The Secret Cabal Gaming Podcast

Good morrow, esteemed Cabalists. On this day, the Lords of the Dungeon convene in earnest discourse upon the noble Art of designing encounters within the realm of role-playing. They shall expound upon the intricacies of social dealings, the perils and stratagems of martial combat, and the treacherous trials imposed by the very environment itself, each bearing its own hazards and the promise of worthy reward. By what methods, then, might one craft encounters most fitting and memorable for their grand adventures? Attend closely, and let the inquiry be joined with vigor. Huzzah!

Good morning and happy Wednesday! Let’s get busy with some of the great games the founders have been playing, including Echoes of Time, Dracula vs. Van Helsing, Dark Pact, First Giants, and Citizens of the Spark, along with a feature review of Rewild: South America from Bruno Liguori Sia. Then, after Tony T gives us the best gaming news he can find, we dive into the culture of play in your gaming group. We discuss a situation with a Cabalist from our BGG forum, how we schedule game nights, how we pick games, and our motivations for gaming together. Echoes of Time: 00:04:01, Dracula vs. Van Helsing: 00:12:23, Dark Pact: 00:22:34, Citizens of the Spark: 00:31:43, First Giants: 00:40:57, Rewild South America Review: 00:48:05, News with Tony T: 01:23:17, The Culture of Play: 02:15:22. Check out our sponsors Restoration Games at https://restorationgames.com/ and Game Toppers at https://www.gametoppersllc.com/.

Today, Chris, Don, and Jamie gather around the table to reflect on tabletop games of the past and how they’ve aged over the years. Have these classics matured like a fine wine, growing richer, deeper, and more nuanced with time, or have they gone sour, turning into vinegar?  The Founders bring their picks: two games that have stood the test of time, becoming more refined and one that hasn’t fared and is now relegated to the back of the kitchen cabinet, only to emerge when we're making deviled eggs. Yes, proper deviled eggs have vinegar in them.

Hey Now Cabalist! The show kicks off with Steve's mailbag and more about Tony Squatty Potties and then we dive into the games: LA-1, Star Wars Outer Rim, The White Castle, Clank! Catacombs w/ Lairs and Lost Chambers, Viticulture Bordeaux, and a feature review of Aquaria from Tomas Holek. Then after Tony T's News segment we take a bunch of questions from listeners. LA-1: 00:06:15, The White Castle: 00:16:50, Clank! Catacombs with Lairs and Lost Chambers: 00:24:24, Star Wars Outer Rim: 00:32:10, Viticulture Bordeaux: 00:42:23, Aquaria Review: 00:50:36, News with Tony T: 01:24:34, Short Topic Extravaganza: 02:22:16. Check out our sponsors Restoration Games at https://restorationgames.com/ and Game Toppers at https://www.gametoppersllc.com/.

Hearken, loyal Cabalists, and well met! This day the Lords gather in council to speak upon a matter of great import: the keeping of harmony within the fellowship of the gaming table, and the careful tending of the culture of play that binds our company together. Together shall the assembled Lords deliberate on how best to grant the players the experience they seek, and what rightful charge the Game Master must bear within the fellowship. For as in any kingdom, the balance of duty, guidance, and merriment must be wisely kept.