Down in a Heap

By Rob c

What's Down in a Heap about?

A big pot of old school RPG stew.

Cover art photo provided by Mathew Schwartz on Unsplash: https://unsplash.com/@cadop

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Down in a Heap episodes:

06.08.2024
I’m Not Dead …I’m getting better :)
Spotify extended the mobile app life until July 9th, so Down in a Heap lives on for another month. Calls from Jason and Riley provide discussion on attribute gains & losses, training, what’s going to happen after the podcast, and...
05.30.2024
Compleat Adventurer Deep Dive 6: and the rest…
I finally wrap up the deep dive into Bard Games’ Compleat Adventurer with MaryAnne, the Professor, and Wrongway Feldman: I mean the Knight, Martial Artist, and Swordsman. Definitely the weaker links in this supplement, but I promised a thorough deep...
05.29.2024
Compleat Adventurer Deep Dive 5: Rogues & Spies
In this installment, I compare the Compleat Adventurer’s Rogue & Spy class to what we get in classic D&D from the Thief (and Assassin). What doesn’t work for some with the Thief, and are these alternatives any better? Will they...
05.29.2024
The Compleat Adventurer Deep Dive 4: The Hunters!
I get back to my deep dive into Bard Games’ The Compleat Adventurer from 1983. This time it’s the Hunters!: the Scout, Bounty Hunter, and Witch Hunter. Are these more interesting (or better fantasy archetypes) than the Ranger (which was...
05.26.2024
The Last Call-in Bonanza?
Calls from Mirke, Jason, Daniel, and Joe react to and spark conversation about: character attribute generation in B/X: OSE and AD&D; Animal Companions in games and a potential method to mechanize their use in B/X; the Compleat Adventurer classes and...
05.07.2024
Rob & Jason vs. The Universal Monsters: Creature From The Black Lagoon
Once again I’m joined by Jason of Nerd’s RPG Variety Cast to talk about our beloved Universal Monsters! This time we dive into the Black Lagoon to swim with the iconic gill-man. Load up your speargun, check your air tanks,...
05.04.2024
Compleat Adventurer Deep Dive 3
A call from Jason and continuing the Compleat Adventurer deep dive with the Gladiator and Harlequin.
04.27.2024
The Compleat Adventurer Deep Dive 2, plus THANKS Jason!
Part 2 of the Deep Dive continues with a look at the Beastmaster & Buccaneer. Also calls from Daniel and Keith and a special big thank-you! to Jason of Nerd’s RPG Variety Cast who has announced the upcoming end of...
04.10.2024
The Compleat Adventurer Deep Dive: Part 1
I begin a deep dive into an RPG supplement from Bard Games in 1983: The Compleat Adventurer. Plus a call from Spencer regarding my review of Cairn and Jason with a call on post apocalyptic gaming.
03.09.2024
The Big Wet Postdiluvian RPG Review
Review of the post apocalyptic, “postdiluvian” RPG, The Big Wet, by Sam Sorensen. Physical copies available at Exalted Funeral (along with pdf), or pdf only at Sam’s Itch page.
03.07.2024
Throwing Spaghetti
A couple ideas were popping in my head this morning. Sacrificing a level as meta currency, and magical healing at a cost. Just throwing spaghetti at the wall…
02.26.2024
Cairn RPG 1e Review
I dig into the Cairn RPG by Yochai Gal per the request of AaronNPC. Get a free pdf of the game at cairnrpg.com or Drivethru RPG. Questions, comments, requests to bigbalboni “at” gmail.
02.20.2024
You Blew it Up!
The Anchor-pocolypse finally has arrived in June. Jason from Nerd’s RPG Variety Cast calls to ask my podcasting fate. And new caller Riley from Diogetic Advancement recommends the game, Swyvers, now live on Kickstarter.
01.23.2024
New Year, New Conversations
I blabber a bit about how the fiction I want my games to emulate is much more grounded, small scope & slow burn than most. I’m weird…
12.16.2023
Into the B/oX Holiday Call-in Bonanza
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Calls from BJ of Arcane Alienist, Jason of Nerd’s RPG Variety Cast, Michael from Mirke the Meek, and Daniel from Bandit’s Keep about my Into the B/oX smash up. Five years of podcasting -...
12.06.2023
My Magic-user Attacks with their Axe! ??? How I’d rule on it.
Ideas for PCs restricted in weapon choice by class using weapons outside those lists in classic D&D. Inspired by conversations on recent episodes of Nerd’s RPG Variety Cast. Plus, last day chance to back Mythic Bastionland KS: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/bastionland/mythic-bastionland-rpg-before-into-the-odd
11.20.2023
Into the B/oX Combat Run-through 1
I run through a small low-level skirmish between a party and group of Hobgoblins to see how a mash-up of B/X and Into the Odd might be different from straight B/X. Plus calls from Jason and Aaronnpc. Happy Thanksgiving!
11.13.2023
Different Approaches to Rock’em Sock’em Robots
Jason from Nerd’s RPG Variety Cast calls in to describe how three old games dealt with the Rock’em Sock’em Robots effect. Plus some talk about my bitchin’ Camaro and the great ‘91 Halloween Blizzard.
10.31.2023
Gary’s Appendix Issue 3 and OSR October wrap.
I take a look at the Halloween themed Issue 3 of Gary’s Appendix by Jeff Jones of the RPG Ramblings podcast and do a little wrap up of OSR October 2023. Happy Halloween!
10.28.2023
Into the B/oX: a Peanut Butter Cup Smash-up?
I noodle about a mash-up of B/X with combat inspired by Chris McDowall’s game Into the Odd. Will two great flavors create a new taste sensation ala Reese’s, or would it be like topping your Count Chocula with sauerkraut?
10.21.2023
OSR October: A Guide to Thieves’ Guilds by Todd Leback
I take a look at the supplement, A Guide to Thieves’ Guilds by Todd Leback of Third Kingdom Games. It’s part of his Filling in the Blanks Populated Hexcrawl Series. Available at Drivethru RPG. Also a call from Jason...
10.17.2023
Gary’s Appendix Issue 2 for OSR October
A cold has dropped my voice an octave, so please forgive my froggy delivery. Today I look through Gary’s Appendix Issue 2 from Jeff Jones at RPG Ramblings Publishing. Check it out at DrivethruRPG.
10.10.2023
Call-in OSR October
Calls and conversation from John Large of Red Dice Diaries, Rich Fraser of Cockatrice Nuggets, and Jason Connerly from Nerd’s RPG Variety Cast. Thanks guys! Wanna get in the fun? Email me a voice file to bigbalboni at gmail...
10.03.2023
OSR October: Tuesday Tidbits - Jazz Up the Fighter
Spicing up the vanilla fighter is a common house rule in OSR games. Here’s one method (Fighting Tricks) from Dice Roll Zine #3 by Steve Cook of Hog Town Games.
10.02.2023
OSR October 2023: Episode 1
It’s been a while, but already that time of year again: OSR October! I blabber about how it came about, what’s happening, what I have planned, and has gamer wanderlust always existed? Plus I drink a blue cheese flavored soda...
08.04.2023
Placement of Treasure in B/X plus new Gary’s Appendix KS
There’s a new KS for Gary’s Appendix issue 3 from Jeffery Jones. And calls from Evil Jeff, Joe, Pink Phantom, Taylor, Jason, and Darkfluid prompt me to a deep dive into procedural treasure placement in B/X (among other topics). It’s...
07.15.2023
Gary’s Appendix: Issue 1 plus calls
I take a look at the zine, Gary’s Appendix by RPG Ramblings Publishing available in pdf/print direct at rpgramblings.com or pdf at DrivethruRPG.com plus calls from Jason & Daniel about bugs, traps, treasure, and granularity. A new caller (Joe from...
06.23.2023
I Hate Bugs!
Originally meant to be a call-in show, with updates on playing FTF for the 1st time since 2020 morphs into a screed against giant bugs. But through venting, perhaps wisdom, and a place for the bugs is found? Still have...
05.31.2023
Knave 2e Kickstarter Talk plus Thieves, Advantage/Dis and the movie, The Last Valley
Calls from Jason of Nerd’s RPG Variety Cast prompts discussion about Knave 2e, mass battle systems, Advantage/Disadvantage, Thieves, and a strong recommendation for the movie, The Last Valley. Released in 1971, Directed by James Clavell, starring Michael Caine and Omar...
05.23.2023
What’s Up? Knave 2e Kickstarter, S&W KS, Shadowdark KS thoughts.
Hey. It’s been a while. Talk about what I’ve been up to and thoughts about the Knave 2e Kickstarter (9 days left to go if you want to back it) as well as about the Shadowdark & S&W KS...and...
03.03.2023
Lore & Rumors on Planet Eris
I go over my method for providing starting PCs with campaign Lore & Rumors. Plus calls from Jason, Joe, and Daniel. “Whumming” by Goblin’s Henchman and another song from Chaos Warband.
02.28.2023
“Acquisitions” From Backstory and a Transmission from Planet Eris
My Planet Eris game finally started and I share a moment that came up while finishing PC creation. What would you have done? Plus calls from James Knight, Jason, Daniel and a Rogue transmission from Planet Eris.
01.28.2023
OSE Advanced Fantasy Deep Dive: 4
A look at the rest of the optional rules in the Character book from OSE Advanced Fantasy by Gavin Norman of Necrotic Gnome: separate race & class, multi-class, learning spells, combat, etc. Plus calls from Jason and Daniel.
01.18.2023
OSE Advanced Fantasy Deep Dive 3
Wrapping up the remainder of PC classes outlined in Necrotic Gnome’s OSE Advanced Fantasy by Gavin Norman: Half-elf, Half-Orc, Illusionist, Knight, Paladin, Ranger, and Svirfneblin. Plus a call from Jason. Enjoy!
01.15.2023
OSE Advanced Fantasy Deep Dive 2
Calls from Jason & Joe and a close looks at Bards, Drow, Druids, Duergar, and Gnomes in OSE Advanced Fantasy by Gavin Norman of Necrotic Gnome.
01.10.2023
OSE Advanced Fantasy Deep Dive 1
The first Deep Dive episode of the Old School Essentials Advanced Fantasy Box set by Gavin Norman of Necrotic Gnome covers an overview of the line, a look at the box set, and the elements of the Acrobat, Assassin, and...
01.08.2023
Call-in Bonanza Ramble
What was planned as the 1st episode of the OSE Advanced Deep Dive morphs into a straight call-in bonanza ramble featuring Jason, Daniel, Pink Phantom, and Spencer. Dungeon23, OGL, Spirit of the Rules, AD&D Nostalgia, Separate attribute adjustments for fighters,...
12.31.2022
Roll For Random Thoughts...December?
Calls from Keith and Daniel about The School of Hard Knocks; Gaming goodies from Christmas; Kickstarter goodness Hyperborea 3E and OSE Advanced, and a look ahead at podcasting and gaming in 2023. Happy New Year!
11.08.2022
The School of Hard Knocks?
I offer up a potential new house rule for those who enroll at The School of Hard Knocks. Crazy, really crazy, or crazy good? YOU decide. Plus calls about Planet Eris & OSR October.
10.31.2022
OSR October Finale: Planet Eris by Jimm Johnson
Spotlight on a great World Setting, Planet Eris, by Jimm Johnson of the Scribes of Sparn. While intended for OD&D, this could easily be used for any Fantasy RPG. Get the PDF or Print + PDF at DrivethruRPG.com. World map...
10.30.2022
OSR October: Call-in Bonanza
Calls from the last week of OSR October featuring Jason, Aaron the NPC, Goblin’s Henchman, and Joe.
10.28.2022
OSR October: Thursday Theories (Friday Edition
The last Thursday Theory in October ends with the closing line of my theme song: “Try not to go, Down in a Heap.” Character death is part of the deal in old adventure games. Long-term survival is a badge of...
10.27.2022
OSR October: Wednesday Wanderings - Whisper & Venom
This Wednesday Wandering leads to the mini setting and adventure book, Whisper & Venom by Zach Glazar. Originally published by his company, Lesser Gnome, it was recently on KS with a new edition through Necromancer Games in both an OSE...
10.26.2022
OSR October: Tuesday Tidbits - Midderzine Tables
Tired of that humdrum +1 weapon or scroll? Crack open a Midderzine from Monkeyblood Design and roll for a “Slightly Less Shit” one!
10.24.2022
OSR October: Monster Monday - Name That Monster!
I take a trip through the way-back machine to the earliest time I can recall trying to stat out a unique monster. Can you name it? You probably won’t be surprised where I stole it from...
10.24.2022
OSR October: Saturday Call-in Bonanza on Sunday
Lots of calls about lots of topics fielded by a grumpy host who had just returned to work after an all-too-brief vacation. Sound fun? Woo hoo! Hey Ho, let’s GO!
10.20.2022
OSR October: Thursday Theories - Bring Your Pole, Oil, & Rope
Thursday Theories addresses the importance of equipment, exploration, and resource management in OSR games. Plus, was there a “Proto-OSR” that started way back in the early 1980’s?
10.19.2022
OSR October: Wednesday Wanderings among the clouds of Highfell by Greg Gillespie
My Wednesday Wandering shoots us towards the moon in this unique mega dungeon adventure setting: Highfell, The Drifting Dungeon by Greg Gillespie. Available at DrivethruRPG. Check out all four of Greg’s mega dungeons. They’re fantastic!
10.19.2022
OSR October: Tidbit Tuesday a Lifepath Random Generator
For Tidbit Tuesday I dive into Dice Roll Zine #3 from Steve C of Hog Town Games. I really like the quick random tables here to generate a beginning character’s background. Check out all three issues of Dice Roll Zine....
10.17.2022
OSR October Mashup: Monster Friend Monday!
The recording I did with my old friend I thought lost was found! And we’re discussing monsters; reskinning them, and thoughts about player knowledge about monsters powers & vulnerabilities. It’s a Monster Monday/ Friend Friday mashup!

What's Down in a Heap about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

Down in a Heap episodes:

I’m Not Dead …I’m getting better :)

Compleat Adventurer Deep Dive 6: and the rest…

Compleat Adventurer Deep Dive 5: Rogues & Spies

The Compleat Adventurer Deep Dive 4: The Hunters!

The Last Call-in Bonanza?

Rob & Jason vs. The Universal Monsters: Creature From The Black Lagoon

Compleat Adventurer Deep Dive 3

The Compleat Adventurer Deep Dive 2, plus THANKS Jason!

The Compleat Adventurer Deep Dive: Part 1

The Big Wet Postdiluvian RPG Review

Throwing Spaghetti

Cairn RPG 1e Review

You Blew it Up!

New Year, New Conversations

Into the B/oX Holiday Call-in Bonanza

My Magic-user Attacks with their Axe! ??? How I’d rule on it.

Into the B/oX Combat Run-through 1

Different Approaches to Rock’em Sock’em Robots

Gary’s Appendix Issue 3 and OSR October wrap.

Into the B/oX: a Peanut Butter Cup Smash-up?

OSR October: A Guide to Thieves’ Guilds by Todd Leback

Gary’s Appendix Issue 2 for OSR October

Call-in OSR October

OSR October: Tuesday Tidbits - Jazz Up the Fighter

OSR October 2023: Episode 1

Placement of Treasure in B/X plus new Gary’s Appendix KS

Gary’s Appendix: Issue 1 plus calls

I Hate Bugs!

Knave 2e Kickstarter Talk plus Thieves, Advantage/Dis and the movie, The Last Valley

What’s Up? Knave 2e Kickstarter, S&W KS, Shadowdark KS thoughts.

Lore & Rumors on Planet Eris

“Acquisitions” From Backstory and a Transmission from Planet Eris

OSE Advanced Fantasy Deep Dive: 4

OSE Advanced Fantasy Deep Dive 3

OSE Advanced Fantasy Deep Dive 2

OSE Advanced Fantasy Deep Dive 1

Call-in Bonanza Ramble

Roll For Random Thoughts...December?

The School of Hard Knocks?

OSR October Finale: Planet Eris by Jimm Johnson

OSR October: Call-in Bonanza

OSR October: Thursday Theories (Friday Edition

OSR October: Wednesday Wanderings - Whisper & Venom

OSR October: Tuesday Tidbits - Midderzine Tables

OSR October: Monster Monday - Name That Monster!

OSR October: Saturday Call-in Bonanza on Sunday

OSR October: Thursday Theories - Bring Your Pole, Oil, & Rope

OSR October: Wednesday Wanderings among the clouds of Highfell by Greg Gillespie

OSR October: Tidbit Tuesday a Lifepath Random Generator

OSR October Mashup: Monster Friend Monday!

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