Tue, 16 September 2008 Welcome back!
A little longer, a little more info.
We focus specifically on player goals in this episode. Players are the foundation of RPG's, and meeting their needs establishes a stable base for the rest of the game.
Knowing what they are helps you craft your game world to them.
Be sure to swing by the forums for comments and feedback, or just email me directly. |
Sat, 23 August 2008 Welcome everyone to the Grimm Studios: GM Sessions In this series from Grimm Studios we'll be talking about what makes a good Role-Playing game, and with time, teach you how the pieces fit together so you can make your own. In this first episode we briefly cover the three main ingredients of any Role-Playing game. Rules, Game Master and Players. Be sure to swing by the forums for comments and feedback, or just email me directly. |
Mon, 14 April 2008 And we finally got around to it. Finished the Alignment Series. I can't say I'm sorry we did it. But we probably won't do anything like it again. It was a good lesson in "Just because you can do something, doesn't mean you should". So, linktastic links comin atcha: How to Succeed in Evil podcast. Evil Overlord list. So you've decided to be evil. Don't forget to stop on by the forums and let us know your thoughts on this episode. Today we had everyone stop by for a little while: Chris, Connie, Ders, Jim, Katie and Tate. |
Mon, 31 March 2008 |
Mon, 17 March 2008 This week we talk a little about Neutral, with regards to the Lawful and Chaotic flavors. Theres a little bit of history on alignment in the mix. We also talk about the injustice of a door doing 1d4. Don't forget to stop on by the forums and let us know your thoughts on this episode. Today we had everyone stop by for a little while: Chris, Connie, Ders, Katie and Tate. |
Tue, 4 March 2008  In Memory of Ernest Gary Gygax (July 27, 1938 to March 4, 2008)He will be missed. |
Thu, 21 February 2008  Sorry this one is late everyone, but it's here and heavy. Almost two hours, if you can make it through.We go back to touch a few points from our Racism Episode, but then jump right into handling combat at the table. Don't forget to stop on by the forums and let us know your thoughts on this episode. Today we had everyone stop by for a little while: Chris, Connie, Ders, Jim and Tate. |
Sun, 3 February 2008 I'm going to forgo the normal picture this week. There just isn't anything that says 'fun' AND 'racism'. I've also been trying to add little speeches at the front of each podcast. As hard as I try, I really don't have one that relates to the topic, as much as to this podcast. Discrimination, be it race or gender, is something everyone in this podcast takes very seriously. I don't presume this podcast can solve such problems, but I hope it gets people talking. Treating the subject seriously in play, can help us all treat it a little more seriously in reality. Gamers have had a lot of unfair charges leveled at them over the years. Teaching violence, evil and occultism taking top billing. While it's easy to dismiss some of the more ridiculous claims out of hand, I think it's also fair to look at some aspects of gaming that might still need some reflection. In this episode we talk about racism and sexism, with a smattering of violence and what that says about gaming. We mention a couple indie games this time: Stealing Away Jordan and a fan favorite Spirit of the Century Bonus points to both of them for at least addressing the topic. Jim also mentions his Half Orc character. Don't forget to stop on by the forums and let us know your thoughts on this episode. Today we had everyone stop by for a little while: Chris, Connie, Ders, Jim and Tate. Comments[4] |
Tue, 15 January 2008  Occasionally, the balance of resources at the table is tipped. And someone is left out. We talk today about that balance, and how to reign it in, as well as retro fitting resources when you don't have all the rules, and a little bit on making up your own rules.Here are a couple resources we talk about during the podcast: http://www.d20srd.org/ Flying Buffalo. Here is a link to the sheets we were working with in today's show. Rune Quest Adventurer Sheets We hope you'll take the time to look them over and see if you can find any good ideas to fold back into your own table. And, as far as I'm concerned, this is the Ultimate Rule Book. Don't forget to stop on by the forums and let us know your thoughts on this episode. Today we had everyone stop by for a little while: Chris, Ders, Jim and Tate. Comments[3] |
Sun, 23 December 2007  "Chaos and Order are not enemies, only opposites. - Richard GarriottShort Show notes this time. Image on the cartridge from Jackson Pollock. Inspirations for today's discussion: Robin Hood Lost Journeyman Beowulf Poem Don't forget to stop on by the forums and let us know your thoughts on this episode, Today's hosts were: Chris, Connie, Jim, Tate, and Katie. Comments[0] |
Thu, 29 November 2007  This episode is a very special Episode of Grimm Studios. We get to interview for the first time (of what I hope is many) with the Wandering Men.A huge thanks to Jake Taft for helping get the Team Speak server up to make this possible. On with the notes: Home page for The Wandering Men: http://wanderingmen.com/ Con on the cob, it's never too early. http://www.cononthecob.com/ And of course, Larry Elmore. http://www.larryelmore.com/ Correct me if this wasn't the book of Castles: http://www.amazon.com/Castles-Alan-Lee/dp/0553050664 Speaking of Books http://www.wanderingmen.com/crown/books/ Or join the community: www.plotstorming.com Don't forget to Get in on the Men: the Wandering contest http://www.wanderingmen.com/wanderingmen/contests/ Sideswiped mentions: http://www.planewalker.com Rob Roy http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0114287/ Geo Chaching: http://www.geocaching.com/ Utilikilts http://www.utilikilts.com/ Oh, and guys... It was clan Gordon. I'm clan Gordon. And yes, she threatened to kill me. As she should... Comments[0] |
Sun, 18 November 2007  Seek not goodness from without; seek it within yourselves, or you will never find it. Epictetus, Discourses. Today we talk about what goes into making a character good, without concern for laws and liberties. It is the cornerstone of many of our myths and heroes. With Good being the side we cheer for. But without the directives of law, or the defending of freedom, how do we know what is a good character?Show Links: The Rome Podcast Jim was talking about. And Cities of the Underworld on the History Channel. We finally got into the storm tunnels and tried out our torches. Pics and info are in this thread. Looking for more torch making goodness. Here's another torch making site . We brought the Don't taze me Bro story into our discussion. Here you can see the video and a little more info on what happened. The quote: All that is necessary for evil to succeed is that good men do nothing was from Edmund Burke: Ultima V and it's code of laws. Don't forget to stop on by the forums and let us know your thoughts on this episode. Today we had everyone stop by for a little while: Chris, Connie, Jim, and Ders. Comments[0] |
Sun, 4 November 2007  My grandfather used to say "If you're where you're supposed to be, doing what you're supposed to be doing, you won't get in any trouble". I still think there is some truth to that, but being a good person isn't always that simple. Shadows cast from the group of people around you can make The path of good a difficult one to follow. Especially when words like service and sacrifice appear on your to-do list. Good luck if your path takes you this way, for the road is well marked, but many of the signs point in different directions, when they're readable at all.Show notes: If you're looking for other podcasts on RPG's RPGPodcasts.com is where to go. If you're just into general geekieness, check out Her0press.blogspot.com Oh, and if the flea is reading this, he needs to start his podcast. Finally, stop on by the forums and let us know your thoughts on this episode, or really, anything else. Today we had everyone stop by for a little while: Chris, Connie, Jim, Tate, Katie and Ders. Comments[2] |
Mon, 29 October 2007  Since were moving the release date to every other Sunday (starting this Sunday) I wanted to still get something out on our normal release date to ease the transition. The change is being made so we can be more responsive to the audience, but not sacrifice quality. So, I'm taking the opportunity to talk about the page and a half in dragon magazine that defined gaming for me. It's from Oct 1990, Dragon issue 162. The article was by Bruce Nesmith, and it was 'the Game Wizards'. You can find a little more about it here. Comments and feedback are always welcome, feel free to discus it here. Enjoy. Comments[0] |
Mon, 15 October 2007  A lot of us like to play the hero. You know, the good guy, the one how goes to the creatures house, kicks in their door, stab them in the head and takes all their stuff. Somehow, when put like that it doesn't sound good, and lawful is probably in some serious doubt too. But that's still what we stick on our character sheets. And while individually we'll continue see our own characters in the pure and divine light of always being right, together we can't seem to agree on exactly what alignment batman is. Dungeons and Dragons the game that gave the game concept to us some 30 odd years ago can't even decide on what the aligments mean, or how many there should be, since that seems to change with each eddition. In the end, Good vs. evil may just be a very simple story that we can all relate to, but no one can define.So, today, we'll try to help clarify things, or atleast, move the water around a little bit. Noteworthy links from the show: Engrish For a short while we were on the Barack Obama video site because of some comments made in episode 9. Unfortunately, they're down now. But Google Cache caught them. When talking about good, evil and D&D it's hard to avoid Chick Tracts and Dark Dungeons. Finally we encourage everyone to go learn about H.P. Lovecraft. It's October. It just seems right. Again, all of this was meant as a high level overview. If you have specific questions or comments, hop on by the forums and let us know what you think of this episode. This week's hosts were Chris, Connie, Jim, Tate and Ders. Comments[0] |
Mon, 1 October 2007  In our final collection of overview topics we wrap up with starting a campaign: Box vs Custom, a little bit on GM Theory, Generic Systems vs Specific, Artwork in games, Maps and Battlemaps.A couple references in the show that need some specific addressing. Lego Cthuhlu on YouTube! Dear Santa.... And my new favorite game pieces: www.hirstarts.com Again, all of this was meant as a high level overview. If you have specific questions or comments, hop on by the forums and let us know what you think of this episode. This week's hosts were Chris, Connie, Jim, Tate and Ders. Comments[0] |
Mon, 17 September 2007  No the title isn't some suggestion that we're going anywhere, any time soon.This podcast is a continuation of the previous podcast, September Blend, and will be finished up in our next episode. We wanted to do a high level strafe of all outstanding questions on the forums before settling into our discussion of alignment, and we just had no idea it would take so long. In this podcast we talked a little bit about some terrain for your mini's. If you're into that, you need to check out HirstArts. I've been building cave complexes myself, but would probably recommend people start with the standard castle/gothic sets. Since I'm mentioning them, and we did briefly discuss LARP swords, I should point out where the podcasters have purchased a couple themselves. These aren't just your pipe and insulation swords. These are meant to look real, while remaining safe. Check out Knighthawk Armory for your own LARP supplies. In this episode we talk about bringing props to the table, and a little bit about online gaming (still nothing compared to the Groove Cast) and a little bit about gaming spouses. This week's hosts were Chris, Connie, Jim, Tate and Katie. Comments[0] |
Mon, 10 September 2007  With all the comments and discussions circulating on the forums (here and elsewhere) and me misspeaking about House of the Harping Monkey's content, I thought I should probably take a second to clear the air. Especially since not all our listeners read our forums, I don't want them to continue to be misinformed.If nothing else it feels good sometimes to just talk directly to you. It's something I expect I'll do more in the future. It's not an end to the group discussions, they're still the main thrust of the podcast, but the occasional commentary I think is in order. That said, here's a couple links to things I talk about in the editorial. www.story-games.com www.larplist.com Moans, groans and general kvetching should be directed to: chris@grimmstudios.com Comments[0] |
Mon, 3 September 2007  This episode we wanted to wrap up any open suggestions from our forums before starting into a long discussion of alignment and it's place in the game. The resulting podcast weighed in at almost 2 hours, and we haven't finished half the topics yet!So, this one has been broken in half. We talked a little about the 4th ed D&D announcement. The new indie/story based games and our respective feelings. And finally a little bit about LARPing, the misconceptions, and fun it can be. In our ramblings we talked about some online possiblities for a more table like experience online, already available to you: Neverwinter Nights (by Bioware)http://nwn.bioware.com/ OpenRPG http://www.openrpg.com/ we talked about a current resource for the D&D 3.x community www.d20srd.org, and lamented how it and other resources will eventually make the change. Such as Goodman Games and there a brief mention of their epic module Castle Whiterock. The House of the Harping Monkey talked a little bit this week about indie games and story based rules. I just had to have my say as well. And finally a few links for anyone we may have convinced to actually learn more about LARPing. SCA New York Jedi And once you're ready to try yourself: How to make a boffer sword. Our group includes some soft foam at the tip for thrusting, but the concept is intact, and should get you started on a fun new past time. Comments[11] |
Tue, 21 August 2007  Nothing is harder than putting the character sheet away for the last time, knowing that your friend you've been traveling with isn't going to come back.Except maybe in Jim's Vampire campaigns, where he burns the sheets when you die. This week we talk about that all to often fact of RPG's. Character deaths. The good, the bad, the need for at least one person to take rope use. Thanks again for listening! This week's hosts were Chris, Connie, Jim, Anders and Katie. Comments[0] |
Tue, 7 August 2007  Alternative titles this week: "The 'roll' of dice", or "The die is 'pod'cast'." I apologize for both of them.Dice, we love them, we hate them, we give them powers they just don't have over our game. This week we talk a little bit more about them. But before we get to far ahead of ourselves, it's time to roll back history with: Chits See the 5th printing, when they were having a dice shortage. Love in the RPG a PSA from us to you. The ladies did a fabulous job last week, but we felt a warning should be issued to those seeking to add a little love to the table. In other PSA news, I wanted to keep reaching out to our fellow podcasters out there. This week, check out The Groove Cast. A podcast about play by post gaming. So, for all our rules lawyers out there, what should the dice rules be. Well, according to vegas (and Wikipedia): 1# Players are not supposed to handle the dice with more than one hand (such as passing them from hand to hand before rolling) nor take the dice past the edge of the table. The only way to change hands when throwing dice, if permitted at all, is to set the dice on the table, let go, then take them with the other hand. 2# When throwing the dice, the player is expected to hit the farthest wall at the opposite end of the table. Some casinos refer to throws that do not hit the opposite wall as "Mellenberg Rolls."[citation needed] The dice may not be slid across the table and must be tossed. Typically, players are asked not to throw the dice higher than the eye level of the dealers. 3# The dice cannot land in the boxman's bank or on any of the dealers' working stacks of money. Dice that land in the chip tray also constitutes a "no roll". If the die or dice leave the table, the boxperson will examine the dice before letting it come back into the game. However, the player may request the same die or dice. 4# When either of the dice land on chips or markers not in the boxman's bank or the dealers' working stacks, the number that would be on top if the object the die is leaning on were removed, is the number that is used to make the call. # If one or both dice hits a player or dealer and rolls back onto the table, the roll counts as long as the person being hit did not interfere with either of the dice, though some casinos will rule "no roll" for this situation. Since Jim brought up the ultimate gaming table, I thought I'd give hims some alternatives to spend his lottery money on. http://www.ultimategamingtable.org/ http://www.penpaperpixel.org/tutorials/tabletopprojection/ And finally dice stacking. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4bDgO3_vRXQ This week's hosts were Chris, Connie, Jim, Anders and Thanks again for listening. Comments[0] |
Mon, 23 July 2007  Oy Vey! Well, due to some last minute cancellations by hosts the topic of dice was scrapped until episode 7. Our lovely ladies agreed to take the mics this week and talk about what it's like to be a woman gamer.Unfortunately the equipment decided to pick up a radio station in no less than 3 spots. The mics did loose some volume in places, and attempts to edit things seemed to just make it all worse. Fortunately, what they had to say was really good, and editing it wouldn't have made that much of an improvement. We decided to release it 'as is' with the only edits being to drop the sections where we picked up a radio signal. Tonights hosts were Amber, Connie and Katie. Stop on by the forums with comments, complaints, suggestions or just to compliment three great people who pulled together on a moment's notice to put this together. Thanks again! Comments[0] |
Tue, 10 July 2007  Welcome back everyone!In spite of a small delay, the podcast is now up! This weeks topic is Role-Playing advice. A rather daunting topic to be sure, but we'll revisit things we missed. If you'd like to point out what we missed, make sure to tell us here. We gave some mention to our new logo, and it's creator Keith Curtis, his feedback, his character, and his website. We have a couple projects we're hoping to build with help from the community. Feel free to join in! Character Biography's - A place to tell us about your character, as well as search for ideas for you next one. World's Best Dungeon - An attempt to build the best dungeon ever. Campaign Autopsy - First on the slab is Ders's much griped about campaign on the podcast. If you'd like your own looked over for pointers, and ways to fix, improve, or just curoisity. Please let us know, we're taking patients now. Don't let not being in the campaign stop you from asking questions. Finally, a little help from everyone would be nice. Connie is starting her first campaign. Any tips for her before she cuts her teeth behind the screen? When talking about the origin point of characters, mention was made of level zero characters. You can find them mentioned in the old Greyhawk Adventures book, and a the Goodman Games module: "Legends are made, not born." And for those who might not get the Calvinball reference. There you go. This week's hosts were Chris, Connie, Jim, Katie and Tate Comments[0] |
Mon, 25 June 2007  This week we discuss the Twig Renaissance Festival, things to remember when creating characters, and begin a new section in our forums: Character Back Stories. We intend this to be a growing list of back stories players and game masters can use for insperation, or just to steal directly. We'll slowly add our own, but we very much encourage you to include your own. As an added bonus new cables, new mics, I remembered to shut off the WiFi... so that annoying buzz is gone. I'll keep upgrading the equipment as I can, but thankfully I think the really bad days are behind us. This week's hosts were Chris, Connie, Ders, Jim and Tate As part of my podcast outreach program promoting other podcasts, I talk about my first podcast: This Week in Tech [http://www.twit.tv/]. If you remember Tech TV and 'the Screen Savers' you'll enjoy this. If you're not into tech stuff... then these aren't the droids you're looking for... move along... move along... It was asked during the episode: "What is a podcast?" So, here's what Wikipedia thinks it is. We talk about several local (for us anyway) ren fairs. Links to each: Twig Renfest - www.owrenfaire.com Shokopee Renfest - http://renaissance-faire.com/Renfaires/Minnesota-Renaissance-Festival.htm Chipiwa Falls Ren Fair - http://www.wirenfaire.com/ Clann Tartan:And at the Twig Ren Fair we got to play with a great Scottish troupe.. http://www.clanntartan.org/ on a side note... The other Driver on Chips was Larry Wilcox as Officer Jon Baker Enjoy... don't forget to comment in our forums, odeo link (over on the side) or just email any of us. <a href="http://www.podcastalley.com/"> My Podcast Alley feed!</a> {pca-0d60f056a0cd294ed8dd45617cf2e9d6} Comments[0] |
Mon, 11 June 2007  Welcome back everyone. I'm more than a little surprised to see we have some steady listeners, but I'm glad your here. Don't hesitate to pop by our forums (link at the top of this page) and let us know how we're doing. Or with our new Odeo link on the right, you can record a message for us. We'd love to hear from you.We have a poll there this week as well. Should PC's get extra XP for being best in the part. An MVP bonus, if you will. This weeks episode was on Game Mastering techniques. Specifically, who controls the game, the players or the Game Master, and how much risk is worth how much treasure? After taking a listen, let us know what you think. We had a full house tonight. Hosts were: Chris, Connie, Ders, Jim and Tate. And one final thought from the show: "His necromancer needed a grapefruit spoon?" Now, here are links to topics we discussed in the show: I'm going to mention other podcasts each week that our listeners may be interested in. They certainly don't need my help, but the stronger the community, the more we all succeed. So, here is the podcast that got me off my butt: Fear the Boot. Another gaming podcast. Definately worth a listen. Remember Choose Your Own Adventures? How about "Inside UFO 54-40" We drifted down some video game paths this week too. Games metioned: The Bard's Tale. Mentioned for it's comical take on accepted gaming cliches. If you want a sense of their humor, keep trying to click the wench until you see what site she takes you too. Ultima Series. A clasic RPG series of games. It's hard to pick just one part of them to talk about, so here's the wikipedia link. And finally, SSI's Gold Box Games. Specifically loved by me was Curse of the Azure Bonds. Comments[0] |
Mon, 28 May 2007  Welcome back! We'ere up earlier than I expected thanks to Memorial Day. Normally expect new episodes every other Tuesday.
We'd love more feedback from people. Don't be afriad to email, post in our forums, or just shout loudly into your monitor. Hosts: Chris, Connie, Ders and Tate Links to topics discussed: You tube entry for the 1980�s PnP D&D commercial. Because I couldn't find the german comercial, here's an old Intellivision comercial for one of the first D&D video games. Here's the home page to the World's Largest Dungeon Module. A discussion thread on enWorld.org where writers and editors still post. Also you can pick it up on Amazon. If you prefer something a little more 'old school' here's the clasic B2 - Keep on the Borderlands. Comments[0] |
Tue, 22 May 2007 Thanks to everyone for joining us on our first podcast. This show tackled the broad, and impossible topic, of "What is a gamer?" Future podcasts will contain more direct help and advice for gamers of all sorts. Links of Note: Jinx.com - clothing for geeks and gamers. Gave us permision to use "Always the first to die" Stephen Lynch - approved our use of "D&D" Comments[1] |
