The Black Notebook Podcast

The Black Notebook Podcast

By The Evil Dungeon MasterLeisureGames
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The Black Notebook Podcast episodes

  • AD&D - Nixies: Enchanting Foes or Underwater Nightmares?

    Let’s talk about nixies—the water sprites that are as enchanting as they are dangerous. These rare little tricksters live in hidden seaweed lairs and have a charm ability that can turn even the toughest adventurer into their personal puppet for a year. Yeah, a year. They’re smart, they’ve got combat moves that work underwater or on land, and they can summon schools of fish to make your life a living hell. But here’s the kicker—they’re terrified of fire and bright light, which means they’ve got exploitable weaknesses if you play it smart.

    So, what are nixies, really? Are they charming allies waiting for the right offer, or are they manipulative captors hiding something more sinister? In this episode, we’ll break it all down—their abilities, their weaknesses, and the strategies you need to deal with these aquatic nightmares. Tune in and learn why these slippery sprites are more than just another monster in the manual.

    #ADNDLore #DMSecrets #FantasyCreaturesExplored

    11 min
  • AD&D True Neutral: The Alignment That Tests Every DM

    Let’s talk about True Neutral, or as I like to call it, “the alignment that makes my job as DM a complete nightmare.” This episode is all about why I can’t stand tracking this philosophical mess in Advanced Dungeons & Dragons. Sure, it sounds nice on paper—balance between good and evil, chaos and law—but in practice? It’s a headache.

    #ADNDTrueNeutral #AlignmentMatters #OldSchoolDND

    Support:

    https://Ko-fi.com/theEvilDM

    14 min
  • Plague & Peril: Surviving Disease in AD&D

    Welcome to the dark side of AD&D—where the sword isn’t your only enemy. In this episode, we’re digging into disease and parasitic infestation mechanics and how they crank up the tension in your campaign. From sweltering jungles to filthy cities, I’ll break down how these rules challenge players to survive more than just combat. We’ll talk modifiers, contraction chances, and how to turn these mechanics into rich storytelling moments. So grab your hand sanitizer—this one gets messy.

    #ADNDMechanics #DungeonMasterTips #OldSchoolGaming

    Support:

    Click Join on youtube!

    https://Ko-fi.com/TheEvilDM



    17 min
  • AD&D is more Dangerous than 5e, here's why..

    This one’s personal, folks. It all started with an argument at work—a friendly debate about how the old (Advanced Dungeons & Dragons) is lame, while 5th Edition (5E), is much better. Naturally, I knew I had to prove my point (because, let’s face it, I’m right). So I crunched the numbers, created identical fighter characters for both systems, and put them to the test.

    The results? No surprises here for you AD&D fans: 5E makes combat easy mode. Fighters in 5E hit more, hit harder, and level up faster, but that’s exactly why AD&D feels so much more rewarding. In AD&D, every hit is a victory, and every miss keeps the tension alive. It’s not just about rolling dice—it’s about survival, strategy, and earning your wins the hard way.

    I know I’m preaching to the choir with you, my loyal audience, but this one’s still worth tuning in for. Let’s dive into the gritty details, break down the differences, and maybe throw a little shade at 5E while we’re at it.

    If you’ve ever wanted hard evidence on why AD&D hits different (pun intended), this is the episode for you.

    #DungeonsAndDragons #ADnDvs5E #RPGCombatShowdown

    19 min
  • AD&D - Cantrips can be useful, listen in.

    The Tie cantrip in Dungeons & Dragons serves as a versatile tool for illusionists, allowing them to creatively manipulate their environment and enhance gameplay. This spell can be employed in various inventive ways, such as setting traps, securing gear, creating barriers, and distracting enemies. Illusionists can also leverage the cantrip for tactical advantages in combat, assist in rescue operations, and even engage in artistic displays. Furthermore, the Tie cantrip can facilitate

    puzzle-solving and establish signaling systems, thus enriching the overall gaming experience with strategic depth and creativity. With its range of applications, the Tie cantrip encourages players to think outside the box and use their spells in multifaceted ways.

    Highlights

    • 🎭 Trap Setting: Utilize the Tie cantrip to set up snares or tripwires for ambushes.
    • 🎒 Securing Gear: Keep belongings safe while camping by tying them down with the cantrip.
    • 🚧 Creating Barriers: Form makeshift barriers to block paths or slow down enemies.
    • 📣 Distraction: Create noise distractions by tying objects together, diverting attention from the party.
    • 🛑 Rescue Operations: Quickly secure ropes for rescue scenarios, aiding party members in danger.
    • ⚔️ Creative Combat Tactics: Disarm enemies by tying their weapons or restricting their movement with the cantrip.
    • 🎨 Artistic Displays: Impress NPCs or enhance role-playing opportunities with intricate rope designs.

      • Support: https://Ko-fi.com/TheEvilDM


      13 min
    • End of the Year Wrap up show, Emptying the email bag!

      It’s hard to believe, but here we are—the end of the year and the final show for 2024! Time flies when you’re slaying dragons, spinning tales, and rolling dice. For this special episode, I decided to do a little housekeeping and tackle the email bag. That’s right—I’ve gathered up all the questions you’ve sent my way over the past year, the ones I haven’t had the chance to answer yet, and I’m clearing them out in one big, jam-packed show.

      Could your question be one of the lucky ones I dive into? Well, there’s only one way to find out—tune in and see if your name or query makes the cut.

      Thanks to everyone who’s written in, subscribed, or joined me in the hobby this year. You’ve made this journey incredible, and I’m already cooking up big plans for 2025. But for now, let’s send off 2024 in style—answering your burning questions and dropping some DM wisdom to close out the year.

      Got a question for future shows? Don’t wait! Shoot an email to [email protected]. Want to support the channel or catch bonus content? Hit up youtube.com/@theevildm/join.

      Here’s to another year of adventures, laughter, and maybe a few critical hits. Roll high, my friends, and I’ll see you in 2025!


      23 min
    • AD&D - Cleric Command Spell Thoughts..

      The “Command” spell allows a cleric to issue a single, clear command to a creature that understands the language. The target must obey the command for one round, provided it’s unambiguous. Common commands include “halt” or “flee.” Undead and some intelligent creatures may resist the spell with a saving throw, ensuring it’s not foolproof.

      Highlights

      • 🗣️ Single Command: The spell issues one clear command.
      • 👥 Language Dependent: The recipient must understand the command’s language.
      • ⏳ Duration: Lasts for 1 round only.
      • 🧠 Intelligence Check: Creatures with high intelligence can resist.
      • ⚔️ Undead Immunity: Undead creatures are unaffected.
      • 🚫 Ambiguity Matters: Commands must be unequivocal to be obeyed.
      • 🎭 Common Commands: Examples include “stop,” “flee,” and “sleep.”


        • 13 min
      • AD&D - Changing up how Clerics get spells?

        In Dragon Magazine #92, Gary Gygax wrote and article discussing that the way Cleric's get their spells isn't really written in stone and you as the DM can change it up a bit.

        Clerics and druids have access to all spells without needing spell books, as their powers are granted by their deities. While the rules allow flexibility, experienced Dungeon Masters may alter these to enhance gameplay. The balance of power is crucial, allowing for the removal or addition of spells based on character faithfulness and the campaign’s needs. This can lead to interesting dynamics, such as withholding spells from unfaithful clerics or druids.

        Highlights -📜

        1. Clerics and Druids’ Spells: Access to all spells without spell books.
        2. DM Flexibility: Experienced Dungeon Masters can modify rules for better gameplay.
        3. Balance is Key: Maintaining game balance is crucial when altering spells.
        4. Faithfulness Matters: Rewards and penalties based on character faithfulness.
        5. Spells Can Be Withheld: Justifiable reasons exist for withholding spells from characters.
        6. Druidic Abilities: Druids have specific abilities based on their deities.
        7. Character Dynamics: Faith and adherence impact character powers significantly.


          8. 10 min
        8. AD&D - Wishes, Alter Reality Spells and Attributes..

          Players often use wishes or alter reality spells to boost their

          character’s ability scores. However, to prevent characters from easily achieving high scores (like multiple 18s), it’s suggested that once an ability score reaches 16, wishes only increase it by 1/10th of a point. Thus, raising a score from 16 to 17 requires 10 wishes. Magical books or devices can still raise scores above 16 by a full point, but wishes are limited in their effectiveness.

          Highlights -✨

          • Players commonly use wishes to enhance ability scores.
          • Unlimited wish use may lead to imbalanced characters.
          • A cap is suggested for ability scores at 16 and above.
          • Wishes increase scores past 16 by only 1/10th of a point.
          • Raising a score from 16 to 17 requires 10 wishes.
          • Magical items can still raise scores above 16 fully.
          • The restriction applies only to wishes, not other methods.


            • 10 min
          • AD&D - Advice on Making Taverns a little more interesting..

            Today's podcast, I got an facebook message on my page from John P, asking about how to make Taverns a little less boring.

            Each tavern should have a unique style, distinct food, and interesting NPCs to create memorable experiences for players.

            Highlights:

            • Style of the Place: Unique ambiance and decor.
            • Food Offerings: Distinctive dishes or "house specials" not found elsewhere.
            • Interesting NPCs: Engaging characters that enhance the experience.
              • 12 min

            About The Black Notebook Podcast

            From the publisher's feed

            Welcome to The Black Notebook, where we take a fresh look at Dungeons & Dragons through the pages of the classic D&D books. Every episode explores monsters, rules, adventures, and forgotten…

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