Game Store Prophets

Today marks a special day for this podcast, our ministry, and myself personally. 14 years ago TODAY (July 22nd), The Oliphant in the Room hit the airways and introduced us as a voice in the space of where God and gaming culture collide. This year also marks 10 years since InnRoads Ministries first received our 501c3 status. We celebrated this double anniversary by gathering up a number of our friends from around the community to talk about what we have been blessed to be a part of, what happens at our tables, and why we keep coming back to serve God in this section of the ministry and content world.

Both of your hosts have had moments playing a certain game with our kids recently. The game in question is My Little Scythe — the kids version of the well loved and respected strategy epic. In this episode, we break down what makes a good “kids version” of a game, the value of sharing games like this with our kids, and how playing My Little Scythe has proven to be a microcosm for us in regards to discipleship, invitation, and the beautiful act of sharing Christ from a place where we just want to tell people how deeply He has impacted our lives. And for those playing the home game — Some of the mechs Mike has been painting for his copy of Scythe.

Did you miss us? We’re back! Daniel and Mike sit down to talk about the conventions we got to while we weren’t on here making content for you all. We talk about what it’s like give up ourselves for other folks at the gaming table, about how much value can be seen and felt in even the smallest acts of encouragement, and how when we truly trust the in the sovereignty of God — it has a profound impact on the ways we talk to each other, down even to the core of what we see when we look at each other.

A cairn is pile of stones placed at a location sometimes as a way to mark a trail being traveled, or most often to identify a particular landmark or memorial. So what happens when we start tying the games on our shelves to specific moments or specific people? In their own way, they become cairns themselves — a collection of bits and pieces that serve as reminders of things and people that are important to us. As such, they can even be a remember of how far God has carried us through life, and how much we can trust that He will carry us through what we are going through now.

A family emergency delayed this one getting out at the right time, but we didn’t want to lose this gold. Sometimes it really is about the question. It’s about the freedom and space to ask questions about how things happened, why it works that way, or whether or not the way we see things are valid. In this episode we talk about Ierusalem: Anno Domini and the D&D movie Honor Among Thieves to talk about questions we were encouraged to ask about aspects like historicity, rules lawyering, and whether any of this is any good in the first place. Come with us as we figure out why we love these things.

A lot of decisions and practices by the parent companies behind Magic: The Gathering and Dungeons and Dragons are causing some of us who have been around since the earliest of days to question whether they have taken a step too far for us to keep backing their products. But whether or not we move forward with those games in our collection or not is just one of the reasons one might want to consider the choices we make in regards to what games we keep on our shelves or choose to hit our tables. From discussions of the Magic Circle around the gaming table to making decisions based on how they effect our relationships rather than whether or not you find it fun yourself — let’s talk about forgiveness, empathy, and gaming while following Jesus.

We’re back from Easter celebrations with a Gary Con XV after action report. Daniel and the team had a great trip out to Lake Geneva, where they got to embody the core of what we do at InnRoads — play games, connect with people, and share in their stories. We also double back to a topic inspired by our Warhammer focused episode to talk about the value and challenges of 3D printing in the tabletop gaming space. We also talk about the blessing cards and Wandering Bard Tavern logo that feature the art of our friend and member of the Mad Bird D&D streams crew on twitch, Stephanie Dawn Skiles. If you need any artwork commissioned for storyboarding or bringing a game character to life – we highly recommend you drop her a line and see if she’s currently accepting commissions.

While Daniel has been away at Gary Con XV leading our team at the board game library, we called up our friend Ryan from City on a Hill Gaming to talk about world building for a decidedly Christian gaming experience that goes beyond just saying that the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob is the only true God or that throwing in an order of paladins who serve Jesus. We then broaden the scope to talk about how choices we make in world building effect those of us at the table, and how to respect the concerns and uneasiness other players may experience as you are doing that world building together. An article from the InnRoads site was mentioned in the podcast. If you want to read more, you can find that article here.

Perhaps it was inevitable that we’d get here. After all — in the grim dark future there is only war. So let’s talk about Warhammer 40k. In this episode the guys talk about how we can find God in everything — even in the grim dark future of the 40k universe. They discuss the way Ork magic works as a picture of faith — and how that picture is often exactly how we mess with people’s heads if not actually traumatizing folks, how the story of the god-emperor of mankind is an example of folks acting in self-interest under the banner of faith in ways that nobody wanted or needed – and actually misses the point of faith entirely, and more.

We love our games. Part of what we love about our games is the tactile nature of them. Moving miniatures around the board. The feel of good, quality materials in our hands. The way everything looks when it comes together on the table. Naturally we want to take care of them for a number of reasons — but what happens when we become so concerned about keeping our games in their perfect condition that we stop enjoying the experience of actually playing with them? In this episode we explore concepts like what a healthy concept of caring for the stuff of games looks like, why we give away games that we love, and what really makes the game experience so important to us. Daniel mentioned a picture a guild ball figure he painted, but we didn’t find that picture before time of posting — so you can watch our social media if it ever surfaces. Mike also makes mention of an article familiar to long time listeners, but if you are new around here and want to read the story yourself, you can find it here.

Three years ago, the COVID pandemic was the proverbial nail in the coffin of our recording ability. While we were unable to jump over all the hurtles that came down the path, we always knew that we’d be back eventually to once again take up the mantle of a podcast known for talking games, God, and how the relationships that build us are forged there. That day is today. After three years of silence, the boys are back to talk about gaming as ministry, gaming with kids, and how much they’ve missed talking with each other and with all of you. We’ll talk about introducing our sons to the gaming world, helping folks play with our local libraries, and getting ready for Gary Con. Light the beacons. The Game Store Prophets have returned!

Recording got delayed on this one due to a guest appearance, a holiday here in America, and some incredibly bad sinus pressure – but we’re here now, and we have an interesting show for you. In this episode, we continue to talk about trying to figure out how to get games played in the midst of lockdown – but actually don’t get to our usual coffee and contemplation segment because we wanted to talk about why we try to shy away from making too many definitive theological statements on most of our ministry’s content – but especially here at Game Store Prophets. Games mentioned in this episode: Carcassonne Blood Rage Digital Edition Reflections Gloomhaven / Frosthaven Nemesis (currently on kickstarter at time of posting) Warhammer 40k 9th edition Dragon & Flagon One-shot RPG fest ( Thanks, Zach, for the question): Savage Worlds One Sheet Adventures Damn the Man, Save the Music Dread Lasers & Feelings Everyone is John Also mentioned: Back Burner Games

You’d think after an episode dedicated to ways you can game with your friends around virtual tables during quarantine we’d have more stories about games we’ve been playing – but that doesn’t go so well. So instead we want to talk about the myth of certainty, that place of comfort and security where we know a thing is going to happen a certain way because it just has to … right? Games mentioned: Quill The Live: Assault on Cable 54 Animo: Cross Trainers Deadlands: The Weird West for Savage Worlds The Quiet Year Space Crusade Dune ( Two Versions) Crokinole Viceroy Other mentions: They Live’s infamous fight scene Roll 4 Initiative Norse Foundry

We’ve been living that quarantine life like everyone else lately, and we’re starting to get a bit stir-crazy. Among all our usual topics of discussion, your hosts – both of who are normally proponents of face-to-face gaming over the digital counterpart – discuss the many ways digital gaming is saving our sanity and forging connections with our friends and family. Games mentioned: Animal Upon Animal Backyard Builders Treehouse Run For Your Life, Candyman Ptolus The Harvesters Arcana of the Ancients (which Mike now actually HAS) Tides of Time Digital Gaming Platforms: Roll20.net Fantasy Grounds Astral D20 Pro GM Forge Foundry Virtual Tabletop 3D Virtual Tabletop Tabletop Simulator Tabletopia Board Game Arena Be sure to check out the article I reference from the folks at Girls Game Shelf for even more options. Other References: Alton Brown’s video on handwashing Mike’s Patreon

In this episode, Mike & Daniel are back to discuss how perspectives and expectations can shape the choices that we make in life and gaming. Jumping off of the point mentioned in our previous episode regarding different editions of Dungeons and Dragons – specifically how Daniel enjoys older editions while 5th edition is everything Mike has hoped the game could be – many of the differences we find in our life, our gaming, and even what we value in the practice and application of our faith have to do with what we are expecting. Games mentioned in this episode: Racing Demons (card game) Santorini Friday Spirit Island Marvel Card Line Munchkin Other mentions: Shut up & Sit Down’s “Card Games That Don’t Suck” video series Blood Rage play mat Heroforge 2.0 There’s a brief announcement in the front of the episode where Mike references his new Patreon page. If you can support that’d be great, but if you can’t there is nothing to fear. GSP and its content will only be tangentially affected at most. We just know that some listeners wanted to know if something like that ever got set up. Music by Kevin MacLeod, Creative Commons at www.incompetech.com.

Daniel and Mike are back on the air with a new look for Game Store Prophets. In this episode, they introduce new segments that will help us avoid the pressure to dig into limited gaming ability for topics – as it can sometimes be hard to get to the table as adults, let alone adults with toddlers in the house. They’ll also be talking ABOUT those toddlers as they talk about the concepts of invitation versus expectation when introducing kids to the gaming world and how that looks a lot like introducing them to God. About making it accessible and showing how wonderful you know it to be rather than demanding they already feel the same way you do. Games mentioned in this episode: Unmatched: Battle of Legends vol. 1 by Restoration Games Paperback by Fowers Games The Mansky Caper by Calliope Games Dungeon Crawl Classics by Goodman Games Shadows Over Camelot by Days of Wonder Return to Dark Tower by Restoration Games (Kickstarter) Oath: Chronicles of Empire and Exile by Leder Games ( Kickstarter) Wonderland’s War by Druid City Games (Kickstarter coming February 2020) Other mentions: World Anvil   Music by Kevin MacLeod, Creative Commons at www.incompetech.com.

InnRoads at GenCon Daniel and T.R. welcome InnRoads Regulars Jeff Jackson and Michael Riddle to the show as they bring together their experiences at GenCon 2019. In the end, we hear how connecting with others is the best thing about these conventions! Music and Sound by Syrinscape. https://store.syrinscape.com/what-is-syrinscape/?att 10 ‘Epic games need Epic game sound’ And Music by Kevin MacLeod, Creative Commons at www.incompetech.com.

Reset and Relaxation Daniel and Jeff bring an update on the GSP as we head into a season of prayer and rest and upgrade. We announce our first Sabbatical where we seek some recuperation, time to reflect on how we can improve the GSP show and spend some extra time with family as life tosses some changes the team’s way. Good things are afoot. And we’re looking forward to what the future holds for the show!  While we’re away, stay tuned for Bard & Bible, InnRoads Plays content, GenCon coverage and more. See you in 3 months! Hold us in prayer and always remember, God is the game master, and no matter how the dice falls, the game plays on!! Music and Sound by Syrinscape. https://store.syrinscape.com/what-is-syrinscape/?att 10 ‘Epic games need Epic game sound’ And Music by Kevin MacLeod, Creative Commons at www.incompetech.com.

Remakes, Retakes and that Old Game-lovin’ Feeling Daniel and Jeff start things off with a trip down memory lane as we celebrate a spoiler-free love-fest for Stranger Things 3. Along the way they uncover the need to capture the old feelings of wonder and simple pleasures in our favorite hobbies.  Sometimes the views of our child-like selves can help the outlooks of our adult eyes. Archive Dive World of Greyhawk On the Horizon Stranger Things 3 Nintendo Entertainment System Scripture Reference(s) Numbers 14:1-4 Music and Sound by Syrinscape. https://store.syrinscape.com/what-is-syrinscape/?att 10 ‘Epic games need Epic game sound’ And Music by Kevin MacLeod, Creative Commons at www.incompetech.com.

Technical Difficulties!! Hi Gang! Unfortunately there have been gremlins loosed within the confines of the Edit Bay 9000 and we’ve been forced to postpone release of Episode 206 until next cycle. But, we do have a treat for you as compensation! Cast your ears upon the Actual Play action over at InnRoads Plays, our sister podcast where we’re launching episode 1 of a new trilogy – Scales of Justice: the Scrolls of Auria! Kyle Stainbrook reprises his role as the Dragonborn monk, Grimace as he seeks to settle as score with a certain elven ranger… Here’s the link and a preview poster for fun!

Adding Ambiance to your Game Nights! Daniel, T.R. and Jeff sometimes go overboard when it comes to game nights. Music and effects, food, smells, even environment can all be used to raise the bar in your games. Playing King of Tokyo, why not have the Godzilla soundtrack and monster smashes in the background? Jumping behind the wheel of Gaslands? Maybe the smells of oil and metal in the air? Or hold game night in a garage! Check out some of the gang’s experiences in the realm of game enhancement! Archive Dive Stranger Things Starter Set On the Horizon Godzilla the Card Game from Bandai Cyberpunk 2077 Dragon Hoard Trading Company Specialty Paints by Games Workshop Ambient Soundscapes Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response Sword Coast Soundscapes Michael Ghelfi – RPG / D&D Ambiance The Guild of Ambiance Naegi Ki – RPG Ambiance Epic Ambiance The ASMR Geek Sleep Scenery HD TabletopAudio.com Incompetech.com – Fair Use Music Other Tools of the Trade Beedle & Grimms Deluxe Props for D&D Gale Force Nine – Minis, Cards, DM Screens, Props Cantrip Candles Norse Foundry Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab Scripture Reference(s) Mark 14:32 Matthew 14:6‭-‬8 Music and Sound by Syrinscape. https://store.syrinscape.com/what-is-syrinscape/?att 10 ‘Epic games need Epic game sound’ And Music by Kevin MacLeod, Creative Commons at www.incompetech.com.

Running, Driving, Sailing…Just Finish the Race! T.R. and Jeff burn rubber and set the sails to discuss the various ways racing has become a part of gaming culture. And how has racing impacted us as a culture, influencing the pace at which we live. P.S. Stick around for the end. Archive Dive Mille Bornes On the Horizon Gaslands: Refueled Godzilla: King of Monsters The Role Player’s Guide to Heists by Sandy Pug Games Games Discussed Jamaica Flamme Rouge Gaslands Mississippi Queen Famous 500: The World’s Smallest Racing Game Forza Gran Turismo Twisted Metal Scripture Reference(s) Hebrews 12:1-2 2 Timothy 4:7-8 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 Music and Sound by Syrinscape. https://store.syrinscape.com/what-is-syrinscape/?att 10 ‘Epic games need Epic game sound’ And Music by Kevin MacLeod, Creative Commons at www.incompetech.com.

Conundrums and Forking It Warning!! | Spoilers for Avengers: Endgame!! .. ..   Daniel, T.R. and Jeff get swept along the time stream as they discuss the impacts of one of the most powerful macguffins in science fiction. We talk Avengers, Spider-Man, Fluxx, Dr Who and the concept that God stands outside of time as the ultimate Watcher. Archive Dive Batman Fluxx On the Horizon Love Letter (2019) Dark Phoenix Spider-Man: Far From Home Scripture Reference(s) Hebrews 13:8 Psalm 90:4 Genesis 1:1 2 Peter 3:8 Music and Sound by Syrinscape. https://store.syrinscape.com/what-is-syrinscape/?att 10 ‘Epic games need Epic game sound’ And Music by Kevin MacLeod, Creative Commons at www.incompetech.com.

Sparking Joy or Outrage? Daniel, Mike and Jeff get carried away with segments but eventually discuss what it means to decide what’s important in one’s gaming collection. Will this help our listeners with methods to “tidy up” their collections? Or will it spawn an unending stream of hate mail? We have a chance to chat up the new InnRoads Plays podcast feed (now featuring the Glass Dagger Season 1). And also Mike’s stint on City on a Hill Gaming as a warforged! On the Horizon Fantasy Grounds: Unity (the end of) Ashes: Rise of the Phoenix Born Hellboy the Boardgame Terraforming Mars: Turmoil Critical Role Kickstarter Archive Dive Chess Scripture Reference(s) Genesis 8:22 Mentions City on a Hill Gaming Music and Sound by Syrinscape. https://store.syrinscape.com/what-is-syrinscape/?att 10 ‘Epic games need Epic game sound’ And Music by Kevin MacLeod, Creative Commons at www.incompetech.com.

Resurrection Changes a Person T.R. and Jeff discuss the importance of Holy Week, from Palm Sunday to Resurrection Sunday, and why the concept of Resurrection resonates through our media. On the Horizon Avengers: Endgame (no spoilers) Era: Medieval Age by Matt Leacock Archive Dive Betrayal: Legacy Scripture Reference(s) Matthew 20:25‭-‬28 Romans 6:5-7 Music and Sound by Syrinscape. https://store.syrinscape.com/what-is-syrinscape/?att 10 ‘Epic games need Epic game sound’ And Music by Kevin MacLeod, Creative Commons at www.incompetech.com.

Eight Years, Two Hundred Episodes A reunion nearly one year in the making as Mike, Daniel, Jeff and T.R. gather to celebrate 200!!  And like the Beatles said, we had a little help from our friends. Fans and colleagues stop by to offer greetings as we talk games and reminisce on how the GSP came into existence. Huge thanks to those who’ve been with us for one or two hundred episodes. Your support and friendships have blessed our lives! On the Horizon Fantasy Grounds: Unity Dungeons & Dragons: Ghosts of Saltmarsh Arcana of the Ancients Challenge of the Super Friends: the Card Game Archive Dive Cockroach Poker (Kakerlaken) Scripture Reference(s) Philippians 3:13 Special thanks to Saving the Game, Ian McNear, Ron Poteet, Stephen Taylor, the Min/Max Podcast, Mike w/Geek at Arms, Matt and Jenn, Heather Jones, Jeff Jackson and Derek “the Geekpreacher” White! Music and Sound by Syrinscape. https://store.syrinscape.com/what-is-syrinscape/?att 10 ‘Epic games need Epic game sound’ And Music by Kevin MacLeod, Creative Commons at www.incompetech.com.

Episode 7 Finale Their enemies revealed, the battle set, our heroes are put to the test.  But will the defeat of the Shameless and Ezekiel prove to be the end of the fight? Or will new alliances crack and shatter? Season 1 comes to an end beneath the streets of Waterdeep. The Glass Dagger is an audio only, D&D Actual Play set in the City of Splendors – Waterdeep. Join us biweekly on your favoured podcast catcher! The Cast Ashley Mowers as Lt General Halirrhothius Hughes Allen Mowers as Simeon Diresman Kyle Stainbrook as Grimace Jeff Romo as your Dungeon Master   Music and Sound by Syrinscape. https://store.syrinscape.com/what-is-syrinscape/?att 10 ‘Epic games need Epic game sound’ Additional Music provided via Creative Commons by Kevin McLeod

Episode 6 Loyalty | Part 2 The party has found the entrance to the Shameless’ hideout. With a few moments preparation, they gather what they can from a prisoner and prepare to descend into darkness. The Glass Dagger is an audio only, D&D Actual Play set in the City of Splendors – Waterdeep. Join us biweekly on your favoured podcast catcher! The Cast Ashley Mowers as Lt General Halirrhothius Hughes Allen Mowers as Simeon Diresman Kyle Stainbrook as Grimace Jeff Romo as your Dungeon Master   Music and Sound by Syrinscape. https://store.syrinscape.com/what-is-syrinscape/?att 10 ‘Epic games need Epic game sound’ Additional Music provided via Creative Commons by Kevin McLeod

Episode 6 Loyalty | Part 1 The nights in Waterdeep’s Dock Ward can devolve into lost wanderings through the hilly streets. For our four heroes, why should tonight be any different? Lt. General Hughes, Grimace and Simeon are on the trail of Gobbs as he slips from shadow to shadow towards the Shameless’ hideout. But something lurks with glistening teeth and a hungry belly… The Glass Dagger is an audio only, D&D Actual Play set in the City of Splendors – Waterdeep. Join us biweekly on your favoured podcast catcher! The Cast Ashley Mowers as Lt General Halirrhothius Hughes Allen Mowers as Simeon Diresman Kyle Stainbrook as Grimace Jeff Romo as your Dungeon Master   Music and Sound by Syrinscape. https://store.syrinscape.com/what-is-syrinscape/?att 10 ‘Epic games need Epic game sound’ Additional Music provided via Creative Commons by Kevin McLeod

The Lore Gatherer | An Interview with Michael Witwer Daniel, Derek and Jeff are live from GaryCon XI and had a chance to sit down with the writer of Empire of the Imagination to discuss his passion for the hobby we know and love. From his early years to curating the art and arcana of the Gygax legacy, Michael Witwer has accomplished a lot. And he’s just getting started.  

GSP Goes to GaryCon Recording live from Lake Geneva, Daniel and Jeff are joined by a few of the folks who made the GaryCon XI experience really special. So sit back and enjoy…and stick around for a particularly interesting sign off as friend of the ministry, Luke Gygax, gives us a shout out. Special Guests Derek “the Geek Preacher” White Tim Decker Zach Hughes  Stay tuned as we have some additional bonus content coming your way later this week!!

Carbon 2185 | A Cyberpunk RPG by Dragon Turtle Games Jeff has the chromed out pleasure of interviewing one of the genius’ behind Carbon 2185! From its use of the D&D 5e SRD, to the measured character progression, find out what makes this new cyberpunk offering so special. Could there be a reason it hit 1,004% of its kickstarter goal? You bet your synthetic rear there’s a reason! Find out more about Dragon Turtle Games and Carbon 2185 Dragon Drop Monthly (patreon) Carbon 2185 Kickstarter www.carbonrpg.com | For ongoing updates Dragon Turtle Website Dragon Turtle Games on Twitch Follow them on Twitter | @DragonTurtleG Covert Art by Klaus Whitman Music and Sound by Syrinscape. https://store.syrinscape.com/what-is-syrinscape/?att 10 ‘Epic games need Epic game sound’ Additional Music provided via Creative Commons by Kevin McLeod

Gathering Together, Sharing Everything Daniel and Jeff break bread over plans for GaryCon 2019 and the joy of seeing friends. On the Horizon GaryCon Prep Scripture Reference(s) Acts 2:42‭-‬47 Music and Sound by Syrinscape. https://store.syrinscape.com/what-is-syrinscape/?att 10 ‘Epic games need Epic game sound’

Episode 5 finds the party gathering their wits and picking up the pieces after the confrontation at Linkah’s apartment. Now they have a bugbear…among other things. The Glass Dagger is an audio only, D&D Actual Play set in the City of Splendors – Waterdeep. Join us biweekly on your favoured podcast catcher! The Cast Ashley Mowers as Lt General Halirrhothius Hughes Allen Mowers as Simeon Diresman Kyle Stainbrook as Grimace Jeff Romo as your Dungeon Master   Music and Sound by Syrinscape. https://store.syrinscape.com/what-is-syrinscape/?att 10 ‘Epic games need Epic game sound’ Additional Music provided via Creative Commons by Kevin McLeod

Coop Gaming Daniel, T.R. spend some time with their significant others, talking about the impact of gaming in their marriages. Join us for a special Valentine’s Edition of Game Store Prophets. Archive Dive Monopoly Cheaters Edition Music and Sound by Syrinscape. https://store.syrinscape.com/what-is-syrinscape/?att 10 ‘Epic games need Epic game sound’

Episode 4, where the party-heart grows 1 size for the price of 2. Barada and Uchu join the cause of the Elderkin, Grimace as the group sets off into the night in search of the Bugbear brothers, Keg and Gobbs. It’s race to make safe their halfling employer! The Glass Dagger is an audio only, D&D Actual Play set in the City of Splendors – Waterdeep. Join us biweekly on your favoured podcast catcher! The Cast Ashley Mowers as Lt General Halirrhothius Hughes Allen Mowers as Simeon Diresman Kyle Stainbrook as Grimace Jeff Romo as your Dungeon Master Music and Sound by Syrinscape. https://store.syrinscape.com/what-is-syrinscape/?att 10 ‘Epic games need Epic game sound’ Additional Music provided via Creative Commons by Kevin McLeod

What Do you Do for a Living? Daniel, T.R. and Jeff wonder at how our work and our hobbies can define us. And how we can in turn, define what we do as expressions of God’s love. Can we work for more than the ability to survive, but actually toil in an effort to enrich our lives? On the Horizon (new segment)  Carbon 2185: A Cyberpunk RPG 3 Laws Robotics Archive Dive Fairytale Gloom Scripture Reference(s) Ecclesiastes 2:18‭-‬26 Music and Sound by Syrinscape. https://store.syrinscape.com/what-is-syrinscape/?att 10 ‘Epic games need Epic game sound’

Episode 3, in which the party becomes acquainted with one Heidelberg Bartley and the how’s and why’s of noble kobold betrayal. The Glass Dagger is an audio only, D&D Actual Play set in the City of Splendors – Waterdeep. Join us biweekly on your favoured podcast catcher! The Cast Ashley Mowers as Lt General Halirrhothius Hughes Allen Mowers as Simeon Diresman Kyle Stainbrook as Grimace Jeff Romo as your Dungeon Master Music and Sound by Syrinscape. https://store.syrinscape.com/what-is-syrinscape/?att 10 ‘Epic games need Epic game sound’

2019 – Dread vs Hope Daniel, T.R. and Jeff ring in the new year with a few complaints. They were promised things…flying cars, replicants, televised death tournaments… None of these things have come to pass. So rather than lament the facts, they delve into what it means to look forward to the future. On the Horizon (new segment)  Exploding Kittens Cowboy BeBop Boardgame (new) Isle of Dread (5e Release) Archive Dive Exploding Kittens Scripture Reference(s) Matthew 6:25-34 Music and Sound by Syrinscape. https://store.syrinscape.com/what-is-syrinscape/?att 10 ‘Epic games need Epic game sound’

The Glass Dagger S01 E02 – Theater of the Mind Hired by a desperate halfling smuggler, the newly minted trio of adventurers are sent deeper into Dock Ward to the establishment of one Bartley Heidelberg, a theater owner and business associate of Linkah Four-fingers. The Glass Dagger is an audio only, D&D Actual Play set in the City of Splendors – Waterdeep. Join us biweekly on your favoured podcast catcher! The Cast Ashley Mowers as Lt General Halirrhothius Hughes Allen Mowers as Simeon Diresman Kyle Stainbrook as Grimace Jeff Romo as your Dungeon Master   Music and Sound by Syrinscape. https://store.syrinscape.com/what-is-syrinscape/?att 10 ‘Epic games need Epic game sound’

The Glass Dagger S01 E01 – Smuggler’s Blues It’s tough to eek out living in the City of Splendors. Harder still for Linkah Four-fingers as his band of thieves line up to betray him. Those he thought were friends and associates-in-good-standing have started serving other interests without so much as a by your leave. Such things are starting to diminish Linkah’s normally cheerful disposition. So what’s a halfling to do? If he wants to stay on the good side of the Boss, he’ll have to rely on outside resources to get to the bottom of his personnel problems. The Glass Dagger is an audio only, D&D Actual Play set in the City of Splendors – Waterdeep. Join us biweekly on your favoured podcast catcher! The Cast Ashley Mowers as Lt General Halirrhothius Hughes Allen Mowers as Simeon Diresman Kyle Stainbrook as Grimace Jeff Romo as your Dungeon Master   Music and Sound by Syrinscape. https://store.syrinscape.com/what-is-syrinscape/?att 10 ‘Epic games need Epic game sound’  

Merry Conventioning! They say it’s madness to post a podcast on Christmas Eve – but it’s madder still to try and do it on New Year’s Eve. So, all you wonderful listeners out there get a gift from InnRoads Ministries in your podcatcher of choice in the form of Mike and Daniel discussing our two major trips of the year (Gary Con and PAX Unplugged), talk about our ministry goals and philosophy going into 2019, and even drop some exciting insider info for things to look forward to in the next few months. Music and Sound by Syrinscape. https://store.syrinscape.com/what-is-syrinscape/?att 10 ‘Epic games need Epic game sound’

A Different Sort of Top 5 Daniel and Jeff bring 2018 to a close, sharing their respective Top 5 experiences in the ministry. From Infinite Stones to childhood RPG groups to conventions, 2018 has been a whirlwind. Join the boys in the Tavern and cozy up to the fire! Scripture Reference(s) Proverbs 27:19 Lamentations 3:40 Music and Sound by Syrinscape. https://store.syrinscape.com/what-is-syrinscape/?att 10 ‘Epic games need Epic game sound’

We weren’t able to get the whole team together on the mics, but two-thirds of the InnRoads Unplugged team that went to Philadelphia for PAX Unplugged gathered up some of our favorite parts of the conventions experience for you. This was our first organized team effort at a convention, and only the second PAX Unplugged ever, so we’re excited to see how we can grow up together with this convention. Even at just under 2 hours, we couldn’t possibly talk about every story we heard, person we saw, or game we played – so we each narrowed it down to one game a piece. Mike – The Mansky Caper Jeff – Fantastic Factories Dave – The Fox in the Forest Joe – Just One If you would prefer to SEE us talk about this stuff – you can find the same audio on our YouTube channel here.

“Do You Trust Me?” T.R. and Jeff are exploring the concept of trust in our games, entertainment and our daily lives. A new segment, an Archive Dive, lengthy discussion of Marvel films?  Yeah, you’re gonna have to trust us, this one is important. Archive Dive Risk (1959) Future Gaming The Spectaculars: A Superhero RPG Thousand Arrows: A Samurai Action/Drama RPG Dune (from Modiphius Games) Scripture Reference(s) Proverbs 28:26 Proverbs 3:5-6 Have ideas for our “new” segment? Perhaps a name or two? Let us know in the comments area below or track us down in the Tavern! Last but not least, find out more about the InnRoads Ministries trip to PAX Unplugged HERE.

Finding Joy at All Times Daniel and Jeff talk about the passing of legendary comic book man, Stan Lee. The myriad impacts of his genius on their lives and how when times are dark, joy can rise from the ashes. Archive Dive HeroQuest Scripture Reference(s) James 1:2‭-‬4 Proverbs 17:22 Last but not least, find out more about the InnRoads Ministries trip to PAX Unplugged HERE.

Being Thankful on the Peaks and in the Valleys Daniel and T.R. bring into focus one of the hardest lesson we learn as people of faith; finding comfort and strength and even thankfulness in the valleys of our lives. And just how do games teach us empathy for the hardest times so we can best appreciate those around us going through them? Archive Dive Toon: The Cartoon Role Playing Game (1984) Game(s) Discussed The Grizzled Freedom: The Underground Railroad Commissioned Unauthorized Scripture Reference(s) 2 Corinthians 3:17 1 Peter 5:7 Last but not least, find out more about the InnRoads Ministries trip to PAX Unplugged HERE.

Fear is a Four-Letter Word Daniel and T.R. lean into the season of dread as Halloween approaches. How does fear influencing our games? What are the differences between fear and horror? Is there a point where we face our fears and the anxieties that threaten to overwhelm us? Archive Dive Curse of Strahd, Dungeons & Dragons 5e Ravenloft (I6 Module for Advanced Dungeons & Dragons) Game(s) Discussed https://rpggeek.com/rpg/670/dreadDread RPG Nyctophobia Legendary Encounters: Alien Fury of Dracula, 3rd Edition Betrayal at House on the Hill Mansions of Madness Dead of Winter Gloom One Night Ultimate Werewolf Scripture Reference(s) Joshua 1:9 Psalm 23:4 Psalm 56:3-4 Last but not least, find out more about the InnRoads Ministries trip to PAX Unplugged HERE.

Finding Wisdom and Rolling With It Tonight, Jeff and Daniel discuss the disco inferno that was the recent Roll20 mess and how a few badly placed words and the proclivity to not listen can lead down hazardous paths. This all to say that life of late has been rough, but out of the shouting and the bombardment, true wisdom and perspective can be found. Future Mike would also like you to know that you can find out more about the InnRoads Ministries trip to PAX Unplugged HERE. Game(s) Discussed (Archive Dive) Game of Life Scripture Reference(s) Proverbs 10:12 Proverbs 15:18 Ecclesiastes 7:9

Gaming with our Elders Daniel, T.R. and Jeff discuss games and how they relate with our elder relations. Can a game of Rummy with our grandparents bring just as much joy as a session of Scythe?  Can we honor our mother and father by sharing an evening of monopoly? Game(s) Discussed (All Archive Dive) Rummy Rummikub Waterworks Monopoly (even Warhammer) Yahtzee Chess Clue Canasta (and Godzilla) Megamania Checkers Onitama The Duke Dominoes Qwirkle Scripture Reference(s) Deuteronomy 5:16 Psalm 71: 9-24 Proverbs 16:31