Podcast Episodes – Page 2 – Bonus Experience

BXP 05×10-Games Without Randomizers feat. Chazz

September 15, 2022bonusexpcastLeave a comment

Hello Bonus Babies,

Rai had to tap out of hosting early this season, so Monica set up a lobster trap outside her house in order to catch a few new co-hosts. The last few episodes of Season 5 will be Monica + a friend. Join our Patreon or Discord for details about the nonsense we have planned for the off-seasons!

Here’s the long-awaited new episode. Chazz of Pain in the Dice, OPPCast and Systematic Understanding of Everything joins Monica to discuss games without randomizers. No cards. No dice. No coin flips – just a variety of narrative resolutions. We break down what we like about these games and what makes them work and (most importantly) what’s worth stealing for your own homebrew.

Here’s a few links to games we discussed:

Fall of Magic: https://heartofthedeernicorn.com/product/fall-of-magic-revised-edition/

Wanderhome: https://possumcreekgames.com/pages/wanderhome

Sleepaway: https://possumcreekgames.com/products/sleepaway

Chuubo’s Marvelous Wish-Granting Engine: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/134196/Chuubos-Marvelous-WishGranting-Engine ?affiliate_id=22805

Mobile Frame Zero: Firebrands: https://payhip.com/b/nhBY

Also referenced: Our deep dive about social mechanics – https://bxpcast.com/2020/10/26/bxp-3×13-danielle-monicas-deep-dive-social-mechanics/

[ Bonus Experience: the Blog! bxpcast.com | Bonus Experience: the Discord! tinyurl.com/bxpdiscord | Bonus Experience: the Twitter! @bonusexpcast | Bonus Experience: the Patreon! patreon.com/bonusexperience ]

source http://misdirectedmark.com/2022/09/15/bxp-05×10-games-without-randomizers-feat-chazz/

BXP 05×09-So, You’re Playing D&D for the First Time…

August 15, 2022bonusexpcastLeave a comment

Hello Bonus Babies,

We are so very sorry for the silence and lack of updates for a while there. Things have been rough for the whole BXP crew, but we’re BACK.

Monica overheard a conversation about someone being nervous to play D&D for the first time and their worries about how to be a good player, so here’s today’s episode. Rai and Monica hang out to discuss what sort of things are good to keep in mind when you’re a player for the first time – no matter what game you’re playing.

We forewent the usual outline structure this time in favor of a more conversational episode, so please enjoy the chaos that comes with that. For even more nonsense, check out the extended cut.

source http://misdirectedmark.com/2022/08/15/bxp-05×09-so-youre-playing-dd-for-the-first-time/

BXP 05×08-Does System Matter?

July 11, 2022bonusexpcastLeave a comment

Hello Bonus Babies!

Rai’s back! Hooray! Rejoice!

Today Rai and Monica sit down to discuss a favorite internet discourse topic: does system matter? Can you just enjoy any game, regardless of system? Do you even NEED to be a game designer?

You’ll just have to listen to the whole thing if you want the answer.

Also discussed in the extended cut: Rai’s patron-only strip journalism, Monica’s queer FLGS, the art of amigurumi and a lot more about Tumblr

Also here’s a link to the CHAOS RPG streamed game.

source http://misdirectedmark.com/2022/07/11/bxp-05×08-does-system-matter/

BXP 05×07-DEEP DIVE: Streamlining Systems

June 20, 2022bonusexpcastLeave a comment

Hello Bonus Babies,

While Rai sorts out a few life things, D joins us again for another deep dive. Today, Monica and Danielle discuss streamlining game systems – whether you’re doing that on your own for fun or whether it’s a professional job. We talk about the meaning, goals, and methods of streamlining and give some examples of systems we’d fix and systems we wouldn’t.

Also discussed: praxis songs, reflecting reality in games, and The Lesbian Who Controls Time.

source http://misdirectedmark.com/2022/06/20/bxp-05×07-deep-dive-streamlining-systems/

BXP 05×06-The BXP Memorial Day Picnic

June 1, 2022bonusexpcastLeave a comment

Happy Pride, Bonus Babies!

We’ve really been going through it this year, so when we sat down to record our most recent episode we decided it would be fun and relaxing to just hang out instead.

Here’s nearly an hour of Monica and Rai talking about… everything and nothing.

Discussed:

Queer New Year and Gay Parliament
the best way to see Multiverse of Madness
the problem with superhero movies
RPG industry news
Siri learning about Exalted
David learning about Exalted
Winamp skins
Napster
a crowded house and a music closet
crushing season 5 and having an employee
finding mental health resources
RSD, the Rage Castle, and being aware of your own mental health
favorite ice creams
the hesitant return to Tumblr

Even more nonsense in the extended cut

source http://misdirectedmark.com/2022/06/01/bxp-05×06-the-bxp-memorial-day-picnic/

BXP 05×05-The Bigger They Are, the Harder They Bargain

May 17, 2022bonusexpcastLeave a comment

Hello Bonus Babies,

Oh? It’s Tuesday already? Oh?? Shhhh, time is fake.

In today’s episode, Monica and Rai sit down to discuss the concept of the hard bargain – a social refusal mechanic that can improve any game. We talk about what they are, how to use them, and how to implement them in your homebrew or professional design.

Also discussed in the extended cut: Rai’s feelings on mothers, Monica’s money management, preparing for the apocalypse (with Christmas pickles), Discord for aging weebs, the persistent myth of the end of the world and the history of Leonard Bernstein.

source http://misdirectedmark.com/2022/05/17/bxp-05×05-the-bigger-they-are-the-harder-they-bargain/

BXP 05×04-DEEP DIVE: Core Systems Loop

May 2, 2022bonusexpcastLeave a comment

Hello Bonus Babies,

Rai and Monica had a very chaotic two weeks and were unable to get a recording in. However, Margaret had this dusty tape under her desk and was kind enough to edit it for us. (We shudder to think about what else might be lurking under there… best not to consider it too long.)

D joins Monica for another Deep Dive! We discuss the concept of a “core system” loop, aka what central concepts make a game’s system tick. We go in-depth into the mechanics of a handful of our favorite games to demonstrate.

Enjoy!

source http://misdirectedmark.com/2022/05/02/bxp-05×04-deep-dive-core-systems-loop/

BXP 05×03-BXP Talks D&D 4e (feat. David Castro)

April 18, 2022bonusexpcastLeave a comment

Hello Bonus Babies,

Rai was ill during our usual recording time, so we brought in a friend to help! In today’s episode, Monica is joined by David Castro of Ink Stained Studios to talk D&D 4e: the good parts, the bad parts, its history, and its impact on current design. We’re very pro-4e, in case you’re wondering where we come down on the subject. If you’re looking for hate, this one ain’t it.

Also discussed in the extended cut: Hot tips for using trash as play aids, the true origins of “video game” powers, opinions about high-math rules and the nature of Monica’s dice magic.

Extra links: Bonus Experience 5: Games and the Art of Railroading. David’s Twitter, Website, DTRPG, and Patreon.

source http://misdirectedmark.com/2022/04/18/bxp-05×03-bxp-talks-dd-4e-feat-david-castro/

BXP 05×02-Forever GM or Game Ambassador?

April 4, 2022bonusexpcastLeave a comment

Hello Bonus Babies!

Today Monica and Rai tackle the thorny subject of always being stuck in the GM seat. Is that a good thing? A bad one? Neither? We discuss the ups and downs of being the game facilitator and how to feel less anxious about stepping into the role yourself.

Also discussed in the extended cut: anime about boys, Kevin the cockatiel, Tony’s Chocolonely, and a variety of recommended activities to do while high.

source http://misdirectedmark.com/2022/04/04/bxp-05×02-forever-gm-or-game-ambassador/

BXP 05×01-A Lukewarm Defense of Perception Checks

March 21, 2022bonusexpcastLeave a comment

Hello Bonus Babies!

Welcome to the official first episode of season 5!

Today we’re talking about Perception checks – that old chestnut. Are they bad? Are they good? Should we throw them away entirely? What’s even the point of having them? Monica and Rai break down their thoughts on the topic.

Also discussed in the extended cut: Hershey’s funky taste, different breeds of Girl Scout cookie, Rai’s threshold for being perceived, and Monica’s stoned recommendations.

Here’s a link to the trad games episode and also the bananas.

source http://misdirectedmark.com/2022/03/21/bxp-05×01-a-lukewarm-defense-of-perception-checks/