Kaboom! It's time for another chock-a-block episode of the Secret Cabal! Today Tony and Jamie start out by talking about their experiences delving into Board Game Arena. Then the gang gets into all the games they've been playing, both digital and analog, including Castles of Burgundy, Robinson Crusoe Adventures on the Cursed Island, Altar Quest, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre Slaughterhouse, and Junk Drawer. Then after Tony T proves his merit as the best damned tabletop gaming newsman in history, the gang gets into a discussion about Randomness vs Determinism in board gaming. Aquatica Review 00:53:36, News with Tony T 01:26:08, Randomness vs Determinism 02:16:12

Alright chummers, listen up. This datastream kicks off with the Lords revealing their fresh-off-the-press Shadowrun personas for Bender's upcoming run. After that, they dive into their ongoing Call of Cthulhu gig, swapping tales and tactics from the madness-inducing adventures they're caught up in. Then, things get real juicy as they roll into a deep convo about the tricksy abilities us players can exploit and how game masters can keep a lid on the power we wield. Dig it and stay frosty out there in the sprawl!

Heyooooooo! The Founders start the show fired up because they've locked in a venue for this year's Origins Meetup! It'll be the first time the Cabal has had a Cabalist Meetup in 5 years and they're ready to rock and roll! Then the gang gets into some of the games they've been playing including Age of Comics The Golden Age, Dune Imperium, Wyrmspan, Beast and a feature review of The Fox Experiment from Jeff Fraser and Elizabeth Hargrave. Then, as usual, Tony T kicks out the best damn tabletop gaming news that you're ever going to hear. And finally, the gang gets into a discussion about exemplary mechanisms - mechanisms that make good games great.  The Fox Experiment Review 00:44:37, News with Tony T 01:12:54, Exemplary Mechanisms 02:18:32

Today, Don and Jamie dive into a discussion about Kickstarter, Gamefound, Backerkit and Indiegogo... it's all about crowdfunding! We talk about the impact it's had on the consumer and the industry, and we give all our crowdfunding stats - the good, the bad, and the ugly. And yes, Don's is ALL ugly.

Hey now Cabalists! Today the gang dives into some of the great games they've been playing including Sunrise Lane, Vale of Eternity, Lost Ruins of Arnak, Sanctum, Harrow County and go deep with a feature review of Obsession by Dan Hallagan. Then after Tony T gives us one whopper of a tabletop gaming news segment, the Founders go through a series of listener submitted questions including when do mistakes become cheating and how to get better at eurogames. Obsession Review 00:59:38, News with Tony T 01:33:45, Short Topic Extravaganza 02:44:04

Hark, Cabalists, for another tale unfolds in the annals of the Lords of the Dungeon! As the merry band rejoices in their reunion, they entertain a listener's query, recounting cherished characters of yore. Delving into character quirks, they ponder virtues and pitfalls with wisdom and mirth. Together, let us embark on this journey through imagination and camaraderie, reveling in storytelling and fellowship. Embrace the adventure, for in kindred spirits, the joys of the tabletop know no bounds!

Everyone knows that we talk about Tony taking long turns but today we got actual data! After we pick on T for his slow play, we jump into the games we've been playing including Tony's BGA games, Glass Road, Terrorscape, Bloodstones, and our great friend Dan King the Game Boy Geek joins us to talk about Aqua Biodiversity in the Oceans. Then Tony and Don give a feature review of Wonderland's War. Tony T gives us one of the single greatest news segments ever delivered in the history of board game media. And finally, Don leads a conversation about perfect games, if they're perfect and improving upon perfection. Wonderland's War Review 01:07:33, News with Tony T 01:47:36, Improving Upon Perfection 02:55:44

Hey now and Happy Wednesday wonderful Cabalists! Today the gang gets down to business talking about all the awesome games they've been playing including Last Light, Wyrmspan, Luna, Studies in Sorcery, Her Story, and a feature review of Djinn by Benjamin Schwer and Pegasus Spiele. Then Tony T kicks out the best damned tabletop gaming news segment in the entire universe. And finally, the Founders get down to business with some listener submitted questions with topics including are semi-cooperative games inherently broken? And what are some of your personal neuroses? 

Gather 'round, noble Cabalists, for a profound sojourn with The Lords of the Dungeon! Today, amidst the swirling ether, we delve into the essence of balance, pondering the interplay of jest and gravity within our gaming realms. From merry jests to weighty matters, we traverse this delicate dance. Yet, our journey extends further, into the labyrinth of campaign preparation. What lore suffices, and what is excess? With minds keen and hearts resolute, we seek equilibrium, uniting frivolity and earnestness. Thus, let us embark on quests imbued with ancient wisdom and boundless imagination!

Well alright Cabalists, you know it's time for another wild and crazy episode of The Secret Cabal Gaming Podcast. Today we pick on Tony T for mispronouncing everything before diving into all the great games we've been playing including Clash of Cultures Monumental Edition, Dune War for Arrakis, Frostpunk, Obsession, Go, and Arkham Horror The Road to Innsmouth followed by a feature review of Witchcraft by our great friends David Thompson, Trevor Benjamin, and Roger Tankersley. Then after Tony T gives you history's greatest tabletop gaming news segment, the gang discusses the 10 worst games rated on Board Game Geek. Is it a fair ranking? We'll find out. Witchcraft Review 01:04:37, News with Tony T 01:35:52, The 10 Worst Games of All Time 02:38:53

Welcome Ye Gods of War! Today's chronicle unravels as these Filthy Casuals prattle on about their quaint endeavors in miniature craftsmanship. Jamie regales tales of his Dwarven Warband, while Mike boasts of a Norse Blood Bowl Team, and the gang trifles akin to plundered baubles from Etsy peddlers. Then, the enigmatic AC unveils a grand design, the colossal two-year odyssey culminating in a full lance of Adeptus Titanicus - a testament to the freebooter's audacity. The saga unfurls into a parlance concerning Games Workshop's freshest bounty, the Legions Imperialis.

Hey Now Cabalists! In today's Express Don and Jamie present the annual Best of 2023 and Lookback Special in which we look back at the past year and discuss the games we played and reviewed!

Hey now! Episode 289 kicks off with Chris taking over the show to leading us down the path his mind walks. Then the gang talks about some games they've been playing including The Fox Experiment, Plum Island Horror, Speakeasy Blues, Crusaders Thy Will be Done, and Everdell Digital. Then Chris, Don and Jamie feature After Us from Florian Sirieix and Pandasaurus Games. Then Tony T gives you the best Damned tabletop gaming news programing that your ears ever beheld. And finally the founders discussed their irksome irritants, the things they find annoying about board games and the hobby, and how they would fix them. After Us Review 00:46:26, News with Tony T 01:22:35, Irksome Irritants 02:17:29

Hail, noble Cabalists! In this inaugural episode of the year 2024, the gallant assembly delves into Jess and Bender's enduring Vampire the Masquerade campaign. Each Lord then shares their fervor for a new game in this annum, and the fellowship engages in a lively discourse on player choice, the illusion thereof, and the ensuing consequences. Join this convivial gathering as they traverse the realms of whimsical revelry!

Happy New Year Cabalists! We're sorry the show is a few days behind schedule but better late than never! Today the gang talks about some of the crap they got for Christmas and a bunch of the games they've been playing including The Thing: The Boardgame, Stationfall, Kutna Hora City of Silver, The Stifling Dark, Go, and a feature review of Raising Robots from Nauvoo Games. Then Tony T makes sure you're up to date on all the most important chess anal bead news. Then finally the Founders present some of their most shameful shelf of shame games and the others vote on which ones they commit to playing!

 Raising Robots Review 00:58:43, News with Tony T 01:27:18, The Shelf of Shame Challenge 02:31:20

Don and Jamie are joined by The Secret Cabal Elf to discuss The Island of Misfit Games! Just like in Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer in which Rudolph, Hermey and Yukon Cornelius discover the Island of Misfit Toys, Don, Jamie and Elf discuss the strange, broken, or unattractive - yet fun to play - games that need to find good homes. Also, the gang is joined throughout the episode by their great friends Chaz Marler and Rodney Smith of Watch It Played, Joel Eddy of Drive Thru Games, and Dan King the Game Boy Geek to give their favorite misfits.

Ho Ho ho and Season's Greetings Cabalists and welcome to the 12th annual Secret Cabal Holiday Special! Today the Secret Cabal elves dive into their stories from PAX Unplugged in Philidelphia, debut a brand new holiday song parody sung by Chris, and discuss the games they've been playing including  Fun Facts, How do you Doodle, Masters of the Universe Clash for Eternia, Distilled, Unsolved Hunt for the Truth, Hamlet and feature World Wonders by Arcane Wonders and Ze Mendes. Then after Tony T throws out the jolliest tabletop gaming news segment ever to beam across the North Pole airwaves the gang engages the ever-popular Newlywed Game Founders Edition!  World Wonders Review 01:07:39, News with Tony T 01:39:19, Newlywed Game 02:29:20

Hark, noble Cabalists, and be greeted with mirth! On this day's tale, the Lords do convene to regale thee with the saga's crescendo in Jesse's dragonlance campaign. A query from a gentle listener, pondering the art of casual game mastering, finds its home in the discourse. Yet, lo and behold, the most savory discourse unfolds as they delve into the rich marrow of inspiration—whence cometh our ideas, and doth it pass muster to filch from other realms of media?

You know what time it is Cabalists, it's time for some irreverent nonsense! The gang is back in action and we're getting busy with some of the games we've been playing including Anunnaki Dawn of the Gods, Iki, Mystic Vale, Lands of Galzyr, Oltree Undead and Alive and featuring Last Light designed by our good buddy Roy Cannaday and published by Grey Fox Games. And of course, he is back with another installment of the greatest tabletop gaming News segment in the entire universe. And then the founders get into some short topics submitted by listeners including house ruling, games we were wrong about, and are there any games that are too formidable for us to learn?  Last Light Review 01:05:13, News with Tony T 01:38:54, Short Topic Extravaganza 02:49:10

Welcome Ye Gods of War! Today, esteemed hobbyists, the Filthy Casuals engage in discussions regarding the Night Lords, A Song of Ice and Fire Tactics, contemplate the Legions Imperialis, explore Snap Ship Tactics, and evaluate the merits of Pro Acryl and Duncan Rhodes' Two Thin Coats. Following this, the squad immerses itself in the latest phenomenon of miniatures wargaming – One Page Rules. Our noble brothers dissect Grim Dark Future Firefight and Age of Fantasy Skirmish, imparting wisdom on the creation of your own chapters. May you find enlightenment in their endeavors on the battlefield. For The Emperor!

Well Cabalists, we're closing in on the end of the year and the founders are working on how they're going to make 2024 a great year of Cabal podcasting. Today Don and Jamie get together to discuss how the Cabal reviews board games and how they plan to make it more comprehensive in the future. Join the gang as they discussed the anatomy of a board game review.

Hey Now and welcome to another jam-packed of the Cabal! Today the gang gets down to business talking about some awesome games they've been playing including Blood on the Clocktower, Horrified, Sea Salt and Paper, Empire’s End and Everdell Farshore. Then the Founders dive into a feature review of Apiary from Connie Vogelmann and Stonemaier Games. Tony T takes the bull by the horns in his award-winning tabletop gaming news segment. And finally, the boys discuss the age-old question - miniatures versus meeples versus cardboard standees. Apiary Review 01:04:04, News with Tony T 01:36:54, Minis, Meeples, and Standees 02:45:22

Milady and noble sirs, in this day's tale told in the hallowed halls of Lords of the Dungeon, our valiant band converseth of the imminent close of act one in Jess' Dragonlance campaign. Then, the Lords, like knights yearning for adventure, do contemplate which silver screen and television quests they'dst fain take part in, forsooth! Lastly, we embark upon a noble quest to fathom the inner workings of players' hearts, delving into the arcane art of maintaining their ardor in the midst of game sessions. Onward, dear listeners, to these chivalrous endeavors!

In this episode Jamie makes a mistake about the game Brazil Imperial and wanted to clear things up.

Hey Now Cabalists! It's November and I'm thankful for all the amazing board games the gang has been playing lately!  In this episode the guys cover Brazil Imperial, Ankh: Gods of Egypt, After Us, Chronicles of Crime 1400, Empires of the North, and into our feature review we look at Iello's newest Tableau building game Ancient Knowledge designed by Remi Mathieu. You know the Cabal can't go an episode without hearing about all of the most exciting tabletop gaming news there is helmed by our intrepid News man Tony T. If finally, the Founders take questions from the listeners regarding hobby Styles we haven't tried, the best science fiction franchises, and does them matter anymore. Ancient Knowledge Review 00:57:23, News with Tony T 01:24:30, Short Topic Extravaganza 02:20:23

Greetings, aficionados of the inexplicable! Gather round as Steve, Tony, Bender, Don, and Jamie embark on a journey through the thrilling realms of the unexplained. We'll navigate a universe brimming with the bizarre and probe the forgotten landscapes inhabited by cryptozoological wonders. In today's odyssey, our intrepid crew plunges into the enigma of Colorado's Bigfoot, the perplexing alien mummies of Peru, the mischievous Albatwitch, and the cosmic specter known as the Flatwoods Monster, haunting the deep Braxton County woodlands. Today, we descend into the mystifying abyss, beckoning you to join us in The Secret Cabal Presents: The Mysteries of the Unknown. Albatwitch Day 00:02:30, The Colorado Bigfoot 00:12:56, Alien Mummies of Peru 00:32:11, The Flatwoods Monster 00:45:19, Flatwoods Monster Discussion 01:08:10

It's Halloween time Cabalists and it's time for spooky games and a visit from Wolfman Steve and the Gatekeeper with some Halloween fun. The gang takes a look at some great games including Aliens: Another Glorious Day in the Corps, Three Kingdoms Redux, Nightmare Cathedral, Return to Dark Tower and a feature review of The Thing: The Board Game from Giuseppe Cicero and Andrea Crespi. And after Tony T gives us all the most important tabletop gaming news from around the community, the Founders talk about Behavioral Economics in tabletop gaming. The Thing Review 00:47:15, News with Tony T 01:21:18, Behavioral Economics 02:33:25

Hark, dear companions, and be ensorcelled by the mystical vibrations of Lords of the Dungeon! On this auspicious day, let it be known that Aaron is aflame with excitement, for he unveils the sacred tomes of the 5th Edition Planescape, laden with secrets of worlds beyond reckoning. In the shadowy recesses of our discourse, we shall unravel the tales of the Game Masters who have woven dread and wonder upon their hapless players. Behold, as we traverse the cosmos of roleplaying games, discovering the varied archetypes of players that dwell within, and ponder the visages we ourselves bear in this ethereal realm of imagination! Welcome, noble souls, to an episode graced by the enchantment of the ages.

Hey now and greetings, esteemed members of the Cabal community! Today the gang gets into some great gaming discussion including Dune Imperium Rise of Ix, Dune Imperium Immortality, Ra: Deluxe Edition, Disney Animated, Dawn of Ulos, Archeos Society and a feature review of the Village Big Box designed by Inka and Markus Brand. Tony T, as always, gives us the best tabletop gaming news roundup in the entirety of the gaming community. And finally, the gang takes questions from the listeners with topics including their recommended TV series, how complexity affects enjoyment, and games styles and mechanisms the Founders are tired of. Village Review 00:48:34, News with Tony T 01:24:16, Short Topic Extravaganza 02:31:02

Today Don, Tony, and Jamie dive into another spotlight of the legendary board game designer Uwe Rosenberg. The gang gives a few facts about his life and talks about the impact he's had on game design throughout the years. They also highlight some of his notable games and what makes them great.

Hey now wonderful and loyal Cabalists! Get ready for another jam-packed episode of the Secret Cabal Gaming Podcast in which the Founders dive into some amazing board games including Ark Nova, Shadows of Brimstone Gates of Valhalla, Everdell Farshore, Castle Panic Big Box, Rear Window and feature Age of Innovation from Capstone Games and designed by Helge Ostertag. Then, after Tony T gives the the most fascinating and informative tabletop gaming news segment in the entire universe, the gang jumps into a discussion about what defines a fun board game. Age of Innovation Review 01:00:14, News with Tony T 01:31:35, Defining The Fun 02:40:37

Hear, O Cabalists! The noble Lords of the Dungeon return to regale thee with tales of roleplay anew. Today, we embark upon a quest into the mystical realms of Talespire, a 3D tabletop conjuration that doth defy imagination's bounds. Then our gaze falls upon three RPG gems, rare as phoenix feathers, bearing unique mechanisms: Ten Candles, Dread, and Alice is Missing. And in the shadows of discourse, we unfurl the cloak of suspension of disbelief, where the ethereal dance of fantasy and reality unfolds in the realm of roleplay. Join us on this lyrical odyssey, as the Lords of the Dungeon beckon thee to a world where stories breathe and dreams take flight!

Hail, fierce warriors and shield-maidens! 'Tis time for another saga of The Secret Cabal Gaming Podcast! Today, the Founders plunge headlong into the glorious games we've conquered - among them Life of the Amazonia, 7 Wonder: Architects, 3 Ring Circus, The Goonies Never Say Die, CATAN Dawn of Humankind, and a feature review of Star Trek Away Missions from Gale Force Nine. Then, Tony T, our bard of gaming lore, regales us with an epic hour of tabletop gaming news that shall echo through the ages. And at last, our clan gathers for a grand gathering of short, yet mighty, topics that shall rival the fiercest battles of old! Star Trek Away Missions Review 00:56:17, News with Tony T 01:34:57, Short Topic Extravaganza 02:37:55

Today, Chris, Don, and Jamie Talk about the weird behavior of tabletop gamers!

Enter, Ye Gods of War, it's volume eight of Battletome, a podcast about the miniatures gaming hobby! Today, Bender, Aaron, Mike and Jamie Talk about Legions Imperialis, Cities of Sigmar, Blood and Plunder and basing your miniatures. Then the gang dives deep into the hottest new minis game on the market Star Wars Shatterpoint!

Hark, noble Cabalists! Gather 'round as the minstrels of the Cabal Founders regale you with tales of tabletop wonder! This day, our merry band embarks on a grand quest through realms like Lords of Ragnarok, Ark Nova, AHAU, Castles of Burgundy: Special Edition, Wandering Towers, and a saga unfolds in the feature review of Stonemaier Games' Expeditions. With the wisdom of Tony T, a bard of gaming lore, we unravel the most splendid newsworthy tidings of the tabletop gaming realm. Lastly, hear ye a debate betwixt our fellowship, pondering the ancient enigma of tactics versus strategy!  Expeditions Review 00:56:41, News with Tony T 01:44:59, Tactics vs Strategy 02:51:23

Hey Now Gang and welcome to another episode of Lords of the Dungeon! Today the gang gets into a discussion about their new campaign using the Old School Essentials RPG system in the world of Greyhawk. Then the Lords talk about their dive into the newest Dungeons and Dragons hostness, Baldur's Gate 3. Then Jess takes the gang down the long and winding road of player character investment and the group talks about the responsibility of the players and the game master.

Hey Now Cabalists! It’s time for some more bananas board game discussion from the Founders and today we dive right into some amazing games we've been playing including Lewis and Clark, Hunt a Killer, Clank!, Masters of the Universe Fields of Eternia, Wizards of the Grimoire, and a feature review of Thunder Road Vendetta from Restoration games. Tony T, as always, gives us one of the greatest hours of tabletop gaming news you're ever going to find on the net. And finally, the gang kicks around a discussion topic about losing at board games. Thunder Road Vendetta Review 00:53:08, News with Tony T 01:28:49, Losing 02:23:45

Today Don and Jamie list 11 games that they are the most excited about releasing at Gen Con 2023!

Today the Founders welcome AC from Lords of the Dungeon to an episode chocked full of crazy gaming nonsense! The gang gets into some games they've been playing including Dredge on PC, Mission Control Critical Orbit, Ierusalem: Anno Domini, Mother of Frankenstein, Imperial Steam, Robo-Rally and feature Distilled from Dave Beck and Paverson Game. Then, while Tony T is at karate camp, Stevie S takes over for the news! The gang wraps up the show with a Short Topic Extravaganza including rating games on BGG, RPGs vs Dungeon Crawls and how long is too long for a board game? Distilled Review 00:45:54, News with Stevie S 01:16:22, Short Topic Extravaganza 02:11:56

Hey Now Cabalists! The gang is back in action this month and we dive right into a discussion about Bauldur's Gate 3 and the hottest topic in all the internet - bear sex. After we exhaust that nonsense, we go into Bender's game of Star Trek Bridge Crew and how it's leading into another Star Trek Adventures RPG campaign. Then Jesko and Jamie talk about their upcoming Old School Essentials campaign and how they feel about going back to what is essentially a game designed 40 years ago. Then the Lords get into a discussion about acting, improvising, and thinking on your feet in RPGs.

The gang is back from Origins Game Fair 2023 and they got a load of nonsense to talk about but first they get into the game they've been playing including Ostia, G.I. JOE The Deck-Building Game, Creature Comforts, Cuba Libre, A War of Whispers and feature Hegemony Lead Your Class to Victory from Vangelis Bagiartakis and Varnavas Timotheou. Then Tony T gives us all the most important tabletop gaming news stories from around the tabletop gaming community and industry. And finally the Founders recap their trip to Columbus Ohio for Origins Game Fair! Hegemony Lead Your Class to Victory Review 00:54:18, News with Tony T 01:21:50, Origins 2023 02:28:15

Hey Now Cabalists! Unfortunately we need to postpone Express Today! We'll make it up to you on a future week. Have a great week!

It’s time again for the Founders to throw down some irreverent nonsense for you all! Today the gang gets right down to business with some games they've been playing including Stranger Things: Upside Down, Descent Legends of the Dark, A Feast for Odin, Abducktion, Journal 29 Oblivion and a feature review of Maharaja from Michael Kiesling and Wolfgang Kramer. After Tony T provides his incredible insights on the news of the day the boys get into some short topics submitted by listeners including culling games you actually love, what makes a perfect IP game, and Klaus Teuber, CATAN and the games that got us into hobby board gaming.

Today Jess and Bender spin the yarn of their recent Star Wars adventures using the Blades in the Dark RPG called Criminal Muppets. Then the Lords take a question from a listener regarding roleplaying mental trauma. And finally, the game talks about healthy and unhealthy player character conflict.

Good morning and happy Wednesday Cabalists, it's that time again for some irreverent nonsense with The Founders! Today the gang talks about the new Discord channel and runs through some of the games they've been playing including Hegemony: Lead your Class to Victory, Takenoko, Mindbug: Beyond, Now or Never, Agricola 15 and feature The Witcher Old World. Then Tony T gives us the best damned official tabletop gaming news you'll ever hear. And finally Judge Topper is back, and court is in session with The Cabalist's Court. The Witcher Old World Review 01:12:21, News with Tony T 01:42:53, The Cabalists Court 02:35:55

Enter, Ye Gods of War, it's volume seven of Battletome, a podcast about the miniatures gaming hobby. Today, Bender, Aaron, Mike and Jamie Talk about hobby stores, hobby supplies, Warhammer 40k 10th edition, Warhammer digital games and take a look at Space Station Zero.

Today Chris, Tony and Jamie discuss a 2000 year old game component that every gamer has a love hate relationship with... dice!

HEY OH! It's time for some more Secret Cabal in your life. Today the gang goes bananas outta the game and gets into some games they've been playing including Thunder Road Vendetta, Nemesis: Lockdown, New York 1901, Dead by Daylight: The Boardgame, Galaxy Trucker and feature Simone Luciani and Nestore Mangone's newest masterpiece, Darwin's Journey. Then after Tony T gives us what he does best - the official tabletop gaming news, the gang digs into a discussion about games that fired other games and feature some Cabalist thoughts! Darwin's Journey Review 00:51:54, News with Tony T 01:15:18, Games that Fired Other Games 02:24:14

The Lords are back and today the gang gets right down to business talking about Jess' first time running a gamer for the group and what she learns, what she did great and some things she plans to work on for next time. Then the Lords dig into a meaty topic submitted by a listener asking what we are looking for in our RPG game systems and rulesets.

Episode 272 starts out with an oldie but a goodie, Chris' Movie review segment in which he kinda talks about the Tetris movie and trails off into something else. Then the gang gets busy with the games they've been playing including Yokohama, 51st State: Ultimate Edition, Core Worlds, Starship Captains, Revive and a feature review of Masters of the Universe Clash for Eternia from CMON. Then after Tony T goes ape with the best damn news segment in the third Galaxy, the Founders discuss what makes a Civilization game. Masters of the Universe Review 00:58:02, News with Tony T 01:26:41, Civilization Games 02:22:51

Today Don, Tony and Jamie present a designer spotlight on Jamey Stegmaier. The gang talks about the myriad of games he's designed including Viticulture, Euphoria: Build a Better Dystopia, Scythe, Charterstone, Tapestry, Red Rising and Rolling Realms and his progression as a designer and business man.

Hey now Cabalists and welcome to episode 271 of the secret cabal gaming podcast! Today the gang starts off by talking about some game days they've recently attended and a bunch of the games they've been playing including Marrakesh, Long Shot The Dice Game, Joan of Arc, Theurgy, Ferret Out, Score Cards and a feature review of Beast. Then after Tony T gives you the best official tabletop gaming news that you can find on the internet, the Founders talk about some genres and mechanisms that just might have worn out their welcome. Beast Review 00:55:12, News with Tony T 01:29:13, Worn Out Genres and Mechanisms 02:33:03

Hey now Cabalists! Episode 61 kicks off with Jamie's spoiler-free review of the film Dungeons and Dragons Honor Among Thieves. Then the Lords get into a discussion about Jess' new Dragonlance campaign, our characters and how the gods of Krynn. Finally, the gang gets into a discussion about integrating player backstories into the campaign.

THE 2023 KICKSTARTER IS LIVE NOW! The Founders blast into episode 270 by talking about some amazing games they've been getting busy with over the past couple week including  Endless Winter, Deal with the Devil, Suburbia, Root Digital and feature Earth from Inside Up Games and designed by Maxime Tardif. Then Tony T goes absolutely wild with the official tabletop gaming news segment. And finally the gang gets into some listener submitted questions including retro video games they enjoyed growing up, online gaming platforms and most loved vs most played. Earth Review 00:42:39, News with Tony T 01:16:07, Thematic Mechanisms 02:11:14

Enter, Ye Gods of War! In Volume Six of Battletome, a podcast about the miniatures gaming hobby, the Filthy Casuals Bender, Aaron, Mike and Jamie talk about the hobby projects they've been getting into and all the news coming out of Adepticon 2023 including Warhammer 40k 10th edition, Star Wars Shatterpoint, The Battletech Mercenaries Kickstarter and more.

Hey Now Cabalists! Today Chris, Don Tony and Jamie get together to discuss the criteria and emotions involved in defining a classic tabletop game.

THE 2023 KICKSTARTER IS LIVE NOW! Before listening, get on over there and support the Cabal! Then you'll heard us open the show with Steve and his horrible jokes and onward to some of the great games we've been playing including Theurgy, Northern Pacific, Magic the Gathering, Old London Bridge, City of the Great Machine, and a feature review of Uwe Rosenberg newest game, Atiwa! Then Tony T busts out the actual official tabletop gaming news and the gang wraps up the episode by discussing thematic mechanisms in board games.

Hey Now Cabalists! Today Jamie is here to give you a special update about the 2023 Secret Cabal Kickstarter launching this week on Wednesday March 15th. Jamie goes through a bunch of the content project the gang is working on and if the campaign is successful, they'll be busy making some great stuff in 2023.

Hey now Cabalists! Today the Lords start off by discussing their recent Call of Cthulhu 7th Edition adventure and give their final verdict. Then AC talks to the group about taking a break from Roleplaying for a bit so he can recharge his batteries. Finally, the gang discusses homebrew campaign settings vs officially published settings.

Hey Now Cabalists! The gang is back to and because they're obsessed, they talk about the Pennsylvania bigfoot and Don's belief in the ancient aliens. Then they dive into the games they've been playing including Karmaka, Search for Planet X, Rolling Realms and Inscyption on Steam. Then The Founders welcome their great friend Dan King The Game Boy Geek to share some game recommendations including East India Companies and Score Card. And then the boys dive into a very special feature review, Dead of Winter from Isaac Vega and Jon Gilmour. Tony T, as always, gives the listeners a taste of whats going on out there in the tabletop gaming news world. And finally the gang hosts a discussion about exploiting the psychology of the other players in board gaming. Dan King Recommendations 39:59, Dead of Winter Review 00:56:52, News with Tony T 01:25:39, Exploring Psychology in Board Games 02:09:28

This week the Martin Wallace game Brass Birmingham overtook the number 1 spot on Board Game Geek's ranking, and it sparked a feud between the Brass lovers and the Gloomhaven Lovers. Don, Jamie, and Tony discuss this controversy and go into some detail about Board Game Geek, how they use it and what makes it a special place for the board game community.

Hey Now Cabalists and welcome to another game stuffed episode of The Secret Cabal. Today, after the gang theorizes about Bigfoot's ecology we get into a list of games we've been playing including The Yawning Portal, Zombicide Undead or Alive, Boon Lake, Chronicles of Crime: 2400, Lost Ruins of Arnak Expedition Leaders, and a feature review of Autobahn by Fabio Lopiano and Nestore Mangone. Then after Tony T kick off another tabletop gaming news segment the gang jumps into some listener submitted questions discussing murder mystery party games, board game inspired video games and Bullshit or Believe it ala The Bigfoot Collector's Club. Autobahn Review 00:55:27, News with Tony T 01:21:05, Short Topic Extravaganza 02:17:02

Today the Lords open the show by talking about the hottest new toy in the tech world, ChatGPT and Jamie's experience solo role playing with it. Then the gang dives into a mega-discussion about Jess' new D&D campaign and managing player abilities that become problematic within the group.

The Founders are back for another jam-packed episode starting out with a bit of tv show talk and leading into and a bunch of games we've been playing including The Thing: The Boardgame, QE, Wonderland’s War, Heroes of Land Air and Sea, Scout and a feature review of Encyclopedia. Then Tony T gives us the greatest tabletop gaming news in the world of tabletop gaming as the rest of the gang quacks in the background. And finally, the boys discuss that special magic that games certain board games explode in popularity. Encyclopedia Review 01:01:22, Founders Update 01:29:03, News with Tony T 01:33:12, X-Factor of Popular Board Games 02:46:21

Welcome Cabalists to the first annual Best of 2022 and Lookback Special in which we look back at the past year and discuss the games played and reviewed. The gang will list their individual top 5 games that The Cabal reviewed in 2022, the top 5 games the guys individually played but did not review and the top 5 games they missed in 2022.

Hey Now Cabalists! It's time for your weekly dose of Cabal nonsense! Today the gang takes a look at a bunch of awesome games including The Shivers, Autobahn, Raiders of the North Sea Digital, Fall of the Mountain King, Cat in the Box and Don and Jamie feature Starship Captains designed by Peter B. Hoffgaard and published by CGE. Then Tony T gives you all the relevant news from around the gaming verse. And finally, the Founders host another Short Topic Extravaganza with topics like how factors game for a great game session, who are some of our favorite content creators and do you think it's okay to have multiple game with the same style or theme. Starship Captains Review 00:49:11, Founders Update 01:20:21, News with Tony T 01:23:32, Short Topic Extravaganza 02:30:45

The Lords of the Dungeon are back in action and ready to talk about some great roleplaying games! Today the gang discuses a ton of great booking and games including The Expanse, The Ultimate Micro-RPG Book, Alien Destroyer of Worlds, Lancer, Vampire the Masquerade, Blades in the Dark and Call of Cthulhu. Enjoy!

Oh baby, it's the first show of the year and after a little holiday break the Founders are back for some crazy Cabal antics! Today the gang gets into some of the games they've been playing including Forest of Radgost, Creature Comforts, Merchants of the Dark Road, Marvel Snap, Mindbug and features Lacrimosa designed by Gerard Ascensi and Ferran Renalias and published by Devir. After Tony T knocks your socks off with another bombastic tabletop gaming news segment the boys get into a discussion about keeping their gaming lives fresh. Lacrimosa Review 00:53:02, Founders Update 01:15:08, News with Tony T 01:18:23, Keeping Your Gaming Life Fresh 02:07:04

Ho Ho Ho Cabalists! It's the 2022 Secret Cabal Holiday Special! Today the Don and Jamie talk about their time at PAX Unplugged and a bunch of games they've played including Obsession, Fire & Stone: Siege of Vienna 1683, Clank! Catacombs, Wicked & Wise and Ready, Set Bet and a feature review of Ahoy by Greg Loring-Albright and Leder Games. Then between all the Secret Cabal Christmas tunes, Tony T kicks out the best damned tabletop gaming news segment in the history of tabletop gaming podcasts and the gang talks about games from the past, present and future that bring them joy. Ahoy Review 00:51:33, Founders Update 01:19:44, News with Tony T 01:25:56, Games of Christmas Past Present and Future 02:13:04

In this, the first Express Episode in a full year, Don, Chris and Jamie are joined by their very good friend The Secret Cabal Christmas Elf to help Santa out with gifting games to gamers. The boys go through a series of categories including games for game enthusiasts, party games, stocking stuffers, budget games and more.

Hey now! It's time for another healthy dose of Cabal nonsense! Today the gang gets into some of the games they've been playing including Star Trek Ascendency, Weather Machine, Mechs vs Minions, Paperback Adventures, San Francisco, and features Sabotage by Tim Fowers. Then Tony T gives the most wonderful tabletop gaming roundup any newsman has every provided. Finally, the Founders take a look at crowdfunding and how their habits have changed over the years and how they may be changing in the future. Sabotage Review 00:47:54, Founders Update 01:09:01, News with Tony T 01:14:31, Revisiting Crowdfunding 01:55:02

Gobble Gobble Gobble, Cabalists! It's coming up on that holiday where we eat way too much take naps on the couch (or that would be a typical day at my house). The gang dives in with some games they've been playing including Planted, Horrified Universal Monsters, Monster Slaughter, Oak, Ark Nova and our feature review Alma Mater from Eggertspiele. Tony Topper does what a Tony Topper does best and enlightens us with all the best tabletop gaming news out there. And finally, the founders list some things that really stick in their craw and what games they're thankful for that fix those issues. Alma Mater Review 00:50:44, News with Tony T 01:19:33, What We're Thankful For In Gaming 02:08:29

Hey Now Cabalists! Alabama White Thing? Alabama Booger Monster? Turkey Man Steve? The mysterious primates are everywhere! Today the gang talks about a bunch of great games they’ve been getting into including Valaria: Card, Mosaic, Don't Go In There, Flamecraft, Campaign Trail and a feature review of Endless Winter: Paleoamericans from Stan Kordonskiy Fantasia Games. Then after Tony T gives you an on fleek tabletop gaming news roundup the gang gets into some short topics including rare and out of print games, the complexity to fun ratio and what game could you beat Death at to not go to hell? Endless Winter Paleoamericans Review 00:54:27, News with Tony T 01:13:00, Short Topic Extravaganza 02:19:22

Happy Halloween Cabalists! It's that time of year when the Founders are visited by Wolfman Steve and The Gatekeeper for some spooky fun and games! First the gang talks about their very own cryptid that lives in the forests near their home. Then the gaming ghoulies jump into some games they've been playing including Finding Sasquatch, Cult of the Deep, Bloody Inn, Feed the Kraken, Campy Creatures, and our feature review, Night of the Living Dead A Zombicide Game. Then Tony T gives us the creepiest, most hair-raising haunted new segments in all of Halloween Town. Then finally the Founders give board games a break and talk about the TV shows and movies we're watching this October! Night of the Living Dead Review 00:54:27, News with Tony T 01:13:00, What To Watch This Halloween 02:19:22

The Founders are back with another jam-packed episode and this one has some crazy stuff going on so BEWARE! The gang starts out by talking about some awesome games including Oathsworn: Into the Deepwood, Glow, Exit: The Sinister Mansion, Lunar Rush, Cry Havoc, Agricola and My Father’s Work. Then Don, Steve and Jamie jump into a feature review of Witchstone. Tony T goes bananas with his news segment, and this is where all the insanity starts due to a controversy in the Chess world. Then finally the gang talks about beer and pretzel games, games we would have loved when we were in 7th grade, and things that turn us off about games in our Short Topic Extravaganza. Overview 01:13:47, Witchstone Review 01:17:19, News with Tony T 01:40:01, Short Topic Extravaganza 02:33:42

Hey Now Cabalists! In episode 257 the gang gets back to talk about some great games including Resist!, City of Iron, Thunderstone Quest, Trudvang Legends, Cat in the Box and Get on Board. Then Don and Jamie throw a feature review of Furnace from AEG at you, followed by the great Tony T and his legendary news segment featuring many off the rails conversations. And finally, the Founders get busy with a discussion called Matters of Complexity! Furnace Overview 01:13:47, Furnace Review 01:17:19, News with Tony T 01:40:01, Matters of Complexity 02:33:42

In episode 256, Steve digs into his mail bag and definitely is NOT paid by Cabalists to provide shout outs on the air. Then the Founders get busy talking about the games they've been playing including Dead Reckoning, USPS The Great American Mail Race, Dorf Romantik, Conquest of Planet Earth, My Father’s Work, Suburbia Collector’s Edition and Everdell Digital. Then, of course, Tony T give the audience with the best damned tabletop gaming news segment that has ever been provided to a podcast audience. And finally, the gang hosts a Short Topic Extravaganza with topics including the Founder's superpowers, what Dungeons and Dragons characters would the Founders be, how many plays does it take to say a game is bad and are there any Kickstarter the founders regret backing and not backing. Sniper Elite Overview 01:07:43, Sniper Elite Review 01:10:20, The News with Tony T 01:38:19, Short Topic Extravaganza 02:42:50

Enter, Ye Gods of War! In Volume five of Battletome, a podcast about the miniatures gaming hobby, Bender, Aaron and Jamie welcomes a new filthy casual to the roster of Cabal hosts, Mike! The gang talks about their hobby projects including Warcry, Frostgrave, Marvel Crisis Protocol, Star Wars Legion, Warhammer 40,000 and Moonbreaker. Then the guys get down and dirty with the classic miniatures wargame Battletech from Catalyst Game Labs.

In episode 255, The gang starts out with a story from back in high school and dive right into the games we've been playing including Catan Starfarers, Age of Atlantis, The Crew: Mission Deep Sea, Nidavellir, Marvel Dice Throne, Kitty Paw and Star Trek Missions. Then the Founders jump into a deep dive review of The Great Wall from Awaken Realms. Then after Tony T gives us a rundown of all the most important news items from around the tabletop gaming world, the game returns to a discussion topic from the past regarding Replaybility and how it impacts our enjoyment, our perception of value and how it affects our reviews. The Great Wall Overview 01:09:15, The Great Wall Review 01:13:42, The News with Tony T 01:46:17, Revisiting Replaybility 02:42:53 v

In episode 254 the Founders start the show by talking about Tony's trip back to Pennsylvania and move into the games we've been playing including Tapestry with the Plots and Ploys expansion and the Arts and Architecture expansion, Shogun, A.D.E.L.E., Murder of Crows and Bumuntu. Then Tony T pins the wild meter in the red with his tabletop gaming news segment. And finally, we give you another Short Topic Extravaganza including Ghosts and hauntings, the player who hosts and preps the game night and is it okay to meta-game a board game. Final Girl Overview 01:04:07, Final Girl Review 01:09:02, The News with Tony T 01:38:57, Short Topic Extravaganza 02:38:50

Good morning and happy Wednesday to all of you wonderful Cabalists out there! Today we dive into talking about the games we've been playing including Rising Sun, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Ashes Reborn: Rise of the Phoenixborn, Thunderstone Quest, Massive Darkness 2: Hellscape, and Star Wars Outer Rim Unfinished Business. Don, Jamie and Steve hook you up with a feature review of Alfred Hitchcock's Rear Window from the Prospero Hall design team and Funko Games. Then Tony T managed to pique our interests with a bunch of great news stories and Kickstarters from across the gaming verse. And finally, court is in session and Judge Topper presides over The Cabalist's Court! Alfred Hitchcock's Rear Window Overview 01:02:00, Alfred Hitchcock's Rear Window Review 01:06:57, News with Tony T 01:33:09, The Cabalists Court with Judge Topper 02:13:57

Alrighty Cabalists, it’s time for yet another major dose of Secret Cabal insubordinate, irreverence and meshugenah nonsense! Today the gang dives into the games they’ve been getting into including Circadians: First Light, Buck Rogers Battle for 25th Century, Lost Ruins of Arnak, Bretwalda, Wild Serengeti, Dutch Blitz and Rising Sun. Then Don, Jamie and Chris get busy with a review of Renegade Games’ The Snallygaster Situation: Kids on Bikes Board Game. And of course, as usual, Tony T gives us what hell of a roller coaster ride through the world of tabletop gaming in his bananas news segment. The show is then closed out with the discussion about board game production and how that may affect the fun positively and negatively. The Snallygaster Situation Overview 00:58:17, The Snallygaster Situation Review 01:03:18, News with Tony T 01:28:44, The Production, Gameplay and Cost of Board Games 02:13:03

Today the absolutely amazing and wonderful board game content creator, Chaz Marler of Pair of Dice Paradise and Watch It Played gives us a pro announce that couldn’t be matched! Then the gang goes from wonderful to disgusting as Chris describes his dootie basement. When the founders get tired of hearing about toilet water shooting into the basement, they get busy with some games they've been playing including Big City, Carnegie, Space Station Phoenix, Cuphead, and Blank Slate. Then Don and Jamie jump into a feature review of the new Tom Lehmann came Dice Realms. Tony T wows the audience with his amazing newsman skills and finally the game discusses the Top 1000 Club in which they talk about games that have been relegated to the ranking of 1000 on Board Game Geek. Dice Realms Overview 00:51:28, Dice Realms Review 00:56:00, News with Tony T 01:18:10, The Top 1000 Club 02:02:51

Today the legendary board and miniatures game reviewer, Joel Eddy of Drive Thru Games, opens the show with a guest announce and we couldn’t ask for better! Then Jamie reveals the results of his latest visit to the Cancer doctor and the gang gets busy talking about the games they've been playing including, Regicide, Spartacus , Mobile Markets, Perseverance: Castaway Chronicles, Sniper Elite, Splendor and Century Spice Road. Then Jamie and Don dive into a feature review of Golem from Cranio Creations. Tony T, wows the audience with his new man prowess in his world famous tabletop gaming news segment. And finally, the gang closes out the show with a Short Off-Topic Extravaganza in which they DO NOT talk about tabletop gaming but rather random off topic questions submitted by listeners include our favorite beer and cocktails, what we'd do with a time machine and how Tony prepares his final words of wisdom. Golem Overview 01:15:29, Golem Review 01:19:58, News with Tony T 01:28:48, Short Off-Topic Extravaganza 02:33:08

Today we have our great friend Rodney Smith of Watch It Played kicking off the show with a guest announce, and I gotta say, he goes an amazing job! Then the Founders confront Don about his sleeving mental issues and continue with a dive into a mess of games they've been getting into including Horrified American Monsters, Foundations of Rome, Cuphead The Fast Rolling Dice Game, Roll Through the Ages: The Bronze Age, Roll Through the Ages: The Iron Age, Era: Medieval Age, Gaia Project, and Cryptid: Urban Legends. After Jamie gives a little health update, he and Don crack open Boonlake from Alexander Pfister and Capstone Games for a feature review. Tony T, once again, wows the people with his fine upstanding journalism skill and news delivery skills. Then finally the gang talks about games designs that have gone through an evolutionary period over time. Boonlake Overview 01:10:22, Boonlake Review 01:14:06, News with Tony T 01:42:58, Evolution of Game Designs 02:36:12

Dan King The Game Boy Geek stars as our guest announcer today and goes the extra mile to give us some saxophone serenading! Today the Founders dive right into a conversation about a beautiful thing a group of Cabalsts did for Jamie by getting some of his favorite Star Trek and Battlestar Galactica character to wish him good health. Check out the show notes on www.thesecretcabal.com for links to the videos. Then the gang runs down some of games they've been playing including Stardew Valley, Caylus, Hunt a Killer, Nemesis, Great Wall, Brian Boru High King of Ireland, and Res Arcana. Don and Jamie throw down a feature review of Ark Nova from Capstone Games, Tony T delivers the hottest gaming news segment this side of the Mississippi and finally the gang takes questions from the listeners including where our gaming retirement home would be, what minimalist games do we recommend and what's our second favorite game from our favorite game designer. Ark Nova Overview 01:06:14, Ark Nova Review 01:10:35, News with Tony T 01:38:01, Short Topic Extravaganza 02:35:05

Tony McRee of Rolling Dice and Taking Names blasts us into a new episode of The Secret Cabal Gaming Podcast! Today the gang talks about some of the games they've been playing including Oltree, Dune Imperium, Merchants of the Dark Road, DinoGenics, Dice Throne, Camel Up and Last Light. Then Don, Steve and Jamie throw down a review of Richard Garfield's The Hunger from Renegade Games. Tony T, as always, wows the audience with this vast knowledge of all things gaming industry in his award-winning news segment. And finally, the Founders dive into a discussion about what games they would like to see in the BoardGameGeek top 100 ranking. The Hunger Overview 00:48:13, The Hunger World Review 00:51:17, News with Tony T 01:16:08, Games We Would Add to the BGG Top 100 02:17:33

Hey Now Cabalists! After a 3-month hiatus, the Secret Cabal Founders are back in action. Today we jump right back into the swing of things bustin’ balls, crackin' wise and yammering on about the games they love to play. Then Tony T doesn’t even miss a beat jumping back into this newsman shoes and gives us the best damned tabletop gaming news roundup you've ever seen. Then finally the gang talks about what they've been up to for the past 3 months while Jamie was "laying around" as Steve puts it.

The feed has gone silent, and Jamie is here to tell you the whole story as to where the Secret Cabal has been.

Don and Jamie open the show discussing a topic from the forums regarding our favorite Holiday movies and transition into our main topic - The Island of Misfit Games. Just like in Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer in which Rudolph, Hermey and Yukon Cornelius discover the Island of Misfit Toys, Don and Jamie visit a different island at which strange, broken, or unattractive - yet fun to play - games reside. Can we find homes for these misfit games?

Ho Ho Ho and Happy Holidays Cabalists! It's time for the Secret Cabal's 2021 Christmas Special! Today we start out with the weirdest Chris story you'll ever hear so get ready. And then of course we dive into some games we've been playing including Kokopelli, Ghostbusters Men In Black Ecto-Terrestrial Invasion, Sub Terra, Heads Up, Trophies, Just One Online, Unsettled, Brick & Mortar, Betrayal Legacy and Betrayal Widows Walk. Don, Jamie and Chris slide into a feature review of the amazing Sleeping Gods from Ryan Laukat. Then Tony T crushes it with the last gaming new segment for 2021 while the rest of us yammer on in the background. Then we roll right into an irreverent version of The Newlywed Game where the founders find out how well they know each other. And of course, like all Christmas special you'll get a bunch of great Cabal Christmas songs and our annual Secret Santa tradition. Sleeping Gods Overview 01:07:46, Sleeping Gods World Review 01:11:59, News with Tony T 01:42:09, The Newlywed Game Founders Edition 02:25:59

In episode 57 Bender starts out by talking about his recent game of Heirs to Heresy: The Fall of the Knights Templar from Osprey Games. Then the gang talks about their first foray into the Fallout RPG from Modiphius. Then the Lords round out the episode with a discussion about the things in RPG that they hate - their tabletop roleplaying game pet peeves.

Awwwww yeah, It's Cabal Time! Today the Founders talk about the Rock Apes and Tony's new career as a Rock Ape Hunter and a bunch of games they've been playing including Cleopatra and the Society of Architects, Savannah Park, Abomination: The Heir of Frankenstein, That Time You Killed Me, Galaxy Hunters and Radlands. Then Don and Jamie jump into a feature review of It's a Wonderful World from designer Frédéric Guérard. Then Tony T wows the crowd with the greatest tabletop gaming news segment in the known universe. And finally, the gang takes a look at 5 game designers including Ryan Laukat, Uwe Rosenberg, Corey Konieczka, Martin Wallace and Stefan Feld and discusses their body of work. It's a Wonderful World Overview 01:11:06, It's a Wonderful World Review 01:14:48, News with Tony T 01:37:35, Designer Bodies of Work 02:26:45

Chris, Don and Jamie dive into a discussion about games that have a single standout mechanism that elevates its game to something special. Each of the gang lists three games that they feel include one of these brilliant mechanisms.

Hey Now! It's time for some irreverent Cabal shenanigans! Today the gang chats about some games and hobby junk we've been getting into including Imperial Steam, Deception: Murder in Hong Kong, Mouse Cheese Cat Cucumber, Dinosaur World, Furnace, and Elfenland. Then Jamie and Don get into an overview and review of Anno 1800 from Kosmos and designed by Martin Wallace. After Tony T goes through all the most important news items in the entire world, the Founders get into a discussion about giving potentially great board games a second chance. Anno 1800 Overview 00:59:59, Anno 1800 Review 01:06:10, News with Tony T 01:37:49, Second Chance Board Games 02:36:29

Today the Lords start out episode 56 by discussing their new campaign using the Fallout RPG from Modiphius. Jesko explains the setting and the rest of the gang details the characters they'll be playing. Then the group takes a question from a listener asking which we more value, campaign story arcs or our own personal character's story arc. And finally, the Lords each give one pick of a video game that they think would make a great tabletop RPG.

Hey Now Cabalists! Episode 242 starts with an announcement regarding Don playing a game of Europe Divided with the designer of A Gest of Robin Hood and Red Flag over Paris, Fred Serval. The match will also have running commentary by its designer Dave Thompson! The match will be held on November 13th, 11am PST (2pm EST). Check out https://tabletop.events/conventions/sdhist-con-2021 for more details. Then the gang jumps into talking about some great games we've been playing including Isle of Skye, Scythe, Tapestry: Plans and Ploys, Empire of the Stars, Box One, Northern Pacific, and Juicy Fruits. Then Don and Jamie jump into a feature review of Martin Wallace's Struggle of Empires from Eagle-Gryphon Games. Tony T collects and delivers a bonkers series of news articles and currently running Kickstarter projects while the gang chirps in the background. Then finally the Founders jump into a Short Topic Extravaganza including discussion about too many Kicsktarters, how hard should a co-op game be and do the BGG rankings really reflect how good games are. Struggle of Empires Overview 00:57:26, Struggle of Empires 01:03:00, News with Tony T 01:31:53, Short Topic Extravaganza 02:13:45