Fear the Boot, RPG Podcast

* (1:04) The hosts versus social media. * (7:51) Fear the Con V (http://www.fearthecon.com) is still on its way and looking good!  If you're a GM, we could use your help.  If you're a player, then just be sure to grab the good games before they're gone. * (11:33) A discussion about fantasy fiction, mostly focusing on Tolkien and Leiber.  Somehow a tangent on Tom Clancy gets worked into the middle. * (25:40) Realism and internal consistency in a roleplaying game.  When it's important, when you should stick by your guns, and when to just let things go. Hosts: Chad, Johann, John, Pat

* (0:05) Dan falls victim to the flu.  If you need a visual of how bad it is in our area, check out this map (http://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/weeklyarchives2011-2012/images/ILIIntensity06_small.gif) from the CDC! * (2:02) Fear the Con V (http://www.fearthecon.com) could use some more Game Masters, if you're willing to run a game.  A flyer is also available (http://www.feartheboot.com/ftb/resources/ftcv_ad.pdf) if you're interested in posting one in your local game or book store. * (4:31) If you'd like to make any donations toward Danger Brewery's effort to bring more beer to the con, you can do so either via Facebook (http://goo.gl/2C3cy) or straight through PayPal (http://www.feartheboot.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=464101#p464101). * (7:05) How each of the hosts got their start in roleplaying games, video games, and other form of geekery.  The systems and experiences that most shaped their views on the hobby. Hosts: Chad, Johann, John, Pat

* (0:24) Managing different player styles as a Game Master through such approaches as simultaneous solutions, varying your approach to the game, and setting forth expectations about how the game will go.  Check yo self before ya wreck yo self (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5aAbOgdbTbM), by understanding your character's likely impact on the group. * (40:29) When the GM walks away.  The differences between managing rules disputes in RPGs and board games.  What to do if the Game Master quits the game over a point of contention. Hosts: Chad, Chris, Dan, Pat, Wayne For those of you interested in following our "grand experiment" campaign, you can find the forum areas here (http://www.feartheboot.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=62).

* (0:44) It feels good to be back, though Chris is sorry for calling Chad names. * (3:25) A big thanks to Wizards of the Coast columnist, Tracy Hurley, for mentioning us in an article on Gamer Resolutions (http://www.wizards.com/DnD/Article.aspx?x=dnd/4news/20120120)! * (4:56) At Fear the Con V (http://www.fearthecon.com), Chris Ings will be running a Bloodname tournament (http://www.conplanner.com/ActivityView.aspx?c=71&a=590) for the surname, Badass. * (8:22) Announcing the contestants for the Power 16 III!  Voting will start in a few weeks. * (14:05) Introducing an online game the hosts will be playing using Pathfinder rules and the Forgotten Realms setting.  We'll be using this to help us understand each other's game styles and (more importantly) try to apply our own ideas to build and maintain a game.  Whether this succeeds or fails, we hope it will serve as a great object lesson. * (18:26) To start things off, Johann asks some questions about the intended level curve of the game, which leads Dan to ask why that's important to his character. * (34:28) Bringing together the cultures of different gaming groups and merging them into a new, mutually enjoyable culture. * (37:10) An invitation to the audience to not only observe but also participate in our little experiment. * (38:46) Lacking the time to develop our next topic, we spin down the episode.  However, we kept recording, so Chad's question gets a thorough exploration in the episode coming next week! Hosts: Chad, Chris, Dan, Pat, Wayne

* (0:48) Fear the Boot + Pat - (Dan + Dan's job) = episode 256 * (1:36) Wayne will be posting his first game for Fear the Con V (http://www.fearthecon.com) this Friday.  If you're interested in passing out flyers or hanging them up in your local game store, you can download them here (http://www.feartheboot.com/ftb/resources/ftcv_ad.pdf). * (6:21) Our Old Republic guild, House Nachash, is still going strong.  You can find details on our forum (http://www.feartheboot.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=56). * (7:33) Poop sock? * (10:11) Pat and his peach cider. * (12:28) Resuming an RPG campaign after a long break.  Using the break as an opportunity for taking stock of what's working, revising where needed.  Easing back in.  Keeping the game alive through outside conversation, or at least keeping the group in contact through a filler game.  The pitfalls when coming back, including social distractions and forgetting what was going on. * (36:09) How to get the most out of different GMing styles.  Appreciating the distinctions and adapting your play-style to get the most from your Game Master.  Evaluating your GM style.  How to get the most honest feedback from your players. Hosts: Chris, John, Karla, Pat, Wayne

* (0:12) Johann is an audio freak of nature. * (1:17) Introducing our new game, Naughty or Nice to Chris.  We setup the background topic, explain the rules, and have an tangent on "sentient" versus "sapient". * (7:42) Chris restarts the episode.  I'm not sure why, but he's in control. * (9:12) We discuss player contribution to the game.  To what extent should players be allowed to add things to the game -- even if they seem out of place -- for the sake of their own enjoyment?  We start by jumping back to the contributions that break immersion for each of us.  The show goes completely off the ranch from there, and I don't think we ever answered the original question. Hosts: Chad, Chris, Dan, Johann, Pat, Wayne

* (0:31) A big thanks to Luna for the Secret Santa gift!  You can see a scan of it here (http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7011/6657280921_ebc623aa65_z.jpg) and her online gallery here (http://nekoluna.deviantart.com).  We also talk about some original Battletech art we have. * (4:44) Handling the logistics of a PC death.  We don't debate whether characters ought to die but instead how to keep that person involved, manage the mood around the table, and minimize story disruption. * (22:14) Taking advantage of the unexpected moments of great story and RP that happen during a game, without trying to squeeze them for too much. * (28:45) Chad and modules.  Nature takes its course. * (39:30) Managing player morale during the ebb and flow of a game. * (45:34) The greatest game you've never played: Hot Lead (http://www.amazon.com/Hot-Lead-Skirmish-Miniatures-Rules/dp/1556342322/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1325998284&sr=8-1)! Hosts: Chad, Chris, Dan, Johann, Pat, Wayne

I apologize in advance for this episode.  It was a bonus show recorded on New Years Eve, and nature pretty much just took its course.  I have another (regular) episode in the hopper, which I will release later this week to make up for missing last week completely and then off-loading this on you today. Once we get coherent (16:33), the topic is things we've not been able to do yet in our gaming career but really want to someday. Hosts: Beth, Chad, Dan, John, Pat FAIR WARNING: This episodes is quite a bit more crass and directionless than our normal episodes.

* (1:52) Wayne tries to one-up John by rolling a method 0.25 character. * (3:52) Dan offers Chris some unsolicited PR advice. * (5:10) Following a suggestion from forum user, Concise Locket, we discuss going outside of the game-provided mechanics to resolve actions within a game.  How other metaphors can enhance or distract from the game, and some tips for making them blend. * (21:57) Giving life and meaning to social events -- such as parties or banquets -- in an RPG.  Revealing scene, making memorable NPCs, and progressing plot through the event.  The difference between social events triggered by player action versus GM decree. Hosts: Chad, Chris, Dan, John, Pat, Wayne (Wayne's future sorcerer: STR 16, DEX 10, CON 13, INT 11, WIS 13, CHA 15)

* (0:29) You, me, them, us, and other difficult pronouns. * (1:10) Fear the Con 5 registration is still up and running (http://www.fearthecon.com/) quite nicely. * (1:32) An invitation to our Old Republic guild (http://feartheboot.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=56&t=14715). * (2:18) Method 0.5 character creation meets John's bard. * (4:02) Pat goes for Husband of the Year with his (properly placed) priorities regarding Star Wars: The Old Republic.  Also featuring the car story and fish story! * (15:37) Gaming with significant others.  How bringing that special someone into a game can greatly benefit or drag down the experience.  We also present some strategies for getting the most out of it while preparing for potential pitfalls.  This leads into the romance and drama of Battletech. Hosts: Beth, Dan, John, Karla (John's future bard: STR 11, DEX 10, CON 15, INT 13, WIS 10, CHA 9)

* (0:29) What jim's been up to since we last talked with him.  You can find his current blog at Post World Games (http://postworldgames.com/). * (3:34) jim must defend his name, Y (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Y#Orthographic_confusion_with_the_letter_thorn), and W (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/W#History). * (6:05) Pat goes for Father of the Year by taking a break from World of Warcraft to devastate his kid in a family game. * (9:43) Giving games the right degree of substance and meaning, without making them overly poignant. * (18:42) The role of the GM, specifically as it's been taught (albeit unintentionally) by the legacy of D&D.  First-person versus third-person roleplayers.  On a side note, this episode was recorded when Penny Arcade's series, The Conflux, was only a few strips in. * (29:53) The "second Renaissance" of roleplaying games.  Also the relationship and perception driven model preferred by many newer games. * (41:34) The seven types of gamers. * (51:32) The important synergy between designers and marketers that's often missing from game development. Hosts: Chad, Chris, Dan, Pat, Wayne Guests: jim pinto

* (0:30) Dan's first two games for Fear the Con V (http://www.fearthecon.com) have been posted.  Be sure to create or sign up for anything that interests you! * (1:39) Chad and Pat's horrifying idea for episode 300. * (7:04) Yet  again, a "minor" topic unexpectedly dominates the show!  Wayne's opportunity to defend his bard against the insults made in last episode turns into... * (13:57) ...a discussion on knowledge skills that reveal hidden or plot-important information.  We kick around whether to include them at all, how to let them be useful without breaking the game, and the open communication the GM and player ought to have during character creation. * (38:43) The happy accidents of gaming, when unexpected actions of the player or rolls of the dice make the game better than the GM planned.  How to create room for such events and capitalize on them when they occur. Hosts: Chad, Chris, Dan, Pat, Wayne

* (0:31) If you’re interested in playing the Old Republic MMO, Fear the Boot has a guild forming on the official game site.  You can see details and sign up to run with us here (http://www.swtor.com/guilds/162022/house-nachash)! * (3:12) Chris is writing Skies of Glass serial fiction (http://www.skiesofglass.com/). * (4:37) We give Pat a chance to prep for Beth coming onto Fear the Boot. * (6:23) John gives an update on Bloodmoon Goblins (http://www.bloodmoongoblins.com).  This leads to a discussion about collaborating with other people during system or setting design, and how that can apply even to Game Masters running a well-established game. * (13:47) Handling shopping in an RPG.  Various approaches to handling it without interrupting the flow of the game.  How to handle shopkeeper inventory, character inventory, and item availability.  Information on the Booter calls Chad mentioned can be found here (http://feartheboot.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=14342). * (45:52) Why Chad feels his character won't work in the absurd game we're contemplating. Hosts: Chad, Dan, John, Pat

* (0:47) The website for Fear the Con 5 (http://www.fearthecon.com/) is up and ready for you to start creating and joining games!  If you’re looking to split a ride or room, be sure to check the thread on our forums (http://feartheboot.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=55&t=14145) where people are working out those arrangements. * (1:27) Fear the Boot is co-sponsoring a cruise through Gamer Adventures (http://www.gameradventures.com/caribbean.htm) on March 24 through April 1, 2012, and we hope you’ll join us. * (2:51) How to approach bridge games, meaning the games that fall between major plot points or heavy action, in which character advancement, bookkeeping, or roleplaying dominate the session.  Some approaches for tuning them to your group's taste and recognizing the opportunities they present. * (18:43) Handling large scale games.  Determining what's important to deal with in detail versus abstracting out, how to keep track of resources, divvy up paperwork, and make major NPCs memorable. Hosts: Chad, Chris, Dan, John, Wayne

You can find a transcript of this show here (http://subscriptorium.com/540/2samples/1ftb)! * (0:59) An extremely deep, philosophical, scholarly debate over the hottest chick on Star Trek. * (13:07) Using Wheel of Time and Lord of the Rings as a jumping off point for a discussion on "upward" versus "downward" fantasy and which trope more accurately describes the average fantasy campaign.  Side topics include high and low fantasy, the role of equipment, and the absurdity of most settings' economies. * (26:12) A reflection on the ridiculousness of 'Mechs as viable combat machines juxtaposed against how just plain awesome they are to use in a game. * (30:32) Dealing with "caster supremacy".  Specifically, the idea that certain types of casters are significantly more powerful than non-casting classes in D&D 3.0, D&D 3.5, and Pathfinder.  Suggestions for keeping them in balance through gentleman's rules, power reductions to casters, or power increases to non-casters. * (59:36) The website for Fear the Con 5 (http://www.fearthecon.com/) is up and ready for you to create and join games!  If you're looking to split a ride or room, be sure to check the thread on our forums (http://feartheboot.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=55&t=14145) where people are working out those arrangements. Hosts: Johann, John, Pat, Wayne