Plot Points

ENnie- nominated Plot Points takes role-playing games seriously. Explore the origins of role-playing with original reporting and interviews. Learn about some of the best products ever made, and fascinating new RPGs of today!

Goodbye My Friends Ep 265 02/29/2024

Goodbye My Friends Ep 265 Ladies and Gentlemen, people of all genders, and gifted woodland animals, this is Ben Riggs, Brad Davies, and Sarah Babe coming to you with a very special message. Since starting Plot Points in September 2013, we have put out 264 episodes. Today, we announce that Plot Points is going dark. Running this podcast has been a tremendously fulfilling experience, and we can only hope that our listeners have gotten as much enjoyment from it as we have. We’ll maintain our email (), Twitter (@PlotPointsPod), and keep the of the show open. Remember, you can still find more of our work out in the interwebs. Both Brad and Sarah are part of . You can find still more Sarah on and . Buy Ben's book, anywhere books are sold. and Reading the Dungeon Master's Guide Aloud will doubtless find a home somewhere. Thanks to our endlessly generous patrons, our loyal listeners, and the TTRPG community that welcomed us with open arms. For the last time for the foreseeable future, we are Ben Riggs, Brad Davies, Sarah Babe, and the always wonderful Producer Chris. -Brad, Sarah, Chris & Ben /episode/index/show/plotpoints/id/30171623

Barkeep on the Borderlands Ep 264 01/26/2024

Barkeep on the Borderlands Ep 264 One last call for alcohol! Ben, Brad, & Sarah dive deep into OSR darling and Zinequest champion, Barkeep on the Borderlands! If you want to talk about this more, here is a (functional) link to the Discord: https://discord.gg/Q66gVjc9 /episode/index/show/plotpoints/id/29667588

The Response to the End of the Golden Age of TTRPGs 01/17/2024

The Response to the End of the Golden Age of TTRPGs Well. That blew up and went everywhere. Ben responds to some comments and thoughts here on episode 263. With him as always is Dr. Scott! If you want to talk about this more, here is a (functional) link to the Discord: https://discord.gg/Q66gVjc9 /episode/index/show/plotpoints/id/29534903

D&D as Postmodernism and WotC Layoffs Ep 262 01/04/2024

D&D as Postmodernism and WotC Layoffs Ep 262 Is D&D a postmodern medium? Scott & Ben also chew over the WotC layoffs. Like what we do? Support us on Can’t get enough of Scott? Join us on ! It’s poppin’ and hoppin’ over there! /episode/index/show/plotpoints/id/29333978

Sunset on the Golden Age of TTRPGs Ep 261 12/15/2023

Sunset on the Golden Age of TTRPGs Ep 261 We have lived in a bright and fortunate time as TTRPG fans for over a decade. Have recent events brought that to an end? Historian Ben Riggs & academic Dr. Scott Bruner reflect. Like what we do? Support us on Can’t get enough of Scott? Join us on ! It’s poppin’ and hoppin’ over there! /episode/index/show/plotpoints/id/29096643

Reading the DMG Aloud 37 Ep 260 12/08/2023

Reading the DMG Aloud 37 Ep 260 Ben & Scott continue, and to be frank repeat a little bit, of the section on henchmen from the 1st edition DMG. Like what we do? Support us on Can’t get enough of Scott? Join us on ! It’s poppin’ and hoppin’ over there! /episode/index/show/plotpoints/id/28987278

Play a Mutant Amphibian in the 21st Century! Ep 260 11/12/2023

Play a Mutant Amphibian in the 21st Century! Ep 260 This week, game designer Julian Kay talks to Sarah, Ben, & Brad about his current RPG hotness, Mutants in the Now, which takes a modern look at playing a mutant animal with the martial arts skills of your choice! Like what we do? Support us on Can’t get enough of Scott? Join us on ! It’s poppin’ and hoppin’ over there! /episode/index/show/plotpoints/id/28599593

Reading the DMG Aloud 36 Ep 259 11/01/2023

Reading the DMG Aloud 36 Ep 259 Learn the secrets of the steward and the castellan in this week's episode of Reading the DMG Aloud with historian Ben Riggs & academic Scott Bruner! Like what we do? Support us on Can’t get enough of Scott? Join us on ! It’s poppin’ and hoppin’ over there! /episode/index/show/plotpoints/id/28489919

Reading the DMG Aloud 35 Ep 258 10/20/2023

Reading the DMG Aloud 35 Ep 258 Ben Riggs and Scott Bruner chew the fat on whether or not there will be an OGL for 6th edition D&D. Like what we do? Support us on Can't get enough of Scott? Join us on ! It's poppin' and hoppin' over there! /episode/index/show/plotpoints/id/28380032

Lovecraftesque 2nd Edition Crowdfunding Campaign Interview Ep 257 10/11/2023

Lovecraftesque 2nd Edition Crowdfunding Campaign Interview Ep 257 An interview with the creators of a GM-less RPG of eldritch horror, Becky Annison & Josh Fox! Back their crowdfunding campaign /episode/index/show/plotpoints/id/28291598

Reading the DMG Aloud 34 Ep. 256 10/06/2023

Reading the DMG Aloud 34 Ep. 256 Our intrepid hosts once again wade into the wilds of the 1st ed Dungeon Masters Guide. What setting is implied by Gygax's text? Like what we do? Support us on Can't get enough of Scott? Join us on ! It's poppin' and hoppin' over there! /episode/index/show/plotpoints/id/28244090

Reading the DMG Aloud 33 Ep. 255 09/27/2023

Reading the DMG Aloud 33 Ep. 255 We take a break from the 1st edition DMG this week to ask a different question: Is the 4th ed Player's Handbook the greatest intro to the game in its history? Join us over on Discord! It’s booming over there! Here’s a /episode/index/show/plotpoints/id/28161431

Reading the DMG Aloud 32 Ep. 254 09/20/2023

Reading the DMG Aloud 32 Ep. 254 RPG historian Ben Riggs and RPG academic Dr. Scott Bruner continue their long chew on the Sage section of the 1st editin AD&D DMG! Join us over on Discord! It's booming over there! Here's a /episode/index/show/plotpoints/id/28097312

Reading the DMG Aloud 31 Ep. 253 09/12/2023

Reading the DMG Aloud 31 Ep. 253 Historian Ben Riggs & RPG academic Dr. Scott Bruner chew over the sage from the 1st edition AD&D Dungeon Master's Guide! Here's a link to the Matt Colville video where he talks about The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings as D&D models: Join us on Discord! It’s booming over there! ( /episode/index/show/plotpoints/id/28014051

Candela Obscura Review Ep- 252 06/29/2023

Candela Obscura Review Ep- 252 We're back with Sarah Babe of Encounter Party and gamer about town Brad Davies to review the new quickstart rules from Critical Role, Candela Obscura! /episode/index/show/plotpoints/id/27318843

Reading the DMG Aloud 30 Ep 251 05/31/2023

Reading the DMG Aloud 30 Ep 251 It's a celebration today as we recognize the graduation of Scott Bruner, Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin! We also discuss sages! Join us on Discord! It’s booming over there! ( /episode/index/show/plotpoints/id/27006354

Reading the DMG Aloud 29 Ep 250 05/26/2023

Reading the DMG Aloud 29 Ep 250 We talk about the D&D movie a mere two months after it came out, and then march on with our merciless read-aloud of the 1st edition Dungeon Master's Guide. Join us on Discord! It’s booming over there! ( /episode/index/show/plotpoints/id/26957505

Reading the DMG Aloud 28 Ep 249 04/27/2023

Reading the DMG Aloud 28 Ep 249 We continue our unrelenting and merciless recitation of the 1st edition Dungeon Master's Guide. This week! Gem cutters and heavy cavalry! Oh my! Join us on Discord! It’s booming over there! ( /episode/index/show/plotpoints/id/26667897

Reading the DMG Aloud 27 Ep 248 04/20/2023

Reading the DMG Aloud 27 Ep 248 Hobilar? Hobilar? What the heck is a hobilar? Harken and enjoy the 1st edition DMG's rules for expert NPCs as read and commented on by RPG historian Ben Riggs and RPG academic Scott Bruner! Join us on Discord! It’s booming over there! ( /episode/index/show/plotpoints/id/26596665

Reading the DMG Aloud 26 Ep 247 03/23/2023

Reading the DMG Aloud 26 Ep 247 Haberdashers! Teamsters! And more! Oh my! Harken and enjoy the 1st edition DMG's rules for expert NPCs as read and commented on by RPG historian Ben Riggs and RPG academic Scott Bruner! Join us on Discord! It’s booming over there! ( Like Plot Points? Support it on ! /episode/index/show/plotpoints/id/26313840

Reading the DMG Aloud 25 Ep 246 ver 2.0 03/02/2023

Reading the DMG Aloud 25 Ep 246 ver 2.0 We're back! Hear Ben & Scott talk over the equipment list in the 1st edition Dungeon Masters Guide! Join us on Discord! It’s booming over there! ( Like Plot Points? Support it on ! /episode/index/show/plotpoints/id/26100582

ENnie Nominees Peter Petrusha & Craig Campbell Ep 245 07/19/2022

ENnie Nominees Peter Petrusha & Craig Campbell Ep 245 Hear friends of the show Craig Campbell () and Peter Petrusha () talk about their experience being nominated for ENnies this year! Vote for the pair of them At last! Ben's book on D&D history, Slaying the Dragon, is available for sale /episode/index/show/plotpoints/id/23784251

Reading the DMG Aloud 24 Ep 244 07/17/2022

Reading the DMG Aloud 24 Ep 244 Hear about armor and Armor Class in the 1st edition DMG with Ben Riggs and Scott Bruner! Join us on Discord! It’s booming over there! () Preorder Ben’s book on TSR history by clicking and you will receive FOR FREE a bookplate featuring art by D&D icon Jeff Easley and signed by Ben. It’s just our way of saying thanks for preordering the book! Already preordered the book? Click to acquire your Jeff Easley bookplate! Like Plot Points? Support it on ! /episode/index/show/plotpoints/id/23769686

Reading the DMG Aloud 23 Ep 243 07/01/2022

Reading the DMG Aloud 23 Ep 243 Today, we start with the value and uses of gems and stones. Join us on Discord! It's booming over there! () Preorder Ben's book on TSR history by clicking and you will receive FOR FREE a bookplate featuring art by D&D icon Jeff Easley and signed by Ben. It's just our way of saying thanks for preordering the book! Already preordered the book? Click to acquire your Jeff Easley bookplate! Like Plot Points? Support it on ! /episode/index/show/plotpoints/id/23598701

Reading the DMG Aloud 22 Ep 242 06/27/2022

Reading the DMG Aloud 22 Ep 242 Today, we finally conclude our alignment discussion by talking about changing alignment! Join us on Discord! It's booming over there! () Preorder Ben's book on TSR history by clicking and you will receive FOR FREE a bookplate featuring art by D&D icon Jeff Easley and signed by Ben. It's just our way of saying thanks for preordering the book! See the bookplate in this episode's show notes! Already preordered the book? Click to acquire your Jeff Easley bookplate! Like Plot Points? Support it on ! /episode/index/show/plotpoints/id/23551334

Reading the DMG Aloud 21 Ep 241 06/01/2022

Reading the DMG Aloud 21 Ep 241 At long last, we wrap up our discussion of alignment with alignment languages. Here's a to the article on RPGs and religion Ben referenced in the episode. Join us on Discord! It's booming over there! () Preorder Ben's book on TSR history by clicking and you will receive FOR FREE a bookplate featuring art by D&D icon Jeff Easley and signed by Ben. It's just our way of saying thanks for preordering the book! See the bookplate in this episode's show notes! Already preordered the book? Click to acquire your Jeff Easley bookplate! Like Plot Points? Support it on ! /episode/index/show/plotpoints/id/23297837

Reading the DMG Aloud 20 Ep 240 05/27/2022

Reading the DMG Aloud 20 Ep 240 We continue our discussion of alignment, diving down on the alignment graph! Join us on Discord! It's booming over there! () Preorder Ben's book on TSR history by clicking and you will receive FOR FREE a bookplate featuring art by D&D icon Jeff Easley and signed by Ben. It's just our way of saying thanks for preordering the book! See the bookplate in this episode's show notes! Already preordered the book? Click to acquire your Jeff Easley bookplate! Like Plot Points? Support it on ! /episode/index/show/plotpoints/id/23243333

Reading the DMG Aloud 19 Ep 239 05/13/2022

Reading the DMG Aloud 19 Ep 239 Continuing with alignment! Historian Ben Riggs & academic Scott Bruner read aloud the section of the DMG on alignment. We now have a channel on () Come on over to chat. Preorder Ben's book on TSR history by clicking and you will receive FOR FREE a bookplate featuring art by D&D icon Jeff Easley and signed by Ben. It's just our way of saying thanks for preordering the book! See the bookplate in this episode's show notes! Already preordered the book? Click to acquire your Jeff Easley bookplate! Like Plot Points? Support it on ! /episode/index/show/plotpoints/id/23097170

Reading the DMG Aloud 18 Ep 238 05/01/2022

Reading the DMG Aloud 18 Ep 238 What's your alignment? Historian Ben Riggs & academic Scott Bruner read aloud the section of the DMG on alignment. We now have a channel on Come on over to chat. Preorder Ben's book on TSR history by clicking and you will receive FOR FREE a bookplate featuring art by D&D icon Jeff Easley and signed by Ben. It's just our way of saying thanks for preordering the book! See the bookplate in this episode's show notes! Already preordered the book? Click to acquire your Jeff Easley bookplate! Like Plot Points? Support it on ! /episode/index/show/plotpoints/id/22964540

Reading the DMG Aloud 17 Ep 238 04/13/2022

Reading the DMG Aloud 17 Ep 238 Let's talk Lycanthropes! We now have a channel on Come on over to chat. Preorder Ben's book on TSR history by clicking and you will receive FOR FREE a bookplate featuring art by D&D icon Jeff Easley and signed by Ben. It's just our way of saying thanks for preordering the book! See the bookplate in this episode's show notes! Already preordered the book? Click to acquire your Jeff Easley bookplate! Like Plot Points? Support it on ! /episode/index/show/plotpoints/id/22784927

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