The Secret Cabal Gaming Podcast

Happy Holidays Cabalists, It's our Christmas Extravaganza! Today the gang celebrates the holidays by reviewing Martin Wallace's newest game Auztralia from Stronghold Games and looking back at the arena combat sports game from Corvus Belli, Aristeia. Tony T spins up the news feeds to out together the best damn news segment in all of tabletop gaming. Then the Founders give you another short topic extravaganza with topics including Stretch Goals, liking games you guy vs ones you didn't buy, starter miniatures games and our favorite comic book series. And sprinkled throughout the episode we give you a ton of holiday songs written by the Cabalists and sung by the Founders.

Direct download: 173SecretCabalGamingPodcast.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 1:24am EDT

In episode 22 of Lords of the Dungeon Bender, Jess and Jamie give you a special edition spotlight on Shadowrun, the classic cyberpunk and fantasy mashup role playing game published by Catalyst Game Lab. We begin by talking about the setting and lore of the Sixth World and move into the depth and complexities of the game mechanisms.

Direct download: 022LordsoftheDungeon.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 9:23am EDT

Chris and Jamie are back from BGGcon and have played a ton of great games they want to tell you about. Then the gang gives an overview and review of Arkham Horror 3rd Edition from Fantasy Flight Games and look back at Betrayal at Baldur's Gate one year later. Tony T throws the best damn news segment ever at your while the rest of the Founders quack in the background. And finally, the guys present the Founder's Guide to Knowing How To Act Right in which they talk about what kind of opponents they like to play against and some stuff that makes them crazy. TIMECODES: Arkham Horror Overview 00:50:22, Arkham Horror Review: 00:57:10, Betrayal at Baldur's Gate: 01:28:15, Founders Update: 01:35:25, The News with Tony T: 01:37:50, The Founder's Guide to Knowing How To Act Right: 02:31:10

Direct download: 172SecretCabalGamingPodcast.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 6:40am EDT

Jamie and Chris just got back from BGGcon and give the rundown of what they thought after their first visit to this smaller, gaming focused convention and rank each convention they've been to from worst to best. Jamie also gives a review of his experience at The Warhammer Citadel, the world's first and only Games Workshop cafe and gaming center. Then the guys run down some of the do it yourself upgrades and accessories that they've made for their tabletop games. TIMECODES: Warhammer Citadel 00:20:00, Convention Rankings: 00:25:00, DYI Accessories: 00:34:38

Direct download: 043SecretCabalExpress.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 2:15am EDT

Chris is back from his trip the UK and talks about his games he played with our English Cabalists. Then we feature the newest Mind Clash game, Cerebria The Inside World. Then we take a look back at Yokohama from TMG one year later. After Tony T gives us the greatest news segment in all of board gaming, the gang hosts another short topic extravaganza in which we talk about our shelf of shame and getting better at board games. TIME STAMPS - Games Played: 7:08, Games of Yesteryear: 37:29, Cerebria Overview: 53:40, Cerebria Review: 58:30, Lookback of Yokohama: 1:30:37, The News with Tony T: 7:39:00, Short Topic Extravaganza: 2:18:50

Direct download: 171SecretCabalGamingPodcast.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 12:02am EDT

In episode 21 the Lords talk about Bender and Jess' new massively multiplayer online tabletop Shadowrun campaign they're about to start. Then the gang talks about a new role playing game sports tournment that will be streamed on Twitch. The Lords take a questions from a listener regarding how out GMs and players tend to describe the actions their taking. Then finally we have a discussion about alignment, what it means and how we use it in game.

Direct download: 021LordsoftheDungeon.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 2:05am EDT

With Chris on vacation in the UK, Aaron from the Lords of the Dungeon sits in to make some jokes and trade barbs with Steve. Then Steve and Jamie compare and review Blitz Bowl and Blood Bowl from Games Workshop. Then they take a look back at The Thing Infection at Outpost 31 one year later. After Tony Topper gives you the best damn gaming news segment in all of tabletop gaming the gang discusses gimmicks in board games!

Direct download: 170SecretCabalGamingPodcast.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:52am EDT

Roleplaying games are about telling stories, fantasy, science fiction, mystery, and more... but one of our favorite kinds of stories here at The Secret Cabal is the genre of horror. Today Bender and Jamie talk about how they run horror themed games and how you can celebrate Halloween by giving your players a good scare.

Direct download: 008DungeonMastersLudus.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 12:27am EDT

Jamie and Tony welcomes Honorary Founder Stephen Buonocore of Stronghold Games to talk about the Stronghold Games and Indie Board Game Cards merger then Tony T hosts a preview of some of the games we're excited about debuting at one of the largest gaming conventions in the world Essen SPIEL!

Direct download: 042SecretCabalExpress.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 12:57am EDT

It's Halloween time and the founders celebrate by talking about a ton of spooky board game! Then they feature the grim themed Eschaton from Archon Games and look back at the creepy adventure Folklore the Affliction from Greenbrier Games. After Tony T scares the wits out of you with his dreaded new segment and the ghoulish gang quacks in the background they host another Short Topic Extravaganza featuring a problem player, underused themed in board games and how to make territory control unique!

Direct download: 169SecretCabalGamingPodcast.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 12:16am EDT

In Episode 20 the Lords take a couple of questions from the listeners and discuses out thoughts and opinions on DnD Beyond after using it for 6 months. Then we talk about our favorite monsters to go up against and ones Bender and Jamie like to pit against their players. Then we discuss some of the issues with players getting to high levels and the issues that can arise when preparing a game.

Direct download: 020LordsoftheDungeon.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 1:48am EDT

Hey Now! Today the gang talks about Village Attacks, Everdell, Dwar7s Winter, Coimbra, The Island of El Dorado, Festival of 1000 cats, Blood Rage and Court of Medici. Then the gang reviews Too Many Bones from Chip Theory Games and Looks back at Viral from Arcane Wonders. And of course Tony T goes bananas with all the news coming from around the gaming industry. Then the Founders finish off the game by discussing Weight, Complexity, Brainburn and Stress in board gaming.

Direct download: 168SecretCabalGamingPodcast.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 12:20am EDT

Today Bender and Jamie talk about developing moments in your campaign. Moments that will provide players with memorable situations that will enrich your campaigns. Empowering players and making them feel badass, creating the pivotal moments when they may be set down a path of character evolution and putting players into situations when they have to make a choice. Sometimes a moral choice and others a sadistic choice.

Direct download: 007DungeonMastersLudus.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 1:49am EDT

Tony was visiting home for a week and we got to have a big game day in which we played tons of games and Chris and Tony get into a tussle over explaining rules. Then Tony, Steve and Jamie give an overview and review of War Chest from AEG and Look back at Massive Darkness from CMON one year later. Then Tony T gives us the rundown of all the hot gaming news from around the industry. Then we wrap up with a short topic extravaganza in which we further discuss Unique Games and hear two sides of the argument, how we feel about overproduction and where we buy our games.

Direct download: 167SecretCabalGamingPodcast.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 10:40pm EDT

In Episode 19 the Lords give and update on their current Dungeons and Dragons campaign and all the stuff their characters are getting into. And then based on some things that happened in our most recent gaming session, discuss Player Meta and how we separate doing what's best from a game standpoint and doing whats best from a role playing standpoint.

Direct download: 019LordsoftheDungeon.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 12:51am EDT

Today we start the episode off by talking about Steve's Lovecraft Pizza Party and the games he played. Then the game takes a look at the new hotness that everyone's talking about. The cute and cuddly furry creatures that murder each other over forest clearing, ROOT! Then we jump right to Tony T's new segment including all of the most important gaming news items on planet Earth and beyond because we're a bunch of boneheads and totally forgot to record the lookback. The finally we wrap up the show with our summer ending tradition of talking about games we love, are excited about, want to buy or whatever flies into our minds in the moment with The Secret Cabal Playlists.

Direct download: 166SecretCabalGamingPodcast.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 11:21pm EDT

Jamie and Tony talk about the miniatures hobby, their gaming space, their gaming tables, the shelves they like to use and how they store and organize their games and miniatures.

Direct download: 041SecretCabalExpress.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:11am EDT

Today Bender and Jamie talk about Game Master Meta. Where's the line between cheating, fudging and rebalancing? Then the guys talk about thinking on yout feet and evoling your story.

Direct download: 006DungeonMastersLudus.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 2:00am EDT

Today the gang presents their new show, The Chris, Jamie and Steve Show over on YouTube and Tony and Jamie talk about their adventures at Gen Con. Then fter talking about a whole mess of games, Steve and Jamie review the new game based on Brandon Sanderson's book series, The Reckoners and look back at The Godfather: Corleone's Empire. And finally after Tony T gives you all of the more important news around the gaming world, the Founders do another Short Topic Extravaganza in which they talk about solo games and best two player games to play with your spouse.

Direct download: 165SecretCabalGamingPodcast.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 1:06am EDT

In Episode 18 the Lords talk about Fantasy Flight Games' 30th Anniversary Rerelease of the original West End Star Wars Roleplaying Game, the Critical Role character death controversy, When characters betray one another in your gaming sessions and creating ambiance in your gaming sessions.

Direct download: 018LordsoftheDungeon.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 1:54am EDT

Jamie and Tony are on the way to Gen Con but the show must go on! Today the gang gives the feature review treatment to Thunderstone Quest and looks back at Nemo's War one year later. then Tony T gives us a rousing news segment in which we talk about the Overturn Kickstarter mess. Then in our Short Topic Extravaganza we talk about Kickstarters that go bad, Anime movies and Uwe Rosenberg games and how they've changed over the years.

Direct download: 164SecretCabalGamingPodcast.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 7:50pm EDT

Gen Con 2018 is in a week from today so Jamie and Tony get together to take a look at the BGG game release list and talk about the games that will bring you to full froth! As well, they take a look at Gen Con 2017's BGG list and talk about how some of the hot games from last year fared over the past year.

Direct download: 040SecretCabalExpress.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 12:09am EDT

Jamie and Chris are back from Dice Tower Con and have a bunch of new experiences and games to talk about. Then the gang presents their brand new segment called "Games of Yester-year" in which they talk about and review older titles from years past. Then of course, the Founders give you another feature review, this time Gaia Project and look back at Near and Far one year later. Tony T gives you the best damned tabletop gaming new segment in the history of gaming and then the guys have a short discussion about the state of tabletop gaming and how they've seen things change over the years.

Direct download: 163SecretCabalGamingPodcast.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 11:53pm EDT

The Lords are back from Origins and the gang discusses about how great gaming conventions are. Then Jess talks about her Shadowrun Games at Origins. We take a question from a listener regarding collecting information from about and knowing everything your players can do. Then we round out the episode with a discussion about giving experience to your players.

Direct download: 017LordsoftheDungeon.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 12:37am EDT

We're back from Origins and have a few tales of gaming and shenanigans to tell plus all the games we played while in Columbus Ohio for nearly a week. Then we do a feature review of Dinosaur Island and a look back at Age of Thieves. Tony T gives us the rundown of all the important news from the tabletop gaming universe while the rest of us quack in the background. Then finally we host another short topic extravaganza in which we talk about the price of boards games, how the Satanic Panic affected gaming and whether board games artwork is actually artwork or not.

Direct download: 162SecretCabalGamingPodcast.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:09pm EDT

Age of Sigmar Second Edition is coming out this week so Jamie and Aaron from Lords of the Dungeon talk about miniatures gaming, the lore and history of Age of Sigmar and finally give you there first impressions of the new Soul Wars starter set!

Direct download: 039SecretCabalExpress.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:13am EDT

Tony T is back from Europe and talks about some of the crazy things he's gotten into, the gang talks about a bunch of older games they've been getting into lately. Then the Founders review A Feast for Odin and look back at Railroad Revolution. The Tony T is back in the new anchor chair and the gang chatters in the background. The finally, the guys discuss FOMO, The Fear of Missing Out.

Direct download: 161SecretCabalGamingPodcast.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:36am EDT

The Gang is on the way to Origins Game Fair but the show must go on! Today we talk about our new Dungeons and Dragons Forgotten Realms campaign and the characters we'll be playing. Then we take a question from a listener who asks how we handle players knowing more about a setting than the Game Master. Finally the Lords have a round table table discussion about things they could improve upon in their own roleplaying and game mastering.

Direct download: 016LordsoftheDungeon.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 3:02pm EDT

So Tony T is marauding around Europe so we have a guest sitting in, Aaron from Lords of the Dungeon! First Chris and Jamie review the Dungeons and Dragons themed movie Mazes and Monsters starring Tom Hanks. Then after the Founders run down all the games they've been playing they talk a little but about Origins and give some details about their event. Then the gang takes a look at the new Big Trouble in Little China board game and give you their review and a look back at Watson and Holmes one year later. Steve takes the reigns for the news segment today and we crack wise while learning about what's going on in the gaming world. Then finally the guys talk about some of their favorite memories of gaming past.

Direct download: 160SecretCabalGamingPodcast.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 11:22pm EDT

Today Bender and Jamie talk about the mentality of one versus many and the philosophy of actually cooperating with your players to make a great RPG. Then they talk about game master styles. How does it feel to play in and Bender game and a Jamie game. We talk about some GMs we've gamed with in the past and how everyone's own signature style is different.

Direct download: 005DungeonMastersLudus.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 1:31am EDT

Today the Three Amigos are back together for an Origins Game Fair Fiesta! Jamie welcomes honorary Founders Rodney Smith from Watch It Played and Marty Connell from Rolling Dice and Taking Names to talk about whats going on at Origins this year. First we talk about Cobra Kai the new YouTube Red series based on The Karate Kid (which has absolutely nothing to do with Origins but whatever). Then we talk about when we're arriving, our savage hole arrangements and the big things we're excited about. Then the Amigos talk about some of the games demoing and releasing at the convention and the ones they're most excited about. Onward to Origins!

Direct download: 038SecretCabalExpress.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 1:14am EDT

Episode 159 will from now on be referred to as "The Cursed Episode" as schedules, technical problems and other issues have cause more havoc than ever before BUT The Cabal rages forth none the less. Today the a look at Lords of Hellas from Awaken Realms and look back at Clank! from Renegade Games. Then After Tony T blasts out the best news segment in all of gaming media the Founders host another short topic extravaganza including discussions about using characters and actors in miniatures games seemingly without permission, our favorite fantasy, sci-fi and comic book series and how we like to learn and teach games. Then after the episode is over Jamie talks about the Kickstarter and what the plans are going forward for The Cabal.

Direct download: 159SecretCabalGamingPodcast.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 2:00am EDT

In episode 15 the Lords take a question from a Cabalist regarding how their group handles mixing good and evil player characters in the same adventuring party. Then they discuss loot and rewards in role playing games and how it's important to balance the economy in your games.

Direct download: 015LordsoftheDungeon.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 2:05am EDT

We got three days left on the Kickstarter! Head over there if you're like to support the Secret Cabal for another year. Today the gang takes a look at the brand new Avengers Infinity War tie in game, Thanos Rising! And then the founders look back at 51st State the Master Set one year later. Tony T gives you a news segment filled with deceit and treachery while the rest of that chimes in. Then finally a short topic extravaganza including the most popular games the year we were born, games we'd love to explore deeply, should games punish you for making poor choices and our favorite and least favorite end game triggers.

Direct download: 158SecretCabalGamingPodcast.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 12:24am EDT

Today Bender and Jame focus in on an email sent by a Cabalist who is just getting started as a Game Master and has a series of questions that we address. We talk about what your first adventure might look like, should you pre-gen characters or have the players make their own? Should you start with a pre-designed adventure module or write your own? And more.

Direct download: 004DungeonMastersLudus.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:52am EDT

Today Chris and Jamie talk about having and managing a game collection ranging from how they go about selecting what games to buy, how they store their games, how they catagorize their games and how they cull games out of their collection.

Direct download: 037SecretCabalExpress.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 1:23am EDT

In today's episode we talk about our Fireball Island Party at Beer Mongers and Steve's Film Debut. Then the gang takes a look at Civilization A New Dawn and look back at both Onward to Venus and Anachrony. Then after Tony T provides a deep look at all of the most important tabletop gaming headlines while the rest of the gang cracks wise, the founders talk about immersion on board gaming.

Direct download: 157SecretCabalGamingPodcast.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 12:15am EDT

Today the Lords start off followup to Bender's End of the World Zombie Apocalypse one shot session and then transition to talking about Game Masters and make and run a character within their own games. Then we finish the show by talking about great villains in RPG campaigns.

Direct download: 014LordsoftheDungeon.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 12:30am EDT

It's the big day! The 2018 kickstarter has launched! Pop over to www.thesecretcabal.com and click on the Kickstarter banner to check it out. Bender and Jamie just got back from RobbCon with Blue Peg Pink Peg and Chris has an epic tale of why he didn't make it this year. Then Chris and Jamie take a look at The Pursuit of Happiness from Stronghold Games. Tony T goes ape giving you the worlds best gaming news awhile the rest of us quack in the background. Then finally we round out the show with a Short Topic Extravaganza in which we talk about Fireball Island fervor, board game expansions, and why Chris has an intellectual properties board game phobia.

Direct download: 156SecretCabalGamingPodcast.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 12:46am EDT

Today Chris and Jamie talk about movies and TV shows that have similar themes. If you like this movie, this board game might be right up your allow and vice versa. Then they discuss some movies they'd like to see turned into board games and board games they'd like to see movies or TV shows based on.

Direct download: 036SecretCabalExpress.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 1:07am EDT

Today in the Ludus Bender wants to talk about when Dungeon Master's screw up and how you handle a bad situation. The guys talk a little bit about when game master's cheat, when it's okay and when it's not and finally they discuss building memorable NPCs in your role playing games.

Direct download: 003DungeonMastersLudus.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 1:00am EDT

Hey Now Cabalists! Today is the big day! The day in which The Overdeer Family (Steve and Tony) take on the Limb Family (Chris and Brian) to see how is the greatest Founder duo in history in The Founders Feud 3: The Grudge Match! But first, Chris gives us another Gaming Movie Review, this time he takes a look at Zero Charisma. Then Tony, Steve and Jamie give you a feature review of Rising Sun followed by a look back at Assault of the Giants, the Dungeons and Dragons board game based on the Storm King's Thunder campaign. As always Tony T gives us the best damned gaming news rundown in the history of gaming news rundowns. And then, the royal rumble... It's time for The Founders Feud!

Direct download: 155SecretCabalGamingPodcast.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:17pm EDT

Today the Lords talk about Bender's first attempt with the End of the World role playing game and digress into all sorts of nonsense. Then they announce the winner of the Dungeons and Dragons starter kit contest. They the gang talks about how they're fixing a couple of issues with their game group. Finally they give you an update on their Dark Earth 1899 campaign.

Direct download: 013LordsoftheDungeon.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 12:50am EDT

Alrighty Cabalists! In today's episode we announce a bunch of the Kickstarter rewards coming up in next month's campaign. Then we give a feature review of Empires of hte Void II and a look back of Colosseum. Then Tony T goes bananas giving us a rundown of all the awesome news from around the board gaming world plus some cool looking new things announced at the New York Toy Fair. Then finally we host another short topic extravaganzain in which we discuss thinking about games when you're not playing games and can a game be overproduced?

Direct download: 154SecretCabalGamingPodcast.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 2:33am EDT

In today's Dungeon Master's Ludus Bender and Jamie talk about the Prime Directive of starting a new role playing game and now to make the first adventure of your new campaign amazing.

Direct download: 002DungeonMastersLudus.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 11:58pm EDT

Today Steve and Jamie are joined by Honorary Founder, Dan King, The Game Boy Geek to talk about his current Kickstarter fundraiser, being a full time media creator and casual and family games and some recommendations of games you might want to play with your friends and family!

Direct download: 035SecretCabalExpress.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 11:29pm EDT

Hey Now Cabalists! In today's episode Steve and I review the post apocalyptic vehicular combat game, Gaslands! Then we look back at Masmorra one year later. Then after Tony T gives you one of the greatest news rundowns in the history of news rundowns, the gang will do a round table discussion about hidden role and hidden movement games.

Direct download: 153SecretCabalGamingPodcast.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:04am EDT

The gang's got Dungeons and Dragons fever again! We're still sticking with our Dark Earth 1899 campaign, but Dungeons and Dragons always keep creeping back into their minds. After they get that out of their systems the Lords talk about using combat descriptions and how it enhances the experience for the group. They announce a new contest in which you could with a Dungeons and Dragons starter kit. And finally they talk about planned character evolution.

Direct download: 012LordsoftheDungeon.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 12:09am EDT

Wow, it's been three weeks since our last full episode and we're making up for it by giving you an oversized, mega jammed packed show! First off Chris gives you another gaming movie review, we announce a new contest and run down all the games we've been playing. Then we do a deep dive discussion of Merlin by Stefan Feld. Since we were dumb and missed the look back last time, we're giving you a Look Back doubleheader, City of Iron Second Edition and DOOM! Then after Tony T goes bananas hooking you up with all the news of the past three weeks, we do another sport topic extravaganza including why we pick the Kickstarters we do, how many add-ons are too many add-ons, what are our gamer pet peeves and what party games we like to break out with our adult friends.

Direct download: 152SecretCabalGamingPodcast.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:16am EDT

In this special series from the Lords of the dungeon, Bender and Jamie will discuss their process for running role playing game campaigns.In the first episode we discuss the clean slate - where do you get started creating a campaign for your RPG group?

Direct download: 001DungeonMastersLudus.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 11:55pm EDT

Today Chris and Jamie talk about euro games, what they are, what we like about them, the kinds that we like and what it's all about. Then we each list 3 games we love and 2 games we'd love to play that we havent played before.

Direct download: 034SecretCabalExpress.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 1:06am EDT

Hey now eveyrone and welcome to episode 151 of The Secret Cabal! Today we talk about fullfilling all our Kickstarter Goodies, Chris reviews a movie about a game that makes people insane murders, we discuss out big Beer Mongers New Years game day and all the games we've been playing. Then we review The Expanse from Wizkids. After Tony gives you the skinny on all the important gaming news, we discuss randomness in gaming!

Direct download: 151SecretCabalGamingPodcast.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 12:25am EDT

In episode 11 we talk about our decision to switch from Fate Core to World of Darkness and a little but about the new Genesys system. Then we take a topic from a listener about how long should RPG campaigns take to complete. Then finally we talk about our current Dark Earth 1899 campaign.

Direct download: 011LordsoftheDungeon.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 11:37pm EDT

It's the first episode of the year and it's a milestone episode at 150 and we're doing the same old stuff again! Today we actually go back in time and look at a game from 8 years ago, Defenders of the Realm. Then we look back at Great Western Trail one year later. After Tony T gives you the news for the past couple weeks we hook you up with another Short Topic Extravaganza!

Direct download: 150SecretCabalGamingPodcast.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 10:53pm EDT

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