Episodes

  • It's Mainstream Now
    Jul 13 2024

    The paladins are talking about the hobby space of tabletop role playing games being Mainstream now. From some long-humbled roots in obscurity such as Dungeon Majesty, a televised Public Access late night actual play that set the stage for today's format to WotC's own funded Acquisitions, INC being the groundfloor to how Critical Role has dominated the internet culture surrounding most things table-top. We also talk a bit about how it's branched out into other media, where you can see it Stranger Things, or as far back as being mentioned in the film E.T.

    As always, we're looking for your feedback, so feel free to hop in Spotify and send us a message!


    You can ⁠⁠⁠Join our Discord⁠⁠⁠ and find us online at ⁠⁠⁠EpicTableGames.com⁠⁠⁠, or ⁠⁠⁠Facebook.com/EpicTableGames⁠⁠⁠

    Mike TaylorLyfe and his many projects through his ⁠⁠⁠Linktree⁠⁠⁠

    And, for most of your SRD needs, check out the OpenGamingNetwork and ⁠⁠d20pfsrd.com⁠

    Send us a Text Message.

    Thanks for tuning in to SideQuests! For more epic adventures, visit our website at EpicTableGames.com . Don't forget to like us on Facebook and join our Discord community.

    Follow Mike TaylorLyfe and Chatoic Chronicles through his ⁠⁠Linktree⁠

    We love the hard work and SRD referenced over at the Open Gaming Network! Check out their references for pathfinder, traveler, 5e, and more!

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    58 mins
  • The Mind of a Storyteller
    Jun 29 2024

    In the latest episode of SideQuests!, Rob and Mike, the intrepid Paladins of Podcast, journey into the creative depths of storytelling with their newest member, Mike. Get ready to uncover the secrets behind Mike's storytelling prowess as he shares insights into his inspirations, creative process, and experiences crafting adventures for LootQuest. From his love for solo games to his knack for spinning captivating narratives, Mike's passion for storytelling shines through in every word.

    Join Rob and Mike as they delve into Mike's journey as a storyteller, exploring his influences, preferences, and the art of crafting immersive narratives. From board games to solo adventures, discover the myriad ways Mike draws inspiration from his love for reading, movies, and more. Get ready for an episode filled with tales of adventure and imagination, only on SideQuests!


    You can ⁠⁠⁠Join our Discord⁠⁠⁠ and find us online at ⁠⁠⁠EpicTableGames.com⁠⁠⁠, or ⁠⁠⁠Facebook.com/EpicTableGames⁠⁠⁠

    Mike TaylorLyfe and his many projects through his ⁠⁠⁠Linktree⁠⁠⁠

    And, for most of your SRD needs, check out the OpenGamingNetwork and ⁠⁠d20pfsrd.com⁠⁠


    Send us a Text Message.

    Thanks for tuning in to SideQuests! For more epic adventures, visit our website at EpicTableGames.com . Don't forget to like us on Facebook and join our Discord community.

    Follow Mike TaylorLyfe and Chatoic Chronicles through his ⁠⁠Linktree⁠

    We love the hard work and SRD referenced over at the Open Gaming Network! Check out their references for pathfinder, traveler, 5e, and more!

    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 2 mins
  • From HeroQuest to Heroic Adventures
    Jun 15 2024

    SideQuests! returns with a revamped lineup, introducing the newest podcast paladin, Mike Taylor (TaylorLyfe). Rob and Mike dive into Mike's intriguing journey from childhood adventures with HeroQuest and comic books to his distinguished military career and, surprisingly, his initial resistance to tabletop roleplaying games. Despite being drawn to the lore and stories within RPG books during his deployments overseas, Mike didn't fully embrace the gaming world until after retiring from the military. It was then that he leaped into the hobby with enthusiasm, hosting family game nights during the pandemic and becoming an integral part of the tabletop RPG community, all while volunteering with an aerial rescue and working towards being a part of the rescue team.

    Send us a Text Message.

    Thanks for tuning in to SideQuests! For more epic adventures, visit our website at EpicTableGames.com . Don't forget to like us on Facebook and join our Discord community.

    Follow Mike TaylorLyfe and Chatoic Chronicles through his ⁠⁠Linktree⁠

    We love the hard work and SRD referenced over at the Open Gaming Network! Check out their references for pathfinder, traveler, 5e, and more!

    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 2 mins
  • Evil Genius Games is Hemorrhaging
    Feb 17 2024

    In this gripping episode, the paladins of podcast, Rob and Eli, are joined by fellow paladins, Lauren and Tucker, to dissect the recent exposé shaking the foundations of tabletop gaming. The spotlight falls on Evil Genius Games, the masterminds behind Everyday Heroes, as a damning article from EnWorld thrusts their business practices and leadership into the unforgiving light.

    With swords drawn and minds sharp, we delve into the depths of Evil Genius Games' alleged missteps, dissecting their peculiar approach to the tabletop realm, often likened to that of a Silicon Valley startup. However, the true darkness lies in the allegations surrounding CEO Dave Scott's treatment of his employees—a tale of conflicting testimonies where whispers of misconduct collide with silent witnesses.

    In a world where inclusivity is just starting to become the norm, the paladins reflect on the evolving landscape of the role-playing community, emphasizing the imperative for publishers to navigate the currents of social responsibility with unwavering vigilance. Leading with empathy, integrity, and an unyielding commitment to progress is the mandate of the hour, as the hosts assert the paramount importance of fostering environments where all voices are heard and valued.

    Amidst the turmoil, the fate of Evil Genius Games hangs in the balance, their workforce dwindling by a staggering 80% in a mere two months. Yet, amidst the shadows of uncertainty, a glimmer of hope remains—a testament to the enduring allure of a well-crafted game and the resilient spirit of its devoted fanbase.

    Join the us today as as we unravel the spiral of Evil Genius Games' descent into darkness, contemplating the myriad lessons to be gleaned from their tumultuous saga and the boundless potential for redemption in a world ripe with possibility.

    --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/epictablegames/support

    Send us a Text Message.

    Thanks for tuning in to SideQuests! For more epic adventures, visit our website at EpicTableGames.com . Don't forget to like us on Facebook and join our Discord community.

    Follow Mike TaylorLyfe and Chatoic Chronicles through his ⁠⁠Linktree⁠

    We love the hard work and SRD referenced over at the Open Gaming Network! Check out their references for pathfinder, traveler, 5e, and more!

    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 1 min
  • A Recap and Ramble
    Feb 10 2024

    Join the Paladins of Podcast Rob and Eli as they embark on another unscripted journey through the realms of gaming. In this episode, they kick back and reminisce about their latest gaming sessions, delving into the highs, lows, and unexpected twists that arose along the way. Dive into the technical side of online gaming as Rob shares his effortlessly simple setup, utilizing just a webcam to capture the essence of his tabletop adventures.

    Meanwhile, Eli takes center stage to regale listeners with the ongoing saga of his Hackmaster group, weaving a tale of intrigue, danger, and epic battles. With no strategic plan in sight, this episode meanders through their pre-recording banter, touching on the latest news and trends in the gaming hobby.

    So grab your dice, pull up a chair, and join the paladins of Podcast Rob and Eli as they navigate the ever-changing landscape of tabletop gaming in this laid-back and insightful episode.

    --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/epictablegames/support

    Send us a Text Message.

    Thanks for tuning in to SideQuests! For more epic adventures, visit our website at EpicTableGames.com . Don't forget to like us on Facebook and join our Discord community.

    Follow Mike TaylorLyfe and Chatoic Chronicles through his ⁠⁠Linktree⁠

    We love the hard work and SRD referenced over at the Open Gaming Network! Check out their references for pathfinder, traveler, 5e, and more!

    Show more Show less
    51 mins
  • Sieges, Wars, and Granularity
    Feb 3 2024

    Join the paladins of podcast, Rob and Eli, as they journey through the thrilling tales of their gaming escapades in this week's episode. Eli's party emerges victorious despite unforeseen challenges, while Rob navigates the trials of dungeon mastering with empathy and admiration for his players' ingenuity.

    In this episode, Rob shares gripping accounts of parties under siege and embroiled in epic wars, shedding light on the intricacies of mass combat rules and kingdom building tools found in Pathfinder's first edition supplements like Ultimate Campaign and 'Ultimate Kingdoms.'

    Diving deeper, the duo explores the concept of item granularity, debating its necessity in game design. Eli's insightful perspective on the coherence of game systems resonates with Rob, sparking a thought-provoking discussion on the balance of detail in tabletop RPG mechanics.

    As the episode draws to a close, Rob and Eli offer their customary recommendations, directing listeners to the Open Gaming Network for comprehensive SRD resources and Epic Table Games for the latest updates and adventures. Tune in for a captivating journey through the realms of imagination and strategy!

    --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/epictablegames/support

    Send us a Text Message.

    Thanks for tuning in to SideQuests! For more epic adventures, visit our website at EpicTableGames.com . Don't forget to like us on Facebook and join our Discord community.

    Follow Mike TaylorLyfe and Chatoic Chronicles through his ⁠⁠Linktree⁠

    We love the hard work and SRD referenced over at the Open Gaming Network! Check out their references for pathfinder, traveler, 5e, and more!

    Show more Show less
    46 mins
  • Decoding Game Mechanics: The Math of Fun
    Jan 27 2024

    Join the intrepid paladins of SideQuests, Podcast Rob and Eli, as they reunite with Paladin Tucker for a deep dive into the intricate world of game mechanics. In this episode, they dissect what makes a good system truly exceptional. From the fundamental principles of resolution methods to the nuances of dice mechanics, they explore the backbone of gaming systems. Whether it's rolling under, rolling over, employing dice pools, or even drawing cards, each mechanic plays a crucial role in shaping the player experience.

    Delving into the "math of fun," they unravel the concept of success probabilities and the sweet spot of achieving success on an average difficulty task 70% of the time. But how much do these probabilities truly matter? And how do they vary based on the type of game being played? The trio engages in a lively discussion, pondering the differences between theorycrafting with formulas and experiencing gameplay firsthand at the table.

    As always, don't forget to visit Epic Table Games online at epictablegames.com for all your gaming adventures, blog posts, and community updates. Connect with them on Facebook at EpicTableGames and join their growing community on Discord. And for all your SRD needs, look no further than the Open Gaming Network!


    --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/epictablegames/support

    Send us a Text Message.

    Thanks for tuning in to SideQuests! For more epic adventures, visit our website at EpicTableGames.com . Don't forget to like us on Facebook and join our Discord community.

    Follow Mike TaylorLyfe and Chatoic Chronicles through his ⁠⁠Linktree⁠

    We love the hard work and SRD referenced over at the Open Gaming Network! Check out their references for pathfinder, traveler, 5e, and more!

    Show more Show less
    48 mins
  • Unveiling the Secrets of Proactive Game Mastering
    Jan 20 2024

    Join the mighty paladins of podcast, Rob and Eli, on a thrilling episode of SideQuests! In this exciting installment, the hosts share captivating session recaps, including Eli's ingenious hack master game split between two sessions and Rob's diabolical adventure with a two-man party. Delve into the world of proactive game mastering as Rob and Eli explore the concept, reflecting on the Game Master's Handbook Series and introducing the transformative knife theory from Paladin Craig.

    Discover how proactive roleplaying brings players to the center of the story, and learn valuable insights on managing and enhancing your game with time, experience, and player engagement. Eli's approach involves candid conversations with players about their characters' motivations, while Rob unveils the ease of implementing the knife theory to elevate your storytelling.

    Don't miss out on the details! Tune in to SideQuests! for an immersive discussion on proactive gaming. Visit epictablegames.com for epic 5e adventures and explore their products on Amazon or DriveThruRPG. Connect with them on Facebook at Epic Table Games and satisfy all your SRD needs on the Open Gaming Network. Adventure awaits!

    --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/epictablegames/support

    Send us a Text Message.

    Thanks for tuning in to SideQuests! For more epic adventures, visit our website at EpicTableGames.com . Don't forget to like us on Facebook and join our Discord community.

    Follow Mike TaylorLyfe and Chatoic Chronicles through his ⁠⁠Linktree⁠

    We love the hard work and SRD referenced over at the Open Gaming Network! Check out their references for pathfinder, traveler, 5e, and more!

    Show more Show less
    43 mins