
What Would The Smart Party Do?
What Would The Smart Party Do? is the UK's premier RPG podcast, offering discussions, tips, and stories about tabletop role-playing games. The show covers game mechanics, character creation, and campaign ideas for players and game masters alike. It aims to entertain and educate listeners with a mix of humor and practical advice.
Episodes
Bare Metal Gaming Seminar - The Spring Kraken
While at The Kraken Gaming Retreat, Gaz and Stunt Ben Guy joined legendary game designer Jonathan Tweet to discuss all manner of gaming topics, taking many quandaries live from the audience and delivering sage advice.
Jonathan Tweet Interview - Live at The Kraken
While at the Kraken gaming retreat, Gaz and Stunt Ben (Guy) caught up with famed game designer Jonathan Tweet to discuss his chapbook for the event - Fighter Wizard Elf — My Rules for Bare Metal D20 Gaming among his many other games, design in general and what it's like to travel to a German Schloss to play games with like-minded folk!
Public Access with Jason Cordova
We were delighted to be joined by returning guest, Jason Cordova, to talk about his new release of anthology retro horror game, Public Access.You can check out the Kickstarter here.Check out an Actual Play of the game on Unconventional GMs.
Tim Denee - Blades '68
Love Blades in the Dark, but want that Swinging 60s vibe? Maybe you're more of a Tinker, Tailor, spy maker kind of guy? Join us this time to go all psychedelic and groovy (or dark and moody) with Tim Denee telling us all about the new Blades '68.With guest Stunt Ben, Chris (aka Dirk the Dice off of The Grognard Files)Out on Backerkit
One on One Action
There's a new trend of playing with tiny groups, from solo journaling to one-on-one play and just having a pair of folk to game with due to scheduling or family time or many other factors. What's it all about? This time we dive into playing with 1d3-1 other players.
Wyrd Science Magazine
An enlightening chat with John from Wyrd Science. What does it take to make an RPG magazine in the modern age, and why on earth would you do it? Who reads the publication, and how would you determine what to put in there?You can find more about Wyrd Science here
200th Celebratory Show
It's been a long time since Gaz and Ben started this podcast, well over 200 episodes in fact. In this official 200th* show the lads reminisce and consider what they might have learned over recent years.What's been your favourite show?* more than 200 shows are available.
System Matters with Paul Fricker
Call of Cthulhu Associate Editor Paul Fricker returns to talk about systems in RPGs - are they a help or a hindrance? Have you picked the right system for you? Can you have the best session ever (TM) without rolling any dice?You can listen to Paul's latest project Eldritch Stories hereSee some excellent Call of Cthulhu Actual Play on Unconventional GMs
Historical TTRPGs with Dirk the Dice
What to make of history? Why, some great gaming of course! We are joined by Dirk the Dice from The Grognard Files to chat about what can be learned from the past and turned into gaming gold.Don't forget to check out the Hexham Heads and other myths!
Great Adventures - RPG Discourse
Gaz is joined by Unconventional GMs co-host Guy Milner to talk about great adventures, scenarios and other things for ttrpgs. There has been a lot of discourse recently about scenarios being the thing that defines a game or it's designers, so the lads romp through some old and new examples of what is a good (or suboptimal) adventure. Drop a line with your favourites!
Out With The Old In With The New
Dirk the Dice, genial host of the Grognard Files joins Gaz this time to talk about humble beginnings, the games we used to play and how that's changed over the years. The tables get turned part way through as interviewer becomes interviewee, but that's no bother as a lovely chat on all things gaming transpires.You can listen to the Grognard Files hereSee great examples of Actual Play at Un
Cold City with Malcolm Craig
The long-awaited return of Cold City and Hot War gives the lads a perfect opportunity to talk to designer Malcolm Craig about the new versions of the game, inspiration for cold war Berlin, a deep dive into lazy-GM mechanics and much more!For an Actual Play of the new game in action, go to the Unconventional GMs youtube channel.Check out more details on the games on the Handiwork website.
Black Armada Games Interview
This time Becky Annison and Josh Fox of Black Armada Games join us to talk about the new edition of Lovecraftesque, GMless games, design and small press publishing.
Find out all about Black Armada on their website.
Check out fast-paced Actual Play at Unconventional GMs!
Keeping Pace
Gaz is joined by (Stunt Ben) Guy to talk about pacing in games. How do you manage pace and get the most out of your sessions?
Check out Unconventional GMs for pace-filled games!
Reviewing Reviews
Hi All
It's been a minute, we've had a lot to deal with on the home front, but I've pulled out the stops and got you some Stunt Bens in to chat about reviews in gaming - how useful they are and what we want from them.
Have a great festive season - all the best!
Gaz & Ben
D&D Done Differently
With a new edition of D&D on its way, more evolution than revolution, what elements could be done differently? The lads dive into other games and new ideas to see what could make the hobby's big player even better.
Preparing New Games
How do you prepare a new game for running at a convention, event or just with your friends? Gaz is joined by Stunt Ben, Guy from the Burn After Running blog and Craig from Third Floor Wars to give you all the advice you need and more!
Jason Cordova Interview Two
We were delighted to have returning guest Jason Cordova on to talk about all things Brindlewood Bay, The Gauntlet and more!
The Gauntlet
Feat of a Black Dragon
The Darkened Threshold
Burn After Running
Unconventional GMs
Player Agency
How much should players contribute to the ttrpg experience? How much are they allowed too? The lads discuss getting more out of your gaming sessions.
Adventure Games with Robin D Laws
Live From the Spring Kraken 2024 in Germany, Gaz joined forces with game designer Robin D Laws and fellow Unconventional GM Guy Milner to give a seminar on running adventures games for ttrpgs.
If you dig actual plays played with vim and vigour, check out the new Unconventional GMs YouTube channel.
Character In Your Characters
How do you put more character in your #ttrpg character? You don't have to go full method actor, here are some simple and actionable ideas to get you started.
If you dig actual plays played with vim and vigour, check out the new Unconventional GMs YouTube channel.
What Games Workshop Can Teach Us
Episode 186 – What Games Workshop Can Teach Us
There's a lot of crossover between geeky hobbies, and with the lads both working for the big Games Workshop back in the day, what can skirmish games teach us about RPGs?
If you dig actual plays played with vim and vigour, check out the new Unconventional GMs YouTube channel.
Cities
Episode 185 – Cities (aka Fantasy Tripadvisor)
After wandering the wilderness and diving down dungeons, plucky adventurers wish to go to an enthralling city. Maybe your entire campaign is based around one location. The lads explore various cities from ttrgps and the merits and flaws thereof!
If you dig actual plays played with vim and vigour, check out the new Unconventional GMs YouTube channel.
Hot War, Cold City
Episode 184 – Hot War, Cold City (with Jon Hodgson and Malcolm Craig)
Joining the ‘cast this time, Jon Hodgson of Handiwork Games and RPG author and academic Malcolm Craig. The Cold War period and monster hunting in Berlin come to the fore as the lads dive into Hot War and Cold City among other great games from the Handiwork studio!
You can find out more about Malcolm Craig here. And here are some
Unacceptable!
Episode 183 – Unacceptable! (a.k.a. It’s Not You It’s Us)
There are a plethora of gaming events to go to these days and you meet all kinds of people and playstyles. Often this is a cause for celebration, a way to pick up new ideas and techniques. Sometimes though, it’s suboptimal. There are still some people who haven’t got the memo about gaming with others, and this time the lads aim to set thing
How To GM with Justin Alexander
Episode 182 – How To GM with Justin Alexander
The lads are delighted to have returning Good Friend of the Show, RPG producer and designer at Atlas Games, Justin Alexander. He’s got a new book coming out, available in all good purveyors of such things, So You Want To Be A Game Master. Join for great insights, some not seen or heard before on the Alexandrian (or maybe anywhere!) and to get a unique
Gaming in Ukraine with Tasha from idearoll
Episode 181 – Gaming in Ukraine with Tasha from idearoll
Fresh from The Kraken gaming retreat, the lads have met old friends and made new ones. Chief among those is Tasha from the idearoll youtube channel, who joins them this week to talk about gaming events, the scene in Ukraine and challenges of the current environment. A great episode full of enthusiasm and community spirit!
You can find the id
Shadow of the Weird Wizard with Rob Schwalb
Episode 180 – Shadow of the Weird Wizard with Rob Schwalb
Returning special guest Rob Schwalb, creator of Shadow of the Demonlord, Punk Apocalyptica, D&D designer and more, returns to the show to tell us all about his design process and work on his new Kickstarter, Shadow of the Weird Wizard.
The Kickstarter project page is here:
Shadow of the Weird Wizard.
If you dig actual plays, check out
Pendragon 6e with David Larkins
Episode 179 – Pendragon 6e with David Larkins
Returning special guest David Larkins, Line Editor for the King Arthur Pendragon RPG joins the lads to talk about the new edition, it’s starter set and get back to basics on what Pendragon is all about for new players and old hands alike!
If you dig actual plays then check out the new Unconventional GMs for games played in about two hours!
Starforged With Shawn Tomkin
Episode 178 – Starforged With Shawn Tomkin
Returning special guest Shawn Tomkin, designer of Ironsworn and of particular interest this time, Starforged. It’s an excellent Sci Fi RPG and well worth digging into, which is exactly what the lads do this time!
If you dig actual plays then check out the new Unconventional GMs for games played in about two hours!
Wilderness Travel
Episode 177 – Wilderness Travel
Fancy a trip to the Isle of Dread!? This episode the lads take a look at traveling in the wilderness, how to make it interesting and what tips and trips can improve the journey.
If you dig actual plays then check out the new Unconventional GMs for games played in about two hours!
Dungeons Not Dragons
Episode 176 – Dungeons Not Dragons
Whether you’re from the old school days of white-lined maps on blue backgrounds, or newly arrived at the idea of maps, scouring the internet for your Roll20 backgrounds, dungeons have a long and storied history in RPGs. Join the lads as they look back over the years at dungeons, what makes them good and how they can be used better.
If you dig actual plays then c
Paragon System with Sean Nittner and Tim Denee
If you’re a fan of the show, you’ll know we love AGON, powered by the Paragon system. This time the lads are delighted to be joined by Sean Nittner, the co-author and independent game designer Tim Denee, who’s done some great stuff with the game. Come on in for a deep dive on the game design process, what makes these sets of games great and how to squeeze more gaming juice from your sessions!
Evi
Beyond Dread Portals
Episode 174 – Beyond Dread Portals (a.k.a. Climinal)
This time the boys are joined by Good Friend of the Show and returning guest Dr Mitch and Newt from D101 Games to talk about their new project Beyond Dread Portals. A game for those wanting to move slightly away from what D&D has to offer, but with some familiarity so the leap of faith isn’t too scary!
Third Floor Wars
Episode 173 - Third Floor Wars (a.k.a. Third Party Podcaster)
A third podcaster, Craig Shipman from Third Floor Wars joins the lads this time to talk about some of our collective GM experiences at running three different games. From Blades in the Dark to Savage Worlds by way of Call of Cthulhu, this mighty triumvirate of gaming tells you what's hot and what's not, with tips, tricks and experie
OGL OMG
Episode 172 - OGL OMG (a.k.a. Version Wars)
There has been no end of social media frenzy about Hasbro / Wizards of the Coast and their attempt to introduce a new Open Gaming Licence. What is? Why are they doing? What's everyone upset about? Does it impact your game at the kitchen table? Find out, all this and more, with special guest Mat from Steamforged Games.
If you are interested in t
2022 Retrospective
Episode 171 - 2022 Retrospective (a.k.a. A Polite Golf Clap)
A look back on the past year, what's been good for gaming, what can we look forward to and more. A genial fireside chat with your amiable hosts.
If you are interested in solo play for Ironsworn as mentioned check out this channel.
If you dig actual plays and reviews of played modules, check out the new YouTube channel.
G
Star Wars
Episode 170 - Star Wars (a.k.a. Live Long And Prosper)
A chance to reminisce among other things, the lads chatter about bringing Star Wars into your gaming life and what's good about that.
If you dig actual plays and reviews of played modules, check out the new YouTube channel.
Get in touch, the lads love to hear from you!Twitters: twitter.com/the_smart_partyEmail: thesmartparty@hotmai
Mechanics Drive Play
Episode 169 - Mechanics Drive Play (a.k.a. Long Chambery Things)
Following on from emergent play in the last episode, the lads go through a cornucopia of games and systems to talk about mechanics which drive different styles of play.
If you dig actual plays and reviews of played modules, check out the new YouTube channel.
Get in touch, the lads love to hear from you!Twitters: twitter.c
Emergent Play
Episode 168 - Emergent Play (a.k.a. Play To Find Out)
From thick books of lore to many-paged character backgrounds, how do you get cool stuff to the table? Do you even bother with all that and play to find out instead? The lads chat about how to get more juiciness from your gaming sessions.
If you dig actual plays and reviews of played modules, check out the new YouTube channel.
Get in
One D&D
Episode 167 - One D&D (a.k.a. There Can Be Only One)
The guys are keen for a deep dive into the latest D&Dizzle news, fresh playtest documents, talk of a new approach, a lengthy train in the run up to the most recent evolution of the world's largest RPG, "One D&D".
If you dig actual plays and reviews of played modules, check out the new YouTube channel.
Get in touch, the la
Radiant Citadel with Ajit George
Episode 166 - Radiant Citadel with Ajit George (a.k.a. A New Hope)
The guys are joined by lovely human and creator and project lead of Journeys Through the Radiant Citadel, Ajit George. Discover how the project came about, what to expect from the latest D&D offering, how it's different from what's gone before and much more!
You can find Ajit on Twitter, or check out his website for mo
D&D in the 70s
Episode 165 - D&D in the 70s (a.k.a. A Gateway To Wider Experiences)
This time Gaz & Baz are reunited to talk about playing D&D back in the day. Joined by D&D designer and Good Friend of the Show, Jonathan Tweet, plus legendary DM Hollis Monroe, the guys talk through early experiences before Greyhawk existed and you had to make your own worlds of wondrous adventure.
If you dig actual pla
Escape Rooms with Rafael Chandler
Episode 164 - Escape Rooms with Rafael Chandler
Another Stunt Baz in the shape of Mat from Steamforged Games, a returning special guest in the splendid form of Good Friend of the Show, Rafael Chandler; what more could you ask for? Rafael has a successful Escape Room business and is (at time of recording) launching a Kickstarter for a 100+ puzzle escape room in a box which becomes a roleplaying
New Gaming Tech
Episode 163 - New Gaming Tech (a.k.a. Is Verisimilitude a Word?)
There's a foreword this time from Baz to let you know what's going on in his life, thoughts are with him right now. The episode was recorded before his recent sad news, and after the into message regular Stunt Baz and author of the Burn After Running blog joins Gaz to talk about new gaming tech. What developments have their been
Zombies with Dirk the Dice
Episode 162 - Zombies with Dirk the Dice (a.k.a. Goldeneye Caused It)
The Unknown Stunt Baz, Dirk the Dice off of The Grognard Files podcast joins Gaz this time to talk about zombies in popular media and in particular, games. From their origins to the hugely popular K-Zombie films and TV, how do we get more shambly bois in our games? You can chat to Dirk on the Twitters here.
If you dig ac
Justin Alexander Interview
Episode 161 - Justin Alexander Interview (a.k.a. Was Dragonlance Railroady?)
Armed with "Stunt Baz" Guy Milner off of the Burn After Running blog, this time Gaz interviews RPG producer and designer at Atlas Games, Justin Alexander. The chat covers the excellent RPG resource The Alexandrian, as well as what's hot at Atlas Games and some great game design discussion.
If you dig actual plays
Blade Runner
Episode 160 - Blade Runner (a.k.a. Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?)
One of the most universally recognised IPs in geekdom, Blade Runner is a staple of the lad's early film experiences. Now Free League are bringing the films (and other media) to life with a new RPG set in futuristic LA. Designer Tomas Härenstam guests to explain more about this highly anticipated game!
If you want to h
Superheroes
Episode 159 - Superheroes (a.k.a. Not All Heroes Wear Capes)
With great podcasting, comes great responsibility to listen. Or something. This time the lads go through some Supers RPGs. What are they about? Do they match the genre? Are they any good? All this and more awaits.
If you dig actual plays and reviews of played modules, check out the new YouTube channel.
Get in touch, the lads
Dark Souls
Episode 158 - Dark Souls (a.k.a. You Wake Up By A Bonfire)
So it is, ash seeketh embers… this time the lads are joined by Mat Hart and Rich August from Steamforged Games to talk about the Dark Souls RPG, and go deep diving into game design theory.
You can find out more on Dark Souls and other Steamforged goodies at the Steamforged website.
If you dig actual plays and reviews of played m
Campaigns
Episode 156 - Campaigns a.k.a. One Scenario After Another
What makes a good campaign? This time the lads explore what's out there in published campaign land and seek to determine what sort of campaigns there are, what makes them good and throw out some top tips and recommendations.
If you dig actual plays and reviews of played modules, check out the new YouTube channel.
Get in touch, t
Runequest
Episode 156 - Runequest a.k.a. Your Glorantha May Vary
The starter set is out for the latest edition of an old classic, Runequest. As Baz plunders this resource and gives his thoughts, Gaz expands in this knowledge with a tour through previous editions and the lads try to answer the core question of any game - what's cool about it?
If you want to hear more about Runequest, Baz's side proje
Review of 2021
Episode 155 - Review of 2021 a.k.a. Recording at the fag-end
New year, new you and new podcast. The lads go over the year that was, 2021, with all its trials, tribulations and great gaming moments.
If you dig actual plays and reviews of played modules, check out the new YouTube channel.
Get in touch, the lads love to hear from you!Twitters: twitter.com/the_smart_partyEmail: thesmartpart
Subsystems
Episode 154 - Subsystems a.k.a. Cut Down Like Ep1 of Squid Game
The lads chat through chases, Dramatic Tasks, the funnel, spell duels, grappling and all other manner of subsystems and extra bits. Core mechanics are all very well and good, but how do you do mass battle? Find out in this episode!
If you dig actual plays and reviews of played modules, check out the new YouTube channel.
Get
Live From Dragonmeet 2021
Bonus Episode - Writing RPG Scenarios for Publication
The lads went down to London Village for Dragonmeet and presented in their usual seminar slot. This time they were joined by special guests Paul Fricker (Call of Cthulhu, Rivers of London) and Mat Hart (Steamforged Games) to talk in a wide-ranging presentation on writing your own content for RPGs and getting it out there. Topics included wh
Shane Hensley Interview
Episode 153 - Shane Hensley Interview a.k.a Shaken Not Stirred
The lads were delighted to have one of their gaming heroes on this time, founder of Pinnacle Entertainment Group, Shane Hensley. He's created the best-selling, award-winning Deadlands, Hell on Earth, Weird Wars, and later Savage Worlds and many of its settings. He's also written for God's Own Game Earthdawn, TORG, and many other th
Jason Cordova Interview
Episode 152 - Jason Cordova Interview a.k.a Shouting Into The Void
Jason Cordova joins the lads to chat about his own podcasting experience on Fear of a Black Dragon, hot indie rpgs like The Between and Brindlewood Bay, game design, streaming and much more!
Follow Jason on Twitter. You can find out more about the Gauntlet and cool techniques and games on his website. Get your earballs aro
Into The Odd Remastered
Episode 151 - Into The Odd Remastered a.k.a You Were The First
Good friend of the show Chris McDowall has remastered his well-renowned and critically-acclaimed Into the Odd in a new edition, teaming up with more good friends of the show, Free League! The lads go through design choices, graphics, how to write a game and much more in this busy episode!
You can find out more about all Chris'
Meguey & Vincent Baker Interview
Episode 150 - Meguey & Vincent Baker Interview a.k.a The Secret Is, They're Just Subsystems
For the 150th episode, the boys needed something special, and what better way to celebrate than chatting to two of the industry's best and nicest game designers, Vincent and Meg Baker. Between them, authors of Apocalypse World, Dogs in the Vineyard, Psi*Run, Murderous Ghosts and more! A proper after-hou
Advancement
Episode 149 - Advancement a.k.a The Other Sin is 1XP
Thanks to a Listener's Letter, this episode is all about advancement. Of course a lot of the chat is about XP and mechanically improving your character, but the lads also think about what else advancing a character could mean.
If you dig actual plays and reviews of played modules, check out the new YouTube channel.
Get in touch, the
Nostalgia
Episode 148 - Nostalgia a.k.a The More You Look At It, The More It Looks Back At You
Remember those Hovis adverts from back in the day? No? How about Cyborg Commando? The lads ponder on lost youth and the eternal question of not only can you go back, but should you? Numerous old games get a mention and the guys go through reboots and reskins and lots of other topics in a wide-ranging chat.
Investigation RPGs
Episode 147 - Investigation RPGs a.k.a The Problem That Doesn't Exist
Have you passed your Spot Hidden check? Then you will note that Baz is on holidays, so Gaz is joined by the effable Stunt Baz, Guy Milner off of the Burn After Running blog to talk about investigative RPGs. What are the common pitfalls? What makes a good investigation? Which are the key games out there on the market? All thi
Mike Shea Interview – Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
Mike Shea Interview a.k.a Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master
It's the Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master, or first time on the show for Mike Shea, also know as Sly Flourish on the Twitters. Mike's books about how to get the most out of the game prep and spend less time doing it have been an inspiration to many hard-pressed GMs, and the lads take a dive into his secrets and tease out details on h
Games You Should Have Too
Episode 144 - Games You Should Have Too
In a continuation of last episode, the lads go through a veritable cornucopia of games that you should consider looking at, to round out your roleplaying chops. If you're looking for inspiration or fancy broadening your horizons, get your earballs round this episode covering settings, GM advice, adventure support, art & layout and much more!
Johan E
Games You Should Have
Episode 144 - Games You Should Have
The lads have been listening to other podcasts and hearing their thoughts on systems, creating a Frankenstein's monster of a game etc. and reminded of all the sections they have done on particular parts of games. It seemed about time to draw some of this together and go through a variety of games people should have in their collections for a more well rounde
Shawn Tomkin Interview
Episode 143 - Shawn Tomkin Interview
The lads get yet another special guest, Shawn Tomkin, creator of Ironsworn, who is currently in the process of bringing out his new Sci Fi game, Starforged. As usual, the boys get the inside scoop on design decisions and drill more into the solo play aspect, the dark art that is the Oracles and much more!
Get more on Starforged at the Kickstarter pag
Mattias Lilja Interview
Episode 142 - Mattias Lilja Interview
The lads get another special guest this time, Mattias Lilja, co-creator and game writer for Ruins of Symbaroum 5E from Free League. They talk about the difference between the original game and 5e version, and what effect that has on design. Also, a discussion on probabilities in gaming and does everyone understand the statistics behind them?
Find out
Dennis Detwiller Returns
Episode 141 - Dennis Detwiller Returns (aka McReady From The Thing Drinking Scotch)
The lads are delighted to invite back Arc Dream's Dennis Detwiller to talk about his latest project, Impossible Landscapes, helping out new RPG creators after reviewing 200+ products and hot new gossip about what's happening with Smart Party favourite GODLIKE, superhero roleplaying in World War II.
Find
Influential Games
Episode 140 - Influential Games (aka Chained Lightning)
There are many games that influence the way we play. Some have become almost lifelong companions; some deliver a great idea to be stolen and used elsewhere. Baz and Gaz got through some of the influential games that shaped their gaming and talk about others that perhaps defined parts of the roleplaying zeitgeist. Settle in for a classic e
90s Magazines
Episode 139 - 90s Magazines(aka Fool's Gold)
Good friend of the show Dirk the Dice off of The Grognard Files is a guest this week, to talk to the lads about gaming in the 90s; a period when he was in the "deep freeze" and away from roleplaying games. RPG magazines from that storied decade are all he has to go on as evidence of gaming back then, and so Dirk presents our hosts with assumptions t
Jonathan Tweet – Everway Interview
Episode 138 - Jonathan Tweet - Everway Interview(aka Right Turn Clyde)
Good friend of the show and veteran game designer Jonathan Tweet returns to talk to the lads about the 25th Anniversary Edition of Everyway, his diceless mythic roleplaying game. There's also chat on Over the Edge, Ars Magica, Glorantha and where Magic the Gathering came from!
If you want to know more about the Kicksta
Francesco Nepitello Interview
Episode 137 - Francesco Nepitello Interview(aka You're My Sam Gamgee)
This time, internationally recognised game designer Francesco Nepitello joins the lads to talk about the upcoming second edition of The One Ring. He is an author of roleplaying games and thematic board games, like Lex Arcana, Zombicide: Chronicles and Age of Conan, reaching international recognition with War of the Ring - an
Baz is Back
Episode 136 - Baz is Back(aka What Are You Playing?)
After his forced absence, enjoying listening to the show for a short while, our Baz is back in the office and talking games.
If you dig actual plays and reviews of played modules, check out the new YouTube channel.
Get in touch, the lads love to hear from you!Facebook: facebook.com/thesmartpartyTwitters: twitter.com/the_smart_partyEm
Role+Play+Game
Episode 135 - Role+Play+Game(aka I Want to Roll Dice in the First Half Hour)
Due to the plague, the lads have drafted in a Stunt Baz for this episode, but it's a goodie! Guy Milner off of the Burn After Running blog joins Gaz to talk about rolling dice and all elements of the Roll plus Game plus Playing hobby. Some top tips on using dice in your games and what to think about before you even st
Final Podcast
Episode 134 - Final Podcast ...of the Year(aka D&D Doesn't Work for 10 Players Online)
It's nearly time for the year Mad Max takes place, but as we drive on fumes for the end of 2020, the lads get Mat Hart from Steamforged games along to talk about the state of the hobby, Kickstarters in a curious year, his new Epic Encounters and the trials and tribulations of gaming online. With some added t
Skills
Episode 133 - Skills(aka Show Me Your Penumbra)
The lads talk skills. Have we got them, do we need them, where did it all start and has it gone horribly wrong? From the good old days of 8% in detect / disarm traps, to the feat and abilities, what use are skills in RPGs, if any?
If you dig actual plays and reviews of played modules, check out the new YouTube channel.
Get in touch, the l
Jon Hodgson Interview
Episode 132 - Jon Hodgson Interview(aka Some of These People Have a Strong Throwing Arm)
The lads talk to home-grown talent and head of Handiwork Games, Jon Hodgson. From his great work as artist and art director on The One Ring, to writing, game design with his 9 year old, and many other hats, this wide-ranging discussion covers writing, designing, art in games and more! (Including Frankish k
It’s a Kind of Magic
Episode 131 - It's a Kind of Magic
(aka Have You Spelled it Right?)
Magical energies suffuse the 'cast this time as the lads discuss magic in gaming. Sure, you can have mystical power, but at what price? How have the different iterations of D&D handled magic and did they get it right? All this and more awaits your summoning spell.
If you dig actual plays and reviews of played modules, chec
King Arthur Pendragon
Episode 130 - King Arthur Pendragon
(aka Can You Play From the Perspective of a Horse?)
Good friend of the show and line developer of King Arthur Pendragon, David Larkins returns, to reveal what's been going on at Chaosium with the latest edition on KAP, how the company is doing in new normal and new kickstarter about an old product. An increased focus on honour as well as glory, refined rules, n
Fights Too
Episode 129 - Fights Too
(aka The World's Most Complicated Initiative System)
Back by popular request, both of the show's glorious listeners got in touch to say they'd like to hear more on fights in RPGs. Well, The Smart Party are here to please.
You can discover more for yourself in the links below:
If you dig actual plays and reviews of played modules, check out the new YouTube channel.
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