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Welcome, to Heroes Rise!

The Dungeons and Dragons podcast featuring information on all the latest Dungeons and Dragons news, including new book and adventure module releases; reviews of helpful tools, apps, and physical merchandise for your table; and tips and suggestions for improving your game, no matter which side of the screen you’re on. Be sure to look for new episodes on Wednesdays wherever you get your podcasts.
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Our latest show...

Heroes Rise, one hundred fifty-fifth entry: Ricky’s Guide to Spookytown

Welcome, brave adventurers ... to the one hundred fifty-fifth entry into our chronicle, re

March 3, 2021

Our latest article...

Archives of Candlekeep: Take It In Strahd

This article was first broadcast in Episode One Hundred Fifty Five on 3 March 2021. Ryu

March 3, 2021
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Previous episodes and content...

Short Rest Wisdom of the Masters

Archives of Candlekeep: Take It In Strahd

This article was first broadcast in Episode One Hundred Fifty Five on 3 March 2021. Ryu: Okay, I realize the whole warlock thing is hitting you hard but this is too far. Lennon: What? Capes are cool, they should really make a comeback. Ryu: I'm fine with the cape, it's the grey face paint and the red contacts. Isn't that racist or something? Ostron: Against who? Grimlocks? They don't generally raise objections in civil court. Ryu: All right fine, So why are you going all Dracula? It's nowhere near Halloween. Lennon: Well, I figured new class, new Identity, and everyone thinks vampires are cool. Especially this one. Ostron: Which one? Lennon: Come on, I really tried with the makeup...

by Pix Vectri
March 3, 2021
0
Gnomish Workshop Short Rest

Gnomish Workshop: Rolling Initiative

This article was first broadcast in Episode One Hundred Fifty Three on 17 February 2021. Lennon: Oh good, Ostron. I have some questions for you. Ostron: I did not tell the beholders to do that to your bed, you brought that on yourself. Lennon: No, It's fine, the squeezing effect actually helps with lumbar support when I'm sleeping. Ryu: Um...

by Pix Vectri
February 17, 2021
0
Short Rest Unearthed Mundana

Archives of Candlekeep: Mephistopheles — A Psychological Study

This article was first broadcast in Episode One Hundred Fifty One on 3 February 2021. ROSTRO: Please state the nature of the mathematical inquiry. Killer DM (fondly): I was wondering if you were going to start humming and bring a smile to my face. How are you? ROSTRO: Operational efficiency is at 120%. It appears that Ostron was interrupted in recent exploratory efforts. Killer DM: Yes, well, he was fiddling with the hat and I just got suspicious so I figured knocking him out was a good first step and then I rounded up the usual suspect to figure out what's going on. Now, be a good limey and tell me...

by Pix Vectri
February 3, 2021
0
Short Rest Unearthed Mundana

Unearthed Mundana: Cheese for the Poor?

This article was first broadcast in Episode One Hundred Fifty on 27 January 2021. (loud rock drilling) Ryu (shouting): LENNON! (drilling stops) Lennon: What? Ryu: Oh thank goodness. You realize nobody can hear anything? Also you're getting rock dust all over the place. Lennon: I'm investing in our future, Ryu, you need to get on board here. Ryu: You're carving a gigantic...

by Pix Vectri
January 27, 2021
0
Archives of Candlekeep Short Rest

Archives of Candlekeep: Glasya – Daddy’s Little Devil

This article was first broadcast in Episode One Hundred Forty-seven on 23rd December 2020. Ryu (breathlessly): Oh good, you guys are here. Lennon: Um, yes, are you okay? Ryu: Maybe? Are there side effects to chaining bless spells? Ostron: Why is that a question? Ryu: Look, KayDee is desperately trying to get involved with the Glasya research and I'm fairly sure that will end with her trying to summon the archdevil for a chat. I decided I needed an extra boost so I've been getting Gath to bless me continually. Ostron: I don't know about any side effects but you certainly look like you're under a lot of strain. Ryu: Yeah, well, you better hope I can hold...

by Pix Vectri
December 23, 2020
0
Short Rest Unearthed Mundana

Wisdom of the Masters: Emotional Exercise

This article was first broadcast in Episode One Hundred Forty-three on 25th November 2020. Ryu: Okay, so what about when you're annoyed. Libby (annoyed): Book! Ryu: Right, okay, I think I'm getting the hang of this. Hmm. Drunk. What are you like drunk? Do you get drunk? Hang on. Ostron! Ostron: Speaking. Ryu: Can you get me a fireball? Libby (worried and angry): Book! Ryu: No, not an actual fireball, the whiskey. Lennon: Did someone say whiskey. Ostron: Either that or Ryu wants me to set the annex on fire. Ryu: No, no, I'm trying to get Libby drunk. Lennon: Hm. See usually when someone says something that makes me think of questions I need, but definitely don't want answers to, it's Ostron, but here...

by Pix Vectri
November 25, 2020
0
Archives of Candlekeep Short Rest

Archives of Candlekeep: Pack It Up, Folks!

This article was first broadcast in Episode One Hundred Forty on 5th November 2020. (roaring) Ostron: I didn't just hear that. (roaring) Ostron: No, okay, I did hear that. We're Omega Black people, this is not a drill! Libby (panicked): Book! RaeRae: Getting the cover on the scrying pool. Gath: Securing potions. Lennon: Why didn't we set up an alarm for this kind of thing? (roaring) RaeRae: Did you not hear that? It is the alarm! Where's Ryu? Killer DM (amused): Oh my. What is going on here? RaeRae: That figures. Gath (sighing): Let me go find my diamonds. Ostron: I suppose you're the cause of all this? Killer DM: Well all this panicking and running around, no, although it is amusing. But if you mean the Tarrasque, then...

by Pix Vectri
November 4, 2020
0
Adventurer's Journal Short Rest

Adventurer’s Journal: Tactics: Not Just for Battlemaster Fighters

This article was first broadcast in Episode One Hundred Thirty-seven on 7th October 2020. Lennon: We can't put arrowslits in every wall. Ryu: Sure we can, they're really easy to make. You just need a vorpal sword, really. Lennon: No, I mean, we can physically do it but then the walls fall down and instead of a guild house we have an embankment. And an angry research beholder looking for books. Ryu (with increasing frustration): Fine, why don't we just go open plan then? Ostron can keep it above 70- Lennon: You mean 20? Ryu: Ostron can keep it comfortable with his weather spells, so we can just open the place up with some columns...

Ostron
by Ostron
October 7, 2020
0
Archives of Candlekeep Short Rest

Archives of Candlekeep: Mordenkindof a Big Deal

This article was first broadcast in Episode One Hundred Thirty-five on 23rd September 2020. Ryu: Lennon? Lennon: What? I put your knives back this time, I didn't even leave any of them sticking in the fireplace. Ryu: Right, thanks for that, but I thought Ostron wanted you to work on the notes about Mordenkainen? Lennon: I did! They're right here. Ryu: That's five sheets of paper and a post-it. Lennon: Oh that's where that went. Yeah, the post-it was just a reminder that I need to get more coffee. We're out of coffee by the way. Ryu: You just went to the market. Lennon: But recall, I lost the post-it. Ryu: Ugh. Oh, Ostron, there you are. Did you check Lennon's...

Ostron
by Ostron
September 23, 2020
0
Gnomish Workshop Short Rest

Gnomish Workshop: What is a Death Spiral

This article was first broadcast in Episode One Hundred Thirty-four on 16th September 2020. Ryu: Ostron had something for us in the workshop? Lennon: Yeah, though I'm a little confused by- (ROSTRO starts up) Ryu: Oh joy, I'm going now. Lennon: No, I am not dealing with the machine on my own, come on. Ryu: Fine. Hello ROSTRO. ROSTRO: Please state the nature of the mathematical inquiry. Lennon: No, you. ROSTRO: Ostron appears to have been analyzing the nature of death spirals. Ryu: That doesn't sound good at all. Is he okay? Do we need to get Gath in here? ROSTRO: A death spiral does not refer to any extant or lingering metabolic issue. Please refer to the output crystals as I begin. On multiple...

Ostron
by Ostron
September 16, 2020
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Archives of Candlekeep Short Rest

Archives of Candlekeep: Some Call Her… Tasha

This article was first broadcast in Episode One Hundred Thirty-three on 9th September 2020. Killer DM: Anthony, darling, nice of you to join us here. You’re a detective sort, so tell me, why has Ostron been hiding these notes away when they're clearly about the best wizard ever? Tony: Oh, yeah, I’ve heard about what happens when Ryu puts on the hat. Besides, it looks like he wasn't hiding them, he just put them under this book so they wouldn't blow away. Libby: Book! Tony: Uh, yeah, I guess, you can take that back now. Oh, and I’m a lawyer by the way, not a detective. Killer DM: Another Rules Lawyer? Fine. With...

Ostron
by Ostron
September 9, 2020
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Short Rest Unearthed Mundana

Archives of Candlekeep: Yummy, Yummy Brains

This article was first broadcast in Episode One Hundred Thirty-two on 2nd September 2020. Lennon: Look, I don't care how much you want to, you cannot write a treatise on Mindflayers and not mention Spelljammer. Ostron: There are a few more ideas I had that I want to try. Ryu: No, no; I can already see your eyes drooping and I don't want to deal with that machine today. Just...

by Pix Vectri
September 2, 2020
0
Short Rest Unearthed Mundana

Archives of Candlekeep: Under a Dark Sun

This article was first broadcast in Episode One Hundred Thirty-one on 26th August 2020. ROSTRO: Please state the nature of the mathematical inquiry? Ryu: Ugh, It isn't one! Why is this thing even involved? I thought we were discussing lore? ROSTRO overanalyzes game mechanics. ROSTRO: My capabilities are not as limited as you imply. Lennon: All right, let's see what you've got here. "Dark Sun was a criminal syndicate that came into prominence during the Clone Wars as the Jedi-" Hang on, this is about Star Wars. ROSTRO: Please hold. Ryu: I told you we shouldn't be using it for anything that doesn't involve algebra! Now we have [through clenched teeth] to do it ourselves...

Ostron
by Ostron
August 26, 2020
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Short Rest Unearthed Mundana

Unearthed Mundana: Whyfor the Bard

This article was first broadcast in Episode One Hundred Thirty on 19th August 2020. Lennon: So we've had a complaint from HR- Ryu: Look, nobody else is good at hiding things around here, but obviously *I* can't hide the mop from KayDee, so- Lennon: No, no, it's not about that. Ostron: I only lost one of the research beholders the other day, and I swear it'll be coming back to this plane in the next 24 to 96 hours- Lennon: Okay, I want to ask several questions but at the same time I'm not sure I want the answers so I'm just going to leave that one alone. No, they're complaining about...

Ostron
by Ostron
August 19, 2020
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Short Rest Unearthed Mundana

Unearthed Mundana: Barbarian Smash!

This article was first broadcast in Episode One Hundred Twenty Nine on 5th August 2020. Ostron: Ryu? I wanted to talk to you about this application? Ryu: Oh I thought it looked good! Ostron: "In defense of the humble barbarian?" No, I don't think it's good, it's a terrible idea. Ryu: Why!? Ostron: The premise is wrong! Barbarians don't defend, they just attack. And I don't think they know what humble means, much less how to act that way. Lennon: Classist much? Ostron: Do you know how much delicate, sensitive stuff is in the Gnomish Workshop on any given day? And what do you think Libby's going to do if they get into the Annex and go...

Ostron
by Ostron
August 5, 2020
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Short Rest Unearthed Mundana

Unearthed Mundana: High, Low, Wide – pick your magic

This article was first broadcast in Episode One Hundred Twenty Eight on 29th July 2020. Killer DM: Really, you don't know what you're missing; I've seen people do really crazy things. ROSTRO: There are certain quantum mechanical planes which derive similar effects in my experience. Lennon: Oh dear gods why!? I mean, I've been good lately, haven't I? Killer DM: Hello Lennon! Would you care to explain this package a courier dropped off this morning? Lennon: Um...

Ostron
by Ostron
July 29, 2020
0
Short Rest Unearthed Mundana

Unearthed Mundana: It’s About Time

This article was first broadcast in Episode One Hundred Twenty Five on 1st July 2020. Ryu (over sounds of multiple clocks): What is with all the ticking in here?! And do I hear water? Did the scrying pool overflow again? Ostron: It was an experiment. Lennon: See, there's this whole section of the guild house called the Gnomish Workshop, maybe you've heard of it? Ostron: Yes, thank you. I was looking into time in D&D and I tried to get the Research Beholders to help. They...

Ostron
by Ostron
July 1, 2020
0
Archives of Candlekeep Short Rest

Archives of Candlekeep: Neverwinter

This article was first broadcast in Episode One Hundred Twenty One on 3rd June 2020. Ostron: Ryu. Ryu: What? Ostron: You know Libby doesn't like people taking books from the annex. It had Lennon wandering around in a confused stupor for an entire day when he forgot to bring back an atlas. Ryu: How could you tell? Ostron: Honestly only because I saw Libby hit him with an eye ray. Lennon: Hey is that from the annex? You know Libby- Ryu: Yes, I heard, don't worry; this isn't one of Libby's books. It's my list for our trip to Neverwinter! Ostron: Luskan silk skirt, decorative water clock...

by Pix Vectri
June 3, 2020
0
Short Rest Wisdom of the Masters

Wisdom of the Masters: New Players and Combat

This article was first broadcast in Episode One Hundred Nineteen on 20th May 2020. Killer DM: Come on, it's only a small horde. Ryu: Of gnolls! KayDee they're new! *Goblins* are a problem for them. Killer DM: Throwing someone in the deep end so they learn to swim builds character. Ryu: No, no in this case it kills characters. All of them. Lennon: It still completely unnerves me when you do that. Killer DM: Well fear not limey, I'm done here. Ryu simply refuses to listen to my suggestions. Lennon: I'm okay with that, I think. Suggestions about what? Ryu: What kind of combat to run for the new players. Ostron: You asked the KDM for help with that? Ryu: I didn't ask...

by Pix Vectri
May 20, 2020
0
Adventurer's Journal Short Rest

Archives of Candlekeep: History of the Sword Coast — Waterdeep

This article was first broadcast in Episode One Hundred Eighteen on 13th May 2020. Libby: Book Lennon: I really think I have enough- Libby: Book Ryu: Lennon? Lennon: Over here! Ryu: Where? Lennon: Behind the huge stack of- Ryu: Wow, that's a huge pile of- Libby: Book Ryu: Yes, thanks Libby. Ostron: What did you do? Lennon (sighing): I know we're planning that trip for when everything opens back up so I wanted to learn everything I could about Waterdeep. Ostron: Oh no Libby: Book Ryu: What, did he break Libby? Ostron: No, it's just...

by Pix Vectri
May 13, 2020
0
Short Rest Wisdom of the Masters

Wisdom of the Masters: Epilogues

This article was first broadcast in Episode One Hundred Fourteen on 15th April 2020. Ostron: Well, I’m officially out of spell slots. And I’m going to be mumbling the incantation for water breathing in my sleep now. RaeRae: Did anyone actually double check that the gnome was the only one who could fix Lennon’s bike? Ostron: What, you think he made that up? RaeRae: I just, you know, find it hard to believe he made Lennon to go get him a bunch of meteoric iron. At the bottom of a lake. With nesting Hydras. I do this for him after he nearly breaks my scrying pool. He’s lucky it was his...

by Pix Vectri
April 15, 2020
0
Short Rest Wisdom of the Masters

Wisdom of the Masters: Winging It

This article was first broadcast in Episode One Hundred Thirteen on 1st April 2020. Ostron: I thought you said this wasn't ever going to happen?  Ryu: Yeah, I did, but then he taught me some stuff about Thieves’ Cant and here we are. Ostron: I thought you already knew Thieves’ Cant? Ryu: Hmm? Oh, uh, yeah. I meant I taught him. He definitely didn’t teach me. Nope. I mean, can you imagine it? Me, a rogue, who doesn’t know Thieves’ Cant? Ostron: Yeah, that’s highly unlikely, statistically speaking Ryu: Anyway, stuff and things, here we are. No! Peaches, stay.  (grumbling sound) Ryu: Yes, you can play with KayDee's nightmare after, I just need you to stay.  Lennon: Okay! Bike...

by Pix Vectri
April 1, 2020
0
Adventurer's Journal Short Rest

Adventurer’s Journal: Removing the Gamey Smell of Feats

This article was first broadcast in Episode One Hundred Twelve on 25th March 2020. Libby: Book. Lennon: No thanks, my multi-eyed friend, I've got this. I can find whatever I'm looking for completely on my own. Ostron: You do know Libby already has a book for you, right? Lennon: That's not the book I want. Ryu (quietly, to herself): But is it the book you need? Ostron: Look, why are you suddenly interested in finding your own books in the annex? Lennon: I've been practicing my passive perception! If I just walk through the stacks here, I'll notice the book I want out of the corner of my eye! Ostron: I didn't know you could practice passive perception...

Ostron
by Ostron
March 25, 2020
0
Short Rest Wisdom of the Masters

Wisdom of the Masters: Infections

This article was first broadcast in Episode One Hundred Eleven on 18th March 2020. Killer DM (drawn out and threatening): Oh Lennon… Lennon: No! Killer DM: No? Lennon: Yes? What answer keeps me alive? Killer DM: Oh we’re way past that point, but before I start showing you what your own spleen looks like, I was just curious why you tried to issue a notice saying Ryu shouldn’t be associating with me for the foreseeable future? Lennon: Well...

Ostron
by Ostron
March 18, 2020
0
Archives of Candlekeep Short Rest

Unearthed Mundana: Archaic Measurements

This article was first broadcast in Episode One Hundred Ten on 11th March 2020. ROSTRO: Please state the nature of the mathematical inquiry Lennon: Okay, so I don't like this any more than you do, but if we both buckle down, we can get through this. ROSTRO: Nothing you stated constitutes a question Ryu (angrily sarcastic): I have one: Why is that thing humming? Lennon: Um, it does that when it's on. Ryu: Do you see my face? Do I look like I'm in the mood for that kind of backtalk? Lennon: Well look, I was trying to figure out the out the shopping list this week, and- Ryu: Oh again with you and the shopping? Here, gimme. Ryu (flipping...

Ostron
by Ostron
March 11, 2020
0
Archives of Candlekeep Short Rest

Archives of Candlekeep: Ooze On First

This article was first broadcast in Episode One Hundred Eight on 26th February 2020. Lennon: Ostron, I need you to sign this purchase order. Ostron: What's it for? Lennon: Cleaning supplies. Ryu: Why do we need new cleaning supplies? Lennon: Apparently HR has determined mops are a safety hazard and they're being abused by certain quasi-members of the staff. Ryu: Okay, you have to admit it was kind of funny when KayDee broke that slime trail and the Gath duplicate spilled the potion into itself and it was all glowy for a bit before it evaporated. Ostron: Hang on, this says the replacement cleaning supplies are more oozes! Lennon: What? where does it say that? Ostron: Requisition: 4 cubes, gel. 2...

by Pix Vectri
February 26, 2020
0
Archives of Candlekeep Short Rest

Archives of Candlekeep: Planar Tour: The Outer Planes

This article was first broadcast in Episode One Hundred Seven on 19th February 2020. Mikey: Come on, come on, no! ROSTRO start-up sounds Mikey: Darn it! Ryu: I thought you were keeping an eye on him! Mikey: Yeah, but there was this footnote Lennon wanted me to check out for him about the cosmological disposition of Eberron in the planar landscape and- Ryu: And now you're starting to sound like that thing. ROSTRO: Please state the nature of the mathematical inquiry. Ryu: Yeah, why did Ostron decide he needed your help with the planes? ROSTRO: Once cosmological analysis of planes in Dungeons and Dragons moves beyond the elemental planes, the number of areas to be considered increases by a...

Ostron
by Ostron
February 19, 2020
0
Podcasts

Heroes Rise: Dissonant Whispers – Monsters

Welcome, brave adventurers to the fourth episode of Heroes Rise: Dissonant Whispers, a Patreon Exclusive show for all backers regardless of tier that will air every few weeks exclusively on our Patreon page. If you like what you hear then head on over to our Patreon page to sign up. Tiers start from just $4 per month which will also get you access to the main Heroes Rise show unedited and early each week, and there's even some Heroes Rise swag up for grabs....

by Pix Vectri
February 5, 2020
0
Archives of Candlekeep Short Rest

Archives of Candlekeep: Planar Tour: Feywild

This article was first broadcast in Episode One Hundred Five on 29th January 2020. Lennon: Oh dear gods why? Killer DM: Ryu's faerie dragon's gone back to the feywild for a bit. Ostron: And she didn't want to go with it? Killer DM: Oh goodness no. Every time she goes there I get into a fight. Lennon: I thought most feywild creatures were a little less aggressive than that? Killer DM: First of all, are you kidding? Second, I didn't say Ryu got into a fight; I get into a fight. Lennon: Don't tell me you have outstanding geases or something. Ostron: I thought you dealt in flaming horses. You're doing birds now? Lennon: What? Oh, wait are you kidding? Do...

by Pix Vectri
January 29, 2020
0
Archives of Candlekeep Short Rest

Archives of Candlekeep: Planar Tour: Shadowfell

This article was first broadcast in Episode One Hundred Four on 22nd January 2020. Lennon (storytelling): It was a dark and stormy night Ryu: I'm not hearing a storm Lennon (storytelling sarcastically): Because someone is slacking off Ostron: At this point I've already used four spell slots just on ambiance. Magical darkness, mist cloud, control weather, wind gust, now you want lightning on command? Lennon: … well I’ve gotta set the mood right Ryu: Wouldn't it be easier to just meet in the Shadowfell at this point? Lennon: Well...

by Pix Vectri
January 22, 2020
0
Short Rest Unearthed Mundana

Unearthed Mundana: Painting Your Miniatures – Introduction to Colour Theory

This article was first broadcast in Episode One Hundred Three on 15th January 2020. Ryu: I'm sorry, you want me to what? Lennon: Break me into the workshop. Ryu: And these buckets of paint are for? Lennon: It's helping you too, actually. Ryu: Oh no, you are not dragging me into whatever insanity this is. Lennon: No, look; I know you're always complaining about how ROSTRO is imposing and disturbing so I figured a quick paint job...

by Pix Vectri
January 15, 2020
0
Gnomish Workshop Short Rest

Wisdom of the Masters: Resistance, Vulnerability and Monsters

This article was first broadcast in Episode One Hundred Two on 1st January 2020. Ryu (coughing): Why is there suddenly smoke everywhere? Ostron! What did you do in the workshop? Ostron (muffled): This wasn't me; I was trying to find a way to charge ROSTRO's power cells faster and then heard all the coughing. Ryu (still coughing): What is that thing on your face? And can you clear this out? Ostron (muffled): One gust of wind coming up. Wind blowing Ryu (deep breath): Much better. (sarcastically): Oh look. We have one unconscious Lennon lying on the floor with a bunch of open potion bottles and a cauldron. Why am I not surprised? Ostron (pop): Because your memory is...

Ostron
by Ostron
January 1, 2020
0
Gnomish Workshop Short Rest

Gnomish Workshop: Adventurers are the 1%

This article was first broadcast in Episode Ninety Seven on 20th November 2019. Lennon: And here I was so holding out hope that my day wasn't going completely downhill. Killer DM: Awww does someone need a hug? Lennon: I will pay you money if you never ever say that again. ROSTRO: Probability analysis suggests you possess insufficient physical currency to facilitate that transaction. Lennon: Yeah, because I'm pretty sure Ryu stole it! Killer DM: Don't look at me, she was doing that long before my favorite accessory settled upon her brow. ROSTRO: Your current predicament would quite easily be remedied by engaging in a quest or adventuring excursion. Lennon: Really? Killer DM: Oh yes darling there's gold practically littering the ground...

Ostron
by Ostron
November 20, 2019
0
Short Rest Wisdom of the Masters

Wisdom of the Masters: PvP in D&D

This article was first broadcast in Episode Ninety Six on 13th November 2019. Killer DM: Mmmmm that felt almost too good. Lennon: I don't think I want to know Killer DM: Of course you do, Lennon; we both know you're constantly living vicariously through me and loving every minute of it. Lennon: I'm really not. Killer DM: Well keep lying to yourself then, but I just managed to get a TPK without any work at all. Ostron: Well, you are a big fan of the random rock fall. Killer DM: Oh no, it's even better than that; the party killed each other! PvP combat in fifth edition is so easy and it's great! Lennon: That's...

by Pix Vectri
November 13, 2019
0
Short Rest Wisdom of the Masters

Wisdom of the Masters: Crafting Confusion

This article was first broadcast in Episode Ninety Five on 6th November 2019. Lennon: So, what do you think would happen if I tried to make some modifications to ROSTRO? Ryu: I think KayDee would probably harvest all your organs and then stuff you into it. You know how she is about that thing.  Lennon: As with most subjects where she's involved, I try not to think about it.  Ryu: Why do you want to fiddle around with that monstrosity anyway?  Lennon: I was hoping to figure out a better way to get magic items made. The regular process is just...

by Pix Vectri
November 6, 2019
0
Archives of Candlekeep Short Rest

Archives of Candlekeep: Psionics: The knowledge everyone hates

This article was first broadcast in Episode Ninety Four on 30th October 2019. Lennon: Hey Ostron, I have a question Ostron: No, it is not possible to use Peaches as a ramp for your bicycle if she angles her tail the right way. Ryu: No abusing my dinosaur! I will allow her to eat you! Lennon: Okay, that wasn't the question, though thank you for ruining my fun once again. My actual question is why are we starting this short rest with psionics in 3rd edition? Doesn’t it make more sense to start with 1e? Ostron: Oh, well, psionics from 1st and 2nd edition had convoluted and problematic rules that make it fairly...

by Pix Vectri
October 30, 2019
0
Archives of Candlekeep Short Rest

Archives of Candlekeep: Psionics: The knowledge you never knew you forgot

This article was first broadcast in Episode Ninety Three on 23rd October 2019. Ostron: Really? You guys really want to do this? Ryu: Look, everyone keeps going on and on about psionics- Ostron: I don't. I try to avoid it, actually Lennon: Yes, but that's the point; people don't quite know why. What's wrong with psionics, why is it such a touchy subject? Ostron: All right, fine, follow me. Libby: Book Ostron: Thanks. Here. Ryu: ...

by Pix Vectri
October 23, 2019
0
Archives of Candlekeep Short Rest

Archives of Candlekeep: Eberron Mechanics and Gameplay

This article was first broadcast in Episode Ninety One on 2nd October 2019. Mikey: Oooooh, this is what Ryu meant by “that big, magic-mechanical monstrosity starts using big words at us”! ROSTRO: While her intent with the labeling was no doubt pejorative, the choice of vocabulary was interestingly accurate. Mikey: … I see what she means. ROSTRO: I would also bring to your attention that given the topic being discussed, my participation could be considered verisimilitudinous. Lennon: Actually, that is a point. Huge machine run by magic is very Eberron. As we discussed previously, Eberron as a setting represents a significant departure from playing in the Forgotten Realms version of the game. However, lest...

by Pix Vectri
October 2, 2019
0
Archives of Candlekeep Short Rest

Archives of Candlekeep: Eberron: Origin and Lore

This article was first broadcast in Episode Eighty Nine on 18th September 2019. Ostron: Oh bright Pelor what are all those colors? *sound of knife throwing* Lennon: Aww Ryu! You cut the fuse! Though that was a good shot with the knife! Ryu: Thanks. And you’re not setting off fireworks in here. We said you could do a couple of short rests focused on Eberron, not throw a party! Lennon: You guys always ruin my fun! Ryu: Really? You want me to get the hat? Lennon: Even that couldn’t bring me down, I'm having a great time, this is wonderful! Let me just go get the notes. Ostron: Keep in mind, if those notes required an actual...

by Pix Vectri
September 18, 2019
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Archives of Candlekeep Short Rest

Archives of Candlekeep: Ambulatory Corpses

This article was first broadcast in Episode Eighty Eight on 11th September 2019. ROSTRO: Please state the nature of the mathematical inquiry Ryu: First, you called us, second, what does this topic have to do with math? ROSTRO: The exercise involved more comparative analysis and referencing information from extraplanar sources than engaging in mathematical activities but my resources remained invaluable. It is also likely the handwritten note provided by Lennon was misinterpreted by Ostron. Ryu: Let me...

by Pix Vectri
September 11, 2019
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Short Rest Unearthed Mundana

Unearthed Mundana: Actual Two Weapon Fighting

This article was first broadcast in Episode Eighty Six on 28th August 2019. Ostron: Who switched off the lights in here — Lennon, why are you in a barrel, and Ryu, what did you just hide behind your back? Ryu: I didn’t break into the vault and get two swords for Lennon, if that’s what you’re asking. Ostron: Two swords? Ok, why? Lennon: Well… hang on, let me get out of this barrel… Well, all the talk of John Wick last week got me thinking of a cool character concept I want to play, but I thought I should practice dual-wielding first -- you know, to get into character. Right,...

by Pix Vectri
August 28, 2019
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Adventurer's Journal Short Rest

Adventurer’s Journal: Characters: Just make it up!

This article was first broadcast in Episode Eighty Five on 21st August 2019. Lennon: Ha! In your face ROSTRO RaeRae: You know it doesn't have a face. Lennon: Whatever, the point is, I just created an entirely new race and class to play in D&D, and I didn't have to touch my calculator once! Behold my Fire Giant Alchemical Archer! Ostron: Okay, so I'm assuming this is an Artificer with the Alchemist specialty and using a crossbow, that's Unearthed Arcana but still valid, but Fire Giants aren't a playable race. Is it balanced? Lennon: Pah! Forget balanced. There isn't a single homebrewed rule in here. Ostron: That's not possible. Lennon: It's perfectly possible. You just...

by Pix Vectri
August 21, 2019
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Adventurer's Journal Short Rest

Adventurer’s Journal: Blending Your Character’s Story Into the DM’s Story

This article was first broadcast in Episode Eighty Four on 14th August 2019. Ostron: *sound of firebolt and then burning* Aaaaand boom. That's all set now. Ryu: Please tell me that was a mathematical summary we don't have to discuss in the Gnomish Workshop Ostron: No, that was one of my players' backstories. Lennon: That thing was like 20 pages, who do you have as a player, George RR Martin? Wait, no, that backstory was finished...

Ostron
by Ostron
August 14, 2019
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Short Rest Unearthed Mundana

Unearthed Mundana: Superstitions, Monsters and D&D

This article was first broadcast in Episode Eighty Two on 31st July 2019. Killer DM (tinkering): That'll do I think. ROSTRO: Your assistance is appreciated. I believe we can now conclude the matter at hand. Lennon: Does the matter at hand have anything to do with the research beholders doing laps between here and the Candlekeep annex? ROSTRO: Surprisingly astute observation The rules of Dungeons and Dragons enumerate an extensive bestiary of creatures benign and belligerent. Fifth edition currently has a comparatively tiny collection of creatures when compared with previous incarnations. Many of those editions had at least three monster manuals in addition to ancillary materials collating collections of fauna, easily...

Ostron
by Ostron
July 31, 2019
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Archives of Candlekeep Short Rest

Archives of Candlekeep: Revisiting Realism

This article was first broadcast in Episode Eighty One on 24th July 2019. Ryu: I want it noted for the record that I’m really trying to solve this without the hat. Gath: Solve what? Did we have a fight on-air I wasn’t aware of?  Ryu: No, no, this is with my players. I’ve got a couple that are whining about wanting more realism and they really don’t know what they’re asking for.  Ostron: The Killer DM already covered some of the variant rules the DMG says make things more realistic.  Ryu: Yeah, these players are still whining.  Ostron: Ugh, yeah, they don’t know what they’re asking for.  Gath: What’s the problem? As we’ve discussed previously, and as...

Ostron
by Ostron
July 24, 2019
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Short Rest Wisdom of the Masters

Wisdom from the Masters: Maintaining Villainy

This article was first broadcast in Episode Eighty on 17th July 2019. Mikey: Oh thank goodness. Given the topic I thought the Killer DM was going to be here again. She always seems to show up when I come out of the cave.  Ostron: How bad was this fight? Does this mean you put the hat away for good?  Ryu: What? No! We patched things up days ago. This time she's just sitting out from contempt. How did she put it?  Killer DM: If other DMs don't know how to keep their best characters alive that's not my problem. They should just call me in to help.  Ostron: I've been halfway...

by Pix Vectri
July 17, 2019
0
Podcasts

Heroes Rise: Dissonant Whispers – What happens when a player leaves a campaign & Alignment

Welcome, brave adventurers to the first episode of Heroes Rise: Dissonant Whispers, a Patreon Exclusive show for all backers regardless of tier that will air every few weeks exclusively on our Patreon page, but we thought we'd let everyone get a taste of the first episode. If you like what you hear then head on over to our Patreon page to sign up. Tiers start from just $4 per month which will also get you access to the main Heroes Rise show unedited and early each week, and there's even some Heroes Rise swag up for grabs....

Lennon
by Lennon
July 10, 2019
0
Short Rest Wisdom of the Masters

Wisdom from the Masters: Realizing Villainy

This article was first broadcast in Episode Seventy Nine on 3rd July 2019. Lennon: Well the topic is “villainy”, but I don’t see the Killer DM hat. Ryu: Yeah, after I showed you how to break in to the vault last week, Ostron decided it wasn’t safe to keep the hat there. Lennon: Oh, so did he manage to hide it somewhere you couldn’t find it? Ryu: Not really. Ostron’s good, but...

by Pix Vectri
July 3, 2019
0
Short Rest Wisdom of the Masters

Wisdom from the Masters: Non-combat Roles

This article was first broadcast in Episode Seventy Eight on 26th June 2019. Ostron: Ryu? Why are you teaching Lennon how to pick the lock on the vault? Ryu: Oh, well, I'm going to be DMing a bunch of new players so I wanted to brush up on how to teach people new skills. Ostron: I thought we have a policy against you DMing new people? Ryu: You have a policy against KayDee DMing new people. It's just going to be me. Ostron: What's that bunch of white and red fuzz I can see in your pocket? Ryu: What? Lint! I'm sure it's just lint. I washed these pants with some fuzzy towels....

by Pix Vectri
June 26, 2019
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Short Rest Unearthed Mundana

Unearthed Mundana: Naval Ghost Stories

This article was first broadcast in Episode Seventy Seven on 19th June 2019. Lennon: Oh, the year was 1778 -- how I wish I was in Sherbrooke noooooow… Ryu: Lennon? Doing some remodeling on the guild house? Lennon: No, I'm going sailing! Building myself a boat, off to the high seas! Ostron: Sailing to where? Lennon: Oooh, avast, ye landlubber. You don't need a destination; the joy is in the sailing! Ryu: You have no idea what you're going to do out there, do you. Lennon: Look, Columbus didn’t need directions — Ryu: — and Columbus thought he landed in India! Lennon: Well… I’m sure inspiration will come to me! Ostron: Would you mind if we offered some suggestions? With the...

by Pix Vectri
June 19, 2019
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Short Rest Wisdom of the Masters

Wisdom from the Masters: You Signed Up For This

This article was first broadcast in Episode Seventy Five on 5th June 2019. Ostron: I realize what I'm asking here but could the KDM help? Lennon: Does she ever? Ryu: Oh come on, you know she does! But I don't think so in this case; I'm pretty sure KayDee doesn't get nostalgic about stuff like that, and everyone she DMed for in her first game is probably gone. Ostron: Yeah, people move away, get older, you lose touch...

by Pix Vectri
June 5, 2019
0
Adventurer's Journal Short Rest

Adventurer’s Journal: Preparing for your First Ever Game

This article was first broadcast in Episode Seventy Four on 29th May 2019. Ryu: Yeah, HR said they want to “have a word with” KayDee about how we can’t farm new employees for kidneys. Ostron: I'm sorry, what? Lennon: Doesn’t matter. Speaking of new employees, can you guys look over what I've got so far? Ryu: Sure Sitting down for your first ever session of D&D can be a daunting prospect for a lot of people. Assuming you looked through the basic rules or player's handbook (which, hint, you should have done) you know there's a lot of information and rules involved with this, and it's very...

Ostron
by Ostron
May 29, 2019
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Gnomish Workshop Short Rest

Gnomish Workshop: Critical Bonuses

This article was first broadcast in Episode Seventy Three on 22nd May 2019. Lennon: Right, so I thought we covered critical hits? ROSTRO: I would classify the information previously discussed as a primer on the general category. If you direct your attention to the display crystals, we can proceed. Lennon: What if I close my eyes and start running? KDM: Then you'll hit the door, dear, I've just locked it. Now come along...

Ostron
by Ostron
May 22, 2019
0
Gnomish Workshop Short Rest

Gnomish Workshop: How Do You Crit?

This article was first broadcast in Episode Seventy Two on 15th May 2019. ROSTRO: Your information on critical hits is alarmingly deficient. Please consult the output crystals and confer with my colleague. Lennon: I think I'd rather go meet with HR. KDM: Lennon, don't make me use hold person. Critical hits are a primary goal of many players in combat, with good reason; the ability to roll twice as many dice when doing damage usually means the character's hitting harder than usual. If you have a character such as a rogue making a sneak attack or a paladin using smite, the number of extra dice rolled can cause...

Ostron
by Ostron
May 15, 2019
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Archives of Candlekeep Short Rest

Archives of Candlekeep: Spelljammer Part 2: An Overview

This article was first broadcast in Episode Seventy One on 1st May 2019. Ryu: Okay so now I'm morbidly curious. If Spelljammer's lore was so crazy, how did that work with gameplay? Lennon: Awesomely, I'm sure. Ostron: Did Spelljammer pay off your mortgage or something? Lennon: So far it's D&D in space, there are 7ft hippos with muskets and I get to throw Kender out of airlocks. I'm sold. Ostron: Well there weren't actually airlocks, you know. Spelljammer is presented as a separate campaign setting that uses spaceships, space, and planets to substitute for horses, open plains, and cities. The original sourcebook explains the separation as willful apathy: people...

Ostron
by Ostron
May 1, 2019
0
Short Rest Wisdom of the Masters

Wisdom from the Master: Actual Stealth Missions

This article was first broadcast in Episode Sixty-Nine on 17th April 2019.   Lennon: This doesn’t bode well for my idea of having my players run a stealth mission. Ryu: What does that have to do with anything? Lennon: Well the whole party isn’t made up of Rangers, Rogues, and people who can cast “Invisibility” so they’re going to make it what? One, maybe two rounds before the guardhouses are alerted and we’re on the express train to murdertown. Ostron: Well, that depends on how you set up the encounter.   If the hype and excitement around the release of Waterdeep: Dragon Heist showed us anything, it’s...

Lennon
by Lennon
April 17, 2019
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Gnomish Workshop Short Rest

Gnomish Workshop: Hidden Advantages

This article was first broadcast in Episode Sixty-seven on 3rd April 2019. Lennon: By the rollacks of Ralishaz, not again! Ryu: What happened? Lennon: Well, how would you describe… that? Ryu: Well, Ostron's unconscious neatly laid out on the floor of the Workshop again… there are absolute piles and piles of dice around… so either he miscast a sleep spell and knocked himself out, or...

Ostron
by Ostron
April 3, 2019
0
Short Rest Unearthed Mundana

Unearthed Mundana: Metagaming

This article was first broadcast in Episode Sixty-Four on 6th March 2019. Ostron: Oh come on! This should be working! Lennon: Did you de-power an artifact in the workshop again? Ostron: No. I'm trying to configure the Realized Oikumenata- Ryu: You know it's easier to just say ROSTRO. Ostron: Oh...

Ostron
by Ostron
March 6, 2019
0
Adventurer's Journal Short Rest

Adventurer’s Journal: Flawed Personas

This article was first broadcast in Episode Sixty-Two on 20th February 2019. Ryu: Blah. Okay, time to kill some characters. Lennon: We hid the hat again, just so you're aware. Ryu: Yeah that never matters, but anyway, I'm not going to need KayDee's help for this one;  I've got another player that's decided "annoying edgelord" is a cool character concept, and they've come up with mechanics where they're in such mental anguish that even brief moments of happiness count as a short rest for them because they're so rejuvenating. "Rejuvenating" isn't "resurrecting," though, so that character isn't going to see a session two. Ostron: You know you're asking to just...

Ostron
by Ostron
February 20, 2019
0
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Short Rest Unearthed Mundana

Gnomish Workshop: Monster Modification

This article was first broadcast in Episode Sixty on 6th February2019. Killer DM: Oh dear. Why is my favorite organ donor lying on the floor? If he's dead and I didn't kill him I will be very upset. ROSTRO: Inquiry. This situation has been explained previously. What is the source of confusion? Killer DM: Oooooh you're all big and flashy. Are you that new thing Ryu's been worried about? ROSTRO: Creature personality profile re-analyzed. Greetings. I am the Realized Oikumenatal Solution To Removing Obfuscation. You may refer to me as ROSTRO. I assist Ostron with more complex issues of a mathematical nature. Killer DM: I...

Lennon
by Lennon
February 6, 2019
0
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Short Rest Unearthed Mundana

Unearthed Mundana: Imposter Syndrome

This article was first broadcast in Episode Fifty-Nine on 30th January 2019. "The psychological experience of believing that one's accomplishments came about not through genuine ability, but as a result of having been lucky, having worked harder than others, or having manipulated other people's impressions" Many, many people when they begin playing D&D or when they take on a new role within the game start to get pervasive feelings of doubt that don't go away. In their head, they have a refrain going of "I don't know what I'm doing," "So many other people could do this better than I can," "Everyone's just...

Lennon
by Lennon
January 30, 2019
0
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Archives of Candlekeep Short Rest

Wisdom of the Masters: The KDM’s Christmas Gifts

This article was first broadcast in Episode Fifty-Four on 26th December 2018.   Killer DM: Oh there you are Lennon. So nice to see you again. I can't help noticing it's Christmas Lennon: Yes Kay- Killer DM: Go ahead. Try using that name Lennon: -Killer DM. I just can't begin to tell you how good it is to see you. It's your first anniversary isn't it? Killer DM: It is, but you know what it's not? Lennon: What? Killer DM: Thanksgiving. Do you remember anything about Thanksgiving? Lennon: Um..no? Because I'm British? Ostron: Still can't get the power cells to recharge right, I wonder...

Ostron
by Ostron
December 26, 2018
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Archives of Candlekeep Short Rest

A Short Rest: Archives of Candlekeep: 4th Edition, the Rebellious Child

This article was first broadcast in Episode Fifty-One on 5th December 2018. The fifth edition of Dungeons and Dragons is arguably one of the most popular iterations of the rules, but it’s taken some time to get to where we are today. In honor of Art and Arcana, the book released October 23rd that showcases all the artwork and tells the evolving story of D&D over the years, we decided to take a look back at this hobby of ours ourselves and see where it started, and how it’s evolved over time. In June 2008, Wizards of the Coast released the 4th...

Ostron
by Ostron
December 5, 2018
0
Archives of Candlekeep Short Rest

Archives of Candlekeep: Edition 3.5: The Golden Child

This article was first broadcast in Episode Fifty on 28th November 2018. The fifth edition of Dungeons and Dragons is arguably one of the most popular iterations of the rules, but it’s taken some time to get to where we are today. In honor of Art and Arcana, the book released October 23rd that showcases all the artwork and tells the evolving story of D&D over the years, we decided to take a look back at this hobby of ours ourselves and see where it started, and how it’s evolved over time. As established in our last article, while everyone liked 3.0 as...

Ostron
by Ostron
November 28, 2018
0
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Archives of Candlekeep Short Rest

Archives of Candlekeep: 3rd Edition: The Friendly, Embarrassing Child

This article was first broadcast in Episode Forty-Nine on 14th November 2018. The fifth edition of Dungeons and Dragons is arguably one of the most popular iterations of the rules, but it’s taken some time to get to where we are today. In honor of Art and Arcana, the book released October 23rd that showcases all the artwork and tells the evolving story of D&D over the years, we decided to take a look back at this hobby of ours ourselves and see where it started, and how it’s evolved over time. When D&D came under the control of Wizards of the Coast,...

Ostron
by Ostron
November 14, 2018
0
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Archives of Candlekeep Short Rest

A Short Rest: Archives of Candlekeep: 2nd Edition; the temperate, responsible

This article was first broadcast in Episode Forty-Eight on 7th November 2018. The fifth edition of Dungeons and Dragons is arguably one of the most popular iterations of the rules, but it’s taken some time to get to where we are today. In honour of Art and Arcana, the book released October 23rd that showcases all the artwork and tells the evolving story of D&D over the years, we decided to take a look back at this hobby of ours ourselves and see where it started, and how it’s evolved over time. By the late 1980s, D&D had become even larger but...

Ostron
by Ostron
November 7, 2018
0
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Short Rest Wisdom of the Masters

Wisdom of the Masters: Population: Evil

This article was first broadcast in Episode Forty-Seven on 31st October 2018. Killer DM: Ahh good, that was an annoying long wait. Ostron: Have to wait a while for Ryu to fail her saves? Killer DM: And there I was thinking you didn’t have a sense of humor… Oh, you’re serious? You think she still tries to make the saves? You dear thing. Lennon: Um...

Ostron
by Ostron
October 31, 2018
0
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Short Rest Wisdom of the Masters

Wisdom of the Masters: Campaigning for Evil

This article was first broadcast in Episode Forty-Six on 24th October 2018. Lennon: Really? Again? Ostron: We're talking about running evil campaigns, who's at the top of *YOUR* subject matter expert list for that? Lennon: Whatever, they're your kidneys Killer DM: It's so nice that you all invite me around for the holidays. It almost makes me forget that you didn't do that last Halloween. Lennon: In our defense, we hadn't actually started broadcasting yet. Killer DM: I just hear excuses but I suppose I might let it pass if we're talking about something fun. Ostron: Running an evil campaign Killer DM: Oh Ostron! I knew there was hope for you. Now, let's talk about unfair encounters...

Ostron
by Ostron
October 24, 2018
0
Archives of Candlekeep Short Rest

Archives of Candlekeep: The Fraternal Twins: AD&D and the Basic Set…

This article was first broadcast in Episode Forty-Five on 13th October 2018. The fifth edition of Dungeons and Dragons is arguably one of the most popular iterations of the rules, but it’s taken some time to get to where we are today. In honor of the upcoming Art and Arcana book, releasing October 23rd that showcases all the artwork and tells the evolving story of D&D over the years, we decided to take a look back at this hobby of ours ourselves and see where it started, and how it’s evolved over time. By 1977, four years after the original release of D&D,...

Ostron
by Ostron
October 17, 2018
0
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Archives of Candlekeep Short Rest

Archives of Candlekeep: In The Beginning…

This article was first broadcast in Episode Forty-Four on 10th October 2018. The fifth edition of Dungeons and Dragons is arguably one of the most popular iterations of the rules, but it’s taken some time to get to where we are today. In honor of the upcoming Art and Arcana book, releasing October 23rd that showcases all the artwork and tells the evolving story of D&D over the years, we decided to take a look back at this hobby of ours ourselves and see where it started, and how it’s evolved over time. Late in the year 1970, Gary Gygax and Jeff Perran...

Ostron
by Ostron
October 10, 2018
0
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Short Rest Unearthed Mundana

Unearthed Mundana: Exotic Royalty

This article was first broadcast in Episode Forty-Two on 26th September 2018. Ryu: I'm so sick of kings and queens Lennon: No European vacation for you then? Ryu: No, I mean, I don't mind them as people but every campaign you run into the land is ruled over by "king" this or "queen" that. Even when we were running through this jungle of sentient monkey-lizards they ended up being led by "Duke Longtail." It was kind of disappointing. Ostron: Oh, well, a little bit of linguistic modification is in order then. Along with scenery and inhabitants, names have a huge impact on immersion and characters' sense of displacement. Characters are...

Ostron
by Ostron
September 26, 2018
0
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Adventurer's Journal Short Rest

Adventurer’s Journal: Nobody Likes Warlocks

This article was first broadcast in Episode Thirty-Nine on 5th September 2018. Ryu: Look, we need to deal with this Lennon: No we don't, because there's no problem Ostron: Okay, you keep saying that nobody likes warlocks but it's honestly just you. Lennon: Ryu is on my side! Ryu: The Killer DM is more on your side than I am and really she hates everyone so that's not a good basis. Ostron: Do you even have any legitimate complaints? Lennon: Do I need them? Ostron: … Yes. Lennon: Alright. You might want to take a seat though, we’ll be here a while. Warlock is one of those classes that make people nervous. If the Monk is a confusing and...

Ostron
by Ostron
September 5, 2018
0
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Archives of Candlekeep Short Rest

Archives of Candlekeep: Odd Dragon Out

This article was first broadcast in Episode Thirty-Five on 8th August 2018. Ryu: Now? Now? Can we do it now? Lennon: Yes, fine, go ahead Ryu: Yaaaay! THUNK Ostron: What is that? Ryu: That's my notes on all the other dragons Lennon: *sigh* okay, we can cover SOME of them. Pick the ones most people will recognize, at least. Ryu: Fine...

Ostron
by Ostron
August 8, 2018
0
Archives of Candlekeep Short Rest

Archives of Candlekeep: Behold the Beholders

This article was first broadcast in Episode Thirty-Three on 25th July 2018. Mikey: So this is backstage, huh? Ryu: You’ve never been here before? Mikey: They don’t let me leave the cave that often… thumbing through papers What’s this? Lennon: Those are some notes that Ostron was having difficulty compiling. Mikey: What happened to the research beholders? Ryu: Well, this is ON beholders, specifically their history, so when he tried to get their help they all just passed in their own life stories and said that's all he needed to know. Mikey: Ah, yeah...

Ostron
by Ostron
July 25, 2018
0
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Adventurer's Journal Short Rest

Adventurer’s Journal: Elemental Wizards

This article was first broadcast in Episode Thirty-One on 11th July 2018. Ostron: Lennon? Did you take my dictionary out of the gnomish workshop? Lennon: I did, and then the research beholders took it. Ryu: Weren't you working on elemental wizards? Ohhh you meant to grab a spellbook and ended up with the dictionary instead didn't you? Lennon: No!...

Ostron
by Ostron
July 11, 2018
0
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Adventurer's Journal Short Rest

Adventurer’s Journal: Efficient Use of Infernal Influence

This article was first broadcast in Episode Thirty on 27th June 2018. Killer DM: Is it “die” when there’s more than one? Or is it “dice”? One die, two dice? I always forget. Anyway, 15 people are dead. Lennon: I'm not sure what that has to do with anything, but tell me why did Ryu decide to put the Killer DM hat on? Killer DM: Well, Ryu knew you were talking about Devils and I've always done some of my best work with them, so I...

Ostron
by Ostron
June 27, 2018
0
Archives of Candlekeep Short Rest

Archives of Candlekeep: Never Enough, the Story of the Hit Point

This article was first broadcast in Episode Twenty-Nine on 20th June 2018. Lennon: Holy mother of Avandra, that stings… Are you nearly done Ostron: Oh will you quit whining?! And hold still otherwise I can’t stitch it properly Lennon: I nearly lost an arm to that allegedly juvenile dragon Ryu: It was so pretty though. The way its scales glistened in the moonlight...

Baxter
by Baxter
June 20, 2018
0
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Short Rest Unearthed Mundana

Unearthed Mundana: Truly Exotic Weapons

This article was first broadcast in Episode Twenty-Eight on 13th June 2018. Lennon: Hey guys, can you help me out with something?  I’ve been trying to make some locations in my game a little more exotic, and it got me thinking. I can flavor the buildings, sights, sounds and smells, even the names and local customs, but everyone still has shortswords, longbows and all those mundane types of weaponry. It reminded me of when we went to Ixalan. Ryu: Because your party’s wizard almost got them all killed? Ostron: Okay look- Lennon: Hey, hey, we’re talking about my problem here. Remember those blades the merfolk carried? They looked...

Ostron
by Ostron
June 13, 2018
0
Archives of Candlekeep Short Rest

Archives of Candlekeep: Dragons

This article was first broadcast in Episode Twenty-Seven on 6th June 2018. Lennon: Ryu… are you ok? Ryu: *disappointed* Yeah, it’s fine… just… why’d they put “Dragon Heist” in the title if it’s nothing to do with dragons? Lennon: Yeah, I’m sorry, though Dungeon of the Mad Mage might have them… Ostron: Ok guys, I’ve finished my article on Comparative analysis of Ranged vs Melee Damage per Class and-- Ryu, are you alright? Ryu: Yeah, it’s fine… Lennon: You know… I don’t really know much about the history of dragons Ostron: Yeah you do, you’re the one who told me about-- why are you looking at me like tha--- oooh! Yeah, he knows nothing. Lennon: Right,...

Ostron
by Ostron
June 6, 2018
0
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Short Rest Wisdom of the Masters

Massive Battles

This article was first broadcast in Episode Twenty-Six on 30th May 2018. Lennon: Ok, so two plus two is four, minus one that’s three Ryu: What on earth are you doing? Other than quick maths? Lennon: I’m doing a dry run of a thing for a game. See, I may have painted myself into a corner a bit… or rather into a wide open-field that’s about to be filled with 25,000 creatures on 3 sides, each vying for control of the county RaeRae: And, let me guess, you’re trying to figure out the damage received during a single round of combat? Lennon: Combat? I’ve not even gotten as far as...

Ostron
by Ostron
May 28, 2018
0
Archives of Candlekeep Short Rest

Getting Defensive: Armor Class

This article was first broadcast in Episode Twenty-Five on 23rd May 2018. Lennon: Ahh, there you are! What’re you doing down here in the basement? Ryu:  Well, I’ve been flicking through Mordenkainen’s Tome of Foes, and I’ve gotta be honest I’m not sure I fancy our chances going up against those… things! Demons and devils, demogorgons and drow, it’s all gotten a little more dangerous. Lennon: So you’re hiding down here with a blanket? Ryu: What? NO! I just-- Ostron: Ryu?! Ryu?! Lennon: I found her, she’s down here Ostron: Ahh, there you are! What’re you doing down here in the basement? Ryu:  As I was just about to say to Lennon, I was just going through...

Baxter
by Baxter
May 23, 2018
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Gnomish Workshop Short Rest

Bounded Accuracy

This article was first broadcast in Episode Twenty-Four on 16th May 2018. Ryu: Lennon? Why did we just get a delivery of 500 yards of parachute cord? Lennon: Oh did that show up? Great! Yeah it’s a research project I’m doing about bounded accuracy. Ryu: Okay...

Ostron
by Ostron
May 17, 2018
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Adventurer's Journal Short Rest

Listen, Good People

This article was first broadcast in Episode Twenty-Three on 9th May 2018. Ryu: Okay, no more weddings. Lennon: I didn't realize you were ordained. Ryu: No, I mean I added an arranged marriage plot to my campaign and my characters started fighting about how the "good" aligned characters would react. Ostron: That can get tricky. Ryu: I didn't even know how to rule it myself. I just play my characters, I usually don't think too much about alignment. Well, unless I'm wearing the hat… Lennon: No Hat! Ostron: It's okay, don't need the hat. I've got a quick primer on being good here. Depending on the crowd of players at the table, the announcement that...

Ostron
by Ostron
May 9, 2018
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Adventurer's Journal Short Rest

You Are What You Eat (or Drink)

This article was first broadcast in Episode Twenty-Two on 2nd May 2018. Boldan the Dragonslayer strode into the tavern; known throughout the land for his many heroic deeds, he had no shortage of tables offered to him.  The tavern owner hurried over and asked, “Good master, whatever we can offer is yours! What would wish to dine on tonight?” Graciously nodding to his host, he replied, “Uh, I don’t know.  Food, I guess? I should probably drink something too…” D&D is a game about heroes, villains, adventure, monsters, and magic.  There can be so much epicness happening in a game it’s easy to...

Baxter
by Baxter
May 2, 2018
0
Gnomish Workshop Short Rest

Probability

This article was first broadcast in Episode Twenty-One on 25th April 2018. Ryu: Are you sure about this? Lennon: I think we have to Ryu: I'm getting the hat Lennon: No, no… Let’s just let him have this one. Ryu: You're REALLY sure? I mean, last time some people didn't wake up for days. Lennon: Well, we can dress it up as a public service. Insomnia is a real issue for a lot of people. Now, breathe in… and out… ok, go get em! Ryu: Okay… Hey Ostron? What'cha been working on in the Gnomish Workshop?     With all of this talk of Mordenkainen’s Mayhem, and the Mike Mearls...

Ostron
by Ostron
April 25, 2018
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Short Rest Wisdom of the Masters

Alternate Rewards

This article was first broadcast in Episode Twenty on 18th April 2018. Ryu: So yeah, that last time the Killer DM killed Ostron pretty much wiped us out. The Cleric upped his rates Lennon: I told Ostron we’d have some gold for him because of the whole kidney thing Ryu: Don’t worry, I’ve got it covered.       Not all characters are played in the same way. That’s sort of a given unless the same person is controlling all of them, but we’re mostly talking about how characters deal with their bank accounts. While some characters will be able to stockpile money, looking for the chance...

Baxter
by Baxter
April 18, 2018
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Guest Blogs Wisdom of the Masters

Custom Creature Creation

Greetings, brave adventurers! You've stumbled upon one of our guest blogs! If you've been burning to put quill to parchment over an idea, be sure to send it in to us, sendingstone@heroesrisepodcast.com and your ideas could be featured here! "Hah, it's just a kobold!" Halvor laughed, "And to think we were worried!" "As well you should be," noted the kobold before incinerating him with a fiery exhalation. One of the core aspects of D&D is monsters.  From goblins to orcs, undead to celestials, and wild beasts to dinosaurs, D&D has a long history of wonderful and fantastic creatures for players to encounter, fight,...

by Guest Blogger
April 15, 2018
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Gnomish Workshop Short Rest

Five Room Dungeon Design

This article was first broadcast in Episode Nineteen on 11th April 2018. Ryu: Hey Ostron! Good to see you back in one piece! Whatchya doing there? Ostron: Oh, trying to come up with something for my next session. I know the players are likely to make it to a dungeon, but I have no inspiration for layout, monsters, or even what's lighting the walls. Ryu: Well, you could always use the Five Room Dungeon technique Ostron: Isn’t five rooms a little restrictive? Lennon: Not if you do it right.     See, whilst you may look at modules, even the shorter ones like those presented in Tales from...

Lennon
by Lennon
April 11, 2018
0
Podcasts

Heroes Rise, seventeenth entry: Podcast of Dave

Welcome, brave adventurers to the seventeenth entry into the Heroes Rise chronicle. This episode was recorded on Saturday, 24th March 2018, and made available for download on Wednesday, 28th March 2018 at heroesrisepodcast.com...

Lennon
by Lennon
March 28, 2018
1
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Adventurer's Journal Short Rest

Switching Characters

This article was first broadcast in Episode Seventeen on 28th March 2018. Ostron: One of my players used the sending stone, they want to change characters AGAIN. It's something like the fourth time and I have no idea what to do here. Lennon: What are they now? Ostron: Gnome Cleric Lennon: And they're switching to… Ostron: Goliath Barbarian Ryu: That's...

Ostron
by Ostron
March 28, 2018
0
Guest Blogs Unearthed Mundana

GaryCon 2018 Report

Greetings, brave adventurers! You've stumbled upon one of our guest blogs! If you've been burning to put quill to parchment over an idea, be sure to send it in to us, sendingstone@heroesrisepodcast.com and your ideas could be featured here!   Hello, this is Head Scribe Baxter, possibly better known as the “who” in “who the hell wrote this crap?!” for around half of the Short Rest segments.  Last week, Len asked me to cover Gary-Con, a convention in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, celebrating the life of Gary Gygax and his role in creating D&D, not to mention the influence he’s had on the...

Baxter
by Baxter
March 21, 2018
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Short Rest Wisdom of the Masters

To Add A Dragon

This article was first broadcast in Episode Sixteen on 21st March 2018. Raerae: So were you guys debating dragons this week? Ryu: No Raerae: Why not? Ryu: Because there isn't a debate. Ostron: No, the point is that we're asking if you should add dragons to a campaign or not. Ryu: I don't understand the question. Ostron: I'm not sure how to rewrite that Ryu: Look, here, guys, why don't we just read over this paper I wrote up on dragons instead, huh? Dragons are probably the most iconic creatures in the entire D&D mythos. I mean, they're the second "D" in the name; it's hard to argue they...

Ostron
by Ostron
March 21, 2018
1
Podcasts

Heroes Rise, sixteenth entry: Dragon In A Guest

Welcome, brave adventurers to the sixteenth entry into the Heroes Rise chronicle. This episode was recorded on Saturday, 17th March 2018, and made available for download on Wednesday, 21st March 2018 at heroesrisepodcast.com...

Lennon
by Lennon
March 21, 2018
4
Podcasts

Heroes Rise, fifteenth entry: 2e or not 2e

Welcome, brave adventurers to the fifteenth entry into the Heroes Rise chronicle. This episode was recorded on Saturday, 10th March 2018, and made available for download on Wednesday, 14th March 2018 at heroesrisepodcast.com...

Lennon
by Lennon
March 14, 2018
0
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Adventurer's Journal Short Rest

Are You Evil?

This article was first broadcast in Episode Fifteen on 14th March 2018. Lennon: Really? You just GAVE her the hat? Ostron: Look, it's not like The Killer DM causes chaos or anything. She's Lawful Evil, that's manageable. Killer DM: Do I hear the sounds of overconfidence? Lennon: Not from me Ostron: We were just saying you're a good source of information for players that want to play evil characters Killer DM: Oh my goodness yes. There are soooo many posers out there that think they're SO evil and still go to puddles when there are a bunch of kittens around. Pull up a chair, people.       At some...

Ostron
by Ostron
March 14, 2018
0
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Gnomish Workshop Short Rest

Healing Without Healing

This article was first broadcast in Episode Fourteen on 7th March 2018. Lennon: Ok, so I’ve been thinking about our Ixalan adventure… well, mis-adventure… and I think I’ve gotten to the bottom of it. We need a cleric. Ryu: No we don’t Ostron: Right -- a paladin would probably be better. They can absorb more damage. Ryu: Wrong again Lennon: Ok, well what do you suggest? Ryu:  Well, I find that depends on how you look at it.   The easiest way to guarantee blind panic in most players is to drain the group’s healer of spell slots or hit points. Some players refuse to engage in a...

Ostron
by Ostron
March 7, 2018
0