PODCAST · comedy
The Great Debate!
by Jim Ryan
Hapless would-be actor and comedy writer Jim Ryan pits his characters against each other in a series of no-holds-barred debates covering anything and everything about role-playing games. But can they do it in under five minutes? Tune in and find out!
Episodes
-
Episode L - The Grand Tour
The Great Debate! has reached 50 episodes! To celebrate Jim takes the audience behind the scenes - or at least, that's the plan... Acknowledgements (I ended up thanking quite a few people at the end of this episode - here are links for them!) Melissa Avery-Weir - irrsinn.net Tim White - Return to...
-
Episode XLIX - Arming the Canon
Is it better to use a pre-existing setting or one that's home-brewed? Our resident demonologist and a lunk-headed superhero load up their intellectual artillery on the subject and fire it at one another. Panelists: Reverend Jedediah Black, Demonologist Captain Radiant of the Integrity Force...
-
Episode XLVIII - Do PCs Come in Six-Packs?
Is it a good idea for GMs to pregenerate PCs for their campaigns? A clone and a college professor talk about it. Panelists: Solomon Eldridge, Professor of Anthropology at Miskatonic University Bob 3, Troubleshooter Clone from the Great Biodome (voiced by Jeff Greiner)
-
Episode XLVII - Is It a Race or Is It a Species?
Which genre offers a better choice of playable creatures? Fantasy or Science Fiction? A spaceship pilot and a dwarven skyship engineer attempt to discuss the matter - hopefully without getting into a dogfight! Panelists: Major Hal Cross of the Interstellar Fleet (voiced by David Selby) Soren...
-
ACTION CASTLE Actual Play!
A recording of myself running a quick game of ACTION CASTLE for some bored folks at Dragon*Con who were waiting for a panel to start. Parsely Games The Walking Eye
-
Episode XLVI - Background Noise
How important is having a background story for your campaign? A bounty hunter and a cleric sit down and chat amenably about the subject. Panelists Father Vernon Corey, High Priest of the Temple of St. Wilford Dr. Joseph "Doc" Anthrax
-
Not Going to GenCon - 2010
I didn't get to go to GenCon and decided to record a chat about it! I commiserated with three other folks (Kim, Jason and Kent) who also didn't get to go this year. Fair warning: we rambled for about half an hour! Jason's Blog Kim's Audio Projects For full show notes, go here.
-
Episode XLV - Getting a Transfer Slip
Is it a good idea to bring an old PC into a new game? A cyber-hacker and a government agent delve into what it means to transfer your character. Panelists: Reflux (Live via the Neural Net) Special Agent Jack McCandless Intro by Katharina of the Every Photo Tells podcast.
-
Episode XLIV - House Arrest
Are house rules the way to go when running an RPG or are they a bad idea? A pirate and a futuristic military grunt take each other to task on the issue. Panelists: Darin Payne, Captain of the Ironblood Sgt. Dan Saunders of the Planetary Exploration Force (voiced by Indiana Jim) Shoutout & Promo:...
-
Episode XLIII - The Book Was Better
Is it a good idea to adapt an RPG from another source, such as a series of novels? Our two undead panelists ponder the pros and cons of adaptation. Panelists: Baron Thandor Karn of the Dark Basin Lord Connor Shadowbane Announcement: Go check out the 2010 Podcast Listener Survey! Shoutout & Promo:...
-
Episode XLII - The PC's Pain Falls Mainly on the Planes
Is planar travel cool and exciting or is it just a tool to help the Game Master mess with the players? A college professor and a dwarf engineer debate the subject. Panelists: Solomon Eldridge, Professor of Anthropology at Miskatonic University Soren Magnus, Chief Engineer of the Dwarven Skyship...
-
Episode XLI - My Power Source is Bigger Than Yours
Listen in as an old feud between two fantasy characters comes burbling to the surface. A wizard and a cleric face off to discuss which kind of power is better: Arcane or Divine? Panelists: Archwizard Avan Brightstar, Vizier to the Elven Court of Neverrest Father Vernon Corey, High Priest of the...
-
Episode XL - Lawyering Up
Is the guy who always knows the rules a help or a nuisance? A samurai and a superhero talk about the place of rules lawyers in RPGs. Panelists: Masato Nakajima, Samurai to the Court of Orange Blossoms Captain Radiant of the Integrity Force
-
Episode XXXIX - Juggling GMs
Is it a good idea to rotate Game Masters in an ongoing campaign? Listen in as preacher and a hacker toss the issue back and forth between them like a rag doll! Panelists: Reverend Jedediah Black, Demonologist Reflux (Live via the Neural Net) Shameless Self-Promotion: The Every World News Podcast
-
Episode XXXVIII - Are You Ever Going To Role Play That Flaw?
Advantages & Disadvantages. Merits & Flaws. Edges & Hindrances. Are they helpful to a game? A vampire and a college professor debate the pros and cons. Panelists: Lord Connor Shadowbane Solomon Eldridge, Professor of Anthropology at Miskatonic University NOTE: There will be a slight delay as I…
more -
Episode XXXVII - How Not to Host a Murder
Is it a bad thing for player characters to kill or should it be perfectly acceptable? An archwizard and a superhero take up arms over the issue. Panelists: Archwizard Avan Brightstar, Vizier to the Elven Court of Neverrest Captain Radiant of the Integrity Force
-
Episode XXXVI - PvP!
When PCs fight each other, does everyone lose or is it just another way to get their game on? A necromancer and a samurai square off on the subject. Panelists: Baron Thandor Karn of the Dark Basin Masato Nakajima, Samurai to the Court of Orange Blossoms
-
Episode XXXV - Hotwiring the Submarine
What dangers lurk beneath the waves? And what the heck is an aspidochelone? Our intrepid panelists -- a pirate captain and a cleric -- slyly skirt around these questions and many more about underwater adventures! Panelists: Darin Payne, Captain of the Ironblood Father Vernon Corey, High Priest of...
-
Episode XXXIV - Module or Mind Control?
Are pre-written adventures a useful tool or do they do nothing but force PCs down a pre-determined track? A college professor and a government agent tackle the issue of who's really in the driver's seat when modules come into play. Panelists: Solomon Eldridge, Professor of Anthropology at...
-
Episode XXXIII - Caressing the Power Lines
Is trying to make a character as powerful as possible a good thing or a bad thing? A wizard and a bounty hunter flex their intellectual muscles over the subject. Panelists: Archwizard Avan Brightstar, Vizier to the Elven Court of Neverrest Dr. Joseph "Doc" Anthrax Intro by Stu, Tappy & Stork of...
-
Episode XXXII - Anti-Heroics
Are good and evil absolutes for your PCs or do your characters see things in shades of grey? A superhero and a pirate tackle the issue of anti-heroes in RPGs. Panelists: Captain Radiant of the Integrity Force Darin Payne, Captain of the Ironblood Intro by J.C. Hutchins CONTEST! Just one week to…
more -
Episode XXXI - War! Now in Barbecue Flavor!
The idea of warfare as a theme in RPGs is kicked about, pummeled and salivated over by our panelists. A cleric and a fighter pilot wage war over the concept of waging war. Panelists: Major Hal Cross of the Interstellar Fleet (voiced by David Selby) Father Vernon Corey, High Priest of the Temple…
more -
Episode XXX - Animal Magnetism
Our resident bounty hunter clashes with our resident cyber-hacker over the issue of animals in role-playing games. What's the best way to use them, if at all? Panelists: Dr. Joseph "Doc" Anthrax Reflux (Live via the Neural Net) Shoutout & Promo: Eddy Webb - The Whitechapel Project
-
Episode IXXX - Take Everything That Isn't Nailed Down
Some like to search every nook and cranny of a room and strip-search every fallen foe while others prefer to just move on. A pirate and a demonologist talk about the practice of looting in RPGs! Panelists: Darin Payne, Captain of the Ironblood Reverend Jedediah Black, Demonologist Shoutout &…
more -
Episode XXVIII - Evil is Good?
How bad are evil PCs? Really bad? Or just a little bad? Should they even be allowed? Our panelists - a superhero and an undead necromancer - have a little chat about it. Panelists: Baron Thandor Karn of the Dark Basin Captain Radiant of the Integrity Force Shoutout & Promo: Starla Huchton - The...
-
Episode XXVII - Random Acts of Game Mastery
Are random encounters a good idea for a campaign or should everything be plotted out? A fantasy priest and a government agent roll the dice and find out. Panelists: Father Vernon Corey, High Priest of the Temple of St. Wilford Special Agent Jack McCandless Shoutout & Promo: Anim5 - Solid Symbols
-
Captain Payne Promo - Short Version
Here's a shorter version of the Captain Payne Promo -- it's the end section, in which he addresses the listener, by itself -- should anyone need something a bit more brief.
-
Captain Payne Promo
In honor of International Talk Like a Pirate Day, I've put together a new promo for The Great Debate! featuring Captain Payne, in which we get a little peek at what life in his game setting is like. Feel free to download and distribute it in good health! :)
-
Episode XXVI - How I Learned To Stop Worrying And Love Time Travel
Ever have your PCs dumped in the ancient past or a far-flung future? Can that kind of thing even fit into a game? Two panelists from opposite ends of the historical spectrum discuss the use of time travel in a role-playing game. Panelists: Major Hal Cross of the Interstellar Fleet (voiced by…
more -
Episode XXV - Are We Dead Yet?
Just how permanent should PC Death be? Two priests squabble over the issue. Panelists: Father Vernon Corey, High Priest of the Temple of St. Wilford Reverend Jedediah Black, Demonologist
-
Episode XXIV - MacGuffins Half Off!
Are magic items a good thing for a role-playing game or are they just a nuisance? A college professor and an elf mull it over. Panelists: Archwizard Avan Brightstar, Vizier to the Elven Court of Neverrest Solomon Eldridge, Professor of Anthropology at Miskatonic University
-
Episode XXIII - Money! Beautiful Money!
Our panelists -- a superhero and a cyber hacker -- discuss the use of money in RPGs. But can they avoid selling out? Panelists: Captain Radiant of the Integrity Force Reflux (Live via the Neural Net) Shoutout & Promo: Shaun, Kristin & Randy - This Modern Death
-
Episode XXII - Are You Necro-Friendly?
Is it a good idea to have a necromancer player character? A bounty hunter and an undead wizard who happens to specialize in that very field have a lively discussion about it. Panelists: Baron Thandor Karn of the Dark Basin Dr. Joseph "Doc" Anthrax
-
Episode XXI - Who's In Charge Here?
In some games the Game Master has absolute control, but in others players chime and add to the plot whenever they feel like it. A vampire and a cleric discuss the finer points of player narration -- hopefully without killing each other. Panelists: Lord Connor Shadowbane Father Vernon Corey, High...
-
Episode XX - Nonhuman Rights
Is it a good idea to play something other than a human in an RPG? A monster-hunting priest and an elven wizard throw down over the issue of nonhuman player characters. Panelists: Archwizard Avan Brightstar, Vizier to the Elven Court of Neverrest Reverend Jedediah Black, Demonologist Shoutout &...
-
Promo # 2
Here is the second promo for The Great Debate! to reflect the new web address! As always, feel free to distribute it as far and wide as you desire!
-
Episode IXX - Arsenic, Cyanide and Other Old Favorites
Should poison be allowed on either side of a role-playing game? A pirate and a government agent wrestle with the issue. Panelists: Darin Payne, Captain of the Ironblood Special Agent Jack McCandless
-
Episode XVIII - I'll Fight You For It!
Taste the adrenaline in the air as a samurai and a college professor do battle over the merits of combat in role-playing games. Who will survive?! Panelists: Solomon Eldridge, Professor of Anthropology at Miskatonic University Masato Nakajima, Samurai to the Court of Orange Blossoms Shoutout &...
-
Episode XVII - Meta-Gaming for Fun & Profit
How many out of character considerations should be allowed to influence your role-playing, if any? And what kind? Two monster hunters duke it out over the issue. Panelists: Dr. Joseph "Doc" Anthrax Reverend Jedediah Black, Demonologist
-
Episode XVI - Fight the Powers?
What's the best approach to the use of powers that set your PCs aside from everyone else? Two powerful beings clash haphazardly over the issue of special abilities in RPGs. Panelists: Lord Connor Shadowbane Captain Radiant of the Integrity Force
-
Episode XV - Riding the Rails
This episode discusses railroading in RPGs. One panelist is from feudal Japan, the other is from a dystopian future and it's likely neither one has ever seen a train before. Let's hope they grasp the metaphor! Panelists: Masato Nakajima, Samurai to the Court of Orange Blossoms Reflux (Live via…
more -
Episode XIV - Precious XP
What should your character receive more experience points for? Combat or role-playing? A college professor and a necromancer attempt to have an earnest discussion about it. Panelists: Solomon Eldridge, Professor of Anthropology at Miskatonic University Baron Thandor Karn of the Dark Basin…
more -
Episode XIII - Travel!
Do you like campaigns set in one area or do you prefer to globe-trot? A well-traveled pirate and a reclusive cyber hacker discuss it. Panelists: Darin Payne, Captain of the Ironblood Reflux (Live via the Neural Net) Shoutout & Promo: The Adventures of Indiana Jim
-
Episode XII - What's All This, Then?
Do town guards, police officers or government agents help your adventuring party or are they nothing but a nuisance? On this episode we talk about the use of authority figures in games. Panelists: Special Agent Jack McCandless Captain Radiant of the Integrity Force Shoutout & Promo: The Tome Show…
more -
Episode XI - Fantasy vs Sci-Fi
Which genre makes for a better campaign setting? Fantasy or Science Fiction? PCs from each of the two clash over the issue. Panelists: Archwizard Avan Brightstar, Vizier to the Elven Court of Neverrest Major Hal Cross of the Interstellar Fleet Shoutout & Promo: International Detective Dragons…
more -
Promo # 1
Here is my first promo for the show. Feel free to download and distribute it as you see fit! :)
-
Episode X - God Complex
A cleric and an anthropology professor duke it out over the value of having a pantheon of deities in a role-playing game. Are they there to watch over your PCs or to drive them stark-raving mad? Panelists: Father Vernon Corey, High Priest of the Temple of St. Wilford Solomon Eldridge, Professor…
more -
Episode IX - Undead on Arrival
Is it a good idea to run a game with undead PCs or NPCs? A vampire and a bounty hunter go head-to-head on the topic. Panelists: Dr. Joseph "Doc" Anthrax Lord Connor Shadowbane
-
Episode VIII - Eutopia or Dystopia?
Which vision of the future is more fun to play your sci-fi campaign in? Two realities collide when a cyber-hacker and an ace starship pilot get together to talk about it. Panelists: Major Hal Cross of the Interstellar Fleet Reflux (Live via the Neural Net)
-
Episode VII - The Lure of the Demon Dice
Does playing without dice help a game or hinder it? Our guests debate the merits of diceless role-playing games. Panelists: Solomon Eldridge, Professor of Anthropology at Miskatonic University Special Agent Jack McCandless
We're indexing this podcast's transcripts for the first time — this can take a minute or two. We'll show results as soon as they're ready.
No matches for "" in this podcast's transcripts.
No topics indexed yet for this podcast.
Loading reviews...
ABOUT THIS SHOW
Hapless would-be actor and comedy writer Jim Ryan pits his characters against each other in a series of no-holds-barred debates covering anything and everything about role-playing games. But can they do it in under five minutes? Tune in and find out!
HOSTED BY
Jim Ryan
CATEGORIES
Loading similar podcasts...
Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The Great Debate! have?
The Great Debate! currently has 61 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The Great Debate! about?
Hapless would-be actor and comedy writer Jim Ryan pits his characters against each other in a series of no-holds-barred debates covering anything and everything about role-playing games. But can they do it in under five minutes? Tune in and find out!
How often does The Great Debate! release new episodes?
The Great Debate! has 61 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to The Great Debate!?
You can listen to The Great Debate! 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 Great Debate!?
The Great Debate! is created and hosted by Jim Ryan.
URL copied to clipboard!