GM Word of the Week

Latest Episodes:

Werewolf Oct 31, 2017

Show notes

Oh, you knew it was coming. When we tell you it's October and we're doing a whole month of 'W' creatures, you just know what one of them is going to be. It's only a question of when. So here it is, the werewolf, just as you expected. Or is it? We could have changed it up on you. We could have transformed the average, everyday story of the werewolf, into something a little more... hairy. How far back do werewolves go, any way? And how about all that stuff about moons and cycles? Where does all our modern werewolf lore come from? Only one way to find out. Don't listen alone. You can support this and many other fine episodes on Patreon.

Wemic Oct 24, 2017

Show notes

What's a wemic? Good question. Glad you asked. A wemic is a creature that hasn't been seen in D&D for years. Really. It goes way, way back though. And some people remember it fondly. But few really know what inspired it, so that's where we start. By the end, you'll have forgotten all about the wemic, too. But there are things it is important to know. Like the show? Support us on Patreon.

Wight Oct 17, 2017

Show notes

Let's be absolutely clear about this, dudes. A wight isn't a what you think it is. Well, okay, yes, it is, but it also very much, and very historically, isn't. Finding out what's going on with the wight takes quite a lengthy trip. We go all the way back to 1867, then even further back to 1503, and then so far back we aren't even actually sure how far back it is. And then we come all the way forward to the mid-80s. Probably somewhere on a California beach. You can support the show on Patreon, where we provide transcripts of the show for as little as $1.

Wyvern Oct 10, 2017

Show notes

A dragon. A not-dragon. Definitely one of those things, right? If only we could dig into the mythological origins of the wyvern, we could lay the argument to rest once and for all. So let's do that. Let's dig in and find all the neat historical stories that make the wyvern such a compelling, and argument worthy, creature in modern fantasy story-telling. And let's settle that debate once and for all. Let's do that, shall we? Except...

Wendigo Oct 03, 2017

Show notes

If you are ever lost and cold and starving in the woods, take care that the Wendigo doesn't get you. Especially if you are with 'friends'. Explore the lore of the Wendigo and some of its ties to things a little more real. From dead pets, to dead pioneers, to lost tribes, on to lost cows, we bring you equal parts science, mythology, and history when it comes to the Wendigo and its victims. Welcome to October, a scary month of spooky stories from GM Word of the Week podcast. Early episode release and transcripts are available for as little as $1 on Patreon.

Assassin Sep 26, 2017

Show notes

Somewhere in the back of the DM's Guide, or maybe buried in fine print in the Player's Guide, there is a class specialization. Some lucky few get to make use of it, but more often than not, it is made us of against them, usually to complicate the plot. Fortunately, we're here to help you prepare yourself, to defend against the poison darts of ignorance. Where did those assassins come from? And, more importantly, where did they go? Find out with us as we pass a flat world on the back of a turtle, visit ancient Persia, plug into an animus, and see what you've got in your genes. This is GM Word of the Week. And you can support us on Patreon.

Ranger Sep 19, 2017

Show notes

Aragorn, Son of Arathorn, blah blah. Clearly the inspiration for the Ranger class in D&D, right? Well, maybe, but there are a couple of other influences you should know about and they rest squarely in the military and the the lands of kings. So let's dig into that a bit and along the way talk about why the ranger class is so messed up. Or not, depending on your point of view. You can support GM Word of the Week on Patreon.

Lost Episode 5 Sep 12, 2017

Show notes

We went to Gen Con 50 and, in spite of many interruptions, managed to talk a bit about dragons. There were a lot of things we didn't get to cover, though, because of those same interruptions. So, here they are, assembled into a Lost Episode subtitled "Dragon Tales". When you think about it, there are a lot of creatures throughout history and mythology which, while not quite dragons, exhibit many dragon-like qualities. The Naga, for instance, or Kulcucan, or even that thing from The Epic of Gilgamesh. You know what to do. Listen. We are switching to a Tuesday release schedule for the show, which we hope will be more efficacious for our listeners. Please consider supporting the show on Patreon. Your support keeps the show going.

Drow. Sep 01, 2017

Show notes

Call them Drow or Dark Elves, it makes no difference. From the popularity of a single, well-known individual, a race of elves arose that suddenly had everyone wielding double scimitars and not putting enough vowels in their names. And really, when you get down to it, something about them IS compelling. But also, horribly over used. Come along with us and figure out where Drow came from and why they're still around. Our Patrons on Patreon make everything possible. Why not join them?

Dragons Aug 25, 2017

Show notes

We went to Gen Con 2017 and performed a live show for our fans. Here, for you, is the lightly edited version of that show. Naturally, it is about dragons. Because we've already done dungeons. Enjoy the live show, the slightly different format, the usually silent partner in this production, and the laughs. Thanks to everyone who came to the show and made it a lot of fun. And thanks to our patrons who made the trip possible.

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