Nerdcognito

Siobhan did some "research" and presents to the guys her findings of campaign and play styles, but did the pop gaming media get it right? We take a look at some of the buzzwords and descriptors and discuss how, if, and when they may apply to your Dungeons & Dragons or TTRPG table! Plus, the news is a fun trip this week -- so much so that it goes long! *** Be a Check Mark Hero: https://www.nerdcognito.com/p/be-a-check-mark-hero/ *** Episode Sponsors and Affiliates We earn a small commission for each purchase at no additional cost to you! Looking for dice? https://onlycrits.com/nerdcognito Grab something from DriveThru! http://drivethrurpg.com/?affiliate_id=3908211 Get YOUR T-shirt! https://amzn.to/3D5xr0z Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja

This week the team discusses influential items, be they products, books, people, experiences, and more that made them the gamers that they are today. Though not experts, the boys (and girl) talk about nuance that was memorable and "gamer-life"-shaping! It's a great conversation that will have you thinking fondly back on YOUR impactful moments both at and away from the TTRPG/Gaming table! *** Be a Check Mark Hero: https://www.nerdcognito.com/p/be-a-check-mark-hero/ *** Episode Sponsors and Affiliates We earn a small commission for each purchase at no additional cost to you! Looking for dice? https://onlycrits.com/nerdcognito Grab something from DriveThru! http://drivethrurpg.com/?affiliate_id=3908211 Get YOUR T-shirt! https://amzn.to/3D5xr0z Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja

A West Marches campaign style is going to be adopted by Critical Role. Before the format gets defiled, we are obligated to run down what that type of game actually is, giving nods to rationale, reason, and (yes) the BrOSR for refining the style of gameplay. Who knows how this Classic Gaming style is going to be corrupted and reimagined by the modern gaming creators and audience? Plus, Bert is already mourning the anticipated revision of Dark Sun by Wizards of the Coast. *** Be a Check Mark Hero: https://www.nerdcognito.com/p/be-a-check-mark-hero/ *** Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Get YOUR T-shirt! https://amzn.to/3D5xr0z Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each Amazon purchase at no additional cost to you!

When drama mongers, grifters, and Fauxs need to drum up clicks or controversy, they often attack "the OSR." Do they even know what the OSR is? This week, we definitivly define the OSR and call out these internet warriors for their bad behavior. No longer should this bad behavior be used to juke numbers. No one is getting a pass, from "creators" to "commentators." *** Be a Check Mark Hero: https://www.nerdcognito.com/p/be-a-check-mark-hero/ *** Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Get YOUR T-shirt! https://amzn.to/3D5xr0z Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each Amazon purchase at no additional cost to you!

Critical Role's new DM, Brennan Lee Mulligan recently took the opportunity to not only dump on Classic Gamers and philosophy, but showed the world that he felt basic subtraction is too hard to include in a game. Isn't it grand how the concept of THAC0, love it or hate it, seperates the wheat from the chaff? Plus, Molly Sideshave might just be morphing into one of us! *** Be a Check Mark Hero: https://www.nerdcognito.com/p/be-a-check-mark-hero/ *** Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Get YOUR T-shirt! https://amzn.to/3D5xr0z Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each Amazon purchase at no additional cost to you!

We're chugging down the line! This week we look into the dreaded DM device.... railroading. Is there any good that can come of it? Why and how is it applied in Dungeons and Dragons and the TTRPG hobby? Also, we have a chat with Ben from the Manacaster team about their current projects! *** Be a Check Mark Hero: https://www.nerdcognito.com/p/be-a-check-mark-hero/ *** Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Get YOUR T-shirt! https://amzn.to/3D5xr0z Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each Amazon purchase at no additional cost to you!

This week, the gang EFAPs a Ginny Di video dedicated to bringing "romance" to your TTRPG table. Digging deeper in the video, discussion emerges about the social state of our nerd culture, and culture in general. Plus, RD learns the word "situationship," and promptly melts down. After the nerds recover, they also briefly dig into the news. *** Be a Check Mark Hero: https://www.nerdcognito.com/p/be-a-check-mark-hero/ *** Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Get YOUR T-shirt! https://amzn.to/3D5xr0z Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each Amazon purchase at no additional cost to you!

Solo gaming has always existed but has seen large boons thanks to board games and TTRPGs over the last decade. This week Ryan, Bert, and Kyle dig into the idea of solo gaming and discuss its nuances. Plus, due to popular demand, Siobhan officially joins the gang for her first full episode of the big show! *** Be a Check Mark Hero: https://www.nerdcognito.com/p/be-a-check-mark-hero/ *** Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Get YOUR T-shirt! https://amzn.to/3D5xr0z Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each Amazon purchase at no additional cost to you!

This week, Ryan finally got to introduce Bert and his core group to the sci-fi horor experience that is Mothership. Listen to their thoughts on the game, it's feel, and how they will handle some horrific nuance at the table. Then, sandwiched in with the news is a detailed discussion about Dungeons and Dragons newest executive in charge of "franchise," WotC vet and the man that ran Halo into the ground. How's THAT for a "fresh start?" *** Be a Check Mark Hero: https://www.nerdcognito.com/p/be-a-check-mark-hero/ *** Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Get YOUR T-shirt! https://amzn.to/3D5xr0z Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each Amazon purchase at no additional cost to you!

How important is it that you as a Dungeon Master and your players have a good "flow" in your game? It's not just about moving along plot points or hitting story beats... it is an overall feeling that your table is not stuck in the mud! The guys discuss this before an interview with the creator of Mafia Blitz, the new "werewolf-esque" game that's coming soon! *** DIRECTLY SUPPORT THE SHOW: https://bit.ly/nerdcognito *** Be a Check Mark Hero: https://www.nerdcognito.com/p/be-a-check-mark-hero/ *** Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Get YOUR T-shirt! https://amzn.to/3D5xr0z Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each Amazon purchase at no additional cost to you!

Wonderfilled Games founder and CEO Stephen Erin Dinehart IV has been making waves, anti-white statements, and according to some "crashed out" over the past two weeks. Ryan David had questions, opinions, and accusiations that needed answers, so he invited Stephen on for a brutally honest and frank discussion about his actions and statements. Finalize your opinion and decide if we all were "Wonderfooled." Enjoy the UNCUT and EXCLUSIVE full interview with Stephen. *** DIRECTLY SUPPORT THE SHOW: https://bit.ly/nerdcognito *** Be a Check Mark Hero: https://www.nerdcognito.com/p/be-a-check-mark-hero/ *** Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Get YOUR T-shirt! https://amzn.to/3D5xr0z Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each Amazon purchase at no additional cost to you!

This week, Bert and Jack steer the conversation to Castles! Why are these structures revered and critical components in our tabletop and fantasy games? Naturally, the conversation spirals around to all sorts of tangents, and why shouldn't it? Especially considering that RD is still out on vacation and Kyle slept through his alarm! *** A Note to our Check Mark Heroes - you are not forgotten and are appreciated! This was a weird week, so apologies all around! *** DIRECTLY SUPPORT THE SHOW: https://bit.ly/nerdcognito *** Be a Check Mark Hero: https://www.nerdcognito.com/p/be-a-check-mark-hero/ *** Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Get YOUR T-shirt! https://amzn.to/3D5xr0z Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each Amazon purchase at no additional cost to you!

The guys continue where they left off last week and finish out the news before they dive into a discussion of creating custom classes. Of course, this spirals into a full on discussion about classes, class systems, and other tangents! Have some class... give a listen or watch! *** DIRECTLY SUPPORT THE SHOW: https://bit.ly/nerdcognito *** Be a Check Mark Hero: https://www.nerdcognito.com/p/be-a-check-mark-hero/ *** Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Get YOUR T-shirt! https://amzn.to/3D5xr0z Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each Amazon purchase at no additional cost to you!

As the gang looks forward to a week of vacation, this first part of a two part episode brings you a discussion of large scale combat and big battles in TTRPGs! There are a bevy of ways to handle these as a Dungeon Master, but when your party goes to war... what works for YOUR table? All the massive scale chatter you can handle, plus a tiptoe into the news make for a delightful "part one" episode! *** DIRECTLY SUPPORT THE SHOW: https://bit.ly/nerdcognito *** Be a Check Mark Hero: https://www.nerdcognito.com/p/be-a-check-mark-hero/ *** Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Get YOUR T-shirt! https://amzn.to/3D5xr0z Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each Amazon purchase at no additional cost to you!

Lord Matteus sits in as guest host to discuss eroticism, sexuality, and naughty bits in gaming -- specifically taking a look at Paizo's new rainbow-stravaganza game blurring the lines between the gaming table and LGBT activism. After the news, the gang talks about long game sequels and how a show can be necro'ed, sometimes after decades! *** DIRECTLY SUPPORT THE SHOW: https://bit.ly/nerdcognito *** Be a Check Mark Hero: https://www.nerdcognito.com/p/be-a-check-mark-hero/ *** Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Get YOUR T-shirt! https://amzn.to/3D5xr0z Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each Amazon purchase at no additional cost to you!

We know that the "six sessions" that the modern DnD gamer call a campaign seems short, so this week we ask the question of "why?" The differences between Classic Gaming/OSR tables vs. modern absolutely impact how we can have campaigns lasting years while they can't make a week. Then after the news, the guys break down the latest in the City State of the Invincible Overlord drama between Judge's Guild and Goodman Games. *** DIRECTLY SUPPORT THE SHOW: https://bit.ly/nerdcognito *** Be a Check Mark Hero: https://www.nerdcognito.com/p/be-a-check-mark-hero/ *** Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Get YOUR T-shirt! https://amzn.to/3D5xr0z Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each Amazon purchase at no additional cost to you!

One year later... Daniel D. Fox, controversial creator of Zweihander and other TTRPGs, returns to Nerdcognito. His first trip addressed the "why we should not like each other" bits... and we came out of it... friends?!? This time around, Dan sits in with Ryan and Kyle and just talk about the hobby, their families, Wizards of the Coast, a hint of politics, and their friendship. Plus, Ryan introduces Daniel to the news... with a hint of Reddit! *** DIRECTLY SUPPORT THE SHOW: https://bit.ly/nerdcognito *** Be a Check Mark Hero: https://www.nerdcognito.com/p/be-a-check-mark-hero/ *** Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Get YOUR T-shirt! https://amzn.to/3D5xr0z Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each Amazon purchase at no additional cost to you!

Goodman Games, creators of Dungeon Crawl Classics are now endeavoring to re-release The City State of the Invincible Overlord -- a legendary module which shaped Dungeons and Dragons and TTRPGs. Two issues have them drawing fire from all sides. "Reimagining for modern audiences" has Classic Gaming and the OSR up in arms while supporting a creator the SparkleTroll leftists view as a 1940s German is bringing ire from the other side. We dig deep into the situation and discuss if and how Goodman can navigate this minefield. *** DIRECTLY SUPPORT THE SHOW: https://bit.ly/nerdcognito *** Be a Check Mark Hero: https://www.nerdcognito.com/p/be-a-check-mark-hero/ *** Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Get YOUR T-shirt! https://amzn.to/3D5xr0z Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each Amazon purchase at no additional cost to you!

Rule Zero! The gang dives back into Rule 0 as TTRPG/DnD buzz online has picked up about it, RAW (rules as written), and the pros and cons of implementing this at the table. Opinions are across the board, and Bert gets a little hot at RD. Plus not one, but TWO trips to Reddit... with a twist! *** DIRECTLY SUPPORT THE SHOW: https://bit.ly/nerdcognito *** Be a Check Mark Hero: https://www.nerdcognito.com/p/be-a-check-mark-hero/ *** Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Get YOUR T-shirt! https://amzn.to/3D5xr0z Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each Amazon purchase at no additional cost to you!

The guys reflect back on the visit that shocked the hobby... when Daniel D. Fox, creator of Zweihander and "enemy of the OSR" sat in and talked with RD and Kyle. We revisit this chat in anticipation of the upcoming "One Year Later" episode when Dan stops by again! Plus, chatter about the nerdy things we love, the news, and... a trip to Reddit! *** Check out the FULL original appearance here: https://rumble.com/v4rw9qu-special-nerdcognito-episode-219-discomfiting-dialogue-with-daniel-d.-fox-fr.html *** DIRECTLY SUPPORT THE SHOW: https://bit.ly/nerdcognito Be a Check Mark Hero: https://www.nerdcognito.com/p/be-a-check-mark-hero/ *** Episode Sponsors and Affiliates: Get YOUR T-shirt! https://amzn.to/3D5xr0z Shop Amazon and Support the Show: https://amzn.to/3djotja *We earn a small commission for each Amazon purchase at no additional cost to you!