In this episode of a two-part series I sit down to play D&D with Dr. Ian Borton to continue the show's campaign The Sidekick. Ian is a professor of communications at Aquinas College in Grand Rapids, Mich. Ian, as worded on his Linkedin profile is, "Currently researching gamification, conflict, restorative justice, and the use of roleplay in education. Currently teaching courses in interpersonal communication, communication ethics, humanities, and social media." He is also the author of the book Creating Restorative Justice: A Communication Perspective of Justice, Restoration, and Community which he co-authored with Gregory D. Paul. Prior to playing, we discuss a D&D camp he is running this summer. 

The Sidekick is a unique actual play campaign, each month the podcast guest assumes the role of the sidekick. The campaign is inspired by the childhood game of Telephone. Any actions taken, lore or character details established, or injuries sustained to the character in an episode carries over next month for the new guest to deal with.

Tune back in next week to hear my wrap-up conversation with Ian to discuss our game, his research, and more

In This Episode:

Introduction (00:00:00)

Start of show (00:00:54)

Actual Play begins (00:10:08)

Things Mentioned in This Episode:

• Vampire: The Masquerade

• Middle Earth Roleplaying

Thoughts From The Host

It was an honor to have Ian on the show, he was the first person to come on the show I wasn't related too. This game did not go the way I was expecting it too. Originally, I had planned to have Jason St. Josephine's pirate crew stage a jailbreak for their captain, and possibly creating a scenario that would allow for the sidekick Marigold Thundercrack to flee from his captors. However, I pivoted mid-game and decided on the spot to have the guards organize a jailhouse fight club. Ian was a good sport and lots of fun to play with. Hopefully, I can get him on the show again on a future episode.