THACO's Hammer

It's another mixed bag for this episode! Join DMs Glen, Fulongamer and Brian as they dish out another helping of 2e goodness! After answering a couple of emails, the fellas turn to the matters at hand. First, they break down the War Wizard kit, then go in depth on the combat rules for 2e, and wrap things up by naming their favorite D&D authors.Email from DM Ghostzapper (update on players abusing oil and greek fire, seeking advice on players fixating on a minor point in the game to the DM's dismay)Email from DM Joe (complimentary email)You can find us on Facebook (Thaco’s Hammer Podcast, 2e AD&D Podcast), Instagram (THACOs_Hammer), Tumblr, and Threads (@thacoshammer). We are the flagship of our own podcasting network, GamerNation Productions, and our episodes will be on Spotify under the name Thacos Hammer. We will be uploading our old episodes a little bit at a time, so please be patient. We have an RSS feed for the new location, and that address is: https://anchor.fm/s/f67dd77c/podcast/rss. We still have our old episodes on archive.org, and the address is: https://archive.org/details/episode_archive. It has been reorganized, so you can find episodes much easier now. If you are looking for our Actual Play (AP) podcasts, you can go to https://archive.org/details/HammersOfTheDuchySession0. You can also email the show at [email protected], and you can leave a voicemail for the show at 734-623-0832. Please indicate in the voicemail if you’re calling for Thaco’s Hammer, because the number is shared with another podcast.Join our Discord server and interact with the staff as well as your fellow gamers!! Also, we now have T-shirts thanks to Zazzle.com, and they are designed by DM Glen and DM Cory!! Get yours today! Here are the links:Design by DM Glen: https://www.zazzle.com/thacos_hammer_t_shirt-235437242428047038Design by DM Cory: https://www.zazzle.com/thacos_hammer_shirt_1-235721719516592459People Skills - War Wizard kit (Complete Elves Handbook)Rule Zero - Rulebook Overview: DM's Guide Chapter 9: Combat (part one)Playing Favorites - Top Five D&D AuthorsIncidental music for the show is provided by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Introductory and ending music is provided by The Diablo Swing Orchestra (jamendo.com)

It's time to bust out our sport jackets and long microphones, because it's trivia time! Join DMs Glen, Brian, and Fulongamer as they test their 2nd Edition D&D knowledge!You can find us on Facebook (Thaco’s Hammer Podcast, 2e AD&D Podcast), Instagram (THACOs_Hammer), Tumblr, and Threads (@thacoshammer). We are the flagship of our own podcasting network, GamerNation Productions, and our episodes will be on Spotify under the name Thacos Hammer. We will be uploading our old episodes a little bit at a time, so please be patient. We have an RSS feed for the new location, and that address is: https://anchor.fm/s/f67dd77c/podcast/rss. We still have our old episodes on archive.org, and the address is: https://archive.org/details/episode_archive. It has been reorganized, so you can find episodes much easier now. If you are looking for our Actual Play (AP) podcasts, you can go to https://archive.org/details/HammersOfTheDuchySession0. You can also email the show at [email protected], and you can leave a voicemail for the show at 734-623-0832. Please indicate in the voicemail if you’re calling for Thaco’s Hammer, because the number is shared with another podcast.Join our Discord server and interact with the staff as well as your fellow gamers!! Also, we now have T-shirts thanks to Zazzle.com, and they are designed by DM Glen and DM Cory!! Get yours today! Here are the links:Design by DM Glen: https://www.zazzle.com/thacos_hammer_t_shirt-235437242428047038Design by DM Cory: https://www.zazzle.com/thacos_hammer_shirt_1-235721719516592459DM Tim's material linkhttps://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/publisher/31502/ghost-ape-games

We are making our pilgrimage for this episode! Join DMs, Fulongamer, Brian, and Glen as they bring you another helping of 2nd Edition goodness! After answering emails, the guys turn to matters at hand. First, they break down an interesting ranger kit, then they bring forth another installment from their God Talk series, this time focusing on the deities that round out the elvish pantheon. Then they bring the episode in for a landing with a synopsis and discussion of one of the most popular D&D novels of the late 80s.Email - [email protected] - 734-623-0832, state that you're calling for Thaco's HammerSpotify - Thacos HammerDiscord - email for a link to the serverFacebook - Thaco's Hammer Podcast, 2nd Edition AD&D PodcastInstagram - @THACOs_HammerTumblr - @thacoshammerThreads - @thacoshammerRSS Feed - https://anchor.fm/s/f67dd77c/podcast/rssPast Episode Archive - https://archive.org/details/episode_archiveActual Play Podcasts - https://archive.org/details/HammersOfTheDuchySession0T-ShirtsDesign by DM Glen: https://www.zazzle.com/thacos_hammer_t_shirt-235437242428047038Design by DM Cory: https://www.zazzle.com/thacos_hammer_shirt_1-235721719516592459Email from DM Ghostzapper (players abusing oil and greek fire/consequences for carelessly using fire in game)People Skills - Explorer (Ranger kit)Rule Zero - God Talk© : The "New" Elven Deities (Alathrien, Araleth, Melira, Mythrien, Naralis, Rellavar, Saurla, Tethrin)Tomes of Legend - Azure Bonds (edited)Friday, December 5, 2025 11:54 PM

We have prayed to the gods of battle and we are fully prepared for this episode! Join DMs Glen, Brian, and Fulongamer as they welcome back DM Erik Tenkar, and the OG co-host of this august podcast, DM BadMike! After catching up with what's been going on and answering a round of emails, the quintet digs into the plate of 2e goodness set before them.First, they discuss the FR deity Tempus, and then they talk about one of the D&D staple monsters, orcs. Then, finally, they circle back around to Tempus as they Brainstorm a temple complex.Email from DM Ghostzapper (request for Fulon's XP tracker sheet)Email from DM Mike (seeking advice for handling larger groups)Email from DM OldHeadAlan (character backgrounds)You can find us on Facebook (Thaco’s Hammer Podcast, 2e AD&D Podcast), Instagram (THACOs_Hammer), Tumblr, and Threads (@thacoshammer). We are the flagship of our own podcasting network GamerNation Productions, and our episodes will be on Spotify under the name Thacos Hammer. We will be uploading our old episodes a little bit at a time, so please be patient. We have an RSS feed for the new location, and that address is: https://anchor.fm/s/f67dd77c/podcast/rss. We still have our old episodes on archive.org, and the address is: https://archive.org/details/episode_archive. It has been reorganized, so you can find episodes much easier now. If you are looking for our Actual Play (AP) podcasts, you can go to https://archive.org/details/HammersOfTheDuchySession0. You can also email the show at [email protected], and you can leave a voicemail for the show at 734-623-0832. Please indicate in the voicemail if you’re calling for Thaco’s Hammer, because the number is shared with another podcast.Join our Discord server and interact with the staff as well as your fellow gamers!! https://discord.gg/PYVktburAlso, we now have T-shirts thanks to Zazzle.com, and they are designed by DM Glen and DM Cory!! Get yours today! Here are the links:Design by DM Glen: https://www.zazzle.com/thacos_hammer_t_shirt-235437242428047038Design by DM Cory: https://www.zazzle.com/thacos_hammer_shirt_1-235721719516592459Rule Zero - God Talk: TempusSnipe Hunt - Orcs: What they have been, where they are nowDM Brainstorm - Temple of Tempus

We’re calling a conclave for this episode! Join DMs Glen, Brian, Fulongamer and our very special guest, Erik Tenkar as they bring you another helping of 2nd Edition goodness! After a spirited round of emails, they turn to matters at hand. First they explore the world of the barbarian shaman, then they examine the workings of the firbolg, then take that a step further by brainstorming a firbolg village.   Email from Mike B. – 2nd Edition staying power, sound quality   Email from DM RoboRob – DM/player argument destroying a friendship   Email from DM OldHeadAlan – Intro, compliments, requests for FR Rashamen, Aglarond and Thay reviews   You can find us on Facebook (Thaco’s Hammer Podcast, 2e AD&D Podcast), Instagram (THACOs_Hammer), Tumblr, and Threads (@thacoshammer). We are now part of our own podcasting network, GamerNation Productions, and our episodes will be on Spotify and Youtube under the name Thacos Hammer. We will be uploading our old episodes a little bit at a time, so please be patient. We have an RSS feed for the new location, and that address is: https://anchor.fm/s/f67dd77c/podcast/rss. We still have our old episodes on archive.org, and the address is: https://archive.org/details/episode_archive. It has been reorganized, so you can find episodes much easier now. If you are looking for our Actual Play (AP) podcasts, you can go to https://archive.org/details/HammersOfTheDuchySession0. You can also email the show at [email protected], and you can leave a voicemail for the show at 734-623-0832. Please indicate in the voicemail if you’re calling for Thaco’s Hammer, because the number is shared with another podcast.   It’s here! It’s live! Join our Discord server and interact with the staff as well as your fellow gamers!! https://discord.gg/PYVktbur   Also, we now have T-shirts thanks to Zazzle.com, and they are designed by DM Glen and DM Cory!! Get yours today! Here are the links:   Design by DM Glen: https://www.zazzle.com/thacos_hammer_t_shirt-235437242428047038   Design by DM Cory: https://www.zazzle.com/thacos_hammer_shirt_1-235721719516592459   People Skills – Shaman (Complete Barbarian’s Handbook) Snipe Hunt – Giant, Firbolg DM Brainstorm – The Firbolg Village

Its our golden anniversary, and we commemorate it in grand style! Join DMs Glen, Cory, Fulongamer and Brian as they (finally) take a trip into the Forgotten Realms! Wasting no time, they get right into it and talk about the Forgotten Realms Boxed sets (along with a little bit of history), then from there they segue into the Forgotten Realms Adventures hardcover book. Next up they talk about one of the rare ivory/white splatbooks, the Player's Guide to the Forgotten Realms, then they have a discussion about what era to run a Forgotten Realms campaign. And to wrap up, they opine about one of the best supplement series for the Realms, Volo's Guide to the Sword Coast. Gettin' Out of Dodge - Forgotten Realms Boxed Set 99% Perspiration - Forgotten Realms Adventures Hardcover Its In the Book - The Player's Guide to the Forgotten Realms DM's Rag - Volo's Guide to the Sword Coast

In this episode, join DMs Glen, Brian and Cory as they clean out the email inbox. After discussing what they have been doing in terms of gaming, they get right down to brass tacks. The first email is from Dennis Payne about saurials and how they handle the communication aspect of such, then a voice mail from long-time contributor DM Cojo who asks about energy drain and how the hosts handle it. From there, we have an email from Nathan Bouvier with questions and statements about dungeon design, spellbooks, turning an adventure idea on its ear and how the players and DM deal with it, and suggestions (kinda) on things he wants to hear us cover. Before we get to another one DM Fulongamer joins the fun, and they handle another voicemail from DM Cojo who asked about using dragons in combat.

Join us for a special show, as DMs Glen, Brian, Cory, and GoodMike from our sister show at the time, Save or Die as we delve into one of the historical green splatbooks! First, they handle a couple of emails, then they wrap up their discussion about PC alignment and what happens next when there is an alignment change in the game (either voluntarily or involuntarily). From there they sharpen up their blades to talk about the various axes in the game. Then, they tackle the main topic, the Vikings Historical Reference, only to be joined by DM Fulongamer as he also weighs in on the supplement. Finally, they wrap up with a rather spirited discussion about Linnorm Dragons. Emails: Labyrinth of Madness and determining magical items for a high level party/Exotic monsters as pets/Faith-based casting Rule Zero: PC Alignment, Part III: Changing Alignment; What happens next? Loaded For Bear: Axes (hand/battle/two-handed/bardiche) Option Package: HR1, Vikings Snipe Hunt: Linnorm Dragons

Its yet another grab bag of topics! Join DMs Glen, Brian, and Fulongamer as they attack this buffet of randomly selected topics! After tackling a few emails concerning game balance, The Sword of the Dales adventure trilogy and doling out experience points, they get to the main courses. First up they present part 2 of the PC Alignment discussion, but this time they talk about it from the DM's perspective. Following that, they opine about the ways they balance role-playing and action in the games they run, then from there they discuss the main two Polymorph spells, and then they cross the finish line with a review of the Deck of Encounters. Rule Zero: PC Alignment, Part II: How do you run it? (DMs) It's in the Book: Balancing action and Role-playing: Is it a juggling act? Magic Fingers: Polymorph Spells (Self, Other) DM's Rag: Deck of Encounters, Sets 1 and 2

The streak of a full compliment of hosts continues in this episode! Join DMs Glen, Fulongamer, Cory and Brian as they fulfill a couple of listeners' requests. After answering and discussing the emails they talk about the Dwarven Battlerager, then they give their opinions about alignment from the player's perspective. Next, they finally wrap up the Whole Cloth multi-part topic of character creation, then from there they discuss the 1st level spell Identify. Then from there they share opinions about the formidable Yuan-ti, and then finally, by listener request, they give a review of the rather deadly adventure from Dungeon Magazine #37, The Mud Sorcerer's Tomb.   People Skills - Dwarven Battlerager Rule Zero - PC Alignment, Part I: How do you play it as a player? Magic Fingers - Identify Snipe Hunt - Yuan-Ti DM's Rag - Dungeon #37 - The Mud Sorcerer's Tomb

We’ve got the hammer and tongs ready for this episode! Join DMs Brian, Fulongamer and Glen as they explore the intricacies of the forge, and the rise of a new legend! After taking care of some emails, we put on the heavy apron and fire it up. First, they discuss the blacksmithing NWP and the differences between the Armorer and Weaponsmithing NWPs, then they continue their God Talk series by getting into the working of the Artificer, Gond. Then finally, they Brainstorm about a legendary blacksmith, and the myriad problems that he has.   Email from DM Derek – Using social media to enhance and move a campaign forward   Email from DM Chris – FR Dragons power upgrade, using anime as D&D sources, favorite supplement by TSR aside from the “obvious” ones, biggest “fun” mistake made as a DM   You can find us on Facebook (Thaco’s Hammer Podcast, 2e AD&D Podcast), Instagram (THACOs_Hammer), Tumblr, and Threads (@thacoshammer). We are now part of our own podcasting network, GamerNation Productions, and our episodes will be on Spotify under the name Thacos Hammer. We will be uploading our old episodes a little bit at a time, so please be patient. We have an RSS feed for the new location, and that address is: https://anchor.fm/s/f67dd77c/podcast/rss. We still have our old episodes on archive.org, and the address is: https://archive.org/details/episode_archive. It has been reorganized, so you can find episodes much easier now. If you are looking for our Actual Play (AP) podcasts, you can go to https://archive.org/details/HammersOfTheDuchySession0. You can also email the show at [email protected], and you can leave a voicemail for the show at 734-623-0832. Please indicate in the voicemail if you’re calling for Thaco’s Hammer, because the number is shared with another podcast. It’s here! It’s live! Join our Discord server and interact with the staff as well as your fellow gamers!! https://discord.gg/nxj98Ms6   Also, we now have T-shirts thanks to Zazzle.com, and they are designed by DM Glen and DM Cory!! Get yours today! Here are the links:   Design by DM Glen: https://www.zazzle.com/thacos_hammer_t_shirt-235437242428047038   Design by DM Cory: https://www.zazzle.com/thacos_hammer_shirt_1-235721719516592459   It’s In The Book – Blacksmithing NWP Rule Zero – God Talk: Gond DM Brainstorm – The Blacksmith In Town AKA The Legend of Chuck

It’s a full house in the episode! Join DMs Glen, Cory, Brian and Fulongamer as they take on the issues of the day. After taking some time to catch up and tackling several emails, they start off with the controversial Bladesinger Kit from the Complete Book of Elves, then talk about when and how to check morale in combat. From there they (finally) wrap up the first Whole Cloth topic, as they put the finishing touches on the characters they have created. Next, they talk about gear specific to the Bard, and then bring it home with a final discussion on the Night Below boxed set of both the third book in the set, and an overarching review. People Skills - Elven Bladesinger It's In the Book - Morale Checks (DMG, pg 98) Rule Zero - Whole Cloth: Creating Characters part V: The Finishing Touches Loaded for Bear - Spec Gear: Bard DM's Rag - Night Below, Book 3: The Sunless Sea

Our foray into the Underdark continues with DMs Glen, Fulongamer and Brian. After a trio of emails, the guys talk about the saurial race and the challenges of playing said race, then they talk about the methods of learning other languages. From there they discuss the classic mage spell Fire Shield, special gear for the priest, and they finish up with a discussion of the second book of the Night Below boxed set, Perils of the Underdark. People Skills - Saurials Rule Zero - Learning Languages Magic Fingers - Fire Shield Spec Gear: Priest Night Below, Book 2: Perils of the Underdark

It's time for the crew to journey into the Underdark in this episode! Join DMs Glen, Brian and Fulongamer as they delve into one of 2nd Edition's most interesting boxed adventures, Night Below, which will be handled in three parts. But first the fellas discuss an article in Dragon Magazine about PCs investing their funds, and then the sticky topic of how to deal with wishes as a player and DM. From there fencing weapons are discussed, then they wax poetic about one of the most noble and powerful creatures in all of the D&D multiverse, the Gold Dragon. Finally, the first part of a three-part series discussing the Night Below boxed set is broached, The Evils of Haranshire. Its In The Book - How to invest your loot (Dragon #268) Magic Fingers - Wishes Loaded For Bear - Fencing Weapons Snipe Hunt - Gold Dragon DM's Rag - Night Below, Book 1: The Evils of Haranshire

We were supposed to run our AP Podcast, but we decided to do a show (and a rather silly one at that) instead! Join DMs Glen, Brian, Cory and a guest to the show, DM Allie (and a last-minute joining from Fulongamer), as they host a show on the spur of the moment! After an email concerning the character level to insert new players into a game with well-established characters and a voicemail about clerical spell freecasting, they turn to the topics at hand. First, they talk about how PCs should handle navigating and surviving underground, they immediately segue into player personalities and how to deal with them as a DM, then shift topic to the subject of time passing in the campaign. From there, they discuss one of the most sought-after 1st level wizard spells, Magic Missile, then finally they turn to one of the most common foes in the D&D multiverse, the Orc just as Fulongamer tags in for his commentary on the subject, and we set a new record for people on the podcast at once! Its In the Book - Navigation Underground Rule Zero - Player Personalities and how to Handle Them as a DM/Time in the campaign Magic Fingers - Magic Missile Snipe Hunt - Orcs

Join DMs Glen, Cory, Brian and making his own return, Chrispy as they discuss what to do with high-level characters who want strongholds! After a voicemail about running a high-level character through a solo game and an email concerning tips for painting miniatures, they delve into the topics. First up is the Castle Guide, then they guys turn to the topic of attracting followers. From there they discuss what to do as a DM when construction of the stronghold is completed, and then wrap up with a discussion about another D&D staple monster, the Basilisk! Option Package - DMGR2: Castle Guide People Skills - Attracting Followers: How do you handle it as a DM? It's In The Book - What To Do When the Stronghold is Completed (PC retirement, further adventures, etc.) Snipe Hunt - Basilisk

Hope you're hungry, because we have a veritable smorgasbord of 2e goodness! Join DMs Glen, Cory, Fulongamer and Brian at the table as they devour course after course. After an appetizer of an email regarding a whimsical magical item, they dig into the topic of healing rules, then move on the part IV of Whole Cloth where the kit out the characters they have made. With that digested, they turn to the rather controversial topic of using black powder, finishing just in time for the main course. First up is the Tanar'ri, the 2nd edition nomenclature for Demons, and struggle through the final course, the Planescape Boxed Set. You can find us on Facebook (Thaco’s Hammer Podcast, 2e AD&D Podcast), Instagram (THACOs_Hammer), Tumblr, Threads and Twitter (@thacoshammer). We are now part of our own podcasting network, GamerNation Productions, and our episodes will be on Spotify under the name Thacos Hammer. We will be uploading our old episodes a little bit at a time, so please be patient. We have an RSS feed for the new location, and that address is: https://anchor.fm/s/f67dd77c/podcast/rss. We still have our old episodes on archive.org, and the address is: https://archive.org/details/episode_archive. It has been reorganized, so you can find episodes much easier now. If you are looking for our Actual Play (AP) podcasts, you can go to https://archive.org/details/HammersOfTheDuchySession0. You can also email the show at [email protected], and you can leave a voicemail for the show at 734-623-0832. Please indicate in the voicemail if you’re calling for Thaco’s Hammer, because the number is shared with another podcast. GamerNation Productions Discord server coming soon! Its In The Book - Healing (DMG, pp 102-103 2nd printing, Page 74 1st printing) Rule Zero - Whole Cloth, Creating Characters IV: The Equipment Loaded For Bear: Black Powder: Do You Use It? Snipe Hunt: Tanar'ri (2e Demons) Getting Out of Dodge: Planescape Boxed Set

Join DMs Glen, Cory, Brian and Fulongamer for this devilishly good episode! After listening and discussing a voice mail from longtime emailer DM Cojo regarding kits and new emailer regarding the Deck of Many Things, they get down to the meat and potatoes. First they continue the Whole Cloth series by selecting the Weapon Proficiencies and Non-Weapon Proficiencies, then they dissect (verbally) the Tiefling. After that, they discuss the necessity of creating new Non-Weapon Proficiencies and how to do so, then have a brief debate regarding the 2e spell damage cap. Finally, they talk about the Baatezu, better known as Devils from previous editions. You can find us on Facebook (Thaco’s Hammer Podcast, 2e AD&D Podcast), Instagram (THACOs_Hammer), Tumblr, Threads and Twitter (@thacoshammer). We are now part of our own podcasting network, GamerNation Productions, and our episodes will be on Spotify under the name Thacos Hammer. We will be uploading our old episodes a little bit at a time, so please be patient. We have an RSS feed for the new location, and that address is: https://anchor.fm/s/f67dd77c/podcast/rss. We still have our old episodes on archive.org, and the address is: https://archive.org/details/episode_archive. It has been reorganized, so you can find episodes much easier now. If you are looking for our Actual Play (AP) podcasts, you can go to https://archive.org/details/HammersOfTheDuchySession0. You can also email the show at [email protected], and you can leave a voicemail for the show at 734-623-0832. Please indicate in the voicemail if you’re calling for Thaco’s Hammer, because the number is shared with another podcast. GamerNation Productions Discord server coming soon! Rule Zero - Whole Cloth: Creating Characters IIIa: Choosing the Proficiencies Its In The Book - The Tiefling People Skills - Making New Proficiencies Magic Fingers - The Magical Damage Cap: For or Against? Snipe Hunt - Baatezu (2e Devils)

We’re trying to get some privacy for this episode! Join DMs Glen, Fulongamer and Brian as they delve deep underground! After finding the email box empty, the guys break out the torches and descend into the earth. First, they talk about the interesting Tunnel Rat kit from the Complete Book of Humanoids, then they address the best ways of dealing with the darkness while traveling underground. Finally to wrap up the show, they play some favorites. You can find us on Facebook (Thaco’s Hammer Podcast, 2e AD&D Podcast), Instagram (THACOs_Hammer), Tumblr, Threads and Twitter (@thacoshammer). We are now part of our own podcasting network, GamerNation Productions, and our episodes will be on Spotify under the name Thacos Hammer. We will be uploading our old episodes a little bit at a time, so please be patient. We have an RSS feed for the new location, and that address is: https://anchor.fm/s/f67dd77c/podcast/rss. We still have our old episodes on archive.org, and the address is: https://archive.org/details/episode_archive. It has been reorganized, so you can find episodes much easier now. If you are looking for our Actual Play (AP) podcasts, you can go to https://archive.org/details/HammersOfTheDuchySession0. You can also email the show at [email protected], and you can leave a voicemail for the show at 734-623-0832. Please indicate in the voicemail if you’re calling for Thaco’s Hammer, because the number is shared with another podcast.   GamerNation Productions Discord server coming soon!   Also, we now have T-shirts thanks to Zazzle.com, and they are designed by DM Glen and DM Cory!! Get yours today! Here are the links:   Design by DM Glen: https://www.zazzle.com/thacos_hammer_t_shirt-235437242428047038   Design by DM Cory: https://www.zazzle.com/thacos_hammer_shirt_1-235721719516592459

Join DMs Glen, Fulongamer and Brian as they tackle a mysterious and well-known artifact, Baba Yaga's Hut! After listening to a voicemail from DM Cojo that sparked quite a bit of conversation, our hosts turned to the topics du jour. First, they discuss armors made of unusual metals as described in the DMG, then they talk about a 1st level fighter's best friend (because he can't afford platemail), splint and banded mail armors. Then they go on a Snipe Hunt (but not on their home terrain) for the Lizard Man and their ruler, the Lizard King. Finally, they get into the adventure module, Baba Yaga's Hut, and all of the mysteries contained therein. Its In The Book - Armor Made of Unusual Metals (DMG, pg 37) Loaded for Bear - Splint and Banded Mail Armors Snipe Hunt - Lizard Man/Lizard King DM's Rag - The Dancing Hut of Baba Yaga

It's all hands on deck for this mixed bag episode! Join DMs Glen, Brian, Cory and Fulongamer as they dive into a couple of emails before turning to the topics du jour. Then, they discuss the various methods of creating backgrounds for PCs or NPCs and continue Whole Cloth that was started last summer, only with Cory and Fulon joining in. From there they talk about one of the most dangerous (and rewarding) magic items in the D&D multiverse: the Deck of Many Things. After that, a rousing conversation about the dangerous Doppleganger take place, and then they wrap things up with a discussion about an oft-maligned adventure in 2e, Terrible Trouble at Tragidore. People Skills - Character Background Methods Whole Cloth - Creating Characters, part III: Choosing the class and proficiencies Magic Fingers - Deck of Many Things Snipe Hunt - Doppleganger DM's Rag - Terrible Trouble at Tragidore (DM's Screen adventure)

Join DMs Glen, Cory and Fulongamer as they talk about one of the more useful and polarizing Player's Option splatbooks, Combat and Tactics. After a bout of emails, they get down to brass tacks. After discussing the C&T supplement as a whole they move on to the weapon specialization rules, discuss the optional battlefield rules, debate about the merits of using static combat initiative numbers from 3e vs. changing combat initiative numbers in 2e, and put a nice bow on the show with a discussion about the stick-like blunt weapons (staves, clubs, etc.)   Hits and Crits - Emails from Harmbringer (novice players) and Eduardo Alvarez (rakshasas and RM3, Web of Illusion) Option Package - Combat and Tactics Overview People Skills - Weapon Expertise/Specialization/Mastery It's In The Book - The Battlefield (Chapter 3, pp 56-69) Rule Zero - Static Initiative Numbers (from 3e) vs. Changing Initiative Numbers (1e/2e) Loaded For Bear - The Beatsticks (Staves, Clubs, Nunchaku, etc.)

You heard about it, you knew about it, some of you even talked about it and finally, the time has come… DM Cory is back! After a long absence, DM Cory returns to the fold! Join him alongside DMs Glen and Brian as they welcome him back to THAC0s Hammer. As if he never went away, the guys dive right into the subjects of the day without missing a beat. They take on the Cavalier kit from the Complete Fighter's Handbook, discuss the various magical girdles, talk about hammers in melee and missile combat, riff on the vicious Rakshasa, and wrap it up with a discussion about the first Fighter's Challenge adventure module.   People Skills - Cavalier Kit (Complete Fighter's Handbook) Magic Fingers - Magical Girdles Loaded For Bear - Hammers, Big and Small Snipe Hunt - Rakshasa DM's Rag - Fighter's Challenge 1

Join DMs Glen, Brian, and Fulongamer as they delve into what seems a not often used or explored aspect of magic: Divination! They start off with the Diviner mage class, then move on to Crystal Balls and the uses of and variations therein. From there they talk about the various ways to gain information through uses of magic, then discuss the Augury spell. Finally they polish off the show with a discussion of the adventure in Dungeon Magazine, Issue #70, Kingdom of the Ghouls.

Join DMs Glen, Fulongamer and Brian as they delve into mysterious (and controversial) world of Psionics! After a large batch of emails, they discuss the Complete Psionics Handbook along with the Psionicist class, then they bring in the changed rules for psionics in the Player's Option: Skills and Powers supplement. From there they talk about using psionics against non-psionic creatures, and wrap it up with a Snipe Hunt for Illithids, better known as Mind Flayers. Option Package - Complete Psionics Handbook It's In The Book - Psionics in Skills and Powers Rule Zero - Psionics used against non-psionic creatures Snipe Hunt - Illithids

Join DMs Glen, Brian, and Fulongamer as they take a walk outside in this wilderness-themed episode. After discussing various and sundry things they have been up to, they discuss the Explorer kit in the Complete Ranger's Handbook (with apologies to Steve Irwin, may he rest in peace), debate about the PCs navigating in the wilderness and how to deal with that as a DM, then in the same vein how long such exploration takes in cost of time and movement, and also talk about methods of generating and checking for random wilderness encounters. From there they opine on the specialized gear for rangers, and bring the show home with a review of the adventure in Dungeon Magazine #32, The Wayward Wood. People Skills - Explorer (Complete Ranger's Handbook) It's In The Book - Navigation Aboveground Rule Zero - Overland Movement/Random Wilderness Encounters Loaded for Bear - Spec gear: Ranger DM's Rag - Dungeon #32: The Wayward Wood  

Join DMs Glen, Brian and Fulongamer as they ring in the new year the best way they know how; with a new opening theme, and a new show! Join them as they delve into one of the controversial Player's Option books, Spells and Magic. After taking a few minutes to catch up on what each of them has done in the world of gaming (and a declaration of the apocalypse), they read an email regarding paladins, then dive right into the Spells and Magic as a whole. From there they focus on the spell research and magical item construction rules, then discuss the spell point systems. Next they tackle a classic (and mildly controversial) spell, Stoneskin, and wrap up the show with a discussion about an article in Dragon Magazine #242, The Laws of Spell Design. Hits and Crits - Email from Lon Varnadore Option Package - Player's Option: Spells and Magic It's In The Book - Spell Research & Magical Item Construction PO:S&M pp 101-115 Rule Zero - Spell Point Systems PO:S&M pp 77-78 Magic Fingers - Stoneskin DM's Rag - Dragon #242 - Laws of Spell Design

Join DMs Glen, Fulongamer and Brian as they look into the old school D&D campaign world, Mystara! After a pair of emails, they discuss the history of the campaign world from its humble beginnings in the Expert D&D rule book to the beloved Gazeteers and its 2e reincarnation, then from there they take it a step further in talking about adapting the material from the Gazeteers to 2e rules. From there they dissect the Find Familiar spell, along with their more powerful later incarnations from Dragon #228, Find Companion and Find Minion. Finally they wrap things up with a discussion about a Mystaran monster that got the 2e treatment, the Wyrd. Hits and Crits - Emails from GM_Hack and DM Brady Gettin Out of Dodge - The Mystara Setting: Gazeteers and the 2e Relaunch Rule Zero - Adapting  Gazeteers to 2nd Edition Rules Magic Fingers - Find Familiar/Companion/Minion (Dragon Magazine #228) Snipe Hunt - The Wyrd (Mystara Monstrous Compendium)

Join DMs Glen, Fulongamer and Brian as they get down to brass tacks with the wee folk, gnomes and halflings! After reading and discussing emails regarding ability checks and humor in games, they address the Complete Gnomes and Halflings splatbook and also two kits from those books, the Gnome Goblinsticker and the Halfling Cartographer. From there they talk about small weapons, and then address ability checks in full. Option Package: Complete Gnomes and Halflings People Skills: Gnome Goblinsticker/Halfling Cartographer Loaded for Bear: Small Weapons Rule Zero: Ability Checks: Where and When?

Join DMs Glen, Fulongamer, and Brian as they work the 2e mines for more gems of discussion. After a bout of emails, they discuss campaign house rules, then the wonderful (yet dangerous) world of critical hits in combat, followed by the alternative ability scores, Comeliness and Perception. From there they talk about homebrewed campaigns settings, and then round it all off with talking about the Against The Giants rewrite for 2nd edition, The Liberation of Geoff.   Option Package: Campaign House Rules Its in the Book: Critical Hits (Good Hits & Bad Misses, PO:C&T pp 102-115) Rule Zero: Alternative Abilities (Comeliness/Perception) Getting Out of Dodge: Homebrewed Campaign Settings (created or played in) 99% Perspiration: Against The Giants: The Liberation of Geoff (25th Anniversary re-write)

A topic so nice, we had to do it twice…   Join DMs Glen, Brian and Fulongamer as they delve into more 2e goodness from the DM's perspective. We discuss the Creative Campaigning sourcebook, debate about the 0 hp or -10 hp rule regarding unconscious and dying PCs, converse on the differences between cheating (players) and fudging (DMs), talk about the *other* classic D&D spell, Lightning Bolt, and then wrap up with two adventures in the Dragon Magazine Annuals #1 and #2 respectively, Wyrmsmere and Dragonwyr.   Option Package - Creative Campaigning Its In The Book - Death's Door: 0 HP or -10? Rule Zero - Cheating and Fudging Magic Fingers - Lightning Bolt Dm's Rag - Dragon Annuals #1 and #2; Wyrmsmere and Dragonwyr

Join us for another episode of 2e goodness with DMs Glen, FOG, Brian and Julie. In this episode we talk about the venerable yet wonderful Campaign Sourcebook and Catacomb Guide and our methods of handing out experience points. From there we converse about controlling the cashflow in our campaigns, discuss the Fireball spell and how to use it, and wrap up the show with a pair of staple monster adversaries for low-level parties, goblins and kobolds. Option Package - Campaign Sourcebook and Catacomb Guide Its In the Book - Experience Points: Where, When and How Much Rule Zero - Controlling The Cashflow: Money and the PCs, Finding The Right Balance Magic Fingers - Fireball Snipe Hunt - Goblins/Kobolds

Okay, we got another mixed bag: after some rousing emails from DM Cojo, DMs Glen, Brian and FulOnGamer give the Samurai kit from The Complete Fighter’s Handbook the once-over, debate about Ability Score Generation Methods, examine Specialty Gear for Thieves, look over all kinds of goodness in The Encyclopedia Magica, get totally confused over the Wild Mage Spell There/Not There (or did we?) and wrap up this episode checking out as many Golems we can find. Option Package - Encyclopedia Magica People Skills - Samurai (Complete Fighter's Handbook) Its In The Book - Ability Score Generation Methods Magic Fingers - There/Not There Loaded For Bear - Spec Gear: Thief Snipe Hunt - Golems

Join DMs Glen, Brian and Fulongamer along with our guest Zak Smith, creator of the Vornheim campaign setting as we delve into deities! We start off with Monster Mythology, then we segue into the venerable Legends and Lore supplement. From there we talk about clerical spell freecasting as an alternate way to play clerics, then we discuss the spell Draw Upon Holy Might, and wrap up with a spirited discussion about the campaign supplement, Bastion of Faith. Option Package - Monster Mythology Its In The Book - Legends and Lore Rule Zero - Clerical freecasting: What is it, and do you use it? Magic Fingers - Draw Upon Holy Might 99% Perspiration - Bastion of Faith

We’re taking malaria pills for this episode! Join DMs Brian, Glen and Fulongamer as they explore the dinosaur-infested jungles of Chult! After getting over being sad that there are no emails, they press on. First, they give an overview of the Forgotten Realms supplement for which the episode is based, then they talk about the myriad species of dinosaur, then they play some favorites about monsters.   You can find us on Facebook (Thaco’s Hammer Podcast, 2e AD&D Podcast), Instagram, Tumblr, Threads and Twitter (@thacoshammer). We are now part of our own podcasting network, GamerNation Productions, and our episodes will be on Spotify under the name Thacos Hammer. We will be uploading our old episodes a little bit at a time, so please be patient. We have an RSS feed for the new location, and that address is: https://anchor.fm/s/f67dd77c/podcast/rss. We still have our old episodes on archive.org, and the address is: https://archive.org/details/episode_archive. It has been reorganized, so you can find episodes much easier now. If you are looking for our Actual Play (AP) podcasts, you can go to https://archive.org/details/HammersOfTheDuchySession0. You can also email the show at [email protected], and you can leave a voicemail for the show at 734-623-0832. Please indicate in the voicemail if you’re calling for Thaco’s Hammer, because the number is shared with another podcast.   GamerNation Productions Discord server coming soon!   Also, we now have T-shirts thanks to Zazzle.com, and they are designed by DM Glen and DM Cory!! Get yours today! Here are the links:   Design by DM Glen: https://www.zazzle.com/thacos_hammer_t_shirt-235437242428047038   Design by DM Cory: https://www.zazzle.com/thacos_hammer_shirt_1-235721719516592459   DM’s Rag - The Jungles of Chult (TSR 9389) Snipe Hunt – Dinosaurs Playing Favorites – Top Five Monsters

We’re oiling up and playing to the crowd for this episode! Join DMs Glen, Fulongamer and Brian as they delve into the word of the gladiator! After finding the email box empty, the fellas get down to business. First they give an overview of the Gladiator kit from Complete Fighter’s Handbook, then they take a deep dive into running gladiatorial combat before talking about armor and weapons for gladiators.   You can find us on Facebook (Thacos Hammer Podcast), Instagram, Tumblr and Twitter (@thacoshammer). We are now part of our own podcasting network, GamerNation Productions, and our episodes will be on Spotify under the name Thacos Hammer. We will be uploading our old episodes a little bit at a time, so please be patient. We have an RSS feed for the new location, and that address is: https://anchor.fm/s/f67dd77c/podcast/rss. We still have our old episodes on archive.org, and the address is: https://archive.org/details/episode_archive. It has been reorganized, so you can find episodes much easier now. If you are looking for our Actual Play (AP) podcasts, you can go to https://archive.org/details/HammersOfTheDuchySession0. You can also email the show at [email protected], and you can leave a voicemail for the show at 734-623-0832. Please indicate in the voicemail if you’re calling for Thaco’s Hammer, because the number is shared with another podcast.   GamerNation Productions Discord server coming soon!   Also, we now have T-shirts thanks to Zazzle.com, and they are designed by DM Glen and DM Cory!! Get yours today! Here are the links:   Design by DM Glen: https://www.zazzle.com/thacos_hammer_t_shirt-235437242428047038   Design by DM Cory: https://www.zazzle.com/thacos_hammer_shirt_1-235721719516592459   People Skills – Gladiator Kit (Complete Fighter’s Handbook) Rule Zero – Running Gladiatorial Combat Loaded For Bear – Gladiator Weapons and Armor

Join DMs Glen and Brian along with our newest addition to the podcast, DM Fulongamer. This week we discuss likely the most controversial character class, the Paladin. We delve into the Complete Paladin's Handbook, then we compare the True Paladin vs. the Chevalier Kit. From there we talk about the paladin's holy weapon, discuss the Hell Hound, and we wrap up talking about (or at least attempting to) the high level meat grinder adventure, A Paladin in Hell.

Join DMs Glen, Brian and Julie, along with our special guest, James Raggi IV, creator of the campaign setting, Lamentations of the Flame Princess as we offer up our takes on the on the most loved and feared species in the D&D multiverse, the Dragon itself!   First we discuss the Draconomicon, then we move onto the power boost dragons received in 2e. From there we also discuss the challenge of running dragons in combat, then we talk about Dragonscale Armor. Next, we sound off about Draconians and then in closing, we discuss the subject of Role-Playing Dragons.

Join DMs Glen, Brian and Chrispy as we delve into some random 2e goodness. We discuss Weapon Speed and Initiative, We delve into Part II of Whole Cloth, where we roll up individual characters based off the concepts we discussed in Part I, then we tackle one of the fighter's best friends, the Gauntlets of Ogre Power, talk about the Helmed Horror, and wrap up with a discussion about the talk about the Wild Mage.

Join DMs Glen, Brian and Chrispy as we tackle the Berserker kit from the Complete Fighter's Handbook, then we introduce a new topic in Rule Zero called Whole Cloth, a multi-part series where we create a PC from scratch and we start with the concept of a character, and we will go through each stage of character development over the next five episodes. Next, we discuss languages and the learning thereof, then we talk about intelligent magical weapons, and from there we wrap things up with a talk about a D&D staple monster, the Displacer Beast.

This is a full house episode with DMs Glen, Brian, Cory and Chrispy. This week we discuss dark fantasy settings and creating mortal enemies for PCs. Then, we tackle the Complete Necromancer's Handbook, The Anatomist kit from the same book, the Animate Dead spell, the Crypt Thing and the Crypt Servant, and the Lords of Darkness supplement.

In another thrilling episode, DMs Glen, Brian and Cory give their takes on The Complete Book of Villains, figure out the use of the Herbalism proficiency, adjudicate Player/DM Disputes, throw down with the Leucrotta and discuss the Melee Combat and Tactics article from Dragon #169. More fun than you can shake a quarterstaff at!

As of this show we have rechristened our episodes “splatbooks” for that gooey 2E taste. This week the Boys With The Hammer (DMs Glen, Brian, and Cory) discuss the Optional 50-Point Damage Rule, Argue over Screen or No Screen, examine (from a distance) Cursed Weapons, review the World Builder’s Guide and ponder over taking PCs into Strange Environments.

Join DMs Glen, Cory and Brian as they review The Complete Fighter’s Handbook, compare the fighter and thief version of the Swashbuckler kit, talk a bit about the Parrying maneuver, contemplate the concept of Building Logical Dungeons, look over specialist weapons for the fighter and wrap up with an examination of the various and sundry spiders in 2E.

In this episode we discuss house rules and The Complete Priest’s Handbook, then we get into the debates of clerics vs. specialty priests and edged weapons for clerics. Then, we talk about turning undead, the various Cure spells, and we wrap up with a discussion about the undead staples, the ghoul and the ghast.

In this episode DMs Glen, Cory and Brian discuss running a game with a small number of PCs, the ideas of monsters as PCs, which immediately segues into a review of The Complete Book of Humanoids, then we go into the Minotaur from that book to be specific, discuss the issue of drinking and recreational drugs at the gaming table, and we wrap it all up by discussing the spells Whirling Blade and Whip of Shar. This is also a PG show, so consider yourself warned.

This week, DMs Glen, Brian and Cory gird their loins for a discussion of The Arms and Equipment Guide, shed some light on Vision and Light Underground, get lost in a discussion about MegaDungeons and ponder about how to use the Maedar, the distaff version of the Medusa. Time to hammer away again!

Okay, this episode finds DMs Glen, Cory and Brian asking Where’s My Assassin, debating the pros and cons of Sandbox vs. Adventure Path-type play, figuring out how to build Custom Magic Items, taking a good long (but not too close) look at the Ogre Magi and thumb through Aurora’s Whole Realms Catalog.

This week DMs Glen, Brian and Julie give a boot to the head to Martial Arts in 2E, wondering where the monk is, talking up The Complete Ninjas Handbook and discussing some re-working of the monk and a martial artist class that Brian came up with (and is willing to share with our audience). Good stuff!

This week we’re examining The Complete Barbarian’s Handbook, discussion of the Brushrunner kit from said handbook, talk about using music in games, check out the Derro and finish up with a review of Train of Events from Dungeon #44. Check it out!