Shows
Bonus ExperienceBXP 6x12 - Monica and Rai Talk
Hello Bonus Babies,
Rai returns for a finale. We sort of talk about games, but mostly we just talk.
Here’s some stuff we talk about:
Monica’s computer
Rai’s life
Music of the 90s
Monica’s book
Onyx Path shop talk
A better alternative to the “no fascists” rule
Rai’s son and the Progress Pride Flag
Fabula Ultima
Dungeon Meishi
Gay Final Fantasy
You can find even more nonsense in the extended cut.
And here’s some links for things referenced:
“Dragostea Din Tei” by O-Zone: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v...2023-10-0259 minBonus ExperienceBXP 6x10 - Monica and Alex Break Down Setting Design Using Video Games
Hello Bonus Babies,
Today I’m joined by friend and colleague Alex Guerrero to discuss how video games utilize narrative and setting design to create a sense of wonder and mystery – and how you can bring that to the table in your own tabletop RPGs!
We discuss:
Good writing and pacing of lore
Creating and fostering mystery while running games
Supporting an action-RPG feel at the table
Using techniques from GMless gaming
Integrating social influence into games
Building lore for your game using othe...2023-07-1040 minBonus ExperienceBXP 6x09 - Monica and D Evaluate Rules Exceptions
Hello Bonus Babies,
D is back in the studio with me today to deliver on our promise to discuss exceptions-based rules design. We talk about Exalted: Essence an awful lot, but also talk about Malifaux, Chronicles of Darkness, and some upcoming games. We talk about good examples of how to build strong exceptions and an equal number of bad ones, and point out games that don’t do this at all.
Also discussed in the extended cut:
Live, custom made, spooky beeps
Even more on ASMR
The weirdness of TikTok
Anticipating a LARP
Expectations for...2023-06-2741 minBonus ExperienceBXP 06x06 - MTP Crossover 2: Design Directives Mechanics Workshop
Hello Bonus Babies,
Today Monica sits down with friend and colleague Hiromi Cota to discuss how you can improve the accessibility of your tabletop RPG. We talk about making things accessible to folks with physical issues, but mental ones as well. We also talk about math a lot.
In the extended cut:
More coping strategies for ADHD
Monica’s style guide opinions
Being ready to teach dice pools
You can find Hiromi and their work here:
https://hiromicota.com/
https://www.tumblr.com/hiromicota
2023-06-1240 minBonus ExperienceBXP 06x06 - MTP Crossover 2: Design Directives Mechanics Workshop
Hello Bonus Babies,
Today Monica is joined by the hosts of the Malifaux podcast, Steampowered Scoundrels, to have a lively discussion about being small content creators in a niche field, being the microest of micro celebrities, having relationships with tabletop game designers, and a lot, and I really mean a lot, of talk about Malifaux.
Don’t worry I also bring up Exalted at least once.
Also discussed in the extended cut: bad times at work and the Condescension Special; the authenticity of background noise and where to get the good misophonia; the sto...2023-05-2938 minBonus ExperienceBXP 06x06 - MTP Crossover 2: Design Directives Mechanics Workshop
Hello Bonus Babies,
Here’s another crossover with Mage: The Podcast. This time Danielle Lauzon joins us as we discuss the concept of design directives in games. Enjoy the energy a third party brings to these MTP/BXP crossovers.
You can find Mage the Podcast here.
Additional silliness in the extended cut.
2023-05-1938 minBonus ExperienceBXP 06x05 - Monica and Elliott Dissect Character Sheets
Hello Bonus Babies,
Today Monica is joined by Exalted developer, Elliott Freeman, to break down their favorite (and least favorite) characters sheets: what works, what doesn’t, what they like to see, and so on. Favorites include Agon and Blades in the Dark, and the least favorites include some real stinkers.
You can find Mr Gone’s work here and here
Also discussed in the extended cut:
Sleep and work schedules
More details about Blades in the Dark
Play aids as character sheets
2023-05-0138 minBonus ExperienceBXP 06 x 04 - Monica and MJ Examine Competitive Game Design
Hello Bonus Babies,
Today Monica is joined by freelance author and designer, MJ Monleon, to discuss the ins, outs, and pitfalls of designing a competitive game. We focus mostly on traditional games like tabletop RPGs and card or board games and then wander off into the weeds of some of our favorite video games.
We start off strong, then get very distracted. Expect the full strength ADHD experience: hand clapping, table slapping, chair squeaking and my inability to hold still and speak directly into the mic. If any of that is a deal breaker for y...2023-04-1843 minBonus ExperienceBXP 06x03 - Mage the Podcast Crossover - Mechanics Workshop: Magick Merits
Hello Bonus Babies,
Monica joins Terry on Mage the Podcast to workshop the design concept of individual magic(k) merits, as well as temporary merits and experience rewards in Mage 20th.
Join us for an interesting discussion on in-character benefits and experience design, plus all the weird stuff you’ve come to expect from Monica and Terry having a conversation.
2023-04-0444 minBonus ExperienceBXP 06x02 - Jax Teaches Monica All About Larp
Hello Bonus Babies,
Today Monica invites her friend, Jacqueline Bryk, to join her and discuss something she considers a blank spot in her traditional game literacy: LARP. We discuss what makes a LARP and LARP design principles as Jax gives a detailed 101 crash course. We also kick around designing our own together, for a bit.
Also discussed in the extended cut:
Jax at MAGFest and Monica’s day jobthe implications of torture in games and the meddlesome Victoriansheadcanons for the Scarlet Empress and the Ebon Dragononline RPG discourse
2023-03-2050 minBonus ExperienceBXP 06x01 Monica and D Analyze Resource Management
Hello Bonus Babies,
Welcome to Season Six! Rai is retiring from permanent co-host duty so you’re all stuck with me (Monica) and a rotating door of our friends. Fear not, Rai will still join us from time to time. And don’t worry – we remain two queer people speaking with authority about games, and we absolutely will still swear (die mad about it).
In today’s episode D and Monica sit down to get into the ins and outs of designing good resource management games. We talk about what you need to consider as a designe...2023-03-0646 minBonus ExperienceBXP Season 6 Update
Hello Bonus Babies,
BXP is BACK for Season Six. We have some very important updates to the show as well as some super cool episodes coming up. Give it a listen. If you stayed a patron through the off-season, Monica shouts out your name.
See you next week!
2023-03-0203 min
Bonus ExperienceBXP 05x12 - Character Development (feat. Terry Robinson)
Hello Bonus Babies!
This is the final episode of Season Five. Terry joins Monica again with the second half of their very long conversation about experiences with gaming and new people.
Today we talk about character development in RPGs: what that means, what people want when they say they’re into it, and how games do and don’t support character growth over time. It’s a very interesting discussion and a perfect send-off for our fifth season.
There WILL be Patron-exclusive content this off-season! We’re launching Bonus Level, a YouTube show where Moni...2022-10-1442 minBonus ExperienceBXP 05x11 - Mage, Exalted, and D&D (feat. Terry Robinson)
Hello Bonus Babies,
Terry (of Mage: the Podcast) joins Monica to talk about the wild experience of teaching Mage to new people and Monica commiserates about her experiences with teaching Exalted to beginners. We discuss the interesting cultural baggage that comes with most folks pop understanding of the hobby and what it’s like to show folks new games.
The topic goes all kinds of interesting places past that. Even more rambling can be heard in the extended cut.
[ Bonus Experience: the Blog! bxpcast.com | Bonus Experience: the Discord! tinyurl.com/bxpdiscord | Bonus Ex...2022-09-2841 minBonus ExperienceBXP 05x10-Games Without Randomizers feat. Chazz
Hello Bonus Babies,
Rai had to tap out of hosting early this season, so Monica set up a lobster trap outside her house in order to catch a few new co-hosts. The last few episodes of Season 5 will be Monica + a friend. Join our Patreon or Discord for details about the nonsense we have planned for the off-seasons!
Here’s the long-awaited new episode. Chazz of Pain in the Dice, OPPCast and Systematic Understanding of Everything joins Monica to discuss games without randomizers. No cards. No dice. No coin flips – just a variety of narrative resol...2022-09-151h 09Bonus ExperienceBXP 05x09-So, You’re Playing D&D for the First Time…
Hello Bonus Babies,
We are so very sorry for the silence and lack of updates for a while there. Things have been rough for the whole BXP crew, but we’re BACK.
Monica overheard a conversation about someone being nervous to play D&D for the first time and their worries about how to be a good player, so here’s today’s episode. Rai and Monica hang out to discuss what sort of things are good to keep in mind when you’re a player for the first time – no matter what game you’re playing. 2022-08-1541 minBonus ExperienceBXP 05x08-Does System Matter?
Hello Bonus Babies!
Rai’s back! Hooray! Rejoice!
Today Rai and Monica sit down to discuss a favorite internet discourse topic: does system matter? Can you just enjoy any game, regardless of system? Do you even NEED to be a game designer?
You’ll just have to listen to the whole thing if you want the answer.
Also discussed in the extended cut: Rai’s patron-only strip journalism, Monica’s queer FLGS, the art of amigurumi and a lot more about Tumblr
Also here’s a link to the CHAOS RPG stre...2022-07-1143 minBonus ExperienceBXP 05x07-DEEP DIVE: Streamlining Systems
Hello Bonus Babies,
While Rai sorts out a few life things, D joins us again for another deep dive. Today, Monica and Danielle discuss streamlining game systems – whether you’re doing that on your own for fun or whether it’s a professional job. We talk about the meaning, goals, and methods of streamlining and give some examples of systems we’d fix and systems we wouldn’t.
Also discussed: praxis songs, reflecting reality in games, and The Lesbian Who Controls Time.
[ Bonus Experience: the Blog! bxpcast.com | Bonus Experience: the Discord! tinyurl.com/bxpdiscor...2022-06-201h 02Bonus ExperienceBXP 05x06 - The BXP Memorial Day Picnic
Happy Pride, Bonus Babies!
We’ve really been going through it this year, so when we sat down to record our most recent episode we decided it would be fun and relaxing to just hang out instead.
Here’s nearly an hour of Monica and Rai talking about… everything and nothing.
Discussed:
Queer New Year and Gay Parliament
the best way to see Multiverse of Madness
the problem with superhero movies
RPG industry news
Siri learning about Exalted
David learning about Exalted
Winamp skins
Napster
a crowded house and a music closet
crushing s...2022-06-011h 05Bonus ExperienceBXP 05x05-The Bigger They Are, the Harder They Bargain
Hello Bonus Babies,
Oh? It’s Tuesday already? Oh?? Shhhh, time is fake.
In today’s episode, Monica and Rai sit down to discuss the concept of the hard bargain – a social refusal mechanic that can improve any game. We talk about what they are, how to use them, and how to implement them in your homebrew or professional design.
Also discussed in the extended cut: Rai’s feelings on mothers, Monica’s money management, preparing for the apocalypse (with Christmas pickles), Discord for aging weebs, the persistent myth of the end of the world an...2022-05-1744 minBonus ExperienceBXP 05x04-DEEP DIVE: Core Systems Loop
Hello Bonus Babies,
Rai and Monica had a very chaotic two weeks and were unable to get a recording in. However, Margaret had this dusty tape under her desk and was kind enough to edit it for us. (We shudder to think about what else might be lurking under there… best not to consider it too long.)
D joins Monica for another Deep Dive! We discuss the concept of a “core system” loop, aka what central concepts make a game’s system tick. We go in-depth into the mechanics of a handful of our favorite games to...2022-05-021h 27Bonus ExperienceBXP 05x03-BXP Talks D&D 4e (feat. David Castro)
Hello Bonus Babies,
Rai was ill during our usual recording time, so we brought in a friend to help! In today’s episode, Monica is joined by David Castro of Ink Stained Studios to talk D&D 4e: the good parts, the bad parts, its history, and its impact on current design. We’re very pro-4e, in case you’re wondering where we come down on the subject. If you’re looking for hate, this one ain’t it.
Also discussed in the extended cut: Hot tips for using trash as play aids, the true origins...2022-04-1847 minBonus ExperienceBXP 05x02-Forever GM or Game Ambassador?
Hello Bonus Babies!
Today Monica and Rai tackle the thorny subject of always being stuck in the GM seat. Is that a good thing? A bad one? Neither? We discuss the ups and downs of being the game facilitator and how to feel less anxious about stepping into the role yourself.
Also discussed in the extended cut: anime about boys, Kevin the cockatiel, Tony’s Chocolonely, and a variety of recommended activities to do while high.
[ Bonus Experience: the Blog! bxpcast.com | Bonus Experience: the Discord! tinyurl.com/bxpdiscord | Bonus Experience: the Twitter! @bonus...2022-04-0453 minBonus ExperienceBXP 05x01-A Lukewarm Defense of Perception Checks
Hello Bonus Babies!
Welcome to the official first episode of season 5!
Today we’re talking about Perception checks – that old chestnut. Are they bad? Are they good? Should we throw them away entirely? What’s even the point of having them? Monica and Rai break down their thoughts on the topic.
Also discussed in the extended cut: Hershey’s funky taste, different breeds of Girl Scout cookie, Rai’s threshold for being perceived, and Monica’s stoned recommendations.
Here’s a link to the trad games episode and also the bananas.
[ Bonus Expe...2022-03-2139 minBonus ExperienceBXP 05x00 - IT'S SEASON 5, BABEY
WE’RE BACK, BONUS BABIES!
Did you miss us? Don’t worry, we’re “on” again for the next six months. Drink it up while you can. Tell your friends. Tell your spouse. Tell your kids. Tell your parents.
…on second thought maybe not those last two.
This is a launch episode in which we share our plans for the season as well as shout out all our Patrons and let people know what’s going on with us.
Stay tuned for episode 1!
All our love,
Monica & Rai
[ Bon...2022-03-0934 minBonus ExperienceBXP 04x12 - The Joy of Chargen
Hello Bonus Babies,
Character generation is not to be taken lightly–in fact, it can be one of the biggest draws of your game. We discuss why that is, how that is, and our favorite games to make funny little guys for. And for patrons, we talk about Sailor Moons, the twitter TTRPG main character of the week, HERPANGINA, and the Inverse Property of McElroys in Margaret’s Extended Cut.
This is our LAST EPISODE of season 4! Monica and Rai will be stunting in the off-season until March 2022. Keep an eye on this space, and on ou...2021-09-3047 minBonus ExperienceBXP 04x11 - Teeth are the Naughty Bones
Hello Bonus Babies,
Haha, what were we doing? Did we skip a week? (Yes) Hi how are you what’s going on?
It’s been a Time for us over here at BXP and we finally got back together for a minute to catch up before we wrap up our season with one more real episode and then venture into the wilds of The Off Season.
We discuss Rai’s harrowing mouth experiences, what we’re GONNA talk about next time, and that feel when a snake beats you in the gubernatorial race for Elysi...2021-09-1426 minBonus ExperienceBXP 04x10 - Build a Better One-Shot
Hello Bonus Babies,
In today’s episode we discuss the art of the one-shot, including: games that are suited for short play, how to MAKE a game suited for short play, and how one gets ideas for short games anyway.
Also discussed in the extended cut: Rai’s Naughty Teeth, Delta-8 (legal in most states!!), Donuts, and some weird goop that came out of Monica’s throat.
[ Bonus Experience: the Blog! bxpcast.com | Bonus Experience: the Twitter! @bonusexpcast | Bonus Experience: the Patreon! patreon.com/bonusexperience ]
2021-08-1828 minBonus ExperienceBXP 04x09 - BXP Reads: Dragonhearts
Hello Bonus Babies,
Thanks to help from Mage the Podcast’s own Terry, we were able to release the episode today instead of delaying. Please thank Terry the next time you see him.
In today’s episode, Monica and Rai read and review Dragonhearts, a Firebrands hack about playing shapeshifting dragons who fight and kiss. It’s everything Rai has ever wanted.
This was recorded live – we’re remarkably on topic despite being heckled.
If you’re interested in buying the game, you can find it here: https://fractaldragon.itch.io/dragonhearts2021-08-0642 minBonus ExperienceBXP 04x08 - Rules for Smoochin
Hello Bonus Babies,
In today’s episode, Monica and Rai tackle a subject near and dear to our weird, little horny hearts: romance in games!
Despite that particular framing, we discuss how emotional conflict is important, and being emotionally intimate and vulnerable with other characters in your games can improve the experience.
Then, we talk about Thirsty Sword Lesbians. Like, a lot.
All this and more in the extended cut
[ Bonus Experience: the Blog! bxpcast.com | Bonus Experience: the Twitter! @bonusexpcast | Bonus Experience: the Patreon! patreon.com/bonusexperience ]
2021-07-2343 minBonus ExperienceBXP 04x07 - June, In Review
Hello Bonus Babies,
Monica and Rai sat down in the “studio” with a bad case of the fuck-its so instead of talking irreverently about a design topic, we decided to talk about the month of June.
…Not in the abstract, a lot happened to us this past month so we shoot the breeze about it.
Also discussed: the beach trip we’re planning in November (that you’re not invited to), gentle ribbing of friend and colleague Neall Raemonn Price, and many ADHD traffic jams.
No extended cut this week – this is...2021-07-0637 minBonus ExperienceBXP 4x06 - Game Writing is Fiction Writing
Hello Bonus Babies,
Today we sit down to discuss how preparing for games and adventuring writing can make you better at writing fiction. We talk plot points and beats, enjoying being surprised by outcomes, and using a similar structure to plan your story.
This is a Rai heavy episode, so buckle up.
Also discussed in the extended cut: several minutes of Rai making mouth sounds (someone’s into that, right?), fire emblem on main, Pennsyltucky, how is municipal softball not gay? and … let’s go girls
[ Bonus Experience: the Blog! bxpcast.com | Bon...2021-06-2340 minBonus ExperienceBXP 4x05 - BXP Reads: Gun&Slinger
Hello Bonus Babies!
Monica and Rai picked up Gun&Slinger – a game for two players and a facilitator about playing a sentient, magical gun and its wielder in a strange, magic-torn world. It is extremely our shit.
You can purchase it here
Bonus shenanigans as always in the extended cut
Emergency editing (thank you thank you thank you) by Terry Robinson of Mage the Podcast. Check it out here
[ Bonus Experience: the Blog! bxpcast.com | Bonus Experience: the Twitter! @bonusexpcast | Bonus Experience: the Patreon! patreon.com/bonusexperience ]
2021-06-0739 minBonus ExperienceBXP 4x04 - Games Need Conflict
Hello Bonus Babies,
Monica and Rai sit down this week to discuss a critical feature of any game: conflict. What does this entail? Why is it so necessary? Does it have to be violent? We answer all these questions and more.
Also discussed in the extended cut: The Omni Dice Bag, Con Laundry, Bein’ Stunky, and Airdropping Lewds Directly to Your Brain.
[ Bonus Experience: the Blog! bxpcast.com | Bonus Experience: the Twitter! @bonusexpcast | Bonus Experience: the Patreon! patreon.com/bonusexperience ]
2021-05-2041 minBonus ExperienceBXP 4x03 - D & BXP's Deep Dive: Let's Talk Small Press
Hello Bonus Babies,
Friend of the show Danielle Lauzon joins us for a LIVE episode in which we discuss the ups and downs of being a small press publisher. This episode was live, so we are being heckled consistently through the whole thing. It’s extremely chaotic.
Also discussed in the feature-length extended cut: Is Exalted a burrito? Giving the audience nosebleeds, Amazon husbands, Highlander husbands, and tall women fighting.
[ Bonus Experience: the Blog! bxpcast.com | Bonus Experience: the Twitter! @bonusexpcast | Bonus Experience: the Patreon! patreon.com/bonusexperience ]
2021-05-051h 09Bonus ExperienceBXP 4x02 - BXP Reads: The Man and The Stag
Hello Bonus Babies,
Welcome to our first BXP Reads, a new thing we’re doing for Season 4. In today’s episode we read and review The Man and the Stag by Beau Jagr Sheldon. It’s a two-player. card-based storytelling game with some beautiful themes.
The extended cut contains our usual chaos as Monica and Rai attempt to be professionals who know what they’re doing.
If you’d like to buy the game, click here
[ Bonus Experience: the Blog! bxpcast.com | Bonus Experience: the Twitter! @bonusexpcast | Bonus Experience: the Patreon! patreon.com/bo...2021-04-1936 minBonus ExperienceBXP 04x01 - Exalted is Gay
Hello Bonus Babies,
We’ve touched on this topic a little bit before but today we really wanted to delve into the subject: Exalted is a game dripping with queer themes. Monica and Rai bring their knowledge as literature people to the table to break down why Exalted is queer as hell (and you should play it). The discussion is chaotic and informative, as always.
Also discussed in the extended cut: a few vocal warmups, cats and dogs living together, the depressing path to herd immunity and 80% more sound crimes than usual.
[ Bonus Expe...2021-03-231h 06Bonus ExperienceIt's Season Four, My Dudes
We’re back, Bonus Babies!
In this introductory episode, Monica and Rai give a hearty shout out and thank you to all our Patrons. We also run down what’s new for this season. We hope to see you at our live shows! To join our Discord, click here: https://discord.gg/ptMnNRHWrGIf you are a Patron and Discord is not connected to your Patreon account, just let us know and we will give you the appropriate roles.
With love,
Monica and Rai
[ Bonus Experience: the Blog! bxpcast.com | Bonus...2021-03-0938 minBonus ExperienceBXP 3x19 - The Scion: Dragon Kickstarter Episode
Hello Bonus Babies,
It’s here! Rai and Monica bring friend of the show and sometimes cohost Danielle Lauzon back to discuss the Scion: Dragon Kickstarter – a product all three of us worked on.
This episode contains everything you want to know about Dragon, and our contributions.
In the extended cut: NINTETY FULL MINUTES of Dragon content, plus throwing shade at Ch-ck N-rris, that uhhhhhhh attempted coup, no fly list schadenfreude and so so many Dragon spoilers.
To back the Kickstarter, click here
[ Bonus Experience: the Blog! bxpcast.com | Bonus Exp...2021-01-2147 minBonus ExperienceBXP 3x18 - Danielle & Monica's Deep Dive: Power Creep
Hello Bonus Babies,
D is back for another episode as our synesthetic Rai Replacement while Rai was busy with the holidays.
Together D & Monica talk about the phenomenon of power creep – from a player and a designer standpoint. Can it ever really be avoided? What can you do to prevent it? What’s the difference between incidental power creep and intentional? We discuss games we’ve played and games we’ve worked on as examples.
In the extended cut: we roast some egregious examples.
[ Bonus Experience: the Blog! bxpcast.com | Bonus Experience: t...2021-01-0545 minBonus ExperienceBXP 3x17 That's my Aesthetic
Hello Bonus Babies,
Rai and Monica take a breather from intense topics to sit down and talk about the things that inspire us as creatives. We talk a LOT about anime and JRPGs but also lightly touch on some books, too. We chew a bit on why we resonate with these things, as well as talk at length about the plots of our favorite stuff, so… spoiler warning?
In the extended cut: thirty goddamn extra minutes of us discussing video games we’re playing right now.
[ Bonus Experience: the Blog! bxpcast.com | Bonus Experi...2020-12-2251 minBonus ExperienceBXP 3x16 Cash 4 Games - the Industry and Payment
Hello Bonus Babies,
When the disastrous IPR job posting broke news, Rai and Monica got together to discuss the discourse as well as the economic problems the industry faces. We talk at length about how the posting was honestly super creepy, but also the right way to pay people, as well as not having your love of the game exploited.
Also discussed in the extended cut: Snack Tower, ThinkBoards, Russian cookies, Blaseball, and the Tragedy of Invisible Sun.
[ Bonus Experience: the Blog! bxpcast.com | Bonus Experience: the Twitter! @bonusexpcast | Bonus Experience: the Patreon! patreon.com/bonusexperience ]
2020-12-0754 minBonus ExperienceBXP 3x15- The Catchup
Hello Bonus Babies,
Rai is back!! We sit down to catch up with each other in an entirely unscripted episode. We meander from topic to topic, but discuss: Bluebeard’s Bride, Exalted Essence testing at Metatopia, Why You Should Never Do a Nuzlocke Run, and What Even is Blaseball Doing Right Now.
Enjoy our joyful reunion!
[ Bonus Experience: the Blog! bxpcast.com | Bonus Experience: the Twitter! @bonusexpcast | Bonus Experience: the Patreon! patreon.com/bonusexperience ]
2020-11-2446 minBonus ExperienceBXP 3x14 - Danielle & Monica's Deep Dive: Let's Talk Book Layout and Organization
Hello Bonus Babies,
Danielle and Monica are back with another deep dive, this time discussing how to lay out and organize core books. We compare two editions of D&D and talk about how it presents information well… and also how it doesn’t.
In the extended cut, we shoot the shit on how we might do this ourselves, and brainstorm a bit about how to present info in a beginner-friendly way.
Also discussed: a pencil and some friends, and for real we can’t stop flirting.
[ Bonus Experience: the Blog! bxpcast.com | Bonus Experience: the Twitter! @bonusexpcast...2020-11-091h 09Bonus ExperienceBXP 3x13 - Danielle & Monica's Deep Dive: Social Mechanics
Hello Bonus Babies,
Rai is managing a lot of real life stuff right now, so long-time friend of the show Danielle Lauzon has jumped in as a substitute host. We’re going to do a few-episode series where we delve deep into design topics.
This is the first entry into the series. Monica got to play Bluebeard’s Bride and was very impressed by how its mechanics direct conversation. Monica and Danelle break down gothic horror, beautiful games, and social mechanics.
Also discussed: fat cats, microphone slapping, we can’t stop flirting with each othe...2020-10-2659 minBonus ExperienceBXP 3x12 - Being Your Own Fan feat. Dixie Cochran
Hello Bonus Babies,
You may have tuned in live for the chaos of this episode. If you missed it, here’s the edited version, for your enjoyment. We brought in Dixie Cochran, in-house developer at Onyx path as well as host of the Onyx Pathcast to discuss the ups and downs of being (or not being) a fan of something you’ve been contracted to work on.
You can hear us on the Pathcast discussing a similar topic here.
Also discussed in the extended cut: the LARP don’t STARP, Exalted: Monica Edition, and passi...2020-09-2947 minBonus ExperienceThe Systematic Understanding of Everything: Opening the Mind’s Gate - What Is Exalted?
Hello Bonus Babies,
Monica and Rai are in deadline hell, and Margaret has disappeared again. Rather than leave you without an episode, here’s another Systematic Understanding of Everything episode for you to enjoy while we get ourselves back on track.
So, we know what Exalted is, but where does it take place? Where did Creation come from? What kind of locations does it have? Monica and Chazz take you on a tour of the history of and geography of Creation and some of its more interesting denizens from beastmen to undead kaiju.
If y...2020-09-1644 minBonus ExperienceBXP 3x10 - The Calvinball Recap
Hello Bonus Babies,
Friend of the show Danielle Lauzon returns as a Synthetic Rai Replacement. Together we talk about what to name your game – because a strong title is a reader’s first impression! The usual meandering nonsense happens, and we do a whole bit on “What this title sounds like”
In the extended cut: like 30 extra minutes of us playing a game where we pick an existing title, and then redesign the game based on the impression it gives us.
Don’t forget to check out D’s website: https://www.daniellelauzon.com/
PS...2020-09-0343 minBonus ExperienceThe Systematic Understanding of Everything: Opening the Mind’s Gate - What Is Exalted?
Hello Bonus Babies,
While Rai’s computer is down for repairs, we’re providing you with a little filler – enjoy the first episode of the Systematic Understanding of Everything right here in your BXP feed.
Welcome to the Systematic Understanding of Everything – an Exalted Podcast! In our first episode, hosts Monica and Chazz walk through what Exalted is and how you can get started playing it. Exalted is a high-energy game in a decidedly non-Western setting where you play one of the most powerful entities in all of Creation. In the core book, you were fashioned...2020-08-1840 minBonus ExperienceBXP 3x10 - The Calvinball Recap
Hello Bonus Babies,
In today’s episode, Monica and Rai talk about the live streamed “Calvinball” game – a thought experiment hosted by Danielle Lauzon (friend of the show, Storypath and Vampire: the Requiem developer). In “Calvinball” all the PCs are from wildly varying games, all using different systems and at different power levels to test the thesis that the players make the game.
Also discussed: technical difficulties, zippered butt flaps.
All this and more in Margaret’s Extended Cut
Be sure to check out The Systematic Understanding of Everything to learn the basics of Exa...2020-08-0735 minBonus ExperienceBXP 3x09 - What's a Traditional Game, Anyway?
Hello Bonus Babies,
Thanks to a really excellent discussion on our Discord, Rai and Monica sit down and discuss what the definition of “Traditional Game” actually is. Does it mean lots of math? Does it mean a fiddly combat system? Do you have to grow a beard to run the game??
Join us on this journey of definitional discovery!
Also discussed: the arduous process of getting a job, and we play the worst game ever – Is this Bug a Cockroach?
All this and more in Margaret’s Extended Cut
Also chec...2020-07-2234 minBonus ExperienceBXP 3x08 - The Onyx PathCon Discussion
Hello Bonus Babies,
Today we bring you our discussion about the live Exalted Essence playtest that happened during Onyx Pathcon. Monica and Rai break down prepping to run a game and a demo live, from prepwork to design considerations, and so on.
This was one of our quarantine hangout episodes, so it’s unscripted. and you’ll be treated to a Symphony of Background Sounds.
Also discussed in the extended cut: a lot of puppy stuff, oatmeal flexing, and a paean to ZipRecruiter.
All this and more in Margaret’s Extended Cut
[ Bonus Experience: the Blog! b...2020-07-0955 minBonus ExperienceBXP 3×07 – We Can’t Brain Today
Hello Bonus Babies,
This is the first of our unscripted hangout episodes, so enjoy us all over the place. Today’s topic is how to keep your brain going when you just, can’t. We talk about where we’re making helpful donations, as well as our entire arsenal of coping mechanisms.
Also discussed in the extended cut: quarantime catch-up, civil disobedience, Donate to Bail Funds, puppy breaks, Tea Experience.
All this and more in Margaret’s Extended Cut
[ Bonus Experience: the Blog! bxpcast.com | Bonus Experience: the Twitter! @bonusexpcast | Bonus Experience...2020-06-2456 minBonus ExperienceBXP 3×06 – Mechanics Are Inevitable
In today’s episode, Monica and Rai break down how all games have rules, and mechanics are just another tool in the game designer’s toolbox. We highlight some good examples and give some advice for choosing the tools to build your game.
Also discussed: weird dreams, Bruce Banner the puppy, ADHD talk and a brief interlude while Rai takes her meds and Monica has breakfast. It’s like you’re really here with us!
All this and more in Margaret’s Extended Cut
[ Bonus Experience: the Blog! bxpcast.com | Bonus Experience: the Twitter! @bon...2020-05-2645 minBonus ExperienceBXP 3×05 – Fellas, is it Gay to Play RPGS? Games with Queer Themes
In today’s episode we discuss traditional games with queer themes. We also helpfully define both what we mean by “traditional games” and “queer themes.” Rai gets to flex her literary theory knowledge and Monica gets to use Exalted as a good example for a change.
Enjoy some of our audience interactions from the live recording!
All this and more in Margaret’s Extended Cut
[ Bonus Experience: the Blog! bxpcast.com | Bonus Experience: the Twitter! @bonusexpcast | Bonus Experience: the Patreon! patreon.com/bonusexperience ]
2020-05-1431 minBonus ExperienceBXP 3×04 – Character Death and Why It’s Not Great
In today’s episode Monica and Rai tackle the topic of killing people — err… characters. Yeah. Characters. We talk about why you should and shouldn’t include character death in your campaigns in a variety of different systems and situations.
Also discussed: That One Time Rai Raced to Unplayability, What if We Played a Dead Guy This Whole Time, and some thoughtful meditations on isolation. All this and more in Margaret’s Extended Cut
[ Bonus Experience: the Blog! bxpcast.com | Bonus Experience: the Twitter! @bonusexpcast | Bonus Experience: the Patreon! patreon.com/bonusexperience ]
2020-04-2842 minBonus ExperienceBXP 3×03 – Bonus Inexperience: Dealing with Brand New People
While running, writing, or designing games you will probably have to contend with a rather surprising challenge: new people. This episode dives into a how-to discussion when it comes to making sure new folks don’t feel totally overwhelmed when they join your game (as a GM) or pick it up for the first time (as a writer or designer).
And uh, we didn’t script this one. So it’s a hot ADHD mess. That’s what you like about us, though, right?
Right?
If you want to know when next we’ll do a li...2020-04-1341 minBonus ExperienceBXP 3×02 – BXP LIVE! Mediocre Twitter RPG Advice
Here we are with a special, socially-distant, LIVE RECORDING of Bonus Experience! Monica and Rai threw it open to everyone who joined the Discord server, and the episode is infinitely better for it.
Today, we discuss an inexplicably popular list shared to social media, of “ideas from video games you can use to level up your ttrpg.” The whole thing is baffling in its mediocrity. Let’s discuss it and get spiteful!!
If you want to know when next we’ll do a live recording, be sure to follow us on Twitter—or better yet, support us on Patreon...2020-03-231h 04Bonus ExperienceBXP 3×01 – It’s Season Three Already?!
Whoa, what?? It’s our third season?? What year is it??
…for real though, what year is it, we’ve had a hell of a winter.
Monica and Rai catch us up on what they’ve been up to (mostly Seasonal Affective Disorder and writing under NDAs, has Monica told you yet that she’s the lead mechanical designer for Exalted: Essence?), and look ahead to the bright and shiny year of 2020! What will be left of it, anyway, after the world ends, haha, right?? Right?? hahaha!!! I’m okay!!!
Are you watching Letters Edged in Black, BXP’s Blades in the Dark st...2020-03-0919 minBonus ExperienceBXP 2×20 – [Guest Episode] Designing Games for All Ages feat. Justin AlexanderHere’s the last of our guest episodes: a discussion on designing games for all ages with Magical Kitties Save the Day designer, Justin Alexander. We discuss how surprisingly hard it can […]2020-02-2400 minBonus ExperienceBXP 2×19 – [Guest Episode] Avoiding Orientalism in Martial Arts Games feat. mndz
In today’s episode, Monica sits down with James Mendez Hodes (game designer, developer, friend of the show, and author of this excellent blog) to talk about avoiding orientalism and outright racist language in your martial arts games.
Are supernatural fighting styles inherently racist? No of course not – but we talk about how to avoid exotifying and othering these ideas, and how not to fall into the trap of harmful language. We also talk about how you can pull plenty of fascinating inspiration from real-world sources.
…We also talk about Exalted.
All this and more in Ma...2020-02-1044 minBonus ExperienceBXP 2×18 – [Live Episode] Design Goals feat. Danielle Lauzon
Monica and Danielle Lauzon (Letters Edged in Black GM, Vampire: the Requiem line developer, Storypath systems developer) discuss making sure your game has goals.
What do characters do in your game? What kind of conflicts are there? Why does this even matter? All this and more in today’s episode.
Also discussed: Monica’s many trials and tribulations with Exalted, pushy Twitch advertising. All this and more in Margaret’s Extended Cut!
Are you watching Letters Edged in Black, BXP’s Blades in the Dark stream? You should! Subscribe here.
This episode was guest edited by Terry of Mage the Podcast. We...2020-01-2734 minBonus ExperienceBXP 2×17 – [Genre Study] Tension and ReleaseHere’s the last entry in our genre series: Tension and Release! Specifically, how those things apply to horror and comedy, as well as how you can use these elements to build mood and tone in your games. What makes things scary? (A question we have the answer to) What makes things funny? (A question we don’t.) Also discussed: Bitchin’ Sauce, Not Taking Food Into the Bathroom, and Erotic Roleplay. All this and more in Margaret’s Extended Cut!
[ Bonus Experience: the Blog! bxpcast.com | Bonus Experience: the Twitter! @bonusexpcast | Bonus Experience: the Patreon! patreon.com/bonusexperie...2020-01-1347 minBonus ExperienceBXP 2×16–Metatopia Wrap-UpBXP went to Metatopia together! We attempt to summarize the things we played, but mostly talk about the things we ate. Also discussed: the definition of an apple fritter. All this and more in Margaret’s Extended Cut!
[ Bonus Experience: the Blog! bxpcast.com | Bonus Experience: the Twitter! @bonusexpcast | Bonus Experience: the Patreon! patreon.com/bonusexperience ]
2019-12-3148 minBonus ExperienceBXP 2×15–How (Not) to Be a HeartbreakerMonica and Rai break down the anatomy of infamous “heartbreaker” games. We focus on fantasy games and the conventions of the genre. Rai schools us on setting concepts and Monica has a lot to say about mechanical design.
Also discussed: custom Discord emoji, Dunk-Ons & Draggin’, and the struggles of ADHD kids in class. All this and more in Margaret’s Extended Cut!
[ Bonus Experience: the Blog! bxpcast.com | Bonus Experience: the Twitter! @bonusexpcast | Bonus Experience: the Patreon! patreon.com/bonusexperience ]
2019-12-1735 minBonus ExperienceBXP and the 6 Month Patreon Update!Can you believe it’s been six months since our Patreon went live? Let’s check in and see where we’re AT with this thing. Monica and Rai talk business about changes being made to the tiers and rewards going forward, as well as potential schedule changes.
Then they talk for like 20 minutes about Fire Emblem forums?
Anyway, check it out!
[ Bonus Experience: the Blog! bxpcast.com | Bonus Experience: the Twitter! @bonusexpcast | Bonus Experience: the Patreon! patreon.com/bonusexperience ]
2019-10-2228 minBonus ExperienceBXP 2×13–Playtesting! With Jessica HammerThe brilliant Jessica Hammer makes her triumphant return to our show and lends us her expertise in the realm of playtesting! We’ve always said you SHOULD do it… but HOW do you do it? How do you sort through the feedback? How do you get the BEST feedback? And how do you surmount your anxiety and get the playtest phase started in the first place? We’ve got answers to these questions and more!
Also, some technical stuff: This is one of the last episodes we record using Zencastr, which, it turns out: Is not so great...2019-10-0151 minBonus ExperienceBXP 2×14–You’re Not Punk and I’m Telling EveryoneDo you like my new mohawk? I just got it done at the mohawk store. Check out my patches. Oh no, did you find out I’m not actually punk? Please don’t tell anyone! Listen to this episode—the first in our Genre Exploration series—about PUNK GAMES, instead! We talk about the history of punk as a genre, it’s subgenera and trappings, and also how to design a setting and system to feel punk as hell.
Patreon supporters get an EXTENDED CUT of this episode, featuring: Rai Almost Got Banned, Craft Sodas, Steven Universe is Punk as...2019-09-2337 minBonus ExperienceBXP 2×12–RPG101: Safety ToolsIn our last installment of RPG 101, we’re talking about safety tools. You’ve probably seen them, or heard about them. Here’s why you should use them! And here’s a few different toolkits we recommend! Nobody’s got a table group made of psychic, emotionless X-Men, so please consider utilizing a safety tool as part of your gaming.
In this week’s Extended Version, as found on our Patreon, it’s, um… it’s basically just Fire Emblem: Three Houses. They talk about Three Houses for seriously like 20, 30 minutes.
For more information on the toolkits menti...2019-09-1039 minBonus ExperienceBXP 2×11–RPG101: Table EtiquetteWanna know the REAL way to win at tabletop RPGs? It doesn’t have anything to do with minmaxing or feat optimization or cheat dice. All you gotta do… is be nice, ya dingus! Today’s 101 topic is table etiquette, and Monica and Rai have five simple steps to becoming the best there is at roleplaying games.
The Extended Version of this episode can be found on our Patreon, where you will also gain access to: thoughts on the Broken Earth RPG, Bookclub Experience, Rai’s status as a living mosquito lure, why we just trust Fair Folk and...2019-08-2033 minBonus ExperienceBXP 2×10–RPG101: Session ZeroWhat the heck is this “Session Zero” everyone keeps talking about? Why is it such a big deal? Should you have a session zero? LET US TELL YOU
The Extended Version of this episode can be found on our Patreon, where you will hear us expound additionally on: Game Conventions We Have Loved, listening to Dan Avidan freak out over a literature club-related visual novel, Henry’s Best Disasters, messing with Julia, and hatpins and how they relate to a miniseries starring Tom Hardy that I’m pretty sure only Rai watched?
[ Bonus Experience: the Blog! bxpc...2019-08-0640 minBonus ExperienceBXP 2×09–Kickstarting! With Johnathon GrachOur schedule is still a little rough and bumpy but your friend (and ours) Chris S. is still coming through with the Big Edit Energy. Hopefully we’ll have this barren stretch of time behind us in, say, 14 days?
You join us today for our Kickstarter Guestpert Episode featuring Johnathon Grach! Johnathon is a wealth of knowledge for the do’s and do-nots when Kickstarter-ing your project, and it was a blast talking to him. Are you considering crowd funding your game (which of course is awesome because you’ve been listening to our advice)? Listen to this gu...2019-07-1648 minBonus ExperienceBXP 2×08–Cast of Characters: Morality and Other InconveniencesAnnnd we’re back! Sorry about that everyone. Margaret disappeared into some sort of, uh, mimosa portal? To the brunch dimension? We asked your friend and ours Chris S. to lend his editing expertise for the next few episodes until we can extract Margaret.
But enough about that! Today we’re wrapping up our player characters discussion with a dive into Morality Systems (and things that are sort of like Morality Systems). It’s not just D&D alignment! Thankfully. I mean. D&D alignment is fine. It’s all right. But morality stats are neither required nor perfect...2019-07-0333 minBonus ExperienceBXP 2×07–Cast of Characters: The PC Do-OverMARGARET: Please do not c+p my notes to you into the description field of scheduled episodes. You can’t replace one with the other. Related, the next episode is about replacing PCs—write a (new!) description about what to do, as a GM, if your players want to change their character or completely redo them. This episode also has a lot of “chaff” regarding Pokemon GO, please cut. R&M are back in the office tomorrow and I’m sure they’d like to see you at your best work when they return. Thanks.
—MPM
[ Bonus Expe...2019-06-1141 minBonus ExperienceBXP Presents: Lady Blackbird, session 1The second ep of our Actual Play just dropped for Patrons, and to celebrate, we’re releasing ep1 for everyone to enjoy. Join us (Jess, Rai, and Relia) as Monica facilitates Lady Blackbird, a free adventure module presented by One Seven Design and featuring: space airships, pirate captains, unrequited love, snarky goblins, and disaster bisexuals (at least, the way we’re playing it).
Want to know what happens next? Zip over to our Patreon and chip in at the $3 level to get our AP series on the reg!
This episode features sounds used under the Attributio...2019-06-051h 05Bonus ExperienceBXP 2×06–Cast of Characters: Why Do We Make PCs?MARGARET: Rai and Monica are out of office right now. Make sure to queue episode six and write a description for the website. This is the one where they discuss why people make PCs, the idea that someone always leaves a bit of themselves in their PCs, and also they waste close to ten minutes at the beginning talking about beer. You cut that part, right? Thanks.
—MPM
[ Bonus Experience: the Blog! bxpcast.com | Bonus Experience: the Twitter! @bonusexpcast | Bonus Experience: the Patreon! patreon.com/bonusexperience ]
2019-05-2743 minBonus ExperienceBXP 2×05–Hack D&D 5e, with Kitty from DnDestiny!Kitty of the wildly popular DnDestiny project is here to talk to us all about hacking 5th ed. D&D! What do you keep in mind when designing new classes? How do you stop yourself from reinventing the wheel? What should you do when porting D&D into new genres? And so much more! Like… seriously, a lot more. Kitty really knows her stuff.
Patrons can find Margaret’s extended cut of this episode on our Patreon, featuring a whole extra 30 minutes of us dicking around, debating how D&D views encounters, talking about how much Vancian magic s...2019-05-1444 minBonus ExperienceBXP 2×04–How Do You… Bring Diversity to Your Table?Good morning, you beautiful content consumers. Today we bring you the final installment in our How Do You…? series, and we’re sharing tips on how to make room for diverse characters, stories, and settings at your table. We also share what to do if you mess up, or feel an enormous amount of anxiety re: messing up. Thank you @Mypsilan on Twitter for suggesting the topic!
We ALSO address everyone’s obsession with reanimating Tolkien’s corpse, commit countless audio sins, and in general this is kind of an ADHD-fest but we DO stay laser-focused on the impor...2019-04-2936 minBonus ExperienceBXP 2×03–How Do You… Surprise Players?Hey, Bonus Babies! It’s entry two in our How Do You…? series, talkin’ all about surprising your players. If you’re looking for how to better keep secrets from them, how to play out entertaining twists, or just need advice on how to maintain a poker face, we have a few tips and tricks for you. Also, we crack wise about Edgar Allan Poe’s terrible mystery writing skills and share our thoughts on Forbidden Pizza.
Patrons (y’know, of our Patreon) can find Margaret’s extended cut of this episode now! Featuring rave reviews of Headspace for y...2019-04-1634 minBonus ExperienceBXP 2×02–How Do You… Play Online?It’s a whole new world for us here at BXP. Our Mysterious Program Manager (hereafter referred to as the MPM) has us on this new format, where we do series of interconnected topics. It’s a good thing they’re here to organize for us, because Monica and Rai are both notoriously HEY did we show you our new dice?? And this new minis game with the hot babes?? And this youtube my sister texted the other d–
Our first series is How Do You…? and this week, we’re talking about playing online: best technology and techniques...2019-04-0131 minBonus ExperienceBXP 2×01–Ken Spencer of Why Not Games!Once upon a time, we interviewed Ken Spencer of Why Not Games. That fateful interview was plagued with sound issues, lag, dropped connections, and every conceivable guest-recording horror.
BUT it’s a new year and a new season of Bonus Experience, and Ken Spencer is back to give us the interview that never was! Join us for an exploration of Rocket Age‘s Imperial Jupiter, a discussion of Adult Words Permissions, and unfortunate dragon design choices. We actually had so much to catch up on, not everything made it into this episode—check our Patreon for Margaret’s direct...2019-03-1844 minBonus ExperienceBXP#26–Happy birthday to us!We’ve been broadcasting Bonus Experience into your eager earholes for a whole year now. Thank you for listening, supporting, tweeting, emailing, and sending us all the lovely cards that we’re sure are in the mail right now.
Monica and Rai lay out their plan for Bonus Experience Year 2, as well as breaking down the new Patreon we’ve been so excited about. Also, Rai is sick (she wants to make sure everybody knows, ugh), a new Program Manager appears, and… an incredible merch reveal we’ve been waiting a long, long time to show you.
[ Bo...2019-03-0532 minBonus ExperienceBXP#23.75–Patreon Preview! Homebrew Jam: Pokémon by the ApocalypseWe’re coming up on our Podcast Birthday, and here’s the last of our bonus content previews! Today we’re sharing a special-length episode of Monica and Rai jamming out a homebrew game. Let’s call it–and I’m just spitballing here–a homebrew jam. What if… Pokémon? But… Powered by the Apocalypse?
We recorded this like two weeks before the Sword/Shield announcement so you’ll have to trust that this is in no way SEO-related.
Our Patreon launches tomorrow, March 5th! If you want to hear more bonus content like this, you gotta Patre...2019-03-0452 minBonus ExperienceBXP#23.5–Patreon Preview! MORE Bonus “Bonus Experience” Experience??March is the one year anniversary of Bonus Experience’s first broadcast! (March 5th, to be exact.) And soon we’ll be launching our very own Patreon! Here’s a hint of the extra QUALITY CONTENT you could unlock if you patronize (patreonize?) us!
Today’s Bonus “Bonus Experience” Experience has us talking about our favorite game tropes and cliches. Well, one of us, anyway—Monica came prepared, but Rai started talking about character pairings and made everything weird.
As always, you can find more Bonus Experience at our blog (bxpcast.com) and our Twitter (@bonusexpcast)—...2019-02-2613 minBonus ExperienceBXP#23 – Rosenstrasse, with Jessica HammerJessica Hammer joins us to talk about her work on Rosenstrasse: an historical freeform game set in 1930s Berlin, exploring the events and emotions leading up to the Rosenstrasse Protest of 1943 when German housewives “stared Nazis in the eye, and the Nazis blinked.”
There’s not a lot to goof about in this one, folks. We hope you listen.
Read more about Rosenstrasse on Unruly Designs (http://www.unrulydesigns.com/rosenstrasse/), and then back it on Kickstarter.
As always, you can find more Bonus Experience at our blog (bxpcast.com) and our Twitter (@bonusex...2019-02-1829 minBonus ExperienceBXP#22.5–Patreon Preview! The Bonus “Bonus Experience” Experience??March is the one year anniversary of Bonus Experience’s first broadcast. Can you believe it?? To mark the occasion, we’ll be launching our very own Patreon—and to give you a hint of the extras you could unlock if you patronize (patreonize?) us, every Tuesday in February we’re releasing preview content! Today, we offer you our finest selection of off-topic chatter, what we’d like to call The Bonus “Bonus Experience” Experience. Mostly we talk about dragon books, but also about anime club, living in a post-fansub society, and what our Redwall fursonas are.
As always, you...2019-02-0519 minBonus ExperienceBXP#22 – THE METAL WORLD INTERVIEWWhat if the super buff wizard holding three different orbs on the side of your van could run a tabletop roleplaying game? It might come out something like METAL WORLD. Come with us on a mega-shredding pun-loaded face-melting interview with Nick Zachariasen. There’s at least one volcano spitting dragons at us.
Also found in the liner notes: the Good Kind of nightmares, Turboteen (probably the BAD kind of nightmare), d12s: the most underrated dice, and Monica and Rai plot to take over the Lounge.
(Also-also: here’s that Boris Vallejo painting we talk abou...2019-02-0440 minBonus ExperiencePanda’s Talking Bonus Experience 141 – Playtesting and OnionsShow us how you playtest your games! Phil and Senda are joined by Bonus Experience’s Monica and Rai to talk playesting, giving feedback, and accepting feedback. Also, PBMOs, we fail to start the show, we fail to end the show, and put it back in your butt.
Bonus outtakes for patrons today!
Find us on the internet:
Twitter: @pandastalkgames
Facebook: facebook.com/pandastalkgames
and panda(at)misdirectedmark.com
2019-01-2846 minBonus ExperienceBXP#21 – Tone, Scope, and ScaleHave you ever rejected joke character concepts for your grimdark gothic fantasy? Disappointed a ranger by never once setting foot outside the campaign’s urban setting? Grappled with how to keep your players from rewriting the laws of the universe when all they needed to do was kill a few giants? Get a grip on your game’s direction—think about its tone, scope, and scale!
Also for your consideration: overconfident ADHD brains, what is a Dungeons and Dragons game even SUPPOSED to feel like?, and giving in to the Gurren Lagann option.
As always, you ca...2019-01-2340 minBonus ExperienceBXP#20 – Steal Like a DesignerWe’re here with a bonus Bonus Experience to get back on schedule after the holiday!
Ask a creative individual where they get all their ideas from, and they’ll likely either stall or roll their eyes. Wanna know the real way to come up with new things? You steal from the old things, of course. Monica and Rai are here, in this fresh new year of 20CrimeTeen, to teach you how to steal like a game designer. And how to not, like, commit theft. We’re all having fun here but don’t actually do that.
Al...2019-01-0735 minBonus ExperienceBXP#19 – Failing ForwardWe mention it enough that we figured it was high time we explain just what the hell we’re talking about when we recommend FAILING FORWARD. What is it? Why do it? How can you fail forward in games with a terrible flat distribution and binary difficulty (coughD&Dcough)? Monica’s here with the math, Rai’s here with… is that the click wheel on a fidget cube? Good lord, why would play with that while the mic is live?
Also on the table: Just a Couple of Bi Disasters, “Dude, Where’s My Bard?”, and Gritty Squeezin’s...2018-12-3136 minBonus ExperienceThe Streets of Avalon is Kickstarting Now (2 minutes long)Hello listeners of Misdirected Mark Productions. I’m here with this short message to let you know about The Streets of Avalon Kickstarter by Encoded Designs. Some of you may be listening to us talk about it on the other podcasts but we wanted to give you the short version.
We’re raising money to bring to life a Fafard and The Grey Mouser inspired, urban swords and sorcery city of epic proportions. If we raise enough, this book will contain a gazetteer of the city of Avalon, a GMing section which provides advice on how to make...2018-12-1901 minBonus ExperienceBXP#18 – DINOSAUR PRINCESSES! with Dana and Hamish CameronDo you crave that just-woke-up-Saturday-morning-and-all-the-good-cartoons-are-on feeling? Are Fruity Pebz still your favorite cereal? Do you need a handy excuse to purchase more scented markers and glitter crayons? Good! Because today we interview Dana and Hamish Cameron about their upcoming game, DINOSAUR PRINCESSES.
Also discussed: Other elemental expressions of hockey, Train-Dinosaur Prosecuting Attorney Princess, Monica’s crazy noise hour, Lady Razorface (and other stellar names).
As always, you can find more Bonus Experience at our blog (bxpcast.com) and our Twitter (@bonusexpcast).
2018-12-1142 minBonus ExperienceEmergency NPCs and Canon NPCsWelcome to our first episode as members of the Misdirected Mark Network! Right? This is our first— did they flip the— MARGARET? MARGARET, IS IT LIVE YET?
Anyway, we’re returning to our discussion of NPCs, namely how to deal with NPC emergencies (such as when your PCs decide No-Stats McGee is their new best friend) and dealing with canon, named NPCs.
As always, you can find more Bonus Experience at our blog (bxpcast.com) and our Twitter (@bonusexpcast).
2018-11-2634 minBonus ExperienceGame Repair and LARP Design with Danielle LauzonMonica got to go to Metatopia, and hang out with Danielle Lauzon! They talk about fixing what’s broken in game design, the importance of playtesting, and the foundation of LARP design.
Rai’s recovering from bronchitis and will be back to co-hosting duties soon! As always, you can find more Bonus Experience at our blog (bxpcast.com) and our Twitter (@bonusexpcast).
2018-11-1248 minBonus ExperienceCreating—and Playing—Great NPCsNPCs—never just sentient quest boards. Today we’re talking about how best to use your NPCs, how to make them believable and interesting, and how to give them all different voices even if you’re not a professional voice actor running a critically-acclaimed Actual Play. We’re also talking about how to pronounce Chejop Kejak, how to avoid doing accents, and paying clumsy homage to Sweet Brown.
As always, you can find more Bonus Experience at our blog (bxpcast.com) and our Twitter (@bonusexpcast).
2018-10-2932 minBonus ExperienceMini-Episode: Character Sheets!It’s time for Mini Episode Time! Today, Monica and Rai shoot the breeze about their favorite character sheets, and share the nitty-gritty on how, uh, nitty-gritty their sheets can get.
Look forward to a full episode on October 29th! And as always, you can find more Bonus Experience at our blog (bxpcast.com) and our Twitter (@bonusexpcast).
2018-10-1512 minBonus ExperienceInterview! With Sandy Pug GamesWe’ve got a special guest today: Liam Ginty, of Sandy Pug Games! We talk at length about his new game, Americana, but especially: inclusivity in notoriously exclusive settings, getting everyone at the table on board with a tragic backstory in the form of Your Dead Friend, and (most importantly) gay orc greasers in the fantasy 50s.
Back Americana on Kickstarter (http://kck.st/2NVCG8y)! And as always, you can find more Bonus Experience at our blog (bxpcast.com) and our Twitter (@bonusexpcast).
2018-10-0141 minBonus ExperienceWar Stories vol IIBack by popular demand, we crack wise about games from our deep, dark past. Of note: why to avoid teenage dudes in trenchcoats, why not to run Exalted when completely sleep deprived, and how important is it REALLY to learn the actual rules to Changeling: the Dreaming?
Still hoping La Croix will give us that calorie-free flavor-kissed sponsorship we crave.
As always, you can find more Bonus Experience at our blog (bxpcast.com) and our Twitter (@bonusexpcast).
2018-09-1731 minBonus ExperienceListener Mail and GenCon18 Wrap-UpWait, you actually emailed us? Like, we asked you to do it, sure, but you… really and truly sent us email??
Today, Monica and Rai address questions and dispense advice as suggested by YOU, the listeners! Monica also gives a breakdown of her experience of GenCon. Please keep in mind: Rai is sick, and both podcasters had one hell of a ADD day, so, uh. We talk about punching dynamite.
As always, you can find more Bonus Experience at our blog (bxpcast.com) and our Twitter (@bonusexpcast).
2018-09-0842 min