AD&D - Why Nobody Plays the Monk?

The Evil Dungeon Master Universe

#Lifestyle #Games and Gambling #Evil Dungeon Master #Today I

51:57

On the Season 2 debut of Lost Cultures: Living Legacies , we travel to Bermuda, an Atlantic island whose history spans centuries and continents. Once uninhabited, Bermuda became a vital stop in transatlantic trade, a maritime stronghold, and a cultural crossroads shaped by African, European, Caribbean, and Native American influences. Guests Dr. Kristy Warren and Dr. Edward Harris trace its transformation from an uninhabited island to a strategic outpost shaped by shipwrecks, colonization, the transatlantic slave trade, and the rise and fall of empires. Plus, former Director of Tourism Gary Phillips shares the story of the Gombey tradition, a vibrant performance art rooted in resistance, migration, and cultural fusion. Together, they reveal how Bermuda’s layered past continues to shape its people, culture, and identity today. You can also find us online at ⁠travelandleisure.com/lostcultures Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…

26 days ago 13:16

MP3•Episode home

The Monk is one of the most interesting classes in the game, but yet not a lot of people play a Monk. d4 hit points, no armor, limited weapons, and yet it’s expected to fight on the front lines. In this episode, I dig into what the Monk actually was, how its abilities worked, and why almost nobody picked it at the table. Was it secretly awesome, or just a confused martial artist dropped into a game of knights and wizards?

#ADnD1e #ADnDMonk #OldSchoolDnD, #ClassicDungeonsAndDragons

https://solo.to/TheEvilDM

285 episodes

AD&D - Why Nobody Plays the Monk?

The Evil Dungeon Master Universe

published 26 days ago

MP3•Episode home

#ADnD1e #ADnDMonk #OldSchoolDnD, #ClassicDungeonsAndDragons

https://solo.to/TheEvilDM

285 episodes

#Lifestyle #Games and Gambling #Evil Dungeon Master #Today I

All episodes

The Evil Dungeon Master Universe

1
AD&D - Phase Door, The Sneakiest Spell in the Game? 10:10

4 days ago10:10

10:10

Today's episode is an email request from "Death Metal!". Most seventh-level spells in AD&D are flashy. Fireballs, force cages, prismatic sprays. Then there’s Phase Door. It doesn’t explode. It doesn’t kill. It just opens a way through solid stone that no one else can see or use. In this episode, I break down how to use Phase Door as a clever tool for escapes, ambushes, heists, and wizard duels. This is the spell you cast when you want to disappear and win. #ADnD1e #PhaseDoor #MagicUserTactics Keep up with me: https://Solo.to/TheEvilDM…

The Evil Dungeon Master Universe

1
AD&D - Using the Guand in your Campaign 11:22

6 days ago11:22

11:22

The Gaund, created by Ed Greenwood and found in Dragon Magazine issue 46 , is not your typical cave monster. It’s fast, it climbs, it leaps, and it sprays acid. In this episode, I talk about how to drop Gaunds into your game in a way that makes players nervous every time they hear a dripping sound in the dark. Whether you're looking for a brutal ambush, a volcanic lair encounter, or a twisted pet in the hands of a mad wizard, the Gaund has you covered. Let’s turn this forgotten beast into your players' next big problem. #ADnD1e #OldSchoolRPG #DragonMagazine…

The Evil Dungeon Master Universe

1
AD&D - The Electrum Dragon the Philosopher 15:24

8 days ago15:24

15:24

Not all dragons are fire and fury. The Electrum Dragon, introduced by Ed Greenwood in Dragon Magazine 74, is a rare, spellcasting creature that values thought over treasure and dialogue over bloodshed. In this episode, I explore how to use this Neutral Good dragon in your AD&D campaign, not as a monster, but as a mentor, oracle, or moral challenge. From gas breath that confuses to spellbooks and unhatched eggs, this is a dragon encounter your players will not expect. #adnd #tsr #gygax…

The Evil Dungeon Master Universe

1
AD&D - Psionics, What was Gygax Thinking? 13:22

13 days ago13:22

13:22

Hidden in the back of the AD&D Player’s Handbook is a section most people skipped. Psionics. A secret mental power system that only a few characters ever got, filled with attack modes, defense modes, and powers that feel more like a comic book than a fantasy game. In this episode, I explore what Psionics actually were, how they worked, and why most players never used them. Was it ahead of its time or just totally out of place?…

The Evil Dungeon Master Universe

1
AD&D - The Assassin: Too Evil for your table? 16:24

20 days ago16:24

16:24

Cold. Calculated. Lawful Evil. The AD&D Assassin is a class built around stealth, disguise, and sanctioned murder. So why did most DMs quietly ignore it? In this episode, I take a look at what the Assassin was supposed to be, how the mechanics actually worked, and why it never found a comfortable place in most groups. Was it too evil? Too specific? Or just ahead of its time? #adnd #tsr #gygax https://patreon.com/theEvilDM https://solo.to/TheEvilDM…

The Evil Dungeon Master Universe

1
AD&D - Did Dragon Magazine #53 Fix the Monk? 20:52

22 days ago20:52

20:52

The AD&D Monk was always the odd class out. Weird powers, bad survivability, and advancement rules that made players give up by level five. But in Dragon Magazine #53, they tried to fix it. Did they succeed? In this episode, I break down the proposed changes, including new XP tables, expanded monk abilities, and optional advancement rules. It’s all here...fists, flowers, and frustration. So, did Dragon Magazine save the Monk… or just make it more complicated? #ADnD1e #DragonMagazine53 #ADnDMonk #TSR https://patreon.com/TheEvilDM https://solo.to/TheEvilDM…

The Evil Dungeon Master Universe

1
AD&D - Why Nobody Plays the Monk? 13:16

26 days ago13:16

13:16

The Evil Dungeon Master Universe

1
AD&D - Was the Thief Actually Useless? 12:01

29 days ago12:01

12:01

This is kind of a follow up episode where I am talking about some of the comments I've been seeing about the thief class and pondering about it. Low hit points, weak armor, and a skill list that rarely worked… the AD&D 1st Edition Thief had a rough start. But was it really useless, or just misunderstood? In this episode, I look at the numbers, the role at the table, and why the Thief may have been more important than people gave it credit for. From constant failure to rare moments of glory, let’s figure out if this class deserved a second chance—or a replacement. Support me: https://Patreon.com/TheEvilDM…

The Evil Dungeon Master Universe

1
AD&D Training Costs: The Rule Everyone Ignored? 12:30

6 weeks ago12:30

12:30

You earned the XP. You survived the dungeon. You're ready to level up. Not so fast, this is AD&D 1st Edition. In today’s episode, we take a look at the infamous training cost rules buried in the DMG. Gold, time, instructors... and even alignment-based fees? I break down what the rule actually said, why it made sense on paper, and why most tables completely ignored it. Was it genius, nonsense, or both? Tune in and decide for yourself. #ADnD1e #AdvancedDungeonsAndDragons #ADnDTrainingCosts #OldSchoolDnD Support: https://Patreon.com/TheEvilDM Links: https://solo.to/TheEvilDM…

The Evil Dungeon Master Universe

1
AD&D Fighters: Powerhouses or Punching Bags? 11:25

7 weeks ago11:25

11:25

In this episode, I take a hard look at the original AD&D 1st Edition Fighter. No spells. No tricks. Just steel, grit, and hit points. Was it enough? Or did the Fighter fall behind as the game scaled up? I’ll break down what made the Fighter strong, where it stumbled, and why it’s still worth playing when the dice hit the table. Whether you’re rolling 3d6 down the line or wielding a vorpal sword, this one’s for the old-school bruisers.…

The Evil Dungeon Master Universe

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AD&D - Godlike Stats & Divine Powers – Deities, Dragon #67, and Demigod Dreams 19:48

7 weeks ago19:48

19:48

In this episode, I crack open Deities & Demigods and dig into those legendary stat blocks, from Strength 19 to a god-tier 25... and what those numbers actually do. Then we head to Dragon Magazine #67, where Gygax updates the standard powers of the gods. To top it off, I share a tale from my campaign about the time my character took the long, divine road to demigod-hood under the guidance of the one and only Joe DM. #ADnD #OldSchoolDND #DeitiesAndDemigods #DragonMagazine #Gygax #TTRPGLore #DungeonsAndDragons #OSR #Demigod #TabletopRPG #ClassicDND Support me: https://ko-fi.com/TheEvilDM…

The Evil Dungeon Master Universe

1
AD&D - Hatched to Kill: Assassin Bugs in your game! 13:11

8 weeks ago13:11

13:11

In this episode, I spotlight one of AD&D’s most gruesome and underused monsters—the Assassin Bug. It paralyzes victims, implants eggs, and unleashes a swarm of death from the inside out. I break down how to use it for maximum dread, from cursed noble houses to larval horrors in the city sewers. Perfect for DMs who want body horror without homebrewing a thing. #ADnD #TTRPGHorror #OSRGaming #OldSchoolMonsters #MonsterSpotlight #DungeonMasterTools Support me: https://Ko-fi.com/TheEvilDM…

The Evil Dungeon Master Universe

1
AD&D - The Leprechaun! 8:08

8 weeks ago8:08

8:08

Today’s episode is about the enchanting (or annoying) leprechauns! These small, magical beings are known for their mischievous nature and love for lush, green landscapes. With a unique ability to become invisible and create illusions, leprechauns are never easy to catch! Did you know they snatch valuable objects from unsuspecting adventurers with a 75% success rate? Even more fascinating is their cleverness, if you find them in their lair, be careful! They’re experts at tricking captors into believing they’re handing over their treasure when they really aren’t. Plus, leprechauns adore wine, which may help you outsmart them. Join us as we explore their traits, defenses, and the playful, mischievous character that makes leprechauns a beloved figure in folklore! Support: https://Ko-fi.com/TheEvilDM Links: https://solo.to/TheEvilDM…

The Evil Dungeon Master Universe

1
AD&D - Looking at the Thief abilities Clarifications in the DMG 16:11

9 weeks ago16:11

16:11

Today is a follow up to the podcast on Monday about the thief abilities. Today we look at the DMG, where it clarifies how some of the abilities CAN be used, to prevent some "abuse" by players. #TSR #PHB #Thief #Adnd http://ko-fi.com/TheEvilDM for Support!

The Evil Dungeon Master Universe

1
AD&D - Let's dive into the Thief abilities from the PHB 21:46

9 weeks ago21:46

21:46

In today's episode, I received an email from Tom asking me to take a look at the abilities of the Thief from the PHB and give some commentary on how I'd handle somethings. #TSR #PHB #Thief #Adnd http://ko-fi.com/TheEvilDM for Support!

The Evil Dungeon Master Universe

1
AD&D - Shaman and Witch Doctor Spells.. 11:41

10 weeks ago11:41

11:41

In today’s episode, I flip open the DMG and talk about tribal spell casters. These magical beings exist among various races, including bugbears, cavemen, and trolls. First I go over the two main types of tribal spell casters: shamans and witch doctors. Shamans are spiritual clerics who practice powerful healing and protective spells. They’re known for their connection to nature and the spiritual realm. On the other hand, witch doctors blend clerical and magic-user abilities, wielding a variety of spells from illusions to enhancements. Whether you’re a fan of fantasy games or just curious about magical lore, this episode will give you insight into life as a tribal spell caster, their powers, and how they fit into their clans. Stick around for an exciting journey into the spellbinding world of tribal magic! https://solo.to/TheEvilDM #adnd #osr #shaman #greyhawk #gygax…

The Evil Dungeon Master Universe

1
AD&D - Let's Talk "Hub" Campaigns... 12:29

11 weeks ago12:29

12:29

I got an email from Jeff (another Jeff), who wanted to know about Hub campaigns, so I decided to do a podcast on his email. SO... in today’s episode, I am diving head first into the concept of mission-based worlds in tabletop role-playing games, or RPGs. A hub or mission-based campaign serves as a central base where characters can regroup, heal, and gather supplies after their adventures. This approach isn’t just for video games; it can be incredibly effective in RPGs too! #rpg #TTRPG #adnd #tsr #gygax…

The Evil Dungeon Master Universe

1
AD&D - Elf subraces from UA 16:56

11 weeks ago16:56

16:56

In today’s episode, I flipped open the UA to the race section and decided to talk to about the different sub-races that make Elves unique. l'll introduce you to the noble Gray Elves, who share many abilities with high elves, but come with their own twist. Then, we will meet the Wood Elves, known for their connection to nature and woodland creatures, followed by the elusive Wild Elves, or Grugach, who avoid outsiders and revel in their mysterious lifestyles. I will also explore the Valley Elves, who are shunned by others but have intriguing traits. Finally, the Dark Elves, or Drow, a divergent and complex group that differs vastly from their surface cousins.…

The Evil Dungeon Master Universe

1
AD&D - Demons & Demon Amulets Thoughts. 23:05

12 weeks ago23:05

23:05

Today on the podcast, I decided to talk about my experiences in running Demons and an interesting story about how I've seen a Demon's Amulet used. These unique objects hold the vital essences of powerful demon lords and princes, cleverly keeping their souls both safe and vulnerable. Imagine having the power to control a demon for a whole day—not an easy task, and certainly not without its dangers! An amulet lets its possessor command the demon, but only if they’re careful. If misused, the amulet can lead to dire consequences for the wielder, including the risk of instant attack from the demon itself. We also discuss the astral and ethereal planes where demons roam, and the risks involved if you say the name of a powerful demon out loud.…

The Evil Dungeon Master Universe

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AD&D - Grappling Rules from Unearthed Arcana 11:47

12 weeks ago11:47

11:47

In today’s episode, I decided to flip open the UA Book and talk about the mechanics of grappling in combat. Grappling is a powerful move used to restrain opponents, preventing their actions and making them more vulnerable. We’ll explore how grappling works, from the rules for successful grapples to the advantages and disadvantages for both grapplers and grappled targets. Learn how multiple attackers can work together, and discover what happens when a grappled opponent fights back. #dnd #Grappling #adnd #OSR…

The Evil Dungeon Master Universe

1
AD&D - The Death Spell! 16:55

13 weeks ago16:55

16:55

On today's Podcast, I decided to flip open the book and look at the Magic User 6th level spell, The Death Spell. It's an interesting spell that once cast, there is no saving throw against it and basically the target is dead. The Death Spell is a powerful 6th-level conjuration that instantly and irrevocably slays creatures within its area of effect, with no saving throw. The number of victims depends on their hit dice—wiping out up to 80 creatures with less than 2 HD or scaling down to just a few tougher foes. However, it’s useless against lycanthropes, undead, or extraplanar beings. With a casting time of six segments and a pricey material component (a crushed black pearl worth 1,000 GP), this spell is a devastating battlefield tool, ideal for clearing out hordes of weaker enemies in an instant. Keep up with me: https://Solo.To/TheEvilDM…

The Evil Dungeon Master Universe

1
AD&D - Orcs with Pig faces.. 15:03

13 weeks ago15:03

15:03

Today on the podcast, I decided to go over the Orcs and how they are structured as a tribe, from the lowly ones to the chief and his assistants, there is a lot to know about orcs! Orcs are common, lawfully evil creatures characterized by their competitive nature and a strong inclination to fight among themselves unless controlled by a powerful leader. They prefer dark environments due to their aversion to sunlight, suffering penalties when exposed to it. Orc tribes are numerous and often found dwelling in underground lairs or simple above-ground villages. They display a hierarchy with leaders and assistants in their ranks, and their encounters often include a significant number of orcs, particularly if they are in their lairs or engaged in raiding activities. Orcs are known for their cruelty, particularly towards elves, whom they kill on sight. Their physical appearance is unattractive, with a color scheme that includes earthy tones, and they are recognized for their mining and tunneling skills. Additionally, orcs are known to interbreed with other races, resulting in half-orcs. #adnd #orcs #dnd #TSR…

The Evil Dungeon Master Universe

1
AD&D - Zero Hits Points, Dead? No so fast! 14:36

14 weeks ago14:36

14:36

In the podcast episode, I'm talking about the mechanics of hit points in AD&D, particularly focusing on the concept of "Zero Hit Points." When a character's hit points drop to zero, they become unconscious, leading to a gradual decline into negative hit points each round until they reach -10, resulting in death due to various causes like shock or bleeding. Timely assistance from allies can stabilize an unconscious character through actions like binding wounds or administering healing potions. Reviving a character who has fallen to zero hit points is not a quick process; they will remain in a comatose state for 1-6 turns and must rest for an entire week afterward, during which they cannot engage in any strenuous activities. This downtime emphasizes the importance of tactical decisions in gameplay and the need for strategic support from teammates. The discussion also covers potential long-term effects of extreme negative hit points, such as scarring or loss of limbs, adding depth to character narratives and consequences of battle. #RPG #TabletopGames #HitPoints #GameMechanics #CharacterDeath #RolePlaying #DungeonsAndDragons…

The Evil Dungeon Master Universe

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AD&D - Sticky Situations: The Adherer Unleashed 16:02

14 weeks ago16:02

16:02

Hey, folks! Today, we’re talking about the adherer...a weird, sticky monster from the Fiend Folio. Picture a mummy, but alive, with dirty white skin that looks like bandages and oozes super-strong glue. It’s rare, shows up alone or in small groups, and loves ambushing prey by hiding in piles of leaves or dirt. Its armor’s tough, AC 3 and it’s got 4 hit dice, so it’s not a pushover. The adherer’s big trick? Anything that touches it sticks, like weapons or people, and it only does 1-3 damage with its fists. Fire hurts it bad, just like a mummy, and boiling water messes up its glue for a bit. It’s smart enough to team up with spiders but won’t attack them. Oh, and it’s lawful evil—creepy and tricky! Stick around for more monster talk! #adnd #tsr #greyhawk #dnd #TTRPG…

The Evil Dungeon Master Universe

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AD&D - Let's talk Theater of the mind 21:45

15 weeks ago21:45

21:45

Today on the podcast, I'm talking Theater of the Mind—the old-school, no-map, pure-imagination way to run your tabletop RPGs. Some love it, some hate it, but for me? It’s one of the best ways to keep the game fast, cinematic, and immersive. I’ll break down how to run a killer game without needing a battle map, give some practical tip s for describing action so your players stay engaged, and explain when it works best (and when maybe you should break out the minis). If you want your fights to feel like something out of a comic book panel rather than a grid-based chess game, this episode is for you. #TTRPG #TheaterOfTheMind #TabletopGaming #DMAdvice #RoleplayingGames #ImmersiveStorytelling…

The Evil Dungeon Master Universe

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AD&D - Appendix F: Gambling, plus my homebrew game 15:43

15 weeks ago15:43

15:43

Today on the podcast, I am talking about Appendix F, gambling rules, followed up by my own homebrew "Mug Toss" game. Check it out! #adnd #dnd #TSR #Gygax #TTRPG

The Evil Dungeon Master Universe

1
AD&D - Appendix H: Tricks, but are they harmless? 19:44

16 weeks ago19:44

19:44

Let's talk about Appendix H and the creative potential of traps and tricks within a dungeon setting, emphasizing the importance of innovation for Dungeon Masters (DMs). It suggests that even seasoned DMs can benefit from a variety of tricks that can challenge players and probably screw them over. #DMTips #dnd #Adnd…

The Evil Dungeon Master Universe

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AD&D - Let's talk about training for new levels 12:18

16 weeks ago12:18

12:18

Today I wanted to discuss the mechanics of gaining experience levels in a role-playing game, emphasizing that experience points are merely indicators of a character’s progress and do not automatically lead to level advancement. The Dungeon Master (DM) plays a crucial role in assessing the character’s performance based on their class and alignment. The performance is rated alphabetically, and this rating impacts the character’s eligibility for leveling up. The character must undergo training, which incurs both time and monetary costs. Training must be conducted under a qualified mentor of the same class, and self-training is more expensive. Overall, the process of gaining levels is a structured approach that requires both effort and resources.…

The Evil Dungeon Master Universe

1
AD&D - Hex Mapping is loads of fun! 12:43

17 weeks ago12:43

12:43

Today on the podcast, I decided to talk about my experiences with Hex mapping, and how I've kind of ignored it over the years and now that I've started actually doing it, I've fallen in love with the entire concept of it. P173 of the AD&D DMG has a whole process about how its done, but you don't have to stop there as there is a plethora of resources on drivethrurpg about how to Hex map. #hexmapping #Mapping #Adnd #TSR #Greyhawk #gygax…

The Evil Dungeon Master Universe

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AD&D - Heroism in a Bottle, Boost your Fighter! 10:07

17 weeks ago10:07