Shows
NerdcognitoNerdcognito - Episode 220: Player Requests, Suggestions, and DEMANDS?!?Players drop hints all the time. What happens when it is more than a friendly poke? How should you handle your group asking for in-game favors, dictating game/world events, demanding items, or throwing an X-card (just kidding, show the X'er the door!). Plus, the news, Ryan revives "Oriental" and shoves it back into the acceptable category, and tales from Reddit. ----more---- Grab The Village of Greenhaven NOW! PRINT ON DEMAND NOW AVAILABLE! https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/465184/The-Village-of-Greenhaven?affiliate_id=3908211 ----more---- The News: Possible Hope for Matrix 5Gnolls are EVIL!Cookie Cutter Tourist SparkleTrolls ----more---- Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Wandering H...2024-04-091h 00NerdcognitoSPECIAL Nerdcognito - Episode 219: Discomfiting Dialogue with Daniel D. Fox (friend of the show?!?)Nerdcognito talks to... Daniel D. Fox?!? (yes, THAT Daniel D. Fox) Uh oh. "Infamous" RD and Kyle sit down with the "notorious" Daniel D. Fox, creator of Zweihander, alleged destructor of The Trove, and all around polarizing figure in the TTRPG space. Publicly politically misaligned with the guys AND potentially on the opposite end of the gaming spectrum, what odd cosmic alignment brought these two forces together? Tough questions will be asked, and hopefully answered. Could an impossible alliance be formed? Does someone storm out? Is there punch and pie? Be sure to sit back and enjoy one of the...2024-04-021h 24NerdcognitoNerdcognito - Episode 218: "You Can't Play With THEM!"It happens -- a friend, a partner -- someone tells you "You can't play with THEM!" Maybe not you, but maybe that guy with the antisocial eye-rolling leftie girlfriend slowly exits from your table. Why and how do these ultimatums get made and how do they effect your table? Plus, the pros and cons of modules. Maybe. Probably not. ----more---- Grab The Village of Greenhaven NOW! PRINT ON DEMAND NOW AVAILABLE! https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/465184/The-Village-of-Greenhaven?affiliate_id=3908211 ----more---- The News: Luke Gygax blows away goals and honors GaryMore Reddit DND Fun (?)6e/OneDND "Deal" for your game store ----more...2024-03-2659 minNerdcognitoNerdcognito - Episode 217: TPKs and Near Total Party Kills in D&D/TTRPGsThis week, the gang dives deep on the Total Party Kill. Talking about this unique situation that apparently makes SparkleTrolls weep, the boys look into it mechanically, from a story perspective, and through the eyes of both player and dungeon master. Of course, there are some great TPK stories thrown in there as well. This, combined with longer chatter around the news of the day fill out the week! ----more---- Grab The Village of Greenhaven NOW! PRINT ON DEMAND NOW AVAILABLE! https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/465184/The-Village-of-Greenhaven?affiliate_id=3908211 ----more---- The News: Gundam-esque classic TTRPG coming in English... ...and a Shin Me...2024-03-191h 02NerdcognitoNerdcognito - Episode 216: Real Relationships at the Fake D&D Table; Arkham Files TTRPG!Ever play at a table with that cutsey-wootsey couple that just seems to always help each other? How about the BF DM that always give the right magic item to his boo? This week we talk about how real relationships can alter a table and give our thoughts on how to preserve the integrity of your game. Also, a positive news week spins into an exciting announcement regarding the Lovecraft mythos in the TTRPG world. ----more---- Grab The Village of Greenhaven NOW! PRINT ON DEMAND NOW AVAILABLE! https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/465184/The-Village-of-Greenhaven?affiliate_id=3908211 ----more---- The News: Unfathomable Expansion!Mass E...2024-03-121h 01NerdcognitoNerdcognito - Episode 215: RD admits "I was wrong!", Horror at the Table, Blister CrittersThis is a milestone episode: RD admits that he "was wrong" multiple times! First, the guys talk about introducing horror elements at the table. After the news, Anthony Grasso and Wythe Marschall drop by to talk about Blister Critters, their new Kickstarter game that originally was panned by Ryan before he did his homework only to be now praised based on the final product and a deep dive! ----more---- Grab The Village of Greenhaven NOW! PRINT ON DEMAND NOW AVAILABLE! https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/465184/The-Village-of-Greenhaven?affiliate_id=3908211 ----more---- The News: Terry Pratchett's Discworld TTRPGMOTU Evil Lyn Cartoon GloryAlien: Romulus Updat...2024-03-051h 08NerdcognitoNerdcognito - Episode 214: Mythology, Folklore, and History in D&D, Creativity and ImprovThis episode, we look at how myth, legend, history, and tall tales have influenced Dungeons and Dragons specifically and the TTRPG world in general. Some folks claim this is a bad thing... but it's a great element that should be celebrated! The news includes RD doing a 180 after more details on a game he panned became available. After Ryan eats crow, the gang talks how important creativity and the ability to improvise are critical to the hobby. ----more---- Grab The Village of Greenhaven NOW! PRINT ON DEMAND NOW AVAILABLE! https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/465184/The-Village-of-Greenhaven?affiliate_id=3908211 ----more---- The News: The Dy...2024-02-271h 05NerdcognitoNerdcognito - Episode 212: Consequences and Death in Your TTRPG; Our Own "Session Zero"This week, the guys talk about consequences of action and PC death in TTRPGs. Why are these "horrible" things critical for your game? The news kicks around some nerdy developments on past stories and is highlighted by our "unnamed" hat tip on Reddit. Finally, Session Zero talk online has been rumbling again, so each of the gang describes what their "0" looks like! ----more---- Grab The Village of Greenhaven NOW! PRINT ON DEMAND ANTICIPATED SOON! https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/465184/The-Village-of-Greenhaven?affiliate_id=3908211 ----more---- The News: Cavill Highlander UpdateA Gentle Rain... no Arkham HorrorDragonlance show is deadSparkleTrolls realize #GatekeepingIsGood ----more---- Episode Sponsors...2024-02-131h 02NerdcognitoNerdcognito - Episode 211: Nostalgia at your TTRPG table; Let's not make money!Last week was a barnburner, so we needed to pump the brakes and return to some good ol' nerdy chatter! We open with a discussion of nostalgia, and the role it plays at your table. After the news, the guys ask the question "When did making money become a secondary goal in business?" ...specifically in our hobby! ----more---- Grab The Village of Greenhaven NOW! PRINT ON DEMAND ANTICIPATED 02/09/24 OR SOONER! https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/465184/The-Village-of-Greenhaven?affiliate_id=3908211 ----more---- The News: Inserting porn... er... "romance..."JRPG Taking Steam by StormDiablo TTRPG and Board Game! ----more---- Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Shop Amazon...2024-02-061h 02NerdcognitoNerdcognito - Episode 210: Grim Jim Desborough Co-Hosts and Digs Into #DungeonDrama/#Tw*tgateWhen Grim Jim calls, we answer. A special, extended-length episode that details the revelations that should shock the TTRPG design world. The gang and Jim dig deep into the article, talk about their perspective, and offer a path forward for our corner of the hobby. #DungeonDrama #Twatgate ----more---- Grab The Village of Greenhaven NOW! https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/465184/The-Village-of-Greenhaven ----more---- The News: Tarrasque what?CMON Kickstarter BailoutPalworld vs. Pokemon ----more---- Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each Amazon purchase at no additional cost to you!2024-01-301h 32NerdcognitoNerdcognito - Episode 209: Player Skill v. Character Ability; Tragedy at Taigon's Falls ReviewDovetailing with last week's conversation about Power Gamers, the boys have a deep talk about how actual Player Skill vs. Character "Ability" can be balanced in a game. Where does a check fall as opposed to playing it out in the mind or at the table of the PC's creator? After the news, a look at the new OSR Adventure, The Tragedy at Taigon's Falls proves to be a positive way to close out the show! ----more---- Grab The Village of Greenhaven NOW! https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/465184/The-Village-of-Greenhaven ----more---- The News: There can be only one... Cavill?More board game...2024-01-2359 minNerdcognitoNerdcognito - Episode 207: NPC Do’s and Don’ts; Names and TNK PreviewThe gang digs into NPCs this week! Talking about how to make effective and memorable characters, what to avoid in NPC creation, and how to sidestep tropes and the "predictable" nature of this important piece of the TTRPG/DnD puzzle. The news of the week tips off with us not touching the WotC AI piece, simply because it's all just conjecture at this point in time. After the news, the gang digs into The Navarro Knight, a preview of a new system by our Check Mark Hero, Cynnamander! ----more---- Grab The Village of Greenhaven NOW! https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/465184/The...2024-01-091h 06NerdcognitoNerdcognito - Episode 206: Greenhaven is gold; DM TipsIt's release week for The Village of Greenhaven! Hear Kyle and Bert dig in and ask RD about Greenhaven, learn about it's creation, and what the system-agnostic supplement can do for your table! There is a list in the news, and it involves the BEAR! Lastly, inspired by the rotten advice in the news for Dungeon Masters, the guys each give some advice for GMs to help smooth over some bumpy roads that every DM will encounter. ----more---- Grab The Village of Greenhaven NOW! https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/465184/The-Village-of-Greenhaven ----more---- The News: What should get BG3'ed?!Death Stranding Fil...2024-01-021h 07NerdcognitoNerdcognito - Episode 205: 2023’s Past, Present, and Future in our Hobby!This week, the gang is haunted by three spirits! That's right -- 2023's Ghosts of Past, Present and Future frame the whole show. What were the personal touches, opinions, and events that shaped each? Plus, the "future" brings a glimpse of what each of the guys is hoping for and predicts in the coming year! ----more---- Don't forget to get your Gatekeeping Is Good shirt on Amazon! Support the show and hold that door! https://amzn.to/3R60vt3 ----more---- The News: Cavill-Warhammer CorrectionOctopath who?What's worse than X? Reddit! ----more---- Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Shop Amazon and Support the Show...2023-12-261h 02NerdcognitoNerdcognito - Episode 204: The Hasbro Layoffs; Jumping Back Into Fantasy TTRPG!Well, unless you've been in the remote woods like Bert (and even he knew about it) you've heard about the WotC cuts. We talk about the human price of these cuts, each host having varying and predicable degrees of empathy. What does the future hold for Wizards? After the news, the guys discuss how the Nerdcognito core TTRPG group went back to the basics... high fantasy... and what a wonderful experience it was. How can you experience this bliss? The gang has some advice for your table! ----more---- Don't forget to get your Gatekeeping Is Good shirt on Amazon! Support the sh...2023-12-1958 minNerdcognitoNerdcognito - Episode 203: Appendix N Addons; Gamer Cancelled by TTRPG Creator?The boys try to cleanse the room and open the show by looking at the "Bro-holy" document that is Appendix N, and then each of the guys adds a line item to the list of required reading! The news presents everything from the huge MCDM kickoff to a quite chilly topic. After the news, Hunter aka Ultra-American TTRPGer stops in to tell his side of the Haunted Table story. Did Haunted Table act with cause or did they persecute Hunter for his political speech? ----more---- Don't forget to get your Gatekeeping Is Good shirt on Amazon! Support the show and hold...2023-12-121h 08NerdcognitoNerdcognito - Episode 202: TTRPG Week of Woke; OD&D Reprint... Sort Of!Oh my goodness! What a week of woke! Starting with Wizards of the Coast redacting lore and modifying language to be less "problematic" and ending with Goodman Games caving to SparkleTroll diversity lunacy and destroying the Dungeon Crawl Classics base, it has been a wild ride. RD and Kyle talk about it all and try to bring some perspective into the cultural breakdown that we are witnessing. After the news, the duo break down the OD&D announcement from PAX and ponder the future of the franchise. ----more---- Don't forget to get your Gatekeeping Is Good shirt on Amazon! Support the s...2023-12-051h 01NerdcognitoNerdcognito - Episode 201: Censorship in Play aka ”You Can’t Do THAT!”; Gaming Gift IdeasWith major publishers now putting content restrictions in print about what subjects players may or may not talk about during the game, the guys examine how we got here and why or why not dictating content is acceptable. Hint: It's not. The news brings Bert another surreal not-quite-horse moment about how nuts some segments of the hobby have become. Lastly, the gang talks about what might make an excellent gift to "lure" a new player to the table! ----more---- Don't forget to get your Gatekeeping Is Good shirt on Amazon! Support the show and hold that door! https://amzn.to/3R60v...2023-11-281h 04NerdcognitoNerdcognito - Episode 200: Celebating 200 Episodes and Revisiting the Best from the Past!What a ride! THANK YOU ALL for allowing us into your ears each week! This episode we bring back the OG co-host, Just Mike (with his bad audio and all), and the entire gang strolls down memory lane and revisits topics from shows gone by. Everything including Brandi Braids, predicting WotC's fall from grace, safety tools, DTRPG ousting The Red Room, and the guys outlining their "perfect" game. You don't want to miss lots of laughs, good times, and clinking a pint with us in reverie! ----more---- Don't forget to get your Gatekeeping Is Good shirt on Amazon! Support the show...2023-11-211h 22NerdcognitoNerdcognito - Episode 199: Tropes in TTRPGs; Confirmation Bias and All of UsWho doesn't love the horny bard? The orphaned princess? The mad wizard? Answer: after thousands of iterations, everyone. This week the guys look at tropes in the TTRPG sphere and discuss both the good and the bad elements of their presence. Bert is surly, but that doesn't prevent the news from presenting yet another game that makes Kyle spin. After the news, the team has a frank conversation about confirmation bias and how it presents in the hobby -- among all of us! From the OSR to Fauxs to SparkleTrolls, it is baggage that we all must remember we bring to the...2023-11-141h 01NerdcognitoNerdcognito - Episode 198: The TTRPG/D&D Controversy Carousel; Racism in a New Group Finder App?Why do the same (lame) topics of "controversy" keep coming up in the TTRPG space? Because... it's the "Controversy Carousel!" The only way un-creatives can put themselves and their terrible ideology over! After a few go-rounds, the guys talk about a serious accusation and blowup in the OSR over potential reverse racism from a game group finding app. Lastly, the gang goes through the news and talks about sidestepping from a TTRPG to some other sort of nerdy goodness. ----more---- ----more---- The News: Monte Cook's Invisible SunA New Take on Monopoly?!?WotC's NuDnD Cleric ----more---- Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Postmortem Games...2023-11-0758 minNerdcognitoEpisode 197: Booting Horrible Players; Disturbing Monsters; Bad Horror SequelsHAPPY HALLOWEEN! We've all had to do it -- whether we like it or not. Sometimes, THAT player has to GO. The guys discuss why and how you may need to remove a player from a gaming group. RD goes off the rails dreaming about Heather Graham during the news. After, the boys toss out a favorite, disturbing monster for your Halloween game and rattle of "worst" horror sequels (yes, there are a lot!). ----more---- ----more---- The News: No Ghosbusters 3 because...SparkleTroll TrapsHeather Graham is dreamyYo! Meatwad! ----more---- Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: BE A CHECK MARK HERO! https://www.nerdcognito.com/p/be...2023-10-311h 01NerdcognitoNerdcognito - Episode 195: Halloween Games, Message for Bert; Roll20 Dungeon ScrawlRD and Kyle open the show talking about their favorite spooky and Halloween titles to bring to your gaming table, both #TTRPGs and #boardgames. The news is followed by a special guest as "Randy Looney" drops some scathing criticism on Bert. Bert responds, then the attention gets focused on the #Roll20 acquisition of Dungeon Scrawl. How will this effect small creators and hobbyists? ----more---- Check out and SUBSCRIBE to our brand new YouTube Channel! Don't miss the Speakeasy stream! https://www.youtube.com/@Nerdcognito ----more---- The News: WotC "Strixhaven-ing" Domain Level PlayZoo Tycoon Board Game"Freaks and Geeks" Actual PlayBye-bye Best...2023-10-171h 14NerdcognitoNerdcognito - Episode 194: WotC-Penguin Book De-Distribution; ACKS II & Alexander MacrisWizards of the Coast puts another nail in the coffin of physical book availability... or did they? We talk about the Penguin Random House divorce from WotC and how it will impact the hobby. The news is eclectic this week, spanning film photography to "slutty 7's." After the news, designer Alexander Macris stops in to talk about the evolution of a decade-young system, ACKS II and all things Adventurer Conqueror King System, and of course RD asks the BrOSR question: "Do you as a designer worry about the Bros attaching themselves to your property?" A great show all around! ----more---- ----m...2023-10-101h 01NerdcognitoNerdcognito - Episode 193: Fill-In-The-Blank ”Core” TTRPGs; Cancel Culture w/ Crud ForgeWanna hop on the latest effortless TTRPG trend? Make a "-CORE!" That's right, the guys muse and mock this odd trend in non-roleplaying. The news strikes with a venomous bite this week, starting with the latest Leyline Press mental illness hug, Horse Girl and ending with Masters of the Universe, the movie. After the news, we invite William Dalebout of Crud Forge fka Incel Riot Studios in to talk about the rampant woke cancel culture in the tabletop board game world. ----more---- ----more---- The News: Horse Girl, the solo roleplaying game?!?Talking to the Animals is the "way" to roleplay"Heels...2023-10-031h 00NerdcognitoNerdcognito - Episode 190: Swarms! Hordes! RD Channels Ginny Di’s ”Burnout!?!”The trio are reunited and they form up to take on swarms and hordes as monsters in TTRPGs! Why is the swarm not loved? How is a horde of 100s of somethings not used more often at the table? The news then makes RD almost stroke out. Seriously. After as he recovers, the guys help Ryan diagnose his gaming drought and make sure that it is not "burnout" akin to everyone's favorite SparkleTroll TiddyStreamer, Ginny Di. ----more---- ----more---- The News: Autistic folks rejoice! WotC has now exploited you too!Trail of Cthulhu 2nd edition"Best" Lovecraft-inspired games for your table -- NOT!T...2023-09-1259 minNerdcognitoNerdcognito - Episode 189: Cliques in the TTRPG Hobby; ”Essential” DM TipsRD and Kyle start off this marathon show with a discussion of all the subgroups that comprise the TTRPG hobby. Spanning from SparkleTrolls to F̶a̶u̶x̶s̶ Tinkerers to BrOSRs and the OSR, clear definitions of play and philosophy are outlined. The news is a big week, which is followed by a bigger list of the alleged Top 10 Essential Tips for a DM. Of course, some of these tips will derail your game, but hey -- if you only play six sessions you won't notice! ----more---- ----more---- The News: Texas Chainsaw Board GameCritical Role Re-alignmentThe Tabletop BoomRed Dead Redemption...2023-09-051h 19NerdcognitoNerdcognito - Episode 188: Everybody’s Back!; Real-world Influences on WorldbuildingIt's a BIG one -- making up for our vacay show last week. Everyone is back, Randy Nichols sits in, and we catch up on the scene! Lots of news happens since we were off for a week, which wasn't so bad in the grand scheme of things. After the news, everyone talks about how our unique real-world travel and experiences bleed into our TTRPG worldbuilding. Lots of fun and worth the wait! Be prepared, we go long this week! ----more---- ----more---- The News: Fallout the TV showDungeons and Dragons BourbonWrestleQuest Goes Gold on SteamCeleb Deaths a-plentyThe Last of Us Future...2023-08-291h 19NerdcognitoNerdcognito - Episode 187: Death of a FLGS; Not the Best 80’s Slasher FlicksThis week, we revisit a classic segment that talks about a very serious topic... the unfortunate demise of the Friendly Local Gaming Store. The FLGS has long been a cornerstone of the hobby, but they are fading into the ether. After that classic segment, we rundown and skewer a "list." This week: the alleged top 10 slasher flicks of the 1980s. Not too shabby a show for being on vacation! ----more---- ----more---- The News: None this week! Vacation week! ----more---- Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Crud Forge Studios: https://shop.crudforge.com/Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn...2023-08-2240 minNerdcognitoNerdcognito - Episode 186: TTRPG How-to with a New Group; Can We Love Lovcraftesque?You have a new table of players, how do YOU handle starting from scratch with all new personalities? The boys discuss this scenario, which of course spirals to include talk of safety tools, session zero, and other modern insanity. Then, the news never ends as the gang goes deep into a couple of stories, ending with RD wanting to love "Lovecraftesque," but uncertain about fully buying in because of open activism on behalf of the creators. ----more---- ----more---- The News: Play an Anthropromorphic Duck? Hard Pass.WotC Selling Politics, but NOT Selling BooksXenomorphs Come to Earth in new Alien SeriesMetal Gear...2023-08-1559 minNerdcognitoNerdcognito - Episode 185: Rule Zero, Encumbrance, and PONIES?!?Everyone seems to be having a moment about Rule Zero. The fauxs and the bros are using it for posturing, but how does it really impact our gang? Find out where each opinion falls on the subject. This spirals into an encumbrance debate before the news. After the week's word, David Silver of Silver Games stops in to (and you are not reading this incorrectly) talk the guys into playing "Ponyfinder." Neigh! ----more---- Check out Ponyfinder: https://preview.drivethrurpg.com/en/publisher/5559/Silver-Games-LLC?affiliate_id=3908211 ----more---- The News: Switch 2? New Nintendo ConsoleUpdate: We Were Right abut Baldur's Gate 3WotC AI Damage...2023-08-081h 00NerdcognitoNerdcognito - Episode 184: Player Death in TTRPGs; Necro-ing a Lost TV Show!Somewhere, a SparkleTroll is crying over the character that died four weeks ago at the table. Hear the gang's thoughts on PC death in #TTRPGs. The guys defend the #OSR philosophy on death and talk about how it needs to be handled. The news includes some laughs at some new stuff and a trip to Japan. After the news, the guys wax regarding if they had the power to revive a long-cancelled television show -- which show would each pick? ----more---- ----more---- The News: Baldur's Gate 3 Gets "Better" with Rigged Die Rolls!Our Favorite Japanese ParkPathfinder #card-based #boardgameThe #DnD Tourist's Guide...2023-08-011h 01NerdcognitoNerdcognito - Episode 183: TTRPG Dungeon Creation (and DM Screens!); App-based Board GamesThings return to normal for the gang as Kyle rebounds from his stint without power in time to talk about D&D and TTRPG Dungeon Crafting. As usual, the boys get sidetracked and throw in a little "DM Screen?" talk before the news. After this week's noteworthy morsels, the conversation turns to app-based board games and if they are a boon or bane to the scene. A fun week of nerdy talk! ----more---- ----more---- The News: "Mr. Boddy's Body, It's Gone!" Please don't make a VtM filmSometimes Dead is BetterStripper game designers with a heart of gold ----more---- Episode Sponsors and Af...2023-07-2557 minNerdcognitoNerdcognito - Episode 182: Diversity & Dragons Guest Hosts; RD on IC!; Solo Gaming; Board Game PrefsMother Nature has sidelined Kyle, so our friend and YouTube sensation Diversity & Dragons sits in as co-host! Appropriately, the gang discusses the big news of Ryan being named the third host of Inappropriate Characters; he gets DD's blessing and words of wisdom. The news brings an impromptu discussion of the solo gaming trend. Lastly, the gang wraps up by talking about their own flavor profiles in board gaming. ----more---- ----more---- The News: New Solo Horror TTRPGRacist Coyote & Crow makes board gameXCOM clone looks goodStar Trek -- Solo?!? ----more---- Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Postmortem Studios: https://post-mort.com/SUB DD on YT: h...2023-07-181h 06NerdcognitoNerdcognito - Episode 181: Baldur’s Gate 3 Bearing Down with a Bare Bear; The Kobold CookbookHe's a druid, not a bar-bear-ian! We do more than the bare minimum as we paws to reflect on the news that barely influenced us to buy a game! At least it doesn't last fur-ever, because we have some news to peruse. After the news designer Richard Davis swings by to talk about Explorer's Guild's new Kickstarter, The Kobold Cookbook! Can you bear the excitement?!? (sorry) ----more---- The Kobold Cookbook Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/amarik/the-kobold-cookbook ----more---- The News: Tik Tok Cooking Trends?Amazing Lovecraftian Film You Never Heard Of"The Best Comedy Movies, Ever" (yes, they said ever)Le...2023-07-1158 minNerdcognitoNerdcognito - Episode 180: OSR Drama Begone! & Our Host TTRPG Origin StoriesWe need a break from the bad juju that was and a return to normalcy! We do talk about the how last week put is into "reset" mode before loading up with laughs and the news. After the news, the guys each tell the tale about how they were introduced to the hobby, and what they love about it! This week is 100% drama free -- let the others continue the spin, we're back to the gal that brought us to the dance: our love of all things nerdy! ----more---- The News: The Flash: A flash in the panHenry Cavill's final Witc...2023-07-041h 02NerdcognitoNerdcognito - Episode 179: The RPGPundit Talks About Our Corner of the Hobby- Then, Now, and Yet to Come!This week, we welcome The RPGPundit to the show -- for the full hour, plus some! Pundit discusses the OSR, from it's history and philosophy to its current representation and how growth and an influx of personalities has affected its identity. Also, the anti-OSR movement, the BrOSR are examined, including where, when, and why this counterculture came to be. Political trappings of a philosophical "leader" of the anti-OSR group are also scrutinized. Pundit explains the danger embracing this movement can bring if one wears blinders regarding questionable racial pre-dispositions of the spokesman. The conversation wraps up with RD looking to the f...2023-06-261h 18NerdcognitoNerdcognito - Episode 178: Randy from Biggus Geekus Talks Current TTRPG/Nerdy AffairsFriend of the show Randy from Biggus Geekus sits in for the whole show, and the guys just shoot the breeze. Everything from the current schism in our end of the hobby to milkshakes occupy the discussion. Plus, evil, nasty talk, about the existence of "differences of opinion" and filthy 13th Age "story gamers" like Randy are among the banter. We still like Randy, and he still likes us. Go figure. The show went long, so stay tuned for a follow-up Nano to be released this Saturday! ----more---- The News: Waffle House, you had us at "smothered"The Last of Us Boar...2023-06-201h 09NerdcognitoNerdcognito - Episode 177: ZERO Apologies; TWO Reviews (Dead by Daylight Board Game & Spirals RPG)!Another week of nerdy chatter begins with RD apologizing for rattling cages... not! The guys clarify and reinforce their thoughts on the users and abusers "in the OSR" before digging into a review of the Dead by Daylight board game. The news featuring Critical Role Zelda (!?!) is cut short as the boys would rather talk about obscure horror flicks and then run through Red Oaks Gaming's Spirals RPG offering, "Creepy Creature Double Feature." ----more---- Buy CCDF: https://redoakscreative.itch.io/creepy-creature-double-feature ----more---- The News: Ryan loses his mind over that Critical Role Zelda RPG ----more---- Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Shop Ama...2023-06-131h 03NerdcognitoNerdcognito - Episode 176: Welcoming our New Co-Host w/ Some New D&D Characters!; 3rd Party Infighting in the OSRRyan and Bert kick off the show with a heartfelt welcome to Kyle (you know him as @DyingBreedTT), our new co-host on Nerdcognito! The trio then play the "let's make a new character" game, with a twist. Then the guys dive deep into the tumultuous state of the OSR, specifically talking about infighting and angst from a growing segment of creators and influencers that are prostituting the hobby for clicks and cash. Lastly, the news wraps the show and our review is bumped to next week. Hint: CCDF. ----more---- The News: Carpenter Sequel Tease#FightingFantasy RenaissancePaizo: "#Drow, you're out!"SparkleTrolls Gigg...2023-06-061h 00NerdcognitoNerdcognito - Episode 175: Where Do You Like Your TTRPG Stacked?; Carpenter Films; Nerdy MilitaryThe dudes open by discussing where they like it stacked -- in the front or 'round the back? Dirty mind! We're talking about TTRPG Character "wow" skills. After some interesting and tasty news, the guys split the final segment. First is their take on Rotten Tomatoes "John Carpenter" film rankings. Last up is their look at the military in nerdy pop culture. Can you guess which squad with which Bert and RD would join up? ----more---- The News: The "secret" to a great sandwichDQ retires a classic(Please Don't) Play the D&D Movie at your tableGhostbusters Tarot ----more---- Episode Sponso...2023-05-3059 minNerdcognitoNanoNercognito: Slicing the Top 10 Off of a ”Top 100” Horror Film ListThis week on Nerdcognito, the guys ran short on time and bumped this segment to a Nano release all of its own! Bert unearthed a "Top 100 of all time" Horror Film list... and you know what happens from there. The guys run through the top ten of this list. See if the list was close or criminal -- and listen to RD wax about his favorite genre of film. ----more---- Buy a SparkleTroll Shirt: https://tinyurl.com/NerdcognitoShirt ----more---- ----more---- Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each...2023-05-2831 minNerdcognitoNerdcognito - Episode 174: News Blender - WotC Streams, DnD@DoD, Kickstarter Rundown, Monte Cook x2, and more!With a bunch of silly things going on in pop media, the guys fall back to just talking about the happenings of the week in the nerd-o-sphere. A nerdy news-filled potpourri episode that includes Wizards of the Coast new "D&D" network, a video game teaching the DoD's AI how to run a character, Gloomhaven slides, Monte Cook (twice!) and a plethora of new Kickstarters in the TTRPG and board game world! ----more---- Bonus! The guys ran overtime and announced a Nano episode with that overage to be release the Saturday after this episode! Double the Nerdcognito goodness this week...2023-05-231h 00NerdcognitoNerdcognito - Episode 173: Leylines Screws The Marketing Pooch; Fallout RPGWhat would the #TTRPG scene be like if someone forgot to virtue signal for just a week? Thankfully, Leylines (who?) tried, got called on it, and failed miserably this week. Instead of accepting it, they doubled down and went to a place no biz ever should. Of course, after that, the news seems like a good transition for the guys who end the show talking about the good time they had bringing the Fallout RPG to the table! ----more---- The News: Break!! is a go!Video Game Hall of FameWilderfeast -- a "Monster Hunter" TTRPG?Roots of Pacha pulled ----more---- Epis...2023-05-1659 minNerdcognitoNerdcognito - Episode 172: More (yay) WotC Announcements; Indie Comic Author Jason SandbergWizards of the Coast has even more new D&D Announcements, oh joy! These unearth a sore spot for RD, and he unloads on what he calls "FauxSR" OSR "influencers." To calm him down, the topic shifts to what's on the gaming table this week and eventually transitions into the news. After headlines and a frozen-treat list, the guys welcome indie comic author Jason Sandberg to the show. The gang discusses Jason's already successful crowdfunder for JUPITER, his present-day sci-fi "not a superhero" comic. ----more---- Check out the Indiegogo for JUPITER: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/jupiter-issue-1#/ ----more---- The News: Paizo...2023-05-091h 03NerdcognitoNerdcognito - Episode 171: WotC Sends In The Pinkertons; The Quiet Year ReviewJust when you thought Wizards of the Coast couldn't do anything more self-destructive... they call in the Pinkertons (yes, THOSE Pinkerton thugs) on a MtG fan that was accidently shipped an unreleased product. Is Hasbro trying to de-value and dump WotC? The news starts with the biggest board game in the last ten years and ends with... Hello Kitty?!? Lastly, the guys run down and review standalone TTRPG / City Builder / Co-op Storytelling game "The Quiet Year." ----more---- Buy "The Quiet Year": https://tinyurl.com/NerdcognitoQuietYear ----more---- The News: Gloomhaven the TV show?Project Black Flag Lied to YouIndiana Jones 5 is Ford...2023-05-0259 minNerdcognitoNerdcognito - Episode 170: Losing a DM - How a Group Copes; City-Building TTRPG!Ryan and Bert start the show with some Auras dev banter before digging in to the question of "What does your group do when your DM goes on hiatus?" That convo gets clipped when the news rolls -- along with our eyes! After the news, RD has a proposal for a "new-to-him" TTRPG/City Builder hybrid to get to the table with the Nerdcognito group! A solid week of nerd speak! ----more---- Buy "The Quiet Year": https://tinyurl.com/NerdcognitoQuietYear ----more---- The News: The critics (pshaw!) have a new favorite Sci-fi filmPicard S3 (still) is awesome"600+" is a lot of mini...2023-04-251h 02NerdcognitoNerdcognito - Episode 169: OSR DriveThru Confliction; Final Girl ReviewThere was a great schism among the talking heads of the OSR -- regarding OBS / DriveThruRPG this week. Ryan is very conflicted and tries to put everything in perspective so that we can all get back to playing games! The news spans genres, as always, and finishes with a powerbomb announcement. After the news, the guys run down and review the new solo board game hotness, Final Girl. ----more---- Last week! Help us out with our annual t-shirt fundraiser! SparkleTroll Shirts Supporting Nerdcognito https://www.bonfire.com/sparkletroll-shirts-supporting-nerdcognito/ We don't shill products, accept money for reviews, and we hope that we pr...2023-04-1859 minNerdcognitoNerdcognito - Episode 168: WotC D&D Showcase Falls Flat; Tony Garcia and Dystopian DawnAh Wizards of the Coast, you never fail to provide entertainment. With the recent DnDdirect event hyped to the moon, WotC barely gets off the ground with their "amazing reveals." Ryan drools at the end of the news. Hint: pleather. After the cleanup, Tony Garcia swings by to talk his now-crowdfunded Dystopian Dawn Sci-Fi Fantasy RPG. ----more---- #SparkleTroll Shirts Supporting Nerdcognito https://www.bonfire.com/sparkletroll-shirts-supporting-nerdcognito/ We don't shill products, accept money for reviews, and we hope that we provide you with a little bit of entertainment and fun every week in our corner of the hobby. Buy an overpriced shir...2023-04-0552 minNerdcognitoNerdcognito - Episode 167: TTRPG Character Advancement; Old School Essentials Braunhaven ReviewThe boys throw the format out the window this week! RD and Bert begin by talking about the different methods and philosophies in the world of TTRPG character advancement. Then the news gets disjointed, and the guys turn entire shorts into mini-segments! Finally, the show gets back on track with a review of The Braunhaven Campaign Setting for Old School Essentials. ----more---- The News: Little Caesars, what have you done?!?Stop doing THAT-- Ghibli Japanese StrangenessPicard is GOOD. Shaw is BETTER. ----more---- Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: The Red Room: https://moordereht.com/Wanna be a Check Mark Hero: https://www.payp...2023-03-281h 03NerdcognitoNerdcognito - Episode 166: Immortal Rising Comics Sits In; Lost Ruins of Arnak ReviewFriend of the show Aaron aka Immortal Rising sits in for "the full hour!" We get a preview and chat about his upcoming comic book; an insider peek at the Castlevania-meets-Final Fantasy extravaganza! Immortal also gets to experience the news just before Bert and Ryan blow the dust off of the Lost Ruins of Arnak board game! Buy Arnak: https://amzn.to/3yZ1gug ----more---- The News: Aethermancer - upcoming turn based RPG"Peeps"No PC Death in TTRPGs?!?"The Smartest" film villains ----more---- Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: The Red Room: https://moordereht.com/Shop Amazon and Support the Show: ht...2023-03-221h 01NerdcognitoNerdcognito - Episode 165: Premium Game Upgrades; Video Game ResurrectionsA benign week in the nerd-o-sphere brings a welcome lighthearted episode! The boys open talking about premium accessories and pimping out your gaming experience. After the news, the boys reminisce about some obscure, but well loved, video games that they would like to see make a comeback. Here's to hoping the sky doesn't fall next week! The News: Picard S3 is... goodBreak! TTRPG"Hey Butt Head..."Star Wars Foot-In-MouthYou Need an Engineer to Put This Back Together! (Frosthaven) ----more---- Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Marriage of Dimethro: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/adventuredelivered/adventure-delivered-marriage-of-dimethroShop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to...2023-03-1559 minNerdcognitoNerdcognito - Episode 164: ShadowDark Makes No Sense; Massive Darkness 2 ReviewRD is losing his voice! SparkleTrolls rejoice! This week the guys talk about the abnormal situation that is ShadowDark -- from concept, to performance, to outrage. Then, before the news, Ryan leaks that instead of a pledge drive, the "first edition" of the SparkleTroll T-shirt will debut! After the news, the guys run down and review CMON's minis dungeon crawler, Massive Darkness 2! The News: Children of the Corn reduxWendy's Chili!Cthulhu BatmanAI Art and Paizo's Headline Grab ----more---- Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Marriage of Dimethro: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/adventuredelivered/adventure-delivered-marriage-of-dimethroBuy Massive Darkness 2: https://amzn.to/3IXNBrTShop Amazon and Supp...2023-03-081h 00NerdcognitoNerdcognito - Episode 163: WotC’s Whoopsies of the Week; Gaming Snacks!Bert is back just in time for a double shot of Wizards nonsense. Hear what they (predictably) did to correct a lore issue with the D&D movie and listen to Kyle call a classic "problematic." Then we dig into the news before talking about the most serious subject ever tackled in the gaming podcast world: snacks at the table. Wipe those Cheeto fingers clean and enjoy! The News: New #1 Board Game in the "World!" Buy it here: https://amzn.to/3J3eVXaSolid RPG #BoardGamesRoald Dahl Rewrite UpdateBlood Bowl or Toilet Bowl? ----more---- Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Marriage of Dimethro: htt...2023-03-0155 minNerdcognitoNerdcognito - Episode 162: The Red Room Speaks After Being Murdered By DriveThru and MoreThe Red Room, Miguel and Silvia Ribeiro, give insight and their perspective to DriveThruRPG de-platforming the entirety of their work. Hear from them, in their own words, their account of the events which took place and is threatening to destroy an independent publisher. Plus, Erik Jensen sits in as co-host this week and is tortured with the news instead of Bert. Lastly, Erik and RD talk about the state of their gaming tables and what may be down the road for adventurers and friends. The News: An Open License with the Word Irrevocable!Bing Chat AI Gets ScaryCensoring Classics: Roald Dah...2023-02-221h 09NerdcognitoNerdcognito - Episode 161: Love or VD, WotC Keeps HatingHappy VD! Ew. But seriously, what are some hidden nerd "loves" of the guys? Find out some hidden nerd "loves" of the boys. There are some deep geek reveals here! After the news, it's the moment you've all been waiting for (yeah right). Wizards just keeps doing stupid stuff, and King Kyle spouts racist bile which the boys will walk trough, so you don's have to! The News: RD is a neologist! Thanks ChatGPT!Michael Keaton is back as Batman... again!Witcher 3 Hoo Haws ----more---- Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Humble Pathfinder: https://bit.ly/3l9MZqPBig Geek Emporium: https://www.biggeek...2023-02-1547 minNerdcognitoNerdcognito - Episode 160: SparkleTrolls fall back in line; ”My Father’s Work” Board Game ReviewYou read that title correctly! The SparkleTrolls have quickly fallen back in step with Wizards... forgetting the atrocity that was the OGL "update" and even going so far as defending the action. Other RPG Options litter the news since YOU SHOULD be finding something else to play. Lastly, the boys finally got the hot Kickstarter "My Father's Work" to the board game table this week; they rundown and review this gem. ----more---- The News: Lots of Pathfinder for a Little Bit of Dough Check out the deal here: https://bit.ly/3l9MZqPAnother "Dragon" TTRPGWhat's Your Sign? ----more---- Episode Sponsors and...2023-02-0854 minNerdcognitoNerdcognito - Episode 159: Wizards Walks Back the OGL Oops; Venger SatanisWizards backpedals on the OGL, but why? The guys update you and give their thoughts on WotC's walk back of the statements that destroyed their fanbase. The news this week includes some long gone fat foods plus the standard fare. After the news, Venger Satanis sits in to talk about the follow-up to his original "how to" guide: "Advanced Game Mastering Like a F**king Boss." And Cha'alt. Of course, Cha'alt. Venger's Kickstarter: https://tinyurl.com/5n8mnxps ----more---- The News: RIP: Foods that Died in 2022Hickory Dickory A Board Game on a ClockSarah Michelle Gellar is Dreamy (but her new sh...2023-02-021h 03NerdcognitoNerdcognito - Episode 158: Things to Play that are NOT D&D; The OGL Saga ContinuesThis week, the guys each give a "classic" and "modern" system for you to bring to your table in lieu of D&D. Lots of folks are looking to boycott everything WotC including their rulesets, and the boys are here to help! A short news cycle leads into the update of the state of the hobby and the OGL/ORC debacle. Stay vigilant and up to date on the facts and our opinions about this week's progression. ----more---- The News: Call me "Snake"Konami Announcing Moves"Zombies are..."Your pee smells funny ----more---- Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Big Geek Emporium: http...2023-01-251h 01NerdcognitoNerdcognito - Episode 157: OGL Fallout Births the ORC, Wretched Époque ReviewThe Nerdcognito guys are joined by guest co-host The T-Shirted Historian this week as they discuss the WotC response to the OGL leak. The gang then dives into the positives and potential negatives of Paizo's ORC. T-shirted makes it through the news, then Bert and Ryan rundown and review The Red Room's unique setting and ruleset set in early 1900's Paris, Wretched Époque. ----more---- The News: Another Terrible "Top" Board Game ListVR Zelda?!?The OG Oculus is DeadStadia Controller Rebirth! ----more---- Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Big Geek Emporium: http://www.biggeekemporium.comShop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djo...2023-01-1957 minNerdcognitoNerdcognito - Episode 156: The OGL OSR RoundtableHasbro / Wizards of the Coast's alleged Open Game License 1.1 has leaked, crippling content creators, "revoking" an irrevocable document, and intending to collect royalties, among other egregious restrictions, and the entire hobby is stunned. As these dark clouds roll over the land, the council was forced to convene once again to discuss the potential impact of this draconian document through the lenses of authors, content creators, entrepreneurs, and lifelong players. A must listen! ----more---- The Roundtable: Grim Jim (@Grimasaur)Erik Jensen (@daydreamtiger1)David Guyll (@antiochow)Joe Hardin (@biggeekemporium)T-Shirted Historian (@thetshirtedone)Magic User Kevin (@magicusergames)plus, Ryan David and Bert ----more---- Ep...2023-01-091h 01NerdcognitoNerdcognito - Episode 155: Cancelling Castles & Crusades; On The Horizon for 2023The SparkleTrolls are at it again, this time targeting "Castles & Crusades," one of the standard bearers in the OSR gaming community. The guys talk about how Troll Lord Games and their admirable effort to remain neutral on the political front now has them in the cancellation crosshairs. After the news, the boys run down some titles that they are looking forward to in 2023 in the TTRPG, Board Game, and Video Game space.----more---- The News: Bards -- never powerful enough... sike!The Nvidia RTX 4070 Ti is the card to ownSupport Indie artisans, not corporate crapThe return of the AV projector...2023-01-051h 01NerdcognitoNerdcognito - Episode 154: WotC is Closing the OGL; OSR Rundown and Review of Dungeons & DelversWizards of the Coast is at it again -- this time introducing a "new" Open Game License that seems to be anything but open. Is WotC intentionally trying to suppress indie content creation ahead of OneD&D? The news has some 2022 casualty talk, and one resurrection. Lastly, the guys are blown away by OSR Core Book, Dungeons & Delvers by David and Melissa Guyll. They tear through and give their thoughts on this "Red Book." ----more---- Check out Dungeons & Delvers here: https://biggeekemporium.com/product/dungeons-delvers-core-rulebook/ ----more---- The "Deadly" News: Death of the new Atari consoleDead TV shows in '22Back from...2022-12-2858 minNerdcognitoNerdcognito - Episode 153: Hasbro Wants More (Money); OSR Dungeon GenerationThis week, Bert talks about a big (and obscure, yet specific) request to run a game. Hasbro and Wizards shout about how "under monetized" Dungeons and Dragons is; the guys ponder if this is another nail in the coffin of the brand. Next, the news is full of video game updates. Finally, Ryan recounts the joy he found creating a dungeon the old school way (which led to an entire OSR adventure) --with random dice, tables, and a good friend. ----more---- The News: Bioshock 4 Lands a Lead WriterGhost Story Games Drops an Odd TrailerFinal Fantasy XVI Announces a Gold DateAmerican God...2022-12-1559 minNerdcognitoNerdcognito - Episode 151: D&D Disaster Discounts; SpinoffsThis turkey-coma induced episode begins with the guys talking about gobble-day, Black Friday shopping and the perceived woes lying ahead for WotC and D&D. They then dig into the news (with a list!) before talking about spinoffs of all kinds. From television, to TTRPGs like Dragonlance and Spelljammer, to Doctor Mario?!? Tune in! ----more---- The News: Defunct Game DevelopersWarhammer and Dark Souls have a baby?Shatner (finally) Speaks about Takei's SlanderThat Computer Can Lie!Nintendo Says: Nintendon't Produce ROM Art ----more---- Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Toynk: http://bit.ly/3U6TVkmShop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djo...2022-11-3058 minNerdcognitoNerdcognito - Episode 150: Video Game-ifying TTRPGs; We Are Thankful"It's. Not. A. Video. Game!" RD has been saying it a while, but the guys notice and discuss how the pop gaming "media" has been pumping trash content out which seems to be counterproductive to supporting "roleplaying games." Once they chew through that toughness, they tackle the news, as always. Finally, as cliché as it may be, the boys share some of their top "thankfuls" with you, our friends and fans! ----more---- The News: Hasbro's HeroScape Reboot -- FAILS!Elden Ring Boardgame KickstarterRIP Green RangerNinja Gaiden and DOA in DevelopmentWould You Kindly Talk About Bioshock: The Movie? ----more---- Episode Sponsors and...2022-11-2355 minNerdcognitoNerdcognito - Episode 149: Too Much Gaming, $50 Board Game Picks, Mezo Rundown and ReviewHow many gaming groups is too many gaming groups? If you answered "seven," don't tell Bert! The guys talk gaming saturation and then dive into a chinwaggle where they end up throwing out some great board game recommendations -- all under fifty bucks. The news comes and goes, with a little help from our Cenobite friends and does not disappoint. Finally, our "better-late-than-never" rundown and review of the area control board game, Mezo. ----more---- The News: Richard Garfield Airs Magic: The Gathering ConcernsHellraiser's Lament Configuration for Kids!Twitter's Checkmark Snubs AndroidFar Future 5e Sci-Fi Setting Looking... Good? ----more---- Episode Sponsors and...2022-11-1751 minNerdcognitoNerdcognito - Episode 148: Crafting One-Shots and SparkleTroll RacismBert is crafting a one-shot for new players to the TTRPG hobby and discusses considerations and creation strategies with RD. What do you take into account for your one-shots? The news starts with the hotness and ends with Ryan hot and steaming over Swedish furniture moguls. After he simmers down, the boys look at the latest example of the "inclusive" racism in the hobby that the SparkleTrolls have rallied behind in the Twitterverse this week. ----more---- The News: Who You Gonna Call to Your Table?Slay the Spire Board Game Looks AmazingVideo Game Quick Bites: Kojima Leak and Fallout TexturesCarnevale Min...2022-11-101h 03NerdcognitoNerdcognito - Episode 147: The Rule of Cool, Isn’t & Holiday Game SchedulingBert and Ryan chit chat about the "Rule of Cool." With some misunderstandings between the boys regarding exactly WHAT the ROC actually IS, the one thing we can take away is that it seems to create more problems than it is worth. The news is stacked this week! After slogging through the collection of articles, the boys discuss your game table and how to effectively not let the Holiday Season screw up your scheduling and find a surprise about their own table's calendar. ----more---- The News: Kojima's Big ClaimMYZ and Wargames in GeneralNetflix Killers: Dahmer and Witcher CastingThe McDeath of the...2022-11-021h 00NerdcognitoNerdcognito - Episode 146: RD’s De-Twittering, Bad Expansion Books, and Assassin TTRPGsMissed your Twitter dose of Ryan David? You're not the only one. After a successful "game the reporting algorithm" campaign, Twitter suspended RD's account. He provides the deets to Bert and the world, and it's NOT AT ALL what we were expecting. The boys then tackle the news before talking about how board game expansion manuals can be better and brainstorming how to bring a "Hitman" assassin-style mission to the RPG table courtsey of our friends' at The Red Room's "Wretchploitation!" ----more---- The News: John Carpenter is a wastelanderHome is where the haunt isMopping up entrailsFree LTE forever -- sort o...2022-10-2656 minNerdcognitoNerdcognito - Episode 145: Creating Characters, Disorganized DMs, and the Attack on OSR CreatorsThis week, our favorite segment of the TTRPG hobby, the SparkleTrolls, went on the offensive and did their best to "shame" and "cancel" creators aligned with the OSR. Before we tell our tale (yes, we were targeted too!) we tackle the Character Creation process and talk about what to do when you have a great DM that is terrible at organizing events. Sandwiched in-between is a healthy dose of nerdy news to complete this delicious episode. ----more---- The News: Heroscape is how much?!?Renegade takes over #AvalonHill re-releasesDeathloop and Dishonored link confirmedSinging about dysenteryFrosthaven receives mixed reviews ----more---- Episode Sponsors an...2022-10-121h 01NerdcognitoNerdcognito - Episode 144: Author Robert Kroese and the Boys Love Autumn and Horror!Prolific author and founder of BasedCon, Robert Kroese swings by to report on the success of this year's con and discuss his upcoming series The Cross-Time Crusade and annual Kickstarter. The news this week includes a list of "creepy" board games, which inspires the guys, particularly RD, to talk about the Horror genre, Fall, and their love of getting spooked and the season. A little off-book, but a fun chat nonetheless! ----more---- Support Rob: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/robkroese/the-cross-time-crusade ----more---- The News: RIP StadiaMario Maker Insanity!WotC ALREADY Walked Back OneDND Changes "Creepy" Board Games for the Season...2022-10-051h 11NerdcognitoNerdcognito - Episode 143: Kicking Bad Players from the TTRPG Table and Auras: The Roleplaying Game PreviewThis week we open by talking about what to do with "that guy" and how a group can deal with and recover from punting a bad player. The news spans television, retro arcade gaming, and Star Wars this week; it still is a downer. After the news, Bert talks to RD about the current "in development" TTRPG that he is finally putting together, Auras: The Roleplaying Game. Learn about the inspiration for a very different, adaptable, and accessible entry in the gaming world. ----more---- The News: Trek Gets a New Hero ShipWhoops! Malware Google?Mortal Kombat Design DishEmoticons Are Old!Vader...2022-09-2858 minNerdcognitoNerdcognito - Episode 142: Sleeping Gods and TTRPG Taint, Pus, and Vim (illnesses)!Back after fighting the 'VID on multiple fronts, the guys hit the ground running by taking a deep look at the current hotness in the #boardgame world, Sleeping Gods. Does it live up to the hype? The news is bizarre and, as always, does not disappoint. After the news, the guys discuss the use (or neglect) of illness and disease in #DnD / #TTRPGs, inspired by their recent brushes with the virus that rocked the real world. ----more---- The News: Unlimited Soup, Salad, and TTRPGS?Aqua Teen Reboot!Fishing with LovecraftKaraoke! The Perfect SparkleTroll Ending to a CampaignFallout the Tabletop Roleplaying Game...2022-09-201h 00NerdcognitoNerdcognito - Episode 141: Hadozee Hullabaloo and Horde WarsThis week, Bert is lost in the woods so Ryan invites friend of the show Erik Jensen to sit in as co-host. The two then go into detail about the latest capitulation from WotC. Changing lore, editing digital content, and hypersensitivity to the opinion of those who desire to be offended rarely works out well, and Wizards once again feels the burn -- this time from the folks they were trying to appease! Also, after the news, Todd Ritzema aka DM Blackwell stops in to talk about his new system, Horde Wars -- how it came to be, and where it...2022-09-071h 02NerdcognitoNerdcognito - Episode 140: Vacation Board Games and Kobold Quest!This week, the guys talk as Bert prepares for a much-needed vacation. Of course, "What games did you pack?" gets asked and the duo discuss their thoughts on taking board games on vacay -- and recommend some easy-travelling titles. Soldering though a news segment ending with a #SparkleTroll list, Ryan is excited to welcome a guest to the show. Richard Davis of Explorer's Guild Publishing stops by to close out the show and talk about his new project, Kobold Quest! ----more---- Support Kobold Quest: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/amarik/kobold-quest ----more---- The News: The Pitt(sburgh) is coming to Fal...2022-08-3158 minNerdcognitoNerdcognito - Episode 139: One D&D Roundtable!Ryan and Bert are honored to be joined by a great cross-segment of the gaming hobby spanning #OSR mainstays to #5e Content Creators to discuss the #WotC announcement of #OneDnD. Hear the thoughts and opinions of Developer/Designer of The Chronicles of Aeres Greg Lambert, YouTube sensation Viktor Gorchev, Erik Jensen of the Wampus Country blog, and streamer Kevin of MagicUserGames added in with those of the Nerdcognito gang! It's an entertaining AND enlightening chat that you cannot miss! ----more---- Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for eac...2022-08-2243 minNerdcognitoNerdcognito - Episode 138: Easy Encounters, Dixit HardRyan and Bert start strong by talking about low-level TTRPG encounters. How do you make these just as memorable as the final showdown with the BBEG? There is a lot of news this week, and the guys slog through before talking about dropping a game on a group of casuals. In a social situation with "non-gamers" what are the best games you can use to give them the first taste? ----more---- The News: Hasbro's Heroscape Redux30 years later, 2P mode discovered in Super Punch-Out!Microsoft Pushing Office AdsAlone In The Dark ReimaginingTwilight Imperium in Less Than 12 Hours?!? ----more---- Episode Sponsors and...2022-08-1851 minNerdcognitoNerdcognito - Episode 137: Joe from Biggus Geekus & the ”Transition” of the Nerdcognito TTRPG GroupJoe Hardin from Biggus Geekus swings by and talks about the censorship state of our hobby, specifically the impact on indie developers that don't bend the knee to the woke mob. Joe highlights the thought behind the idea to launch Big Geek Emporium as an alternative marketplace to those who dictate content and segregate creators. After the news, Bert and Ryan talk about how the "system transition" played out at the Nerdcognito table, and RD maintains that even though there was a player that dialed in from 1000 miles away, it was still an authentic face-to-face TTRPG experience. ----more---- The News: Nu...2022-08-1159 minNerdcognitoNerdcognito - Episode 136: Hordes, IP Profiteers, and Converting CowboysAfter a week without power and modern conveniences, the guys return to talk all sorts of nerdy goodness! Starting out with discussion of hordes (zombie or otherwise) in D&D, the boys then talk about when fan "upgrades" to board games go too far. Sifting through the best of two weeks worth of news gets tiring, and Ryan tells Bert his plan to convert the gaming groups' coyboys to TTRPG characters -- be it fantasy or sci-fi! ----more---- The News: Diablo ImmortalRick and Michonne Walking the Dead (series)Thanks Gabe! Cleaning Up Steam Splash ArtScrew Will -- The Real Slap Heard...2022-08-021h 01NerdcognitoNerdcognito - Episode 135: Digital TTRPG Mergers and A War of WhispersRyan starts out all by himself, but Bert quickly arrives in time to talk about... DriveThruMerger!?! Roll20 and DriveThruRPG announce a partnership... what does this mean for the TTRPG hobby, pushing folks towards online gaming, and indie creators? The boys roll through some news, which throws the boys back into their late teen years (RD worked... where?). Afterwards, another "old" 2019 release hits the board game table and the guys run down and review "A War of Whispers" which finally got pulled off of the shelf of shame. ----more---- The News: Amazon Basics Saying Bye-Bye?Nikon sunsetting SLRs?!?Stray Tops Steam Wis...2022-07-2144 minNerdcognitoNerdcognito - Episode 134: Main Character Syndrome in D&D and a Brass Birmingham ReviewThe boys clear a board game from the shelf of shame... It's Brass Birmingham! One of the top three games according to "the Geek" gets the Nerdcognito review and rundown. While you are listening to the guys talk about this gem of an economic simulator, charge up that controller because we have an all video game news week. Lastly, Ryan and Bert tackle the concept of "Main Character Syndrome" in TTRPGs, how to deal with it both in and out of game, and preserve your D&D group. ----more---- The News: Kojima Horror Title Leak?Monster Sanctuary DLC Does Fans Rig...2022-07-0756 minNerdcognitoNerdcognito - Episode 132: Way Too Much News!We are back from vacation and..... buried in two weeks worth of news! Hear us dig out as we get caught up on all that went down in the Nerddom while Ryan was arguing with his folks and Bert was kicking back! ----more---- The News: Upcoming Board Game Skyrise Looks Beeeeee-ewe-tee-fulllllll!Introversion is building spaceshipsFree Photoshop, thanks AdobeBeavis and Butthead Do the UniverseDIY (non)Vinyl RecordsChrono Trigger and Final Fantasy VI Inspire a New JRPGMila Kunis (Hot!) Creates Buzzword VentureE.T. Phone Board GameAutobots Roll Out... to PlutoTV!Warriors: Come Out to Play their own board gameFallout-Style Isometric RPG in t...2022-06-2356 minNerdcognitoNerdcognito - Episode 131: Is the Force with Star Wars: Obi-Wan Kenobi?; The Attack on the OSRA long time ago in a galaxy... yep. Now a handful of episodes in, the guys give their thoughts on Star Wars: Obi-Wan Kenobi. With good and bad (and a lot of hand-wringing on the internet) will the boys keep watching? The news this week spans TTRPGs, anime, board games, and a dash of Cornholio. Afterwards, the attack and hatred of the OSR gets exposed and lit up with the Reverend Ryan David manning the spotlight. Amen, brothers and sisters. ----more---- The News: Meanwhile, In The Subway takes you undergroundShut up, fartknocker! Beavis and Butthead Do The Universe!Sega Dreamcast mini n...2022-06-101h 07NerdcognitoNerdcognito - Episode 130: A Nerdtastic Memorial Day Military Salute; and the Roots of a Fandom with Personal Tales from Ryan and BertRyan David and Bert salute our fallen military heroes, followed by chatter about the best military representations across nerd culture. The news dives into the shallow end of crypto before ending with everyone's favorite "frozen dairy dessert." On the flip side, the boys have a little personal story time, discussing the origins of some of the nerdier aspects of the other's personalities. Ryan talks about his love of board games dating back to just-post-toddler days; Bert recalls his initial look at Korean TV which sparked his metamorphasis into a full time K-Drama dork. ----more---- The News: Ethereum to ETH 2.0 coming soo...2022-06-0252 minNerdcognitoNerdcognito - Episode 128: New Players to the Table and their Board Game Trial; Picking a Non-Fantasy TTRPG for the Gang!Bringing new folks to the gaming table is always a daunting task. The Nerdcognito group is growing and we need to put the new players through their paces. What's a good "trial" board game for some new peeps? It sounds like Cthulhu might be rising at board game night! After a title has been decided, the guys do their best sifting through with a less-than-banner nerdy news week. Wrapping things up, the guys look at non-fantasy TTRPGs to propose to the group. What made the list for consideration? "Weird West Cowboys" and "Avatars of Gods" are two options that surfaced in a co...2022-05-191h 01NerdcognitoNerdcognito - Episode 127: 90s Sci-Fi Film Fest! ...and the SparkleTrolls now want to remove combat from D&DThis week, the guys invite you to experience a blast from the past; Ry and Bert give you some "must watch" (and some must NOT watch) sci-fi films from the radical 1990s! The news, as always, does not disappoint as there are updates and events that went down in the geeky world this week. Finally, the boys have discourse about the latest thing that the woke SparkleTrolls want to remove from your TTRPG: combat. That's right -- no more battles for you! The News: Everyday Heroes (aka d20 Modern II) Gets Some Badass LicensingOh boy! Quantum Leap Pseudo-Sequel in the Work...2022-05-1255 minNerdcognitoNerdcognito - Episode 126: Alien Fate of the Nostromo Review, Modules and Dungeon MasteringThe new co-op board game, Alien: Fate of the Nostromo hit the Nerdcognito table. What do the boys think of this brush with the Xenomorph? Get the complete rundown and review of this cost-friendly addition to your game shelf. The guys get distracted (squirrel!) during the news and slide into a chinwag about the Star Trek Butthurt Brigade (i.e. the folks that hate any new anything in Trek), movies, and drive in theaters?!? After the news, RD and Bert talk about modules and how they can both help and hinder a DM. Tips for implementing and integrating modular content along...2022-05-051h 17NerdcognitoNerdcognito - Episode 125: Woke WotC Slaughtering Spelljammer while Dooming Dragonlance and Upcoming Star Wars Video Game GoodnessThe Woke Wizards of the Coast are re-imagining Dragonlance and Spelljammer. Things don't look good and RD has already jumped off the bandwagon. This spins into a conversation regarding the need for TRUE "diversity" in the creation of TTRPG content; meaning that different philosophies need to be brought back into the fold of creation as opposed to a "hivemind" team ala modern WotC. Bert and Ryan almost make it through the news without Ryan losing his mind before running down a list of ALL known future Star Wars video games that are currently in the pipeline. What's coming up that has...2022-04-2857 minNerdcognitoNerdcognito - Episode 124: Old Video Games Due For A Reboot; Experienced PCs vs. Newbie PCsBert and Ryan dig deep in their memories of the best "classic" video games that deserve a reboot or reimagining. Did your favorite game make the cut? A news week filled with announcements stuns the guys and Ry's head blows up over some of his nostalgia dying. Finally, the guys talk about the pros and cons about playing at a table with experienced gamers versus noobs. As always, perspective about both player categories makes for an entertaining and enlightening chat. The News: A New TTRPG Paying Homage to d20 ModernRIP Ms. Pac ManBlade Runner RPG Kickstarter and Launch Dates SetWizards of t...2022-04-151h 06NerdcognitoNerdcognito - Episode 123: Consent Checklists and Where to Shove Them; Cooperative Board Games for Your TableBert and Ryan chime in on "Consent Sheets" and checklists that are the rage from the progressive members of the TTRPG and D&D Communities right now. While the idea of open communication is welcomed by both of the boys, they are reluctant (Ryan especially so) to slap a checklist on their parties. Ryan tells Bert about a tweet of his that went viral and set the extreme members of the hobby into a tizzy. After the news, the guys talk about their favorite cooperative board games. Which co-op is their favorite? The News: Some "Bad" Zelda NewsAmazon is Phasing Out...2022-04-071h 16NerdcognitoNerdcognito - Episode 122: Ark Nova Review and Thoughts, Zelda Piracy, and D&D PotionsThe buzz landed on our table, and after this week's Nerdy News, we give a comprehensive look and review of Ark Nova! Plus, in the first half, the bros talk about wanting to play Zelda: The Ocarina of Time in HD, but not wanting to pirate the ROM and cost Jose the janitor his job. After a moral dilemma seems to be resolved, Bert and Ryan run through a list of the "best" Dungeons and Dragons potions for your party. Yes, another list... that's wrong. The News: Dreamy Christina Ricci is coming to NetflixSquare Enix had a Whole Freaking Team for...2022-03-311h 05
NerdcognitoNerdcognito - Episode 121: Facebook Jail, Social Media, plus Reflections and Recommendations for New DMsRD gets tossed in Facebook Jail, after Facebook says he should not be in jail. This spirals into a discussion of social media in general and the fashionable trend to hate RD... so follow him: @IHateRyanDavid and spew your love everywhere! After a diverse cross-section of nerdy news, the guys talk about their early experiences in the role of Dungeon Master. Some great DM tricks and relection get kicked around and good (and bad) traits that have been adopted or kicked to the curb get discussed. A must-listen for anyone testing the waters as a DM! The News: Microsoft selling ad sp...2022-03-2355 min
NerdcognitoNerdcognito - Episode 120: Sailing the Skies with a Windward Review and ”Cancelling” Monsters in D&DBert and Ryan Review Windward, the Board Game and sail the high seas, er, atmosphere hunting whales, er, Crestors. Once the review is over, the guys read a ridiculous list of "Monsters in Dungeons & Dragons That Need to Go." RD composes himself after his brain nearly melts reading the list enough to make it through the news. Finally, after two weeks of hype, Bert brings the questions that are often posed to him and the boys give some nerdy advice on all topics that are gloriously geeky. The News: Fallout 76 has at least a half-decade's worth of content yet to giv...2022-03-171h 22
NerdcognitoNerdcognito - Episode 118: Don’t Cross The DM Boss & the Best 16-Bits of SNES.A trip down 16-bit Memory Lane has Ryan and Bert prattling through the best SNES games, ever. Is your favorite going to make the list? Per usual, the news does not disappoint spanning from new release games to reheating pizza. After you eat your (cold) slice, it gets serious as the guys discuss "how much is too much" when it comes to questioning a Dungeon Master's call or sovereignty. Where is the line for both players and DMs? Lastly, a quick chat about how YOU can "Ask Bert" ...just about anything -- and hear your question on an upcoming episode! The N...2022-03-031h 27
NerdcognitoNerdcognito - Episode 117: Barrage’s Beauty and Amazon ”Suppresses” Indy Author Denton SalleThe gang has failed to properly play the board game Barrage twice, and they still love it! Listen to Ryan and Bert run down their Barrage experience... good and bad. After the guys blast through a few quality news items from the week, they are joined by author Denton Salle. Denton stops by to talk about all of his works, and specifically, a recent revelation that one of his short stories was, in Amazon's vernacular, "suppressed." After the guys talk about how insane cancel culture in the nerd fandom can be, Denton recommends a series of his own writings that woul...2022-02-241h 26
NerdcognitoNerdcognito - Episode 116: A Look to the Future (on screen, on the table, and in our Nerddom!)Bert's "Coming to a Nerdy Stream Near You" List includes upcoming Star Trek and Star Wars TV, Halo TV, The Orville, Resident Evil, Lord of the Rings, and Blade Runner. Which upcoming shows have the dudes hot and bothered versus which are left calling a cab at closing time? This list spun into a chat about aging Hollywood peeps knowing when to hang it up and icon legacies (Harrison Ford and Ridley Scott, we're looking at you). The Nerdy News is bookended with jabbering about what the boys will be playing this weekend. Which board game and which RPG will land...2022-02-161h 52
NerdcognitoNerdcognito - Episode 115: RD is a Lousy Dungeon Master. Counterspell Fails.It all started with a conversation about DM Privilege... and if it still exists according to the hivemind. Trying to discuss the benefits of character flaws, player and DM autonomy, and Dungeon Master responsibilities in Dungeons and Dragons opens up an old would for Bert, who lets RD know exactly how he feels. The guys kiss and make up and then continue to talk about the importance of vetting players (and groups) as well as less than perfect exits from gaming groups. The News: Food Nerd Alton Brown's Most Iconic RecipeWill Wordle Remain Free?Deep Rock Galactic the Board GameAnother Wi...2022-02-0957 min
NerdcognitoNerdcognito - Episode 114: In The Game Room, No One Can Hear You ScreamRyan and Bert bounce all over the nerddom this week. Bert has a new title, "Mr. Terraforming Mars!" and both the guys are impressed with the upcoming "Tales from the Loop" board game. This leads into a chinwag about preordering and kickstarting games in general. Later, the guys develop a plan to replace the new D&D campaign with an Alien (you bitch!) adventure, Ryan tells stories of his overnight in Facebook Jail, and Bert struggles with the possibility of upgrading to a next-gen console. The News: Microsoft Update Reduces Your LifeDisney Pulls Upcoming Marvel Shows?Entitled Delivery Driver "Shames" App...2022-02-031h 29
NerdcognitoNerdcognito - Episode 108: Woke Wizards of the Coast and the Death of Dungeons & DragonsMike tries to talk down Ryan from axing 5e from the gaming table as Wizards of the Coast / D&D doubles down on their politically correct "corrections," the excellent board game Otys can be had for cheap, and we give you some Horror for your Holiday as the guys discuss if any of the "flicks to watch over Christmas" whet their appetites. This, plus the nerdy news (pizza, anyone?) and a lot of scattered nerdy chat pack this episode of ad-free audio bliss for your Chanuramakwanszmas week. Show Notes and Links: Otys -- super cheap! : https://amzn.to/3eihnsESupport the s...2021-12-2353 min