The Dungeon Master's Handbook Podcast
By Dungeon Master's Handbook
The Dungeon Master's Handbook PodcastMay 16, 2023
Episode 54 - Is Classic Traveller almost OD&D in space?
This episode - I've recently started diving into the three 1977 Classic Traveler "little black books" and I'm finding some surprising similarities and philosophies to the earlier 1974 Original Dungeons & Dragons. I'll talk about those similarities and take some call-ins from folks with questions and comments!
----
My call-in guests:
Daniel of Bandit's Keep podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/02QTUpzgKCv2aT6sH6G5rk
Jason of Nerds RPG Variety Cast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jason376
Joe of Dekahedron RPG podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jpgill ----
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.
Episode 53 - Time across multiple groups in the same world
In this episode, I answer a great question from Daniel Norton (Bandit's Keep podcast) about how I manage time and calendars across the three separate player groups and wargame campaigns I have within my AD&D world of Etinerra.
------
Bandit's Keep podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/02QTUpzgKCv2aT6sH6G5rk
------
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.
Episode 52 - 8 Year Play by Post campaign / Dungeon23 Update
In this episode, I talk about how good things come to an end… or at least an end of how they’ve been. This is all about an 8 year play by post AD&D campaign that just wrapped up a major story arc and could potentially be the end of the campaign itself, depending on what the players want to do.
I also briefly touch on how Dungeon23 is going for me, as I’ve been plugging away steadily at it, and I just completed my sixth level!
------
Chronicles of Etinerra Play by Post campaign archive: https://etinerra.com/archive.html
------
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.
Episode 51 - Assumptions/Expectations of OD&D and AD&D
This episode, I’m going to talk about assumptions and expectations that we often have about the rules and the ways things should work - and I think that sometimes takes away from the experience of just being “in” the rules and the game and experiencing it for what it is. Then I’ll answer two call-ins.
-----
Nerds RPG Variety Cast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jason376
Confessions of a Wee Tim'rous Bushi: https://open.spotify.com/show/0NF1sMhWGIllBFS2u2w14G
---- 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.
Episode 50 - The Over the Hill Fiftieth Episode!
Yay! I hit the big Five-Oh episode with a look back at where I've been, what I've learned and what might be coming next. Plus, call-ins from Jason of Nerd's RPG Variety Cast podcast, and Daniel of Bandit's Keep podcast.
-----
Link to blogpost of the new Swords & Wizardry Treasure Generator:
https://chgowiz-games.blogspot.com/2023/03/new-release-swords-wizardry-treasure.html
Nerds RPG Variety Cast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jason376
Bandit's Keep: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/daniel-norton
-----
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.
Episode 49 - Decoding AD&D and Encoding GM preparation
I recently took up a project to convert my GM preparation tools to a web-based table generator system called Hex-Describe. What started as just taking spreadsheet tables to text tables ended up being a journey through the AD&D core books.
This episode, I share some of that journey and just some thoughts/blathering about AD&D and topics.
-----
Hex-Describe tool: https://campaignwiki.org/hex-describe/
-----
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.
Episode 48 - XP and Leveling in my OD&D/AD&D games
There are some hidden directions and implications in OD&D and AD&D on XP and leveling beyond just killing things and taking their stuff. Not quest XP, exactly, but the implication of power and influence. I ramble on a bit about that and how I handle it in my OD&D and AD&D games. Also, Dungeon23 continues!
Sorry for the road noise! Commuting episodes can be like that.
-----
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.
Episode 47 - Empty Dungeon Rooms - Part of the Art of the Dungeon
As folks are busy creating dungeons for Dungeon23, they're asking about what to do with empty rooms! This episode, I share some thoughts about how to embrace the art of empty rooms and how I approach them.
-----
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.
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!
-----
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.
Episode 46 - Permission to Change the Rules -- Granted!
It was The Way for Gary/David in 1974, hopefully it could still be considered for today's games? In this episode, I share my thoughts and opinions on houseruling and thinking outside the rules - how that has changed from early D&D versions to today's games. I also share progress on my Dungeon23 megadungeon!
-----
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.
Episode 45 - What is Dungeon23? The Art of the Dungeon.
An interesting project is taking shape in the social media-sphere of the TTRPG world - Dungeon23! The idea is to create a room a day, completing a level a month, so that at the end of the year, you'll have a megadungeon of 12 levels, roughly 30 rooms each level. Neat!
In a "commute episode", with the expected audio quality (or lack-thereof), I talk about this new project, how it comes at an interesting time and what kind of interesting things can come out of this!
Plus... the dungeon in me speaks to how it lives and breathes... and kills.
Show Notes:
Link to Sean McCoy's original Dungeon23 post: https://seanmccoy.substack.com/p/dungeon23
Link to Hobonichi Techo Day Free planner: https://www.1101.com/store/techo/en/2023/all_about/dayfree/about03.html
(You can buy the thing on Amazon too...)
Philotomy's thoughts on the Mythic Underworld: http://save.vs.totalpartykill.ca/grab-bag/philotomy/#p[TamFec]
----
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 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.
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
----
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.
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!
----
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.
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.
----
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.
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.
Episode 40: Restarting my campaigns post-COVID
Later this month, I'll restart my tabletop game - the third game in my AD&D campaign world. I'm also looking to restart my 1x1 game with my wife.
In this episode, we discuss how I'm doing all that - how can you pick up the pieces and have a smooth transition when months, or even years, has passed?
----
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.
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.
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.
Update Episode: How I'm Doing, What I'm Playing
Episode 39 - Reading Unearthed Arcana - The Barbarian
By Crom, I've finally reached the (infamous) Barbarian class as I read through 1st edition AD&D's Unearthed Arcana! This episode, I review the class and share if I'd use it in my campaign.
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 blog at: https://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.
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.
Episode 37 - Reading Unearthed Arcana - The Cavalier
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 gets into the classes section of UA, where I discover and consider the cavalier! I had a lot of fun considering the options presented, but let's see if it will make it into my campaign as a PC option.
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 blog at: https://chgowiz-games.blogspot.com/ and 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.
Episode 36 - Reading Unearthed Arcana - Intro, Comeliness, Races
I've decided to pick up the (in)famous supplement to AD&D: Unearthed Arcana! Join me as I begin a series of episodes where I read through the book and see what all the controversy is about. Will I use UA in my campaign? Let's find out!
This episode is the introduction to the series, and I go over the comeliness attribute option and the rules expansions for races and sub-races.
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.
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.
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.
Episode 33 - Gaming Thoughts on COVID Thursday
A quick episode to talk about what's going on with my shelter-in-place gaming life. Lots of changes and I'm very busy these days!
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.
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.
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.
Podcast Episode 30 - Finishing Up Demystifying AD&D Combat
In this episode, I wrap up my attempt to demystify AD&D combat with a correction, some odds-ends and Weapons vs. AC!
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
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) Stinger music by TJ Drennon - Check out his Patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/TJD/ Stinger music by Nightingale - https://www.looperman.com/users/profile/207475 All music used with permission.
Episode 29 - Realistic AD&D Initiative, Update on Campaign Player
There have been many attempts to house-rule and update AD&D Initiative/Surprise rules to make it more "realistic." I visit one of those alternative systems from an email I received, as well as talk about what happened with my player that I thought was leaving my campaign! Plus... I'm nervous about a new type of game!
You can find the show notes with links to resources on my blog at: https://chgowiz-games.blogspot.com/2020/02/podcast-episode-29-realistic-ad.html
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
Credits
Intro music: Dragonaut by Bradley The Buyer (bit.ly/2ASpAlF)
Outro music: Dream by Wild Shores (bit.ly/2jbJehK)
Stinger music by TJ Drennon - Check out his Patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/TJD/
Stinger music by Nightingale - https://www.looperman.com/users/profile/207475
All music used with permission.
Episode 28 - Lessons Learned and Campaign Happenings
A lot of games over the past couple of weeks, and some lessons learned as a DM! Come listen as I share about running boss battles, using random events in interesting ways and how a big reveal had me worried that I'd lost a player!
Intro music: Dragonaut by Bradley The Buyer (bit.ly/2ASpAlF)
Outro music: Dream by Wild Shores (bit.ly/2jbJehK)
Stinger music by TJ Drennon - Check out his Patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/TJD/!
Episode 27 - Horrors Under Tuluk - A Player's Journal
This is a VERY special episode and it's an experiment! David, player of Eadwig from my Etinerra campaign, submitted a fantastic adventurer's journal entry that I simply had to share. I've been listening to other spoken word/voice acting podcasts and thought I'd try my hand at reading the journal entry with some effects! I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed creating it! Let me know what 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
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)
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)
Episode 25 - AD&D Combat Demystified - Initiative for Spellcasting, Charging
I'm challenging conventional wisdom that AD&D by-the-book combat is too difficult! In this episode, I visit initiative one more time to talk about melee with a spell-caster, and then I cover charging.
Leave me a voice message and let me know what you think! (312) 625-8281 (US/Canada)
Leave a message on Anchor: anchor.fm/the-dungeon-masters-handbook/message
Links from episode:
My AD&D Combat Cheat Sheet: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1buc4Iubou-bH7V1Ud-h_4SkHm9wfm64a
Intro music: Dragonaut by Bradley The Buyer (bit.ly/2ASpAlF)
Outro music: Dream by Wild Shores (bit.ly/2jbJehK)
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!
John Alan Large of Red Dice Diaries (https://anchor.fm/the-red-dice-diaries) - Wargames in a D&D Campaign Che Webseter of Roleplay Rescue (https://anchor.fm/jbpublishing) - Thanks! Joe aka The Blind Rat of Hindsightless (https://anchor.fm/joe-richter9) - Kind words and why a spreadsheet for D&D 3.5? Tim Shorts of Gothridge Manor (https://anchor.fm/gothridgemanor) - Driving podcasts and attracting folks to the OSR Mr. Goblin's Henchman of Goblins Henchmen (https://anchor.fm/ghench) - Thanks and making init his own.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)
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)
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)
Episode 22 - Demystifying AD&D Combat - Surprise and Initiative
I'm challenging conventional wisdom that AD&D by-the-book combat is too difficult! In this episode, I review surprise and initiative and those dreaded words/phrases: "segments" and "weapon speed". Let's learn and see that a bit of crunchy AD&D combat doesn't have to be hard!
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
My AD&D Combat Cheat Sheet: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1buc4Iubou-bH7V1Ud-h_4SkHm9wfm64a
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)
Episode 21 - Lessons from Recent Games, Perspective on AD&D Combat
I've had a busy couple of weeks with a lot of games, so I share some of the things I've learned and observed. Plus, I get to a topic that I've really been looking forward to doing - demystifying AD&D combat! I share some opinions on why I think AD&D by-the-book combat gets a bad rap, and I set the stage for the next couple of podcast episodes that dive deep. Enjoy!
Leave 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 at my blog here: chgowiz-games.blogspot.com
Intro music: Dragonaut by Bradley The Buyer (bit.ly/2ASpAlF)
Outro music: Dream by Wild Shores (bit.ly/2jbJehK)
Episode 20 - One on One Game; Making Towns and Cities
In this episode, I catch up on a couple of my AD&D games, as well as getting some momentum in playing my one on one OD&D campaign with my wife. Then I cover how I create towns and cities for my campaigns.
Leave me a Voicemail Message! https://anchor.fm/the-dungeon-masters-handbook/message
Links from Episode:
The Domesday Book - Medieval Demographics Made Easy
Random Roadstop Generator
Village Generator
Jeff Rient's 20 Questions to Start a Campaign
Intro music: Dragonaut by Bradley The Buyer (bit.ly/2ASpAlF)
Outro music: Dream by Wild Shores (bit.ly/2jbJehK)
Episode 19 - Three Lessons from Recent Games
Surprise! I promised no set schedule for this podcast, and yet here I am, a week later, with another episode. I DM'd quite a bit of AD&D last week, so I thought I would cover some of the more interesting elements:
How I DM overland adventures Playing a strange race that is very alien in thought A quickie on AD&D by-the-book combat What happens when a thief fails to pick a lockI also talk a bit about my son, Vincent Victor, who lost his life last week.
Leave me a message!
Did you know that you can leave me voice messages on Anchor.fm? That's pretty damn cool! If you're listening to it there, click the "Send voice message" button. Or, use this handy link: https://anchor.fm/the-dungeon-masters-handbook/message
Three Hexes 'Zine!
I've created a 'zine for my Three Hexes blog series and campaign starter approach. First issue is here - please give it a read! https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/293954/Three-Hexes-Zine-1?manufacturers_id=2806
I'd love to hear your questions, comments or if you just want to say "Hi!"
Intro music: Dragonaut by Bradley The Buyer (bit.ly/2ASpAlF)
Outro music: Dream by Wild Shores (bit.ly/2jbJehK)
Episode Artwork by Mark Allen (http://www.marjasall.com/)
Episode 18 - Casting Resurrect on the Podcast!
From the unlikeliest of places came a great idea on how to continue this podcast! I talk about the current state of my campaign games, a few changes and future episodes. Thank you so much for the kind comments in the past year - I hope you continue to enjoy the show!
Intro music: Dragonaut by Bradley The Buyer (bit.ly/2ASpAlF)
Outro music: Dream by Wild Shores (bit.ly/2jbJehK)
Episode 17 - Populating Dungeons with Monsters and Treasure
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)
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)
Episode 14 - Wargames in your D&D campaign, Part 2
Episode 13 - Wargames in your D&D campaign, Part 1
In this first of two parts, I talk about one of my favorite aspects of my D&D campaign world - wargaming alongside my D&D gaming in the same campaign. It's full of challenges and considerations, but the payoff is so much fun!
Links from this episode: Battle of McGillicuddy's Farm: http://oldguyrpg.blogspot.com/2011/04/chainmail-battle-of-mcguillicuddys-farm.html (Campaign lore from a wargame battle)
Intro music: Dragonaut by Bradley The Buyer (bit.ly/2ASpAlF)
Outro music: Dream by Wild Shores (bit.ly/2jbJehK)
Episode 12 - "How Do I?" Questions Answered!
In this episode, I take a break from talking about creating and running old-school style D&D campaigns to answer some questions that I've gotten from listeners. Thank you for the questions and please keep sending them in! I answer: How I make a wandering monster chart How I make the first level of a dungeon How I run wilderness campaigns PS! Once again, I had allergies, sorry if I sound so quiet! Allergy season was here in the Chicagoland area when I recorded this!
Intro music: Dragonaut by Bradley The Buyer (bit.ly/2ASpAlF)
Outro music: Dream by Wild Shores (bit.ly/2jbJehK)
Episode 11 - Running Online Games in my Campaign World
Intro music: Dragonaut by Bradley The Buyer (bit.ly/2ASpAlF)
Outro music: Dream by Wild Shores (bit.ly/2jbJehK)
Episode 10 - How I Map My Campaign World
In this episode, Michael looks at how he makes his maps for his campaign world, tools he uses and how he approaches mapping in general.
Link to Worldographer by Inkwell Ideas: http://worldographer.com/
PS! I'm really sorry my voice sounds so froggy! Allergy season is here in the Chicagoland area and I guess it's affecting me more than I realized!
Intro music: Dragonaut by Bradley The Buyer (bit.ly/2ASpAlF)
Outro music: Dream by Wild Shores (bit.ly/2jbJehK)
Special GaryCon 2018 Episode - 3 Lessons About Running Games at Cons
Michael's just returned from GaryCon and had to share three lessons that he learned from running and playing in convention games. Plus, the nerdiest confession you'll hear all day, guaranteed!
Three Hexes Blog Series mentioned in the podcast:
https://chgowiz-games.blogspot.com/search/label/Three%20Hexes
Intro music: Dragonaut by Bradley The Buyer (bit.ly/2ASpAlF)
Outro music: Dream by Wild Shores (bit.ly/2jbJehK)
Episode 9 - My Original D&D 1-on-1 Campaign with my Wife
In this episode, Michael talks about the ongoing 1-on-1 campaign (using the 1974 Original D&D rules) that he runs for his wife - thePrincessWife. 1-on-1 games have some interesting challenges and are a lot of fun to play!
Intro music: Dragonaut by Bradley The Buyer (bit.ly/2ASpAlF)
Outro music: Dream by Wild Shores (bit.ly/2jbJehK)
Episode 8 - Modifying AD&D for my campaign
In this episode, Michael explains the ways he has houseruled and modified Advanced Dungeons & Dragons 1st Edition to his liking. He covers things like:
Different combat mechanic and combat sequence - no segments here! Encumbrance and counterspelling Expanding paladins and the all-mighty d30 diceLinks mentioned in this episode are:
Michael/Chgowiz's Houserules Document for the Chronicles of Etinerra Campaign
https://docs.google.com/document/d/14ZXouC--Yyj3-CcDukJPI3FqVeVT794lWKUgWZHMhQ4/edit?usp=sharing
Target20 mechanic by Daniel Collins
http://www.oedgames.com/target20/
Philotomy's OD&D Musings (Writings by Jason Cone, PDF by Jason Vey)
http://www.grey-elf.com/philotomy.pdf
Intro music: Dragonaut by Bradley The Buyer (bit.ly/2ASpAlF)
Outro music: Dream by Wild Shores (bit.ly/2jbJehK)
Episode 7 - Including Mass Combat into D&D Campaign Games
In this episode, Michael explains how he finally found his Holy Grail - having a D&D game with a seamless transition from mass combat to 1:1 combat, and it was very easy!
Books/Supplements mentioned in this episode are:
Book of War by Daniel Collins
Printed version: http://www.lulu.com/shop/daniel-collins/original-edition-delta-book-of-war/paperback/product-17158134.html
PDF version: http://www.lulu.com/shop/daniel-collins/original-edition-delta-book-of-war/ebook/product-17391327.html
The Fellowship - Supplement to Book of War by Michael Shorten
Intro music: Dragonaut by Bradley The Buyer (bit.ly/2ASpAlF)
Outro music: Dream by Wild Shores (bit.ly/2jbJehK)
Episode 6 - When Things Go Awry in Your Campaign
In this episode, Michael talks about when things didn't go exactly as planned in his campaign and how he handled it. He talks about:
When his initial ideas didn't work Trouble players When real life interfered Mistakes in rulings TPKs (Total Party Kills)Intro music: Dragonaut by Bradley The Buyer (bit.ly/2ASpAlF)
Outro music: Dream by Wild Shores (bit.ly/2jbJehK)
Episode 5 - Running Multiple Games in Your Campaign
In this short episode, Michael cover the benefits and challenges of running multiple different games in your campaign - at the same time! It might feel like fighting a multi-headed dragon, but it's really a lot of fun!
Happy New Year!
Intro music: Dragonaut by Bradley The Buyer (bit.ly/2ASpAlF)
Outro music: Dream by Wild Shores (bit.ly/2jbJehK)
Episode 4 - Continuing a Sandbox Campaign
In this episode, Michael talks about the things he ran into as he continued to run his new sandbox campaign over the next few months and years. He covers:
Keeping the campaign fresh and dynamic Dealing with player scheduling How he awards XP And other great tips and tricks.Intro music: Dragonaut by Bradley The Buyer (bit.ly/2ASpAlF)
Outro music: Dream by Wild Shores (bit.ly/2jbJehK)
Episode 3 - Starting a Sandbox Campaign, Part 2
In this episode, Michael finishes talking about starting a sandbox campaign old school style. Don't let the myths and hype fool you. You don't need a lot to jump right into some great gaming!
Intro music: Dragonaut by Bradley The Buyer (bit.ly/2ASpAlF)
Outro music: Dream by Wild Shores (bit.ly/2jbJehK)
Episode 2 - Starting a Sandbox Campaign, Part 1
Sandbox campaigns, one of the hallmarks of an old school AD&D D&D campaign, are easy to get started! Don't let the myths and hype fool you. You don't need a lot to jump right into some great gaming! Michael covers three tools that he uses to get the adventure started.
Links mentioned in the show:
Obsidian Portal campaign wiki - https://www.obsidianportal.com
Hex map software - http://www.worldographer.com
Intro music: Dragonaut by Bradley The Buyer (bit.ly/2ASpAlF)
Outro music: Dream by Wild Shores (bit.ly/2jbJehK)
Episode 1 – Fun Convention Games in a Flash!
This episode, I cover how I put together a rockin’ AD&D convention game in under 5 hours! I had only a few days till GameHoleCon in November, and I hadn’t written my game yet. I pulled a few tricks out of the old Dungeon Master’s hat and wrote a great game. You can too!
Episode 0 - Introduction to the Dungeon Master's Handbook
This episode, Michael “Chgowiz” introduces himself and this brand new podcast that will focus on how to Dungeon Master an old school Dungeons & Dragons game. Michael talks about his AD&D/D&D background and what he’s going to do with this podcast. Plus, this was a great way to shake off the nervousness of doing something he’s never done before!