Running a Little Behind, and an Announcement

Running a little behind is better than being a little running behind...

With all the action happening in the past week with Matt being at the Palladium Open House and Jeff being at his writing conference, we naturally weren't able to get an episode out. However, that doesn't mean we weren't thinking of you!

First of all, we'd like to thank all those who played in Matt's games during the Open House. Feel free to hop on here and leave feedback about your experience and tell us what you did and didn't like.

Also, we're pleased to announce that Howard Tayler's Kickstarter is finished now, as you can see from the lack of advertisement above. I hope all of you had time to at least take a look at it, if you weren't able to pitch in and support the project. It really looks like it'll be awesome.

Now, you may be wondering what else we could possibly be preparing for you. Fortunately, we have something quite exciting. As previously mentioned, Matt was able to make it out to the Open House, and was able to get at least one interview in during his time there. With whom, you ask? It's with this guy a few of us might have heard of: Kevin Siembieda. We'll post this interview as soon as we can.

Other than that, we just wanted to apologize for the slight delay in getting an episode out, but we promise that one is on its way.

Carry on!

Episode 19 - The Ears of a Roleplaying Game

Greetings, Citizens!

It's been fairly busy at Deadboys HQ, what with all the public executions normal things and all. Sorry for getting this to you a little later in the day than normal as a result, but hopefully you like it all the more!



Today, we're pleased to bring you our first Double Feature in a while. For the first topic, we discussed something that is destined to be in every roleplaying game, no matter what the topic, setting, time period or even game designer—if you guessed dice, you're wrong, and we'll invite you to the next round of executions barbecues we have. Naturally, we're talking about the NPC; which, like the ears are often some of the most overlooked parts of the body. Palladium or not, the NPC is going to be a mainstay in any RPG. In our first part of the double feature, we look at things to do and things to avoid when using an NPC. Naturally, if you have suggestions or comments or things we just forgot, please let us know on g+ or in the comments below.

Our second feature is one that we're sure every Palladium player—regardless of how long you've been playing—will love. Ever wonder how to make a workable character in about 15 minutes when the average is three to four hours? Well, Matt is willing and able to give you all the information you need to get that character cranked out. Now, instead of spending those four hours making a single character, you can toss out 16 of them.

In the meantime, behave yourselves, citizens. Take a trip over to Kickstarter and support our friend Howard Tayler. Also, if you haven't checked out his site, go over and read some Schlock Mercenary and get a feel for what it's all about.

Lastly, we're planning on beginning to release Actual Play episodes on the podcast feed next week, so if you've been looking for a place to listen to these adventures you've heard so much about, you'll soon be in luck!

Carry on, citizens.

Slight changes to the site...

Some of you may have noticed already, but the Coalition Deadboys site has a couple new features. These odd relics of days gone past are called "Advertisements." We've tried making them as minimally invasive as possible, but I'm sure you have noticed them nonetheless.

The reason for doing this is twofold. First, let me assure you that the ad revenue we earn from this will go toward bettering the podcast, first and foremost through the purchase of better equipment. Neither Matt nor I are doing this for financial gain; we do this podcast because we love the games Palladium puts out and because we want to share that passion with as many people as we can. Second, in the interest of always improving and bringing you the best content possible, we feel it would be great for us to make it out to as many events as possible and try to get interviews with the movers and shakers over at Palladium Books. For example, if we're able to earn enough through ads, one or both of us could attend GenCon and get interviews, get recordings of live plays and anything else you'd want.

Naturally, we're hoping that you'll support us in this. If you have any concerns, questions, comments or snarky remarks to send our way, please let us know either as a comment or in an email to coalitiondeadboys@gmail.com.

Carry on, citizens!

Episode 18 - Story Time!

Greetings, Citizens!

It's good to be back in the adequate glow of the Burbs with you, just as we're sure you're glad to be back here.



One of the most common questions I (Jeff) get asked as a writer is where I get my ideas. Oddly, one of the more common questions GMs can get is the same. In this episode, we look at the question of scenarios and stories. After all, we're all in it for a good story, right? Let's start off with a picture:

This can pretty much sum up the GM/Player dynamic during a scenario, but it doesn't have to. Today, Matt and I go into what makes a good scenario, one idea of how to build one and we even build one for you. Nothing's too good for you!

Until next time, keep the feedback messages and comments coming--soon, we may have a mailbag episode and read your messages on the show. So if you have anything to say, please don't hesitate to send us an email and ask a question, tell us how you deal with a certain situation or anything else you might want to mention. Also, don't forget that any exposure you can give us through a rating on -iTunes is greatly appreciated. While we appreciate 5-star reviews, give us as many (or as few) as you think we're worth, and tell us how we can improve! We always want to improve the show, and are always trying to find new ways to do it.

Carry on, citizens!

Episode 17 - If I Could Save Time in a Bottle

Greetings, Citizens.

It's a lovely day in Chi-Town, and we're sure your CS-issue food rations are just great. If not, report to the nearest military officer. He'll take care of you.



This week, Matt and Jeff discuss Ley Line Walkers and all they bring to Rifts Earth. Plus, they continue from the Job Fair to the Palladium Travel Agency to Rifts England, where Temporal magic flows. Time is an interesting thing, and it was a fun discussion to have.

As always, remember to leave plenty of comments and feedback. You can leave them here, or send us an email at coalitiondeadboys@gmail.com, and we'll get back to you as soon as possible. You can also tweet us @CSDeadboys or get in touch with us via the Palladium forums. We have our own sub-forum there, but it's like having a new couch. It takes some time getting used to it, but eventually, you'll wonder how you ever did without it. Feel free to post new threads, new topics or to add to existing ones.

Also, if you want us to talk about something specific, please let us know so we can get on it. Whether it's related to Palladium or not, we want to know what you want, so you can enjoy the show more. Also, if you are an author or game designer and want us to review or critique your stuff, we'll more than gladly feature you on the show. Just send us an email, and we'll get the ball rolling.

Thank you, and carry on, citizens.

Episode 16 - It's a Bird! It's a Plane! It's a One-Off Adventure!

Greetings once again!

Fellow citizens, a listener pointed out something important to us recently: we talk about Rifts a lot. But what about the other games within the Megaverse? Well, to that I say, look, up there in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! No! It's Heroes Unlimited!



Heroes is probably one of the first systems most Palladium gamers learned, and it's still one of the most popular—and for good reason. And with the current environment regarding superheroes at box offices everywhere, the system has the potential to take itself to new heights!

But naturally, we can't shut ourselves up there. Another question we wanted to answer in this episode is what to do about one-off adventures; that is, for those of you just coming into the RPG world, an adventure you run in a single session. A lot of people have trouble thinking of a "small campaign" to create, because they think they're wasting a good storytelling opportunity. Well, Nathan will set you straight this week. He's run a lot of one-off adventures, and knows what he's talking about. If you're keen to learn how to make the most out of your superpowers, how to run better one-offs or to combine the two and make the most out of your superpowered one-offs, have a listen!

Carry on, citizens.

Episode 15 - Cross-classing, but with Logic Included

Greetings, citizens.

Although it's a couple days late, I like to think this week's episode is jam-packed full of great propoganda information and discussion for you to take to the proverbial bank.

Because we ran a little long on this episode, you can expect the Palladium Travel Agency, Creature Feature and Job Fair next time when we can do each segment its due attention.

That's all for now. Carry on, citizens!