Michael St.Ayre, Rick Stec, and Mauricio Cordero dive deep into the chaotic and surreal world of Hunter S. Thompson's "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas," exploring how this gonzo classic can infuse life into tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs). They tackle the novel's provocative themes, including its critiques of American culture, while addressing the content warnings that accompany its wild narrative. The trio shares their unique approaches to twisting reality in their games, with Rick advocating for the manipulation of time and space, while Mauricio revels in subverting player expectations. As they navigate the complexities of adapting the book's essence into a role-playing experience, their conversation is filled with witty banter and insightful reflections, making it clear that there’s no wrong way to be a game master. The episode culminates in exciting recommendations for incorporating elements of "Fear and Loathing" into players' own campaigns, ensuring listeners leave inspired to embark on their next gaming adventure.

Takeaways:

• The podcast delves into the unconventional narrative style of 'Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas', highlighting its chaotic and surreal elements that reflect the complexities of the American experience.
• Game masters are encouraged to embrace the theme of reality bending within their tabletop role-playing games, allowing players to explore unexpected outcomes and twist conventional storytelling.
• There is a strong emphasis on the importance of character dynamics, particularly how defying player expectations can lead to deeper engagement and curiosity about NPCs.
• The discussion touches on various game mechanics that can effectively capture the essence of Thompson's work, such as incorporating elements of madness and unpredictability into gameplay.
• Listeners are reminded that there is no 'right' way to be a game master, fostering a creative and open-minded approach to game design and storytelling.
• The episode suggests exploring other literary works that resonate with the themes of 'Fear and Loathing', inviting the audience to broaden their reading list for richer inspiration.

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Hunter S. Thompson
• Oscar Zeta Acosta
• White Wolf
• Bram Stoker
• Blades in the Dark
• Call of Cthulhu
• Murk Borg
• Pirate Borg
• Cyborg
• Vast Grimm
• Tales from the Loop
• Trans Metropolitan
• Thomas Pynchon

Mentioned in this episode:

She Kills Monsters, on stage in Concord Mass

Concord Player's is putting on a production of She Kills Monsters in Concord, Massachusetts running from November 7-22. She Kills Monsters is a play about a woman coming to terms with tragedy through second edition D&D. It'll tug your heartstrings & be rad as the nine hells. For more information & to buy tickets, check out concordplayers.org"

In this episode, the podcast dives into the whimsical world of Jasper Fforde's "The Eyre Affair," a literary adventure that intertwines genres and time travel in a delightfully chaotic manner. The conversation introduces three new Game Masters—Rob trimarco, Jason Keeley, and Keren Form, - who share their unique gaming journeys and explore the surreal elements of the Thursday Next series, where genetically resurrected dodos and literary heists come to life. They discuss how to transform this imaginative narrative into a tabletop role-playing game, highlighting the potential for wacky plot twists and character interactions that mimic the book's playful spirit. Throughout their banter, they weave in clever insights about the nature of storytelling and the boundaries of fiction, all while maintaining a light-hearted tone . As they dissect the mechanics of gameplay inspired by this literary romp, listeners are invited to consider how they might incorporate similar surreal elements into their own gaming experiences.

Takeaways:

• The Game Masters Book Club podcast highlights the intersection of literature and role-playing games, showcasing how captivating narratives can enhance gaming experiences.
• In this episode, the hosts discuss the surreal elements of Jasper Fforde's 'The Eyre Affair', emphasizing the creativity involved in transforming literary plots into engaging gaming scenarios.
• The conversation reveals how each guest's unique gaming journey shapes their approach to storytelling, with personal anecdotes that blend humor and insight into their experiences.
• Listeners are encouraged to explore various tabletop role-playing systems that can adapt to literary themes, providing a rich playground for imaginative game mechanics and character development.
• The hosts also share their preferred alternate planes of existence in gaming, showcasing the diverse settings that can inspire players and GMs alike to think outside the box.
• Through witty banter and clever remarks, the discussion illuminates the joy of creating immersive worlds where players can interact with beloved literary characters and narratives.

Mentioned in this episode:

She Kills Monsters, on stage in Concord Mass

Concord Player's is putting on a production of She Kills Monsters in Concord, Massachusetts running from November 7-22. She Kills Monsters is a play about a woman coming to terms with tragedy through second edition D&D. It'll tug your heartstrings & be rad as the nine hells. For more information & to buy tickets, check out concordplayers.org"

The podcast dives into the intriguing world of espionage, psychic agents, and parasitic vampires, all revolving around the 18-book Necroscope series by Brian Lumley, which serves as the focal point of the discussion. Returning game masters Alice Jackl, Sean Murphy, and Ian Eller share their insights on how to effectively incorporate the themes of spies and vampires into tabletop role-playing games. Throughout the episode, the hosts explore the unique challenges associated with translating Lumley's narrative into engaging gameplay mechanics. They indulge in a light-hearted banter about their favorite vampire characters, showcasing a range of interpretations, from the charming to the grotesque. Ultimately, the conversation not only examines the merits and pitfalls of the Necroscope series but also encourages listeners to extract creative elements from the story for their own table top gaming adventures, all while sprinkling in humor and camaraderie among the hosts.

Takeaways:

• The podcast discusses the Necroscope series, blending Cold War espionage with supernatural elements, creating a unique narrative experience.
• The speakers share their personal connections to vampires in gaming, revealing how these creatures influence their role-playing experiences.
• Humorous anecdotes highlight the unexpected outcomes players might face in tabletop games involving vampires, showcasing the unpredictability of storytelling.
• Listeners are encouraged to explore various game systems that could effectively capture the essence of Necroscope's themes, emphasizing creative adaptations.
• The conversation touches on the evolving portrayal of vampires in literature, contrasting traditional monstrous depictions with modern, more nuanced representations.
• A content warning is issued regarding sensitive themes in Necroscope, reminding listeners to approach the material with awareness and care.

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Rising Phoenix Gaming Con
• Skype of Cthulhu
• Hero
• Delta Green
• Savage Worlds
• Dresden Files
• City of Mist
• Blades in the Dark
• Powered by the Apocalypse
• Fate
• The Cold Commands by Richard Morgan
• K Square Productions

Mentioned in this episode:

She Kills Monsters, on stage in Concord Mass

Concord Player's is putting on a production of She Kills Monsters in Concord, Massachusetts running from November 7-22. She Kills Monsters is a play about a woman coming to terms with tragedy through second edition D&D. It'll tug your heartstrings & be rad as the nine hells. For more information & to buy tickets, check out concordplayers.org"

K Pop Demon Hunters emerges as the standout cinematic experience of summer 2025, captivating audiences with its blend of fantasy, paranormal elements, and catchy music—every track is a certified banger. The episode features a lively discussion among game masters who share their favorite characters and delve into the film's rich storytelling. They explore how the film’s vibrant narrative can inspire tabletop role-playing games, with each host proposing game systems that would best capture its essence. Karen's admiration for the Chosen One archetype and Marshall's controversial pick reveal the depth of character exploration in this animated gem. As they wrap up, the conversation shifts to how elements from K Pop Demon Hunters can enhance role-playing campaigns, combining humor with thoughtful insights that highlight the film's cultural significance and storytelling prowess.

Takeaways:

• The podcast delves into the enchanting world of 'K Pop Demon Hunters', emphasizing its blend of fantasy, music, and relatable storytelling elements that resonate with its audience.
• Listeners learn about the favorite characters of the hosts, with diverse choices reflecting their personal connections to themes of heroism and sacrifice in the film.
• The episode highlights the potential for integrating 'K Pop Demon Hunters' into tabletop role-playing games, suggesting various systems that could enhance the gaming experience.
• Themes of being a 'Chosen One' and navigating personal struggles resonate through the discussions, revealing deep connections between characters and their journeys.
• The hosts share their insights on how the film's vibrant aesthetics and cultural references can be creatively adapted into role-playing scenarios, inviting players to explore diverse narratives.
• In conclusion, the podcast invites listeners to appreciate the unique cultural elements present in 'K Pop Demon Hunters' while encouraging them to explore similar media that celebrates music and storytelling.

Links referenced in this episode:

• DriveThruRPG
• AtomicSockMonkey

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Atomic Sock Monkey
• DriveThruRPG
• Girl by Moonlight
• Masks
• Daggerheart
• Thirsty Sword lesbians
• Heartbeats in perfect Sync
• Kami Gakari Godhunters
• Buffy the Vampire Slayer
• Demon Slayer
• Winter Night trilogy
• Katherine Arden
• Gentry Chow versus the Underworld
• Ring Shout
• P. Djeli Clark
• God and the Gumiho
• Sophie Kim

Mentioned in this episode:

She Kills Monsters, on stage in Concord Mass

Concord Player's is putting on a production of She Kills Monsters in Concord, Massachusetts running from November 7-22. She Kills Monsters is a play about a woman coming to terms with tragedy through second edition D&D. It'll tug your heartstrings & be rad as the nine hells. For more information & to buy tickets, check out concordplayers.org"

The main focus of this podcast episode revolves around the exploration of "Dungeon Crawler Carl," a science fiction fantasy that cleverly blends traditional storytelling with LitRPG elements. The hosts, including Marshall Smith, Eric Driks, and George Krubski, embark on a humorous journey through the absurdities of tabletop role-playing games, sharing their own bizarre experiences with strange items they've encountered during campaigns. As they delve into the book's themes of survival, loss, and the quest for power, they find themselves reflecting on the darker, more serious moments that punctuate the comedy. The episode not only highlights the imaginative world of Carl and his feline companion Princess Donut, who navigate a killer dungeon filled with traps and loot, but also showcases the hosts’ witty banter and thoughtful insights on how to incorporate similar mechanics into their own gaming sessions. With a blend of humor and deep discussion, this episode promises to entertain and inspire both seasoned gamers and those new to the RPG scene.

Takeaways:

• The Game Masters Book Club podcast emphasizes the unique blend of storytelling and game mechanics, indicating that good fiction can greatly enhance tabletop roleplaying experiences.
• Dungeon Crawler Carl, the featured book, intertwines humor with darker themes, showcasing a narrative depth often surprising for a lit RPG genre.
• Listeners are reminded of the importance of creativity in tabletop RPGs, particularly in how game masters can uniquely interpret and implement bizarre items into their campaigns.
• The discussion on character moral dilemmas highlights how they can elevate a gaming experience, turning typical scenarios into meaningful narratives for players to explore.

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Dungeon Crawler Carl
• Goodman Games
• 7th Sea
• Warlords of the Accord Lands
• Spycraft Edge of Midnight
• Paranoia
• Gamma World
• Dungeons and Dragons
• Pathfinder
• Delicious in Dungeon
• Kings of the Wyld
• NPCs series
• He Who Fights with Monsters
• How to Defeat a Demon King in 10 Easy Steps
• Dream Park

Mentioned in this episode:

She Kills Monsters, on stage in Concord Mass

Concord Player's is putting on a production of She Kills Monsters in Concord, Massachusetts running from November 7-22. She Kills Monsters is a play about a woman coming to terms with tragedy through second edition D&D. It'll tug your heartstrings & be rad as the nine hells. For more information & to buy tickets, check out concordplayers.org"

Mystery and adventure intertwine as the podcast dives into the fascinating world of Melissa Caruso's *The Last Hour Between Worlds*, the inaugural entry in the Echo Archives trilogy. The discussion not only explores the book’s narrative but also delves into how its themes can enrich tabletop role-playing games, particularly through the lens of time travel and its implications. Caruso, and host Eric Jackson, alongside experienced game masters Roger and Colleen, shares insights on the creative process that marries her writing with her gaming experiences, revealing how the mechanics of storytelling can enhance player engagement. Listeners are treated to a lively exchange about the challenges—and occasional hilarity—of incorporating time travel into campaigns, with anecdotes that showcase the often chaotic outcomes of such adventures. With a blend of clever banter and thoughtful commentary, this episode is sure to resonate with both fans of fantasy literature and tabletop gaming enthusiasts alike.

Takeaways:

• The podcast emphasizes the intersection of fiction and tabletop RPGs, showcasing how narrative elements enhance gameplay experiences.
• Melissa Caruso, the guest author, reveals how her gaming experiences directly influenced the creation of her book, 'The Last Hour Between Worlds'.
• The discussion highlights various creative approaches to time travel in RPGs, with each game master sharing unique insights from their own gaming histories.
• Listeners are encouraged to explore the emotional depth and character development that can arise from incorporating complex relationships into gaming narratives.
• The significance of well-crafted settings and time systems in storytelling is underscored, as they provide players with a richer gaming experience.
• Several book recommendations are provided, including fantasy series that capture similar themes of adventure and magic as seen in Caruso's work.

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Noctrum
• Melissa Caruso
• Echo Archives
• Dungeons and Dragons
• Eberron
• Fearful Ends
• Tor
• Dresden Files
• Mortal Coil
• Time Watch
• Urban Shadows
• Thirsty Sword Lesbians
• The Seven and a Half Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle
• This is How You Lose the Time War
• Foundryside
• The Monsters We Defy
• The Market of Dreams and Destiny
• The Last Hour Between Worlds
• The Last Soul of the World
• Orbit Books
• K Square Productions

Mentioned in this episode:

She Kills Monsters, on stage in Concord Mass

Concord Player's is putting on a production of She Kills Monsters in Concord, Massachusetts running from November 7-22. She Kills Monsters is a play about a woman coming to terms with tragedy through second edition D&D. It'll tug your heartstrings & be rad as the nine hells. For more information & to buy tickets, check out concordplayers.org"

The podcast dives headfirst into the intriguing blend of superheroes and zombies presented in Peter Cline's *Ex Heroes*, where the remnants of humanity grapple with their undead counterparts in a dystopian Los Angeles. As returning game masters Roger, Alex, Chris, and David form a formidable team, they explore what makes this mashup not just entertaining, but also ripe for tabletop roleplaying adventures. They ponder the unique gaming experiences that arise from the tension between heroic ideals and the grim realities of a zombie-infested world, while simultaneously engaging in some light-hearted banter about their favorite villains and gaming systems. Throughout the episode, they recognize that even a book may not shine as high art can still offer valuable inspiration for gameplay. Listeners can expect a thoughtful discussion laced with witty remarks, as the hosts dissect the potential for crafting compelling narratives in a genre where the stakes are both fantastical and frightening.

Takeaways:

• In this episode, the hosts explore how Peter Cline's Ex Heroes creatively blends the zombie apocalypse with superhero lore, showcasing the complexities of both genres.
• The discussion dives deep into character dynamics, emphasizing that a superhero narrative isn't just about powers, but also the relationships and moral dilemmas faced by the characters.
• Listeners are reminded that even if a book isn't critically acclaimed, it can still offer valuable inspiration and ideas for tabletop roleplaying games.
• The hosts each share their favorite game systems that would best suit the mashup of superheroes and zombies, highlighting a range of mechanics that could enhance storytelling.
• The conversation touches on the unique setting of a besieged film studio, which serves as a backdrop for exploring themes of survival and interpersonal conflict among heroes and survivors alike.
• Lastly, the episode reveals the importance of character flaws and limitations, illustrating how these elements can enrich gameplay and storytelling in superhero settings.

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Ex Heroes
• Peter Clines
• Rising Phoenix Game Convention
• Avengers
• Walking Dead
• American Heritage Dictionary
• Incredible
• mcu
• Legion of Doom
• X Men
• Champions
• Cipher system
• Marvel Heroic Role Playing System
• Claim the Sky
• Stay Alive
• Red Markets
• Hebanon Games
• Metahumans versus the Undead
• Marvel Zombies
• World War Z
• Immortal Hulk
• Velveteen vs. The Junior Super Patriots
• Seanan McGuire
• Mira Grant

Mentioned in this episode:

She Kills Monsters, on stage in Concord Mass

Concord Player's is putting on a production of She Kills Monsters in Concord, Massachusetts running from November 7-22. She Kills Monsters is a play about a woman coming to terms with tragedy through second edition D&D. It'll tug your heartstrings & be rad as the nine hells. For more information & to buy tickets, check out concordplayers.org"

Exploring the intersection of magic and technology, this podcast episode delves into the rich tapestry of P. Djèlí Clark's novella, *The Black God's Drums*, set in a steampunk alternative history of New Orleans. Ian Eller, Alex Jackal, and Sean Murphy join host Eric Jackson to discuss how the narrative weaves powerful themes of political intrigue and cultural identity, all while centering around the titular weapon that can summon storms. The trio shares their personal experiences as Game Masters, illustrating how they incorporate elements of magic and technology into their own campaigns, likening their creativity to a delightful mix of peanut butter and chocolate. As they dissect the novella's characters and plot intricacies, listeners are treated to a lively conversation that is both insightful and humorously candid. This episode not only celebrates the novella’s strengths but also inspires GMs to reimagine its world within their own gaming sessions.

Takeaways:

• In this episode, the hosts explore the unique blend of magic and technology in gaming, drawing parallels to genres like steampunk and discussing how these elements can enhance storytelling.
• Ian Eller shares a memorable game mastering experience involving a perilous quest for magical items in a crater, illustrating the thrill of integrating technology into fantasy settings.
• Sean Murphy emphasizes the importance of character-driven narratives when considering game systems, suggesting that the theme often outweighs the mechanics in creating engaging stories.
• The discussion touches on the rich political intrigue found in 'The Black God's Drums', highlighting how factional struggles can create compelling narratives for RPG campaigns.
• The hosts recommend various RPG systems, such as Savage Worlds and Blades in the Dark, for adapting the novella into gameplay, emphasizing flexibility and narrative focus.
• Alex Jackl discusses the integration of Orisha in character development, noting how distinct personalities of divine beings can enrich gameplay and differentiate character classes.

Links referenced in this episode:

• k-squareproductions.com
• gmbookclub
• bluesky.social
• facebook.com/gamemastersbookclub
• instagram.com/gamemastersbookclub

Mentioned in this episode:

She Kills Monsters, on stage in Concord Mass

Concord Player's is putting on a production of She Kills Monsters in Concord, Massachusetts running from November 7-22. She Kills Monsters is a play about a woman coming to terms with tragedy through second edition D&D. It'll tug your heartstrings & be rad as the nine hells. For more information & to buy tickets, check out concordplayers.org"