The Arcane Alienist

The Arcane Alienist

By B. J. (aka “GameDoc”)LeisureGames
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The Arcane Alienist episodes

  • Roleplaying the Classics, Part 2

    Wait... Part 2? This is a crossover episode where Karl Rodriguez and I discuss some of the classic modules from the TSR era of D&D. You can find Part 1 of the conversation at The GMologist Presents.

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    47 min
  • Freudian Feedback and Playlists for Characters

    In this episode we have calls from Evil Jeff (Minions & Musings) and Mike the Meek with comments about Sigmund Freud and alignment. I also give an update on my "D&D with Drama Kids" campaign and pose a question: What is on your charater's playlist?

    Check out my review of Superman with Jason on the latest Nerd's RPG Variety Cast.

    And here's the book Mirke mentions about How to Think Like a Roman Emperor.

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    • ​Email me at [email protected]
    • ​Leave a voicemail at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Speakpipe⁠


    27 min
  • Sigmund Freud, Alignment, and the Swords & Wizard Book of Options

    Inspired by the chapter on alignment in the S&W Book o Options, I present a comparison of Michael Moorcock's cosmic balance and Freud's theory of personality.

    Also, I have calls from Daniel (Bandit's Keep), Joe (Hindsightless), and Mirke (Mirke the Meek).

    Here are the other books mentioned in this episode

    • The Antidote by Oliver Burkeman
    • The Happiness Trap by Russ Harris
    • A Liberated Mind bu Steven C. Hayes
    • The Swords Wizardy Book of Options by Matt Finch & James M. Spahn


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    38 min
  • Process Based Game Mastering?

    This episode as some actual "alienist" content as I compare the way psychologists use theory and to make decisions in psychotherapy to the way a GM uses understanding of game design to make rulings at the table.

    I also have calls from Jason (Nerd's RPG Variety Cast), Karl (The GMologist Presents) and Mirke (Mirke the Meek).

    Take a look at Mirke's stuff on itch.io!

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    48 min
  • Emergent Gameplay

    In this episode I discuss using embracing the emergent stories that come from just playing the game and seeing where it takes you.

    This is partially inspired by recent discussions by Che Webster and Anthony Boyd about the nature of roleplaying games and characters as protagonists on the past few episodes of Roleplay Rescue. Give them a listen!

    Also, we have a new episode of Cerebrevore out now, where I am joined by the GMologist and Darkfluid.

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    31 min
  • Review: Black Powder and Brimstone

    My quick review of Black Powder and Brimstone by Benjamin Tobitt. I also, this episode's cover art is the map to my Black Sword Hack have solo game, as suggested by a call from the GMologist. I made it using Inkarnate.


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    42 min
  • A Brother's Lament (Part 5) - Black Sword Hack Solo Play

    It's the conclusion of my first solo adventure with Black Sword Hack. Dolen and his "niece" Thorn confront the twisted mortician Fedro and uncover his plans for an undead army. But is he the real master or just a minion of Chaos?

    I also have a call from our good friend Riley, host of the excellent Diagetic Advancement podcast. Be sure to give it a listen!

    Special music for this episode curtesy of Bleupanda at⁠⁠⁠⁠Pond5⁠⁠⁠⁠.

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    52 min
  • A Brother's Lament (Part 2) - Black Sword Hack Solo Play

    The second installment of solo play featuring Dolen of Ulber, as he says farewell to his brother and reflects on his origins and how he came to be a courier in the service of House Fulluando.

    Special music for this episode curtesy of Bleupanda at⁠Pond5⁠.

    Thanks toMirke the Meek for his call in this eposiode. Make sure you listen to his podcast.

    Other great podcasts referenced in this episode were theGMologist Presents andDiegetic Advancement.

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    25 min

About The Arcane Alienist

From the publisher's feed

A podcast mostly about tabletop roleplaying games, from game theory and concepts to session recaps to sources of inspiration. I also occasionally delve into other nerdy things like board games, comics, books, movies, and television.