Show Notes
In this episode we discuss AI and its effect on role-playing games, looking at where it can be useful and where it becomes problematic. We talk about using AI as a factual assistant for rules and reference material, as well as for solo play, teaching new systems, and helping players get into the hobby. We also raise concerns about AI in creating encounters and scenarios, and about its impact on creativity, skill, and human improvisation. We discuss environmental cost, inaccurate output, plagi...
More from RPG Blokes
In this episode, we discuss a miniature painting competition we set up for our RPG Blokes characters, with each of us painting a figure based on our alter ego and sending it to Little Mark for judging. We go through how each model was chosen and painted, including the different materials, sizes, and challenges we faced during the process. We also talk about the mistakes and problems we ran into, from painting details like glasses and eyes to working with colour choices, varnish, and base work...
The second part of out two part Session Zero, with Lore By Night. The transition from regular blokes to blood-drinking fledglings is almost complete, and now we have our fully created characters. Next stage is to fish out our backgrounds, hone our personalities, and establish how we all know each other, and what motivates us to stay together. Cue the dark, gritty music scene of Chicago, where Eddie Monday (Stephen) is attempting to revive his glory days with an emotional, high-ene...
In this episode of RPG Blokes, we discuss the essential concept of player agency and its role in enriching role-playing games. Mark, along with hosts Steven, Jon, and Barry, explore how meaningful choices drive player engagement and narrative depth. We tackle the fluctuations of agency in campaigns, the illusion of choice, and the balance DMs must maintain between narrative direction and player input. We also highlight the importance of session zero for aligning player desires with camp...
Little Mark is back from Milwaukee! He survived the customs drama, the flight, and the white-knuckle terror of transporting painted minis across the Atlantic in a Tupperware box. We’re dissecting his Golden Demon journey—from the high-stakes judging sifts to the crushing reality of tiny paint flaws that can knock you out of the running. Whether you're a seasoned display painter or just a bloke who loves some hobby banter, tune in for an unfiltered look at what it takes to compete at the top l...
Time for an origin story. Our origin story! Gamebooks and the Fighting Fantasy Series in particular were very much responsible for our discovery of RPGs, and in today's episode we're incredibly pleased to have welcomed Jonathan Green joining us. One of the true titans of the Game Book industry. Jonathan discusses what defines a gamebook, distinguishing branching stories with a problem to solve from simple choose-your-own-adventure formats. He looks at the history and appeal of Fighting...