GM Word of the Week

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Dire Wolf Mar 17, 2017

Show notes

Winter is coming. Or has come, finally. But that puts us in mind of some particular creatures mentioned in a particular show. The dire wolves. Of course, first, we have to start in Chicago. While we're at it, let's talk a bit about how Earth works, some climate change, and oh yes, let's not forget to talk about the Dire Wolf in Dungeons & Dragons. And wargs. And Loki. And... well, maybe you should just listen. You can support us on Patreon.

Rat Mar 10, 2017

Show notes

Rats are a ubiquitous RPG trope, whether you are playing tabletop games or video games. They scurry and scuttle and befoul the places we humans would rather they didn't. but how much do you really know about rats? Do you, for instance, know enough about rats to know where the most common ones come from? Or how they tie into the English monarchy? Maybe you do and maybe you don't, but there is only one way to know for sure. Listen! You can support us on Patreon.

Otyugh Mar 03, 2017

Show notes

We sometimes entertain requests from our Patreon supporters. In fact, that's exactly how you got the Rakshasa last week, and the Otyugh this week. The problem is, while we were able to track down some solid info on the Rakshasa, the Otyugh was much less clear. In fact, it almost didn't have enough info to be an episode. And then we noticed a strange coincidence or two. A word said here or there by folks who might know a thing or two. After that, it was just a matter of assembling all the coincidences into one cohesive episode. So here you go. The Otyugh. By way of Alanis Morissette. Sort of.

Landshark Feb 24, 2017

Show notes

Sometimes, when it comes to Dungeons and Dragons, you have to work with what you've got and the early years of D&D are no exception. Take the inspiration for the Landshark, or Bulette for instance. Where did this crazy half snapping turtle, half armadillo come from? Well, before we can tell you that, we have to review some basic economic theory, German coinage, and the legacy of a man named Woolworth. But hey, far be it from us to nickle and dime you to death. You can support GM Word of the Week on Patreon.

Rakshasa Feb 17, 2017

Show notes

The backward handed monsters known as Rakshasa have been a staple of Dungeons and Dragons for years. But, while you might think you know all there is to know about them, what you know, in D&D, ain't necessarily so. For example, did you know that the guy who inspired Gygax to include them in the game had nothing to do with gaming? Or that Rakshasa can be friendly and helpful? Or that a mid-90s video game about a boy and his dog is somehow tied into all this? No? Thought not. You can support GM Word of the Week on Patreon.

Giff Feb 10, 2017

Show notes

Strange creatures are sort of a hallmark of Dungeons and Dragons, but some are much stranger than others. Take the Giff, for example. It's some sort of human hippo hybrid. But really, it's the D&D World that the Giff comes from that we're interested in in this episode and the interesting parallels it has with real world, historical, science. Because, if nothing else can be said about Spelljammer, it's that it was made by someone who knew what they were about when they went space hopping.

Myconid Feb 03, 2017

Show notes

Myconids, or mushroom-men, or spore people, or whatever your system of choice calls them, are weird. But not so weird as you might think. In fact, when looked at against the rich variety of things fungi do, they're downright normal. And that's what we are doing in this episode, putting myconids up against real fungi. Inside, you'll hear about all the seemingly weird things myconids are capable of, learn something about what fungi REALLY are, briefly refresh the old dwarf argument, and find out how these not-so-weirdos got into Dungeons and Dragons in the first place.

Labyrinth Jan 27, 2017

Show notes

n our own, winding little way, we like to take you on grand tours of words, their meanings, and where they come from. Which is especially true of this episode as we make our way through a labyrinth of history and mythology. You might be familiar with the stories of Greek mythology in a general way, but we bet we can still manage to tell you a thing or two you didn't already know. For example, we're willing to bet you might not know how a maze, female anatomy, and an ax are all connected. Or why certain Greek heroes are really just a lot of fun. Or that teenagers have ALWAYS been teenagers.

Catacomb Jan 20, 2017

Show notes

Catacomb is nearly as badly misused as Dungeon is (See our earlier episode) and so we are here to set the record straight. There is, in fact, only one catacomb. In spite of all the other things referred to as catacomb. And sure, it's another of our famous winding journeys down the corridors of history featuring philosophers, archaeologists both real and made up, video games, insurance, and a big pile of rats. But that's okay, because we will happily guide you through it so that you see all the bodies buried here. Because that's what we do. Transcripts of the show are available on Patreon.

Pyramid Jan 06, 2017

Show notes

Of all the ancient wonders of the world, perhaps none are more captivating than the Great Pyramid. Maybe that's because it is the only one to survive into the modern age. Or, maybe it's because what it represents is a fundamental belief in what happens to us after death and how we should prepare for it. It's not a belief shared by everyone in our world, and it's certainly a belief that shouldn't be shared by the people populating our Dungeons and Dragons worlds. Not given what can happen to unattended corpses left lying around.

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