We hop on the controversey carousel and FINALLY give our thoughts on the old argument about paladins.  Which of the gang believes they must be Lawful Good (and human) and who is playing the tiefling holy warrior?  Then, we tackle the news with pop gaming garbage that boggles the minds of each of the guys.  Lastly, we take a trip to Reddit where a LOT of SparkleTrolls and NuGamers are bemoaning that "DnD is too hard!"  Crunch is good!   ----more---- The News: A Drizzt movie should NOT be a fantasy adventure?!? Schizo DMG Says Say "No" While Indulging Player's Power Fantasies It came from Reddit... ----more---- Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each Amazon purchase at no additional cost to you!

The whole gang is here and Ryan David leads the discussion around what "bones" are a must-have for the perfect fantasy role playing game?  Spanning from philosophy to mechanics, the crew nominate elements that they simply couldn't exclude from their own "perfect D&D."  The news is just one article -- but what an article it is!  Do you know what your dice type tells the table about YOU?  After that silliness, the guys discuss aberrations including personal favorites and weaker entries.     ----more---- Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each Amazon purchase at no additional cost to you!

Wizards of the Coast has further GUTTED 2024 Dungeons and Dragons.  Thanks to a leak and preview materials, we review all of the options and play choices that new to the hobby players and 5e folks alike now have had erased!  It's not just an attack on most current players and old school classic gamers, it's open season for anything that doesn't fit the VTT model.  Ryan and Kyle dig into the most egregious deletions and wonder how the DMG can provide any insight to a new GM and/or group.   ----more---- The News: Bioware nearly vaporware thanks to Dragon Age woke BS! ANOTHER WotC Whoopsie! Continuity in your TTRPG and its importance   ----more---- Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each Amazon purchase at no additional cost to you!

Your Dungeon Master has no autonomy.  Players can steamroll the table.  PCs get a safe space where they are untouchable.  The Wizards of the Coast 2024 Dungeon Master's Guide has codified safety tools and empowered the woke crybullies that run rampant in the hobby.  Further accelerating the destruction of our hobby and bending the knee to the screaming social justice warriors, the 2024 DMG details have tricked out and the gang discusses some of the "finer" points.   ----more---- The News: Grotesque and "Scary" art in the Monster Manual 2024 for the SparkleTrolls that cannot handle it? "Oh, wow!  Thanks!" Clank! Digital makes some noise.   ----more---- Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each Amazon purchase at no additional cost to you!

Randy dropped in and the gang just couldn't keep it to an hour!  Listen to the overtime segment where the topic turns to the dark side... what happens when you have to remove a player from your group.  The old kick to the curb is necessary and a part of the hobby, but how do you and your table handle this unpleasant task?  Listen for insight, tales of those who got the boot, and more.   ----more---- Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each Amazon purchase at no additional cost to you!

This week, friend of the show Randy Nichols sits in and talks with Ryan and Bert about preparations a player makes when tackling a new system, new table, or both.  The boys talk their rituals and TTRPG "study habits."  Of course, they get to talking and get caught up in the conversation -- so once the chat about the news finishes discussing the pop gaming media's grumblings, they have to table the final topic for the future.  (Fear not, it will release as a bonus nano episode later this week!)   ----more---- The News: Steve Jackson's Fighting Fantasy LIVES! The D&D Movie is STILL Pulling Eyeballs Horrible pop gaming media headlines   ----more---- Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each Amazon purchase at no additional cost to you!

Extreme violence.  Naughty bits.  Gore.  Uncomfortable situations.  How much is too much at the table?  Where is there a line?  IS THERE a line?  The gang weighs in.  The news includes some surprising 2024 DND PHB information kicking off the week's update.  After the news, the guys discuss player engagement and how to keep the focus on the table instead of on their tablets.   ----more---- The News: Dungeons & Dragons 2024 PHB shocker Sea of Legends... deckbuilding?!? Monsters with "drops" Former Blizzard dev drops new "stare at a screen" game   ----more---- Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each Amazon purchase at no additional cost to you!

Ryan David does no prep.  Bert does a lot.  Kyle is in the middle.  What session prep style is best, how does prep affect a game, and what ramifications does it have for your group at the table?  Some interesting news with a new contender to dethrone the "horse."  After, a DND DM is looking for an exit... but is he not enjoying the game because he isn't really playing it?!? ----more---- The News: "What a cute abomination!" LEGO meets a "real" board game Ghibli printable poster/game ----more---- Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Bedrock Games: bedrockgames.net  Pick up Strange Tales of Songling! Print: https://studio2publishing.com/products/strange-tales-of-songling PDF: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/300445/strange-tales-of-songling Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each Amazon purchase at no additional cost to you!

The 2024 DND Players Handbook is the best selling Dungeons & Dragons supplement... EVER?!?  Really?  We dig into the numbers that are available and have some questions and commentary.  This week we also welcome the Lost Lore Scholar, Jack into his seat as the newest host of Nerdcognito!  After the news, all four of your friends, Ryan David, Bert, Jack, and Kyle discuss how #GatekeepingIsGood and why the mechanics of a system can actually vet your players. ----more---- The News: "New" Greyhawk maps Drow can't be evil!  Drizzt was wrong! Ginny Di monetizing the stupidity of her fans ----more---- Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each Amazon purchase at no additional cost to you!

The show picks up where we left off last week -- talking about comedy TTRPGs.  Can funny have legs?  Is a long-term comedy campaign sustainable?  Then, we get buried in the news this week starting with a deep discussion on 2024 DND's new "time out" cleric spell; the one that allows you to short rest during a combat.  Plus, woke warriors are forming yet another sensitivity reader company to give game designers a big progressive thumbs up.  SweetBaby for tabletop?   ----more---- The News: Wizards of the Coast further 'supers' D&D Cultural approval, Indian-giving style Rayman on the table? Would you run 5e? ----more---- Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each Amazon purchase at no additional cost to you!

The gang pivots from talking about WotC, woke, or faux warrior drama this week and puts on their player character hats.  What mindset, procedure, and thought process go behind the making of a character for D&D or any other TTRPG?  Three very different perspectives and practices that offer insight into their game -- and hopefully yours!  Plus, an extended trip through the news means we have to bump talk about comedy games until a future show!   ----more---- The News: DND licensed Dice Cups from a great dice maker Pre-generated "Boss" encounters at the table Final Fantasy XIV TTRPG ----more----   ----more---- Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each Amazon purchase at no additional cost to you!

The Hero's Feast artwork from OneDND is the most Wizards of the Coast thing WotC has done... this week.  We pick it apart, talk about "why?", and have a general good time because YouTube sensation The Dungeon Delver, Mr. Bill Silvey is guest hosting this week!  This, plus one or two abysmal Reddit takes and the news makes for a great conversation about the hobby with lots of laughs!   ----more---- The News: D&D Lifestyle Brand... Beer? "I want to autokill everything..." Cosplay at Universal Studios ----more----   ----more---- Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each Amazon purchase at no additional cost to you!

Continuing the path of destruction and erasure of the OG creators of D&D, Wizards of the Coast has announced that the new DND 5.5/OneDND starter set will include a new version of B2: Keep on the Borderlands, but "updated for modern audiences."  Why are they intentionally scrubbing or rewriting classic content that has no need for revision?  Then, after the news which includes even MORE reimaginings, the gang talks about how you can build layers of intrigue, mystery, and engagement as a Dungeon Master for the players at your table!   ----more---- The News: ...not just "Keep" Diablo IV borrowing from D2! Darkest Dungeon 2 meets XCOM? That (cardboard) Treasure Chest (notebook) is a MIMIC! ----more----   Grab The Village of Greenhaven for your table! A complete forest town with NPCs, events, environments, shops, surroundings, and lots of random tables!   https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/465184/The-Village-of-Greenhaven?affiliate_id=3908211   ----more---- Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each Amazon purchase at no additional cost to you!

Well, Wizards of the Coast (with lots of Hasbro fingerprints) has stuck it to fans again -- this time, their 5e base.  WotC has chosen to force the shift to OneDND and will auto convert all materials in D&D Beyond to the new platform, once again breaking their word about backwards compatibility.  The SparkleTroll crowd is NOT happy.  Can we utilize this move to save one or more 5e darlings and bolster our corner of the hobby?  A detailed discussion between Ryan, Bert, and Kyle; and the stances the three take about saving (or not saving) the mainstream will surprise you!   ----more---- The News: Civ VII Going Back to Basics Dinosaurs and Knights!! Games Workshop AI Hypocrisy Pathfinder Wants Creators' Money! ----more----   Grab The Village of Greenhaven for your table! A complete forest town with NPCs, events, environments, shops, surroundings, and lots of random tables!   https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/465184/The-Village-of-Greenhaven?affiliate_id=3908211   ----more---- Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each Amazon purchase at no additional cost to you!

In the debut episode of the Elven Maid Inn's short-form show, she talks about Fudging and it's implications and impact on games and the hobby.   ***   SUBSCRIBE TO OUR CHANNEL!! ...and go to your favorite podcast player or nerdcognito.com or to subscribe to the OG podcast, Nerdcognito! linktr.ee/nerdcognito

Continuing the 2-part show from last week, Grim Jim joins RD and Bert to talk about the discussion in the mainstream TTRPG/DnD hobby for the "need" for game designers to insert and address political themes, social justice, and "wrongs" of society in their games.  Why is this a "need?"  Answer: It is not.  Plus, we begin the show laughing at some insanity in the pop media with the news and a trip to our favorite inmates-running-the-asylum online cesspool, Reddit.   ----more---- The News: Pop it! Milk it! Promote it! Reddit! ----more----   Grab The Village of Greenhaven for your table! A complete forest town with NPCs, events, environments, shops, surroundings, and lots of random tables!   https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/465184/The-Village-of-Greenhaven?affiliate_id=3908211   ----more---- Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each Amazon purchase at no additional cost to you!

OneDND has been set free by Wizards of the Coast.  With WotC's "new" and "daring" upgrade now getting a lot of buzz, we take an ENTIRE episode talking about other games you can and should bring to your table!  Our friend Grim Jim Desborough sits in and brings his unique perspective and two decades of professional game design experience to the conversation.  Our picks span fantasy, horror, sci-fi, post-apocalyptic, and more.. the guys dive deep into their choices of TTRPGs for your crew.     ----more---- The News: Coming up next week! ----more----   Grab The Village of Greenhaven for your table! A complete forest town with NPCs, events, environments, shops, surroundings, and lots of random tables!   https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/465184/The-Village-of-Greenhaven?affiliate_id=3908211   ----more---- Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each Amazon purchase at no additional cost to you!

Did you know that Dave Arneson worked on a super-secret follow-up to Blackmoor with a nobody studio that no one has heard of?  NEITHER DID THE ARNESON ESTATE.  This disgusting grift really has RD and the boys upset, and they detail the situation for you.  Plus, Kelsey and ShadowDark sweep the ENNIEs and a Reddit redemption story.   ----more---- The News: ENNIEs and ShadowDark Venger, Dungeon Master, and Nostalgia Mystery Board Game-Turned-TTRPG! A SparkleTroll wakes up! ----more----   Grab The Village of Greenhaven for your table! A complete forest town with NPCs, events, environments, shops, surroundings, and lots of random tables!   https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/465184/The-Village-of-Greenhaven?affiliate_id=3908211   ----more---- Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each Amazon purchase at no additional cost to you!

Hasbro's 2nd Quarter earnings have posted.  WotC continues to bleed.  Sales are down.  BUT -- RD thinks the Q looks... good?!?  An economics light discussion of why Hasbro may not be in as much peril as some in the hobby would like.  Plus, Elder Gods and Woke Warriors in the news.  After the news, the guys look at how Wizards of the Coast believes they are pandering to their SparkleTroll audience, but it may be backfiring based on response to the "new" Ranger class.   ----more---- The News: Arkham Horror TTRPG Makes RD Swoon Stormlight RPG Getting a Bad Shake? Dungeons and Dragons Comics to Woke Horse ----more----   Grab The Village of Greenhaven for your table! A complete forest town with NPCs, events, environments, shops, surroundings, and lots of random tables!   https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/465184/The-Village-of-Greenhaven?affiliate_id=3908211   ----more---- Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each Amazon purchase at no additional cost to you!

Bert and RD sit down and talk about a request from a friend of the show: "What is your personal 'Appendix N-like' curated list of non-print inspiration?"  Listen as the guys chronicle everything from Movies to TV to Video Games and more!  How did these items impact their games and their creativity?  The news this week is, well, exactly what you would expect during a week when Wizards of the Coast released a Rainbow Brite sorcerer.  It's a fun discussion that pulls from all of the things we love!   ----more---- The News: The new Xbox controller is... what? Pathfinder Keeps the Bloat Coming Cyberpunk 2077 Board Game WotC's Slimmer Wizards ----more----   Grab The Village of Greenhaven NOW! https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/465184/The-Village-of-Greenhaven?affiliate_id=3908211   ----more---- Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each Amazon purchase at no additional cost to you!

Oh no!  That giant just turned Bert's character into meat paste!  What considerations are necessary and what must a player, a DM, and a gaming group do to pivot when a PC buys the farm?  RD and Bert pontificate this point because, well, Bert's character was turned into meat paste at the last gaming session.  After the news, the duo discuss what input, if any, is appropriate for players to have and what sway do they carry as it relates to world building.   ----more---- The News: Pour a drink with this Board Game "Old" DND supplements for your 5e game.  Heh. 'The worst monster ever!' ----more----   Grab The Village of Greenhaven NOW! https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/465184/The-Village-of-Greenhaven?affiliate_id=3908211   ----more---- Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each Amazon purchase at no additional cost to you!

Surprise, surprise: Wizards of the Coast continues to "re-imagine" Dungeons & Dragons... potentially into the grave.  The "improvements" to crafting and the introduction of a hybrid "Minecraft" and "MMO" crafting system were released, and it looks like once again the game is getting fundamentally changed for the worse.  The news makes us laugh as we ride the struggle bus through a Reddit post.  Finally, we talk death in space with the fantastic horror/sci-fi TTRPG, Mothership.   ----more---- The News: Oooohhh Yeah!  Dig it! Moar Elf Subraces!!! The Best Legacy Board Games to Buy in 2024 Bear-banging Anniversary! ----more----   Grab The Village of Greenhaven NOW! https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/465184/The-Village-of-Greenhaven?affiliate_id=3908211   ----more---- Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each Amazon purchase at no additional cost to you!

Spinning out of a conversation from last week, the gang talks about the title and role of the Dungeon Master in DnD.  Is "referee" appropriate?  What level of separation must the DM have with the group and the world?  After this fun debate, with each of the guys having a distinct opinion, we tackle the news before saddling up to talk the resurgence of the Western in Hollywood.   ----more---- The News: Check out the Headlights on Her! Lord of the Rings crushes modern box office Please, be a Power Gamer New Dungeons and Dragons Pricing ----more----   Grab The Village of Greenhaven NOW! https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/465184/The-Village-of-Greenhaven?affiliate_id=3908211   ----more---- Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each Amazon purchase at no additional cost to you!

Wizards of the Coast has dropped a bunch of the "New" Dungeons & Dragons art... and it is just as hideous, woke, and racist as you could hope for.  The guys talk about some of the more outlandish pieces and discuss how art, generally, is important to the hobby and hooks players in each game.  Are some of these pieces intentionally horrific?  Then, after a trip to DnD Reddit, the news keeps us cool in a very unique way before ending up with some quality "modern journalism."   ----more---- Grab The Village of Greenhaven NOW! PRINT ON DEMAND NOW AVAILABLE! https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/465184/The-Village-of-Greenhaven?affiliate_id=3908211 ----more----     The News: Critical Role LIVE!  ...aka Hobby Poison with a Ticket Price DEI Gaming Media Woke-Extortion?!? Kickstarter: Better Late Than Never A SparkleTroll's Guide to Building a Tabletop Group   ----more----     Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each Amazon purchase at no additional cost to you!

The "Dungeons and Dragons," TTRPG hobby has a boatload of influences... but is unique in the fact that it often influences.... itself.  The guys talk about pivotal supplements that have shaped the hobby and how modern guidance continues to change our beloved passion.  Plus everything from Critical Role to "ding dong" in the news!  You won't want to miss this week's show!   ----more---- Grab The Village of Greenhaven NOW! PRINT ON DEMAND NOW AVAILABLE! https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/465184/The-Village-of-Greenhaven?affiliate_id=3908211 ----more----     The News: Critical Role LIVE!  ...aka Hobby Poison with a Ticket Price DEI Gaming Media Woke-Extortion?!? Kickstarter: Better Late Than Never A SparkleTroll's Guide to Building a Tabletop Group   ----more----     Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each Amazon purchase at no additional cost to you!

In this episode, the gang talk about the TTRPG curse older than time: Getting the group together.  Inevitably, every group is going to ride the rocky road of scheduling.  Why is this the killing blow for some groups?  How can you pivot?  Is it the end of the D&D World?  Then after the news, as requested by the Nerdcognito Nation, the boys revisit, run down, and review the excellent co-op/traitor board game, Unfathomable!   ----more---- Grab The Village of Greenhaven NOW! PRINT ON DEMAND NOW AVAILABLE! https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/465184/The-Village-of-Greenhaven?affiliate_id=3908211 ----more----     The News: "The Boys" woke creator says "watch something else." Planet of the Apes TTRPG looking good! Pop gaming telling you exactly what not to do   ----more----     Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each Amazon purchase at no additional cost to you!

A frustrated Dungeon Master presented his players (do they play?) with a list of "rules" that were going to be implemented moving forward.  While clearly frustrated with SparkleTroll and otherwise bad player behavior as we dig through his list we have to ask... "Is he wrong?"  The guys discuss faux pas of players at the TTRPG table and how the DM can wrangle his DnD group back into reality.  Plus, the news!   ----more---- Grab The Village of Greenhaven NOW! PRINT ON DEMAND NOW AVAILABLE! https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/465184/The-Village-of-Greenhaven?affiliate_id=3908211 ----more----     The News: Beetlejuice's Backstory?!? Actual Plays -- They Aren't Live-Action D&D Show Scrapped WotC is Hiring an AI Overlord!   ----more----     Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each Amazon purchase at no additional cost to you!

The holiday weekend in the States and a few too many life incidents have abbreviated this week's episode into a Nano!  Fear not, though a touch shorter than usual, it is still packed with everything you'd expect -- Beginning with talk of how a DM can correct an "accidential overpowering" of a party and ending with news (from Reddit) RD and Bert squeeze a full show into a condensed timeline!   ----more---- Grab The Village of Greenhaven NOW! PRINT ON DEMAND NOW AVAILABLE! https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/465184/The-Village-of-Greenhaven?affiliate_id=3908211 ----more----     The News: WotC Dragon "Redesigns" Life-Sized Totoro? TMNT/MotU Disappointment "Don't Ignore Muh Backstory!"   ----more----     Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: EMI's zine, "Tales from the Tavern" -- available NOW! https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/481989/elven-maid-inn-tales-from-the-tavern-magazine-issue-1?affiliate_id=3908211 Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each Amazon purchase at no additional cost to you!

With ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTY SIX OFFICIAL (you read that correctly) classes and subclasses in DnD 5e, it's time the gang evaluated class structures in TTRPGs.  There are no surprises here -- the guys believe less is more.  Add in some tales of characters gone by, bard mocking, and of course the news, and you have a full episode of nerdy goodness that you will love to listen to!   ----more---- Grab The Village of Greenhaven NOW! PRINT ON DEMAND NOW AVAILABLE! https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/465184/The-Village-of-Greenhaven?affiliate_id=3908211 ----more----     The News: Use That Railroad!  :) Talisman 5th Edition Blade Runner's "Must Have" Splat Book Feed Tony Soprano Gabbagool!   ----more----     Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each Amazon purchase at no additional cost to you!

Fallout... The Last of Us... Rings of Power... Castlevania... there are a LOT of game-inspired screen adaptations hitting lately, and the trend is not going to end.  This week, the boys look at all of the players and talk about what TTRPG, video, and board game adaptations they would like to see!  Plus, a newsy tribute to Roger Corman starts a banger of collection of weekly nerdy news.   ----more---- Grab The Village of Greenhaven NOW! PRINT ON DEMAND NOW AVAILABLE! https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/465184/The-Village-of-Greenhaven?affiliate_id=3908211 ----more----     The News: Rest in Power, The King of Cult "We're not going to deeply discount D&D again" was BS Critical Role to milk simps for subs The Ghoul is... hot?   ----more----     Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each Amazon purchase at no additional cost to you!

This week, our good friend The Dungeon Delver drops in to chew the fat with the gang about the incredible nothingburger that was the Wizards of the Coast "AI art FAQ."  There was a lot of internet noise, but is WotC doing... the right thing?  The boys and Bill dig in deep to this offering insight, perspective, and opinion.  Plus, the news will NOT disappoint!   ----more---- Grab The Village of Greenhaven NOW! PRINT ON DEMAND NOW AVAILABLE! https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/465184/The-Village-of-Greenhaven?affiliate_id=3908211 ----more----     The News: AI Exits at the Warehouse Saturday Morning Cartoons! Arkham Horror TTRPG's Dice System Metagaming is Good... so says Reddit!   ----more----     Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each Amazon purchase at no additional cost to you!

Hot on the heels of Nerdcognito getting de-platformed on YouTube after an alleged cancel culture report strike -- and the RD having his personal account targeted and wiped as well -- we look at cancel culture in the hobby in general.  Who better to bring in for this discussion but "Grim" James Desborough?  Jim gives his perspective on the hobby and insight into targeted harassment campaigns as both a victim and an observer.  Plus, Jim sits in for the remainder of the show to have some fun with the news!   ----more---- Grab The Village of Greenhaven NOW! PRINT ON DEMAND NOW AVAILABLE! https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/465184/The-Village-of-Greenhaven?affiliate_id=3908211 ----more----     The News: PBS Retro strangeness is a good thing BSG board game creator tackling Star Wars' Mandalorian How to make a character, according to Reddit Unused undead, according to the pop gaming media   ----more----     Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each Amazon purchase at no additional cost to you!

Cynthia Williams has announced her departure from Wizards of the Coast!  What does this mean?  Listen to the guys give their takes on her exodus.  Then, as promised, a lively deep dive into what makes a module and their role in the hobby.  After the news, creator of Dystopian Dawn, Tony Garcia stops by to talk about his latest project and the gang briefly touches on woke Warhammer.   ----more---- Grab The Village of Greenhaven NOW! PRINT ON DEMAND NOW AVAILABLE! https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/465184/The-Village-of-Greenhaven?affiliate_id=3908211 ----more----     The News: More "paint by numbers" pop gaming media gabage "Stray," but in board game format The camera that fights back!   ----more----     Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each Amazon purchase at no additional cost to you!

Can a SparkleTroll be saved?  Is a tourist worth bringing to the table?  Should we even bother?  This week the gang tears into all things tourist -- from origins to Critical Role toxins to playstyles.  Can we bring the hobby back from a fundamental and philosophical shift?  Plus, the news has LOTS of TTRPG goodness that you won't want to miss!  (...and Modules!)     ----more---- Grab The Village of Greenhaven NOW! PRINT ON DEMAND NOW AVAILABLE! https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/465184/The-Village-of-Greenhaven?affiliate_id=3908211   ----more----     The News: Deathless DnD The Black Company RPG Dr. Zaius! Blair Witch Project... board game?!?   ----more----     Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Wandering Heroes of Ogre Gate: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/191631/Wandering-Heroes-of-Ogre-Gate?affiliate_id=3908211 Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each Amazon purchase at no additional cost to you!

Players drop hints all the time.  What happens when it is more than a friendly poke?  How should you handle your group asking for in-game favors, dictating game/world events, demanding items, or throwing an X-card (just kidding, show the X'er the door!).  Plus, the news, Ryan revives "Oriental" and shoves it back into the acceptable category, and tales from Reddit.     ----more---- Grab The Village of Greenhaven NOW! PRINT ON DEMAND NOW AVAILABLE! https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/465184/The-Village-of-Greenhaven?affiliate_id=3908211   ----more----     The News: Possible Hope for Matrix 5 Gnolls are EVIL! Cookie Cutter Tourist SparkleTrolls   ----more----     Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Wandering Heroes of Ogre Gate: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/191631/Wandering-Heroes-of-Ogre-Gate?affiliate_id=3908211 Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each Amazon purchase at no additional cost to you!

Nerdcognito talks to... Daniel D. Fox?!? (yes, THAT Daniel D. Fox) Uh oh. "Infamous" RD and Kyle sit down with the "notorious" Daniel D. Fox, creator of Zweihander, alleged destructor of The Trove, and all around polarizing figure in the TTRPG space. Publicly politically misaligned with the guys AND potentially on the opposite end of the gaming spectrum, what odd cosmic alignment brought these two forces together? Tough questions will be asked, and hopefully answered. Could an impossible alliance be formed? Does someone storm out? Is there punch and pie? Be sure to sit back and enjoy one of the very rare interviews given by the one and only Daniel D. Fox.       ----more---- Grab The Village of Greenhaven NOW! PRINT ON DEMAND NOW AVAILABLE! https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/465184/The-Village-of-Greenhaven?affiliate_id=3908211 ----more----   ----more----   Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each Amazon purchase at no additional cost to you!

It happens -- a friend, a partner -- someone tells you "You can't play with THEM!"  Maybe not you, but maybe that guy with the antisocial eye-rolling leftie girlfriend slowly exits from your table.  Why and how do these ultimatums get made and how do they effect your table?  Plus, the pros and cons of modules.  Maybe.  Probably not.   ----more---- Grab The Village of Greenhaven NOW! PRINT ON DEMAND NOW AVAILABLE! https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/465184/The-Village-of-Greenhaven?affiliate_id=3908211 ----more----     The News: Luke Gygax blows away goals and honors Gary More Reddit DND Fun (?) 6e/OneDND "Deal" for your game store   ----more----     Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each Amazon purchase at no additional cost to you!

This week, the gang dives deep on the Total Party Kill.  Talking about this unique situation that apparently makes SparkleTrolls weep, the boys look into it mechanically, from a story perspective, and through the eyes of both player and dungeon master.  Of course, there are some great TPK stories thrown in there as well.  This, combined with longer chatter around the news of the day fill out the week!   ----more---- Grab The Village of Greenhaven NOW! PRINT ON DEMAND NOW AVAILABLE! https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/465184/The-Village-of-Greenhaven?affiliate_id=3908211 ----more----     The News: Gundam-esque classic TTRPG coming in English...  ...and a Shin Megami Tensai tabletop experience. RD wants to play The Thaumaturge Baldur's Gate 3 players continue to taint DND   ----more----     Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Wretched Chanbara! -- now available at The Red Room! https://moordereht.com/product/wretched-chanbara/ Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each Amazon purchase at no additional cost to you!

Ever play at a table with that cutsey-wootsey couple that just seems to always help each other?  How about the BF DM that always give the right magic item to his boo?  This week we talk about how real relationships can alter a table and give our thoughts on how to preserve the integrity of your game.  Also, a positive news week spins into an exciting announcement regarding the Lovecraft mythos in the TTRPG world.   ----more---- Grab The Village of Greenhaven NOW! PRINT ON DEMAND NOW AVAILABLE! https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/465184/The-Village-of-Greenhaven?affiliate_id=3908211 ----more----     The News: Unfathomable Expansion! Mass Effect's Return... sort of Synchronize Smartwatches! WizKids Mini "Surprise!"   ----more----     Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Wretched Chanbara! -- now available at The Red Room! https://moordereht.com/product/wretched-chanbara/ Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each Amazon purchase at no additional cost to you!

This is a milestone episode: RD admits that he "was wrong" multiple times!  First, the guys talk about introducing horror elements at the table.  After the news, Anthony Grasso and Wythe Marschall drop by to talk about Blister Critters, their new Kickstarter game that originally was panned by Ryan before he did his homework only to be now praised based on the final product and a deep dive!   ----more---- Grab The Village of Greenhaven NOW! PRINT ON DEMAND NOW AVAILABLE! https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/465184/The-Village-of-Greenhaven?affiliate_id=3908211 ----more----     The News: Terry Pratchett's Discworld TTRPG MOTU Evil Lyn Cartoon Glory Alien: Romulus Update You are doing Goblins WRONG!   ----more----     Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Wretched Chanbara! -- now available at The Red Room! https://moordereht.com/product/wretched-chanbara/ Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each Amazon purchase at no additional cost to you!

This episode, we look at how myth, legend, history, and tall tales have influenced Dungeons and Dragons specifically and the TTRPG world in general.  Some folks claim this is a bad thing... but it's a great element that should be celebrated!  The news includes RD doing a 180 after more details on a game he panned became available.  After Ryan eats crow, the gang talks how important creativity and the ability to improvise are critical to the hobby.   ----more---- Grab The Village of Greenhaven NOW! PRINT ON DEMAND NOW AVAILABLE! https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/465184/The-Village-of-Greenhaven?affiliate_id=3908211 ----more----     The News: The Dying Light Board Game Looks INCREDIBLE! City of Mist for your Supers Choco Taco Bait and Switch RD Admits Even He is Sometimes Wrong   ----more----     Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each Amazon purchase at no additional cost to you!

Birthed from last week's "Session Zero" descriptions, we have TWO topics this week that make the show -- and our heads spin: Backstories... and Encounter Balance.  Are they needed?  Do they make an appearance at our tables?  How have these elements impacted the TTRPG Hobby?  As if that wasn't enough... of course there is some crazy news, with a stroll through a Reddit post for extra flavor.  (Don't ask what flavor).   ----more---- Grab The Village of Greenhaven NOW! PRINT ON DEMAND LAUNCHING THIS WEEK! https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/465184/The-Village-of-Greenhaven?affiliate_id=3908211 ----more----     The News: "That Sexy BG3 Character Makes Me Wet" CMON Jumps to Gamefound New Switch?  New PS5(6?)? They Finally Admit: Honor Among Thieves was a Failure! ----more----     Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each Amazon purchase at no additional cost to you!

This week, the guys talk about consequences of action and PC death in TTRPGs.  Why are these "horrible" things critical for your game?  The news kicks around some nerdy developments on past stories and is highlighted by our "unnamed" hat tip on Reddit.  Finally, Session Zero talk online has been rumbling again, so each of the gang describes what their "0" looks like!   ----more---- Grab The Village of Greenhaven NOW! PRINT ON DEMAND ANTICIPATED SOON! https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/465184/The-Village-of-Greenhaven?affiliate_id=3908211 ----more----     The News: Cavill Highlander Update A Gentle Rain... no Arkham Horror Dragonlance show is dead SparkleTrolls realize #GatekeepingIsGood ----more----     Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each Amazon purchase at no additional cost to you!

Last week was a barnburner, so we needed to pump the brakes and return to some good ol' nerdy chatter!  We open with a discussion of nostalgia, and the role it plays at your table.  After the news, the guys ask the question "When did making money become a secondary goal in business?" ...specifically in our hobby!   ----more---- Grab The Village of Greenhaven NOW! PRINT ON DEMAND ANTICIPATED 02/09/24 OR SOONER! https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/465184/The-Village-of-Greenhaven?affiliate_id=3908211 ----more----     The News: Inserting porn... er... "romance..." JRPG Taking Steam by Storm Diablo TTRPG and Board Game! ----more----     Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each Amazon purchase at no additional cost to you!

When Grim Jim calls, we answer.  A special, extended-length episode that details the revelations that should shock the TTRPG design world.  The gang and Jim dig deep into the article, talk about their perspective, and offer a path forward for our corner of the hobby.  #DungeonDrama   ----more---- Grab The Village of Greenhaven NOW! https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/465184/The-Village-of-Greenhaven ----more----     The News: Tarrasque what? CMON Kickstarter Bailout Palworld vs. Pokemon ----more----     Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each Amazon purchase at no additional cost to you!

Dovetailing with last week's conversation about Power Gamers, the boys have a deep talk about how actual Player Skill vs. Character "Ability" can be balanced in a game.  Where does a check fall as opposed to playing it out in the mind or at the table of the PC's creator?  After the news, a look at the new OSR Adventure, The Tragedy at Taigon's Falls proves to be a positive way to close out the show!   ----more---- Grab The Village of Greenhaven NOW! https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/465184/The-Village-of-Greenhaven ----more----     The News: There can be only one... Cavill? More board game counterfeit rumblings Lovecraftian beauty Brass Birmingham sequel talk ----more----     Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each Amazon purchase at no additional cost to you!

Power and meta gamers.  Min-maxers.  Those afflicted with main character syndrome.  It's a real disease in the hobby and the guys have the cure.  After a lively discussion about this abomination of a player, the news doesn't disappoint with everything from the Sopranos to the Tomb of Horrors.  Lastly, world building comes up on the block and different styles of Kyle, RD, and Bert are all presented for your consideration when next constructing a realm!   ----more---- Grab The Village of Greenhaven NOW! https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/465184/The-Village-of-Greenhaven ----more----     The News: Larry Fishburne miscast The Mandalorian & Grougu - The Movie Death of complex TV A Strategy Guide for... WHAT?!? ----more----     Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each Amazon purchase at no additional cost to you!

The gang digs into NPCs this week!  Talking about how to make effective and memorable characters, what to avoid in NPC creation, and how to sidestep tropes and the "predictable" nature of this important piece of the TTRPG/DnD puzzle.  The news of the week tips off with us not touching the WotC AI piece, simply because it's all just conjecture at this point in time.  After the news, the gang digs into The Navarro Knight, a preview of a new system by our Check Mark Hero, Cynnamander! ----more---- Grab The Village of Greenhaven NOW! https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/465184/The-Village-of-Greenhaven ----more---- The News: WotC AI Nothingburger Counterfeit Kelp Board Games in '24 to watch Tetris-shaming ----more---- Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each Amazon purchase at no additional cost to you!