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The Arcane Alienist

by B. J. (aka “GameDoc”)

A podcast mostly about tabletop roleplaying games, from game theory and concepts to session recaps to sources of inspiration. I also occasionally delve into other nerdy things like board games, comics, books, movies, and television. Email: [email protected]. You can leave a voicemail message here or through Speakpipe: http://www.speakpipe.com/ArcaneAlienist #oldschoolessentials #d&d5e #mongoosetraveller#talesofthevaliant#morkborg

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Episodes

  1. RPG a Day 2026 - Sunday's Child

    It's #RPGaDay2026 and I am making a D&D character to represent each day of the week. Thanks to Anthony at ⁠⁠Casting Shadows ⁠⁠and Dave at ⁠⁠Autocratik⁠⁠ for organizing this each year. Be sure to listen to RPGaDay2026 content on these other fine podcasts: ⁠⁠Mirke the Meek⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Nerds RPG Variety...

  2. RPG a Day 2026 - Wednesday's Child

    It's #RPGaDay2026 and I am making a D&D character to represent each day of the week. Thanks to Anthony at ⁠⁠Casting Shadows ⁠⁠and Dave at ⁠⁠Autocratik⁠⁠ for organizing this each year. Be sure to listen to RPGaDay2026 content on these other fine podcasts: ⁠⁠Mirke the Meek⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Nerds RPG Variety...

  3. RPG a Day 2026 - Thursday's Child

    It's #RPGaDay2026 and I am making a D&D character to represent each day of the week. Thanks to Anthony at ⁠⁠Casting Shadows ⁠⁠and Dave at ⁠⁠Autocratik⁠⁠ for organizing this each year. Be sure to listen to RPGaDay2026 content on these other fine podcasts: ⁠⁠Mirke the Meek⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Nerds RPG Variety...

  4. RPG a Day 2026 - Tuesday's Child

    It's #RPGaDay2026 and I am making a D&D character to represent each day of the week. Thanks to Anthony at ⁠⁠Casting Shadows ⁠⁠and Dave at ⁠⁠Autocratik⁠⁠ for organizing this each year. Be sure to listen to RPGaDay2026 content on these other fine podcasts: ⁠⁠Mirke the Meek⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Nerds RPG Variety...

  5. RPG a Day 2026 - Saturday's Child

    It's #RPGaDay2026 and I am making a D&D character to represent each day of the week. Thanks to Anthony at ⁠Casting Shadows ⁠and Dave at ⁠Autocratik⁠ for organizing this each year. Be sure to listen to RPGaDay2026 content on these other fine podcasts: ⁠Mirke the Meek⁠ ⁠Nerds RPG Variety Cast⁠ ⁠The...

  6. RPG a Day 2026 - Friday's Child

    It's #RPGaDay2026 and I am making a D&D character to represent each day of the week. Thanks to Anthony at ⁠Casting Shadows ⁠and Dave at ⁠Autocratik⁠ for organizing this each year. Be sure to listen to RPGaDay2026 content on these other fine podcasts: ⁠Mirke the Meek⁠ ⁠Nerds RPG Variety Cast⁠ ⁠The...

  7. RPG a Day 2026 - Monday's Child

    It's #RPGaDay2026 and I am making a D&D character to represent each day of the week, starting with Monday. Thanks to Anthony at Casting Shadows and Dave at Autocratik for organizing this each year. Be sure to listen to RPGaDay2026 content on these other fine podcasts: Mirke the Meek Nerds RPG...

  8. A Very Sad Shield

    A recap of my latest home game with the kids, in which they ingore the obvious warning and take up a cursed item. Be sure to listen to this episode of Nerds RPG Variety Cast, where we review the newly released film, Spider-Man: Brand New Day. Send me a message! ​Email me at...

  9. If You Give a Giant a Cookie

    The party abandons combat for shenanigans in the latest session of Horror on the Hill with theater kids. Plus a call from ⁠Mirke the Meek.⁠ Send me a message! ​Email me at [email protected] ​Leave a voicemail at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Speakpipe⁠

  10. The People of the Cave (and the Mighty D6)

    In this episode I talk about the utility and ubiquitousness of the humble six-sided die. Plus a recap of my home groups first session of Horror on the Hill where they encounter the People of the Cave. We also have calls from Joe of the Highsightless and Mirke of Mirke the Meek. Also a shout out…

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  11. DM Dad

    Happy Fathers Day and Happy (belated) Juneteenth! In this episode I have a recap of my ongoing OSR campaign using Swords & Wizardry Complete with a dash of OSE thrown in for good measure. Also, check out the Cerebrevore crew's recent review of the new Masters of the Universe movie. Send me a...

  12. Delve by Bob Wolrd Builder

    In this episode, we have an unboxing and short review of Delve, a supplement for Shadowdark and 5E by YouTube legend Bob World Builder. Also, I give a long overdue response to a call from Jason of Nerd's RPG Variety Cast. Send me a message! ​Email me at [email protected] ​Leave a…

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  13. Knowing is Half the Battle

    Here's a special episode in honor of both Veterans Day and Native American Heritage Month, where I create a version of the iconic G. I. Joe character Spirit Iron-Knife using Modern War from Zozer Games.

  14. OSR October - Into the Moat House!

    it's OSR October! What better way to observe it than to dive into my latest Swords & Wizardry game session. Send me a message! ​Email me at [email protected] ​Leave a voicemail at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Speakpipe⁠

  15. Reptilian Encounters Back in the Swamp

    The latest D&D with Drama Kids - the party slogs through the swamp in search of an evil priest, but find lizardfolk, hydras, dragons, and even a couple of lost elves. I also have some calls regarding the last episode from podcasters Joe Richter of Hindsightless and the Pink Phantom of Phantom...

  16. You Are Not Your Character Sheet (and Neither Are YOU)!

    In this episode I just have some reflections on how people increasingly thinks of themselves as a collection of identity markers, not unlike the traits on a character sheet in an RPG. Send me a message! ​Email me at [email protected] ​Leave a voicemail at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Speakpipe⁠

  17. RPG a Day 2025, Days 21-31

    It's #RPGaDay2025 Each August, we take some time each day to reflect about the positives of the hobby. This year, I am combining several prompts at a time to create some adventure scenarios. Here's what I have for the days 21-31. Thanks to ⁠⁠Autocratik ⁠⁠and ⁠⁠Casting Shadows⁠⁠ for always putting...

  18. RPG a Day 2025, Days 11-20

    It's #RPGaDay2025 Each August, we take some time each day to reflect about the positives of the hobby. This year, I am combining several prompts at a time to create some adventure scenarios. Here's what I have for the days 11-20. Thanks to ⁠Autocratik ⁠and ⁠Casting Shadows⁠ for always putting…

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  19. RPG a Day 2025, Days 1-10

    It's #RPGaDay2025 Each August, we take some time each day to reflect about the positives of the hobby. This year, I am combining several prompts at a time to create some adventure scenarios. Here's what I have for the first 10 days. Thanks to Autocratik and Casting Shadows for always putting this...

  20. Roleplaying the Classics, Part 2

    Wait... Part 2? This is a crossover episode where Karl Rodriguez and I discuss some of the classic modules from the TSR era of D&D. You can find Part 1 of the conversation at The GMologist Presents. Send me a message! ​Email me at [email protected] ​Leave a voicemail at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Speakpipe⁠

  21. Freudian Feedback and Playlists for Characters

    In this episode we have calls from Evil Jeff (Minions & Musings) and Mike the Meek with comments about Sigmund Freud and alignment. I also give an update on my "D&D with Drama Kids" campaign and pose a question: What is on your charater's playlist? Check out my review of Superman with Jason on…

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  22. Sigmund Freud, Alignment, and the Swords & Wizard Book of Options

    Inspired by the chapter on alignment in the S&W Book o Options, I present a comparison of Michael Moorcock's cosmic balance and Freud's theory of personality. Also, I have calls from Daniel (Bandit's Keep), Joe (Hindsightless), and Mirke (Mirke the Meek). Here are the other books mentioned in…

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  23. Process Based Game Mastering?

    This episode as some actual "alienist" content as I compare the way psychologists use theory and to make decisions in psychotherapy to the way a GM uses understanding of game design to make rulings at the table. I also have calls from Jason (Nerd's RPG Variety Cast), Karl (The GMologist Presents)...

  24. Emergent Gameplay

    In this episode I discuss using embracing the emergent stories that come from just playing the game and seeing where it takes you. This is partially inspired by recent discussions by Che Webster and Anthony Boyd about the nature of roleplaying games and characters as protagonists on the past few...

  25. Review: Black Powder and Brimstone

    My quick review of Black Powder and Brimstone by Benjamin Tobitt. I also, this episode's cover art is the map to my Black Sword Hack have solo game, as suggested by a call from the GMologist. I made it using Inkarnate. Send me a message! Email me at [email protected] Leave a voicemail at...

  26. A Brother's Lament (Part 5) - Black Sword Hack Solo Play

    It's the conclusion of my first solo adventure with Black Sword Hack. Dolen and his "niece" Thorn confront the twisted mortician Fedro and uncover his plans for an undead army. But is he the real master or just a minion of Chaos? I also have a call from our good friend Riley, host of the…

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  27. A Brother's Lament (Part 4) - Black Sword Hack Solo Play

    Part 4 of my solo adventure with Black Sword Hack. Dolen speaks to s suspicious fellow at the Morticians' Guild and seeks help from a former adversary. Special music for this episode curtesy of Bleupanda at⁠⁠⁠Pond5⁠⁠⁠. Send me a messag! Email me at [email protected] Leave a voicemail...

  28. A Brother's Lament (Part 3) - Black Sword Hack Solo Play

    Part 3 of my solo adventure with Black Sword Hack. Dolen enters the city slums in search of a wayward nobleman and answers about his brother's death. Special music for this episode curtesy of Bleupanda at⁠⁠Pond5⁠⁠. Send me a message! Email me at [email protected] Leave a voicemail...

  29. A Brother's Lament (Part 2) - Black Sword Hack Solo Play

    The second installment of solo play featuring Dolen of Ulber, as he says farewell to his brother and reflects on his origins and how he came to be a courier in the service of House Fulluando. Special music for this episode curtesy of Bleupanda at⁠Pond5⁠. Thanks toMirke the Meek for his call in…

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  30. A Brother's Lament (Part 1) - Black Sword Hack Solo Play

    After character generation and word-building, it's finally time for solo play with Black Sword Hack. Meet Dolen, once a barbarian thrall, now an agent of a powerful merchant house, as he prepares to deal with a personal tragedy. Special music for this episode curtesy of Bleupanda at Pond5. Be…

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  31. Worldbuilding with Black Sword Hack - Part 2

    In this episode, we compete our basic worldbuilding with cities, signs of the apocalypse, and a prompt to get the first adventure under way. Leave a comment, or reach out to me directly! You can email me ([email protected]) or leave a voice message through my...

  32. Worldbuilding with Black Sword Hack - Part 1

    In this episode we get one step closer to solo play with Black Sword Hack as I fill in the major factions of the campaign setting and put them on the map using the tools from the rulebook.

  33. Black Sword Hack Character Creation

    Meet my randomly generated Black Sword Hack character. He's not your average piece of Frazetta beefcake. Check out an example of BSH solo play at the Kill Ten Rats RPG YouTube channel.

  34. An Overview of Black Sword Hack

    Here's a relatively quick overview of Black Sword Hack, the sword & sorcery game that ponders the question: "What is best in life?" You can purchase the complete "Ultimate Chaos Edition" or get the free SRD for the game at The Merry Mushmen website.

  35. A Mörk Borg Christmas - Preview

    As we close out the holiday searon and head to the New Year, I want to thank all my listeners. Now go watch our Mörk Borg Christmas Special actual play "Holiday Hellions" at the GMologist YouTube Channel.

  36. A Grendel Roasting on an Open Fire

    I've got calls about Mörk Borg from Riley of Diagetic Advancement and from Karl and Amy of the GMologist Presents, and a recap of the latest D&D with Theater Kids in which we see why random rolls and referee rulings are the raddest route to robust roleplaying. Also, be sure to check out this...

  37. Mörk Borg Solo Play - The Rancid Maze, Part 7

    The final installment of my Mörk Borg solo play using ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sölitary Defilement⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Eldar Rottentoe discovers the corruption that plagues the Rancid Maze of Chrud Nech. Will he survive? Special music for this episode courtesy of romulosandri, from ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.pond5.com.⁠⁠⁠⁠

  38. Indigenous People's Month 2024

    Happy Indigenous People's Month and Happy Thanksgiving to everyone. Not much content here, but this month I did appear on two other podcasts discussing Indigenous Americans in fiction and roleplaying games: Nerd's RPG Variety Cast discussion of Steven Graham Jones novel The Only Good Indians The...

  39. Mörk Borg Solo Play - The Rancid Maze, Part 6

    Another installment of my Mörk Borg solo play using ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sölitary Defilement⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Eldar Rottentoe must survive an encounter with the walking dead deep within the Rancid Maze of Chrud Nech. Special music for this episode courtesy of romulosandri, from ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.pond5.com.⁠⁠⁠⁠

  40. Mörk Borg Solo Play - The Rancid Maze, Part 5

    I've got a call from the GMologist, followed by another installment of my Mörk Borg solo play using ⁠⁠⁠⁠Sölitary Defilement⁠⁠⁠⁠. Eldar Rottentoe survives a knife fight and discovers a deadly new magical power. Special music for this episode courtesy of romulosandri, from ⁠⁠⁠www.pond5.com.⁠⁠⁠

  41. Mörk Borg Solo Play - The Rancid Maze, Part 4

    Another installment of my Mörk Borg solo play using ⁠⁠⁠Sölitary Defilement⁠⁠⁠. Eldar Rottentoe goes deeper into the Rancid Maze of Chrud Nech and makes a new friend (much to the chagrin of Urm). Special music for this episode courtesy of romulosandri, from ⁠⁠www.pond5.com.⁠⁠

  42. Procedures on Deck

    In this episode I recount the latests OSE/Knave game, where I tested out my latest idea - the combat procedure deck.

  43. Mörk Borg Solo Play - The Rancid Maze, Part 3

    Another installment of my Mörk Borg solo play using ⁠⁠Sölitary Defilement⁠⁠. Eldar Rottentoe enters the Rancid Maze of Chrud Nech and must overcome his first battle with its inhabitants. I also have a call from Karl Rodriquez of The GMologist. Be sure to go over to Kickstarter and back Reaver, an...

  44. One Round With A Grease Dragon

    In this episode I have the latest installment of D&D with Theater Kids, wherein an epic battle with a dragon takes only one round to resolve. Also, we have calls from Joe Richter of the Hingsightless podcast and Riley from Diagetic Advancement. September is suicide awareness month. Help is...

  45. Mörk Borg Solo Play - The Rancid Maze, Part 2

    Here's the second installment of my Mörk Borg solo play using ⁠Sölitary Defilement⁠. The story picks up as Eldar Rottentoe confronts a band of goblins guarding the entrance to the Rancid Maze of Chrud Nech. CONTENT WARNING: This episode contains a reference to suicide. If you or someone you know…

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  46. Yo Ho! International Talk Like a Pirate Day 2024

    Just a short episode to commemorate International Talk Like a Pirate Day with some reflections on two of my most pirate-like characters. Also, anyone up for Pirate Borg?

  47. Mörk Borg Solo Play - The Rancid Maze, Part 1

    In this episode, I dive into Mörk Borg solo play using the supplement Sölitary Defilement by 1d10+5. Listen as Eldar Rottentoe and his weird little dog approach the Rancid Maze of Chrud Nech! I also have calls from Joe Richter of the Hindsightless podcast and Riley of Diagetic Advancement.…

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  48. Making a Mörk Borg Character

    In this episode we go dark and experimental with Mörk Borg character creation and first person narrated solo play. Meet the esoteric warlock, Eldar Rottentoe, and his vicious little dog, Urm. It's mud core, but it's good clean fun. Special music for this episode courtesy of romulosandri, from...

  49. RPGaDay 2024 #31 - The Friends We Made Along the Way

    It’s time for #RPGaDay2024 Check out all of this year’s prompts at www.autocratik.com

  50. RPGaDay 2024 #30 - People I’d Like to Game With

    It’s time for #RPGaDay2024 Check out all of this year’s prompts at www.autocratik.com

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

A podcast mostly about tabletop roleplaying games, from game theory and concepts to session recaps to sources of inspiration. I also occasionally delve into other nerdy things like board games, comics, books, movies, and television.

Email: [email protected].

You can leave a voicemail message here or through Speakpipe:

http://www.speakpipe.com/ArcaneAlienist

#oldschoolessentials #d&d5e #mongoosetraveller#talesofthevaliant#morkborg

HOSTED BY

B. J. (aka “GameDoc”)

CATEGORIES

leisure games

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does The Arcane Alienist have?

The Arcane Alienist currently has 244 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is The Arcane Alienist about?

A podcast mostly about tabletop roleplaying games, from game theory and concepts to session recaps to sources of inspiration. I also occasionally delve into other nerdy things like board games, comics, books, movies, and television. Email: [email protected]. You can leave a voicemail...

How often does The Arcane Alienist release new episodes?

The Arcane Alienist publishes regularly with 244 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.

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You can listen to The Arcane Alienist on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts The Arcane Alienist?

The Arcane Alienist is created and hosted by B. J. (aka “GameDoc”).
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