Tag Archives: GMing

Episode 84 – Bringing a Game to Life

props

Gamers want to feel immersed and invested in the games they play and run.  Now, while this responsibility can be shared by Players and GMs alike, it will almost certainly falls on the shoulders of the overburdened GM.  Bringing something unique and memorable to the gaming table – be it a prop, ambiance, or even food – will definitely stay in the forefront of the Players minds, unlike useless details such as “Where are we?” or “What are we supposed to be doing?” or “What was the name of the guy that hired us?”  Join us this week as we welcome our special guest, MITC listener and fellow podcaster JiB of the Happy Jacks RPG community to talk about techniques to help bring a game to life.  Strap on a HazMat suit, clean out your test tubes, and be sure to have a plan as you get ready for an all new episode of Monkey in the Cage!

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Episode 78 – NPC’s, Allies, and Adversaries

NPCs

NPCs; they are the lifeblood of any adventure, campaign, or gaming world.  Sure, the story is created by the actions of the Player Characters, but without NPCs, who would the heroes turn to for help, sell all their (sometimes ill-gotten) treasures off too, or shiv prison-style in a back-alley for some easy XP?  Join us this week as we jump back almost two decades to discuss some of the memorable NPCs – allies, adversaries, and otherwise – from our epic AD&D 2nd Edition campaign!  Ready your fantasy cellphones, lock down that split-personality disorder, and for the sake of your family take out a life insurance policy as you prepare for an all new episode of Monkey in the Cage!

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In Conflict Bound: Part 4 – Freedom and Explosions

thor-god-of-thunder

Here it is, the epic finale to the Star Hero: In Conflict Bound saga!  Will our heroes fight their way to freedom, or are they forever destined to by the Terran Empire’s puppets?!?  We’ve reached the epic climax and conclusion, so onward into danger!

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In Conflict Bound: Part 3 – Sibling Rivalry and Absolute Mayhem

Loki and Thor Sibling Rivalry

So last week I detailed what constituted a game-plan as how the Norse God A.I. super-android spaceships were going to break their bonds, gain a little vengeance, and make their bid for freedom from the Terran Empire.  IXB-Thor and IXA-Loki have set off into the space station in android bodies, IXA-Skaal is having an identity crisis, and IXI-Hella is actually the only one trying to go about things in a reasonable manner, so, on to the action!

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In Conflict Bound: Part 2 – Self-Awareness and a “Game-Plan?”

Loki and Thor

Last week, I introduced you to the characters of the Star Hero game run by JiB at OrcCon 2013, so this week I’ll delve right into the set-up and my plan for action.  Be warned, this is as I (in character) remember it, so details may be either slightly inaccurate, or wildly hyperbolized.  Truth be told, the most random things you read will undoubtedly be spot-on.  Now, on with the adventure!

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In Conflict Bound: A Star Hero Game Gone Awesome – Part 1

Thor

A few weeks back, Robert and I attended OrcCon 2013 out near LAX and had the privilege of playing in a Star Hero game run by JiB of Happy Jacks RPG Podcast fame.  Prior to the convention, I knew three things:  first, JiB was running a game, so I wanted to be in it.  Second, it was a Sci-Fi game using the Hero System, and it had something to do with the players being either captives or slaves.  Third, there was going to be a twist.  Little did I know how surprised I would be at the twist, and how absolutely awesome this game was going to be!

Special thanks to JiB for providing me his GMing notes for reference, for being a great GM, and for having some sweet art skills, as you will see.

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