GMBC ep08 - The Black God's Drums by P. Djeli Clark with Ian Eller, Alex Jackl and Sean Murphy

Game Master's Book Club

Exploring the intersection of magic and technology, this podcast episode delves into the rich tapestry of P. Djèlí Clark's novella, *The Black God's Drums*, set in a steampunk alternative history of New Orleans. Ian Eller, Alex Jackal, and Sean Murphy join host Eric Jackson to discuss how the narrative weaves powerful themes of political intrigue and cultural identity, all while centering around the titular weapon that can summon storms. The trio shares their personal experiences as Game Masters, illustrating how they incorporate elements of magic and technology into their own campaigns, likening their creativity to a delightful mix of peanut butter and chocolate. As they dissect the novella's characters and plot intricacies, listeners are treated to a lively conversation that is both insightful and humorously candid. This episode not only celebrates the novella’s strengths but also inspires GMs to reimagine its world within their own gaming sessions.

Takeaways:

• In this episode, the hosts explore the unique blend of magic and technology in gaming, drawing parallels to genres like steampunk and discussing how these elements can enhance storytelling.
• Ian Eller shares a memorable game mastering experience involving a perilous quest for magical items in a crater, illustrating the thrill of integrating technology into fantasy settings.
• Sean Murphy emphasizes the importance of character-driven narratives when considering game systems, suggesting that the theme often outweighs the mechanics in creating engaging stories.
• The discussion touches on the rich political intrigue found in 'The Black God's Drums', highlighting how factional struggles can create compelling narratives for RPG campaigns.
• The hosts recommend various RPG systems, such as Savage Worlds and Blades in the Dark, for adapting the novella into gameplay, emphasizing flexibility and narrative focus.
• Alex Jackl discusses the integration of Orisha in character development, noting how distinct personalities of divine beings can enrich gameplay and differentiate character classes.

Links referenced in this episode:

• k-squareproductions.com
• gmbookclub
• bluesky.social
• facebook.com/gamemastersbookclub
• instagram.com/gamemastersbookclub