The Great Debate!

The Great Debate! has reached 50 episodes!  To celebrate Jim takes the audience behind the scenes - or at least, that's the plan... ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS (I ended up thanking quite a few people a...

http://rpgdebate.com/episode-l-the-grand-tour

Is it better to use a pre-existing setting or one that's home-brewed?  Our resident demonologist and a lunk-headed superhero load up their intellectual artillery on the subject and fire it at on...

http://rpgdebate.com/episode-xlix-arming-the-canon

Is it a good idea for GMs to pregenerate PCs for their campaigns?  A clone and a college professor talk about it. PANELISTS: Solomon Eldridge, Professor of Anthropology at Miskatonic Universit...

http://rpgdebate.com/episode-xlviii-do-p-cs-come-in-six-packs-

Which genre offers a better choice of playable creatures?  Fantasy or Science Fiction?  A spaceship pilot and a dwarven skyship engineer attempt to discuss the matter - hopefully without gettin...

http://rpgdebate.com/episode-xlvii-is-it-a-race-or-is-it-a-species-

A recording of myself running a quick game of ACTION CASTLE for some bored folks at Dragon*Con who were waiting for a panel to start. Parsely Games The Walking Eye

http://rpgdebate.com/action-castle-actual-play-

How important is having a background story for your campaign?  A bounty hunter and a cleric sit down and chat amenably about the subject. Panelists Father Vernon Corey, High Priest of the Temp...

http://rpgdebate.com/episode_xlvi_background_noise

I didn't get to go to GenCon and decided to record a chat about it!  I commiserated with three other folks (Kim, Jason and Kent) who also didn't get to go this year.  Fair warning: we rambled f...

http://rpgdebate.com/not_going_to_gen_con_2010

Is it a good idea to bring an old PC into a new game?  A cyber-hacker and a government agent delve into what it means to transfer your character. PANELISTS: Reflux (Live via the Neural Net) Sp...

http://rpgdebate.com/episode_xlv_getting_a_transfer_slip

Are house rules the way to go when running an RPG or are they a bad idea?  A pirate and a futuristic military grunt take each other to task on the issue. PANELISTS: Darin Payne, Captain of the...

http://rpgdebate.com/episode_xliv_house_arrest

Is it a good idea to adapt an RPG from another source, such as a series of novels?  Our two undead panelists ponder the pros and cons of adaptation. PANELISTS: Baron Thandor Karn of the Dark B...

http://rpgdebate.com/episode_xliii_the_book_was_better

Is planar travel cool and exciting or is it just a tool to help the Game Master mess with the players?  A college professor and a dwarf engineer debate the subject. PANELISTS: Solomon Eldridge...

http://rpgdebate.com/episode_xlii_the_pc_s_pain_falls_mainly_on_the_planes

Listen in as an old feud between two fantasy characters comes burbling to the surface.  A wizard and a cleric face off to discuss which kind of power is better: Arcane or Divine? PANELISTS: Ar...

http://rpgdebate.com/episode_xli_my_power_source_is_bigger_than_yours

Is the guy who always knows the rules a help or a nuisance? A samurai and a superhero talk about the place of rules lawyers in RPGs. PANELISTS: Masato Nakajima, Samurai to the Court of Orange ...

http://rpgdebate.com/episode_xl_lawyering_up

Is it a good idea to rotate Game Masters in an ongoing campaign?  Listen in as preacher and a hacker toss the issue back and forth between them like a rag doll! PANELISTS: Reverend Jedediah Bl...

http://rpgdebate.com/episode_xxxix_juggling_g_ms

Advantages & Disadvantages. Merits & Flaws. Edges & Hindrances. Are they helpful to a game? A vampire and a college professor debate the pros and cons. Panelists: Lord Connor Shadowbane Solomon ...

http://rpgdebate.com/episode_xxxviii_are_you_ever_going_to_role_play_that_flaw_

Is it a bad thing for player characters to kill or should it be perfectly acceptable?  An archwizard and a superhero take up arms over the issue. Panelists: Archwizard Avan Brightstar, Vizier t...

http://rpgdebate.com/episode_xxxvii_how_not_to_host_a_murder

When PCs fight each other, does everyone lose or is it just another way to get their game on?  A necromancer and a samurai square off on the subject. Panelists: Baron Thandor Karn of the Dark B...

http://rpgdebate.com/episode_xxxvi_pv_p_

What dangers lurk beneath the waves?  And what the heck is an aspidochelone?  Our intrepid panelists -- a pirate captain and a cleric -- slyly skirt around these questions and many more about u...

http://rpgdebate.com/episode_xxxv_hotwiring_the_submarine

Are pre-written adventures a useful tool or do they do nothing but force PCs down a pre-determined track?  A college professor and a government agent tackle the issue of who's really in the driv...

http://rpgdebate.com/episode_xxxiv_module_or_mind_control_

Is trying to make a character as powerful as possible a good thing or a bad thing?  A wizard and a bounty hunter flex their intellectual muscles over the subject. Panelists: Archwizard Avan Bri...

http://rpgdebate.com/episode_xxxiii_caressing_the_power_lines

Are good and evil absolutes for your PCs or do your characters see things in shades of grey?  A superhero and a pirate tackle the issue of anti-heroes in RPGs. Panelists: Captain Radiant of the...

http://rpgdebate.com/episode_xxxii_anti_heroics

The idea of warfare as a theme in RPGs is kicked about, pummeled and salivated over by our panelists.  A cleric and a fighter pilot wage war over the concept of waging war. Panelists: Major Hal...

http://rpgdebate.com/episode_xxxi_war_now_in_barbecue_flavor_

Our resident bounty hunter clashes with our resident cyber-hacker over the issue of animals in role-playing games.  What's the best way to use them, if at all? Panelists: Dr. Joseph "Doc" Anthr...

http://rpgdebate.com/episode_xxx_animal_magnetism

Some like to search every nook and cranny of a room and strip-search every fallen foe while others prefer to just move on.  A pirate and a demonologist talk about the practice of looting in RPGs...

http://rpgdebate.com/episode_ixxx_take_everything_that_isn_t_nailed_down

How bad are evil PCs?  Really bad?  Or just a little bad?  Should they even be allowed?  Our panelists - a superhero and an undead necromancer - have a little chat about it. Panelists: Baron...

http://rpgdebate.com/episode_xxviii_evil_is_good_

Are random encounters a good idea for a campaign or should everything be plotted out?  A fantasy priest and a government agent roll the dice and find out. Panelists: Father Vernon Corey, High P...

http://rpgdebate.com/episode_xxvii_random_acts_of_game_mastery

Here's a shorter version of the Captain Payne Promo -- it's the end section, in which he addresses the listener, by itself -- should anyone need something a bit more brief.

http://rpgdebate.com/captain_payne_promo_short_version

In honor of International Talk Like a Pirate Day, I've put together a new promo for The Great Debate! featuring Captain Payne, in which we get a little peek at what life in his game setting is li...

http://rpgdebate.com/captain_payne_promo

Ever have your PCs dumped in the ancient past or a far-flung future?  Can that kind of thing even fit into a game?  Two panelists from opposite ends of the historical spectrum discuss the use o...

http://rpgdebate.com/episode_xxvi_how_i_learned_to_stop_worrying_and_love_time_travel

Just how permanent should PC Death be?  Two priests squabble over the issue. Panelists: Father Vernon Corey, High Priest of the Temple of St. Wilford Reverend Jedediah Black, Demonologist

http://rpgdebate.com/episode_xxv_are_we_dead_yet_

Are magic items a good thing for a role-playing game or are they just a nuisance?  A college professor and an elf mull it over. Panelists: Archwizard Avan Brightstar, Vizier to the Elven Court ...

http://rpgdebate.com/episode_xxiv_mac_guffins_half_off_

Our panelists -- a superhero and a cyber hacker -- discuss the use of money in RPGs.  But can they avoid selling out? Panelists: Captain Radiant of the Integrity Force Reflux (Live via the Neur...

http://rpgdebate.com/episode_xxiii_money_beautiful_money_

My new podcast has just launched its first episode!  Don't worry folks, The Great Debate will be continuing unabated, but now here's something else to listen to, if you're so inclined!  It's ca...

http://rpgdebate.com/a_second_podcast_

Is it a good idea to have a necromancer player character?  A bounty hunter and an undead wizard who happens to specialize in that very field have a lively discussion about it. Panelists: Baron ...

http://rpgdebate.com/episode_xxii_are_you_necro_friendly_

In some games the Game Master has absolute control, but in others players chime and add to the plot whenever they feel like it.  A vampire and a cleric discuss the finer points of player narrati...

http://rpgdebate.com/episode_xxi_who_s_in_charge_here_

Is it a good idea to play something other than a human in an RPG?  A monster-hunting priest and an elven wizard throw down over the issue of nonhuman player characters. Panelists: Archwizard Av...

http://rpgdebate.com/episode_xx_nonhuman_rights

Here is the second promo for The Great Debate! to reflect the new web address!  As always, feel free to distribute it as far and wide as you desire!

http://rpgdebate.com/promo_2

Should poison be allowed on either side of a role-playing game?  A pirate and a government agent wrestle with the issue. Panelists: Darin Payne, Captain of the Ironblood Special Agent Jack McCa...

http://rpgdebate.com/episode_ixx_arsenic_cyanide_and_other_old_favorites

Taste the adrenaline in the air as a samurai and a college professor do battle over the merits of combat in role-playing games.  Who will survive?! Panelists: Solomon Eldridge, Professor of Ant...

http://rpgdebate.com/episode_xviii_i_ll_fight_you_for_it_

How many out of character considerations should be allowed to influence your role-playing, if any?  And what kind?  Two monster hunters duke it out over the issue. Panelists: Dr. Joseph "Doc" ...

http://rpgdebate.com/episode_xvii_meta_gaming_for_fun_profit

What's the best approach to the use of powers that set your PCs aside from everyone else?  Two powerful beings clash haphazardly over the issue of special abilities in RPGs. Panelists: Lord Con...

http://rpgdebate.com/episode_xvi_fight_the_powers_

This episode discusses railroading in RPGs.  One panelist is from feudal Japan, the other is from a dystopian future and it's likely neither one has ever seen a train before.  Let's hope they g...

http://rpgdebate.com/episode_xv_riding_the_rails

What should your character receive more experience points for?  Combat or role-playing?  A college professor and a necromancer attempt to have an earnest discussion about it. Panelists: Solomo...

http://rpgdebate.com/episode_xiv_precious_xp

Do you like campaigns set in one area or do you prefer to globe-trot?  A well-traveled pirate and a reclusive cyber hacker discuss it. Panelists: Darin Payne, Captain of the Ironblood Reflux (L...

http://rpgdebate.com/episode_xiii_travel_

Do town guards, police officers or government agents help your adventuring party or are they nothing but a nuisance?  On this episode we talk about the use of authority figures in games. Paneli...

http://rpgdebate.com/episode_xii_what_s_all_this_then_

Which genre makes for a better campaign setting?  Fantasy or Science Fiction?  PCs from each of the two clash over the issue. Panelists: Archwizard Avan Brightstar, Vizier to the Elven Court o...

http://rpgdebate.com/episode_xi_fantasy_vs_sci_fi

Here is my first promo for the show.  Feel free to download and distribute it as you see fit!  :)

http://rpgdebate.com/promo_1

A cleric and an anthropology professor duke it out over the value of having a pantheon of deities in a role-playing game.  Are they there to watch over your PCs or to drive them stark-raving mad...

http://rpgdebate.com/episode_x_god_complex

Is it a good idea to run a game with undead PCs or NPCs?  A vampire and a bounty hunter go head-to-head on the topic. Panelists: Dr. Joseph "Doc" Anthrax Lord Connor Shadowbane

http://rpgdebate.com/episode_ix_undead_on_arrival

Which vision of the future is more fun to play your sci-fi campaign in?  Two realities collide when a cyber-hacker and an ace starship pilot get together to talk about it. Panelists: Major Hal ...

http://rpgdebate.com/episode_viii_eutopia_or_dystopia_

Does playing without dice help a game or hinder it?  Our guests debate the merits of diceless role-playing games. Panelists: Solomon Eldridge, Professor of Anthropology at Miskatonic University...

http://rpgdebate.com/episode_vii_the_lure_of_the_demon_dice

To role-play or not to role-play?  Listen in as two immortal beings clash over the subject. Panelists: Lord Connor Shadowbane Archwizard Avan Brightstar, Vizier to the Elven Court of Neverrest ...

http://rpgdebate.com/episode_vi_stop_him_before_he_role_plays_again_

Is it okay to fudge the rules sometimes?  We threw a pirate and a samurai into a room together to have a nice, calm conversation about it. Panelists: Darin Payne, Captain of the Ironblood Masat...

http://rpgdebate.com/episode_v_bending_the_rules

Is it better to build a great conversationalist or a heavy hitter?  Our panelists go at it over the best method to build a player character. Panelists: Solomon Eldridge, Professor of Anthropolo...

http://rpgdebate.com/episode_iv_this_will_be_the_ultimate_build_until_the_next_one_

The battle between live-action and table-top role-players comes to the Great Debate!  Listen as a vampire lord and a government agent go at it! Panelists: Special Agent Jack McCandless Lord Con...

http://rpgdebate.com/epidode_iii_sitting_or_standing_

A superhero squares off with a Wild West bounty hunter.  The topic: the use of shape-changing villains in RPGs. Music for this episode includes excerpt from "Pennsylvania Rose" by Kevin MacLeod...

http://rpgdebate.com/episode_ii_attack_of_the_doppelgangers

The first episode of The Great Debate! It's the pirate vs the elf as we debate the merits of fear effects in games.  Be afraid. Panelists: Darin Payne, Captain of the Ironblood Archwizard Avan...

http://rpgdebate.com/episode_i_fear_

This is the third and final short I recorded for the Player's Handbook 2 release on D&D Game Day.  My intention was to set the situation for each of the sketches in three of the most "cliche" lo...

http://rpgdebate.com/phb2_release_audio_short_3

This is the second of the three spots I did for the PHB2 release.  Hooray for drunken player characters!  ;)

http://rpgdebate.com/phb2_release_audio_short_2

Before we get to The Great Debate, I wanted to share this series of three audio shorts with you.  I did them for War Pig Radio for the release of the Dungeons & Dragons Player's Handbook 2.  I...

http://rpgdebate.com/phb2_release_audio_short_1

Behold the archive for episodes of The Great Debate!  Downloadable episodes are coming soon!

http://rpgdebate.com/the_moment_is_nigh_