The Great Debate!

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.netTim White - Return to Northmoor & WTFAWDGregory Avery-Weir - Ludus NovusEd Healy - Atomic ArrayDan Repperger - Fear the BootRob & the guys from The Bear Swarm!Anim5 - IDDFOS & The Gutter SkypesJohn Bell - Bell's in the BatfryIndiana Jim Perry - The Adventures of Indiana JimJennifer Hudock - The Goblin MarketStarla Huchton - The Dreamer's ThreadJeff Greiner - The Tome ShowA. David Pinilla - The Podgecast & RPGPodcasts.comKevin & Jen - The Walking EyeThe Encaffeinated ONE - The WEIRD ShowMark Kinney - All Games Considered & The Gutter SkypesShaun & Kristen - This Modern Death & 10 Minutes of MeStu & the guys from Happy Jacks RPG PodcastEddy Webb - The White Wolf BlogcastJ.C. Hutchins - 7th SonKatharina - Every Photo Tells The book I mentioned in the outro is called Abduction Etiquette, and is now in pre-order - feel free to check it out!

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, DemonologistCaptain Radiant of the Integrity Force Shoutout & Tarrasque Poetry:Jeff Greiner - The Tome Show

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 UniversityBob 3, Troubleshooter Clone from the Great Biodome (voiced by Jeff Greiner)

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 Magnus, Chief Engineer of the Dwarven Skyship Flying Hammer

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 GamesThe Walking Eye

How important is having a background story for your campaign?  A bounty hunter and a cleric sit down and chat amenably about the subject. PanelistsFather Vernon Corey, High Priest of the Temple of St. WilfordDr. Joseph "Doc" Anthrax

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.

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.

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 IronbloodSgt. Dan Saunders of the Planetary Exploration Force (voiced by Indiana Jim) Shoutout & Promo:Indiana Jim Perry - Codename: Starkeeper

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: Mark, Carol & Mags - All Games Considered

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 UniversitySoren Magnus, Chief Engineer of the Dwarven Skyship Flying Hammer

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 NeverrestFather Vernon Corey, High Priest of the Temple of St. Wilford

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

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, DemonologistReflux (Live via the Neural Net) Shameless Self-Promotion: The Every World News Podcast

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 ShadowbaneSolomon Eldridge, Professor of Anthropology at Miskatonic UniversityNOTE:There will be a slight delay as I deal with Christmahannukwanzaayuladanivus, after which there will be more debates forthcoming!

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 NeverrestCaptain Radiant of the Integrity Force

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 BasinMasato Nakajima, Samurai to the Court of Orange Blossoms

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 IronbloodFather Vernon Corey, High Priest of the Temple of St. Wilford

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 Miskatonic UniversitySpecial Agent Jack McCandlessCONTEST!The character suggestion contest is over.  Thanks very much for your entries!  I announce the winner after the debate.Shoutout & Promo:RPGPodcasts.com

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 NeverrestDr. Joseph "Doc" AnthraxIntro by Stu, Tappy & Stork of Happy Jack's RPG PodcastCONTEST!Only one day left for the character suggestion contest - it ends November 5th!  E-mail your suggestion for a new Great Debate character to [email protected] and write CONTEST ENTRY in the subject line.  The winner will receive a personalized outgoing greeting for use with their voicemail!Shoutout & Song:Beatnik Turtle - The Song of the Day Dot Com

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 ForceDarin Payne, Captain of the IronbloodIntro by J.C. HutchinsCONTEST!Just one week to go on the character suggestion contest!  E-mail your suggestion for a new Great Debate character to [email protected] and write CONTEST ENTRY in the subject line.  The winner will receive a personalized outgoing greeting for use with their voicemail!Shoutout & Promo:The Gamer's Haven Podcast

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 of St. WilfordCONTEST!E-mail your suggestion for a new Great Debate character to [email protected] and write CONTEST ENTRY in the subject line.  The winner will receive a personalized outgoing greeting for use with their voicemail!Promo:7th Son: Descent

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" AnthraxReflux (Live via the Neural Net)Shoutout & Promo:Eddy Webb - The Whitechapel Project

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 IronbloodReverend Jedediah Black, DemonologistShoutout & Promo:J.C. Hutchins - 7th Son & Personal Effects

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 BasinCaptain Radiant of the Integrity ForceShoutout & Promo:Starla Huchton - The Dreamer's Thread

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. WilfordSpecial Agent Jack McCandlessShoutout & Promo:Anim5 - Solid Symbols

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.

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! :)

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 David Selby)Dr. Joseph "Doc" Anthrax

Just how permanent should PC Death be?  Two priests squabble over the issue.Panelists:Father Vernon Corey, High Priest of the Temple of St. WilfordReverend Jedediah Black, Demonologist

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 NeverrestSolomon Eldridge, Professor of Anthropology at Miskatonic University

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 ForceReflux (Live via the Neural Net)Shoutout & Promo:Shaun, Kristin & Randy - This Modern Death

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 BasinDr. Joseph "Doc" Anthrax

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 ShadowbaneFather Vernon Corey, High Priest of the Temple of St. WilfordShoutout & Promo:The Encaffeinated One - The WEIRD Show

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 NeverrestReverend Jedediah Black, DemonologistShoutout & Promo:Jennifer Hudock - Goblin Market

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!

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 IronbloodSpecial Agent Jack McCandless

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 UniversityMasato Nakajima, Samurai to the Court of Orange BlossomsShoutout & Promo:Ryan Macklin - This Just In... From Gencon!

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" AnthraxReverend Jedediah Black, Demonologist

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 ShadowbaneCaptain Radiant of the Integrity Force

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 BlossomsReflux (Live via the Neural Net)Shoutout & Promo:The White Wolf Blogcast

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 UniversityBaron Thandor Karn of the Dark BasinShoutout & Promo:The Bear Swarm! Podcast

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 IronbloodReflux (Live via the Neural Net)Shoutout & Promo:The Adventures of Indiana Jim

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 McCandlessCaptain Radiant of the Integrity ForceShoutout & Promo:The Tome Show - 4th ed D&D Interview: One Year Later

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 NeverrestMajor Hal Cross of the Interstellar FleetShoutout & Promo:International Detective Dragons From Outer Space (IDDFOS)

Here is my first promo for the show.  Feel free to download and distribute it as you see fit!  :)

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. WilfordSolomon Eldridge, Professor of Anthropology at Miskatonic University

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" AnthraxLord Connor Shadowbane

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 FleetReflux (Live via the Neural Net)

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 UniversitySpecial Agent Jack McCandless