Miskatonic University Podcast

This episode on MUP, Keepers Dave & Bridgett discuss Systemless Horror Game with creator Sarah Cole! Patreon Plug & Update If you would like to support the podcast and engage with other backers, please consider backing.  So yes – please back us on Patreon! To back us you can click the button on the sidebar of our website, mu-podcast.com or head over to Patreon directly at www.patreon.com/mup! Oh! We have a new backer! Jason Wiebe! Thank you to everyone who backed us and contributed to our longevity. We’re so thankful for all of you. Who we regularly see on… The Discord Plug Our MUP Discord and we are all there! We invite all of our listeners to come and enjoy the community of horror gaming and cute pet pics. Link in the show notes: MU Discord server invite link: https://discord.gg/vNjEv9D  And thank you to our editor Ben for editing this episode.  Bridgett’s Pet Pick Shout Out Tonight I’d like to shout out … from JZ! Cowboy is the biggest of my cats and all muscle but such a sweet softie. They often have to run water at the vet to distract him from purring so they can listen to his heart and lungs. Main Topic Welcome to Sarah Cole. For those who don’t know you, please introduce yourself. How we got here Dave has opinions on systemless horror – we should do it more Dave backed Terminus and bought and consumed DH&D quickly Welcome! Let’s start with the most important question: https://www.patchworkfez.games/

Keeper Doc, a talented game writer and scenario designer, dives deep into the concept of moral ambiguity in tabletop role-playing games. He discusses how ethical dilemmas enrich storytelling and contrasts them with railroading scenarios. Listeners will enjoy learning about crafting nuanced dilemmas that resonate with player values and create memorable decisions. Doc also shares insights on building complex characters caught in ethical conflicts, emphasizing the importance of reflecting on these moments to improve future gameplay.

Justin Alexander, an award-winning game master and the mastermind behind The Alexandrian, dives into the transformative 'Three Clue Rule' in design. He explains how offering three distinct clues for each mystery ensures players connect the dots effectively. Justin shares insights on adapting published scenarios into node-based designs, emphasizing flexibility and redundancy in clueing. He illustrates his methods with practical examples and encourages creativity in player interactions. From survival to heists, his rule enhances all gaming scenarios.

This episode, Keepers Bridgett & Dave discuss mindful online gaming. Patreon Plug & Update We have new and updated Patreon tiers and benefits. If you would like to support the podcast and engage with other backers, please consider backing.  So yes – please back us on Patreon! To back us you can click the button on the sidebar of our website, mu-podcast.com or head over to Patreon directly at www.patreon.com/mup! Thank you to everyone who has updated their levels and is engaging with our new tiers. We’re so thankful for all of you. Who we regularly see on… The Discord Plug Our MUP Discord and we are all there! We invite all of our listeners to come and enjoy the community of horror gaming and cute pet pics. Link in the show notes: MU Discord server invite link: https://discord.gg/vNjEv9D  And thank you to our editor Equinox for editing this episode.  Main Topic Let’s discuss mindful online gaming habits, perspectives, approaches.

This episode, Keepers Bridgett & Evan welcome back the HPLHS to showcase their newly released awesomeness and epicness! Patreon Plug & Update Dear listeners– do you know that we have a Patreon? That’s right! We have a Patreon! How else do you think that we keep the lights on around here? Here at MUP we pay our editors, we pay our hosts, and we also pay plenty of hosting fees, site fees, software fees, fees, fees, fees, you get it! Patreon earnings help support our efforts and keep the showing running. What do you get? Over on our Patreon, we offer everything from exclusive backer only bonus content, Patreon only episodes, backer only hangouts, access to our backer only portal on Discord, and more!  If you would like to support the podcast and engage with other backers, please consider backing. If you’re already a backer, please take a look at the new levels and consider moving to the next level up.  Please back us on Patreon! To back us you can click the button on the sidebar of our website, mu-podcast.com or head over to Patreon directly at www.patreon.com/mup! The Discord Plug Our MUP Discord and we are all there! We invite all of our listeners to come and enjoy the community of horror gaming and cute pet pics. Link in the show notes: MU Discord server invite link: https://discord.gg/vNjEv9D  And thank you to our editor Ben for editing this episode.  Bridgett’s Pet Pick Shout Out Tonight, I’m shouting out… a groundhog. A groundhog that’s looking deep into your house… into your eyes into your soul….. Definitely check out this bi-pedal groundhog shared by JZahler who is outside… looking all into this his house. Let’s give the wildlife a hearty “Go Pods!”  Main Topic Tonight, we’re here with the HPLHS to discuss what they’re been up to, and what’s coming down the pipeline! They have some exciting things to share, but first, some introductions!  Purgatory Chasm – a new interactive Dark Adventure show hosted by Nick Offerman https://www.hplhs.org/dartpc.php The H.P. Lovecraft Experience – a new deluxe boxed set featuring the complete works of HPL, a Reader’s Guide by the HPLHS and whole bundle of nifty Miskatonic ephemera by the HPLHS https://store.hplhs.org/products/the-h-p-lovecraft-experience Audio Props – Call of Cthulhu game props rendered into an audio format. Instead of Keepers handing players a telegram, they might play our recording of the Western Union boy reading the telegram. We hope you’re going to like the audio props for No Time to Scream (GAHHHHHH!!!!). https://store.hplhs.org/collections/games-props/products/audio-props-cthulhu-by-gaslight

This episode, Keeper Bridgett and Guest Keeper Evan Perlman discuss…wait for it…wait for it…waaaaaaait for iiiit… Tension in Storytelling. PART II! We’ll discuss what tension is, why it’s important, how to deploy it, and how to keep your players on the edge of their seat!  We’ll also probably confuse “tension” and “suspense” because we’re professionals like that. Patreon Plug & Update Dear listeners– do you know that we have a Patreon? That’s right! We have a Patreon! How else do you think that we keep the lights on around here? Here at MUP we pay our editors, we pay our hosts, and we also pay plenty of hosting fees, site fees, software fees, fees, fees, fees, you get it! Patreon earnings help support our efforts and keep the showing running. What do you get? Over on our Patreon, we offer everything from exclusive backer only bonus content, Patreon only episodes, backer only hangouts, access to our backer only portal on Discord, and more!  If you would like to support the podcast and engage with other backers, please consider backing. If you’re already a backer, please take a look at the new levels and consider moving to the next level up.  Please back us on Patreon! To back us you can click the button on the sidebar of our website, mu-podcast.com or head over to Patreon directly at www.patreon.com/mup! The Discord Plug Our MUP Discord and we are all there! We invite all of our listeners to come and enjoy the community of horror gaming and cute pet pics. Link in the show notes: MU Discord server invite link: https://discord.gg/vNjEv9D  And thank you to our editor Nate for editing this episode.  Main Topic Tension in storytelling Part II!

This episode, Keeper Bridgett and Guest Keeper Evan Perlman discuss…wait for it…wait for it…waaaaaaait for iiiit… Tension in Storytelling. We’ll discuss what tension is, why it’s important, how to deploy it, and how to keep your players on the edge of their seat!  Patreon Plug & Update Dear listeners– do you know that we have a Patreon? That’s right! We have a Patreon! How else do you think that we keep the lights on around here? Here at MUP we pay our editors, we pay our hosts, and we also pay plenty of hosting fees, site fees, software fees, fees, fees, fees, you get it! Patreon earnings help support our efforts and keep the showing running. What do you get? Over on our Patreon, we offer everything from exclusive backer only bonus content, Patreon only episodes, backer only hangouts, access to our backer only portal on Discord, and more!  If you would like to support the podcast and engage with other backers, please consider backing. If you’re already a backer, please take a look at the new levels and consider moving to the next level up.  Please back us on Patreon! To back us you can click the button on the sidebar of our website, mu-podcast.com or head over to Patreon directly at www.patreon.com/mup! The Discord Plug Our MUP Discord and we are all there! We invite all of our listeners to come and enjoy the community of horror gaming and cute pet pics. Link in the show notes: MU Discord server invite link: https://discord.gg/vNjEv9D  And thank you to our editor Gene for editing this episode.  Bridgett’s Pet Pick Shout Out Tonight, I’m shouting out Muffin, pup posted by LauraB. I’m getting cinnabon vibes from this baby, but Muffin is a perfect pup with super sweet eyes. Thanks for sharing LauraB! Main Topic Tonight we’re discussing Tension in Storytelling. We’ll discuss what tension is, why it’s important, how to deploy it, and how to keep your players on the edge of their seat!  This is such an important topic and such a customizable skill. I know this. You know this, obviously, this was your episode idea, Evan, but our listeners may not. So let’s start off strong! What is Tension and why do we care? 

This episode, we return to our new segment titled, “Miskatonic University Debate Booth.” During these segments, the hosts will poll debatable gaming topics from our backers and then argue them! Our personal beliefs don’t actually have to align with our defense, but we climb these hills to die upon! Guest Host: Keeper Evan Perlman Patreon Plug & Update We have new and updated Patreon tiers and benefits. If you would like to support the podcast and engage with other backers, please consider backing.  So yes – please back us on Patreon! To back us you can click the button on the sidebar of our website, mu-podcast.com or head over to Patreon directly at www.patreon.com/mup! Thank you Rob Wilson!!! Thank you to everyone who has updated their levels and is engaging with our new tiers. We’re so thankful for all of you. Who we regularly see on… The Discord Plug Our MUP Discord and we are all there! We invite all of our listeners to come and enjoy the community of horror gaming and cute pet pics. Link in the show notes: MU Discord server invite link: https://discord.gg/vNjEv9D  And thank you to our editor Equinox for editing this episode.  Evan’s Pet Pick Shout Out I have recently learned that beloved friend of the show IPwned has a chameleon! Named Perceval! As a pet! Head over to the Pet Pick channel to see this little dude wielding a lightsaber and being incredible. What a good reptile. Main Topic Welcome back everyone to a new segment that we’ve titled the Miskatonic University Debate Club!  During this segment, we’ve polled our patreon backers for topics that Evan I will argue to the best of our ability. The goal here is to demonstrate healthy argumentation, to have fun, to stretch our own debate skills, and most importantly to share valid perspectives to opposing topics in our industry!  Evan, are you ready to jump back in? Let’s go!

This episode, we debut a new segment titled, “Miskatonic University Debate Booth.” During these segments, the hosts will poll debatable gaming topics from our backers and then argue them! Our personal beliefs don’t actually have to align with our defense, but we climb these hills to die upon! Guest Host: Keeper Evan Perlman Patreon Plug & Update We have new and updated Patreon tiers and benefits. If you would like to support the podcast and engage with other backers, please consider backing.  So yes – please back us on Patreon! To back us you can click the button on the sidebar of our website, mu-podcast.com or head over to Patreon directly at www.patreon.com/mup! Thank you to everyone who has updated their levels and is engaging with our new tiers. We’re so thankful for all of you. Who we regularly see on… The Discord Plug Our MUP Discord and we are all there! We invite all of our listeners to come and enjoy the community of horror gaming and cute pet pics. Link in the show notes: MU Discord server invite link: https://discord.gg/vNjEv9D  And thank you to our editor Equinox for editing this episode.  Bridgett’s Pet Pick Shout Out Shout out to Sia, the gorgeous kitty from friend of the show, James- Big Jim, who is an SPCA rescue and only knows how to love! Thanks for sharing this gorgeous kitty with us, James! Main Topic Welcome everyone to a new segment that we’re titling the Miskatonic University Debate Club!  During this segment, we’ve polled our patreon backers for topics that Evan I will argue to the best of our ability. The goal here is to demonstrate healthy argumentation, to have fun, to stretch our own debate skills, and most importantly to share valid perspectives to opposing topics in our industry!  Evan, are you ready to jump in? Let’s go!