Trashing the Ennies, Decline of the OSR, and a Massive Channel Update

I was once again joined by friend of the show, Shannon Appelcline, the author of the "Designers & Dragons" series, Free Trader Beowulf about the history of Traveller, and now the soon to be crowdfunded Designers and Dragons Origins, a four book series that delves into the history of how each TSR product up til 1995 came to be. Backerkit:https://www.backerkit.com/call_to_action/0477a26f-723e-4d2f-8f11-74cdc007daf1/landingFrom the birth of roleplaying to the discovery of the Forgotten Realms, from the rise of Basic D&D to the fall of Mystara, historian Shannon Appelcline brings you the Story of OD&D, BD&D, and AD&D 1e in Designers & Dragons: Origins.This massive 4-volume set covers the history behind each and every product released by TSR for OD&D, AD&D 1e, and Basic D&D.Unearthed Arcana, the legendary orange-covered B3, the super-rare Up the Garden Path. It's all here.The books are comprehensive in scope, but each entry is cleanly, clearly structured to be easily digestible. Find out for yourself in our free preview on DriveThruRPG:https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/539723/designers-dragons-origins-secret-door#DnD #OSR #ttrpg

I'm going to give a massive channel update on everything Dieku Games, including the upcoming Bug Busters Kickstarter, trashing the Ennies, the future of the channel(s), upcoming interviews, and more! Buckle up!Bug Buster Kickstarterhttps://www.kickstarter.com/projects/diekugames/bug-busters?ref=a6np6m

I welcome John McQueen-Scott and Terry Herc - the designers of Stargazer Keep - cosmic sword & sorcery RPG zine series, inspired by the music of Ronnie James Dio and channeled through the lens of Mörk Borg.Kickstarter:https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/terryherc/stargazer-keep-part-1-of-a-mork-borg-compatible-megadungeon---------Fang Dungeon Bestiary Backerkit:https://www.backerkit.com/call_to_action/3381d640-ea27-40dd-9972-ee85087e1353/landingBug Busters Kickstarter:https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/diekugames/bug-bustersWeb Site:https://diekugames.comTo learn more about Dieku Games:https://diekugames.itch.iohttps://www.instagram.com/diekugames https://www.twitter.com/diekugameshttps://www.tiktok.com/@diekugameshttps://www.patreon.com/diekugameshttps://diekugames.blogspot.comhttps://discord.com/invite/mtP3nyUWZz#OSR #TTRPG #Dio

I welcome Tomas Härenstam, the CEO of Free League Publishing , and the creator of the Year Zero Engine which has been used in many of their amazing games such as Tales from the Loop, Vaesen, Alien, Blade Runner and Coriolis - which recently launched a new version called - The Great Dark.Free League Publishing is a game studio and publisher dedicated to speculative fiction based in Stockholm, Sweden. Voted Fan Favorite Publisher at the ENNIES in 2020, 2021, 2023 and 2024 Free League has published a wide range of award-winning tabletop roleplaying games and acclaimed art books set in strange and wondrous worlds.For more information:https://freeleaguepublishing.comhttps://www.instagram.com/freeleaguepublishinghttps://www.facebook.com/FreeLeaguePublishinghttps://www.youtube.com/c/freeleaguepublishingOutside the box: How Sweden conquered the world of role-playing gameshttps://fandrake.com/produkt/outside-the-box/---------Fang Dungeon Bestiary Backerkit:https://www.backerkit.com/call_to_action/3381d640-ea27-40dd-9972-ee85087e1353/landingBug Busters Kickstarter:https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/diekugames/bug-bustersWeb Site:https://diekugames.comTo learn more about Dieku Games:https://diekugames.itch.iohttps://www.instagram.com/diekugames https://www.twitter.com/diekugameshttps://www.tiktok.com/@diekugameshttps://www.patreon.com/diekugameshttps://diekugames.blogspot.comhttps://discord.com/invite/mtP3nyUWZz#OSR #TTRPG #artinspiration

VOTE NOW!https://vote.ennie-awards.com/vote/2025/ballot.php?category_id=2I welcome back Leo Hunt, the creative mind behind the Ennie Nominated The Shrike - a dark fantasy sandbox adventure in a derelict limbo of rusted iron, saltwater, stone, and blood, as well as the beloved Vaults of Vaarn - which will be receiving a second edition!Back Vaults of Vaarn 2Ehttps://www.backerkit.com/call_to_action/4f47b7f2-66b4-4e1d-8185-c7fb9ede379c/landing-------------------Fang Dungeon Bestiary: Backerkit:https://www.backerkit.com/call_to_action/3381d640-ea27-40dd-9972-ee85087e1353/landingBug Busters Kickstarter:https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/diekugames/bug-bustersWeb Site:https://diekugames.comTo learn more about Dieku Games:https://diekugames.itch.iohttps://www.instagram.com/diekugameshttps://www.twitter.com/diekugameshttps://www.tiktok.com/@diekugameshttps://www.patreon.com/diekugameshttps://diekugames.blogspot.comhttps://discord.gg/M3jmUvcKt5#pbta #osr #ttrpg

I welcome Mark Hunt the creator of Gangbusters B/X which puts a old school spin on the old TSR Gangbusters game of 1920's mobsters, detectives and police!Buy the Game:https://wizardtowergamesshop.comFacebook Group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/996728023731435#OSR #ttrpg

CONTENT WARNING: Between 16:30 and 22:00 there is discussion of abuse (including abuse relating to religion), suicidal ideation, and self harm. If you need to talk, the 988 Lifeline is available. At the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, they understand that life's challenges can sometimes be difficult. Whether you're facing mental health struggles, emotional distress, alcohol or drug use concerns, or just need someone to talk to, their caring counselors are there for you. You are not alone.https://988lifeline.org----------------Closet is an awareness raising solo journaling RPG about what it really feels like to come out as a gay man. Based on the real-life experiences of the author, Pac Garcia, this game offers a raw and reflective journey that turns the experience of coming out into storytelling.Learn more about the kickstarter:https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/gmsmagazine/closet-solo-journaling-ttrpg-about-coming-outPaco is also the host of @GMSMagazine which features reviews of table top games along with interviews of creators and industry experts.Learn more about GMS Magazine:https://www.youtube.com/@GMSMagazinehttps://bsky.app/profile/pacogmsmagazine.bsky.socialhttps://www.tiktok.com/@pacorpgshttps://www.gmsmagazine.com

Closet is an awareness raising solo journaling RPG about what it really feels like to come out as a gay man. Based on the real-life experiences of the author, Pac Garcia, this game offers a raw and reflective journey that turns the experience of coming out into storytelling.Learn more about the kickstarter:https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/gmsmagazine/closet-solo-journaling-ttrpg-about-coming-outIf you need to talk, the 988 Lifeline is here. At the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, they understand that life's challenges can sometimes be difficult. Whether you're facing mental health struggles, emotional distress, alcohol or drug use concerns, or just need someone to talk to, their caring counselors are there for you. You are not alone.https://988lifeline.orgPaco is also the host of  GMS Magazine  which features reviews of table top games along with interviews of creators and industry experts.Learn more about GMS Magazine:https://www.youtube.com/@GMSMagazinehttps://bsky.app/profile/pacogmsmagazine.bsky.socialhttps://www.tiktok.com/@pacorpgshttps://www.gmsmagazine.com

I was once again by Gavriel Quiroga, designer of Neurocity, Warpland and Hell Night, along with Austin DuRivage who is the illustrator of Hell World - a brutal, old school, post-apocalyptic biopunk role playing game.https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/gavrielquiroga/hellworld-earthKickstarter ends April 30!https://www.instagram.com/blood_oath_garfieldhttps://gavrielquiroga.comhttps://www.instagram.com/gavrielquirogaWorlds of Quiroga Facebook Group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/691555924725358------------Learn more about Dieku Games:https://bsky.app/profile/diekugames.bsky.socialhttps://diekugames.com https://diekugames.itch.iohttps://www.instagram.com/diekugames https://www.twitter.com/diekugameshttps://www.tiktok.com/@diekugameshttps://www.patreon.com/diekugameshttps://diekugames.blogspot.comhttps://discord.gg/M3jmUvcKt5#OSR #TTRPG #NSR

Create, Sell, and Get Recognized!JOIN NOW: https://itch.io/jam/fun-with-fangCalling all TTRPG designers, storytellers, and creatives! The Fun with Fäng Adventure Jam is your chance to design and sell your own adventure for Fängelsehåla!This jam is all about creating adventures for Fängelsehåla under its third-party license. That means you can design, sell, and profit from your own Fäng-compatible content. Get inspired by Fäng's world of bold, minimal, and nostalgic aesthetic of 1960s children's books and IKEA design.Already have an adventure you made for another system? Adapt it for Fäng!Love fairy tales? Use one as inspiration!Remember a children's book that sparked your imagination? Turn it into an adventure!How to Participate- Join the Jam right away so you can keep up-to-date on news and tips.- When in a form that is ready to start sharing, create a new Itch project that contains your adventure and submit it to the Jam.- Keep refining your work as required until the Jam ends on Sept 11.- Set your price—free, pay-what-you-want, or a fixed cost—it’s up to you.- Share your progress on socials using the hashtag #FunWithFang and tag @DiekuGames so I can help share your workJudging & PrizesPrizes and recognition await the best submissions. Winning projects will be featured on the Jam Wrap-up Livestream, and all submitted adventures will be promoted across Dieku Games' website, social media, and podcast! The Gold, Silver and Bronze winners will also be invited to share their work on the Dieku Podcast with over 3500 subscribers!Learn more about Dieku Games:https://bsky.app/profile/diekugames.bsky.socialhttps://diekugames.com https://diekugames.itch.iohttps://www.instagram.com/diekugames https://www.twitter.com/diekugameshttps://www.tiktok.com/@diekugameshttps://www.patreon.com/diekugameshttps://diekugames.blogspot.comhttps://discord.gg/M3jmUvcKt5#FunWithFang #OSR #NSR