Happy Jacks RPG Podcast

By Happy Jacks RPG Network

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Subscribers: 204
Reviews: 2
Episodes: 585

jfalamy
 Dec 12, 2018
Varied community of gamers sharing their rpg experience. One of the best podcasts on rpgs.

Scott
 Jul 22, 2018

Description

A weekly, round table RPG advice show that combines friendships, table-top RPGs, and unbridled enthusiasm to bring you a show that is informative, honest and funny. If you’re looking for an RPG podcast with diverse opinions and a slightly infantile sense of humor, look no further — you’re home.

Episode Date
HJRP S32E03 | Live from GAMEX 2023!
1:11:43
◇ Live from GAMEX 2023 at the Hilton LAX in Los Angeles! A great panel show with members of our audience and stories from lots of different con games. Since it is a live event, the audio quality is not the same as our normal episodes recorded in our studio. ◇ ◇ Find us on Youtube ◇ Twitch ◇ Twitter ◇ Instagram ◇ Facebook ◇ Discord or find all our podcast feeds on your favorite Podcast platform! happyjacksrpg.carrd.co ◇ Subscribe to our Actual Play Feed! We have a backlog of campaigns in over 20 RPG systems and new games running all the time. ◇ Become a Patreon! Our fantastic supporters keep us independent so we can play and say what we want instead of catering to companies for ad or sponsorship money. patreon.com/happyjacksrpg Ⓒ2023 Happy Jacks RPG Network www.happyjacks.org
May 30, 2023
HJRP S32E02 with Ryan Khan! | Intimidating Kids, Vivid Descriptions, & A Delightful Success Story
1:17:28
◇ Erica Odd is intimidated by running games for kids, Gurg Murg asks how to improve describing scenes to players, Thomas from Denmark has a delightful gaming success story | Hosts: Kimi, Bill & special guest Ryan Khan ◇ 00:33 - Welcome & Episode Summary | 02:31 - Announcements: 2023 Feedback Survey! happyjacks.org/survey - Help us improve our shows and content! 03:27 - Indie Designer of the Month: Ryan Khan (the-one-true-ryan-khan.itch.io) joins us for the show! 33:15 - Erica Odd is intimidated by running games for kids. | 52:58 - Gurg Murg asks how to improve describing scenes to players | 01:04:06 - Thomas from Denmark has a delightful gaming success story | 01:12:36 - Episode Closing | 01:14:36 - Song "This Pub that we Call Home" by The Poxy Boggards (https://thedreadcrewofoddwood.com/) ◇ Email happyjacksrpg@gmail.com to send in your own topic or question for the show! ◇ Find us on Youtube ◇ Twitch ◇ Twitter ◇ Instagram ◇ Facebook ◇ Discord or find all our podcast feeds on your favorite Podcast platform! happyjacksrpg.carrd.co ◇ Subscribe to our Actual Play Feed! We have a backlog of campaigns in over 20 RPG systems and new games running all the time. ◇ Become a Patreon! Our fantastic supporters keep us independent so we can play and say what we want instead of catering to companies for ad or sponsorship money. We are a not-for-profit entity, so all the money goes into maintaining and improving the quality of our shows. We do it because we love it! patreon.com/happyjacksrpg Ⓒ2023 Happy Jacks RPG Network www.happyjacks.org
May 23, 2023
HJRP S32E01 | Trans NPCs, GMless Games are Misnamed, Horror Story
1:10:37
◇ Alwaysnevers asks how to include trans NPCs in a game in an organic and respectful way, Steffi from Scotland comments on GM-less games, Sean from NJ shares a gaming horror story | Hosts: Kimi, Clara & Rose ◇ 00:33 - Welcome & Episode Summary | 01:14 - Announcements: 2023 Feedback Survey! happyjacks.org/survey - Help us improve our shows and content! 01:56 - Indie Designer of the Month: Ryan Khan (the-one-true-ryan-khan.itch.io) 08:10 - Alwaysnevers asks how to include trans NPCs in a game in an organic and respectful way | 37:01 - Steffi from Scotland comments on GM-less games | 55:05 - Sean from NJ shares a gaming horror story | 01:06:12 - Episode Closing | 01:08:13 - Song "Agincourt Carol" by The Poxy Boggards (https://thedreadcrewofoddwood.com/) ◇ Email happyjacksrpg@gmail.com to send in your own topic or question for the show! ◇ Find us on Youtube ◇ Twitch ◇ Twitter ◇ Instagram ◇ Facebook ◇ Discord or find all our podcast feeds on your favorite Podcast platform! happyjacksrpg.carrd.co ◇ Subscribe to our Actual Play Feed! We have a backlog of campaigns in over 20 RPG systems and new games running all the time. ◇ Become a Patreon! Our fantastic supporters keep us independent so we can play and say what we want instead of catering to companies for ad or sponsorship money. We are a not-for-profit entity, so all the money goes into maintaining and improving the quality of our shows. We do it because we love it! patreon.com/happyjacksrpg Ⓒ2023 Happy Jacks RPG Network www.happyjacks.org
May 16, 2023
HJRP S31E25 | Encounters vs XP, Women in Gaming, & “What my PC would do!”
1:15:42
◇ Shawn from DC asks about encounters and experience in games, Jason from California discusses the experience of women in the hobby, Erica Odd shares about “it’s what my character would do!” | Hosts: Kimi, CADave & Nick ◇ 00:33 - Welcome & Episode Summary | 01:10 - Announcements: Season 31 is ending soon! We will take a 2 week break after episode 25 and be back with Season 32 the first week of May! 01:52 - Shawn from Washington, DC asks about encounters and experience in games | 35:07 - Jason from California discusses the experience of women in the hobby | 01:01:02 - Erica Odd shares about “it’s what my character would do!” | 01:10:30 - Episode Closing | 01:12:04 - Song: "Heavy Mahogany" by The Dread Crew of Oddwood (https://thedreadcrewofoddwood.com/) ◇ Email happyjacksrpg@gmail.com to send in your own topic or question for the show! ◇ Find us on Youtube ◇ Twitch ◇ Twitter ◇ Instagram ◇ Facebook ◇ Discord or find all our podcast feeds on your favorite Podcast platform! happyjacksrpg.carrd.co ◇ Subscribe to our Actual Play Feed! We have a backlog of campaigns in over 20 RPG systems and new games running all the time. ◇ Become a Patreon! Our fantastic supporters keep us independent so we can play and say what we want instead of catering to companies for ad or sponsorship money. We are a not-for-profit entity, so all the money goes into maintaining and improving the quality of our shows. We do it because we love it! patreon.com/happyjacksrpg Ⓒ2023 Happy Jacks RPG Network www.happyjacks.org
May 01, 2023
HJRP S31E24 | Mixed Species PCs, GM Plot Tropes, & Gaming Origins
1:12:46
◇ Eric from New Jersey asks how to handle mixed species PCs, Ben from Texas talks GM plot tropes, & MadKingChristopher asks how we got here | Hosts: Kimi & Clara ◇ 00:33 - Welcome & Episode Summary |  01:07 - Announcements: Season 31 is ending soon! We will take a 2 week break after episode 25 and be back with Season 32 the first week of May! 03:53 - Eric from New Jersey asks how to handle mixed species PCs | 28:02 - Ben from Texas talks GM plot tropes | 47:45 - MadKingChristopher asks how we got here | 01:07:31 - Episode Closing | 01:09:23 - Song: "The Bird Song" by The Merry Wives (mwow.net) ◇ Email happyjacksrpg@gmail.com to send in your own topic or question for the show! ◇ Find us on Youtube ◇ Twitch ◇ Twitter ◇ Instagram ◇ Facebook ◇ Discord or find all our podcast feeds on your favorite Podcast platform! happyjacksrpg.carrd.co ◇ Subscribe to our Actual Play Feed! We have a backlog of campaigns in over 20 RPG systems and new games running all the time. ◇ Become a Patreon! Our fantastic supporters keep us independent so we can play and say what we want instead of catering to companies for ad or sponsorship money. We are a not-for-profit entity, so all the money goes into maintaining and improving the quality of our shows. We do it because we love it! patreon.com/happyjacksrpg Ⓒ2023 Happy Jacks RPG Network www.happyjacks.org
Apr 19, 2023
HJRP S31E23 | Punishing Players, Elocution, & Safety Tools as Hospitality
1:29:31
o Forlornhope22 brings up GMs that punishing Players, Michael asks about elocution, and Sean from NJ has a new frame of mind about safety tools | Hosts: Kimi, Nick, & Rose ◇ 00:33 - Welcome & Episode Summary | 01:38 - Announcements: Season 31 is ending soon! We will take a 2 week break after episode 25 and be back with Season 32 the first week of May! 03:36 - Forlornhope22 asks about GMs Punishing Players | 42:29 - Michael asks about elocution | 01:08:45 - Sean from NJ has a comment about safety tools | 01:24:23 - Episode Closing | 01:26:51 - Song: "A Thousand Lives" by The Mary Sues (marysuesband.com) ◇ Email happyjacksrpg@gmail.com to send in your own topic or question for the show! ◇ Find us on Youtube ◇ Twitch ◇ Twitter ◇ Instagram ◇ Facebook ◇ Discord or find all our podcast feeds on your favorite Podcast platform! happyjacksrpg.carrd.co ◇ Subscribe to our Actual Play Feed! We have a backlog of campaigns in over 20 RPG systems and new games running all the time. ◇ Become a Patreon! Our fantastic supporters keep us independent so we can play and say what we want instead of catering to companies for ad or sponsorship money. We are a not-for-profit entity, so all the money goes into maintaining and improving the quality of our shows. We do it because we love it! patreon.com/happyjacksrpg Ⓒ2023 Happy Jacks RPG Network www.happyjacks.org
Apr 14, 2023
HJRP S31E22 | Hate for Cinematic Descriptions, TTRPG Play Styles, & a not so Horror Story
1:04:53
◇ Jörn in Sweden hates cinematic descriptions in games, Charger347 wants to rename styles of playing TTRPGs, Eric from New Jersey shares a horror story | Hosts: Kimi, CADave, and Alex ◇ 00:32 - Welcome & Episode Summary | 01:45 - Announcements: Happy Jacks Discord Game Daze! Join happyjacks.org/discord to play in community games on April 8th! 02:58 - Indie Designer of the Month: AshyFeet Games (ashyfeet.com) | 04:44 - Jörn in Sweden hates cinematic descriptions in games | 18:17 - Charger347 wants to rename styles of playing TTRPGs | 49:03 - Eric from New Jersey shares a horror story | 58:47 - Episode Closing | 01:00:45 - Song: "True Survivor" by Super MadNES (poxyboggards.com) ◇ Email happyjacksrpg@gmail.com to send in your own topic or question for the show! ◇ Find us on Youtube ◇ Twitch ◇ Twitter ◇ Instagram ◇ Facebook ◇ Discord or find all our podcast feeds on your favorite Podcast platform! happyjacksrpg.carrd.co ◇ Subscribe to our Actual Play Feed! We have a backlog of campaigns in over 20 RPG systems and new games running all the time. ◇ Become a Patreon! Our fantastic supporters keep us independent so we can play and say what we want instead of catering to companies for ad or sponsorship money. We are a not-for-profit entity, so all the money goes into maintaining and improving the quality of our shows. We do it because we love it! patreon.com/happyjacksrpg Ⓒ2023 Happy Jacks RPG Network www.happyjacks.org
Apr 06, 2023
HJRP S31E21 | Teenage Gamers, Two Player Problems, & Choosing Crowdfunding Projects
1:14:39
◇ Thomas from Denmark asks how to game with teenagers who act like teenagers, Ken from Canada wants to know how to keep card prompt games fresh with two players, and Eric from Texas asks how we decide to what games to support on crowdfunding sites | Hosts: Kimi, CADave, and Alex ◇ 00:32 - Welcome & Episode Summary | 02:16 - Announcements: Happy Jacks Discord Game Daze! Join happyjacks.org/discord to play in community games on April 8th! 02:49 - Indie Designer of the Month: AshyFeet Games (ashyfeet.com) | 04:05 - Thomas from Denmark asks how to game with teenagers who act like teenagers | 28:20 - Ken from Canada wants to know how to keep card prompt games fresh with two players | 38:50 - Eric from Texas asks how we decide to what games to support on crowdfunding sites | 01:09:55 - Episode Closing | 01:10:58 - Song: "Drink 'til I Die" by The Poxy Boggards (poxyboggards.com) ◇ Email happyjacksrpg@gmail.com to send in your own topic or question for the show! ◇ Find us on Youtube ◇ Twitch ◇ Twitter ◇ Instagram ◇ Facebook ◇ Discord or find all our podcast feeds on your favorite Podcast platform! happyjacksrpg.carrd.co ◇ Subscribe to our Actual Play Feed! We have a backlog of campaigns in over 20 RPG systems and new games running all the time. ◇ Become a Patreon! Our fantastic supporters keep us independent so we can play and say what we want instead of catering to companies for ad or sponsorship money. We are a not-for-profit entity, so all the money goes into maintaining and improving the quality of our shows. We do it because we love it! patreon.com/happyjacksrpg Ⓒ2023 Happy Jacks RPG Network www.happyjacks.org
Mar 29, 2023
HJRP S31E20 | Accessibility for Blind GMs, Oppression Tourism in Game Design, & Skipping Rules
1:08:33
◇ Eric from Oregon talks about ways to work with players as a blind GM, EricaOdd asks how to avoid oppression tourism in games, Rose asks what rules we always skip | Hosts: Kimi, Nick, Moe ◇ 00:32 - Welcome & Episode Summary | 01:47 - Announcements: Happy Jacks Discord Game Daze! Join happyjacks.org/discord to play in community games on April 8th! 03:49 - Indie Designer of the Month: AshyFeet Games (ashyfeet.com) | 13:32 - Eric from Oregon talks about ways to work with players as a blind GM | 36:55 - EricaOdd asks how to avoid oppression tourism in games | 54:59 - Rose asks what rules we always skip | 01:04:30 - Episode Closing | 01:05:44 - Song: "Oh, Danny Boy" by The Merry Wives of Windsor (mwow.net) ◇ Email happyjacksrpg@gmail.com to send in your own topic or question for the show! ◇ Find us on Youtube ◇ Twitch ◇ Twitter ◇ Instagram ◇ Facebook ◇ Discord or find all our podcast feeds on your favorite Podcast platform! happyjacksrpg.carrd.co ◇ Subscribe to our Actual Play Feed! We have a backlog of campaigns in over 20 RPG systems and new games running all the time. ◇ Become a Patreon! Our fantastic supporters keep us independent so we can play and say what we want instead of catering to companies for ad or sponsorship money. We are a not-for-profit entity, so all the money goes into maintaining and improving the quality of our shows. We do it because we love it! patreon.com/happyjacksrpg Ⓒ2023 Happy Jacks RPG Network www.happyjacks.org
Mar 22, 2023
HJRP S31E19 | Players using ChatGTP, Disappointing Conventions, & a LARP Story
1:10:15
◇ Budding Butlerian in New Zealand shares a story about players using ChatGTP, Toby wants advice about a disappointing convention experience, Steve from Wisconsin shares his return to gaming and LARP knowledge. | Hosts: Kimi, Nick, CADave ◇ 00:32 - Welcome & Episode Summary | 01:19 - Announcements: Tell your friends (or enemies!) about Happy Jacks! 03:03 - Indie Designer of the Month: AshyFeet Games (ashyfeet.com) | 04:08 - Budding Butlerian in New Zealand shares a story about players using ChatGTP | 25:20 - Toby wants advice about a disappointing convention experience | 46:02 - Steve from Wisconsin shares his return to gaming and LARP knowledge | 01:05:05 - Episode Closing | 01:07:58 - Song: "Heigh-ho! The Holly" by The Merry Wives of Windsor (mwow.net) ◇ Email happyjacksrpg@gmail.com to send in your own topic or question for the show! ◇ Find us on Youtube ◇ Twitch ◇ Twitter ◇ Instagram ◇ Facebook ◇ Discord or find all our podcast feeds on your favorite Podcast platform! happyjacksrpg.carrd.co ◇ Subscribe to our Actual Play Feed! We have a backlog of campaigns in over 20 RPG systems and new games running all the time. ◇ Become a Patreon! Our fantastic supporters keep us independent so we can play and say what we want instead of catering to companies for ad or sponsorship money. We are a not-for-profit entity, so all the money goes into maintaining and improving the quality of our shows. We do it because we love it! patreon.com/happyjacksrpg Ⓒ2023 Happy Jacks RPG Network www.happyjacks.org
Mar 16, 2023
HJRP S31E18 | Why GMs are in Charge, Discord Gaming Functionality, & Favorite PC Relationships
1:20:28
◇ Thomas from Denmark asks why the GM gets to make all the final calls in a TTRPG, Eric from New Jersey asks about the pros and cons of gaming on Discord and if he should stop using Skype, Rose asks about some of our favorite experiences with PC relationships | Hosts: Kimi, Riley, Jason ◇ 00:32 - Welcome & Episode Summary | 01:10 - Announcements: Successful OrcCon 2023! 01:56 - Indie Designer of the Month: AshyFeet Games (ashyfeet.com) | 05:24 - Thomas from Denmark asks why the GM gets to make all the final calls in a TTRPG | 38:00 - Eric from New Jersey talks about gaming on Discord | 01:02:39 - Rose asks about some of our favorite experiences with PC relationships | 01:16:26 - Episode Closing | 01:18:07 - Song: "Toss a Coin to Your Witcher" by The Mary Sues (marysuesband.com) ◇ Email happyjacksrpg@gmail.com to send in your own topic or question for the show! ◇ Find us on Youtube ◇ Twitch ◇ Twitter ◇ Instagram ◇ Facebook ◇ Discord or find all our podcast feeds on your favorite Podcast platform! happyjacksrpg.carrd.co ◇ Subscribe to our Actual Play Feed! We have a backlog of campaigns in over 20 RPG systems and new games running all the time. ◇ Become a Patreon! Our fantastic supporters keep us independent so we can play and say what we want instead of catering to companies for ad or sponsorship money. We are a not-for-profit entity, so all the money goes into maintaining and improving the quality of our shows. We do it because we love it! patreon.com/happyjacksrpg Ⓒ2023 Happy Jacks RPG Network www.happyjacks.org
Mar 09, 2023
HJRP S31E17 | Storylines in Multiple Realities, When a Player Quitting Leaves Lose Ends, & A Challenge for the Hosts
1:15:10
◇ MiniPainterJen asks how to run a session where PCs have personalities in two different realities, Steffi from Scotland asks how to clean up lose ends when a player leaves a game mid campaign, Ed from Minnesota, now in Florida has a challenge for the Happy Jacks hosts about introducing new people to the hobby. | Hosts: Kimi, Rose ◇ 00:33 - Welcome & Episode Summary | 01:22 - Announcements: Successful OrcCon 2023! 02:37 - Indie Designer of the Month: Jennifer Adcock (jen-adcock15.itch.io & indiepressrevolution.com/xcart/The-Price-of-Coal.html) | 04:35 - MiniPainterJen asks how to run a session where PCs have personalities in two different realities: tv actors and the characters in the show they are on | 20:08 - Steffi from Scotland asks how to clean up lose ends when a player leaves a game mid campaign | 35:33 - Ed from Minnesota, now in Florida has a challenge for the Happy Jacks hosts about introducing new people to the hobby | 01:09:08 - Episode Closing | 01:10:26 - Song: "Wake Up Whole Again" by Sportive Tricks (sportivetricks.com) ◇ Email happyjacksrpg@gmail.com to send in your own topic or question for the show! ◇ Find us on Youtube ◇ Twitch ◇ Twitter ◇ Instagram ◇ Facebook ◇ Discord or find all our podcast feeds on your favorite Podcast platform! happyjacksrpg.carrd.co ◇ Subscribe to our Actual Play Feed! We have a backlog of campaigns in over 20 RPG systems and new games running all the time. ◇ Become a Patreon! Our fantastic supporters keep us independent so we can play and say what we want instead of catering to companies for ad or sponsorship money. We are a not-for-profit entity, so all the money goes into maintaining and improving the quality of our shows. We do it because we love it! patreon.com/happyjacksrpg Ⓒ2023 Happy Jacks RPG Network www.happyjacks.org
Feb 28, 2023
HJRP S31E16 | Live from OrcCon 2023!
51:58
◇ Live from OrcCon 2023 at the Hilton LAX in Los Angeles! A great panel show with members of our audience and stories from lots of different con games. Since it is a live event, the audio quality is not the same as our normal episodes recorded in our studio. ◇ ◇ Find us on Youtube ◇ Twitch ◇ Twitter ◇ Instagram ◇ Facebook ◇ Discord or find all our podcast feeds on your favorite Podcast platform! happyjacksrpg.carrd.co ◇ Subscribe to our Actual Play Feed! We have a backlog of campaigns in over 20 RPG systems and new games running all the time. ◇ Become a Patreon! Our fantastic supporters keep us independent so we can play and say what we want instead of catering to companies for ad or sponsorship money. patreon.com/happyjacksrpg Ⓒ2023 Happy Jacks RPG Network www.happyjacks.org
Feb 24, 2023
HJRP S31E15 | OrcCon Guests, More Mystery Games, D&D Alternatives, & A Horror Story
1:06:18
◇ OrcCon 2023 is happening Feb 17-20th at the Hilton LAX in Los Angeles! Steffi from Scotland replies to our discussion about mystery games, Vyrrk from DC asks for recommendations for games besides D&D that have the same vibe and flavor, Blake shares a horror story from his first gaming group | Hosts: Nick, Jameson, Mike & Jim ◇ 00:33 - Welcome & Episode Summary | 01:24 - Announcements: Happy Jacks will be at Strategicon “Orccon” 2023! Feb 17-20th at the Hilton LAX in LA. 14:30 - Indie Designer of the Month: Jennifer Adcock (jen-adcock15.itch.io & indiepressrevolution.com/xcart/The-Price-of-Coal.html) | 15:47 - Steffi from Scotland replies to our discussion about mystery games | 34:38 - Vyrrk from DC asks for recommendations for games besides D&D that have the same vibe and flavor | 53:54 - Blake shares a horror story from his first gaming group | 01:02:47 - Episode Closing | 01:03:49 - Song: "Agincourt Carol" by The Poxy Boggards (poxyboggards.com) ◇ Email happyjacksrpg@gmail.com to send in your own topic or question for the show! ◇ Find us on Youtube ◇ Twitch ◇ Twitter ◇ Instagram ◇ Facebook ◇ Discord or find all our podcast feeds on your favorite Podcast platform! happyjacksrpg.carrd.co ◇ Subscribe to our Actual Play Feed! We have a backlog of campaigns in over 20 RPG systems and new games running all the time. ◇ Become a Patreon! Our fantastic supporters keep us independent so we can play and say what we want instead of catering to companies for ad or sponsorship money. patreon.com/happyjacksrpg Ⓒ2023 Happy Jacks RPG Network www.happyjacks.org
Feb 14, 2023
HJRP S31E14 | GMs Fudging Rolls, Judging Player Reactions, & More on “Traditional Games”
1:03:02
◇ We had some slight audio troubles with Rose's remote audio for the first part of this episode, but they get cleared up pretty quick. OrcCon 2023 is coming Feb 17-20th! Thomas from Denmark brings up GMs fudging their dice rolls, Ken from Canada asks how to tell if a player’s reaction is warranted, and Andreas in Sweden replies to our discussion about what makes a “traditional game." | Hosts: Kimi, Nick, Rose ◇ 00:33 - Welcome & Episode Summary | 01:17 - Announcements: Happy Jacks will be at Strategicon “Orccon” 2023! Feb 17-20th at the Hilton LAX in LA. 02:23 - Indie Designer of the Month: Jennifer Adcock (indiepressrevolution.com/xcart/The-Price-of-Coal.html) | 05:50 - Thomas from Denmark brings up GMs fudging their dice rolls | 40:23 - Ken from Canada asks how to tell if a player’s reaction is warranted | 52:29 - Andreas in Sweden replies to our discussion about what makes a “traditional game” | 58:18 - Episode Closing | 01:00:03 - Song: "John Barleycorn Shall Die Right Here" by The Netbusker Folke Shoppe Podcast (netbusker.net) ◇ Email happyjacksrpg@gmail.com to send in your own topic or question for the show! ◇ Find us on Youtube ◇ Twitch ◇ Twitter ◇ Instagram ◇ Facebook ◇ Discord or find all our podcast feeds on your favorite Podcast platform! happyjacksrpg.carrd.co ◇ Subscribe to our Actual Play Feed! We have a backlog of campaigns in over 20 RPG systems and new games running all the time. ◇ Become a Patreon! Our fantastic supporters keep us independent so we can play and say what we want instead of catering to companies for ad or sponsorship money. patreon.com/happyjacksrpg Ⓒ2023 Happy Jacks RPG Network www.happyjacks.org
Feb 08, 2023
HJRP S31E13 | Taking Plot Hooks, Getting Board Gamers into RPGs, & Favorite Non-Fantasy Published Adventures
1:11:06
◇ OrcCon 2023 is coming! Richard asks how to get players to grab plot hooks, Emily asks how to entice board game players to play RPGs, and Daniel asks about our favorite published adventures for non-fantasy campaigns. | Hosts: Kimi, Nick, Riley, Jameson ◇ 00:33 - Welcome & Episode Summary | Announcements - Happy Jacks will be at Strategicon “Orccon” 2023! Feb 17-20th at the Hilton LAX in LA. 05:59 - Indie Designer of the Month: Gem Room Games (gemroomgames.com) | 10:41 - Richard asks how to get players to grab plot hooks | 42:57 - Emily asks how to entice board game players to play RPGs | 58:13 - Daniel asks about our favorite published adventures for non-fantasy campaigns | 01:06:12 - Episode Closing | 01:07:52 - Song: "Side Quest" by The Dread Crew of Oddwood (thedreadcrewofoddwood.com) ◇ Email happyjacksrpg@gmail.com to send in your own topic or question for the show! ◇ Find us on Youtube ◇ Twitch ◇ Twitter ◇ Instagram ◇ Facebook ◇ Discord or find all these links at happyjacks.org . ◇ Subscribe to our Actual Play Feed! We have a backlog of campaigns in over 20 RPG systems and new games running all the time. ◇ Become a Patreon! Our fantastic supporters keep us independent so we can play and say what we want instead of catering to companies for ad or sponsorship money. https://patreon.com/happyjacksrpg Ⓒ2023 Happy Jacks RPG Network www.happyjacks.org
Feb 03, 2023
HJRP S31E12 | Running Famous Settings, Taking Players Stuff (again) & Triumph Story
1:06:29
◇ Summary: Eric from Texas asks how much you have to know when running a campaign in a popular setting, Michael E replies to our discussion of when GMs take players stuff away, and Eric from New Jersey shares a LARP gaming triumph | Hosts: Kimi, Nick, Clara ◇ 00:34 - Welcome & Episode Summary | 01:20 - Indie Designer of the Month: Gem Room Games (gemroomgames.com) | 03:07 - Eric from Texas asks how much you have to know when running a campaign in a popular setting | 19:22 - Michael E replies to our discussion of when GMs take players stuff away | 51:35 - Eric from New Jersey shares a LARP gaming triumph | 01:01:03 - Episode Closing | 01:02:22 - Song: "500 Miles" by The Merry Wives of Windsor (mwow.net) ◇ Email happyjacksrpg@gmail.com to send in your own topic or question for the show! ◇ Find us on Youtube ◇ Twitch ◇ Twitter ◇ Instagram ◇ Facebook ◇ Discord or find all these links at happyjacks.org . ◇ Subscribe to our Actual Play Feed! We have a backlog of campaigns in over 20 RPG systems and new games running all the time. ◇ Become a Patreon! Our fantastic supporters keep us independent so we can play and say what we want instead of catering to companies for ad or sponsorship money. https://patreon.com/happyjacksrpg Ⓒ2023 Happy Jacks RPG Network www.happyjacks.org
Jan 23, 2023
HJRP S31E11 | Convention Game Tips, Problematic Powers Part 2, & Avatar PBTA Story
59:13
◇ Summary: Eric from New Jersey is returning to running convention games after an 18 year absence and wants tips, Mike from New York replies to our conversation about problematic powers with opponents in ttrpgs, EricaOdd shares her experience with the Avatar PBTA game at a local convention | Hosts: Kimi, Nick, Joey, Jameson ◇ 0:35 - Welcome & Episode Summary | 01:24 - Announcements: Join our mailing list so we don't have to depend on social media platforms happyjacks.org/newsletter 3:06 - Indie Designer of the Month: Gem Room Games (gemroomgames.com) | 06:25 - Eric from New Jersey is returning to running convention games after an 18 year absence and wants tips | 23:21 - Mike from New York replies to our conversation about problematic powers with opponents in ttrpgs | 40:08 - EricaOdd shares her experience with the Avatar PBTA game at a local convention | 55:58 - Episode Closing | 57:14 - Song: "Jenny of the Oldstones by The Mary Sues (marysuesband.com) ◇ Email happyjacksrpg@gmail.com to send in a topic or question to the show! ◇ You can watch us on Youtube or Twitch! Follow Happy Jacks RPG on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook or hang out with other tabletop roleplaying fans in our Discord community! ◇ Subscribe to our other podcasts! We have Actual Play Campaigns in over 20 RPG systems and a great collection of One-Shots if you prefer bite sized adventures. ◇ Keep us independent by becoming a Patreon! Our fantastic supporters let us play and say what we want instead of catering to companies for ad or sponsorship money. They are HEROES! https://patreon.com/happyjacksrpg Ⓒ2022 Happy Jacks RPG Network www.happyjacks.org
Jan 17, 2023
HJRP S31E10 | Memorializing Gaming Friends, Balancing Life & Gaming, & Monster Biology
1:09:32
◇ Summary: Own from New Zealand wants to find a good way to memorialize a gaming friend who has passed away, Will asks about how to balance life with gaming, and Ken in Canada loves considering the biology of monsters | Hosts: Kimi, Nick, Christos & Jason◇ 0:33 - Welcome & Episode Summary | 1:40 - Indie Designer of the Month: Gem Room Games (gemroomgames.com) | 4:36 - Owen from New Zealand asks how best to memorialize a gaming friend who has passed away | 21:42 - Will O. asks about balancing different play group styles and balancing dedication to a game with real life | 49:09 - Ken from Canada loves considering the biology of monsters | 1:04:39 - Episode Closing | 1:05:44 - Song: "Drink til I Die by The Poxy Boggards (poxyboggards.com) ◇ Email happyjacksrpg@gmail.com to send in a topic or question to the show! ◇ You can watch us on Youtube or Twitch! Follow Happy Jacks RPG on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook or hang out with other tabletop roleplaying fans in our Discord community! ◇ Subscribe to our other podcasts! We have Actual Play Campaigns in over 20 RPG systems and a great collection of One-Shots if you prefer bite sized adventures. ◇ Keep us independent by becoming a Patreon! Our fantastic supporters let us play and say what we want instead of catering to companies for ad or sponsorship money. They are HEROES! https://patreon.com/happyjacksrpg Ⓒ2022 Happy Jacks RPG Network www.happyjacks.org
Jan 13, 2023
HJRP S31E09 | Problems with Safety Tools, Creating Awe for PCs, & a Happy Jacks History Lesson
1:00:35
◇ Summary: Curt has issues with Lines and Veils as a safety tool, Steve can't seem to create moments of awe and wonder for the player characters in his games, and DM Pete has finished our backlog and we talk a bit about how Happy Jacks has changed over the years. | Hosts: Kimi, Emily & Clara◇ 0:33 - Welcome & Episode Summary | 1:24 - Indie Designer of the Month: Noora Rose owner of Monkey’s Paw Games (monkeyspawgames.com) | 4:52 - Curt has issues with Lines and Veils as a safety tool | 19:45 - Steve in SoCal struggles with creating moments of wonder in his campaign | 42:23 - DM Pete has finally made it through the backlog | 58:13 - Episode Closing | 58:43 - Song: "Trollwhacking" by The Dread Crew of Oddwood (thedreadcrewofoddwood.com) ◇ Email happyjacksrpg@gmail.com to send in a topic or question to the show! ◇ You can watch us on Youtube or Twitch! Follow Happy Jacks RPG on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook or hang out with other tabletop roleplaying fans in our Discord community! ◇ Subscribe to our other podcasts! We have Actual Play Campaigns in over 20 RPG systems and a great collection of One-Shots if you prefer bite sized adventures. ◇ Keep us independent by becoming a Patreon! Our fantastic supporters let us play and say what we want instead of catering to companies for ad or sponsorship money. They are HEROES! https://patreon.com/happyjacksrpg Ⓒ2022 Happy Jacks RPG Network www.happyjacks.org
Jan 01, 2023
HJRP S31E08 | Gender Roles in RPGs, Learning to GM, White Whale Systems
1:12:27
◇ Summary: We discuss gender roles in fictional species and societies, including ways to turn them on their head, give universal tips for learning to GM, and share our "white whale" systems that have managed to escape us all these years. | Hosts: Kimi & Adam◇ 0:33 - Welcome & Episode Summary | 1:07 - Indie Designer of the Month: Noora Rose owner of Monkey’s Paw Games (monkeyspawgames.com) | 3:40 - Steve in So Cal asks about gender roles in fictional species and societies | 33:23 - Shawn from Washington DC asks if there is a universal way to learn to GM | 59:47 - Rose asks if we have a white whale system that we’ve always wanted to try | 1:09:18 - Episode Closing | 1:10:26 - Song: "The Gloucestershire Wassail" by The Merry Wives of Windsor (mwow.net) ◇ Email happyjacksrpg@gmail.com to send in a topic or question to the show! ◇ You can watch us on Youtube or Twitch! Follow Happy Jacks RPG on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook or hang out with other tabletop roleplaying fans in our Discord community! ◇ Subscribe to our other podcasts! We have Actual Play Campaigns in over 20 RPG systems and a great collection of One-Shots if you prefer bite sized adventures. ◇ Keep us independent by becoming a Patreon! Our fantastic supporters let us play and say what we want instead of catering to companies for ad or sponsorship money. They are HEROES! https://patreon.com/happyjacksrpg Ⓒ2022 Happy Jacks RPG Network www.happyjacks.org
Jan 01, 2023
HJRP S31E07 | Canon vs. Yes and-ing, Investigation Story Tips, How to Give TTRPG Advice
1:33:21
◇ Summary: Steve in So Cal wants to discuss how to balance world-building canon while still "yes and-ing" players contributions to the world, Thomas from Denmark asks about mystery and investigation stories in TTRPGS, and Steffi in Scotland wants advice about giving advice | Hosts: Kimi, Adam, & Rose ◇ 0:33 - Welcome & Episode Summary | 1:23 - Indie Designer of the Month: Noora Rose owner of Monkey’s Paw Games (monkeyspawgames.com) | 6:02 - Steve in SoCal brings up balancing world-building consistency with “yes-anding” players ideas | 43:15 - Thomas from Denmark asks about creating good mystery and investigation stories with RPGs | 1:08:13 - Steffi in Scotland wants advice about giving TTRPG advice | 1:29:41 - Episode Closing | 1:30:52 - Song: "Pass the Hat" by The Netbusker Folk Shoppe Podcast (netbusker.net) ◇ Email happyjacksrpg@gmail.com to send in a topic or question to the show! ◇ You can watch us on Youtube or Twitch! Follow Happy Jacks RPG on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook or hang out with other tabletop roleplaying fans in our Discord community! ◇ Subscribe to our other podcasts! We have Actual Play Campaigns in over 20 RPG systems and a great collection of One-Shots if you prefer bite sized adventures. ◇ Keep us independent by becoming a Patreon! Our fantastic supporters let us play and say what we want instead of catering to companies for ad or sponsorship money. They are HEROES! https://patreon.com/happyjacksrpg Ⓒ2022 Happy Jacks RPG Network www.happyjacks.org
Dec 19, 2022
HJRP S31E06 | Mechanics Helping New Players, The One Ring 2e & Being Their Only GM Ever
1:36:20
◇ Summary: We announce our December Indie Designer of the Month, Richard asks about mechanics helping new players, Adam has great advice for running The One Ring 2nd Edition, and Vyrrk is worried that he has given his players bad habits as their only GM ever | Hosts: Kimi, Riley, and Bill ◇ 0:33 - Welcome & Episode Summary | 1:59 - Announcements of new Actual Play shows| 4:05 - Indie Designer of the Month: Noora Rose owner of Monkey’s Paw Games (monkeyspawgames.com) | 7:51 - Richard asks if a system with more mechanics can actually be helpful for new RPG players| 54:41 - Adam from CA shares tips for running The One Ring 2nd Edition| 1:15:00 - Vyrrk asks if he has done a disservice to his players as the only GM they have ever known| 1:32:11 - Episode Closing | 1:32:00 - Song: "The Bog Down in the Valley-O" by The Merry Wives of Windsor (mwow.net) ◇ Email happyjacksrpg@gmail.com to send in a topic or question to the show! ◇ You can watch us on Youtube or Twitch! Follow Happy Jacks RPG on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook or hang out with other tabletop roleplaying fans in our Discord community! ◇ Subscribe to our other podcasts! We have Actual Play Campaigns in over 20 RPG systems and a great collection of One-Shots if you prefer bite sized adventures. ◇ Keep us independent by becoming a Patreon! Our fantastic supporters let us play and say what we want instead of catering to companies for ad or sponsorship money. They are HEROES! https://patreon.com/happyjacksrpg Ⓒ2022 Happy Jacks RPG Network www.happyjacks.org
Dec 08, 2022
HJRP S31E05 | Fantasy Creature Science, D&D for 44 Kids, & Safety Tools
1:31:33
◇ Summary: Batman writes in about the science behind evil fantasy creatures, Curt from Alaska asks about running TTRPGs for a group of 44 kids, and Jolene shares some advice about safety tools and has a reminder for us. | Hosts: Kimi, Adam, & CADave ◇ 0:33 - Welcome & Episode Summary | 1:59 - Indie Designer of the Month: Christina Stone-Bush (hyvemynd.itch.io) | 5:33 - Announcements of new APs 10:20 - Batman talks about the science of evil creatures | 40:05 - Curt from Alaska writes in about running TTRPGs for people new to the hobby and a club of 44 kids | 1:17:53 - Jolene has some advice about safety tools and a reminder for us | 1:24:52 - Episode Closing | 1:27:02 - Song: " Danger Inbound" by Eclectotron (instagram.com/eclectotron/) watch the amazing music video on youtube! ◇ Email happyjacksrpg@gmail.com to send in a topic or question to the show! ◇ You can watch us on Youtube or Twitch! Follow Happy Jacks RPG on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook or hang out with other tabletop roleplaying fans in our Discord community! ◇ Subscribe to our other podcasts! We have Actual Play Campaigns in over 20 RPG systems and a great collection of One-Shots if you prefer bite sized adventures. ◇ Keep us independent by becoming a Patreon! Our fantastic supporters let us play and say what we want instead of catering to companies for ad or sponsorship money. They are HEROES! https://patreon.com/happyjacksrpg Ⓒ2022 Happy Jacks RPG Network www.happyjacks.org
Nov 20, 2022
HJRP S31E04 | Streaming TTRPG Tips, Academic take on One-Shots, & The One Ring RPG
1:21:10
◇ Summary: Kettle from Germany asks for tips and tricks for streaming games, Steffi from Scotland offers an academically inspired way to pace one-shots, Actual Jessie talks about the The One Ring TTRPG and Kimi goes on a rant about Rings of Power | Hosts: Kimi (@goldenlassogirl), Nick (@Sungrowler) ◇ 0:33 - Welcome & Episode Summary | 4:02 - Indie Designer of the Month: Christina Stone-Bush (hyvemynd.itch.io) | 6:09 - Kettle from Germany asks about streaming TTRPGS | 39:00 - Steffi from Scotland offers their strategy for prepping one shots | 52:47 - Actual Jesse talks about playing The One Ring rpg | 1:04:00 - Kimi goes on a rant about Rings of Power 1:17:44 - Episode Closing | 1:05:37 - Song: " Toss a Coin to your Witcher" by The Mary Sues (marysuesband.com) ◇ Email happyjacksrpg@gmail.com to send in a topic or question to the show! ◇ You can watch us on Youtube or Twitch! Follow Happy Jacks RPG on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook or hang out with other tabletop roleplaying fans in our Discord community! ◇ Subscribe to our other podcasts! We have Actual Play Campaigns in over 20 RPG systems and a great collection of One-Shots if you prefer bite sized adventures. ◇ Keep us independent by becoming a Patreon! Our fantastic supporters let us play and say what we want instead of catering to companies for ad or sponsorship money. They are HEROES! https://patreon.com/happyjacksrpg Ⓒ2022 Happy Jacks RPG Network www.happyjacks.org
Nov 19, 2022
HJRP S31E03 | Changing D&D Campaign to High Fantasy, 10 Candles Con Game Success Story, & Post Con Recap Blues
1:09:07
◇ Summary: We announce our Indie Designer of the Month for November, Mike is running a low fantasy D&D campaign and wants to transition it to high fantasy, Jan-Egil from Norway updates us on how his 10 Candles convention game went, and Taurelin misses post-convention game breakdowns | Hosts: Kimi (@goldenlassogirl), Jay (@jayafrica), and Bill (@billroper) ◇ 0:33 - Welcome & Episode Summary | 1:21 - Indie Designer of the Month: Christina Stone-Bush (hyvemynd.itch.io) | 6:31 - Mike asks about how to transition a campaign from low-fantasy to high fantasy | 27:57 - Jan-Egil from Norway updates us on how his 10 Candles convention game went | 51:34 - Taurelin misses our convention recap episodes and wants to talk Jackercon | 1:04:46 - Episode Closing | 1:05:37 - Song: " Heavy Mahogany" by The Dread Crew of Oddwood (thedreadcrewofoddwood.com) ◇ Email happyjacksrpg@gmail.com to send in a topic or question to the show! ◇ You can watch us on Youtube or Twitch! Follow Happy Jacks RPG on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook or hang out with other tabletop roleplaying fans in our Discord community! ◇ Subscribe to our other podcasts! We have Actual Play Campaigns in over 20 RPG systems and a great collection of One-Shots if you prefer bite sized adventures. ◇ Keep us independent by becoming a Patreon! Our fantastic supporters let us play and say what we want instead of catering to companies for ad or sponsorship money. They are HEROES! https://patreon.com/happyjacksrpg Ⓒ2022 Happy Jacks RPG Network www.happyjacks.org
Nov 06, 2022
HJRP S31E02 | GM Planning Styles, Con Game Tone, & Complaint about a Past Show
1:24:35
◇ Summary: Array asks about GMing planning styles and "writing style alignment," Steve in SoCal asks about the tone of convention games, and Patrick has a complaint about our GURPS comments | Hosts: Kimi (@goldenlassogirl), Adam (@hoobuk), Nick (@Sungrowler) ◇ 0:34 - Welcome & Episode Summary | 1:15 - Announcements: Starting in November we will feature an indie designer every month! Patreons will get copies of their games and everyone will learn about amazing creators in the TTRPG community! | 7:27 - Array asks about our “writing style alignment” | 39:37 - Steve in SoCal asks about the tone of convention games | 1:01:13 - Patrick has a gripe about our grumbling about GURPS | 1:19:10 - Episode Closing | 1:19:43 - Song: " Those Who Fight Further [Final Fantasy VII]" by Super MadNES (supermadnes.com) ◇ Email happyjacksrpg@gmail.com to send in a topic or question to the show! ◇ Follow Happy Jacks RPG on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook or hang out with other tabletop roleplaying fans in our Discord community! ◇ Subscribe to our other podcasts! We have Actual Play Campaigns in over 20 RPG systems and a great collection of One-Shots if you prefer bite sized adventures. ◇ You can watch us on Youtube or Twitch! ◇ Keep us independent by becoming a Patreon! Our fantastic supporters let us play and say what we want instead of catering to companies for ad or sponsorship money. They are HEROES! https://patreon.com/happyjacksrpg Ⓒ2022 Happy Jacks RPG Network www.happyjacks.org
Nov 06, 2022
HJRP S31E01 | A First TPK, Disorganized LARP, & Problematic Powers
1:09:42
◇ Summary: Batman, yes BATMAN... ok maybe not real Batman, writes in about his first TPK ever, JoLene writes in with a LARP horror story and talks about why she went back a few times anyway, Steve in SoCal asks about problematic powers that mess with player agency and enjoyment. | Hosts: Kimi (@goldenlassogirl), CA Dave (@CASithLord), Courtney (@theanimegoddess), and Jay (@JayAfrica) ◇ 0:34 - Welcome & Episode Summary | 1:52 - Announcements: Starting in November we will feature an indie designer every month! Patreons will get copies of their games and everyone will learn about amazing creators in the TTRPG community! | 4:33 - Batman (whaaa?) writes in about their first TPK, 40 years into playing TTRPGs | 28:47 - Jolene writes in with a LARP horror story | 42:27 - Steve in SoCal asks about problematic powers that mess with player agency and enjoyment | 1:05:43 - Episode Closing | 1:06:38 - Song: "The Pub that We Call Home" by The Poxy Boggards (poxyboggards.com) ◇ Email happyjacksrpg@gmail.com to send in a topic or question to the show! ◇ Follow Happy Jacks RPG on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook or hang out with other tabletop roleplaying fans in our Discord community! ◇ Subscribe to our other podcasts! We have Actual Play Campaigns in over 20 RPG systems and a great collection of One-Shots if you prefer bite sized adventures. ◇ You can watch us on Youtube or Twitch! ◇ Keep us independent by becoming a Patreon! Our fantastic supporters let us play and say what we want instead of catering to companies for ad or sponsorship money. They are HEROES! https://patreon.com/happyjacksrpg Ⓒ2022 Happy Jacks RPG Network www.happyjacks.org
Oct 31, 2022
HJRP S30E25 | Inclusive and Exclusive Games, Campaign Currency, & Writing Advice
1:10:44
◇ Summary: Shawn asks about games that are designed with inclusive or specifically exclusive concepts about PCs, Rob wants to talk game currency and the Alien RPG, Jonathan asks for advice about writing adventures and designing games | Hosts: Kimi (@goldenlassogirl), Emily (@emilyvdw) ◇ 0:33 - Welcome & Episode Summary | 2:14 - Announcements: This is the last episode of season 30. We will be taking a 2 week break and be back to record the first episode of season 31 on Oct 21st. | 5:55 - Shawn in Washington DC asks about games with inclusive or exclusive PC rules | 32:03 - Rob from Down Under talks about the Alien RPG in the Year Zero Engine | 48:03 - Jonathan asks about designing RPGs and RPG adventures | 1:06:12 - Episode Closing | 1:07:11 - Song: "A Thousand Lives" by The Mary Sues (marysuesband.com) ◇ Email happyjacksrpg@gmail.com to send in a topic or question to the show! ◇ Follow Happy Jacks RPG on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook or hang out with other tabletop roleplaying fans in our Discord community! ◇ Subscribe to our other podcasts! We have Actual Play Campaigns in over 20 RPG systems and a great collection of One-Shots if you prefer bite sized adventures. ◇ You can watch us on Youtube or Twitch! ◇ Keep us independent by becoming a Patreon! Our fantastic supporters let us play and say what we want instead of catering to companies for ad or sponsorship money. They are HEROES! https://patreon.com/happyjacksrpg Ⓒ2022 Happy Jacks RPG Network www.happyjacks.org
Oct 09, 2022
HJRP S30E24 | Recovering from TPKs, Raising Gaming Kids, & a Lightning Round
1:28:27
◇ Summary: Forlornhope22 asks now a new GM can recover from a too-deadly combat encounter in a campaign, Steve in SoCal asks about how to fit gaming in after having kids and how to raise kids in a way that makes them more likely to enjoy gaming someday, and Andreas has a lighting round of questions | Hosts: Kimi (@goldenlassogirl), Adam (@hoobuk), and Bill (@billroper) ◇ 0:34 - Welcome & Episode Summary | 1:29 - Vyrrk is giving away a copy of Decuma on the Discord happyjacks.org/discord & the Discord has forums now! | 5:43 - Forlornhope22 asks how to recover from a too-deadly combat encounter | 35:22 - Steve in SoCal asks about raising kids to be gamers | 1:12:41 - Andreas sends in a lighting round of questions | 1:24:13 - Episode Closing | 1:25:03 - Song: "Laser Printed Hero" by The Mary Sues (marysuesband.com) ◇ Email happyjacksrpg@gmail.com to send in a topic or question to the show! ◇ Follow Happy Jacks RPG on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook or hang out with other tabletop roleplaying fans in our Discord community! ◇ Subscribe to our other podcasts! We have Actual Play Campaigns in over 20 RPG systems and a great collection of One-Shots if you prefer bite sized adventures. ◇ You can watch us on Youtube or Twitch! ◇ Keep us independent by becoming a Patreon! Our fantastic supporters let us play and say what we want instead of catering to companies for ad or sponsorship money. They are HEROES! https://patreon.com/happyjacksrpg Ⓒ2022 Happy Jacks RPG Network www.happyjacks.org
Oct 01, 2022
HJRP S30E23 | Playing Straight White Guys, Pacing Convention One-Shots, & Managing Player Schedules
1:19:33
◇ Summary: Ken in Canada asks if it’s ok to just RP straight white guy characters as a player, James from the Panhandle asks about pacing a 1 shot with no test runs, & Rob in Australia asks about what systems work well for managing inconsistent schedules where players end up missing sessions | Hosts: Kimi (@goldenlassogirl), Jason (@itsProbablyOk), Riley (@rileyjsilverman) ◇ 0:33 - Welcome & Episode Summary | 1:29 - Vyrrk is giving away a copy of Decuma on the Discord happyjacks.org/discord & the Discord has forums now! | 5:30 - Ken in Canada asks if it’s ok to just RP straight white guy characters | 20:53 - James from the Panhandle asks about pacing a 1 shot with no test runs | 55:13 - Rob in Australia asks about what systems work well for managing inconsistent schedules where players end up missing sessions | 1:16:38 - Episode Closing | 1:17:40 - Song: "Jenny of Oldstones by The Mary Sues (marysuesband.com) ◇ Email happyjacksrpg@gmail.com to send in a topic or question to the show! ◇ Follow Happy Jacks RPG on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook or hang out with other tabletop roleplaying fans in our Discord community! ◇ Subscribe to our other podcasts! We have Actual Play Campaigns in over 20 RPG systems and a great collection of One-Shots if you prefer bite sized adventures. ◇ You can watch us on Youtube or Twitch! ◇ Keep us independent by becoming a Patreon! Our fantastic supporters let us play and say what we want instead of catering to companies for ad or sponsorship money. They are HEROES! https://patreon.com/happyjacksrpg Ⓒ2022 Happy Jacks RPG Network www.happyjacks.org
Sep 23, 2022
HJRP S30E22 | Player Advice, Safety Tool Question, & a Father’s Reply
1:30:10
◇ Summary: Forlornhope22 wants us to give some player advice for a change, Alverant wants more information about using a specific safety tool in games, & Friar Greg responds to his kid's show email from a few episodes back | Hosts: Kimi (@goldenlassogirl), Bill (@billroper) ◇ 0:33 - Welcome & Episode Summary | 1:54 - Vyrrk is giving away a copy of Decuma on the Discord happyjacks.org/discord & Happy Jacks seasons will be 25 episodes long| 10:14 - Forlornhope22 asks for advice for players | 46:45 - Alverant asks for clarification about how a safety tool works | 1:15:19 - Friar Greg in Canada responds to his son Arlo’s letter from a few episodes ago | 1:23:57 - Episode Closing | 1:29:00 - Song: "Prologue [Final Fantasy IV}" by Super MadNES (supermadnes.com) ◇ Email happyjacksrpg@gmail.com to send in a topic or question to the show! ◇ Follow Happy Jacks RPG on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook or hang out with other tabletop roleplaying fans in our Discord community! ◇ Subscribe to our other podcasts! We have Actual Play Campaigns in over 20 RPG systems and a great collection of One-Shots if you prefer bite sized adventures. ◇ You can watch us on Youtube or Twitch! ◇ Keep us independent by becoming a Patreon! Our fantastic supporters let us play and say what we want instead of catering to companies for ad or sponsorship money. They are HEROES! https://patreon.com/happyjacksrpg Ⓒ2022 Happy Jacks RPG Network www.happyjacks.org
Sep 20, 2022
HJRP S30E21 | Strange Gaming Locations, Healthy LARP Wisdom, & a Contest!
1:18:00
◇ Summary: Weird places to play TTRPGs, Healthy LARP communities and safety tools, & Using Decuma for D&D and a GIVEAWAY! | Hosts: Kimi (@goldenlassogirl), Bill (@billroper) ◇ 0:34 - Welcome & Episode Summary | 2:54 - Announcements: Subscribe to us on Youtube! It's free and helps the show! youtube.com/happyjacksrpg | 4:08 - Erica asks about the strangest place we have ever played an RPG | 23:56 - Davi shares LARP wisdom about how to keep playgroups healthy and using safety tools | 48:22 - Vyrrk talks about how he used Decuma and is giving away a physical copy! CONTEST! | 1:13:40 - Episode Closing | 1:14:40 - Song: "Pub that We Call Home" by The Poxy Boggards (poxyboggards.com) ◇ Email happyjacksrpg@gmail.com to send in a topic or question to the show! ◇ Follow Happy Jacks RPG on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook or hang out with other tabletop roleplaying fans in our Discord community! ◇ Subscribe to our other podcasts! We have Actual Play Campaigns in over 20 RPG systems and a great collection of One-Shots if you prefer bite sized adventures. ◇ You can watch us on Youtube or Twitch! ◇ Keep us independent by becoming a Patreon! Our fantastic supporters let us play and say what we want instead of catering to companies for ad or sponsorship money. They are HEROES! https://patreon.com/happyjacksrpg Ⓒ2022 Happy Jacks RPG Network www.happyjacks.org
Sep 09, 2022
HJRP S30E20 | Categorizing RPGs, Crime & Punishment, & GMing Masks One-shots
1:10:53
◇ Summary: Mike shares his TTRPG categorizing system, Zed wants to keep crime and punishment fun in his campaign, and Jo-Lene has some wisdom to share about GMing Masks one-shots | Hosts: Riley (@rileyjsilverman), & Nick (@Sungrowler), ◇ 0:33 - Welcome & Episode Summary | 0:56 - Announcements: Strategicon is happening Sept 2-3rd! Some of us will be there and running games! | 2:39 - Mike F from New York shares his system of categorizing TTRPGs | 45:45 - Zed from the UK asks about balancing crime and punishment so everyone has fun | 59:04 - Jo-Lene shares her strategies for running a Masks one-shot and asks our thoughts on the subject | 1:06:52 - Episode Closing | 1:08:00 - Song: "Prickle Holly Bush" by The Merry Wives of Windsor (mwow.net) ◇ Email happyjacksrpg@gmail.com to send in a topic or question to the show! ◇ Follow Happy Jacks RPG on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook or hang out with other tabletop roleplaying fans in our Discord community! ◇ Subscribe to our other podcasts! We have Actual Play Campaigns in over 20 RPG systems and a great collection of One-Shots if you prefer bite sized adventures. ◇ You can watch us on Youtube or Twitch! ◇ Keep us independent by becoming a Patreon! Our fantastic supporters let us play and say what we want instead of catering to companies for ad or sponsorship money. They are HEROES! https://patreon.com/happyjacksrpg Ⓒ2022 Happy Jacks RPG Network www.happyjacks.org
Sep 09, 2022
HJRP S30E19 | Balancing Factions, Obsidian Portal Info, & a GOT Horror Story
1:02:38
◇ Summary: Kettle from Germany asks how a GM should balance a large number of factions in their campaign world, Mike from Michigan corrects us about Obsidian Portal, and Erica shares a convention horror story | Hosts: Kimi (@goldenlassogirl), Riley (@rileyjsilverman), & Nick (@Sungrowler), ◇ 0:34 - Welcome & Episode Summary | 1:25 - Announcements: Strategicon is happening Sept 2-3rd! Some of us will be there and running games! | 4:23 - Kettle from Germany asks how a GM should balance a large number of factions in their campaign world | 25:17 - Mike from Michigan corrects us about Obsidian Portal | 33:25 - Erica shares a convention horror story | 58:19 - Episode Closing | 59:51 - Song: "Pass the Hat" by The Netbusker's Folkshoppe (netbusker.net) ◇ Email happyjacksrpg@gmail.com to send in a topic or question to the show! ◇ Follow Happy Jacks RPG on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook or hang out with other tabletop roleplaying fans in our Discord community! ◇ Subscribe to our other podcasts! We have Actual Play Campaigns in over 20 RPG systems and a great collection of One-Shots if you prefer bite sized adventures. ◇ You can watch us on Youtube or Twitch! ◇ Keep us independent by becoming a Patreon! Our fantastic supporters let us play and say what we want instead of catering to companies for ad or sponsorship money. They are HEROES! https://patreon.com/happyjacksrpg Ⓒ2022 Happy Jacks RPG Network www.happyjacks.org
Aug 30, 2022
HJRP S30E18 | Campaign Location Journaling, Running Ten Candles, Vampire LARP Horror Story
1:14:41
◇ Summary: Savage Stalker shares a fantastic journaling technique that helps with world building, Jan-Egil from Norway asks for advice on running Ten Candles for the first time at a convention, and James from NJ shares a Vampire LARP horror story. | Hosts: Kimi (@goldenlassogirl), Jason (@itsProbablyOk), & Nick (@Sungrowler), ◇ 0:34 - Welcome & Episode Summary |1:11 - Announcements: We need emails! |3:42 - Savage Stalker shares about journaling as part of world building |21:10 - Jan-Egil from Norway asks about running Ten Candles at a con |44:13 - James From NJ shares a LARPing horror story |1:08:17 - Episode Closing |1:10:56 - Song: "Laser Printed Hero" by The Mary Sues (marysuesband.com) ◇ Email happyjacksrpg@gmail.com to send in a topic or question to the show! ◇ Follow Happy Jacks RPG on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook or hang out with other tabletop roleplaying fans in our Discord community! ◇ Subscribe to our other podcasts! We have Actual Play Campaigns in over 20 RPG systems and a great collection of One-Shots if you prefer bite sized adventures. ◇ You can watch us on Youtube or Twitch! ◇ Keep us independent by becoming a Patreon! Our fantastic supporters let us play and say what we want instead of catering to companies for ad or sponsorship money. They are HEROES! https://patreon.com/happyjacksrpg Ⓒ2022 Happy Jacks RPG Network www.happyjacks.org
Aug 20, 2022
HJRP S30E17 | GMs taking Stuff, Con Horror Story, & a Son’s Shout Out
1:27:35
◇ Summary: Michael disagrees with us about GMs taking stuff away, Mike F in New York shares a gaming horror story that was partially his fault, and second generation Happy Jacks fan shares about Jackercon and has a message for his dad | Hosts: Kimi (@goldenlassogirl), Jason (@itsProbablyOk) , Vyrrk (@Vyrrk) , and Stork ◇ 0:34 - Welcome & Episode Summary |1:24 - Announcements: We need emails! |8:44 - Michael disagrees with us about GMs taking stuff away |35:01 - Mike F in New York shares a gaming horror story that was partially his fault |1:07:37 - A second generation Happy Jacks fan shares about Jackercon and has a message for his dad |1:20:17 - Episode Closing |1:24:10 - Song: "Time Flies when you're having Rum" by Sportive Tricks (sportivetricks.com) (yes, I forgot and we have the same song from last week) ◇ Email happyjacksrpg@gmail.com to send in a topic or question to the show! ◇ Follow Happy Jacks RPG on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook or hang out with other tabletop roleplaying fans in our Discord community! ◇ Subscribe to our other podcasts! We have Actual Play Campaigns in over 20 RPG systems and a great collection of One-Shots if you prefer bite sized adventures. ◇ You can watch us on Youtube or Twitch! ◇ Keep us independent by becoming a Patreon! Our fantastic supporters let us play and say what we want instead of catering to companies for ad or sponsorship money. They are HEROES! https://patreon.com/happyjacksrpg Ⓒ2022 Happy Jacks RPG Network www.happyjacks.org
Aug 15, 2022
HJRP S30E16 | What’s a Traditional TTRPG?, Accessibility in Games
1:20:53
◇ Summary: What do people mean when they say "traditional" tabletop rpg?, and discussing accessibility features that are build into games | Hosts: Kimi (@goldenlassogirl), Nick (@Sungrowler), and Kurt ◇ 0:34 - Welcome & Episode Summary |1:24 - Announcements: More sound tweaks and improvements are coming! |4:27 - Edward asks what we mean when we say “traditional” TTRPG |47:01 - Shawn asks about designing games with accessibility in mind |1:15:04 - Episode Closing |1:17:01 - Song: "Time Flies when you're having Rum" by Sportive Tricks (sportivetricks.com) ◇ Email happyjacksrpg@gmail.com to send in a topic or question to the show! ◇ Follow Happy Jacks RPG on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook or hang out with other tabletop roleplaying fans in our Discord community! ◇ Subscribe to our other podcasts! We have Actual Play Campaigns in over 20 RPG systems and a great collection of One-Shots if you prefer bite sized adventures. ◇ You can watch us on Youtube or Twitch! ◇ Keep us independent by becoming a Patreon! Our fantastic supporters let us play and say what we want instead of catering to companies for ad or sponsorship money. They are HEROES! https://patreon.com/happyjacksrpg Ⓒ2022 Happy Jacks RPG Network https://www.happyjacks.org/
Aug 06, 2022
HJRP S30E15 | Player Harmony, more on Improv Exercises, and using Obsidian Portal
1:10:09
◇ Summary: How to achieve player harmony in a mismatched gaming group, a success story about using improv games at the table, and getting players to participate outside of game time in things like Obsidian Portal | Hosts: Kimi (@goldenlassogirl), Adam (@hoobuk), and Stork ◇ 0:35 - Welcome & Episode Summary |2:48 - Announcements: JackerCon Success |4:50 - Ken in Ontario asks about getting a group of very different players to find harmony |29:13 - Aaron of Portland shares his experience with Improv exercises at his gaming table |45:48 - Weaselcreature in California brings up Obsidian Portal and getting players to participate in stuff outside of game time |1:05:56 - Episode Closing |1:07:38 - Song: "The Baltimore Fire" by The Netbusker's Folkshoppe (Netbusker.net) ◇ Email happyjacksrpg@gmail.com to send in a topic or question to the show! ◇ Follow Happy Jacks RPG on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook or hang out with other tabletop roleplaying fans in our Discord community! ◇ Subscribe to our other podcasts! We have Actual Play Campaigns in over 20 RPG systems and a great collection of One-Shots if you prefer bite sized adventures. ◇ You can watch us on Youtube or Twitch! ◇ Keep us independent by becoming a Patreon! Our fantastic supporters let us play and say what we want instead of catering to companies for ad or sponsorship money. They are HEROES! https://patreon.com/happyjacksrpg Ⓒ2022 Happy Jacks RPG Network https://www.happyjacks.org/
Jul 31, 2022
HJRP S30E14 | GMs using Visual Aids, Finding Fellow Gamers, & GMing One-Shots
1:30:53
◇ Summary: Can a GM use too many visual aids, how to subtly recognize other gamers in the wild, and best practices for running a one-shot | Hosts: Kimi (@goldenlassogirl), Nick (@Sungrowler), Adam (@hoobuk), Jay (@jayafrica) ◇ 0:36 - Welcome & Episode Summary |1:16 - Announcements: Upcoming Actual Plays & JackerCon Update |5:21 - Ken asks when visual aids and minis start to ruin a campaign instead of adding to the experience |27:17 - Muddyboots in NYC asks about recognizing feral gamers |1:04:26 - Micah from Alaska asks about running one-shots in preparation for JackerCon |1:24:09 - Episode Closing |1:27:21 - Song: "The Bird Song" by The Merry Wives of Windsor (mwow.net) ◇ Email happyjacksrpg@gmail.com to send in a topic or question to the show! ◇ Follow Happy Jacks RPG on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook or hang out with other tabletop roleplaying fans in our Discord community! ◇ Subscribe to our other podcasts! We have Actual Play Campaigns in over 20 RPG systems and a great collection of One-Shots if you prefer bite sized adventures. ◇ You can watch us on Youtube or Twitch! ◇ Keep us independent by becoming a Patreon! Our fantastic supporters let us play and say what we want instead of catering to companies for ad or sponsorship money. They are HEROES! https://patreon.com/happyjacksrpg Ⓒ2022 Happy Jacks RPG Network https://www.happyjacks.org/
Jul 21, 2022
HJRP S30E13 | Campaigns About Locations, Convention Game Horror Story, and Old D&D Product Re-releases
1:14:27
◇ Summary: How to make a location the star of a campaign, a horror story about a convention horror game, why releasing old editions of D&D products could be a good marketing strategy | Hosts: Kimi (@goldenlassogirl), Nick (@Sungrowler), Stork ◇ 0:33 - Welcome & Episode Summary |1:22 - Announcements: Upcoming Actual Plays & JackerCon Update |5:57 - Leatherneck from Michagan asks about making a location the star of a campaign |21:20 - Mike F from New York shares a Horror Story: How NOT to run a convention horror game |42:52 - Shawn from Washington DC asks why releasing old editions of D&D products would be a good marketing strategy |1:10:13 - Episode Closing |1:11:30 - Song: "The Decisive Battle [Final Fantasy VI]" by SUPER MADNES (supermadnes.com) ◇ Email happyjacksrpg@gmail.com to send in a topic or question to the show! ◇ Follow Happy Jacks RPG on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook or hang out with other tabletop roleplaying fans in our Discord community! ◇ Subscribe to our other podcasts! We have Actual Play Campaigns in over 20 RPG systems and a great collection of One-Shots if you prefer bite sized adventures. ◇ You can watch us on Youtube or Twitch! ◇ Keep us independent by becoming a Patreon! Our fantastic supporters let us play and say what we want instead of catering to companies for ad or sponsorship money. They are HEROES! https://patreon.com/happyjacksrpg Ⓒ2022 Happy Jacks RPG Network https://www.happyjacks.org/
Jul 16, 2022
HJRP S30E12 | Historical TTRPG campaigns, Perfect Systems for Setting, & Organizing Campaign Notes in Google
1:10:57
◇ Summary: Systems that are good for historical TTRPG campaigns that have as much roleplaying as sieges and wars, thoughts on systems that capture their intended setting and tone perfectly, & advice on organizing campaign notes in Google | Hosts: Kimi (@goldenlassogirl), Nick (@Sungrowler), Jameson, and Riley (@rileyjsilverman) ◇ 0:34 - Welcome & Episode Summary, 1:57 - Announcements: Upcoming Actual Plays & JackerCon Update8:48 - New listener Conrad asks about systems for historical TTRPG campaigns and sieges or war campaigns in games, 27:33 - Micah asks which systems capture their intended setting and tone perfectly, 57:11 - Niklas in Sweden asks about strategies to organize campaign notes, 1:07:12 - Episode Closing, 1:08:17 - Song: "The Wellerman" by The Netbusker's Folkshoppe (netbusker.net) ◇ Email happyjacksrpg@gmail.com to send in a topic or question to the show! ◇ Follow Happy Jacks RPG on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook or hang out with other tabletop roleplaying fans in our Discord community! ◇ Subscribe to our other podcasts! We have Actual Play Campaigns in over 20 RPG systems and a great collection of One-Shots if you prefer bite sized adventures. ◇ You can watch us on Youtube or Twitch! ◇ Keep us independent by becoming a Patreon! Our fantastic supporters let us play and say what we want instead of catering to companies for ad or sponsorship money. They are HEROES! https://patreon.com/happyjacksrpg Ⓒ2022 Happy Jacks RPG Network https://www.happyjacks.org/
Jul 10, 2022
HJRP S30E11 | Improv for Gamers, a Favorite RPG Moment, & Another Decuma Idea
49:14
◇ Summary: Using improv games to avoid boring sessions, new listener shares his favorite gaming moment, & using Decuma to get your group to play a new game system! | Hosts: Kimi (@goldenlassogirl), Stu (@srvenable), and Jason (@itsprobablyok) ◇ 0:34 - Welcome & Episode Summary, 2:25 - Announcements: Please leave a us a (good) review!7:24 - Anders from Denmark asks about using improv games to keep sessions interesting, 24:27 - New listener Wunderflonium shares his favorite gaming moment EVER, 38:33 - HeavymetalJess shares how she uses Decuma to convince her group to try playing in new systems, 45:35 - Episode Closing, 49:13 - Song: "Jenny of the Oldstones by The Mary Sues (merrysuesband.com) ◇ Email happyjacksrpg@gmail.com to send in a topic or question to the show! ◇ Follow Happy Jacks RPG on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook or hang out with other tabletop roleplaying fans in our Discord community! ◇ Subscribe to our other podcasts! We have Actual Play Campaigns in over 20 RPG systems and a great collection of One-Shots if you prefer bite sized adventures. ◇ You can watch us on Youtube or Twitch! ◇ Keep us independent by becoming a Patreon! Our fantastic supporters let us play and say what we want instead of catering to companies for ad or sponsorship money. They are HEROES! https://patreon.com/happyjacksrpg Ⓒ2022 Happy Jacks RPG Network https://www.happyjacks.org/
Jul 03, 2022
HJRP S30E010 | Homebrewing Worlds, Space Trucker Money, & Coriolis
1:02:41
◇ Summary: How deep to make homebrewed worlds, Space truckers and money in the Alien RPG, & Coriolis the Third Horizon | Hosts: Kimi (@goldenlassogirl), Stork, and CADave (@casithlord) ◇ 0:37 - Welcome & Episode Summary, 1:51 - Announcements: Please leave a us a (good) review!3:37 - Whizzard asks about how deep we delve when creating homebrew worlds, 14:38 - Rob talks about Space Truckers and asks about money in Free League’s Alien RPG, 40:27 - Kairaku talks about another Year Zero Engine game, Coriolis the Third Horizon, 56:32 - Episode Closing, 58:05 - Song: "500 Miles " by The Merry Wives of Windsor - mwow.net ◇ Email happyjacksrpg@gmail.com to send in a topic or question to the show! ◇ Follow Happy Jacks RPG on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook or hang out with other tabletop roleplaying fans in our Discord community! ◇ Subscribe to our other podcasts! We have Actual Play Campaigns in over 20 RPG systems and a great collection of One-Shots if you prefer bite sized adventures. ◇ You can watch us on Youtube or Twitch! ◇ Keep us independent by becoming a Patreon! Our fantastic supporters let us play and say what we want instead of catering to companies for ad or sponsorship money. They are HEROES! https://patreon.com/happyjacksrpg Ⓒ2022 Happy Jacks RPG Network https://www.happyjacks.org/
Jun 26, 2022
HJRP S30E09 | Game Jams, New Player Tropes, Con Memories, & More
1:05:10
◇ Summary: DriveThruRPG Game Jams, New Player Tropes, Big Bad Con Memories, & How to start GMing | Hosts: Kimi (@goldenlassogirl), Jay (@jayafrica), and Clara (@clearly_golden) ◇ 0:35 - Welcome & Episode Summary, 1:32 - Announcements: Please leave a us a (good) review!3:14 - News: DriveThruRPG is doing a game jam!, 14:30 - Heath from Maryland asks about our experiences with new player tropes, 30:42 - Jerry from Oregon returns to the HJ community and shares a story of Big Bad Con, 42:48 - Weaslecreature from California shares a tip for someone who is interested in GMing but doesn’t know where to start, 59:32 - Episode Closing, 1:02:30 - Song: "Skye Boat Song" by The Mary Sues ◇ Email happyjacksrpg@gmail.com to send in a topic or question to the show! ◇ Follow Happy Jacks RPG on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook or hang out with other tabletop roleplaying fans in our Discord community! ◇ Subscribe to our other podcasts! We have Actual Play Campaigns in over 20 RPG systems and a great collection of One-Shots if you prefer bite sized adventures. ◇ You can watch us on Youtube or Twitch! ◇ Keep us independent by becoming a Patreon! Our fantastic supporters let us play and say what we want instead of catering to companies for ad or sponsorship money. They are HEROES! https://patreon.com/happyjacksrpg Ⓒ2022 Happy Jacks RPG Network https://www.happyjacks.org/
Jun 10, 2022
HJRP S30E08 | Intriguing Villains, Pranks gone Wrong, & a GM Mistake
1:12:20
◇ Summary: How to create intriguing villains, a PC's pranks go too far, and fixing a common GM mistake | Hosts: Kimi (@goldenlassogirl), Stork, and Clara (@clearly_golden) ◇ 0:34 - Welcome & Episode Summary, 1:37 - Announcements: JackerCon 2022 is July 22-25. Sign up at happyjacks.org/jc ,5:40 - Clara talks about our current actual play of Vaesen, 8:00 - ArthWenFud asks about creating intriguing villains for a campaign, 25:00 - Leatherneck shares a story of a game prank gone wrong, 50:30 - Andreas in Sweden shares a GMing mistake and asks if we have similar stories, 1:07:10 - Episode Closing, 1:08:15 - Song: "Drink this Pub Dry" by The Merry Wives of Windsor ◇ Email happyjacksrpg@gmail.com to send in a topic or question to the show! ◇ Follow Happy Jacks RPG on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook or hang out with other tabletop roleplaying fans in our Discord community! ◇ Subscribe to our other podcasts! We have Actual Play Campaigns in over 20 RPG systems and a great collection of One-Shots if you prefer bite sized adventures. ◇ You can watch us on Youtube or Twitch! ◇ Keep us independent by becoming a Patreon! Our fantastic supporters let us play and say what we want instead of catering to companies for ad or sponsorship money. They are HEROES! https://patreon.com/happyjacksrpg Ⓒ2022 Happy Jacks RPG Network https://www.happyjacks.org/
Jun 02, 2022
HJRP S30E07 | Benefits of Imbalance, GMing for 10 Players, & a TPK Story
1:19:07
◇ Summary: Using "Stars & Wishes" while GMing, Playing RPGs with Kids of different ages, and a happy story about becoming a GM | Hosts: Kimi (@goldenlassogirl), Stork, and Joey (@Feywilde85) ◇ 0:34 - Welcome & Episode Summary, 3:44 - Announcements: JackerCon 2022 is July 22-25. Sign up at happyjacks.org/jc 5:45 - Gerald from Toranto wonders if imbalance and restrictions actually improve the gaming experience?, 32:50 - New listener "CD" is a first-time GM trying to run D&D for 10 players, 55:30 - Bill from Washington shares a TPK story, 1:13:27 - Episode Closing, 1:16:35 - Song: "Toss a Coin to Your Witcher" by The Mary Sues ◇ Email happyjacksrpg@gmail.com to send in a topic or question to the show! ◇ Follow Happy Jacks RPG on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook or hang out with other tabletop roleplaying fans in our Discord community! ◇ Subscribe to our other podcasts! We have Actual Play Campaigns in over 20 RPG systems and a great collection of One-Shots if you prefer bite sized adventures. ◇ You can watch us on Youtube or Twitch! ◇ Keep us independent by becoming a Patreon! Our fantastic supporters let us play and say what we want instead of catering to companies for ad or sponsorship money. They are HEROES! https://patreon.com/happyjacksrpg Ⓒ2022 Happy Jacks RPG Network https://www.happyjacks.org/
May 28, 2022
HJRP S30E06 | GMing with “Stars & Wishes”, Playing with Kids, & GM Success Story
57:11
◇ Summary: Using "Stars & Wishes" while GMing, Playing RPGs with Kids of different ages, and a happy story about becoming a GM | Hosts: Kimi (@goldenlassogirl), Stork, and Joey (@Feywilde85) ◇ 0:34 - Welcome & Episode Summary, 1:25 - Announcements: JackerCon 2022 is July 22-25. Sign up at happyjacks.org/jc 3:36 - Vyrrk in DC writes in about using “Stars and Wishes” with surprising outcomes, 14:23 - Weaselcreature ran HeroKids and we talk about gaming with different ages of kids, 26:59 - Micah shares about her decision to GM when she couldn't find a game, 46:19 - We talk about Happy Jacks and indie games51:51 - Episode Closing, 53:37 - Song: "Storked It" by The Angry Folk Band ◇ Email happyjacksrpg@gmail.com to send in a topic or question to the show! ◇ Follow Happy Jacks RPG on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook or hang out with other tabletop roleplaying fans in our Discord community! ◇ Subscribe to our other podcasts! We have Actual Play Campaigns in over 20 RPG systems and a great collection of One-Shots if you prefer bite sized adventures. ◇ You can watch us on Youtube or Twitch! ◇ Keep us independent by becoming a Patreon! Our fantastic supporters let us play and say what we want instead of catering to companies for ad or sponsorship money. They are HEROES! https://patreon.com/happyjacksrpg Ⓒ2022 Happy Jacks RPG Network https://www.happyjacks.org/
May 18, 2022
HJRP S30E05 | Too Many Plot Threads, Items as Aspects & D&D’s Marketing
1:23:28
◇ Summary: How to tell if you have the right number of plot threads, Having Items as PC Aspects in Fate, & why D&D has lasted while other systems faded away | Hosts: Kimi (@goldenlassogirl), Stork, and Moe (@ashyfeet1) ◇ 0:34 - Welcome & Episode Summary,3:11 - Announcements,7:10 - Forlornhope22 asks how many plot threads is too many, 26:39 - Eric from Oregon talks PC items as Aspects in Fate, 37:26 - Kimi goes off on the adults in Spider-Man movies, 44:52 - Davi in CA asks about how systems survive the test of time and we talk TTRPG marketing, 1:16:25 - Episode Closing, 1:00:31 - Song: "Sail On" by The Merry Wives of Windsor ◇ Email happyjacksrpg@gmail.com to send in a topic or question to the show! ◇ Follow Happy Jacks RPG on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook or hang out with other tabletop roleplaying fans in our Discord community! ◇ Subscribe to our other podcasts! We have Actual Play Campaigns in over 20 RPG systems and a great collection of One-Shots if you prefer bite sized adventures. ◇ You can watch us on Youtube or Twitch! ◇ Keep us independent by becoming a Patreon! Our fantastic supporters let us play and say what we want instead of catering to companies for ad or sponsorship money. They are HEROES! https://patreon.com/happyjacksrpg Ⓒ2022 Happy Jacks RPG Network https://www.happyjacks.org/
Apr 30, 2022
HJRP S30E04 | Taking Notes during RP, Playing in IPs Correction, & Cheating Player Drama
1:03:42
Happy Jacks Tabletop RPG Advice Show: Season 30, Episode 4 ◇ Summary: Players taking notes during intense RP moments, Playing RPGs in existing IPs, Playing with a cheater | Hosts: Kimi (@goldenlassogirl), Joey (@Feywilde85), and Adam (@hoobuk) ◇ 0:35 - Welcome & Episode Summary 3:37 - Announcements5:48 - Gaz asks about players taking notes during RP23:00 - Weaselcreature corrects us about playing in existing IPs36:56 - Jon in Idaho is either playing with a cheater56:55 - Episode Closing1:00:31 - Song: "Give that Wench a Sonnet" by The Poxy Boggards ◇ Email happyjacksrpg@gmail.com to send in a topic or question to the show! ◇ Follow Happy Jacks RPG on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook or hang out with other tabletop roleplaying fans in our Discord community! ◇ Subscribe to our other podcasts! We have Actual Play Campaigns in over 20 RPG systems and a great collection of One-Shots if you prefer bite sized adventures. ◇ You can watch us on Youtube or Twitch! ◇ Keep us independent by becoming a Patreon! Our fantastic supporters let us play and say what we want instead of catering to companies for ad or sponsorship money. They are HEROES! ttps://patreon.com/happyjacksrpg Ⓒ2022 Happy Jacks RPG Network https://www.happyjacks.org/
Apr 23, 2022
HJRP S30E03 | WOTC buys D&D Beyond, Digital Tools for In-Person Games, & PC Gear Problems
1:26:32
Happy Jacks Tabletop RPG Advice Show: Season 30, Episode 3 ◇ Summary: WOTC buys D&D Beyond, Weaselcreature asks about using digital tools at the in-person RPG table, and Shawn near DC asks about PC gear and player agency. Hosts: Kimi (@goldenlassogirl), Stork, and Jason (@itsprobablyok) ◇ 0:00 - Preshow Update from Kimi1:09 - Welcome & Episode Summary3:46 - Announcements6:40 - Gaming News: D&D buys D&D Beyond19:30 - Weaselcreature asks about using digital tools for in-person games 51:00 - Shawn near DC asks about PC gear and player agency1:21:12 - Episode Closing1:23:34 - Song: Cassilda's Song by The Poxy Boggards ◇ Email happyjacksrpg@gmail.com to send in a topic or question to the show! ◇ Follow Happy Jacks RPG on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook or hang out with other tabletop roleplaying fans in our Discord community! ◇ Subscribe to our other podcasts! We have Actual Play Campaigns in over 20 RPG systems and a great collection of One-Shots if you prefer bite sized adventures. ◇ You can watch us on Youtube or Twitch! ◇ Keep us independent by becoming a Patreon! Our fantastic supporters let us play and say what we want instead of catering to companies for ad or sponsorship money. They are HEROES! https://patreon.com/happyjacksrpg Ⓒ2022 Happy Jacks RPG Network https://www.happyjacks.org/
Apr 21, 2022
HJRP S30E02 | Getting back to GMing, Play-by-post Games, & PCs you Can’t Control
1:17:00
In today’s episode: Daniel from Australia asks about getting back in the GM saddle after a break. Forrest comes home and shares experiences from Play by Post games. Taurelin asks about player characters with a mind of their own. Hosts: Kimi (@goldenlassogirl), CA Dave (@casithlord), and Jason (@itsprobablyok)
Apr 15, 2022
HJRP S30E01 | RPGs & Kids, Getting Excited about D&D, Other Shows
1:17:08
◇ Summary: Thomas from Denmark shares his rewarding experiences playing RPGs with kids. Gekko State from Canada is struggling to get excited about running D&D and Greg in Virginia wants to know what other RPG shows and podcasts we are into. Hosts: Kimi (@goldenlassogirl), Stork, CA Dave (@casithlord). ◇ 1:45 - Weekly Announcements - 9:20 - Thomas finds gaming with kids very rewarding - 24:02 - Gekko State can't get excited about D&D - 35:02 - Kimi's mic gets fixed - 1:02:24 - Greg wants media recommendations - 1:14:18 - Song: Plan B by the Angry Folk Band ◇ Email happyjacksrpg@gmail.com to send in a topic or question to the show! ◇ Follow Happy Jacks RPG on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook or hang out with other tabletop roleplaying fans in our Discord community! ◇ Subscribe to our other podcasts! We have Actual Play Campaigns in over 20 RPG systems and a great collection of One-Shots if you prefer bite sized adventures. ◇ You can watch us on Youtube or Twitch! ◇ Keep us independent by becoming a Patreon! Our fantastic supporters let us play and say what we want instead of catering to companies for ad or sponsorship money. They are HEROES! https://patreon.com/happyjacksrpg Ⓒ2022 Happy Jacks RPG Network https://www.happyjacks.org/
Apr 05, 2022
HJRP2915 More Immersion, A Blast from the Past & Memories
1:19:06
Eric from New Jersey writes in about immersion.  We revisit Hosier Rob’s very first email. And MRCJ send us some thoughts on his history with Happy Jacks RPG. Hosts: Stu, Kimi and Stork A weekly, round table RPG advice show that combines friendships, table-top RPGs, and unbridled enthusiasm to bring you a show that is informative, honest and funny.  You can find us at http://www.happyjacks.org/ Tags: happyjacksrpg, tabletop, gaming, rpg, advice, dnd, d&d, podcast, roleplaying, happy jacks, dm, gm, dming, gming, game master, dungeon master, campaign, dungeons and dragons, hjrpg, ttrpg
Mar 31, 2022
HJRP2914 Prep for New Settings, L5R Char Ideas, Schooled in Math
1:11:36
In this episode: Andreas from Sweden writes in about preparing for a new setting. Sean from Philly asks about playing a low-status PC in L5R. And Thomas from Denmark "Well, Actuallies" us about our math and Savage Worlds. End song: "Windsor's Cider" by The Merry Wives of WindsorHosts: Kimi, Stu and Stork
Mar 14, 2022
HJRP2913 GM or System Issue, Immersion, Left Turns
1:26:42
hjrp2913 In this Episode: Eric from NJ writes in about a GM/system issue.  Magic Octopus writes in about immersion.  Zed from the UK asks about unexpected twists and turns. 
Mar 05, 2022
HJRP2912 Special Announcement, GMing for New People, More
45:08
hjrp2912 Your Hosts: Stu and Kimi In This Episode: We have a special announcement. Josh in Orlando wants to know what sort of game to run for new people.  Tanic5 sends us a few RPG stories. And Greg sends a holiday greeting from the North Pole.
Feb 27, 2022
HJRP2911 Orccon 2022, Finding a Group, DnD
49:04
hjrp2911 Your Hosts: Stu, Mike, Stork. In This Episode: Mike from Strategicon joins us to talk about Orccon 2022, which starts February 18th. Joe from Detroit asks for advice in finding a group. Eric writes in about playing non-DnD with DnD fans. 
Feb 14, 2022
HJRP2910 Character Spice, Cortex
59:32
hjrp2910 Your Hosts: Stu, Stork, Kimi In this Episode: We read a couple questions from Ruth from England and Daniel from Australia.
Dec 20, 2021
HJRP2909 Props, Note Taking, Paid GMs
1:13:32
hjrp2909 Your Hosts: Stu, Kimi, Stork   In this Episode: Ruth from England sends us a 1d10 question table!  Bill from Colorado writes in about notetaking.  Josh in Orlando writes in again about paid GMs.   
Dec 05, 2021
HJRP2908 Time Keeping and World Building, Game Con Report
1:05:08
hjrp2908 Your Hosts: Stu, Adam, Allie In This Episode: James writes in about his cyberpunk game. Steffi chimes in on time keeping and world building. JimTo sends us a game con report.
Nov 20, 2021
HJRP2907 Who’s the A Hole and Your Voice
1:07:32
hjrp2907 Your Hosts: Stu and Stork In This Episode: John from San Francisco wants to play who's the a-hole. And Garrett from So Cal asks about his voice and talking too much as a GM.  
Nov 13, 2021
HJRP2906 Experience Points, Pre-Existing Settings, Game Tone
1:14:17
hjrp2906 Your Hosts: Stu, Adam, Kimi, Allegra In this Episode: Greg from Virginia writes in about how NOT to award XP.  Jo Lene writes in again on pre-existing settings.  Dave in DC writes in about game tone.
Nov 07, 2021
HJRP2905 Notetaking, Play by Post
53:52
hjrp2905 Your Hosts: Stu, Kimi, Kurt In this Episode: Mike from PA writes in about notetaking and stuff. Gerard from Gelderland writes in about play-by-post games.   
Oct 09, 2021
HJRP2904 Gaming Resources, Settings With Preexisting Characters
53:07
hjrp2904 Your Hosts: Stu, Stork, Kurt In This Episode: Albin from Finland writes in about two RPG related products. Jo Lene revisits pre-existing settings but with a twist.
Oct 02, 2021
HJRP2903 Modern Settings and GMs and Players
48:50
hjrp2903 Your Hosts: Stu and Kurt In This Episode: Michael from Pittsburg writes in about running games in a modern setting.  And Aimless sends us a question (kind of a horror story) about mithrel armor.   
Sep 18, 2021
HJRP2902 Printing Presses and Fantasy, GURPS, Magic and Bad GMing
59:54
hjrp2902 In this Episode: Brian writes in about printing presses and fantasy settings and pvp!  Gurg Murg sends a message about GURPS, Magic and bad GMing.  
Sep 13, 2021
HJRP2901 Professional GMs, Mundane Careers
46:27
hjrp2901 In this Episode: Josh in Orlando writes in about professional GMs.  GM Radio Rob writes in about making mundane careers interesting. 
Sep 04, 2021
HJRP2820 Licensed Games, Newspapers
54:04
hjrp2820 Your Hosts: Stu, Kimi, Kurt In this Episode: JoLene writes in about licensed games. And Dave from DC writes in about newspapers.
Aug 28, 2021
HJRP2819 Theater of the Mind and Success!
42:35
hjrp2819 Your Hosts: Stu and Kimi In this Episode: Niklas writes in about theater of the mind in different games. And Axel in Germany sends us a success story.   
Aug 22, 2021
HJRP2818 Accents
56:35
hjrp2818 Your Hosts: Stu and Kimi In this Episode: Shawn from Outside Washington DC writes in about accents.  
Aug 14, 2021
HJRP2817 Charisma, Appearance and Homebrewing
59:51
hjrp2817 Your Hosts: Stu and Stork In this Episode: Niklas writes in about good looks and homebrewing.
Jul 31, 2021
HJRP2816 Running Away and Experience
1:06:47
hjrp2816 Your Hosts: Stu, Stork, Kurt In This Episode: Sean from Just Outside Washington DC writes in about running away and experience.  
Jul 25, 2021
HJRP2815 Railroading and Intraparty Violence
1:00:54
hjrp2815 Your Hosts: Stu, Stork, Christopher Grey In this Episode: Sean from outside DC sends us an email on railroading and PC vs PC violence.
Jul 18, 2021
HJRP2814 Spies, Props, Printing Presses
1:09:35
hjrp2814 Your Hosts: Stu, Kurt and Stork In this Episode: We discuss RPG elevator advice, Leatherneck sends us an email about spies at the table, Curt sends a dispatch about Jackercon 2021, which will be held on the Jackercon Discord.
Jul 10, 2021
HJRP2813 More On Convention Games
45:59
hjrp2813 Andreas writes in about convention games.
Jun 22, 2021
HJRP2812 Con Games that Fill, World Building and Advice
1:05:15
hjrp2812 Devon from Portland sends us a report and a question. We begin a world building exercise.
Jun 06, 2021
HJRP2811
1:06:12
hjrp2811 Your Hosts: Stu, Christopher, Kimi, Stork In this Episode: James from New Zealand asks for some lessons learned from pandemic gaming.  Joe from Cambridge writes in with a quick question. And another Kurt sends us a horror story.
May 23, 2021
HJRP2810 Physics in Fantastic Session, Leading Questions
56:14
hjrp2810 Your Hosts: Stu, Tappy In this Episode: Corbin writes in about physics in fantastic settings. And Derk writes in about leading questions and when they're railroady.
May 08, 2021
HJRP2809 Wallflowers, Tropes, Horror
46:47
hjrp2809 In this Episode: Davi (Dah-Vee) writes in about PC leadership and RPing with wall flowers. Ben from Texas writes in about GM fall back tropes. And Erica Odd sends us a horror story (really a GM confession, I think).
Apr 24, 2021
HJRP2808 Mid-Games, Metahumans and Lovecraftian Horror, Starting a Campaign
1:13:27
hjrp2808 In this Episode: Eric in New Jersey asks about setting up the mid-game.  Tanner sends us an email about Metahumans and Lovecraftian Horror.  Jon in Idaho asks for some advice on starting his next campaign. 
Apr 10, 2021
HJRP2807 Minis, Tropes, Horror
1:04:11
hjrp2807 Your Hosts: Stu, Moe, Bill, Tappy In this Episode: Greg in Virginia writes in about minis in RPGs.  Ken writes in about GMing Tropes. And Muddyboots in NYC sends us a horror story.
Mar 20, 2021
HJRP2806 GM Inspiration, Artificial Gravity, Bears, etc.
1:00:08
Your Hosts: Stu, Kimi, Bill, In This Episode: Dave in DC writes in about GM inspiration. And Andreas writes in about artificial gravity, bears and other stuff.
Mar 13, 2021
HJRP2805 GM Tropes, Wish Pact Conundrum
51:15
hjrp2805 Your Hosts: Stu and Stork In This Episode: Brian in Osaka writes in about his post-apocalypse game and tropes GMs overuse. And Adam in Utah writes in about a wish/pact conundrum.
Feb 27, 2021
HJRP2804 Strategicon, Social Skills and Horror
1:10:39
hjrp2804 Your Hosts: Stu, Tappy, Jim, Eric and Kurt In This Episode: We discuss next weekend's online Orccon 2021. Go to Strategicon.net for information. Chris from Scotland revisits our social skills debate. We talk about Kurt's kickstarter for Lighthearted RPG. And Alervant sends us a horror story.
Feb 06, 2021
HJRP2803 Science Fiction, Play Yourself, Game Pitch
1:00:49
hjrp2803 Your Hosts: Stu and Stork In this episode: We discuss science fiction settings, Taylor writes in about a play yourself success story, and Mke in PA writes in about writing a good game pitch
Feb 03, 2021
HJRP2802 Online Groove, Flashbacks, Non-RP-RPG
1:10:58
hjrp2802 Your Hosts: Stu, Tappy, Katie, Kurth In This Episode: Jonas writes in about finding his online gaming groove.  Dave from DC writes in about Flashbacks.
Jan 24, 2021
HJRP2801 First Impressions, Heroes and Magic, Play Styles
1:09:05
hjrp2801 Your Hosts: Stu, Kimi, Stork, Kurt In this Episode: Jo Lene writes in about L5R Clans and how your initial exposure to the game colors your perception of it. Ed from MN writes in about Heroes, Religion and Magic.  MJ writes in with a correction about APs and play styles. 
Jan 16, 2021
HJRP2720 Flashbacks, Pacing, Confessions
1:01:25
hjrp2720 Your Hosts: Stu and Stork In this Episode: James from 1d4 Podcast writes in about flashbacks.  MRCJ writes in about pacing.  And Graf sends a thank you and a confession. 
Jan 09, 2021
HJRP2719 Remote Player, Character Personality and Compatibility
1:15:26
hjrp2719 Your Hosts: Stu, Stork, CADave, Kurt Show Notes: Trenchworks writes in with clarifications about his remote player dilemma. MJ in Georgia writes in about PC personalities and group compatibility. We also discuss a couple other things, including a hopefully spoiler-free discussion of The Mandalorian. Special thank you to New Holland Brewing Co for their care package of Dragon's Milk Bourbon Barrel Aged Stout. Check out their cool promotional stuff at hoard.dragonsmilk.com.
Dec 19, 2020
HJRP2718 Cursed Newspapers, L5R and Multi-System Games
57:17
hrjp2718 Your Hosts: Stu and Kimi In this Episode: Dave in DC writes in about a Con Game with a Cursed Newspaper. Simon in London writes in about multi-clan L5R games. Iain from the UK writes in about a multi-system game.   
Dec 06, 2020
HJRP2717 GMing, Clans, Horror
1:06:30
hjrp2717 Your Hosts: Stu, Jim Ryan, Stork Jim (otherdoc on Twitter) hosts RPG Actual Plays on Twitch. You can find his other projects at his webpage. In this Episode: Dave in DC sends an email about convention GMing and a question. Jo Lene asks about clans in Vampire vs Legend of the 5 Rings. And anonymous sends a horror story.   
Nov 22, 2020
HJRP2716 Dragon Eggs, Different Groups, Murder Hobos
1:10:20
hjrp2716 Your Hosts: Stu, Kurt, Stork In this Episode: Jon writes in saying, “Help! I have the party a dragon egg. Now what!?” Ken R writes in about differing gaming groups.  Jonas sends an email about being a murder hobo in moder settings. 
Nov 07, 2020
HJRP2715 Dice Rant and an Epically Long Email – Revised
55:40
hjrp2715 Your Hosts: Stu, Emily and Tappy In This Episode: Axel from the UK sends us a rant on dice, and Friar Gregg sends us an epically long email.
Nov 01, 2020
HJRP2714 Intelligence, Command, Safety
53:54
hjrp2714 Your Hosts: Stu, Kurt, Stork In This Episode: Axel writes in about intelligence as a stat. Andreas writes in about games with a command structure. And JoCrack chimes in on safety tools.
Oct 24, 2020
HJRP2713 Remote Players,
54:59
hjrp2713 Your Hosts: Stu, Kimi, Bill, Tyler, Stork In this Episode: Trenchworks writes in about playing a mixed in-person/remote game.  Ben from Texas writes in about XP for failure. Jo Crack writes in about online dice rollers.  And Jonas writes in about a game with is son.
Oct 10, 2020
HJRP2712 Red Herrings, Commitment, Memories
1:13:30
hjrp2712 Your Hosts: Stu, Kurt, Kimi, Stork In this Episode: Steve in SoCal writes in about red herrings.  Scott writes in about levels of commitments to gaming.  And Erica Odd sends a bittersweet email.
Oct 03, 2020
HJRP2711 Episodic Games, Animal Companions, Pick-up Game Phobia, Crunch
1:08:34
hjrp2711 Your Hosts: Stu, Claire, Clara, Stork In this Episode: Andrew writes in about episodic games with a background arc.  Derk writes in about Animal Companions.  Byron writes in about his Pick-up-Game phobia.  Eric from New Jersey writes in about teaching a crunchy system with online gaming. 
Sep 27, 2020
HJRP2710 Free RPGs, Real World Settings, Horror
1:13:44
hjrp2710 Your Hosts: Stu, Bill and Tappy In this Episode: John from Iowa sends us a comment and counterpoint on free RPG content.  Dale writes in about hometown gaming.  And Eric from New Jersey sends us a horror story. 
Sep 20, 2020
HJRP2709 TPKs and PC Death, GM Appreciation, Safety Tools, Horror
1:11:28
hjrp2709 Your Host: Stu, Stork, Tyler, ProbieTim In this Episode: Ryan from Jacksonville writes in about a TPK and PC death.  Mogen from Denmark writes in about GM appreciation, or the lack thereof.  Axel from the UK asks about introducing safety tools to a group that is previously unaware of them.  And then Ryan sends a GURPS-related horror story.  
Aug 30, 2020
HJRP2708 Intelligence is not a Stat, Published Adventures, Who Cares About Initiative?
50:12
hjrp2708 In this Episode: Joel from Missouri says that Intelligence is not a stat. Uri from On the shoulders of Dwarves defends published adventures. Toby from Atlanta asks why Initiative is a thing. Your Hosts: Stu, Stork, Heavy Metal Jess, Kurt
Aug 23, 2020
HJRP2707 Smart Players and Dumb Characters, Well Actually, Upsides of Virtual Gaming
59:31
hjrp2707 Your Hosts: Stu, Tyler, Stork In this Episode:  Erica Odd writes in about smart players playing dumb characters and vice versa. Kairaku sends a well-actually for Stork. And Just Another Busy Drone asks for some upsides on virtual gaming. If you're interested in Stu's book go to stuvenable.com/mandeight01 for the Amazon page. If you want updates on his writing, go to stuvenable.com.  
Aug 15, 2020
HJRP2706 Influential Players, Questions, Fatigue
1:05:43
hjrp2706 In This Episode: Muddy Boots from New York would like to say thanks to someone who changed the way he plays. Polishogr8 sends us a plethora of questions. Dillon is worn down by a player switching PCs. Your hosts: Stu, Christopher Grey and Stork.
Aug 08, 2020
HJRP2705 Character Advancement, Sandbox Troubles, Helplessness
1:32:43
hjrp2705 Your Hosts: Stu and Stork In this Episode: Niklas writes in about character advancement and what should drive it. GettyOwlMark is having sandbox troubles. And Rufus has a question about helplessness in gaming and life. 
Aug 02, 2020
HJRP2704 Peaceful Cities, Good and Evil, Horror
1:23:16
hjrp2704 Your Hosts: Stu, Moe, Christopher and Tappy In This Episode: Adam from Utah writes in about adventuring in a peaceful city. MRCJ sends an email about good and evil. And Muddyboots sends us a horror story. Since this recording, Stu's novel has gone live on Amazon for both Kindle and print-on-demand paperback.
Jul 25, 2020
HJRP2703 Online Gaming, Challenging Topics, GMing Exercises
52:56
hjrp2703 Your Hosts: Stu and Kimi In this Episode: Leatherneck writes in about lessons learned from online gaming.  Moe asks about games that address challenging topics.  Ben from Tejas sends us a GMing exercise. 
Jul 14, 2020
HJRP2702 Safety Tools, Familiars
1:04:20
hjrp2702 Your Hosts: Stu and Stork In This Episode: My Friends Call Me Money writes in about safety tools. Alervant has a lot of unused RPG books. Muddyboots asks about familiars.
Jul 07, 2020
HJRP2701 Game Prep, Maintaining Creativity, GM Confidence
1:07:46
hjrp2701 Your Hosts: Stu, Christopher, Bill, Stork In this Episode: Aaron writes in about online game prep.  Kyle asks how GMs maintain their creative juices (apart from hydration)? Chad (or Greatwyrm) asks how to recover GM confidence after a trainwreck of a session.   
Jun 22, 2020
HJRP2620 Factions, Fantasy Races, Gaming ADD
1:00:05
hjrp2620 Your Hosts: Stu, Clara, Claire, Stork In This Episode: Andreas writes in about different PC factions. Graf writes in about world building with fantasy races. Andreas writes in about gaming ADD.  
Jun 06, 2020
HJRP2619 Time, Ideas to Campaigns, GMing Blind
58:55
hjrp2619 In this Episode: Ryan from Florida writes in about time. Kurt writes in about how he turned one random idea into a campaign. And Mike writes in about playing and GMing blind. 
May 23, 2020
HJRP2618 Prices, Preferences, Conventions, Adventures
1:29:03
hjrp2618 Your Hosts: Stu, Bill, Tomes, Tappy In this Episode: Andreas sends us some thoughts on game prices and PC preference.  Joe Crack sends us his comments on GMing at conventions.  And Jonas asks about pre-written adventures.
May 18, 2020
HJRP2617 Disease, Virtual Gaming, Secrets and Agendas
1:04:28
hjrp2617 In this Episode:  Andrew asks about making disease scary without ruining your game.  Weaslecreature writes in about virtual gaming.  Uncommonman writes in about secrets, agendas and PVP. 
May 09, 2020
HJRP2616 Secrets, House Ruling, Prep
42:28
hjrp2616 Your Hosts: Stu, Emily and Rev from thecritshowpodcast.com In this Episode: Lee writes in about keeping secrets from other players.  Ed from Minnesota sends us a message about house ruling.  And Jeff asks about game prep.  
May 03, 2020
HJRP2615 Con Game Pregens, GMing Exercise, Storing Digital Content and GM Lessons Learned
1:25:17
hjrp2615 Your Hosts: Stu, Stork, Clara, Joey In this Episode: Out of print GM sends us some convention pregens and asks for feedback.  Uncommonman sends us another GMing exercise.  HeavyMetal Jess writes in about storing digital content and a GM lesson learned
Apr 25, 2020
HJRP2614 NPCs, Question, Hobby
49:27
hjrp2614 Your Hosts: Stu, Jameson, Tappy In this Episode: Chris from New Jersey asks how a GM, who isn’t an actor, make NPCs seem real. EricaOdd writes in with an RPG question taken from real life.  Nick sends us an audio message about supporting the RPG hobby. 
Apr 18, 2020
HJRP2613 Throw-Away NPCs, DnD Bias, Convention Story
1:01:54
hjrp2613 Your hosts: Stu, Clara, Stork In this Episode: Erin from NorCal sends us a conundrum about a throw-away NPC. Juho from Finland asks about DnD bias. JimTo sends us a convention story.
Apr 11, 2020
HJRP2612 Court Games, Questions, Murder
1:00:32
hjrp2612 Your hosts: Stu, Teri, Stork In this Episode: MRCJ has some advice for Court games.  Shawn from Silver Springs sends us a couple questions.  “I Murdered a Character” from Vyrrk. 
Apr 04, 2020
HJRP2611 Useless Skills, Horror, Interesting Combat
57:32
hjrp2611 This episode is sponsored by EasyRollerDice.com, introducing their new Kickstarter, aluminum elven design dice. Your Hosts: Stu, Kimi, Stork In this Episode: Niklas writes in saying we must stop consuming alcohol! Ben from Texas writes in about giving the players reasons to not fall asleep.  And Zach sends us a horror story.
Mar 28, 2020
HJRP2610 Divine Intervention, Monster of the Week, Playing Characters Outside the Game
43:28
hjrp2610 Your Hosts: Stu, Kimi, Jason, Tappy In This Episode: Ben from Texas writes in about divine intervention. Anonymous sends a question about Monster of the Week. Steve from Atlanta writes in about playing characters outside of the game. And Alverant writes in about his RPG group preferences.
Mar 21, 2020
HJRP2609 Updates on Shows, GMing Horror
15:59
hjrp2609 This is just a quick update. DNC writes in about GMing horror.
Mar 17, 2020
HJRP2608 Systems You Can’t Make Work, Music and Inspiration, Horror
54:46
hjrp2608 Your Hosts: Stu, Pooja, Tappy In this Episode: Axel writes in about systems you can't get to work. MRCJ sends us an email about music and campaign inspiration. And Davio sends us a horror story.
Mar 07, 2020
HJRP2607 Getting Players to Role Play, GMing Exercise, Horror
58:21
hjrp2607 Your hosts: Stu, Stork, Joey. In this Episode: Jonathan from Spanaway asks how to get players to role play. Uncommonman sends us another GMing exercise. Kosta from Adelaide sends us a horror story.
Feb 22, 2020
HJRP2606 Live from Orccon 2020
1:13:22
hjrp2606 Live from Orccon 2020. Thank you to the Strategicon staff and volunteers for allowing us to take over the auditorium for the show!
Feb 22, 2020
HJRP2605 Don’t Kill Your Characters, AI GMs, Playing Deities
53:53
hjrp2605 Your Hosts: Stu, Kimi, Tappy In this Episode: Jason writes in proclaiming Don’t Kill Your Characters. James from New Zealand asks if computers will replace GMs.  Adam from Utah asks how to play deities.
Feb 08, 2020
HJRP2604 Backstories, Organization, Pacing
1:05:01
hjrp2604 Your Hosts: Stu, Kimi In This Episode: Jeremy in Missouri writes in about PC backstories. John from Iowa asks about GMing with One Note. Andreas writes in about game pacing and pick-up-and-play games.
Feb 03, 2020
HJRP2603 Rainbow Railroading Kickoff, Court Games and a Comic Book Store Story
50:40
hjrp2603 Your Hosts: Stu and Kimi In this Episode: We kick off our fundraiser, Rainbow Railroading 2020, for Rainbow Railroad. This organization helps get LGBTQIA+ people in hostile countries to safety. If you'd like to donate, go to happyjacks.org/rainbow. We're streaming six games, starting now, until 8pm on Saturday, January 25. Watch them at happyjacks.org/live. Andrew writes in about running a court game in L5R. And Eric from New Jersey writes in with a heart-warming comic book store story.
Jan 25, 2020
HJRP2602 Orcs and Trope Assumptions, Epic Journey, Existing IP
1:07:58
hjrp2602 Your Hosts: Kimi, Jason, Stork. In this Episode: MRCJ writes in about Orcs Tropes.  Jeff from NYC writes in about simulating an epic journey into the unknown. JoeCrak asks about playing in existing IP.
Jan 18, 2020
HJRP2601 FFG/FFI Closures? Leveling and Abilities, Horror
54:47
hjrp2601 Your Hosts: Stu, Tappy, Jason In this Episode: Len from Miami writes in about Fantasy Flight Games. Joshua from Canada writes in about leveling and acquiring new abilities. Leatherneck writes in with a horror story.  Links: Gamasutra article on FFI/FFG. Wikipedia on FFG.
Jan 11, 2020
HJRP2520 Spell Based vs Free Form Magic, GMing Exercise, Too In To Character
1:12:47
hjrp2520 Your Hosts: Stu, Pooja, Stork, Jason In this Episode: Mixing spell-based and free-form magic systems.  Uncommonman sends us another GMing exercise.  JimTo writes in about a player getting a little too in to his character. 
Jan 04, 2020
HJRP2519 PC Death, Backstory, Show
58:58
hjrp2519 Your Hosts: Stu, Kimi, Pooja In this Episode: Jonas asks How do you handle a player who can’t handle PC death? Niklas asks: What’s the right amount of backstory? And Greg in Virginia asks a question about the show. 
Dec 28, 2019
HJRP2518 Random Stats vs Standard Arrays, Campaign Structure, Deadliness and Perception
1:06:35
hjrp2518 Your hosts: Stu, Kimi, Pooja, Stork In this Episode: Mogens in Denmark writes in about random chargen vs. standard arrays. Derk writes in about campaign structure. Ben from Texas asks "is deadliness in a game really about perception?"  
Dec 21, 2019
HJRP2517 Pick up and play games, difficult systems, GM and player disagreement
1:09:58
hjrp2517 Your Hosts: Stu, Kimi, Tappy In this Episode: GM Radio Rob writes in on Pick-up-and-play games.  Eric from NJ sends us an update and question on difficult systems And Davio writes in with a GM/player philosophical disagreement. 
Dec 07, 2019
HJRP2516 Mongoose Traveller 2nd Ed, Exodus Campaign Debrief
1:19:29
hjrp2516 Your Hosts: Stu, Pooja, Stork, Kimi, Joey Show Notes: In this episode, we debrief our Mongoose Traveller 2nd Edition game, Exodus. Regular episodes return next week.
Nov 30, 2019
HJRP2515 RPG Opinions, RPGs with IPs and an RPG Gold Standard
1:21:24
hjrp2515 Your Hosts: Kimi, Kurt, Maire and Tappy In this Episode:  Andy from Germany wants some opinions. Christopher has some things to say on RPGs with IPs. Bill in Ann Arbor asks about personal Gold Standards in RPGs.
Nov 16, 2019
HJRP2514 Clockwise Court Deconstruction, GMing Exercises, Horror
1:20:06
hjrp2514 Yeah, I call the episode 25-15, it isn't. Stu Your Hosts: Stu, Adam, Jim, Clara, Jason In this Episode: We deconstruct the just-ended Clockwise Court campaign. Uncommon Man sends us some GMing exercises. And the Dude from Idaho sends us a GM horror story.
Nov 09, 2019
HJRP2513 Merits of Failure, Fudging, GM Screens, Horror
58:55
hjrp2513 Your Hosts: Stu, Tappy, Tomes In this Episode: Axel from the UK writes in about the merits of failure. Hivemynd has discovered the joys of non-hippie GMing. Greg in Virginia Beach sends a Horror Story and then another Horror Story dealing with the first one. 
Nov 02, 2019
HJRP2512 Good Session Zero, Why We Game, Cruch and Fluff?!
1:11:25
hjrp2512 Your hosts: Stu, Kimi, Stork, Gina In this Episode: Taurelin asks what makes a good Session Zero. Ed from Florida (nee Minn) asks why we game. Ben from Texas tried to resurrect the Cruch vs Fluff debate.  
Oct 26, 2019
HJRP2511 Deadly DnD Combat, Interesting Combat, Confession and Triumph
54:27
hjrp2511 Your Hosts: Stu, Kimi, Jason In this Episode: John from Iowa asks how to run a more deadly DnD combat. Andreas from Sweden asks how to make combats more interesting. Draylee 88 sends a GM confession/triumph.
Oct 19, 2019
HJRP2510 Genres of Gameplay, Advice, Abusive GMs, Choose Your Own Topic
1:07:15
hjrp2510 Your hosts: Stu, Kimi In this Episode: Ryan writes in about ‘genres’ of games.  Useless Trivia Man asks for some advice for an upcoming game. Alervant sends a followup about the abusive GM.  Andy from Germany sends us a Choose Your Own Show Topic/Adventure.   
Oct 12, 2019
HJRP2509 Picking Apart 32-Year-Old Stu’s Article, SciFi vs Fantasy, Existing IPs
1:12:00
hjrp2509 Your Hosts: Stu, Kimi, Tappy In this Episode: We discuss a GMing tips article Stu wrote in 1998. Len from Miami chimes in on SciFi vs Fantasy. Eric from NJ writes in about gaming in existing IPs.  
Oct 05, 2019
HJRP2508 Time Keeping, Changing Systems, Horror
1:04:36
hjrp2508 Your Hosts: Stu, Kimi, Stork, Moe In this Episode: Ryan writes in about time records and meaningful campaings.  Eric from NJ writes in about changing systems. LLamasu sends us a horror story. 
Sep 28, 2019
HJRP2507 Getting Into Character’s Headspace, PC Harassment, RPG Small Talk
59:22
hjrp2507 In this Episode: Rav writes in about getting into a character’s headspace. Alverant sends us an update about the sexual harassment of his PC. Uncommon Man asks about RPG Small Talk.  Hey! We're getting low on emails. If you have a story, a question or anything else, please email us at happyjacksrpg@gmail.com  
Sep 21, 2019
HJRP2506 Canceling a Campaign, the Gaming Landscape, Collaboration
1:02:20
hjpr2506 Your hosts: Stu, Kimi, Stork, Jason In this Episode: Doggos asks when to cancel a campaign. MRCJ writes in about the changing gaming landscape. Andreas writes in about collaboration.
Sep 14, 2019
HJRP2505 Fantasy vs Sci Fi, GM Horror Story, Young Players and Murder Hoboism
1:04:20
hjrp2505 Your Hosts: Stu, Kimi, Tappy In this Episode: Sam from Lakewood asks about the difference between SciFi and Fantasy games. EricaOdd writes in about become her own GM horror story! Rufus writes in about converting an 8-year-old Murder Hobo.
Sep 07, 2019
HJRP2504 Live from Gateway 2019
1:33:56
This is one of our live shows recorded at Gateway2019. If you'd like information about our local conventions, you can go to strategicon.net.  
Sep 03, 2019
HJRP2503 PCs as Big Bad, HIPPA and GMing, Email Based RPGs
1:01:59
hjrp2503 This episode is sponsored by easyrollerdice.com. Check out their Reversible Self-Standing Microfiber Dice Bags. In this Episode: Ian from the UK writes in about a PC-turned-big-bad VY writes in about the HIPPA friendly GM issue.  And Alan from Knoxville ask for email/text based RPG advice. 
Aug 24, 2019
HJRP2502 Depth and Immersion, Classes, Sundry Topics
1:01:26
hjrp2502 Your hosts: Stu, Jim and Stork In this Episode: Joe from the Imperium Inlandus writes in about depth and immersion.  Niklas asks “Am I a Necromancer?”  And Tiamattinen writes in on sundry topics.
Aug 17, 2019
HJRP2501 Character Sexual Harassment, Unsolicited Dice Rolls, Organized Play
57:48
hjrp2501 Your Hosts: Stu, Kimi, Jason, Tappy In this Episode: Alervant writes in about the sexual harassment of a PC. Ryan4Flan writes in about players making unsolicited dice rolls. And David in Tampa chimes in on the flaw of organized play.  
Aug 10, 2019
HJRP2420 Co-GMing, Wild Talents, Jackercon
57:18
hjrp2420 Your Hosts: Kimi, Joey and Storky. In this Episode: Byron writes in about co-GMing. Michael writes in with a Wild Talents question. And Vyrrk writes in about Jackercon.  
Aug 04, 2019
HJRP2419 Encouraging Young GMs, Dealing With Teens, Choosing to Fail
1:01:30
hjrp2419 Our 10th Anniversary! (which we almost forgot...) Your Hosts: Stu, Kimi, Tappy In this Episode: Bevin writes in about fostering a next-generation GM. Drayle88 writes in about the case of the teenage edgelordling.  Ben from Texas throws in his two cents about players choosing to fail.   
Jul 27, 2019
HJRP2418 Player Engagement During Combat, Non Gaming Table Issues, GM SO Syndrome
47:38
hjrp2418 Your Hosts: Stu, Tappy, Kurt In this Episode: ZombieHeart asks for help maintaining player engagement during combat. A HIPPA-minded GM asks about non-gaming issues at the table. Davio asks about the GM's SO Syndrome.
Jul 13, 2019
HJRP2417 Sympathetic Villains, Villainous Heroes, Success and Horror
1:01:16
hjrp2417 Your Hosts: Stu, Kimi, Stork In this Episode: Jorn from Sweden writes in about sympathetic villains and villainous heroes. Axel in the UK sends us a success story. And Eric from NJ sends us a horror story.
Jul 06, 2019
HJRP2416 Failing Intentionally, PC Player Knowledge, the Otherworldly
1:11:37
hjpr2416 Yours Hosts: Stu, Kimi, Tappy In this Episode: Corbin Twa writes in about players intentionally failing dice rolls.  Joe Crack writes in about Player vs Character knowledge. Steve in SoCal  discusses playing otherworldly beings. 
Jun 29, 2019
SHADOWCON22 Happy Jacks One-Shots, Shadowcon, A Town Called Malice
2:40:54
shadowcon22 Campaign: ShadowCon | SYSTEM:  | GM:  | Info: You’ve come here because you’d heard of it, and you’ve been on this trip, a shadowy flight into the dangerous world of a  convention that does not exist. Who knows when it all came to light? Maybe from pieces of a conversation you weren’t even supposed to hear, or a tip from a friend of a friend. But, yeah, this place exists and it’s got tabletop RPGs! All kinds! With d6s and d20s, sure, but there’s percentiles and maybe even d3s or fudge dice. The games are old favorites, new playtests, betas, ashcans and more. There are usually a few sessions to help with working it all out and make sure a story is told. And now, friend, you are at the door and you cracked the password! Tell the bartender to pull from the top shelf, because you’re in! You’ve found ShadowCon! |   FIND MORE SHADOWCON AT happyjacks.org/shadowcon! |   TAGS: podcast, podcasts, rpg, actual play, rpg ap, ShadowCon,
Jun 23, 2019
HJRP2415 Returning to GMing, Polling the Hosts, Being a Good Player
57:28
hjrp2415 Your Hosts: Stu, Kimi, Stork In this Episode: Mattison asks for tips as he's returning to GMing after a long while. Eric from New Jersey polls the hosts. And Simon from London sends suggestions for being a good player.
Jun 22, 2019
HJRP2414 PVP, Math, Progression
1:20:03
hjrp2414 Your hosts: Stu, Pooja, Tappy In this Episode: Vyrrk writes in about PVP at a con game. Byron writes in about math in RPGs. And Ryan writes in about character progression and engagement.
Jun 16, 2019
HJRP2413 Player and Character Knowledge, Decompressing
1:14:14
hjrp2413 Your Hosts: Stu, Kimi, Gina, Stork In this Episode: Andreas writes in about character vs player knowledge. Christopher Grey send a confession. Chris from Scotland asks how to unwind after an intense game.
Jun 09, 2019
HJRP2412 Tactics and Theater of the Mind, DnD and New Players, GMing and Charity
1:05:16
hjpr2412 Your hosts: Stu, Kimi, Tappy In this episode: Andreas writes in about tactical option for theater of the mind gaming. Jonas writes in about DnD and new players. Eric from NJ writes in about an idea that won't leave him alone.
Jun 01, 2019
HJRP2411 Live from Gamex 2019 Sponsored by Easyrollerdice
2:10:08
hjrp2411 Live from Strategicon's Gamex 2019. Thank you to the Strategicon staff for their support and hospitality. Thank you to EasyRollerDice.com for sponsoring this episode.   Go to: easyrollerdice.com/giants  to check out their Dice of the Giants Kickstarter.
May 29, 2019
HJRP2410 Character Advancement, Murder Hobos, REVISED
1:11:02
hjrp2410 Your Hosts: Stu, Kimi, Tappy, Joey In this Episode: Andreas asks "do we need character advancement?" Ryan send thoughts on DnD classes. McWyrm writes in about a 10-year-old murder hobo.
May 18, 2019
HJRP2409 Pyrrhic Successes, Face in DnD, APs and TTRPG
1:08:28
hjrp2409 Your hosts: Stu, Kimi, Jason, Stork In this Episode: We discuss Pyrrhic successes, Kurt writes in about Face characters in DnD. Ryan writes in to ask what effects APs are having on the TTRPG hobby.
May 11, 2019
HJRP2408 DnD Classes, Parting With Game Stuff, Noir, Anniversary
1:03:38
hjrp2408 In this Episode: Midas from Adelaide writes in to defend DnD classes. JimTo asks about parting with game materials and regrets. Joecrack asks, "Is Detective Noir a playable game?" Anniversary wishes.
May 04, 2019
HJRP2407 NPC Crowd Control, Players Driving, Coast-ism
1:16:31
hjrp2407 In this Episode: Steffi in Scotland writes in about NPC crowd control. Ben from Texas suggests letting the players drive. Alex calls us on our coast-ism.  
Apr 27, 2019
HJRP2406 People of Color in RPGs
1:18:14
hjrp2406 Your hosts: Aabria, Jim, Pooja, and J. In this Episode: Elderman writes in about fantasy races in RPGs and how they're bad. Fredrix writes in about portrying PCs of color. Eric writes in about his gaming group's lack of diversity. and Bobcatt asks about a good scenario for first-time players.  
Apr 17, 2019
HJRP2405 Fan of the PCs, 1d4 Con, Hippie Games
1:03:10
hjrp2405 Your hosts: Stu, Kimi, Jason, Gina In this Episode: Eric from NJ asks "Can the GM be too much of a fan of the PCs?" James writes in about 1d4 Con, which starts May 3rd. And Joe wants to know what Stu thinks a hippie game is.
Apr 06, 2019
HJRP2404 Exotic Atmospheres, Con Report, Horror
1:09:56
hjrp2404 Your hosts: Stu, Adam, Joey In this episode: Steve from SoCal writes in about exotic atmospheres in Traveller. OutOfPrintGM sends us his report from Aricon. Slojack sends us a horror story.  
Apr 04, 2019
HJRP2403 Clues, Finding Gamers, Professions as Skills
1:02:20
HJRP2403 Your hosts: Stu, Kimi, Tappy, Joey In this episode: Davio writes in about making sure players find clues. Mike from MI writes in about finding and holding on to gaming groups. And Byron writes in about jobes and professions in DnD.  
Mar 23, 2019
HJRP2402 Player Memories, Classes, Learning the Rules
1:14:57
hjrp2402 Your hosts: Stu, Kimi, Stork, Joey In this Episode: Steve in SoCal writes in about player and PC perceptions. Johnny sends us an email about classes and DnD. Craig (whodo on the forum) asks about getting players to learn the rules.  
Mar 16, 2019
HJRP2401 Passing Time, Getting Rules Wrong, Horror
1:01:52
hjrp2401 Your hosts: Stu, Kimi, Aabria, Tappy In this Episode: Brian writes in about the passing of time. Juho from Finland writes in about people getting rules totally wrong. And Dave from Tampa sends in a horror story.
Mar 09, 2019
DRAGON08 Happy Jacks RPG Actual Play, Dragon Heist, DnD5E
3:05:15
DRAGON08 GM: Aabria Game: Dragon Heist System: Dungeons & Dragons 5e GM: Aabria Players: Jason, Mac, Teri, Adam Summary: A grand urban caper awaits! Our party tests their skill and bravado against villains the likes of which they've never faced before, and let the dragon hunt begin! Famed explorer Volothamp Geddarm needs them to complete a simple quest. Thus begins a mad romp through the wards of Waterdeep as they uncover a villainous plot involving some of the city’s most influential figures!   Visit happyjacks.org/dragonheist for a full list of this game’s videos and podcasts.   Tags: podcast, podcasts, rpg, actual play, rpg ap, dungeons and dragons, DnD, d&d, dragon heist, waterdeep, heist
Mar 03, 2019
HJRP2320 Social Skills, Gaming and Life, Horror and Triumph
1:07:46
hjrp2320 Your Hosts: Stu, Kimi, Stork, Adam In this Episode: EricaB brings up a very old Necro-Topic: Social Skills. Byron writes in about gaming and life balance. And JoeGun sends us a Horror Story turned Triumph.  
Mar 03, 2019
HJRP2319 Con Reflections, Setting Rules, New Systems
1:01:12
hjpr2319 Your hosts: Stu, Gina, Tappy, Christopher In this Episode: We reflect on Orccon2019. Jonnie from New Zealand writes in about setting rules. Greg from Virginia writes in about trying new systems.  
Feb 23, 2019
HJRP2318 Live from Orccon 2019
2:18:51
hjrp2318 Live from Orccon 2019 Note: this is a convention show. As such, it does not use the same format as our regular shows. If this is your first episode, you might want to listen to another episode, to hear a more usual episode.
Feb 17, 2019
HJRP2317 Partial Pre-Gen PCs, Sand Box, Playing the Persecuted
1:24:38
hjrp2317 Your Hosts: Stu, Kimi, Jim, Tappy In this Episode: We discuss the upcoming Orccon2019. We talks about partial pre-gen PCs or convention games. Brian resurrects the Sand Box horse-lich. And Eric from New Jersey writes in about playing persecuted minorities.
Feb 11, 2019
HJPR2316 Seven Deadly Sins of GMing, Abstract Role Playing, Senses and Immersion
1:02:48
hjrp2316 In this Episode: We discuss GMing sins. Doggos writes in about abstract RP. And Karlen from Austin writes in about senses and immersion.
Feb 02, 2019
HJRP2315 Player Expectations, Horror
1:17:32
hjrp2315 Your hosts: Stu, Kimi, Mac and Tappy In this Episode: KSC write in coining the term for what I was talking about in the last episode. Julie writes in on when to stop. And Doggos sends us a horror story.
Jan 28, 2019
HJRP2314 Short Sessions, Gaming With Kids, Horror
1:13:38
hjrp2314 Your hosts: Stu, Kimi, Gina, Stork In this Episode: Matt writes in to ask how to get the most out of a short session. Jeb writes in about gaming with kids. And Hanna from the Windy City writes in about an over-reaching player.  
Jan 21, 2019
HJRP2313 The Gauntlet, Trackless Railroads, Horror
1:02:38
Your hosts: Stu, Kimi, Jason M, Aabria, and Jason from the Gauntlet. In this Episode: Mr CJ writes in about railroads without tracks. Jason writes in to vent, and convey some horror. Johan writes in about picking up campaigns where others left off.
Jan 12, 2019
HJRP2312 Feedback, Horror
1:08:50
hjrp2312 Your hosts: Stu, Kimi, JiB, Stork. In this Episode: Nathan writes in about post-game feedback. Taurelin writes in about a situation where players are too in-character. And Niklas from Sweden sends us a story of horror and sorrow.
Jan 05, 2019
HJRP2311 PC Concepts, GMPCs and Horror
1:09:53
HJPR2311Your Hosts: Stu, Samantha, Aabria and Stork In this Episode: We discuss coming up with player character concepts. Fengrong writes in on GMPCs. And Riff sends us a horror story.
Dec 29, 2018
HJRP2310 Holiday Game, Fish Tanks, NWoD
1:03:44
hjrp2310 This episode of Happy Jacks is sponsored by EasyRollerDice.com. Check out their Metal Dice of Ancient Dragons series of dice now on Kickstarter, easyrollerdice.com/dragondice. In this Episode: Steve from Atlanta needs some validation for a holiday game. Johann from Sweden writes in on the Sandbox debate, but this time about Fish Tanks! Eric from New Jersey writes in about NWoD.
Dec 23, 2018
HJRP2309 PC Questionaires, Horror
1:07:03
hjrp2309 This episode is sponsored by easyrollerdice.com. Check out their new line, Metal Dice of Ancient Dragons, which is on Kickstarter now. In This Episode: We discuss PC questionnaires. Andreas from Sweden asks about the new Savage Worlds. And Johann from Sweden sends us a horror story.
Dec 16, 2018
HJRP2308 Player Choice, Castle Storming, Horror
1:04:00
hjrp2308 Your Hosts: Stu, Kimi, Gina, Stork In this Episode: Ryan writes in about the nature of player choice Harold from St Louis writes in about castle storming. And Carl in Wisconsin sends a con-game horror story.
Dec 09, 2018
HJRP2307 Sequels, Loot, Horror
1:01:59
hjrp2307 Your hosts: Stu, Kimi, Tappy In this Episode: We discuss campaign sequels and continuations. Kitor asks "Can Loot be Intimidation?" And Jeb sends us a horror story
Dec 02, 2018
HJRP2306 Mapped vs Mapless.
1:12:27
hjrp2306 In this Episode: We discuss mapless vs mapped combat. Rands writes in about consequences. Joshua in Edmonton writes in about Sandboxes.  
Nov 24, 2018
HJRP2305b Rainbow Railroad Farewell
8:33
This is just a brief closing to our 24-hour gaming marathon fundraiser for RainbowRailroad. You can donate at happyjacks.org/rainbow.
Nov 19, 2018
HJRP2305a Rainbow Railroading Kickoff, GMing Guidelines
1:12:47
hjrp2305a Your hosts: Stu, Kimi, Adam In this Episode: We discuss the following 24-hour gaming streamathon from rainbowrailroad. You can donate at happyjacks.org/rainbow. We discuss some basic rules for good GMing.  Dave from Tampa sends us a possible GM success story? And Fredrix sends us a 24-hour gaming marathon horror story.
Nov 19, 2018
HJRP2304 Fundraiser Announcement, One Note, NPC Personalities, Cthulhu, Horror
1:18:56
hjrp2304 In this Episode: We announce our upcoming fundraiser to benefit rainbowrailroad.com. Donate at happyjacks.org/rainbow. Watch Friday, November 16, at 6:30pm Pacific time through Saturday, November 17 at 8:00pm. We'll start with our Friday night advice show and play six four-hour game sessions. Should be plenty of AP goodness for every time zone. Carl writes in about One Note and NPC personalities. Jonas asks for some advice about his Nyarlathotep campaign. Johan writes in with a horror story and thoughts on good metagaming.  
Nov 10, 2018
HJRP2303 Party Splitting, Exploding Dice, Burps in Canada
1:48:42
hjrp2303 Your hosts: Stu, Tappy, Mac, Clara In this Episode: Johan from Sweden talks party splitting and exploding dice. Joshua from Canada sends us a couple stories and contends that burps are okay in Canada. Steve in So Cal writes in on the virtues of accurate timekeeping, per the Gygax.  
Nov 04, 2018
HJRP2302 Recordkeeping, Bibles
2:03:42
HJRP2302 In this Episode: We discuss GM in-game recordkeeping. Joe from the IE sends us an interesting resource he’s discovered. Show bibles.  And Gaz the GM from the Netherlands sends us a followup.  
Oct 28, 2018
HJRP2301 Player Solutions, Women in Gaming
2:34:04
hjrp2301 Your Hosts: Kimi, Gina, Tappy, Jim In this Episode: Steve from So Cal asks about anticipating player solutions.  The Reverend Doctor Johnson writes in about women in gaming.  Kosta from Adelaide sends a story of player pride. Gaz the DM from the Netherlands needs some urgent advice.  
Oct 21, 2018
HJRP2220 GMPCs, Pacificsts, Modules
1:21:29
hjrp2220 In this Episode: Jason asks about GM PCs, NPC party members and has a brief confession Tom from Oklahoma writes in about pacifists and modules. Harold from St. Louis asks about effects that “lock down” PCs.
Oct 14, 2018
HJRP2219 Sandboxes, Small DnD Games, Convention Game Sequels
1:21:45
hjrp2219 Your Hosts: Stu, Aabria, Jim, Tappy In this Episode: Sean from NJ writes in about sandboxes. Drayle88 sends us a rebuttal about 2-player DnD campaigns. Tadd in Kansas asks about convention game sequels.
Oct 08, 2018
HJRP2218 Consistency Tactical Combat Deja Vu Mundane Fear
1:28:45
hjrp2218 In this episode:  Ed from Florida says consistency is key with world design. MRCJ disagrees with us on tactical combat systems and calls us snotty. Isaac sends a remarkably familiar email... And JAD writes in about mundane fear. Your Hosts: Stu, Kimi, Stork, Gina  
Sep 30, 2018
HJRP2217 One-Shots, NOT Space Combat, Conversion
1:11:27
hjrp2217 In this Episode: Hour 11 sends us a question about one-shots. Kurt illustrates now NOT to do space combat. Terry from Idaho sends a story about a conversion.
Sep 23, 2018
HJRP2216 NPC Plot Immunity, Dice Curses, Annoying
1:35:05
hjrp2216 In this Episode: Kevin from Jackmonkeygames.com writes in about NPC plot immunity. Mike from PA believes he has the dice curse. Larry sends us a game day report and a question. JimTo sends us an annoying Con Game story.
Sep 16, 2018
HJRP2215 Rule Zero, Space Combat, Success
1:29:39
hjrp2215 Your Hosts: Stu, Kimi, Tappy, Gina In this Episode: Steven writes in to question Rule Zero (at least one definition of it). Sam from Lakewood says space combat isn’t boring!! Isaac from Texas sends us a success story.
Sep 09, 2018
HJRP2214 Happy Jacks Live from Gateway 2018
2:22:39
hjrp2214 This show was recorded live at Gateway 2018. Thank you to the Strategicon.net staff for their hospitality.
Sep 03, 2018
HJRP2213 Exploration, Small Groups, Success, Food
1:36:10
hjrp2213 Your hosts: Stu, Tappy and Jim Join us, August 31 to September 3 at Strategicon.net's Gateway 2018. Next week's show will be at Gateway 2018, on Saturday at 8pm Pacific time. Location TBA. Show Notes: The Magic Octopus sends us questions about GMing small groups and hex crawls. Steve from Atlanta sends us a success story. Andreas from Sweden writes in about settings and using food and drink an props.  
Aug 26, 2018
HJRP2212 Pacifist PCs, Game Design and Fun, Space Combat
1:34:52
hjrp2212 Your Hosts: Stu, Kimi, Stork, Kurt In this episode: Zach from Baltimore writes in about great WWII movies and asks a question about a pacifist PC. Kurt asks if he's designing himself out of gaming. And Steve from SoCal writes in to revisit space combat.
Aug 19, 2018
HJRP2211 Encouraging New GMs, Horror, Settings, Canon
1:32:29
hjrp2211 Your Hosts: Stu, Kimi, Joey, Tappy In this Episode: Davio asks about encouraging new GMs.  Terry in Idaho asks for some setting suggestions.  MinipainterJen sends us a story about canon and RPGs. And Blake sends us a horror story from Y2K.
Aug 12, 2018
HJRP2210 Repercussions and Backtracking
1:55:28
hjrp2210 Your Hosts: Stu, Kimi, Stork, Aabria In this Episode: Repercussions of PCs’ past actions (L5R example). Joe from the IE writes in about stakes in combat. Long-time listener Kairaku sends his diverse mutterings and a tale of unintended consequences.  
Aug 07, 2018
HJRP2209 PbtA, OSR, Spinal Tap, Praise
2:11:09
hjrp2209 Your Hosts: Stu, Gina, CADave, Stork In this episode: Andreas in Sweden sends us thoughts on PbtA, OSR and Spinal Tap. Jacob sends us a question about getting along in a new group. Kindros sends us some praise. And Joe Crack sends us a con story.
Jul 29, 2018
HJRP2208 Newbies, Space Combat, Pseudo Horror
1:59:52
hjrp2208 Your hosts: Stu, Dave77, Stork Thank you to Easy Roller Dice for supporting this episode of Happy Jacks RPG Podcast. Check out their Kickstarter for their new over-sized dice cups (with lids!) at easyrollerdice.com/cup. Show Notes! Matthew asks about GMing for newbies. Harold asks "does space combat have to be boring?" And Craig sends us a pseudo-horror story about GMing mediocrity.  
Jul 21, 2018
HJRP2207 Props, Horror, Disappointment, Triumph
1:20:09
hjrp2207 Your hosts: Stu, Kimi, Mac, Tappy In this Episode: We discuss props. Jeb sends us a note about Fear the Con, a New Book and an Observation. Drayle 88 sends us a real horror story. Eric from Indiana sends us A Tale of Disappointment and Triumph. Jeb's new book is available at Amazon.
Jul 15, 2018
HJRP2206 Black and White, Episodic Games, LARP
1:31:11
hjrp2206 Your Hosts: Kimi, Gina, CADave, Stork In this Episode: We discuss Mr CJ’s post on the Forum about eschewing shades of gray. Blake from Australia sends some comments on episodic games and new players. Eric from New Jersey sends us some info for the LARP curious.  
Jul 07, 2018
HJRP2205 Sources of Drama, Horror and Horror
2:08:13
HJRP2205 Your hosts: Stu, Kimi, Tappy, Aabria In this Episode: Michael from Wisconsin asks about other sources of drama in conflict. Joe Crack sends a response to last week's episode and horror story. And Leatherneck sends us a horror story with a lesson.
Jul 01, 2018
HJRP2204 Co-GMing, 10 Candles, Con Game Etiquette
2:09:05
hjrp2204 Your Hosts: Stu, Kimi, Stork, Adam In this Episode: We discuss Co-GMing. Jonas Larrsen sends us an email.  Steve from Atlanta sends praise and ideas for 10 Candles. Matt asks about con game etiquette -- specifically when to bail.
Jun 23, 2018
HJRP2203 Disparate Power Levels, Horror
1:12:21
hjrp2203 Your hosts: Stu, Kimi, Tappy, Aabria In this Episode: Steve from SoCal writes in with some thoughts on porportional RPGing, or intra-party balance. We discuss. Daniel from Texas sends us a horror story. Ayslyn sends us a horror story … gone right? Only about a week left to support Tsunamicon in Wichita, Kansas. www.tsunamicon.org/kickstarter
Jun 02, 2018
HJRP2202 – Live from GameX 2018
1:12:06
Your hosts: Kimi and the Happy Jacks Crew and Audience Join us as we recap the games we played and ran at GameX 2018!
May 30, 2018
HJRP2201 With Fear the Boot, Canon in RPGs, Murderhoboism and Exploitation, Riddle
2:19:03
HJRP2201 Your Hosts: Stu, Kimi, Stork, and Dan and Chris from Fear the Boot. Show Notes! We discuss a bit about RPG podcasting history and using existing canon in RPGs. Fredrix writes in about murderhoboism and exploitation. And Oli sends us a riddle from his first RPG experience. A big THANK YOU to Dan and Chris for joining us in this episode!
May 27, 2018
HJRP2120 Strategicon’s Gamex, Language, Religion (Again)
1:28:07
HJRP2120 Your hosts: Stu, Kimi, Jim and Mike www.strategicon.net Show Notes! We discuss the upcoming con. Steffi from Scotland takes umbrage with the DnD/religion conversation. Hoyle sends us a story about language in games.
May 19, 2018
HJRP2119 Religion and Magic, Musings, Props
1:34:45
HJRP2119 Your Hosts: Stu, Kimi, Tappy, Aabria In this Episode: Ed from Minnesota writes in about religion in games. Steve from SoCal sends three musings. Axel from Germany sends us a props-related horror story.  
May 12, 2018
HJRP2118 Legacy Campaign, Tainting Experience, Triumph and Learning
2:03:26
hjrp2118 Your hosts: Stu, Kimi, Gina, Tappy In this Episode: Sam asks for legacy campaign advice. Ben from Texas writes in about tainting the player experience. Isaac from Texas sends us a tale of triumph and learning.
May 05, 2018
HJRP2117 Schrodinger’s Plot Hook, Religion, Language
1:58:33
hjrp2117 In this Episode: Mike from MI asks about Schrodinger's Plot Hook. Steve in SoCal writes in about faith and religion in RPGs. Daniel sends us a GURPS well actually about languages. Your Hosts: Stu, Gina, Adam, Stork
Apr 28, 2018
HJRP2116 Rivals, Finding Fun, Horror
1:35:33
hjrp2116 Your hosts: Stu, Kimi, Joey, Stork In this Episode: HeavymetalJess asks about rivals. Ed from Florida write in about finding fun. And M from the Twin Cities sends us a horror story and asks for advice.  
Apr 21, 2018
HJRP2115 Languages in RPGs, Crossroad, Confession
1:38:44
hjpr2115 Your hosts: Stu, Kimi, Mac, Stork In this Episode: We discuss languages in RPGs, EricaOdd asks for advice on where do go in her Dragon Age game, and Dungeon Master Dan sends us a confession.
Apr 14, 2018
HJRP2114 Taking Things Seriously
1:56:27
hjrp2114 Your hosts: Stu, Adam, Jason, Stork In this episode: We discuss taking things seriously.. James writes in about first session shenanigans. Brandyn from Delaware writes in about dynamic vs. static damage. And Steve from Atlanta writes in about our first AP, Ghostbusters LA.
Apr 07, 2018
HJRP2113 Player-Driven Campaigns
1:51:58
hjrp2113 In this Episode: William from Minnesota asks about player-driven campaigns. A Three part email from Daniel in Australia. And Steffi from Scotland sends us a horror story about first-time gaming.
Mar 31, 2018
HJRP2112 Hero’s Journey, Kids at Cons, Horror
2:05:00
hjrp2112 Your Hosts: Stu, Gina, Tappy In this Episode: David from Montreal writes in with a question about the hero’s journey in RPGs. Eric from New Jersey asks about taking kids to game cons. Mike from Maximum Irritation sends us a Pathfinder horror story.
Mar 26, 2018
HJRP2111 Splitting the Party in Real Life
2:03:53
HJRP2111   This episode is sponsored by Easyrollerdice.com. Check out their large leather-lite dice bag kickstarter at easyrollerdice.com/bag Your hosts: Stu, Stork, HosierRob and Aabria In this Episode: Corbin Twa writes in about splitting the party in real life. Brandon from Ontario (Canadia) give us an update about his high school RPG club. Sgt Dan writes in to talk about explaining RPGs and to plug Fear the Con. Brian from LBC writes in about GM motivation.      
Mar 19, 2018
HJRP2110 Player Engagement – Sponsored by Easyrollerdice.com
1:32:03
hjrp2110 This episode is sponsored by EasyRollerDice.com and their self-standing leather-lite dice bags, now being kickstartered -- go to easyrollerdice.com/bag for more information. Your Hosts: Kimi, Mac, Jason, Tappy In this Episode: We discuss player engagement, how to get it and how to keep it. Dave from New York sends a success story, a horror story and a confession. David from Tampa asks (in the form of a horror story) why so many players play evil PCs. Askew Dragon sends us a “I never thought this would happen to me” story.  
Mar 12, 2018
HJRP21-09 Memory, Jackercon, Horror Story
1:49:12
hjrp2109 Your Hosts: Stu, Kimi, Adam In this Episode: Ben asks for some help with player memory retention. Curt writes in to promote Jackercon. Jason send in a GMing horror story with a twist.
Mar 05, 2018
HJRP2108 Sauruon Dilemma, Scheduling, Vetting, Bending Rules for New Players
1:37:34
hjrp2108 Your Hosts: Stu, Joey, Tappy In this Episode: Ben from Texas brings up the Sauron Dilemna. Christopher (Mystic Fedora?) says Stu’s right (and so is he). Joseph from the IE asks about scheduling and vetting. Ben from Texas (it’s a Ben from Texas doubleheader) writes in about customizing the game.
Feb 25, 2018
HJRP2107 Live from Orccon 2018
2:07:11
hjrp2107 Live from Orccon 2018 Thank you to the folks at Strategicon for allowing us to record our show live at Orccon 2018. For more information about these conventions, go to strategicon.net.
Feb 19, 2018
HJRP2106 Social Contracts, Gaming in Brazil, Success, Failure
3:24:42
hjrp2106 Your Hosts: Stu, Gina, Adam, Stork In This Episode:  David from Tampa writes in about social contracts and gaming. Marcus from Brazil found a game! And tells us about it. Jeff sends us a GM success story and a horror story. Kosta from Adelaide sends not one but two dramatically appropriate horror stories. We also go off on A LOT of tangents.
Feb 11, 2018
HJRP2105 Chases, Illegal Dice, Horror
2:09:22
hjrp2105 Your Hosts: Stu, CADAve, Jason, Stork In this Episode: MRCJ writes in about chases, and we will disucss. Gottfried asks if RPG Dice Illegal in California?! Isaac from Texas needs help. Alervant sends a horror story. And Jason sends a horror story form bygone days.
Feb 05, 2018
HJRP2104 Email Catchup, Dead Horses, Success, Stepping Up
2:20:19
HJRP2104 Your Hosts: Stu, Kimi, Jason, Tappy In this Episode: Marcus from Brazil can’t find an open seat at a Vampire tabletop game in Brazil. Heavy Metal Jess sends some love for our nostalgia. Brandon from Ontario writes in to report on his teenagers’ game and has a question. Joseph writes in with his take on your agency vs emotion discussion. Tayleron writes in asking about scheduling. Andreas from Sweden writes about falling damage and a player holding slavishly to their high concept in a FATE game. Zombie@Heart writes in with a GM and player win.  
Jan 28, 2018
HJRP2103 Grokking PCs and NPCs, Skype Games, Love, Confession, Horror
1:49:02
hjrp2103 Your Hosts: Stu, Kimi, Davy, Stork In this Episode: We discuss grokking a PC or NPC. Bobby from Belgium asks for some tips running a game over Skype. The Reverend Doctor Johnson sends a brief love note. Minnesota sends us a confession and horror story.  
Jan 20, 2018
HJRP2102 Agency and Emotion
2:19:13
hjrp2102 In this Episode: We discuss player agency and character emotions. James from New Jersey writes in about playing without a GM. Midas Karats from Adelaide Australia shares some stuff. Chris from Osaka sends us a missive about characters changing in unexpected ways.
Jan 13, 2018
HJPR2101 Down-time RP, Triumphant Return
1:50:46
HJRP2101 Your Hosts: Stu, Tappy, Gina, Joey In this Episode: In our continuing GMing tips, we discuss downtime roleplaying. Sam in Lakewood asks for some adventure building advice. Juho from Finland asks about letting players narrate successes.  Don in Pittsburg asks about breaking in a new guy.
Jan 08, 2018
HJRP2020 Game Systems, Traveller Timeline, Finding Fun
1:43:26
HJRP2020 Your hosts: Stu, JiB, Stork Show Notes! Steve from Atlanta asks why we tend toward certain game systems. Bud asks about the Traveller RPG timeline. Jonas writes in about running a game he's reluctant to run.
Dec 30, 2017
HJRP2019 Describing, Falling, Winning, Questioning, Horroring
1:24:38
hjrp2019 Your Hosts: Stu, Kimi, JiB, Stork  In this Episode: Chris from Ontario sends us a note on describing scenery. Chris in Canada sends us a note on DnD falling damage. Eric from New Jersey has a GM Victory story. MN DieTosser sends us a question, some news and a horror story.    
Dec 23, 2017
HJRP2018 Rules, What Rules
1:44:47
hjpr2018 Your hosts: Stu, Ed and JiB In this Episode: GMing Tips: Rules? What Rules? Goluptious Geeks asks for form system selection advice.  Axel from Germany writes in about some GM Lessons from the Mote of Sin. Sean from Seattle writes in with a confession? A triumph? He’s not really sure.
Dec 19, 2017
HJRP2017 Improving Improv, Indecision, Investment
2:20:24
HJRP2017 Your Hosts: Stu, ProbieTim, Stork and Kimi In this Episode: GMing Tips: Improving Improv for GMs.  Garrett asks about Making fulfilling filler.  William from Minnesota writes in about player indecision.  Dan sends a tale of Legend and Celebration. And ZombieHeart from So Cal writes in about Too Much player investment??
Dec 10, 2017
HJRP2016 Building Villains, Improving Youth Play, Superheroic Shenanigans
1:44:34
hjrp2016 In this Episode: GMing Topic: Building villains. Brendon from Ontario writes in about helping teenagers play better, and Clockwork Monk writes in about seven hours of superheroic shenanigans. This episode of Happy Jacks RPG Podcast is brought to you by listeners like you. If you would like to support the show, go to happyjacks.org/patreon.  
Dec 02, 2017
HJRP2015 GMing Tips: Making Scenes Come Alive, Is Magic a Crutch? Narration and Horror
1:32:13
hjrp2015 Your Hosts: Stu, Stork and Scott Woodard. Check out the Savage Worlds Flash Gordon Kickstarter Scott mentioned. In this Episode: GMing Topic: Making scenes come alive. Eric from Kansas City asks, “Is magic a GM crutch?” Juho from Finlands writes in about players narrating after a contest resolution. And Drayle88 sends us a gaming horror story.
Nov 25, 2017
HJRP2014
1:09:11
hjrp2014 updated Your Hosts: Stu, JiB, Kimi In this Episode: GMing Tips: Fleshing out NPCs. Ayslyn writes in about pacing a high-travel campaign. Tomi from Finland sends some thoughts on character abilities (and lack thereof) and how that affects a campaign. And Bill in Longmont Colorado sends a GURPS GMing success story.
Nov 19, 2017
HJRP2013 Misdirection, Flashbacks, Time Travel, Military Gaming Stories
1:16:30
HJRP2013 Your hosts: Stu, Stork, JiB, Kimi This episode is sponsored by Palladium Books, makers of RIFTS, TMNT, Dead Reign, and much more. Check them out at palladiumbooks.com. In this Episode: Steve from So Cal discusses red herrings Axel writes in with his take on Flashbacks. Luis suggests a quick time travel solution. And Leatherneck writes in with some military gaming stories.    
Nov 12, 2017
HJRP2012
1:29:47
hjpr2012 Your host: Stu, Stork, Joey, Gina In this Episode: Chris from Ontario, Canada writes in about new editions Scot relays a player nightmare. Niklas from Stockholm sends us a story about dying three times. This episode of Happy Jacks is sponsored by Palladium Books. You can find them at PalladiumBooks.com.
Nov 04, 2017
HJRP2011
2:11:32
HJRP2011 Your hosts: Gina, Stork, Kurt, Maire In this Episode: Isaac from Texas needs some GMing Help Kain Guru writes in about Over enthusiastic teens aka short attention spans and the impulse to be the first to shoot Axel writes in (to Stork) about social skill rolls and minmaxing. Sam relates a tale of GMing triumph Niklas from Stockholm relates a story of dying three times in one session.  
Oct 29, 2017
HJRP2010 Scott Woodard, Unsticking GM Brains
1:13:10
HJRP2010 Your hosts: Stu, Stork, JiB and PEG's Scott Woodard In this Episode: Aviv writes in asking about ways to “unstick” yourself, GMing wise. Charas writes in about glossing over combat. Steve from Atlanta tells the tale of a PC killing another PC on purpose.    
Oct 22, 2017
HJRP2009 Starting Sessions, Flashbacks, Funk and Will
1:30:08
hjrp2009 In this Episode:   Bennett from Pittsburg asks about starting games without combat. Zach in Chicago sends one way a PbtA game handles flashbacks. Iaquas sends us a gamer funk tip. Gene in Elk Grove writes in about Overriding PC Free Will Sir Guido asks “what should I have done?”
Oct 15, 2017
Keith Baker Interview
21:19
I had a chance to sit down briefly with Keith Baker while at Gencon. Here's the interview. Thank you to Keith for taking time out of his day.
Oct 11, 2017
HJRP2008 Flashbacks, Mouseguard, Rules Splicing, Promotion
1:34:16
hjpr2008 Your hosts: Stu and Stork In this Episode: Julian from Paris writes about playing with time and narration. James from 1d4Cast Podcast sends us a quick breakdown of Mouseguard. Charas writes about transplanting favorite rules into other game systems. And Julie from Connecticut asks how to promote a game.  
Oct 07, 2017
HJRP2007 Drama vs Foolishness, Advice, Horror
1:24:04
HJRP2007 Your host: Stu, Stork, Gina In this Episode: Brian Writes in about Drama vs. Foolishness Reamus writes in with an urgent request for advice. Gene from Elk Grove writes in with a thank you. And Mike from Michigan sends us an update about a horror story.  
Sep 24, 2017
HJRP2006 NPC Drawbacks, Player Conflict, Confession
1:40:28
HJRP2006 Your Hosts: Kimi, Stork, JiB, Gina In this Episode: Jonas Larsson writes in about handling NPC drawbacks. Charas asks about player conflict. Dave from Chicago sends a long overdue Fuck You. Leatherneck sends us a Player confession (and GM nightmare).
Sep 18, 2017
HJRP2005 LARPs, Bookkeeping and Horror
1:54:16
HJRP2005 Your hosts: Stu, Patric, Michael and Stork In this Episode: Patrick and Michael talk LARP Steven in So Cal writes in about bookkeeping being fun?! Drayle 88 sends some questions and recounts his game. West sends us an update and treats us to a horror story.
Sep 11, 2017
HJRP2004 Live from Gateway 2017
2:14:30
HRP2004 Live from Gateway 2017
Sep 03, 2017
HRJP2003 Gateway 2017, Superheroic Conflict, Confessions
1:53:25
HJRP2003 Your hosts: Stu, Jim, Mike, Stork. In this Episode: Mike and Jim from Strategicon will talk about the upcoming game con. Stu will relate a bit about Gencon Clockwork Monk is looking for Superheroic conflict. Csaras from Poland writes in with some questions. Amar from Vancouver sends us a GM Confession.
Aug 27, 2017
HJRP2002 Group Chargen, Choking, Gencon50 Report
1:15:06
HJRP2002 This episode of Happy Jacks RPG Podcast is sponsored by EasyRollerDice.com. Check out the Kickstarter for their innovative dice tray, including a staging area so only the dice you're rolling are in the tray. You can find it at:  www.easyrollerdice.com/tray Thank you to EasyRollerDice.com for their continued support! If you like the show, please consider supporting our sponsors. In this Episode: Stu, Bill and Dave77 report from Gencon50. Sgt Dan writes in with some idea on character/group creation. Ben from Texas asks for some advice when he chokes.
Aug 21, 2017
HJRP2001 Villains for Kids, More on Hit Point Fudging, Success
1:25:54
HJRP2001 Your hosts: Stu, Stork, Gina Eight years ago today, we released our first episode of Happy Jacks RPG Podcast. We didn't realize this at the time of recording, but in celebration, I've included our original, crappy artwork for the show both here and attached to the .mp3 file. According to my FTP list, we've published 380 episodes (though it's probably more like 375). We'd like to raise a glass to our listeners old and new. You've listened, you've critiqued, you've contributed and you've sat through more Human Centipede references than I can count. Thank you for your patronage, support and feedback. -- Stu In this episode: Out of print GM asks: Running a villain game for kids? Mr Manowar writes in about our divisive hobby. Abacus from Missouri writes in about Hit point Fudging. And David from Florida sends us a GM success story.  
Aug 13, 2017
HJRP1920 Spinning Plates, Investment, Full Picture, Fudge
1:32:49
HJRP1920 Your hosts: Stu, Kimi, Stork In this Episode: We discuss spinning plate syndrome. Javier from Spain asks about keeping players invested between sesions. Niklas from Sweden writes in about player when having the full picture. James writes in about a Yes-Anding Failure -- Or is it just crazy players? And Alervant asks: is this going too far with dice fudging?
Aug 05, 2017
HJRP1919 Note Passing and PC Secrets
2:14:46
HJPR1919 Your hosts: Stu, Gina, JiB, Jason In this Episode: We discuss sidebars, note passing, and other methods of keeping PC secrets. Axel sends us a story about his gaming youth. Eric from New Jersey has some L5R woes. Zac from Chicago writes in about fixing boring combat. Manuel writes in about creating a group.
Jul 31, 2017
HJRP1918 Frustration, Fantastic, Noir, Passive Players
1:44:25
HJRP1918 Your hosts: Stu, Stork, Emily, ProbieTim In this Episode: Tayloron asks how to frustrate the characters without fAdd Newrustrating the players Andreas muses about roleplaying without the fantastic. Zoomfarg asks about running a cyberpunk noir sort of game. Axel has some thoughts about passive players.
Jul 24, 2017
HJRP1917 Backstories, First Time
HJRP1917 Your hosts: Stu, Gina, Stork In this Episode: Len from Miami sends some thoughts on character backstory. Chris in Long Beach writes in to suggest that your first shouldn’t be your player’s first. StevenSW sends a PbtA well-actual about falling damage. Kenigma sends us some things he’s learned about RPGs.
Jul 15, 2017
HJRP1916 Cracking Down, Character Arcs, Horror
HJRP1916 Your hosts: Stu, Stork, ProbieTim In this Episode: West asks is there such a thing at too lenient of a GM? Or are there times when you should crack down? Alervant asks When does the character’s story arc end? Steve writes in with some thank yous to the show. Brian from Osaka has some DM nightmares
Jul 09, 2017
HJRP1915 NPCs, Death, Leveling
HJRP1915 Your hosts: Stu, Stork, HosierRob, ProbieTim In this Episode: Topic: How to Handle Character Death GM John writes in for advice on a passive, spectator player.    Chris in Canada sends us a well-actually about DnD leveling from days of old. Vincent writes in about mechanical canon in RPGs. Steve in SoCal sends us some effective uses of NPCs.    
Jul 01, 2017
HJRP1914 Tension, Prophecy, Fallacy, Oh My!
HJRP1914 Your hosts: Stu, Kurt, Maire, Stork. In this Episode: We’ll talk about How to create tension in a scene that isn’t combat? Sam From Lakewood writes in for some prophesy advice. Kitor suggests a new logical fallacy and asks for some DM advice.  Joe writes in to suggest Earthdawn. Jonas Larsons sends in a horror story involving Stu.  
Jun 24, 2017
HJRP1913 Gritty Settings, Perception, Online Prep
HJRP1913 Your Hosts: Stu, Nick, Ed, ProbieTim In this Episode: Neil writes in about the harsh reality of gritty games. Enn from Canada sends thoughts on prerolling perception and the 1983 World Scout Jamboree (whee!!). Brad from Mid-MO asks about minimizing prep in an online game. Harold from St. Louis sends us a game on horror story. And Brian send in a horror story about himself.  
Jun 18, 2017
HJRP1912 Finding Players, Dresden Files and More
HJRP1912 Your hosts: Stu, Kimi, Gina, JiB, Stork   In this Episode: Eric from New Jersey sends us a farewell to his GM.  Sean from New Jersey asks how players get when you no players have you want to get. Steven from Atlanta is looking for another system for Dresden Files.  Of the Hill People asks, how many session until you evaluate keeping the game.  Iain from the UK asks for advice to run a short campaign. SovereignCitizenKane sends us a horror story about reaching the breaking  point.  
Jun 10, 2017
HJRP1911 Co-GMing, GMPCs, Betrayal
HJRP1911 Your hosts: Gina, Stork, HosierRob, CADave, ProbieTim In this Episode: James writes in about two GMS share one world. Ben from Texas sends a defense of GMPCs. James fro Ottawa sends a Tale of Betrayal Kileigh sends a too long story about gaming table discomfort.
Jun 03, 2017
HJRP1910 Live from Gamex 2017
HJRP1920 Your hosts: Kimi and the Happy Jacks Crew and Audience  
May 30, 2017
HJRP1909 FATE Epiphany, Likable NPCs, and more
HJRP1909 Your hosts: Stu, Stork, Bill and Jessie In this Episode: Daniel shares his epiphany about FATE. Dan from Minnesota asks about making likeable NPCs. Eran in London ask about explaining Savage Worlds in a web comic. Tim writes in about ending a session. Email: happyjacksrpg@gmail.com Social Media: Twitter: happyjacksrpg Also on Instagram: happyjacksrpg Live Stream: If you’d like to watch the show live, you can find out how at happyjacks.org/live Or happyjacks.org/twitch,or happyjacks.org/youtube   Announcements: Jackercon 13: We Don’t Need Another Hero. Last week in June and the first week in July. You can register and sign up for games at jackercon.com
May 23, 2017
HJRP1908 GM Performance Anxiety, GM ADHD
HJRP1908 Your hosts: Stu, Stork, JiB, Gina Show Notes! Jim from Portland asks a performance anxiety question and shares a picture.  Tayleron from Newfoundland asks about GMADHD. Drayle88 asks for some recommendations for a system for some newbies.  Jeffry with 1 E shares a horror story.
May 15, 2017
HJRP1907 Callbacks, Starts and Burnout
HJRP1907 Your hosts: CADave, Tim, HosierRob and Clockverk Show Notes!  Rav writes in about the power of the callback.  Matt in Canuckistan sends us an interesting game start scenario. New listener Jason asks about GM burnout. Josh from Orlando says there’s no defense for DnD. DM Frankie P sends a GMing horror story and request for advice.  
May 09, 2017
HJRP1906 – Gifts! Murder Mystery, Gaming Cultures, Character Development, Confession
HJRP1906 This episode of Happy Jacks RPG Podcast is sponsored by EasyRollerDice.com... (You can get 15% off their gun metal dice series by going to https://easyrollerdice.com/collections/metal-dice and using the code SALE15) ...and listeners like you. Your Hosts: Stu, Stork, Bill, Kimi Show Notes! Raemus asks for some Murder Mystery help. Andreas gives us a glimpse into another gaming culture. Axle asks about character development in a condensed/intense session. Ryan sends us a GM Confession.      
Apr 29, 2017
HJRP1905 Leveling, Players Who Don’t Fit in, Good Story, Cautionary Tale
HJRP1905 Your hosts: Stu, Stork, Gina, Kimi Show Notes! Andreas writes in with some feedback and some comments about leveling. Steve writes in about players who don’t want to fit in at all. Axel writes in with some thoughts about writing a good story. And Mad King Christopher sends us a cautionary tale.
Apr 25, 2017
HJRP1904 Perception Checks, Advice
HJRP1904 Your hosts: Stu, Stork, Bill, HosierRob Show Notes! Troll Under the Bridge writes in with more about perception rolls. GM John asks for some help with a player. Balder poses a convention game question. And Mystic Fedora writes in about problems without solutions and an ingenious solution.  
Apr 17, 2017
HJRP1903 Killing Mooks Again, Dying Campaigns, Horror
HJRP1903 Your Hosts: Stu, Stork, CADave, Kimi Show Notes! Steve from SoCal writes in again about killing mooks. Jonas writes in about handling dying campaigns The Only (other) Steve in So Cal writes about the dangerously futile exercise of defining RPG. Goluptuious Geek writes in with some fan mail and a horror story.    
Apr 08, 2017
HJRP1902 Perception Rolls, Murder Hobos, Big Reveals
hjrp1902 Your hosts: Stu, JiB, Stork, Gina Show Notes! Sgt Dan Writes in about Perception Rolls. James Writes in about Killing the Murder Hobo. Forrest, a long time listener, writes in for the first time. Ed from Minnesota writes in about levels and his Roman CoC game. Mystic Fedora sends us a GM Big Reveal that Worked.
Apr 01, 2017
HJRP1901 Geography, Downtime, New GMs, Unreasonable Antagonists
HJRP1901 Your hosts: Stu, Dave77, ProbieTim, Gina Show Notes: Lee writes in about three things. Marty from Sious Falls writes in about geography, downtime and a new GM story. Morgan writes in for advice about strong and unreasonable antagonists. Bill writes in with some convention game thoughts. Matthew writes in with a story about how to NOT deal with a bad GM. The boatload of links that listener Bill included in his email: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theBRaWL/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/shal.gcg/ https://www.facebook.com/Golems-Gate-Gaming-and-Geekdom-389415544743736/ https://www.facebook.com/genconindy/ https://www.youtube.com/user/Freelyxhttp://freelyx.com/   Save
Mar 12, 2017
HJRP1820 – PCs don’t Jive, World Building, Sharing Downtime
HJRP1820 Your Hosts: Stu, Stork, Gina, JiB  
Mar 05, 2017
HJRP1819 Writing a Good Story, an Ethical Dr. Douche, Campaign Idea, Snowflakes and Horror
HJRP1819 Your hosts: Stu, Stork, Jason, ProbieTim and JiB Show Notes! Doug from Texas asks How to Write a Good Story. Kevin from Roll vs Roll Cards suggest a way to ethically play Dr. Douche. Mike in Nebraska sends in a Campaign Idea. KurtPotts asks about Setting Specific vs Setting Agnostic systems. Name Withheld writes in about The Special Snow flake. Steve in SoCal sends us a GenCon Horror Story  
Feb 26, 2017
HJRP1817 Happy Jacks Chat With Strategicon Staff
We're joined with Jim Sandoval and Mike James, both volunteer organizers with Strategicon. Please note: the audio for this podcast was recovered from a back up.
Feb 11, 2017
HJRP1816 Moral Conundra, Defending DnD, Old and Young
HRJP1816 Your hosts: Stu, Stork, GMMace, Kimi Show Notes! Steve from So Cal writes in about killing mooks and other moral conumdrums.  Simon from Seattle defends DnD.  Steve from So Cal writes in about gaming with older and younger players.  StevenSw writes in about dramatic damage. Zombie Heart sends us a Horror Story.
Feb 07, 2017
HJRP1815 Argumentative Players, Romance, Adulting, Horror
HJRP1815 Your hosts: Stu, JiB, Kimi, Stork Show Notes: Desiree in South Carolina needs help with a very argumentative player. Dave from South Chicago writes in Regarding Romance in Games and Some Advice for a Teen GM. JimTo sends us some feedback .. and shit.  Zoomfarg wants to know how to adult. Lee sends us a horror story, entitled “The Prisoner Dilemma.” Drayle88 writes in with a horror story -- or is it a success story?  
Jan 28, 2017
HJRP1814 Perception Checks, Dr. Douche, Horror and Traveller
HJRP1814   HJRP1814 Your hosts: Stu, JiB, Gina, Stork Show Notes!  Amar from Vancouver BC writes in about Perception Checks. Levi writes in about defeating Dr. Douche. Terry in Idaho is looking for Traveller resources. Mad King Christopher the First writes in with a horror story, a tip and stuff.  Sam from Indiana writes in with a horror story. Announcements: February 17, 18, 19, 20 - Orccon 2017! Join us at the LAX Hilton hotel for four days of gaming. We’ll do a live show on Saturday, February 18th at 8pm, in the auditorium. Also: on February 10th, Jim Sandoval and a member of the Strategicon board are going to be here to answer questions and take suggestions about the Strategicon conventions.
Jan 24, 2017
HJRP1813 Save vs. Suck, PFS, Gming Advice
HJRP1813 Your hosts: Stu, Maire, Kurt, Gina. Thank you to easyrollerdice.com and their exciting Rose Gold Kickstarter for supporting this episode of Happy Jacks! Show Notes! Steve from SoCal writes in about “Save vs. Suck.” Dylan from Anchorage Alaska gives us insight about Pathfinder Society and Alternate Solutions. Drayle88 needs some GMing advice. Mike from MI writes in about One Last Job - a Heist RPG. Bill From Arizona writes in with a thank-you. Links: https://gshowitt.itch.io/one-last-job http://misdirectedmark.com/category/mmproductions/panda/      
Jan 14, 2017
HJRP1812 Romance in RPGs, SciFi Advice, and More
HJRP1812 Your hosts: Stu, Stork, Jason, Bill, Kimi Show Notes! Zac in Chicago writes in about Romance in RPGs. A Southern Gent from Texas has some Sci-Fi advice. Alervant has some GMing advice and a question. Kindros from the Forum writes in about Magic Items and Identification. Steve from So Cal asks about Contacts in travelling campaigns.    
Jan 07, 2017
HJPR1811 PC Mind Control, Missing Players, Group Building
HJRP1811 Your hosts: Stu, Tim, Gina, Kimi, Stork Show Notes!! Griever writes in about subtle mind control of PCs. SteveSW writes in with a Apocalypse-World inspired system for dealing with missing players. John asks about building a group (of players, not characters). Walt from Rhode Island asks about diversity at the gaming table. Blyd Dreug sends in his take on ambushes and capture in RPGs. You can watch the show live on Fridays at 8pm Pacific Time at happyjacks.org/live. If you'd like to support the show, you can do so by going to patreon.com/srvenable.    
Jan 01, 2017
HJRP1810 PC Death, Rules-Resistant Players and more
3:10:58
HJRP1810 Your hosts: Stu, Hosier Rob, Stork In this episode: Andrew from Chicago writes in about PC Death. Axle asks about dealing with a Rules-Resistant Player.  Luke from Kentuckianna is a long time listener, first time emailer and about to be a first time GM.  We received a couple emails about Roll20, which we’ll read. Jordan writes in about picking up a dormant game.  Kurt from Fresno writes in with a GMing tip. Toby in Atlanta (from the RPG Logic Podcast) asks about running games from random people.
Dec 24, 2016
HJRP1809 Assessing Solutions, Language Prompts, Life Saving RPGs
1:54:59
HJPR1809 Your hosts: Stu, Kimi, Bill If you enjoy Happy Jacks, consider supporting us through our Patreon. Donations are on a per-episode basis of our normal, weekly show. We're working on all kinds of rewards to provide to supporters. We'll announce more soon. Show Notes! We’re going to discuss ways to assess players’ solutions (to problems presented by the GM). Levi writes in with a followup about our unhelpful advice. Of the Hill People sends an update on his in-store Savage Worlds game and muses on language prompts in games. Charles from Ontario asks Why dice roll when you could decision make you don’t want to roll? And Kevin writes in about how RPGs saved his life. The Wright County Geekls of Buffalo Minnesota are having an all-day gaming and geeking extravaganza on New Years Day. Details at: www.wrightcountygeeks.org.  
Dec 19, 2016
HJRP1808
1:51:23
HJRP1808 Your hosts: Stu, Kimi, Tim, Gina Show Notes! J in Washington DC writes in about PC backstory protectionism. FlyingJackalope has finished the backlog and has some comments. Alan sends a request for Science Fiction help.  Eric writes in because he can’t finish the job.  And Mike from MI sends us a horror story.  
Dec 11, 2016
HJRP1807 Player Expectations and Game Rules, Online Games, Zombies, Fact Sheets, Precentiles
1:55:50
HJRP1807 Show Notes! Ben from Texas asks about when player expectations and game rules collide. Christopher writes in about his experience with online games. ZT asks for some advice about his Zombie Apocalypse game. Kevin pipes in with some Fact Sheet goodness. Jorn well-actuallies us on percentile dice based games (at least in Scandinavia). A Southern Gent from Texas tells us of his group’s narrow escape from a terrible GM. dnzu72dk  
Dec 04, 2016
HJRP1806 RPGs and Kids,
1:39:54
HJRP1806 Your hosts: Stu, Tim, Kurt, Stork Show Notes!  Dreamer 2928 need help with is homework. Corbin Twa sends us An Ode to Jack Chick’s Dark Dungeons. Brian writes in about some a-hole he gamed with in college. Levi writes in for some GMing advice. Chris in Indiana informs us that Google Hangouts is NOT DEAD. Steve writes in about giving GMs criticism  
Nov 27, 2016
HJRP1805 Back from a Break, Social Combat, Changing Tone
1:28:38
HRJP1805 Your hosts: Stu, Kimi, Stork, Gina, Dave77 Show Notes!  Topic: Coming Back from a long break between games. Drayle88 asks for some GMing advice. Carlos from Brazil writes in with another take on social combat. Sgt Dan writes in with lessons learned about the last Fear the Con, and that there’s a Kickstarter for the next one.  Summary: Daniel responds to an e-mailer complaint about a drow ambush, and asks a question about encouraging variety in RPGs. Easyrollerdice.com's Adult Coloring Book w/ Fantasy Gaming Art Kickstarter Fear the Con 2016 Kickstarter    
Nov 21, 2016
HJRP1804 Homegrown Settings, Social Combat, Fact Sheets, Chargen, DnD and Kids, Jack Chick
2:44:12
HJRP1804 Your hosts: Stu, Kimi, Tim, Stork Show Notes!  Icewall42 writes in for advice on putting together a home grown setting for RPGs. JeB from It’s all in the reflexes writes in with a real life social combat nightmare Jonas Larrsen asks about Fact Sheets. Michael from SD asks about Character Creation. Weaselcreature asks about kids and DnD. And Kenigma writes in with a Jack Chick obituary of sorts.  
Nov 13, 2016
HJRP18-03
1:36:00
HJRP1803 Your hosts: Stu, JiB, Stork. Show Notes!  Mike from Minnesota writes in asking about scene transitions. Mead asks about Vampires keeping mortal ties post-Embrace and questions about in-game romances. Gene from San Francisco asks about Genre and GM experience. Eugene from Boston writes in with an “Imagine if you will…” Niklas writes in with a paper cut problem with set-in-his-ways GM.
Nov 06, 2016
HJRP1802 Perception Checks, Backstories, Pacing
1:38:52
HJRP1802 Your hosts: Stu, Kimi, CADave Show Notes! David from Tampa writes in about perception checks. Nick writes in with a question for an upcoming one-shot. Levi asks us to plug is podcast. Hour Eleven from Kansas writes in about an interesting backstory mechanic and asks a question about pacing in face to face vs. on line games. Josh writes in with a question and a community question.  
Nov 02, 2016
HJRP1801 Horror, Mechanics and RPGs
HJRP1801 Your hosts: Stu, Stork, CADave and Gina Show Notes! The episode of Happy Jacks is sponsored by Easy Roller Dice Metal Dice Series. Use the coupon code METAL for 20% off everything in their on line store. We’ll discuss horror, tension and RPG mechanics. Kurt writes in about ambushes Michael in Wisconsin suggest some systems with which to run The Expanse games Tom writes in about our end-of-show anthem. Terry in Idaho sends in his GMing confession.  
Oct 24, 2016
HJRP1720 Fit to GM, Gender and RP, AP Question
2:01:13
HJRP1720 Your hosts: Stu, Kimi, Bill, Stork Show Notes! Manuel from Germany asks: Am I not fit to GM? Kenigma23 writes in about Gender RP Proclivities. The show psychiatrist sends us a mental health well-actually.  Larry writes in with a handy FFG Star Wars RPG site. Steve from Atlanta has a question about the Mote of Sin AP.  
Oct 17, 2016
HJRP1719
1:50:57
HJRP1719 Your hosts: Stu, Kimi, Bill, JiB Show Notes! We discuss repercussions, as suggested by Mr CJ on the forum. Maxinstuff writes in about GMs who hold back the good stuff. Mr CJ has some observations about Thespians. The KoboldDude in Columbia SC writes in about Star Trek recommendations.    
Oct 09, 2016
HJRP1718 Improv vs Planning, Questions, Inter-party Conflict, the Expanse, a Salty Response
HJRP1718 Your hosts: Stu, Kimi, Tim, Stork Show Notes! We discuss Improvisation vs Planning for GMs, Gaz writes in with some questions. Talon writes in about PC vs PC conflict. Marko asks about game systems for a Expanse-series-based game. Gerkuman responds to a salty email.  
Oct 02, 2016
HRJP1717
HJRP1717 Your hosts: Stu, Kimi, Bill Show Notes!  Paul from Philly writes in about a wrench-throwing player and how it’s not all fun and games. Audrey from Texas writes in about Numenera and GMing and Stuff. And Chuck writes in with even more Numenera love. Mr Moulder from Denmark, Sweden writes in with some advice for his upcoming Savage Worlds game. Magic Octopus asks about getting emotional investment from his players.  And our Friend in Newfoundland is starting a Vampire game and can’t come up with any good ideas.    
Sep 25, 2016
HJRP1716 Sharing GM Notes, GenCon Triumph, Player Connections, Gaming with Babies, Gaming Gold
HJRP1716 Your hosts: Stu, ProbieTim and Gina In this episode: Featured Email: Alverant asks: Should GMs publish their notes to the players. Bird-man writes in with a GenCon triumph!! Player connections and FFG Star Wars Tips. JC in KC writes in about gaming with infants.  The Out of Print GM sends in a moment of game gold
Sep 18, 2016
HJRP1715 Left Turns, Con Recap, Saying Yes, Mood Setting, GURPS
HJRP1715 Your hosts: Stu, Stork, JiB, Gina and Kim In This Episode: Topic: Ways to improvise left turns. Gateway2016 Recap (Hero Kids, David K’s Fate Game).  Jonas Larrson writes in about always saying “yes.”  Tim from South Africa writes in with some great mood-setting techniques. The Penguin GM asks for some GURPS help. Gaz the Dungeon Master asks about dealing with scared players. Alex in Huntington Beach writes in with a Horror Story narrowly escaped. The Aetatis kickstarter JiB mentioned. Gaz's board game reviews.
Sep 10, 2016
HJRP1714 Happy Jacks Live from Gateway 2016!
2:14:31
HJRP1714 This is our live show from Strategicon's Gateway 2016. Convention shows are kind of chaotic. If this is your first episode of the show, we suggest you take a listen to another episode first.  
Sep 04, 2016
HJRP1713 Limiting Distractions, Slack, Traveller, DM-ADD and ALL THE TANGENTS EVER
HJRP1713 Your hosts: Stu, Dave77, Joey and Tim In This Episode: SirGuido writes in about Limiting Distractions. Fredrix on the forums asks, “Whats the deal with slack?” The Prof asks for his advice GMing Traveller for the first time. A Make Good from el Mao Roflson about his Living Campaign idea for a game con (we skipped this last week accidentally). Steve writes in to ask about DM-ADD. OfTheHillPeople asks for advice about a player wanting in-game advice out-of-game. Colin writes in with a gaming nightmare.  
Aug 27, 2016
HJRP1712 Sexism and Bigotry in Historical Settings and a Plethora of Email
hjrp1712 Your hosts: Stu, Tim, Gina, Kimi, Samantha In This Episode: We’ll discuss “Sexism in Bigotry in Historical Settings.” Steve from Atlanta sends us a Thank you and a Short Run Game Idea. JimTo has a baby blues. El Mao Rolfson writes in with ideas about a convention living campaign. Johnathon writes in about Character and Game Creation. Andy, the Tactical DM, writes in to take us to task.  
Aug 20, 2016
HRJP1711 Murder Hobo Advice, the Sprawl, Using Fiasco, Mass Combat
HJRP1711 Your hosts: Stu, CADave, Gina, Stork, JiB In This Episode: Mitchell writes in with a dire warning: “I’m coming to you.” Adam in Japan from Fresno writes in with advice in is FFG Star Wars game. Marty from SF sets us straight on SD. Steven SW sends us a play report on The Sprawl a PbtA game. Zach in Chicago has an idea to use Fiasco to enhance other games. Chris writes in with his take on mass combat in RPGs. Griever sends us a horror story.  
Aug 13, 2016
HJRP1710 Homebrewing Settings, Magic and Technology, Actual Play Requests, Living Campaign
2:03:50
HJRP1710 Your hosts: Stu, Bill, CADave, Kimi In This Episode: Zoomfarg asks about homebrewing a complex setting Ben in Philadelphia writes in about magic and technology Doug in Vancouver asks about Actual Playing Gumshoe Ben from New Zealand writes in about a Living Campaign based on Dragon Quest and a podcast plug for The Big Red Couch.
Jul 30, 2016
HJRP1709 Getting the SO into RPGs, Encouraging Role-Playing, Horror Stories
HJRP1709 Your hosts: Stu, Gina, JiB, Kimi Show Notes! D writes in asking how to get his wife in to RPGs. Steve from Atlanta asks for way to encourage role-playing at the table. Joseph from the UK writes in with a horror story and thoughts on Jackercon. Clockwork Monk sends in his Marvel Cinematic Universe campaign idea. Useless Trivia Man treats us with a gaming horror story.    
Jul 23, 2016
HJRP1708 Modernizing Adventures, New Characteritis, Derailing Players, Organized Play
1:29:20
HJRP1708 Your Hosts: Stu, Kimi, Tim Show Notes! Marko writes in about adopting modern settings to classic modules. Steven SW asks about new character-itis. Ethan from north carolina asks about Derailing players. Babbage from the UK writes in about disorganized play. Barney from Florida writes in about Kimi’s Jackercon game. Zach from South Dakota writes about Gaming with learning disabilities.  
Jul 17, 2016
HJRP1707
HJRP1707 Your Hosts: Stu, Kimi, Stork, Tim Show Notes! Steve in Atlanta left us a voice mail at (626) 629-8RPG. Rusanno Greenstripe asks about Indoctrinating Newcomers. Gaming horror story followup from Joe. Sgt Dan tells us about his DruCon game. Kenigma writes in about the weight of money. David asks us to mention that he’s joined a group that’s raising money for extra-life.org.  David's Extra Life Team: http://www.carnagecon.com/2016/06/21/extra-life-at-carnage-royale/ Mace in Charlotte NC (mentioned by Sgt Dan): http://www.justusproductions.com/category/justus-events/mace/ Thank you to everyone who emailed us.  
Jul 09, 2016
HJRP1706 Epic-Feeling Scenes, Success Stories and Horror Stories
HJRP1706 Your hosts: Stu, Gina, Stork, JiB Show Notes: Morgan writes in to ask about Epic-feeling scenes. Eric from New Jersey writes in about a little of this and that.Allen from London (and Tennessee) share an RPG Success Story Dylon from Indiana shares a GMing horror story and asks a setting question.  
Jul 02, 2016
HJRP1705 Noir Pulp Games, Scheduling and PC Insanity
1:47:08
HJRP1705 Your hosts: Stu, Stork, JiB, CADave Show Notes! Joel from Sweden asks us about his upcoming Noir/Pulp game. Jeb plugs his new show: All In the Reflexes, with Mikey Mason (Comedy Rock Star) and Tech Guy Steve (nee Runester). Chris from Portland writes to ask how he can play games with his weird work schedule. And Allen from the UK wants to know how to handle his PC's insanity without derailing the game.
Jun 26, 2016
HJRP1704 Character Concepts and Flaws, Integrating Remote and Tabletop Players, Con Game Prep
1:07:59
HJRP1704 Your hosts: Stu, Eric, Samantha, Stork, Kimi Show Notes! Allen from London asks about helping a fellow player with his character concept and making PCs with flaws. Mike from Minnesota asks about integrating a remote player with a face-to-face game. Tim from Australia asks about convention game prep. And Jonas Larsson writes in about giving feedback to the GM.  
Jun 18, 2016
HJRP1703 Over Prepping, Naming NPCs, Star Wars, Confession, RPG Philosophy, Nightmare
HJRP1703 Your Hosts: Stu, Eric, Stork, Kimi Show Notes! Dylon from Indiana writes in about his over-prepping. Kurt share a tip for naming NPCs. Dreamweaver writes in with a question about Stu's Star Wars game and a confession. Jake from the Midwest writes in to share his RPG philosophy and tells us about his party of new players. And Drayle88 sends us another installment of his ongoing gaming nightmare.    
Jun 11, 2016
HJRP1702 Introducing NPCs, World Building, Do We Need Combat, Rules Heavy Systems, DnD4E Woes
HJRP1702 Your Hosts: Stu, Kimi, Stork Show Notes! Alervant writes in with a GMing question about introducing NPCs, DiceOff asks about world building. Hour Eleven asks a thought-provoking question: do we need combat? GM Zack asks for rules heavy system recommendations. and Jonathan tells us of his DnD4E experiences and gives us a horror story.  
Jun 04, 2016
Protected: Content Preview for Patreon Subscribers: Empires Twilight 08
There is no excerpt because this is a protected post.
Jun 02, 2016
HJRP1701 Live from Gamex 2016
HJRP1701 This episode was produced by Kimi live at Strategicon's Gamex 2016.  
May 30, 2016
Protected: Content Preview for Patreon Subscribers: Mote of Sin 13
There is no excerpt because this is a protected post.
May 27, 2016
HJRP1620 – 300th Episode! Gender dynamics, to or not to homebrew, tears and nightmares
HJRP1620 Your Hosts: Stu, Stork, Kimi Show Notes! Stupid Boy GM writes to ask about group gender dynamics, Brandyn from Delaware asks about whether or not he should homebrew a system. Kris sends in a few ideas and a tear jerker. And Jeb sends us a Horror Story!    
May 23, 2016
HJRP1619 Big Reveals, Player’s Issues, Apologies, Confession
HJPR1619 Your hosts: CADave, Clockverk and The Other Tim. Show Notes! Out of Print GM sends a story about how a big reveal worked. Of The Hill People asks about PCs made to deal with player's issues. Does Rebecca owe another player an apology? Keith in Oklahoma (not Sweden) sends a GM confession.  
May 07, 2016
HJRP1618 GM Leveling Up, Drawing PCs, Con Game Prep, Confession
HJRP1618 Your Hosts: Stu, Stork, CADave and Samantha Show Notes!  We get a GM Level UP Story - from Michael in Best California.  Jonas asks about drawing character portraits when he’s GMing.  Sgt Dan writes in to share his con game prep. Devon in Des Moines treats us to a Faire-Related GM Confession/Horror Story.  
Apr 25, 2016
HJRP1617 Political and Social Truths in a Game, Superpower Dilemma, Nightmare
HJRP1617 Your hosts: CADave, Hosier Rob, Gammonstark, Horky (Clockverk) Show Notes! Uncommon Man from Sweden asks about political and social truths in a game. Sockpuppet Troll writes in with praises and a success story. Ofthehillpeople asks for Con Game advice and superpower game dilemma solutions. And we get a multi-part gaming nightmare from Kenigma about a guy many of us know (but wish we didn't). Thank you to the B-Team for hosting this episode during my busiest time of the year - Stu
Apr 19, 2016
HJRP1616 Happy Jacks Reactive GMs and Passive Players, Podcasts
HJRP1616 Your hosts: Stu, Stork, Gina Show Notes! Manuel from Germany asks about reactive GMs and passive players. John the Kobold Dude asks what podcasts we listen to. Joh from Sweden gives us a gaming nightmare.
Apr 09, 2016
HJPR1615 Happy Jacks – Roleplaying Classes, Being Good at One Thing
HJRP1615 Your hosts: Stu, Samantha, Gina, JiB, Bill Show Notes! Thank you to Easyrollerdice.com for sponsoring this episode. Find out about their Kickstarter! And find out about 1d4Cast's 1d4Con. MRCJ doesn’t feel like a bard either, so has some suggestions for role-playing classes. Ed from Minnesota writes in about players being good at one thing and GMs blocking that.Istanbulitan writes in about his group switch systems.David sends us a Nightmare from Paradise  
Apr 04, 2016
HJRP1614 Happy Jacks RPG Podcast Season 16 Episode 14
HJRP1614 Your host: Stu, Stork, Tim, Kimi and Dan & Wayne from Feartheboot.com Show Notes: Andreas from Sweden asks "do we need advancement?" Morgan writes in with an epiphany on GMs/Players and Prep. Chris asks for advice on scheduling. Toby writes in with some thoughts on Kickstarter. And Drayle 88 treats us to a gaming nightmare.
Mar 20, 2016
HJRP1613 Happy Jacks RPG Podcast Season 16 Episode 13
HJRP1613 Your Hosts: Stu, CADave, HosierRob, Tim and Dave77 from Spirit of 77. Show Notes: John from Maryland asks about travel in RPGs. Ryan writes in about what the players and characters want to do and what would be fun overall. Michael from Calif tells us about his Rusty GMing and End of Game Surprise Comic. Dan from Redlands tells us of his tragic return to gaming, and Ed from Minnesota asks if his story is a gaming horror story... Here's Michael's group's comic: http://dungeonsanddrawgons.tumblr.com/  
Mar 05, 2016
HJRP1612 Happy Jacks RPG Podcast Season 16 Episode 12
HJRP1612 Your hosts: Stu, Gina, Kimi, Stork Show Notes! Zombie@Heart writes in asking about character immersion.  Ken asks about running games you’d rather not run. Honken in Sweden writes in about Traveller, Noobs and something else.  Weaslecreature sends a heavily medicated email - mostly about the con and last week’s show Jorn in Sweden treats us to some information about that delectable Malort.  Sergeant Dan asks a question about pregame questions. Kurt from Murica writes in with a GM Confession. Links Mentioned: In lieu of Fear the Con this year, some Booters are organizing DruCon. June 3-4, 2016, near St. Louis, MO. A Link to Kurt's puzzle.  
Feb 27, 2016
HJRP1611 Happy Jacks RPG Podcast Season 16 Episode 11
HJRP1611 Your hosts: Stu, Bill, Gina and Tim Show Notes! We talk about our experiences at the Convention, Liam in Australia has a question about pacing in his Call of Cthulhu game. Simon in London shares some interesting fear mechanics.  The Reverend Doctor Johnson set’s Stu straight on Goodman Games’ Kickstarters. And Thomas in Denmark has some comments and a question about his Savage Worlds Rippers game.
Feb 22, 2016
HJRP1610 Happy Jacks RPG Podcast Season 16 Episode 10 – Live from Orccon 2016
HJRP1610 Live from Orccon 2016 This episode was recorded live at Strategicon's Orccon 2016.  
Feb 14, 2016
HJRP1609 Happy Jacks RPG Podcast Season 16 Episode 09
HJRP1609 Your hosts: Stu, Stork, Bill and JiB  
Feb 08, 2016
HJRP1608 Happy Jacks RPG Podcast Season 16 Episode 08 with the Angry GM
HJRP1608 - with the Angry GM Your hosts: Stu, Stork, Tim, Kimi and the Angry GM.
Jan 30, 2016
HJRP1607 Happy Jacks RPG Podcast Season 16 Episode 07
HJRP1607 Your hosts: Stu, Stork, Kimi, Tim Links Mentioned: DND5E OGL/SRD: DnD5E OGL/SRD - The DMs Guild - What is the DMs Guild? - DMs Guild Creator Resources Storium - Strolen's Citidel Show Notes: We talk about DnD5E and the new OGL announcement. GM Zach wrote in about our advice on GM screens. Willow writes in about some play-by-post type things. Chris asked the age-old question: Traveller or Savage Worlds? Bert in Berlin complains, loves us and asks a question. Bled Drug give us a GM Confession (your sins are absolved) and asks a question.    
Jan 16, 2016
HJRP1606 Happy Jacks RPG Podcast Season 16 Episode 06
HJRP1606 Your hosts: Stu, Kimi, JiB, Gina, Kris Show Notes! Trent asks about campaign prep, so we talk about hat for a bit. Jerry asks for some advice about starting a new game. Minnesota Gooch writes in about how he names characters. Sean from North New Jersey ask for some AP recording advice. Simon from Seattle relates a GMing story. And Adam from Fresno in Japan relates his bad GMing confession.  
Jan 10, 2016
HJPR1605 **FORCE AWAKENS SPOILERS FOR 30 MINUTES**
HJRP1605 Your hosts: Stu, Stork, JiB, Gina and Kimi Show Notes: We yammer on about Star Wars: The Force Awakens. There are TONS OF SPOILERS in this part of the show. SKIP AHEAD 30 MINUTES IF YOU HAVEN'T SEEN STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS AND DON'T WANT TO HEAR SPOILERS. Niklas writes in about sandbox games, and we discuss naval gazing, such as definitions, the pros and cons of sandboxes, etc. Stefan from Denmark sets us straight on some viking shit and talks crap about Swedes. Jeff from Appleton asks us about players influencing GM's adventures and where talking about that stuff is like touring the sausage factory (oh my!). Adreas from Sweden writes in about Kickstarter travails. Tommie from Sweden ask about Tappy and talks a bit about a Swedish style game being translated into English. And Adam from Fresno in Japan sends us a "GM Confession(tm)."
Jan 03, 2016
GMBRIEF06 The GM Briefing RPG Podcast
16:26
GMBRIEF06 Your host: Stu Venable In this episode I discuss descriptions, the five senses and darkness.  
Dec 22, 2015
HJRP1604 Happy Jacks RPG Podcast Season 16 Episode 04
HJRP1604 Your Hosts: Stu & Stork Show Notes! We close out the year with a two-man episode. With Star Wars: the Force Awakens having opened the day before -- and the holidays -- it was just the two of us. There will be NO EPISODE on CHRISTMAS DAY. If Stu finds time, he'll release a little GM Briefing around then. Ben from Texas asks us about aligning player expectations and wants with the theme of the game the GM is planning. He also suggest the Edge of the Empire episode of The One Shot Podcast. Alverant wrote in with a response to PunkMonkey's email about a player waiting for the "plot train." Linus writes in about maps, Kult and a podcast recommendation. Yeknom tells us about his convention game experiences. And Sir Guido sends in a horror story.
Dec 22, 2015
HJRP1603 Happy Jacks RPG Podcast Season 16 Episode 03
HJRP1603 Your hosts: Stu, Stork, Samantha and Tim A big thank you to EasyRollerDice.com for sponsoring this episode! Check out their new Legendary Copper and Serpent's Blood metal dice offering. Use coupon code SANTA for 10% off on your order. Also: if you sign up for their newsletter, you will get an additional code for 5% off. Double dip! Show Notes! Jeff in Michigan asks us to discuss the pitfalls of using real life places, people and events. He also asks about a player who desperately wants railroad tracks for the game. Ryan asks us to play "who's the douchebag?" Him, or his player who wandered off on his own. (this is always a fun topic) Hank tells us about a Kickstarter failure rate study. He also, in a PS, tells us about Smek JRR Tolkien toll utlosning, a delightful game about giving old JRR a handy. It's NSFW and requires the old Shockwave plugin. William tells us about the strange healing powers of Numenera for wayward gamers. Matthew from the UK sends us what should be a regular part of the show: a confession from a GM for some poor judgement, and how he learned from his mistake. It involves a transexual samurai. And Pete from St Albans delights us with a horror story. Thanks again to EasyR0llerDice.com for sponsoring this episode of Happy Jacks! If you have a moment, please check out their site.  
Dec 13, 2015
HJRP1602 Happy Jacks RPG Podcast Season 16 Episode 02
HJRP1602 Your Hosts: Stu, Stork, CADave and Walt from the Bamf Podcast. Show Notes! It's SwedeFest! on Happy Jacks. Andreas from Sweden writs in about maps, how to use them and how to keep them relevant in the game. Jonas from Sweden writes in about having a slightly too large potential gaming group. Nicholas from Sweden asks about a conundrum regarding a party that just doesn't play together well. Tommy from Sweden talks about death mechanics. Pete from St Albans writes about his group, his next game and plugs his youtube channel, where he discusses his home-brewed RPG system: https://youtu.be/-h75Zcl3xxM Toby writes in about gaming old games, getting better at GMing and online tools. He even has a podcast where he records his sessions and then analyzes them afterwards. And N Eric Philips writes in about linear combat.  
Dec 05, 2015
HJRP1601 Happy Jacks RPG Podcast Season 16 Episode 01
1:50:25
HJRP1601 Your Hosts: Stu, Stork, Bill and Scott Kurtz of PVPOnline.com and TableTitans.com.  
Nov 29, 2015
HJRP1520 Happy Jacks RPG Podcast Season 15 Episode 20
HJRP1520 Your hosts: Stu, Stork, Gina, Bill Show Notes! Russano asks us about unquantifiable drawbacks balancing mechanical benefits. Jerry writes in about Mage 20th Anniversary. Simon writes in about Roll20 and the FFG Star Wars games. Bill the listener gives us a horror story.
Nov 23, 2015
HJRP1519 Happy Jacks RPG Podcast Season 15 Episode 19
HJRP1519 Your hosts: Stu, Stork, Michael and Tim Show Notes! Benji (Michael) gives us a run down on a couple of online gaming tools he's been looking at. Saelorn ask us about bad game systems. Eric give us an interesting tactic for snipers. Goodmush begins an inter-state feud. JimTo is now hosting on RPG Circus. Give him a listen. Minnesota Gooch sets some shit straight. Niklas in Sweden sends us a HORRIBLE gaming nightmare (this is one of the ones describing a horrible *person* not bad gaming).  Be warned.
Nov 15, 2015
HJRP1518 Happy Jacks RPG Podcast Season 15 Episode 18
HJRP1518 Your hosts: Stu, Stork, CADave and David Kizzia from Spirit of '77. Many thanks to David Kizzia for coming out to Pasadena for the show. Spirit of '77 is an Apocalypse World hack available from Drivethrurpg and other online RPG retailers. For more info, go to spiritof77game.com. Show Notes: Willow writes in to defend GMPCs. Jason asks about props. Corbin Twa asks from help as a returning GM. Mitch from Oakland writes in to defend Pathfinder Society and talks about the good work they're doing up in the Bay Area (good on ya, Mitch!). Chad in Michigan asks about giving players background information during the game. And Azhrei, president of the Fear the Boot forum community, relates an incredible gaming horror story.  
Nov 07, 2015
HJRP1517 Happy Jacks RPG Podcast Season 15 Episode 17
HJRP1517 Your hosts: Stu, Stork, Kimi and Tim. This episode of Happy Jacks is sponsored by Easyrollerdice.com. Easyrollerdice is now offering a two-sided top-notch game mat, as well as their quality dice. Use the promo code 'HAPPY' at check out and save 20% on your entire order. Show notes! Craig asks us how to make snipers interesting. He also mentioned his game, Project Cassandra. Johnny from New Zealand writes in about boss fights. Adam from Fresno in Japan writes in about a lesson about DJing and how it helps with GMing. Chandlin asks us for some advice. John asks for some advice about running a solo game. Aviv tells us about a convention game in Israel, and Adam in Atlanta treats us to a gaming horror story.
Oct 26, 2015
HJRP1516 Happy Jacks RPG Podcast Season 15 Episode 16
HJRP1516 Your hosts: Stu, Stork, Kris, Bill
Oct 18, 2015
GMBrief01-01 The GM Briefing RPG Podcast
23:22
GMBRIEF0101 Your hosts: Stu Venable The GM Briefing has it's own feed and will eventually be listed on iTunes. I've added it to the normal Happy Jacks feed so listeners can hear it. Send feedback to gmbriefing@angryfolk.com.
Oct 15, 2015
HJRP1515 Happy Jacks RPG Podcast Season 15 Episode 15
HJRP1515 Your hosts: Stu, Stork, Gina, Tim The Wrecking Crew is raising money for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals. Link to the Wrecking Crew's Extra-Life page. Click "donate." Type "The Wrecking Crew" into the search bar and pick a member to donate to. You can also check out the Wrecking Crew's podcast.  
Oct 10, 2015
HJRP1514 Happy Jacks RPG Podcast Season 15 Episode 14
HJRP1514 Your hosts: Stu, Stork, Samantha, JiB Phil Vecchione has a Patreon for his NPC project. Check it out: https://www.patreon.com/encodeddesigns?ty=h Show notes! We discuss ways to introduce new players. Casey from Sioux Falls about the benefits of recording games (even if you don't turn them in to actual plays), the Long Con format and the fact that he got to try out Savage Worlds. The link for the Minnesota Long Con: http://www.conplanner.com/ConventionHome.aspx?c=1182. And his podcast: http://rastlinie.podbean.com/ Jonas from Sweden writes in about understudy characters. Jason asks about Do's and Don't's of co-GMing. Michael gives us his take on paid playtests. MRCJ asks about quality minis. And Tarin gives us his take on making NPC death seem real.  
Oct 04, 2015
HJRP1513 Happy Jacks RPG Podcast Season 15 Episode 13
2:15:15
HJRP1513 Your hosts: Stu, Stork, Tim and Benji.    
Sep 27, 2015
HJRP1512 Happy Jacks RPG Podcast Season 15 Episode 12
HJRP1512 Your hosts: Stu, Stork, Gina, Bill, Kris Show Notes: Dance train asks us how to create an affinity for NPCs with the players. Marco shares his thoughts on Pathfinder Society. Ben in Texas gives us his thoughts on min-maxing. Hyvemynd writes in to catch up, and Juliet shares a game nightmare from Gencon.  
Sep 20, 2015
HJRP1511 Happy Jacks RPG Podcast Season 15 Episode 11
HJRP1511 Your hosts: Stu, Stork, JiB, Tim and Kris Steinbach tells us about his DM, who can't break the GM is God habit. Karlen of the Hill People asks us about a group of players who reject a player's character -- by locking him in a chest and abandoning him. Saelorn clarifies skill checks and rolling 1s in DnD -- and fails to rekindle the dice fudging debate. Czaras from Poland shares some pointers on running an oWoD game. Yeknom writes in about his plans to run two systems he's never played before at a game convention (Dogs in the Vineyard and Legend of the Five Rings). And Dave from Michigan treats us to a gaming nightmare.  
Sep 15, 2015
HJRP1510 Happy Jacks RPG Podcast Season 15 Episode 10
HJRP1510 This is a convention episode, recorded live at Gateway 2015. For more information on Strategicon's fine series of game conventions, check out their site at Strategicon.net.
Sep 07, 2015
HJRP1509 Happy Jacks RPG Podcast Season 15 Episode 09
hjrp1509 Your hosts: Stu, Stork, Gina and JiB
Aug 30, 2015
HJRP1508 Happy Jacks RPG Podcast Season 15 Episode 08
HJRP1508 Your hosts: Stu, CADave, Gina and Jim
Aug 16, 2015
HJRP1507 Happy Jacks RPG Podcast Season 15 Episode 07
HJRP1507 Your hosts: Stu, Stork, JiB, Tim    
Aug 10, 2015
HJPR1506 Happy Jacks RPG Podcast Season 15 Episode 06
HJPR1506 Your hosts: Stu, Kimi, CADave  
Aug 03, 2015
HJRP1505 Happy Jacks RPG Podcast Season 15 Episode 05
hjrp1505 Your hosts: Stu, Stork, Kris and Phil Vecchione. We discuss Engine Publishing's new book, Focal Point.  
Jul 27, 2015
HRJP1504 Happy Jacks RPG Podcast Season 15 Episode 04
HJRP1504 Your hosts: Stu, Stork, JiB and Tim    
Jul 12, 2015
HJRP1503 Happy Jacks RPG Podcast Season 15 Episode 03
HJRP1503 Your hosts: Stu, Stork, Bill and DTPints  
Jul 06, 2015
HJRP1502 Happy Jacks RPG Podcast Season 15 Episode 02
HJRP1502 Your hosts: Stu, Stork, Kimi, Gina and the Angry GM. Many thanks to the Angry GM for joining us.
Jun 27, 2015
HJRP1501 Happy Jacks RPG Podcast Season 15 Episode 01
hjrp1501 Your hosts: Stu, Kurt, Maire and Stork  
Jun 21, 2015
HJRP1420 Happy Jacks RPG Podcast Season 14 Episode 20
HJRO1420 Your hosts: Stu, Tyler, Tim and Kris
Jun 14, 2015
HJRP1419 Happy Jacks RPG Podcast Season 14 Episode 19
HJRP1419 Your hosts: Stu, Stork, Tyler, JiB  
Jun 01, 2015
HJRP1418 Happy Jacks RPG Podcast Season 14 Episode 18
HJRP1418 Your hosts:Stu, Stork, Tyler, Tim
May 25, 2015
HJRP1417 Happy Jacks RPG Podcast Season 14 Episode 17
HJRP1417 Your hosts: Stu, Maire and Tim Show Notes! Dave the Sockpuppettroll writes in with some questions about convention game preparedness. Tomi from Finland asks what was the last think we learned that made us better GMs. And Bevin treats us to a gaming nightmare.  
May 12, 2015
HJRP1416 Happy Jacks RPG Podcast Season 14 Episode 16
hjrp1416 Your hosts: Stu, Stork, Tim Swords & Wizardry Appreciation Day. Special thanks to Barrel Rider Games (look for his stuff on Drive Thru RPG. Show Notes!  Steve asks us about situations where NPCs are talking to each other while the PCs watch. Noah asks a question where his PC is a prisoner and how to get out of it, and has a problem with players not sharing books well. David pipes in on yes, and. He wrote a blog article on it. Elderman asks for some newbie GM advice.  
Apr 20, 2015
HJRP1415 Happy Jacks RPG Podcast Season 14 Episode 15
HJRP14-15 Your hosts: Stu, Aya, Twin and Mowi Show Notes! Wil L asks us about a situation where his party might become overly wealthy and asks for advice. Dancing Owlbear has a playing bringing the wrong kind of drama. Jimto checks in with some tips and a bit of an update. And a gaming nightmare from Nerdarchist Ryan  
Mar 30, 2015
HJRP1414 Happy Jacks RPG Podcast Season 14 Episode 14
1:32:19
HJRP1414 Your Hosts: Stu, Stork, CADave and HosierRob This episode is sponsored by easyrollerdice.com. You can get 105 high-quality dice (that's 15 complete sets) for under $25. And if you use the promo code HAPPYJACKS at checkout you'll get an additional 10% off PLUS free shipping. Show Notes: Bakomusha ask when to yes and and when to say no. We discuss. Niklas asks us about fear (and PC's reaction to it) in RPGs. Learn to Oil Paint clues us in a bit on play by forum games. He also asks us about how to handle character death and what to do about the experience level. He also asks us about over arching stories. Michael tells us his gaming horror stories about himself.  
Mar 15, 2015
HJRP1413 Happy Jacks RPG Podcast Season 14 Episode 13
2:00:20
HRJP1413 Your hosts: Stu, Gina, Kimi and theAngryGM. A big thank you to @theAngryGM for joining us for this episode. You can follow him on twitter at @theAngryGM and read his rantings at www.theangrygm.com. Show Notes! We discuss whether GMs should punish players for being stupid. Grant from Saving the Game writes about a fellow gamer who insists on using the same conceit in every campaign he runs and tries to get it in every game he plays. Will writes in with suggestions about when a PC should and shouldn't be killed. Niklas writes in with a borderline gaming nightmare. Jakob asks how to keep track of the consequences of the PCs' actions. And Jared writes in with a nightmare as well.
Mar 09, 2015
HJRP1412 Happy Jacks RPG Podcast Season 14 Episode 12
1:34:15
HJRP1412 Your hosts: Stu, Tyler and Tim Show Notes! We discuss making a big boss fight memorable. Jeremy writes in with a horror story and a question about passive players. Weaslecreature takes exception with Stu's contention regarding the place of game mechanics in social situations. New GM Starting tells us of his players exploits in a Star Wars game. And Tony relates a gaming nightmare.
Mar 01, 2015
HJRP1411 Happy Jacks RPG Podcast Season 14 Episode 11
1:44:36
HJRP1411 Your hosts: Stu, Stork, JiB and Tim This episode is sponsored by dogmight.com, makers of fine fine custom dice chests and adventure cases. Show Notes! We discuss pacifist PCs and how to handle them in combat. OutofPrintDM asks us for advice on running for an entire party of new players. Niklas writes about when it's okay to ignore character concepts. Bevin asks "how much yes, and." Michael thanks us for the doing the DnD5E actual play, Eldemy. Matt in Ontario asks about introducing kids to RPGs. Zach asks about balancing weapon types in Savage Worlds.  
Feb 22, 2015
HJRP1410 Happy Jacks RPG Podcast Season 14 Episode 10 – Live from Orccon 2015
2:34:04
hjrp1410 Live from Orccon 2015.
Feb 16, 2015
HJRP1409 Happy Jacks RPG Podcast Season 14 Episode 09
1:20:06
HJRP1409 Your hosts: Stu, Stork, Tyler and Kimi Don't forget to buy Stu's new gaming music collection, "Once Upon a Tavern," by the Angryfolk Band. You can go to happyjacks.org/once for more information, or just look for it on iTunes, Amazon.com, Google Play and other shit. Kimi and Tyler's favorite nerd based gym is nerdstronggym.com. Kimi's blog is at Goldenlasso.net, and Tyler's podcast is WhyDaddyDrinks.net. Show Notes! Jonas Larsson asked us for advice to get out of the GMing midset so he will be a good player. Nerdarchist Ryan has some comments on DnD5E and asks about Dungeon World hate. Kurt sends us a message on the first anniversary of him becoming a listener. He also mentions his GM once using a different game to resolve a mass combat in a DnD game. He used Castle Panic. Matt asks if he was too railroady in a recent game. And Corbin Twa treats us to a horror story that happened in Seventh Sea.
Feb 07, 2015
HJRP1408 Happy Jacks RPG Podcast Season 14 Episode 08
1:41:25
HJRP1408 Your hosts: Stu, CADave and Tim This episode is sponsored by easyrollerdice.com. You can snag 10% off all products right now and that means you can grab the giant 105 count bag of factory-first dice that comes with a velvet bag for less than $23. Shipping is also always free in the USA. Enter code: happyjacks  at checkout and save 10% now. Show Notes! Simon writes in to ask if a newby player should attempt to GM. We offer him some advice and encouragement. Goodmush ask about getting a player in a lone wolf Mongoose Traveller game more directly involved in the story. Kyle writes in with an amusing story and also asks about some NPC backstory information from our L5R game and if the game would have benefited if the players had discovered this information during the game. Ryan from Ohio sends three horror stories.      
Feb 01, 2015
HJRP1407 Happy Jacks RPG Podcast Season 14 Episode 07
2:00:49
hjrp1407 Your hosts: Bill, Stork, Tyler, CADave This is a guerrilla episode of Happy Jacks RPG Podcast. Stu is off in mixing land. Thank you to Bill, Stork, Tyler and Dave for stepping up in my absence.  
Jan 26, 2015
HJRP1406 Happy Jacks RPG Podcast Season 14 Episode 06
1:42:06
HJRP1406 Your hosts: Stu, Stork, Bill and JiB Too busy mixing to put in show notes. Maybe later - Stu
Jan 18, 2015
ELDEMY04 Happy Jacks RPG Actual Play DnD5E Eldemy 04
3:16:48
Eldemy04 GM: Stu Venable System: DnD5E Players: Bill, Tyler, Kimi, Bruce, Kris    
Jan 16, 2015
HJRP1405 Happy Jacks RPG Podcast Season 14 Episode 05
2:04:29
HJRP1405 Your Hosts: Stu, Stork, Bill and Tyler This episode is sponsored by: easyrollerdice.com. Use coupon code SWEETDEAL at checkout to save 20%. Show Notes! David from Michigan writes in about linear scenario design versus railroading. Torlav74 writes in about bennies in Savage Worlds. Rav writes in about Microsoft's One-Note, which is a great tool for GMs. Jerry from Eugene chimes in on our discussion about how to fire a player. Alex from LA writes in about the Rogue Trader problem (ie, players who have minions at their disposal and how to get them to actually go adventure). And David chimes in on the discussion about the problem from a previous episode where the party potentially split because one PC impulsively jumps through a portal. Thank you again from easyrollerdice.com for sponsoring this episode.
Jan 12, 2015
SWT04 Happy Jacks RPG Actual Play – Star Wars Traveller 04
3:37:24
SWT04 GM: Bill Players: Elspeth, Stork, CADave, Tyler, Stu System: Mongoose Traveller, homebrewed for Star Wars.
Jan 11, 2015
HJRP1404 Happy Jacks RPG Podcast Season 14 Episode 04
1:39:27
hjrp1404 Your hosts: Stu, Stork, JiB, Gina Show Notes! Sulliver writes in asking about house-ruling and leaving out rules. Jonny writes in about scheduling problems with his group. Marco asks for advice on how to run a more contemplative game for high-action addicts. Conflicted in the Carolinas asks for advice on firing a player from his group.  
Dec 28, 2014
HJRP1403 Happy Jacks RPG Podcast Season 14 Episode 03
1:51:26
HJRP1403 Your hosts: Stu, Aya, Twin and Mowi. Show Notes! Niklas has a very diverse group of players and asks for some advice on how to handle them. Snardflapple gives us his take on coming up with a game concept and how to turn it into scenes. Jerry from Oregon shares his experience at his first convention and also his thoughts on world building, using Microscope, and he's shared his experience here. Dough ask us about DMPCs, and Loren tells us about his experience exposing his wife to Star Wars. Finally, Julien asks for some podcasting advice and shares his show link.
Dec 14, 2014
HJRP1402 Happy Jacks RPG Podcast Season 14 Episode 02
1:36:27
HRJP14-02 Your Hosts: Stu, Hosier Rob, Hyvemynd and Tyler Show Notes! James from China sends us a horror story about playing a Jedi without his Lightsaber. We use this as a jumping off point to discuss hard times in games and adventures. How much is too much? When to let up? Sam asks about Hero vs. GURPS, as he's considering purchasing GURPS and is a Hero guy now. Moonday asks about Christmas gives for her gaming group. Daniel run a Pathfinder game at a local hobby shop and has three regular players who are problem players and seem to be a bit possessive about what is supposed to be a public game. Anthony writes in about gaming locations, as in the physical location where you play the game, not locations within a setting, what what one can do to make the session more memorable. And Larrson sends us a gaming nightmare.  
Dec 07, 2014
HJRP1401 Happy Jacks RPG Podcast Season 14 Episode 01
2:11:15
HJRP1401 Your hosts: Stu, Stork, Gina. Show Notes! We start off talking again about sidebars. Akshay asks for some help with developing a campaign around a single city. Tim from Green Bay asks about restarting a game after a very long hiatus. Matthew asks us how to run initiative in a Savage Worlds game online. Ben writes in about an incident where PCs disagreed about the course of action. Jon writes in about an adventure that took an unexpected turn. David writes in with a gaming nightmare.
Nov 24, 2014
HJRP1220 Happy Jacks RPG Podcast Season 12 Episode 20
1:43:33
HJRP1220 Your hosts: Stu, Stork, Kimi, JiB Do you wear small, medium, large or 2-x-large t-shirts? You should get a Happy Jacks shirt then at the Angryfolk.com Store. Shownotes! Ryan writes in asking about using real life events as game inspiration. We discuss. Bruce asks a few questions about recording actual plays. Eric from New Jersey bugs us about Fate and Dungeon World and asks how to integrate two new players into his game. Muntjack writes in with a GMing mistake an asks us about ours. Chris asks about presenting local culture to the players and treats us to a gaming horror story. And finally, Friar Greg tells us about some of his favorite villains.
Nov 15, 2014
HJRP1219 Happy Jacks RPG Podcast Season 12 Episode 19
1:40:55
HJRP1219 Note: this is Episode 19, not 18 as mentioned at the top of the show. Your hosts: Stu, Stork, Tyler and Gina Show Notes!  Plug: JackerCon V: In Space, No One Can Hear You… The online virtual game con. Held via Google+ Hangouts. November 1 through November 9. The forum link: happyjacks.org/jackercon. Zac from West Virginia writes in to ask how to handle proactive and reactive players. John from Texas asks how to make a setting for his next session interesting. Heavy Metal Jess asks how to screen prospective players. Hyvemind suggests we try an Apocalypse Hack. SirGuido asks us about leaving a group and player poaching. Morgan sends us a game success story about his version of Stu's Ghostbusters actual play. TruckerRob tells us about his one encounter with Rolemaster. Jeff in Maryland tells us about his Gencon experience.    
Oct 26, 2014
HJRP1218 Happy Jacks RPG Podcast Season 12 Episode 18
1:54:58
HJRP1218 Your hosts: Stu, Stork, Kimi, Tyler Show Notes! Joel in Sweden didn't like a comment we made about GM fun vs Player fun. We discuss this in-depth. Andrew asks for some ways to freshen up the Tolkien races. Goodmush asks about building scenes. ET writes in about games that use dual hit point systems. Useless Trivial Man gives us a report from Xenocon about his Grindhouse gladiatorial game. Andrew from Yorkshire sets us straight on English caravaning. Dan writes in with some GURPS love. James from Michigan treats us to a nightmare.
Oct 11, 2014
HJRP1217 Happy Jacks RPG Podcast Season 12 Episode 17
2:00:54
HJRP1217 Your hosts: Stu, Stork, CADave and Kimi Email us at happyjacksrpg at gmail dot com. Show Notes!  We get a brief recap of Gateway 2014. Anthony writes in about a conundrum where his players are going through a location of great interest, but