Well, unless you've been in the remote woods like Bert (and even he knew about it) you've heard about the WotC cuts.  We talk about the human price of these cuts, each host having varying and predicable degrees of empathy.  What does the future hold for Wizards?  After the news, the guys discuss how the Nerdcognito core TTRPG group went back to the basics... high fantasy... and what a wonderful experience it was.  How can you experience this bliss?  The gang has some advice for your table! ----more---- Don't forget to get your Gatekeeping Is Good shirt on Amazon! Support the show and hold that door! https://amzn.to/3R60vt3 ----more---- The News: Board Game Cafe Workers NEED That Union! Even Deeper WotC Inventory Cuts Stan Lee's Genesis KS More Cavill Woes with Warhammer? ----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 boys try to cleanse the room and open the show by looking at the "Bro-holy" document that is Appendix N, and then each of the guys adds a line item to the list of required reading!  The news presents everything from the huge MCDM kickoff to a quite chilly topic.  After the news, Hunter aka Ultra-American TTRPGer stops in to tell his side of the Haunted Table story.  Did Haunted Table act with cause or did they persecute Hunter for his political speech?   ----more---- Don't forget to get your Gatekeeping Is Good shirt on Amazon! Support the show and hold that door! https://amzn.to/3R60vt3   ----more---- The News: MCDM!  Where attacks (and profit projections) never miss! DnD to have the BIGGEST PHB ever!  *yawn* Battlestar Galactica Redux-Redux Baby, it's cold inside... ----more---- Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Crud Forge Studios: https://shop.crudforge.com/ Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each purchase at no additional cost to you!

Oh my goodness!  What a week of woke!  Starting with Wizards of the Coast redacting lore and modifying language to be less "problematic" and ending with Goodman Games caving to SparkleTroll diversity lunacy and destroying the Dungeon Crawl Classics base, it has been a wild ride.  RD and Kyle talk about it all and try to bring some perspective into the cultural breakdown that we are witnessing.  After the news, the duo break down the OD&D announcement from PAX and ponder the future of the franchise.   ----more---- Don't forget to get your Gatekeeping Is Good shirt on Amazon! Support the show and hold that door! https://amzn.to/3R60vt3   ----more---- The News: Tourists don't know what dice are for You should role play your board games Matt Mercer likes money 5e is a power fantasy, confirmed ----more---- Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Crud Forge Studios: https://shop.crudforge.com/ Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each purchase at no additional cost to you!

With major publishers now putting content restrictions in print about what subjects players may or may not talk about during the game, the guys examine how we got here and why or why not dictating content is acceptable.  Hint: It's not.  The news brings Bert another surreal not-quite-horse moment about how nuts some segments of the hobby have become.  Lastly, the gang talks about what might make an excellent gift to "lure" a new player to the table!   ----more---- Don't forget to get your Gatekeeping Is Good shirt on Amazon! Support the show and hold that door! https://amzn.to/3R60vt3   ----more---- The News: You want to sleep with... what?!? Food Chain Magnate redux!!! WotC's stealth edits, class bloat, and their exposed sexism. ----more---- Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Crud Forge Studios: https://shop.crudforge.com/ Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each purchase at no additional cost to you!

What a ride!  THANK YOU ALL for allowing us into your ears each week!  This episode we bring back the OG co-host, Just Mike (with his bad audio and all), and the entire gang strolls down memory lane and revisits topics from shows gone by.  Everything including Brandi Braids, predicting WotC's fall from grace, safety tools, DTRPG ousting The Red Room, and the guys outlining their "perfect" game.  You don't want to miss lots of laughs, good times, and clinking a pint with us in reverie!   ----more---- Don't forget to get your Gatekeeping Is Good shirt on Amazon! Support the show and hold that door! https://amzn.to/3R60vt3   ----more---- The News: Cities Skylines 2 Fumble D&D Inventory Dump Sonic Roll Board Game MotU Movie Transitions from Netflix to Amazon ----more---- Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Crud Forge Studios: https://shop.crudforge.com/ Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each purchase at no additional cost to you!

Who doesn't love the horny bard?  The orphaned princess?  The mad wizard?  Answer: after thousands of iterations, everyone.  This week the guys look at tropes in the TTRPG sphere and discuss both the good and the bad elements of their presence.  Bert is surly, but that doesn't prevent the news from presenting yet another game that makes Kyle spin.  After the news, the team has a frank conversation about confirmation bias and how it presents in the hobby -- among all of us!  From the OSR to Fauxs to SparkleTrolls, it is baggage that we all must remember we bring to the table. ----more----   ----more---- The News: Super Mario RPG Redux Wizards of the Coast seems to be "done" with OneDND Kelp, the board game needs more sell for RD Honk!  (you don't want to miss this!) ----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!

Why do the same (lame) topics of "controversy" keep coming up in the TTRPG space?  Because... it's the "Controversy Carousel!"  The only way un-creatives can put themselves and their terrible ideology over!  After a few go-rounds, the guys talk about a serious accusation and blowup in the OSR over potential reverse racism from a game group finding app.  Lastly, the gang goes through the news and talks about sidestepping from a TTRPG to some other sort of nerdy goodness. ----more----   ----more---- The News: Monte Cook's Invisible Sun A New Take on Monopoly?!? WotC's NuDnD Cleric ----more---- Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Postmortem Games: https://post-mort.com 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!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!  We've all had to do it -- whether we like it or not.  Sometimes, THAT player has to GO.  The guys discuss why and how you may need to remove a player from a gaming group.  RD goes off the rails dreaming about Heather Graham during the news.  After, the boys toss out a favorite, disturbing monster for your Halloween game and rattle of "worst" horror sequels (yes, there are a lot!).   ----more----   ----more---- The News: No Ghosbusters 3 because... SparkleTroll Traps Heather Graham is dreamy Yo!  Meatwad! ----more---- Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: BE A CHECK MARK HERO! https://www.nerdcognito.com/p/be-a-check-mark-hero/ Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each purchase at no additional cost to you!

This week the trio reunites and kicks things off with the oldest existential battle... Good versus Evil.  How do these two forces present and what do they represent in your TTRPG table?  Then the news comes and goes, and Kyle and RD drop the new Planescape deets on Bert!  Lastly, the gang kicks around the various places from which each draw inspiration for their games as DMs.   ----more----   ----more---- The News: The Witcher Board Game Crushes Funding Phunny WotC Cash Grabs Pop Tart, Anyone? That Potato Paladin is Expensive! ----more---- Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Crud Forge Studios: https://shop.crudforge.com/ Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each purchase at no additional cost to you!

RD and Kyle open the show talking about their favorite spooky and Halloween titles to bring to your gaming table, both #TTRPGs and #boardgames.  The news is followed by a special guest as "Randy Looney" drops some scathing criticism on Bert.  Bert responds, then the attention gets focused on the #Roll20 acquisition of Dungeon Scrawl.  How will this effect small creators and hobbyists?   ----more---- Check out and SUBSCRIBE to our brand new YouTube Channel!  Don't miss the Speakeasy stream! https://www.youtube.com/@Nerdcognito ----more---- The News: WotC "Strixhaven-ing" Domain Level Play Zoo Tycoon Board Game "Freaks and Geeks" Actual Play Bye-bye Best Buy Media ----more---- Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each purchase at no additional cost to you!

Wizards of the Coast puts another nail in the coffin of physical book availability... or did they?  We talk about the Penguin Random House divorce from WotC and how it will impact the hobby.  The news is eclectic this week, spanning film photography to "slutty 7's."  After the news, designer Alexander Macris stops in to talk about the evolution of a decade-young system, ACKS II and all things Adventurer Conqueror King System, and of course RD asks the BrOSR question: "Do you as a designer worry about the Bros attaching themselves to your property?"  A great show all around! ----more----   ----more---- The News: 35mm Camera Resurrection The Thing Prequel Sequel Scrapped Hope for 5e SparkleTrolls?!? Pet Semetary Redux Poo ----more---- Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Get Amazing Hobby Apparel: https://www.armorclass10.com Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each purchase at no additional cost to you!

Wanna hop on the latest effortless TTRPG trend?  Make a "-CORE!"  That's right, the guys muse and mock this odd trend in non-roleplaying.  The news strikes with a venomous bite this week, starting with the latest Leyline Press mental illness hug, Horse Girl and ending with Masters of the Universe, the movie.  After the news, we invite William Dalebout of Crud Forge fka Incel Riot Studios in to talk about the rampant woke cancel culture in the tabletop board game world. ----more----   ----more---- The News: Horse Girl, the solo roleplaying game?!? Talking to the Animals is the "way" to roleplay "Heels" cancellation and on the hunt MotU movie - excitement and reservation ----more---- Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Postmortem Games: https://post-mort.com Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each purchase at no additional cost to you!

Braaaaaiiinsss... There is more to undead than skeletons and zombies (although there isn't anything wrong with the former)!  The guys pick their cold, dead favorites and talk about the subset of monsters.  The news comes and goes, predictably with the highs and lows we have come to love.  Wrapping up the show is RD's newest conspiracy theory about Wizards of the Coast and their practices... and his track record with WotC "theories" becoming reality is stunning. ----more----   ----more---- The News: Ghost in the Shell TTRPG Pooh 2: More Blood and Honey (that no one wanted) Board Game Eulogy: CoolStuffInc Microsoft / Activision-Blizzard Acquisition Road Clear Final Fantasy to the Tabletop ----more---- Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Postmortem Games: https://post-mort.com Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each purchase at no additional cost to you!

Despite our best efforts to avoid it, since it seemingly refuses to die and WotC is now promoting the tripe officially, the gang talks Safety Tools and identifies which tool, if forced to use one, each would implement.  The news is upbeat and SparkleTroll-free for a change!  Lastly, the boys talk about how a green player effects a table and a DM as compared to a grizzled old D&D vet.  Plus, "Ryan's Torture Toolbox," coming soon?  Nah. ----more----   ----more---- The News: TTRPGs & Cardboard to Bring to a Party John Carpenter Double-shot! Shocker!  Woke Mermaids Don't Sell! ----more---- Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: The Red Room: https://moordereht.com/ Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each purchase at no additional cost to you!

The trio are reunited and they form up to take on swarms and hordes as monsters in TTRPGs!  Why is the swarm not loved?  How is a horde of 100s of somethings not used more often at the table?  The news then makes RD almost stroke out.  Seriously.  After as he recovers, the guys help Ryan diagnose his gaming drought and make sure that it is not "burnout" akin to everyone's favorite SparkleTroll TiddyStreamer, Ginny Di.   ----more----   ----more---- The News: Autistic folks rejoice!  WotC has now exploited you too! Trail of Cthulhu 2nd edition "Best" Lovecraft-inspired games for your table -- NOT! The Killers killing their legacy and career Your Tiefling barista has a new system to support theythem ----more---- Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Crud Forge Studios: https://shop.crudforge.com/ Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each purchase at no additional cost to you!

RD and Kyle start off this marathon show with a discussion of all the subgroups that comprise the TTRPG hobby.  Spanning from SparkleTrolls to F̶a̶u̶x̶s̶ Tinkerers to BrOSRs and the OSR, clear definitions of play and philosophy are outlined.  The news is a big week, which is followed by a bigger list of the alleged Top 10 Essential Tips for a DM.  Of course, some of these tips will derail your game, but hey -- if you only play six sessions you won't notice!   ----more----   ----more---- The News: Texas Chainsaw Board Game Critical Role Re-alignment The Tabletop Boom Red Dead Redemption 3 Announcement ----more---- Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Crud Forge Studios: https://shop.crudforge.com/ Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each purchase at no additional cost to you!

It's a BIG one -- making up for our vacay show last week.  Everyone is back, Randy Nichols sits in, and we catch up on the scene!  Lots of news happens since we were off for a week, which wasn't so bad in the grand scheme of things.  After the news, everyone talks about how our unique real-world travel and experiences bleed into our TTRPG worldbuilding.  Lots of fun and worth the wait!  Be prepared, we go long this week!   ----more----   ----more---- The News: Fallout the TV show Dungeons and Dragons Bourbon WrestleQuest Goes Gold on Steam Celeb Deaths a-plenty The Last of Us Future Plans Critical Role Board Game/Deckbuilder ----more---- Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Crud Forge Studios: https://shop.crudforge.com/ Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each purchase at no additional cost to you!

This week, we revisit a classic segment that talks about a very serious topic... the unfortunate demise of the Friendly Local Gaming Store.  The FLGS has long been a cornerstone of the hobby, but they are fading into the ether.  After that classic segment, we rundown and skewer a "list."  This week: the alleged top 10 slasher flicks of the 1980s.  Not too shabby a show for being on vacation!   ----more----   ----more---- The News: None this week!  Vacation week! ----more---- Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Crud Forge Studios: https://shop.crudforge.com/ Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each purchase at no additional cost to you!

You have a new table of players, how do YOU handle starting from scratch with all new personalities?  The boys discuss this scenario, which of course spirals to include talk of safety tools, session zero, and other modern insanity.  Then, the news never ends as the gang goes deep into a couple of stories, ending with RD wanting to love "Lovecraftesque," but uncertain about fully buying in because of open activism on behalf of the creators. ----more----   ----more---- The News: Play an Anthropromorphic Duck?  Hard Pass. WotC Selling Politics, but NOT Selling Books Xenomorphs Come to Earth in new Alien Series Metal Gear Solid -- The Board Game!!! Lovecraftesque ----more---- Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Crud Forge Studios: https://shop.crudforge.com/ Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each purchase at no additional cost to you!

Everyone seems to be having a moment about Rule Zero.  The fauxs and the bros are using it for posturing, but how does it really impact our gang?  Find out where each opinion falls on the subject.  This spirals into an encumbrance debate before the news.  After the week's word, David Silver of Silver Games stops in to (and you are not reading this incorrectly) talk the guys into playing "Ponyfinder."  Neigh! ----more---- Check out Ponyfinder: https://preview.drivethrurpg.com/en/publisher/5559/Silver-Games-LLC?affiliate_id=3908211 ----more---- The News: Switch 2?  New Nintendo Console Update: We Were Right abut Baldur's Gate 3 WotC AI Damage Control Ferris Bueller ----more---- Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Postmortem Studios: https://post-mort.com/ Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each purchase at no additional cost to you!

Somewhere, a SparkleTroll is crying over the character that died four weeks ago at the table.  Hear the gang's thoughts on PC death in #TTRPGs.  The guys defend the #OSR philosophy on death and talk about how it needs to be handled.  The news includes some laughs at some new stuff and a trip to Japan.  After the news, the guys wax regarding if they had the power to revive a long-cancelled television show -- which show would each pick?   ----more----   ----more---- The News: Baldur's Gate 3 Gets "Better" with Rigged Die Rolls! Our Favorite Japanese Park Pathfinder #card-based #boardgame The #DnD Tourist's Guide to #DMing ----more---- Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Postmortem Studios: https://post-mort.com/ Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each purchase at no additional cost to you!

Things return to normal for the gang as Kyle rebounds from his stint without power in time to talk about D&D and TTRPG Dungeon Crafting.  As usual, the boys get sidetracked and throw in a little "DM Screen?" talk before the news.  After this week's noteworthy morsels, the conversation turns to app-based board games and if they are a boon or bane to the scene.  A fun week of nerdy talk!   ----more----   ----more---- The News: "Mr. Boddy's Body, It's Gone!"  Please don't make a VtM film Sometimes Dead is Better Stripper game designers with a heart of gold ----more---- Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Postmortem Studios: https://post-mort.com/ Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each purchase at no additional cost to you!

Mother Nature has sidelined Kyle, so our friend and YouTube sensation Diversity & Dragons sits in as co-host!  Appropriately, the gang discusses the big news of Ryan being named the third host of Inappropriate Characters; he gets DD's blessing and words of wisdom.  The news brings an impromptu discussion of the solo gaming trend.  Lastly, the gang wraps up by talking about their own flavor profiles in board gaming.   ----more----   ----more---- The News: New Solo Horror TTRPG Racist Coyote & Crow makes board game XCOM clone looks good Star Trek -- Solo?!? ----more---- Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Postmortem Studios: https://post-mort.com/ SUB DD on YT: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDz3AYQ4Doyh7QgoXwW4o8w Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each purchase at no additional cost to you!

He's a druid, not a bar-bear-ian!  We do more than the bare minimum as we paws to reflect on the news that barely influenced us to buy a game!  At least it doesn't last fur-ever, because we have some news to peruse.  After the news designer Richard Davis swings by to talk about Explorer's Guild's new Kickstarter, The Kobold Cookbook!  Can you bear the excitement?!?  (sorry) ----more----   The Kobold Cookbook Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/amarik/the-kobold-cookbook   ----more---- The News: Tik Tok Cooking Trends? Amazing Lovecraftian Film You Never Heard Of "The Best Comedy Movies, Ever" (yes, they said ever) Leatherface in Cardboard ----more---- Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: The Red Room: https://moordereht.com/ Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each purchase at no additional cost to you!

We need a break from the bad juju that was and a return to normalcy!  We do talk about the how last week put is into "reset" mode before loading up with laughs and the news.  After the news, the guys each tell the tale about how they were introduced to the hobby, and what they love about it!  This week is 100% drama free -- let the others continue the spin, we're back to the gal that brought us to the dance: our love of all things nerdy!   ----more---- The News: The Flash: A flash in the pan Henry Cavill's final Witcher Season WotC Rainbow Dice with a side of forced politics Dune, Star Trek, and more! ----more---- Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: The Red Room: https://moordereht.com/ Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each purchase at no additional cost to you!

This week, we welcome The RPGPundit to the show -- for the full hour, plus some!  Pundit discusses the OSR, from it's history and philosophy to its current representation and how growth and an influx of personalities has affected its identity.  Also, the anti-OSR movement, the BrOSR are examined, including where, when, and why this counterculture came to be.  Political trappings of a philosophical "leader" of the anti-OSR group are also scrutinized.  Pundit explains the danger embracing this movement can bring if one wears blinders regarding questionable racial pre-dispositions of the spokesman.  The conversation wraps up with RD looking to the future; asking RPGPundit's predictions and perspective about the path yet travelled.   ----more---- Check out and purchase some of The RPGPundit's work: https://t.co/cz71tXexuP   ----more---- Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: The Red Room: https://moordereht.com/ Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each purchase at no additional cost to you!

Randy from Biggus Geekus dropped in and the conversation went long -- so we HAD to release a Nano episode to fit it all in!  The chatter continues as RD, Kyle, Bert, and Randy talk about some video game themed cash grabs, er, cookbooks... that Bert stumbled upon!  What cuisines do YOU think the boys are partial to?   ----more---- Wretched Époque 2nd Edition is out!  Support the Red Room! ----more----   ----more---- Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: The Red Room: https://moordereht.com/ Register for Big Geek Con: https://tabletop.events/conventions/big-geek-con-2023 Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each purchase at no additional cost to you!

Friend of the show Randy from Biggus Geekus sits in for the whole show, and the guys just shoot the breeze.  Everything from the current schism in our end of the hobby to milkshakes occupy the discussion.  Plus, evil, nasty talk, about the existence of "differences of opinion" and filthy 13th Age "story gamers" like Randy are among the banter.  We still like Randy, and he still likes us.  Go figure.  The show went long, so stay tuned for a follow-up Nano to be released this Saturday!     ----more---- The News: Waffle House, you had us at "smothered" The Last of Us Board Game Preorders are Up Cocaine.... Owlbear? Best Fast Food Milkshakes ----more---- Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: The Red Room: https://moordereht.com/ Register for Big Geek Con: https://tabletop.events/conventions/big-geek-con-2023 Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each purchase at no additional cost to you!

Another week of nerdy chatter begins with RD apologizing for rattling cages... not!  The guys clarify and reinforce their thoughts on the users and abusers "in the OSR" before digging into a review of the Dead by Daylight board game.  The news featuring Critical Role Zelda (!?!) is cut short as the boys would rather talk about obscure horror flicks and then run through Red Oaks Gaming's Spirals RPG offering, "Creepy Creature Double Feature."   ----more---- Buy CCDF: https://redoakscreative.itch.io/creepy-creature-double-feature ----more---- The News: Ryan loses his mind over that Critical Role Zelda RPG ----more---- Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each purchase at no additional cost to you!

Ryan and Bert kick off the show with a heartfelt welcome to Kyle (you know him as @DyingBreedTT), our new co-host on Nerdcognito!  The trio then play the "let's make a new character" game, with a twist.  Then the guys dive deep into the tumultuous state of the OSR, specifically talking about infighting and angst from a growing segment of creators and influencers that are prostituting the hobby for clicks and cash.  Lastly, the news wraps the show and our review is bumped to next week.  Hint: CCDF. ----more---- The News: Carpenter Sequel Tease #FightingFantasy Renaissance Paizo: "#Drow, you're out!" SparkleTrolls Giggle at Backstreet #DnD ----more---- Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each purchase at no additional cost to you!

The dudes open by discussing where they like it stacked -- in the front or 'round the back?  Dirty mind!  We're talking about TTRPG Character "wow" skills.  After some interesting and tasty news, the guys split the final segment.  First is their take on Rotten Tomatoes "John Carpenter" film rankings.  Last up is their look at the military in nerdy pop culture.  Can you guess which squad with which Bert and RD would join up? ----more---- The News: The "secret" to a great sandwich DQ retires a classic (Please Don't) Play the D&D Movie at your table Ghostbusters Tarot ----more---- Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each purchase at no additional cost to you!

This week on Nerdcognito, the guys ran short on time and bumped this segment to a Nano release all of its own!  Bert unearthed a "Top 100 of all time" Horror Film list... and you know what happens from there.  The guys run through the top ten of this list.  See if the list was close or criminal -- and listen to RD wax about his favorite genre of film. ----more---- Buy a SparkleTroll Shirt: https://tinyurl.com/NerdcognitoShirt ----more----   ----more---- Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each purchase at no additional cost to you!

With a bunch of silly things going on in pop media, the guys fall back to just talking about the happenings of the week in the nerd-o-sphere.  A nerdy news-filled potpourri episode that includes Wizards of the Coast new "D&D" network, a video game teaching the DoD's AI how to run a character, Gloomhaven slides, Monte Cook (twice!) and a plethora of new Kickstarters in the TTRPG and board game world! ----more---- Bonus!  The guys ran overtime and announced a Nano episode with that overage to be release the Saturday after this episode!  Double the Nerdcognito goodness this week! ----more---- Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each purchase at no additional cost to you!

What would the #TTRPG scene be like if someone forgot to virtue signal for just a week?  Thankfully, Leylines (who?) tried, got called on it, and failed miserably this week.  Instead of accepting it, they doubled down and went to a place no biz ever should.  Of course, after that, the news seems like a good transition for the guys who end the show talking about the good time they had bringing the Fallout RPG to the table!   ----more---- The News: Break!! is a go! Video Game Hall of Fame Wilderfeast -- a "Monster Hunter" TTRPG? Roots of Pacha pulled ----more---- Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each purchase at no additional cost to you!

Wizards of the Coast has even more new D&D Announcements, oh joy!  These unearth a sore spot for RD, and he unloads on what he calls "FauxSR" OSR "influencers."  To calm him down, the topic shifts to what's on the gaming table this week and eventually transitions into the news.  After headlines and a frozen-treat list, the guys welcome indie comic author Jason Sandberg to the show.  The gang discusses Jason's already successful crowdfunder for JUPITER, his present-day sci-fi "not a superhero" comic.   ----more---- Check out the Indiegogo for JUPITER: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/jupiter-issue-1#/ ----more---- The News: Paizo Wants Some Blizzard/Diablo Dollars Another Remake That Will Be Terrible Star Trek Lower Decks TTRPG! We all scream... ----more---- Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each purchase at no additional cost to you!

Just when you thought Wizards of the Coast couldn't do anything more self-destructive... they call in the Pinkertons (yes, THOSE Pinkerton thugs) on a MtG fan that was accidently shipped an unreleased product.  Is Hasbro trying to de-value and dump WotC?  The news starts with the biggest board game in the last ten years and ends with... Hello Kitty?!?  Lastly, the guys run down and review standalone TTRPG / City Builder / Co-op Storytelling game "The Quiet Year."   ----more---- Buy "The Quiet Year": https://tinyurl.com/NerdcognitoQuietYear ----more---- The News: Gloomhaven the TV show? Project Black Flag Lied to You Indiana Jones 5 is Ford's Final Hello... Kitty? ----more---- Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each purchase at no additional cost to you!

Ryan and Bert start the show with some Auras dev banter before digging in to the question of "What does your group do when your DM goes on hiatus?"  That convo gets clipped when the news rolls -- along with our eyes!  After the news, RD has a proposal for a "new-to-him" TTRPG/City Builder hybrid to get to the table with the Nerdcognito group!  A solid week of nerd speak!   ----more---- Buy "The Quiet Year": https://tinyurl.com/NerdcognitoQuietYear ----more---- The News: The critics (pshaw!) have a new favorite Sci-fi film Picard S3 (still) is awesome "600+" is a lot of minis Wrecking Crew wokeness ----more---- Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each purchase at no additional cost to you!

There was a great schism among the talking heads of the OSR -- regarding OBS / DriveThruRPG this week.  Ryan is very conflicted and tries to put everything in perspective so that we can all get back to playing games!  The news spans genres, as always, and finishes with a powerbomb announcement.  After the news, the guys run down and review the new solo board game hotness, Final Girl.   ----more---- Last week!  Help us out with our annual t-shirt fundraiser! SparkleTroll Shirts Supporting Nerdcognito https://www.bonfire.com/sparkletroll-shirts-supporting-nerdcognito/ We don't shill products, accept money for reviews, and we hope that we provide you with a little bit of entertainment and fun every week in our corner of the hobby. Buy an overpriced shirt and help ensure the podcast lives on for another year.   ----more---- Buy Final Girl: https://amzn.to/3KP1YQ5 ----more---- The News: What "Tool" Can't SparkleTrolls Play D&D Without? Nu-Star Trek Announcement Mario Is Craving Tacos Dark Side of the Ring ----more---- Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each purchase at no additional cost to you!

Ah Wizards of the Coast, you never fail to provide entertainment.  With the recent DnDdirect event hyped to the moon, WotC barely gets off the ground with their "amazing reveals." Ryan drools at the end of the news.  Hint: pleather.  After the cleanup, Tony Garcia swings by to talk his now-crowdfunded Dystopian Dawn Sci-Fi Fantasy RPG.   ----more---- #SparkleTroll Shirts Supporting Nerdcognito https://www.bonfire.com/sparkletroll-shirts-supporting-nerdcognito/ We don't shill products, accept money for reviews, and we hope that we provide you with a little bit of entertainment and fun every week in our corner of the hobby. Buy an overpriced shirt and help ensure the podcast lives on for another year. ----more---- The News: Microsoft, We Need to Talk Chrono Cross Art not Finalized Who's Ready for a "Batman" Return? ----more---- Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: The Red Room: https://moordereht.com/ Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each purchase at no additional cost to you!

The boys throw the format out the window this week!  RD and Bert begin by talking about the different methods and philosophies in the world of TTRPG character advancement.  Then the news gets disjointed, and the guys turn entire shorts into mini-segments!  Finally, the show gets back on track with a review of The Braunhaven Campaign Setting for Old School Essentials. ----more---- The News: Little Caesars, what have you done?!? Stop doing THAT-- Ghibli Japanese Strangeness Picard is GOOD.  Shaw is BETTER. ----more---- Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: The Red Room: https://moordereht.com/ Wanna be a Check Mark Hero: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=4L2CDFMX6QPTC Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each purchase at no additional cost to you!

Friend of the show Aaron aka Immortal Rising sits in for "the full hour!"  We get a preview and chat about his upcoming comic book; an insider peek at the Castlevania-meets-Final Fantasy extravaganza!  Immortal also gets to experience the news just before Bert and Ryan blow the dust off of the Lost Ruins of Arnak board game! Buy Arnak: https://amzn.to/3yZ1gug ----more---- The News: Aethermancer - upcoming turn based RPG "Peeps" No PC Death in TTRPGs?!? "The Smartest" film villains ----more---- Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: The Red Room: https://moordereht.com/ Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each purchase at no additional cost to you!

A benign week in the nerd-o-sphere brings a welcome lighthearted episode!  The boys open talking about premium accessories and pimping out your gaming experience.  After the news, the boys reminisce about some obscure, but well loved, video games that they would like to see make a comeback.  Here's to hoping the sky doesn't fall next week! The News: Picard S3 is... good Break! TTRPG "Hey Butt Head..." Star Wars Foot-In-Mouth You Need an Engineer to Put This Back Together! (Frosthaven) ----more---- Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Marriage of Dimethro: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/adventuredelivered/adventure-delivered-marriage-of-dimethro Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each purchase at no additional cost to you!

RD is losing his voice!  SparkleTrolls rejoice!  This week the guys talk about the abnormal situation that is ShadowDark -- from concept, to performance, to outrage.  Then, before the news, Ryan leaks that instead of a pledge drive, the "first edition" of the SparkleTroll T-shirt will debut!  After the news, the guys run down and review CMON's minis dungeon crawler, Massive Darkness 2! The News: Children of the Corn redux Wendy's Chili! Cthulhu Batman AI Art and Paizo's Headline Grab ----more---- Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Marriage of Dimethro: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/adventuredelivered/adventure-delivered-marriage-of-dimethro Buy Massive Darkness 2: https://amzn.to/3IXNBrT Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each purchase at no additional cost to you!

Bert is back just in time for a double shot of Wizards nonsense.  Hear what they (predictably) did to correct a lore issue with the D&D movie and listen to Kyle call a classic "problematic."  Then we dig into the news before talking about the most serious subject ever tackled in the gaming podcast world: snacks at the table.  Wipe those Cheeto fingers clean and enjoy! The News: New #1 Board Game in the "World!" Buy it here: https://amzn.to/3J3eVXa Solid RPG #BoardGames Roald Dahl Rewrite Update Blood Bowl or Toilet Bowl? ----more---- Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Marriage of Dimethro: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/adventuredelivered/adventure-delivered-marriage-of-dimethro Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each purchase at no additional cost to you!

The Red Room, Miguel and Silvia Ribeiro, give insight and their perspective to DriveThruRPG de-platforming the entirety of their work.  Hear from them, in their own words, their account of the events which took place and is threatening to destroy an independent publisher.  Plus, Erik Jensen sits in as co-host this week and is tortured with the news instead of Bert.  Lastly, Erik and RD talk about the state of their gaming tables and what may be down the road for adventurers and friends. The News: An Open License with the Word Irrevocable! Bing Chat AI Gets Scary Censoring Classics: Roald Dahl Rewritten Barry Allen, Not Portrayed by Them ----more---- Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Marriage of Dimethro: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/adventuredelivered/adventure-delivered-marriage-of-dimethro Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each purchase at no additional cost to you!

Happy VD!  Ew.  But seriously, what are some hidden nerd "loves" of the guys?  Find out some hidden nerd "loves" of the boys.  There are some deep geek reveals here!  After the news, it's the moment you've all been waiting for (yeah right).  Wizards just keeps doing stupid stuff, and King Kyle spouts racist bile which the boys will walk trough, so you don's have to! The News: RD is a neologist!  Thanks ChatGPT! Michael Keaton is back as Batman... again! Witcher 3 Hoo Haws ----more---- Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Humble Pathfinder: https://bit.ly/3l9MZqP Big Geek Emporium: https://www.biggeekemporium.com Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each purchase at no additional cost to you!

You read that title correctly!  The SparkleTrolls have quickly fallen back in step with Wizards... forgetting the atrocity that was the OGL "update" and even going so far as defending the action.  Other RPG Options litter the news since YOU SHOULD be finding something else to play.  Lastly, the boys finally got the hot Kickstarter "My Father's Work" to the board game table this week; they rundown and review this gem. ----more---- The News: Lots of Pathfinder for a Little Bit of Dough Check out the deal here: https://bit.ly/3l9MZqP Another "Dragon" TTRPG What's Your Sign? ----more---- Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Big Geek Emporium: https://www.biggeekemporium.com Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each purchase at no additional cost to you!

Wizards backpedals on the OGL, but why?  The guys update you and give their thoughts on WotC's walk back of the statements that destroyed their fanbase.  The news this week includes some long gone fat foods plus the standard fare.  After the news, Venger Satanis sits in to talk about the follow-up to his original "how to" guide: "Advanced Game Mastering Like a F**king Boss."  And Cha'alt.  Of course, Cha'alt. Venger's Kickstarter: https://tinyurl.com/5n8mnxps   ----more---- The News: RIP: Foods that Died in 2022 Hickory Dickory A Board Game on a Clock Sarah Michelle Gellar is Dreamy (but her new show sucks) T-1000: No Longer Movie Magic ----more---- Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Big Geek Emporium: http://www.biggeekemporium.com Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each purchase at no additional cost to you!