RPG Mainframe

Episode 53: Binary Agency

Get your pen and paper ready for this one. I propose a method to marry the opposing forces of GM prep and true player agency. No easy love affair, but with a few 'blobs and fingers,' I think I have an answer.

Episode 52: Qualia and Narrative

As I faced the uncertainty of running a new cyberpunk campaign, I discovered a useful dichotomy in my thinking: working toward moments of feeling versus moments of revelation. Join me for another critical look at how we create.

Episode 51: The GM Push and Pull

Take some time to analyze your own pushing and pulling behaviors as a GM. A dynamic balance of assertive and passive components will make your game, like any good conversation, feel good to all present.

Episode 50: The Mighty Pen

I go into some cognitive research on using pen and paper over digital tools. Let's get all sciencey, and reinforce what I see as the absolute CORE of what we do (yes, even moreso than DICE!) ... writing.

Episode 49: Bearcats!

25 days of crazy work to create my system-free play world: Bearcats. Here's the play by play on the hurdles and triumphs. 

Episode 48: NPCs... I’m Awful with ’em

Join me for a talk about confronting what you're 'currently struggling with' and the three methods I've working on to improve my NPC game at the table.

Episode 47: Let Go, Luke

I take some time to sit and talk about how we can find more mental energy for our games by releasing our prep, expectations, and concerns when we're at the table. I've only got so much brain power, so I need it HERE! NOW!

Episode 46: Deadly

A creepy ghost story, and a discussion of implementing deadliness, lethal defenses and other fast-kill methods into your boss designs.

Episode 45: Mechanics that Matter

Three clutch criteria for deciding whether or not new, created or assimilated mechanics matter in your game. 

Episode 44: Let’s Talk Dice

Just a straight gab on dice, where they came from, why we love 'em, what brands are my favorites, and how they get used in RPG's! No big theory here, just chewin' the fat.