Unabashed Gaming
48 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 8 years ago - ★★★★ - 4 ratingsHomepage Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed
Episodes
Episode 44: "RPG a Day 2015" in Two Hours
October 27, 2015 15:04We're back from our hiatus with a super-sized episode. The two Davids and Susan get together to go through the #RPGaDay2015 poll/challenge. We talk about games and share gaming anecdotes from our past, present, and future, trying not to get too derailed in the process... Remember to click on the Speakpipe link on the lower-right corner of this page, or leave us a comment with questions or issues you'd like us to address in future episodes! And be sure to check out our Twitter feed and Google...
GM's Journal: Runequest and Glorantha
October 16, 2015 18:15It's another GM's Journal from another one of our contributors! This time, David Larkins talks about his new Runequest 6 campaign set in Glorantha. The system and setting are both venerable, but it's all very new and exciting for David! Remember to click on the Speakpipe link on the lower-right corner of this page, or leave us a comment with questions or issues you'd like us to address in future episodes! And be sure to check out our Twitter feed and Google Plus group if you want to keep up ...
GM's Journal: IKRPG and Stuff
October 05, 2015 22:39We're back from our post-Gen-Con break with the introduction of a new segment: the "GM's Journal," in which one of us talks a bit about an ongoing campaign and how it's going: recent activity and the lessons taken away, future plans, and other related ephemera. Susan is on the mic for our inaugural Journal, talking about her Iron Kingdoms RPG campaign. Remember to click on the Speakpipe link on the lower-right corner of this page, or leave us a comment with questions or issues you'd like us ...
Episode 43: Back From Gen Con 2015
August 10, 2015 14:48The two Davids are joined by the Stewards (Susan and Randy) for our reminiscences and lessons learned over the course of our first Gen Con, and we all look ahead to what we're most anticipating from Gen Con 2016. Remember to click on the Speakpipe link on the lower-right corner of this page, or leave us a comment with questions or issues you'd like us to address in future episodes! And be sure to check out our Twitter feed and Google Plus group if you want to keep up via social media. Thank...
Episode 42: Prepping for GenCon 2015
July 29, 2015 04:58In this episode, Dave S. and Susan discuss what they're most looking forward to at Gen Con 2015. Remember to click on the Speakpipe link on the lower-right corner of this page, or leave us a comment with questions or issues you'd like us to address in future episodes! And be sure to check out our Twitter feed and Google Plus group if you want to keep up via social media. Thanks for listening!
Episode 41: Duets
June 26, 2015 13:43In this episode, the two Daves and Susan gather 'round to discuss the smallest gaming group configuration, the duet. What are the pros and what are the cons of a single player and GM? Join us as we explore the topic and discuss past personal experiences with duet gaming. Plus: some duet-related pipe dreams! Remember to click on the Speakpipe link on the lower-right corner of this page, or leave us a comment with questions or issues you'd like us to address in future episodes! And be sure to ...
Episode 40: Player-Generated Conent
May 07, 2015 04:27In this episode, Susan and Dave talk about campaign content that is generated by players rather than the GM. Plus: a discussion about upcoming format changes, and more Campaign Pipedreams! Remember to click on the Speakpipe link on the lower-right corner of this page, or leave us a comment with questions or issues you'd like us to address in future episodes! And be sure to check out our Twitter feed and Google Plus group if you want to keep up via social media. Thanks for listening!
Episode 39: Legacy Games
April 08, 2015 16:37In this episode, Susan and Dave talk about the very first RPGs they played, and the legacies those early experiences still exert over their gaming style to this day. Plus: more Campaign Pipedreams! Remember to click on the Speakpipe link on the lower-right corner of this page, or leave us a comment with questions or issues you'd like us to address in future episodes! And be sure to check out our Twitter feed and Google Plus group if you want to keep up via social media. Thanks for listening!
Episode 38: Campaign Pacing and Narrative Structure
March 19, 2015 13:48This week, Dave and Susan continue their discussion of pacing, applying it to campaign structures overall. Also, the weirdest Campaign Pipedream segment to date. Remember to click on the Speakpipe link on the lower-right corner of this page, or leave us a comment with questions or issues you'd like us to address in future episodes! And be sure to check out our Twitter feed and Google Plus group if you want to keep up via social media. Thanks for listening!
Episode 37: Pacing in Games
March 04, 2015 03:52This week, David S. and Susan do their best to address the Holy Grail of Good GMing: pacing. Also, the return of Campaign Pipedreams! Remember to click on the Speakpipe link on the lower-right corner of this page, or leave us a comment with questions or issues you'd like us to address in future episodes! And be sure to check out our Twitter feed and Google Plus group if you want to keep up via social media. Thanks for listening!
Episode 36: Iron Kingdoms GM Jam
February 17, 2015 14:50David S. and Susan, who each have Iron Kingdoms RPG campaigns going at the moment, convene to discuss the ins and outs of prepping and running in this system and setting. Remember to click on the Speakpipe link on the lower-right corner of this page, or leave us a comment with questions or issues you'd like us to address in future episodes! And be sure to check out our Twitter feed and Google Plus group if you want to keep up via social media. Thanks for listening!
Episode 35: Player Archetypes
February 03, 2015 01:06This week, Schimpff and Susan discuss player archetypes: the various "types" of player, and how to prepare and run for them. They also take a stab at self-diagnosing which archetype they each fall under. Remember to click on the Speakpipe link on the lower-right corner of this page, or leave us a comment with questions or issues you'd like us to address in future episodes! And be sure to check out our Twitter feed and Google Plus group if you want to keep up via social media. Thanks for lis...
Episode 34: Looking Back, Looking Ahead
January 20, 2015 05:17For our first (proper) episode of the new year, we gather our three "regular" contributors to look back at favorite games from the preceding year, and games we're looking forward to checking out and/or running in the coming year. Remember to click on the Speakpipe link on the lower-right corner of this page, or leave us a comment with questions or issues you'd like us to address in future episodes! And be sure to check out our Twitter feed and Google Plus group if you want to keep up via soc...
Episode 33: Dark Sun Rundown
December 30, 2014 18:50 - 40.9 MBDavid Schimpff reconvenes his old group to conduct a detailed deconstruction and analysis of one his most successful campaigns (ironically played with one of his least favorite systems): Dark Sun! Remember to click on the Speakpipe link on the lower-right corner of this page, or leave us a comment with questions or issues you'd like us to address in future episodes! And be sure to check out our Twitter feed and Google Plus group if you want to keep up via social media. Thanks for listening!
Episode 32: Introductory Scenarios
December 23, 2014 16:50 - 67 MBIn this, the last of our "solo" shows for the foreseeable future and final show of 2014, David Schimpff discusses introductory scenarios and their use, and provides actual-play examples from sessions past. Remember to click on the Speakpipe link on the lower-right corner of this page, or leave us a comment with questions or issues you'd like us to address in future episodes! And be sure to check out our Twitter feed and Google Plus group if you want to keep up via social media. Thanks for l...
Episode 31: System Spotlight/Editorial - Palladium Books
December 09, 2014 02:29 - 51.3 MBFor this episode, David Larkins takes a turn at the mic to rant about his ambivalence towards the line of RPGs produced by Palladium Books. It's sort of a combination of warning and sales pitch, really... And remember to call our Lake Geneva, WI, voicemail number (262-729-9774), or click on the Speakpipe link on the lower right corner of this page, or leave us a comment with questions or issues you'd like us to address in future episodes! And be sure to check out our Twitter feed and Google ...
Episode 30: Spicing Up Your Game
November 25, 2014 18:03 - 51.6 MBThis week, David S. and Susan (with a little help from David L.) discuss methods of spicing up games, and how to get ideas for your games. Plus: more pipe dreams! And remember to call our Lake Geneva, WI, voicemail number (262-729-9774), or click on the Speakpipe link on the lower right corner of this page, or leave us a comment with questions or issues you'd like us to address in future episodes! And be sure to check out our Twitter feed and Google Plus group if you want to keep up via soci...
Episode 29: System Spotlight/Editorial - D&D 4e
November 11, 2014 16:57 - 41.3 MBIn this episode, we turn David Schimpff loose for his long-promised rant about 4th Edition Dungeons & Dragons. Fair warning: profanity ensues (moreso than usual), tables are pounded. This is a sort of hybrid of our System Spotlight and Editorial features, so sit back and enjoy... And remember to call our Lake Geneva, WI, voicemail number (262-729-9774), or click on the Speakpipe link on the lower right corner of this page, or leave us a comment with questions or issues you'd like us to addre...
Episode Twenty-Eight: Open-World Gaming
October 28, 2014 19:39 - 53.4 MBFor this week's episode, Dave S. and Susan talk about open-world and sandbox-style play (in contrast to last episode's discussion of railroading). They also take a look at the Worldspinner Kickstarter and return to our recurring segment, Campaign Pipedreams. And remember to call our Lake Geneva, WI, voicemail number (262-729-9774), or click on the Speakpipe link on the lower right corner of this page, or leave us a comment with questions or issues you'd like us to address in future episodes!...
Episode Twenty-Seven: Maps and Mapping
October 14, 2014 05:54 - 59.6 MBThe first episode of our second season finds David S. and Susan discussing the role of maps and mapping in games, as well as resources for the cartographically-challenged. And remember to call our Lake Geneva, WI, voicemail number (262-729-9774), or click on the Speakpipe link on the lower right corner of this page, or leave us a comment with questions or issues you'd like us to address in future episodes! And be sure to check out our Twitter feed and Google Plus group if you want to keep up...
Episode Twenty-Six: System Spotlight - Call of Cthulhu
September 29, 2014 22:36 - 75.5 MBIt's a record number of hosts for this, our one-year anniversary episode, and we have a long overdue discussion of one of our all-time favorite systems, Call of Cthulhu. And remember to call our Lake Geneva, WI, voicemail number (262-729-9774), or click on the Speakpipe link on the lower right corner of this page, or leave us a comment with questions or issues you'd like us to address in future episodes! And be sure to check out our Twitter feed and Google Plus group if you want to keep up ...
Episode Twenty-Five: Brain Dump
September 16, 2014 02:58 - 51.5 MBDavid S. and Susan spend this episode unloading a veritable truckload of setting ideas, plot hooks, and gaming memories. It's a grab-bag of an episode, so you can take you like and leave the rest! And remember to call our Lake Geneva, WI, voicemail number (262-729-9774), or click on the Speakpipe link on the lower right corner of this page, or leave us a comment with questions or issues you'd like us to address in future episodes! And be sure to check out our Twitter feed and Google Plus gro...
Episode Twenty-Four: Railroading
September 01, 2014 22:52 - 49.2 MBIn this week's episode, David S. and Susan discuss that old bugbear known as railroading. Plus: more Campaign Pipedreams! And remember to call our Lake Geneva, WI, voicemail number (262-729-9774), or click on the Speakpipe link on the lower right corner of this page, or leave us a comment with questions or issues you'd like us to address in future episodes! And be sure to check out our Twitter feed and Google Plus group if you want to keep up via social media. Thanks for listening!
Episode Twenty-Three: Character Creation
August 19, 2014 03:09 - 70.7 MBA discussion of the ins and outs, ups and downs, and pros and cons(?) of character creation in its many wondrous varieties, and our hosts' picks for their favorite and least-favorite chargen systems. Plus: Campaign Pipedreams! br /> And remember to call our Lake Geneva, WI, voicemail number (262-729-9774), or click on the Speakpipe link on the lower right corner of this page, or leave us a comment with questions or issues you'd like us to address in future episodes! And be sure to check out...
Episode Twenty-Two: Some More D&D, Play-by-Post Gaming, and Long-Term Campaigning
August 05, 2014 16:56 - 63.8 MBThis, our first episode with three hosts, is a bit of a grab-bag. David L. shares some follow-up thoughts from last week's episode on the new edition of D&D, and then we segue into talking about that strange sub-genre of RPG gaming, play-by-post. We then segue into a discussion of how to keep campaigns running long-term and then share some more Campaign Pipe Dreams. And remember to call our Lake Geneva, WI, voicemail number (262-729-9774), or click on the Speakpipe link on the lower right co...
Episode Twenty-One: D&D Basic
July 21, 2014 15:02 - 46.3 MBIn this episode, David S. and Susan share their initial impressions on the new edition of Dungeons & Dragons. And remember to call our Lake Geneva, WI, voicemail number (262-729-9774), or click on the Speakpipe link on the lower right corner of this page, or leave us a comment with questions or issues you'd like us to address in future episodes! And be sure to check out our Twitter feed and Google Plus group if you want to keep up via social media. Thanks for listening!
Episode Twenty: Small Groups, Big Groups
July 07, 2014 16:40 - 59.4 MBFor this episode, we discuss the pros and cons of small groups and large alike - everything from playing by yourself (it's possible!) to double-digits. Also, we debut an as-yet-unnamed segment in which we discuss campaigns or campaign frameworks we've always wanted to run. br /> And remember to call our Lake Geneva, WI, voicemail number (262-729-9774), or click on the Speakpipe link on the lower right corner of this page, or leave us a comment with questions or issues you'd like us to addre...
Episode Nineteen: System Spotlight - Iron Kingdoms RPG
June 24, 2014 03:27 - 73.2 MBFor this system spotlight, regular host David Schimpff sits down to talk the Iron Kingdoms RPG with fellow GM Susan Steward, who is currently running an IKRPG campaign. Everything you ever wanted to know about the game's setting and mechanics, all in one easy-to-digest episode. Goes down smooth! And remember to call our Lake Geneva, WI, voicemail number (262-729-9774), or click on the Speakpipe link on the lower right corner of this page, or leave us a comment with questions or issues you'd ...
Episode Eighteen: D&D Fifth and Bringing In New Players
June 10, 2014 04:11 - 53.8 MBA two-topic episode in which we start off with a look at the latest news concerning Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition (and our thoughts on said news), before pivoting into a discussion on how to bring new players into your group, or start a new group of your own. And remember to call our Lake Geneva, WI, voicemail number (262-729-9774), or click on the Speakpipe link on the lower right corner of this page, or leave us a comment with questions or issues you'd like us to address in future episode...
Episode Seventeen: Adversaries, Villains, and Mooks
May 27, 2014 05:51 - 45.8 MBFor this episode, we bring in a special guest to help us talk about the pleasures and pitfalls of villainy and adversarial play... And remember to call our Lake Geneva, WI, voicemail number (262-729-9774), or click on the Speakpipe link on the lower right corner of this page, or leave us a comment with questions or issues you'd like us to address in future episodes! And be sure to check out our Twitter feed and Google Plus group if you want to keep up via social media. Thanks for listening!
Episode Sixteen: World-Building and NPCs
May 12, 2014 21:40 - 58.9 MBFor this episode, we explore the related topics of world-building and NPCs: how we go about conceptualizing campaigns; homebrew versus published settings; NPC use, abuse, and management; plus more! And remember to call our Lake Geneva, WI, voicemail number (262-729-9774), or click on the Speakpipe link on the lower right corner of this page, or leave us a comment with questions or issues you'd like us to address in future episodes! And be sure to check out our Twitter feed and Google Plus gr...
Episode Fifteen: Death and Resurrection
April 29, 2014 02:06 - 52.6 MBIt's sort of an Easter special this time, because we're talking about death and resurrection…of characters, of campaigns, of whole systems. Good idea? Bad idea? You'll just have to listen to find out. And remember to call our Lake Geneva, WI, voicemail number (262-729-9774), or click on the Speakpipe link on the lower right corner of this page, or leave us a comment with questions or issues you'd like us to address in future episodes! And be sure to check out our Twitter feed and Google Plus...
Episode Fourteen: The Trail of Chekhov's Gun
April 15, 2014 01:59 - 55.8 MBIn this episode, we take a close look at the Trail of Cthulhu RPG, and use that as a springboard to talk a bit about games that use rules to create a "narrative" play experience. And remember to call our Lake Geneva, WI, voicemail number (262-729-9774), or click on the Speakpipe link on the lower right corner of this page, or leave us a comment with questions or issues you'd like us to address in future episodes! And be sure to check out our Twitter feed and Google Plus group if you want to ...
Episode Thirteen: Systems and Settings (Part Two)
April 01, 2014 03:53 - 66.2 MBWe conclude our rambling overview of matching systems to genres. There's so much more we skipped over, and if you've got a favorite genre-system we didn't talk about, please let us know and give us your thoughts! And remember to call our Lake Geneva, WI, voicemail number (262-729-9774), or click on the Speakpipe link on the lower right corner of this page, or leave us a comment with questions or issues you'd like us to address in future episodes! And be sure to check out our Twitter feed and...
Editorial: Actual-Play Recordings
March 18, 2014 04:14 - 30.2 MBWe were unable to record a proper session this time around, and so we go instead to our Editorial Department, where David Larkins weighs in with his opinion on actual-play recordings. (Hint: he likes them.) And remember to call our Lake Geneva, WI, voicemail number (262-729-9774), or click on the Speakpipe link on the lower right corner of this page, or leave us a comment with questions or issues you'd like us to address in future episodes! And be sure to check out our Twitter feed and Googl...
Episode Twelve: Systems and Settings (Part One)
March 04, 2014 06:34 - 59.4 MBThis one turned out to be a two-parter, and no wonder! We're discussing matching systems to genres, and providing a quick overview of systems past and present that are particularly associated with certain settings or genres. We...may get a bit off-topic from time to time, as well. Like that's never happened before... And remember to call our Lake Geneva, WI, voicemail number (262-729-9774), or click on the Speakpipe link on the lower right corner of this page, or leave us a comment with ques...
Episode Eleven: System Spotlight - Dungeons & Dragons
February 18, 2014 05:12 - 65.6 MBIt's the 40th anniversary year for Dungeons & Dragons, so we figured maybe we should get around to talking about the world's most popular role-playing game. As usual for our system spotlights, we discuss D&D's past, present, and future, as well as our personal take on and relationship to the system. Some strongly-held opinions vis a vis specific editions are, of course, expressed, and David S. has his mind blown by the concept of race-as-class. And remember to call our Lake Geneva, WI, voice...
Episode Ten: Miniatures Wargaming
February 04, 2014 03:33 - 54.4 MBIn this episode, we depart from our usual chatter about tabletop RPGs to discuss their cousin, miniatures wargaming. We take a look at the hobby's past, present, and future, and offer some personal suggestions for favorite games and figure lines. And remember to call our Lake Geneva, WI, voicemail number (262-729-9774), or click on the Speakpipe link on the lower right corner of this page, or leave us a comment with questions or issues you'd like us to address in future episodes! Thanks for...
Episode Nine: System Spotlight - King Arthur Pendragon
January 21, 2014 04:49 - 65.6 MBThis episode sees us answering a listener-submitted question about epic campaigns before moving on to our second "System Spotlight" installment, this time focusing on the King Arthur Pendragon RPG. And remember to call our Lake Geneva, WI, voicemail number (262-729-9774), or click on the Speakpipe link on the lower right corner of this page, or leave us a comment with questions or issues you'd like us to address in future episodes! Thanks for listening!
Episode Eight: Player versus GM!
January 07, 2014 06:05 - 53.7 MBIn this episode, we discuss the different experiences and skillsets inherent to the player experience versus the game master experience. To help us dissect the issue, we bring in special guest Jade, the newest member of our tabletop group, who has both played and run RPGs for the first time over the course of the previous year. And remember to call our Lake Geneva, WI, voicemail number (262-729-9774), or click on the Speakpipe link on the lower right corner of this page, or leave us a commen...
Episode Seven: Kickstarter, Game Stores, and Setting Up Fantasy Campaigns
December 24, 2013 06:19 - 60.1 MBIn this episode, we take some time to muse about the role of Kickstarter in the tabletop gaming industry and speculate what role brick-and-mortar stores still might play in the hobby, before moving on to a genre-focused discussion of running fantasy campaigns. We answer listener questions as well. And remember to call our Lake Geneva, WI, voicemail number (262-729-9774), or click on the Speakpipe link on the lower right corner of this page, or leave us a comment with questions or issues you'...
Episode Six: Published Versus Homebrew Campaigns and Scenarios
December 10, 2013 06:50 - 61.2 MBIn this episode, we address some listener questions spawned by our previous System Spotlight on Basic Roleplaying (and discuss some games we're currently excited about) before moving on to the main topic of the pros and cons of running published scenarios versus writing your own, and offer some advice for accomplishing the latter. And remember to call our Lake Geneva, WI, voicemail number (262-729-9774), or click on the Speakpipe link on the lower right corner of this page, or leave us a com...
Episode Five: System Spotlight - Basic Roleplaying
November 26, 2013 04:52 - 61.5 MBIn this episode, the first of our intermittent "System Spotlight" series, we focus on Chaosium's Basic Roleplaying system - both the generic core rules as well as touching on its many variations. What do you think? Do you agree with our assessment of the merits of the BRP system? Do you hate the system? Tell us why! And remember to call our Lake Geneva, WI, voicemail number (262-729-9774) or leave us a comment with questions or issues you'd like us to address in future episodes! Thanks for...
Episode Four: Game Balance and Finding Players
November 12, 2013 05:11 - 48.9 MBIn this episode, we talk about the issues of finding balance in systems that are not designed to encourage balanced play, and discuss strategies for finding players in your area. We also field our first-ever voice mail question! And remember to call our Lake Geneva, WI, voicemail number (262-729-9774) or leave us a comment with questions or issues you'd like us to address in future episodes! Thanks for listening!
Now Streaming Through iTunes
October 30, 2013 23:52Unabashed Gaming is now available to stream or download through iTunes. Just follow this link. Other streaming services are available at the podcast's Feedburner page. And as always, thanks for listening!
Unabashed Gaming: Episode Three - Campaign Eulogies and Sources of Inspiration
October 29, 2013 05:28 - 55.5 MBIn this episode, we discuss campaigns that died before their time (and the many causes that can contribute to such a tragedy), before moving on to our main topic: sources of inspiration and how to translate them into your game. And remember to call our Lake Geneva, WI, voicemail number (262-729-9774) or leave us a comment with questions or issues you'd like us to address in future episodes! Thanks for listening!
Unabashed Gaming: Episode Two - Dungeon World and Piledrivers
October 15, 2013 00:18 - 52.4 MBOur second episode finds us discussing our first experience with the indie FRPG Dungeon World before moving on to discussing the pros and cons of the dreaded piledriver and its much less maligned cousin, the houserule. And remember to call our Lake Geneva, WI, voicemail number (262-729-9774) or leave us a comment with questions or issues you'd like us to address in future episodes! Thanks for listening!
Unabashed Gaming: Episode One - Introduction and Horror Gaming
October 01, 2013 22:01In our inaugural episode, we talk a bit about our backgrounds in tabletop gaming and then move on to broadly discussing some tricks and tips for running horror games, and different flavors of horror games. And remember to call our Lake Geneva, WI, voicemail number (262-729-9774) or leave us a comment with questions or issues you'd like us to address in future episodes! Thanks for listening!