Biggus Geekus

By Joe Hardin and Randy Nichols

Randy and Joe talk RPGs past and present, general roleplaying topics, gaming news, the occasional rant, RPG design and Worldbuilding.... more

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How many episodes does Biggus Geekus have?

The podcast currently has 212 episodes available.

Biggus Geekus episodes:

December 07, 2022 Monster Mash #6: The Drow
Episode 116 Streamed Live Tuesday, December 6, 2022
Our condolences to Kevin Siembeida https://www.palladiumbooks.com/
Our Recent Gaming: OSE- The Black River Valley Campaign now on hiatus
Randyplayed Rifts on Legion of Myth this past Friday Dec 2, 2022
Big Geek Emporium gets a server upgrade, site upgrades coming soon!
Main Topic: Monster Mash #6-The Drow
Mythological etymology: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dark_elf
Their first appearance in DnD books: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drow
Description: cruel, wicked, depraved, dreaded, EVIL blackskinned elves w/white hair
OD&D/Basic/Rules Cyclopedia: no mention
1e: The origin of the drow for DnD
Magical equipment: Adamantite alloy- cloaks, boots, weapons (KO poison coating/-4 saving throw), armor of highly magical quality. MR= 50% +2%/LEVEL weakness to light.
GDQ series of modules they encounter Lolth and the city of Erelhei-Cinlu. Mentions Drow war partys of certain compositions will have female leaders and males could be level 4 clerics.
2e: Monstrous Compendium II and Monstrous Manual - noble houses and merchant families, worship of Lolth, priestesses high place in society, Drider and Dreagoloth. Forgotten realms: Drizz’t and Menzoberranzan get the spotlight

3.x: Explicitly states society is Matriarchical

4e:MM-worship the Spider Queen, once creatures of the Feywild ,but followed Lolth down a dark path/ Surface raiders/live in a matriarchical theocracy, Males cannot serve as priests.

5e:MM - a mix of 1e/2e and 3e but more generic. Lolth still their spider queen and females rule/males drool.
Ecology & influence:
They work well as behind the scenes as puppet masters
They are great villains for mid to high level and as boogey-men for low level.
Used to show a decadent society and how such a depraved society works.

“Controversy”: see RECEPTION https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drow#Conception_and_creation

Chat Spotlight: How do you handle inertia at your gaming table?

Shameless Plug Time:
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Streaming Medial Mentioned: Movies Plus https://www.mymoviesplus.com/
...more
2h 37min
November 30, 2022Houserules in Dungeons and Dragons amd other ttrpgs.
House Rules in D&D: Yea or Nay?
Episode 115 Streamed Live Tuesday, November 29, 2022
Main Topic: House Rules in D&D and other RPGs
What is a House Rule? Definition: https://www.dictionary.com/browse/house-rule

Does removing a rule, class, feature, spell, etc count as a house rule?

Is there a difference between a house rule and homemade setting?

Is filling in the gaps of the rules system the same as a house rule? That is, if a game has no grappling rules so you add some in due to a situation showing in a game or perhaps due to your desire to have them?

Players’ Perspective: How much is too much? How much warning do you need?

GM’s Perspective: When should you make a house rule?

Is interpreting a questionable/unclear rule (RAI???) a house rule? https://www.dungeoneersguildgames.com/single-post/confounded-rules lists some examples from 1e AD&D

RAW vs House Rules: table experience effects, at individual tables, in shared/league play: Adventurer’s League, RPGA, PF Society, ect

Are they worth it? Time investment, presenting clearly to players for understanding, do they make the game better? Is it ok if it is just the GM’s preference? Can players make them individually or due to consensus, or even against the will of the GM?

What type (if any) benefit from using house rules? Are there any games in which you shouldn’t make house or rules or if so, do them with a light touch?

Where do you land on them in general?
A Bit of a Rifts Rant: Character gen and organization- do better please. Seems that RIFTS is annoyingly convoluted.

Chat Spotlight: Speculation as to the OGL/SRD for ONEDND
Random Geek-itude: Report from Big Geek Land
Shameless Plug Time:
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On the Web:
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2h 22min
November 27, 2022 Tuesday Night Pre-Thanksgiving Chill Stream
Joe started out solo, but was joined by Bruce Lombardo of Dix Division, Hungar the Starvarian, then Randy joined in.

links: Bruce: https://youtube.com/@YourBuddy75
Hungar: https://youtube.com/channel/UCHmL5dT_lLONt5ZnJ2eA1Nw
Scrying Dutchman's Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/scryingdutchman/the-modern-adventurers-guide-to-guns-and-gear-a-5e-add-on

If you would like to support our show, please like, subscribe, and share us where you are listening or viewing the show, also:

We are on all the socials, video and podcast places as well.

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On the Web: Website: www.biggusgeekuspodcast.com
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3h 25min
November 16, 2022 Attributes in D&D and Other TTRPGs
Episode 114 Streamed Live Tuesday November 15, 2022
Main Topic: Attributed to Attributes
The attributes of a character:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Attribute_%28role-playing_games%29
Compare and contrast the DnD attributes: STR, DEX, CON, INT, WIS, CHA
Other systems:
Target Number systems- DnD 3.X +Savage Worlds: https://www.uptofourplayers.com/ready-to-roll/savage-worlds-rules/
Marvel Superheroes RPG (FASERIP): https://rollhighordie.com/what-is-marvel-faserip/
Roll and keep systems- L5R, Vampire: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vampire:_The_Masquerade#Game_system
https://rollandkeep.fandom.com/wiki/Introduction_and_Design_Goals#What_is_Roll_and_Keep?
Rolemaster/CoC: percentile system: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rolemaster#Basic_game_mechanics
Fate: descriptive attributes- https://fate-srd.com/fate-core/basics
1. Should attributes play a large role in the general power level of your PC?
2. Should attributes modify skills, or should skills be separate?
3. How many levels of differences would be ideal? What is the best way to scale?
4. How detailed should the modifiers be and exactly what should they modify?
5. How many attributes should you have?
6. Which is currently your favorite attribute system?
Is it really all that its cracked up to be? Fright Night retro review
Actor comparison:
1985: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0089175/fullcredits/
2016: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1438176/fullcredits
Randy’s Rating
1985: 7/10
2011: 4/10
Joe’s Rating
1985: 8/10
2011: 1/10

Chat Spotlight: Do you like AI art in RPG books?

Random Geek-itude
Report from Big Geek Land
D&D used as therapy:
https://www.superjumpmagazine.com/dungeons-and-dragons-and-therapy-an-interview-with-dr-megan-connell/
Shameless Plug Time:
If you would like to support our show, please like, subscribe, and share us where you are listening or viewing the show, also:
We are on all the socials, video and podcast places as well.

Cash Support
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Streamlabs: https://streamlabs.com/biggusgeekus1/tip
Anchor: https://www.anchor.fm/biggusgeekus
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On the Web:
Website: www.biggusgeekuspodcast.com
Email: [email protected]
Big Geek Emporium: https://biggeekemporium.com/
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2h 11min
November 09, 2022 Monster Mash #5: Giants (ogres & trolls) In Your DnD Game
Episode 113 Streamed Live Tuesday November 8, 2022
Main Topic: Monster Mash: Giants, Ogres, and Trolls, oh my!
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_giants_in_mythology_and_folklore
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giant_(Dungeons_%26_Dragons)
Giants have a long history in Dungeons and Dragons, likely due to its creators’ love of mythology. Beings of large size (typically 7 feet or larger) feature in many myths and legends around the world. Their legendary fierce nature translates well in the tabletop arena. Giants are fearsome foes in any version of the game, which makes them great at nearly any level. What makes low level characters run screaming at a clearly unmasculine register, makes for solid challenges later in the game.

There is also great variety in this creature type, giving the enterprising DM a lot of material over the many editions to have something that fits his world, or simply his table. From the brutish ogre, to the exotic oni, to the enigmatic storm giants, there is something for everyone to like.
Some alternate takes:

1.) Arcana Evolved: Giants once dominated the realm. Now they seek to re-establish this dominion in an epic war.
2.) Giants are truly rare and enigmatic keepers of ancient lore.
3.) A-la Pacific Rim: Giants are a real world-wide threat consuming all the world’s resources, growing so voracious they must be stopped. Perhaps giants are emissaries of Titans, mysterious masters of the giants from another world.
Question for the Chat: What makes for a good gaming convention?
A Cabin Con Moment: Cabin Con Cult Mixer and BBQ hosted by Mr. Demo.
Random Geek-itude
Report from Big Geek Land
WoTC has huge drop in 3rd quarter of 2022: https://www.wargamer.com/dnd/mtg-wizards-of-the-coast-revenue-2022-q3
Professor Dungeon Master’s take:https://youtu.be/C3oOTDvsBxc
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SubscribeStar coming soon!
Rumble coming soon!

On the Web
Website: www.biggusgeekuspodcast.com
Email: [email protected]
Big Geek Emporium: https://biggeekemporium.com/
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2h 29min
November 03, 2022 Ending a Campaign | Dungeons and Dragons Thief Class Analysis
Episode 112 Streamed Live Tuesday November 1, 2022
With Surprise guest: TShirted Historian
The edition wars can be heated, especially considering the “That’s not DnD” refrain. This just shuts down discussion of one or more “problematic” versions of the game. Most if not all of these “editions” have something good to contribute, even if the game design went in a direction you don’t like (3rd, 4th, and 5th). There has not been “A” DnD since the 1970’s when it was ODnD. After that there have been multiple versions. Some with small rules changes, some larger. Some with tone changes to one degree or another.

These are all versions of DnD. Not the same, but not completely different either (maybe 4e)

Campaigns end, but what situations indicate they should. The total party kill (TPK) is a go to end, as is boredom. Does there need to be a plan? Should the plan be “in case”, or “on purpose”? is this plan just the DM’s or does he consult the players? The answers are a varied as the many game tables out there.
The Thief/Rogue class has at least as many versions as Dungeons and Dragons. The class began as a class that generally contributed very little to combats, except the occasional back stab, to outperforming the fighter in straight up melee. The class has always had a lot of use outside of combat, from general pilfering to being a walking encyclopedia to being a socialite.

Links to topics discussed

https://www.pcgamer.com/this-dandd-campaign-has-been-running-for-40-years/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rogue_(Dungeons_%26_Dragons)
The Thief:
1e: https://tablo.com/david-thomson/1st-ed-ad-and-d-the-thief
2e: https://adnd2e.fandom.com/wiki/Thief
3e: https://www.dandwiki.com/wiki/3e_SRD:Rogue
3.5:https://www.dandwiki.com/wiki/SRD:Rogue
Pathfinder 1e: http://pathfinder.d20srd.org/coreRulebook/classes/rogue.html#rogue
4e: https://dnd4.fandom.com/wiki/Rogue
5e: https://www.5esrd.com/database/class/rogue/
13th Age: https://www.13thagesrd.com/classes/rogue/

Report from Big Geek Land
Minor updates for our various projects
Shameless Plug Time:
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2h 7min
October 26, 2022 The Many Faces of Evil in D&D
Episode 111 Streamed Live Tuesday October 25, 2022
Main Topic: The Many Faces of Evil in D&D
See Episodes #38: What does evil do? & 80: Evil Campaigns and PCs
1. What is evil: https://www.britannica.com/topic/seven-deadly-sins
2. D&D evil vs Real World evil.
Should we stray from the definition of evil in D&D.
How evil do you get with Monsters or NPCs?
Is there a line short of graphic description?
Where is that line?
Should you put limits on the evil your NPCs or monsters will do?
Are certain topics just off the table or maybe just best described in general?
Does the X-card or its various incarnations come into play here?
How devious should the DM be with his evil characters?
Just up to his ability or up to the ability of his players to detect (not spell)?
Does the DM make the game less fun if his intelligent villains are played to the hilt?
3. Oppressively evil world - World of Darkness, Midnight, or Ravenloft
Are these fun to play?
Can it be too much?
How much of a chance must the characters have?
4. Player Characters:
Should they be allowed to portray evil and if so to what degree?
Would all PCs have to be evil?
Can they get along and if so, what is the point?
Is back stabber-y the inevitable end of such a game?
That is, could a character be evil and if so, how so that they can go along with the party?
Stealing Topics: All editions of D&D
All Editions of D&D by Tabletop RPG Reviews: https://youtu.be/g7bAUCcsuG4
Legion of Myth: https://youtu.be/J-wNxSPptog
What are our takes on all these editions?
Random Geekitude
Call Ins and Emails
Big Geek Updates
Palladium HQ visit
Biggus Geekus will be on Legion of Myth- this coming Friday 10/28/22
Thoughts on Black Adam movie https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/black_adam
Shameless Plug Time:
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The Emporium https://biggeekemporium.com
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2h 3min
October 19, 2022 Ravenloft-The Spooky D&D Setting
Ravenloft - The Spooky D&D Setting
Episode 110 Streamed Live Tuesday October 18, 2022
Main Topic: Ravenloft - The Spooky D&D Setting
Ravenloft was released October 1983. This is a very popular module that spawned sequels, a setting, and many supplements over the various editions for Dungeons and Dragons. Set in the fictional region called Barovia, the PCs must find a way to defeat the vampire Strahd von Zarovich to leave this cursed land, as it is surrounded by poisonous mists that the PCs will find difficult to circumvent.

This adventure features original art by fan favorite Clyde Caldwell and iconic isometric maps by David Southerland. Encounters range in difficulty with iron golems being fearsome for the suggested 6th to 8th level characters.

There are some railroad-y elements to the adventure: the mists, the reincarnated lover, the “need” to have a fighter who wields a longsword, to name a few. Another feature is the tarot-inspired plot generator which provides replay with different outcomes. This original module provides a sort of mini setting in addition to the adventure itself. Subsequent adventures, supplements and setting build on the original theme, expanding it into a full-blown gothic-horror setting.
Relevant links:
I6
https://youtu.be/8vutGHA9fZw
https://youtu.be/2nWwVdRY2yM
Old Boxed Set
Revised Box Set
Ravenloft II
Ravenloft Advanced
Created
Fan Site
Holiday One Shots:
10 Monsters Good for Halloween 1-Shot
Christmas
Thanksgiving
Valentine’s Day

Geekosphere - Big Geek Updates
D&D Documentary
She-Hulk’s Last Episode

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2h 22min
October 12, 2022 Creating Engaging Encounters for Dungeons and Dragons, and other ttrpgs
Creating Engaging DnD Encounters
Episode 109 Streamed Live Tuesday, October 11, 2022
Main Topic: Creating Engaging DnD Encounters
1. Types of Encounters
Combat: primarily concerned with fighting
Puzzle/Skill Challenge: challenge the PCs’ skills or the players’ wits
Social/RP: roleplay and interaction with NPCs
2. Random vs pre-set
3. Making them good
4. The use of professionally created adventure encounters
5. Be careful to not get in a rut.
6. Creating Encounters for jaded/experienced players vs new players
A CC Moment - Biggest and Geekiest of all events in the universe!
It’s about time for the annual business meeting (what is this?).
Random Geek
Biggus Geekus Updates
On DC’s Gay Superman book https://boundingintocomics.com/2022/10/10/dc-comics-announces-the-cancelation-of-tom-taylors-woke-superman-son-of-kal-el-series/
Safe Spaces in our hobby somehow trending again
Riddle of the Sphinx Contest! - Guess the number of dice in the fishbowl: The answer was 691
The Winner was ArnMan! He chose Old Skool- WEGS RPG deluxe bag
Shameless Plug Time:
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We are on all the socials, video and podcast places.
Cash Support
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On the Web:
Website: www.biggusgeekuspodcast.com
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2h 3min
October 06, 2022 Episode 108: Retro review of D&D’s White Plume Mountain, Finale | DnD Pushing Boundaries, Finale
Retro review of D&D’s White Plume Mountain
Episode 108 Streamed Live Tuesday, October 4, 2022
Main Topic (Part 1): Retro-Review: White Plume Mountain
Summary of the module
WoTC 3.5e version vs. TSR 1e
Favorite and not-so favorite parts
What changes or additions might you make?
how would you rate it?
Main Topic (Part 2): D&D - Pushing Boundaries (Settings and Adventure Modules)
Original Settings: Greyhawk, Forgotten Realms, Mystara

Others that pushed boundaries past standard fantasy fare:
Dragonlance
Ravenloft, Masque of the Red Death
Dark Sun
Birthright
Spelljammer
Planescape
Eberron
Council of Wyrms
Kara-Tur, Maztica, The Horde, Theros
Lankmar
Ravnica, Strixhaven and Theros
Honorable Mention 3rd party Campaign Settings for D&D:
The Scarred Lands
Golarion
Midgard
Ptolus
Complete List of DnD Sttings
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dungeons_%26_Dragons_campaign_settings
The modules/adventures
Top 25 adventures of all time(?): https://rpggeek.com/geeklist/49682/greatest-dd-adventure-modules-all-time-composite-r
S3 Expedition to the Barrier Peaks
I6 Ravenloft
WG7 Castle Greyhawk
Terrible Trouble at Tragidore
EX 1 Dungeonland and EX2 Land beyond the Magic Mirror
X2: Castle Amber
T1-T4 Temple of Elemental Evil
The Ruins of Undermountain
Big Geek News/Updates
Email!
BG Emporium
Big Geek Adventures
Big Geek Con
New Contests:

Riddle of the Sphinx!
Guess the number of dice in the fishbowl in the video and win a choice of:
Star Wars Edge of the Empire (Beta Rules)
Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay, 2e
WEGS Old Skool RPG Deluxe

500 Sub Contest!
Once we reach 500 subs on youtube, one luck random viewer will receive
Paranoia 2e Boxed Set (with extras)
More details forthcoming
Shameless Plug Time:
If you would like to support our show, please like, subscribe, and share us where you are listening or viewing the show, also:
We are on all the socials, video and podcast places as well.
Cash Support
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...more
2h 9min

FAQs about Biggus Geekus:

How many episodes does Biggus Geekus have?

The podcast currently has 212 episodes available.