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The Dungeon Master's Handbook Podcast

The Dungeon Master's Handbook Podcast

By Dungeon Master's Handbook

FIND ME NOW ON SUBSTACK: https://chgowiz.substack.com Hi! I'm Michael "Chgowiz" and I podcast about my love for running fantasy role playing campaigns using older versions of Dungeons & Dragons! (Artwork by Mark Allen - http://www.marjasall.com/)
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Currently playing episode

Episode 27 - Horrors Under Tuluk - A Player's Journal

The Dungeon Master's Handbook PodcastFeb 04, 2020

00:00
06:13
Episode 58 - Missile Fire in my Chainmail for OD&D
Jul 18, 202322:55
Episode 57 - How To Play OD&D - The Hidden Resources You Haven't Seen
Jun 30, 202323:29
Episode 56 - Demystifying AD&D Treasure for Monsters
Jun 22, 202315:48
Episode 55 - The Adaptability of Chainmail

Episode 55 - The Adaptability of Chainmail

Third time's the charm! I finally was able to get this episode recorded! In this episode, rather than talking about how I use Chainmail, I give some thoughts on how Chainmail, in some way, expects you to mold it into what you want to do with it.


The companion blog post to this episode goes into some specifics of how I use Chainmail in my OD&D games: https://chgowiz-games.blogspot.com/2023/06/chainmail-in-my-od.html


And you can find the amazing work that Daniel does with Chainmail and his OD&D games on his podcast here: https://open.spotify.com/show/02QTUpzgKCv2aT6sH6G5rk⁠⁠

Two other great Chainmail resources that I mention:

Compleat Chainmail - a discussion document/rules set of how to use Chainmail combat within an OD&D game. This was my main source of inspiration for modifying Chainmail for use within OD&D.

Grognard - a “retroclone” of Chainmail, organizing the rules into a more coherent and modern layout. Effective for deciphering what a phrase or rule might be. 

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My call-in guests:

Daniel of Bandit's Keep podcast

Jason of Nerds RPG Variety Cast: ⁠⁠⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jason376⁠⁠

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Want to comment/ask questions? Leave me a voice message on Anchor: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://anchor.fm/thedungeonmastershandbook/message⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  or email me at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠chgowiz@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. You can also leave a voicemail at ‪(312) 625-8281‬.

I blog at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://chgowiz-games.blogspot.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

I'm on Mastodon! Find me here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://dice.camp/@chgowiz⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Credits:  Intro music - Dragonaut by Bradley The Buyer (bit.ly/2ASpAlF) / Outro music - Dream by Wild Shores (bit.ly/2jbJehK) / All music used with permission.

Jun 13, 202318:21
Episode 54 - Is Classic Traveller almost OD&D in space?
May 16, 202329:16
Episode 53 - Time across multiple groups in the same world
May 05, 202324:06
Episode 52 - 8 Year Play by Post campaign / Dungeon23 Update
Apr 27, 202322:22
Episode 51 - Assumptions/Expectations of OD&D and AD&D
Apr 12, 202322:31
Episode 50 - The Over the Hill Fiftieth Episode!
Mar 29, 202327:56
Episode 49 - Decoding AD&D and Encoding GM preparation
Feb 18, 202321:08
Episode 48 - XP and Leveling in my OD&D/AD&D games
Jan 18, 202331:23
Episode 47 - Empty Dungeon Rooms - Part of the Art of the Dungeon
Jan 04, 202320:30
Episode 46 1/2 - Call-ins on DIY vs published rules

Episode 46 1/2 - Call-ins on DIY vs published rules

Merry Christmas! It's Christmas Eve and I have a few minutes  to answer some great call-ins. We continue the discussion and thoughts on DIY rules versus published rules.

Thank you to Daniel Norton of Bandits Keep ( https://anchor.fm/daniel-norton ) and Jason of Nerd's RPG Variety Cast ( https://anchor.fm/jason376 ) for calling in!

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Want to comment/ask questions? Leave me a voice message on Anchor: https://anchor.fm/thedungeonmastershandbook/message  or email me at chgowiz@gmail.com. You can also leave a voicemail at ‪(312) 625-8281‬.

I blog at: https://chgowiz-games.blogspot.com

I'm on Mastodon! Find me here: https://dice.camp/@chgowiz

Credits:  Intro music - Dragonaut by Bradley The Buyer (bit.ly/2ASpAlF) / Outro music - Dream by Wild Shores (bit.ly/2jbJehK) / All music used with permission.

Dec 24, 202218:19
Episode 46 - Permission to Change the Rules -- Granted!
Dec 20, 202221:14
Episode 45 - What is Dungeon23? The Art of the Dungeon.
Dec 13, 202225:16
Episode 44 - Ral Partha Legacy Kickstarter Interview

Episode 44 - Ral Partha Legacy Kickstarter Interview

For many, miniatures on the gaming table is a special part of the experience. One of the original names in Dungeons & Dragons gaming (and wargaming!) is Ral Partha. This storied name and many of the figures are now owned by Jacob Fathbruckner. During the 'teens, he ran three Kickstarters which put many old and some new Ral Partha figures back in print. 


Now he's back with another Kickstarter, featuring one of the original and best sculptors in the miniatures business - Tom Meier!


In this episode, we talk to Jacob a bit about his history and about the Kickstarter. I hope you enjoy and that you'll go check out this Kickstarter and participate!


I am a member of the Ral Partha Legacy - Chaos Wars Demo Team. I wasn't compensated for this interview, and I am a backer of the Kickstarter - at least as much as my hobby budget will allow! 


Link to Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ralparthalegacy/ral-parthas-chaos-wars-wave-4-thunderbolt-mountain


Link to Ral Partha Legacy website/catalog: https://ralparthalegacy.com/


Link to previous Ral Partha/Iron Wind Metal Kickstarters: https://www.kickstarter.com/profile/1050509756/created


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Want to comment/ask questions? Leave me a voice message on Anchor: https://anchor.fm/thedungeonmastershandbook/message  or email me at chgowiz@gmail.com.


I blog at: https://chgowiz-games.blogspot.com


I'm on Twitter: https://twitter.com/chgowiz


Credits:  Intro music - Dragonaut by Bradley The Buyer (bit.ly/2ASpAlF) / Outro music - Dream by Wild Shores (bit.ly/2jbJehK) / All music used with permission.

Jun 24, 202214:51
Episode 43: Running a Heist game in AD&D

Episode 43: Running a Heist game in AD&D

Running a heist game in D&D isn't as easy/clear-cut as running a dungeon or wilderness adventure. This episode, I cover how I did it, in response to a vlog by Todd of Hexed Press, and because I intended on making this episode TWO YEARS AGO!


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Link to Hexed Press vlog: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-R7atzWaaVI


Link to "Kidnap the Archpriest": https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/233069/Kidnap-the-Archpriest


----


Want to comment/ask questions? Leave me a voice message on Anchor: anchor.fm/thedungeonmastershandbook/message  or email me at chgowiz@gmail.com.


I blog at: https://chgowiz-games.blogspot.com


I'm on Twitter: https://twitter.com/chgowiz


Credits Intro music: Dragonaut by Bradley The Buyer (bit.ly/2ASpAlF) Outro music: Dream by Wild Shores (bit.ly/2jbJehK) All music used with permission.

Jun 14, 202221:24
Episode 42: The Problem is Choice

Episode 42: The Problem is Choice

I learn lessons from all my games, whether Play-by-Post, online or tabletop/face-to-face. This episode, I talk about how I took the druid from 1st Edition AD&D and made their initiation/level-up more about player choice than relying on combat or skill challenge rolls. 


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Want to comment/ask questions? Leave me a voice message on Anchor: anchor.fm/thedungeonmastershandbook/message  or email me at chgowiz@gmail.com. 


I blog at: https://chgowiz-games.blogspot.com 


I'm on Twitter: https://twitter.com/chgowiz 


Credits Intro music: Dragonaut by Bradley The Buyer (bit.ly/2ASpAlF) Outro music: Dream by Wild Shores (bit.ly/2jbJehK) All music used with permission.

Jun 02, 202219:22
Episode 41: The Game's Afoot!

Episode 41: The Game's Afoot!

Achievement unlocked! Post-COVID tabletop gaming resumed!  In this episode, I talk about how the recent face-to-face game went and a few things to come out of it. 


Link to my campaign website: https://etinerra.com/index.html 


Link to Berthier wargames campaign manager: https://sites.google.com/site/berthiercampaignmanager/home 


---- 


Want to comment/ask questions? Leave me a voice message on Anchor: anchor.fm/thedungeonmastershandbook/message  or email me at chgowiz@gmail.com. 


I blog at: https://chgowiz-games.blogspot.com I'm on Twitter: https://twitter.com/chgowiz 


Credits Intro music: Dragonaut by Bradley The Buyer (bit.ly/2ASpAlF) Outro music: Dream by Wild Shores (bit.ly/2jbJehK) All music used with permission.

May 24, 202223:02
Episode 40: Restarting my campaigns post-COVID
May 12, 202222:50
Update - 2 games going, 3rd on the way

Update - 2 games going, 3rd on the way

Keeping the Chronicles of Etinerra campaign alive! Two of my games have fully restarted, and I'm looking to restart my tabletop campaign. A quick update!

Credits:
Intro music: Dragonaut by Bradley The Buyer (bit.ly/2ASpAlF)
Outro music: Dream by Wild Shores (bit.ly/2jbJehK)
All music used with permission.

Apr 26, 202213:09
Update Episode: July 2021 Post Pandemic Update

Update Episode: July 2021 Post Pandemic Update

So the pandemic is winding down in the United States, but how am I doing with my campaign and gaming?

Credits:
Intro music: Dragonaut by Bradley The Buyer (bit.ly/2ASpAlF)
Outro music: Dream by Wild Shores (bit.ly/2jbJehK)
All music used with permission.

Jul 08, 202109:40
Update Episode: How I'm Doing, What I'm Playing

Update Episode: How I'm Doing, What I'm Playing

After hitting a point in May, I've been taking care of my mental health. Slowly getting back into gaming. Plus, No Man's Sky!
Aug 12, 202014:52
Episode 39 - Reading Unearthed Arcana - The Barbarian
May 28, 202022:39
Episode 38 - Reading Unearthed Arcana - Paladin, Druid, Fighter

Episode 38 - Reading Unearthed Arcana - Paladin, Druid, Fighter

Join me as I continue my a series of episodes where I read through the (in)famous supplement to AD&D: Unearthed Arcana! Will I use UA in my campaign? Let's find out! This episode, I cover the Paladin, the Druid and the Fighter. I found some surprising elements in each, see what I think about the changes to each class!

Show Notes Links:

Con of Champions - (May 23-25, 2020) - https://tabletop.events/conventions/con-of-champions

What do you think?!
Leave me a voice message and let me know what you think or ask questions if you have them! (312) 625-8281‬ (US/Canada)

You can also leave a message on Anchor: anchor.fm/thedungeonmastershandbook/message  or email me at chgowiz@gmail.com.

I stream at: http://twitch.tv/chgowiz

Credits
Intro music: Dragonaut by Bradley The Buyer (bit.ly/2ASpAlF)
Outro music: Dream by Wild Shores (bit.ly/2jbJehK)
All music used with permission.

May 22, 202027:49
Episode 37 - Reading Unearthed Arcana - The Cavalier
May 08, 202032:55
Episode 36 - Reading Unearthed Arcana - Intro, Comeliness, Races
Apr 24, 202035:53
Episode 35 - Catching up on Call Ins and Q/A

Episode 35 - Catching up on Call Ins and Q/A

It's been a month or so since I've caught up with my call-ins, and I have plenty of observations and questions from some other great podcasters! This is a bit longer than my usual episode, but I hope you enjoy!! 

Thanks to these great folks for the call-ins and messages!

Nerds RPG Variety Cast - Jason

Gothridge Manor - Tim Shorts

Roleplay Rescue - Che Webster

Hindsightless / Weal or Woe - Joe Richter

Confessions of a Wee Tim'rous Bushi - Menion (aka Rob)

Thank you for listening and calling in!


Show Notes and Links:

Target 20 (link to Delta/Daniel Collin's blogpost on D&D combat algorithms)

Philotomy's Combat Sequences  (link to PDF of Philotomy's OD&D Musings which include this sequence)

The Domesday Book (PDF of essay by S. James Ross on Medieval Demongraphics in RPGs)

Road stops for overland adventures (blogpost of mine on generating road stops/rest areas during your game)

My interview on Hobbs & Friends podcast


What do you think?!

Leave me a voice message and let me know what you think or ask questions if you have them! (312) 625-8281‬ (US/Canada)

You can also leave a message on Anchor: anchor.fm/thedungeonmastershandbook/message  or email me at chgowiz@gmail.com.

Find episode posts and other D&D content on my blog: chgowiz-games.blogspot.com - I stream at: http://twitch.tv/chgowiz

Credits

Intro music: Dragonaut by Bradley The Buyer (bit.ly/2ASpAlF)
Outro music: Dream by Wild Shores (bit.ly/2jbJehK)
All music used with permission.


Apr 15, 202039:37
Episode 34 - Demystifying AD&D - Pursuit and Evasion

Episode 34 - Demystifying AD&D - Pursuit and Evasion

A recent question on the AD&D subreddit (/r/adnd) serves as the topic for this episode - regarding the rules around pursuit and evasion in both the dungeon and wilderness.

This is also my first ever streamed recording session! I had two supporters ask some great questions after the recording.

Stream recording: https://youtu.be/YrzWX6l2atI 

What do you think?!

Leave me a voice message and let me know what you think or ask questions if you have them! (312) 625-8281‬ (US/Canada)

You can also leave a message on Anchor: anchor.fm/thedungeonmastershandbook/message  or email me at chgowiz@gmail.com.

Find episode posts and other D&D content on my blog: chgowiz-games.blogspot.com - I stream at: http://twitch.tv/chgowiz

Credits

Intro music: Dragonaut by Bradley The Buyer (bit.ly/2ASpAlF)

Outro music: Dream by Wild Shores (bit.ly/2jbJehK)

All music used with permission.

Apr 08, 202030:18
Episode 33 - Gaming Thoughts on COVID Thursday
Apr 02, 202010:39
Episode 32 - Interview With My 1x1 OD&D Player - My Wife!

Episode 32 - Interview With My 1x1 OD&D Player - My Wife!

My first guest on The Dungeon Master's Handbook! I interview my wife who has been the player in our 11 year one on one OD&D campaign. She talks about what makes it work for her and answers questions from redditors!

Show Notes

Link to a very old wiki I maintained for the 1 on 1 campaign: https://the-vale-solo-campaign.obsidianportal.com/

What do you think?!

Leave me a voice message and let me know what you think or ask questions if you have them! (312) 625-8281‬ (US/Canada) You can also leave a message on Anchor: anchor.fm/thedungeonmastershandbook/message  or email me at chgowiz@gmail.com.

Find episode posts and other D&D content on my blog: chgowiz-games.blogspot.com 

Credits
Intro music: Dragonaut by Bradley The Buyer (bit.ly/2ASpAlF)
Outro music: Dream by Wild Shores (bit.ly/2jbJehK)
All music used with permission.

Mar 26, 202032:17
Podcast Episode 31 - Playing the Ultima CRPG setting in OD&D

Podcast Episode 31 - Playing the Ultima CRPG setting in OD&D

In this episode, I take a break from AD&D and talk about a different gaming love - how I combined OD&D and the Ultima CRPG setting from the early 80s into a great homebrew RPG game!

Show Notes

Links to my Ultima/OD&D Game "Siege Perilous"

Players Rulebook: https://drive.google.com/open?id=0BwiMsojGKI2KUldjYjRGRXhNWjg
Game Referee's Guide: https://drive.google.com/open?id=0BwiMsojGKI2KT29LTWdWdms4TW8

Inspirations and Sources

Swords & Wizardry White Box (this page has links to all free PDF versions of Swords & Wizardry): http://snw.smolderingwizard.com/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=4
Skathros's Swords & Wizardry Companion: http://swcompanion.wikidot.com/
Minimal Space Combat by Timothy Swenson: http://www.oocities.org/svenqhj/MSCbook.pdf
Ultima Codex Wiki: http://wiki.ultimacodex.com/wiki/Main_Page

What do you think?!

Leave me a voice message and let me know what you think or ask questions if you have them! (312) 625-8281‬ (US/Canada) You can also leave a message on Anchor: anchor.fm/the-dungeon-masters-handbook/message  or email me at chgowiz@gmail.com.

Find episode posts and other D&D content on my blog: chgowiz-games.blogspot.com 

Credits

Intro music: Dragonaut by Bradley The Buyer (bit.ly/2ASpAlF)

Outro music: Dream by Wild Shores (bit.ly/2jbJehK)

All music used with permission.

Mar 10, 202038:48
Podcast Episode 30 - Finishing Up Demystifying AD&D Combat
Mar 04, 202021:38
Episode 29 - Realistic AD&D Initiative, Update on Campaign Player
Feb 25, 202022:51
Episode 28 - Lessons Learned and Campaign Happenings
Feb 18, 202037:53
Episode 27 - Horrors Under Tuluk - A Player's Journal
Feb 04, 202006:13
Episode 26 - Q&A on Advanced Dungeons & Dragons Magic

Episode 26 - Q&A on Advanced Dungeons & Dragons Magic

Mr. Goblin's Henchman of Goblins Henchmen Podcast (https://anchor.fm/ghench) sent a message with two questions about AD&D - Magic Resistance and how spellbooks work in my campaign. I had great fun sharing the answers!

Leave me a voice message and let me know what you think or ask questions if you have them! (312) 625-8281‬ (US/Canada)
You can also leave a message on Anchor: anchor.fm/the-dungeon-masters-handbook/message 

Find episode posts and other D&D content on my blog: chgowiz-games.blogspot.com 

Intro music: Dragonaut by Bradley The Buyer (bit.ly/2ASpAlF)
Outro music: Dream by Wild Shores (bit.ly/2jbJehK)

Jan 28, 202021:46
Episode 25 - AD&D Combat Demystified - Initiative for Spellcasting, Charging
Jan 21, 202022:17
Episode 24 - 2019 Year End Reflections and Call-In Q/A

Episode 24 - 2019 Year End Reflections and Call-In Q/A

My thoughts on the OSR of the past 2019 and coming 2020. As well, I answer call-ins from listeners and other podcasters! 

Leave me a voice message and let me know what you think! (312) 625-8281‬ (US/Canada)
On Anchor: anchor.fm/the-dungeon-masters-handbook/message 

Find episode posts and other D&D content on my blog: chgowiz-games.blogspot.com 

Intro music: Dragonaut by Bradley The Buyer (bit.ly/2ASpAlF)
Outro music: Dream by Wild Shores (bit.ly/2jbJehK)

Dec 31, 201928:36
Episode 23 - Attracting Old School Game Players, Keeping Old School Elders

Episode 23 - Attracting Old School Game Players, Keeping Old School Elders

Taking a cue from how Tim Shorts of Gothridge Manor Podcast makes episodes in his car, I do some philosophizing about attracting players to old school games. I also talk about the difficulties of some of the elders of the RPG community have with the changing world.

On behalf of the Shorten family, we want to wish each and everyone of you a very Happy Holiday! Merry Christmas, if you celebrate. May your season be joyful and full of fellowship and games!

I'll have a "end of year wrapup" next week and then we'll get back to AD&D crunchy topics in January!

eave me a voice message and let me know what you think! (312) 625-8281‬ (US/Canada) OR on Anchor: anchor.fm/the-dungeon-masters-handbook/message 

Find episode posts and other D&D content on my blog: chgowiz-games.blogspot.com

Intro music: Dragonaut by Bradley The Buyer (bit.ly/2ASpAlF)
Outro music: Dream by Wild Shores (bit.ly/2jbJehK)

Dec 23, 201919:31
Bonus Episode - Dec 20th - Call-Ins and Questions

Bonus Episode - Dec 20th - Call-Ins and Questions

Bonus episode with Call-ins from listeners and other podcasters! 

  • Josh Beckelhimer of JB Publishing (https://anchor.fm/jbpublishing) - Breaking assumptions 
  • John Alan Large of Red Dice Diaries (https://anchor.fm/the-red-dice-diaries) - How do I keep interest in a 10 year campaign 
  • Joe aka The Blind Rat of Hindsightless (https://anchor.fm/joe-richter9) - Why do secret reaction rolls? Different dice rolls.

Leave me a voice message and let me know what you think! (312) 625-8281‬ (US/Canada)
On Anchor: anchor.fm/the-dungeon-masters-handbook/message 

Find episode posts and other D&D content on my blog: chgowiz-games.blogspot.com 

Intro music: Dragonaut by Bradley The Buyer (bit.ly/2ASpAlF)
Outro music: Dream by Wild Shores (bit.ly/2jbJehK)

Dec 20, 201920:37
Episode 22 - Demystifying AD&D Combat - Surprise and Initiative
Dec 17, 201922:08
Episode 21 - Lessons from Recent Games, Perspective on AD&D Combat
Dec 12, 201932:27
Episode 20 - One on One Game; Making Towns and Cities
Nov 26, 201930:12
Episode 19 - Three Lessons from Recent Games
Nov 12, 201932:12
Episode 18 - Casting Resurrect on the Podcast!
Nov 05, 201927:01
Episode 17 - Populating Dungeons with Monsters and Treasure

Episode 17 - Populating Dungeons with Monsters and Treasure

In this episode, Michael talks about how he populates his dungeons with monsters and treasures. Also, some trivia behind the lead-in music!
Jul 17, 201827:17
Episode 16 - Weather in my D&D Campaign

Episode 16 - Weather in my D&D Campaign

In this episode, I share how I came up with some logical, consistent weather rules and how I base that weather on the real world. It was a long journey through random charts and blog posts to get here, but I finally have a system that I'm happy with! 

Intro music: Dragonaut by Bradley The Buyer (bit.ly/2ASpAlF) 

Outro music: Dream by Wild Shores (bit.ly/2jbJehK)

Jul 03, 201819:55
Episode 15 - Running a Wargames Campaign - HowTo

Episode 15 - Running a Wargames Campaign - HowTo

This episode, I talk through an example of what I do to play wargames in my campaign world - the tools I use, how I use them. There are links below to the books I use as inspiration and to my rules and records I use. Hopefully this brings together what I've been talking about the past few episodes. See here for links to books and files: 

Intro music: Dragonaut by Bradley The Buyer (bit.ly/2ASpAlF) 

Outro music: Dream by Wild Shores (bit.ly/2jbJehK)

Jun 04, 201832:52
Episode 14 - Wargames in your D&D campaign, Part 2

Episode 14 - Wargames in your D&D campaign, Part 2

In this second of two parts, I finish talking about one of my favorite aspects of my D&D campaign world - wargaming alongside my D&D gaming in the same campaign. I share how I set up my campaign and the tools/books I use to help me.
May 22, 201818:43