SwordBearer RPG Ep.56
This is the GROGPOD naked. There’s no interviews or GROGSQUAD sections, it is just Dirk and Blythy talking bobbins. Swordbearer was a game that we played a lot for a brief period. We liked it, but for some reason it didn’t connect and become a game that did not stick in our repertoire. Why not? … Continue reading "SwordBearer RPG Ep.56"
1hr 23m Oct 21, 2022
1hr 23m
Savage Worlds (with Christian Nommay) Ep55 (Part 2)
This time we explore the worlds of Savage Worlds from Deadlands to Slipstream and beyond.
1hr 50m Sep 25, 2022
1hr 50m
Full Fathom Five (with Paul Fricker) Book Club – Extra
INTRO: Welcome to another Book Club Extra. We take break from the usual format to give you a little something extra. The Great Library of RPGs Book Club meets on the first Sunday of the month between 9:30 – 11:00. You can join at the Bookclub app if you are interested and follow developments on … Continue reading "Full Fathom Five (with Paul Fricker) Book Club – Extra"
1hr 43m Sep 01, 2022
1hr 43m
Savage Worlds (with Eric Lamoureux) Ep 55 Pt. 1
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
2hr 9m Jul 31, 2022
2hr 9m
Scarred for Life by RPGs (with Stephen Brotherstone) Ep. 54 (Part 2)
This is the second part of our exploration of Scarred for Life, the fantastic series of books about growing up in the dark decades of the seventies and eighties. Gen X-rated popular culture shaped our imaginations and informed our gaming. Content warning for this one as we quote directly from a couple of controversial games … Continue reading "Scarred for Life by RPGs (with Stephen Brotherstone...
1hr 49m Jun 26, 2022
1hr 49m
UK GAMES EXPO 2022 – GROGPOD extra
Here we go! After a two year break, Dirk and Blythy are back in Birmingham talking about RuneQuest, DCC, Traveller, Conan, Old School Essentials and into the Odd. It’s good to be back. Why not support us on Patreon?
1hr 6m Jun 14, 2022
1hr 6m
Scarred for Life by RPGs (with Stephen Brotherstone) Ep 54 (Part 1)
The 70s and 80s were the golden age of dark popular culture and Scarred for Life have chronicled the TV, comics, adverts, sweets and others of the period in a conversational but forensic style. There are two volumes available with a third on its way at the end of Summer ’22, which will feature role-playing … Continue reading "Scarred for Life by RPGs (with Stephen Brotherstone) Ep 54 (Part 1)"
1hr 41m May 24, 2022
1hr 41m
RPG Book Club GROGPOD Extra (with Gareth Hanrahan)
Welcome, this is an extra-GROGPOD which is from a live recording made at this year’s virtual GROGMEET. Every month, on the first Sunday, the GROGSQUAD meet to discuss books from The Great Library of RPGs. This time we read The Gutter Prayer and invited Gareth Hanrahan for a Q&A session. If you would like to … Continue reading "RPG Book Club GROGPOD Extra (with Gareth Hanrahan)"
58m May 11, 2022
58m
King Arthur Pendragon RPG (with David Larkins) Ep.53 (Part 2)
One of the foundational films that shaped the games that we played is Excalibur (1981). In this episode we look back on the film and consider how it can continue to inspire our gaming. To see some of the issues of Starburst that we refer to in this episode, you’ll find images over at Dirk … Continue reading "King Arthur Pendragon RPG (with David Larkins) Ep.53 (Part 2)"
1hr 36m May 02, 2022
1hr 36m
GangBusting RPGs (GROGPOD extra)
Join me as I take an idea for a walk across the Gangster RPG shelf in the GROGPOD den. It also features a sample actual play of GangBusters – The Vanishing Investigator. Games mentioned: GangBusters Gangster! Crime Fighter Fiasco Hillfolk Spirit of ’77 Cartel Blades in the Dark Wise Guys Also mentioned: Good Friends of … Continue reading "GangBusting RPGs (GROGPOD extra)"
1hr 24m Apr 24, 2022
1hr 24m
King Arthur Pendragon RPG (with David Larkins)
In this episode, we finally draw the sword from the stone and examine a game that had an enormous impact on gaming in the 80s: King Arthur Pendragon. David Larkins, the Pendragon line editor for Chaosium, joins us to tell us about the history of the game, how it works and the future developments. Judge … Continue reading "King Arthur Pendragon RPG (with David Larkins)"
1hr 38m Apr 07, 2022
1hr 38m
GangBusters Ep.52 (Part 2)
“Get your trousers on, you’re nicked!” We are still in the mood for some old fashioned cops and robbers. In this part we look a bit more closely at how the rules work in GangBusters. Judge Blythy, our resident rules lawyer casts his eye over some of the highlights of the system. New in this … Continue reading "GangBusters Ep.52 (Part 2)"
1hr 45m Feb 21, 2022
1hr 45m
GangBusters RPG (with Mark Hunt) Ep.52 (Part 1)
As far back as I can remember, I always wanted to be a gangster in an RPG. This time we look back at a classic from back in the day. Pound the mean streets of LakeFront City as we look back to playing the game back in the 80s. Blythy opens up the box of delights … Continue reading "GangBusters RPG (with Mark Hunt) Ep.52 (Part 1)"
1hr 37m Feb 01, 2022
1hr 37m
Episode 51 – Review of 2021
It’s that time of the year again when our thoughts turn to The GROGGIES, our review of the year, with a series of special awards for the highlights. Get ready to open the spurious golden envelope to find the winners. We are delighted to have musical accompaniment by Paul Mitchener who also provides his First, … Continue reading "Episode 51 – Review of 2021"
1hr 41m Dec 27, 2021
1hr 41m
Episode 50 (Part 3) Fighting Fantasy (with Jonathan Green)
We return to the subject of Fighting Fantasy gamebooks with our special guest Jonathan Green who has written a history of the publishing phenomena. He is an active gamebook designer with many projects in his repertoire. You’ll find his latest work Ronin 47 (late pledges) kickstarter. Judge Blythy joins me at the Las O Gowrie … Continue reading "Episode 50 (Part 3) Fighting Fantasy (with Jonatha...
1hr 29m Dec 01, 2021
1hr 29m
Extra – Dirk and Blythy grogMEET Frankenstein (with Ian Cooper and Paul Fricker)
Welcome to another extra all about this year’s GROGMEET. This time it includes a live recording made at Fan Boy Three. Frankenstein’s RPG podcast has been pulling together the best bits of role-playing games this year to produce an epic monster of a game. We got together to decide which would be the best supplement … Continue reading "Extra – Dirk and Blythy grogMEET Frankenstein (with Ian Coo...
1hr 9m Nov 22, 2021
1hr 9m
Extra – It’s a con! GROGMEET preparation
It’s that time of year when we are preparing for the GROGMEET convention in Manchester and, this time, online. Blythy and Dirk discuss the history of the meet-up, give some tips on how to start one yourself, discuss the thorny issue of ‘player sign-ups’ and run through the games they are running at the event. … Continue reading "Extra – It’s a con! GROGMEET preparation"
1hr 27m Oct 31, 2021
1hr 27m
Episode 50 (Part 2) Fighting Fantasy (with Ian Livingstone)
We are pleased to say that Ian Livingstone returns to the GROGPOD to face the Games Master’s Screen. He talks about the early days of White Dwarf and the upcoming book, Dice Men from Unbound, and he also talks about his role in shaping computer studies in the UK. Fabio Vollono shares the first game … Continue reading
1hr 37m Sep 26, 2021
1hr 37m
Episode 50 (Part 1) Fighting Fantasy (with Ian Livingstone)
Armed with no more than 2 dice a pencil and eraser we are delighted to have special guest Ian Livingstone on Episode 50. Also in this episode, the return of face to face recording in the Las O Gowrie. Judge Blythy talks to Dirk about his experiences of Fighting Fantasy and reveals his thoughts of … Continue reading
1hr 50m Aug 28, 2021
1hr 50m
Extra – Forgotten Futures (with Marcus L Rowland)
Forgotten Futures is the table-top RPG that is based on the scientific romances of the late Victorian and Edwardian period. Marcus L Rowland take us on a tour on his works and the ways that it has been distributed during its years of production. You can find a whole host of fascinating material on Marcus’ … Continue reading
39m Aug 22, 2021
39m
Episode 49 – Marcus L. Rowland (with Thunder Phase!)
This is the 80th GROGPOD and there is a sense of celebration in the air. We are delighted to have Marcus L Rowland as our guest. He was a stalwart of Whit Dwarf during its hey day. Cthulhu Now! Green Horizon, To Live and Die in Mega City One and the Fear of Flying, his … Continue reading
1hr 31m Jul 29, 2021
1hr 31m
Episode 48 (Part 2) Return to Call of Cthulhu (with Lynne Hardy)
The GROGNARD files returns with the Return of Call of Cthulhu with the return of Lynne Hardy. This time she faces the Keeper’s Screen to reveal her Arcane secrets. She talks about her contribution to the Dying Earth Role-Playing Game, Cogs, Cakes and Swordsticks, the game she designed, and more news about upcoming Chaosium releases … Continue reading
1hr 28m Jun 27, 2021
1hr 28m
Episode 48 (Part 1) Return to Call of Cthulhu (with Lynne Hardy)
The Armchair Adventurers keep coming back to Call of Cthulhu and we are about to begin Children of Fear, written by our guest Lynne Hardy. In this episode we discuss Lynne’s formative years in role-playing and how she started work with Chaosium with a pitch for this richly detailed and horrific campaign. Tristan Narbrough is … Continue reading
1hr 35m May 29, 2021
1hr 35m
Episode 47 – Dr Who RPG (with Dave Chapman)
As the Final Score recedes (great result between Arbroath and Queen of the South) it’s time to grab a Tizer and sit down to an episode all about Dr Who. We speak to Dave Chapman, who is the lead writer on Doctor Who Roleplaying Game from Cubicle 7 about his history with the Doctor, his … Continue reading
1hr 46m May 05, 2021
1hr 46m
Extra – My Role-Playing Games First, Last and Everything (with Tim Harford)
Tim Harford, economist, columnist, broadcaster, best-selling author, podcaster and role-player was the very special guest at virtual GROGMEET 2021. There were a vast array of games available over the weekend, including a fiendish quiz set by Pookie from Reviews from R’lyeh – thank you to everyone who took part to make it a great event. … Continue reading
54m Apr 20, 2021
54m
Episode 46 (Part 2) DragonQuest RPG (with Chris Klug)
Whatever happened to March 2021? We may never know, let’s hope that April restores normal service. In this episode we continue the discussion with Chris Klug about his career in game design: James Bond RPG (which we covered in Episode 15), Aidyn’s Chronicles, and his work for Chaosium, such as The Smoking Ruin for RuneQuest … Continue reading
1hr 36m Apr 02, 2021
1hr 36m
Episode 46 (Part 1) DragonQuest RPG (with Chris Klug)
The GROGNARD files opens on one of our favorites from back in the day. Blythy bought it from Northern Games Day while I was playing a great game of RuneQuest and he was feeling sorry for himself. We played a lot of this game as it was our swords and sorcery game of choice. In … Continue reading
1hr 36m Feb 26, 2021
1hr 36m
Episode 45 – Review of 2020 (with Dave Morris)
In this episode we review the games that we have played in 2020 – there were so many! During the discussion we cover our experiences of playing Lyonesse, Savage Worlds, Mutant Year Zero and many more. You can see the report on all the games we played by following this link. Dave Morris joins us … Continue reading
1hr 53m Jan 22, 2021
1hr 53m
Episode 44 – Dragon Warriors (with Dave Morris)
The last GROGPOD of 2020 features a classic British Old School RPG, Dragon Warriors. You can find out more about Dave Morris at his blog and his Patreon. Daily Dwarf has a blog too. Dave Paterson is about to launch a new podcast Frankenstein’s RPG and he’s a regular on Orlanth Rex’s Gaming Vexes. Dragon … Continue reading
1hr 59m Dec 23, 2020
1hr 59m
Episode 43 (Bonus) Dungeons and Dragons
This is a bonus episode featuring a ‘Library Use’ segment that we recorded which looks in detail at issue 52 of Dragon Magazine (published in August 1981). The publication was around the same time as the launch of the Moldvay edition of Basic D&D. We discuss an article where the new edition is discussed in … Continue reading
57m Dec 10, 2020
57m
Episode 43 (Part 2) Dungeons and Dragons (with Lew Pulsipher)
This is the second part of the Dungeons and Dragons Episode. Lew Pulsipher returns to talk more about his contributions to White Dwarf, his strategy game Britannia and his contributions to EN World. Daily Dwarf revisits Holmes Basic D&D and tries to revive the magic. Cris Watkins from Bonhomie Games shares his First, Last and … Continue reading
1hr 35m Nov 27, 2020
1hr 35m
Extra – Thunder Phase! at GROGMEETish2020 (with Paul & Gaz)
GROGMEET2020, the fifth annual meet-up of the GROGSQUAD, had to be held online to avoid pathogens. It didn’t stop us having a fantastic weekend which included a Pub Quiz, a Mausritter Tournament Dungeon, and an eclectic mix of games over four time-slots: seventy sessions in total. To end the event we recorded this live panel … Continue reading
1hr 2m Nov 19, 2020
1hr 2m
Episode 43 (Part 1) Dungeons & Dragons (with Lew Pulsipher)
Download Episode We knew we’d get there eventually. This episode is dedicated to Basic Dungeons and Dragons. Our guest is Lew Pulsipher who was a regular contributor to the Golden Era of White Dwarf. He talks about his formative years in role-playing. He is still contributing to EN World and has a Video channel all … Continue reading
1hr 29m Oct 24, 2020
1hr 29m
Episode 42 – Aftermath! RPG (with Doc Cowie)
Download Episode Welcome to the end of the world! In the latest episode we look at the FGU RPG Aftermath!, a game that is still supported by useful online resources. I ran a one-shot for GrimCon but working out the rules was a challenge. Thankfully Doc Cowie is on hand to help me through the … Continue reading
1hr 29m Sep 24, 2020
1hr 29m
Episode 41 – Five Years of The GROGNARD Files (with Jason Durall)
Download Episode Blimey, we’ve been doing this bobbins for five years! Good grief! In this episode, we go back to the beginning to look at RuneQuest with Jason Durall, as well as other highlights from his career in role-playing. Blythy and I face the randomly selected Thunder Phase suggested by Patreons. First, last and everything … Continue reading
2hr Aug 23, 2020
2hr
Episode 40 – Conan RPG (with Jason Durall)
Download Episode Know o prince … the GROGNARD files produces another epic (take your time …). We’ve been playing Conan: Adventures in an Age Undreamed of, by Modiphius and having great fun emulating the Hyborian world of Robert E Howard. Jason Durall is an enthusiastic player as well as designer and he gives a great … Continue reading
1hr 48m Jul 16, 2020
1hr 48m
Episode 39 – Hawkmoon RPG (with Laurence Whitaker)
Download Episode Loz Whitaker from The Design Mechanism returns to face The GamesMaster’s screen. He talks about The Eternal Champion, Strontium Dog and Mythras. We have been enjoying a Hawkmoon series of adventures using Mythras using elements of Chaosium’s Hawkmoon and the Mongoose version. Doc ‘Con’ Cowie shares his First, Last and Everything. In a … Continue reading
1hr 50m Jun 27, 2020
1hr 50m
Episode 38 – Lyonesse RPG (with Lawrence Whitaker)
Download Episode Welcome to a new GROGPOD about a new game that we are very excited about. Lyonesse, Fantasy Role-Playing based on the novels by Jack Vance has been released by The Design Mechanism. We are joined by Lawrence Whitaker who tells us about the project and his formative years in role-playing. Daily Dwarf looks … Continue reading
1hr 51m May 22, 2020
1hr 51m
Start Here – The GROGNARD Files – Session Zero
Download Episode Hello, my name is Dirk the Dice and this is the GROGNARD files podcast. If you are new here, then this is the place to begin as it provides a quick overview of what to expect from the GROGPOD. It’s probably best to start at the beginning, but time is precious, so this … Continue reading
12m May 12, 2020
12m
Episode 37 – Gamma World RPG (with Pookie)
Download Episode Welcome to the post apocalypse with Pookie from Reviews from R’lyeh. We talk about how RPGs taught us everything we need to know about the apocalypse. Old Scouse Role Player shares his first, last and everything. Please support what we do on Patreon.
1hr 24m Apr 29, 2020
1hr 24m
Episode 36 (Part 2) Middle Earth Role-Playing (MERP) (with Liz Danforth)
Download Episode Welcome to the second part of the MERP episode. I recommend Menion (AKA Rob’s) podcast ; we speak to Liz Danforth – why not support her on Patreon? Thanks to Per Broden for his excellent First, Last and Everything, the an ad for our good friends at The Good Friends …. and we … Continue reading
1hr 52m Mar 28, 2020
1hr 52m
Episode 36 (Part 1) Middle Earth Role-Playing (MERP) (with Liz Danforth)
Download Episode Popular demand has insisted that we look at MERP from Iron Crown (1984). In this first part we come to terms with Tolkien and our relationship to Middle Earth. Thanks to Liz Danforth, Daily Dwarf , Graham Kinniburgh, and Steve Ray for their help in putting this Episode together. Support us on Patreon
1hr 31m Feb 25, 2020
1hr 31m
Episode 35 – Pulp Cthulhu (with Paul Fricker) recorded at GROGMEET19
Download Episode What makes Pulp “pulp” we ask ourselves in this episode. It features the interview with Paul Fricker that we recorded at GROGMEET19. He’s one of the hosts of The Good Friends of Jackson Ellias, who we joined in the E.N.World Hall of Fame, thanks to the generous votes from the GROGSQUAD. There’s also … Continue reading
1hr 43m Jan 23, 2020
1hr 43m
Episode 34 – Review of 2019 (with Jamie Thomson)
Download Episode It’s the end of the world as we know it, but we feel fine, because we’ve been gaming, a lot. We review the year in gaming over a pint with Clint, the pub dog. Jamie Thomson is back looking over his career in Fighting Fantasy, The Way of the Tiger game books, The … Continue reading
1hr 52m Dec 22, 2019
1hr 52m
Episode 33 – Live Action RPG (with Jamie Thomson)
Download Episode INTRO: We are still recovering from a successful GROGMEET19. I picked up some new games along the way, including Pendragon and the new Eberron supplement for D&D (thanks to the coverage that they received on The Smart Party). OPEN BOX (with Jamie Thomson): Features editor for White Dwarf between 1981-84, author of Fighting … Continue reading
1hr 29m Nov 27, 2019
1hr 29m
Episode 32 – Thieves’ World
Download Episode INTRO: It’s the first anniversary of Greg Stafford’s passing and to recognise the event, we are celebrating one of his greatest, collaborative creations: Thieves’ World. There’s a quick potted history featured here, if you want to see the supplement for yourself, I’ve made a short unboxing film. OPEN BOX: Eddy has managed to … Continue reading
1hr 25m Oct 22, 2019
1hr 25m
Episode 31 – Numenera RPG
Download Episode The GROGNARD files is back with the latest episode which looks in-depth at Numenera RPG based on the Cypher System which was the first new-fangled game that we played when we returned to the hobby. There’s a great First, Last and Everything from Kaye Elling (make sure you follow the progress of her … Continue reading
1hr 27m Sep 23, 2019
1hr 27m
EXTRA – Blake’s 7 Actual Play
Download Episode As an extra to Episode 30, here’s the rest of the Actual Play. It also features a ‘Games Master Prepares’ segment about using The Five Room Dungeon.
1hr Sep 07, 2019
1hr
Episode 30 – Blake’s Seven RPG
Download Episode INTRO: This time we are looking at Blake’s 7 and its influence on our gaming. GROGGLEBOX: Eddy joins us in a noisy Port Street Beer House in Manchester to discuss ‘Project Avalon’ ACTUAL PLAY: Thanks to Andrew Cousins of lending me his copy of the rules to play. Blythy as Avon, Doc Con … Continue reading
1hr 46m Aug 26, 2019
1hr 46m
Episode 29 (Part 2) White Dwarf the RPG years
Download Episode In this episode we discover the seven ages of White Dwarf with @DailyDwarf and the First Last and everything from Nick Edwards. We also bang on a bit about the Patreon which has got some new goals.
58m Jul 28, 2019
58m