Ross Payton - Podcast Details

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Night Clerk Radio: Haunted Music ReviewsSummer Dungeon Synth? No, Summer and Dungeon Synth!Support Night Clerk Radio on Patreon First of all, sorry for the hecked up timing of recent episode releases. Ross and I have both had family in town which makes sticking to our usual schedule a bit difficult. Things should be back to normal here shortly.Anyways! In this episode, Ross and I set out to find some new summer dungeon synth. That didn’t work out, so by complete chance Ross went with dungeon synth and I went with summer. It doesn’t matter! We ended up finding two super fun albums. Start your day...2025-07-2239 min

Night Clerk Radio: Haunted Music ReviewsJune New Music: Suburbia After Dark and VistasSupport Night Clerk Radio on Patreon It’s time for June new music explorations and in this episode Ross and Birk have once again shown up with two very different albums. We’re discussing Suburbia After Dark, a compelling sample-laden darkwave journey, and Vistas, an upbeat love letter to Frutiger Aero and all the tech you love from the 00’s. Grab yourself a copy of these albums and join us! Birk Shout-OutsNotorious Secret/Solodolo84 Sanctuary 2025Keyloggers, Cryptojacking, Mirror Neurons, Marley Station by Angelwings MarmaladeVaporwave News NetworkRoss Shout...2025-06-1637 min

Ludonarrative DissidentsLudonarrative Dissidents Livestream #7 - December 2024Ross talks about RPGs in Japan and other things he encountered during his vacation there. James talks about Mappa Mundi, an upcoming exploration RPG and more! Watch it on Youtube to see the photos Ross shared and more!2024-12-171h 16

Night Clerk Radio: Haunted Music ReviewsThe Neverending Discord ScrollSupport Night Clerk Radio on PatreonAnnouncement: Ross is going on vacation so this will be the only public episode this month. We may also miss one episode in December. Patreon episodes will continue as expected. Thanks for your understanding.In this episode, we’re getting back into some crowd-sourced crate digging. We’re scrolling back in time through our Patreon Discord and checking out albums suggested by our listeners. Join us as we discuss 13 albums that cover everything from classic vaporwave to dungeon synth ambient to improvisational jazz and hip hop.Albums DiscussedTh...2024-11-1134 min

Night Clerk Radio: Haunted Music ReviewsThe Music of The NightcrawlersSupport Night Clerk Radio on Patreon In this episode, we’re exploring the music of The Nightcrawlers, a trio from Philadelphia who produced over 30 cassettes of amazing cosmic and ambient synth during the 80s. We talk about one of these cassettes and then cover their more recent 2018 compilation. Their music is phenomenal so we want to say thank you to the YouTube algorithm for incepting Ross.Albums DiscussedNightcrawlers - Space Ritual at St Mary'sThe Biophonic Boombox Recordings by The Nightcrawlers Additional LinksAlbum of the Day: Ni...2024-09-3031 min

Role Playing Public RadioActual Play Podcasting 101: Panel at Gencon 2024Do you have questions on actual play podcasts? Talk to Ross Payton (RPPR), Caleb Stokes (Dead Channels), Rob Stith, (Orpheus Protocol) and Ethan Cordray (Technical Difficulties) for all the answers you want! We talk about creating shows, running them, editing, marketing, and many other topics related to running an AP 2024-08-2053 min

Night Clerk Radio: Haunted Music ReviewsUtopia District’s 2023 Year In ReviewSupport Night Clerk Radio on PatreonIn this episode, we’re digging into Utopia District’s 2023 Year In Review, a feature highlighting some of the best vaporwave (and associated genres) albums of 2023 as suggested by the community. Including our own Ross Payton! This kind of curation and highlighting the work of artists is so important. We had a blast checking out the 17 albums on the list that we had not previously covered.Come join us and find yourself some great music!The ArticleUtopia District’s Features: 2023 A YEAR IN REVIEW...2024-03-0442 min

Role Playing Public RadioThe Mixed Six – Back at it AgainWe’re back for another episode! I found a bottle of Blanton’s bourbon and to celebrate my discovery, we recorded a new episode. Spencer even has a new food rating system! Back The Night Clerk zine! A modern horror RPG scenario from Ross Payton! We’re talking about a wide range of 2023-09-181h 37

Ludonarrative DissidentsExperience PointsExperience Points are a common game mechanic in tabletop role playing games, but what are they? From Dungeons and Dragons to the World of Darkness, a wide variety of games use experience points to measure character progression and improvement. We discuss how these mechanics affect play and brainstorm ideas for alternative progression systems. Check out The Night Clerk, a RPG scenario zine, written by Ross Payton, now on Backerkit! Get full show notes at our website! Discuss this episode on the LND Discord!2023-09-141h 23

Night Clerk Radio: Haunted Music ReviewsThe Music of Terror VisionThe Music of Terror VisionSupport Night Clerk Radio on Patreon The folks at Terror Vision, a boutique shop focused on preserving obscure genre films, recently released Copperhead, an early direct-to-video film made by Ross’s parents, on blu-ray. This release includes a restored version of the original soundtrack on LP and Cassette. To celebrate, we’re discussing the music of Copperhead and Neon Maniacs, another recent soundtrack released by Terror Vision.Check out Terror Vision and Copperhead!Terror Vision Records & VideoCopperhead on Blu-ray with Slip Music Disc...2023-05-0843 min

Night Clerk Radio: Haunted Music ReviewsVirtual Utopian GenresSOME NEWSThe Kickstarter for “Ludonarrative Dissidents,” Ross’s RPG podcast, is still going strong and crushing stretch goals. Check it out! Check it out here: Ludonarrative Dissidents Podcast: Season 2Support Night Clerk Radio on Patreon In this episode, we’re tackling the popular vaporwave subgenre of Utopian Virtual with a discussion that is as much topic-driven as it is album-driven. We refine our discussions on the nature of genre in vaporwave and how the cheerful optimism of utopian virtual overlaps and contrasts similar subgenres such as corporate vaporwave and muzakcore. We then dis...2022-08-1543 min

Night Clerk Radio: Haunted Music ReviewsNew OfficewaveSOME NEWSThe Kickstarter for “Ludonarrative Dissidents,” Ross’s RPG podcast, is still going strong and crushing stretch goals. Check it out!Check it out here: Ludonarrative Dissidents Podcast: Season 2Support Night Clerk Radio on Patreon On this episode, we’re generating deliverables by circling back to some bleeding edge Corporate Vaporwave and dedicating our bandwidth to a deep dive into two recent albums that are poised to be game changers. We hope to get your buy-in and synergize our interests in a win-win situation for all parties involved.Albums Discusse...2022-08-0138 min

Night Clerk Radio: Haunted Music ReviewsThe Music of Hiraeth RecordsSOME NEWSRoss has just launched a Kickstarter for a second season of his podcast “Ludonarrative Dissidents,” a show focused on the in-depth discussion of various aspects of tabletop role-playing games.Check it out here: Ludonarrative Dissidents Podcast: Season 2Support Night Clerk Radio on Patreon On this episode, we’re listening to two albums that were released on Hiraeth Records, a record label founded by 猫シ Corp. These albums cover a broad range of genres from lush and atmospheric dreampunk to early-00s inspired vaportrap. We also talk about the rise of artist-founded record lab...2022-07-1842 min

Ludonarrative DissidentsBase RaidersBase Raiders is a Fate powered superhero RPG about dungeon crawling in abandoned villain and hero bases. Characters find super power sources in bases or buy them from the black market. It was written by Ross Payton and published in 2014. Buy Base Raiders here. Our season 1 finale, an actual play of Dueling Fops of VIndamere, is coming next week. After that, our Kickstarter for Season 2! Stay tuned! 2022-06-221h 09

Night Clerk Radio: Haunted Music ReviewsRethinking The Summer JamSupport Night Clerk Radio on Patreon In this episode, we each set out trying to find some new music (specifically summer jams) to enjoy. Ross returns with a Chillhop compilation and a long discussion on Lofi Hip-Hop record labels while Birk shows up with an experimental electro-jazz album. These choices completely reinforce this show’s chemistry.Music DiscussedChillhop Essentials Summer 2021 by Various ArtistsWorld Ov Light by Tikkun Olam Related LinksInside the mysterious world of Canadian chillhopWhat is Chillhop Music?r/LofiHipHop – Chillhop and...2022-06-0637 min

Patreon Preview – Role Playing Public RadioAfter Hours: AD&D WG7 Castle Greyhawk – Part 1Castle Greyhawk (module WG7) might be the worst official D&D module of all time. A massive dungeon of 12 levels, each written by a different author, sounds like a great hack and slash module, but Castle Greyhawk has a twist. It’s supposed to be…funny. Puns, pop culture references and other ‘jokes’ populate the pages of this adventure. Caleb, Rob, and I read the first two chapters to see what this infamous module had to offer. It’s fart-powered rocket monsters, adversarial GMing, and a NPC reaction table you won’t believe. Dare you brave the halls of Cas...2022-04-051h 25

Night Clerk Radio: Haunted Music ReviewsDancing to VaporwaveSupport Night Clerk Radio on Patreon What does it mean for a song to be danceable? Does being “danceable” mean anything or is it too broad and personal? Can the term be applied to vaporwave? We’re not sure if we actually answered any of these questions, but we are sure that they led us to discuss two amazing albums. One new and the other an absolute classic.Music SampledSyndicated Simulcast, Vol. 1 by YAMTAWinner's Circle (SAINT PEPSI Deluxe Edition) by SAINT PEPSIRelevant LinksRoss’s Inspirat...2021-12-0630 min

Night Clerk Radio: Haunted Music ReviewsThe Vaporwave IcebergThe Vaporwave Iceberg Support Night Clerk Radio on Patreon The “iceberg” is a meme template that has been used in countless subcultures to describe the descent of a fan from casual to obsessive addict. The template typically generates memes that are either light-hearted in-jokes about a fandom or an unfortunate display of gatekeeping and elitism. Recently, Ross found an iceberg meme focused on vaporwave so of course we had to talk about it. What started as a couple of people overthinking a meme results in an interesting conversation about what it means to talk...2021-09-2731 min

Night Clerk Radio: Haunted Music ReviewsVaporwave and Analog HorrorSupport Night Clerk Radio on PatreonOver the last decade, a new type of horror has become popular on the Internet. Driven by largely anonymous crowds through social media and online communities. In this episode, Ross discusses his thesis on how this new horror appeals to the same themes and aesthetics as vaporwave. Meanwhile, Birk does the audio equivalent of polite nodding.Audio SampledＬＯＣＡＬ５８ＴＶ - ContingencyRelated LinksWhat is Analog Horror? On Pad ChenningtonSCP FoundationThe HyperdiegesisGodzilla NESMystery Flesh Pit National ParkThe Care...2021-08-0232 min

Night Clerk Radio: Haunted Music ReviewsSummer Jams and ChillwaveSupport Night Clerk Radio on Patreon It’s a double secret topic episode as Ross and Birk discuss both the evolution of chillwave and the realities of Summer vacation. These topics serve as the basis for discussing two excellent albums that represent very different interpretations of the summer jam. Albums DiscussedMidnight Mixtape by Origami VatoPalmscapes by Hotel Pools Related LinksOrigami Vato on YouTubeCurveball: an Interview with Hotel PoolsWHAT IS CHILLWAVE? By GARDNSOUND CreditsMusic by: 2MelloAr...2021-07-1938 min

Night Clerk Radio: Haunted Music ReviewsRoss Got a Dungeon Synth CassetteSupport Night Clerk Radio on PatreonIn this episode, we dive into two very different dungeon synth albums. One, in this writer's opinion, tells the lonesome tale of an adventuring sea turtle. The other is an evocative blend of genres that serves as the soundtrack for the tabletop RPG of the same name. Both albums are excellent examples of the range of expression possible in a dungeon synth album. Check them out!Albums DiscussedShellbound by ulkHDK 40 † Mörk Borg by GNOLLRelated LinksMuseum Speelklok: A mus...2021-07-0533 min

Role Playing Public RadioLudonarrative Dissidents: Apocalypse World – Episode 0Ludonarrative Dissidents is a new podcast series from Ross Payton, Greg Stolze, and James Wallis. Check out the Kickstarter to help fund this project and get unique rewards! In each episode, we plan to focus on a particular RPG, looking at its mechanics, setting, and everything else to see what 2021-05-191h 20

RPPR Actual PlayZweihander: Into the Green ValleyA band of conquistadors has disappeared in the jungles of Guatemala. A second group sets out to find them, but as they venture into the green valley, they find out that the indigenous people are not the only threat there. Special thanks to Noah from Thinking Too Hard About Anime podcast to run this game for us! Ross as Humberto the Gamekeeper David as Lotte the Sellsword Birk as Jacob the Man at Arms Caleb as Grimaldo the Dragoon Noah as the GM 2020-08-062h 23

RPPR Actual PlayBase Raiders: Project BildungsromanA group of Base Riaders have all been approached by Vivien, a scarred woman with an intriguing tale. She claims to represent a group who have a lead on a particularly rich base. They do not have the power necessary to get particular items they want in the base, so they need their help.Will the team of freelancers be able to defeat the security of the the vault and help the group? Arcannon - Birk Professor White - Caleb After Image - Aaron Sparkles - Thad Ross as the GM 2020-07-242h 16

Night Clerk Radio: Haunted Music ReviewsHypnagogic Vaporwave: virtua.zip and A Heart Full Of LoveHypnagogia is the state of consciousness one experiences when transitioning from waking to sleeping. Hypnagogic vaporwave attempts to capture this sensation through the production of music that can be airy and ethereal or moody and ambient. Join Ross and Birk as they discuss one of their favorite sub-genres of vaporwave through the lens of two classic albums.Albums Discussed------------------virtua.zip by ESPRIT 空想A Heart Full Of Love by DARKPYRAMIDRelated Links--------------Essential Hypnagogic AlbumsPad Chennington Interview with George ClantonCredits--------Musi...2020-06-2229 min

RPPR Actual PlayCall of Cthulhu: BereavementContent Warning: Reference to real-world tragedies in this scenario From the Author: During quarantine, I was thinking a lot about the nature of grief, specifically how it diffuses when shared, how it spreads out and thins across distance and time. There is no mention of Covid-19 in the scenario, but this is my personal attempt at processing the shared grief of the ongoing pandemic. Synopsis: A therapy group meets every week in the basement of a local church. When a freak winter storm isolates them, they realize one member has gone too far to overcome their grief. Can they survive...2020-06-113h 25

Night Clerk Radio: Haunted Music ReviewsVibing To Vaportrap - DREAMS and Fujita ScaleWhether it hits you with aggressive 808 kicks or lifts you up with airy synths and trap beats, vaportrap offers a unique and wide-ranging blend of hip hop and vaporwave that can't be found anywhere else. In this episode, Ross and Birk talk about two classic vaportrap albums discussing topics such as production styles, the relationship between albums and genres, and the preservation of art in the digital world. Albums Discussed------------------DREAMS by FRCLNFujita Scale by NxxxxxSRelated Links--------------io808: An in browser Roland 808 emulator.808: A documentary...2020-06-0841 min

Night Clerk Radio: Haunted Music ReviewsExploring Dungeon Synth - Mourning and The valley of the forgotten secrets.Dungeon Synth is a genre that presents a unique blend of aesthetics by combining the fantastical themes of role-playing games with the moodiness and storytelling of dark ambient. In this episode, Ross and Birk listen to two albums from two very different periods in the history of Dungeon Synth and explore how the genre has evolved from its roots in black metal and 90's synths to a more nostalgic chip tune approach rooted in a love of 8- and 16-bit video games. Lend your ear to this musical adventure!Albums Discussed------------------Depressive Silence...2020-05-2536 min

RPPR Actual PlayCall of Cthulhu: Blood and ForgeAn middleman named Mr. Bartlett hired a crew of mercenaries in 1899 to help his client 'acquire' some land in Montana near the town of Eden. The crew rolls into town expecting to intimidate a few locals into signing away the land but they find something far darker, something forged in blood. Ross as James Rike, a retired bank robber Shaun as John Harold, soldier turned farmer Aaron as Elliot Roth, a geologist Jay B as Maxwell Coleridge, Texas Ranger turned Pinkerton 2020-04-024h 07

RPPR Actual PlayNight’s Black Agents: Direct ActionProtests rock Seattle over a G8 summit meeting held there and new laws expanding the powers of the police force. A group of intelligence experts are retired from their former careers and now work with activists to teach them basic tradecraft and help journalists reveal the truth. Why? They all share one thing in common - guilt over theirpast actions. Crowdfunding news sites pay you consulting fees, which pays the bills. That's enough. Today's protest should be interesting - street theater, big demonstrations, riot police...What could go wrong? Aaron as Gabrielle the sneak thief Tom as Persephone the analyst ...2020-02-203h 46

RPPR Actual PlayEclipse Phase: Djerba – The Eighth Sea – Episode 1A group of desperate and ambitious criminals on Mars plan to start their own gang. Named the Eighth Sea, after the restaurant serving as their front, the crew realizes they need to learn how to work with and trust each other. To that end, they have set up a time-accelerated simulated reality, where each member of the cartel can share some of their own memories and put the group through their own training exercise. Meet the crew: Renee as Cadence, an illegal fork of an academic psychosurgeon Jay B as Eleazar, a Shugyosha warrior and ego hunter David as Zemo a...2020-02-133h 01

RPPR Actual PlayTiny Dungeons: Fable of the Undetected SanctuaryA group of children have been chosen to participate in the greatest contest of their young lives. The Undetected Sanctuary offers magical power to any worthy competitor who can best its challenges. Cool Rat, friend of all kids, runs the contest. In a world of missing superheroes, new heroes must arise. Perhaps these kids can be the first heroes of a new generation. Cast Tom as Jordan Conner Shaun as Witch Carolina Jason B as Jebediah Armstrong Jason A as Knight Max Ross as the GM 2020-02-062h 29

RPPR Actual PlayAlien RPG: Chariot of the Gods – Part 2The stranded crew of the Montero struggles to survive against deadly aliens and other threats. Repairing the Chronus and dealing with its possibly infected crew poses its own challenges. As people begin to disappear in the corridors of the ship, the desperate few remaining will try anything but the secrets they hold may doom them. Cast Tom as Davis Aaron as Miller David as Wilson Greg as Cham Ross as the GM Background music from Tabletop Audio. Please let us know in the comments if you want more music in future games!2020-01-112h 36

RPPR Actual PlayAlien RPG: Chariot of the Gods – Part 1The job was routine, the money fair. Then the damn company diverted a crew to answer a distress call from a ship that disappeared almost 80 years ago—a derelict carrying something bizarre, twisted, and alien. What the ship’s frozen crew brought back with them was bad enough—what they themselves were turning into was a bloody nightmare... Cast Tom as Davis Aaron as Miller David as Wilson Greg as Cham Shaun as Rye Ross as the GM Background music from Tabletop Audio. Please let us know in the comments if you want more music in future games!2019-12-282h 36

RPPR Actual PlayUnknown Armies: The Treasure Hunt – Episode 7The hunt for the treasure is almost over. The Ska Band journeys upriver to the mystical heart of the Mississippi River to an island. There, they face the final obstacles to their goal, including enemies that have dogged them since the start of their quest. Can they prevail? Find out in the campaign finale of the Treasure Hunt! Cast: Bill as Nate a Phonomancer (a new custom adept school) David as Cici, a Vestomancer Greg as Glenn, a Dpsomancer and Ross as the GM 2019-10-111h 51

RPPR Actual PlayLancer: The Siege of VermeerIn the far future, humanity has scattered across the stars. The Union Diplomatic Corps is bravely exploring the cosmos to re-establish contact with far-flung worlds. By the time, the UDC reaches the world of Vermeer, it is already under siege by an unknown invasion force. Each UDC ship has a squad of mecha pilots, but four pilots are no match for an entire fleet. If they can hold out long enough though, they can help ensure backup arrives. Cast Caleb as the GM Ross as callsign Suez Aaron as callsign Sky Tom as callsign Fib Maddy as callsign Bone 2019-10-033h 41

RPPR Actual PlayUnknown Armies: The Treasure Hunt – Episode 6The Ska Band cabal schemes to help a cinemancer gain three major charges, magick powerful enough to change reality. The Ska Band will take one charge if successful, a necessary component for their own quest. But they cannot use magick to complete the scheme, which involes getting people to fall in love, find a new purpose in life, and overcome their own darkest fears. It also involves Long Horse, a mysterious cryptid and harbinger of doom. Is this such a good idea? Cast: Bill as Nate a Phonomancer (a new custom adept school) David as Cici, a Vestomancer Greg as...2019-09-263h 21

RPPR Actual PlayEclipse Phase: The ResurrectionistNo one expected to wake up in a graveyard ten years after the Fall mainly because there are no more graveyards. But when a group of forknapped individuals find themselves in one, they know something is deeply wrong. A twisted psychosurgeron known only as the Resurrectionist has press-ganged them into serving as pawns in its criminal schemes. Cast Jason B as Elezar Renee as Cadence Tom as Kurt Vogel Aaron as Fargo Ross as the GM 2019-09-203h 32

RPPR Actual PlayUnknown Armies: The Treasure Hunt – Episode 5The Ska Band heads to New Harmony Indiana, where an odd movie production is underway. A wealthy and eccentric filmmaker is making a movie but seems to have a secret agenda. The cabal realizes that in order to summon the river boat they need, they must find out what the director is up to, which means joining the production. Cast: Bill as Nate a Phonomancer (a new custom adept school) David as Cici, a Vestomancer Greg as Glenn, a Dpsomancer and Ross as the GM 2019-09-122h 30

Role Playing Public RadioGame Design Workshop Panel at Gen Con 2019Three game designers discuss their current projects and answer audience questions at Gen Con 2019. Find out about the new edition of Blue Planet, the latest from Red Markets, and more! Panelists: Ross Payton Jeff Barber – Get the Quickstart guide for Blue Planet: Recontact for free! Caleb Stokes –2019-09-1054 min

RPPR Actual PlayDelta Green: Black Bag JobIn 1970, a group of Delta Green veterans band together to steal documents from their own government. Delta Green has been shut down as an official agency, but to the veterans, the war goes on. They have resorted to using the weapons of the enemy, in the form of a hyperdimensional gate, but will it be enough? Recorded at Gen Con 2019 Adam Scott Glancy - GM Ross as Jim Kyle Aaron as Mark Payne Jason as Robert Elswit Maddy as Mark Bridges Arthur as Donald Meeker Brownie as Lenoard Bastion 2019-09-052h 42

RPPR Actual PlayUnknown Armies: The Treasure Hunt – Episode 4Alpha and Omega, O almighty God, the beginning of all things, without beginning, the ending without an end, hear today my prayers, O most holy one, neither repay me according my iniquity nor my sins, O Lord, my God, but according to your mercy, which is greater than all things visible and invisible...(The Ska Band frees the Piasa Bird, a terrestrial angel, thus angering the cult keeping it captive. Also, magical raw milk is involved) Cast: Bill as Nate a Phonomancer (a new custom adept school) David as Cici, a Vestomancer Greg as Glenn, a Dpsomancer and Ross as...2019-08-292h 54

RPPR Actual PlayFree Spacer at Gen Con 2019The galaxy is divided by a cold war and only skilled freelancers, known as Free Spacers, can keep civilization running by completing dangerous missions. One team has been assigned to help establish a new colony on a distant planet, although it's not entirely unoccupied. Find out what mysteries and threats lie on the surface of the planet in this special one shot run by the game's creator, Christoph Sapinsky! Learn more about the game on freespacer.com. Ross as Captain No Scope 360 Maddy as Pilot Leaf Birk as Doctor Mandi Ransen Aaron as Mechanic Edward O'Shaughnessy 2019-08-223h 58

RPPR Actual PlayUnknown Armies: The Treasure Hunt – Episode 3The Ska Band cabal needs to summon an angel to bless a divining rod. Fortunately they know of a nearby cult that specializes in summoning angels (located next to a giant cross). The cult leader is willing to help if only the cabal can help them locate a missing member of the congregation and the fortune in bitcoin they had on a USB drive... Cast: Bill as Nate a Phonomancer (a new custom adept school) David as Cici, a Vestomancer Greg as Glenn, a Dpsomancer and Ross as the GM 2019-08-152h 24

RPPR Actual PlayDelta Green: Operation OPAL ELKTwo Delta Green agents uncovered a criminal conspiracy with an unknown capacity for hypergeometry, demonstrating the capacity to bring dead men back to life. Before the agents could do anything about it, they were attacked and barely escaped with their lives. Now a new team of four agents has been assembled to take down the organization and destroy any hypergeometry vectors, without being killed, arrested, or identified. This is a sequel to a Patreon game I ran and you can listen to that game on Youtube. Cast: Caleb as Kelsey, a federal agent Birk as Hugo, a special forces operator ...2019-08-082h 32

RPPR Actual PlayUnknown Armies: The Treasure Hunt – Episode 2After defeating an adversary, the High School Ska Band cabal wants to steal the dead man's occult loot. This entails breaking into his house, finding a mystical object of value, and dealing with any unnatural inhabitants inside. Eventually, the cabal ends up at the ruins of Ha Ha Tonka Castle on an important mission... Cast: Bill as Nate a Phonomancer (a new custom adept school) David as Cici, a Vestomancer Greg as Glenn, a Dpsomancer and Ross as the GM 2019-08-012h 34

RPPR Actual PlayMothership: The AuditThe company needs a space station audited. Multiple irregularities and erratic reports from Caltech 65 worry the accountants and executives. There's a good chance the station's crew has gone rogue and may kill any auditors sent in. No sane spacer would take such a dangerous job. The company has rounded up a crew of the most desperate spacers they could find. They have one last chance to redeem themselves, if they can survive the audit. Tom as Corporal James Quintil the marine Caleb as Kay the android Aaron as Dr. Francis Salinger the scientist Jason A as Kyla Conner the teamster ...2019-07-253h 03

RPPR Actual PlayRed Markets: Black Death at Origins 2019In Medieval Europe, the Black Death has taken countless lives. Some of its victims have arisen as the restless undead, killing any who fall in their grasp. The survivors huddle together in walled fortresses and towns, trying to eke a living. Some of the hardier survivors take mercenary work, no matter how dangerous it is. One such team has agreed to retrieve a spice chest from an abandoned fortress. What price will they pay to complete their mission? This game was run by Ethan Cordray of Technical Difficulties podcast, using his beta version of Red Markets Black Death, a medieval...2019-07-113h 18

RPPR Actual PlayThe Orpheus Protocol: Knock, KnockNews: The Orpheus Protocol is on Kickstarter now! Ross is writing material for it,as one of the stretch goals.Check it out today! A team of agents has been assigned to investigate a series of strange incidents at a wealthy gated community. Someone is knocking on doors of certain residents late at night, but despite private security guards, surveillance cameras and other measures, the suspect remains unseen.There is more at work here than a mere series of pranks. What will the team uncover?2019-05-163h 20

RPPR Actual PlayA Dirty World: The Weight of Her Shadow – Part 1The less-than-beloved matriarch of the Shelby family has passed and her surviving children and grandchildren gather to attend her funeral and determine inheritance. Matters are confused, the will is in question, and new assets keep appearing. Join Ross, Tom, Aaron, Jason, and Renee as the grandchildren of Oma Shelby while they begin to uncover the terrible family secrets.2019-04-042h 48

Role Playing Public RadioGame Design Workshop Panel at Gen Con 2017RPPR presents a panel on game design, hosted by Ross Payton, Jeff Barber, & Shane Ivey. We discuss our latest projects, thoughts on making games, & answer questions from the audience. I also talk about my latest ideas for Ruin, the architectural horror RPG I’ve been working on for a 2017-08-2559 min

Role Playing Public RadioPatreon for Creators at Gen Con 2016Patreon is a popular crowdfunding website that allows creators to earn money from their supporters and fans on a regular cycle. This gives creators new opportunities and new challenges. Ross Payton from Role Playing Public Radio, Faust Kells from The Third Wheel, and Matt Campen from the Drunk and Ugly 2016-08-1151 min

Role Playing Public RadioRPPR Panel: The Case Against Fun – Social Critique & RPGsFun is obviously a byproduct of games, but that’s where the usefulness of the term ends. This seminar presents the case against fun as a design goal, method of criticism, and aesthetic in gaming. Caleb Stokes (No Soul Left Behind/No Security) and Ross Payton (Base Raiders/ Zombies of the World)2016-04-1357 min

The Unspeakable OathUnspeakable! Episode 24: Kenneth Hite and ‘The Fall of Delta Green’Ross Payton interviews Kenneth Hite, co-author of Delta Green: The Role-Playing Game and the Pelgrane Press role-playing game The Fall of Delta Green. Ross and Ken talk about playing Delta Green in the Sixties in The Fall of Delta Green,…Read more →2015-10-0945 min

The Unspeakable OathUnspeakable! Episode 23: Gil Trevizo and ‘Delta Green: Operational History’Ross Payton interviews Gil Trevizo, Delta Green scholar and author of the upcoming sourcebook Delta Green: Operational History. It was recently funded at the Kickstarter for Delta Green: The Role-Playing Game. Ross and Gil talk about the fun and challenges in…Read more →2015-10-0353 min

The Unspeakable OathUnspeakable! Episode 22: Delta Green Scenario Workshop at Gen Con 2015In a seminar at Gen Con 2015, Adam Scott Glancy, Shane Ivey, and Greg Stolze discuss the challenges of Delta Green scenario design. Audio produced by Ross Payton. 0:00:00 — “This seminar is radically disorganized.” What are your favorite or least favorite…Read more →2015-09-071h 48

Role Playing Public RadioPanel: Beyond Lawful Good & Evil: Ethical Concepts in RPGs at Gen Con 2015How do you build a character with staunch ethical principles without stopping a game dead with the dreaded my-character-wouldn’t-do-that problem? Do RPG systems imply ethical philosophies? Should they? Caleb Stokes (No Soul Left Behind), Ross Payton (Base Raiders), Andreas Walters (Baby Bestiary), and Shoshana Kessock (Living Game Conference) discuss ethical 2015-08-301h 02

Role Playing Public RadioRPPR Game Designer’s Workshop: Everyday Hustlin’ in Game DesignTalk with Caleb, Ross, and publishers about how to get started writing for games. With a few tips, you could be barely scraping by just like the pros! The goal of RPPR’s GDW podcast has always been educational. To that end, Ross and Caleb will do their best to give 2015-08-1957 min

The Unspeakable OathUnspeakable! Episode 21: Delta Green Seminar at Gen Con 2015Arc Dream Publishing recently announced the upcoming Kickstarter for Delta Green: The Role-Playing Game. At Gen Con 2015 we held a Q&A panel about the game with Adam Scott Glancy, Shane Ivey, and Greg Stolze. Audio produced by Ross Payton. In…Read more →2015-08-081h 41

Role Playing Public RadioGame Designer Workshop panel at Gen Con 2014News: Please support our latest Kickstarter, Boiling Point! It’s a brand new adventure for Base Raiders and stretch goals will include a death trap focused supplement by Caleb! Ross Payton (Base Raiders, Zombies of the World) and Caleb Stokes (No Security: Horror Scenarios in the Great Depression) talk about their 2014-09-261h 02

Role Playing Public RadioMoney is the Root of all Fun: Economics in Games: panel at Gen Con 2014Rob Boyle (Eclipse Phase), Ross Payton (Baseraiders), and Caleb Stokes (No Security) discuss using the basics of economic theory to make RPG settings more unique, immersive, and fun for your players. Designers can talk forever about economies of narrative control and the finances of the RPG industry, but what about 2014-09-101h 02

RPPR Actual PlayEclipse Phase: Through A Glass DarklyA critical Firewall server has been compromised by an engimatic man only known as Jacob Murphy. A team of three agents has tracked him down to a remote site near the quarantine zone on Mars. They are tasked with finding Jacob, learning his plans and stopping him. As they travel by maglev train to a small town near the terraforming site Jacob has holed up in, they realize people are already searching for them. As they leave civilization and head into the wilderness to find Jacob, what will they learn and at what price? Find out in this all new...2011-04-173h 33

Role Playing Public RadioRPPR Episode 52: Holiday DashCONTRIBUTE TO THE RUINS OF LEMURIA KICKSTARTER TO GET 10 PREVIEW AP EPISODES OR A SEAT A SKYPE GAME RUN BY ROSS PAYTON! Synopsis: Chase scenes are an underutilized element in many games. A staple of action stories but RPGs focus on social scenes and combat. This is because it’s 2010-12-141h 13

RPPR Actual PlayA Dirty World: Andrew’s Fortune part 2CONTRIBUTE TO THE RUINS OF LEMURIA KICKSTARTER TO GET 10 PREVIEW AP EPISODES OR A SEAT A SKYPE GAME RUN BY ROSS PAYTON! The mystery surrounding Andrew deepens as Detective Marlowe and Van Hagin find themselves embroiled in gang fights and a corporate conspiracy. Cassidy and Goldberg, two scheming crooks from Las Vegas try to carve out a piece of the action for themselves but Andrew's mother and man mountain bodyguard might be too much for them. An intrepid femme fatale reporter gets mixed up in the chaos. The body count rises in the conclusion to Andrew's Fortune.2010-12-134h 51

RPPR Actual Play - The Early YearsA Dirty World: Andrewâs Fortune part 2CONTRIBUTEÂ TO THE RUINS OF LEMURIA KICKSTARTER TO GET 10 PREVIEW AP EPISODES OR A SEAT A SKYPE GAME RUN BY ROSS PAYTON! The mystery surrounding Andrew deepens as Detective Marlowe and Van Hagin find themselves embroiled in gang fights and a corporate conspiracy. Cassidy and Goldberg, two scheming crooks from Las Vegas try to…2010-12-134h 51

Modern Archives - RPPR Actual PlayA Dirty World: Andrew’s Fortune part 2CONTRIBUTE TO THE RUINS OF LEMURIA KICKSTARTER TO GET 10 PREVIEW AP EPISODES OR A SEAT A SKYPE GAME RUN BY ROSS PAYTON! The mystery surrounding Andrew deepens as Detective Marlowe and Van Hagin find themselves embroiled in gang fights and a corporate conspiracy. Cassidy and Goldberg, two scheming crooks Support Role Playing Public Radio on Patreon The post A Dirty World: Andrew’s Fortune part 2 appeared first on RPPR Actual Play.2010-12-134h 51

RPPR Actual Play4E Dungeons and Dragons – The New World Campaign Game 21: Return of the CaptainIn this episode the Water Barons fight to retrieve a Lemurian artifact before Cortez's horde. Can they survive the onslaught of murderous monsters and other deadly challenges? Perhaps they can with a little help from an old friend...The Captain! (formerly the Lieutenant). Thanks to all the RPPR fans who contributed to the Codex of War Ransom. You can still contribute if you want Ross Payton to run a game over Skype for you OR get a picture of your character from Ean Moody. Check out our Kickstarter page for more details. Special thanks to Ean Moody for the art!2010-03-213h 24

Role Playing Public RadioRPPR Episode 41: The Smoking d20Zombies of the World: a web series from RPPR co-host Ross Payton. Visit the Zombies of the World website and tell your friends about it! The Codex of War: A New World Campaign PDF ransom is up! Donate now to make sure we meet the goal! Synopsis: Running a mystery 2010-02-171h 23

RPPR Actual PlayRPPR Actual Play: Call of Cthulhu – U-Boote Heraus Part 1Courtesty of Adam Scott Glancy U-Boote Heraus! Part 1 of a Call of Cthulhu scenario Run at Gencon 2009 by Adam Scott Glancy of Pagan Publishing U-boat warfare in World War 1 was a grim, grisly affair but one crew will find themselves embroiled in a struggle far darker than the war to end all wars. What secrets does the strange cargo ship with its odd crew hold? How do you use a potato masher grenade? What does a Maxim machine gun do to a rowboat full of sailors? Find out the answer to some of these questions and more with part 1 of U...2009-11-095h 25

Role Playing Public RadioRPPR Field Recording – Inauguration 2009 on the National MallRecorded by Ross Payton I was one of the little dots you see here on the National Mall on Jan 20 2009. I brought my H2 digital recorder (which I use to record all of the RPPR actual play sessions) and recorded president Obama’s Inauguration speech as an experiment in 2009-03-0123 min

Actual Play Archives - Role Playing Public RadioRPPR Actual Play: 4E DnD – The New World Game 34th Edition Dungeons and Dragons The New World Campaign- NSFW! GM: Ross Payton Players: Tom, Cody, Jason and Dan Synopsis: The adventurers have gained some new friends, a tribe of grippli. They’ve also made some new enemies, the thieves guild. Furthermore, a horde of goblins has arrived in the new Support Role Playing Public Radio on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/RPPR/ The post RPPR Actual Play: 4E DnD – The New World Game 3 appeared first on Role Playing Public Radio.2009-02-023h 55

Role Playing Public RadioRPPR Actual Play: 4E DnD – The New World Game 34th Edition Dungeons and Dragons The New World Campaign- NSFW! GM: Ross Payton Players: Tom, Cody, Jason and Dan Synopsis: The adventurers have gained some new friends, a tribe of grippli. They’ve also made some new enemies, the thieves guild. Furthermore, a horde of goblins has arrived in the new 2009-02-023h 55

Role Playing Public RadioRPPR Interview with Tarn Adams, Creator of Dwarf FortressTarn Adams Interviewer: Ross Payton Synopsis: Dwarf Fortress is a one of a kind computer game. Part roguelike, part RTS, part fantasy world simulator, this game has to be played to be believed. With no graphics (everything is represented by ASCII symbols), the player is charged with building a mighty 2008-05-201h 31

Role Playing Public RadioRPPR Episode 14: The Top Ten Books You Never Knew You NeededMusic: Can’t Judge a Book by Robin Sylar Promos: Bearswarm Podcast, Nuketown Radio and the Game Traveler Hosted by Ross Payton and Tom Church New: RPPR Donations We now accept donations to cover the cost of hosting and equipment for our podcast. If you’re a fan of RPPR, contribute. You 2008-05-101h 17

Role Playing Public RadioRPPR Episode 13: The Awesome Action Packed Alliterative AdventureSong: Just Like Bruce Campbell Did by Joe Hero Promo: Sinister Adventures Hosted by Ross Payton and Tom Church Special Guest: Aaron Carsten Check out our new Forums and Twitter Feed! Synopsis: After discussing some listener feedback, with a special defense of the Sluggy Freelance web comic by Aaron Carstein,2008-04-2358 min

Role Playing Public RadioRPPR Episode 12: Everything Old is New AgainOpening music: I’m Dungeons You’re Dragons by the Alligators Hosted by Ross Payton and Tom Church Promos: Rpgpodcasts.com and The Tome Podcast Brand new: Join the RPPR Facebook group! Synopsis: Sooner or later, your favorite game is going to become old and tired. The players will read every sourcebook, the 2008-04-0354 min

Role Playing Public RadioRPPR Episode 11: Dungeon Crawl from Here to Eternity – a tribute to Gary GygaxHosted by Ross Payton and Tom Church Music: A tribute to Mozart by Steffe Coonan Promo: The Escapist Podcast Synopsis: Gary Gygax passed away on March 4 2008. His legacy is the foundation of role playing games as we know them. While we are not old school players who were 2008-03-2239 min

Role Playing Public RadioRPPR Interview with Sean Jaffe: Blood Dimmed Tides & ZGSean Jaffe Interview by Ross Payton Synopsis: Back in Episode 4, we gave a shout out to Blood Dimmed Tides, an excellent Old World of Darkness sourcebook for the oceans. One of the book’s writers, Sean Jaffe, popped in to thank us. From there, I contacted him to find out 2008-03-121h 00

Role Playing Public RadioRPPR Episode 10: Filling in the Flavor TextHosted by Ross Payton and Tom Church Music by Ghosts I-IV by Nine Inch Nails released under a Creative Commons license Synopsis: Creating adventures for your group can be a pain in the but but we’re here to help. The players can be heartless jerks who stomp all over your 2008-03-0446 min

Role Playing Public RadioRPPR Episode 09: -10 and counting or PC Death and DyingHosted by Ross Payton and Tom Church Music by Sabrepulse Synopsis: Death is a fact of life in gaming. A thread I started on rpg.net about PC death generated a bit of discussion about how people handle player characters dying in a game. So, Tom and I discuss how to 2008-02-1559 min

Role Playing Public RadioActual Play: The End of the World as we know it?Call of Cthulhu One Shot: The End of the World as we know it? Game run by Ross Payton Players: Tom, Jason and Paul Synopsis: This is a bit of an experimental game. Instead of the PCs being heroic investigators trying to save the world from evil, they are the 2008-02-081h 57

Actual Play Archives - Role Playing Public RadioActual Play: The End of the World as we know it?Call of Cthulhu One Shot: The End of the World as we know it? Game run by Ross Payton Players: Tom, Jason and Paul Synopsis: This is a bit of an experimental game. Instead of the PCs being heroic investigators trying to save the world from evil, they are the Support Role Playing Public Radio on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/RPPR/ The post Actual Play: The End of the World as we know it? appeared first on Role Playing Public Radio.2008-02-081h 57

Role Playing Public RadioDeath by ThumbsWritten by Ab3 Mixed by Ross Payton Me: “OK you walk into the room and see a group of Hobgoblins sharpening their weapons.” Psycho Dave: “I flash my talisman of the Dark Gods and order them to bow down to the might of Azathoth.” Me: “They bow before you.” Psycho 2008-01-2612 min

Role Playing Public RadioRPPR Episode 08: The Role of RulesMusic by The Old Ones – a Lovecraftian inspired metal band. Brutal! Intro song: Alone in the Mountains Segue for Letter from Tom: Rise! Ending music: Spirits Hosted by Ross Payton, Tom Church and Dan McDowell Synopsis: Rules, the foundation of our hobby. How many rules are enough? When do 2008-01-2051 min

Role Playing Public RadioRPPR Episode 07: Adult ThemesHosted by Ross Payton and Tom Church Ending music: Warning Forever by Sabrepulse Synopsis: Eventually every gamer encounters an adult theme in gaming. However, it can be hard to handle these topics, given the lack of maturity in many gamers. We discuss past games with mature themes, how to run 2008-01-0838 min

Role Playing Public RadioActual Play: Delta Green Eyes Only – A Night on Owlshead MountainKeeper: Ross Payton Players: Tom Church, Jon and Katie Carter, Matt Howell, Meriam, and Paul You are cordially invited to a night at the opera. “A Night on Owlshead Mountain is a Delta Green adventure that pits investigators against the deadly, lingering aftereffects of Mi-Go activity in rural Vermont. The 2007-12-3100 min

Actual Play Archives - Role Playing Public RadioActual Play: Delta Green Eyes Only – A Night on Owlshead MountainKeeper: Ross Payton Players: Tom Church, Jon and Katie Carter, Matt Howell, Meriam, and Paul You are cordially invited to a night at the opera. “A Night on Owlshead Mountain is a Delta Green adventure that pits investigators against the deadly, lingering aftereffects of Mi-Go activity in rural Vermont. The Support Role Playing Public Radio on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/RPPR/ The post Actual Play: Delta Green Eyes Only – A Night on Owlshead Mountain appeared first on Role Playing Public Radio.2007-12-3100 min

Role Playing Public RadioRPPR Episode 06: The Bad PlayerA round table discussion with Ross Payton, Tom Church, Cody Walker and Samantha Harrel. Synopsis: Every gamer has been touched by a very special kind of player. The bad player wrecks campaigns, breaks up relationships and causes madness with their inept munchkinism, selfish attitude, and infuriating personal habits. Two guests,2007-12-131h 09

Role Playing Public RadioRPPR Episode 05: LootBy Ross Payton and Tom Church Synopsis: Since the holidays are around the corner, we turn our attention to that most treasured aspect of gaming: loot. Whether it’s a shiny +5 vorpal longsword or a slightly used bionic arm, every player looks forward to getting more loot. But is that 2007-11-3000 min

Role Playing Public RadioRPPR Episode 04: Game QuirksBy Ross Payton and Tom Church Synopsis: Sometimes a game just screws up because of trivial issues. Shopping for magic items, chasing red herrings, and arguing about guns. Why does this happen? How can it be fixed? We take a look at these quirks in gaming and provide a few 2007-11-1439 min

Role Playing Public RadioRPPR Episode 03: When Games Go Bump in the NightBy Ross Payton and Tom Church BONUS: The notes of the successful Hunter the Reckoning campaign mentioned this episode. If you like modern horror, there are numerous plot hooks and ideas to steal from these notes. Enjoy Synopsis: Horror is a staple of role playing games, but actually making the 2007-10-3000 min

Role Playing Public RadioRPPR Episode 02: When Games ImplodePerformed by Ross Payton and Tom Church Synopsis: Every gamer has been in a game that has imploded. Why do some games fall apart? We look at how bad GMing can cause a game to not only fail but implode by looking at some of the games we’ve been in.2007-09-1938 min

Role Playing Public RadioEpisode #1: Gencon wrapupRPPR Episode 01 Written and voiced by Ross Payton and Tom Church Our first episode of second edition RPPRm with a wrapup of Gencon and two new segments for the show: Letters from Tom and Gaming Stories. At Gencon, we played in a Call of Cthulhu game run by Scott 2007-09-0430 min

Role Playing Public RadioThe Eye of Argon Part 3Grignr’s quest continues in the Eye of Argon. Can he survive the stygian depths of the prison? Written by Jim Theis Narrated by Ross Payton Mixed by Chris Farmer 2006-06-0517 min

Role Playing Public RadioRPPR Presents: The Eye of Argon Part 1The Eye of Argon is one of the classics of fantasy literature, which is why we’re creating an audiobook version of it. Listen to a stirring rendition of this timeless tale, complete with a rather unique theme song. Written by Jim Theis Narrated by Ross Payton Mixed by Chris Farmer 2006-01-0411 min

Role Playing Public RadioHigh Art: The Role Playing GameThis is the cutting edge of game design. A game so absolutely brilliant that…that…fuck, rolled a 1 on the Profession (writer) check. BONUS: Listen to the entire flame war! (2:41) Written by Ross Payton Edited by Chris Farmer Cast Gamer 1: Patrick Seth Williams Gamer 2: Tom Church GM: Ross 2005-11-2304 min

Role Playing Public RadioGame Masters Episode 1Not every campaign runs smoothly. When players start throwing chairs while the GM weeps, call the Game Masters, the first role playing radio advice show. Written by Ross Payton Edited by Chris Farmer Cast GM: Ross Payton DM: Tom Church Caller 1: Chris Farmer 2005-11-2306 min