Out of Character

With the grand finale of the Harry Potter franchise upon us, and Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings revival receding into the distance, the Pulp Gamer crew ponders what the next big movement in fantasy is going to be, both in entertainment and in games.  Along the way, we namedrop a few titles, including: * Exalted (http://www.white-wolf.com/exalted) * Anima (http://www.animarpg.com/) * Scion (http://www.white-wolf.com/scion) * The Dresden Files (http://www.dresdenfilesrpg.com/) * Legend of the Five Rings (http://www.l5r.com/rpg/) * Sword Noir (http://swordsedgepublishing.ca/) * Prime Time Adventures (http://www.dog-eared-designs.com/pta.html) * Lashings of Ginger Beer The Pulpsters also talk about their favorite fantasy works, including: * The works of Louis de Bernières (http://louisdebernieres.co.uk/) * Eden of the East (http://www.funimation.com/eden-of-the-east) * The Legend of the Five Rings (http://www.l5r.com/) Clan War and Four Winds novels * Glen Cook's Black Company (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Black_Company) series * Cast a Deadly Spell (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cast_a_Deadly_Spell) We also take a look at a few different fantasy games and supplements that have caught our eye: * The Hacklopedia of Beasts (http://www.kenzerco.com/product_info.php?products_id=751) for Hackmaster Basic (http://www.kenzerco.com/product_info.php?products_id=670) * Storm of Magic (http://www.games-workshop.com/gws/catalog/productDetail.jsp?catId=cat640009a&prodId=prod1250231a) for Warhammer Fantasy Battles (http://www.games-workshop.com/gws/catalog/landing.jsp?catId=cat440002a&rootCatGameStyle=wh) * Rule of Fear (http://paizo.com/store/games/roleplayingGames/p/pathfinderRPG/paizo/pathfinderChronicles/v5748btpy8j5u) for Pathfinder (http://paizo.com/pathfinder) * Amethyst Evolution (http://www.diasexmachina.com/Games-Amethyst-Evolution.htm), a third party D&D 4th Edition (http://www.wizards.com/dnd/) supplement And in news, we talk about the cancellation of RinCon 11, the Pulp Gamer Media Party at GenCon 11 (http://www.gencon.com/2011/indy/default.aspx), and season 2 of The Bob & Angus Show (http://www.pulpgamer.com/thebobandangusshow/). We'd like to thank our sponsor this week, The Peculiar Magpie (http://www.thepeculiarmagpie.com)--creatively acquiring items since 1894.

With the Origins Awards (http://www.originsgames.com/) still fresh in our memories, we devote our attentions to the topic of gaming awards.  What impact do they have on the industry?  What do we expect from them?  Recently, there's been some conversation on the fact that the Origins Award for Best Historical--a category traditionally taken by a historical wargame--went to Settlers of America: Trails to Rails (http://mayfairgames.com/game.php?id=212&stock=MFG3203&name=Catan+Histories:+Settlers+of+America+Trails+to+Rails), and this sparked discussion. Along the way, we also talk about: * The Spiel des Jahres Award (http://www.spiel-des-jahres.com/) * The Mensa Mind Games Award (http://mindgames.us.mensa.org//AM/Template.cfm?Section=Home10) * Dr. Toy's Awards (http://www.drtoy.com/main/index.html) * Lords of Vegas (http://mayfairgames.com/game.php?id=341&stock=MFG4120&name=Lords+of+Vegas) * Nuns on the Run (http://www.mayfairgames.com/game.php?id=100) * Back to the Future (http://wunderland.com/LooneyLabs/BTTF/Default.html) * 7 Wonders (http://www.rprod.com/en/7WONDERS.html) * Innovation (http://asmadigames.com/ourgames.php) Jason calls in to ask us to consider the concept of "the party" in a roleplaying game, which prompts a whole discussion on cohesive party roleplay versus split-party roleplay.  We namedrop a couple of games, including (http://www.vampirethemasquerade.com/) * Vampire (http://www.vampirethemasquerade.com/) * Dungeons & Dragons (http://www.wizards.com/dnd) * Paranoia (http://www.mongoosepublishing.com/rpg/series.php?qsSeries=19) * Teenagers from Outer Space (http://www.talsorian.com/talsorian/NEWWEBSITE/TeenerPage.html) * Smallville RPG (http://www.margaretweis.com/mwp-online-store/smallville/33-smallville-roleplaying-game) In news, we examine the recent sale of Z-Man Games (http://www.zmangames.com/) to Filosofia Games (http://www.filosofiagames.com/).  What does it entail for Z-Man's current releases, future projects, and Zev himself? We also have a chat with Alex Yeager from Mayfair Games (http://www.mayfairgames.com), the head writer for the Bob & Angus Show. (http://www.pulpgamer.com/thebobandangusshow/) Thanks again to our sponsor this week, Offworld Designs (http://www.offworlddesigns.com), makers of the best shirts in gaming--including Sheep Rule! (https://www.offworlddesigns.com/p-693-bob-angus-t-shirt.aspx)

Listener Ken from Wyoming asks us a complex question:  Is there a profile for the average gamer, and how do you introduce gaming to those who don't fit the profile?  This little question launches the crew into an in-depth discussion of typing and stereotyping in the gaming community  How are gamers viewed as a whole?  Within the community, how do we stereotype our own subgroups--board gamers, role-players, wargamers, and so forth?  Are their any truisms within these stereotypes?  And, of course, how do we bring gaming to those who "just aren't the type?" Amidst the discussion, we drop a few names: * Dungeons & Dragons 4th Edition (http://www.wizards.com/dnd/) * Pathfinder (http://paizo.com/pathfinder) * Tales of the Arabian Nights (http://www.zmangames.com/boardgames/tales_arabian_nights.htm) * Dixit (http://us.asmodee.com/ressources/jeux_versions/dixit_2.php) * Arkham Horror (http://www.fantasyflightgames.com/edge_minisite.asp?eidm=6&enmi=Arkham%20Horror) * Settlers of Catan (http://www.catan.com/) * Loot (http://www.gamewright.com/gamewright/index.php?section=games&page=game&show=142) In addition, Dave continues his quest to bring wargames to Pulp Gamer.  One of the most daunting aspects of the hobby is the cost and the scale, but we talk about some smaller, skirmish-level wargames that won't break your bank or your back, including: * Malifaux (http://wyrd-games.net/) * Hell Dorado (http://cipher-studios.com/) * Anima (http://cipher-studios.com/) * WizKids (http://wizkidsgames.com/)' various Clix series * Mercs (http://www.mercsminis.com/) * Pulp City (http://www.pulp-city.com/) We also take a little sightseeing trip with Hike (http://www.moosetachegames.com/games/hike) from Moosetache Games. We'd like to thank our sponsors this week, Gamer Adventures (http://www.gameradventures.com/) and Her Royal Majesty's Steampunk Symposium (http://hrmsteam.com/)!

This week, Pulp Gamer reports in from the Origins Game Fair (http://originsgamefair.com/)!  Rather than our usual crew, we're joined by Alex Yeager from Mayfair Games (http://www.mayfairgames.com/), Mike Selinker from Lone Shark Games (http://www.lonesharkgames.com/), and James Ernest from Cheapass Games (http://www.cheapass.com/). We talk about the race for the prize (coverage of which can be found at Critical-Hits.com (http://critical-hits.com/2011/06/25/2011-origins-awards-winners/)). particularly the tense struggle for Best RPG this year between outstanding notables like Gamma World (http://www.wizards.com/dnd/Product.aspx?x=dnd/products/dndacc/254600000), Fiasco (http://www.bullypulpitgames.com/games/fiasco/), and The Dresden Files RPG (http://www.dresdenfilesrpg.com/) (the winner, as well as winner of Best RPG supplement). And it just so happens that our three guests are the team behind the Best Board Game Nominee Lords of Vegas (http://www.mayfairgames.com/game.php?id=341).  They share a little about the game, its showing at the awards, and a tiny teaser for the upcoming first expansion.  In addition, Alex talks a bit about Settlers of America (http://mayfairgames.com/game.php?id=212&stock=MFG3203&name=Settlers+of+America+Trails+to+Rails) (winner of Best Historical). James and Mike talk about the game designer panel, the Kobold Quarterly Guide to Game Design (Vol 1) (http://www.koboldquarterly.com/kqstore/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=12), and shameful youtube videos (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GH0GsSPGPnA).  And we test James's boast that he can design and release a game in six minutes. We also touch on the new Hall of Fame inductees, the eulogies for Jim Roslof and Charles S. Roberts, and the radio broadcasts from the Big Bar on 2 (http://gamapodcasts.blogspot.com/)! And of course, we can't help but talk about the new products and nifty events, including: * Mage Wars (http://www.magewars.com/) * IRONDIE (http://www.irondie.com/Default.aspx) * Flippin' Cornholes (http://flipincornhole.com/default.aspx) * Donkey (http://donkeythegame.com/) * The Star Trek Deck Building Game (http://www.bandaicg.com/startrek/) * Looney Labs (http://www.looneylabs.com/) games against Andy Looney himself This week's episode is brought to you by the Bob & Angus Show (http://www.pulpgamer.com/thebobandangusshow/)- our two newsrams bring you the latest in-depth reporting from the world of Mayfair Games!

It's not always the same motivation that brings your players to the table.  One is here to socialize.  One is here to explore.  One is here to perfect.  One is here to conquer.  And why are you here?  In this week's episode, the Pulp Gamer Crew discusses what draws them to games, how to identify (and satisfy) the needs of the players at the table, and how to discover the motivation that might pull a "non-gamer" into the fold. Along the way, we drop a few names: * Catan: Cities and Knights (http://www.catan.com/catan-games/boardgame/cities-and-knights.html) * Apples to Apples (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apples_to_Apples) * Carcassonne (http://www.riograndegames.com/games.html?id=48) * Tigris & Euphrates (http://www.mayfairgames.com/game.php?stock=MFG4116) * Ticket to Ride (http://www.daysofwonder.com/tickettoride/en/) And as per listener Itamar's request, we also devote some time to the topic of converting RPGs from one system to another:  Why do it?  What advantages does it bring, and what pitfalls can you stumble into?  We bring up a few notables: * Dragonlance (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=products/dlacc/869900000) into Cartoon Action Hour (http://spectrum-games.com/cahs2.aspx) * Legend of the Five Rings RPG (http://www.l5r.com/rpg/) transitions between Alderac Entertainment Group (http://www.alderac.com/)and Wizards of the Coast (http://www.wizards.com/) * John Wick's Flux (http://johnwickpresents.com/market/products/flux.html) * Trail of Cthulhu (http://www.pelgranepress.com/site/?page_id=242) and Call of Cthulhu (http://catalog.chaosium.com/index.php?cPath=41&osCsid=74560aa38e2890c4172fa2a074071649) * FATE (http://www.evilhat.com/home/fate/) * Expedition to the Barrier Peaks (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Expedition_to_the_Barrier_Peaks) * The San Angelo: City of Heroes multi-system setting We also take a look at some games, including Rivals for Catan (http://www.catan.com/catan-games/rivals-for-catan/base-game.html), Junta: Viva el Presidente (http://www.zmangames.com/cardgames/junta_dice.htm), and the WatchGuard (http://www.rpgnow.com/product_info.php?products_id=92168) sourcebook. We'd like to thank our sponsor, Gamer Adventures (http://www.gameradventures.com)--cruising the Caribbean, Mexico, and Alaska with gamers and their families!

From six-man brackets at the friendly local to the massive, game-defining regional slugfests, tournaments are central to the gaming community, but actually staging one is an even greater struggle.  Our crew talks through tournament essentials, discussing what sort of games lend themselves to tournament play, how to manage the atmosphere of the event, and maybe even explaining why you'd want to run one of these madhouses in the first place. Along the way, we touch on a few tournament memorables, including * D&D Encounters (http://www.wizards.com/dnd/event.aspx?x=dnd/4new/event/dndencounters) * Blood Bowl (http://www.games-workshop.com/gws/catalog/landingArmy.jsp?catId=cat480004a&rootCatGameStyle=specialist-games) * Settlers of Catan (http://www.catan.com/) * Boot Hill (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boot_Hill_%28role-playing_game%29) * Gangbusters (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gangbusters_%28role-playing_game%29) * Pokemon Trading Card Game (http://www.pokemon.com/us/trading-cards/) * Magic: the Gathering (http://www.wizards.com/Magic/) * Legend of the Five Rings (http://www.l5r.com/) We also turn our attention to some charity efforts in the gaming community.  Fear the Boot (http://www.feartheboot.com/ftb/) is auctioning off a set of signed Dresden Files rulebooks (http://cgi.ebay.com/Fear-Boot-charity-auction-/200617994099), the proceeds of which will go towards the March of Dimes (http://www.marchofdimes.com/).  Also, Marcelo from WarPath Games (http://www.warpathgames.com/) tells us how we can provide tornado-relief to local game stores.  Check out his Twitter (http://twitter.com/#!/MarceloFCI) for more info. Listener Luis talks to us about the postage issue in getting the Vampire: the Masquerade 20th Anniversary Edition (http://www.vampirethemasquerade.com/) to Europe.  If you live in Europe and would like to join the bulk order, visit V20-Europe.com (http://www.v20-europe.com/)! We also take a look at Mortal Coil (http://galileogames.com/category/mortal-coil/) and Faces of the Tarnished Souk (http://ritepublishing.com/?s=coming-next-week-faces-of-the-tarnished-souk). A big thanks to this week's sponsor, Moosetache Games (http://www.moosetachegames.com/), makers of Rowboat: the bidding, trick-taking card game where trump changes at every turn!  Fan of the game?  Join the Inaugural Rowboat Championship (http://www.moosetachegames.com/tourney.html) this year at GenCon! (http://images.pulpgamer.com/webart/rowboat.jpg)

At some point, you have to leave the table, but that doesn't have to end the fun.  This week, we discuss the strange sorcery of doing non-gaming activities with your gaming group, and how they can strengthen your game and even bring in new players.  Along the way, our crew namedrops some of their favorites, both local to our Tucson studios and beyond, including: * The Society for Creative Anachronism (http://www.sca.org/) * The Titan Missile Museum (http://www.titanmissilemuseum.org/) * The Pima Air and Space Museum (http://www.pimaair.org/) * Old Tucson Studios (http://www.oldtucson.com/) Our absentee Jason calls in from the playtest of the new edition of Prime Time Adventures (http://www.dog-eared-designs.com/pta.html). We also take a look at the free gaming primers written by Leslie Shepherd, a great resource for introducing non-gamers to the hobby. We'd like to thank our sponsor, Offworld Designs (http://www.offworlddesigns.com), makers of the best shirts in gaming!

The world of miniatures is changing!  Several major miniatures manufacturers, including Games Workshop (http://www.games-workshop.com/gws/home.jsp) and Privateer Press (http://privateerpress.com/), have begun to change out their metal miniatures for new resin replacements.  What's motivating this shift?  How do the new resin minis hold up to their metal counterparts in quality?  And what does this mean for the future of old metalhead companies like Reaper Miniatures (http://www.reapermini.com/)? We're also joined by a newcomer to the show, Dave's wife and co-owner of Hat's Games (http://www.hatsgames.com), Sam Hat!  Of course, we put her through a round of Stump the Chump and provoke some intriguing insights into the "community" behind the gaming community. We also take a gander at Faux-Cabulary (http://www.otb-games.com/fauxcabulary/index.html) and talk about two big upcoming events:  Origins (http://www.originsgamefair.com/) and Free RPG Day (http://www.freerpgday.com/). This week's episode is dedicated to all the game retailers out there, manning the front lines of our hobby.  This one's for you! --- Out of Character moves to Tuesday mornings!  Check back here or on iTunes for your friends at Pulp Gamer earlier in the week, starting June 7.  Welcome to our new gaming table.