Original Vs. Basic D&D Part 3 | Combat! | Wandering DMs S06 E39 Wandering DMs podcast

Wandering DMs podcast artwork

Lifestyle Games and Gambling Wandering DMs

Player FM - Internet Radio Done Right

Added six years ago

Content provided by Wandering DMs. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Wandering DMs or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://ppacc.player.fm/legal.

<

<div class="span index">1</div> <span><a class="" data-remote="true" data-type="html" href="/series/species-unite">Species Unite</a></span>

<div class="span index">1</div> <span><a class="" data-remote="true" data-type="html" href="/series/species-unite">Species Unite</a></span> podcast artwork

<div class="span index">1</div> <span><a class="" data-remote="true" data-type="html" href="/series/species-unite">Species Unite</a></span> podcast artwork

1
Species Unite

1 day ago1d ago

Monthly+

Stories that change the way the world treats animals.

Wandering DMs « »
Original vs. Basic D&D Part 3 | Combat! | Wandering DMs S06 E39

about a year ago 59:51

Share

MP3•Episode home

Content provided by Wandering DMs. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Wandering DMs or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://ppacc.player.fm/legal.

Dan & Paul revisit the Original vs. Basic Dungeon & Dragons collision. This time: As similar as the early editions are, a fundamental place where they differ is the combat turn sequence. Moldvay's B/X rules have a unique turn sequence not seen in other versions of D&D. And for Original D&D (1974), can you even find the turn sequence, anyway? Plus other acts of critical violence.

The original Dungeons & Dragons (commonly abbreviated D&D) boxed set by Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson was published by TSR, Inc. in 1974. It included the original edition of the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game. The original Dungeons & Dragons boxed set was the first published role-playing game, a fantasy game system modeled on medieval Europe. This set introduced elements which would become standard in later editions, including abilities (such as strength, intelligence, and dexterity); character classes (fighting-man, magic-user, cleric) and character levels; races (human, dwarf, elf, halfling); armor class; monsters and treasure; underground dungeons consisting of halls, rooms, and doors protected by tricks and traps; and magic items, such as intelligent swords.

After the release of the AD&D game, the Basic Set saw a major revision in 1981 by editor Tom Moldvay. The game was not brought in line with AD&D but instead further away from that ruleset, and thus the basic D&D game became a separate and distinct product line from AD&D. The former was promoted as a continuation of the tone of original D&D, while AD&D was an advancement of the mechanics. The revised version of the set included a larger, sixty-four page rule book with a red border and a color cover by Erol Otus, the module B2 The Keep on the Borderlands, six polyhedral dice, and a marking crayon. The book came drilled with holes so that it could be used in a three-ringed binder, and the full set of off-white polyhedral dice came in a heat-sealed bag with a small wax crayon for coloring the numbers on the dice.

This description uses material from the Wikipedia articles "Dungeons & Dragons (1974)" and "Dungeons & Dragons Basic Set", which is released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0.

… continue reading

160 episodes

#Lifestyle #Games and Gambling #Wandering DMs

Wandering DMs podcast artwork

Original vs. Basic D&D Part 3 | Combat! | Wandering DMs S06 E39

published about a year ago

Share

MP3•Episode home

Content provided by Wandering DMs. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Wandering DMs or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://ppacc.player.fm/legal.

Dan & Paul revisit the Original vs. Basic Dungeon & Dragons collision. This time: As similar as the early editions are, a fundamental place where they differ is the combat turn sequence. Moldvay's B/X rules have a unique turn sequence not seen in other versions of D&D. And for Original D&D (1974), can you even find the turn sequence, anyway? Plus other acts of critical violence.

The original Dungeons & Dragons (commonly abbreviated D&D) boxed set by Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson was published by TSR, Inc. in 1974. It included the original edition of the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game. The original Dungeons & Dragons boxed set was the first published role-playing game, a fantasy game system modeled on medieval Europe. This set introduced elements which would become standard in later editions, including abilities (such as strength, intelligence, and dexterity); character classes (fighting-man, magic-user, cleric) and character levels; races (human, dwarf, elf, halfling); armor class; monsters and treasure; underground dungeons consisting of halls, rooms, and doors protected by tricks and traps; and magic items, such as intelligent swords.

After the release of the AD&D game, the Basic Set saw a major revision in 1981 by editor Tom Moldvay. The game was not brought in line with AD&D but instead further away from that ruleset, and thus the basic D&D game became a separate and distinct product line from AD&D. The former was promoted as a continuation of the tone of original D&D, while AD&D was an advancement of the mechanics. The revised version of the set included a larger, sixty-four page rule book with a red border and a color cover by Erol Otus, the module B2 The Keep on the Borderlands, six polyhedral dice, and a marking crayon. The book came drilled with holes so that it could be used in a three-ringed binder, and the full set of off-white polyhedral dice came in a heat-sealed bag with a small wax crayon for coloring the numbers on the dice.

This description uses material from the Wikipedia articles "Dungeons & Dragons (1974)" and "Dungeons & Dragons Basic Set", which is released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0.

… continue reading

160 episodes

#Lifestyle #Games and Gambling #Wandering DMs

All episodes

×

W

Wandering DMs

Wandering DMs podcast artwork

1
Original D&D Blackmoor Supplement | Wandering DMs S07 E26 57:39

2 days ago57:39

57:39

Paul & Dan take a close look at Blackmoor, Dave Arneson's rules supplement for D&D 50 years on. What was exciting and new in this set of optional rules? What stood the test of time, and what was forgotten along the way?

W

Wandering DMs

Wandering DMs podcast artwork

1
When a Player Knows the Adventure | Keeping Classic D&D Fresh | Wandering DMs S07 E25 1:00:21

9 days ago1:00:21

1:00:21

Dan & Paul wrestle with the issue of what to do when a player at your table already knows the adventure you're about to play. Maybe it's a product they've read, played through, or watched on a stream in the past? Is it accidental, or possibly a devious plan to cheat the game? We've confronted this many times and we'll share all of our tricks and traps to keep things lively (and deadly)!…

W

Wandering DMs

Wandering DMs podcast artwork

1
Sneaking & Searching in D&D | Rolls for Perception and Stealth | Wandering DMs S07 E24 1:02:08

16 days ago1:02:08

1:02:08

Paul and Dan hash out the best ways to roll for Perception and Stealth in D&D. Should you always ask everyone at the table to make a check on their own? Is it better to have one player roll with cooperation bonuses? Did you know that Original D&D didn't have any skills like these at all -- so how was it handled then? We'll find you the best path forward.…

W

Wandering DMs

Wandering DMs podcast artwork

1
Skull Mountain Debrief | 12 Hours of Birthday D&D | Wandering DMs S07 E23 57:12

17 days ago57:12

57:12

Dan and Paul debrief the highs and lows of their latest birthday D&D actual play. Last weekend, Paul celebrated his birthday the best way he knows how: by dragging his friends into the depths of Skull Mountain! Dan, Max, and Lauren joined him for a live-streamed old-school dungeon crawl in over 12 hours of play, with special guests Mike and Tonya dropping in for the chaos. Now, the Wandering DMs are back to unpack the entire experience — what worked, what didn’t, and what surprised them along the way. From player dynamics to dungeon design, streaming challenges to memorable moments, tune in as we reflect on this marathon delve into classic adventure!…

W

Wandering DMs

Wandering DMs podcast artwork

1
Behind the Screen | GM Screens in Practice & Theory | Wandering DMs S07 E22 57:53

7 weeks ago57:53

57:53

Paul and Dan pull back the veil on GM screens — what they're good for, when they're essential, and when to ditch them entirely. They compare the old-school cardboard panels, DIY screens with swappable inserts, GMing from behind a laptop, and more. What belongs on the GM side? What’s worth showing to players? From reference tables and monster art to clipped-on initiative trackers and Paranoia’s player-facing gadgets, there’s more than one way to use that cardboard shield. And what about the game itself - can you even run Paranoia without a screen? Do GM-less games use screens at all? Tune in live to join the discussion and share your own screen stories.…

W

Wandering DMs

Wandering DMs podcast artwork

1
Lizardfolk in D&D | The Moral Muck of Marsh-Dwellers | Wandering DMs S07 E21 1:02:28

8 weeks ago1:02:28

1:02:28

Paul & Dan wade deep into the swamp to uncover the shifting role of lizardfolk across Dungeons & Dragons editions. From their earliest days as faceless wilderness threats to complex cultures with alien worldviews, how has D&D's portrayal of these scaled humanoids evolved? We’ll dive into classic modules like Danger at Dunwater and Tomb of the Lizard King, trace their pulp fantasy roots, and even compare how video games like Pool of Radiance handled their moral ambiguity. Were they ever really "monsters", or were we just too quick to draw our swords? Join us as we explore what makes lizardfolk one of D&D's most misunderstood creatures - and maybe one of its most revealing.…

W

Wandering DMs

Wandering DMs podcast artwork

1
Disrupting D&D Spells | Fight and Fizzle | Wandering DMs S07 E20 59:05

9 weeks ago59:05

59:05

Dan and Paul coach you in how to disrupt an enemy wizard's spells in D&D. And it varies a lot by what edition you play! From classic editions where casting in combat is strictly prohibited, to those where initiative tells the tale, to later editions where skills and counter-skills try to one-up each other. For house-ruling DMs, what's the fairest mechanic to use?…

W

Wandering DMs

Wandering DMs podcast artwork

1
Initiative! | Starting Fights in D&D | Wandering DMs S07 E19 1:00:53

10 weeks ago1:00:53

1:00:53

Paul and Dan tackle the age-old question of initiative in tabletop RPGs. From the simplicity of group initiative to the complexity of individual modifiers and segment counting, initiative rules can shape the entire feel of combat. We'll explore how different editions and indie games handle turn order, what those choices say about their design philosophies, and how your own table might benefit from mixing it up. Is rolling every round more dynamic or just more bookkeeping? Should initiative reflect a character's reflexes, or just be a way to get the action moving? Along the way, we'll share our own stories of initiative chaos, house rules that worked (or didn't), and some truly oddball systems that tried to rethink the whole idea.…

W

Wandering DMs

Wandering DMs podcast artwork

1
Magic Jar in D&D | Change Your Life | Wandering DMs S07 E18 1:01:03

11 weeks ago1:01:03

1:01:03

Dan and Paul do a deep dive on the "Magic Jar" spell that's been in every edition of D&D to date. First edition said, "Magic jar is a very unusual spell" and gave it a completely unique school of magic. Put your soul in an object and you can possess any other creature's body you desire. Total safety from destruction, right? But detail vary wildly by edition: Should it be eternal duration, or more limited? Infinite range, or something less? And how will it reshape the tone of your whole campaign? Read Dan's blog on Spells Through the Ages: Magic Jar…

W

Wandering DMs

Wandering DMs podcast artwork

1
OSRIC 3.0 | Advanced Retro D&D by Matt Finch | Wandering DMs S07 E17 59:58

12 weeks ago59:58

59:58

Paul and Dan get to chat with father of the OSR Matt Finch, about the 20th anniversary of OSRIC, his ground-breaking retroclone of 1st Edition Advanced D&D. Plus: the new 3.0 version of OSRIC, currently crowdfunding on Backerkit. What's prompted a new version? What's new and good for new players? How can GMs write official adventures for OSRIC? Plus a whole lot more! Back Matt's OSRIC 3.0 on Backerkit…

W

Wandering DMs

Wandering DMs podcast artwork

1
Live Dash Review | Surviving a Convention-Speed D&D Adventure | Wandering DMs S07 E16 1:02:26

13 weeks ago1:02:26

1:02:26

Dan and Paul return from the Rising Phoenix Game Con with tales from the front lines of fast-paced dungeon creation! In this episode, they break down their latest Dungeon Design Dash, crafted live in front of a seminar audience and then playtested at the convention just two days later. What worked? What didn’t? And what did the players do that nobody expected? Whether you’re a dungeon designer looking to sharpen your tools or just love a behind-the-scenes look at live convention play, you won’t want to miss this one! Want to join us next year? Check out the convention here!…

W

Wandering DMs

Wandering DMs podcast artwork

1
D&D Twenty-Sided Tavern | D&D as Live Theater | Wandering DMs S07 E15 1:02:35

13 weeks ago1:02:35

1:02:35

Dan & Paul get to chat with R. Alex Murray, one of the cast members of Twenty-Sided Tavern, a live theatrical D&D stage production! TST has had a smash year off-Broadway in New York City, and now they're about to take the show across the country. What's the difference between playing D&D at home with friends, versus entertaining hundreds of audience members every night? What elements of D&D cut across those lines and what needs to be cut or changed? Check out D&D Twenty-Sided Tavern on your favorite social media https://thetwentysidedtavern.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@twentysidedtavern https://www.tiktok.com/@twentysidedtavern https://www.instagram.com/twentysidedtavern/…

W

Wandering DMs

Wandering DMs podcast artwork

1
Bill Webb! | Necromancer Games | Wandering DMs S07 E14 1:03:37

14 weeks ago1:03:37

1:03:37

Paul & Dan chat with the legendary Bill Webb, founder of Necromancer Games and Frog God Games. Bill's back with a new, even-more-old-school TTRPG ruleset -- the Necromancer's Game, naturally! We find out how "wild man" Bill Webb runs his own regular home games, and what "First Edition Feel" means in 2025. Plus more surprises! Join the Kickstarter for Bill's Necromancer's Game here…

W

Wandering DMs

Wandering DMs podcast artwork

1
To Show or Not Show the Map? | Revealing Information in D&D | Wandering DMs S07 E13 1:07:51

17 weeks ago1:07:51

1:07:51

Should the DM keep their D&D adventure map hidden, or reveal it to the players at the outset? Dan & Paul discuss the sometimes-surprising benefits of giving your players more information instead of less. From partial dungeon maps as treasure, to visualizing the layout of the wilderness, to games where the map's the thing, we'll share everything we know.…

W

Wandering DMs

Wandering DMs podcast artwork

1
Moves, Powers, and Skills | Creating unique characters in TTPRGs | Wandering DMs S07 E12 1:03:01

18 weeks ago1:03:01

1:03:01

After a packed weekend at their annual house convention, Dan and Paul return with fresh insights into the mechanics behind the games they played. From the moves-based mechanics of Powered by the Apocalypse titles, to Quest's streamlined abilities, D&D's shifting focus across editions (from old-school attribute checks to modern skill lists), and the freeform chaos of Fiasco, they examine how different systems shape the player experience. Do tightly defined moves encourage bold choices—or just narrow options? When does a skill list feel empowering, and when does it just get in the way? And what happens when you throw out mechanics entirely, like in Fiasco? Join the Wandering DMs for a lively discussion on how systems guide creativity at the table—or sometimes, hold it back.…

W

Wandering DMs

Wandering DMs podcast artwork

1
Dungeon Design Dash #5 | Creating a D&D Adventure in One Hour | Wandering DMs S06 E37 1:07:00

40 weeks ago1:07:00

1:07:00

Dan and Paul are back at it again, creating an entire D&D adventure in just one hour! Armed with only their D&D source books, Matt Finch's excellent Tome of Adventure Design, and the input from live viewers, they'll create a fully stocked and playable D&D dungeon adventure right in front of your eyes. Once it's complete, adventure WDM05 will be posted on DriveThruRPG and free copies distributed to all our faithful patrons!…

W

Wandering DMs

Wandering DMs podcast artwork

1
Ghouls in D&D | Hungry for More | Wandering DMs S06 E36 1:03:33

42 weeks ago1:03:33

1:03:33

Dan and Paul reflect on the many changing faces of ghouls in D&D and fantasy literature. How did they become one of the most feared monster types? What flavor is best: the one from Lovecraft, Howard, Leiber, Gygax, or Romero? Should they be unthinking undead, or a sentient organized race? What's the best way to skin (or unskin) them in your D&D game? In Arabic folklore, the ghul is said to dwell in cemeteries and other uninhabited places. A male ghoul is referred to as ghul while the female is called ghulah. A source identified the Arabic ghoul as a female creature who is sometimes called Mother Ghoul (ʾUmm Ghulah) or a relational term such as Aunt Ghoul. She is portrayed in many tales luring hapless characters, who are usually men, into her home where she can eat them. Some state[who?] that a ghoul is a desert-dwelling, shapeshifting demon that can assume the guise of an animal, especially a hyena. It lures unwary people into the desert wastes or abandoned places to slay and devour them. The creature also preys on young children, drinks blood, steals coins, and eats the dead, then taking the form of the person most recently eaten. One of the narratives identified a ghoul named Ghul-e Biyaban, a particularly monstrous character believed to be inhabiting the wilderness of Afghanistan and Iran. In "Pickman's Model", a short story by H. P. Lovecraft, ghouls are members of a subterranean race. Their diet of dead human flesh mutated them into bestial humanoids able to carry on intelligent conversations with the living. The story has ghouls set underground with ghoul tunnels that connect ancient human ruins with deep underworlds. Lovecraft hints that the ghouls emerge in subway tunnels to feed on train wreck victims. Lovecraft's vision of the ghoul, shared by associated authors Clark Ashton-Smith and Robert E. Howard, has heavily influenced the collective idea of the ghoul in American culture. Ghouls as described by Lovecraft are dog-faced and hideous creatures but not necessarily malicious. Though their primary (perhaps only) food source is human flesh, they do not seek out or hunt living people. They are able to travel back and forth through the wall of sleep. This is demonstrated in Lovecraft's "The Dream Quest of Unknown Kadath" in which Randolph Carter encounters Pickman in the dream world after his complete transition into a mature ghoul. Read Dan's blog on Ghouls Through the Ages of D&D And then read up on the Literature of Ghouls This description uses material from the Wikipedia article " Ghoul ", which is released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0.…

W

Wandering DMs

Wandering DMs podcast artwork

1
Scaling D&D Adventures | Tips for Handling Any Group Size | Wandering DMs S06 E35 1:01:12

43 weeks ago1:01:12

1:01:12

This week on Wandering DMs, Paul Siegel and Dan “Delta” Collins dive into one of the most common challenges DMs face: scaling D&D adventures when the number of players doesn’t match what the adventure was designed for. Whether you're running a session for fewer players than expected or you suddenly have a larger group to accommodate, adjusting on the fly can be tricky. Paul and Dan will break down strategies for tweaking encounters, managing balance, and ensuring every player stays engaged, even when the group size shifts unexpectedly. Without time to prepare in advance, making adjustments on the fly requires quick thinking and flexibility. How do you rebalance combat encounters without losing the tension or excitement of the adventure? What do you do when a critical puzzle or social encounter suddenly becomes too easy or too hard because of the group size? Paul and Dan will explore these challenges and offer real-world examples from their years of experience running games, helping DMs make smart adjustments in the heat of the moment. They’ll also discuss how to write adventures that are easier to adjust to variable group sizes and what kind of guidance adventure authors can include to help DMs handle these situations. Whether you're a seasoned Dungeon Master or new to running games, join the conversation and get tips you can apply right away! As always, they’ll be live and taking your questions and comments in real time. Don’t miss it — Sunday at 1 PM Eastern on YouTube and Twitch!…

W

Wandering DMs

Wandering DMs podcast artwork

1
Matt Finch | Tome of Worldbuilding | Wandering DMs S06 E34 1:00:20

44 weeks ago1:00:20

1:00:20

Dan and Paul chat with Matt Finch, the ENNIE-award winning designer of the Swords & Wizardry game, and who also created OSRIC, and the Quick Primer for Old School Gaming. Plus he made our favorite Tome of Adventure Design, as seen in use in the Wandering DMs Dungeon Design Dashes. Next up on Kickstarter is Matt's Tome of Wordbuilding Design. Is this just in time for all our fantasy worldbuilding needs? The Tome of World Building is written by ENNIE-award winning author Matt Finch, author of the critically-acclaimed Tome of Adventure Design. Using the Tome of World Building, you can create fantasy worlds quickly and fill them out with a wealth of detail from the random-generation tables in this book. This Kickstarter offers two high quality hardcover books to create a trilogy of creative power with the Tome of Adventure Design. The first is the Tome of World Building, allowing you to create maps, cultures, countries, wilderness regions, and all the history and backstabbing politics of a fantasy world. The second is the Nomicon, with tables to invent fantasy names for everything you'll generate using the Tome of World Building. Back Matt Finch's Tome of Worldbuilding on Kickstarter here…

W

Wandering DMs

Wandering DMs podcast artwork

1
Wrath of the Sea Lich | Luke Gygax & 50 Years of D&D | Wandering DMs S06 E33 1:03:24

45 weeks ago1:03:24

1:03:24

Paul and Dan chat with Luke Gygax on the 50th anniversary of D&D and his new old-school mega-adventure, Wrath of the Sea Lich! Wrath of the Sea Lich is a reimagining of his hit series, "Oculus of Senrahbah" originally created for 5e. Luke and Matt enlisted the help of notable designer Sersa Victory to reengineer the scenario for the critically acclaimed Shadowdark system. Together, they have remastered the entire series, the encounters are rebalanced, and the entire work is reformatted to fit the Old School aesthetic of Shadowdark. n "Wrath of the Sea Lich", the party sets out to recover the Eye of Chentoufi, an ancient artifact sought by a local treasure hunter. Unknown to all, the artifact is sought by the ancient Ydrissid lich, Ireshkigal, who has been dormant for thousands of years in her watery fortress. As the characters venture across the city, they eventually find their way to a submerged ruins and encounter remnants of a forgotten age. As they begin to understand the implications of Ireshkigal’s return, the sense of urgency to find the artifact mounts. The lich’s revival could bring serious consequences to the world, and the party must decide whether to use the power of the Oculus or find a way to destroy it. Shadowdark RPG is a modern fantasy role-playing game that seamlessly blends classic tabletop RPG elements with innovative mechanics, creating a new experience for players who have grown up with modern role-playing games. Designed to evoke the nostalgia of early dungeon crawlers while introducing streamlined gameplay, Shadowdark encourages exploration, tactical combat, and rich storytelling. Its flexible system accommodates various play styles, making it accessible for both newcomers and experienced adventurers. The game emphasizes fast-paced action, player agency, and a dark atmosphere that challenges players throughout each game session. It won the 2024 Three Castles Award for best game design, as well as four gold ENNIEs: Product of the Year, Best Game, Best Rules, and Best Layout & Design. Back Luke Gygax's Wrath of the Sea Lich on Kickstarter here Get the Shadowdark RPG system here…

W

Wandering DMs

Wandering DMs podcast artwork

1
D&D Party Size | Gathering the Right Number of Troops | Wandering DMs S06 E32 1:00:13

46 weeks ago1:00:13

1:00:13

Dan and Paul, the Wandering DMs, discuss the right number of players for D&D and other TTRPGs. How many is too many? How few is too few? What factors play into choosing the right range of party size for your adventure design? Team size and team composition affect team processes and team outcomes. The optimal size (and composition) of teams is debated and will vary depending on the task at hand. At least one study of problem-solving in groups showed an optimal size of groups at four members. Other works estimate the optimal size between 5–12 members or a number of members that can consume two pizzas. Writers such as Belbin (1981, 1993), Woodcock (1989), Margerison and McCann (1990), Davis et al. (1992), Parker (1990), and Spencer and Pruss (1992) focused on team roles and how these affected team performance. These studies suggested that team performance was a function of the number and type of roles team members played. The number of roles for optimal performance varied from 15 (Davis et al., 1992) to four (Parker, 1990). This variation has been attributed to how roles were defined. Regarding composition, all teams will have an element of homogeneity and heterogeneity. The more homogeneous the group, the more cohesive it will be. The more heterogeneous the group, the greater the differences in perspective and increased potential for creativity, but also the greater potential for conflict. This description uses material from the Wikipedia article " Team ", which is released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0 .…

W

Wandering DMs

Wandering DMs podcast artwork

1
Travel Encounters in D&D | Wandering Why? | Wandering DMs S06 E31 1:01:55

47 weeks ago1:01:55

1:01:55

Paul and Dan do a deep dive on the state of travel encounters in classic D&D and other games. Should they be based on random wandering tables, or fine-tuned by the DM for the given adventure session? Is the goal to simulate a living world, or to challenge the PCs at the table? Should the DM know in advance what will happen, or share in the surprise? Travel in the Middle Ages offered hardships and challenges, though it was important to the economy and to society. The wholesale sector depended (for example) on merchants dealing with/through caravans or sea-voyagers, end-user retailing often demanded the services of many itinerant peddlers wandering from village to hamlet, gyrovagues (wandering monks) and wandering friars brought theology and pastoral support to neglected areas, traveling minstrels toured, and armies ranged far and wide in various crusades and in sundry other wars. Pilgrimages were common in both the European and Islamic world and involved streams of travelers both locally and internationally. In the late 16th century, it became fashionable for young European aristocrats and wealthy upper-class men to travel to significant European cities as part of their education in the arts and literature. This was known as the Grand Tour, and included cities such as London, Paris, Venice, Florence, and Rome. However, the French Revolution brought with it the end of the Grand Tour. This description uses material from the Wikipedia article " Travel ", which is released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0 .…

W

Wandering DMs

Wandering DMs podcast artwork

1
Rutskarn’s Gambit | Creating Political Intrigue with Boot Hill | Wandering DMs S06 E30 1:00:40

48 weeks ago1:00:40

1:00:40

Dan and Paul are joined by special guest Adam "Rutskarn" DeCamp, author of the blog Chocolate Hammer. Rutskarn will share his experience running a highly political campaign using the original TSR Western RPG Boot Hill, first published in 1975. How can a game with zero rules for social interactions and a highly deadly combat system actually encourage play focused on politics, deception, and intrigue? Boot Hill is a western-themed role-playing game designed by Brian Blume, Gary Gygax, and Don Kaye (although Kaye unexpectedly died before the game was published), and first published in 1975. Boot Hill was TSR's third role-playing game, appearing not long after Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) and Empire of the Petal Throne. Boot Hill focused on gunfighting rather than role-playing. The first edition and second editions were specifically marketed as a miniatures combat game, but even in the third edition, most of the rules concerned combat resolution, with relatively little information about settings and few rules for social interaction. Combat could be short and deadly, with death often coming from the first gunshot. This lethality did not change over time since, unlike D&D characters, Boot Hill characters did not advance in levels to develop better defenses or advantages over non-player characters; they remained just as likely to die in their hundredth combat as they had been in their first. As a result, most characters had a very short life span, and players generally had little chance to identify with their player character over the long term, as they could with a player character in D&D. Read Rutskarn's "Boot Hill and the Fear of Dice" on his Blog Chocoloate Hammer Check Out Rutskarn's Patreon Follow Rutskarn on Twitter This description uses material from the Wikipedia article " Boot Hill (role-playing game) ", which is released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0 .…

W

Wandering DMs

Wandering DMs podcast artwork

1
D&D Beyond Update Fail! | Backward-Compatibility Blues | Wandering DMs S06 E29 1:01:15

48 weeks ago1:01:15

1:01:15

Dan and Paul wrap up the most recent Wizards D&D Beyond fumble -- a decision to retract all the items, magic, and spells from the 2014 version of D&D 5th Edition, and replace all content globally with the 2024 revised D&D content (whether players wanted it or not!). After public outcry, WOTC flip-flopped on their decision, but was it a preventable mistake? How hard is it for a game company to make old & new customers both equally happy? There are several incentives for a company to implement backward compatibility. Backward compatibility can be used to preserve older software that would have otherwise been lost when a manufacturer decides to stop supporting older hardware. Classic video games are a common example used when discussing the value of supporting older software. The cultural impact of video games is a large part of their continued success, and some believe ignoring backward compatibility would cause these titles to disappear. Backward compatibility also acts as a selling point for new hardware, as an existing player base can more affordably upgrade to subsequent generations of a console. This also helps to make up for lack of content at the launch of new systems, as users can pull from the previous console's library of games while developers transition to the new hardware. Moreover, studies in the mid-1990s found that even consumers who never play older games after purchasing a new system consider backward compatibility a highly desirable feature, valuing the mere ability to continue to play an existing collection of games even if they choose never to do so. Backward compatibility with the original PlayStation (PS) software discs and peripherals is considered to have been a key selling point for the PlayStation 2 (PS2) during its early months on the market. The monetary costs of supporting old software is considered a large drawback to the usage of backward compatibility. The associated costs of backward compatibility are a larger bill of materials if hardware is required to support the legacy systems; increased complexity of the product that may lead to longer time to market, technological hindrances, and slowing innovation; and increased expectations from users in terms of compatibility. Because of this, several console manufacturers phased out backward compatibility toward the end of the console generation in order to reduce cost and briefly reinvigorate sales before the arrival of newer hardware. Backward compatibility introduces the risk that developers will favor developing games that are compatible with both the old and new systems, since this gives them a larger base of potential buyers, resulting in a dearth of software which uses the advanced features of the new system. This description uses material from the Wikipedia article " Backward compatibility ", which is released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0 .…

W

Wandering DMs

Wandering DMs podcast artwork

1
Creating D&D Pre-Gens | Character Creation for One-Shots | Wandering DMs S06 E28 1:03:01

51 weeks ago1:03:01

1:03:01

Paul and Dan discuss creation of pre-generated characters for one-shot roleplaying games. From the fastest and easiest ways to quickly generate stats, to crafting unique back-stories that fit (or fight) with the plot. How does it differ between styles of game, and when, if ever, to let the players create their own characters for one-off and convention style games. In both tabletop role playing games such as Dungeons & Dragons and role-playing video games such as Final Fantasy, a player typically creates or takes on the identity of a character that may have nothing in common with the player. The character is often of a certain (usually fictional) race and class (such as zombie, berserker, rifleman, elf, or cleric), each with strengths and weaknesses. The attributes of the characters (such as magic and fighting ability) are given as numerical values which can be increased as the gamer progresses and gains rank and experience points through accomplishing goals or fighting enemies. Character creation (also character generation / character design) is the process of defining a player character in a role-playing game. The result of character creation is a direct characterization that is recorded on a character sheet. This may include a representation of the character's physical, mental, psychological, and social attributes and skills in terms of the specific game's mechanics. It may also include informal descriptions of the character's physical appearance, personality, personal back-story ("background"), and possessions. Games with a fantasy setting may include traits such as race, class, or species. Character creation is the first step typically taken by the players (as opposed to the gamemaster) in preparation for a game. This description uses material from the Wikipedia articles " Player Character " and " Character Creation ", which are released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0 .…

W

Wandering DMs

Wandering DMs podcast artwork

1
The Measure of Man in D&D | Statting Real People in TTRPGs | Wandering DMs S06 E27 1:03:15

1 year ago1:03:15

1:03:15

Dan & Paul scope out principles for statting out real people in D&D and other role-playing games. What do the standard ability scores really mean, anyway? How have they varied over editions of D&D across the years? And how can we compare and model real people in other games like Call of Cthulhu, Star Frontiers, and Fearful Ends? Kinanthropometry is defined as the study of human size, shape, proportion, composition, maturation, and gross function, in order to understand growth, exercise, performance, and nutrition. It is a scientific discipline that is concerned with the measurement of individuals in a variety of morphological perspectives, its application to movement and those factors which influence movement, including: components of body build, body measurements, proportions, composition, shape and maturation; motor abilities and cardiorespiratory capacities; physical activity including recreational activity as well as highly specialized sports performance. The predominant focus is upon obtaining detailed measurements upon the body composition of a given person. Kinanthropometry is the interface between human anatomy and movement. It is the application of a series of measurements made on the body and from these we can use the data that we gather directly or perform calculations using the data to produce various indices and body composition predictions and to measure and describe physique. Read Dan's article on D&D Intelligence and IQ This description uses material from the Wikipedia article " Kinanthropometry ", which is released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0 .…

W

Wandering DMs

Wandering DMs podcast artwork

1
Creeping Doom Playtest | Co-DMing Social Encounters | Wandering DMs S06 E26 1:02:33

1 year ago1:02:33

1:02:33

Dan & Paul give a postmortem on running their fourth Dungeon Design Dash product, Creeping Doom of the Pumpkin King, in a co-DM fashion. It's their first DDD wilderness adventure, and surprises abound! What happens when the party pursues mostly social encounters with a dedicated Adversary DM? Can two DMs swap out musical-chairs NPCs without going crazy? Does D&D always revert back to its horror roots? A playtest is the process by which a game designer tests a new game for bugs and design flaws before releasing it to market. Playtests can be run "open", "closed", "beta", or otherwise, and are very common with board games, collectible card games, puzzle hunts, role-playing games, and video games, for which they have become an established part of the quality control process. An individual involved in testing a game is referred to as a playtester. An open playtest could be considered open to anyone who wishes to join, or it may refer to game designers recruiting testers from outside the design group. Prospective testers usually must complete a survey or provide their contact information in order to be considered for participation. A closed playtest is an internal testing process not available to the public. Beta testing normally refers to the final stages of testing just before going to market with a product, and is often run semi-open with a limited form of the game in order to find any last-minute problems. With all forms of playtesting it is not unusual for participants to be required to sign a non-disclosure agreement, in order to protect the game designer's copyrights. Watch the livestream creation of Creeping Doom of the Pumpkin King here This description uses material from the Wikipedia articles " Playtest ", which is released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0 .…

W

Wandering DMs

Wandering DMs podcast artwork

1
Original vs. Basic D&D Part 2 | Sweep the Leg | Wandering DMs S06 E25 1:02:05

1 year ago1:02:05

1:02:05

In Part 1 Dan and Paul barely scratched the surface on the differences between Original D&D (1974) and Basic D&D (1981)! Due to popular demand they're back for more. Hopefully this time they'll escape the character creation section and get into combat, monsters, and spells, but who knows? There's the whole sweep attack issue to hammer out first. The original Dungeons & Dragons (commonly abbreviated D&D) boxed set by Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson was published by TSR, Inc. in 1974. It included the original edition of the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game. The original Dungeons & Dragons boxed set was the first published role-playing game, a fantasy game system modeled on medieval Europe. This set introduced elements which would become standard in later editions, including abilities (such as strength, intelligence, and dexterity); character classes (fighting-man, magic-user, cleric) and character levels; races (human, dwarf, elf, halfling); armor class; monsters and treasure; underground dungeons consisting of halls, rooms, and doors protected by tricks and traps; and magic items, such as intelligent swords. After the release of the AD&D game, the Basic Set saw a major revision in 1981 by editor Tom Moldvay. The game was not brought in line with AD&D but instead further away from that ruleset, and thus the basic D&D game became a separate and distinct product line from AD&D. The former was promoted as a continuation of the tone of original D&D, while AD&D was an advancement of the mechanics. The revised version of the set included a larger, sixty-four page rule book with a red border and a color cover by Erol Otus, the module B2 The Keep on the Borderlands, six polyhedral dice, and a marking crayon. The book came drilled with holes so that it could be used in a three-ringed binder, and the full set of off-white polyhedral dice came in a heat-sealed bag with a small wax crayon for coloring the numbers on the dice. This description uses material from the Wikipedia articles " Dungeons & Dragons (1974) " and " Dungeons & Dragons Basic Set ", which is released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0.…

W

Wandering DMs

Wandering DMs podcast artwork

1
Original vs. Basic D&D | Who Wins the Crown? | Wandering DMs S06 E24 1:02:26

1 year ago1:02:26

1:02:26

Let's chat about two of our favorite editions of early D&D -- Original D&D (1974) and Basic D&D (1981)! Dan & Paul run most of D&D in similar ways, but their instincts sometimes differ in which of these traditions they're coming from. What changes were made by the brilliant Tom Moldvay in Basic D&D? Were they for the better, or worse? What should new players start with today for that classic D&D experience? The original Dungeons & Dragons (commonly abbreviated D&D) boxed set by Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson was published by TSR, Inc. in 1974. It included the original edition of the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game. The original Dungeons & Dragons boxed set was the first published role-playing game, a fantasy game system modeled on medieval Europe. This set introduced elements which would become standard in later editions, including abilities (such as strength, intelligence, and dexterity); character classes (fighting-man, magic-user, cleric) and character levels; races (human, dwarf, elf, halfling); armor class; monsters and treasure; underground dungeons consisting of halls, rooms, and doors protected by tricks and traps; and magic items, such as intelligent swords. After the release of the AD&D game, the Basic Set saw a major revision in 1981 by editor Tom Moldvay. The game was not brought in line with AD&D but instead further away from that ruleset, and thus the basic D&D game became a separate and distinct product line from AD&D. The former was promoted as a continuation of the tone of original D&D, while AD&D was an advancement of the mechanics. The revised version of the set included a larger, sixty-four page rule book with a red border and a color cover by Erol Otus, the module B2 The Keep on the Borderlands, six polyhedral dice, and a marking crayon. The book came drilled with holes so that it could be used in a three-ringed binder, and the full set of off-white polyhedral dice came in a heat-sealed bag with a small wax crayon for coloring the numbers on the dice. This description uses material from the Wikipedia articles " Dungeons & Dragons (1974) " and " Dungeons & Dragons Basic Set ", which is released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0 .…

W

Wandering DMs

Wandering DMs podcast artwork

1
D&D on the Clock | Games with Time Constraints | Wandering DMs S06 E23 45:33

1 year ago45:33

45:33

In this last-minute, condensed episdoe of Wandering DMs, Dan and Paul discuss using real world time elements in games. From timers in D&D adventures to board games that include a ticking clock, they'll cover everything in under 45 minutes. They even manage to fit in an actual play of 5 Minute Dungeon!…

W

Wandering DMs

Wandering DMs podcast artwork

1
Elementals in D&D | From the Source | Wandering DMs S07 E11 1:01:39

20 weeks ago1:01:39

1:01:39

Dan & Paul chat about Elementals in D&D. Where do they come from, and how often do they get used? Are they really a good option for high-level wizards to conjure? And how have they evolved into the newest Monster Manual for D&D 5E 2024? Read Dan's blog on Conjure Elemental Through the Ages And more on the problem of the Air Elemental Whirlwind…

W

Wandering DMs

Wandering DMs podcast artwork

1
WOTC Kills VTT | Wherefore Art Thou Digital Tools? | Wandering DMs S07 E10 1:03:36

21 weeks ago1:03:36

1:03:36

Hasbro/WOTC announced this week that their long-anticipated virtual tabletop tool (VTT), Sigil, is suddenly end-of-life. How did they come to spend so many resources into a project like this, only to cancel it? Does it disrupt their overall strategy for the brand-new 2024 edition of Dungeons & Dragons? What's the landscape of VTT's for D&D look like today. And… is anyone really surprised?…

W

Wandering DMs

Wandering DMs podcast artwork

1
Tom McGrenery | OSR and Story Games | Wandering DMs S07 E09 1:03:25

21 weeks ago1:03:25

1:03:25

Dan and Paul are joined by Tom McGrenery, game designer and co-host of the podcast Fear of a Black Dragon, to discuss the surprising common ground between OSR and story games. Do they have more in common with each other than either has with modern traditional RPGs? Find out what they discover in this thought-provoking episode of Wandering DMs!…

W

Wandering DMs

Wandering DMs podcast artwork

1
The AI Dungeon Master | Review of Playing D&D with an AI DM | Wandering DMs S07 E08 1:06:45

23 weeks ago1:06:45

1:06:45

Can an AI truly run a game of Dungeons & Dragons? In this episode, Paul & Dan review Paul’s recent live-streamed experiment, Martha the AI DM, where he played a session of Basic B/X D&D with an AI as his Dungeon Master. How well did Martha craft adventures, roleplay NPCs, and adapt to unexpected player choices? Did she bring the magic of tabletop storytelling — or did she fall into mechanical pitfalls? Join us as we break down the session, discuss the strengths and limitations of AI-driven RPGs, and explore what this means for the future of roleplaying games. Here's some links to the articles mentioned in this show: Creating dungeon maps using D2 (Declarative Diagraming) Academic paper on running The Sunless Citadel…

W

Wandering DMs

Wandering DMs podcast artwork

1
Tones for Tough Times | Playing D&D when Things are Bad | Wandering DMs S07 E07 1:06:52

24 weeks ago1:06:52

1:06:52

As a DM, should you offer different subject matter to your players when the real world looks grim?

W

Wandering DMs

Wandering DMs podcast artwork

1
DMing On The Fly | Running a D&D Game With No Materials | Wandering DMs S07 E06 1:04:21

25 weeks ago1:04:21

1:04:21

Paul & Dan dive into the art of running a game with absolutely no materials on hand. Whether it’s an impromptu one-shot, a lost character sheet crisis, or a full-on “I forgot my dice bag at home” scenario, we’ll explore how to keep the adventure rolling with just your wits and a table full of eager players.…

W

Wandering DMs

Wandering DMs podcast artwork

1
Original D&D Greyhawk Supplement | Wandering DMs S07 E05 1:04:48

26 weeks ago1:04:48

1:04:48

Paul & Dan review the first add-on to Original D&D in 1975: Supplement I, Greyhawk! Presenting content and rules changes stemming from Gygax's home campaign, we get new classes (the Thief and Paladin), spells, monsters, and magic items. But how much of it was a boon to D&D in general, and how many were mistakes?…

W

Wandering DMs

Wandering DMs podcast artwork

1
How to Get Away with Murder in D&D | Planning Plots | Wandering DMs S07 E04 1:03:50

28 weeks ago1:03:50

1:03:50

Dan & Paul follow up on our chat about mysteries in D&D: Turning things around, how is the average Thieves' Guild member meant to ply their trade in the world? Given all the magic detection, location, ESP, and other powers, what steps will the average assassin-for-hire take to complete their mission and not get caught?…

W

Wandering DMs

Wandering DMs podcast artwork

1
Mysteries | Running Frustration Free D&D Whodunits | Wandering DMs S07 E03 1:01:59

29 weeks ago1:01:59

1:01:59

In this episode of Wandering DMs, Dan and Paul explore the art of running mysteries in Dungeons & Dragons and other TTRPGs. From crafting compelling clues and red herrings to balancing player agency with narrative tension, they share tips and tricks to keep your players engaged and invested in unraveling the plot. Whether you’re running a murder investigation, solving ancient riddles, or diving into a missing persons case, this episode has everything you need to craft a memorable mystery adventure.…

W

Wandering DMs

Wandering DMs podcast artwork

1
Critical Failures | What’s the Worst that Can Happen? | Wandering DMs S07 E02 57:13

30 weeks ago57:13

57:13

Dan & Paul chat about the role of critical failure and fumble systems in TTRPG systems. Do they add appropriate surprise, unpredictability, realism, and danger to the adventure? Are they more punishing to the players or their opponents? Or are they just more trouble than they're worth?

W

Wandering DMs

Wandering DMs podcast artwork

1
Splitting the Party | When Your D&D Group Can’t Keep it Together | Wandering DMs S07 E01 1:01:08

31 weeks ago1:01:08

1:01:08

Paul & Dan are back for Season 7, this time diving into the age-old debate: splitting the party. When is it a clever strategy? When is it a recipe for disaster? And what can DMs do to keep the game running smoothly when the group goes their separate ways?

W

Wandering DMs

Wandering DMs podcast artwork

1
2024 Year in Review | Wandering DMs Season 6 | Wandering DMs S06 E41 1:00:53

35 weeks ago1:00:53

1:00:53

Paul & Dan look back on the year 2024 for the Wandering DMs. It's been a momentous year: The 50th anniversary of Dungeons & Dragons, a new version of the D&D game, the Chinese Year of the Dragon, in-depth looks at Original vs. Basic D&D, and special guests like Michael Moorcock, Luke Gygax, Jon Peterson, an Matt Finch. Share your high and low points, and we'll share ours! A year-in-review is any sort of publication which is traditionally released on an annual basis to cover the events of the past year from the perspective of the contributors to the publication. Years-in-review are often intended to highlight the highs and lows of the events which occurred throughout the year, and often include select works published during the year which are considered by the editors of the year-in-review to be the most memorable works of the year. Years-in-review are often used to list "Top Ten" lists voted upon by hired critics and reviewers of other media. So let's commemorate the last time we'll do this added bit of text! This description uses material from the Wikipedia article " Year-in-review ", which is released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0 .…

W

Wandering DMs

Wandering DMs podcast artwork

1
Crafting Villains | Creating Satisfying Foils for Your Players | Wandering DMs S06 E40 59:01

36 weeks ago59:01

59:01

Dan and Paul discuss ways to create satisfying recurring villains in your D&D campaign. How do you balance the desire for epic, climactic showdowns with the unpredictable, open-ended nature of a TTRPG campaign? Should your villain be the untouchable mastermind pulling strings from the shadows, or someone your players can engage with directly throughout the story? Join us as we share tips, pitfalls, and our favorite examples of how to keep your players on the edge of their seats with antagonists they’ll love to hate.…

W

Wandering DMs

Wandering DMs podcast artwork

1
Original vs. Basic D&D Part 3 | Combat! | Wandering DMs S06 E39 59:51

37 weeks ago59:51

59:51

Dan & Paul revisit the Original vs. Basic Dungeon & Dragons collision. This time: As similar as the early editions are, a fundamental place where they differ is the combat turn sequence. Moldvay's B/X rules have a unique turn sequence not seen in other versions of D&D. And for Original D&D (1974), can you even find the turn sequence, anyway? Plus other acts of critical violence. The original Dungeons & Dragons (commonly abbreviated D&D) boxed set by Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson was published by TSR, Inc. in 1974. It included the original edition of the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game. The original Dungeons & Dragons boxed set was the first published role-playing game, a fantasy game system modeled on medieval Europe. This set introduced elements which would become standard in later editions, including abilities (such as strength, intelligence, and dexterity); character classes (fighting-man, magic-user, cleric) and character levels; races (human, dwarf, elf, halfling); armor class; monsters and treasure; underground dungeons consisting of halls, rooms, and doors protected by tricks and traps; and magic items, such as intelligent swords. After the release of the AD&D game, the Basic Set saw a major revision in 1981 by editor Tom Moldvay. The game was not brought in line with AD&D but instead further away from that ruleset, and thus the basic D&D game became a separate and distinct product line from AD&D. The former was promoted as a continuation of the tone of original D&D, while AD&D was an advancement of the mechanics. The revised version of the set included a larger, sixty-four page rule book with a red border and a color cover by Erol Otus, the module B2 The Keep on the Borderlands, six polyhedral dice, and a marking crayon. The book came drilled with holes so that it could be used in a three-ringed binder, and the full set of off-white polyhedral dice came in a heat-sealed bag with a small wax crayon for coloring the numbers on the dice. This description uses material from the Wikipedia articles " Dungeons & Dragons (1974) " and " Dungeons & Dragons Basic Set ", which is released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0 .…

W

Wandering DMs

Wandering DMs podcast artwork

1
Dungeon Design Dash #5 Part 2 | Infested Perch of the Mammoth Egg | Wandering DMs S06 E38 1:00:25

38 weeks ago1:00:25

1:00:25

Dan and Paul return to complete the dungeon design dash for the "Infested Perch of the Mammoth Egg". Unfortunately one hour was just not enough this time around, so they're coming back to complete the adventure, and reveal some of the extra editing passes that go into publishing these adventures. Once complete, this adventure will be posted for sale on DriveThruRPG, and a free copy sent to every active patron. Now is a great time to become a patron - get all the benefits PLUS a free adventure!…

Welcome to Player FM!

Player FM is scanning the web for high-quality podcasts for you to enjoy right now. It's the best podcast app and works on Android, iPhone, and the web. Signup to sync subscriptions across devices.

Listen to 500+ topics

Help/FAQ | Upgrade | Advertise

Arts|Business|Comedy|Economics|Entertainment|News|Politics|Religion

Science|Soccer|Sports|Storytelling|Technology|True Crime

Copyright 2025 | Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | | Copyright

Listen to this show while you explore