Original vs. Basic D&D | Who Wins the Crown? | Wandering DMs S06 E24
Let’s chat about two of our favorite editions of early D&D — Original D&D (1974) and Basic D&D (1981)! Dan & Paul run most of D&D in similar ways, but their instincts sometimes differ in which of these traditions they’re…
D&D on the Clock | Games with Time Constraints | Wandering DMs S06 E23
In this last-minute, condensed episdoe of Wandering DMs, Dan and Paul discuss using real world time elements in games. From timers in D&D adventures to board games that include a ticking clock, they’ll cover everything in under 45 minutes. They…
Jon Peterson | 50 Years of D&D | Wandering DMs S06 E22
One of our all-time favorite guests, Jon Peterson, D&D historian extraordinaire, returns to talk all things about the 50th anniversary of D&D. From his official “Making of Original Dungeons & Dragons 1970-1977”, participation in Gen Con 50th anniversary celebrations, inclusion…
Drugs and Alcohol in D&D | Roleplaying Under the Influence | Wandering DMs S06 E21
Dan and Paul discuss the presence of drugs and alcohol in D&D and other tabletop roleplaying games. They’ll touch on how state alterning substandces are represented in the fiction, rules for handling characters under the influence, and even what happens…
Secret Rules | Playing D&D in the Dark | Wandering DMs S06 E20
Dan & Paul discuss experiences in TRPGs when players don’t know the rules. Is it fundamentally fair or unfair? Does it add to the immersion of the roleplay? What added flexibility dos it give to the GM? Is exploring the…
Jobs in D&D | Gainful Employment for Adventurers | Wandering DMs S06 E19
The Wandering DMs tackle employment in D&D. Do adventurers need day jobs? Does starting a business or pursuing a craft undermine the motiviation to go out treasure hunting? What of systems that define prior careers as part of characgter creation?…
Skill Systems | Cunning à la Carte | Wandering DMs S06 E18
Dan & Paul discuss the role of skill systems in D&D and other tabletop RPGs. Not part of the initial Original D&D ruleset, they give PCs an opportunity to master individual skills in a fine-grained manner. Have they been beneficial…
Rats! | …and Other Vermin in D&D | Wandering DMs S06 E17
The Wandering DMs take on rats and other vermin in D&D. From swarm enemies to wizard’s familiars, Dan and Paul will explore every way to delight and torment your players with everyday pests. The term “vermin” is used to refer…
Mothers in D&D | Moms in Myth | Wandering DMs S06 E16
This Mother’s Day, Paul and Dan discuss the role of mothers in D&D and mythology. From troll wives to Grendel’s mother to the spawn of all monsters, Tiamat herself, moms make an impact in our lives! Throughout history, mothers have…
Player Secrets in D&D | Achieving a Satisfying Dramatic Reveal | Wandering DMs S06 E15
Dan and Paul discuss how to play a character in an RPG with a dramatic secret. How can we include the rest of the players in the fun without giving away too much? When do we reveal the secret to…
