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The Great Debate!

  1. Episode L - The Grand Tour2011/06/27
    Info (Show/Hide)
  2. Episode XLIX - Arming the Canon2010/12/31

    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 one another.

    Panelists:
    Reverend Jedediah Black, Demonologist
    Captain Radiant of the Integrity Force

    Shoutout & Tarrasque Poetry:
    Jeff Greiner - The Tome Show
  3. Episode XLVIII - Do PCs Come in Six-Packs?2010/11/22


    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 University
    Bob 3, Troubleshooter Clone from the Great Biodome (voiced by Jeff Greiner )

  4. Episode XLVII - Is It a Race or Is It a Species?2010/10/20


    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 getting into a dogfight!

    Panelists:
    Major Hal Cross of the Interstellar Fleet (voiced by David Selby)
    Soren Magnus, Chief Engineer of the Dwarven Skyship Flying Hammer
  5. ACTION CASTLE Actual Play!2010/09/09


    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
  6. Episode XLVI - Background Noise2010/08/25

    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 Temple of St. Wilford
    Dr. Joseph "Doc" Anthrax
  7. Not Going to GenCon - 20102010/08/09

    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 for about half an hour!

    Jason's Blog Kim's Audio Projects

    For full show notes, go here .
  8. Episode XLV - Getting a Transfer Slip2010/07/23

    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)
    Special Agent Jack McCandless

    Intro by Katharina of the Every Photo Tells podcast.
  9. Episode XLIV - House Arrest2010/06/14

    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 Ironblood
    Sgt. Dan Saunders of the Planetary Exploration Force (voiced by Indiana Jim )

    Shoutout & Promo:
    Indiana Jim Perry - Codename: Starkeeper
  10. Episode XLIII - The Book Was Better2010/05/10

    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 Basin Lord Connor Shadowbane

    Announcement: Go check out the 2010 Podcast Listener Survey !

    Shoutout & Promo: Mark, Carol & Mags - All Games Considered
  11. Episode XLII - The PC's Pain Falls Mainly on the Planes2010/04/01

    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, Professor of Anthropology at Miskatonic University
    Soren Magnus, Chief Engineer of the Dwarven Skyship Flying Hammer

  12. Episode XLI - My Power Source is Bigger Than Yours2010/03/18

    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:
    Archwizard Avan Brightstar, Vizier to the Elven Court of Neverrest
    Father Vernon Corey, High Priest of the Temple of St. Wilford

  13. Episode XL - Lawyering Up2010/03/11

    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 Blossoms
    Captain Radiant of the Integrity Force
  14. Episode XXXIX - Juggling GMs2010/03/03

    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 Black, Demonologist
    Reflux (Live via the Neural Net)

    Shameless Self-Promotion: The Every World News Podcast
  15. Episode XXXVIII - Are You Ever Going To Role Play That Flaw?2009/12/15
    Info (Show/Hide)
  16. Episode XXXVII - How Not to Host a Murder2009/12/03
    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 to the Elven Court of Neverrest
    Captain Radiant of the Integrity Force

  17. Episode XXXVI - PvP!2009/11/26
    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 Basin
    Masato Nakajima, Samurai to the Court of Orange Blossoms

  18. Episode XXXV - Hotwiring the Submarine2009/11/20
    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 underwater
    adventures!

    Panelists:
    Darin Payne, Captain of the Ironblood
    Father Vernon Corey, High Priest of the Temple of St. Wilford

  19. Episode XXXIV - Module or Mind Control?2009/11/12
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  20. Episode XXXIII - Caressing the Power Lines2009/11/04
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  21. Episode XXXII - Anti-Heroics2009/10/29
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  22. Episode XXXI - War! Now in Barbecue Flavor!2009/10/22
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  23. Episode XXX - Animal Magnetism2009/10/16
    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" Anthrax
    Reflux (Live via the Neural Net)

    Shoutout & Promo:
    Eddy Webb - The Whitechapel Project

  24. Episode IXXX - Take Everything That Isn't Nailed Down2009/10/09
    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!

    Panelists:
    Darin Payne, Captain of the Ironblood
    Reverend Jedediah Black, Demonologist

    Shoutout & Promo:
    J.C. Hutchins - 7th Son & Personal Effects

  25. Episode XXVIII - Evil is Good?2009/10/02
    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 Thandor Karn of the Dark Basin
    Captain Radiant of the Integrity Force

    Shoutout & Promo:
    Starla Huchton - The Dreamer's Thread

  26. Episode XXVII - Random Acts of Game Mastery2009/09/24
    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 Priest of the Temple of St. Wilford
    Special Agent Jack McCandless

    Shoutout & Promo:
    Anim5 - Solid Symbols

  27. Captain Payne Promo - Short Version2009/09/19
    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.

  28. Captain Payne Promo2009/09/19
    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 like. Feel free to download and distribute it in good health! :)

  29. Episode XXVI - How I Learned To Stop Worrying And Love Time Travel2009/09/18
    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 of time travel
    in a role-playing game.

    Panelists:
    Major Hal Cross of the Interstellar Fleet (voiced by David Selby)
    Dr. Joseph "Doc" Anthrax

  30. Episode XXV - Are We Dead Yet?2009/09/10
    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

  31. Episode XXIV - MacGuffins Half Off!2009/09/03
    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 of Neverrest
    Solomon Eldridge, Professor of Anthropology at Miskatonic University

  32. Episode XXIII - Money! Beautiful Money!2009/08/26
    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 Neural Net)

    Shoutout & Promo:
    Shaun, Kristin & Randy - This Modern Death

  33. A Second Podcast!2009/08/20
    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 called The Every World News Podcast and is geared towards Sci-fi, Fantasy and a number of other genres. If you think you might be interested feel free to check it out at:

    www.everyworldnews.com

  34. Episode XXII - Are You Necro-Friendly?2009/08/19
    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 Thandor Karn of the Dark Basin
    Dr. Joseph "Doc" Anthrax

  35. Episode XXI - Who's In Charge Here?2009/08/13
    Info (Show/Hide)
  36. Episode XX - Nonhuman Rights2009/08/05
    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 Avan Brightstar, Vizier to the Elven Court of Neverrest
    Reverend Jedediah Black, Demonologist

    Shoutout & Promo:
    Jennifer Hudock - Goblin Market

  37. Promo # 22009/08/04
    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!

  38. Episode IXX - Arsenic, Cyanide and Other Old Favorites2009/07/29
    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 McCandless

  39. Episode XVIII - I'll Fight You For It!2009/07/22
    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 Anthropology at Miskatonic University
    Masato Nakajima, Samurai to the Court of Orange Blossoms

    Shoutout & Promo:
    Ryan Macklin - This Just In... From Gencon!

  40. Episode XVII - Meta-Gaming for Fun & Profit2009/07/15
    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" Anthrax
    Reverend Jedediah Black, Demonologist

  41. Episode XVI - Fight the Powers?2009/07/08
    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 Connor Shadowbane
    Captain Radiant of the Integrity Force

  42. Episode XV - Riding the Rails2009/07/01
    Info (Show/Hide)
  43. Episode XIV - Precious XP2009/06/23
    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:
    Solomon Eldridge, Professor of Anthropology at Miskatonic University
    Baron Thandor Karn of the Dark Basin

    Shoutout & Promo:
    The Bear Swarm! Podcast

  44. Episode XIII - Travel!2009/06/17
    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 (Live via the Neural Net)

    Shoutout & Promo:
    The Adventures of Indiana Jim

  45. Episode XII - What's All This, Then?2009/06/10
    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.

    Panelists:
    Special Agent Jack McCandless
    Captain Radiant of the Integrity Force

    Shoutout & Promo:
    The Tome Show - 4th ed D&D Interview: One Year Later

  46. Episode XI - Fantasy vs Sci-Fi2009/06/03
    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 of Neverrest
    Major Hal Cross of the Interstellar Fleet

    Shoutout & Promo:
    International Detective Dragons From Outer Space (IDDFOS)

  47. Promo # 12009/05/28
    Here is my first promo for the show. Feel free to download and distribute it as you see fit! :)

  48. Episode X - God Complex2009/05/27
    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?

    Panelists:
    Father Vernon Corey, High Priest of the Temple of St. Wilford
    Solomon Eldridge, Professor of Anthropology at Miskatonic University

  49. Episode IX - Undead on Arrival2009/05/19
    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

  50. Episode VIII - Eutopia or Dystopia?2009/05/12
    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 Cross of the Interstellar Fleet
    Reflux (Live via the Neural Net)

  51. Episode VII - The Lure of the Demon Dice2009/05/06
    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
    Special Agent Jack McCandless

  52. Episode VI - Stop Him Before He Role-Plays Again!2009/05/02
    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

  53. Episode V - Bending the Rules2009/05/02
    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
    Masato Nakajima, Samurai to the Court of Orange Blossoms

  54. Episode IV - This Will Be the Ultimate Build (Until the Next One...)2009/05/02
    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 .

    Panelist s:
    Solomon Eldridge, Professor of Anthropology at Miskatonic University
    Reflux (Live via the Neural Net)

  55. Epidode III - Sitting or Standing?2009/05/01
    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 Connor Shadowbane

  56. Episode II - Attack of the Doppelgangers2009/05/01
    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 (incompetech.com).

    Panelists:
    Captain Radiant of the Integrity Force
    Dr. Joseph "Doc" Anthrax

  57. Episode I -- Fear!2009/05/01
    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 Brightstar, Vizier to the Elven Court of Neverrest

  58. PHB2 Release Audio Short # 32009/05/01
    Info (Show/Hide)
  59. PHB2 Release Audio Short # 22009/04/30
    This is the second of the three spots I did for the PHB2 release. Hooray for drunken player characters! ;)
  60. PHB2 Release Audio Short # 12009/04/30
    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've edited this first one just a little bit for copyright reasons, so you may notice that one of the names has been changed. I'll let you sort out which one it is. :)
  61. The Moment is Nigh!2009/04/29
    Behold the archive for episodes of The Great Debate! Downloadable episodes are coming soon!
The Great Debate!
http://otherdoc.libsyn.com
Hapless would-be actor and comedy writer Jim Ryan pits his characters against each other in a series of no-holds-barred debates covering anything and everything about role-playing games. But can they do it in under five minutes? Tune in and find out!