Shows
On A RollExploring The Gun BeltEpisode 403: Exploring The Gun Belt
The Curmudgeon steps away from hosting to talk about his forthcoming tabletop RPG, The Gun Belt! The Favorite and the Legend talk to Ashley Raburn and Ryan about alien and robot cowboys riding dinosaurs in an interstellar Wild West!Support On A RollLinks:The Gun Belt2022-06-301h 06
On A RollNew PlayersEpisode 402: New Players
Carie, Jason and Ryan talk about the challenge of welcoming new players to your gaming group. They discuss the typical ways new players often behave, and how to make sure they get involved and enjoy the game! Join the Favorite, the Curmudgeon and the Legend as they explore New Players! Support On A Roll2022-05-1157 min
On A RollThe Story of GrapevineEpisode 401: The Story of Grapevine
In the season four premiere of On A Roll, the Favorite, the Curmudgeon and the Legend return with guest Adam Cerling. Adam created the infamous larp character database software Grapevine, used around the world for more than two decades as the standard for running World of Darkness larps. Carie, Jason and Ryan learn the story of how Grapevine came to be, and the tale of Adam's new project – an indie larp called Storywild! Special Guest: Adam Cerling.2021-05-2857 min
On A RollThe Hero's JourneyEpisode 330: The Hero's Journey
The Favorite, the Curmudgeon and the Legend explore the twelve steps to greater story telling. Carie, Jason and Ryan take a deep dive into the monomyth structure of The Hero's Journey!2021-02-111h 11
On A RollMemories of GamingEpisode 329: Memories of Gaming
After an extensive sick leave, Carie, Jason and Ryan return to answer listeners' questions about our past gaming experiences!2020-12-041h 11
On A RollBuilding a Gaming OrgEpisode 328: Building a Gaming Org
In this double-length episode, the Favorite, the Curmudgeon and the Legend talk about what they've learned from being administrators of national larp organizations. Carie, Jason and Ryan then build a hypothetical org for The Gun Belt!2020-10-201h 58
On A RollShooting Genre From CanonsEpisode 327: Shooting Genre From Canons
Josh Heath joins the Favorite, the Curmudgeon and the Legend to talk about genre and canon. Carie, Jason, Ryan and Josh try to define what they are before talking about how they're different, the importance of enforcing them, and if your game even needs them! Special Guest: Josh Heath.2020-10-021h 12
On A RollGood Strong HandsEpisode 326: Good Strong Hands
Craig Campbell from NerdBurger Games came by to tell the Favorite, the Curmudgeon and the Legend about his new game, Good Strong Hands. Carie, Jason and Ryan learn about this fun new game based loosely on The Neverending Story! Special Guest: Craig Campbell.2020-09-2500 min
On A RollFind a DM on CRAWLREpisode 325: Find a DM on Crawlr
Jackie Zantow-Schwartz joins Ryan, Jason and Carie to tell the story of CRAWLR, the web-based social network she created that connects gamers with one another. It's like TindR, but for vampires, superheroes, deckers and clerics!2020-09-1000 min
On A RollRyan Asks A QuestionEpisode 324: Ryan Asks A Question
Jason's finished his surgery, so we're back! This week, Ryan made a list of fun questions about our experiences in gaming. With no preparation, Ryan asks Carie and Jason all sorts of things about games, players, locations, game lines and more!2020-09-0400 min
On A RollAustralian NerdballEpisode 323: Australian Nerdball
Brendan Faithfull joins us from Melbourne to talk about larp in Australia and the popularity of weekly battle larps they refer to as Nerdball. Carie, Jason and Ryan learn about his larp, Exodus, and talk about the differences and similarities of international larp philosophies!2020-08-2100 minOn A RollGreat Artists StealEpisode 322: Great Artists Steal
This week, the Favorite, the Curmudgeon and the Legend take a look at where great ideas come from. Carie, Jason and Ryan discuss great sources for plots, characters and themes you can adapt for your games!2020-08-1300 minOn A RollCraig Campbell and Nerdburger Con OnlineEpisode 321: Craig Campbell and Nerdburger Con Online
Nerdburger Games' Craig Campbell. creator of Capers and Die Laughing, stops by to tell the Favorite, the Curmudgeon and the Legend all about Nerdburger Con Online, coming Aug. 14-16, 2020. He also tells Carie, Jason and Ryan about his upcoming game, Good Strong Hands, and how to run an online con! Special Guest: Craig Campbell.2020-08-0500 minOn A RollOf Goats and IdiotsEpisode 320: Of Goats and Idiots
Internationally renowned larp creator Dan Comstock joins the Favorite, the Curmudgeon and the Legend to talk about Goat Larp 2, Village of Idiots and the crazy world of larp production. Carie, Jason and Ryan also speak with him about the future of larp in a pandemic land! Special Guest: Dan Comstock.2020-07-3100 minOn A RollNPCsEpisode 319: NPCs
Non-player characters are essential, so the Favorite, the Curmudgeon and the Legend take a look at the kinds of NPCs that are in a game. Carie, Jason and Ryan then examine the best ways to utilize them!2020-07-1600 minOn A RollBuilding South FallenrockEpisode 318: Building South Fallenrock
This week, the Favorite, the Curmudgeon and the Legend test a session zero component of Ryan's roleplaying game, The Gun Belt (http://thegunbelt.com)! Ryan leads Carie and Jason through the town-building process as they create the interstellar wild west streets of South Fallenrock!2020-07-0300 minOn A RollA Game's First ImpressionEpisode 317: A Game's First Impression
Jason bought a new rpg, so the Favorite, the Curmudgeon and the Legend explore why. Carie, Jason and Ryan do an analysis of the things people look at when deciding if they want to buy a new roleplaying game!2020-06-2500 minOn A RollRunning Kid-Friendly GamesEpisode 316: Running Kid-Friendly Games
Librarian and gamer Drew Meyer joins the Favorite, the Curmudgeon and the Legend to talk about his experiences running RPGs for kids and teens. Carie, Jason and Ryan explore the wonders and challenges of young gamers and learn Drew's 10 Rules For Running Kid-Friendly Games! Special Guest: Drew Meyer.2020-06-1800 minOn A RollRunning for New PlayersEpisode 315: Runnning for New Players
Jason's been running D&D for a group of brand new players, so Carie and Ryan join him to talk about what he's learned. We talk about best practices for making sure your new players have fun and come back for more!2020-06-0400 minOn A RollCharacter ActingEpisode 314: Character Acting
Lee University theater Professor Dan Buck joins the Favorite, the Curmudgeon and the Legend to talk about acting. Carie, Jason and Ryan get schooled on how to find a character and how to act it out!2020-05-2800 minOn A RollImagining Werewolf 5th EditionEpisode 313: Imagining Werewolf 5th Edition
Josh Heath joins the Curmudgeon and the Legend to imagine and dream about Werewolf 5th Edition. Carie, Josh and Ryan brainstorm on what they would do if they were developing the new Werewolf: the Apocalypse game! Special Guest: Josh Heath.2020-05-2300 minOn A RollAdvanced COVID 19th EditionEpisode 312: Advanced COVID 19th Edition
The pandemic is a lot to process, so Ryan and Carie sat down with gamer and research scientist Tim Clancy from the Infomullet. He puts COVID-19 into gaming terms that even the Curmudgeon and the Legend can understand, addressing the virus, the response, how it will affect conventions like Gen Con or Dragon Con and what it's like to be sick from it! Special Guest: Tim Clancy.2020-05-1400 minOn A RollKids on Brooms on Podcasts!Episode 311: Kids on Brooms on Podcasts
The fun flies in on a broomstick this week as the Curmudgeon and the Legend are joined by the creators of the all new Kids on Brooms rpg! Jonathan Gilmour and Doug Levandowski (who created Kids on Bikes) join us with their Kids on Brooms co-creator Spenser Starke to talk about these amazing games! Special Guests: Doug Levandowski and Jonathan Gilmour.2020-05-0700 minOn A RollFor Whom The Bell TolkiensEpisode 310: For Whom The Bell Tolkiens
Are Orcs a racist construct from Tolkien that persists in modern day Dungeons and Dragons, or is it a lot to do about nothing? After a firestorm on Twitter, the Favorite, the Curmudgeon and the Jason's Replacement do a deep dive into Tolkien, orcs and racism. Special Guest: Rob Alderman.2020-05-0100 minOn A RollTyping Your RoleplayEpisode 309: Typing Your Roleplay
Socially isolated from each other, the Favorite, the Curmudgeon and the Legend take a look at the differences in roleplaying by text versus at a larp or tabletop game. Carie, Jason and Ryan talk about what makes a good post when playing by text on Discord, chat room, MUSH or a play by post game! Also, Jason does his laundry.2020-04-0900 minOn A RollCharacter VoicesEpisode 308: Character Voices
What should your next NPC sound like? The Favorite, the Curmudgeon and the Legend dive into the things that make people speak the way they do. Are you bad at voices and accents? Ryan shares the 9 character voices anyone can do!2020-03-2600 minOn A RollSocially Distant RoleplayingEpisode 307: Socially Distant Roleplaying
Staying safe and isolated, the Favorite, the Curmudgeon and the Legend look at what gaming is like during the coronavirus outbreak. Carie, Jason and Ryan share all of the resources gamers can use, as well as the free and discounted products being offered, as we all practice socially distant roleplaying!2020-03-1800 minOn A RollPlaytestingEpisode 306: Playtesting
Have you ever playtested a new game? The Favorite, the Curmudgeon and the Legend talk about games they have ran playtests for, and also the playtests they've played in. Carie, Jason and Ryan deep dive into what you should know if you are running or playing a playtest in this week's episode!2020-03-1000 minOn A RollLive - Ask Me... WhateverEpisode 305: Live - Ask Me... Whatever
Gearing up with tech and bravery, the Curmudgeon, the Legend and the Favorite take on Facebook Live and hold their second "Ask Me Anything"-style show. Ryan, Carie and Jason talk about their past games, the games they want to play, why they do this podcast and everything else they get asked by our listeners.2020-03-0500 minOn A RollSession ZeroEpisode 304: Session Zero
We talk a lot about Session Zero, so the Favorite, the Curmudgeon and the Legend decided to deep dive into just what a Session Zero is. Carie, Jason and Ryan discuss why games need Session Zero and what should happen at them!2020-02-2700 minOn A RollIn Character RomanceEpisode 303: In Character Romance
Love was in the air this week (blaaaaghhhh!), so the Curmudgeon and the Legend decided to talk about in character romances. Carie and Ryan dig into the topic, looking at the differences between loving at the tabletop, loving at a larp and loving in a MUSH, as well as the reasons and results of these relationships!2020-02-2000 minOn A RollVisiting The Midnight WorldEpisode 302: Visiting the Midnight World
Indie game developers James Davey and Jim Beverly join the Favorite, the Curmudgeon and the Legend to talk about their upcoming tabletop rpg, The Midnight World. Carie, Jason and Ryan talk with these two incredible combat veterans about their game and its unique focus on PTSD and mental health awareness! Special Guests: James Davey and Jim Beverly.2020-02-1300 minOn A RollBetter Than Fine DMingEpisode 301: Better Than Fine DMing
In our first episode of season 3, the Favorite, the Curmudgeon and the Legend analyze what makes a storyteller better than just "fine." Carie, Jason and Ryan discuss how you can tell if you are a great DM, and how your players will tell you if you are!2020-02-0600 minOn A RollThankful GamingEpisode 239: Thankful Gaming
This week is our final episode of season 2, so the Favorite, the Curmudgeon and the Legend spend some time talking about what they are thankful for in gaming. Carie, Jason and Ryan do some Thanksgiving work and share some love before the break! Season 3 will signal our hosts' return in January 2020!2019-11-2700 minOn A RollThe Gun BeltEpisode 238: The Gun Belt
After two seasons of trying, the Favorite and the Legend finally convince the Curmudgeon to let them talk to him about his independent roleplaying game project. Carie, Jason and Ryan spend some time this week exploring the frontier, wild west world without wheels featured in The Gun Belt!2019-11-2200 minOn A RollProblem DMsEpisode 237: Problem DMs
The Curmudgeon and the Legend have talked a lot about problem players, but this week they have a conversation about what happens when the game runner is the problem. Carie and Ryan do a deep dive into how gamers can address and prevent problem DMs! This program is presented as originally created. It may contain outdated cultural depictions.2019-11-1400 minOn A RollWhat the Heck is MUSH?Episode 236: What the Heck is MUSH?
This week, the Curmudgeon and the Legend hang out with Sarah to do a deep dive into what the heck MUSHing is. Carie, Sarah and Ryan discuss the hobby, how it works and what makes it the same and different from other kinds of roleplaying games!2019-10-1700 minOn A RollTen Things That Will Make Your Character BetterEpisode 235: Ten Things That Will Make Your Character Better
Continuing the Ten Things lists, this week the Favorite, the Curmudgeon and the Legend talk about better characters. Carie, Jason and Ryan assemble a list of the Ten Things That Will Make Your Character Better!2019-10-1100 minOn A RollTen Things to Make Your Setting BetterEpisode 234: Ten Things to Make Your Setting Better
This week, the Favorite, the Curmudgeon and the Legend investigate some basic approaches to making the setting where your game takes place even better. Carie, Jason and Ryan gleen their experiences to compile a list of ten simple things anyone running a game can do right now to improve locations in their game and help everyone have more fun!2019-10-0300 minOn A RollDon't Run This, But If You Must...Episode 233: Don't Run This, But If You Must...
There's a lot of talk about offensive topics in games right now, so the Favorite, the Curmudgeon and the Legend examine sexual assault, child abuse, pregnancy, miscarriage and abortion in gaming. Carie, Jason and Ryan discuss alternative stories that storytellers can run that can evoke the same kinds of emotional responses from players without creating threatening, unsafe or uncomfortable games!2019-09-2600 minOn A RollThat New Consent ChecklistEpisode 232: That New Consent Checklist
Monte Cook Games published a Consent Checklist book this week, so the Favorite, the Curmudgeon and the Legend gave it a read. Carie, Jason and Ryan discuss what's in the document, as well as their thoughts on it as a tool for gaming! They even look at some of the reactions folks are having to it.2019-09-1900 minOn A RollTrolling the WatersEpisode 231: Trolling the Waters
With the Favorite off for the week, the Curmudgeon and the Legend examine the six gaming topics most likely to cause troll-ignited dumpster fires. Carie, not-Jason and Ryan talk blackface at larp, professional DMing, the Mercer effect and more!2019-09-1200 minOn A RollThe Eight Fun LanguagesEpisode 230: The Eight Fun Languages
A group of scholars determined that there are eight types of fun in games. The Favorite, the Curmudgeon and the Legend explore these "fun languages." After learning about them, Carie, Jason and Ryan examine how players and game runners can use them to make their games more fun!2019-08-2200 minOn A RollHelp! I'm a new player!Episode 229: Help! I'm a new player!
After hearing from a friend who played their first D&D game ever recently, the Favorite, the Curmudgeon and the Legend decided to talk about what new players should think about as they join a game. Carie, Jason and Ryan deep dive into the things new players should do to help make their first game even more fun!2019-08-1500 minOn A RollTen Things To Make Your Game BetterEpisode 228: Ten Things To Make Your Game Better
This week, the Favorite, the Curmudgeon and the Legend investigate some basic approaches to making your game better. Carie, Jason and Ryan gleen their experiences to compile a list of ten simple things anyone running a game can do right now to improve their group and help everyone have more fun!2019-08-0900 minOn A RollMaury Brown on New World MagischolaEpisode 227: Maury Brown on New World Magischola
Maury Brown joins the Favorite, the Curmudgeon and the Legend this week to talk about the massively successful New World Magischola larp and the new Magimundi Bestiary currently on Kickstarter. Carie, Jason and Ryan talk about bisonatees, changing the world through larping, whimsical cryptids, destination larp organization and how "transmedia" doesn't really mean anything! Special Guest: Maury Brown.2019-08-0200 minOn A RollDice Dice Baby!Episode 226: Dice Dice Baby
Why do people love dice? Gamers have to have all the dice they can get, so the Favorite, the Curmudgeon and the Legend spend some time with Lucia Versprille of Monstrous Incantations to talk about the little plastic buggers. In the process, Carie, Jason and Ryan learn all about the artisinal crafting and techniques of making your own dice by hand! Special Guest: Lucia Verspille.2019-07-2500 minOn A RollRPG OmnibusEpisode 225: RPG Omnibus
It's a round robin extravaganza this week, as the Favorite, the Curmudgeon and the Legend tackle a ton of topics in rapid succession. Carie, Jason and Ryan plow through the first On A Roll RPG Omnibus!2019-07-1800 minOn A RollEthics in GamingEpisode 224: Ethics in Gaming
The Favorite, the Curmudgeon and the Legend tackle the difficult but important topic of ethics in gaming this week. Carie, Jason and Ryan try to figure out just what ethics are and how they affect gaming communities, as well as what gamers can do to help improve things!
Huge thank you to Dr. Andrea Phillips from Lee University for graciously contributing to our show this week through her research on ethics – used with permission.2019-07-1100 minOn A RollAnatomy of a Power GamerEpisode 223: Anatomy of a Power Gamer
Inspired by something said in an interview on last week's show, the Favorite, the Curmudgeon and the Legend do a deep dive into power gaming. Carie, Jason and Ryan look at the reasons power gamers exist, how they affect your game and whether or not they are good or bad!2019-07-0300 minOn A RollLive From Goat LarpEpisode 222: Live From Goat Larp
The Favorite shares his experiences from Goat Larp with the Curmudgeon and the Legend. Was it everything you'd expect from a larp for goats!?! Jason also talks with attendees and the creators of Goat Larp recorded live on location in the middle of the field! Special Guest: Dan Comstock.2019-06-2700 minOn A RollPlot Arc PlanningEpisode 221: Plot Arc Planning
Major, long-running plot arcs are the topic this week for the Favorite, the Curmudgeon and the Legend. Carie, Jason and Ryan explore the art of crafting and planning story-driven, character-driven and emotion-driven plot arcs!2019-06-2000 minOn A RollPlaying to What?Episode 220: Playing to What?
This week, the Favorite, the Curmudgeon and the Legend explore the three generally accepted ways for players to play their character. Carie, Jason and Ryan deep dive into playing to win, playing to lift and playing to lose!2019-06-1300 minOn A RollMarketing Your Game part 2Episode 219: Marketing Your Game part 2
In the second of our two-part episode deep dive on the topic of advertising your role-playing game, marketing expert Jared Powers joins the Favorite, the Curmudgeon and the Legend. Jared informs Carie, Jason and Ryan on a variety of advertising topics, including Facebook ads, SEO and marketing apps for your phone. Special Guest: Jared Powers.2019-06-0600 minOn A RollMarketing Your Game part 1Episode 218: Marketing Your Game part 1
Marketing expert Jared Powers joins the Favorite, the Curmudgeon and the Legend to talk about how to market your game. Jared takes Carie, Jason and Ryan on a deep dive on the topic of advertising your role-playing game to find new players in this first of two parts! Special Guest: Jared Powers.2019-06-0200 minOn A RollFleshing Things OutEpisode 217: Fleshing Things Out
After the basic concepts of her new game have been decided, the Favorite and the Curmudgeon help the Legend flesh out some cultural details of Adventurers Not Wanted. Carie, Jason and Ryan share the brainstorming process and insights in fleshing out a world that's been created for a game!2019-05-2300 minOn A RollShut Up & ListenEpisode 216: Shut Up & Listen
After receiving an email with some valid concerns about Carie's treatment on the show, the Favorite, the Curmudgeon and the Legend take a look at her experience as a woman who games. Carie leads Jason and Ryan on a journey of discovery and awareness that's upsetting and insightful, demonstrating the need for us all to be better gamers!2019-05-1600 minOn A RollGrease Monkeys*Episode 215: Grease Monkeys *
Mechanics are important, so this week, the Favorite, the Curmudgeon and the Legend spend some time examining the dice, nuts and bolts in a game and what makes them work (and not work). Carie, Jason and Ryan also discuss Ryan's theory of Collaborative Immigrants and Collaborative Natives!2019-05-0300 minOn A RollMaking HistoriesEpisode 214: Making History
This week, the Favorite, the Curmudgeon and the Legend examine the finer points of crafting a history for your characters. Carie, Jason and Ryan deep dive into methods, techniques and tropes for making your character's history something memorable and influential in your games!2019-04-2500 minOn A RollPlaying DeadEpisode 213: Playing Dead
Jason's off doing work stuffs, so the Curmudgeon and the Legend take on character death. Carie and Ryan examine how your character dying sucks, but also, how it can be good fo you as a player and good for your game!2019-04-1800 minOn A RollDoes (Plot) Size Matter?Episode 212: Does (Plot) Size Matter?
Running epic plots is hard! This week, Carie, Jason and Ryan talk about the challenges of huge stories and the difficulty involved in nailing good endings for giant tales.2019-04-1100 minOn A RollDan Comstock and The Goat LarpEpisode 211: Dan Comstock and The Goat Larp
Dan Comstock shows up to talk with the Favorite, the Curmudgeon and the Legend about GOAT Larp. Carie, Jason and Ryan try to figure out how to run plots for goats while talking to Dan about the 10,000 attendee German festival larp scene and his plans for Dammerung! Special Guest: Dan Comstock.2019-04-0400 minOn A RollDakotasaurus on MathEpisode 41: Dakotasaurus on Math
APRIL FOOL'S EPISODE 2019 – This week on the Honor Roll podcast, the Professor, the Alumnus and the Teacher's Pet sit down with Dakotasaurus to talk about study techniques and mathematics. Ryan, Carie and Jason take on a math problem dictated by Dakota and she challenges them to guess her favorite dinosaurs!2019-04-0100 minOn A RollRare and Unusual CharactersEpisode 210: Rare and Unusual Characters
After listening to Jason's dramatic prison tale, the Favorite, the Curmudgeon and the Legend dive deep into the world of rare and unusual characters. Carie, Jason and Ryan discuss what makes a character rare and unusual and how storytellers and players should handle them in their games!2019-03-2800 minOn A RollBurnout!Episode 209: Burnout
What happens when you get burned out? The Favorite, the Curmudgeon and the Legend try to figure out the signs of gaming burnout and what causes it. It's up to Carie, Jason and Ryan to come up with ways to avoid and treat player and storytelling burnout on this week's episode!2019-03-2100 minOn A RollPlot BuildingEpisode 208: Plot Building
What does the process of plot building sound like? This week, the Favorite, the Curmudgeon and the Legend pull back the curtain on a storyteller meeting. Carie, Jason and Ryan craft a plot for a game off the cuff to demonstrate the process!2019-03-1400 minOn A RollJosh Heath on SnowhavenEpisode 207: Josh Heath on Snowhaven
Josh Heath from High Level Games joins the Favorite, the Curmudgeon and the Legend to talk about the current tabletop RPG on Kickstarter, Snowhaven. Carie, Jason and Ryan learn all about snow-punk, the process of producing an indie RPG and the fascinating world of pistol-packing yetis! Special Guest: Josh Heath.2019-03-0700 minOn A RollLive! from Con Nooga!Episode 206: LIVE! from Con Nooga
Con Nooga, the multi-fandom convention in Chattanooga, Tennessee, asked the Favorite, the Curmudgeon and the Legend to help host panels and record an episode live during the con. Carie, Jason and Ryan answered questions and gave gaming advice to attendees in this week's episode!2019-03-0500 minOn A RollMatthew, Zak and Other Pieces of PoopEpisode 205: Matthew, Zak and Other Pieces of Poop
After an exhausting week, the Favorite, the Curmudgeon and the Legend talk about the gross monsters in the RPG industry. Carie, Jason and Ryan tackle the controversies and consider what we as gamers can and should do now!2019-02-2100 minOn A RollSandboxes and NarrativesEpisode 204: Sandboxes and Narratives
This week, the Favorite, the Curmudgeon and the Legend take a cue from a listener and discuss the differences between running a sandbox-style game and a narrative-driven game. Carie, Jason and Ryan take a look at the pros and cons, and what they prefer!2019-02-1400 minOn A RollEngagement vs. ImmersionEpisode 203: Engagement vs. Immersion
After attending a new local game with lots of costuming, the Favorite, the Curmudgeon and the Legend talk about the difference between engagement and immerision, and how both are achieved. Carie, Jason and Ryan work out the pros and cons of them both, and they try to figure out which is more important!2019-02-0700 minOn A RollSensitivity EditingEpisode 202: Sensitivity Editting
After a viscious thread in a Facebook group, the Favorite, the Curmudgeon and the Legend tackle the important topic of sensitivity editing in gaming. Carie, Jason and Ryan try to navigate the angry distance between the "Get Woke Go Broke" and the "Social Justice Warrior" crowds and figure out sensitivity in game design!2019-01-3100 minOn A RollRunning The EndEpisode 201: Running the End
It's the first episode of season two! Since it's the beginning of our new season, the Favorite, the Curmudgeon and the Legend talk about endings. Carie, Jason and Ryan explore the reasons and requirements for ending a story and the benefits and drawbacks of doing so!2019-01-2300 minOn A RollDo We Even Need Experience Points?Episode 131: Do We Even Need Experience Points?
There's a lot of talk about experience points lately, so the Favorite asks the Curmudgeon and the Legend what the point of XP is. Carie, Jason and Ryan discuss the problems and benefits of XP, why we have it and why it's such a contentious topic on our final episode of season one!2018-12-0600 minOn A RollDonny Cates and Telling Great StoriesEpisode 130: Donny Cates and Telling Great Stories
Epik Comic Show (http://www.epikcomicshow.com) happened recently, and the Curmudgeon and the Legend sat down with Marvel comic's writer Donny Cates. Carie and Ryan find out Donny's story and how he became a comic book author, and then get his take on how to tell a great story! Special Guest: Donny Cates.2018-11-2900 minOn A RollJamie Chambers, Historic D&D and A Delve in the CaveEpisode 129: Jamie Chambers, Historic D&D and A Delve in a Cave
Hanging out at PostApocalypticon (http://postapocalypticon.com) at Dicehead Games and Comics, the Curmudgeon and the Legend sat down with game designer Jamie Chambers to talk about his new 5th Ed adventure, A Delve in the Cave. Ryan and Carie also talk with Jamie about his early online role with TSR and his experience writing licensed gaming products. Special Guest: Jamie Chambers.2018-11-1800 minOn A RollChris Spivey, Diversity and Harlem UnboundEpisode 128: Chris Spivey, Diversity and Harlem Unbound
While at HLG Con (http://hlgcon.com), the Curmudgeon, the Legend and the Favorite had the opportunity to hang out with Chris Spivey, the multiple Gold Ennie-winning designer of Harlem Unbound. Ryan, Carie and Jason talk with Chris about diversity in gaming and designing a role-playing game that tackles difficult and important topics. Special Guest: Chris Spivey.2018-11-0800 minOn A RollCraig Campbell on Indie Game DesigningEpisode 127: Craig Campbell on Indie Game Design
Having played Die Laughing at HLG Con, the Curmudgeon, the Legend and the Favorite invite indie game designer Craig Campbell back to the show to talk about the game. Ryan, Carie and Jason then spend time with Craig diving into the world of indie game development and the Kickstarter process. Special Guest: Craig Campbell.2018-10-3000 minOn A RollACTUAL PLAY: Die LaughingEpisode 126: ACTUAL PLAY of Die Laughing
Driving across the United States to Atlantic City for HLG Con (http://hlgcon.com) was tiring, so the Curmudgeon, the Legend and the Favorite made it their mission to have as much fun there as they could. Ryan, Carie and Jason wrangled Craig Campbell of Nerdburger Games (http://nerdburgergames.com) and convinced him to run a session of his latest game, Die Laughing. Here's an actual play recording of the game. Special Guest: Craig Campbell.2018-10-1800 minOn A RollRunning Games for ProfitEpisode 125: Running Games for Profit
After reading a heated online discussion, the Curmudgeon, the Legend and the Favorite dive into the ethics and acceptability of running role-playing games, particularly LARPs, for profit. Ryan, Carie and Jason discuss behaviors, expectations and general opinions about this surprisingly controversial topic.2018-10-0300 minOn A RollNerdball with Matthew WebbEpisode 124: Nerdball with Matthew Webb
The Curmudgeon, the Legend and the Favorite have a sit down with Matthew Webb about his recent article about the concept of LARP as Nerdball. Ryan, Carie and Jason talk about how competitive play can be abusive and systemic. They also exploring ways we can all work to prevent those problems and build healthy gaming communities. Special Guest: Matthew Webb.2018-09-2700 minOn A RollLive AMAEpisode 123: Facebook Live AMA
Armed with courage and technology, the Curmudgeon, the Legend and the Favorite take on Facebook Live and hold an "Ask Me Anything"-style show. Ryan, Carie and Jason talk about all of the games in Ryan's gaming room and everything else they get asked by our listeners.2018-09-1900 minOn A RollSnacktastic HelpEpisode 122: Snacktastic Help
What sort of things that are NOT the game helps make your game better? This week, the Curmudgeon, the Legend and the Favorite discuss snacks, locations, music, props and everything else you can add to your game night to make things great. Ryan, Carie and Jason even explore the differences in these kinds of additions for tabletop games, LARPs and MUSHs.2018-09-1200 minOn A RollMake Great CharactersEpisode 121: Make Great Characters
Ever wonder what makes a good character great? This week, the Curmudgeon, the Legend and the Favorite try to figure out what players can do to develop their good characters into characters that are great. Ryan, Carie and Jason formulate a four piece theory based on Depth, Substance, Usefulness and Awesome. How do your characters rate?2018-09-0400 minOn A RollProblem Players part 2: Electric BoogalooEpisode 120: Problem Players 2: Electric Boogaloo
This week, the Curmudgeon, the Legend and the Favorite continue their discussion about problem players. In the second of two parts, Ryan, Carie and Jason break down more types of problem players, what causes them and how to deal with them. They also talk about how to vet players as a means to prevent allowing problem players in to your gaming community in the first place.2018-08-2900 minOn A RollProblem Players pt. 1Episode 119: Problem Players
What do you do when one of your players is ruining the game for everyone? This week, the Curmudgeon, the Legend and the Favorite discuss how to address problem players. In the first of two parts, Ryan, Carie and Jason break down different kinds of problem players, what causes them and how to deal with them.2018-08-2200 minOn A RollPlayer AgencyEpisode 118: Player Agency
Just what is player agency and how does it work... or not work? This week, the Curmudgeon, the Legend and the Favorite follow the lead of Drew, one of their Patreon (http://patreon.com/onarollpodcast) backers, and tackle defining Player Agency and then exploring the things that make up this mysterious idea. Ryan, Carie and Jason also talk about whether or not it's even real...2018-08-1400 minOn A RollToxic FandomsEpisode 117: Toxic Fandoms
Fandoms have become increasingly toxic and broken lately. This week, the Curmudgeon, the Legend and the Favorite examine the story of Sherlock Holmes and how even 150 years ago, people were dealing with harassment from fans. Ryan, Carie and Jason also talk about the current problems in fandom, particularly the Star Wars, Critical Role and White Wolf Publishing fandom problems in recent weeks!2018-08-0800 minOn A RollCharacters in the SpotlightEpisode 116: Characters in the Spotlight
We all want our character to be in the spotlight from time to time. This week, the Curmudgeon, the Legend and the Favorite investigate what players can do to help make sure they can get in the plot and story limelight while also helping other players have their moments, too. Ryan, Carie and Jason also examine how storytellers can manage their gaming group to give everyone the time they want and desire in the spotlight!2018-08-0100 minOn A RollBetween GamesEpisode 115: Between Games
What happens to characters in between games? The Curmudgeon, the Legend and the Favorite take a look at the between games antics of characters, players and storytellers as they examine downtime actions, online or email scenes and player requests. Ryan, Carie and Jason work through the challenges and expectations of what happens between games.2018-07-1700 minOn A RollDMing For The First TimeEpisode 114: DMing For The First Time
The very first time anyone runs a game can be nerve-wracking. The Curmudgeon, the Legend and the Favorite navigate through advice and suggestions to help make running your first game less stressful and more successful. Breaking it down into what a new DM/Storyteller should do before, during and after their first game, Ryan, Carie and Jason do their best to help any novice game runner have a successful experience. They also take a few minutes to address the current controversy surrounding White Wolf's release of Vampire 5th Edition.2018-07-1100 minOn A RollConstructing ScenesEpisode 113: Constructing Scenes
A great story in a roleplaying game is made up of many different scenes The Curmudgeon, the Legend and the Favorite get into the nuts and bolts of what makes a scene work. Examining all of the pieces, Ryan, Carie and Jason do a deep dive into the art of constructing a scene that is compelling, exciting, clear and most of all, in service to the overall story.2018-07-0400 minOn A RollInto The Storyteller's VaultEpisode 112: Into The Storyteller's Vault
One of our Patreon backers is at the Thief level, meaning one of his characters gets roasted this episode! But first, the Curmudgeon, the Legend and the Favorite hang out with game designer Josh Heath to talk about his companies, High Level Games and Keep on the Heathlands, as well as learning all about how to create content for the White Wolf Storyteller's Vault. Ryan, Carie and Jason also get the scoop on HLG Con! Special Guest: Josh Heath.2018-06-2500 minOn A RollFree RPG Day SpecialEpisode 111: Free RPG Day Special
This special episode celebrates the fun had at Free RPG Day! The Curmudgeon, the Legend and the Favorite spent the day at Dicehead Comics and Games in Cleveland, Tennessee, where they played a ton of Dungeons & Dragons, got some great free shwag from some wonderful games and got to know a gaggle of local gamers in our community! Join Ryan, Carie and Jason as they get down in the trenches with Chad, Painter, Benito, Ian, Stacy, Marty, Scott and Dakota!2018-06-1700 minOn A RollVillains vs. Bad GuysEpisode 110: Villains vs. Bad Guys
This week's episode is tuned to the key of E vil as the Curmudgeon, the Legend and the Favorite explore the differences between villains and bad guys. Ryan, Carie and Jason debate the finer points of constructing great antagonists and how these NPCs interact with the story being told.2018-06-1200 minOn A RollGreat ST MistakesEpisode 109: Great ST Mistakes
Nobody's perfect, not even the Curmudgeon, the Legend and the Favorite. Delving deep into their gaming history, Ryan, Carie and Jason tell the stories of the greatest mistakes they ever made while storytelling for roleplaying games. When it's all over, they're a bit surprised to discover a common theme in their ways...2018-06-0600 minOn A RollFinding IdeasEpisode 106: Finding Ideas
Where do ideas come from? The Curmudgeon, the Legend and the Favorite explore the process of creativity and how great ideas are born. Join Ryan, Carie and Jason as they talk about coming up with ideas for plots, characters and settings.2018-05-1700 minOn A RollCon JobEpisode 105: Con Job
The Favorite had to work, so The Curmudgeon and the Legend went to Lexicon (http://lexicongaming.com), an amazing gaming convention in Lexington, Kentucky. After playing in some tabletop games there, they bring in the show's first guest, The Pollack, to talk about convention games. Covering everything from planning, promoting and actually running a con game, Ryan, Carie and Chris do their best to figure out the formula to make running and playing con games be as much fun as possible. Special Guest: Chris Pustelnik.2018-04-2900 minOn A RollDon't Run These PlotsEpisode 104: Don't Run These Plots
The Curmudgeon, the Legend and the Favorite tackle the difficult subject of The Unpermissibles – the triggering topics that should really never be used as plots in your games. Join Ryan, Carie and Jason as they discuss maintaining player safety, understanding why the Unpermissibles are so damaging and how to navigate them within games you play or run.2018-04-1800 minOn A RollBuzzwordsEpisode 102: Buzzwords
In their second episode, the Curmudgeon, the Legend and the Favorite discuss the current epidemic of buzzwords used to market tabletop gaming, LARPing and MUSHing. Accessible, blockbuster, bleed, immersion and transformative are just a few of the words Ryan, Carie and Jason explore.2018-04-0500 min