The Arcane Alienist - podcast cover

The Arcane Alienist

B. J. (aka “GameDoc”)podcasters.spotify.com
A podcast mostly about tabletop roleplaying games, from game theory and concepts to session recaps to sources of inspiration. I also occasionally delve into other nerdy things like board games, comics, books, movies, and television.

Email: arcane.alienist@gmail.com.

You can leave a voicemail message here or through Speakpipe:

http://www.speakpipe.com/ArcaneAlienist

#oldschoolessentials #d&d5e #mongoosetraveller #talesofthevaliant #morkborg

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Episodes

RPG a Day 2023: Days 21, 22, & 23

It's #RPGaDAY2023. In this episode, we look at licensed properties, cool looking products, and secondhand purchases. Plus, a call from medial baron Daniel Norton. Check out his podcast: Bandit's Keep, https://open.spotify.com/show/02QTUpzgKCv2aT6sH6G5rk

Aug 26, 202319 minSeason 1Ep. 139

RPG a Day 2023: Days 19 & 20

It's #RPGaDAY2023. In this episode, my favorite published adventures and a look towards the future. What will I be playing in 20 years? Also, be sure to check out Joe Richter and Anthony Boyd's podcasts: Hindsightless, https://open.spotify.com/show/3LMcaHlfCDZrjUGEYEZbYx Casting Shadows, https://open.spotify.com/show/0sEnjb4ECR6CcfU6Bvug7p

Aug 25, 202312 minSeason 1Ep. 138

RPG a Day 2023: Days 17 & 18

It's #RPGaDAY2023. In this episode, the funniest game I've played and thoughts on favorite types of systems. Also, calls from Spencer, Jason, and Karl. Check out their podcasts! Keep Off the Borderlands, https://open.spotify.com/show/6WeOXszl7BrxQvmjrw7xAI Nerds RPG Variety Cast, https://open.spotify.com/show/4oPnUnwitpUqn9saEkFaNf The GMologist Presents, https://open.spotify.com/show/2rN4slVxXBZpTDxweaR1Ap

Aug 24, 202334 minSeason 1Ep. 137

RPG a Day 2023: Days 14, 15, & 16

It's #RPGaDAY2023. In this episode - my lack of convention experience is laid bare, and the game I wish I owned. Plus a call from the Joyous Stoic himself, Joy Richter. Be sure and check out his podcast: Hindsightless, https://open.spotify.com/show/3LMcaHlfCDZrjUGEYEZbYx

Aug 23, 20239 minSeason 1Ep. 136

RPG a Day 2023: Day 13

It's #RPGaDAY2023. Because 13 is an unlucky number, we talk about unlucky characters and the most memorable demises of men and dragons.

Aug 22, 202312 minSeason 1Ep. 135

RPG a Day 2023: Days 11 & 12

It's #RPGaDAY2023. In this episode - the weirdest game I've ever played and old games that I still play.

Aug 21, 20237 minSeason 1Ep. 134

RPG a Day 2023: Days 9 & 10

It's #RPGaDAY2023. In this episode - favorite dice (they're all my favorites) and favorite tie-in fiction.

Aug 20, 20239 minSeason 1Ep. 133

RPG a Day 2023: Days 7 & 8

It's #RPGaDAY2023. In this episode, The "smartest" RPG I've played (shout to Joe Richter at Hindsightless) and my favorite characters.

Aug 19, 20239 minSeason 1Ep. 132

RPG a Day 2023: Days 5 & 6

It's #RPGaDAY 2023. In today's episode, the oldest game I've played and the favorite ones I never get to play.

Aug 18, 20237 minSeason 1Ep. 131

RPG a Day 2023: Days 3 & 4

It's #RPGaDAY2023. In this episode, the first and last (to date) games I bought this year, which are Pendragon and Carin/We Deal in Lead respectively.

Aug 17, 20237 minSeason 1Ep. 130

RPG a Day 2023: Days 1 & 2

I'm back for #RPGaDAY2023, although I am playing catch-up. In this episode, the first RPG I played this year (subject to debate) and memories of by first GM.

Aug 16, 202313 minSeason 1Ep. 129

D&Disms: The Worldbuilder’s Lament

In this episode I discuss the mechanics vs. the lore of D&D, the latter of which has in many ways become self-referential. What’s essential and what can be tossed before it’s not D&D anymore?

Oct 21, 202225 minSeason 1Ep. 128

OSR October: Rulings not Rules in 5e D&D?

Turns out there’s a little bit of OSR sensibility in the current version of the world’s greatest roleplaying game. Mike Mearl’s 1981 Rules: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1YN--nG6VRWq6efGvXX9gH0yNk_pUYcWDBaKSGUc5roI/mobilebasic The Redcaps Poscast interview with Chris Gonnerman: https://anchor.fm/theredcaps/episodes/Episode-85---Chris-Gonnerman--BFRPG-e1orl8u

Oct 12, 202217 minSeason 1Ep. 127

Clerics, Gods, & Saints Revisited

In this episode, I discuss the origin and tropes of the D&D cleric and their match or mismatch with the typical polytheistic settings of D&D. For more on clerics, check out Delta's D&D Hotspot (http://deltasdnd.blogspot.com/p/primary-house-rules.html?m=1) and Web DM (https://youtu.be/4OASWdj8LYY).

Sep 27, 202223 minSeason 1Ep. 126

Session Recap: Skeletons and Zombies and Cultists (Oh My!)

We did it! We finished Keep on the Borderlands in my Mythic World of Urd Campaign. Here’s a recap of how it went. Plus calls from Joe (Hindsightless), Karl (GMologist Presents), Jason (Nerds RPG Variety Cast) and Kevin (The Redcaps Podcast).

Sep 16, 202244 minSeason 1Ep. 125

The Moat House Dungeon

Recap of my parallel Temple of Elemental Evil campaigns using OSE and 5e as the party confronts the evil that lurks beneath the ruined most house near Hommlet. Plus calls from a trio of distinguished podcasters regarding VTTs and theater of the mind play.

Sep 11, 202255 minSeason 1Ep. 124

In the Mind’s Eye

A return to basics with in-person play and theater of the mind. Also, wrapping up #RPGaDay2022 with calls from Jason Connerly and Anthony Boyd.

Sep 01, 202227 minSeason 1Ep. 123

RPG a Day 2022, Week 5: The Home Stretch

#RPGaDay2022 It’s the final week of questions. Plus more Hyperborea and a passing of the torch (or guiding bolt, actually).

Aug 28, 202221 minSeason 1Ep. 122

Let’s Jam!

Spelljammer is here. In this episode I’ll take a deep dive into the new 5e Spelljammer collection, make some comparisons to the original 2e material, and extol the wonder of miniature giant space hamsters. Go for the eyes Boo!

Aug 23, 20221 hr 49 minSeason 1Ep. 121

RPG a Day 2022, Week 4: Hyperborea

#RPGaDay2022 This week it’s all about an interesting setting and the characters I play there, leading into an impromptu recap of the latest adventures in Hyperborea.

Aug 21, 202231 minSeason 1Ep. 120

RPG a Day 2022, Week 2: My Friend Brian

#RPGaDay2022 continues. I answer the prompts from week 2 and take calls from Jason Connerly, Karl Rodriguez, and Anthony “Could Be Related” Boyd.

Aug 10, 202234 minSeason 1Ep. 118

RPG a Day 2022, Week 1: D&D with Kids

It’s #rpgaday2022. In this episode I answer the questions for week 1 and talk about D&D with adolescents. Also calls from Jason Connerly of the Nerds RPG Variety Cast ( https://anchor.fm/jason376 ) and the man behind RPG A Day himself, Anthony “No Relation” Boyd ( https://anchor.fm/runeslinger ). Also, check out Anthony’s blog: https://castingshadowsblog.com

Aug 01, 202238 minSeason 1Ep. 117

Ancient Peoples in your RPG

Some thoughts on adding the traces of ancient peoples to your campaign setting. Plus calls from Rob C ( https://anchor.fm/rob-c ) and Joe Richter ( https://anchor.fm/joe-richter9 ). Also check out these great game stores: Guild House Games of Durango ( http://guildhousegames.com/index.html ) and Moon Rabbit Toys of Santa Fe ( https://www.moonrabbittoys.com ).

Jul 20, 202240 minSeason 1Ep. 116

Session Recap: Queen of the Kobolds

In this episode, a recap form the latest OSE session in the Mythic World of Urd along with some underworld lore. I also have some calls from Jason Connerly and Karl Rodriguez, and a deeper dive in to retainer XP and salaries.

Jul 05, 202242 minSeason 1Ep. 115

The Moat House Massacre

Recaps of my ongoing parallel Temple of Elemental Evil campaigns, one with 5e D&D and the other using Old School Essentials.

Jun 09, 202228 minSeason 1Ep. 112

Session Recap: Right in the Gnoll Hole

The latest recap of my OSE campaign in the Mythic World of Urd. Also Pathfinder recaps and calls from Daniel Norton of the Bandit’s Keep.

Jun 04, 202229 minSeason 1Ep. 111

Welcome to Hommlet (Hope You Survive the Experience)

A recap of not one, but TWO ongoing campaigns for the Temple to Elemental Evil using two different editions of the game. Plus calls from Karl Rodriguez (https://anchor.fm/karl-rodriguez), Daniel Norton (https://anchor.fm/daniel-norton), and Joe Salvador (https://ravengodgames.blogspot.com/?m=1). Also, be sure to check out our review of the Northman on the Nerds RPG Variety Cast (https://anchor.fm/jason376) and our panel discussions on Cerebrevore (https://anchor.fm/cerebrevore - or - https://you...

May 01, 202247 minSeason 1Ep. 110
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