On this episode, we delve far from the light to geek out about Shadowdark. The old-school-inspired RPG strips Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition to its essentials, and then adds in some modern sensibilities. We talk about our favorite mechanics, how it’s impacted our other games (looking at you D&D 5th Edition!), and our players’ penchant […]
d12 Ways ShadowDark is Awesome! (S4E15) Read More »
We kickoff our Fallout 2d20 campaign with the protagonists (not sure we can call them “heroes” just yet) waking up in the Wasteland. Chapters 0:00 – Intro & Audio Shenanigans3:15 – Meet the Survivors8:40 – Escape from the Hospital Basement14:55 – Reg the Super Mutant Chef22:10 – Journey Through the Wasteland29:30 – EyeBot Encounters &
Fallout 2d20 Chapter 1: Wasteland Wake-Up (S4E14) 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 »
We explore our favorite game conventions, from the chill vibes of CinCityCon to the dynamic events of Gamehole Con, to the cozy fun of MEPACon. We also look ahead to Philadelphia Area Game Expo, a new-ish convention happening in January 2025. After the convention stories, we dive into our RPG experiments, including David’s mechanical torchlight
Convention Season (S4E12) Read More »
We look at The Electric State RPG, a role-playing game game featuring a slow motion apocalypse, haunting artwork, and a cyberspace plague so intoxicating that people died playing it … simply because they forgot to eat. We start with Simon Stålenhag’s original art/fiction book, which depicts a young woman’s journey across the wrecked remains of
The Electric State RPG (S4E11) Read More »
Get in. Do a thing. Get out. Look awesome doing it. That’s your typical cyberpunk adventure, and it always involves some sort of security. On this episode, we discuss real-world hacking inspiration, cinematic heist scenarios, and strategies for balancing game difficulty. We dive into the nuances of netrunning, social engineering, and how even the best-laid
Cyberpunk Security (S4E10) Read More »
In the latest expedition through the Lair of Secrets, David Moore, Ken Newquist, and Chris Miller delve into the art of map design, specifically focusing on the peculiarities and challenges of modern and near-future maps in gaming. The discussion kicks off with Ken recounting his creation of the “worst best map ever” for a Mothership
Modern Maps (S4E9) Read More »
The edgerunners are at Elysium HQ. All they need to do is descend through three sub-levels of the abandoned corporate headquarters and flip a switch on an old server. But first they have to get past these cybernetic corvids … and the remains of the edgerunner crews that came before them. Quotes Chapters 0:00 Intro
Cyberpunk RED Chapter 9: Flip the Switch (S4E8) Read More »
After talking and driving their way past the factions controlling access to Night City’s radioactive core, the edgerunners are approaching the ruined Elysium corporate headquarters. Their goal is to infiltrate the building’s sub-levels and flip a switch. First though, they have to get past the Glow Boys, a cult of radiation Worshiping cyborgs … and
Cyberpunk RED Chapter 8: Fresh Meat and Chrome (S4E7) Read More »
It’s convention season, and David talks about Origins, a big-but-cozy game convention in Columbus, Ohio, meeting Shadowdark RPG creator Kelsey Dionne, plans for Gen Con 2024, and gaming with Jon Hook of the Modern Mythos podcast. Meanwhile, Ken geeks out about dynamic lighting in Roll20 (and his hopes for using during the Lair’s upcoming Cyberpunk
Into the Shadows: Origins, Shadowdark, & Hades (S4E6) Read More »
