Down in a Heap
By Rob c
A big pot of old school RPG stew.
Cover art photo provided by Mathew Schwartz on Unsplash: unsplash.com/@cadop
Cover art photo provided by Mathew Schwartz on Unsplash: unsplash.com/@cadop
Down in a HeapOct 03, 2023
00:00
15:21
OSR October: Tuesday Tidbits - Jazz Up the Fighter
Spicing up the vanilla fighter is a common house rule in OSR games. Here’s one method (Fighting Tricks) from Dice Roll Zine #3 by Steve Cook of Hog Town Games.
Oct 03, 202315:21
OSR October 2023: Episode 1
It’s been a while, but already that time of year again: OSR October! I blabber about how it came about, what’s happening, what I have planned, and has gamer wanderlust always existed? Plus I drink a blue cheese flavored soda...
Oct 02, 202331:05
Placement of Treasure in B/X plus new Gary’s Appendix KS
There’s a new KS for Gary’s Appendix issue 3 from Jeffery Jones. And calls from Evil Jeff, Joe, Pink Phantom, Taylor, Jason, and Darkfluid prompt me to a deep dive into procedural treasure placement in B/X (among other topics). It’s a bonanza!
Aug 04, 202301:14:31
Gary’s Appendix: Issue 1 plus calls
I take a look at the zine, Gary’s Appendix by RPG Ramblings Publishing available in pdf/print direct at rpgramblings.com or pdf at DrivethruRPG.com plus calls from Jason & Daniel about bugs, traps, treasure, and granularity. A new caller (Joe from Dekahedron podcast) takes issue with my use of “lazy design”. What do I mean by that, and is combat part of a game’s “story”? Leave a voice message at bigbalboni at gmail. Thanks!
Jul 15, 202301:02:33
I Hate Bugs!
Originally meant to be a call-in show, with updates on playing FTF for the 1st time since 2020 morphs into a screed against giant bugs. But through venting, perhaps wisdom, and a place for the bugs is found? Still have the calls too! from Rob (Menion) of Confessions of a Wee Timrous Bushi; Jason from Nerd’s RPG Variety Cast, and The Pink Phantom from Phantom Thoughts.
Jun 23, 202358:51
Knave 2e Kickstarter Talk plus Thieves, Advantage/Dis and the movie, The Last Valley
Calls from Jason of Nerd’s RPG Variety Cast prompts discussion about Knave 2e, mass battle systems, Advantage/Disadvantage, Thieves, and a strong recommendation for the movie, The Last Valley. Released in 1971, Directed by James Clavell, starring Michael Caine and Omar Sharif. Set during the 30 Years War. A breathe of fresh air if (like me) you’re tired of “EPIC “ CGI nonsense.
May 31, 202329:46
What’s Up? Knave 2e Kickstarter, S&W KS, Shadowdark KS thoughts.
Hey. It’s been a while. Talk about what I’ve been up to and thoughts about the Knave 2e Kickstarter (9 days left to go if you want to back it) as well as about the Shadowdark & S&W KS...and why I haven’t seen the D&D movie.
May 23, 202348:45
Lore & Rumors on Planet Eris
I go over my method for providing starting PCs with campaign Lore & Rumors. Plus calls from Jason, Joe, and Daniel. “Whumming” by Goblin’s Henchman and another song from Chaos Warband.
Mar 03, 202337:57
“Acquisitions” From Backstory and a Transmission from Planet Eris
My Planet Eris game finally started and I share a moment that came up while finishing PC creation. What would you have done? Plus calls from James Knight, Jason, Daniel and a Rogue transmission from Planet Eris.
Feb 28, 202334:01
OSE Advanced Fantasy Deep Dive: 4
A look at the rest of the optional rules in the Character book from OSE Advanced Fantasy by Gavin Norman of Necrotic Gnome: separate race & class, multi-class, learning spells, combat, etc. Plus calls from Jason and Daniel.
Jan 28, 202301:04:07
OSE Advanced Fantasy Deep Dive 3
Wrapping up the remainder of PC classes outlined in Necrotic Gnome’s OSE Advanced Fantasy by Gavin Norman: Half-elf, Half-Orc, Illusionist, Knight, Paladin, Ranger, and Svirfneblin. Plus a call from Jason. Enjoy!
Jan 18, 202355:57
OSE Advanced Fantasy Deep Dive 2
Calls from Jason & Joe and a close looks at Bards, Drow, Druids, Duergar, and Gnomes in OSE Advanced Fantasy by Gavin Norman of Necrotic Gnome.
Jan 15, 202357:20
OSE Advanced Fantasy Deep Dive 1
The first Deep Dive episode of the Old School Essentials Advanced Fantasy Box set by Gavin Norman of Necrotic Gnome covers an overview of the line, a look at the box set, and the elements of the Acrobat, Assassin, and Barbarian PC classes.
Jan 10, 202351:56
Call-in Bonanza Ramble
What was planned as the 1st episode of the OSE Advanced Deep Dive morphs into a straight call-in bonanza ramble featuring Jason, Daniel, Pink Phantom, and Spencer. Dungeon23, OGL, Spirit of the Rules, AD&D Nostalgia, Separate attribute adjustments for fighters, Pets, and gaming gifts. Settle in. OSE Advanced Deep Dive will commence next episode. 👍
Jan 08, 202345:51
Roll For Random Thoughts...December?
Calls from Keith and Daniel about The School of Hard Knocks; Gaming goodies from Christmas; Kickstarter goodness Hyperborea 3E and OSE Advanced, and a look ahead at podcasting and gaming in 2023. Happy New Year!
Dec 31, 202232:02
The School of Hard Knocks?
I offer up a potential new house rule for those who enroll at The School of Hard Knocks. Crazy, really crazy, or crazy good? YOU decide. Plus calls about Planet Eris & OSR October. 👍
Nov 08, 202223:40
OSR October Finale: Planet Eris by Jimm Johnson
Spotlight on a great World Setting, Planet Eris, by Jimm Johnson of the Scribes of Sparn. While intended for OD&D, this could easily be used for any Fantasy RPG. Get the PDF or Print + PDF at DrivethruRPG.com. World map can be viewed at: cubeofquazar.blogspot.com and http://knights-n-knaves.com/thescribesofsparn/planet-eris-map.jpg
Oct 31, 202235:58
OSR October: Call-in Bonanza
Calls from the last week of OSR October featuring Jason, Aaron the NPC, Goblin’s Henchman, and Joe.
Oct 30, 202237:15
OSR October: Thursday Theories (Friday Edition 🤣)
The last Thursday Theory in October ends with the closing line of my theme song: “Try not to go, Down in a Heap.” Character death is part of the deal in old adventure games. Long-term survival is a badge of honor (and a sign of good luck 😉).
Oct 28, 202221:30
OSR October: Wednesday Wanderings - Whisper & Venom
This Wednesday Wandering leads to the mini setting and adventure book, Whisper & Venom by Zach Glazar. Originally published by his company, Lesser Gnome, it was recently on KS with a new edition through Necromancer Games in both an OSE and 5e version.
Oct 27, 202213:32
OSR October: Tuesday Tidbits - Midderzine Tables
Tired of that humdrum +1 weapon or scroll? Crack open a Midderzine from Monkeyblood Design and roll for a “Slightly Less Shit” one! 😆. Midderzines are available at Monkeyblooddesign.co.uk or through DrivethruRPG.com.
Oct 26, 202214:02
OSR October: Monster Monday - Name That Monster!
I take a trip through the way-back machine to the earliest time I can recall trying to stat out a unique monster. Can you name it? You probably won’t be surprised where I stole it from...😉
Oct 24, 202221:35
OSR October: Saturday Call-in Bonanza on Sunday 🤦♂️
Lots of calls about lots of topics fielded by a grumpy host who had just returned to work after an all-too-brief vacation. Sound fun? Woo hoo! Hey Ho, let’s GO!
Oct 24, 202201:02:14
OSR October: Thursday Theories - Bring Your Pole, Oil, & Rope
Thursday Theories addresses the importance of equipment, exploration, and resource management in OSR games. Plus, was there a “Proto-OSR” that started way back in the early 1980’s?
Oct 20, 202222:33
OSR October: Wednesday Wanderings among the clouds of Highfell by Greg Gillespie
My Wednesday Wandering shoots us towards the moon in this unique mega dungeon adventure setting: Highfell, The Drifting Dungeon by Greg Gillespie. Available at DrivethruRPG. Check out all four of Greg’s mega dungeons. They’re fantastic! 👍
Oct 19, 202220:51
OSR October: Tidbit Tuesday a Lifepath Random Generator
For Tidbit Tuesday I dive into Dice Roll Zine #3 from Steve C of Hog Town Games. I really like the quick random tables here to generate a beginning character’s background. Check out all three issues of Dice Roll Zine. They’re great!
Oct 19, 202211:03
OSR October Mashup: Monster Friend Monday!
The recording I did with my old friend I thought lost was found! And we’re discussing monsters; reskinning them, and thoughts about player knowledge about monsters powers & vulnerabilities. It’s a Monster Monday/ Friend Friday mashup!
Oct 17, 202224:23
OSR October: Supplement Sunday going Back to BasiX
Supplement Sunday is looking at the compilation of the 1st ten issues of the Back to BasiX Zine by Thom Wilson of ThrowiGames. It’s available on DrivethruRPG for $15 (pdf) or $25 (Hardcover + PDF). Great B/X material!
Oct 16, 202217:11
OSR October: Saturday Call-in Bonanza
An Anchor conversation with Rich, Jason, Kevin, and The Pink Phantom about the d30, OSR Generations, early Domain Play, Zombies & The Night Stalker, playstyle preferences and other assorted bric a brac. Contact me at bigbalboni at gmail or via Discord where I’m RC/DowninaHeap. Thanks!
Oct 15, 202238:28
OSR October: Thursday Theories - Don’t be a Dope
I delve further into my Theme Song outlining how I view “Old School Style” play. Today, don’t be a Dope. Don’t pull punches based on PC attributes. War not sport. PC roles in party vs. PC persona. Lore, not Intelligence. But that’s, like, just my opinion Man. 😉
Oct 13, 202218:32
OSR October: Wednesday Wanderings into The Fungus Forest!
This quick adventure review looks at The Fungus Forest by Nash Press from 2016. Available as a PWYW PDF at DrivethruRPG. It’s a large cavern system filled with unusual creatures and (of course!) weird fungi of every imaginable type. Potentially months of exciting play for $3 (recommended price)? What are you waiting for?!?
Oct 12, 202213:19
OSR October: Tidbit Tuesday - I Can’t Hardly Wait
Blurring the lines between Tidbits and Theories, I talk about the Stages of an Adventuring Party, and how I Can’t Wait for “Name” level to begin the Domain building phase of the game. Plus a Replacement’s song makes anything better...😃
Oct 11, 202218:42
OSR October: Monster Monday’s 2
It’s Monster Monday #2 and getting into the spooky October feel, I’m choosing a different spin on a classic Undead monster from Barrowmaze Complete by Greg Gillespie. Brains good....
Oct 10, 202206:37
OSR October: Supplement Sunday - Do you know your A, B, C’s?
In the 2nd OSR October Supplement Sunday, I dive into The Dungeon Alphabet by Michael Curtis. Currently $7.99 for pdf at DrivethruRPG or $19.99 for print + pdf at Goodman-games.com
Oct 09, 202217:06
OSR October: Saturday Call-in Bonanza
It’s one week into OSR October, and I have a bunch of calls! Please enjoy this “podcast conversation” with Spencer, Jason, Daniel, Kevin, and Goblin’s Henchman!
Oct 08, 202252:17
OSR October: Friend Friday with Jason of Nerd’s RPG Variety Cast
My fellow Universal Monster Maniac and Podcasting Pal, Jason of Nerd’s RPG Variety Cast joins me. Main topics include notable OSR rules sets and movies that to us, capture an OSR feel.
Oct 07, 202201:00:31
OSR October: Thursday Theories - Life is Cheap
I delve further into what makes my personal OSR tick by going through my theme song. “In Old School Games, Life is Cheap.” PCs are overrated. It’s the players, ref, setting: the GAME that matters. Plus Party > any 1 PC.
Oct 06, 202217:53
OSR October: Wednesday Wanderings in the Slumbering Ursine Dunes
The first adventure spotlight for my OSR October shines on Slumbering Ursine Dunes by Chris Kutalik. It’s a sandbox setting and adventure site(s) stuffed with Weirdness & other goodies.
Oct 05, 202223:26
OSR October: Tuesday Tidbits - Use The Force Luke!
The 1st Tuesday Tidbit calls back an old blog post from Jeff’s Game Blog on 4/26/06: “New D&D House Rule, effective immediately”. Get out your d30!
Oct 04, 202206:55
OSR October: Monster Monday’s 1
I start Monster Monday’s with an entry from Glynn Seal’s Midderlands OSR mini setting and Bestiary. Tired of old goblins? Try the Ocular Goblin on for size. See the Midderlands and get mugged. 🤣
Oct 03, 202210:45
OSR October: Supplement Sunday Blackmarsh, by Rob Conley
In Day 2 of OSR October, it’s Supplement Sunday time. Today’s spotlight is on the setting Blackmarsh by Rob Conley of the Bat in the Attic blog and Bat in the Attic Games.
Oct 02, 202217:55
OSR October! Day 1 - What is Rob c’s OSR?
My “how I came across the OSR” story as well as explaining what I mean when I say “OSR” and what pops in my head when I read or hear that term. Message me via Anchor or send audio files via Discord or email: bigbalboni at gmail.
Oct 01, 202238:35
OSR October: The Rough Outline
I outline my plans for OSR October, offer some thoughts about criticism of the OSR (which apply to many things in life) and have some calls from Jason of Nerd’s RPG Variety Cast. You can email me or send voice files to bigbalboni at gmail.
Sep 28, 202235:26
The Crits Keep Rolling...
Calls about Crit hits from Jason, Menion, Hobbs, Joe, Kevin, and Rich. If you have topic ideas or questions for OSR October, please chime in.
Sep 21, 202242:49
Quick Cast: Magic Weapon Boon
There’s a chill in the air this morning. Has it gotten my brain thinking more clearly about a different approach to Crits, or has the icy embrace given me a brainfreeze? 😁. YOU decide...
Sep 04, 202206:44
Saturday Call-in Bonanza!
The Anchor Apocalypse is upon us! But calls from Colin, Jason, Daniel, Spencer, Joe, and new caller, Sean keep the show rolling. It’s a grab bag!
Sep 03, 202256:53
Crit Talk and How I’d Handle Them in my B/X or OSE Game
Lots of calls about Crits and Fumbles from Kevin, Jason, Joe, Anthony, Daniel, and Keith. Plus how I’d handle them in my B/X or OSE game should my players demand it. One humble/one more decisive.
Aug 31, 202201:15:32
Roll For Random Thoughts Saturday 15
Random Thoughts about clarifying simple combat options, “Target Tirpitz” by Patrick Bishop, and Monsters I’ve Never Used. With calls from Jason, Anthony, Kevin, Joe, and Daniel.
Aug 28, 202237:26
#RPGaDay 2022 in 30 minutes or less...or it’s free.
It’s always free 😀. I tackle all the #RPGaDay 2022 questions in 26:30. Then wrestle with an uncooperative Anchor app addressing calls out of sequence. Sorry.
Aug 24, 202253:10
Roll For Random Thoughts Saturday 14
Random Thoughts today include reaction to One D&D, options for attack bonuses, and Monsters I’ve Never Used. Plus a new theme song version from the Pink Phantom of Phantom Thoughts.
Aug 20, 202209:03