
The Classic Adventure Gaming Podcast
Exploring the fundamentals of classic fantasy adventure gaming
Latest episodes

Jun 15, 2025 • 1h 24min
NTX 2025
I sit down with Matt Finch & Chainsaw to discuss classic adventure gaming at North Texas RPG Con. Special thanks to Jeff Simpson for the podcast cover art, Fiore for the episode thumbnail art, and Terrible Sorcery for the music!CAG Discord Server: https://discord.gg/qjnEDZg9e7Mythmere Discord Server: https://discord.gg/7QkuXZ9fGPhttps://www.backerkit.com/c/projects/mythmere-games/osric-3https://www.mythmeregames.com/https://www.hyperborea.tv/store/p37/The_Lost_Treasure_of_Atlantis.htmlhttps://www.hyperborea.tv/store/p27/Rats_in_the_Walls_and_Other_Perils.html

May 2, 2025 • 1h 33min
On The Thief
Dive into the world of thieves in classic adventure games! Discover their vital role in reconnaissance and trap navigation. Explore the art of stealth and surprise mechanics, distinguishing thieves from assassins. Learn how sensory perception challenges affect gameplay in urban settings. Plus, uncover tips for crafting engaging city adventures and the thrill of unexpected role-playing scenarios. Join gaming enthusiasts as they share strategies and insights to enhance your immersive experience!

Sep 16, 2024 • 2h 22min
The Adventure Site Contest
We discuss the winning adventures for the first annual Adventure Site Contest put on by Ben Gibson of Coldlight Press!
Special thanks to Jeff Simpson for the podcast cover art, Fiore for the episode thumbnail art, and Terrible Sorcery for the music!
https://discord.gg/qjnEDZg9e7
Anthony Huso sale: https://stonehold.gumroad.com/
https://coldlightrpgpress.weebly.com/
https://dangerisreal.blogspot.com/
https://www.dangerisreal.ovh/whitebox
https://www.dangerisreal.ovh/ose
https://thegloomyforest.blogspot.com/
https://bxblackrazor.blogspot.com/
https://floodedrealms.substack.com/
https://www.youtube.com/@OwenEdwardsBooks/featured

Jun 25, 2024 • 2h 40min
No Artpunk III
Sitting down with Prince of Nothing and the winners of NAP 3 to discuss high-level adventure gaming.
https://discord.gg/qjnEDZg9e7
https://princeofnothing.itch.io/no-artpunk-iii
https://princeofnothing.itch.io/no-artpunk-ii
https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/379533/no-artpunk-vol-1
https://espharel.blogspot.com/
https://coldlightrpgpress.weebly.com/
https://bxblackrazor.blogspot.com/
https://emdt.bigcartel.com/product/the-webs-of-past-and-present
https://floodedrealms.substack.com/
https://www.lulu.com/search?contributor=Ignatius+Umlaut&adult_audience_rating=00

May 19, 2024 • 51min
On 1E Illusionists
Dive deep into running and playing the Illusionist class for the Advanced Game, exploring challenges and perceptions unique to illusionists in classic adventure gaming. Unveil the artistic and strategic aspects of illusions in gaming, discuss their impact on player experience, and explore the creative element of gameplay through illusions. Discover the strategic prowess and versatile skills of illusionists in RPG parties, emphasizing their focus on misdirection, stealth, and enhancing party dynamics. Explore the evolution of illusionists in the 1E Game System, from mid to high levels, and master illusions in role-playing games with insights on playing as an illusionist class and the crucial role of Dungeon Masters.

Mar 1, 2024 • 2h 4min
Worldbuilding and Sandbox Play
Join the panel of Sages and special guest Rob Conley to explore worldbuilding and sandbox play in tabletop RPGs. Dive into creating immersive game worlds, balancing depth and action, player-driven narratives, dynamic worldbuilding, unique player interactions, and tools for adventure generation. Learn how to enhance player engagement while managing time, draw inspiration from diverse gaming worlds, and discuss successful Kickstarter projects in the RPG community.

Dec 31, 2023 • 2h 11min
Cauldron Con 2023
Discussion with several Fantasy Adventure Gamers who organized and/or attended Cauldron Con 2023 in Germany.
Special thanks to Jeff Simpson for the podcast cover art, Fiore for the episode thumbnail art, and Terrible Sorcery for the music!
CAG Discord Link:
https://discord.gg/45FjupjWan
https://cauldron.pesa-nexus.de/en/
https://foundryvtt.com/packages/osric-compendium

Nov 30, 2023 • 1h 26min
The Imagination and Craft of Fantasy Adventure Module Design
Discussion with Jeff Simpson of Buddyscott Entertainment Group and author of Swords & Sewercery and the Crypt of Terror. We dive deep into Jeff's creative process and how he designs his one-of-a-kind modules.
CAG Discord Link:
https://discord.gg/45FjupjWan
https://swordsandschlock.wordpress.com/
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/mercilessmerchants/the-coming-of-winter

Nov 22, 2023 • 1h 40min
Mass Combat and Domain Play in Fantasy Adventure Games
Discussion on integrating mass combat and domain level play into fantasy adventure campaigns. Exploring the evolution of gameplay from traditional dungeon crawling to high-level strategic engagements. Delving into the nuances of wilderness encounters and strategies for engaging players in fantasy adventure games. Exploring the Adventure Conqueror King system and Axe rules for enhancing RPG gaming with mass combat and domain play.

Nov 12, 2023 • 1h 44min
The Culture of Fantasy Adventure Games
The podcast discusses the importance of building a defined culture in fantasy adventure gaming and the challenges faced in reaching the late stages of game. It explores difficulties in long-form campaigns, the importance of writing a good pitch for a game, and the stages of team development. The speakers also discuss the impact of excluding people in games, maintaining focus and engagement, and the importance of improvisation skills. They highlight the shift in adventure writing standards in the OSR community and explore the contrast between spontaneous co-creation and top-down world-building. The hosts emphasize the importance of exploring the full rule set and announce upcoming niche conversations, con coverage, and an adventure site contest.