Gamer's Tavern Ep 47: Gaming Humor With Scott Kurtz And John Kovalic Gamer's Tavern podcast

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Vampire: The Masquerade, Werewolf: The Apocalypse, World of Darkness both new and old, Ravenloft, Call of Cthulhu…what draws us to these classic horror roleplaying systems and settings? Guest Ari Marmell (fantasy author and game designer for White Wolf and Wizards of the Coast) joins us at the Gamer’s Tavern to talk about these systems, how they influenced gaming, and why we’re so attracted to the dark and macabre. (Originally released October 13, 2013) Full show notes and current content available on http://gamerstavernshow.com…

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Gamer’s Tavern Ep 6: Technology and Gaming 1:05:59

6 years ago1:05:59

1:05:59

Modern technology is changing the gaming world one app and social media page at a time. Jesse Scoble (designer on Silver Age Sentinels and A Song of Ice and Fire Roleplaying) joins us to discuss how our smartphones, tablets, laptops, and the internet are all changing the industry and our gaming table. The Gods of the Digital Age tried to stop this episode from reaching your ears, causing a few audio issues, but we managed to wrest the recording from their grasp and get it to you! Welcome to the Gamer’s Tavern. (Originally released November 7, 2013) Full show notes and current content available on http://gamerstavernshow.com…

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Gamer's Tavern Ep 7: Shadowrun with Russell Zimmerman and John Dunn 1:57:00

6 years ago1:57:00

1:57:00

We finally get the Shadowrun out of our systems as we’re joined by John Dunn and Russell Zimmerman to talk about my personal favorite RPG of all time, Shadowrun! If you’ve never played the game before, you’ll want to check out the primer I recorded on the Shadowrun system and its history so you can follow along. Other than that, all I have to say chummers is shoot straight, conserve ammo, and never ever cut a deal with a dragon! (Originally released November 13, 2013) Full show notes and current content available on http://gamerstavernshow.com…

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Gamer’s Tavern Ep 8: Gaming with the Family 1:40:32

6 years ago1:40:32

1:40:32

Spending the holidays with the family? Got some non-gamer friends you want to hook on roleplaying? Episode 8 of the Gamer’s Tavern has you covered as our guest Nicole Wakelin, aka Total Fangirl, joins us to examine how gaming with the family is a bonding experience, what games work best to play during the holidays, and how to get your non-gamer friends hooked on roleplaying games. Below we have listed all of the games we talked about on the show and, for the board games, we give our ratings of the content based on art and text depictions of violence or sex as well as the tone, so you know which ones to keep away from the kids. We didn’t rate the roleplaying games this way because it depends more on the adventure and the players involved. G: There’s nothing that anyone could possibly find objectionable in this game. PG: There may be some violence, dangerous situations, or something else that the easily offended or very young may not want to be exposed to. PG-13: Either non-detailed violence is one of the core mechanics of this game, the theme is horror-based with little gore, or the art and tone of the game are more dark and/or realistic. You should be okay playing these games around kids, but I might not want very young children to join in on playing them. Some material may offend. R: Strong language, realistic depictions of violence possibly with gore, and possible non-sexual nudity. Don’t play with the kids in earshot. NC-17: Even I get uncomfortable playing these games sometimes. Strong language, adult content, violence, gore, and other things I wouldn’t even want to expose teenagers to. Adults only! (Originally released November 21, 2013) Full show notes and current content available on http://gamerstavernshow.com…

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Gamer’s Tavern Ep 9: Gamemaster Tricks and Tips 2:05:45

6 years ago2:05:45

2:05:45

Running a roleplaying game can be difficult. How can you make it easier on yourself while adding more epic to your games? That’s exactly what Keith Baker, designer of Eberron and Gloom, joins us to discuss! Worldbuilding, adventure design, NPCs, you name it, we cover it in the longest and most packed episode of Gamer’s Tavern yet! (Originally released December 6, 2013) Full show notes and current content available on http://gamerstavernshow.com…

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Gamer’s Tavern Ep 10: Film and Gaming with Alan Cerny and Mack Martin 1:50:57

6 years ago1:50:57

1:50:57

This episode of the Gamer’s Tavern is devoted to examining the link between gaming and film. Film has influenced tabletop gaming over the years and, more recently, gaming has started to influence films as the kids playing the Red Box grew up to be writers, actors, and directors. This week’s show notes are going to be a little odd as there aren’t going to be very many links. We talked about a lot of films during the podcast and, while I’ve listed them all below, I’m not sure whether you watch films through Netflix, Amazon Prime, DVDs, or if you choose some othARRRRR method of getting your media. So I’ll list the film titles for you to search, but there are some interesting notes you may want to look at when it comes to some of these films. (Originally released on December 13, 2013) Full show notes and current content available on http://gamerstavernshow.com…

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Gamer’s Tavern Ep 11: Dungeons & Dragons Part 1, or Edition Wars are BS 1:39:20

6 years ago1:39:20

1:39:20

Dungeons & Dragons is the reason we’re in this hobby. Everyone plays it. But how much do you know about where it came from? Ross Watson and Darryl Mott Jr. are flying solo as they talk about the history of the most popular roleplaying game on the planet, its origins, and the entire TSR era. (Originally released December 20, 2013) Full show notes and current content available on http://gamerstavernshow.com…

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Gamer’s Tavern Ep 12: Getting into the Industry 1:37:00

6 years ago1:37:00

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Is your New Years resolution to change careers into the gaming industry? Do you want to work with the big boys or be your own boss as a freelancer? Guests Sam Stewart and Sean Patrick Fannon join us to talk about how to break into the gaming business (Originally released December 27, 2013)

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Gamer’s Tavern Ep 13: Kitchen Sink RPGs with Ivan Van Norman 1:45:08

6 years ago1:45:08

1:45:08

Want to have your cake and eat it too? Welcome to the world of generic or “kitchen sink” roleplaying games. Ivan Van Norman joins us to discuss all the systems that act as a catch-all for your gaming experience, whether it’s the open world full of white space to explore or the system or setting that allows you to throw every genre into a blender and hit frappe. So sit back and join us at the Gamer’s Tavern as we discuss generic, universal, “kitchen sink” systems. (Originally released January 2, 2014) Full show notes and current content available on http://gamerstavernshow.com…

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Gamer’s Tavern Ep 14: D&D Edition Wars Part 2, or Weeaboo Fightan Magic 1:28:01

6 years ago1:28:01

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In our most controversial episode to date, Ross and Darryl discuss the second half of D&D’s history, the Wizards of the Coast/Paizo era. And yes, there are arguments a plenty. However, both the host and owner of the Gamer’s Tavern manage to discuss the single most contentious point in gaming for an hour and a half without coming to blows. So that just re-iterates our point, which is edition wars are bullshit! But we hope that you enjoy our exploration of the modern history of the father of all roleplaying games on its 40th anniversary, Dungeons & Dragons! (Originally released January 9, 2014) Full show notes and current content available on http://gamerstavernshow.com…

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Gamer’s Tavern Ep 15: Villains with Chris Avellone 2:02:11

6 years ago2:02:11

2:02:11

What makes a villain? What separates them from just another antagonists and pushes them into iconic if not mythic status? Chris Avelllone, designer of some of the greatest villains of gaming history whether digital or analog, joins us to discuss what makes a villain and how to use the Big Bad Evil Guy in your game. (Originally released on January 16, 2014) Full show notes and current content available on http://gamerstavernshow.com…

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Gamer’s Tavern Ep 16: Worldbuilding 1:42:53

6 years ago1:42:53

1:42:53

How do game designers create the amazing worlds we all play in? How can you use their tricks to add more to your own game? Or do you want to become a professional yourself and publish your own game world? Colin McComb and Darrell Hardy join us to discuss one of the challenges of modern game design, Worldbuilding. (Originally released on January 24, 2014) Full show notes and current content available on http://gamerstavernshow.com…

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Gamer’s Tavern Ep 17: Gamer’s Tavern Awards 2014 1:59:52

6 years ago1:59:52

1:59:52

This week, Ross Watson and Darryl Mott Jr. honor the best in gaming for 2013. From board games to roleplaying games, from accessories to media, we give our picks for what we feel are the best of the year past. We chose our winners based on our own personal, subjective opinions and then give our reasons. Was there a game we left off? Leave us a comment and let us know! (Originally released on January 31, 2014) Full show notes and current content available on http://gamerstavernshow.com…

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Gamer’s Tavern Ep 18: Giant Robot Games 1:47:50

6 years ago1:47:50

1:47:50

BattleTech. Robotech. Rifts. Mekton. Giant robots beating the crap out of other giant robots. Is that ever not awesome? Jason Marker (Robotech RPG, Warhammer 40K Roleplay, Star Wars: Edge of the Empire) joins us to talk about our favorite giant stompy robot games and how to run them. (Originally released February 7, 2014) Full show notes and current content available on http://gamerstavernshow.com…

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Gamer’s Tavern Ep 19: Romance and Gaming 1:41:12

6 years ago1:41:12

1:41:12

Are you worried about gaming with your romantic partner? Or maybe you’re looking for that special gamer out there for you? Or have you found The One, but they’re not into gaming? This special Valentine’s Day edition of Gamer’s Tavern addresses all your concerns about real-life relationships and tabletop gaming! Carrinn Seabolt, Bruce Cordell, and Torah Cottrill join us to talk about relationships. (Originally released February 14, 2014) Full show notes and current content available on http://gamerstavernshow.com…

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Gamer’s Tavern Ep 20: Forgotten Realms with Richard Lee Byers 1:34:49

6 years ago1:34:49

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In the first of our series on campaign settings, we talk with author Richard Lee Byers on Faerun and the Forgotten Realms. Join us at the table in the corner as we talk about all the different aspects of the setting and why it’s one of the most popular campaign settings ever written. (Originally released February 21, 2014) Full show notes and current content available on http://gamerstavernshow.com…

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Gamer’s Tavern Ep 21: Graphic Content with Robert J. Schwalb and Bill Keyes 1:33:11

6 years ago1:33:11

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We go way off the deep end this episode as we discuss using graphic violence and other mature content in gaming. How do you know where the line is? How do you keep from crossing it? WARNING: This episode is about the topic of Graphic Content. This episode contains descriptions of violence, gore, and torture. If these subjects upset or offend you, please do not listen to this episode of Gamer’s Tavern. This episode is for mature audiences only. (Originally released March 6, 2014) Full show notes and current content available on http://gamerstavernshow.com…

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Gamer’s Tavern Ep 22: Cyberpunk and Transhumanism 2:05:39

6 years ago2:05:39

2:05:39

What does it mean to be human when you can replace your body with cybernetic implants? Does your soul survive if you upload your consciousness into a computer? Cyberpunk and transhumanist games ask these questions. From William Gibson’s Neuromancer to Warren Ellis’s Transmetropolitan, from Ghost in the Shell to Almost Human, we have always been fascinated by the implications of an increasingly digitized world. Adam Jury and Michael Surbrook join us to discuss the roleplaying games that examine humanity in a near-future dystopia of technology dominated society with noodle stands on every corner. (Originally released March 14, 2014) Full show notes and current content available on http://gamerstavernshow.com…

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Gamer’s Tavern Ep 23: Superhero Games 1:55:22

6 years ago1:55:22

1:55:22

Bum-ba-BAAAAH! Bumbumbumbumbum-ba-BAAAAH! This week, we talk about Super Hero games. Licensed from Marvel, DC, or independent publishers or game systems that created their own universe. What games are out there to sate your Silver Age or Modern Era lust? How do super-hero games differ from normal RPGs? Tune in to find out more. (Originally released April 1, 2014) Note: This episode was recorded on February 25, 2014, and frequently mentions author and game designer Aaron Allston. Two days later, Aaron collapsed while at a convention and passed away. This episode is dedicated to his memory. Full show notes and current content available on http://gamerstavernshow.com…

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Gamer's Tavern Ep 24: Creating Interesting Characters with Elizabeth Bear and Joanna Gaskell 1:39:20

6 years ago1:39:20

1:39:20

What makes a character fun to play? We go over all the tricks to make your PCs more interesting, dynamic, and fun. Award winning author Elizabeth Bear and award winning Writer/Producer/Actress Joanna Gaskell join award willing game designer Ross Watson and…just Darryl Mott Jr. to discuss how to create player characters that not only make the game more fun for you, but also for the other players and gamemaster. (Originally released March 21, 2014) Full show notes and current content available on http://gamerstavernshow.com…

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Gamer's Tavern Ep 25: Crowdfunding with Jamey Stegmaier and Mack Martin 1:39:27

6 years ago1:39:27

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Crowdfunding is the great equalizer of our time. How can you back projects without getting burned? How do you launch your own project and make sure it’s successful? Guests Jamey Stegmaier and Mack Martin join us to discuss crowdfunding and gaming. The tips to make your Kickstarter stand out from the crowd, how to tell the flops from the potential goldmines, and more on this episode of the Gamer’s Tavern. (Originally released on April 6, 2014) Full show notes and current content available on http://gamerstavernshow.com…

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Gamer's Tavern Ep 26: Getting Started in RPGs with Ivan Van Norman and Mark Carroll 1:29:04

6 years ago1:29:04

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You’re interested in role playing games, but not sure where to get started? Ivan Van Norman and Mark Carroll join us to help you find a group, pick a first game, and introduce gaming to your friends. We also give many tips for starting gamers! (Originally released on April 11, 2014) Full show notes and current content available on http://gamerstavernshow.com…

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Gamer's Tavern Ep 27: Birthright with Richard Baker 1:51:01

6 years ago1:51:01

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The forgotten campaign setting of D&D, as Ross likes to call it. The original creator of Birthright, Richard Baker, joins us to talk about the setting that just might have inspired Game of Thrones. You are a king, lord of your land with the divine right to rule – literally, you have divine energy that fuels your bloodline. This is Ross’s favorite campaign setting and, after recording and listening to the episode, Darryl is pretty intrigued as well. So sit back while we tell you all about why you should remember Birthright. (Originally released on April 23, 2014) Full show notes and current content available on http://gamerstavernshow.com…

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Gamer's Tavern Ep 28: Alignment 1:38:01

6 years ago1:38:01

1:38:01

Everyone can rattle all nine off the top of their heads. But what do each of the alignments actually mean? Ross and Darryl can’t agree, so how can the gaming community? And do we even need alignments anymore? In this episode, your hosts Ross Watson and Darryl Mott Jr. go it alone as they discuss one of the biggest flamewar igniting topics in gaming – Alignment! (Originally released May 4, 2014) Full show notes and current content available on http://gamerstavernshow.com…

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Gamer's Tavern Ep 29: Character Types We Love to Hate 1:22:45

6 years ago1:22:45

1:22:45

Say any of these races, classes, clans, builds, backgrounds, or archetypes online and you will be deluged with hate. Why is it everyone thinks bards suck, or Kender are too annoying to let live? And is it possible to redeem these characters? (Originally released May 8, 2014)

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Gamer's Tavern Ep 30: Convention Survival Guide with Tom Lommel and Grady Elliot 1:45:05

6 years ago1:45:05

1:45:05

There are more conventions than ever, and they’re getting bigger every year. Isn’t it time you go to a con? Tom Lommel, the man behind Bill Cavalier the Dungeon Bastard and Grady Elliot join us to talk about how to survive your first (or thirtieth) convention. Where should you stay? What do you need to bring? How do you meet up with people? Find out all the answers in this week’s Gamer’s Tavern! (Originally released May 19, 2014) Full show notes and current content available on http://gamerstavernshow.com…

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Gamer's Tavern Ep 31: State of the Industry 2014 with Shane Hensley 1:42:55

6 years ago1:42:55

1:42:55

The first annual State of the Industry episode with guests Shane Hensley and Brandon Gensemer. This episode, we talk about where the industry is, where it’s going, and where we think it should go. This episode recorded before the big announcements from Wizards of the Coast, but our points still stand. (Originally released May 30, 2014) Full show notes and current content available on http://gamerstavernshow.com…

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Gamer's Tavern Ep 32: Surviving Convention Games 1:57:38

6 years ago1:57:38

1:57:38

Convention Season is upon us! Want to play games at a convention but don’t know what to expect? Or are you running a game and want it to be more awesome? Bill Keyes and Robert Dorf visit the Gamer’s Tavern to discuss the finer points of gaming at conventions. (Originally released June 13, 2014) Full show notes and current content available on http://gamerstavernshow.com…

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Gamer's Tavern Ep 33: Character Death 1:53:36

6 years ago1:53:36

1:53:36

Sometimes you make the saving throw, sometimes you don’t. Why is the risk of death important in a game? How should you use death in your games? How do you cope when your favorite character dies? Can a game be fun if your character can’t die? Nathan Dowdell and Lee Langston join us to talk about handling character death in games. (Originally released June 20, 2014) Full show notes and current content available on http://gamerstavernshow.com…

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Gamer's Tavern Ep 34: Evil Player Characters (We Have Cookies) 1:43:26

6 years ago1:43:26