Keep off the Borderlands
by "It's about RPGs and stuff" ~ Free Thrall
Welcome to Keep off the Borderlands. Initially a podcast documenting my return to table top roleplay gaming following a thirty-year hiatus. Currently searching for excuses for why I haven't GM'd yet.You can leave me an audio message here or via Speakpipe at https://www.speakpipe.com/KeepOffTheBorderlandsEmail me at [email protected] can also follow me on Twitter https://twitter.com/FreeThrall and join the podcast Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/FreeThrall/ freethrall.substack.com
Episodes
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Movie Monday: Conquest (E333)
This month, we went full sword & sorcery with Lucio Fulci’s sanguine, stone age fantasy Conquest from 1983. This episode features contributions from: (in order of appearance) Goblin’s henchman (podcast, blog) and the UmberBulk of the Southwest Sofa Crew Darkfluid of The Silver Key (podcast) and Q...
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Film Farrago (Clue Feedback, Hawk the Slayer, Blade Runner, & Beyond) (E332)
In this film-focused episode, I begin with feedback from Joe Richter (of Hindsightless podcast) and Jason Connerley (of Nerd’s RPG Variety Cast podcast & blog) for September’s Movie Monday Clue. This is followed by Goblin’s Henchman (podcast) & the Umberbulk of the Southwest Sofa Crew reviewing...
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Movie Monday: Clue (E311)
In tribute to Tim Curry who we sadly lost last month, this month’s movie was 1985’s board game based comedy mystery Clue, directed by Jonathan Lynn. Starring Tim Curry, Madeline Khan, Eileen Brennan, Christopher Lloyd, Lesley Ann Warren, Michael McKean, and Martin Mull. This episode features...
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Housekeeping (Backrooms, Severance, Matango, Cold City/Hot War) (E330)
There’s a whole host of stuff mentioned in this episode. First, there’s some Movie Monday feedback from Jason Connerley, then I speak a little bit about the possibility of recreating Kane Parson’s Backrooms (2026) at the gaming table. Here’s Bob World Builder talking about it...
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Movie Monday: House II: The Second Story (E329)
This month’s Movie Monday was a little out of left field: 1987’s House II: The Second Story, directed by Ethan Wiley. This episode features contributions from: (in order of appearance) Jason Connerley of Nerd’s RPG Variety Cast (podcast) Joe Richter of Hindsightless (podcast) Goblin’s henchman...
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He-Man and the Argonauts and #RPGaDay2026 (E328)
Well, it’s been a while since I’ve put out, thanks to a challenging few weeks. I’m catching up with some #RPGaDay2026 news and a few messages I’ve received since my last episode. Find out more about #RPGaDay2026 on Anthony Boyd’s Casting Shadows blog...
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Movie Monday: Jason and the Argonauts (E327)
Welcome to another Movie Monday, and with Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey looming over the horizon, I felt this was the perfect opportunity to visit the ancient Greece of 1963 and the Ray Harryhausen classic Jason and the Argonauts, directed by Don Chaffey. This episode features contributions…
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Between the Borderlands: Post Masters of the Universe (E326)
This is a re-upload as I’d initially used the wrong audio file. This episode consists of a late entry for June’s Movie Monday from The South West London Sofa Gang (James Knight aka Lothar the Lame, Tyranner the Dwarf, and Ellen the Elf) plus some Masters of the Universe feedback for Joe Richter…
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Movie Monday: Masters of the Universe (E325)
This month’s movie was Masters of the Universe (no, not that one). Directed by Gary Goddard and released in 1987, this starred Dolph Lundgren, Frank Langella, and Courteney Cox, of all people. This episode features contributions from: (in order of appearance) Jason Connerley of Nerd’s RPG Variety...
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Between the Borderlands: Remainders & a Reminder (E324)
In this episode, Karl Rodriguez of The GMologist Presents… (podcast, Youtube) catches up on a few Movie Monday episodes. Honourable mentions: Sinbad, Ray Harryhausen, Buckaroo Banzai, Westworld, HBO, Michael Crichton. The movie for June is 1987’s Masters of the Universe, directed by Gary Goddard...
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Off-World Offcuts (Bonus Blade Runner Chat) (E323)
Thanks to some great feedback and some more of that awesome Barney Dicker chat to share, this episode is basically a second instalment of Movie Monday: Blade Runner. But before the Blade Runner chat, I respond to a message from M. W. Lewis of The Worlds of M. W. Lewis concerning April’s movie...
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Movie Monday: Blade Runner (E322)
May’s Movie Monday, was specially requested by Goblin’s Henchman “This one goes out there for Geoff”. This month, we watched Ridley Scott’s dystopian neo-noir sci-fi Blade Runner from 1982. Starring Harrison Ford, Sean Young, Rutger Hauer, Daryl Hanna, Edward James Olmos, M Emmet Walsh, Brion...
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Retail Therapy (Grimscar, White Box, Vagabond, Call of Cthulhu) (E321)
This episode is an audio unboxing special. I open a bunch of parcels and describe the contents. Featuring: Gunner Almer’s Grimscar (solo) RPG https://crowheartroleplay.itch.io/grimscar-rpg-solo Charlie Ward’s we&we from EX FIRST GAMES https://ex1st.itch.io/we Man Alone’s Prima Materia...
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Between the Borderlands: Beyond Westworld (E320)
In this episode, I respond to some Movie Monday: Westworld feedback from Goblin’s Henchman and Joe Richter of Hindsightless, and share my initial thoughts on the Westworld TV series from 2016. If you’d like to be a paranoid android, why not try The Gaslight Club by Stoo Goff...
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Movie Monday: Westworld (E319)
For April’s Movie Monday, we watched the 1973 sci-fi western Westworld, written & directed by Michael Crichton. This episode features contributions from: (in order of appearance) Jason Connerley of Nerd’s RPG Variety Cast (podcast) Goblin’s henchman (podcast, blog) and the UmberBulk of the...
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Buckaroo Bonus, Bargains, Backing, Books & a Box (Blade Runner: Replicant Rebellion) (E318)
Starting with some feedback for March’s Movie Monday, The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension, from Joe Richter of Hindsightless and Jason Connerley of Nerd’s RPG Variety Cast. Then some RPGs that have piqued my interest: Flail: an old-school fantasy brawler from Games…
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Movie Monday: The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension (E317)
For March’s Movie Monday, we watched gonzo sci-fi comedy The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension from 1984, directed by W. D. Richter and starring Peter Weller, Jeff Goldblum, John Lithgow, Ellen Barkin, and Christopher Lloyd. This episode features contributions from: (in order...
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All at Sea (Sinbad and Pirate Borg) (E316)
I begin this episode by sharing a couple of late submissions for last Movie Monday’s The Golden Voyage of Sinbad from M. W. Lewis of The Worlds of MW Lewis, and Darkfluid & Q. I also have some feedback from Joe Richter of Hindsightless. This is followed by an unboxing of Limithron’s Pirate Borg...
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Movie Monday: The Golden Voyage of Sinbad (1973) (E315)
For February’s Movie Monday, we watched The Golden Voyage of Sinbad from 1973, a fantasy adventure directed by Gordon Hessler and featuring stop-motion effects of Ray Harryhausen. This episode features contributions from: (in order of appearance) Jason Connerley of Nerd’s RPG Variety Cast…
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Games, Books, Movies & Improv (Cloud Empress) (E314)
This is an off-the-cuff episode, wherein I cover a variety of things. Free PDFs: Cairn: Barebones Edition by Yochai Gal https://yochaigal.itch.io/cairn-barebones-edition Intergalactic Bastionland: Beyond Into The Odd: Playtest by Chris McDowall...
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Between the Borderlands: The Gordon Child... of NIMH (E313)
I begin this episode by talking about two Kickstarters I recently backed. Tanya Flocker’s The Thunder Perfect Mind (ending February 10th) https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/floaker/the-thunder-perfect-mind?ref=discovery&term=the%20thunder%20perfect%20mind&total_hits=1&category_id=34 Three Sail...
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Movie Monday: The Golden Child (1986) (E312)
For the first Movie Monday of 2026, we watched dark fantasy action comedy The Golden Child from 1986. Directed by Michael Ritchie and starring Eddie Murphy, Charlotte Lewis, Charles Dance, and Victor Wong. This episode features contributions from: (in order of appearance) Joe Richter of...
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Flash Gordon 2: Flash Back (E311)
Well, I think it’s high time Flash Gordon got its sequel, so here it is, a sequel to December’s Movie Monday episode at least. Featuring messages from DarkFluid and Q, M.W. Lewis from the Worlds of M.W. Lewis (podcast), Joe Richter of Hindsightless (podcast), Goblin’s Henchman (podcast), and…
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Boxes & Books (Helluva Town, Cosmic Dark, Rune) (E310)
Welcome to my first episode of 2026, wherein you will hear some audio unboxings, I talk about improving my reading habits, and my in-house book reviewer, Fox Loves Carrots (formerly known as Little Munchkin), returns to talk about Carlos Sanchez’s Rune: The Tale of a Thousand Faces. Featuring:...
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Movie Monday: Flash Gordon (1980) (E309)
For December’s Movie Monday, I chose a film that’s as camp as Christmas. Mike Hodges’ 1980 cult classic space fantasy Flash Gordon starring Sam J. Jones, Melody Anderson, Topol, Max von Sydow, Ornella Muti, Timothy Dalton, Brian Blessed, Mariangela Melato, Peter Wynguarde, with music by Queen and...
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Between the Borderlands: Miracle on Dirty Thought Street (E308)
The debate continues. Jason Hobbs (Random Screed, Hobbs & Friends podcast) and MW Lewis (The Worlds of MW Lewis podcast) call in to convince me that Nausicaä is mooning us all. See the case for the defence below… Exhibit A:...
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Flying Solo (Carved in Stone, Star Borg, Astroprisma) (E307)
Welcome to another episode of Keep off the Borderlands, wherein I answer some calls, open some boxes, and chat about solo tabletop roleplaying games. Featuring calls from Karl Rodriguez of The GMologist presents…, Jason Connerley of Nerd’s RPG Variety Cast, Joe Richter of Hindsightless and Mirke…
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Movie Monday: Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (E306)
Welcome to Movie Monday! This month’s movie was Hayao Miyazaki’s animated post-apocalyptic fantasy Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind from 1984. A based on Miyazaki’s own critically acclaimed manga series of the same name. This episode features contributions from: (in order of appearance) James...
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Belated Birthday Box Bonanza (Vaesen, Stay Frosty, Scream Amongst the Stars) (E305)
Having found myself on the wrong side of 55, I attempt to distract from this devastating realisation by responding to some Movie Monday feedback before indulging in a little retail therapy. First up is James Knight with a call about September’s movie Richard Donner’s Superman, then we have calls...
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Movie Monday: The Monster Squad (E304)
Well, what do you know, it’s Movie Monday again! This month, we watched Fred Dekker’s The Monster Squad from 1987. This episode features contributions from: (in order of appearance) Goblin’s Henchman (podcast & blog) & the Umber Bulk Jason Connerley of Nerd’s RPG Variety Cast (podcast, blog)…
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Between the Borderlands: What Superman Did Next (E303)
Welcome to a mid-month Movie Monday feedback episode. I share my thoughts on the Richard Donner cut of Superman 2 and Superman 2025, James Gunn’s latest attempt to revive the franchise. I have calls from Karl Rodriguez of The GMologist presents… (podcast), James Knight and Tyranner of the…
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Barney's Back, Kpop Demon Hunters & Dolmenwood Delivery (E302)
This episode features the welcome return of Barney Dicker from Loco Ludus, who talks about Luke Gearing’s Swyvers, Guards of Traitor’s Toll from Grey For Now Games and Cyberpunk Red: Combat Zone from Monster Fight Club, some great feedback from Joe Richter of Hindsightless. I share my thoughts on...
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Movie Monday: Superman The Movie (E301)
Welcome to Movie Monday. This month we watched Richard Donner’s Superman from 1978, starring Christopher Reeve, Margot Kidder, Gene Hackman, and Marlon Brando, with an unforgettable score by John Williams. I also watched the sequel Superman 2 from 1980 directed by Richard Lester. This episode...
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A Little More Max & a Little Munchkin (E300)
Welcome to the 300th episode of Keep Off The Borderlands. I respond to some more Mad Max feedback from Goblin’s Henchman and Jason Connerley of Nerd’s RPG Variety Cast before speaking to a special guest. Honourable mentions: Shadow Chaser by Simon Tudhope, Making a Tabletop RPG for Your…
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Whoops Apologies, More Mad Max Saga & RPGaDAY2025 11 to 21 (E299)
Welcome to Keep Off The Borderlands. I kick things off with errata before listening to some more Mad Max messages from MW Lewis of The Worlds of MW Lewis, Joe Richter of Hindsightless, and Jason Connerley of Nerd’s RPG Variety Cast. Jason recommends a great podcast called Weird Studies. Find out...
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Movie Monday: Mad Max 2 (and More) (E298)
Welcome to the Movie Monday Mad Max special. I watched Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior from 1981, but thanks to some very generous contributors, we take a look at director George Miller’s Mad Max franchise. This episode features contributions from: (in order of appearance) Goblin’s Henchman (podcast…
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Between the Borderlands: Comic Asides, Dead Ends & Wrong Turns
So, we’re still stuck in Jim Henson’s Labyrinth with this feedback episode. Featuring calls from Joe Richter of Hindsighless, Jason Connerley of Nerd’s RPG Variety Cast, Goblin’s Henchman, and Joe of Dekohedron RPG Podcast. August is not only #RPGaDAY2025, it’s also Movie Monday’s Mad Max month,...
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RPGaDAY2025 Prompts 1 to 10 Recap (E296)
Welcome to the #RPGaDAY2025 recap. Here are the first 10 prompts for August 2025. #RPGaDAY Material mentioned: Electric Bastionland by Chris McDowall, Random Realities and Everspark by Cezar Capacle, Into the Cess & Citadel by Alex Coggan & Charlie Ferguson Avery, The Weird from Monte Cook Games,...
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No More Heroes, Lots More Labyrinth (E295)
In this feedback episode, I field calls from Safer of the currently dormant Safer Fantasy Crafting podcast, the Southwest London Sofa Gang, who are joined by James Knight’s dad Iain, MW Lewis of The Worlds of MW Lewis podcast, and Jason Connerley of Nerd’s RPG Variety Cast. August is not only...
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Movie Monday: Jim Henson's Labyrinth (E294)
Welcome to Movie Monday. This month, we finally got around to Jim Henson’s Labyrinth from 1986. Starring Jennifer Connelly and David Bowie, this musical fantasy was not the box office success I believed it to be. This episode features contributions from: (in order of appearance) Jason Connerley…
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Between the Borderlands: Dark Knight of the Soul (E293)
I respond to a message from MW Lewis of the Worlds of MW Lewis, continuing the superhero movies genre debate from the last couple of episodes. Listen to Joe Richter’s spoiler-free reviews of James Gunn’s Superman https://open.spotify.com/episode/4oUOPdwxKtFHOrSpWXzMPC Listen to Joe Richter…
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Between the Borderlands: Legend, Jam, Heroes & RPGaDay
Here be feedback and announcements: some Legend talk, an itch.io jam, some hero talk, and RPGaDay. First up, it’s Joe Richter of Hindsightless with some Movie Monday feedback, a brief look at Lex Mandrake’s Tree of Night adventure, and an Appendix-N itch jam that’s already well under way. Then we...
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Movie Monday: Legend (E291)
Welcome to Movie Monday. This one’s a little longer than usual, as we’ll be exploring both the US Theatrical version and the Director’s Cut of Ridley Scott’s Legend, first released in 1985. This episode features contributions from: (in order of appearance) Joe Richter of Hindsighless (podcast)...
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Between the Borderlands: Willow in the Wind (E290)
Here’s some more wittering about Willow. Featuring: Joe Richter of Hindsightless (podcast) Menion aka Rob of Confessions of a Wee Tim’rous Bushi (podcast) Lex Mandrake of Dank Dungeons (YouTube, itch, Bandcamp) The Umberbulk (allegedly) Goblin’s Henchman (blog) The Movie Monday Letterboxd list...
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Movie Monday: Willow (E289)
Following the sad loss of both Val Kilmer and Jean Marsh in April of this year, Ron Howard’s Willow from 1988 was the only choice for May. Written by George Lucas and starring Warwick Davis, Willow is a family-friendly fantasy adventure that has stood the test of time. This episode features...
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The Backer Strikes Back (Galactic & Going Rogue) (E288)
Hold onto your purse strings, this could be a pricey one! This is essentially a promotional episode for an upcoming Kickstarter from Jess Levine and Riley Rethal, but I speak about a whole bunch of stuff I’ve backed, too. The Galactic & Going Rogue Kickstarter can be found here...
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Between the Borderlands: The 2nd to Last Unicorn (E287)
I’m really stretching this “Between” episodes format. There’s enough here to warrant a fully fledged episode, but I’m my own boss, so what you gonna do? I begin by addressing a shameful omission from the previous episode before diving into a whole bunch of feedback. Featuring: James Knight, Ellen...
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Movie Monday: The Last Unicorn (E286)
It’s Movie Monday again, and the movie for this month was the Rankin/Bass fantasy animation The Last Unicorn from 1982. Adapted by Peter S. Beagle from his 1968 novel of the same name. This episode features contributions from: (in order of appearance) Jason Connerley of Nerd’s RPG Variety Cast...
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Between the Borderlands: Neverending Movie Talk (E285)
I begin this episode by responding to some Movie Monday feedback for The Neverending Story from Joe Richter of Hindsightless and Jason Connerley of Nerd's RPG Variety Cast. This leads to me discussing a bunch of different films I've watched over the last couple of weeks. Phenomena dir. Dario...
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Movie Monday: The Neverending Story (E284)
Welcome to Movie Monday. This month’s movie was The Neverending Story from 1984, directed by Wolfgang Peterson, adapted from Micheal Ende’s children’s fantasy novel from 1979. Here’s a video comparing the German and international cuts of the film. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kw3q65OxtCQ This...
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About this show
Welcome to Keep off the Borderlands. Initially a podcast documenting my return to table top roleplay gaming following a thirty-year hiatus. Currently searching for excuses for why I haven't GM'd yet.You can leave me an audio message here or via Speakpipe at https://www.speakpipe.com/KeepOffTheBorderlandsEmail me at [email protected] can also follow me on Twitter https://twitter.com/FreeThrall and join the podcast Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/FreeThrall/
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"It's about RPGs and stuff" ~ Free Thrall