After venturing into the dark with only a torch to guide their way, the Campaigns & Coffee crew talks about their experiences playing the ShadowDark RPG (where they ARE very likely to be eaten by a grue). They discuss the dungeon-delving, old-school-inspired game’s real-time torch mechanics, its focus on fast-paced and high-stakes decision-making. They also […]
Shadowdark Impressions (Campaigns & Coffee) Read More »
We’ve got mail! Cursed Scrolls 3 arrived in Ken’s mailbox. In this episode, he fights his usual fight with packaging, then pages through the ShadowDark zine’s Norse-inspired mini-campaign setting. The zine offers new character classes, new monsters, new spells, new gods, and an archipelago-based mini-setting. Watch to the Episode Watch the Unboxing Cursed Scrolls 3:
Unboxing Cursed Scrolls 3: Midnight Sun for ShadowDark Read More »
An unboxing and walk through of the Fallout 2d20 starter set. The set includes a rules packet, an introductory campaign scenario, cardboard battle caps to represent action points, and – of course – dice. And you know we love dice. Chapters 0:00 Introduction to Fallout 2D20 Unboxing0:15 Jury-rigged Camera Setup1:30 Fallout Dice Overview2:30 Exploring the
Unboxing Fallout 2d20 Starter Set Read More »
On this episode of Lair of Secrets, we present the our guide for new Game Masters, packed with advice, tips, and encouragement for those ready to take the GM seat. We explore choosing the right game, gathering players, preparing efficiently, and rolling with mistakes while ensuring a fun and engaging experience. Chapter List 0:00 –
The Lair’s Guide for New Game Masters (S4E13) Read More »
Forbidden Lands is a gritty, low-fantasy role-playing game published by Free League. It’s a hex crawl – an exploration-focused game in which humans, elves, goblins, and other species expand into a once-cursed land. This page gathers resources supporting the Forbidden Lands RPG. Suggest more resources by leaving a comment or emailing us at podcast@lairofsecrets.com. Lair of Secrets
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Building immersive cities for RPGs takes center stage on this episode, with inspiration from real-world examples like San Antonio’s Alamo and Chicago’s reversed river. We dive into tools and techniques for making cities that evolve, feel lived in, and resonate as characters within campaigns. From quirky city rivalries to handling disasters, this episode offers creative
Build Better Cities – Campaigns and Coffee Read More »
Ken rants about the new and improved Blade Ward cantrip. in Dungeons & Dragons 2024. Chapters 0:00 Intro – Welcome to Greyhawk ’760:15 Why I Hate Blade Ward1:10 Blade Ward: 2014 vs. 20242:00 The Action Economy Problem2:30 Final Thoughts & Playtesting3:00 Outro – Like & Subscribe Listen to the Video Watch the Episode Watch “I
I Hate Blade Ward – Greyhawk ’76 (Ep. 5) Read More »
Ken talks about lessons learned during his first Dungeons & Dragons 2024 adventure, “The Lost Coins of Cousin Ernest”, including: Chapters 0:00 Intro0:35 Setting the Scene: The Treasure Mine1:50 Rival Factions: Fairheights vs. Witherwinns3:10 Water Weird Ambush4:20 Rogue Abilities Shine5:15 Hand-Drawn Maps and Retro Vibes6:30 Lessons Learned: Rules and Mechanics7:45 Blade Ward: Overpowered or Balanced?8:30
Our First D&D 2024 Adventure – Greyhawk ’76 (Ep. 4) Read More »
On this episode of Greyhawk ’76, Ken talks about the essential books for running a World of Greyhawk campaign, including the new Dungeon Master’s Guide (2024), the World of Greyhawk boxed set (1983) and the Expedition to the The Ruins of Greyhawk (2007). Chapters 0:00 Introduction1:00 Greyhawk ‘76 Campaign Kickoff2:30 Reviewing the 2024 Dungeon Master’s
Build a Greyhawk Library – Greyhawk ’76 (Ep. 3) Read More »
Meet the adventurers taking center stage in Ken’s Greyhawk ’76 test drive campaign for Dungeons & Dragons 2024! Listen to the Episode Watch the Episode Watch “Meet the Party – D&D 2024 (Ep. 2)” on YouTube Show Notes In the second episode of Greyhawk ’76, Ken talks about the player characters the campaign is using
Meet the Party – Greyhawk ’76 (Ep. 2) Read More »
