SHE-SAID-SWITCH-TO-OPTICSSponsor: Arc Dream is sponsoring this panel. Check out the Delta Green Kickstarter. New reward levels have been released so backers can get everything in print and PDF.

Synopsis: Horror gaming can go beyond Lovecraft and tentacles. Sometimes the most frightening moments in RPGs can come from obscure references and mundane moments. Surprise your players from a new direction! The panel will include Caleb Stokes (No Soul Left Behind, No Security), Ross Payton (Base Raiders, Zombies of the World), John Kennedy (Demonworld), and Jack Graham (Eclipse Phase). The title “Scary Parrots” refers to an RPPR game in which the players completely forgot about the plot and focused on a parrot THAT COULD NOT BE. Rather than dismiss the moment as a one-off, this panel will explore the unexpected places that the GM can exploit for terror. Between other writers of The Weird, discoveries in neuroscience, and philosophical thought experiments, this panel will provide a ton of original plot hooks and little disquieting scares to throw at your players.

THE-SECOND-ATTEMPTSponsors: This episode of RPPR is sponsored by Mystical Throne Entertainment. Use coupon code rpproctober to get the Entropic Gaming System PDF for $1 (normally $5).

Arc Dream is also sponsoring this episode of RPPR. Check out the Delta Green Kickstarter going on now. There is a free Quickstart guide and demo adventure available.

Synopsis: Conspiracies are a common element in horror games, but they are often handled badly. They are too powerful, too well-organized and too flexible to stop or even fight. In this episode, we talk about how to use conspiracies in RPGs, by looking at historical conspiracies like Operation Gladio and DeBeers. SPOILER WARNING FOR THE FILMS THE PLEDGE AND MEMORIES OF MURDER. There’s also shout outs and anecdotes.

Shout Outs

  • Deathgasm: A horror comedy about heavy metal, high school, and demon summoning.
  • Eternity by Cobalt Road: a vaportrap album that is quite good for late night listening.
  • Limetown: A cross between Serial and Delta Green. What happened to Limetown?
  • Moonbeam City: a synthwave inspired comedy that is part Nagel and part Archer.
  • John Carpenter’s Lost Themes: You want some original John Carpenter music? Of course you do!
  • Clue Pursuit: A locked room puzzle mystery experience. Fun for the whole group
  • Fornax Void: Get a VHS tape with a Carcosa/Vaporwave-video today.
  • Ryuutama: A Japanese tabletop RPG now available in English.
  • Gang Beasts: Fumblecore + multiplayer brawling = hella fun. As seen on Raillery.
  • The Bugle: John Oliver’s comedic news podcast. Very funny stuff.

Music: Tentative Steps by Kai Engel.

Base-Raiders-Avalons-Ideal-drivethruSponsor: Arc Dream is sponsoring this episode of Game Designer’s Workshop. Check out the Delta Green Kickstarter.

News:I have released a new Base Raiders PDF called Avalon’s Ideal, written by Kyle Carty.

Synopsis: The beta for Red Markets has been out for a while, so Caleb now has to deal with feedback and resisting the urge to change the game during the beta. Dealing with a community playing an incomplete game leads to unique challenges for the game designer, which we discuss in detail. Be sure to check the RPPR forums for threads like this about Red Markets.

Music: All Your Things from Admiral of the Red