Fear the Boot, RPG Podcast show

Fear the Boot, RPG Podcast

Summary: Fear the Boot is an irreverent, round table discussion of tabletop role playing games. In this weekly show we debate game-related issues, offer advice for improving your game, and poke fun at the hobby. Our cast changes a little from show to show, but we always assemble a group of dynamic individuals with divergent views, guaranteeing you will hear several perspectives on everything we discuss.

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Podcasts:

 Episode 281 – making online games work | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 1:02:29

* (0:40) Two new prizes have been added to the postcard contest (a copy of Ultimate Toolbox (http://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Toolbox-Dawn-Ibach/dp/1594720606/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1351051249&sr=8-1&keywords=pinto+ultimate+toolbox) and World's Largest Dungeon (http://www.amazon.com/Largest-Dungeon-Dragons-Fantasy-Roleplaying/dp/1594720290/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1351051273&sr=1-1&keywords=world%27s+largest+dungeon)).  The deadline has also been pushed back to November 10th.  You can find the complete rules on the forums (http://www.feartheboot.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=16701). * (3:26) The absolute horror of the Sesame Street aliens (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z_trSIBCgF0) and singing statue (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8yiqGtZXCmQ). * (7:54) Introducing Greg Christopher.  You can find his Google+ feed here (https://plus.google.com/105771712753508502148/posts). * (10:57) The reason we brought Greg on the show: to shed some light on the virtues of online games and how to make them work better than we've traditionally done. * (14:16) The advantages of remote play when compared to face-to-face play. * (23:44) The growing number and sophistication of online play tools.  See the bottom of the post for a list of links. * (29:14) The degree and frequency of meta-gaming in remote games. * (35:46) Overcoming the common problems of online play, including poor player reliability, social pressure to skip games, and readily-available distractions. * (53:28) Setting expectations for an online game.  You can find Stuart Robertson's GM Merit Badges here (http://strangemagic.robertsongames.com/2011/08/gm-merit-badges.html). * (57:41) Getting started in online play. Hosts: Dan, Greg, John, Julia, Wayne   MapTool - http://www.rptools.net/index.php?page=maptool (http://www.rptools.net/index.php?page=maptool) Myth Weavers - http://www.myth-weavers.com (http://www.myth-weavers.com/) Obsidian Portal - http://www.obsidianportal.com (http://www.obsidianportal.com/) Roll20 - http://roll20.net (http://roll20.net/) Tabletop Forge - http://tabletopforge.com (http://tabletopforge.com/) Wikia - http://www.wikia.com (http://www.wikia.com/)

 Episode 280 – too much group template | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 47:25

* (0:35) Whether women can accurately predict who men will find attractive. * (8:13) Rearranging the hosts' paychecks.  Also, hair dye and care tips. * (14:59) When a group template can backfire, creating a fence that makes it harder to integrate new characters.  How the group can work together to integrate a new character and make sure they have a meaningful place in the setting and plot. Hosts: Chad, Dan, Pat, Wayne

 Episode 279 – shame, friendship, and gaming | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 55:40

* (0:36)  Postcards!  Postcards!  Send in your postcards and win free stuff (http://www.feartheboot.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=16701)! * (1:08) Shock websites and the other horrors of the internet Chad intentionally seeks out. * (12:44) Real-life shame (or the lack thereof) and how that impacts the way we approach roleplaying games.  The "Cerebus rant" can be found here (http://www.theabsolute.net/misogyny/tangents.html).  FAIR WARNING: The material contained within will likely be offensive to the vast majority of people. * (32:21) What happened to the campaign pitches our listeners sent it. * (33:25) A thread on My Little Pony (http://www.feartheboot.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=16942) gives birth to an artistic rendering of Boots (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v83/remainaery/Boots_FIM-style.jpg) and Unicrorn (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v83/remainaery/artwork/unicrorn.jpg). * (39:22) What to do when one or more people are unhappy with the current game.  How that displeasure can get confused with genuine, interpersonal issues. Hosts: Chad, Dan, John, Julia

 Episode 278 – pitching a game, part 2 | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 57:27

* (0:28) The video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m8vx0wTnMis) that explains the intro. * (1:13) Pitching campaign ideas as a practice exercise, and then grading the pitches. * (1:49) Chris' pitch. * (12:17) Pat's non-pitch, which turns into further deconstruction of Chris' approach. * (19:54) Dan's pitch. * (31:49) Julia's pitch. * (40:25) Chad's pitch. Hosts: Chad, Chris, Dan, Julia, Pat

 Episode 277 – pitching a game, part 1 | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 57:19

* (0:37) Be sure to get your postcards in for our contest (http://www.feartheboot.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=16701)! * (0:53) Chris gives a shout-out for a rather unusual gift. * (4:45) What we each feel is missing in our current gaming groups or would like to see in a new player. * (21:07) The art of selling a game idea to your players.  Reading into their questions.  Digging until you find the real objection.  Reshaping the game idea or "sales pitch" to fit your audience.  Making the pitch as immersive as the game. Hosts: Chad, Chris, Dan, Johann, Wayne

 Episode 276 – GMing for the first time | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 58:47

* (0:28) Introducing yet another Adam. * (2:45) The postcards contest is still awaiting your entry (http://www.feartheboot.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=16701)! * (4:57) Batman, Superman, Iron Man, a dinosaur, and Toy War 2 (http://www.nobleknight.com/ProductDetail.asp_Q_ProductID_E_-1566676466_A_InventoryID_E_2147549510_A_ProductLineID_E_2137419376_A_ManufacturerID_E_100_A_CategoryID_E_5_A_GenreID_E_).  You can see the fight that started it all here (http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8030/7940876124_03f1f3b699.jpg). * (18:45) Getting a new Game Master started in the art of running RPGs.  The experiences of Adam, Beth, and Wayne as they each ran their first games.  The lessons they wish they'd known going into it.  What they have to say to anyone ready to take the plunge. Hosts: Adam, Beth, Dan, Wayne

 Episode 275 – dark characters, part 2 | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 47:34

* (0:24) Earth tones! * (1:03) The origin and cogency of evil within real people, and why that makes it hard for some of us to play dark characters.  Why it's easier to play a dark NPC than PC.  The Joker's boner (http://superdickery.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=303:batmans-boner&catid=32:seduction-index&Itemid=36) (link is SFW despite the name). * (17:34) Picking "acceptable evils" to help you find a dark character you'd be willing to play. * (30:37) Dark characters we've played in the past and how we made them work. * (46:28) Our postcard contest is still just getting started!  You can find the complete rules here (http://www.feartheboot.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=16701). Hosts: Adam, Chad, Dan, Pat, Wayne

 Episode 274 – dark characters, part 1 | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 38:56

* (0:29) Welcoming Adam from Kicked in the Dicebags: Player's Edition (http://kickedinthedicebags.libsyn.com/). * (1:35) Announcing our first cross-show promotion with Kicked in the Dicebags (http://kickedinthedicebags.libsyn.com), Postcards from the Dungeon (http://pftdcast.com/), and THE ESTABLiSHED FACTS (http://www.theestablishedfacts.com/).  You can find the complete rules and mailing address right here (http://www.feartheboot.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=16701). * (6:39) Adam drags us down by his mere presence. * (8:43) Defining a dark character and offering reasons you might want to play one. * (16:16) Playing the dark character in a group that isn't.  Handling the moral conflicts that can divide the party. Hosts: Adam, Chad, Dan, Pat, Wayne NOTE: Because of the length of this recording, we cut it up.  The rest of the conversation will be released next week!

 Episode 273 – knowing what you want | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 53:32

* (1:19) An upcoming, cross-show contest. * (2:37) The expiration date on spoilers. * (16:28) As a Game Master, knowing what you truly want out of a game.  Trying to get what you want while still taking into account the players' wants and needs.  (EDITOR'S NOTE: Around 34:50, Pat makes a comment about being able to do what you want, just like Spider-Man.  That's an inside joke referring to this video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W3abMUH_P1E).  FYI, it contains strong language.) * (39:00) Identifying what you want as a player and getting that from a game without being uncompromising. Hosts: Dan, Pat, Wayne

 Episode 272 – games within games | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 55:06

* (0:47) Fear the Boot vs Fear the Boot.  The ENnies weren't even in the room! * (1:53) Wayne falls in love with the idea of games that have a story self-contained story arcs. * (4:30) Music and other in-character distractions from the game.  Roleplaying in sidebars. * (21:16) Blah, blah, blah, InSpectres (http://memento-mori.com/inspectres/).  You can see the three confessionals here (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fT2eg1xevlo), here (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q_T5IPaRlrw), and here (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AFdff5i65D4). * (29:01) Using another game system -- or even another instance of the same game -- to further explore your plot and setting.  Taking a break or changing tone through related games. * (43:57) Switching Game Masters when moving in and out of sub-games. Hosts: Chad, John, Julia, Pat, Wayne

 Interview 25 – James Lowder | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 58:08

* (0:28) Introducing James.  How little we used to know about the names associated with the games we played. * (2:50) Johann must ask the hard-hitting questions. * (6:02) The degree of freedom RPG fiction writers have in shaping their own work.  The distinction between good prose and good game writing. * (10:50) Writing shared world fiction.  The joy of working in collaboration with other people, while suffering a loss of ownership and control. * (14:29) Zeb Cook's robots. * (16:04) Creator rights in roleplaying games. * (27:03) Is gaming fiction typically worse than other forms of fiction?  And if so, why? * (35:54) The book Jim just finished editing, Beyond the Wall (http://www.smartpopbooks.com/book/beyond-the-wall), and how it illustrates his view of an editor's role. * (41:15) What Jim has coming up, including some script work on the Hack/Slash (http://www.imagecomics.com/series/138/Hack-Slash) comic book.  You can also follow his work via his website (http://www.jameslowder.com/).  While not mentioned during the episode, Jim was a puppeteer for the comedy musical, Misfit Heights (http://www.imdb.com/video/wab/vi2252644633/). * (42:48) Comparing San Diego Comic-Con to Gen Con, in terms of size, scope, purpose, and culture. Hosts: Dan, Johann, Pat, Wayne Guests: James Lowder

 Interview 24 – Keith Baker | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 52:02

* (0:29) Introducing Keith Baker. * (2:01) The origin of Eberron and how its publication impacted Keith's career. * (9:49) Traveling around the world, staying with other gamers, and running the same game 54 times.  What he would like to run and play within his own group. * (19:54) Maintaining mystery in a game setting.  The relationship between the game and its supporting fiction, particularly when trying to show deference to the way Game Masters have developed the setting for their own group. * (28:19) The surprisingly delightful card game, Gloom (http://www.amazon.com/Atlas-AG1001-Gloom/dp/158978068X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1343272996&sr=8-1&keywords=gloom+card+game), in which you attempt to destroy your own family.  Why Dan wants to see an expansion for the Lemp family (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lemp_family).  Finding an emergent story in otherwise story-less games. * (40:12) Cthulhu Fluxx and how it both captures the feel of a Lovecraft story and stands apart from the other Fluxx games. * (46:18) The projects Keith has coming up.  If you want to follow his work, you can do so on his website (http://www.bossythecow.com/hdwt) or on Twitter (http://twitter.com/hellcowkeith). * (48:31) Keith's contribution to Fear the Boot's diversity initiative. Hosts: Chad, Dan, Julia, Pat Guests: Keith Baker

 Episode 271 – improv GMing | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 52:01

* (0:50) Tips and techniques for running a fully improvised game.  We start by setting the boundaries for the discussion. * (5:16) Why improv at all? * (6:50) Asking the right questions to get things started.  In the broadest sense, what sort of game experience do the players want to have?  Setting boundaries and building initial, internal consistency. * (13:15) Using character-based questions to narrow everything down and draw out ideas for the game. * (20:58) How far ahead of the players you need to be.  Sources of inspiration for setting the scene.  The power of, "Yes, but..." * (31:03) Employing all of these ideas in a practice exercise. * (39:54) John's approach to running improv games.  How introducing a formalized rules system impacts the process. Hosts: Chad, Dan, John, Julia, Pat, Wayne

 Episode 270 – mixing your mythoi | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 51:49

* (0:35) Handling interrogation in a roleplaying game.  Allowing the PCs (or NPCs) to get the information they want without degrading into senselessly graphic scenes.  Passing off misinformation or allowing the target of interrogation to manipulate the situation. * (23:17) Characters that don't quite fit in.  While this could come from clashes of personality or power level, we focus on those that don't fit because of the accompanying mythos or setting presumptions needed for them to exist. Hosts: Dan, John, Julia, Wayne

 Bonus Episode 45 – toe shoes | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 56:07

* (0:04) 4th of July comes early! * (0:46) One of our Twitter users correctly observes what makes this show work. * (2:56) Wayne does a brilliant transition that fails, losing out to Trendy Top (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lOD0fCLsDxg), shorts with writing on them, and Chad's hat. * (8:28) Being dressed by your parents. * (10:31) Dan's praise for Duluth Trading Co (http://www.duluthtrading.com/). * (12:57) The child abuse known as "hand-me-downs", and the spousal abuse known as "shopping".  Wayne carves out his own clothing phases. * (23:49) The worst piece of clothing foisted upon us while growing up. * (27:47) Toe shoes. * (33:15) Pat in black, and Dan in combat boots. * (43:25) Batman, Spider-Man, and Wayne in a poncho. * (49:02) Our favorite pieces of clothing. Hosts: Chad, Dan, Pat, Wayne

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