Amorphous Blobcast

Amorphous Blobcast http://www.abgames.com/blobcast/ en-us ℗ & © Amorphous Blob Games This is a podcast put together by the members of Amorphous Blob Games. It is primarily for a discussion of role playing games, although we will also be touching on board games, and tabletop miniatures games, such as Silent Death, Ogre, and many others. Please check out our website at www.abgames.com, go to the forums and give us some feedback on past episodes and give us some guidance on what future episodes should cover. Mon, 4 Feb 2008 00:12:05 -0600 rdowney1@yahoo.com (Richard Downey) http://www.abgames.com/i/blobcast.jpg Amorphous Blobcast http://www.abgames.com/blobcast/ 31 31 Opinions and Advice from Veteran Gamers. Amorphous Blob Games This is a podcast put together by the members of Amorphous Blob Games. It is primarily for a discussion of role playing games, although we will also be touching on board games, and tabletop miniatures games, such as Silent Death, Ogre, and many others. Please check out our website at www.abgames.com, go to the forums and give us some feedback on past episodes and give us some guidance on what future episodes should cover. Earl Lindsay web@abgames.com Yes no amorphous,blob,abgames,rpg,games,roleplaying,gaming,tabletop,dnd,dungeons,dragons,boardgames Episode 54: GenCon, David Wesely http://www.abgames.com/blobcast/blobcast054.php Episode 54: GenCon, David Wesely

We welcome David Wesely, a veteran gamer. He discusses how he watched hobby gaming grow and develop.

Cast: Rich , Earl and Trish

Quicklinker:

runtime: ~31 minutes

]]> Mon, 30 Aug 2010 12:00:00 -0600 podcasts,rpg,DnD,Origins,gaming http://www.abgames.com/blobcast/blobcast054.php Amorphous Blob Games dnd, savage worlds,conventions,gaming,cosplay,rpg Yes Our discussion with David Wesely at GenCon We welcome David Wesely, a veteran gamer. He discusses how he watched hobby gaming grow and develop. 00:31:00 Episode 53: GenCon, Dan Repperger http://www.abgames.com/blobcast/blobcast053.php Episode 53: GenCon, Dan Repperger

Cast: Rich , Earl and Trish

We welcome special guest Dan Repperger from Fear the Boot. He discusses the difficulty of podcasting and the intention of media. We also discover that Chad does not exist or Dan has a terrible secret, you decide!

Quicklinker:

Fear the Boot

runtime: ~45 minutes

]]> Wed, 18 Aug 2010 12:00:00 -0600 podcasts,rpg,DnD,Origins,gaming http://www.abgames.com/blobcast/blobcast053.php Amorphous Blob Games dnd, savage worlds,conventions,gaming,cosplay,rpg Yes Our discussion with Dan Repperger at GenCon We welcome special guest Dan Repperger from Fear the Boot. He discusses the difficulty of podcasting and the intention of media. We also discover that Chad does not exist or Dan has a terrible secret, you decide! 00:45:00 Episode 52: Gaming Groan Ups http://www.abgames.com/blobcast/blobcast052.php

8/16/2010

Episode 52: GenCon, Mark Kinney is Wanted!

We spoke with Mark Kinney of All Games Considered at GenCon. He came out of hiding just long enough to accept the silver Ennie for podacsting. If you see him, don't let NPR know where to find him.

Cast: Rich, and Earl

Quicklinker:

All Games Considered

runtime: ~15 minutes ]]> podcasts, gaming Mon, 16 Aug 2010 12:00:00 -0600 http://www.abgames.com/blobcast/blobcast052.php dnd, savage worlds,conventions,gaming,cosplay,rpg Yes Interview with Mark Kinney at GenCon 2010 We spoke with Mark Kinney of All Games Considered at GenCon. He came out of hiding just long enough to accept the silver Ennie for podacsting. If you see him, don't let NPR know where to find him. 00:15:00 Episode 51: Origins 2010 http://www.abgames.com/blobcast/blobcast051.php

Cast: Rich, Earl, Andy, Mark, Trish, Becky, Chris and Alex

Show Recap

Best Origins for Trish

Yep, that's Becky

The spectacle that's Iron GM!

IGM makes friends share to much

They were older than that

Reading the event description is YOUR responsibility

Being a parent means you must adhere to the law

Adult only events are a draw

Sometimes you get bad players

Some ideas on Origins' future

Origins has the best GM benefit of any convention

Prize support from Origins was back

The sky is falling, John Ward is a business man!

Yes, we min-maxed our event schedule… legally

GM rewards are based on supply and demand

Lessons were learned

Games that are turned up to 11!

Only one consistent complaint this year

Generics were difficult to purchase

Overall Origins is moving in the right direction

Exhibit hall was should out, WOTC was turned away

Local game stores had a presence

Value added customer service is necessary

Shout out to Crazy Igor

Business is business, but your reputation is just as important

GenCon is not moving

Still no confirmation on Origins moving

Origins Awards

Final thoughts

Quicklinker:

Origins

runtime: ~60 minutes

]]> Mon, 2 Aug 2010 12:00:00 -0600 podcasts,rpg,DnD,Origins,gaming http://www.abgames.com/blobcast/blobcast051.php Amorphous Blob Games dnd, savage worlds,conventions,gaming,origins,rpg Yes We recap our experiences at Origins 2010 Overall a great Convention. There were a few minor glitches, but the convention is obviously taking leaps forward. 01:00:00 Episode 50: AnCon 2010 http://www.abgames.com/blobcast/blobcast050.php

Cast: Rich, Earl, Missy, Mark, Trish, Chris, Becky, Blair and Super Dave

Chris' floor issues will not be discussed!

Friday recap

Pathfinder picket line

Saturday recap

Mike Whiteman is off the market

And yes he snubbed us

iPad discount from Caged Gorilla

Dealer Hall

The Auction sucked, because there wasn't one

Convention results, 325+

The auction was great... last year

RPGA presence

We are not discussing Chris' problems with gravity

Frank Belter: The Boba Fett of AnCon

Settlers of Catan qualifier

There has been a failure on the interwebs

Kids Track

Opportunities are good things, not difficulties!

At least Chris printed it

Aunt Elva is amazing

We weren't going to discuss it Earl!

Rich ran a kid track

Opportunities are good things, not difficulties!

At least Chris printed it

Aunt Elva is amazing

We weren't going to discuss it Earl!

Rich ran a kid track

Scheduled May 20-22, 2011 - Same Bat time - Same Bat channel

Congrats Super

Quicklinker:

Silent Death Star Wars

runtime: ~ minutes ]]> podcasts,rpg,DnD,AnCon,gaming Mon, 26 Jul 2010 12:00:00 -0600 http://www.abgames.com/blobcast/blobcast050.php dnd,ancon,conventions,gaming,cosplay,rpg Yes We recap our AnCon experience and interview the convention chair Super Dave Radzik. Yes we're slow, but we're persistent We recap AnCon 2010 held in Hudson, Ohio (near Cleveland) at the end of May. We recap our experience at the convention. There's also and interview with the convention chair Super Dave Radzik. 00:53 Episode 49: Sid Meier Interview http://www.abgames.com/blobcast/blobcast049.php

Cast: Rich, Nick, Dan, Jay, Mark, Trish, Becky and Earl

Sid's geek cred

What do you play regularly

Favorite board game

Favorite game

How do you curtail the perfectionist attitude?

Advice for a new game designer

What's you passion

What game would you love to redesign

What's it like being a game designer

What lead you into game design

How often do your ideas fail and when do you stop

Upcoming projects

Mark needs to be prodded into asking questions

Why do people expect to win against a computer, but not another person

How do you model AI

New exciting technology for gaming

What's your favorite ice cream

Where did you come up with the name Firaxis

Can you give us some props for the years we've lost to your game

Sid's open letter to the world!

What Sid does inappropriately

Quicklinker:

Civilization

Firaxis

runtime: ~35 minutes ]]> podcasts, gaming Mon, 12 Jul 2010 12:00:00 -0600 http://www.abgames.com/blobcast/blobcast049.php sid meier,civilization,conventions,gaming,cosplay,rpg Yes Yes, that Sid Meier. We interview game designer Sid Meier at UCon. Yes, that Sid Meier, the creator of Civilization and Pirates. He shares his background, some advice for new game designers, what it’s like being a game designer. Oh yeah, and his favorite ice cream. 00:35:00 Episode 48: U-Con 2009! http://www.abgames.com/blobcast/blobcast048.php

Cast: Rich, Jay, Mark, Earl, Becky, Trish, Dan and Nick

Becky checks everyone out

Happy Jack's is not the perkiest podcast!

Favorite moments

Becky is a grrl!

Dan playTASTES!

They're not that gullible, he's just that persuasive.

The return of Nick!

Nick retoractively vetoes Alex.

Lessons learned from U-Con

Penny for My Thoughts

Samurai Jack vs Thundarr the Barbarian not as popular as you would think.

Quicklinker:

U-Con

Evil Hat Productions

runtime: ~18 minutes ]]> podcasts, gaming Mon, 10 May 2010 12:00:00 -0600 http://www.abgames.com/blobcast/blobcast048.php dnd,savage worlds,conventions,gaming,penny for my thoughts,rpg Yes We share our experiences from U-Con 2009 while waiting for Sid Meier. A short preamble we recorded while waiting to interview Sid Meier. We compare our experiences at the Con. 00:18:00 Episode 47: BashCon Review plus taking your kids to a Convention http://www.abgames.com/blobcast/blobcast047.php

Cast: Rich, Chris, Becky and Earl

BashCon!

Toledo's nicest hotel hosts TOCNA

Gaming was good

A chicken named Mechwarrior?!

Dominion teaches a life lesson

Bringing kids to the Con

You actually are responsible for your own children

Realize every kid is different

Bashing the Con

ATM's don't have 1's

We don't need no stinkin' badges

Vampires in Space?

Deadlines = Guidelines

Cow Palace

Vampires burst into SPARKLE!

Vampires & Sluts

Google it FANGboy

We heart Ed Healy

Quicklinker:

runtime: ~56 minutes ]]> podcasts,gaming Mon, 26 Apr 2010 12:00:00 -0600 http://www.abgames.com/blobcast/blobcast047.php dnd, savage worlds,conventions,gaming,cosplay,rpg Yes We review BashCon and discuss taking your kids to gaming conventions. A review of BashCon along with our advice on taking your kids to game conventions. What you should be aware of, and reinforcement that game cons aren't for all kids or parents. 00:56:00 Episode 46: "Ed Healy believes Rone Barton is real!" http://www.abgames.com/blobcast/blobcast046.php

03/06/2010

Episode 46: Ed Healy believes Rone Barton is real!

Cast: Rich, Chris and Earl

Rich's bloody valentine: Ed Healy

Atomic Array

RPG Countdown - 15 minutes in and out

That Haiti Thing

Our exhausting production schedule

Does Rone exist?

Magical Intertubes

Ed's geek cred

JLP, its like Jay's here!

Podcasts for the troops

Rone the knob man

Rich is no Rone

Has the advice podcast run its course?

Cool little nuggets

Caged Gorilla stats: 3

Size doesn't matter

It's like Becky's here

Chocolate Peanut Butter from Stewarts

Ed's 2010 tour schedule

Ed loves the ponies

New AB event for Origins: Hello Kitty LARP

"Hey, Kool-Aid!" Ed explains marketing

It just takes one dude to start a cult

The religion of gaming

I say Jager, you say...

How much is an assload, really?

Ed is not a wizard

What will people pay for a PDF?

Ed hates bacon unless its chocolate covered

The Big Question

Ed's open letter to Rich's mom

Ed's secret identity

Ed and Mr T

Quicklinker:

Treat Your Mother Right!

runtime: ~56 minutes ]]> podcasts, gaming Mon, 8 Mar 2010 12:00:00 -0600 http://www.abgames.com/blobcast/blobcast046.php Amorphous Blob Games conventions,gaming,cosplay,rpg Yes 00:56:00 Episode 45: What are Players good for? http://www.abgames.com/blobcast/blobcast045.php

02/22/2010

Episode 45: What are Players good for?

We turn some of our more frustrating experiences in 2009 into advice for how player's can improve their game.

Cast: Earl, Becky, Chris, Trish,

Come prepared

Two types of gamers

The player's purpose

The BEST games

You have to accept the mediocre

Players don't want to be creative?

Engagement is all that's required

How to be a Playa

Be responsible with mobile devices

Pay Attention!

Lawyer's are for the courtroom not the game table

GMs should know the rules

Be courteous, COOPERATE, be respectful

How to steer the story off the rails

The GMs responsibility

Describe what you're doing!

Look for ways to expand the story

Where's Jay?

Quicklinker:

Memento

Fallen

Staydry

Castle Falkenstein - Talsorian.com

Caged Gorilla

runtime: ~57 minutes ]]> podcasts, gaming Mon, 15 Feb 2010 12:00:00 -0600 http://www.abgames.com/blobcast/blobcast045.php Amorphous Blob Games conventions,gaming,cosplay,rpg Yes Advice for players to improve their game. We turn some of our more frustrating experiences in 2009 into advice for how player's can improve their game. 00:57:00 Episode 44: What has gaming done for you? http://www.abgames.com/blobcast/blobcast044.php

2/1/2010

Episode 44: What has gaming done for you?

Too many people discuss the social stigma attached to gaming. Here we discuss why gaming is a good thing and the benefits we have reaped from it.

Cast: Becky, Chris, Earl and Andy

Andy admits to cheating on DnD4e!

Too much balance leads to a bland diet.

The appeal of Hackmaster

Our first games

Earl's gaming evolution

Unforgiving old school

Chris tells about his first time

Becky's quest to game

The positive nature of gaming

Creativity

Interpersonal and Management Skills

Time Management

Storytelling

Tolerance

Direction

Communication and Public Speaking

Leadership

Humor

Confidence

How to Learn

Teaching

Number Love

Quicklinker:

Caged Gorilla

Rules of Play

Kenzer Hackmaster

OSRIC Project

runtime: ~50 minutes ]]> podcasts, gaming Mon, 1 Feb 2010 12:00:00 -0600 http://www.abgames.com/blobcast/blobcast044.php Amorphous Blob Games conventions,gaming,cosplay,rpg Yes The benefits of gaming Too many people discuss the social stigma attached to gaming. Here we discuss why gaming is a good thing and the benefits we have reaped from it. 00:50:00 Episode 43: "Interview with UCon Chair Laura Hammel" http://www.abgames.com/blobcast/blobcast043.php After our unexpectdly long Holiday hiatus, we're back with the first of our UCon interviews. We've got an interview with Laura Hammel, the Chair of UCon. She shares the status of UCon, as well as some thanks for the staff, and inside info on the Guest of Honor Sid Meier.

Cast: Rich, Nick, Dan, Trish, Mark, Becky, and Earl

Becky presents the word of the day

Introducing Laura Hammel

UCon Attendence

Television Commercial

UCon Website

Con dates for next year

UCon added a videogame track this year

Guest of Honor - Sid Meier

Con staff

History of Ucon

Open Letter: Gamer Charity

Laura's favorite ice cream

Tips for starting a con

What Laura does inappropriately

Quicklinker:

Sorry, we could not find links for "Education Games for Mobile Youth" or "Mid Fan Zeen".

runtime: ~14 minutes

]]> podcasts, gaming Mon, 18 Jan 2010 12:00:00 -0600 http://www.abgames.com/blobcast/blobcast043.php Amorphous Blob Games conventions,gaming,cosplay,rpg Yes The first of our UCon interviews. After our unexpectdly long Holiday hiatus, we're back with the first of our UCon interviews. We've got an interview with Laura Hammel, the Chair of UCon. She shares the status of UCon, as well as some thanks for the staff, and inside info on the Guest of Honor Sid Meier. 00:14:00 Episode 42: "Thar be Pirates, Yar!" http://www.abgames.com/blobcast/blobcast042.php Yeah its not late breaking news. in fact its somewhat old. We share our opinions on Wizards pulling their pdf's and running from all the evil people of the world. And we share our view of elctronic media and what we want to buy!

Cast: Rich, Chris, Becky, Andy, and Earl

Old news, Wizards pulls all PDF's

Standard PDFs do not replace printed media, do the math!

Andy shares a glimmer of his nerddom

Now if PDFs were laid out correctly they might be worth something

Risk Management versus Marketing

The results of being managed by Fear

What would you like when you purchased electronic media

Pop Tarts ARE delightful!

Planning for the next level

Say what you like but Porn drives innovation!

We share our lack of marketing genius

Andy is banned from the interwebs

I am Rich's angry prostrate!

I am Chris' inflamed Twitblog

There was a topic?

You too can be John Travolta's internet friend

We gain a new listener!

Yes, we recorded this months ago

RPG Countdown, the second greatest podcast ever!

Quicklinker:

Caged Gorilla

Dungeon a Day

runtime: ~50 minutes

]]> podcasts, gaming Mon, 16 Nov 2009 12:00:00 -0600 http://www.abgames.com/blobcast/blobcast042.php Amorphous Blob Games conventions,gaming,cosplay,rpg Yes We discuss electronic media and the short sighted, lazy approach being taken to it. Yeah its not late breaking news. in fact its somewhat old. We share our opinions on Wizards pulling their pdf's and running from all the evil people of the world. And we share our view of elctronic media and what we want to buy! 00:50:00 Episode 41: "Self Gratifying Storytime" http://www.abgames.com/blobcast/blobcast041.php

We lost this episode earlier in the year. Rich found it while he was cleaning up his hard drive. He's since revised his filing techniques. It's a bit of a self love fest, but they're pretty entertaining stories, so enjoy.

Cast: Rich, Chris, Becky, Jay, and Earl

What the ENnies are

Becky explains why she is the Spitty Queen

Dance of Halus, Year One

Rich's favorite Origins story

Jay's Story

Earl's first AB Games experience

Chris's Favorite Story

Why we continue to run the Dance

The only negative feedback we've received for Halus

Farscape: Muppets in space

Andy's first time

Andy loves us to much

Eval Sheets, the why and whatfor

What events we were looking forward to this year

Quicklinker:

Ennies

runtime: ~53 minutes

]]> podcasts, gaming Mon, 12 Oct 2009 12:00:00 -0600 http://www.abgames.com/blobcast/blobcast041.php Amorphous Blob Games conventions,gaming,cosplay,rpg Yes We share some of our favorite stories about the group and our convention experiences. We lost this episode earlier in the year. Rich found it while he was cleaning up his hard drive. He's since revised his filing techniques. It's a bit of a self love fest, but they're pretty entertaining stories, so enjoy. 00:53:00 Episode 40: "GenCon 2009" http://www.abgames.com/blobcast/blobcast040.php We round out our summer's convention coverage with GenCon 2009. We get interviews with Mark Kinney and Ben Balestra who took home the ENnie for best podcast this year. Plus we spread some disinformation, and share some of the stuff we did and discovered. Just one more con for us this year, UCon 2009.

Cast: Rich, Alex, Trish, and Earl with Mike Whiteman!

Alex is hiring man servants

Mark Kinney and his Geek Cred

All Games Considered wins the ENnie

The cutting edge questions

The competition

The disinformation begins!

Marks GenCon experience

The Dealer Hall

Steve Jackson Games publishes more than munchkin?!

Mark's open letter

Was there an Auction?

Old school interest spawned by 4e?

Mark's favorite ice cream

What Mark does inappropriately

Ben Balestra and his geek cred

Ben's GenCon experience

Amplifying the disinformation

Ben's open letter

Ben's favorite ice cream

Gorilla gaming at GenCon

What Ben does inappropriately

Alex's take on the dealer hall

Trish runs down her playlist

The Auction rundown

Crazy Egor leaves GenCon!

The Weber Grill never cancels!

Mike's GenCon experience

Rio Grande Games gets it right!

The Mikado, yum!

Podcast meet and great

Caged Gorilla's first customer plug

Costume Contest

Luke Crane and Mouseguard

Dice Dealers

Echo Chernik, hot!

Courtyard by Marriot

Parking

Quicklinker:

GenCon

All Games Considered

Brilliant Gameologists

runtime: ~67 minutes

]]> podcasts, gaming Mon, 28 Sep 2009 12:00:00 -0600 http://www.abgames.com/blobcast/blobcast040.php Amorphous Blob Games conventions,gaming,cosplay,rpg Yes Our live recording from GenCon2009, with special guests Mark Kinney and Ben Balestra of All Games Considered. We round out our summer's convention coverage with GenCon 2009. We get interviews with Mark Kinney and Ben Balestra who took home the ENnie for best podcast this year. Plus we spread some disinformation, and share some of the stuff we did and discovered. Just one more con for us this year, UCon 2009. 01:07:00 Episode 39: "AnCon 2009" http://www.abgames.com/blobcast/blobcast039.php Similar to BashCon, we've held this interview until the waning of the Con season. This is so we can look back at the season we had and reminewill let everyone look back and reminisce. The sound quality is a little rough on this one, not sure why. And the topic's a little scattered, but it's some good fun. If it's your first time listening to the Blobcast, you might want to check out another first. Otherwise, turn down your bass a little and enjoy the ride!
Oh yeah, did I mention there was an autction at AnCon this year?!

Cast: Rich, Chris, Becky, Trish, Earl and Super Dave!

Super Dave's Geek Cred

How was the Auction?

How Super got into the covnention gig

What is AnCon?

They had chainmail dice condoms in the dealers hall

What was better this year

How'd the auction go?

That sound is Chris summoning Cthulhu

Super's take on conventions

The Safe House

The auction did pretty well...

It doesn't compare to Caged Gorilla though

Social events at AnCon

What exactly happened at the auction?

Con on the Cob

AnCon Ale House

Should other conventions have auctions?

Becky proves she's a grRrl!

Crazy Egor,

Underhill Games,

and Mayfair Games, just to name a few sponsors

A plea for a Sheer Panic rules rewrite

The auction took place yesterday

Dave's got a daughter!

Gamer Kidz and Con children

Did the kidz enjoy the auction?

Dave's favorite way to organize events

Are auctions good events at a convention?

What events are good draws?

Did you enjoy the auction?

How Super recruits volunteers

Dave's open letter

Dave's favorite ice cream, and they seel it at auction!

Quicklinker:

runtime: ~65 minutes

]]> podcasts, gaming Mon, 14 Sep 2009 12:00:00 -0600 http://www.abgames.com/blobcast/blobcast039.php Amorphous Blob Games conventions,gaming,cosplay,rpg Yes Our experiences at AnCon 2009 and an interview with it's coordinator, Super Dave! Similar to BashCon, we've held this interview until the waning of the Con season. This is so we can look back at the season we had and reminewill let everyone look back and reminisce. The sound quality is a little rough on this one, not sure why. And the topic's a little scattered, but it's some good fun. If it's your first time listening to the Blobcast, you might want to check out another first. Otherwise, turn down your bass a little and enjoy the ride! Oh yeah, did I mention there was an autction at AnCon this year?! 01:05:00 Episode 38: "Blood Orgy of the Atomic Fern" http://www.abgames.com/blobcast/blobcast038.php Rich, Chris and Earl design their Bureau 13 adventure for Origins 2009.

Cast: Rich, Chris, and Earl

Podcast Schedule

Refocusing on RPG's

New Bureau 13 event for Origins

What rules will we use?

What is Bureau 13?

How will we schedule the table space?

A brief intermission while Chris has plastic surgery

The written event description

Where will the adventure take place?

The Band Manager for the Kiss Cover Band

The Plot Outline

I am Chris's Cockney Inspiration

On to Act 1

Breakdown of the encounters

Character Overviews

And now Act 2

Expanding the background story

A discussion on player freedom

Vegepygmies!

Soylent Red

Do not try this at home, we are amateurs!

And finally the twist, Act 3

Complicating the final encounter

New for next year, Jello Wrestling: The LARP

Issues with rotating tables

Quicklinker:

Origins

Tri Tac Games

London, Ohio

runtime: ~49 minutes

]]> podcasts, gaming Mon, 31 Aug 2009 12:00:00 -0600 http://www.abgames.com/blobcast/blobcast038.php Amorphous Blob Games conventions,gaming,cosplay,rpg Yes Rich, Chris and Earl design their Bureau 13 adventure for Origins 2009. Rich, Chris and Earl design their Bureau 13 adventure for Origins 2009. 00:49:00 Episode 37: "Earl's Adventures at BashCon" http://www.abgames.com/blobcast/blobcast037.php Yes, we know BashCon is s February. But by the time we got the episode edited it seemed like a better idea to wait until Con season was in full swing to remind people about this great convention. Earl made a trip to the University of Toledo campus to visit this game fest. And he shares his experience at the Con.

Cast: Rich, Chris, Becky, and Earl

Registration

Bad Andy's Trivia

Shear Panic

Trailer Park Wars

Aerodrome!

Was there an Auction?

Paranoia XP

The end of the world is nigh!

Grrl Power!

A commentary on Skill Challenges

Hey Ben, Where's our interview?

Earl has a Revelation

General Event Overview

Seperation of Video and Traditional Gaming

The proud parent of a future gamer

Peeves and Suggestions

Quicklinker:

Desktop Tower Defense

BashCon

Fallout 3

runtime: ~47 minutes

]]> podcasts, gaming Wed, 29 Jul 2009 12:00:00 -0600 http://www.abgames.com/blobcast/blobcast037.php Amorphous Blob Games conventions,gaming,cosplay,rpg Yes Earl shares his experience at BashCon '09 Yes, we know BashCon is s February. But by the time we got the episode edited it seemed like a better idea to wait until Con season was in full swing to remind people about this great convention. Earl made a trip to the University of Toledo campus to visit this game fest. And he shares his experience at the Con. 00:47:00 Episode 36: "Savage Blobcast!" http://www.abgames.com/blobcast/blobcast036.php We discuss the Savage Worlds system to provide a brief overview for those unfamiliar with the game, and a refresher for GM's that don't run it consistently. And check out the listener discount at Caged Gorilla!

Cast: Rich, Chris, Becky, Alex, and Earl

A brief history lesson

Their marketing schema

You all know, but it's worth repeating: Jay is a slacker

Brief overview of the settings

The Meat and Potatoes

What was the point again?

Boom! The Dice EXPLODE!

Ah, my eye!

System Drawbacks

Quicklinker:

Pinnacle

Savage Heroes

Explorers Society

Listener Discount at Caged Gorilla

runtime: ~52 minutes

]]> podcasts, gaming Mon, 13 Jul 2009 12:00:00 -0600 http://www.abgames.com/blobcast/blobcast036.php Amorphous Blob Games conventions,gaming,cosplay,rpg Yes An overview of Savage Worlds We discuss the Savage Worlds system to provide a brief overview for those unfamiliar with the game, and a refresher for GM's that don't run it consistently. And check out the listener discount at Caged Gorilla! 00:52:00 Episode 35: "Origins 2009 Live... ish!" http://www.abgames.com/blobcast/blobcast035.php

We talk about our Origins 2009 experience and talk to some attendees about their experience during the industry Con.

Cast: Rich, Chris, Becky, Andy, Trish, and Earl

The Good

The Dealer's Hall

Battletech Pods

UPS Representin'

North Market is always tasty

Rolemaster Ressurected!

Iron GM, the winner Chris Robinson!

Cartoon Power Hour still rocks

Bureau 13, Savagely Stalking the Night Fantastic

How was the auction?

Thanks to our new members, Brenda, Dan and Sophie.

That one person!

Flip, Flip, Flip!

Victor Ida Rocks!

Munchkin always has a draw.

It appeared attendence was down.

Boobs for Bennies!

Mark Kloha with the "Rules".

Some people believe the Jaberwocky is a Dragon

The new time killing encounter... The Couch!

The Prima Donna summarize's The Bad

Origins onsite books on eBay?

Love to Hero Games, Savage Worlds and Steve Jackson Games

Shane in a Hat

Dan Tillberg gets hazed

Guest Chad speaks!

Guest Rob gives his take on Origins

Dan Tillberg, yet again

Gueat Mike speaks of his experience

Origins Awards winners

We hear from Bill of the Crimson Hand

Chili Dog Song!

Quicklinker:

runtime: ~63 minutes

]]> podcasts, gaming Mon, 6 Jul 2009 12:00:00 -0600 http://www.abgames.com/blobcast/blobcast035.php Amorphous Blob Games conventions,gaming,cosplay,rpg Yes We recorded live from Origins 2009. We talk about our Origins 2009 experience and talk to some attendees about their great times. 01:03:00 Episode 34: "Running Events with Multiple GMs" http://www.abgames.com/blobcast/blobcast034.php

We've taken a break because we're cramming for Origins. So while it's fresh on our minds we discuss the why to's, why not's, how to's and what for's of running events with more than one GM. A shorter episode but still chock full of flavor!

Cast: Rich, Chris, Becky, and Earl Table GO! Why do it? Jay's dice bag makes an appearance. Why not to do it? Hints and tips Considerations for more than 2 GMs? Rules complexity Taking it Home

Quicklinker:

Google

Caged Gorilla

Studio 2 Publishing

runtime: ~24 minutes

]]> podcasts, gaming Mon, 8 Jun 2009 12:00:00 -0600 http://www.abgames.com/blobcast/blobcast034.php Amorphous Blob Games conventions,gaming,cosplay,rpg Yes We share our vast experience running games with more than one GM. This week we discuss the why to's, why not's, how to's and what for's of running events with more than one GM. 00:24:00 Episode 33: "DnD4e Skill Challenge Post Discussion" http://www.abgames.com/blobcast/blobcast033.php Cast: Rich, Alex, Andy, and Earl

Where Andy draws his influence from for Skill Challenges

A theory on the origins of Skill Challenges

How Skill Challenges can help you pace your story

The obligatory Sports Analogy

What is necessary for a dramatic combat

Environmental conflicts in Iron Heroes

Players buying into Environmental Conflicts

Why do we pay $50 for 2 pages of innovation?

The benefits of quirks and phobias

Excellent components of Reign

Why Skill Challenges are a great addition

Now we just need good subdual rules

runtime: ~27 minutes

]]> podcasts, gaming Tue, 21 Apr 2009 12:00:00 -0600 http://www.abgames.com/blobcast/blobcast033.php Amorphous Blob Games conventions,gaming,cosplay,rpg Yes Discussion on Skill Challenges and where they're headed. The post discussion following our last episode where we discuss where skill challenges come from and where we want them to go. 00:27:00 Episode 32: "DnD4e Skill Challenge Demo" http://www.abgames.com/blobcast/blobcast032.php

Cast: Rich, Alex, Andy, and Earl

The characters

The Challenge

The Game is Afoot

Alex fails to gain insight and it results in a consequence.

A brief overview of the skill challenge process

Rich and Alex commune with nature

Eaglewing is accosted

Rich and Alex track Ninarin

The City Guard

The conspirators revealed!

A brief description of Andy's campaign

runtime: ~62 minutes

]]> podcasts, gaming Thu, 19 Mar 2009 12:00:00 -0600 http://www.abgames.com/blobcast/blobcast032.php Amorphous Blob Games conventions,gaming,cosplay,rpg Yes Andy runs a skill challenge for the cast Our resident DnD expert runs Earl, Rich and Alex through a Skill Challenge so we can get the full experience first hand 01:02:00 Episode 31: "The Return of Andy!" http://www.abgames.com/blobcast/blobcast031.php

Cast: Becky, Jay, Earl, and Andy,

Toledo is really a nice city!

The state of the economy invades our podcast

We play cath-up

What we've been playing

Earl Plays DnD4e?!

We're not protesting 4e, we're just poor!

Becky's view of 4e

Some info on the GSL and 3rd party publishing

Andy's shocking take on 4e

Andy's Blog

Instant Vanilla Ice Cream in a Box

A Call to Arms

Andy's New Love

runtime: ~33 minutes

]]> podcasts, gaming Mon, 16 Mar 2009 12:00:00 -0600 http://www.abgames.com/blobcast/blobcast031.php Amorphous Blob Games conventions,gaming,cosplay,rpg Yes We do a little cathup after our hoiliday abscense. We catch up with each other after our holiday abscense and share our experiences of DnD4e 00:33:00 Episode 30: "General Boardgame Mechanics" http://www.abgames.com/blobcast/blobcast030.php Cast: Rich, Becky, Jay, and Trish,

Favorite way to move

WTF Happened to Car Wars?!

I am Jay's naughty card deck

Favorite Type of Game Board

Editor's Note: Formula De boards are NOT customizable

A Plea to Mayfier Games regarding Shear Panic

The Reason you Need Technical Writers and Editors

Give me a Z!

I am Becky's PITA!

Would you pay more or less depending on Quality?

What's your favorite ending?

Quicklinker:

Boardgame Geek

Blob Blog

runtime: ~51 minutes

]]> podcasts, gaming Sun, 8 Feb 2009 12:00:00 -0600 http://www.abgames.com/blobcast/blobcast030.php Amorphous Blob Games conventions,gaming,cosplay,rpg Yes We review general game mechanics of boardgames. We discuss general mecahnics of boardgames and provide our likes and dislikes. 00:51:00 Episode 29: "Muwahahahahahahaha... ahem!" http://www.abgames.com/blobcast/blobcast029.php

Cast: Rich, Chris, Becky, Trish, and Earl

Can the players really be afraid of the villians?

What makes a good villian?

How do you introduce your villian?

How do you keep your villian alive without cheese?

Are villians allowed to break the rules?

Some overviews of how we create villians

Where we get our villians

Quicklinker:

Peter's Evil Overlord List

Dr. Horrible's Sing Along Blog

runtime: ~32 minutes

]]> podcasts, gaming Sun, 25 Jan 2009 12:00:00 -0600 http://www.abgames.com/blobcast/blobcast029.php Amorphous Blob Games conventions,gaming,cosplay,rpg Yes We cover the basics for RPG Villians. We provide the basic do's and don'ts of RPG Villiany. 00:32:00 Episode 28: "Games at Work?!" http://www.abgames.com/blobcast/blobcast028.php Cast: Rich, Becky, Jay, Earl, and introducing Mark

How Mark is enabling his coworkers

Mark's thoughts behind his game selections

Mark's distribution model

How Becky gamed at lunch

Word of Mouth Really Works!

How to spin the idea to your boss

Let's Get it Started!

A word of caution about using company resources

Considering what games are appropriate

The Division of Gamers and Everyone else

Competition gaming at work

Becky shares a story

Quicklinker:

]]> podcasts, gaming Mon, 19 Jan 2009 12:00:00 -0600 http://www.abgames.com/blobcast/blobcast028.php Amorphous Blob Games conventions,gaming,cosplay,rpg Yes We discuss gaming at work, and how to introduce your coworkers to hobby games How have we enjoyed the gaming hobby at work? Well we share that information in this episode along with the pitfalls and humor associated with it. 00:36:00 Episode 27: "UCon Interview with Andy Looney" http://www.abgames.com/blobcast/blobcast027.php Cast: Rich, Becky, Jay, Alex, Trish, Mike, and Earl

Andy Looney, creator of Looney Labs, spent an hour with us an UCon. He gave us some background on his most popular games, and a teaser on an upcoming one. We found out where he gets his ideas. He shares his thoughts on the industry as well as videogames. And we even learn his favorite flavor of ice cream!

Quicklinker:

Looney Labs

Wunderland

runtime: ~33 minutes

]]> podcasts, gaming Wed, 14 Jan 2009 12:00:00 -0600 http://www.abgames.com/blobcast/blobcast027.php Amorphous Blob Games conventions,gaming,cosplay,rpg Yes An interview with Andy Looney at UCon 2008 Andy Looney, creator of Looney Labs, spent an hour with us an UCon. He gave us some background on his most popular games,and a teaser on an upcoming one. We found out where he gets his ideas. He shares his thoughts on the industry as well as videogames. And we even learn his favorite flavor of ice cream! 00:33:00 Episode 26: "UCon Interview with Joe Saul" http://www.abgames.com/blobcast/blobcast026.php Cast: Rich, Becky, Jay, Trish, and Earl

At UCon Joe Saul, the Chair of the convention, was nice enough to set down and talk with us. He shares his geek cred and some notes on his game style. Joe also provides some behind the scenes insight into conventions and gives us his views on the current state of hobby gaming. The next UCon is scheduled for Nov 13-15, 2009 in Ann Arbor Michigan.

Quicklinker:

Bang Bullet

AmberCon

UCon

runtime: ~40 minutes

]]> podcasts, gaming Sun, 21 Dec 2008 12:00:00 -0600 http://www.abgames.com/blobcast/blobcast026.php Amorphous Blob Games conventions,gaming,cosplay,rpg Yes Interview with the Chair of UCon, Joe Saul At UCon Joe Saul, the Chair of the convention, was nice enough to set down and talk with us. He shares his geek cred and some notes on his game style. Joe also provides some behind the scenes insight into conventions and gives us opinions on the current state of hobby gaming. The next UCon is scheduled for Nov 13-15, 2009 in Ann Arbor Michigan. 00:40:00 Episode 25: "Women and Children First!" http://www.abgames.com/blobcast/blobcast025.php For details contact Rich@abgames

New Convention Event: Playing with Toddlers!

When we started gaming with our kids

Games geared towards toddlers

Kid Game Ratings

Gaming with a "Normal" family

Gaming for Preteens

Young'uns and RPG's

Tips for gaming when you have rugrats

Grrls and Gaming

Is gaming with Grrls different?

Proposition: the Game! Now with "Weddings +2"

Handling social interactions at a mixed table

]]> podcasts, gaming Sun, 14 Dec 2008 12:00:00 -0600 http://www.abgames.com/blobcast/blobcast025.php Amorphous Blob Games conventions,gaming,cosplay,rpg Yes Gaming with women and children A discussion on how to game when you have kids as well as gaming with them. We also tackle the question: "Is gaming with grrls different?" and share perhaps too much personal history. 01:10:00 Episode 24: "Building and Pacing Your Story" http://www.abgames.com/blobcast/blobcast024.php Cast: Rich, Chris, Jay, Andy, and Earl

Character Backgrounds and Group Templates

Our take on Legendary vs Mundane adventures

Resource Management and its impact on the game

AD&D Player's Handbook page 79

How goal setting (or lack thereof) affects Pacing

Don't all Dwarves spontaneously explode?

How we like to start things off

Disclaimer: We are not LoTR fanatics

Options for providing variety to Character Backgrounds

Pacing yourself to prevent early climax

Jay perhaps shares too much?

It felt more like 300 pages...

Take a breather every now and then

As Andy sums it up, It's all about Drama!

Quicklinker:

runtime: ~57 minutes

]]> podcasts, gaming Mon, 24 Nov 2008 12:00:00 -0600 http://www.abgames.com/blobcast/blobcast024.php Amorphous Blob Games conventions,gaming,cosplay,rpg Yes 00:57:00 Episode 23: "1st Time GenCon Attendee" http://www.abgames.com/blobcast/blobcast023.php

Mark's Geek Cred

GenCon's Dealer Hall

THE Gamer Table

Costume Contest

Commemoritive d20 for Gary Gygax

Breaking News: Alex was Fired!!!

Sheer size of GenCon bad for gaming logistics

Lucas Oil Stadium and Cosplay

Would you go again?

Open letter to GenCon

Hints for 1st Timers

Event Scheduling Mishaps?

Quicklinker:

GenCon

Mark's GenCon Pics

Indy Convention Center

Lucas Oil Stadium

Lego AtAt

The Ultimate Gaming Table

Weber Grill

runtime: ~27 minutes

]]> podcasts, gaming Tue, 4 Nov 2008 12:00:00 -0600 http://www.abgames.com/blobcast/blobcast023.php Amorphous Blob Games conventions,gaming,cosplay,rpg Yes We interview a 1st time GenCon attendee. We grab a first time attendee of GenCon and ask him what he thought of the convention... and what he ate while he was there. 00:27:00 Episode 22: "So Fresh And So Clean" http://www.abgames.com/blobcast/blobcast022.php

Cast: Rich, Chris, Jay, Andy, Trish, and Earl

Trish makes a stand!

How to play Pompeii

What we've been playing...

A brief discussion on 4e party structures

Organizing a regular game day

Twists to spice up the humdrum

Contest: Find Amorphous Blob references and send them to Jay

Quicklinker:

Run for your Life Candyman

runtime: ~52 minutes

]]> podcasts, gaming Wed, 29 Oct 2008 12:00:00 -0600 http://www.abgames.com/blobcast/blobcast022.php Amorphous Blob Games conventions,gaming,cosplay,rpg Yes We discuss what we've been up to, and how we keep it fresh. What we've been playing. How to organize a regular game day. And how to mix it up when things get repetitive. 00:52:00 Episode 21: "Grab Bag" http://www.abgames.com/blobcast/blobcast021.php

Cast: Rich, Chris, Jay, Andy, Becky, Alex, and Trish

AB Games is trying to work with Hero Systems

Chris, Jay and Trish share their Origins' experience

SJ Games MiB problems at Origins

Origins' Dealer Hall

Reign

Gaming Snacks

Jager-Bomb Recipe, yummy!

The viral Chili Dog Song

The Sammich Story

GenCon activities

Suck the Long One!

What everyone's running at GenCon

Why Trish is the Outlaw GM

Is that Chris Robinson singing the ABC's?

Quicklinker:

Ennies

Brewmaster Yeastbank

DLNEXUS fan recipes

Belly.Button.tripod.com

GenCon Indy

YouTube the Count Song

runtime: ~45 minutes

]]> podcasts, gaming Mon, 6 Oct 2008 12:00:00 -0600 http://www.abgames.com/blobcast/blobcast021.php Amorphous Blob Games conventions,gaming,cosplay,rpg Yes A variety of topics regarding Origins and GenCon. We touch on a variety of topics regarding Origins and GenCon, as well as food. 00:45:00 Episode 20: "Making Sausage" http://www.abgames.com/blobcast/blobcast020.php

Cast: Rich, Jay, Andy, Becky, and Earl

What happens when you don't research your idea

Synopsis of Dog Day Afternoon Plot

Event Description

Basics of a Convention Module

Rules Style considerations

The Basic Plot

The Intro

The Problem and it's complications

The Plot Layout

The Ending

A brief pause in the recording

The Overall Plot

Perspectives on appropriate challenges

Which came first, the character or the plot?

Introducing the Heroes

Pacing the Heroes

Determining appropriate challenges

A note about pacing combat

The First Encounter

Adjusting your story with player input

Roleplaying Encounters for Flavor and Pacing

Breaking Walls... Quietly

The Research Encounter

Further defining the Plot and Encounters

Other types of encounters

Plotting a Flowchart Structure

Alternate Endings and Extra Encounters

Quicklinker:

Origins

Dog Day Afternoon - IMDB

Dog Day Afternoon - Wiki

Writers Write

Elfwood

Epilogue

runtime: ~50 minutes

]]> podcasts, gaming Mon, 29 Sep 2008 12:00:00 -0600 http://www.abgames.com/blobcast/blobcast020.php Amorphous Blob Games conventions,gaming,cosplay,rpg Yes Writing a Convention Roleplaying Event This episode we write a roleplaying event for Origins. 00:50:00 Episode 19: "How and Why did you get into Game Mastering" http://www.abgames.com/blobcast/blobcast019.php Cast: Rich, Becky, Chris, Andy, Earl, Alex, and Trish

How we each became GM's:

Becky's a cheapskate

Trish had something to prove

Earl had to pay the monkey

Chris brought his own ball

Alex was a Star Wars junkie

Andy's band failed

Why GM, why not just play?

Can you go back?

Isn't GM'ing an RPG a too much work?

It's easy being Green

Outline of designing characters

The train goes off the tracks...

How to know if you've taken to much control

Balancing Story and Player Input

Dealing with frustrated players

What are your home games like?

GM's that rotate

Multi-GM gaming

Quality Control for a Multiple GM game

Quicklinker:

]]> podcasts, gaming Mon, 8 Sep 2008 12:00:00 -0600 http://www.abgames.com/blobcast/blobcast019.php Amorphous Blob Games conventions,gaming,cosplay,rpg Yes How and Why we got into running games for our friends at at Conventions Ever wonder why the GM of a game gets into it? What to know if others share your sick compulsion for storytelling? Well here's some answers. 00:46:00 Episode 18: "Origins Wrap Up" http://www.abgames.com/blobcast/blobcast018.php Cast: Rich, Becky, Jay, Andy, Earl, Alex, and introducing Trish

Trish shares her Geek Cred

The games we ran

We've already posted the Origins' recordings

Earl fishes for hate-mail

Everyone provides their top highlight

In case you haven't heard, Mike Merle ran in our room!

The Chili Dog song

Cons of the Con

We're not joking about the parade

Podcast roll-call

We found a narrower variety of RPG's this year

Game Finds

Family Pass a Success

An amusing closing story

Quicklinker:

Dwarven Forge

North Market

We Didn't Playtest This At All

Aces and Eights

Hundred Best Hobby Games

Origins

ACAEUM.com

]]> podcasts, gaming Mon, 25 Aug 2008 12:00:00 -0600 http://www.abgames.com/blobcast/blobcast018.php Amorphous Blob Games conventions,gaming,cosplay,rpg Yes Our overview of the 2008 Origins Game Fair We provide our impressions of this year's Origins Game Fair 00:45:00 Episode 17: "Mini's, The Good, The Bad and the Ugly" http://www.abgames.com/blobcast/blobcast017.php Cast: Rich, Chris, Becky, Jay, Alex, Trish, Andy and Earl

News with Alex and Andy!

No Poker at GenCon!

Necromancer games backs out of 4e

DnD Mini's Second Edition and compatibility

What makes a good miniature?

The miniature painting market

The Good and Bad of plastic mini's

The different sizes of Earl's bitterness

What makes a bad miniature?

Star Wars Starship Battles

Earl's take on a good mini...

WoTC Miniatures Games

WizKids Miniatures Games

Andy's high tech minature transport... and other options

Just in case you're wondering, we record on Sundays

Silent Death

Did we say Silent Death was a good Mini's game?

No, but really, Silent Death is a good mini game!

Warhammer and 40k

WRG, DBA

Starguard

Robo Rally

Axis and Allies

Flip, Flip, Flip, Flip...

Did we mention Silent Death?

Quicklinker:

runtime: ~43 minutes

]]> podcasts, gaming Mon, 11 Aug 2008 12:00:00 -0600 http://www.abgames.com/blobcast/blobcast017.php Amorphous Blob Games conventions,gaming,cosplay,rpg Yes GenCon news and discussion about miniatures. What makes a good miniature? What are the pros and cons of different types of minatures? We offer up our opinions on the subject. 00:43:00 Origins 2: "Gamer Interviews, Part 2" http://www.abgames.com/blobcast/blobcastor02.php

Cast: Rich, Becky, Jay, Andy, Alex, and Earl

Featuring Guests Chad, James, Martha

Kids at the table, from the kid's side

A gamer mother's story

How was your Origins experience?

The Magic the Gathering environment at Origins

The Steve Jackson's experience

An Open Letter from James and Martha

The experience of Chad!

Mark Speaks!

Mike Mearls ran games in our rooms?!

Terrorism Day

NSDM: National Security Decision Making Game

An Open Letter from Chad

]]> podcasts, gaming Wed, 6 Aug 2008 12:00:00 -0600 http://www.abgames.com/blobcast/blobcastor02.php Amorphous Blob Games conventions,gaming,cosplay,rpg Yes Interviews with gamers at Origins We continue our interviews from Origins with regular Gamers, and discuss how Mike Mearls ended up running games in our room! 00:47:00 Origins 1: "Gamer Interviews, Part 1" http://www.abgames.com/blobcast/blobcastor01.php Cast: Rich, Becky, Jay, Andy, Alex, and Earl

Featuring Guests Bret, Bill, John

How was your Origins experience

How far was your drive?

Do you attend GenCon?

What didn't you like about Origins?

The RPG Railroad at Conventions

Mike Whiteman gets defended?!

Kids in events

A Gamer's Open Letter to Exhibitors

A Gamer's Open Letter to Origins

Quicklinker:

Origins

Comic Store West

The Gathering

]]> podcasts, gaming Mon, 21 Jul 2008 12:00:00 -0600 http://www.abgames.com/blobcast/blobcastor01.php Amorphous Blob Games conventions,gaming,cosplay,rpg Yes Interviews with Gamers at Origins We interview some of the players we encountered at Origins and get their thoughts on Origins and convention gaming. 00:30:00 Episode 16: "Best of the Best, Powers" http://www.abgames.com/blobcast/blobcast016.php Cast: Rich, Becky, Jay, Andy Earl and Alex

Rich is usurped by Jay's pus-filled mind!

The balance of DnD3e power subsystems

Yes, we recorded this before 4e was released

A brief tour through the most popular spell systems

The open spell system of Mage

The spell skill tree approach of GURPS

How much should a power system dominate a game

Incorporating the flavor of the powers into the system

Balancing power against mundane combat

Consequences for powers

Hero System

I am Jay's peevish wand!

The one system to a desert island bit...

Quicklinker:

Mage (White Wolf)

Savage Heroes Conversions

Lucky Mojo - Magi

Wiki list of comic superpowers

Book Mooch

]]> podcasts, gaming Mon, 14 Jul 2008 12:00:00 -0600 http://www.abgames.com/blobcast/blobcast016.php Amorphous Blob Games conventions,dnd,gaming,cosplay,rpg Yes Magic, Superpowers, Psionics. Powers Subsystems. Whatever you want to call 'em, we talk about Powers subsystems in RPGs. 01:01:00 Episode 15: "Best of the Best, Different Genres and You" http://www.abgames.com/blobcast/blobcast015.php Cast: Rich, Becky, Jay, Andy Alex and Earl

Why DnD does Fantasy so well?

What does Sci-Fi well?

What does Gaslight Best?

A Brief Plug for Rich's favorite game system: Tri-Tac.

Do players tend to play popular characters in known settings?

Jay gets Prehistoric

We are now Explicit, so Becky can share her story!

I'm not putting the shameless plug in the show notes anymore!

Location Based Settings

Commanlity of RPG Settings

Settings that Last

Setting the Game Mood Based on the Genre

Systems that do Cross-Genre well

Quicklinker:

Hulu

CG's already got an add on the page, look there

White Castle

Tri-Tac, its Rich-tastic!

]]> podcasts, gaming Mon, 14 Jul 2008 12:00:00 -0600 http://www.abgames.com/blobcast/blobcast015.php Amorphous Blob Games conventions,gaming,cosplay,rpg Yes The Genres of Roleplaying We discuss the general genres of roleplaying and which systems we feel do some of them right. 00:46:00 (RAW) Review: "Dungeons and Dragons Fourth Edition" http://www.abgames.com/blobcast/blobcastr01.php !RAW! As a service to our listeners we've rushed this blobcast to production. As a result we have forgone our normal editing process and present this episode RAW and UNCUT! As such the episode may be a little more explicit than usual, and the listener should use discretion.

Cast: Rich, Becky, Chris, Andy and Earl

One of these kids is doing his own thing!

Andy's First Impression.

Earl wants to know: "Why should I buy it?"

1st Level Characters Don't Suck!

Reason to Buy 1: Advancement Structure doesn't hinder Storytelling.

Reason to Buy 2: Subsystems of the game are now Balanced

Let's play NERF!

Michigan J. Tarrasque, an Easter Egg in special Monster Manuals

Reason to Buy 3: Cool Factor, New Stuff including a Demigod PC!

Reason NOT to Buy 1: If you like Low Level 3e Adventures

Reason NOT to Buy 2: 3e is more true to the original DnD Setting

Becky doesn't like poetry, but she does like rules...

Low Level Spellcasters are now useful, but are they entertaining?

4e has a totally different infrastructure

I don't know what a turtan is, but it gets a sneak attack

Could this be the return of the Religious Right!

4e Races and Classes

I am Jay's Non-Existent Voice

How does it help me tell a story?

Pet Peeve 1: And now featuring a condensed 1 page index!

Pet Peeve 2: It is a Total Reimagining

Pet Peeve 3: Everything Before is Totally Worthless!

DM's must know know more than ever before

But at least the Learning Curve has been reset

Pet Peeve 4: The Online Services are NOT Available!

Pet Peeve 5: Books are full of Pandering and Shameless Plugs

A debate for our listeners: Does Amazon own Barnes and Noble?

Quicklinker:

WoTC

]]> podcasts, gaming Wed, 11 Jun 2008 12:00:00 -0600 http://www.abgames.com/blobcast/blobcastr01.php Amorphous Blob Games conventions,gaming,dungeons and dragons,4th edition,rpg Yes We review the newly released DnD 4th edition rules Should you buy it? What does it contain? What's it like? Why SHOULDN'T you buy it? We answer these questions and more. 01:10:00 Episode 14: "The Other Rules" http://www.abgames.com/blobcast/blobcast014.php Cast: Rich, Becky, Jay, Andy and Earl

What are the Other Rules?

DnD3e Challenge Ratings (CR)

The Assumptions and Limitations of CR.

Other systems and CR

Balancing Player Knowledge versus Character Knowledge

The Troll is on Fire!!!

Which is the reason we are now explicit!

The Lack of GM Instructional Guides

Prepare or Adjust for CR?

Becky ends the Episode Early...

Considering Quantity of Actions not Quantity of Villians

How do you Challenge non-standard character Parties?

Rules for Alternative Types of Damage

How do you make Challenge Rolls Exciting?

Using Timepieces to Speed up a Game.

Keeping Track of Environmental Modifiers

Quicklinker:

Dwarven Forge

Caged Gorilla

Our Forums

]]> podcasts, gaming Mon, 2 Jun 2008 12:00:00 -0600 http://www.abgames.com/blobcast/blobcast014.php Amorphous Blob Games conventions,gaming,cosplay,rpg Yes We talk about how we use the Other Rules. We discuss how to use the other rules for alternative damage and environmental modifiers, as well as how to scale encounters. 01:00:00 Episode 13: "Bananna Blender!" http://www.abgames.com/blobcast/blobcast013.php Cast: Rich, Becky, Andy, and Earl

Just what is ENWorld?

Have a taste of Andy's fruitless Bananna Cream Pie!

The destruction of Forgotten Realms

Compare and Contrast Setting Books from GURPS and Savage Worlds

WotC's history with Setting Books

Earl's evolving game expectations

The Economics of Game Production Models

How do PDF's affect the Game Production Model?

Why do PDF's cost so much?

The evolution of Paizo's Adventure Path to the Pathfinder's Series

Yet another shameless plug for Caged Gorilla

Can't the Publishing Model make money in Gaming?

Can't One-Shot RPG's be marketable?

The proper pronunciation of Paizo

Rich smacks down Earl's inner geek

Quicklinker:

RPG Now/RPG Drivethru

Wikipedia DND Campaign Settings

]]> podcasts, gaming Thu, 8 May 2008 12:00:00 -0600 http://www.abgames.com/blobcast/blobcast013.php Amorphous Blob Games conventions,gaming,cosplay,rpg Yes A mish mash of topics blended for pleasure. The marketing and economics of the gaming industry and what we expect. 00:58:00 Episode 12: "Best of the Best, Character Advantages and Disadvantages." http://www.abgames.com/blobcast/blobcast012.php Cast: Rich, Becky, Jay and Earl

Yet another shameless plug for Caged Gorilla

I am Earl's Deflated Convention Goody Bag

What's the scoop on Online Deep Discounters

FFG will be publishing Warhammer 40k RPG materials

Robo Rally; a reprint of a classic Avalon Hill boardgame

The Advantages of Advantages

Munchkins LOOOOOOVE Disadvantages

The Standard Munchkin Disadvantages

Ads and Disads require you to Establish your Setting

Earl Reminisces about Bushido... Again!

Quirks: the Micro Disadvantages

Using the Character Background to Justify Ads and Disads

A Brief Review of Savage Worlds: Necessary Evil

Jay's Dating Habits

Keeping Players Honest about their DisAds

Incorporating DisAds into your Story

Character Development with Ads and Disads

Why doesn't DnD have DisAds?!

Buying Off Your DisAds

Balancing DisAds for Convention PC's

Conversations You should have with the GM

Feat Trees, Talent Trees and Prestige Classes

Roleplaying Feats

Quicklinker:

Net Book of Feats

Burning Wheel

Caged Gorilla

]]> podcasts, gaming Sun, 27 Apr 2008 12:00:00 -0600 http://www.abgames.com/blobcast/blobcast012.php Amorphous Blob Games conventions,gaming,cosplay,rpg Yes Our thoughts on Feat, Advantages and Disadvantages, What we like and dislike about Advantages and Disadvantages 01:12:00 Bonus Blobcast 69! http://www.abgames.com/blobcast/bonus69.php Cast: Rich, Blair, Becky, Jay, Dave Earl and Missy

This episode was recorded during BlobCon '08. It's not a normal episode, and we didn't have mic's for everyone. So the sound isn't up to one of our regular episodes. And even though we're rated Explicit, this one's a little more Explicit than normal, so it's definately not family or work friendly. So with those words of caution out of the way, enjoy our kitchen table musings.

]]> podcasts, gaming Mon, 21 Apr 2008 12:00:00 -0600 http://www.abgames.com/blobcast/bonus69.php Amorphous Blob Games conventions,gaming,cosplay,rpg Yes Kitchen table musings from BlobCon '08 We talk about our S.O.'s, the Munchkinization of SJ Games and our frustrations with the 2 Major Cons: GenCon Indy and Origins. 01:16:00 Episode 11: "Best of the Best, Mad Skilz" http://www.abgames.com/blobcast/blobcast011.php Cast: Rich, Chris, Becky, Jay, Andy and Earl

Specific Skills, Broad Skills, Hybrid

The Pigeonhole of Stat Based Skills

Jay's Criteria of Skills

Skills with Stat Mod's

Another Shameless Plug for Caged Gorilla

Earl's Criteria of Skills

I am Jay's Overflowing Dicebag

When Dice Explode!!!

Brief Update on DnD4e Skills

How can Skill Systems improve RP

Can a System without Skills improve RP?

The Role of a GM in a Skill System

The advantages of Tech Levels with Skills

Why Skills are Good, if not Necessary

Skill Peeves

Jay expresses his true feelings for restrictions and skill trees

Another Reason for a Group Template

I am Jay's Angry Eyeball

Andy shows of his vocabulary

Rolling for Skill Improvement

I am Earl's Idle Hands

I am Becky's Fading Experience

Trope is a Buzz Word now-a-days... or maybe it's trope

Our Preferences for Skill Systems

Quicklinker:

Willy Wonka's Candy

It's Klarn!!

Chaosium

]]> podcasts, gaming Mon, 14 Apr 2008 12:00:00 -0600 http://www.abgames.com/blobcast/blobcast011.php Amorphous Blob Games conventions,gaming,cosplay,rpg Yes What we look for in a skill system. Our preferences for skills systems, what we look for and what we try to avoid. Also there's more to a system than just the rules... 00:59:00 Episode 10: "Best of the Best, Character Generation" http://www.abgames.com/blobcast/blobcast010.php Cast: Rich, Chris, Becky, Jay, Andy and Earl

Character Generation as a Subgame

The random generator (Star Trek, Traveller, 1st Edition DnD)

The point buy system (Hero System, GURPS)

The hybrid (L5r)

Races in Settings

Character Background before or after Generation?

Revisiting the Group Template

Alignment, Allegiances and running games without them

Our picks for Best Character Generation Systems

Classes, Free Buy and/or Templates

Why is Hero System's (Champions) Point Buy Subgame so Entertaining?

Quicklinker:

RPG Sheets

PS238

runtime: ~67 minutes

]]> podcasts, gaming Mon, 7 Apr 2008 12:00:00 -0600 http://www.abgames.com/blobcast/blobcast010.php Amorphous Blob Games conventions,gaming,cosplay,rpg Yes Our picks for best character generation systems. We provide our picks for the best character generation systems and discuss the character generation subgame. 01:07:00 Episode 9: Best of the Best, Stats http://www.abgames.com/blobcast/blobcast009.php Cast: Rich, Chris, Becky, Jay, Andy and Earl

Gritty v. Fantastic

If you only had one game system based on it's Stats, what would that be?

GURPS

DnD

Brief Update on DnD4e OGL

True 20

Hero System

Deadlands

d6 System

Rolemaster

Setting Based Stats

Direct Relation Stats

Savage Worlds

Summary

Pet Peeves

Random Stats

Key Stats

Complex Point Buy and Veteran Players

Obscure Books

Min/Max

Body and Stun

Setting Based Stats

Stand Alone 'Derived' Stats

Reducing Stats

Quicklinker:

World's Largest Hamburger

Rancor Pit

The Only Sheet

Twilight 2013

runtime: ~57 minutes

]]> podcasts, gaming Thu, 3 Apr 2008 12:00:00 -0600 http://www.abgames.com/blobcast/blobcast009.php Amorphous Blob Games conventions,gaming,cosplay,rpg Yes Games that do Stat the Best and the Worst. We pick our favorite ways to do stats, and mention some of the worst we've experienced as well. 00:57:00 Episode 8: "When Good Players Go Bad" http://www.abgames.com/blobcast/blobcast008.php

Cast: Rich, Chris, Becky, Jay, Andy and Earl

Defining Problem Players

Playing IC aka The tabletop LARPer

A Root Cause to Spotlighting

Metagamers

General Tools: Communication is Key, Passive Agressive, Round Robin Initiative, Sarcasm

Rude Players, Curmudgeons

Quiet Players

The SO Tag Team and The Disinterested SO

New or Young Players

Personal Vendettas or In-Fighting

Utilizing the Group Dynamic

Learning When You've had Enough

Plot Breakers

Bad GM's

Option's available for Convention games

House Rule and Homebrew Fanatics

What happens when Jay is not inebriated

Extreme Powergamers

Interventions

Know the Rules and Have Confidence

Verify that you're not the problem player

Dealing with Rules Lawyering

Quicklinker:

Mindtools

Mindtools: Conflict Resolution

Talk Like a Pirate

runtime: ~60 minutes

]]> podcasts, gaming Sun, 24 Feb 2008 12:00:00 -0600 http://www.abgames.com/blobcast/blobcast008.php Amorphous Blob Games conventions,gaming,cosplay,rpg Yes Problem Players A discussion about some of the types of problem players and how to deal with them. 01:00:00 Episode 7: "Writing Events" http://www.abgames.com/blobcast/blobcast007.php

Cast: Rich, Chris, Becky, Jay, Andy, Earl, Alex

and Mike makes an appearance.

What makes a good Character.

Character Backgrounds

Placards, Badges or Tiaras?

Rules Adherence

Character Archetypes

Mini's vs Imagination

Wet Erase vs Preprinted Maps

On Encounters

How many encounters per 4 hour adventure?

Linear or Sandbox Encounters

Passing Information on to Players

Preparation

"Go Left Young Man"

Quicklinker:

runtime: ~53 minutes

]]> podcasts, gaming Sun, 17 Feb 2008 12:00:00 -0600 http://www.abgames.com/blobcast/blobcast007.php Amorphous Blob Games conventions,gaming,cosplay,rpg Yes Writing Events for Conventions This week we discuss how we write events for conventions. 00:53:00 Episode 6: "You've scheduled your games, Now what?" http://www.abgames.com/blobcast/blobcast006.php

Cast: Rich, Chris, Becky, Jay, Andy Earl and Alex

What are the bennies?

Types of RPG Events

One Shots

Mini Campaign

Tournament, Player Elimination

Torunament, Player Advancement

Bring Your Own PC

Popular Character/Sensationalist/Camp

Dreaded Demos

What Draws Players?

Prizes

Demo Teams

CosPlay

Gift Cards vs Physical Prizes and stuff

Quicklinker:

The exclusive organization that is the MiB

IMDB: The Internet Movie Database

TV.com

Wikipedia

Jay was told to shut up only 1 time this episode.

runtime: ~58 minutes

]]> podcasts, gaming Sun, 10 Feb 2008 12:00:00 -0600 http://www.abgames.com/blobcast/blobcast006.php Amorphous Blob Games Why to run games at a Con and how to draw players. The benefits of running at Cons, RPG event types and what draws players to your game. 00:32:00 conventions,gaming,cosplay,rpg Yes Episode 5: "Being a Convention GM Monkey" http://www.abgames.com/blobcast/blobcast005.php

Cast: Rich, Chris, Becky, Jay, Andy Earl and Alex

How to submit events to a convention

Group vs. Solo benefits

Planning your events

Writing blurbs or marketing lines

Preparing for the convention

How to prevent convention burnout

How to deal with convention management mistakes

Quicklinker:

Our Convention Webpages

"I'm in the Barn"

]]> podcasts, gaming Sat, 2 Feb 2008 12:00:00 -0600 http://www.abgames.com/blobcast/blobcast005.php 01:00:00 Amorphous Blob Games Yes How and what to run at Cons Getting your events scheduled for the Convention, and some discussion on the various styles of game to run. conventions,gaming,cosplay,rpg Episode 4: "Getting Your Game on at Home." http://www.abgames.com/blobcast/blobcast004.php

Cast: Rich, Chris, Becky, Jay, Andy Earl and Alex

Introducing Alex.

A brief update on Jay's dice bag...

How to create a gaming group.

What makes a good game group.

The advantages of gaming with strangers.

Rich... The Godfather of Gaming.

Roshambo?!, Maybe this is what he meant instead?

Group Templates, Player Questionnaire, Alignment Test and Scorecard

What to do about too little gaming...

The disdvantages of gaming with Friends.

Too much Gaming... is there a Dark Side?

How to start a successful Campaign.

Define the Game.

Debate: Continuous Sessions vs Episodic Sessions.

Quicklinker:

Boardgame Geek

Tanga

Brettspielwelt

A link to our website and forums

PSA on Game Addiction

You can find help here... OLGAnon

]]> podcasts, gaming Sun, 20 Jan 2008 12:00:00 -0600 http://www.abgames.com/blobcast/blobcast004.php 00:52:00 Amorphous Blob Games Yes How to get a gaming group active. We discuss gaming at home with friends and acquaintences. conventions,gaming,cosplay,rpg Episode 3: "What Gaming is to Us" http://www.abgames.com/blobcast/blobcast003.php

Cast: Rich, Chris, Becky, Jay, Andy and Earl

Explaining Gaming in general.

Explaining RPG's.

Relating Gaming at Work.

Bad reactions from being a Gamer.

A brief description of Jay's Dice Bag...

Why we game.