Tag Archives: Advice

Advancement



Episode 149 – Advancement a.k.a The Other Sin is 1XP

Thanks to a Listener’s Letter, this episode is all about advancement. Of course a lot of the chat is about XP and mechanically improving your character, but the lads also think about what else advancing a character could mean.

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Investigation RPGs



Episode 147 – Investigation RPGs a.k.a The Problem That Doesn’t Exist

Have you passed your Spot Hidden check? Then you will note that Baz is on holidays, so Gaz is joined by the effable Stunt Baz, Guy Milner off of the Burn After Running blog to talk about investigative RPGs. What are the common pitfalls? What makes a good investigation? Which are the key games out there on the market? All this and more awaits keen-eyed investigators in this episode!

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Mike Shea Interview – Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master



Mike Shea Interview a.k.a Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master

It’s the Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master, or first time on the show for Mike Shea, also know as Sly Flourish on the Twitters. Mike’s books about how to get the most out of the game prep and spend less time doing it have been an inspiration to many hard-pressed GMs, and the lads take a dive into his secrets and tease out details on how you can be smarter about your downtime activities while making your games at the table more awesome.

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Games You Should Have Too



Episode 144 – Games You Should Have Too

In a continuation of last episode, the lads go through a veritable cornucopia of games that you should consider looking at, to round out your roleplaying chops. If you’re looking for inspiration or fancy broadening your horizons, get your earballs round this episode covering settings, GM advice, adventure support, art & layout and much more!

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Games You Should Have



Episode 144 – Games You Should Have

The lads have been listening to other podcasts and hearing their thoughts on systems, creating a Frankenstein’s monster of a game etc. and reminded of all the sections they have done on particular parts of games. It seemed about time to draw some of this together and go through a variety of games people should have in their collections for a more well rounded view of the gaming world. So, get ready to draw up a shopping list as The Smart Party rattle through a bunch of mechanics and games you might want to purchase to make your gaming life better.

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Role+Play+Game



Episode 135 – Role+Play+Game
(aka I Want to Roll Dice in the First Half Hour)

Due to the plague, the lads have drafted in a Stunt Baz for this episode, but it’s a goodie! Guy Milner off of the Burn After Running blog joins Gaz to talk about rolling dice and all elements of the Roll plus Game plus Playing hobby. Some top tips on using dice in your games and what to think about before you even start.

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Skills



Episode 133 – Skills
(aka Show Me Your Penumbra)

The lads talk skills. Have we got them, do we need them, where did it all start and has it gone horribly wrong? From the good old days of 8% in detect / disarm traps, to the feat and abilities, what use are skills in RPGs, if any?

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It’s a Kind of Magic



Episode 131 – It’s a Kind of Magic
(aka Have You Spelled it Right?)

Magical energies suffuse the ‘cast this time as the lads discuss magic in gaming. Sure, you can have mystical power, but at what price? How have the different iterations of D&D handled magic and did they get it right? All this and more awaits your summoning spell.

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Fights Too



Episode 129 – Fights Too
(aka The World’s Most Complicated Initiative System)

Back by popular request, both of the show’s glorious listeners got in touch to say they’d like to hear more on fights in RPGs. Well, The Smart Party are here to please.

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Fights



Episode 128 – Fights
(aka Back in Black)

Did you look at my pint funny? Roll for initiative! After a few games of Feng Shui 2 recently, the lads have thought about fights in RPGs. Is it necessary for combats to occur? Do they go on too long? How can you make them more interesting? All this and more, this episode!

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