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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Welcome to the Game Masters Book Club where great fiction becomes great RPG experiences. I'm your host Eric Jackson of K Square Productions and today we journey into a steampunk alt history of New Orleans in the novella by P.

Djeli Clark called the Black God's Drums. On this journey, our guides will be returning Game masters Ian Eller, Alex Jackal and Sean Murphy.

The main discussion in this episode revolves around how three new Game Masters, George Krubski, Marshall Smith and Eric Driks, tackle the challenge of adapting "The Lightning Thief," the first book in Rick Riordan's Percy Jackson series, into a tabletop role-playing game. As they dive into the rich tapestry of mythological themes and character dynamics, they explore the intricacies of translating Percy's journey into a gaming experience that captures both the narrative depth and the lighthearted spirit of the original story. The experienced Game Masters share their gaming backgrounds, favorite deities, and insights into how the book's unique elements—like the concept of Camp Half-Blood and the pervasive influence of the Olympian gods—can inspire gameplay and character development. With a mix of humor and thoughtful commentary, they dissect potential game systems and narrative structures that could enhance the experience for players, all while ensuring that the essence of Percy Jackson's adventures remains intact. The episode wraps up with a reflection on the storytelling techniques that make Riordan's work resonate, emphasizing the importance of character motivations and the balance of humor and seriousness in creating memorable gaming moments.

Sarah Gailey's "River of Teeth" takes center stage as the Game Masters Book Club dives into a whimsical and unexpectedly thrilling alternate history where hippos reign supreme. Eric Jackson, alongside game masters Petra Jackl, Colleen Nochtrieb, and Roger Alix-Goudreau, embarks on a lively discussion about this unique narrative that intertwines heists, vibrant characters, and, yes, hippos. The crew explores how this peculiar premise not only entertains but also sparks discussions on character dynamics and world-building in role-playing games. From the hilarity of a heist involving these massive creatures to the ingenious character arcs that emerge, they highlight the charm and chaos that ensue when players and characters alike take on unexpected roles. Join them as they unpack the delightful eccentricities of this literary adventure, proving that sometimes the most outrageous concepts make for the most engaging storytelling.

This lively discussion brings to light the intricate relationship between literature and tabletop gaming, particularly focusing on how beloved book characters inspire Dungeons & Dragons campaigns. The host engages with a trio of experienced Dungeon Masters—Dan, Pat, and Neil—who share their unique experiences and insights from years of gaming. They dive into the mechanics of character creation, the artistry of storytelling, and even sprinkle in some humorous anecdotes about their personal gaming journeys. Notably, they emphasize the importance of drawing inspiration from a myriad of sources, ranging from classic literature to modern comics, showcasing how these narratives can enrich the gaming experience. As the conversation flows, listeners are treated to a blend of clever banter and thoughtful reflections on how to weave literary elements into the fabric of their own campaigns, making for an engaging and informative episode.

We're here with three new gamemasters, Alex Jackl, Sean Murphy and Ian Eller to explore the new Universe by James S. A. Corey, the creators of the Expanse. The Mercy of Gods, the first book in the Captive's War series pits the human-like Anjinn against the overwhelming forces of the technologically superior and authoritarian Carryx who come to conquer them.

This book proved a real challenge to bring to the table top space but Alex, Sean and I did an admirable job.

The discussion revolves around Becky Chambers’ thought-provoking works, A Psalm for the Wild Built and its sequel, A Prayer for the Crown Shy, which delve into the essence of humanity through a sci-fi lens. This episode highlights the central inquiry posed by the narrative: what do humans truly need? As the hosts—Eric, Chris, Sam, and David—explore the solarpunk setting where robots have chosen to abandon their tools and embrace a life of self-awareness and coexistence with nature, they engage in a rich dialogue about the philosophical implications of such choices. The episode also touches on the unique character dynamics, particularly the non-binary tea monk, Sibling Dex, and the robot Mosscap, who together navigate a world that challenges the reader’s understanding of existence and community. With witty banter and insightful commentary, the hosts not only reflect on the beauty of the writing and world-building but also ponder how these themes can be integrated into their own gaming experiences. As they traverse the nuances of hope and humanity, listeners are invited to consider how fiction can inspire real-world connections and gaming narratives.

We're back with Chris Grannis, Sam Liberty and David Clarkson to explore Becky Chamber's Monk and Robot duology "A Psalm for the Wild-Built" and "A Prayer for the Crown-Shy". We discuss this excellent piece of world-building and suggest a number of world building games to compliment it.

The discussion revolves around Becky Chambers’ thought-provoking works, A Psalm for the Wild Built and its sequel, A Prayer for the Crown Shy, which delve into the essence of humanity through a sci-fi lens. This episode highlights the central inquiry posed by the narrative: what do humans truly need? As the hosts—Eric, Chris, Sam, and David—explore the solarpunk setting where robots have chosen to abandon their tools and embrace a life of self-awareness and coexistence with nature, they engage in a rich dialogue about the philosophical implications of such choices. The episode also touches on the unique character dynamics, particularly the non-binary tea monk, Sibling Dex, and the robot Mosscap, who together navigate a world that challenges the reader’s understanding of existence and community. With witty banter and insightful commentary, the hosts not only reflect on the beauty of the writing and world-building but also ponder how these themes can be integrated into their own gaming experiences. As they traverse the nuances of hope and humanity, listeners are invited to consider how fiction can inspire real-world connections and gaming narratives.

Rising Ape

Where the falling angel meets the rising ape…

On our very first episode of the Game Masters Book Club our discussion revolves around the intricacies of Stephen King's Fairy Tale, a modern fantasy that weaves elements of horror and adventure with a twist of the classic fairy tale narrative. Eric Jackson, along with seasoned game masters Chris Grannis, David Clarkson, and Sam Liberty, explores how the novel's unique settings, characters, and scenes can be translated into captivating role-playing game experiences. They delve into the book's dual worlds, highlighting the protagonist's unexpected journey from the mundane to a magical realm filled with peril and wonder. Their conversation is peppered with insightful observations on character dynamics, particularly the tension between heroes and their darker counterparts, and how these themes can enhance gameplay. Listeners can expect a blend of creative inspiration and practical advice on adapting literary narratives into engaging gaming sessions, ensuring that the essence of King’s storytelling translates seamlessly into their own campaigns.