Postcards from the Dungeon

Episode One Hundred Nine – Post Fear the Con 6 Wrap-up

steve@pftdcast.com — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 14:00:02 +0000

Jeb, Mikey, and Steve discuss Fear the Con 6, what games they ran and played and their general impression of the sixth incarnation of the St. Louis gaming convention hosted by the Fear the Boot podcast. Resources and References Convention: Fear the Con 6 Recipe: Bourbon and Orange Pecan Pie Website: Meramec Caverns RPG: GURPS [...]

Special Announcement: Fear the Mini Con East and the RPG Podcast Listener Survey

steve@pftdcast.com — Sun, 16 Jun 2013 19:12:39 +0000

Steve makes two special announcements for the listeners of Postcards from the Dungeon. First, Sgt. Dan is organizing a one day convention at the “Game Theory” game store in Raleigh, NC on August 10th. The cost is only $10 to help defray costs; both the address and a link to the convention planner site is [...]

Episode One Hundred Eight – Gaming and the Aging Gamer

steve@pftdcast.com — Mon, 27 May 2013 16:46:26 +0000

Jeb and Steve discuss how aging in the RPG hobby has changed their perspectives and preferences, on play styles, character story arc’s, and the truth behind most nastolgia driven games. Resources and References Charity: Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Web: Ten Day Art Challenge (example) RPG: Star Frontiers RPG: GURPS – Generic Universal Role Play System [...]

Episode One Hundred Seven – Adventure Maximus!

steve@pftdcast.com — Thu, 09 May 2013 04:31:39 +0000

Steve interviews Francis James Hogan about his new Kickstarter project, “Adventure Maximus!” A roleplaying game for kids, where they can both run and play the adventures, themselves! The game uses a very clever “What, Where, When” card system to generate the adventures, and children as young as eight years old have run the game for [...]

Episode One Hundred Six – Oz the Morally Complex

steve@pftdcast.com — Sun, 05 May 2013 17:30:15 +0000

Jeb and Steve discuss “Oz the Great and Powerful,” the almost-prequel to the 1939 classic. The movie helps reveal some common GM’ing mistakes, and also provides some nice tropes for adding the feel of a magical, faerie-like land to a game setting. Resources and References YouTube: Jeb’s “52 Weeks, 52 Tricks” Movie: Oz the Great [...]

Episode One Hundred Five – Go Forth and Seek Books

steve@pftdcast.com — Sun, 21 Apr 2013 20:53:19 +0000

Steve speaks with Brad, the owner of a local used book store specializing in genre fiction. They discuss the changing book marketplace and what role the independent community book store has. Seek Books Specializing in pre-1975 science fiction 1747 Centre Street, West Roxbury, MA, 02132 617.327.SEEK (7335) Resources and References Web Store: Seek Books Facebook: [...]

Episode One Hundred Four – Reality TV and Hyper-Reality RPG

steve@pftdcast.com — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 05:17:13 +0000

Tim and Steve discuss Tim’s new Kickstarter campaign to bring Hyper-Reality to print. They talk about the history and appeal of reality TV shows, and how Hyper-Reality brings those aspects to a quick, fun, fast to learn RPG. The Hyper-Reality Kickstarter project expires on Sunday Apr 14 at 10:00pm EDT – so check it out [...]

Episode One Hundred Three – Running Games at Fear the Con 6

steve@pftdcast.com — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 16:00:57 +0000

In which Jeb, Mikey, and Steve discuss the games they are running at Fear the Con 6; Steve admits that despite promises, one year ago to the contrary, he still hasn’t prepped a game for FtC6; and they offer suggestions on how to prep and run games for a convention. Resources and References Con: Fear [...]

Episode One Hundred Two – Kickstarter and Being a Producer

steve@pftdcast.com — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 17:20:42 +0000

Mikey and Steve discuss the work, software, and technique that went into creating, recording, and mastering his Barbarian Jetpack album. Then they discuss the policy changes at Kickstarter, and both express their opinions about what Kickstarter is and is not. The phrase “caveat emptor” comes up. Then they go on to discuss how Kickstarter has [...]

Episode One Hundred One – The GM’s Real-World Reference, Follow-up

steve@pftdcast.com — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 04:38:00 +0000

Follow-up interview with Tristan and Joel of “The GM’s Real-World Reference.” Steve asks questions about how the project (a successful kickstarter discussed in episode 87) went and what the kickstarter process is like. Resources and References Kickstarter: The GM’s Real-World Reference DriveThruRPG: The GM’s Real-World Reference Kicktraq: The GM’s Real-World Reference PftDCast: Episode Eighty-Seven – [...]

Episode One Hundred – In Defense of the Munchkin

steve@pftdcast.com — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 13:13:46 +0000

In which Jeb, Mikey, and Steve hear from Peter, a GM and Player in one of Steve’s game groups, responding to our episode “Munchkin Grousing.” Peter makes a passionate defense for optimized characters, and suggests ways that GM’s can work with power-gamers or reel them in, when absolutely necessary. Resources and References Podcast: PftDCast Episode [...]

Episode Ninety-Nine – Review The Hobbit

steve@pftdcast.com — Sun, 10 Feb 2013 07:21:07 +0000

Jeb and Steve discuss the new movie from Peter Jackson, The Hobbit. Finally they relate the movie to table-top RPG’s and note some do’s and don’ts for GM’s trying to run Tolkien inspired fantasy campaigns. Correction, near the end Steve mentions the “magical dwarven weave” but actually means the “magical Elven weave” – very different! [...]

Episode Ninety-Eight – AlcheMonster, Post Kickstarter Follow-up

steve@pftdcast.com — Mon, 21 Jan 2013 01:00:38 +0000

Steve interviews Isaac about his successful Kickstarter campaign for AlcheMonster. They discuss how the campaign went, what lessons were learned, what Isaac would advise others that may be interested in using Kickstarter to fund their project, and finally, what plans he has for AlcheMonster. Resources and References RPG: AlcheMonster – Web Site RPG: AlcheMonster – [...]

Episode Ninety-Seven – Gallimaufry V

steve@pftdcast.com — Sun, 06 Jan 2013 22:04:40 +0000

Jeb, Mikey and Steve discuss a gallimaufry of topics. Jeb talks about the D&D 1st edition game he started with his family, including his wife, on a rainy afternoon in Ohio. They go on to lose Steve because his Internet connection flaked out, but they made up for it by describing the heroic Dental Cleric [...]

Episode Ninety-Six – Skyfall

steve@pftdcast.com — Mon, 10 Dec 2012 16:41:01 +0000

In which Jeb, Mikey, and Steve announce their “Postcards from the Dungeon Contest” semi-finalist pick, and then discuss the latest James Bond movie: Skyfall. Resources and References Movie: Skyfall (2012) Movie: Casino Royale (2006) Movie: Quantum of Solace (2008) RPG: James Bond 007: Role-Playing In Her Majesty’s Secret Service (by Victory Games)

Episode Ninety-Five – Reclamation

steve@pftdcast.com — Mon, 03 Dec 2012 05:33:42 +0000

In which Jeb interviews Chris Griesinger (whom he met at Pandoracon) about “Reclamation: Post-Apocalyptic Horror RPG” a successfully funded Kickstarter project that is now available through DriveThruRPG. Resources and References Convention: Pandoracon KS: Reclamation: Post-Apocalyptic Horror RPG RPG: Architect Games RPG: DriveThruRPG – Reclamation

Episode Ninety-Four – AlcheMonster

steve@pftdcast.com — Mon, 12 Nov 2012 00:17:21 +0000

Steve discusses the new RPG AlcheMonster with author Isaac Crutchfield, in preparation for his modest Kickstarter project. Resources and References KS: AlcheMonster RPG: Dresden Files YouTube: Isaac’s Channel VG: Custom Robo RPG: GURPS Website: Warehouse88 RPG: AlcheMonster Website Blog: AlcheMonster Blog

Episode Ninety-Three – Magicians: The Language RPG

steve@pftdcast.com — Wed, 31 Oct 2012 14:58:20 +0000

In which Steve interviews Kyle Simons about his new RPG “Magicians: The Language RPG” – a game in which the players learn to speak Korean, and that language skill empowers their characters spell casting! Also, “Games 4 Troops” is holding an auction of classic games to raise money for The Blue Star Mothers’ Freedom Box [...]

Episode Ninety-Two – Munchkin Grousing

steve@pftdcast.com — Mon, 22 Oct 2012 14:09:13 +0000

In which Jeb, Mikey, and Steve grouse, grumble, and gripe about the effect munchkins can have on a campaign. And, we tell a couple of gaming stories! Resources and References RPG: GURPS RPG: Basic Action Super Hero (BASH!) RPG: Everway RPG: Champions

Episode Ninety-One – Structures, Acts and Snowflakes

steve@pftdcast.com — Mon, 01 Oct 2012 15:51:33 +0000

Jeb, Mikey, and Steve discuss story structure, the 3/5/7/(n-1) act play structure, and finally discuss “The Snowflake Method.” Resources and References Website: The Snowflake Method Wikipedia: Three Act Structure Movie: Star Wars (1977) Website Graffiti of Pompeii Website: What’s wrong With The Three Act Structure Books: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone Books: A Game [...]

Episode Ninety – Achtung! Cthulhu

steve@pftdcast.com — Mon, 24 Sep 2012 14:16:19 +0000

Steve discusses the new setting book Achtung! Cthulhu with Chris Birch. Resources and References RPG: Starblazer Adventures RPG: Legends of Anglerre RPG: Achtung! Cthulhu Facebook: Modiphius RPG: Savage Worlds RPG: Call of Cthulhu RPG: PDQ – Prose Descriptive Qualities RPG: Trail of Cthulhu RPG: Realms of Cthulhu Wikipedia: Evacuation of Dunkirk Podcast: Fear the Boot [...]

Episode Eighty Nine – The Dark Knight Rises

steve@pftdcast.com — Mon, 10 Sep 2012 14:36:43 +0000

Jeb, Mikey and Steve discuss the third installment of Christopher Nolan’s Batman movie trilogy, The Dark Knight Rises, and then try to find a way to relate it back to table-top RPG’s with mixed results. By the way, Mikey’s album “Barbarian Jetpack” is further along now then when we recorded this episode. Resources and References [...]

Announcement: A Postcard from the Dungeon Contest

steve@pftdcast.com — Mon, 10 Sep 2012 14:03:19 +0000

Steve announces our participation in the A Postcard from the Dungeon multi-podcast contest. Then wraps up with an out-take from ep. 89, for fun! Resources and References Contest: A Postcard from the Dungeon – rules

Episode Eighty Eight – Geek Girls, Fake, Real, Whatever!

steve@pftdcast.com — Tue, 04 Sep 2012 01:59:53 +0000

In which Jeb and Steve discuss the “Fake Geek Girls” controversy; who is and is not a ‘real’ geek – or whether that is even a distinction worth discussing! We wrap up by exploring what it is about the table-top RPG hobby that we love and ask our listeners: Why do you keep coming back [...]

Episode Eighty-Seven – The GM’s Real World Reference

steve@pftdcast.com — Sun, 26 Aug 2012 23:36:26 +0000

Steve interviews Tristan and Joel about their Kickstarter fundraising project “The GM’s Real World Reference.” Resources and References KS: The GM’s Real World Reference RPG: Mage: The Ascension RPG: Warrior, Rogue, and Mage Podcast: Dragonlance Canticle RPG: Dragonlance Campaign Setting RPG: Dark Sun RPG: Rogue Trader RPG: Masks: 1,000 Memorable NPCs for Any Roleplaying Game [...]

Episode Eighty-Six – The Amazingly OK Spider-Man

steve@pftdcast.com — Mon, 13 Aug 2012 14:13:19 +0000

In which Jeb, Mikey, and Steve discuss the reboot of Spider-man; concluding that it was OK. Really, amazingly, overwhelmingly … OK. Resources and References KS: Mikey’s Successful Kickstarter “Barbarian Jetpack” Movie: The Amazing Spider-Man (2012) Movie: Spider-Man (2002) Movie: Spider-Man 2 (2004) Movie: Spider-Man 3 (2007) Movie: Batman Begins (2005) Movie: Batman Returns (1992) Movie: [...]

Episode Eighty-Five – Foibles, Errors, and Impetuous Acts

steve@pftdcast.com — Fri, 27 Jul 2012 15:26:14 +0000

In which Jeb and Steve discuss various strategies to introduce foibles and mistakes into an RPG session and why a GM may want to do so. Then they ask listeners – How have you handled these situations? Does simulating human error or impetuous action bring heightened drama to your game; and how? Resources and References [...]

Episode Eighty-Four – Prometheus Rebounded

steve@pftdcast.com — Mon, 16 Jul 2012 16:46:14 +0000

In which Jeb and Steve discuss the new sci-fi movie from Ridley Scott, Prometheus. Resources and References Movie: Prometheus (2012) Movie: Blade Runner (1982) Movie: Alien (1979) Movie: Aliens (1986) Wikipedia: Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Blog: Prometheus Unbound: What The Movie Was Actually About Wikipedia: The Annunciation Wikipedia: Panspermia Books: Uplift War Series [...]

Episode Eighty-Three – Snow White and the Huntsman

steve@pftdcast.com — Fri, 06 Jul 2012 23:43:15 +0000

Jeb and Steve discuss the new movie “Snow White and the Huntsman.” Resources and References Movie: Snow White and the Huntsman (2012) Movie: Twilight (2008) YouTube: Charlize Theron’s Dior Commercial (probably not safe for work!) Movie: Gladiator (2000) Movie: Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001) Movie: Princess Mononoke (1997) Movie: The [...]

Episode Eighty-Two – Talking Lyics, Comedy, and Story Telling with Mikey Mason

steve@pftdcast.com — Sat, 23 Jun 2012 06:10:40 +0000

In which Jeb and Steve get to ask Mikey all about his Kickstarter’s, writing lyrics, telling stories, doing stand-up, and how his on-stage identity and real-life identity interact. Guidelines for Running a Comedic Game Simple Rules (minimal look-up during play) Simple Concept Simple Characters (archetypes) Opposing Character Goals Player Investment (they must know that their [...]

Episode Eighty-One – Zombies in Literature, Culture & Games

steve@pftdcast.com — Fri, 15 Jun 2012 02:41:25 +0000

In which Jeb and Steve discuss Zombies! Cultural meme, coping mechanism for a breakdown in our world financial system, or just fun to shoot in the head? Resources and References iPhone App: Plants vs Zombies iPhone App: Zombie Highway Book: Zombie Survival Guide by Max Brooks Book: World War Z: An Oral History of the [...]

Episode Eighty – How, Why, What – GM’ing at a Con

steve@pftdcast.com — Mon, 04 Jun 2012 14:27:44 +0000

Jeb and Steve discuss what it takes to GM at a convention and make a few recommendations on how to market your game to convention goers, what to expect, how to be prepared for problems, some no-prep/low-prep systems to run, and a few of the rewards of con GM’ing. Resources and References RPG: GURPS RPG: [...]

Episode Seventy-Nine – Disassembling the Avengers

steve@pftdcast.com — Thu, 31 May 2012 04:39:11 +0000

In which Jeb and Steve discuss the movie “Avengers” and both gush with praise as well as point out some of the weaker aspects. Spoilers: Avengers! References and Resources Movie: Avengers (2012) Movie: Thor (2011) Movie: Captain America: The First Avenger (2011) Movie: Iron Man (2008) Movie: The Incredible Hulk (2008) Wikipedia: The Infinity Gauntlet [...]

Episode Seventy-Eight – Fear the Con 5 and Nerd Culture

steve@pftdcast.com — Mon, 21 May 2012 16:55:24 +0000

Jeb and Steve discuss “Fear the Con 5″ – the games we played, the games Jeb ran, and the fantastic birthday gift of a greeting they all gave Jeb’s daughter. This spawns a discussion about “Nerd Culture” in general, with a few theories on why it’s both more acceptable and more pervasive right now. References [...]

Episode Seventy-Seven – Talking Archeology with Matthew

steve@pftdcast.com — Thu, 03 May 2012 19:31:54 +0000

In which Matthew & Steve discuss modern Archeology and how the reality compares to the depiction of Archeology and Archeologists in movies, TV, and books. We go on to discuss some of the controversy that Archeology can lead to, and finally, we discuss how to apply Matthew’s understanding of the ways that human societies develop [...]

2012 RPG Podcast Listener Survey

steve@pftdcast.com — Tue, 01 May 2012 21:11:51 +0000

Please, take a moment to fill out this survey and help teach RPG podcasters how to better serve you. The link is at the top of our website or you can get to it here: 2012 RPG Podcast Listener Survey From all the hosts here at Postcards from the Dungeon, Thank you!

Announcement: We’re going to Fear the Con 5!

steve@pftdcast.com — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 03:22:38 +0000

Jeb and I are attending Fear the Con 5 on the Fourth and Fifth of May, 2012 in St. Louis, MO. There will be no regular episodes until we get back, but we will be recording something while there and updating our twitter feed with photo’s and commentary. Follow @PftDCast for the updates. Media Podcast: [...]

Episode Seventy-Six – New Golden Age of RPG’s and Dealing with Idea Fatigue

steve@pftdcast.com — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 16:59:26 +0000

Jeb and Steve are back on the mic’s! They talk about Kickstarter and what’s perhaps the new Golden Age of RPG’s with the bloom of indie games, game ideas, and direct funding of indie books in print. Then Jeb makes a painful confession – system just might matter! Then we discuss adapting RPG setting books, [...]

Episode Seventy Five – Doug Talks Parsec

steve@pftdcast.com — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 19:32:24 +0000

In which Doug, the creator of a new Sci-Fi RPG system currently seeking funding on Kickstarter.com, discusses his game Parsec. Now, fully funded! Media Kickstarter: Parsec

Seventy Four – Character Burner and Hero Lab

steve@pftdcast.com — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 04:26:33 +0000

Two brief interviews, one with Tresi on how “Burning a Character” in Burning Wheel works. Another with Colen McAlister, of Lone Wolf Development, on Hero Lab; their software tool for GM’s and Players. Media RPG: Burning Wheel RPG: Mongoose’s Traveller RPG: Dresden Files RPG: Spirit of the Century RPG: Mouse Guard Software: Hero Lab Software: [...]

Episode Seventy-Three – Narratavius

steve@pftdcast.com — Sun, 04 Mar 2012 03:13:59 +0000

In which Steve interviews Michael about his gaming and programming past, hears a description of “RPG Toolkit” and then discuss his latest release for the iPhone, Narratavius. Media RPG: Savage Worlds App Developer: Baked Ham Games App: RPG Toolkit App: Narratavius Web: Narratavius Game Designer: Daniel Solis Writer: Greg Stolze Game Designer: Fred Hicks RPG: [...]

Episode Seventy-Two – CharGen, Methods & Ideas

steve@pftdcast.com — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 03:32:19 +0000

In which Jeb and Steve re-record the lost episode about different ways for generating player character’s, both methods and the source for character ideas. MICE: M – Milieu I – Idea C – Character E – Event Media Web Series: Standard Action iPhone App: Narratavius RPG: Traveller (Mongoose) RPG: Marvel Universe RPG RPG: The Ultimate [...]

Episode Seventy-One – Current TV Shows, Age Appropriate Story Themes

steve@pftdcast.com — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 02:42:25 +0000

Jim and Steve discuss the current crop of Fall TV shows. Then we discuss how to maintain the separation between kid-friendly and adult themed story telling. Media Web Series: Standard Action Fund Raiser: Standard Action: Season Two Convention: Fear the Con 5 TV: Walking Dead (2010) TV: Boardwalk Empire (2010) TV: Mad Men (2007) TV: [...]

Episode Seventy – Physics!

steve@pftdcast.com — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 17:16:34 +0000

Steve interviews Mac Almy and they discuss physics and how real physics relates to rpg’s, movies, and TV. DriveThruRPG Discount Use Coupon Code: DiceInTheFall for 20% off, of all of the following (good thru 11/10/2011): Savage Worlds Fantasy Companion [Pinnacle Entertainment] Realms of Cthulhu [Reality Blurs] Karma Roleplaying System Core [Bards and Sages] FantasyCraft [Crafty [...]

Episode Sixty-Nine – Running a Military Style Campaign

steve@pftdcast.com — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 13:56:52 +0000

In which Jim and Steve discuss some of the problems and advantages to running a military style campaign, and a few details about the modern American military that may help make your campaign more realistic. Announcements Standard Action needs help funding season two! Media Web Series: Standard Action Fund Raiser: Help fund season two! Used [...]

Episode Sixty-Eight – Refreshing Character Archetypes

steve@pftdcast.com — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 15:43:42 +0000

In which Jeb and Steve discuss Steve’s Whiny Complaint of the week, centered on an obvious plot oversight in Megamind. Then they go on to discuss character archetypes and how to make them more interesting than just the standard stereotypes we’ve all seen a hundred times. They enumerate various archetypes for different genres and games, [...]

Episode Sixty-Seven – Genetics with John Stewart

steve@pftdcast.com — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 05:11:34 +0000

In which Steve discusses genetics with John: some fascinating facts that could be great material for story telling, how genetics are portrayed in popular media, and even how genetics could be handled in a fantasy settings. Announcements Please check out the Web Series: Standard Action If possible, please support their second season! IndoGoGo: Standard Action [...]

Episode Sixty-Six – Standard Action with Joanna Gaskell

steve@pftdcast.com — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 05:36:38 +0000

In this special episode Steve discusses the web series Standard Action with series creator, writer, producer, and actor – Joanna Gaskell. Media Web Series: Standard Action IndieGoGo: Help Fund Season Two! IMDB: Standard Action IMDB: Joanna Gaskell IMDB: Rob Hunt IMDB: Tara Pratt IMDB: Daniel Johnston IMDB: Edwin Perez

We have a Facebook Page!

steve@pftdcast.com — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 01:59:53 +0000

If I did the configuration and fiddling right, then this update will also be posted as a link to the Facebook community page for PftDCast. My goal is to integrate the website, http://postcards-from-the-dungeon.com, and Facebook so that each new episode will be posted to both.

Episode Sixty-Five – Experiencing Gencon 2011 and the Hex Games Interview

steve@pftdcast.com — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 04:59:54 +0000

In which Jeb and Steve share their experiences with Gencon 2011 in Indianapolis. Then we share an interview Steve did with two of the creators from Hex Games, the publishers of QAGS and M-Force. If you want in on that RPGNow.com Gift Certificate Give-Away … then click this link, read the rules, and enter! Special [...]