https://polygamero.us/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/GC_240_MMP-takes-over-the-Gnomecast_Initative_V01.mp3 Bob, Chris, and Phil take over the Gnomecast for a special return of the Misdirected Mark Podcast, at least for one episode. This time, they dive deep into initiative in tabletop RPGs, exploring different types of initiative systems, how games handle turn order, and what those choices mean for pacing, spotlight management, design, and […]

I was GMing my Blades in the Dark game, and my players were setting up for a score, one that was a bit outside of their comfort zone. As they were brainstorming, one of them said something like, “Well, we can’t do that, because they [the opposition] will clearly have done…”. Here’s the thing. I […]

https://polygamero.us/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/GC_239_Perfecting-Genre-details_finals.mp3 Join Ang, along with Jared and friend of the show, Carl Lehmann, as they talk about all the little details you need to have in place when playing RPGs in certain genres. We talk about genres with broad strokes, but when you dig down in, there are a lot of small details to decide […]

https://polygamero.us/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/GC_238_teaching-new-rules_final.mp3 Join Ang, Josh, and JT as they talk about how to teach new rules to your tables. They cover their best practices, the difference between one-shots and campaigns, and many other aspects of incorporating new rules, systems, and mechanics to your table. LINKS: How To Make Your Own GM Screen Libra Valoris Edge Cases […]

I feel like I may be a latecomer to Obsidian, but I am here to sing its praises. I have been using it for my most recent campaigns, as an information manager to organize all the campaign elements, and it has been fantastic. A game changer for me. Using it has allowed me to keep […]

Last month, I introduced some aspects of GM/player interactions, and I’m going finish off what I have for you on this topic here and now. Make Things Interesting GMs should set up and introduce interesting/difficult choices to the players. They don’t always have to be life or death. They don’t always have to be “save […]

https://polygamero.us/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/GC_237_New-Campaigns_final.mp3 Join Ang, along with Jared and guest Andy Jaksetic as they talk about starting new campaigns and everything we need in place before we can start to think about session zero. LINKS: Matinee Adventures Origins Game Fair DC Justice League Unlimited RPG

https://polygamero.us/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/GC_236_Interupting-Life-final.mp3 Join Ang along with Josh and JT as they talk about how to navigate the curveballs life throws at us and gets in the way of us playing RPGs. It’s going to happen at some point or another, so let’s figure out how to handle these speed bumps! LINKS: Podcasts JT Listens To Just […]

The tabletop role playing experience is a collaborative one. That’s a well-established fact. To properly collaborate, everyone at the table needs to be aware of the interactions at the table. I’m not talking about what NPCs the PCs know or how the Big Bad Villain interacts with their lieutenants and such. I’m talking about the […]

https://polygamero.us/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/GC_235_short-campaign-considerations_final.mp3 Join Ang along with Jared and Tomas as they talk about short campaigns. They cover the major differences between a traditional long campaign with a short one, the reasons we might want to run one, and many things to keep in mind. Links: Dungeon Crawler Carl RPG Pirate Borg Starter Set Goth Borg