roll the Dice - Pac Div Do You Believe in Magic - The Lovin' Spoonful Santana - Black Magic Woman Heart - Magic Man B.o.B. - Magic
2020-03-191h 03Dungeon Master of NoneEp. 110: Clone Theory 101Dungeon Masters Rob and Matt are back to to talk briefly about the new hardcover for 5e and everyone's favorite TCG before diving into some Dungeons and Dragons questions and solutions, such as: Could Theros be cool? How do I introduce an unusual underdark villain? How do you roleplay subclass changes? What is the best way to keep a BBEG hidden? How can I make planetouched species more interesting? What are some headlines I can throw at my players? Pac Div - Roll the Dice Sandy Reyes - El Guardia del Ars...
2020-03-1158 minDungeon Master of NoneEpisode 109: Unearthed NewsbagMatt & Rob combine a discussion of Unearthed Arcana, some news about the new D&D book, and some mail into an unholy Unearthed Newsbag (CR 5 aberration)! Music: Pac Div - Roll the Dice Clash of the Titans (1981) End Credits The Dils - Class War
2020-03-0555 minDungeon Master of NoneEpisode 108: Class Conscious — The Warlord, Part 2DMs Matt and Rob are back to work finishing their new class for Dungeons and Dragons 5e. It's now called the "Paragon" instead of the "Warlord," but it is finally ready for you to playtest or use in your own home campaign. Let us know what you think! The Paragon Class for DnD 5e Music: Pac Div - Roll the Dice OutKast - Prototype Ho99o9 - War is Hell
2020-02-261h 02Dungeon Master of NoneEpisode 107: Class Conscious — The Warlord, Part 1Matt and Rob try their hand at class design, live, like a couple of idiots. Listen as we try and fail to put together an updated Warlord class for 5e. Laugh as we flounder, despair, and ultimately fail. Music: Pac Div - Roll the Dice Cream - Strange Brew Drake - Started From the Bottom Black Sabbath - War Pigs The Immortals - The Ultimate Warlord
2020-02-201h 13Dungeon Master of NoneEpisode 106: Dark SunWelcome to the world of Athas: Psychic beetles, Sumerian god-kings, and heatstroke for everyone! DMs Matt and Rob talk about the DARK SUN campaign setting for your pleasure. (And your letters!) Music: Pac Div - Roll the Dice America - I've been through the Desert Soundgarden - Black Hole Sun Peter Tosh - Here Comes the Sun
2020-02-131h 12Dungeon Master of NoneEpisode 105: Let's Get High (Level)Matt & Rob are back and getting high... HIGH LEVEL that is, don't do drugs kids. Music: Pac Div - Roll the Dice Creed - Higher 3 Doors Down - Kryptonite Kanye West - POWER Kygo & Whitney Houston - Higher Love Tal Bachman - She's So High
2020-02-071h 08Dungeon Master of NoneEpisode 104: Tal'Dorei Campaign SettingDungeons and Dragons' new hardcover will be the Explorer's Guide to Wildemount, so DMs Rob and Matt dive into Matt Mercer's first campaign book: the Tal'Dorei Campaign Setting. Then, we answer your letters about ships, challenging encounters, and campaign doctors! Music: Pac Div - Roll the Dice Johnny Cash - God's Gonna Cut You Down Your Turn to Roll - Ashley Johnson, Laura Bailey, Sam Riegel Panic! At the Disco - High Hopes
2020-01-231h 13Dungeon Master of NoneEpisode 103: Witch, Witcher, WitchestMatt and Rob talk about Netflix's THE WITCHER (2019), and why it's good and you should watch it (and, you know, how it's good inspiration for your DMing). We also answer some mail! Music: Pac Div - Roll The Dice The Darkness - I Believe in a Thing Called Love Led Zepplin - Over the Hills and Far Away Bonnie Tyler - Holding Out for a Hero
2020-01-161h 15Dungeon Master of NoneEp. 102: Campaign DoctorTruesight is 2020. Welcome to the new year! DMs Matt and Rob look back at the RPG decade in review before introducing a new segment: CAMPAIGN DOCTOR. Time to do some surgery on one another's campaigns! Warning: Minor, minor spoilers for Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker and Episode 1 of the Witcher. Links: Star Wars - Otherspace Heroforge Music: Pac Div - Roll the Dice Kesha, Big Freedia - Raising Hell Warren Zevon - Werewolves of London Dr. Worm - They Might Be...
2020-01-091h 13Dungeon Master of NoneEpisode 100: 100 Dungeon Master TipsAs our holiday gift to you, DMs Matt and Rob countdown 100 Dungeon Master tips in a MEGA-EPISODE. Enjoy! Music: Pac Div - Roll the Dice RJD2 - Ghostwriter Ratatat - Gettysburg Lead Belly - Midnight Special Visigoth - Dungeon Master
2019-12-271h 31Dungeon Master of NoneEpisode 99: Witcher? I Hardly Know Her!Matt and Rob, always timely, review the Witcher RPG, and have, uh, a lot to say about it. There's a lot of cursing in this one, sorry. Music: Pac Div - Roll the Dice Mazurek Dąbrowskiego (Polish National Anthem) Karliene - Lullaby of Woe Eon - Dancing With Monsters Monster Hunter World Rap - JT Music Fatboy Slim - Weapon of Choice The Witcher OST - Geralt of Rivia
2019-12-191h 04Dungeon Master of NoneEp 98: Worldbuilding through MicroscopeMatt and Rob attempt to do something new: worldbuilding through collaborative role-playing using the Microscope RPG system. Our first actual playish episode. Microscope RPG by Ben Robbins and Lame Mage Production Our final play board can be viewed here! Music: Pac Div - Rolle the Dice Tracy Chapman - Fast Car Julio Iglesias - La Mer
2019-12-111h 04Dungeon Master of NoneEpisode 97: The Coward's WayMatt and Rob discuss a couple of new UAs and answer some mail, make sure to listen to the end, where we give advice on how to be a coward for fun and profit! Music: Pac Div - Roll the Dice Tennessee Mafia Jug Band "Turkey In The Straw" E-40 - Choices (Yup) Geinoh Yamashirogumi - "Tetsuo" Cats In The Cradle-Harry Chapin Kenny Rogers - Coward of the County
2019-12-051h 19Dungeon Master of NoneEp 96: Eberron RisingMatt and Rob review the official Eberron hardcover source book for 5th edition Dungeons and Dragons, Eberron: Rising from the Last War. Music: Pac Div - Roll the Dice The Doors - The Changeling
2019-11-271h 03Dungeon Master of NoneEpisode 95: Building Big BadsFrom Iago to Ivan Drago, your campaign is only as good as its villain, so Matt and Rob talk about how to make one that doesn't suck. Please enjoy the digressions on ball-thwacking, dwarves, and the moon. Music: Billie Eilish -- Bad Guy Lion King -- Be Prepared Taylor Swift -- The Man Tears for Fears -- Everybody Wants to Rule the World Deltron 3030 -- Mastermind Bishop Briggs -- Jekyll & Hyde Shinedown -- Enemies
2019-11-211h 04Dungeon Master of NoneEp 94: Consent in GamingDMs Rob and Matt dive into Consent in Gaming from Monte Cook Games. Music: Pac Div - Roll the Dice Love - Alone Again Or
2019-11-1440 minDungeon Master of NoneEp 93: Worldbuilding HistoryDMs Matt and Rob discuss how to build your campaign world's history without writing a dissertation in the process.
2019-11-041h 10Dungeon Master of NoneEpisode 92: 2Fast, 2AvernusMatt and Rob review Descent Into Avernus (please ignore the fact that they call it "Descent TO Avernus" through the entire podcast). Rob gets really excited and says 'like' a lot, sorry, and Matt's internet connection goes out halfway through and we have to communicate via morse code, so sorry about that too. We also talk about the new UA and how much smarter we are than the professionals. Music: Pac Div - Roll the Dice Fear Factory - Descent Dethklok - Go Forth and Die Slayer...
2019-10-241h 23Dungeon Master of NoneEp 91: Unwanted Advice - The ReawakeningRob and Matt are back to save your game. Plus, what is good for the goose is good for the gander, as we build a magic item using a Kushan relic. Here's the link! Image from the Seshat Databank. Music: Pac Div - Roll the Dice Metalocalypse - Impeach God David Bowie - Rebel, Rebel Travis Scott - goosebumps
2019-10-1648 min
Dungeon Master of NoneOf Brands and BurgersMatt and Rob talk about Feast of Legends, the Wendy's themed RPG. Recording this episode made our souls feel the way eating a Wendy's burger makes our bodies feel. Music: Pac Div - Roll the Dice Jimmy Buffet -- Cheeseburger in Paradise
2019-10-1348 minDungeon Master of NoneEp 89: Worldbuilding Horny Victorian FantasyLord help us, DMs Matt and Rob are back on their BS. Your hosts review the worldbuilding in the new fantasy series, Carnival Row. Letters: MP writes, "How do both of you organize your notes?" Music: Pac Div - Roll the Dice The Decemberists - The Perfect Crime #2
2019-10-0546 min
Dungeon Master of NoneBONUS: Actual Prep 2 - Finishing TouchesIt's part two of DM Matt's Actual Prep series. You can listen to part one, in which Matt designs an adventure "live," here. DM Matt reflects on how to use your few moments before a game session to prep, what to adjust on the fly, and how to reflect on your adventures critically. Also, the adventure that Matt and Rob wrote based on these episodes is available for purchase on the DMsGuild! Links: Rumblings on the DMsGuild Music: Pac Div - Roll the Dice ...
2019-09-1639 minDungeon Master of NoneBONUS EPISODE: BS about GNSFate has forced us into another desperate solo episode, so please enjoy Rob talking about GNS theory, and if you're mad about anything he said that's wrong, please e-mail Matt. You can read the original post about GNS yourself here: http://www.indie-rpgs.com/articles/1/.
2019-09-0522 minDungeon Master of NoneEpisode 87: Class AnalysisMatt and Rob talk about how to fit a proper class analysis into your worldbuilding, though this time it's mostly about designing character classes for your RPG and not a materialist interpretation of fantasy worlds, we managed to hold off on the dialectics this time around. Music: Pac Div - Roll the Dice Freedom Call - Warriors Aladdin - A Whole New World Sheb Wooley - Purple People Eater Sabaton - Winged Hussars
2019-08-291h 10Dungeon Master of NoneEp 85: DM Tips from Dungeon WorldAs part of our quest to steal advice from every RPG ever published, DMs Rob and Matt discuss Dungeon World by Sage LaTorra and Adam Koebel. Dungeon World has a great description of how RPGs work and some excellent tips you can use in games run in any system. Stay tuned for the mailbag and the return of "Real or Woe!" Letters: Jason asks: "Can I get a preview copy of the Actual Prep adventure?" Nick asks: "How can I role-play a Kenku without being annoying?" Vic ask...
2019-08-131h 10Dungeon Master of NoneEp 84: 2 Path 2 FinderRemember Pathfinder? It's back, in pog form! DMs Matt and Rob review the brand new 2nd edition rules of the Pathfinder Role-Playing Game. Music: Pac Div - Roll the Dice Dua Lipa - New Rules Roxy Music - Editions of You
2019-08-091h 26Dungeon Master of NoneEp 83: Worldbuilding - TechnologyTechnology. What is it? Dungeon Masters Rob and Matt discuss how to think about and deploy technology in your own campaign worlds. Then, it's the firearms debate to end all firearms debates. Letters: Gerard writes - "Are the DMoNs fans of Baldur's Gate?" John writes - "Here's a great way to present the confusing one-spell-a-round rule to new players!" Don't forget to call in to the DUNGEON MASTER HOTLINE: (774) 203-4629! Music: Pac Div - Roll the Dice Marilyn Manson - Killing Strange
2019-07-311h 03
Dungeon Master of NoneEp 82: Anyone Can DMDMs Matt and Rob discuss the basics of what a Dungeon Master is and what a Dungeon Master does. Today, we review the DM advice presented in the 5e D&D Essentials Kit. But first, a game of "Weal or Woe," in which, Rob has to guess whether the RPG product is real or fake! Matt and Rob discuss the roles presented in the Essentials Kit: referee, storyteller, and role-player. They break down the core mechanics and goals of any Dungeon Master. Conclusion: Anyone can DM! Letters: Dalton as...
2019-07-231h 14Dungeon Master of NoneEp 81: Dungeon Master Book Club - Black Leopard, Red WolfWelcome to our first Dungeon Master Book Club! DMs Matt and Rob discuss Marlon James' Black Leopard, Red Wolf. Listen in for some great inspirational storytelling and ideas for monsters, NPCs, and fantastical magic! Links: Black Leopard, Red Wolf by Marlon James Letters: Dan writes: You forgot about Earthsea's sexual peaches! Michael writes: I love the Genesys system. Do you have tips for running with only two players? Music: Pac Div - Roll the Dice Damian Marley - Wel...
2019-07-1855 minDungeon Master of NoneEp 78: Penny Arcade DreadfulDMs Rob and Matt take a look at the Wizards of the Coast and Penny Arcade crossover hardcover for 5th edition Dungeons and Dragons. TL;DL Jerry Holkins is the Andy Borowitz of fantasy comedy writing. Music: Pac Div - Roll the Dice Lana Del Ray, Club Clique - Video Games (Remix)
2019-06-2654 minDungeon Master of NoneEp 75: Ghosts of Saltmarsh ReviewMatt and Rob sit down and discuss the new nautical WotC adventure book, Ghosts of Saltmarsh! There's a lot of cool stuff here, so we only spend like a third of the episode griping about things we thought could be better. Spoiler-free until 21:55. Rob is sorry about his squeaky mouse wheel.
2019-06-071h 10Dungeon Master of NoneEp 74: Monster Mash 2DMs Matt and Rob whip up some new monsters for you to steal for your campaign. The Rokrubai, fey with a detachable heads Arcanomorphs, an Aliens inspired soul-stealing aberration The Fisherman's Whale, a big friendly magical Cetacean Monster Homebrew Link Links: The Celestial Job The Advanced Artificer The Hangover by Kurtis J. Wiebe and Owen Gieni Matt's Psimple Psionics Letters: Michael has put together a less problematic character creation schema: Ancestry, Upbringing, Background. We love it! Dalton asks ab...
2019-05-301h 16Dungeon Master of NoneEp 71: The Art of War and Role-Playing GamesDungeon Masters Matt and Rob discuss how to use war in your adventures. Rob rants about the importance of a Cure Dysentery spell. Plus, the answers to some of your letters! Recommendations: The Pursuit of Power, William H. McNeill Forever War, Joe Haldeman The Forever War, Dexter Filkins Music: Pac Div - Roll the Dice Donovan - The War Drags On Complicated - Avril Lavigne
2019-05-081h 13Dungeon Master of NoneEp 70: DM Tips 203DM Rob gives some Dungeon Mastering tips as he reflects on the end of his three-year-long Dungeons and Dragons campaign. Take what Rob has learned and apply it to your game! And as the poet said, "Every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end." Planning throughout the campaign [05:00] Building party cohesion [13:00] Dealing with indecision [18:00] Matt's 3 Tiers of Intra-Party Talk [22:15] Teaching new players and helping them grow [36:40] Concluding a campaign [41:15] Adding an epilogue [50:00] Link: The Advanced Artificer on the DM...
2019-04-241h 04Dungeon Master of NoneBONUS: We Made a ThingDMs Rob and Matt have completed their first (self-) published Dungeons and Dragons book: The Advanced Artificer. Your DMs of None discuss the process of designing and publishing the thing for the Dungeon Masters Guild in the hopes that our conversation will inspire you to publish that thing you've always been meaning to finish. Meanwhile, why don't you buy our book? It is only two bucks, has a story by Rob, and even has a cute magical robot dog! Leave us a review, comment, and some stars too! Here's the link: The Advanced Artificer on...
2019-03-2941 minDungeon Master of NoneEp 54: Strongholds and FootnotesIt's your mega-episode for the holidays! DMs Rob and Matt review two successful kickstarters that are now available for public purchase: Savage Worlds Adventure Edition [00:11:05] and Strongholds and Followers [00:44:00]. Then, on to your DM questions and letters [01:20:00]! Gerard asks, "Will I destroy my game giving my players opposing goals?" [01:21:10] Scott says, "Quidditch is trash." [01:25:45] Ryan asks, "What are quick tips for creating interesting NPCs and setting their CR?" [01:26:05] Recommendations: Strongholds & Followers, MCDM Running the Game, Matt Colville Savage Worlds Adventure Edition, PEG...
2018-12-261h 33Dungeon Master of NoneEp 50: Pod of Many ThingsIt's a mailbag episode! We. Answer. Your. Letters. But first, DMs Rob and Matt chat about surprise Yog-Sothoth as well as the new errata and unearthed arcana for DnD 5e. Here's a link to Matt's homebrew rules for 5e Naval Combat. Also, because we live in Hellworld, we talk more about the Flaming Sphere of Shit that is White Wolf (now featuring Instagram despot Ramzan Kadyrov). Here comes the letters: Jai asks, "Did you here some other stuff about Nolan T. of Roll20 being a jerk?" [00:21:00] Sally asks, "I have a pl...
2018-11-291h 07Dungeon Master of NoneEp 48: It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad Mage (plus Ravnica)Matt and Rob review two new releases from Wizards of the Coast: The Dungeon of the Mad Mage and The Guildmaster's Guide to Ravnica. NO SPOILERS! If you are planning on playing Mad Mage, do not be afraid! Your DMs only talk about the adventure in general terms. Megadungeons! What are they? What types of players and dungeons masters will enjoy this type of adventure? Matt and Rob discuss the benefits and limitations of megadungeon-style adventure and what you can steal for your own campaigns. DM of None recommends Waterdeep: Dungeon of the Mad Mage. R...
2018-11-151h 11Dungeon Master of NoneEp 46: The Traitor Baru CormorantPut on your masks and get out your account books! Matt and Rob are joined by a very special guest, Dave the Prof! They discuss Seth Dickinson's groundbreaking fantasy novel, The Traitor Baru Cormorant. The book's approach to race, queerness, and empire will get your fantasy world-building gears turning like no other novel! Happy Halloween and happy the Monster Baru Cormorant day! Links: On Top of the World, Dave's podcast (Matt is also a co-host) The Traitor Baru Cormorant The Monster Baru Cormorant Music...
2018-10-311h 22Dungeon Master of NoneEp 45: Water Heist, Deep DragonMatt and Rob review the newest adventure from Wizards of the Coast, Waterdeep: Dragon Heist! WARNING! Spoilers begin at 45:10. But first, we gird ourselves for a Tales from the Loop TV series and a Wheel of Time TV series. Matt shares his bafflement with TORG: Eternity. Now, on to Waterdeep...Dragon Heist is a welcome departure from the all the other 5e adventures...modular antagonists...it's so short (and that's a good thing)......non-adventuring things for your adventurers to do...walking the fine line between pure sandbox and straight linear adventures...is this too...
2018-10-241h 15Dungeon Master of NoneEpisode 44: Mail Bag of Holding, Type IIDMs Matt and Rob talk about RPGs in the classroom using the Reacting to the Past curriculum and Matt's panel on Paradox Interactive's video games and history. Now, on to your letters: Nate writes, "Discord has a dice roller and a macro add-on!" [16:30] Ryan asks, "Is the Dynamic Lighting option in Roll20 worth it?" [21:00] Abstract Figure writes, "I love old school throwing weapons and boomerangs from movies of the 80s and 90s. What's the best way to put these iconic items into a game for my kids?" (He also s...
2018-10-1750 minDungeon Master of NoneEpisode 42: Playing Extremely OnlineMatt and Rob discuss some recent drama related to Roll20, a virtual tabletop platform [05:40]. Your hosts then try present both the challenges and opportunities of running RPGs online [20:30]. Last, Matt and Rob try to give you some practical tips for using Roll20 and other online tabletops [41:30]. Have you struggled or had success running games online? Let us know how it went! dmofnone@gmail.com Music: "Roll the Dice" by Pac Div "Pursuit of Happiness" by Kid Cudi, MGMT, and Ratatat "Smoke and Mirrors" by Gotye
2018-10-0156 minDungeon Master of NoneEpisode 35 - Critical Role & Numenera w/ NatashaMatt and Rob are joined by special guest Natasha, an amazing DM and co-host of the Metamashina Podcast, a show about genre fiction from the feminine perspective. WARNING: SPOILERS FOR EPISODE 26 OF CRITICAL ROLE BEGIN @ [03:40]. Your DMs discuss how to handle character death, the problems of custom class mechanics, and fan reaction to the episode. [Discussion ends 40:10] Matt, Rob and Natasha are briefly distracted by Hasbro's bizarre announcement about D&D becoming an e-sport. [40:15] Natasha shares her experience running games in Numenera, Monte Cook's far-future rpg centered around exploration and d...
2018-07-3059 minDungeon Master of NoneEpisode 34: Ravnica and Eberron - New 5e Campaign Settings!Matt and Rob discuss WotC's surprise announcement of a Magic: The Gathering and Dungeons and Dragons crossover: The Guildmaster's Guide to Ravnica. While we are mostly disappointed and unenthused about this mixing of games, your hosts try to salvage some useful silver linings in the upcoming Ravnica release. Then, Matt gets way into MtG's "Color Wheel" for a few minutes. On to what we really love: Eberron! For $20, Matt and Rob wholeheartedly recommend the Wayfinder's Guide to Eberron. It's perfect for introducing your players to the campaign setting and for creating Eberron-specific characters in 5th edition DnD. The book...
2018-07-251h 02Dungeon Master of NoneEpisode 29: Foam of ToesMatt and Rob share their first impressions of the sixth rule book in the Dungeons and Dragons 5th edition: Mordenkainen's Tome of Foes. There will be war. There will be blood. There will be a Blood War. Your hosts talk about the upgrading the Tiefling with the new stuff in this book. The new Githzerai and Githyanki are full of flavor and story-telling potential; the other section of races and sub-races for Elves, Dwarves, and Halflings not so much. Reprints abound! Wizards then makes us sad by putting Tortles and Giff into the book but not giving them ra...
2018-05-2353 minDungeon Master of NoneEpisode 28: Ready Planescape OneThis week Matt and Rob talk mazes and monsters -- no, not the classic 1982 Tom Hanks movie about the dark side of gaming, we're talking Planescape, which is full of both! Your favorite DM duo talk about the theme and setting of the wackiest D&D setting out there, give some ideas on how to run a campaign, and generally geek out about what makes it cool. Make sure to listen carefully for a rare instance of Rob being BTFO by Matt on a rules question.
2018-05-1851 minDungeon Master of NoneEpisode 22: Mail Bag of HoldingMatt and Rob get around to their month-log backlog of listener questions (sorry) and dispense some dubious, but explicitly wanted advice. (3:03) Gordon writes in asking about how to find a D&D group to play with. Matt and Rob have some suggestions, some of which might even be useful! (9:30) Adrian writes in about how to reduce prep time and for advice on being comfortable improvising. We wisely advise Adrian to stop doing so much work. (18:15) Brian asks about dealing with a *Gob Bluth voice* huge mistake with his wide-reaching homebrew world. (30:22...
2018-04-1058 min
Dungeon Master of NoneEpisode 18: Couatls Conquer EuropeIn "Couatls Conquer Europe" Matt and Rob discuss the re-launch of the Dragons Conquer America Kickstarter. Your DMs plunge headfirst into the jungle of, uh, problems that arose during the kickstarter's initial failed run. After tackling the basics of "How to Train Your Dragon to Conquer America," the DMs get into successes, challenges, and opportunities of setting a fantasy game during the Spanish conquest of the Aztecs. Come for a summary of the game's glaring historical omissions, stay for Matt and Rob's bewilderment at Burning Games' inability to make meaningful changes in response to some very reasonable suggestions from criti...
2018-03-2349 min
Dungeon Master of NoneEpisode 17: The Forgettable Realms vs. EberronMatt talks about how to handle intra-party disputes by ending your sessions at the right time (00:30) and Rob shares tips on how to run games for a large number of players (05:00). Then, the duo discusses campaign settings. Specifically, why D&D's "default" setting in 5th edition, the Forgotten Realms, a.k.a. Faerun, is so frustrating and boring (14:00). Matt and Rob break down the bad (and good) of Elminster's favorite reality. Then, stick around to hear why the Eberron campaign setting, another official WotC world, is great place to run and play D&D (33:00). Fact: All good camp...
2018-03-191h 05
Dungeon Master of NoneEpisode 16: DMs of the Round TableMatt and Rob talk about the most recent D&D roundtable (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pFbCxuvknWM), featuring Mike Mearls, Matt Mercer, Matt Collville, and Adam Koebel. We discuss character death, performing for an audience, game design, and the future of Wizards of the Coast releases. Come for the keen analysis of D&D, stay for the incessant fanboying.
2018-03-1647 min
Dungeon Master of NoneEpisode 14: Unwanted Advice 3We're starting a side-project, "Now This is Podcasting!" to complain about Luke Skywalker's new Jedi powers (this is totally not a joke). Rob and Matt review the recent RPG kickstarter news (4:40). Big daddy Matt Colville's new book "Strongholds and Followers" has more than 1 million dollars pledged. Check it out! There are only 5 days left! Then, we make ourselves sad by remembering the "epic bacon fail" of Pathfinder's sad, sad MMO kickstarter. Matt and Rob have a quick chat about "Into the Wild," the new Unearthed Arcana from WotC. (15:00) On to the main event: Unwanted Advice! We save your game...
2018-03-0553 min
Dungeon Master of NoneEpisode 13: A Quick and Dirty Guide to the Campaign BibleIf you want to sell your adventure, campaign, or home-brew world to your potential players, you need a "Campaign Bible." When TV writers and directors create a new series, they often have a "show bible" -- this document not only helps keep everyone on the same page, but serves as a sort of mission statement, establishing tone, theme, and the direction of the show, often serving as a selling point to producers and investors. This is also a good way to think about your game. You can introduce your players to your campaign by writing a "campaign bible" and we...
2018-03-0139 min
Dungeon Master of NoneEpisode 12: Worldbuilding Jam SessionThe Dynamic DM Duo chat about the new Matt Colville Kickstarter, "Strongholds and Followers" (2:23). Then, on the main meat of the convo, how to start thinking about worldbuilding for an RPG (5:25). Worldbuilding is hella important, even if you run a pre-written module or use a published campaign setting! If you don't want to go into the deep end of homebrewery, your options (at least in 5e D&D) are limited to Forgotten Realms (10:00). Matt and Rob talk about why you might want to get beyond this campaign world and some of the other less obvious options that are a...
2018-02-2653 min
Dungeon Master of NoneEpisode 11: Edition Wars and Ending GatekeepingMatt and Rob discuss the edition wars (bad) and gatekeeping (also bad). Learn why nerds were mad on the internet for nearly five straight years and how to avoid being a weird jerk to people when they come to play D&D for the first time. More people playing D&D is good people! It's good! Edition Wars (00:00:30) Gatekeeping in D&D (00:24:15) Link to Matt and Rob's data visualization of D&D player data: https://imgur.com/gallery/L1kNu
2018-02-2242 min
Dungeon Master of NoneEpisode 9: Session OneIt's our most important episode for new DMs yet! How do you structure your the first session of a D&D campaign? Like writing the first page of a book, preparing the start of a campaign is intimidating. If you're a new Dungeon Master, then this episode is a must-listen! But first, Matt and Rob chat about WotC's awesome new hire--Kate Welch--and correctly predict the next Dungeons and Dragons release. Your hosts do a deep dive on the goals and purpose of the "session one." Finally, we go over three basic ways of varying difficulty and engagement to start...
2018-02-1348 min
Dungeon Master of NoneEpisode 8: Merc'd by Mercer: Learning from Critical RoleWe all love Critical Role! But can you become a better Dungeon Master or a better player by watching the show? Absolutely! Learn why Matt Mercer is such an amazing Dungeon Master! (Hint: it's NOT because of his voice acting.) Can you play D&D as well as Ashley, Laura, Liam, Marisha, Sam, Taliesin, and Travis do? Yes, you can! Discover how to tap into your "RP-Generosity" and how to avoid the "grimdark" disease that plagues so many of our characters. DMs Matt and Rob chat about what you can take away from the new season...
2018-02-0841 min
Dungeon Master of NoneEpisode Four: I'm Not Here to Make FriendsMatt and Rob both bring nothing into the Drift (TM) to discuss the nerd news of the day before they help you master the fine art of character creation. Breaking: Bad Boy Billionaire Bezos Buys Bilbo Baggins Biography! Can Amazon actually make a good Lord of the Rings TV show? Someone else always has to, like, carry on the story, we guess. Next, Matt and Rob talk about how to take your characters from zeroes to heroes. As a Dungeon Master, you can encourage and trick your players into making characters that they will love play...
2018-01-2238 min
Dungeon Master of NoneEpisode One: So You Want to Play a RPGThinking about starting to play an RPG? Not sure if it's for you? Intimidated by all the rules and dice and other nonsense? Let Matt and Rob put you at ease with a nice, casual discussion about why RPGs are actually very cool and easy to get into and definitely not just for nerds. (Yes, we know, Rob's sound quality is bad, it will be fixed in future episodes) Join DMofNone on Discord. And support the show on Patreon! Links: The free 5th edition Dungeons & Dragons rules, a h...
2018-01-1926 min