Birthed from last week's "Session Zero" descriptions, we have TWO topics this week that make the show -- and our heads spin: Backstories... and Encounter Balance.  Are they needed?  Do they make an appearance at our tables?  How have these elements impacted the TTRPG Hobby?  As if that wasn't enough... of course there is some crazy news, with a stroll through a Reddit post for extra flavor.  (Don't ask what flavor).
 

This week, the guys talk about consequences of action and PC death in TTRPGs.  Why are these "horrible" things critical for your game?  The news kicks around some nerdy developments on past stories and is highlighted by our "unnamed" hat tip on Reddit.  Finally, Session Zero talk online has been rumbling again, so each of the gang describes what their "0" looks like!
 

Last week was a barnburner, so we needed to pump the brakes and return to some good ol' nerdy chatter!  We open with a discussion of nostalgia, and the role it plays at your table.  After the news, the guys ask the question "When did making money become a secondary goal in business?" ...specifically in our hobby!
 

When Grim Jim calls, we answer.  A special, extended-length episode that details the revelations that should shock the TTRPG design world.  The gang and Jim dig deep into the article, talk about their perspective, and offer a path forward for our corner of the hobby.  #DungeonDrama
 

Dovetailing with last week's conversation about Power Gamers, the boys have a deep talk about how actual Player Skill vs. Character "Ability" can be balanced in a game.  Where does a check fall as opposed to playing it out in the mind or at the table of the PC's creator?  After the news, a look at the new OSR Adventure, The Tragedy at Taigon's Falls proves to be a positive way to close out the show!
 

Power and meta gamers.  Min-maxers.  Those afflicted with main character syndrome.  It's a real disease in the hobby and the guys have the cure.  After a lively discussion about this abomination of a player, the news doesn't disappoint with everything from the Sopranos to the Tomb of Horrors.  Lastly, world building comes up on the block and different styles of Kyle, RD, and Bert are all presented for your consideration when next constructing a realm!
 

The gang digs into NPCs this week!  Talking about how to make effective and memorable characters, what to avoid in NPC creation, and how to sidestep tropes and the "predictable" nature of this important piece of the TTRPG/DnD puzzle.  The news of the week tips off with us not touching the WotC AI piece, simply because it's all just conjecture at this point in time.  After the news, the gang digs into The Navarro Knight, a preview of a new system by our Check Mark Hero, Cynnamander!

It's release week for The Village of Greenhaven!  Hear Kyle and Bert dig in and ask RD about Greenhaven, learn about it's creation, and what the system-agnostic supplement can do for your table!  There is a list in the news, and it involves the BEAR!  Lastly, inspired by the rotten advice in the news for Dungeon Masters, the guys each give some advice for GMs to help smooth over some bumpy roads that every DM will encounter.