Playing With Advantage is an insightful, entertaining, and often idiotic podcast about the various aspects of the tabletop role-playing genre. Starring Kenneth Moffett and James Bardwell.New episodes weekly!

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They are big, bad, and usually quite evil. Whether it&#39;s a book, a movie, or an adventure, villains are a recurring theme. Also known as BBEGs in tabletop roleplaying games. However, what makes a memorable villain? Is it how EVIL they are or is it more complex than that? In this episode, Moffett, James, and Brody share their most feared/loved villains. Former players still react emotionally when they hear the names of NPCs they once encountered.  As always, we hope the information in today’s episode will give you an advantage in creating your perfect BBEG!

They are big, bad, and usually quite evil. Whether it's a book, a movie, or an adventure, villains are a recurring theme. Also known as BBEGs in tabletop roleplaying games. However, what makes a memorable villain? Is it how EVIL they are or is it more complex than that? In this episode, Moffett, James, and Brody share their most feared/loved villains. Former players still react emotionally when they hear the names of NPCs they once encountered. 



As always, we hope the information in today’s episode will give you an advantage in creating your perfect BBEG!

PWA Ep. 13 | The Big, The Bad, and The Evil

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2022/12/1/3/8f63cad4-d137-42e5-84ec-23bf34b98576_pwa_-_ep.12_-_gatekeeping.mp3

In today’s episode, we discuss gatekeeping vs safekeeping within the tabletop roleplaying game community. Sharing our experiences and stories related to the subject. At the end of the day, players and dungeon masters should be able to sit down at a table and not worry whether or not they will have fun. Instead, we want everyone to ask, &#34;How much fun am I about to have?!”

In today’s episode, we discuss gatekeeping vs safekeeping within the tabletop roleplaying game community. Sharing our experiences and stories related to the subject. At the end of the day, players and dungeon masters should be able to sit down at a table and not worry whether or not they will have fun. Instead, we want everyone to ask, "How much fun am I about to have?!”

PWA Ep. 12 | Gatekeeping

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2022/11/3/2/ea452092-50a2-44fd-b564-6d293d7f376e_pwa_-_ep.11_-_interview_with_the_george.mp3

Unfortunately, we were left unsupervised in the studio today...The guys bring on a special guest to offer their sincerest (and overdue) apologies to the man himself, George! In our conversation, we reminisce about the fun we&#39;ve had playing TTRPGs with each other and how some of our fondest memories were created. We also ask George a few questions about his experiences DMing and playing as a PC.

Unfortunately, we were left unsupervised in the studio today...

The guys bring on a special guest to offer their sincerest (and overdue) apologies to the man himself, George! 

In our conversation, we reminisce about the fun we've had playing TTRPGs with each other and how some of our fondest memories were created. We also ask George a few questions about his experiences DMing and playing as a PC.

PWA Ep. 11 | Interview With The George

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2022/10/27/4/852a42a1-4183-486d-982a-04f9f7a8bb27_pwa_-_ep.10_-_horror.mp3

Something wicked this way comes…Bec is joining us today to help Moffett and Brody discuss horror elements in tabletop role-playing games. Some of you may recognize them from Southern D&amp;D’s live stream!Horror stories provoke fear and shock with their exploration of the unknown. We will discuss how we, as Dungeon Masters, implement the horror element into some of our settings through various methods. We also talk about the many different genres of horror that can be utilized in a TTRPG. It is also important to discuss boundaries and expectations being set before the game can begin. It is crucial that players are upfront with any DM about what they are alright with vs what is not acceptable. It&#39;s a game, after all, so respecting each other and enjoying it should be the top priorities.We hope that our exploration of this topic gives you an advantage when playing/planning your next horror-themed TTRPG!

Something wicked this way comes…

Bec is joining us today to help Moffett and Brody discuss horror elements in tabletop role-playing games. Some of you may recognize them from Southern D&D’s live stream!

Horror stories provoke fear and shock with their exploration of the unknown. We will discuss how we, as Dungeon Masters, implement the horror element into some of our settings through various methods. We also talk about the many different genres of horror that can be utilized in a TTRPG. 

It is also important to discuss boundaries and expectations being set before the game can begin. It is crucial that players are upfront with any DM about what they are alright with vs what is not acceptable. It's a game, after all, so respecting each other and enjoying it should be the top priorities.

We hope that our exploration of this topic gives you an advantage when playing/planning your next horror-themed TTRPG!

PWA Ep. 10 | Oh, The Horror!

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Players can be crucial in creating and shaping the game’s story. Today, we discuss moments when we, as DMs, allowed players to express creative ideas and strategies, even when the rules as written needed to be viewed differently or interpreted differently. Of course, all actions have consciences, but sometimes those moments are some of the best experiences at the table. It is our hope that these stories will inspire you to occasionally think outside the box as a DM or player.﻿

Players can be crucial in creating and shaping the game’s story. Today, we discuss moments when we, as DMs, allowed players to express creative ideas and strategies, even when the rules as written needed to be viewed differently or interpreted differently. Of course, all actions have consciences, but sometimes those moments are some of the best experiences at the table. It is our hope that these stories will inspire you to occasionally think outside the box as a DM or player.

PWA Ep. 9 | Traveling Off the Beaten Path

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The dreaded player death. In the words of James Bardwell, “Character deaths are like salt to a really good dish. Ya know? Too much of it can ruin it, but if you put just the right amount in there it just really explodes what that dish is”. A character’s death doesn&#39;t have to be a terrible thing. It can be an impactful event that sparks new avenues in the adventure. It can also be requested by the player themselves for a fresh start. Join us as we gather around the table to discuss how we each handle character deaths and total party kills. The tear-jerking moments of past campaigns and meaningful outcomes that follow.  We hope that our discussion on how to handle player deaths and TPKs will help you play with an advantage!

The dreaded player death. 
In the words of James Bardwell, “Character deaths are like salt to a really good dish. Ya know? Too much of it can ruin it, but if you put just the right amount in there it just really explodes what that dish is”. 
A character’s death doesn't have to be a terrible thing. It can be an impactful event that sparks new avenues in the adventure. It can also be requested by the player themselves for a fresh start. Join us as we gather around the table to discuss how we each handle character deaths and total party kills. The tear-jerking moments of past campaigns and meaningful outcomes that follow. 

We hope that our discussion on how to handle player deaths and TPKs will help you play with an advantage!

PWA Ep. 8 | Character Deaths & TPKs

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2022/9/27/3/f4d04bdc-548a-4f71-8fc8-f6405e8f1982_pwa_-_ep.7_-_world_building.mp3

If you build it, they will come.In this episode, we talk about world-building. How do they do it? More importantly, how can you do it? The eldritch one is still in the room. Pls send help.

If you build it, they will come.

In this episode, we talk about world-building. How do they do it? More importantly, how can you do it? 

The eldritch one is still in the room. Pls send help.

PWA Ep. 7 | World-Building

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2022/9/12/3/b31609f5-5cb4-4969-beb6-1b1db339231e_pwa_-_ep_6_-_red_flags.mp3

In today&#39;s episode, we welcome an extraordinary guest... Brody, the creator of Stigande: Scars of Midgard!We sit down to discuss the dos and don&#39;ts of table etiquette. We also go over red flags for both players and game masters. Stay tuned until the end to hear a few horror stories!

In today's episode, we welcome an extraordinary guest... Brody, the creator of Stigande: Scars of Midgard! 

We sit down to discuss the dos and don'ts of table etiquette. We also go over red flags for both players and game masters. Stay tuned until the end to hear a few horror stories!

PWA Ep. 6 | Red Flags & Horror Stories

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2022/9/8/2/401c5d04-309c-4f84-afaf-0d7743b3761f_pwa_-_ep5_-_pt_2.mp3

A Continuation of Episode 5, Please enjoy.In this week&#39;s episode, we talk about ridiculous tales from our experiences at the table. Join us as we share our most valued memories, as well as our most absurd stories.

A Continuation of Episode 5, Please enjoy.

In this week's episode, we talk about ridiculous tales from our experiences at the table. Join us as we share our most valued memories, as well as our most absurd stories.

PWA Ep. 5 | Tales From The Table (Part 2)

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2022/8/29/3/b6808872-475e-49e1-a97c-b74133e4b419_pwa_-_ep5_-_pt_1.mp3

First and foremost... We are very sorry for the delay on this episode!Our production warlock and techgoblin were adjusting to new jobs and drastic schedule changes. Thank you for your understanding!In this week&#39;s episode, we talk about ridiculous tales from our experiences at the table. Join us as we share our most valued memories, as well as our most absurd stories.

PWA Ep. 5 | Tales From The Table (Part 1)

First and foremost... 

We are very sorry for the delay on this episode!

Our production warlock and techgoblin were adjusting to new jobs and drastic schedule changes. Thank you for your understanding!

In this week's episode, we talk about ridiculous tales from our experiences at the table. Join us as we share our most valued memories, as well as our most absurd stories.

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2022/8/15/11/09f7997e-8113-40b4-86b9-fd22df7112e6_pwa_-_ep4_-_the_satanic_panic.mp3

In this episode, we examine the history of the infamous satanic panic and how tabletop role-playing games became stigmatized as gateways to the occult. Along with examining the events which led to TTRPGs&#39; terrible reputation, we examine the actions that continued to fuel it.TTRPGs continue to make progress in eradicating the occultism stigma. As people realize TTRPGs bring people together and foster long-lasting friendships, TTRPGs are becoming increasingly popular. We hope that the knowledge from today&#39;s episode will help you play with an advantage!

In this episode, we examine the history of the infamous satanic panic and how tabletop role-playing games became stigmatized as gateways to the occult. Along with examining the events which led to TTRPGs' terrible reputation, we examine the actions that continued to fuel it.

TTRPGs continue to make progress in eradicating the occultism stigma. As people realize TTRPGs bring people together and foster long-lasting friendships, TTRPGs are becoming increasingly popular. We hope that the knowledge from today's episode will help you play with an advantage!

PWA Ep. 4 | The Satanic Panic

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2022/8/8/5/a20b1e74-8ced-4247-918d-9fc016cb26ba_pwa_-_ep3_-_the_importance_of_a_session_zero.mp3

Today’s episode discusses the importance of a session zero before starting any tabletop role-playing game. Team building, setting boundaries, and table etiquette are just some of the topics we cover. A proper session zero builds the foundation for every TTRPG experience and allows everyone to align their expectations for the game. We hit a few hard topics and share some of our previous experiences. The knowledge you gain from today’s episode will hopefully help you play with an advantage!

Today’s episode discusses the importance of a session zero before starting any tabletop role-playing game. Team building, setting boundaries, and table etiquette are just some of the topics we cover. A proper session zero builds the foundation for every TTRPG experience and allows everyone to align their expectations for the game. We hit a few hard topics and share some of our previous experiences. The knowledge you gain from today’s episode will hopefully help you play with an advantage!

PWA Ep. 3 | The Importance of a Session Zero

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For better or worse, technology has made a significant impact on tabletop role-playing games. What are the advantages and disadvantages technology brings to TTRPGs? Will technology eventually be the downfall of your local game store? Has technology made playing TTRPGs easier? Join us in this week’s episode as we discuss all of these topics, and hopefully, our second episode will help you play with an advantage!

For better or worse, technology has made a significant impact on tabletop role-playing games. What are the advantages and disadvantages technology brings to TTRPGs? Will technology eventually be the downfall of your local game store? Has technology made playing TTRPGs easier? Join us in this week’s episode as we discuss all of these topics, and hopefully, our second episode will help you play with an advantage!

PWA Ep. 2 | How Technology Has Affected TTRPGs

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2022/7/23/5/bd2d6082-e290-45ed-a070-2b12b99330c5_pwa_-_ep_1_what_are_ttrpgs.mp3

Join us as we go back in time and discuss the beginning of tabletop role-playing games. We talk about what TTRPGs are and how you can begin playing. We hope that our first episode helps you play with an advantage!

Join us as we go back in time and discuss the beginning of tabletop role-playing games. We talk about what TTRPGs are and how you can begin playing. We hope that our first episode helps you play with an advantage!

PWA Ep. 1 | What Are TTRPGs and How Do You Begin to Play

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2022/7/18/22/a29b6b8c-e7a0-41da-982a-a968c0abbbe4_pwa_ep0_introducing_ourselves.mp3

Welcome to our session zero! Get to know us as we present our nerdy resumes and our first experiences getting into tabletop role-playing games. A few topics we cover in this episode are zero sessions, the bare necessities, roleplay aspects, character death, and how real-world emotions come out in-game. We hope that our session zero helps you play with an advantage!

Welcome to our session zero! Get to know us as we present our nerdy resumes and our first experiences getting into tabletop role-playing games. A few topics we cover in this episode are zero sessions, the bare necessities, roleplay aspects, character death, and how real-world emotions come out in-game. We hope that our session zero helps you play with advantage!

PWA Ep. 0 | Introducing Ourselves

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A quick description of who we are and what to expect!