Roleplay Rescue

Roleplay Rescue is back! This podcast is about rediscovering your lost tabletop roleplaying game hobby. If you’re gamer who has wandered away from gaming, welcome to the community. I hope you’ll find something to help you get back to the table. If you’re an active gamer, someone who has played in the last 30 days, welcome to you too - perhaps you can support those of us who are struggling and share in our journey too. This episode, I want to do two things: I want to talk about the birth and genesis of Season 5. I also want to restate the purpose of our podcast. This is Season Five, Episode Zero.Rescue Theme Song and all incidental music by TJ Drennan: patreon.com/TJDNoom App: noom.comContact Details:Voice Message: anchor.fm/rpgrescue/messageEmail: [email protected]: patreon.com/rpgrescueMeWe Group: mewe.com/join/roleplayrescue (or search "Roleplay Rescue")Facebook Page: facebook.com/roleplayrescue (or search "Roleplay Rescue") Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Patrons voted to release the two Journals during the interregnum and this is the second of those. That said, it was a long, hard, and tiring week in the run up to last weekend. It ended on a high because we finally played the first session of my new campaign, Adventurer's of Palantia, with the Friday Night Gamers. There's some deep downers in the middle of the week, however, so brace yourselves.Big thanks to Larry Hamilton for resurrecting the Sleep Deprivation topic. Thanks also to Jason and ShandyAndy for lovely call-ins. Hope you enjoy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Patreon Patrons have spoken! Season 4 may have ended but I didn't stop journalling. I've been quickly editing my GM Journals together and sharing them with those amazing supporters of the podcast via patreon.com/rpgrescue ... and yesterday those guys voted for me to release this episode as a bonus. It's raw, rough, and very much under-polished. It's a week or so old too. Hey ho, let me know if you'd like to hear the rest. Contact Details:Voice Message: anchor.fm/rpgrescue/messageEmail: [email protected]: patreon.com/rpgrescue Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The final episode of Season 4 is here! Ten weeks of episodes comes to an end as I take a couple of weeks for a break. Inspired by Anchorite Arneson Appreciation Month, as encouraged by the amazing Ray Otus of Plundergrounds, I've mashed all my thoughts on the topic into one rambling ramble. Many thanks to everyone for your support this season and I hope you'll keep me favourited ready for Season 5. Game on!Contact Details:Voice Message: anchor.fm/rpgrescue/messageEmail: [email protected] Page: mewe.com/page/5c077833bce33a3fe7dd7f04 (or search "Roleplay Rescue")Facebook Page: facebook.com/roleplayrescue (or search "Roleplay Rescue")Patreon: patreon.com/rpgrescue Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This will be the last GM's Journal of Season 4. It's the penultimate episode of the series too, as I aim to release 420 next Saturday and then take a break until mid-October, when school breaks for two weeks holiday.This episode features the third instalment of call-ins regarding Sleep Deprivation. It also covers my descent into illness and is therefore not entirely positive. Still, there's plenty to chew over and I hope you'll be generous with your call-ins in response.Game on!Contact Details:Voice Message: anchor.fm/rpgrescue/messageEmail: [email protected] Page: mewe.com/page/5c077833bce33a3fe7dd7f04 (or search "Roleplay Rescue")Facebook Page: facebook.com/roleplayrescue (or search "Roleplay Rescue")Patreon: patreon.com/rpgrescue Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After what has been a really horrid week, I've sat down and recorded Part 2 of the Simple Dungeoneering mini-series I started last week. How can we keep things simple and yet also create an experience that satisfies for a solid evening of play? Hopefully there's something in there for everyone - lots of stellar call-ins, some half-lucid thoughts from me, and the odd moment of inspiration. Enjoy!Contact Details:Voice Message: anchor.fm/rpgrescue/messageEmail: [email protected] Page: mewe.com/page/5c077833bce33a3fe7dd7f04 (or search "Roleplay Rescue")Facebook Page: facebook.com/roleplayrescue (or search "Roleplay Rescue")Patreon: patreon.com/rpgrescue Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's Wednesday come early! A tighter episode focused on my attendance at The Owlbear and Wizard's Staff convention in Leamington Spa on the 21st September. This episide  contains all my usual GM Journal entries but then lurches into an audio journal of the day at OBaWS. If you just want the Owlbear stuff, that  starts at around 9 mins and 50 secs. Massive thanks to all the contributors. Captain Martinez's log entry performed by  GeekGirlBookWorm, Anjuli Clayden - especial thank you to her! Bonus and BIG thanks to the organisers at the show for allowing me to record my blitherings unsupervised. Game on!Contact Details:Voice Message: anchor.fm/rpgrescue/messageEmail: [email protected] Page: mewe.com/page/5c077833bce33a3fe7dd7f04 (or search "Roleplay Rescue")Facebook Page: facebook.com/roleplayrescue (or search "Roleplay Rescue")Patreon: patreon.com/rpgrescue Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does it take to set up, from scratch, a fantasy dungeon-based roleplaying campaign? Let’s see if we can get playing a simple fantasy adventure game. How can we keep things simple and yet also create an experience that satisfies for a solid evening of play. What’s the design process that we’d need to go through? I’d like to posit using a simple set of rules that I’ve been tinkering and experimenting with, on and off, since June. This episode is a bit different to my usual Saturday fare. I hope you find something useful within. Game on!Contact Details:Voice Message: anchor.fm/rpgrescue/messageEmail: [email protected] Page: mewe.com/page/5c077833bce33a3fe7dd7f04 (or search "Roleplay Rescue")Facebook Page: facebook.com/roleplayrescue (or search "Roleplay Rescue")Patreon: patreon.com/rpgrescue Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Further call-ins on the question of sleep deprivation - some classic stuff! My week laid bare once again, the harried GM who seems to have had plenty to smile about in spite of the intensity of work. Many thanks to all the callers and to you, the listener, for tuning in. Game on!Contact Details:Voice Message: anchor.fm/rpgrescue/messageEmail: [email protected] Page: mewe.com/page/5c077833bce33a3fe7dd7f04 (or search "Roleplay Rescue")Facebook Page: facebook.com/roleplayrescue (or search "Roleplay Rescue")Patreon: patreon.com/rpgrescue Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From the very beginning I have been trying to persuade people to start playing. Whether you are a lapsed gamer who has started to miss the good times you used to enjoy with roleplaying games, or if you are a total novice who’s simply curious, or even if you are an old Grognard who’s not currently playing - spending more time reading and thinking than actually doing - I think that inertia is the greatest challenge you face. This episode bubbled up one evening and demanded me to record it. In hindsight, I'm just hoping it rings true to someone else. Game on!Contact Details:Voice Message: anchor.fm/rpgrescue/messageEmail: [email protected] Page: mewe.com/page/5c077833bce33a3fe7dd7f04 (or search "Roleplay Rescue")Facebook Page: facebook.com/roleplayrescue (or search "Roleplay Rescue")Patreon: patreon.com/rpgrescue Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last week's episode seems to have provoked quite a few comments on the topic of sleep deprivation in RPGs. I received something like 15 call-ins across the week, many of them on this topic alone. Thus, I've drawn the threads on sleep deprivation into a separate section - and I invite further comment if you're interested - and then run the rest of the Journal as usual, interspersed with call-ins from various listeners.Big thank you to everyone who called in! You guys make the podcast so much richer for sharing your ideas and responses. Game on!Contact Details:Voice Message: anchor.fm/rpgrescue/messageEmail: [email protected] Page: mewe.com/page/5c077833bce33a3fe7dd7f04 (or search "Roleplay Rescue")Facebook Page: facebook.com/roleplayrescue (or search "Roleplay Rescue")Patreon: patreon.com/rpgrescue Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Colin Green is the voice behind Spikepit, an OSR Anchorite podcast which many would say lies at the heart of a lively network and community. Colin’s show features call-ins from across the spectrum of gamers and champions forthright consideration of a range of useful ideas. He is as likely to ask a question from the community as he is to give a personal view, a trait which earns him deep affection from a strong base of listeners. This week, we hopped online and had a throughly engaging chat. We couldn’t settle on a specific theme before the interview but, as it unfolded, there definitely seems to be a thread that binds the thoughts together. See if you can figure out what that thread might be...Spikepit Podcast: anchor.fm/spikepitContact Details:Voice Message: anchor.fm/rpgrescue/messageEmail: [email protected] Page: mewe.com/page/5c077833bce33a3fe7dd7f04 (or search "Roleplay Rescue")Facebook Page: facebook.com/roleplayrescue (or search "Roleplay Rescue")Patreon: patreon.com/rpgrescue Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's time for another rambling collection of my personal Game Master Journal entries. What makes the episode are the call-ins from Jason and Free Thrall - thanks, chaps! Hope you find something of interest in among the ups and downs of my week. One word of warning: it is, as ever, a raw and largely unedited mash of audio burblings. Make of it what you will!Contact Details:Voice Message: anchor.fm/rpgrescue/messageEmail: [email protected] Page: mewe.com/page/5c077833bce33a3fe7dd7f04 (or search "Roleplay Rescue")Facebook Page: facebook.com/roleplayrescue (or search "Roleplay Rescue")Patreon: patreon.com/rpgrescue Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Following on from "Delving Deeper Solo", I got a bunch of call-ins and a set of very specific questions from Frank T. In response, the only reasonable thing to do was to record a follow-up episode. This week, I delve into the Mythic Roleplaying rulebook and do a review of the stuff you'll find inside. You also get my candid thoughts on various elements and why most people will probably prefer to grab the Mythic GM Emulator instead. I hope you find it useful!Here’s a link to the Word Mill Games bit on DriveThru: drivethrurpg.com/browse/pub/480/Word-MillContact Details:Voice Message: anchor.fm/rpgrescue/messageEmail: [email protected] Page: mewe.com/page/5c077833bce33a3fe7dd7f04 (or search "Roleplay Rescue")Facebook Page: facebook.com/roleplayrescue (or search "Roleplay Rescue")Patreon: patreon.com/rpgrescue Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A month ago, I hopped onto MeWe and asked Gabriel Roark if he'd be up for organising another interview to discuss the ten things we'd import from Arduin into our own campaigns. Gabriel is someone who plays in Arduin and is seeking to rediscover the realm created by the legendary David Hargrave. We had a two-hour chat using Anchor and, unfortunately, the recording was a) patchy, and b) cut off too early, mid-sentence.Nonetheless, the conversation was highly productive for me and I wanted to share it. After 6 hours of editing, here it is - the monstrous (but edited) 1.5 hour long chat with Gabriel. I hope someone out there finds it half as useful as I did!Game on! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Having spent most of the week away on holiday with Deb, this episode is cut down in length from recent efforts. Some great call-ins and a big moment in the Roleplay Rescue story. I also wax thoughtful about wilderness adventuring and share a bit of what I've been doing in prep for the forthcoming fantasy campaign. Enjoy!Contact Details:Voice Message: anchor.fm/rpgrescue/messageEmail: [email protected] Page: mewe.com/page/5c077833bce33a3fe7dd7f04 (or search "Roleplay Rescue")Facebook Page: facebook.com/roleplayrescue (or search "Roleplay Rescue")Patreon: patreon.com/rpgrescue Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Over the months since I released "Getting Started Solo" (Ep204), I've been getting questions about it and the most repeated request has been for a worked example. I guess that by “worked example” people mean me sitting down and recording myself running a solo session while talking you guys through what I’m doing. Honestly, I’ve not been too sure how best to approach this but today I’m going to start what I rather suspect will end up being a series of episodes on gaming alone. Here's hoping it proves useful.Contact Details:Voice Message: anchor.fm/rpgrescue/messageEmail: [email protected] Page: mewe.com/page/5c077833bce33a3fe7dd7f04 (or search "Roleplay Rescue")Facebook Page: facebook.com/roleplayrescue (or search "Roleplay Rescue")Patreon: patreon.com/rpgrescue Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With around 15 minutes of call-ins and replies, this episode has grown much longer than I expected. There's a ropey section in the middle, and which I almost cut, where I was recording myself developing some solo play ideas using the Story Forge deck. Left it in because I am trying to resist the self-editing, highly-judgemental part of my personality so that my subconsciousness feels less inhibited. More lucid thoughts later in the episode, I felt. Nonetheless, here it is... warts 'n' all. Game on!Solo Reports on my blog start here: Toward Further Solo AdventuringContact Details:Voice Message: anchor.fm/rpgrescue/messageEmail: [email protected] Page: mewe.com/page/5c077833bce33a3fe7dd7f04 (or search "Roleplay Rescue")Facebook Page: facebook.com/roleplayrescue (or search "Roleplay Rescue")Patreon: patreon.com/rpgrescue Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode was totally inspired by a call-in from the mighty Pure Mongrel this morning. Picture the scene: You wake up at 4.45am, get yourself a cuppa, and then you notice that there’s a message from one of your Patrons. And, wow, it’s a doozy of a message. This started out as a recorded reply but I ditched that pretty quickly as the whole thing escalated. I hope that the episode is more than a reply and more of a general take on the big question of how to set expectations at the table. Enjoy!Contact Details:Voice Message: anchor.fm/rpgrescue/messageEmail: [email protected] Page: mewe.com/page/5c077833bce33a3fe7dd7f04 (or search "Roleplay Rescue")Facebook Page: facebook.com/roleplayrescue (or search "Roleplay Rescue")Patreon: patreon.com/rpgrescue Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Here's another Journal episode! Complaints about the noise have led to a re-editing of the opening theme. There's a bucket load of call-ins from the coolest listeners anyone could have, as well as a bundle of journal entries largely recorded while I visited my parent's home in Norwich. As ever, I hope it has something of interest to you and thanks again for taking the time to listen. Game on!Contact Details:Voice Message: anchor.fm/rpgrescue/messageEmail: [email protected] Page: mewe.com/page/5c077833bce33a3fe7dd7f04 (or search "Roleplay Rescue")Facebook Page: facebook.com/roleplayrescue (or search "Roleplay Rescue")Patreon: patreon.com/rpgrescue Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A few weeks ago, I started listening to Dave's dpercentile podcast - albeit I was VERY late to the party - and in episode 3, he spoke about the value of GMs using random table to prep. Inspired by this episode, I contacted Dave and arranged to chat more about this topic and explore the value of random tables for the returning gamer. Although there were technical problems, we managed to have a fascinating conversation that I couldn't resist sharing with you all. Enjoy!Contact Details:Voice Message: anchor.fm/rpgrescue/messageEmail: [email protected] Page: mewe.com/page/5c077833bce33a3fe7dd7f04 (or search "Roleplay Rescue")Facebook Page: facebook.com/roleplayrescue (or search "Roleplay Rescue")Patreon: patreon.com/rpgrescue Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's that time of the week when I release the mumbled Journal logs from the week before. With call-ins from Tim Shorts of Gothridge Manor and the enigmatic RFED, this is a generally upbeat and active episode. As ever, it's recorded here and there on my iPhone, all of it is off-the-cuff, and it's pretty candid stuff. Listen at your peril! Game on!Contact Details:Voice Message: anchor.fm/rpgrescue/messageEmail: [email protected] Page: mewe.com/page/5c077833bce33a3fe7dd7f04 (or search "Roleplay Rescue")Facebook Page: facebook.com/roleplayrescue (or search "Roleplay Rescue")Patreon: patreon.com/rpgrescue Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Here's the first Saturday release episode of the 4th Season! Hear me ramble on about what I've learned over the past 6 months, ever since the release of the original, "Curse of The Flaky GM" episode in late January. This one's a tour of the key learning points along the way. I also touch on how much the podcast has influenced my thought and why your support means the world to me. Here goes for another Season of Roleplay Rescue! Contact Details:Voice Message: anchor.fm/rpgrescue/messageEmail: [email protected] Page: mewe.com/page/5c077833bce33a3fe7dd7f04 (or search "Roleplay Rescue")Facebook Page: facebook.com/roleplayrescue (or search "Roleplay Rescue")Patreon: patreon.com/rpgrescue Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

First of the Season 4 entries to the Game Master's Journal. This one has some upbeat moments but there is a dark ending that I am not so proud of... I really allowed my irritation and moodiness to get the better of me this week. Sorry about that. Still, you did want the warts and all, right? Game on!Voice Message: anchor.fm/rpgrescue/messageEmail: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is a catch-up bonus for those who enjoy the GM's Journal and missed the episodes I released to Patrons during the weeks between Season 3 and Season 4. This one's an excellent demonstration of how flaky I can be as a GM. I threw in the call-ins I'd received too - thank you to everyone who did that - but as this is a rush job, I didn't get a chance to respond on air. Suffice it to say the calls were much appreciated and speak for themselves.Voice Message: anchor.fm/rpgrescue/messageEmail: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is a catch-up bonus for those who enjoy the GM's Journal and missed the episodes I released to Patrons during the weeks between Season 3 and Season 4. If you're following the Journal, this one's important because it brings you through some of the largest moments of my roleplaying experience in recent years. Hopefully you'll enjoy it!Voice Message: anchor.fm/rpgrescue/messageEmail: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Well, the summer holiday break from school has arrived and I have decided to get back behind the mic - despite the 35C temperatures that have left me totally sleep-deprived for two days!This is a warm-up trailer in which I re-introduce the show to new listeners, outline some small changes to the show format, lay out the rough plan for Season Four, and thank the three newest Patrons! Show Contact Details:Voice Message: anchor.fm/rpgrescue/messageEmail: [email protected] Page: mewe.com/page/5c077833bce33a3fe7dd7f04 (or search "Roleplay Rescue")Facebook Page: facebook.com/roleplayrescue (or search "Roleplay Rescue")Patreon: patreon.com/rpgrescue Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today I want to take a look at the stories we tell ourselves and the dialogue we have with others. I want to explore whether its possible to overcome the general sense that I frequently have of being just a little bit crap at gaming. To help, we’re going to take a dive into the psychology of experience and see how many points we can pick up. In this final episode of Season 3 we're going off on one about positive psychology!Show Contact Details:Voice Message Me: anchor.fm/rpgrescue/messageEmail Me: [email protected] Page: mewe.com/page/5c077833bce33a3fe7dd7f04 (or search "Roleplay Rescue")Facebook Page: facebook.com/roleplayrescue/ (or search "Roleplay Rescue")Patreon: patreon.com/rpgrescueRoleplay Rescue Quicklink: rpgrescue.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello and welcome to this Roleplay Rescue special bonus episode on the topic of gaming with teenagers. This episode is brought to you by the generous support of the Roleplay Rescue Patrons over on Patreon.com/rpgrescue. We recently hit another Patreon goal and this bonus episode is being made by way of a thank you. It’s very much a conversation aimed at adults, so I’d like to apologise up front to any actual young adults listening to the podcast whom I accidentally end up offending.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Following the first official complaint, I've decided this is to be the last GM's Journal for a while. I've compiled this week's ramblings as usual but, well... you know the drill. It's raw, rough, and all pretty much a mess of random thoughts. Enjoy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I don’t know why I keep collecting RPGs but I think it’s probably something that most gamers indulge in. Even if you’re not gaming, owning and reading gorgeous books is a big part of the hobby. Other than Dungeons & Dragons, what other great adventure games should we consider playing? In Season 2, I did an episode asking that same question and shared my thoughts on five games that have had a big impact on me over the last 35 or so years. As that went down quite well, I’ve decided to share my thoughts on three more games that I believe are very much worthy of your attention.Useful Links:Game #1: chaosium.com/basic-roleplaying/Game #2: trolllord.com/tlgstore/#!/Amazing-Adventures/c/11639154/Game #3: necroticgnome.com/collections/old-school-essentialsShow Contact Details:Voice Message Me: anchor.fm/rpgrescue/messageEmail Me: [email protected] Page: mewe.com/page/5c077833bce33a3fe7dd7f04 (or search "Roleplay Rescue")Facebook Page: facebook.com/roleplayrescue/ (or search "Roleplay Rescue")Patreon: patreon.com/rpgrescueRoleplay Rescue Quicklink: rpgrescue.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Another mash-up of personal Gamemastering journal entries and awesome call-ins from across the community. This has been one of the hardest weeks of the year so far but also one in which I think I got the most gaming. As ever, it's raw and rough stuff so you have been warned!If you want to read the solo game report from Sunday, find it here: ubiquitousrat.net/?p=5047 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s episode builds on my earlier discussions about building a dungeon adventure and generally about getting started as a GM. To keep things simple, I’m going to assume we are building a fantasy roleplaying experience - largely because that’s the most popular genre out there. Along the way, I hope to begin to touch on how building a sandbox goes a long way towards pulling together all the theory on game structures and how to make life easy as a GM long-term.Useful Links:Alexander Macris, “Arbiter of Worlds”: amazon.co.uk/Arbiter-Worlds-Gamemasters-Alexander-MacrisThe Angry GM, "Game Angry": theangrygm.com/gameangryD&D 1983 Expert Set: drivethrurpg.com/product/116581/Dungeons--Dragons-Expert-Set-Rulebook-BECMI-ed-BasicOld-School Essentials by Necrotic Gnome: necroticgnome.com/collections/old-school-essentialsTim Shorts of Gothridge Manor: gothridgemanor.com Show Contact Details:Voice Message Me: anchor.fm/rpgrescue/messageEmail Me: [email protected] Page: mewe.com/page/5c077833bce33a3fe7dd7f04 (or search "Roleplay Rescue")Facebook Page: facebook.com/roleplayrescue/ (or search "Roleplay Rescue")Patreon: patreon.com/rpgrescueRoleplay Rescue Quicklink: rpgrescue.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Witterings, call-ins and replies, and more ramblings from my addled GM brain. As ever, it's another selection of audio journal entries from my own gaming experience. Listen at your peril! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I talked about Savage Worlds back in Season 2, Episode 6 when I spoke about Five Games that I’d recommend everyone at least take a good look at. With my recent focus on creating a multi-genre campaign, something which I believe Savage Worlds would excel at delivering, I decided to talk to someone whose been not just using the game but also writing for it.Frank Turfler been playing tabletop RPGs for at least 35 years and is the voice behind Frank T’s Liner Notes, an Anchor podcast in which he shares what he’s up to with Print and Paste Tabletop Terrain, Techniques, Theory, and other things Tabletop RPG related. Frank creates modular tile-sets that can be printed and assembled in just about any configuration to match the encounter you need, and he releases these through his Patreon. Frank also offers his work through DriveThruRPG under the Middle Kingdoms Adventure & Trading Company. A percentage of all proceeds from his titles goes to the Phoenix Children's Hospital Foundation, which has care centers all across Arizona, USA. Useful Links:Frank T's Liner Notes: anchor.fm/FrankTFrank T's Patreon: patreon.com/FrankTSavage Worlds: peginc.com/product-category/savage-worlds Show Contact Details:Voice Message Me: anchor.fm/rpgrescue/messageEmail Me: [email protected] Page: mewe.com/page/5c077833bce33a3fe7dd7f04 (or search "Roleplay Rescue")Facebook Page: facebook.com/roleplayrescue/ (or search "Roleplay Rescue")Patreon: patreon.com/rpgrescueRoleplay Rescue Quicklink: rpgrescue.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is the second instalment of GM's Journal this week in which I dribble on about Arcana Gravitas, get a couple more call-ins, and then begin to work out how to get started with writing that genre-bending multi-setting campaign idea. Following advice from Evil Jeff, I figure out which generic and universal roleplaying game I'd like to use and set to. There's even a little bit of self-play going on... if that doesn't sound too dodgy.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This one's a bonus bonus episode, so to speak. I rambled on quite a bit over the past few days and was afraid that the next Journal would end up being too long. Given that I was racking up a few good call-ins too, I decided to throw together the next instalment of the Journal early. With luck, you'll enjoy the content and I'll still have enough for a regular episode later in the week too. Game on!  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Season 1 we explored two major game structures that have stood the test of time: the Dungeoncrawl and the Hexcrawl. Ever since the release of The Chaosium’s “Call of Cthulhu” roleplaying game in 1981, there entered a third major game structure into the annuls of RPG play. Today, I want to have a look at this third structure and outline how you can incorporate Mystery into your games. Useful Links:The Call of Cthulhu RPG: chaosium.com/call-of-cthulhu-rpgThe Alexandrian Gamemastery 101 series: thealexandrian.net/gamemastery-101Look for "The Three Clue Rule" + "Don't Prep Plots" + "Node-Based Scenario Design".The Angry GM's, "Game Angry": theangrygm.com/gameangry Show Contact Details:Voice Message Me: anchor.fm/rpgrescue/messageEmail Me: [email protected] Page: mewe.com/page/5c077833bce33a3fe7dd7f04 (or search "Roleplay Rescue")Facebook Page: facebook.com/roleplayrescue/ (or search "Roleplay Rescue")Patreon: patreon.com/rpgrescueRoleplay Rescue Quicklink: rpgrescue.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What a turbulent week! Full of challenges and essentially draining both mine and my wife's energy. I don't know how I've made it but here I am. Still breathing and very grateful for the journey. Not sure what you'll make of my sparse journal entries this week but maybe there's something of value hidden in there. As always, bear in mind this is raw and stitched together quick clips from throughout my week rather than a polished episode. Game on!  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I am stepping off into the wilds. I am going to talk about the game that I really want to run and I am going to invite you to do the same. This episode is filled with contentious statements and provocative claims. Take it as you like. Even I’m not sure how serious I am about doing this, but I am keen to share the idea. There’s a game that I REALLY want to run. It’s not something that everyone else around me necessarily wants me to run. It’s the game that I want. The world that excites me. That makes me want to get out of bed and start writing. Do you want to know more? Show Contact Details:Voice Message Me: anchor.fm/rpgrescue/messageEmail Me: [email protected] Page: mewe.com/page/5c077833bce33a3fe7dd7f04 (or search "Roleplay Rescue")Facebook Page: facebook.com/roleplayrescue/ (or search "Roleplay Rescue")Patreon: patreon.com/rpgrescueRoleplay Rescue Quicklink: rpgrescue.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode was largely recorded during the school break when I was off work for a week. It's a mash-up of two elements: the usual ups and downs of my own life as a GM plus a whole bunch of lovely call-ins from listeners who had something to say about losing momentum, the last episode's key moment. There are some heart-felt replies to my question as to whether I am alone in this problem. Clearly, I am not. Thank you to everyone who called in and shared their own perspective on the question of maintaining positive momentum! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Janet Forbes is the Director of World Anvil, a purveyor of world-building advice, a singer, writer of novels and worshipper of cats. Based in London, England, Janet and her husband Dimitris lead a small team in the development of an online set of tools specifically designed for world-building. She is the face of World Anvil on Youtube where she presents an excellent series of tutorials and advice on, you guessed it, building worlds.Check out World Anvil: worldanvil.com Show Contact Details:Voice Message Me: anchor.fm/rpgrescue/messageEmail Me: [email protected] Page: mewe.com/page/5c077833bce33a3fe7dd7f04 (or search "Roleplay Rescue")Facebook Page: facebook.com/roleplayrescue/ (or search "Roleplay Rescue")Patreon: patreon.com/rpgrescueRoleplay Rescue Quicklink: rpgrescue.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Another week of random thoughts from my GM's Journal. The main topic is momentum and how to lose it. There's also an unboxing in there plus a wonderful surprise from a Roleplay Rescue supporter. Lots to ponder... as long as you don't mind the raw, rambling peek into my inner life as a gamer. Enjoy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Do you remember when Frank T called in and asked me about my choice of system for our fantasy roleplaying game? Frank’s getting his wish today because I wanted to respond to the question and didn’t feel like I could do it justice in just a short reply. Thus, I’ve decided to sit down with a few notes and share my thoughts on why I chose Castles & Crusades for my new fantasy adventure campaign.Useful Links:Troll Lord Games: trolllord.comTLG Online Store: www.trolllord.com/tlgstore/#!/Castles-&-Crusades/Show Contact Details:Roleplay Rescue Quicklink: rpgrescue.comEmail Me: [email protected] Page: mewe.com/page/5c077833bce33a3fe7dd7f04 (or search "Roleplay Rescue")Facebook Page: facebook.com/roleplayrescue/ (or search "Roleplay Rescue")Patreon: patreon.com/rpgrescue Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Another instalment of my dronings about Gamemastering a roleplaying campaign. Good news with the teenaged gaming group, not so much with the adults. As ever, this is a laid-bare peek behind the GM's screen and not for the faint-hearted. Enter at your peril!  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Whatever your rules system, there are two other big elements that you’ll want to create as you get started with your game. The first of those is the world. The second of those are the game structures that you want to employ. As a beginning Dungeon Master, I’d recommend keeping things simple. This episode is about creating a short adventure in a lightly sketched world using the Dungeoncrawl game structure. It's also an episode in which I ditch the script and record off the cuff. Hope it's not too awful.Useful Link:The Unscripted Dungeon Map on UbiquitousRat.net: ubiquitousrat.net/?p=5030Show Contact Details:Roleplay Rescue Quicklink: rpgrescue.comEmail Me: [email protected] Page: mewe.com/page/5c077833bce33a3fe7dd7f04 (or search "Roleplay Rescue")Facebook Page: facebook.com/roleplayrescue/ (or search "Roleplay Rescue")Patreon: patreon.com/rpgrescue Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

GM's Journal becomes a regular fixture at Roleplay Rescue with our first scheduled Wednesday release. This episode sees me focused on preparing for the new fantasy roleplaying campaign that the Friday Night Gamers have asked for. Along the way we visit antics at the school club and hear an update on Saturday night online gaming. As ever, it's a candid peek behind the GM's screen which assembles my audio notes into a rough edit. There's the odd naughty word and there are spoilers for players in my campaigns... you have been warned! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I wanted to create more episodes that explore other well-known roleplaying game systems. To do this, I decided it’d be a good idea to talk to people who already enjoy those games. Today’s episode is the first of these in which the brief was to create a Dungeon World 101.Yochai Gal is an avid fan of the Dungeon World roleplaying game who hails from Massachusetts, USA. He maintains the Dungeon World Syllabus, a repository of links useful to anyone who wants to get into the game, and is highly active in the Reddit community. Yochai published a Beta of this Dungeon World hack, “One Shot World”, via DriveThruRPG in January. He’s here today to talk about the Dungeon World RPG and why we should consider getting into it.Useful Links:Dungeon World Syllabus: docs.google.com/document/d/1ORjM3sxhQrwNI_chlNzYFMD5OFHj7u-Rs_gY4kHkzO0A 16 Hit Point Dragon: latorra.org/2012/05/15/a-16-hp-dragon/Dungeon World Guide: drive.google.com/file/d/0BzeF5GXNEsnfUjU0NXRDM1dFN1kDungeon World Website: dungeon-world.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Here's the latest Journal in which I burble on about deciding what to do with the Friday Night Roleplayers. A decision is made.  As usual, this episode features my audio notes recorded here and there. Assembled into a rough  edit, these notes form a journal and let you take a peek behind the GM’s screen. But be warned: there are spoilers aplenty for anyone who plays at any of my gaming sessions. It’s a pretty candid and messy  snapshot of my inner life as a gamer - you have been warned!  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Over recent weeks, there have been a few people in the Anchorite OSR community talking about the current edition of Dungeons & Dragons. As someone who got involved playing the Fifth Edition right from the days of the D&D Next Playtest, I feel it’s high-time we gave the game some serious consideration. This episode I want to ask: What’s wrong with 5e? Why not just play the world’s most popular roleplaying game?Useful links:D&D5e Basic Rules: dnd.wizards.com/articles/features/basicrulesShow Contact Details:Roleplay Rescue Quicklink: rpgrescue.comEmail Me: [email protected] Page: mewe.com/page/5c077833bce33a3fe7dd7f04 (or search "Roleplay Rescue")Facebook Page: facebook.com/roleplayrescue/ (or search "Roleplay Rescue")Patreon: patreon.com/rpgrescue Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.