A Role To Play

Step behind the screen with Ed for a candid tour of how believable worlds get made. I sat down with Ed Greenwood—prolific author, longtime library worker, and creator of the Forgotten Realms—for foray into worlds and words, from TSR to modern day. Here I thought I knew what a Librarian was. That's the first word. I stand corrected - Ed practically grew up in libraries, but he is not a librarian. Along the way, we get TSR art‑department antics, last‑minute page‑to‑press rescues, and stories from his youth.Ed gives us a tour of some his work, past and present. He shares his time-defying schedule and project list, including the D&D 50th anniversary convention circuit. He takes us back in time with personal stories from his youth, and firsthand stories from his trips to TSR. These are wrapped in the history of the evolution of game production. From art, to layout, to sending to print – which meant something different back then! Words change, and worlds evolve. We explore world building and how simple logistics—food, waste, water, and roads—quietly shape settlements and the stories of their creation. Ed also gives examples of words that might have fit a setting, but with modern context , the original meaning has been lost.If you’re a Forgotten Realms fan, are interested in RPG design, fantasy writing, D&D lore, or just want to make your homebrew world feel like a place with morning markets and midnight sewers, this conversation will give you tools grist for the mill.Subscribe for more RPG community talks, share this episode with your worldbuilding crew, and leave a review. Tell me what you do to make your setting come alive!Send us Fan MailSupport the showA Role to Play is an Untamed Dandelion production - Make a wish. Dream it true.

Unlock the secrets to transform cybersecurity training with Glen Sorensen, a seasoned cybersecurity expert and virtual Chief Information Security Officer. Glen combines his cyber expertise and passion for role-playing games into innovative tabletop exercises. Through Hackback Gaming, these exercises turn mundane simulations into immersive learning experiences, promising to revolutionize how leaders perceive and engage with this incident response planning tool.Journey with us as we explore how gamification can enhance teamwork and problem-solving skills in corporate environments. By stepping into roles outside their professional comfort zones, participants gain fresh perspectives and foster empathy, transforming incident response exercises from stressful drills into fun learning sessions. Listen as we reveal how this creative approach not only boosts engagement but also deepens understanding of cybersecurity dynamics, turning a routine task into a highly anticipated event.This episode doesn't stop at gamification; it delves into the broader landscape of cybersecurity, addressing crucial issues like the communication gap during incidents and the industry's skills gap. Discover how the gaming community's creative problem-solving can bridge these divides and learn practical strategies for tackling modern cyber threats. As we wrap up, we invite you to visit hackbackgaming.com for more insights and to connect with Glen Sorensen for an engaging exploration into the fusion of play and incident response in cybersecurity.Hackbackgaming.comSend us Fan MailSupport the showA Role to Play is an Untamed Dandelion production - Make a wish. Dream it true.

What if you could transform your decision-making skills through the power of play? In this episode, I chat with Dr. Dan Epstein from The Long Game Project on how tabletop role-playing games can revolutionize the way organizations learn and make decisions. The Long Game Project provides innovative ways to simulate complex real-world scenarios using dynamic tabletop exercises. Are you a Game Master? Take your skills to work! The Long Game Project offers a sophisticated free course on tabletop exercises. We delve into the importance of understanding your unique game master style, the iterative process of self-improvement through playtesting, and the creation of a safe, creative space for learning and feedback, all of which can translate into tangible benefits for your organization - and for you!We explore broader themes of creativity and game design, and also touch on the magic of D&D and the evolution of tabletop gaming. Join us as we explore how imaginative worlds can connect people and enhance problem-solving skills. Links from this episode:About Dr Dan and The Long Game ProjectUpskill Your GM Skills - The Long Game Project CourseFavourite Game System: D&D 5eDr Dan Epstein on LinkedInSend us Fan MailSupport the showA Role to Play is an Untamed Dandelion production - Make a wish. Dream it true.

When I saw the Kickstarter for the Jukebox Karaoke game I knew I had to have it. Maybe you do too – it’s one of the top 14 games to check out this year according to Dicebreaker.com.Lyla is also the project lead for the Brandon Sanderson Cosmere RPG! (At time of recording, it was known as “The Stormlight project.) Maybe you’ve heard of it? The Cosmere RPG set the record for fastest-growing RPG Kickstarter ever. Today I talk with Lyla about everything from Jukebox to the transition from working for GOOGLE to working in games, and how she’s sharing her insights recommendations for people who want to manage projects in the industry.Send us Fan MailSupport the showA Role to Play is an Untamed Dandelion production - Make a wish. Dream it true.

Return to Brookmere is an Instagram and YouTube channel hosted by Daniel Estes, the eldest son acclaimed author, Rose Estes. Rose was the creator of the Endless Quest series put out by TSR - a selection of fantasy based stories where the reader chooses which path to follow. But Rose contributed much more than those. And while Daniel didn't pay much attention when these books were being written, he's seeing a whole new world as he shares these with his listeners.Daniel is well informed of a a blind person's experience through his current work supporting students with disabilities, and his prior work as a braille transcriptionist. While much of the focus has been on his mother's work, Daniel is also learning a lot about himself in the process! *Bonus content at the very end - Daniel shares stories from his work as a braille transcriptionist.Mentioned in this episode:Indiana Jones - and the move to YouTubeMention: Larry Elmore Mention: Jim HollowayMax Estes: A Night at the Library The Hobbit - Tolkein's InfluenceIzegrim Creations - The Stories as AdventuresMention: Tactile Dice (The DOTS Project)Accessiblity in gaming (not mentioned) @EveryoneGames2Daniel Estes on Socials:Return to Brookmere on InstagramReturn to Brookmere on YouTubeReturn to Brookmere on PatreonSend us Fan MailSupport the showA Role to Play is an Untamed Dandelion production - Make a wish. Dream it true.

So... Um... why does the creator of the Forgotten Realms still work at a Library?? Let’s find out. And along the way, we talk about the D&D movie, success and prioritization ? What does it mean to be a decent human being? The benefits of creativity, and the importance of living our lives – and writing our stories. We pick up where we left off – with Ed musing, matter-of-fact, on how many more novels he can write before he dies... Send us Fan MailSupport the showA Role to Play is an Untamed Dandelion production - Make a wish. Dream it true.

Part 2 of my interview with the Ed Greenwood! Creator of the Forgotten Realms D&D setting, Ed is a prolific author and creator.  The Patron Saint of RPGs.  If you're already a fan, you know Elminster, the "unreliable narrator", chosen of Mystra, goddess of magic. But who was Elminster before D&D?Listen as Ed shares a bit of the history behind Elminster's role in the Realms, and random bits of his own story. Hear Ed's thoughts on creativity, the importance of dictionaries, and priorities - what do you really want? And what projects are most important for Ed these days?...And, by the way, what about the "Band of Four?" Anything more on that front...? Listen to find out...Send us Fan MailSupport the showA Role to Play is an Untamed Dandelion production - Make a wish. Dream it true.

Ed Greenwood is the creator of the Forgotten Realms, a prolific author, game designer, and the Patron Saint of RPGs. A glimpse into the influences that shaped this master storyteller. "Life is a series of moral choices."As we explore the theme of "Who are you?," listen as Ed brings memorable people and unusual events from his early years to life! Grist for the mill as they say. There will be stories! And boy, are there stories!Stories, sage advice, the joy of RPGs and Ed's boundless support for the Forgotten Realms, and the roleplaying game community.I feel like this talk is just getting started! Thankfully, there's more! This is part 1 of a 3 part interview.Send us Fan MailSupport the showA Role to Play is an Untamed Dandelion production - Make a wish. Dream it true.

An informal sit-down with Patchcloak Adam. A man of many talents, voices, and stories! I know Adam for his voice acting and story telling at my local D&D table. Join me as I learn about why he knows how to talk into a microphone correctly, how he got into D&D,  and the story he will one day tell. Stick around to the end when I 'open the floor' to other players from our table. Adam on stand up - and some cool stories from film school. Thanks Adam!!This is Not a Ted Talk. Story telling, learning D&DVoice actingFilm schoolThe one that got away The one still to comeSend us Fan MailSupport the showA Role to Play is an Untamed Dandelion production - Make a wish. Dream it true.

Dice are a thing. They really are.  And they are the thing at Dragonheart Dice. Listen as Cher takes me through the evolution of her dice shop. From it's humble beginnings to its continuous growth.  Something about this shop pulls players in from all over - and there's always something new for even the most distinguished buyer.Ah, but where does this passion for dice come from??What are people looking for?What was in the Advent Calendar?On a different note... Stay tuned for BONUS content at the END and find out: Why is my dog, my shy dog, treating her like she is his best friend??Send us Fan MailSupport the showA Role to Play is an Untamed Dandelion production - Make a wish. Dream it true.