Iteration 215 - Romancing a Q

the direct download link for this episode is here: http://traffic.libsyn.com/thesimulationist/Iteration_215_-_Romancing_a_Q.mp3

and also here: https://archive.org/download/thesimulationist/Iteration215-RomancingAQ.mp3

send us email at thesimulationist@gmail.com

We start with a tangent on Doctor Who. Then we do the rest of the podcast. We struggle with the question of whether to be happy that Ewe Bolle has been put in his place. Josh plays Dwarf Fortress and labours at digging through aquifers. Ryan watches Sleeping Beauty with Zoey. Ryan brings up the idea of what happens when the most powerful political entity in the area is an evil fairy queen. And then we talk about as many examples as we can think of when the love interests in a story have an age difference in the hundreds or thousands of years, and how that's dealt with in fantasy and science fiction. We also talk about what it really means for elves to have such extended lifespans.


References and Recommendations:

Han Solo film: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3778644/

Iteration 211 - Cracking Cleverness

the direct download link for this episode is here: https://archive.org/download/thesimulationist/Iteration211-CrackingCleverness.mp3

  Send us email at thesimulationist@gmail.com

In this iteration, Josh and Ryan concoct a plan to become more clever, and we learn how to make a hero look clever, as opposed to being really truly smart. But first, we talk about Halloween impending, and we compare Red Riding Hood with Goldilocks. Josh talks about people-watching, and how it might help one's writing. Then Josh plays Dwarf Fortress, Pandemic, and Dungeons & Dragons. Ryan plays The Secret World, and watches Disney's Cinderella and The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, and comes to an interesting strategy for Dorian Grey to beat his condition.

References and Recommendations:

Join us at Roll for Initiative once every month! http://www.rollforinitiative.ca/

Iteration 201 - How and Why to Change a Battlefield

the direct download link for this episode is here: http://traffic.libsyn.com/thesimulationist/Iteration_201_-_Why_and_How_to_Change_a_Battlefield.mp3

Send us email at thesimulationist@gmail.com

We start with a discussion about Pokemon Go! Ryan watches the Emperor's New Groove again. Ryan plays more of the Secret World. And for our main topic, we were inspired by boss fights from MMORPGs and we ponder the question of how to make big battles more dynamic and interesting and awesome over time.

References and Recommendations:

Beyond the Pale RPG: http://beyondthepalerpg.tumblr.com/

The Secret World (MMORPG): http://www.thesecretworld.com/

Iteration 200 - Magic with Personality

the direct download link for this episode is here: http://traffic.libsyn.com/thesimulationist/Iteration_200_-_Magic_with_Personality.mp3

send us email at thesimulationist@gmail.com

We start with a discussion about why we think movies bomb at the box office. Then Ryan and Zoey review Finding Dory (2016 film). Josh reports on Love and Friendship (2016 film). Then Ryan points out all the plot holes in Men in Black 3.

Then we talk about how summoning monsters from other planes works, on a technical level, and the variants in which you can summon the same version of the monster every time. And we conclude with a discussion about intelligent or semi-intelligent magic items, and how to deal with them as players, DMs, and storytellers.

References and Recommendations:

Finding Dory (2016 film): http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2277860/

Love and Friendship (2016 film): http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3068194/

Lindybeige: https://www.youtube.com/user/lindybeige

Iteration 183 - Schooling Wizards (and Fighters)

The direct download link for this episode is here: http://traffic.libsyn.com/thesimulationist/Iteration_183_-_Schooling_Wizards.mp3

Send us email at thesimulationist@gmail.com

In this iteration of the Simulationist Podcast, we gush about Wizards of the Coast's new addition to the Dungeon Master's Guild list of available IP: Ravenloft! Ryan shares some of his brainstorms for new adventures and realms set in the misted lands of Ravenloft. We talked about some cross-over ideas between The Addam's Family, Ravenloft, and Harry Potter. Another quick conversation about brain-swapping and how we would do a modern version of Frankenstein. We talk a little bit about Minecraft, its latest update, and Josh's work on villages. Ryan recounts his time playing Marvel's Avengers Alliance.

This week's main topic is about how eduction works in a fantasy D&D setting. How are schools founded, how they operate, and what they do for your player and backstory. A bit of conversation about certain technology, and how schools might foster technology and thus change your campaign world. And then we go on a tangent about Star Trek, and a bit about how education works in a modern day campaign or a futuristic fictional world.

References and Recommendations:

DM's Guild: http://www.dmsguild.com/

Mistipedia: http://www.fraternityofshadows.com/wiki/Main_Page

The origins of the Academy: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Academy

Aaron Swartz (the guy whose name I couldn't remember): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aaron_Swartz

Iteration 178 - Fixing Broken Things

the direct download link for this episode is here: http://traffic.libsyn.com/thesimulationist/Iteration_178_-_Fixing_Broken_Things.mp3

send us email at thesimulationist@gmail.com

We start with a bit of talk about live comedy in Victoria. Ryan continues with his quest to automate his Minecraft world. Ryan then continues to develop his ideas for revolutionizing the vegepygmy race in the framework of the new Dungeon Master's Guild. Ryan finally gets around to watching Disney's Frozen. And for our main topic, we talk about things that are broken and need repairing, and how we approach this in the games we play and the stories we tell.


References and Recommendations:

The Scourge of the Slave Lords (D&D adventure) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scourge_of_the_Slave_Lords

Welcome to Night Vale (podcast) http://www.welcometonightvale.com/

Iteration 170 - Fantasy Marches and Parades

the direct download link for this episode is here: http://traffic.libsyn.com/thesimulationist/Iteration_170_-_Fantasy_Marches_and_Parades.mp3

send us email at thesimulationist@gmail.com

We join Josh and one-cake-filled Ryan for talk about our favourite games, Dwarf Fortress, Minecraft, and others. Josh talks about watching and performing standup comedy. Does a parade count as a simulation for our purposes? Sure, why not! Then we take a weird tangent about the nature of art and spirituality, on account of Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs. We speculate on the origin of birthday candles. And for our main topic, we discuss parades, and how a parade or festival can shed light on a fantasy setting. And using parades and festivals and other traditions in stories.

References and Recommendations:

Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1985966/

The Great Modron March: http://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/17302/The-Great-Modron-March-2e?it=1

Iteration 169 - How Villains Die

the direct download link for this episode is here: http://traffic.libsyn.com/thesimulationist/Iteration_169_-_Epic_Villain_Deaths.mp3

send us email at thesimulationist@gmail.com

In this iteration of the show, we discuss Nanowrimo, the Grey Cup, and Captain Jack Sparrow. Plus Ryan's weird dream creatures. And for our main topic, we discuss epic death options for the villains of our stories.

Iteration 164 - Mascots, Faces, and Figureheads

the direct download link for this episode is here: http://traffic.libsyn.com/thesimulationist/Iteration_164_-_Mascots_Faces_and_Figureheads.mp3

email us at thesimulationist@gmail.com

We start off by arguing whether or not movie theatres will still exist in ten years. Then we talk about our hopes for Star Wars Episode Seven. We talk about improv, video games, comic books, and more video games. Ryan rants about how much he hated the film adaptation of Ouija. And for our main topic, we talk a bit about having a personality who represents an adventuring party, or any other group really.

References and Recommendations:

Whale Rider (2002 film): http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0298228/

Atlantis (2001 animated film): http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0230011/

Dracula (1931 film): http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0021814/

Ouija (2014 film) (Ryan actually did not recommend): http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1204977/

IF Con: http://ifconvictoria.com/

Come and join us at Roll for Initiative Victoria: http://www.rollforinitiative.ca/

Iteration 163 - The Hero and the Office

the direct download link for this episode is here: http://traffic.libsyn.com/thesimulationist/Iteration_163_-_The_Hero_and_the_Office.mp3

email us at thesimulationist@gmail.com

Subscribe to us on iTunes:
http://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-simulationist-podcast/id589774076

Tweet at Josh on Twitter:
http://twitter.com/Spaceboot1

Like us on Facebook and chat with other listeners:
http://facebook.com/thesimulationist

Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/Spaceboot1 

We open the episode with a brief discussion about time travel. We then note the Canadian federal election happening the day after this recording. Josh plays Don't Starve, and reports on a Paper Street Theatre show. Ryan reports on Metropolis, the 1927 film. And for our main topic, we talk about the office as a setting for adventures and stories in general, and what function the office plays in an exciting or funny story.

References and Recommendations:

Paper Street Theatre: http://www.paperstreettheatre.ca/

Metropolis (1927 film): http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0017136/

Roll for Initiative: http://rollforinitiative.ca/

IFCon: http://ifconvictoria.com/

National Novel Writing Month: http://nanowrimo.org/

Iteration 162 - Social Class vs Game Class

the direct download link for this episode is here: http://traffic.libsyn.com/thesimulationist/Iteration_162_-_Social_Class_vs_Game_Class.mp3

send us email at thesimulationist@gmail.com

It's Canadian Thanksgiving and Ryan drinks the last egg nog! Josh remembers News Radio (the TV sitcom), and complains about how unrealistic it is(?) Josh and Ryan report on their Minecraft worlds. Josh lost his wolf, and Ryan began his planar sanctuary. Ryan watches Splice, a Canadian science fiction film. And for our main topic, we discuss social classes in our D&D games.

References and Recommendations:

Splice (2009 film) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1017460/

National Novel Writing Month: http://nanowrimo.org/

IFCon http://www.ifconvictoria.com/

Roll for Initiative: http://www.rollforinitiative.ca/

Suzerain: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suzerainty

Iteration 160 - Fighting While Wounded

the direct download link for this episode is here: http://traffic.libsyn.com/thesimulationist/Iteration_160_-_Fighting_While_Wounded.mp3

send us email at thesimulationist@gmail.com

 
We talk about new TV starting up for the fall, including DC's Gotham, and we ask whether Bruce Wayne counts as a "main character". Josh plays Minecraft and Dungeons & Dragons at Roll for Initiative. Ryan reviews Dune, the movie. And Son of Batman. Ryan also reviews the new animated film Son of Batman. And for our main topic: what do you do with your hero when they're wounded? Do they fight on? Do they limp?

References and Recommendations:

Roll for Initiative: http://rollforinitiative.ca

IF Con: http://ifconvictoria.com/Welcome.html

Dune (1984 film): http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0087182/

Son of Batman (2014 animated film): http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3139072/

Josh's Other Podcast: http://soundcloud.com/spaceboatone

Iteration 159 - Fused and Confused

the direct download link for this episode is here: http://traffic.libsyn.com/thesimulationist/Iteration_159_-_Fused_and_Confused.mp3

email us at thesimulationist@gmail.com


We celebrate Talk Like a Pirate Day! Then we talk about how to set up your own island nation. We talk about how characters move from interesting to non-interesting. As a writer, should you kill off an interesting character before they become boring? Ryan watches the Dragonball Z movie. And for our main topic, we discuss fused characters. We talk about when two characters get squished into one, like symbiotes. Or like when a writer decides to fuse them. Or when you're playing a role-playing game and someone doesn't show.


References and Recommendations:

DragonBall Evolution (2009 film): http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1098327/

What We Did on Our Holiday (2014 film): http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2725962/

Iteration 158 - Dragon Skins

the direct download link for this episode is here: http://traffic.libsyn.com/thesimulationist/Iteration_158_-_Dragon_Skins.mp3

send us email at thesimulationist@gmail.com

We start off the episode talking about the llamas and dolphins. Ryan talks about his work with the Beast God. Josh goes insane in Don't Starve. We talk about Queen Elizabeth II having the longest reign. Our main topic is about Dragons, their skins, the different colours they come in, and turning their skin into armour.

IFCon: http://ifconvictoria.com/Welcome.html

Roll for Initiative: http://rollforinitiative.ca

Iteration 146 - Hapless Heroes - Neither Brains nor Brawn

the direct download link for this episode is here: http://traffic.libsyn.com/thesimulationist/Iteration_146_-_Hapless_Heroes_-_Neither_Brains_nor_Brawn.mp3

send us email at thesimulationist@gmail.com

In this iteration of the Simulationist, fifty episodes of Game of Thrones, and 100 episodes of My Little Pony. Our main topic, which we eventually get to, is about heroes who rely on things other than brains or brawn. Are there any heroes who win without either wits or ability? Can those kinds of characters be interesting, or are they uncompelling?



References and Recommendations:

Retarded Policeman: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yioJQFrqMXM

Wil Wheaton's Titansgrave: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q8HbkYV5ZaY

The Martian: http://www.andyweirauthor.com/

The Amazing Spider-Man (2012): http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0948470/

Spin (2005 Canadian film): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oP59tQf_njc

Iteration 144 - Stinging Nettle Vampire Hunting

the direct download link for this episode is here: http://traffic.libsyn.com/thesimulationist/Iteration_144_-_Stinging_Nettle_Vampire_Hunting.mp3

send us email at thesimulationist@gmail.com

We start the podcast with a bit of talk about tunneling and artificial islands. We talk about television finales, prompted by the recent season finale of Community. We talk about pilots, and the need for punchlines. We talk a bit about Age of Ultron, and romance in movies, namely the romance between Bruce Banner and Black Widow.

References and Recommendations:

Lookwell (TV pilot) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dBQ3HbB0c8Y

Medicine Man (film starring Sean Connery) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0104839/

Vampire Hunter D (film) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vampire_Hunter_D

Iteration 143 - The Codification Conundrum

the direct download link for this episode is here: http://traffic.libsyn.com/thesimulationist/Iteration_143_-_The_Codification_Conundrum.mp3

send us email at thesimulationist@gmail.com

In this iteration of the show, Josh and Ryan ask the question whether or not codes of conduct are really necessary. We cover real-life codes, like the Comics Code Authority, and fantasy codes, like the paladin's. All the way to the Ten Commandments and Hammurabi's Code. The Dungeons & Dragons alignment system as a code in itself.

Josh and Ryan come up with Hat World, a comic book universe in which all superpowers are granted by hats.

The Helm: http://www.thehelmcomic.com/

Omlevex: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Omlevex

Iteration 140 - Failures of Diplomacy

the direct download link for this episode is here: http://traffic.libsyn.com/thesimulationist/Iteration_140_-_Failures_of_Diplomacy.mp3

email us at thesimulationist@gmail.com

This week in the Simulationist: failing on diplomacy. How do you fail to do diplomacy, and what happens when you do?

References and Recommendations:

Other Space (television series): http://www.imdb.com/title/tt4561950/

Cynical Walrus: https://www.facebook.com/cynicalwalrus

Iteration 137 - Layered Histories

the direct download for this episode is here: http://traffic.libsyn.com/thesimulationist/Iteration_137_-_Layered_Histories.mp3

send us email at thesimulationist@gmail.com

In this episode: Leave Batman's nipples alone! Ryan has a trippy dream about Giant Elk. Poetry as simulationism. Minecraft! Your friendly neighbourhood Fish-Man. And our main topic is about creating history for your fictional world, and all about layering it with multiple periods from history.

The Secret World: http://www.thesecretworld.com/

Roll for Initiative: http://www.eventbrite.ca/e/roll-for-initiative-tickets-16539305508?aff=erelexporg

Subscribe to us on iTunes:
http://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-simulationist-podcast/id589774076

Tweet at Josh on Twitter:
http://twitter.com/Spaceboot1

Like us on Facebook and chat with other listeners:
http://facebook.com/thesimulationist

Discuss the Simulationist and other topics on reddit!
http://reddit.com/r/thesimulationist
http://reddit.com/r/podcasts
http://reddit.com/r/dnd

Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/Spaceboot1

Iteration 136 - Theories of Comic Relief

the direct download link for this episode is here: http://traffic.libsyn.com/thesimulationist/Iteration_136_-_Theories_of_Comic_Relief.mp3

email us at thesimulationist@gmail.com

In this episode, we are joined by our most popular guest host, Jason Kirkby!

Jason plays D&D 5th edition, Josh plays Minecraft, and Ryan plays it all. For our main topic, we talk about comic relief and comedic elements in otherwise "serious" works of art and fiction and role-playing games. And what is the role of comedy in highly comedic works? We basically analyze all comedy ever.

References and Recommendations:

Star Thugs: http://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/18437/Star-Thugs-The-Roleplaying-Game?it=1

Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Hitchhiker%27s_Guide_to_the_Galaxy

The Maggot Show: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B7ka7I-z_dI