Nerdcognito

EVIL exists in the world. It should clearly exist in your D&D World too. This week, R.H. Snow sits in as we discuss why morally grey "evil" is the bees knees according to the modern gaming audience. "Capital E" evil needs to have a prominent place in, and makes your TTRPG session a better game.***SUPPORT THE SHOW!Be a Check Mark Hero:https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=VREXR2J3E6GGA***Episode Sponsors and AffiliatesWe earn a small commission for each purchase at no additional cost to you!Check out Aoethra and CritHeads on DriveThruRPG:https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/publisher/31439/critheads-gaming?affiliate_id=3908211Looking for dice? ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://onlycrits.com/nerdcognito⁠⁠⁠⁠Use code NERDCOGNITO to save 15%! Grab something from DriveThru!⁠⁠⁠⁠http://drivethrurpg.com/?affiliate_id=3908211⁠⁠⁠⁠ Get YOUR T-shirt!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://amzn.to/3D5xr0z⁠⁠⁠⁠Shop Amazon and Support the Show: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://amzn.to/3djotja

Everyone (not Classic Gaming!) wants to be like Matt Mercer and the scripted actors at Critical Role, including Wizards of the Coast! This week we take a look at their new "actual" play and laugh. When we just can't take any more, we run their enhancement "adventure" and it turns into OUR first actual play!***SUPPORT THE SHOW!Be a Check Mark Hero:https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=VREXR2J3E6GGA***Episode Sponsors and AffiliatesWe earn a small commission for each purchase at no additional cost to you!Looking for dice? ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://onlycrits.com/nerdcognito⁠⁠⁠⁠Use code NERDCOGNITO to save 15%! Grab something from DriveThru!⁠⁠⁠⁠http://drivethrurpg.com/?affiliate_id=3908211⁠⁠⁠⁠ Get YOUR T-shirt!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://amzn.to/3D5xr0z⁠⁠⁠⁠Shop Amazon and Support the Show: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://amzn.to/3djotja

Wizards of the Coast just last month sent out an open "community" survey to help them allegedly steer the ship for Dungeons & Dragons' future... did it mean anything? Not likely since they now sent a NEW, targeted "secret" survey to select D&D Beyond members. We tear down what they are looking for... and why.***SUPPORT THE SHOW!Be a Check Mark Hero:https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=VREXR2J3E6GGA***Episode Sponsors and AffiliatesWe earn a small commission for each purchase at no additional cost to you!Looking for dice? ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://onlycrits.com/nerdcognito⁠⁠⁠⁠Use code NERDCOGNITO to save 15%! Grab something from DriveThru!⁠⁠⁠⁠http://drivethrurpg.com/?affiliate_id=3908211⁠⁠⁠⁠ Get YOUR T-shirt!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://amzn.to/3D5xr0z⁠⁠⁠⁠Shop Amazon and Support the Show: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://amzn.to/3djotja

Modern Gamers have just unearthed the Dungeon Turn, aka the Exploration or Game Turn and they think it is the TTRPG/D&D discovery of the milleniu millennium! We detail WHAT, WHY, and HOW the Dungeon Turn historically has always been a part of the game, and why it should be used by more tables!***SUPPORT THE SHOW!Be a Check Mark Hero:https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=VREXR2J3E6GGA***Episode Sponsors and AffiliatesWe earn a small commission for each purchase at no additional cost to you!Check out Aoethra and CritHeads on DriveThruRPG:https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/publisher/31439/critheads-gaming?affiliate_id=3908211Looking for dice? ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://onlycrits.com/nerdcognito⁠⁠⁠⁠Use code NERDCOGNITO to save 15%! Grab something from DriveThru!⁠⁠⁠⁠http://drivethrurpg.com/?affiliate_id=3908211⁠⁠⁠⁠ Get YOUR T-shirt!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://amzn.to/3D5xr0z⁠⁠⁠⁠Shop Amazon and Support the Show: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://amzn.to/3djotja

Low Level play is very polarizing, even in our corner of the hobby. Some hate it, both as players and DMs! Others find it the most rewarding play in a campaign. Where does the crew fit in and how do they think Low Level play should be approached?***SUPPORT THE SHOW!Be a Check Mark Hero:https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=VREXR2J3E6GGA***Episode Sponsors and AffiliatesWe earn a small commission for each purchase at no additional cost to you! Looking for dice? ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://onlycrits.com/nerdcognito⁠⁠⁠⁠Use code NERDCOGNITO to save 15%! Grab something from DriveThru!⁠⁠⁠⁠http://drivethrurpg.com/?affiliate_id=3908211⁠⁠⁠⁠ Get YOUR T-shirt!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://amzn.to/3D5xr0z⁠⁠⁠⁠Shop Amazon and Support the Show: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://amzn.to/3djotja

We went long this week, and we promised a bonus episode to take you on a trip to the cesspool! Say you find a dollhouse, some spray paint, and a political cause that you want to push at your table. Here. We. Go!***SUPPORT THE SHOW!Be a Check Mark Hero:https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=VREXR2J3E6GGA***Episode Sponsors and AffiliatesWe earn a small commission for each purchase at no additional cost to you! Looking for dice? ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://onlycrits.com/nerdcognito⁠⁠⁠⁠Use code NERDCOGNITO to save 15%! Grab something from DriveThru!⁠⁠⁠⁠http://drivethrurpg.com/?affiliate_id=3908211⁠⁠⁠⁠ Get YOUR T-shirt!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://amzn.to/3D5xr0z⁠⁠⁠⁠Shop Amazon and Support the Show: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://amzn.to/3djotja

This week, hot on the heels of possibly the most boneheaded statement made by a rep of modern gaming, we tell the folks that think rules get in the way to learn it, live it, and love it! Plus, a CondorDM update and the news!***SUPPORT THE SHOW!Be a Check Mark Hero:https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=VREXR2J3E6GGA***Episode Sponsors and AffiliatesWe earn a small commission for each purchase at no additional cost to you! Looking for dice? ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://onlycrits.com/nerdcognito⁠⁠⁠⁠Use code NERDCOGNITO to save 15%! Grab something from DriveThru!⁠⁠⁠⁠http://drivethrurpg.com/?affiliate_id=3908211⁠⁠⁠⁠ Get YOUR T-shirt!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://amzn.to/3D5xr0z⁠⁠⁠⁠Shop Amazon and Support the Show: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://amzn.to/3djotja

You know them. You are them. Dungeon Masters and DMing all fall into certain archetypes; today we breakdown the different categories -- good and bad -- and talk about how each impacts the table. It's a great conversation with RD, Kyle, Grim, and Siobhan!***SUPPORT THE SHOW!Be a Check Mark Hero:https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=VREXR2J3E6GGA***Episode Sponsors and AffiliatesWe earn a small commission for each purchase at no additional cost to you! Looking for dice? ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://onlycrits.com/nerdcognito⁠⁠⁠⁠Use code NERDCOGNITO to save 15%! Grab something from DriveThru!⁠⁠⁠⁠http://drivethrurpg.com/?affiliate_id=3908211⁠⁠⁠⁠ Get YOUR T-shirt!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://amzn.to/3D5xr0z⁠⁠⁠⁠Shop Amazon and Support the Show: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://amzn.to/3djotja

We have heard the cries from the modern gamer about the "unfair" lethality of Classic Gaming and the OSR... but is it REALLY any more dangerous than 5.5e? This week we take a look into what makes a lethal game, and the differences between the old school and modern gaming.***SUPPORT THE SHOW!Be a Check Mark Hero:https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=VREXR2J3E6GGA***Episode Sponsors and AffiliatesWe earn a small commission for each purchase at no additional cost to you! Looking for dice? ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://onlycrits.com/nerdcognito⁠⁠⁠⁠Use code NERDCOGNITO to save 15%! Grab something from DriveThru!⁠⁠⁠⁠http://drivethrurpg.com/?affiliate_id=3908211⁠⁠⁠⁠ Get YOUR T-shirt!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://amzn.to/3D5xr0z⁠⁠⁠⁠Shop Amazon and Support the Show: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://amzn.to/3djotja

This week, Wizards of the Coast "admitted" that 2024 D&D is really just 5.5e, after professing for years that it was not. Plus, Daniel from Driving and Dragons sits in (yes, you read that correctly), wades through the news, and talks with us about his upcoming pulp!***SUPPORT THE SHOW!Be a Check Mark Hero:https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=VREXR2J3E6GGA***Check out Corvid Codex here:https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/thecorvidcodex/corvid-codex-volume-1***Episode Sponsors and AffiliatesWe earn a small commission for each purchase at no additional cost to you! Looking for dice? ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://onlycrits.com/nerdcognito⁠⁠⁠⁠Use code NERDCOGNITO to save 15%! Grab something from DriveThru!⁠⁠⁠⁠http://drivethrurpg.com/?affiliate_id=3908211⁠⁠⁠⁠ Get YOUR T-shirt!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://amzn.to/3D5xr0z⁠⁠⁠⁠Shop Amazon and Support the Show: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://amzn.to/3djotja

Ginny Di released a roundup of romance supplements and provided her "special" brand of commentary on each. We are required to EFAP this and provide some logical and non-mentally challenged commentary of our own. Can we survive her whole video or do we dump to the news?!?***SUPPORT THE SHOW!Be a Check Mark Hero:https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=VREXR2J3E6GGA***Episode Sponsors and AffiliatesWe earn a small commission for each purchase at no additional cost to you! Looking for dice? ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://onlycrits.com/nerdcognito⁠⁠⁠⁠Use code NERDCOGNITO to save 15%! Grab something from DriveThru!⁠⁠⁠⁠http://drivethrurpg.com/?affiliate_id=3908211⁠⁠⁠⁠ Get YOUR T-shirt!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://amzn.to/3D5xr0z⁠⁠⁠⁠Shop Amazon and Support the Show: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://amzn.to/3djotja

On this episode of Nerdcognito, we continue to chronicle some "lost arts" of TTRPG game mastering, specifically taking a look at treasure. We talk about the purpose both in game and mechanically treasure serves, how to best manage it, and even answer the question: "Why did that rat have 3gp?"***SUPPORT THE SHOW!Be a Check Mark Hero:https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=VREXR2J3E6GGA***Episode Sponsors and AffiliatesWe earn a small commission for each purchase at no additional cost to you! Looking for dice? ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://onlycrits.com/nerdcognito⁠⁠⁠⁠Use code NERDCOGNITO to save 15%! Grab something from DriveThru!⁠⁠⁠⁠http://drivethrurpg.com/?affiliate_id=3908211⁠⁠⁠⁠ Get YOUR T-shirt!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://amzn.to/3D5xr0z⁠⁠⁠⁠Shop Amazon and Support the Show: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://amzn.to/3djotjapodchaser:DrGHKEDOA46FbqCooodB

This week we sample a little bit of all the trash that was set alight in our nerdosphere. Ed Greenwood and Tracy Hickman to 6e? Aabria's meltdown! CMON money laundering?!? Molly's musings... and more!***SUPPORT THE SHOW!Be a Check Mark Hero:https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=VREXR2J3E6GGA***Episode Sponsors and AffiliatesWe earn a small commission for each purchase at no additional cost to you! Looking for dice? ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://onlycrits.com/nerdcognito⁠⁠⁠⁠Use code NERDCOGNITO to save 15%! Grab something from DriveThru!⁠⁠⁠⁠http://drivethrurpg.com/?affiliate_id=3908211⁠⁠⁠⁠ Get YOUR T-shirt!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://amzn.to/3D5xr0z⁠⁠⁠⁠Shop Amazon and Support the Show: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://amzn.to/3djotja

Why did we struggle making a 2024 D&D character? Because, according to the pop gaming media, we did it wrong. Today, we look to correct this "error" and follow their lead while creating a character. We were right all along.***SUPPORT THE SHOW!Be a Check Mark Hero:https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=VREXR2J3E6GGA***Episode Sponsors and AffiliatesWe earn a small commission for each purchase at no additional cost to you! Looking for dice? ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://onlycrits.com/nerdcognito⁠⁠⁠⁠Use code NERDCOGNITO to save 15%! Grab something from DriveThru!⁠⁠⁠⁠http://drivethrurpg.com/?affiliate_id=3908211⁠⁠⁠⁠ Get YOUR T-shirt!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://amzn.to/3D5xr0z⁠⁠⁠⁠Shop Amazon and Support the Show: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://amzn.to/3djotja

This week, Bill Silvey The Dungeon Delver sits in and joins us as we discuss classic settings and how settings play a part of your campaign. It's a great talk about not only where your party is, but why those worlds look and act the way they do!***SUPPORT THE SHOW!Be a Check Mark Hero:https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=VREXR2J3E6GGA***Episode Sponsors and AffiliatesWe earn a small commission for each purchase at no additional cost to you! Looking for dice? ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://onlycrits.com/nerdcognito⁠⁠⁠⁠Use code NERDCOGNITO to save 15%! Grab something from DriveThru!⁠⁠⁠⁠http://drivethrurpg.com/?affiliate_id=3908211⁠⁠⁠⁠ Get YOUR T-shirt!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://amzn.to/3D5xr0z⁠⁠⁠⁠Shop Amazon and Support the Show: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://amzn.to/3djotja

Environments play a huge role in Dungeons & Dragons and Tabletop Roleplaying Games... this week we discuss how to make sure it is not just a background, but an interactive, innovative, and sometimes deadly part of your game! Check for traps, baby!***SUPPORT THE SHOW!Be a Check Mark Hero:https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=VREXR2J3E6GGA***Episode Sponsors and AffiliatesWe earn a small commission for each purchase at no additional cost to you! Looking for dice? ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://onlycrits.com/nerdcognito⁠⁠⁠⁠Use code NERDCOGNITO to save 15%! Grab something from DriveThru!⁠⁠⁠⁠http://drivethrurpg.com/?affiliate_id=3908211⁠⁠⁠⁠ Get YOUR T-shirt!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://amzn.to/3D5xr0z⁠⁠⁠⁠Shop Amazon and Support the Show: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://amzn.to/3djotja⁠⁠

On this week's episode the gang dives into the "revalations" made by the Duffer Brothers, creators of Stranger Things. The discussion also turns to the impact of the show and the movement on the hobby... and the potential irreversible damage it has done to Dungeons & Dragons. ***SUPPORT THE SHOW!Be a Check Mark Hero:https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=VREXR2J3E6GGA***Episode Sponsors and AffiliatesWe earn a small commission for each purchase at no additional cost to you! Looking for dice? ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://onlycrits.com/nerdcognito⁠⁠⁠⁠ Grab something from DriveThru!⁠⁠⁠⁠http://drivethrurpg.com/?affiliate_id=3908211⁠⁠⁠⁠ Get YOUR T-shirt!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://amzn.to/3D5xr0z⁠⁠⁠⁠Shop Amazon and Support the Show: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://amzn.to/3djotja⁠⁠

This week, there was a deluge of items that could have made our news segment... so we did an entire show on the news. The pop gaming media dissappointed as always and we mocked and commented as necessary! Hypocriscy and hyperbole gets exposed in this fun run through the headlines!***SUPPORT THE SHOW!Be a Check Mark Hero:https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=VREXR2J3E6GGA***Episode Sponsors and AffiliatesWe earn a small commission for each purchase at no additional cost to you! Looking for dice? ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://onlycrits.com/nerdcognito⁠⁠⁠⁠ Grab something from DriveThru!⁠⁠⁠⁠http://drivethrurpg.com/?affiliate_id=3908211⁠⁠⁠⁠ Get YOUR T-shirt!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://amzn.to/3D5xr0z⁠⁠⁠⁠Shop Amazon and Support the Show: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://amzn.to/3djotja⁠⁠

This week, the gang talks about balance in Tabletop Role-Playing Games. Looking at the total picture from design to implementation when running a game, they discuss how balance is a critical design piece that has been exploited by the SparkleTroll and modern gaming.***SUPPORT THE SHOW!Be a Check Mark Hero:https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=VREXR2J3E6GGA***Episode Sponsors and AffiliatesWe earn a small commission for each purchase at no additional cost to you! Looking for dice? ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://onlycrits.com/nerdcognito⁠⁠⁠⁠ Grab something from DriveThru!⁠⁠⁠⁠http://drivethrurpg.com/?affiliate_id=3908211⁠⁠⁠⁠ Get YOUR T-shirt!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://amzn.to/3D5xr0z⁠⁠⁠⁠Shop Amazon and Support the Show: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://amzn.to/3djotja⁠⁠

Starting a new campaign for any gaming group can be tough. Different personalities, characters, systems, levels of knowledge, and expectations all play a part. Today we're not talking a "Session Zero," we are discussing some design choices that the GM can make to ensure a great kickoff (not a six session) campaign!***SUPPORT THE SHOW!Be a Check Mark Hero:https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=VREXR2J3E6GGA***Episode Sponsors and AffiliatesWe earn a small commission for each purchase at no additional cost to you! Looking for dice? ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://onlycrits.com/nerdcognito⁠⁠⁠⁠ Grab something from DriveThru!⁠⁠⁠⁠http://drivethrurpg.com/?affiliate_id=3908211⁠⁠⁠⁠ Get YOUR T-shirt!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://amzn.to/3D5xr0z⁠⁠⁠⁠Shop Amazon and Support the Show: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://amzn.to/3djotja⁠⁠

NO ONE is talking about the fact that Wizards of the Coast is gearing up to implement ID Verification on DnD Beyond. "To play Dungeons & Dragons, we need your government ID and biometric data?!?" This week, the discussion, confusion, and outrage that should be happening everywhere happens here.***SUPPORT THE SHOW!Be a Check Mark Hero:https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=VREXR2J3E6GGA***Episode Sponsors and AffiliatesWe earn a small commission for each purchase at no additional cost to you! Looking for dice? ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://onlycrits.com/nerdcognito⁠⁠⁠⁠ Grab something from DriveThru!⁠⁠⁠⁠http://drivethrurpg.com/?affiliate_id=3908211⁠⁠⁠⁠ Get YOUR T-shirt!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://amzn.to/3D5xr0z⁠⁠⁠⁠Shop Amazon and Support the Show: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://amzn.to/3djotja⁠⁠

RD and Siobhan are in a new game! ...running Dungeons and Dragons 2024. ...using DnD Beyond.This week, the show is more of an exercise in frustration as they walk the show's OSR grognard Kyle through "modern" character creation!***SUPPORT THE SHOW!Be a Check Mark Hero:https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=VREXR2J3E6GGA***Episode Sponsors and AffiliatesWe earn a small commission for each purchase at no additional cost to you! Looking for dice? ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://onlycrits.com/nerdcognito⁠⁠⁠⁠ Grab something from DriveThru!⁠⁠⁠⁠http://drivethrurpg.com/?affiliate_id=3908211⁠⁠⁠⁠ Get YOUR T-shirt!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://amzn.to/3D5xr0z⁠⁠⁠⁠Shop Amazon and Support the Show: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://amzn.to/3djotja⁠⁠

Often when DMs are world-building or even running a game, there is such focus on the direction of the story that some elements of the "rest of the realm" are forgotten. Today, we talk about the importance of holidays, celebrations, and events in your game world. After the news, we also have a listen at Ginny Di's newest singing endeavor.***SUPPORT THE SHOW!Be a Check Mark Hero:https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=VREXR2J3E6GGA***Episode Sponsors and AffiliatesWe earn a small commission for each purchase at no additional cost to you! Looking for dice? ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://onlycrits.com/nerdcognito⁠⁠⁠⁠ Grab something from DriveThru!⁠⁠⁠⁠http://drivethrurpg.com/?affiliate_id=3908211⁠⁠⁠⁠ Get YOUR T-shirt!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://amzn.to/3D5xr0z⁠⁠⁠⁠Shop Amazon and Support the Show: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://amzn.to/3djotja⁠⁠

Two VERY different approaches to the same concept. Pets, animal companions, and familiars have always been in Dungeons and Dragons and TTRPGs -- but NOW, the modern gamer through culture, perversion, and self-insertion chips away at yet another staple of the hobby.***SUPPORT THE SHOW!Be a Check Mark Hero:https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=VREXR2J3E6GGA***Episode Sponsors and AffiliatesWe earn a small commission for each purchase at no additional cost to you! Looking for dice? ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://onlycrits.com/nerdcognito⁠⁠⁠⁠ Grab something from DriveThru!⁠⁠⁠⁠http://drivethrurpg.com/?affiliate_id=3908211⁠⁠⁠⁠ Get YOUR T-shirt!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://amzn.to/3D5xr0z⁠⁠⁠⁠Shop Amazon and Support the Show: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://amzn.to/3djotja⁠⁠

It's the holiday season! That means a nightmare is coming... for your TTRPG/DnD group's schedule! How do you keep a game going over the next few months? We talk about staying focused and maintaining your game. After the news, we dive into last week's bumped topic, the Random Number -- is there such a thing as too much random?***Be a Check Mark Hero:https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=VREXR2J3E6GGA***Episode Sponsors and AffiliatesWe earn a small commission for each purchase at no additional cost to you! Looking for dice? ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://onlycrits.com/nerdcognito⁠⁠⁠⁠ Grab something from DriveThru!⁠⁠⁠⁠http://drivethrurpg.com/?affiliate_id=3908211⁠⁠⁠⁠ Get YOUR T-shirt!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://amzn.to/3D5xr0z⁠⁠⁠⁠Shop Amazon and Support the Show: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://amzn.to/3djotja⁠⁠

Modern Gaming's pinup gal, Ginny Di has her new calendar coming out, and markets it... like an anime gal? The gang talks about marketing and monetizing the hobby before diving into the news, which is always a treat! After a hot few weeks in our corner of the hobby, this week is a good time to kick back and just have a fun chat!***Be a Check Mark Hero:https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=VREXR2J3E6GGA***Episode Sponsors and AffiliatesWe earn a small commission for each purchase at no additional cost to you! Looking for dice? ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://onlycrits.com/nerdcognito⁠⁠⁠⁠ Grab something from DriveThru!⁠⁠⁠⁠http://drivethrurpg.com/?affiliate_id=3908211⁠⁠⁠⁠ Get YOUR T-shirt!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://amzn.to/3D5xr0z⁠⁠⁠⁠Shop Amazon and Support the Show: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://amzn.to/3djotja⁠⁠

OSE is leaving the B/X ruleset behind, opting to only support and produce their 'Advanced' ruleset, which is a unique hybrid of B/X and AD&D. With Race as Class now in the rear view mirror, does this represent another nail in the coffin of the OSR?***Be a Check Mark Hero:https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=VREXR2J3E6GGA***Episode Sponsors and AffiliatesWe earn a small commission for each purchase at no additional cost to you! Looking for dice? ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://onlycrits.com/nerdcognito⁠⁠⁠⁠ Grab something from DriveThru!⁠⁠⁠⁠http://drivethrurpg.com/?affiliate_id=3908211⁠⁠⁠⁠ Get YOUR T-shirt!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://amzn.to/3D5xr0z⁠⁠⁠⁠Shop Amazon and Support the Show: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://amzn.to/3djotja⁠⁠

WHAT'S IN THE BOX??? This week, we examine seven (yes, seven!) different Reddit yarns spun by the modern gamer. The state of that vocal fringe of the hobby is frightenting, but their voices are loud, and are often mistaken for the mainstream gamer. Are you ready for this journey?***Be a Check Mark Hero:https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=VREXR2J3E6GGA***Episode Sponsors and AffiliatesWe earn a small commission for each purchase at no additional cost to you! Looking for dice? ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://onlycrits.com/nerdcognito⁠⁠⁠⁠ Grab something from DriveThru!⁠⁠⁠⁠http://drivethrurpg.com/?affiliate_id=3908211⁠⁠⁠⁠ Get YOUR T-shirt!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://amzn.to/3D5xr0z⁠⁠⁠⁠Shop Amazon and Support the Show: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://amzn.to/3djotja⁠⁠

CELEBRATION TIME! Nerdcognito's 300th episode brings EVERY host back together for a good time! They also discuss Dan Ayoub's DnD/Dragonlance reveal with Joe Manganiello, Margaret Weis, and Tracy Hickman. As always, there is the news, Mikey gets introducted to Reddit, and the gang shares some "how we first met" stories!***Be a Check Mark Hero:https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=VREXR2J3E6GGA***Episode Sponsors and AffiliatesWe earn a small commission for each purchase at no additional cost to you! Looking for dice? ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://onlycrits.com/nerdcognito⁠⁠⁠⁠ Grab something from DriveThru!⁠⁠⁠⁠http://drivethrurpg.com/?affiliate_id=3908211⁠⁠⁠⁠ Get YOUR T-shirt!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://amzn.to/3D5xr0z⁠⁠⁠⁠Shop Amazon and Support the Show: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://amzn.to/3djotja⁠⁠

This week, appropriate for the season, the Nerdcognito crew discusses horror, both mechanics and themes, when applied in Dungeons and Dragons or at your table with any TTRPG! They also talk horror-specific games; including what makes a great horrific experience!***Be a Check Mark Hero:https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=VREXR2J3E6GGA***Episode Sponsors and AffiliatesWe earn a small commission for each purchase at no additional cost to you! Looking for dice? ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://onlycrits.com/nerdcognito⁠⁠⁠⁠ Grab something from DriveThru!⁠⁠⁠⁠http://drivethrurpg.com/?affiliate_id=3908211⁠⁠⁠⁠ Get YOUR T-shirt!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://amzn.to/3D5xr0z⁠⁠⁠⁠Shop Amazon and Support the Show: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://amzn.to/3djotja⁠⁠

Bert brings a great question to the table: Are long-gapped sequels in nerdy movies really worth the wait? The gang and special guest Yang, Yan Zhao tear through a litney of new again old films! Plus, Yang talks about his upcoming TTRPG release for both 5e D&D and the OSR, Empire of the Undying Sun! ***Be a Check Mark Hero:https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=VREXR2J3E6GGA***Episode Sponsors and AffiliatesWe earn a small commission for each purchase at no additional cost to you! Looking for dice? ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://onlycrits.com/nerdcognito⁠⁠⁠⁠ Grab something from DriveThru!⁠⁠⁠⁠http://drivethrurpg.com/?affiliate_id=3908211⁠⁠⁠⁠ Get YOUR T-shirt!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://amzn.to/3D5xr0z⁠⁠⁠⁠Shop Amazon and Support the Show: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://amzn.to/3djotja⁠⁠

Inspired by a question posed by the Nerdcognito Nation this past weekend on the Saturday Speakeasy, the gang decides if, and when, they would have "halted" edition progression in D&D. System nuance and personal preferences all get discussed about this fictional grand choice that could be made for the good of the hobby. ***Be a Check Mark Hero:https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=VREXR2J3E6GGA***Episode Sponsors and AffiliatesWe earn a small commission for each purchase at no additional cost to you! Looking for dice? ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://onlycrits.com/nerdcognito⁠⁠⁠⁠ Grab something from DriveThru!⁠⁠⁠⁠http://drivethrurpg.com/?affiliate_id=3908211⁠⁠⁠⁠ Get YOUR T-shirt!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://amzn.to/3D5xr0z⁠⁠⁠⁠Shop Amazon and Support the Show: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://amzn.to/3djotja⁠⁠

The internet and weak progressive culture never cease to amaze. This week, we tear through a list of "controversial" monsters that some want re-imagined for modern audiences or even outright eliminated. Put your spandex on -- it's time for mental gymnastics! ***Be a Check Mark Hero:https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=VREXR2J3E6GGA***Episode Sponsors and AffiliatesWe earn a small commission for each purchase at no additional cost to you! Looking for dice? ⁠⁠⁠https://onlycrits.com/nerdcognito⁠⁠⁠ Grab something from DriveThru!⁠⁠⁠http://drivethrurpg.com/?affiliate_id=3908211⁠⁠⁠ Get YOUR T-shirt!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://amzn.to/3D5xr0z⁠⁠⁠Shop Amazon and Support the Show: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://amzn.to/3djotja⁠

This week, after playing a "filthy storygame" (and having a good time, which is WHY we game in the first place), the Nerdcognito crew digs deep into storygames and discusses their place and setting at your tabletop roleplaying table. It ain't D&D, by design. ***Be a Check Mark Hero:https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=VREXR2J3E6GGA***Episode Sponsors and AffiliatesWe earn a small commission for each purchase at no additional cost to you! Looking for dice? ⁠⁠https://onlycrits.com/nerdcognito⁠⁠ Grab something from DriveThru!⁠⁠http://drivethrurpg.com/?affiliate_id=3908211⁠⁠ Get YOUR T-shirt!⁠⁠⁠⁠https://amzn.to/3D5xr0z⁠⁠Shop Amazon and Support the Show: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://amzn.to/3djotja

The gang talks about how and if you should implement a "pacifist" character into your tabletop game. What are the challenges for not only the player, but the dungeon master, and the group as a whole? This plus some much needed laughs and the news. ***Be a Check Mark Hero:https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=VREXR2J3E6GGA***Episode Sponsors and AffiliatesWe earn a small commission for each purchase at no additional cost to you! Looking for dice? ⁠https://onlycrits.com/nerdcognito⁠ Grab something from DriveThru!⁠http://drivethrurpg.com/?affiliate_id=3908211⁠ Get YOUR T-shirt!⁠https://amzn.to/3D5xr0z⁠Shop Amazon and Support the Show: ⁠https://amzn.to/3djotja

Siobhan did some "research" and presents to the guys her findings of campaign and play styles, but did the pop gaming media get it right?  We take a look at some of the buzzwords and descriptors and discuss how, if, and when they may apply to your Dungeons & Dragons or TTRPG table!  Plus, the news is a fun trip this week -- so much so that it goes long! ***Be a Check Mark Hero:https://www.nerdcognito.com/p/be-a-check-mark-hero/***Episode Sponsors and AffiliatesWe earn a small commission for each purchase at no additional cost to you! Looking for dice? https://onlycrits.com/nerdcognito Grab something from DriveThru!http://drivethrurpg.com/?affiliate_id=3908211 Get YOUR T-shirt!https://amzn.to/3D5xr0zShop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja

This week the team discusses influential items, be they products, books, people, experiences, and more that made them the gamers that they are today.  Though not experts, the boys (and girl) talk about nuance that was memorable and "gamer-life"-shaping!  It's a great conversation that will have you thinking fondly back on YOUR impactful moments both at and away from the TTRPG/Gaming table!   ***Be a Check Mark Hero:https://www.nerdcognito.com/p/be-a-check-mark-hero/***Episode Sponsors and AffiliatesWe earn a small commission for each purchase at no additional cost to you! Looking for dice? https://onlycrits.com/nerdcognito Grab something from DriveThru!http://drivethrurpg.com/?affiliate_id=3908211 Get YOUR T-shirt!https://amzn.to/3D5xr0zShop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja

A West Marches campaign style is going to be adopted by Critical Role.  Before the format gets defiled, we are obligated to run down what that type of game actually is, giving nods to rationale, reason, and (yes) the BrOSR for refining the style of gameplay.  Who knows how this Classic Gaming style is going to be corrupted and reimagined by the modern gaming creators and audience?  Plus, Bert is already mourning the anticipated revision of Dark Sun by Wizards of the Coast. ***Be a Check Mark Hero:https://www.nerdcognito.com/p/be-a-check-mark-hero/***Episode Sponsors and AffiliatesWe earn a small commission for each purchase at no additional cost to you! Looking for dice? https://onlycrits.com/nerdcognito Grab something from DriveThru!http://drivethrurpg.com/?affiliate_id=3908211 Get YOUR T-shirt!https://amzn.to/3D5xr0zShop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja

When drama mongers, grifters, and Fauxs need to drum up clicks or controversy, they often attack "the OSR."  Do they even know what the OSR is?  This week, we definitively define the OSR and call out these internet warriors for their bad behavior.  No longer should this bad behavior be used to juke numbers.  No one is getting a pass, from "creators" to "commentators."   ***Be a Check Mark Hero:https://www.nerdcognito.com/p/be-a-check-mark-hero/***Episode Sponsors and Affiliates:Get YOUR T-shirt!https://amzn.to/3D5xr0zShop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja*We earn a small commission for each Amazon purchase at no additional cost to you!

Critical Role's new DM, Brennan Lee Mulligan recently took the opportunity to not only dump on Classic Gamers and philosophy, but showed the world that he felt basic subtraction is too hard to include in a game.  Isn't it grand how the concept of THAC0, love it or hate it, seperates the wheat from the chaff?  Plus, Molly Sideshave might just be morphing into one of us! ***Be a Check Mark Hero:https://www.nerdcognito.com/p/be-a-check-mark-hero/***Episode Sponsors and Affiliates:Get YOUR T-shirt!https://amzn.to/3D5xr0zShop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja*We earn a small commission for each Amazon purchase at no additional cost to you!

We're chugging down the line!  This week we look into the dreaded DM device.... railroading.  Is there any good that can come of it?  Why and how is it applied in Dungeons and Dragons and the TTRPG hobby?  Also, we have a chat with Ben from the Manacaster team about their current projects! ***Be a Check Mark Hero:https://www.nerdcognito.com/p/be-a-check-mark-hero/***Episode Sponsors and Affiliates:Get YOUR T-shirt!https://amzn.to/3D5xr0zShop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja*We earn a small commission for each Amazon purchase at no additional cost to you!

This week, the gang EFAPs a Ginny Di video dedicated to bringing "romance" to your TTRPG table.  Digging deeper in the video, discussion emerges about the social state of our nerd culture, and culture in general.  Plus, RD learns the word "situationship," and promptly melts down.  After the nerds recover, they also briefly dig into the news. ***Be a Check Mark Hero:https://www.nerdcognito.com/p/be-a-check-mark-hero/***Episode Sponsors and Affiliates:Get YOUR T-shirt!https://amzn.to/3D5xr0zShop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja*We earn a small commission for each Amazon purchase at no additional cost to you!

Solo gaming has always existed but has seen large boons thanks to board games and TTRPGs over the last decade. This week Ryan, Bert, and Kyle dig into the idea of solo gaming and discuss its nuances. Plus, due to popular demand, Siobhan officially joins the gang for her first full episode of the big show! ***Be a Check Mark Hero:https://www.nerdcognito.com/p/be-a-check-mark-hero/***Episode Sponsors and Affiliates:Get YOUR T-shirt!https://amzn.to/3D5xr0zShop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja*We earn a small commission for each Amazon purchase at no additional cost to you!

This week, Ryan finally got to introduce Bert and his core group to the sci-fi horor experience that is Mothership.  Listen to their thoughts on the game, it's feel, and how they will handle some horrific nuance at the table.  Then, sandwiched in with the news is a detailed discussion about Dungeons and Dragons newest executive in charge of "franchise," WotC vet and the man that ran Halo into the ground.  How's THAT for a "fresh start?" ***Be a Check Mark Hero:https://www.nerdcognito.com/p/be-a-check-mark-hero/***Episode Sponsors and Affiliates:Get YOUR T-shirt!https://amzn.to/3D5xr0zShop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja*We earn a small commission for each Amazon purchase at no additional cost to you!

How important is it that you as a Dungeon Master and your players have a good "flow" in your game?  It's not just about moving along plot points or hitting story beats... it is an overall feeling that your table is not stuck in the mud!  The guys discuss this before an interview with the creator of Mafia Blitz, the new "werewolf-esque" game that's coming soon!   *** Find the Mafia Blitz KS here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/markiradian/mafia-blitz *** Be a Check Mark Hero: https://www.nerdcognito.com/p/be-a-check-mark-hero/ *** Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Get YOUR T-shirt! https://amzn.to/3D5xr0z Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each Amazon purchase at no additional cost to you!

Wonderfilled Games founder and CEO Stephen Erin Dinehart IV has been making waves, anti-white statements, and according to some "crashed out" over the past two weeks.  Ryan David had questions, opinions, and accusations that needed answers, so he invited Stephen on for a brutally honest and frank discussion about his actions and statements.  Finalize your opinion and decide if we all were "Wonderfooled." Enjoy the UNCUT and EXCLUSIVE full interview with Stephen.   *** DIRECTLY SUPPORT THE SHOW: https://bit.ly/nerdcognito *** Be a Check Mark Hero: https://www.nerdcognito.com/p/be-a-check-mark-hero/ *** Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Get YOUR T-shirt! https://amzn.to/3D5xr0z Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each Amazon purchase at no additional cost to you!

This week, Bert and Jack steer the conversation to Castles!  Why are these structures revered and critical components in our tabletop and fantasy games?  Naturally, the conversation spirals around to all sorts of tangents, and why shouldn't it?  Especially considering that RD is still out on vacation and Kyle slept through his alarm!   *** A Note to our Check Mark Heroes - you are not forgotten and are appreciated!  This was a weird week, so apologies all around!   *** DIRECTLY SUPPORT THE SHOW: https://bit.ly/nerdcognito *** Be a Check Mark Hero: https://www.nerdcognito.com/p/be-a-check-mark-hero/ *** Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Get YOUR T-shirt! https://amzn.to/3D5xr0z Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each Amazon purchase at no additional cost to you!

The guys continue where they left off last week and finish out the news before they dive into a discussion of creating custom classes.  Of course, this spirals into a full on discussion about classes, class systems, and other tangents!  Have some class... give a listen or watch!   *** DIRECTLY SUPPORT THE SHOW: https://bit.ly/nerdcognito *** Be a Check Mark Hero: https://www.nerdcognito.com/p/be-a-check-mark-hero/ *** Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Get YOUR T-shirt! https://amzn.to/3D5xr0z Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each Amazon purchase at no additional cost to you!

As the gang looks forward to a week of vacation, this first part of a two part episode brings you a discussion of large scale combat and big battles in TTRPGs!  There are a bevy of ways to handle these as a Dungeon Master, but when your party goes to war... what works for YOUR table?  All the massive scale chatter you can handle, plus a tiptoe into the news make for a delightful "part one" episode!     *** DIRECTLY SUPPORT THE SHOW: https://bit.ly/nerdcognito *** Be a Check Mark Hero: https://www.nerdcognito.com/p/be-a-check-mark-hero/ *** Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Get YOUR T-shirt! https://amzn.to/3D5xr0z Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each Amazon purchase at no additional cost to you!

Lord Matteus sits in as guest host to discuss eroticism, sexuality, and naughty bits in gaming -- specifically taking a look at Paizo's new rainbow-stravaganza game blurring the lines between the gaming table and LGBT activism. After the news, the gang talks about long game sequels and how a show can be necro'ed, sometimes after decades!     *** DIRECTLY SUPPORT THE SHOW: https://bit.ly/nerdcognito *** Be a Check Mark Hero: https://www.nerdcognito.com/p/be-a-check-mark-hero/ *** Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Get YOUR T-shirt! https://amzn.to/3D5xr0z Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each Amazon purchase at no additional cost to you!