We’re still talking and not talking about magic at the same time. Ars Magica seems a fascinating game, but how do we fit it in?
In this episode, we continue our examination of magic in Role-Playing Games with a look at Ars Magica with Science Fiction author Adrian Tchaikovsky. He talks to us about the setting, the rules and the way that magic works in the game.
We haven’t had chance to play it yet, so Dirk and Blythy meet in the Lass O Gowrie pub in Manchester and discuss the difficulties of ‘fitting it all in’.
We have been to UK Games Expo so we give our initial views of attending the event this year.
Patreon has been refreshed – annual contribution at discount and ‘it’s your birthday’ award for the top level of support. Thanks for all who listen and contribute.
Where did our idea of magic come from back in the day? We look at witchcraft and folk horror of the 70’s and 80s.
Returning guest Stephen Brotherstone, co-author of the Scarred for Life series of books and shows, joins us in the zoom of Role Playing Rambling to examine the witchcraft and horrors that haunted our childhood years.
You can see Ste as his show is on the road during 2025 and the latest volume of the series is now available. Highly recommended as it is packed with gaming nostalgia content.
Also in this episode, Dirk and Blythy watch The Hammer House of Horror (1980) together and consider what impact it had on them at the time and how it can inform our games now.
We also reflect on the games that we played at virtual GROGMEET, including Liminal, Mutant Year Zero, The Dee Sanction and Savage Worlds.
What do we want to Play, Stay or Giveaway when it comes to Magic in RPGs? Stu Horvath adds his thoughts too.
It’s a kind of magic, in RPGs. This time we are joined by Stu Horvath, podcaster (Vintage RPG Podcast) and writer, who talks about his book Monsters, Aliens and Holes in the Ground, which takes us decade by decade through the history of RPGs.
He also contributes to our discussion about magic in RPGs. What would we like to play, stay on our shelves or give away?
Virtual GROGMEET is available to register on Warhorn.
Welcome to the zoom of role-playing rambling where we are looking backwards to look forwards. This time we are transporting you back to the heady days of 1984.
We are joined by the fabulous Bob Fischer who shares the highlights from his 1984 diaries.
Judge Blythy, our resident rules lawyer, joins Dirk to determine the RPG Highlights of 1984, but get distracted (see part 2)
The Armchair Adventurers have had another incredible year of gaming. Dirk and Blythy roll out the red carpet to the GROGGIE awards. At the Book Club, Bud talks about Viral: A Modern Call of Cthulhu Scenario.
It has been another incredible year for The Armchair Adventurers. We review the experiences that we have had with games old and new and reflect upon the year in general. There may be some irrelevant Beatles chat too.
INTRO – A new review and a breakdown of what to expect in the latest issue (including a ‘less’ v ‘fewer’ subtext).
GROGGIES Part 1. (4.10) Find out more about Red Markets in our appearance on Orlanth Rexes Gaming Vexes.
This time we explore the worlds of Savage Worlds from Deadlands to Slipstream and beyond.
This is the second part of our episode all about Savage Worlds. This time we look at some of the settings that we have enjoyed playing in over the past few years.
3.15 Titan Effect, interview with Christian Nommay. The new Declassified edition is available on Drive Thru RPG
24.43 The GamesMasters Screen – Judge Blythy joins me in the Zoom of Role-Playing Rambling to look at Deadlands, Slipstream, The Day After Ragnarok, Necessary Evil and others to explore the varied Savage Worlds you can play in.
Exploring the very best that Savage Worlds RPG can offer the gamer. Personal insights from The Armchair Adventurers (Dirk, Blythy and The Daily Dwarf) and special guest Eric Lamoureux
Welcome to an episode that we have been talking about for a while. The Armchair Adventurers Club have played more Savage Worlds over the past few years than any other game, so why has it taken us so long to get to this episode? There is so much to cover and this first part goes on forever! Thankfully, with new chapter breaks, you can take your time to find a way through it.
Judge Blythy Rules (50.34) When it comes to Games Mastering Savage Worlds, we have had different experiences. Blythy has run campaigns in the published settings, I have done one shots in my own settings. In the noisy Las O Gowrie pub in Manchester we compare some of our favourite aspects of the game.
I’ll Get mi Coat (1.47.30) Closing time chatter about the games that we are working on at the moment and some of our thoughts. Incudes Things from the Flood and The League of Eternal Guardians.
