SideQuests!

Join The Paladins of Podcast, Rob and Mike, on this special episode of SideQuests as they sit down with John, the mastermind behind the solo-live play phenomenon Tale of the Manticore. Together, they dive into the origins of the podcast, the creative challenges of storytelling solo, and how John evolved his production into one of the most unique and compelling actual play podcasts in the gaming world.From the early days of humble beginnings to becoming a standout in the tabletop RPG community, this conversation explores the dedication, innovation, and love for the craft that has fueled Tale of the Manticore's success. Whether you’re a fan of the show, an aspiring podcaster, or just someone who loves a good underdog story, this episode is packed with inspiration and insights you won’t want to miss!Send us a textEpic Adventures by OddFish Games, featuring Steve Kellams and Mike Howlett Anime Pulse reviews all types of anime from Shonin to Romance and anything between .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 ⁠⁠Linktree⁠We love the hard work and SRD referenced over at the Open Gaming Network! Check out their references for pathfinder, traveler, 5e, and more!

Mike the Calamity Punk sits down with the Paladins of Podcast to talk about the unintended consequences of player actions, DM decisions, and how they all help shape the world we build for our players. Send us a textEpic Adventures by OddFish Games, featuring Steve Kellams and Mike Howlett Anime Pulse reviews all types of anime from Shonin to Romance and anything between .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 ⁠⁠Linktree⁠We love the hard work and SRD referenced over at the Open Gaming Network! Check out their references for pathfinder, traveler, 5e, and more!

We had the absolute pleasure talking with Derek and Kate from Nomnivore games about their thoughts and processes behind doing what they can to increase accessibility in their games. We also all agree on safety tools and how they limit some expression and creative freedoms (hot take spoilers ya'll)Send us a textEpic Adventures by OddFish Games, featuring Steve Kellams and Mike Howlett Anime Pulse reviews all types of anime from Shonin to Romance and anything between .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 ⁠⁠Linktree⁠We love the hard work and SRD referenced over at the Open Gaming Network! Check out their references for pathfinder, traveler, 5e, and more!

Rob and Mike sit down with some of the guys from White Carnation Adventuring Group to talk all about their processes, world building, and what it means to be a large team of adventurers working on publishing material and adventures out into the world! Send us a textEpic Adventures by OddFish Games, featuring Steve Kellams and Mike Howlett Anime Pulse reviews all types of anime from Shonin to Romance and anything between .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 ⁠⁠Linktree⁠We love the hard work and SRD referenced over at the Open Gaming Network! Check out their references for pathfinder, traveler, 5e, and more!

Rob and Mike sit down with a few more experienced individuals as we wrap up our Kickstarter conversation. Send us a textEpic Adventures by OddFish Games, featuring Steve Kellams and Mike Howlett Anime Pulse reviews all types of anime from Shonin to Romance and anything between .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 ⁠⁠Linktree⁠We love the hard work and SRD referenced over at the Open Gaming Network! Check out their references for pathfinder, traveler, 5e, and more!

Rob and Mike take a look at the business side of table top role playing games. Send us a textEpic Adventures by OddFish Games, featuring Steve Kellams and Mike Howlett Anime Pulse reviews all types of anime from Shonin to Romance and anything between .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 ⁠⁠Linktree⁠We love the hard work and SRD referenced over at the Open Gaming Network! Check out their references for pathfinder, traveler, 5e, and more!

Rob and Mike, the Paladins of Podcast sit down and talk about what resources they utilize to help run their games, keep track of information, and make sure to have everything they need to run a successful short-term game, or long-term campaign. Many of these resources can easily be found online through a quick google search, and while we talk about our favorites, don't forget to let us know what you're using to keep things moving as smoothly as possible. Send us a textEpic Adventures by OddFish Games, featuring Steve Kellams and Mike Howlett Anime Pulse reviews all types of anime from Shonin to Romance and anything between .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 ⁠⁠Linktree⁠We love the hard work and SRD referenced over at the Open Gaming Network! Check out their references for pathfinder, traveler, 5e, and more!

Today we sit down with quite a few guests who have either worked their magic on kickstarter and have had a successful campaign. We ask question from a perspective of what it takes to plan a successful crowdfunding campaign, as well as how to plan and execute some of the finer details. However we have learned that one of the biggest things any campaign needs to be successful is a community of support behind you. Send us a textEpic Adventures by OddFish Games, featuring Steve Kellams and Mike Howlett Anime Pulse reviews all types of anime from Shonin to Romance and anything between .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 ⁠⁠Linktree⁠We love the hard work and SRD referenced over at the Open Gaming Network! Check out their references for pathfinder, traveler, 5e, and more!

Today we tackle the idea of improvisation techniques and preparing your games. We also have a few guests, Calamity Punk, and DM Seti join us as we talk about what it takes to prepare for sessions and what we do to help build our improve skills. The audio got a bit splotchy as not everyone's technology was 100%, and it actually took one of our guests over 3 hours to upload all his recorded audio which was incredible! We did what we could to make this as listenable as possible, however there may be portions where the audio doesn't suffice well enough. Please let us know your thoughts as we continue to improve. Follow Calamity Punk at Calamity Punk Publishing | Indie TTRPG Publisher and DM Seti, the professional DM at startplaying.gamesSend us a textEpic Adventures by OddFish Games, featuring Steve Kellams and Mike Howlett Anime Pulse reviews all types of anime from Shonin to Romance and anything between .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 ⁠⁠Linktree⁠We love the hard work and SRD referenced over at the Open Gaming Network! Check out their references for pathfinder, traveler, 5e, and more!

In this episode of SideQuests!, Rob and Mike explore the powerful role tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs) play in building vibrant communities, both in person and online. Discover how these games bring people together, fostering creativity and collaboration in ways that extend far beyond the gaming table.Rob and Mike highlight the benefits of creating and participating in TTRPG communities, sharing personal experiences of how these groups have enriched their lives. They delve into the impact of platforms like Discord, specifically praising the Dungeon Scribe Society for its role in shaping the indie TTRPG scene. Since its inception, this community has provided a supportive space for indie creators to share ideas, gain feedback, and grow together.The discussion then broadens to how TTRPG communities encourage creativity in various forms. Beyond storytelling and writing, Rob and Mike emphasize how the hobby inspires passions for painting miniatures, crafting terrain, 3D printing, and more. They share anecdotes of how engaging in these activities has not only enhanced their gaming experiences but also opened up new avenues for creative expression.Whether you're a game master, player, or just curious about the TTRPG world, this episode offers valuable insights into the community-building potential of tabletop games. Join Rob and Mike as they celebrate the diverse and inclusive nature of these communities, and discover how you can get involved and contribute to this dynamic and ever-evolving hobby space.Send us a textEpic Adventures by OddFish Games, featuring Steve Kellams and Mike Howlett Anime Pulse reviews all types of anime from Shonin to Romance and anything between .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 ⁠⁠Linktree⁠We love the hard work and SRD referenced over at the Open Gaming Network! Check out their references for pathfinder, traveler, 5e, and more!

In this episode of SideQuests!, Rob and Mike, your trusted paladins of podcasting, dive deep into the essential topic of player feedback. Join them as they discuss the best times and methods for gathering player insights to enhance your games, ensuring everyone at the table has an amazing experience.Starting with Session Zero, Rob emphasizes the importance of checking in regularly to understand what players are looking for and how their preferences might evolve. Sharing a personal anecdote, he recalls how his players desired more quirky and light-hearted elements in their games. This feedback led to the creation of a traveling bard trio band inspired by Alvin, Simon, and Theodore, adding a delightful twist to his campaign.Mike, on the other hand, shares his straightforward approach of directly asking his players for feedback towards the end of each session. He highlights how this method has helped him maintain a dynamic and engaging game environment.In a burst of creative inspiration, Rob proposes the idea of starting a Twitch game where viewers can pay to introduce random events into the party’s adventures. This concept sparks a conversation about the potential for a masterclass on improv, showcasing how spontaneous feedback can elevate your storytelling.Tune in for practical tips, entertaining stories, and innovative ideas on how to effectively incorporate player feedback into your games. Whether you're a seasoned GM or just starting out, this episode is packed with valuable insights to help you become a master at reading and responding to your players' needs.Send us a textEpic Adventures by OddFish Games, featuring Steve Kellams and Mike Howlett Anime Pulse reviews all types of anime from Shonin to Romance and anything between .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 ⁠⁠Linktree⁠We love the hard work and SRD referenced over at the Open Gaming Network! Check out their references for pathfinder, traveler, 5e, and more!

In this episode of SideQuests!, we dive deeper into the world we began building in our previous episode. Focusing on one of the two cultures we defined, we start to flesh out the intricacies of how magic influences and operates within our desolate world, reminiscent of the dry, barren landscape of Dark Sun.Drawing inspiration from various sources, we introduce the concept of death cults and societies of nomadic travelers who possess a greater affinity for magic compared to others in the region. Join us as we paint with broad strokes the vibrant and complex culture of the Nomadic Mages, and watch as it begins to weave into the fabric of our evolving world.Tune in to discover how these elements blend together to create a unique and captivating setting in our world-building journey.Send us a textEpic Adventures by OddFish Games, featuring Steve Kellams and Mike Howlett Anime Pulse reviews all types of anime from Shonin to Romance and anything between .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 ⁠⁠Linktree⁠We love the hard work and SRD referenced over at the Open Gaming Network! Check out their references for pathfinder, traveler, 5e, and more!

In this exciting episode of SideQuests!, we embark on the creative journey of world building with a focus on the concept of 'Scorched Earth'. We delve into the process of determining the best method for constructing a captivating world: should we start with macro, large-scale ideas and work our way down to the granular details, or should we begin with the small elements and build the world around those?After a thorough discussion, we decide on a blended hybrid approach, combining the best of both methods to create a rich and immersive world. Joining us are two special guests who bring their unique perspectives and expertise to help us lay down the foundation for this world-building endeavor.With plans to create something truly worth putting in binding, this episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about storytelling and world creation. Get ready to build this world with us!All of Our World Building Guests; Danger Dan Jerz of DnDark: https://www.dndarkpodcast.com/Andrew Welker of QL Games: https://www.dmsguild.com/browse.php?author=QL%20GamesMarcin, the Architect DM: https://www.patreon.com/architectgmSend us a textEpic Adventures by OddFish Games, featuring Steve Kellams and Mike Howlett Anime Pulse reviews all types of anime from Shonin to Romance and anything between .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 ⁠⁠Linktree⁠We love the hard work and SRD referenced over at the Open Gaming Network! Check out their references for pathfinder, traveler, 5e, and more!

Today the Paladins of Podcast talk about the Ethical Considerations in the table top gaming space. Mike's bullet points really help us keep track of some of the biggest points within this topic, and we start out with one of the best considerations which is Consent and Safety Tools. While we understand that not all tables know what the are, or use them knowingly, many things such as lines and veils are often employed are second nature depending on the type of storyteller you are and the game you run. While keeping manners a priority and a good session zero to help set precedents and standards are covered, we also talk about the issues with representation of marginalized voices. Usually these representations can devolve into stereotypes and mockery, but when done with proper intent and earnest effort it adds a breadth of new depth into your games. We talk a bit more about some of the power dynamics and a few examples from Rob on how he does what he can to keep games above board and Mike references his own games and what he does to keep them in line with younger players. Send us a textEpic Adventures by OddFish Games, featuring Steve Kellams and Mike Howlett Anime Pulse reviews all types of anime from Shonin to Romance and anything between .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 ⁠⁠Linktree⁠We love the hard work and SRD referenced over at the Open Gaming Network! Check out their references for pathfinder, traveler, 5e, and more!

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/EpicTableGames⁠⁠⁠Mike TaylorLyfe and his many projects through his ⁠⁠⁠Linktree⁠⁠⁠And, for most of your SRD needs, check out the OpenGamingNetwork and ⁠⁠d20pfsrd.com⁠Send us a textEpic Adventures by OddFish Games, featuring Steve Kellams and Mike Howlett Anime Pulse reviews all types of anime from Shonin to Romance and anything between .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 ⁠⁠Linktree⁠We love the hard work and SRD referenced over at the Open Gaming Network! Check out their references for pathfinder, traveler, 5e, and more!

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/EpicTableGames⁠⁠⁠Mike TaylorLyfe and his many projects through his ⁠⁠⁠Linktree⁠⁠⁠And, for most of your SRD needs, check out the OpenGamingNetwork and ⁠⁠d20pfsrd.com⁠⁠Send us a textEpic Adventures by OddFish Games, featuring Steve Kellams and Mike Howlett Anime Pulse reviews all types of anime from Shonin to Romance and anything between .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 ⁠⁠Linktree⁠We love the hard work and SRD referenced over at the Open Gaming Network! Check out their references for pathfinder, traveler, 5e, and more!

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 textEpic Adventures by OddFish Games, featuring Steve Kellams and Mike Howlett Anime Pulse reviews all types of anime from Shonin to Romance and anything between .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 ⁠⁠Linktree⁠We love the hard work and SRD referenced over at the Open Gaming Network! Check out their references for pathfinder, traveler, 5e, and more!

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/supportSend us a textEpic Adventures by OddFish Games, featuring Steve Kellams and Mike Howlett Anime Pulse reviews all types of anime from Shonin to Romance and anything between .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 ⁠⁠Linktree⁠We love the hard work and SRD referenced over at the Open Gaming Network! Check out their references for pathfinder, traveler, 5e, and more!

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/supportSend us a textEpic Adventures by OddFish Games, featuring Steve Kellams and Mike Howlett Anime Pulse reviews all types of anime from Shonin to Romance and anything between .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 ⁠⁠Linktree⁠We love the hard work and SRD referenced over at the Open Gaming Network! Check out their references for pathfinder, traveler, 5e, and more!

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/supportSend us a textEpic Adventures by OddFish Games, featuring Steve Kellams and Mike Howlett Anime Pulse reviews all types of anime from Shonin to Romance and anything between .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 ⁠⁠Linktree⁠We love the hard work and SRD referenced over at the Open Gaming Network! Check out their references for pathfinder, traveler, 5e, and more!