Dekahedron Fannish Podcast
by J.P. Gill
Dekahedron is a weekly podcast featuring Joe, an old referee discussing tabletop RPGs. Di ve into topics ranging from classic OSR/D&D gameplay to modern systems like FATE. Join the conversation by- Email (text or attach an audio file): email [email protected] Phone (call or text): 562-RPG-CAST (562-774-2278)- Web: https://sayhi.chat/dekahedronCover art logo by DesignKat.
Episodes
-
208: 4 Years & The Way of the Crouching Crane
The Dekahedron Fannish Podcast celebrated 4 years by having James and Mirke review 'The Way of the Crouching Crane,' a cinematic martial arts RPG that Joe made. Email: [email protected] Voicemail: (562) 774-2278 / (562) RPG-CAST Web Voice Message: sayhi.chat/dekahedron
-
207: The Ethical Fan: Where Do We Draw the Line on AI?
A real-time stream-of-consciousness pondering about the use of generative AI in fandom. I don't have the answers, just questions, and I'm dying to know your thoughts: Email: [email protected] Voicemail: (562) 774-2278 / (562) RPG-CAST Web Voice Message: sayhi.chat/dekahedron
-
206: Three Movies
It's been a while since I made an episode! I'm back! In this one I talk about Project Hail Mary, Spider-Man: A Brand New Day, and The Odyssey. Feedback Email: [email protected] Feedback Line: 562-RPG-CAST (562-774-2278) Web Voicemail: sayhi.chat/dekahedron
-
205: Narrative without Rails
I talk about how I run narrative games without running a rail road. Feedback Email: [email protected] Feedback Line: 562-RPG-CAST (562-774-2278) Web Voicemail: sayhi.chat/dekahedron
-
204: GNS, Real Men, Real Roleplayers, Loonies & Munchkins
I’m look at two different player models: the classic academic GNS Theory (Gamist, Narrativist, Simulationist) and the hilarious 1983 joke "Real Men, Real Roleplayers, Loonies, and Munchkins." I also share my spoiler-free thoughts about Widows Bay on Apple TV+ and give an update on a trope-heavy,...
-
203: Mailcall for June 2026
I clear out the old mailbag and answer 13 pieces of feedback! Stay Connected Thanks for listening and for all the feedback! If you want to weigh in on the episode, tell me what you think of the new format, or suggest topics for future episodes, here is how you can reach me: Voice Message:...
-
202: Memorizing Spells in the '70s
YouTube commenter MrRourk made some comments about magic users in Holmes that I wanted to address. I also answer other comments from recent episodes. Stay Connected Thanks for listening and for all the feedback! If you want to weigh in on the episode, tell me what you think of the new format, or...
-
201: Difference Between Holmes & AD&D
Welcome to a new era for the show! After hitting the 200-episode milestone, I’ve decided to broaden the focus. While I’ll always have a special love for tabletop games, the podcast is officially expanding to cover all things fantasy and science fiction. This Episode’s Highlights: Geek Out: I kick...
-
200: Holmes Edition (with James)
It's the big 200! To celebrate this massive milestone, Joe & James take a nostalgic trip back to the exact edition that started it all for them nearly 50 years ago: the iconic 1977 Holmes Basic Blue Box. Share your thoughts via: 🌐 sayhi.chat/dekahedron 📧 [email protected] 📞📱…
more -
199: Mailcall for T&T A New Age
I got a lot of feedback about my review of Tunnels & Trolls: A New Age. Here it is. Share your thoughts via: 🌐 sayhi.chat/dekahedron 📧 [email protected] 📞📱 562-RPG-CAST (562-774-2278) More information is at dekahedron.com
-
198: Mailcall! Setting up a Sandbox Campaign
I answer your feedback from my series about making a sandbox campaign. here's the 20 Quick Question about the rules: https://necropraxis.com/2012/02/24/20-quick-questions-rules/ Share your thoughts via: 🌐 sayhi.chat/dekahedron 📧 [email protected] 📞📱 562-RPG-CAST (562-774-2278) More...
-
197: Making a Sandbox Campaign, Part 8 (Inciting Incident)
I finish my step-by-step series on building a sandbox campaign from scratch. In this episode I look at how to kick things off with an inciting incident. Next time I'll answer listener feedback. Share your thoughts via: 🌐 sayhi.chat/dekahedron 📧 [email protected] 📞📱 562-RPG-CAST...
-
196: Making a Sandbox Campaign, Part 7 (Rapid Fire Questions)
I continue my step-by-step series on building a sandbox campaign from scratch. Following the framework of Jeff Rients’ 20 Questions, this seventh installment does rapid-fire answers to questions 11 through 20 to define where and how players can be healed and look at how magic users interact with...
-
195: Tunnels & Trolls: A New Age
Tunnels & Trolls: A New Age--the new versions of T&T is out! I looked it over and these are my thoughts. Spoiler: This isn't the T&T you're looking for! Promised links: The T&T: A New Age free quickstart…
more -
194: Making a Sandbox Campaign, Part 6 (Healing & Magic Guild)
I continue my step-by-step series on building a sandbox campaign from scratch. Following the framework of Jeff Rients’ 20 Questions, this sixth installment answers questions 7, 8, and 9 to define where and how players can be healed and look at how magic users interact with the Concilium Arcanum....
-
193: Making a Sandbox Campaign, Part 5 (Power Centers)
I continue my step-by-step series on building a sandbox campaign from scratch. Following the framework of Jeff Rients’ 20 Questions, this fifth installment dives into questions 4, 5, and 6 to establish the major power players in the region. I define the mightiest figures in the land, moving away...
-
192: Making a Sandbox Campaign, Part 4 (Gear & Commerce)
Where do adventurers actually buy gear in a grounded, early‑medieval sandbox? In this episode, Joe tackles Questions 2 and 3 from Jeff Rients’ “20 Quick Questions” and shows how equipment, specialists, and custom items really work in a low‑tech fantasy world. Learn why general stores don’t belong...
-
191: Making a Sandbox Campaign, Part 3 (Religion)
How do you create a pantheon for a sandbox campaign? Episode 191 continues my 'How I Create a Sandbox' series. I explore the 20 Questions of world-building, focusing on the cleric’s religion. Learn about building a three-point alignment system, naming deities using Icelandic roots, and creating...
-
190: Making a Sandbox Campaign, Part 2
In the second of a multi-part series, I talk about how I'm stealing from history to make Almsfjord different, and I ask about how I should continue the series.Promised Links:- The Trelleborg ring fort: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viking_ring_fortress- The 20 Questions:...
-
BONUS: Christmas 2025
My annual Christmas poem. Merry Christmas, my friends.
-
BONUS: Christmas Movies 2025 (with Jason)
I'm joined by Jason of The Nerd's RPG Variety Cast and we talk about 5 classic "Christmas" movies, depending how you want to define that... The movies are: * A Tree Grows in Brooklyn (1945) * It Happened on 5th Avenue (1947) * The Bishop's Wife (1947) * Desk Set (1957) * Donovan's Reef (1963)
-
189: Making a Sandbox, Part 1
In the first of a multi-part series, I go through my process for making a sandbox campaign, this one based on longhouses. Share your thoughts via: 🌐 sayhi.chat/dekahedron 📧 [email protected] 📞📱 562-RPG-CAST (562-774-2278) More information is at dekahedron.com 0:00 Introduction: Starting…
more -
188: What is Tunnels & Trolls?
@marcusblacknell-andrews1783 asked me "What is Tunnels & Trolls?" Here's my answer! Not to oversell it, but Tunnels & Trolls (T&T) from Flying Buffalo is one of the most important games in history. I'll tell you why it's the reason the entire RPG industry exists today, paving the way for…
more -
187: Mailcall-Most Wished for OSR System, Part 2
This time I'm answering feedback from Martin from Spotify and BJ, the Arcane Alienist about OSR game system preferences. Share your thoughts via: 🌐 sayhi.chat/dekahedron 📧...
-
186: Mailcall-Most Wished for OSR System
Answering feedback from Mirke the Meek, Riley, and "Vid" about OSR game system preferences. Share your thoughts via: 🌐 sayhi.chat/dekahedron 📧 [email protected]...
-
184: #OSRoctober Favorite Magic System
I close out this year's #OSRtober talking about my favorite magic systems. Share your thoughts via: 🌐 sayhi.chat/dekahedron 📧 [email protected]...
-
185: #OSRoctober Magic Items
I realized I forgot to record this topic last week, so Episode #184 is actually next week—oops! Anyway, this week for #OSRtober, I'm talking about Magic Items--specifically Minor Magic Items. Share your thoughts via: 🌐...
-
183: Strangest OSR Rule #OSRoctober
The week's #OSRtober prompt is "Strangest OSR Rule" and I talk about weapon restrictions. Share your thoughts via: 🌐 sayhi.chat/dekahedron 📧 [email protected]...
-
182: Dekahedron turns 3!
The Dekahedron celebrates it's 3rd birthday by inviting former co-host James on to answer this year's #OSRoctober prompts. Share your thoughts via: 🌐 sayhi.chat/dekahedron 📧...
-
181: #OSRoctober - Most Overlooked OSR Monster (and Place!)
For week 2 of #OSRtober I talk what I believe to be the most overlooked OSR monster, and a couple overlooked settings. Share your thoughts via: 🌐 sayhi.chat/dekahedron 📧...
-
180: #OSRoctober - Favorite & Most Wished for OSR RPG
For week 1 of #OSRtober I talk about both My Favorite & My Most Wished for OSR RPG. Share your thoughts via: 🌐 sayhi.chat/dekahedron 📧 [email protected]...
-
179: Player Umwelt
Let's talk about Player Umwelt. It;s what I call the idea that the world we live in shapes the way we see everything else—including our games. I'll explain how our own umwelt makes it hard to truly embrace a different reality and how that affects everything from medieval towns to sci-fi space…
more -
178: The Halted Game Fallacy
Let's talk about the "Halted Game Fallacy." The idea is that giving players physical props like letters or notes, along with other player-driven actions like shopping or checking for traps, "halt the game." But I think that's completely backwards. To me, that's not a halt—that's the game running…
more -
177: Prompts for OSR October 2025
It's time to get ready for OSR October 2025! I propose a prompt system to inspire your OSR content that works for both daily or weekly content. Full details at: https://vagabondgm.blogspot.com/2025/09/osr-october-prompts-for-2025.html #OSROctober2025 #OSRtober2025 Share your thoughts via: 🌐...
-
#RPGaDAY2025 Day 31 - Reward
Day 31 of #RPGaDAY2025 is "Reward"! Share your thoughts via: 🌐 sayhi.chat/dekahedron 📧 [email protected] 📞📱...
-
#RPGaDAY2025 Day 30 - Experience
Day 30 of #RPGaDAY2025 is "Experience"! Share your thoughts via: 🌐 sayhi.chat/dekahedron 📧 [email protected] 📞📱...
-
#RPGaDAY2025 Day 29 - Connect
Day 29 of #RPGaDAY2025 is "Connect"! Share your thoughts via: 🌐 sayhi.chat/dekahedron 📧 [email protected] 📞📱...
-
#RPGaDAY2025 Day 28 - Suspense
Day 28 of #RPGaDAY2025 is "Suspense"! Share your thoughts via: 🌐 sayhi.chat/dekahedron 📧 [email protected] 📞📱...
-
#RPGaDAY2025 Day 27 - Tactic
Day 27 of #RPGaDAY2025 is "Tactic"! Share your thoughts via: 🌐 sayhi.chat/dekahedron 📧 [email protected] 📞📱...
-
#RPGaDAY2025 Day 26 - Nemesis
Day 26 of #RPGaDAY2025 is "Nemesis"! Share your thoughts via: 🌐 sayhi.chat/dekahedron 📧 [email protected] 📞📱...
-
#RPGaDAY2025 Day 25 - Challenge
Day 25 of #RPGaDAY2025 is "Challenge"! Share your thoughts via: 🌐 sayhi.chat/dekahedron 📧 [email protected] 📞📱...
-
#RPGaDAY2025 Day 24 - Reveal
Day 24 of #RPGaDAY2025 is "Reveal"! Share your thoughts via: 🌐 sayhi.chat/dekahedron 📧 [email protected] 📞📱...
-
#RPGaDAY2025 Day 23 - Recent
Day 23 of #RPGaDAY2025 is "Recent"! Share your thoughts via: 🌐 sayhi.chat/dekahedron 📧 [email protected] 📞📱...
-
#RPGaDAY2025 Day 22 - Ally
Day 22 of #RPGaDAY2025 is "Ally"! Share your thoughts via: 🌐 sayhi.chat/dekahedron 📧 [email protected] 📞📱...
-
#RPGaDAY2025 Day 21 - Unexpected
Day 21 of #RPGaDAY2025 is "Unexpected"! Share your thoughts via: 🌐 sayhi.chat/dekahedron 📧 [email protected] 📞📱...
-
#RPGaDAY2025 Day 20 - Entrance
Day 20 of #RPGaDAY2025 is "Entrance"! Share your thoughts via: 🌐 sayhi.chat/dekahedron 📧 [email protected] 📞📱...
-
#RPGaDAY2025 Day 19 - Destiny
Day 19 of #RPGaDAY2025 is "Destiny"! Share your thoughts via: 🌐 sayhi.chat/dekahedron 📧 [email protected] 📞📱...
-
#RPGaDAY2025 Day 18 - Sign
Day 18 of #RPGaDAY2025 is "Sign"! Share your thoughts via: 🌐 sayhi.chat/dekahedron 📧 [email protected] 📞📱...
-
#RPGaDAY2025 Day 17 - Renew
Day 17 of #RPGaDAY2025 is "Renew"! Share your thoughts via: 🌐 sayhi.chat/dekahedron 📧 [email protected] 📞📱...
-
#RPGaDAY2025 Day 16 - Overcome
Day 16 of #RPGaDAY2025 is "Overcome"! Share your thoughts via: 🌐 sayhi.chat/dekahedron 📧 [email protected] 📞📱...
About this show
Dekahedron is a weekly podcast featuring Joe, an old referee discussing tabletop RPGs. Di ve into topics ranging from classic OSR/D&D gameplay to modern systems like FATE. Join the conversation by- Email (text or attach an audio file): email [email protected] Phone (call or text): 562-RPG-CAST (562-774-2278)- Web: https://sayhi.chat/dekahedronCover art logo by DesignKat.
Hosted by
J.P. Gill