Dieku Podcast: Recent Episodes

Dieku Games

Join me in the exploration of why we love table top games through long form interviews with game designers and industry influencers.

Learn more at DiekuGames.com

View Details

Wasteland Degenerates is a gas-guzzling, high octane post-apocalyptic RPG about miserable, radiated scum struggling to survive in tomorrow’s unforgiving carcass!Enter Wasteland Degenerates: Jumper Cable Edition, a Cy_Borg variant where you play the worthless dregs of post-apocalyptic society going out and finding the supplies that make the world just that much more comfortable for the fortunate few who get to live in safe enclaves. You'll take on the role of road warriors, hellfire preachers, survivalists, scavengers, and former soldiers scouring the wasteland for treasures of the old world that will keep you alive just one more day.The world before the fall of Wasteland Degenerates is familiar enough to use reference points from Mad Max vehicles to The Last of Us-style walled cities, but also far enough into the future to feature advanced technology, such as androids and reality-altering devices. Of course, you can (and should!) have a souped-up hot rod to ride the wastes in style; vehicles are an essential part of the game, and occupy half of the character sheet!https://www.backerkit.com/call_to_action/e29ba2a7-c31d-4485-a048-da04afab3085/landing?ref=home-pagehttps://wastelanddegenerates.com#OSR #MORKBORG #TTRPG

--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/diekugames/message

View Details

I was joined by Zoe Franznick who is kickstarting a new magic item deck called Marginal Worlds along with co-creator Mac Boyle, both bringing their expertise in Medieval Studies to bear on the project. I think it's a good fit for games like Knave, OSE, Cairn, and Dolmenwood!Marginal Worlds is a magic Item Deck is a deck of 50 easy-to-play magic items pulled directly from medieval manuscripts that you can play in any TTRPG. The deck features 50 playable, hand-illustrated magic items and a Game Master’s Guide to match. Each item is a real-life artifact or magic item found in a medieval manuscript. Plus, Marginal Worlds magic items are D&D 5e-compatible AND system-agnostic - you can use the deck in any TTRPG system, no fuss! The Deck and Guide are available in PDF and physical print copies, and includes: - 50 system-agnostic magic items with easy-to-play descriptions- Quick-play icons for features such as cursed items, sentience, or high-level play- Excerpts featuring each item in its original medieval manuscript- A detailed Game Master’s guide with additional descriptions and lore- Gorgeous, hand-illustrated manuscript art- Systematic, consistent, and easily adaptable game design- A complete D&D 5th edition appendix- 3 additional Optional Play appendices- A detailed glossary of our medieval sourcesPlus, all backers will receive their name in the credits!Learn more at:https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/themaniculumpodcast/marginal-worlds-magic-item-expansion-packhttps://www.themaniculumpodcast.com--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/diekugames/message

View Details

I was joined by Joseph R. Lewis, author of Raiding the Obsidian Keep, as well as Liam Pádraig Ó Cuilleanáin, author of The Horrendous Hounds of Hendenburgh, whose best selling adventure modules are being dusted off by the team of the Merry Mushmen who are comprised of Eric Nieudan and Olivier Revenu.Kickstarter:https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/896102915/an-adventure-double-feature-by-the-merry-mushmenPublished by the Merry Mushmenhttps://www.themerrymushmen.comRaiding the Obsidian Keep by Joseph R. Lewishttps://www.josephrlewis.comwith art by Li-Anhttps://www.li-an.fr/The Horrendous Hounds of Hendenburgh by Liam Pádraig Ó Cuilleanáinhttps://twitter.com/budapestkickwith art by Bruno Prosaikohttps://twitter.com/BProsaiko#OSR #DnD #TTRPGhttps://www.youtube.com/@themerrymushmen6390

--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/diekugames/message

View Details

I was joined by Chris Gonnerman, the creator of Basic Fantasy and Iron Falcon and one of the founders of the OSR. We discussed Chris' start in the hobby and the development of the amazing community around Basic Fantasy. We also covered Chris writing Iron Falcon, a throwback to the little brown books and Greyhawk.Basic Fantasy:https://www.basicfantasy.orghttp://www.facebook.com/bfrpghttps://www.basicfantasy.org/forumshttps://discord.gg/5cra8aTRuhhttps://www.cafepress.com/basicfantasyhttps://www.amazon.com/stores/Chris-Gonnerman/author/B00HPBHWWGhttps://www.lulu.com/spotlight/basicfantasyIron Falcon:https://www.ironfalconrpg.com/https://www.lulu.com/search?sortBy=RELEVANCE&page=1&q=iron+falcon&pageSize=10&adult_audience_rating=00Dragonsfoot Forum:https://www.dragonsfoot.org/

--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/diekugames/message

View Details

Archeterica is an pseudo Napoleonic TTRPG about secret societies and unearthly phenomena! This is a classless 2D6 system with a focus on dramatic character development and shadow organizations activities. In Archeterica you will be able to embody extremely versatile personalities as your heroes, participate in dangerous firefights with single-shot pistols on dynamic initiative, lose a limb and sanity, gain curses and diseases incognita, found a secret brotherhood, engage in ritualism, metasurgical experiments and much, much more!Game Features:- Narrative Attributes and Talents: make up your character with help of simple ideas- Dynamic and Lethal Fights: no time to hesitate, respond to danger swiftly.- Shadow Societies: start your own secret organization and rise above the Penumbra Theater.- Wounds, Physical and Mental: grow a collection of scars, injuries, delusions, and curses from the beyond.- Mysticism and the Occult: pursue enlightenment and tune in to your paranormal abilities.- Otherworldly Crafts: ritualistics, metamedicine, and metaengineering are unique mechanics for unique ambitions.- Historical Arsenal: a wide selection of 19th century weapons, including various kinds of pistols and muskets with realistic mechanics.- Specialized Experience Points: each character develops the skills they actually use; narrative attributes, combat skills, and psychic powers advance independently.https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/theimagocult/archeterica-imago-the-invitationhttps://discord.com/invite/zVeuXAm8Ymhttps://imagocult.com

--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/diekugames/message

View Details

I was joined by Iko who is the creative mind behind the Outer Rim Uprising and Skyrealms, and is currently kickstarting The Lost Bay - a suburban gothic tabletop RPG, setting and collection of adventures set in alternate 90s.Kickstarter:https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/thelostbay/the-lost-bay-suburban-dark-fantasy-rpgWebsite:https://www.thelostbaystudio.comTwitter:https://twitter.com/thelostbayInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/thelostbaystudioFacebook:https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100023769553522

--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/diekugames/message

View Details

Take the world's most famous fantasy RPG, combine it with Idiocracy, add a bit of Borderlands, and let it soak in a slag bin for 6,042 years in front of a TV playing Rick & Morty and Futurama on a loop… there you have WEIRD WORLD! WEIRD WORLD is a weird science-fantasy role-playing game with fast and easy-to-learn rules that combines retro-futurism and fantasy in a violent and humorous setting.Kickstarter:https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/tinhatgames/weird-world-bizarre-punk-ttrpgInstagramhttps://www.instagram.com/TinHatGamesFacebook:https://www.facebook.com/TinHatGamesTwitter:https://twitter.com/TinHat_GamesWebsite:https://www.tinhatgames.itYouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@TinHatGames

--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/diekugames/message

View Details

FÄNGELSEHÅLA is the Swedish word for "dungeon."

We are inviting you to play an epic adventure with the elegance of the instructions from everybody's favorite furniture store!

This tabletop role-playing game takes a minimalist approach, offering an immersive experience without the complexity. Forget thick rulebooks and intricate character sheets – FÄNG is as easy to grasp as connecting the dots in an instruction manual.

Designed for new players and one-shots that allow you to embark on quests with mechanics so straightforward that you can be up and running in minutes.

Back it on Kickstarter now!

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/diekugames/fang?ref=aqx25e

--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/diekugames/message

View Details

I welcomed Leo Hunt, the creative mind behind Vaults of Vaarn, which a widely admired game within the OSR community. Leo is now on the cusp of releasing The Shrike which is a a dark fantasy sandbox adventure in a derelict limbo of rusted iron, saltwater, stone, and blood, designed for Old School Essentials.Kickstarter:https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/joello/the-shrike-0Silverarm Press:https://silverarmpress.comVaults of Vaarn:https://vaultsofvaarn.comJantiff Illustration:https://www.instagram.com/jantiff_illustration

--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/diekugames/message

View Details

I was joined by Spiros Drakatos, the creative mind behind DIMDAY_RED, the TTRPG that pits players in the last days of human kind. Nowhere to run, no deus ex machina, just choosing how they will live their lives while the world ends.Spiros will be launching Nodus Zine 02 which features Neu Bonn, expanding ominous slums of Fleisch District, including a mini adventure that will unleash the Center's darkest shadows!To learn more:https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/dimdayred/dimday-red-ttrpg-nodus-02https://www.dimday.red

--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/diekugames/message

View Details

I welcome Stu Horvath, the author of Monsters, Aliens and Holes in the Ground - which chronicles how RPGs have evolved since their inception.Stu is also the co-host of The Vintage RPG Podcast along with John "Hambone" McGuire and also publisher of the Unwinnable web site and Patreon which has a monthly newsletter that features analysis and critique of pop culture.Buy on Amazon:https://www.amazon.com/Monsters-Aliens-Holes-Ground-Roleplaying/dp/0262048221Unwinnable Web Site:https://unwinnable.comUnwinnable Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/unwinnableVintage RPG Podcast Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/0r3MNL1cU3gqKvStV3NawdUnwinnable YouTube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/@TeamUnwinnable--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/diekugames/message

View Details

This is Whispers of the Woods. A minimalistic role-playing game in which players will fill the shoes of 18th-century villagers on a journey into mysterious, dark woods. The game is focused on storytelling, making difficult decisions, and weaving a collaborative, intertwined narrative. Beautifully illustrated with art based on old linocuts, and filled with tones of story hooks, tables, and plot points, it’s a unique tool for creating memorable, atmospheric stories. Learn more at:https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/heltung/whispers-of-the-woods-narrative-driven-tabletop-rpghttps://heltung-storytelling.itch.iohttps://twitter.com/pawelkicmanhttps://preview.drivethrurpg.com/en/publisher/21253/Heltung-Storytellinghttps://www.facebook.com/heltungstr

--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/diekugames/message

View Details

I welcome two of the best know bloggers within the indie/OSR space. W.F. Smith, also known as Prismatic Wasteland, whose blog goes by the same name. WF also won an Ennie this last year in the category of Best Supplement for Barkeep on the Borderland, along with many contributors to the great adventure setting.Zedeck Siew who has earned admiration for writing many adventure settings, blog posts, and has the distinction of winning the inaugural overall Gold Bloggie last year for D&D’s Obsession with Taxonomy.Bloggie Results:https://zedecksiew.tumblr.comBloggie Voting:https://twitter.com/zedecksiewPrismatic Wasteland:https://www.prismaticwasteland.comBarkeep on the Borderlands:https://preview.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/429877/Barkeep-on-the-Borderlands

--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/diekugames/message

View Details

I welcome Jason Cordova - the creative mind behind Brindlewood Bay, the cozy mystery game that features elderly mavens solving TV-style cases, within the backdrop of a larger cosmic horror.Jason is also the host of Fear of a Black Dragon and The Darkened Threshold as well as founder of the Gauntlet community which has brought us games like Trophy.

https://www.brindlewoodbay.com

https://twitter.com/jasoncordova6

https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse/pub/12676/The-Gauntlet

https://discord.com/invite/jxDbMXV

--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/diekugames/message

View Details

2023 was another interesting year in the TTRPG Industry, and I was once again joined by Shannon Appelcline, author of the "Designers & Dragons" series, to provide historical context to the events of the year.Shannon shared his insights on a variety of topics including the OGL Fiasco, emerging competitors to DnD, crowdfunding trends, and moreWe also get a sneak peek of Shannon's upcoming projects, including a new edition of Designers & Dragons for the 2010s which he shares with his patrons at: https://www.patreon.com/designersanddragons Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/designersanddragons/Audible:https://www.amazon.com/Designers-Dragons-History-Roleplaying-Industry/dp/B0848YJ84B/DriveThruRPG:https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/141206/Designers--Dragons-The-Complete-Hardcover-Set-BUNDLE

--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/diekugames/message

View Details

Let Us Build a Tower is one-of-a-kind OSR adventure that takes players back thousands of years to a temple-city in the throes of apocalypse. There they ascend the ever-changing Tower to Heaven, braving the curse of chaos in hopes of reaching the ultimate reward at the Tower’s heights.To learn more, visit: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/calebwimble/let-us-build-a-tower- A Mythic Bronze Age setting in the apocalyptic ruins of the City of Babel, inspired by the biblical tale and ancient Mesopotamian legend.- The Tower of Babel, an epic megadungeon ascent to Heaven full of wonders and hellish dangers through ever-stranger floors. Thanks to Heaven’s curse of chaos, the Tower’s contents change every time players enter, with thousands of possible configurations. Whether for a single short adventure or a lengthy campaign, the Tower always provides something new and exciting for players and Referee alike.- Powerful tables which generate countless artifacts, magic weapons, traps, NPCs, quests, and unique chamber features to keep each excursion fresh and surprising. Collect Babel Stones to communicate across language barriers and create miraculous spells.- Beasts of Babel ranging from Angelic Ophanim, to Fallen Gods, to the Scorpionfolk guardians of the underworld, to the legendary Behemoth and Leviathan. Encounter, evade, bargain with, and battle more than 80 other Monsters of the ancient world. Each is fully detailed with stats for OSR, Sojourn RPG, and your classic dungeon-crawling game of choice.- Player Guides offering advice for Throne-Seekers of any skill level. The guides detail four classic classes and a unique free-form magic system. If you don’t already have a favorite game system, here you’ll find all the dungeon-crawling rules you need to start playing right away.- More than 100 beautiful illustrations hand-crafted by a team of accomplished fantasy artists. No AI-generated images here—all human skill and imagination.

--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/diekugames/message

View Details

I was once again joined by Andrew Cawood, the creator of the popular Monsters Book Series, which featured Monsters of the Underworld, City, Wilderness, Dungeon and Feyland 1 and 2.Andrew is currently kickstarting the World of Myrr, which is the fantasy setting in which the monster books have been based in.https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/cawoodpublishing/the-world-of-myrr-campaign-setting-for-any-rpgTo learn more about Cawood Publishing:https://worldofmyrr.comhttps://www.kickstarter.com/profile/cawoodpublishinghttps://www.facebook.com/worldofmyrrhttps://twitter.com/cawoodpublishhttps://www.instagram.com/cawoodpublishinghttps://www.redbubble.com/people/cawoodpublish/shophttps://www.dmsguild.com/browse.php?keywords=cawoodhttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/west-of-the-wood-podcasts/id1317446649

--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/diekugames/message

View Details

OBSCURE is a tabletop role-playing game inspired by the genre "found-footage horror" known from movies and video games like The Blair Witch Project, Outlast and V/H/S. The game is made for one-location horror one-shots and survival horror campaigns, where storytelling is weighted above rules, and horror above action. The Player Characters are not heroes, just regular everyday people caught up in horrifying situations, where death is always lurking around the corner.This roleplaying game is designed to match the unnerving experience of watching a horror movie or telling a ghost story around a campfire. To capture the atmosphere of urban legends in a time before the internet was a common thing.OBSCURE is about solving mysteries. It is about running and hiding. It is about confronting your worst fears and overcome them. And above all, it is about getting through the night - alive.Join us for a live stream with Tommy Sunzenauer - a Danish illustrator, graphic designer and gamebook maker, and one half of the company Blæk Games, that brought you SVMP and Goblin Gonzo.To Learn More:https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/sunze/obscurehttps://blaek.gameshttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083190349046&sk

--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/diekugames/message

View Details

I welcomed the creatives minds behind LIMINAL HORROR, which is a rules-lite, adaptable modern horror roleplaying game about normal characters and their struggles against the things that go bump in the night.I welcome Goblin Archives who wrote Liminal Horror based upon the Cairn System, and Josh Domanski who has been instrumental is developing the look and feel of the system through modules like The Bureau and The Bloom.To learn more:https://spacepenguin.inkItch:https://goblinarchives.itch.io/liminal-horrorhttps://unenthuser.itch.ioTwitter:https://twitter.com/goblin_archiveshttps://twitter.com/UnenthuserSubStackhttps://goblinarchives.substack.com

--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/diekugames/message

View Details

I welcome back Chris McDowall, who is the author of the influential games of Into the Odd, and Electric Bastionland. Chris will be kickstarting his newest venture Mythic Bastionland which has been billed as rules light roleplaying in a dreamlike world of knights and myths.

Learn more at:

https://www.bastionland.com

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/bastionland/mythic-bastionland-rpg-before-into-the-odd

--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/diekugames/message

View Details

Happy Hallowzine!Luchador Hero as part of the HallowZine Bundlehttps://itch.io/s/105763/itchio-halloween-sale-2023Liminal Horror:https://goblinarchives.itch.io/liminal-horrorThe Haunted Hamlet:https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/359080/The-Haunted-Hamlet--and-other-hexesBug Busters Kickstarter:https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/diekugames/bug-bustersBug Busters Gamehttps://diekugames.com/bugbustersBug Busters Playlist:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gYdKRzdlphk&list=PL9wgt1BOPPpMWqHPycMsed5GbApqKzP9GGhostbusters PDFs:https://ghostbusterscities.com/media/ghostbusters-the-roleplaying-game#OSR #TTRPG

--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/diekugames/message

View Details

I welcome two people, whose names I'm sure will be familiar to many in the TTRPG space. J-M DeFoggi is a long time creator and well-known for the Jackals bronze age game. and now has the role of Savage Universe Community Manager.Chris Landauer is the Director of Marketing for Pinnacle Entertainment Group, the folks that that have brought us the Savage World System that has been described as fast, fun and furious.Learn more:https://savageuniverse.comhttps://www.youtube.com/@Peginchttps://www.facebook.com/PinnacleEntGrouphttps://www.instagram.com/pinnacleentgrouphttps://www.twitch.tv/peginchttps://twitter.com/PEG_Gameshttps://www.facebook.com/groups/UnofficialSavageWorlds

--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/diekugames/message

View Details

I welcome Jeffrey Talanian, one of the pillars of old school gaming renaissance, and the creative mind behind Astonishing Swordsmen & Sorcerers of Hyperborea which recently completed the 3rd edition of the game earlier this year.For more information:https://www.hyperborea.tvhttps://www.facebook.com/HYPERBOREA.TVhttps://www.instagram.com/hyperborea576https://twitter.com/hyperborea576To learn more about Dieku Games:https://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

--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/diekugames/message

View Details

Join the working class exterminators of Bug Busters Ltd to fend off a secret alien invasion in the mid-90's!I'll be doing an overview of the game setting and the design philosophy behind the game mechanics!Hop on and ask some questions!Follow on Kickstarter! https://www.bugbusters.ltd#OSR #TTRPG--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/diekugames/message

View Details

Can you hear it? It’s a roar. It’s a tide rising from the edges of the galaxy. It’s a calling for you to join the fight. Outer Rim: Uprising is a bundle of 15-plus original zines, pamphlets, cards, maps, and player-facing accessories all driven by a strong, riotous spirit. Links:https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/thelostbay/outer-rim-uprisinghttps://www.outerrimuprising.comhttps://www.twitter.com/thelostbayWhat Is ORU?ORU is a massive bundle of adventures and accessories for the tabletop RPG Mothership. It’s brought to you by The Lost Bay Studio, expert tabletop RPG bundlers, and a gang of top-tier international designers and artists. Features: 20+ adventures, pamphlets, and player-facing accessories Deck of 40 full-color NPC cards by Victor J Merino Campaign handbook packed with custom classes, factions, hooks, items, and procedures Sounds of Space audio tape by David Blandy Faction patches by Alfred Valley A pool of veteran Mothership designers Breathtaking art by Evangeline Gallagher, Zach Hazard Vaupen, Holly Jenka, Victor J Merino, Daniel Locke, and Vil Laid out by the best layout designers of the system: Gontijo, Josh Domanski, Jean Verne Professional editing by Walton Wood of Līber Lūdōrum, and Samatha Leigh--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/diekugames/message

View Details

I welcomed the the Menzies brothers - Barney and Charlie - who are the creative mind behind the award winning Shiver, and the Ennie nominated Shiver Gothic.We talk about their journey into roleplaying games, the design of Shiver, as well as discussing their newest creation - Don't Play this Game.To learn more, visit:https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/327195066/dont-play-this-game-a-cursed-solo-rpghttps://www.dontplaythisga.mehttps://www.twitter.com/GamesParable

--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/diekugames/message

View Details

I welcomed Mikey Hamm who is the creator behind the game Slugblaster - which has teenage hoverboarders sneaking into other dimensions to explore, film tricks, go viral, and get away from the problems at home. It’s dangerous. It’s stupid. It’s got parent groups in a panic. And it’s the coolest thing ever.Slugblaster was recently nominated for both best art and game of the year by IGDN, taking the big prize!

To learn more:

https://youtu.be/oTVSS6btqNE

https://www.backerkit.com/call_to_action/567cddc9-e57e-4575-9fb2-821a1b289aca/landing

https://wilkies.itch.io/slugblaster

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/mikeyhamm/slugblaster

https://www.mikeyhamm.com

--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/diekugames/message

View Details

I welcomed Ben Mazzochetti and Ted Gilbert, the co-creators of Don't Tell Mom and Dad, the tabletop RPG fuelled by pulp horror VHS cassettes, sugar and fireworks!

To learn more about Don't Tell Mom and Dad:

https://www.donttellmomanddad.com https://www.instagram.com/donttellmomanddad https://twitter.com/DontTellMomDad https://weirdhobbies.bigcartel.com https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse/pub/21718/Weird-Hobbies https://weird-hobbies.itch.iohttps://letterboxd.com/giallohands/list/dont-tell-mom-dad

Lunchmeat Zine:

https://lunchmeatvhs.com


Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/diekugames/message

View Details

I am excited to welcome Ben Milton, the host of the very popular Questing Beast YouTube channel which has introduced thousands of new players into the OSR. Ben is also the creative mind behind Maze Rats, The Waking of Willowby Hall, the Labyrinth Adventure Game as well as the very popular Knave, which just finished kickstarting it’s second edition.

For more information:

https://www.youtube.com/QuestingBeast

Patreon: http://bit.ly/QBPatreon Glatisant Newsletter: http://bit.ly/Glatisant Itch: http://bit.ly/ItchStore Merch: http://bit.ly/QBMerch Amazon Products: https://amzn.to/30kfamM


Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/diekugames/message

View Details

I was joined by the Joseph R. Lewis, author of the original Ragged Hollow Nightmare adventure, as well as Eric Nieudan who is one half of the Merry Mushmen along with Olivier Olivier Revenu.

Together, they have dusted off the original adventure into a new exciting new module called Nightmare Over Ragged Hollow, which is Kickstarting right now.

To learn more: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/896102915/nightmare-over-ragged-hollow

Published by the Merry Mushmen https://www.themerrymushmen.com

Written by Joseph R. Lewis https://www.josephrlewis.com

Art by Li-An https://www.li-an.fr

Cartography by Queer Wizard https://queerwizard.co.uk To learn more about Dieku Games: https://diekugames.com https://diekugames.itch.io

https://www.instagram.com/diekugames https://threads.net/@diekugames

https://www.twitter.com/diekugames

https://www.tiktok.com/@diekugames

https://www.patreon.com/diekugames

https://diekugames.blogspot.com

https://discord.gg/M3jmUvcKt5


Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/diekugames/message

View Details

I welcomed Kobayashi, the creator of the Black Sword Hack, which has recently been updated to a new Ultimate Chaos Edition through the Merry Mushmen publishing team - who are well known in OSR circles for their Knock zine.

To learn more: https://www.themerrymushmen.com/product/black-sword-hack-ultimate-chaos-edition

https://twitter.com/TMushmen

https://www.instagram.com/nobboc

https://www.gorangligovic.com

https://squarehex.myshopify.com

https://the-black-hack.jehaisleprintemps.net

To learn more about Dieku Games: https://diekugames.com

https://diekugames.itch.io

https://www.instagram.com/diekugames

https://threads.net/@diekugames

https://www.twitter.com/diekugames

https://www.tiktok.com/@diekugames

https://www.patreon.com/diekugames

https://diekugames.blogspot.com

https://discord.gg/M3jmUvcKt5

OSR #TTRPG #dnd


Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/diekugames/message

View Details

Seth Skorkowsky was born beneath the pine trees of East Texas and grew up with a love of camping and outdoors. His teen years were spent ingesting heavy doses of Dungeons & Dragons and Clive Barker novels.

At thirteen, while visiting his favorite comic/game shop, he saw the cover for the AD&D “Lankhmar: City of Adventure” campaign book. Seth had no idea who Fritz Leiber or his heroes, Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser, even were, but the imagery captured him. Leiber’s stories became the single greatest influence on the atmosphere of his fantasy writing.

Sometime after college, while attempting to write the next great epic horror/fantasy, he penned a short story on the side called ‘The Mist of Lichthafen‘. It was his nod to Fritz. He sold the story to TTA Press who wanted it for their upcoming Black Static magazine. “The Mist of Lichthafen” was praised among readers. It received a longlist nomination for the 2009 British Fantasy Award. Seth would later narrate the story for TTA Press’ ‘Transmissions From Beyond’ podcast.

Later, during a moment of writer’s block in his novel, he wrote an origin story for a thief character called The Black Raven. ‘Birth of the Black Raven’ was always intended to be a stand-alone story with a very open ending. A year later, after his first trip to Venice, he wrote ‘Race for the Night Ruby‘, and decided to cast the same character, but now as a master thief. Once that was done, he really had no choice but to fill in the gaps between the two stories and then continue on with more adventures. As of writing this, Black Raven has had over 21 stories.

In 2011, after attending a brutal 3-day writing workshop, Seth finally came to grips that his first novel was simply dreadful. Instead of feeling dismayed, it gave him the courage to let it go and actually start work on an Urban Fantasy story that he’d been mulling for several years.

DÄMOREN sold to Ragnarok Publications in 2013. It published in 2014 and was a Audie Award finalist for Best Paranormal Audiobook.

A week later, lightning struck twice more when he signed to publish not just one, but two collections of Black Raven adventures. MOUNTAIN OF DAGGERS and SEA OF QUILLS.

Seth has now published four Valducan novels and a seperate novel Ashes of Onyx. He has many more Black Raven adventures planned. One day he hopes to pen that epic fantasy, as well as a gritty pulp crime novel.

In 2016, he started making YouTube videos about table-top role-playing games one day. His channel won the Gold ENnie Award for Best Online Content in 2019.

In 2020, his first published RPG scenario ‘A Mother’s Love’ was released in the Call of Cthulhu collection New Tales of the Miskatonic Valley. The collection went on to win the 2020 Gold ENnie Award for Best Electronic Book.

When not writing, Seth loves going on walks to clear his head and daydream. He enjoys traveling. His favorite city is Florence. Table-top role-playing is still an enormous part of his life. He loves, going to Renaissance faires, making YouTube videos, and watching bad movies with friends.

To learn more: https://skorkowsky.com https://www.youtube.com/@SSkorkowsky

https://www.amazon.com/stores/Seth-Skorkowsky/author/B00JO2GKX6?ref=ap_rdr&store_ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true To learn more about Dieku Games: https://diekugames.com https://diekugames.itch.io

https://www.instagram.com/diekugames https://www.twitter.com/diekugames

https://www.tiktok.com/@diekugames

https://www.patreon.com/diekugames

https://diekugames.blogspot.com

https://discord.gg/M3jmUvcKt5


Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/diekugames/message

View Details

I welcomed John “Hambone" McGuire who is one of the co-creators of 3-2-1 Action system along with Geo Collazo, as well as the co-host of the Vintage RPG podcast with Stu Horvath, and official ambassador for the swamps of New Jersey.

To learn more:

https://321actiongames.com

https://www.exaltedfuneral.com/search?q=3%2C2%2C1%E2%80%A6Action%21

https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse/pub/18006

https://321actiongames.itch.io

Learn more about Dieku Games:

https://diekugames.com

https://diekugames.itch.io

https://www.instagram.com/diekugames https://www.twitter.com/diekugames

https://www.tiktok.com/@diekugames

https://www.patreon.com/diekugames

https://diekugames.blogspot.com

https://discord.gg/M3jmUvcKt5


Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/diekugames/message

View Details

Miyazaki meets Mad Max on a psychedelic future Earth in this rules-lite solo-friendly TTRPG.

ECO-MOFOS!! is a mid-future ecopunk ruin-delving survival game, as player characters (PCs or Punks) seek a safe homestead to start a new community, Weirdhope not Grimdark.

Around two hundred years ago, everything went to $hit. The wealthy, who created this mess, fucked off to Mars while the lucky ones hid in vast underground bunkers. We were left to fend for ourselves on the surface, eeking out an existence in the broken world they left behind, searching for remnants of a past world to help us survive, searching for a place to call home.

Play a group of misfits who have found each other in the wastes and ruins of the fallen world. The past is just a hazy legend, the story scattered over thousands of usb sticks and servers, but the future is there to be written.

Sign up to be notified when the Kickstarter goes live on Tuesday, June 27!

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/daniellocke/eco-mofos Learn more about the ECO MOFOS team:

Design by David Blandy: https://twitter.com/davidblandyrpgs

Art by Daniel Locke: https://twitter.com/DanielULocke Learn more about Dieku Games: https://diekugames.com https://diekugames.itch.io https://www.instagram.com/diekugames https://www.twitter.com/diekugames https://www.tiktok.com/@diekugames https://www.patreon.com/diekugames https://discord.gg/M3jmUvcKt5

TTRPG #FKR #OSR


Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/diekugames/message

View Details

Today I welcome one of my favourite Youtube personalities - Rev. Joey Royale who is best know for is awesome show - Joey Royale’s Pizza Party!

Joey isn’t just limited to his fun show, but also has created such cult classics as Ninja City and WHPA Fairhaven where you explore the oddities of your local small town!

Get Haunted games and info about Rev. Joey Royale: https://www.etsy.com/shop/GetHauntedIndustries

https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse/pub/18511/Get-Haunted-Industries

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjotbAxDry2Isz0_7S2o5Qs4f3_Qrial_

https://whpatv13.neocities.org

https://goodman-games.com/store/?s=%22Get+Haunted+Industries%22&post_type=product

https://goodman-games.com/blog/2022/03/20/community-publisher-profile-joey-royale-of-get-haunted-industries

Learn more about Dieku Games: https://diekugames.com https://diekugames.itch.io

https://www.instagram.com/diekugames https://www.twitter.com/diekugames

https://www.tiktok.com/@diekugames

https://www.patreon.com/diekugames

https://discord.gg/M3jmUvcKt5


Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/diekugames/message

View Details

We welcome back Luka Rejec the writer, illustrator and designer of Ultraviolet Grasslands and the Black City, which provides a unique setting which is inspired by psychedelic Heavy Metal, the Dying Earth genre, and Oregon Trail.

Luka shared the details for the upcoming release of the second edition of Ultraviolet Grasslands which will be available through Exalted Funeral on June 14!

Sign up to be notified when UVG2 goes on sale: https://www.exaltedfuneral.com/products/uvg-2e

To see more of Luka's work visit: https://www.lukarejec.com

https://www.patreon.com/wizardthieffighter

https://twitter.com/stratometaship

https://www.instagram.com/wizardthieffighter

https://www.facebook.com/luka.rejec

https://www.exaltedfuneral.com/collections/vendors?q=WTF%20Studios

https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse/pub/14157/WTF-Studio

Learn more about Dieku Games: https://diekugames.com https://diekugames.itch.io

https://www.instagram.com/diekugames https://www.twitter.com/diekugames

https://www.tiktok.com/@diekugames

https://www.patreon.com/diekugames

https://discord.gg/M3jmUvcKt5


Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/diekugames/message

View Details

I was honoured to welcome one of the true greats in game design, and the creative mind behind Call of Cthulhu and one of my personal favourites - Ghostbusters.

Not only has Sandy established himself as one of the premier table top game designers, but he has also been key in the video game industry working on iconic titles such as Doom and Civilization.

To learn more about Petersen Games: https://petersengames.com

https://twitter.com/PetersenGame

https://www.facebook.com/PetersenGames

https://www.instagram.com/petersengames

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/petersengames Call of Cthulhu GM Tips: https://whispersinthedark.substack.com/p/keeping-the-call-of-cthulhu Learn more about Dieku Games: https://diekugames.com https://diekugames.itch.io

https://www.instagram.com/diekugames https://www.twitter.com/diekugames

https://www.tiktok.com/@diekugames

https://www.patreon.com/diekugames

https://discord.gg/M3jmUvcKt5


Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/diekugames/message

View Details

We had the pleasure of having Adam Jury, from Partner Relations at DriveThru RPG, join us to discuss Pocket Quest 2023 which allows aspiring game designers take their first steps into publishing. For more information, please visit:https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/398249/PocketQuest-2023-Starter-KitDriveThru Discord Channel:https://discord.gg/j8VxCUMt2QLearn more about Dieku Games:https://diekugames.com https://diekugames.itch.io

https://www.instagram.com/diekugames https://www.twitter.com/diekugames

https://www.tiktok.com/@diekugames

https://www.patreon.com/diekugames

https://discord.gg/M3jmUvcKt5

--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/diekugames/message

View Details

I was joined by Levi Combs, the creative mind behind Planet X - which has produced such titles as Escape from Skulcano Island, Robots & Rayguns, An Occurrence at Howling Crater, and Jungle Tomb of the Mummy Bride. Most recently Levi is Kickstarting Chainsaw Wizards, Hecatomb Creeps, and Other Ungodly Bastards which ends on June 6!Learn more about Planet X Games:https://www.exaltedfuneral.com/collections/planet-x-games

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/planetxgames/chainsaw-warlocks-hecatomb-creeps-and-other-ungodly-bastards/posts/3811774

https://www.instagram.com/it_came_from_beyond_planet_x/?hl=en

https://www.facebook.com/planetxgamecompany

https://twitter.com/PlanetXGamesCo

https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse/pub/13957/Planet-X-Games

Learn more about Dieku Games:https://diekugames.com https://diekugames.itch.io

https://www.instagram.com/diekugames https://www.twitter.com/diekugames

https://www.tiktok.com/@diekugames

https://www.patreon.com/diekugames

https://discord.gg/M3jmUvcKt5

osr #ttrpg #gamedesign

--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/diekugames/message

View Details

I was joined by Christian Plogfors and Carl Niblaeus, the creative minds behind Death in Space - which I named as my favourite game in 2022. Death in Space is a game about adventure and uncertain journeys out into the darkness of space, where the void whispers to the unlucky and imbues travelers’ bodies with strange powers. It is about you and your crew making a home of your spacecraft or station, your only sanctuary in a dangerous universe. Most of all, it is about surviving in an abandoned frontier system where resources are scarce, and competition is fierce.Engage in power struggles and build your crew’s reputation. Salvage and steal to endure a ruthless universe. And above all, do anything you can to get that next job. Your life will depend on it.Learn more about the Stockholm Kartell:https://deathinspace.com

https://www.stockholmkartell.com

https://twitter.com/sthlm_krtll

https://www.instagram.com/stockholmkartell

https://freeleaguepublishing.com/en/games/death-in-space-2

https://death-bbs.makedatanotlore.devLearn more about Dieku Games:https://diekugames.com https://diekugames.itch.io

https://www.instagram.com/diekugames https://www.twitter.com/diekugames

https://www.tiktok.com/@diekugames

https://www.patreon.com/diekugames

https://discord.gg/M3jmUvcKt5

osr #ttrpg #gamedesign

--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/diekugames/message

View Details

We were joined by Gavriel Quiroga, designer of Hell Night, Warpland, and Neurocity, which has a refreshed edition currently on Kickstarter until May 21.https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/gavrielquiroga/neurocity-colorblind-editionGavriel discusses discusses the evolution of Hell Night, as well as his approach to refreshing Neurocity.Learn more at:

https://gavrielquiroga.wordpress.comhttps://www.facebook.com/gavriel.quiroga

https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse/pub/17285/Gavriel-Quiroga

ttrpg #gamedesign #osr

--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/diekugames/message

View Details

Nathan Russel, the person behind Peril Planet Games and the creator of the minimalist game system - Freeform Universal (FU) which has inspired Nathan’s later games such as Neon City Overdrive and the most recent release - Hard City.To learn more about Peril Planet Games:https://www.perilplanet.com

https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse/pub/2577/Peril-Planet

https://perilplanet.itch.io

https://twitter.com/perilplanet

https://www.facebook.com/gaming/perilplanet

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCj-XbUcc48ZKMhx004aDZnA

https://ospreypublishing.com/ca/hard-city-9781472849526/

https://www.amazon.com/Hard-City-Noir-Roleplaying-Osprey/dp/1472849523Learn more about Dieku Games:https://diekugames.com https://diekugames.itch.io

https://www.instagram.com/diekugames https://www.twitter.com/diekugames

https://www.tiktok.com/@diekugames

https://www.patreon.com/diekugames

https://discord.gg/M3jmUvcKt5

--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/diekugames/message

View Details

We talk to Logar the Barbarian about this past Zine Quest and big changes happening at the Wobblies and Wizards - the daily podcast that features Indie game designers sharing their new games.Learn more about Logar and Wobblies and Wizards:https://anchor.fm/wobbliesandwizards

https://www.patreon.com/wobbliesandwizards

https://www.facebook.com/wobbliesandwizards

https://twitter.com/LogarHailCrom

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGCTMmdN-k17RHg2cTlXx2w

http://www.wobbliesandwizards.comLearn more about Dieku Games:https://diekugames.com https://diekugames.itch.io

https://www.instagram.com/diekugames https://www.twitter.com/diekugames

https://www.tiktok.com/@diekugames

https://www.patreon.com/diekugames

https://discord.gg/6yhYJx92SN

osr #ttrpg #gamedesign

--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/diekugames/message

View Details

Silverarm Press was started in 2021 by Joel Hines as a small press to publish old school influenced RPG material. Silverarm has a focus on producing books that are primarily easy to use at the table, modular and open world, and deeply creative with a high level of conceptual density.After Desert World of Karth, a critically acclaimed sandbox module for Mothership, Silverarm will soon launch Tide World of Mani, a revolution wracked water world in the eternal twilight.Learn more about Silverarm Press:https://silverarmpress.comhttps://www.kickstarter.com/projects/joello/tide-world-of-mani

https://joelio1.itch.io

https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse/pub/19333/Joel-Hines

Learn more about Dieku Games:https://diekugames.com https://diekugames.itch.iohttps://www.instagram.com/diekugames https://www.twitter.com/diekugames

https://www.tiktok.com/@diekugames

https://www.patreon.com/diekugames

https://discord.gg/M3jmUvcKt5

--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/diekugames/message

View Details

Singing Flame is a small publishing company based in New York City who love making zines, adventures, and supplements compatible with tabletop roleplaying games, including titles such as DNGN, Aquilus, Night Land, and Xanadu. 

Vasili Kaliman shared his journey into the gaming hobby, and his return to it with DCC. From there he went on to create Aquilus, the science fantasy publication for the OSR.  

To learn more:

https://www.singingflame.com

https://twitter.com/FlameSinging

https://www.instagram.com/osrrpg

--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/diekugames/message

View Details

I welcome Jason Oberman, the creator of 6083, a military sci-fi game that has been 38 years in the making, and is now available on print on demand through DriveThruRPG.

Jason is a retired career soldier whose military journey has leaked into the game’s DNA, resulting in a TTRPG experience with influence from real-life military culture. 6083 is an original TTRPG with a unique ruleset, and is not based upon any current or past game systems. It has some mild-rule complexity (crunch), but aims to provide a role playing experience that is cinematic with detailed and fast paced combat encounters.

View the 6083 home page:
https://www.missioncontrol6083.com

Purchase on DriveThruRPG
https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse/pub/20832/Jason-Oberman?term=Jason%20ObermaN

Learn more about Dieku Games:
https://diekugames.com
https://diekugames.itch.io
https://www.instagram.com/diekugames
https://www.twitter.com/diekugames
https://www.tiktok.com/@diekugames
https://www.patreon.com/diekugames
https://discord.gg/M3jmUvcKt5

gamedesign #ttrpg #traveller

--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/diekugames/message

View Details

2022 was another interesting year in the TTRPG Industry, and we once again were joined by Shannon Appelcline, author of the "Designers & Dragons" series, to provide historical context to the events of the year.

Shannon also shared his insights on a variety of current topics including the OneDnD, DriveThruRPG, VTTs, OSR, Indie Games, Kickstarter, Free League licensing, AI being used in game design, NuTSR, Satine Phoenix & Stone Jamison, and many other topics!

We also get a sneak peek of Shannon's upcoming projects, including a new edition of Designers & Dragons for the 2010s which he shares with his patrons at: https://www.patreon.com/designersanddragons

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/designersanddragons

Audible:
https://www.amazon.com/Designers-Dragons-History-Roleplaying-Industry/dp/B0848YJ84B/

DriveThruRPG:
https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/141206/Designers--Dragons-The-Complete-Hardcover-Set-BUNDLE

Learn more about Dieku Games:
https://diekugames.com
https://diekugames.itch.io
https://www.instagram.com/diekugames
https://www.twitter.com/diekugames
https://www.tiktok.com/@diekugames
https://www.patreon.com/diekugames
https://discord.gg/M3jmUvcKt5

gamedesign #ttrpg #dnd

--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/diekugames/message

View Details

Garry Snow was joined by Logar the Barbarian from Wobblies Wizards as they both share their letters asking Krampus for games they want this holiday season, as well as a list of their top games from 2022! We are inviting viewers to provide superchats with all proceeds going towards two charities - Schools for Chiapas and Doctors Without Borders, with matching donations up to the total amount of $100!


Schools for Chiapas (Logar)

Schools for Chiapas is an organization of grassroots activists and communities working to support the autonomous, indigenous Zapatista communities of Chiapas, Mexico. We are neither a traditional NGO (non-governmental organization) nor are we affiliated with any government, religion, or business. Schools for Chiapas was created the mid-1990’s by individuals searching for ways to make the world a better place and working to create a world where all worlds fit.

Donate directly and learn more: https://schoolsforchiapas.org


Doctors Without Borders (Garry)

Doctors Without Borders focuses on providing medical care to victims of armed conflict, epidemics, forced migration, and disasters. It runs both immediate humanitarian relief projects and longer-term medical programs that treat diseases such as cholera, HIV/AIDS, and measles. Finally, MSF’s advocacy arm raises awareness on issues relating to human rights abuses and healthcare inequality. MSF Canada provides spending figures by country, not broken down by program area. In 2020, MSF provided 9,904,200 outpatient consultations, facilitated 1,026,900 emergency room admissions, and assisted 306,800 births. It provided 112,000 outpatient consultations for covid-19 and admitted 15,400 covid-19 patients. It also treated 2,690,600 malaria cases and 8,300 cholera cases. In 2020, the charity’s three largest focus countries, in order of program spending, were the Democratic Republic of the Congo, South Sudan, and Yemen.

Donate directly and learn more: https://www.doctorswithoutborders.ca

Logar's Wishlist:

  1. Screams amongst the Stars

  2. Forbidden Lands Book of Beasts

  3. GURPS 4e

Garry's Wishlist:

  1. TORQ

  2. MAUSRITTER

  3. HP LOVECRAFT SOCIETY PROP SET

Logar's Best of 2022:

  1. DNGN

  2. HYPERBORIA 3E

  3. LIMINAL HORROR

Garry's Best of 2022:

  1. THE BUREAU

  2. HELL NIGHT

  3. DEATH IN SPACE


Learn more about Dieku Games:

https://diekugames.com
https://diekugames.itch.io
https://www.instagram.com/diekugames
https://www.twitter.com/diekugames
https://www.tiktok.com/@diekugames
https://www.patreon.com/diekugames https://discord.gg/M3jmUvcKt5

Learn more about Logar and Wobblies & Wizards at:

https://anchor.fm/wobbliesandwizards
https://www.patreon.com/wobbliesandwizards
https://www.facebook.com/wobbliesandwizards
https://twitter.com/LogarHailCrom
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGCTMmdN-k17RHg2cTlXx2w
http://www.wobbliesandwizards.com

--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/diekugames/message

View Details

Jesse Schell is the author of the critically acclaimed book "The Art of Game Design: A Book of Lenses," published in 2008. The book captured Game Developer Magazine's coveted "Front Line Award" in 2008. In 2014, he released the second edition of this book. In 2019 the tenth anniversary and third edition of the book was released.

Jesse is also the founder and CEO of Schell Games. Since starting Schell Games in 2002, Jesse has grown it into the largest and most successful game development company in Pennsylvania. Under his leadership, Schell Games has produced an amazing array of innovative, transformational and award-winning entertainment experiences, including the Disney Fairies MMO, Pixie Hollow, Toy Story Mania TV Game and some of the most popular interactive theme park attractions in the world.

Jesse also holds a faculty position as Distinguished Professor at the Entertainment Technology Center (ETC) of Carnegie Mellon University. Since 2006, Professor Schell has taught the Building Virtual Worlds class, created by ETC Co-Founder and "The Last Lecture" author, Randy Pausch. Prior to starting Schell Games, Jesse was the Creative Director of the Disney Imagineering Virtual Reality Studio, where he worked and played for seven years as a designer, programmer, and manager on numerous projects for Disney theme parks and DisneyQuest.

He is perhaps most celebrated for his design of Disney's Toontown Online, the first massively multiplayer game for kids. Toontown Online won several awards, including the following:

  • Computer Gaming World - "2003 MMORPG Game of the Year"
  • Webby Awards - "2003 People's Voice Award, Kids Category"
  • Parents' Choice Foundation - "2003 Silver Honor"
  • Children's Software Review - "2003 All Star Software Award"
  • WiredKids - "2005 Safe Gaming Award"
  • 2005 Webby Awards - "Webby Worthy Selection Award"

Learn more about Schell Games:

  • https://www.amazon.ca/Art-Game-Design-Lenses-Third
  • https://schellgames.com https://schellgames.com/blog/among-us-vr-launches-on-november-10-2022
  • https://twitter.com/jesseschell https://twitter.com/AmongUsVR
  • https://www.etc.cmu.edu

Learn more about Dieku Games:

  • https://diekugames.com
  • https://diekugames.itch.io
  • https://www.instagram.com/diekugames
  • https://www.twitter.com/diekugames
  • https://www.tiktok.com/@diekugames
  • https://www.patreon.com/diekugames
  • https://discord.gg/M3jmUvcKt5

Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/diekugames/message

View Details

In the summer of 1973, as Dave Arneson and Gary Gygax worked to complete the manuscript for D&D, Greg Svenson was given a play-test copy of that novel new game. He used those rules to create his own adventure dungeon. Tonisborg is the second oldest Mega Dungeon to come out of the Twin Cities group. Svenson and Arneson placed the dungeon in the world of Blackmoor, where Vestfold is located today.

Sadly, several years later all copies of the maps were thought lost or destroyed. The maps came to be known as "The Lost Dungeons of Tonisborg," or "Tonisborg" for short. Decades later, during production of the documentary, Secrets of Blackmoor, a mysterious set of ten old dungeon maps was uncovered - these turned out to be photocopies of Svenson's originals.

Now published with extensive background information, The Lost Dungeons of Tonisborg is not like any RPG book you've ever encountered. Step back into time with one of the oldest dungeon adventures ever created!

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/secretsofblackmoor/the-lost-dungeons-of-tonisborg

https://www.secretsofblackmoor.com/

https://vimeo.com/ondemand/sobfinal

https://twitter.com/Blackmoor_Film


Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/diekugames/message

View Details

What better way to celebrate October than by exploring the amazing creativity of indie zines! We will be doing daily zine reviews throughout the month, ending with a grand prize draw for $200 store credit from Exalted Funeral, where you can purchase many of the zines being reviewed! 

To enter the draw, sign-up for our newsletter on our web site: https://diekugames.com 

On Halloween day, we will be hosting a livestream event on our YouTube Channel at 1pm EST: https://youtu.be/N0XVFK_oqgE

Be sure to subscribe, and follow us on social media for updates! 

Learn more about Dieku Games:

  • https://diekugames.com
  • https://diekugames.itch.io
  • https://www.instagram.com/diekugames
  • https://www.twitter.com/diekugames
  • https://www.tiktok.com/@diekugames
  • https://www.patreon.com/diekugames
  • https://discord.gg/M3jmUvcKt5

HallowZine #ttrpg #osr


Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/diekugames/message

View Details

I was joined by Steve Jackson who has had a distinguished career, designing iconic games such as GURPS, Car Wars, The Fantasy Trip, and last, but not least - Munchkin!  Steve shared his journey from his first entry into the hobby, to lessons learned along the way, and the sharing of new games such as the re-releases of Car Wars and The Fantasy Trip. 

To learn more about Steve Jackson Games:

http://www.warehouse23.com

https://thefantasytrip.game


Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/diekugames/message

View Details

I had the pleasure of being joined by Lee Gold, the creator of the Lands of Adventure RPG, Land of the Rising Sun supplement for Chivalry & Sorcery, Vikings for Iron Crown, GURPS Japan and the Valhalla Trilogy novels.

Lee is also the editor of Alarums and Excursions one of the longest running APAs (Amateur Press Association) featuring content from fan zines since 1975!

Alarums and Excursions back issues are available here:

https://www.conchord.org/xeno/aande.html

To purchase Lee's work:

Valhalla, Into the Darkness: https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B0B1916RYX

Valhalla, Absent Without Leave: https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B091FZTKFB

http://www.amazon.com/Lands-Adventure-Fantasy-Role-Playing/dp/B000C19XW8

http://www.amazon.com/Land-Rising-Sun-Box-Set/dp/B000BIXTSQ

http://www.amazon.com/Vikings-Rolemaster-Campaign-Classics-1030/dp/1558060472

http://www.amazon.com/GURPS-Japan-Lee-Gold/dp/B000KBGKPS


Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/diekugames/message

View Details

I was joined by Cezar Capacle, the designer of minimalist games such as Starlight Riders, What Lies Beneath the Darkness, Kismet and Cows vs Zombies.  Cezar also shared the fundamentals of the Push SRD which is Creative Commons and able to be used as a basis for your own game.  

Learn more at:

https://www.patreon.com/capacle

https://capacle.itch.io

https://twitter.com/capacle

https://ko-fi.com/capacle/shop

https://www.pnparcade.com/collections/vendors?q=Cezar%20Capacle

https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse/pub/11268/Not-A-Giraffe-Studio


Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/diekugames/message

View Details

We were joined by Andrew Kolb, who shared his design process for the new Oz TTRPG setting.

This is Andrew's follow up to the the Ennie Award nominated Neverland TTRPG. Using inspiration from Frank Baum's novels, Andrew combined his mid-century styled illustrations with solid layout and typography to create a cohesive setting book that is compatible with almost all flavors of Dungeons and Dragons.

To pre-order Oz:

  • https://www.amazon.com/OZ-Fantasy-Role-Playing-Andrew-Kolb/dp/1524873772?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=dieku08-20

To order Neverland:

  • https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/331102/Neverland-A-Fantasy-RolePlaying-Setting?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=dieku08-20

To learn more about Andrew:

  • https://www.kolbisneat.com https://www.instagram.com/kolbisneat
  • https://twitter.com/kolbisneat https://www.reddit.com/user/kolbisneat

Learn more about Dieku Games:

  • https://diekugames.com
  • https://diekugames.itch.io
  • https://www.instagram.com/diekugames
  • https://www.twitter.com/diekugames
  • https://www.tiktok.com/@diekugames
  • https://www.patreon.com/diekugames
  • https://discord.gg/M3jmUvcKt5

Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/diekugames/message

View Details

I was joined by Doctor Emily Zarka the writer and host of Monstrum - an award-winning series featured on PBS's Storied YouTube channel.  Monstrum examines the complex histories and motivations behind some of the world's most famous monsters, and has featured many that would be familiar to D&D players such as the Basilisk and Trolls.   For more information on Monstrum: https://www.youtube.com/pbsstoried https://twitter.com/ZarkaEmily https://www.pbs.org/show/monstrum  

Learn more about Dieku Games: https://diekugames.com https://diekugames.itch.io https://www.instagram.com/diekugames https://www.twitter.com/diekugames https://www.tiktok.com/@diekugames https://www.patreon.com/diekugames https://discord.gg/M3jmUvcKt5 


Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/diekugames/message

View Details

I had the pleasure of having Logar the Barbarian as my guest, who is the host of Wobblies and Wizards, the daily (yes, DAILY!) podcast that features Indie Game Designers who have that scrappy DYI attitude.

We discuss Logar's history and process of making his podcast, from one podcaster to another!

You can learn more about Logar and Wobblies and Wizards at:

https://anchor.fm/wobbliesandwizards

https://www.facebook.com/wobbliesandwizards

https://twitter.com/LogarHailCrom

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGCTMmdN-k17RHg2cTlXx2w

http://www.wobbliesandwizards.com

Learn more about Dieku Games:

https://diekugames.com

https://diekugames.itch.io

https://www.instagram.com/diekugames

https://www.twitter.com/diekugames

https://www.tiktok.com/@diekugames

https://www.patreon.com/diekugames

https://discord.gg/M3jmUvcKt5


Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/diekugames/message

View Details

I was honored to be joined by Marc Miller, the creator of Traveller - the best selling sci-fi RPG of all time! I discuss the many innovations that Traveller brought to the TTRPG design world including, life paths during character creation, skills, patrons, UPP code, and the game-within-a-game ship and world building.

Far Future Enterprises:

https://www.farfuture.net

Agent of the Imperium

https://www.amazon.ca/Agent-Imperium-Marc-Miller/dp/1982125071

Traveller 5

https://traveller5.net

https://twitter.com/TravellerNews

Learn more about Dieku Games:

https://diekugames.com

https://diekugames.itch.io

https://www.instagram.com/diekugames

https://www.twitter.com/diekugames

https://www.tiktok.com/@diekugames

https://www.patreon.com/diekugames

https://discord.gg/M3jmUvcKt5


Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/diekugames/message

View Details

I was joined by Daniel Sell the Ennie award winning creator and Publisher of Melsonian Arts Council, who make Troika!, the OSR style game that combines unique characters into an unusual setting that has grown a strong community around it. Daniel shares his journey into publishing, and provides some great insight on what it takes to be a successful indie TTRPG publisher.  

To learn more about Daniel and Troika, visit:

https://www.troikarpg.com 

https://www.kickstarter.com/profile/melsonia 

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/melsonia/the-big-squirm

http://whatwouldconando.blogspot.com


Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/diekugames/message

View Details

We had the pleasure of having Lysa Penrose - RPG Marketing and Charity Manager, and Kage - Community Relations Representative from DriveThruRPG join us. 

We discussed the upcoming PocketQuest game jam taking place in August, as well as tips and tricks for new creators taking their first steps into publishing.   

We also learned about the recent announcement of the partnership between DriveThruRPG and Roll20 for supporting the VTT through the Dungeon Masters Guild.

For more information, please visit:

https://www.drivethrurpg.com 

DriveThru Discord Channel: https://discord.gg/j8VxCUMt2Q

PocketQuest: https://medium.com/oneblogshelf/join-us-this-summer-for-a-pocketquest-9f50e2fbcc8f

Roll20 Partnership: https://medium.com/oneblogshelf/dungeon-masters-guild-announces-partnership-with-roll20-6fab717dde91


Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/diekugames/message

View Details

It was a pleasure to have Nate Treme of Highland Paranormal Society on the show to discuss his design process and the many unique games that he has made over the years, such as Tunnel Goons, Kozmik Objects, and adventures like What Child is This, Barrow of the Elf King and Dogtooth Valley. 

Learn more about Highland Paranormal Society:

https://highlandparanormalsociety.com

https://natetreme.itch.io

https://www.patreon.com/HPS

https://twitter.com/NateTreme

https://www.tiktok.com/@highlandparanormal 

Learn more about Dieku Games:

https://diekugames.com

https://diekugames.itch.io

https://www.instagram.com/diekugames

https://www.twitter.com/diekugames

https://www.tiktok.com/@diekugames

https://www.patreon.com/diekugames

https://discord.gg/M3jmUvcKt5 


Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/diekugames/message

View Details

We were joined by Adam Vass of World Cha,mp Games Co. who has been making some very unique and creative games within the Indie game design scene. Games such as Necronautilus, Babes in the Wood, Cobwebs, Hell Cabin, and more! 

You can learn more at:

https://www.worldchamp.io

https://worldchampgameco.itch.io

https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse/pub/10896/World-Champ-Game-Co

https://www.patreon.com/worldchampgameco

https://www.facebook.com/worldchampgameco

https://twitter.com/WCgameco https://www.instagram.com/worldchampgameco


Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/diekugames/message

View Details

We were joined by Deborah from Geek Gamers, who shared their history and evolution of the Solo Game Master's Guide and YouTube channel.   For more information:  https://www.youtube.com/GeekGamers01  https://www.modiphius.net/products/solo-game-masters-guide


Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/diekugames/message

View Details

We were joined by Jim Parkin, the designer of Weird North and Any Planet is Earth, who shared his views on Free Kriegsspiel Revolution (FKR) style gaming to create an immersive role playing experience. 

To learn more:

https://d66kobolds.blogspot.com

https://classless-kobolds.itch.io

https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse/pub/17280/Classless-Kobolds 

FKR Discord Server:

https://discord.gg/3GdFMKa


Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/diekugames/message

View Details

We were joined by Lex Mandrake of Dank Dungeons, who shared his game design journey with us, starting with 5e supplements on the Joy of Cooking Monsters, to the very popular OSR Azag game and setting. Lex also provides some of his realizations on and learnings with each new product, including the Narfell supplement which is entirely digital focussed.

To Learn More:

https://lfosr.com/product/azag-single-volume

https://dank-dungeons.itch.io

https://twitter.com/DankDungeons

https://dankdungeons.bandcamp.com

https://www.dmsguild.com/browse.php?author=Lex%20Mandrake

https://www.patreon.com/dankdungeons

Contributors and Mentions:

https://twitter.com/diogo_oldskull

https://www.gontijolab.com

https://lootthebody.bandcamp.com

https://mobile.twitter.com/safia_d

https://www.instagram.com/party_in_the_front

https://www.instagram.com/liltachyon

https://twitter.com/axebane https://twitter.com/maharhar


Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/diekugames/message

View Details

We were joined by Eric Nieudan, who along with Olivier Revenu, makes up The Merry Mushmen, who have created the go-to OSR magazine - Knock. We learn of the history behind how this magazine came into existence, and what the future looks like for this publication.

For more information:

https://www.themerrymushmen.com

https://www.twitter.com/TMushmen

https://www.kickstarter.com/discover/advanced?ref=nav_search&term=Olivier%20Revenu

https://www.themerrymushmen.com/2021/02/06/the-questing-beast-on-knock

Learn more about Dieku Games:

https://diekugames.com

https://diekugames.itch.io

https://www.instagram.com/diekugames

https://www.twitter.com/diekugames

https://www.tiktok.com/@diekugames

https://www.patreon.com/diekugames

https://discord.gg/M3jmUvcKt5


Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/diekugames/message

View Details

We were joined by Bryce Lynch, who run's the Ten Foot Pole blog which is the de facto Dungeons and Dragons adventure review site. Bryce shares his list of tips and tricks that every aspiring adventure designer should know before setting out to write! Bryce also shares the background to the 4-year Review of Dungeon Magazine adventures, and the Wavestone Keep adventure design contest that has been resulting in some incredible items!

Learn more about Bryce at:

http://www.tenfootpole.org

http://www.tenfootpole.org/forum/index.php

ttps://www.patreon.com/join/tenfootpole

Learn more about Dieku Games:

https://diekugames.com

https://diekugames.itch.io

https://www.instagram.com/diekugames

https://www.twitter.com/diekugames

https://www.tiktok.com/@diekugames

https://www.patreon.com/diekugames

https://discord.gg/ZBpHnjQ5


Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/diekugames/message

View Details

We were joined by Chris McDowall, the designer of the Ennie nominated Electric Bastionland, which was built upon the rule-set and concepts first used in Into the Odd. Chris shares his process in developing these two foundational games, and what he looks for in both game systems and settings. 

You can learn more about Chris' work at:

https://www.bastionland.com

https://www.patreon.com/bastionland

https://www.kickstarter.com/profile/bastionland

https://www.youtube.com/bastionland

https://www.twitch.tv/bastionland

https://bastionland.pledgemanager.com/projects/into-the-odd-remastered/participate/


Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/diekugames/message

View Details

We were joined by Manuel Sambs who created the Savage Worlds supplement Sprawlrunners which combines cyberpunk with sci-fi fantasy elements.

To learn more about Sprawlrunners and Savage Worlds:

DriveThru RPG: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse.php?author=Manuel%20Sambs

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VeiledFuryEntertainment

The Veiled Fury Entertainment Discord Server: https://discord.gg/XG4ndnn5F9

Unofficial Savage Worlds Discord Server: https://discord.gg/VqT7CJj

Pinnacle Entertainment Group: https://peginc.com

Learn more about Dieku Games:

https://diekugames.com

https://diekugames.itch.io

https://www.instagram.com/diekugames

https://www.twitter.com/diekugames

https://www.tiktok.com/@diekugames

https://www.patreon.com/diekugames

https://discord.gg/ZBpHnjQ5


Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/diekugames/message

View Details

It was an honour to be joined by Greg Costikyan who has created many ground-breaking table top role playing games such as Paranoia, Toon and Star Wars D6. Greg has gone on to be a change maker in the game design industry, speaking up for indie game developers, and sharing design theories that are now considered foundational.  

To learn more about Greg and his work, please visit: https://www.costik.com

Shout-out to Noble Knight Games, who rushed me a copy of Stainless Steel Rat at my request! They are my go-to source of after market games: https://www.nobleknight.com

Learn more about Dieku Games:

https://diekugames.com

https://diekugames.itch.io 

https://www.instagram.com/diekugames 

https://www.twitter.com/diekugames

https://www.tiktok.com/@diekugames 

https://www.patreon.com/diekugames 

https://discord.gg/ZBpHnjQ5 

ttrpg #gamedesign #costikyan


Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/diekugames/message

View Details

We were joined by Andrew Cawood, the creator of the World of Myrr, which includes the wildly popular Monsters of Feyland, Monsters of the Underground, Monsters of the City, and Monsters of the Wilderness.  

To learn more about Cawood Games:

  1. https://worldofmyrr.com
  2. https://www.kickstarter.com/profile/cawoodpublishing
  3. https://www.facebook.com/worldofmyrr
  4. https://twitter.com/cawoodpublish
  5. https://www.instagram.com/cawoodpublishing
  6. https://www.redbubble.com/people/cawoodpublish/shop https://www.dmsguild.com/browse.php?keywords=cawood
  7. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/west-of-the-wood-podcasts/id1317446649

Learn more about Dieku Games:

  • https://diekugames.com
  • https://diekugames.itch.io
  • https://www.instagram.com/diekugames
  • https://www.twitter.com/diekugames
  • https://www.tiktok.com/@diekugames
  • https://www.patreon.com/diekugames

Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/diekugames/message

View Details

We were joined by Luka Rejec, designer of TTRPG products such as Ultraviolet Grasslands, SEACAT, Witchburner, and Let Us In.

Luka shared his journey of starting out in TTRPG forums on the Forge and G+, before he found his voice. Luka also shared his philosophy on learning through mistakes, and that trying to make things perfect is the enemy of learning.  

To see more of Luka's work visit:

https://www.lukarejec.com

https://www.patreon.com/wizardthieffighter

https://twitter.com/stratometaship

https://www.instagram.com/wizardthieffighter

https://www.facebook.com/luka.rejec

https://www.exaltedfuneral.com/collections/vendors?q=WTF%20Studios

https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse/pub/14157/WTF-Studio  

Learn more about Dieku Games:

https://diekugames.com

https://diekugames.itch.io

https://www.instagram.com/diekugames

https://www.twitter.com/diekugames

https://www.tiktok.com/@diekugames

https://www.patreon.com/diekugames


Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/diekugames/message

View Details

We were joined by Andrew Kolb, the designer of the Ennie Award nominated Neverland TTRPG. Andrew shared his career path from graphic designer, illustrator, and game designer, and the lessons that he's learned along the way.  Using inspiration from the JM Barrie's original concept, 

Andrew combined his mid-century styled illustrations with solid layout and typography to create a cohesive setting book that is compatible with almost all flavors of Dungeons and Dragons.

To purchase Neverland:

https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/331102/Neverland-A-Fantasy-RolePlaying-Setting?affiliate_id=2868133

https://amzn.to/335xwzB 

To learn more about Andrew:

https://www.kolbisneat.com

https://www.instagram.com/kolbisneat

https://twitter.com/kolbisneat

https://www.reddit.com/user/kolbisneat  

Learn more about Dieku Games: 

https://diekugames.com 

https://diekugames.itch.io

https://www.instagram.com/diekugames

https://www.twitter.com/diekugames

https://www.tiktok.com/@diekugames


Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/diekugames/message

View Details

After watching an incredible football game on Sunday between the Buffalo Bills and the Kansas City Chiefs, it made me realize the similarities between Sports and the OSR Style of play.  

OSR Style of Play = Sports (Random Tables & Complete Player Agency) 

Other Styles = Scripted Drama (Railroad & Adventure Path)

This is NOT to be confused with Ben Milton's great comparison of Combat as Sport vs War video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qnKc64ADYf8  

My take is about the dramatic formula, between a scripted TV Detective Show and a Live Sporting Event, where the sport has so many variables that play out in real time, that the OSR is more akin to sports which provides that special magic of the unknown.

Dieku Discord Channel

https://discord.gg/6JVnTPpF 

Thanks for listening

https://www.twitter.com/diekugames

https://www.facebook.com/diekugames

https://www.instagram.com/diekugames 

https://www.tiktok.com/@diekugames

https://diekugames.itch.io 

https://www.patreon.com/diekugames


Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/diekugames/message

View Details

After taking a bit of a break over the holidays, the channel is ramping back up with more long-form interviews with some incredible of designers. 

In the meantime, I just wanted to take the opportunity to look at what some of our previous guests have been up to!


Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/diekugames/message

View Details

2021 was another interesting year in the TTRPG Industry, and we asked Shannon Appelcline, author of the "Designers & Dragons" series, to provide historical context to what we are seeing in a Year in Review. Shannon also shared his insights on a variety of current topics including the return of conventions, DnD5E, OSR, Indie Games, Kickstarter, Swedish Game Design, Free League, Mothership, Pathfinder, TSR3 & Ernie Gygax, VTT, Critical Role, DnD Live, Diversity & Inclusion, and many other trends and topics!

We also got a sneak peek of Shannon's upcoming projects, including a new edition of Designers & Dragons for the 2010s which he shares with his patrons at: https://www.patreon.com/designersanddragons

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/designersanddragons/

Audible: https://www.amazon.com/Designers-Dragons-History-Roleplaying-Industry/dp/B0848YJ84B/

DriveThruRPG: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/141206/Designers--Dragons-The-Complete-Hardcover-Set-BUNDLE

Learn more about Dieku Games at:

https://diekugames.com https://diekugames.itch.io

https://www.instagram.com/diekugames

https://www.twitter.com/diekugames

https://www.facebook.com/diekugames

gamedesign #ttrpg #dnd


Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/diekugames/message

View Details

We were joined by Gavriel Quiroga, designer of Hell Night which is currently on Kickstarter until January 22. 

Gavriel discusses discusses his inspiration for design Hell Night, as well as his older games Warpland and Neurocity. 

Learn more at:

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/gavrielquiroga/hell-night

https://www.facebook.com/gavriel.quiroga

https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse/pub/17285/Gavriel-Quiroga


Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/diekugames/message

View Details

We were joined by prolific game designer, Philip Reed, who has produced volumes of supplements over his career. Although he has a full time job as CEO of Steve Jackson Games, he continues to pursue making small indie style game supplements out of his sheer love of design.

Most recently he has created several supplements for OSR style games such as o Mork Borg and Troika. He shared some of his design process and lessons that he has learned over a career that has spanned over 25+ years! 

To learn more:

https://twitter.com/philipjreed

https://www.kickstarter.com/profile/philipreed/created

https://www.battlegrip.com

http://www.sjgames.com


Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/diekugames/message

View Details

We were joined by Matthew Carlson, the creator of WanderSquares,  The Underwood Tunnels - a fantasy tabletop role playing game with an ever-changing map and choose-your-path adventure guide, designed for adventurers, 9 & up!  

WanderSquares successfully completed their first Kickstarter in 2020, and now is looking to launch their second adventure - The Golden Hive - in 2022! 

For more information on WanderSquares:

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/wandersquares/wandersquares-the-underwood-tunnels

https://www.wandersquares.com

https://www.facebook.com/WanderSquares

https://twitter.com/wandersquares https://www.instagram.com/wandersquaresgame


Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/diekugames/message

View Details

Making role-playing games can feel futile at times, and sometimes you feel like just giving up. Maybe your game is too weird, too old, too..... whatever! I came across this inspiring interview with Wes Anderson from the New York Public Library, and it made me realize that sometimes you just have to find your audience, even if it is just a single voice.


Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/diekugames/message

View Details

We were joined by Yochai Gal, the creator of Cairn, an adventure game about exploring a dark and mysterious Wood filled with strange folk, hidden treasure, and unspeakable monstrosities. Character generation is quick and random, classless, and relies on fictional advancement rather than through XP or level mechanics. It is based on Knave by Ben Milton and Into The Odd by Chris McDowall.   

The interview covers Yochai’s journey ranging from the random discovery of Palladium Fantasy, to PBtA, and finally landing the Old School Revolution (OSR). Yochai went on with others to define new variations of OSR's approach as the New School Revolution (NSR) which has grown into an active and thriving game design community.

For more information on items within the interview: 

https://cairnrpg.com https://newschoolrevolution.com/ 

https://classless-kobolds.itch.io/weird-north

https://www.instagram.com/licopeoart

https://www.bastionland.com

https://mausritter.com

https://www.youtube.com/questingbeast

https://buriedwithoutceremony.com/the-quiet-year

https://lichvanwinkle.blogspot.com

https://discourse.rpgcauldron.com


Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/diekugames/message

View Details

We were joined by Tim Earley, who recently completed a successful Kickstarter for his new game - Holler, an Appalachian Apocalypse folk horror game.

Tim's shares the inspiration for the game as a love letter to his own heritage and experiences growing in the Appalachia. Tim also shares how he got into RPGs and designing games, as well as the string of events that caused Pinnacle Entertainment Group to embrace Holler as one of their own products under the Savage Worlds brand.

For more information:

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/545820095/holler-an-appalachian-apocalypse-for-savage-worlds

http://www.timearley.net

https://peginc.com


Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/diekugames/message

View Details

Leo from LF OSR  joins us to discuss his journey into the world of OSR, starting with AD&D stylized illustrations which grew into a thriving printing and design business including the amazing Packet of Particular Peaks!  Leo also shared his advice for new designers thinking about taking their first steps into printing their games and zines.  

For more information on LF OSR

  • https://lfosr.com
  • https://www.instagram.com/lf_osr
  • https://twitter.com/lf_osr

Learn more about Dieku Games:

  • https://diekugames.com
  • https://diekugames.itch.io
  • https://www.instagram.com/diekugames
  • https://www.twitter.com/diekugames

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Z7gNqSZvX20


Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/diekugames/message

View Details

As part of filming the Friendly Local Game Store documentary, we interviewed a number of amazing individuals that brought great insight into all the things we love. We ended up with over 20 hours of footage, that we had to edit down to approximately 90 minutes. 

As part of the bonus features in the Kickstarter we are including some of the extra footage that allowed our guests to be more in-depth. 

One such guest is Brandon Hearty, who completed his Masters Thesis on the topic of "Chaotic/Neutral: Comparing the Social Worlds and Psychological Utility of Fantasy Role-playing and Religion." 

It is a fascinating discussion that covers many topics of what utility games are in our society, and we discuss hypothesis on the future of table-top role playing games.  

Brandon's Master's Thesis: https://prism.ucalgary.ca/handle/11023/4117 

Upstairs Alchemy Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/5zkwMAd9llIwKKaXcP38zo

Local Friendly Game Store Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/diekugames/flgs


Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/diekugames/message

View Details

After a lengthy gap in podcasts, I provide a bit of an update on what I'v been up to - including the discovery that I'm a needle in a needle stack! But it also provided me some perspective on what I really appreciated about the TTRPG hobby, which is talking about games, game designers, and the industry in general. From that realization, I used my energies to create a documentary on the World's Largest Game Store in Calgary, Alberta, Canada where I live! 

Today I launched a Kickstarter to support the post-production of the documentary!

Learn more at diekugames.com


Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/diekugames/message

View Details

I was joined by Kevin Madison from the Dungeon Musings YouTube Channel, which has now live-streamed over 500 gaming sessions since launching in 2015. As amazing as that feat is, even more impressive is the Channel’s Heroes Saving Villages charitable efforts. The Dungeon Musings Community has now donated over $10,000 for SOS Children’s Villages, an incredible organization that supports orphaned, abandoned and vulnerable children across the globe.

Dungeon Musings:

  • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/DungeonMusings
  • Heroes Save Villages: https://charity.gofundme.com/o/en/campaign/heroes-save-villages1/kevinmadison
  • Twitter: https://twitter.com/dungeonmusings
  • Anchor: https://anchor.fm/dungeonmusings
  • Discord Server: https://discord.gg/DyKFASvU
  • Redbubble store: https://www.redbubble.com/people/dungeonmusings/shop
  • Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/dungeonmusings

Learn more about Dieku Games:

  • https://diekugames.com
  • https://diekugames.itch.io
  • https://www.instagram.com/diekugames
  • https://www.twitter.com/diekugames

Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/diekugames/message

View Details

In this episode of the Dieku Podcast, we were joined by M.A. Guax, a Brazilian TTRPG designer who has been developing some very interesting minimalist games since coming onto the scene. This last March, Guax hosted the first ever #LatAmJam on Itch with some of his fellow Latinx designers. Warch to learn more about how Guax entered the TTRPG industry and his philosophy on game design and influences from the #osr and #artpunk style.

  • https://twitter.com/maguaxRPG
  • https://maguax.itch.io/
  • https://itch.io/jam/rpg-latam-jam

Learn more about Dieku Games at:

https://diekugames.com

https://diekugames.itch.io

https://www.instagram.com/diekugames

https://www.twitter.com/diekugames


Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/diekugames/message

View Details

In this episode of the Dieku Podcast, Shannon Appelcline, author of the "Designers & Dragons" series provides an incredible overview of the many companies that have contributed to the table top role playing game industry over 40+ years. Shannon also shared his insights on a variety of current topics including DnD5E, the OSR, Indie Games, Kickstarter, Swedish Game Design, Diversity & Inclusion, and the cycles of boom and busts that he has seen.

We also got a sneak peek of Shannon's upcoming projects, including a new edition of Designers & Dragons for the 2010s which he shares with his patrons at: https://www.patreon.com/designersanddragons

Audible:

https://www.amazon.com/Designers-Dragons-History-Roleplaying-Industry/dp/B0848YJ84B/

DriveThruRPG:

https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/141206/Designers--Dragons-The-Complete-Hardcover-Set-BUNDLE

Learn more at:

https://diekugames.com

https://diekugames.itch.io

https://www.instagram.com/diekugames

https://www.twitter.com/diekugames


Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/diekugames/message

View Details

In this episode of the Dieku Podcast we discuss the burning question that keeps every game designer up at night. That of course is damage and armor! We pose some questions about damage and armor, and do brain dump and deep dive on the subject.

We also share our own solution to damage and armor by identifying the problems we hoped to solve with the Dieku System, highlighting some samples and scenarios.

Learn more at:

www.diekugames.com 

www.diekugames.itch.io

www.instagram.com/diekugames

www.twitter.com/diekugames 


Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/diekugames/message

View Details

In this episode of the Dieku Podcast we discuss design trends in the RPG industry, and in particular the OSR, where much of the innovation is taking place. Reviewing a recent episode of the Questing Beast, we dive into the idea of having unique voices within the industry that is a breath of fresh air compared to the corporate produced games of WOTC's Dungeons and Dragons.

We then cover where this time sits within the evolution of the RPG world, and question whether we are just in a repeat of the cycle where hand-waving OD&D gave way to more rules, and inevitably story games. Will history repeat itself, or are we on a new tangent?

Questing Beast Channel:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvYwePdbWSEwUa-Pk02u3Zw 

Luka Rejek and Ultraviolet Grassland:

https://www.wizardthieffighter.com 

Chris McDowall and Electric Bastionland

https://www.patreon.com/bastionland

Grant Howitt:

https://www.patreon.com/gshowitt  

Learn more at:

www.diekugames.com

www.instagram.com/diekugames

www.twitter.com/diekugames


Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/diekugames/message

View Details

In this episode we have special guest, Chuck Welch, who has spent the last 25 years bringing together fans of the pulp fiction character Doc Savage through The Hidalgo Trading Company website and the Flearun Facebook group. When he isn't discussing Doc Savage online he edits the Bronze Gazette, a magazine devoted to Doc Savage. Pre-COVID, Chuck hosted an annual convention for Doc Savage fans called the Bronze CONversation. 

In 2020, like many other activities, the CONversation was held virtually. He'll tell you he's not the world's foremost expert on Doc, but he is thrilled to host opportunities for those experts and fans to get together to discuss the fiction they fell in love with. 

LINKS TO DOC SAVAGE

Hidalgo Trading Company: https://docsavage.org 

The Flea Run Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/Flearun 

The Bronze Gazette: https://www.bronzegazette.com

86th Floor - Chris Kalb: http://heropulp.com/the86floor 

Bronze Icon - Tom Barnett: http://bronzeicon.com 

Doc Fantasy Covers - Kez Wilson: https://docfantasycovers.com 

LINKS TO DIEKU GAMES

diekugames.com 

Twitter.com/diekugames 

Instagram.com/diekugames


Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/diekugames/message

View Details

Discussing the philosophy and design choices in making the Cities Grimm game setting, trying to balance the super hero genre with occult darkness, gangbusters, Cthulhu and temple run style games.

LINKS TO DIEKU GAMES

diekugames.com

Twitter.com/diekugames

Instagram.com/diekugames


Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/diekugames/message

View Details

Garry Snow introduces himself and his background on RPGs and shares his plans for The Cities Grimm RPG, as well as a minimalist RPG system that retains an OSR feel. Topics include a call out to Basic Red Box D&D, Palladium Games, and the goal of striking the balance between minimalism and comprehensive systems.

LINKS TO DIEKU GAMES

diekugames.com

Twitter.com/diekugames

Instagram.com/diekugames


Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/diekugames/message