RPG Mainframe

Episode 13: Monster Sets

Presenting monsters in groups is cool, but even better is a 'set' of foes that present variable challenges all at once. Let's get into it.

Episode 12: All Mail Bag, All Day

I take a break from the usual and answer all kinds of reader mail.

Episode 11: The Art of Escalation

All great games need motion in their intensity... something building up. This talk focuses on methods and ideas for that... the art of escalation.

Episode 10: Stylls of Thushum

This episode throws a blob of playable material your way, as our little goblin hero makes his way to a magical tower and (certain?) doom.

Episode 9: Ideas and desires

In this RPG talk, I get into using your own internal urges to guide creativity, rather than so-called 'ideas.' Get after it!

Episode 8: 3 Creative Must-Do’s

In this episode, I pontificate on three aspects of RPG creativity you just can't do without.

Episode 7: Wipeouts and TPK’s

"If there is no death, there is no game." Handling player catastrophes with grace and skill.

Episode 6: How to Boil a Frog

The slow knife penetrates the shield! This episode talks about slowly cooking the intensity of your game, a thing worth the effort!

Episode 5: The GM’s Oath

Take a deep dive with me into the oath featured in Index Card RPG. Be awesome, take the oath!

Episode 4: Dungeon Themes

Don't just make a bunch of tunnels and rooms, give your next dungeon a potent theme using power words!