Thaco Thoughts With Rob

In this very episode, Rob breaks down how you can play monster races as a player and what baggage that comes along with it!#thaco #adnd2e #TSR

Listen in this week as Rob goes over DM Horror stories at the table and how it related to AD&D 2e!#adnd #thaco #adnd2e #Tsr

In this episode, Rob talks about the world of kits, those flavorful add-ons that bring characters to life. I break down a couple of my personal favorites, the Swashbuckler and Forest Runner, sharing how they’ve shaped my games. Then, I take the Barbarian Kit from the Fighter’s Handbook and show you how to reshape and refine it to match your vision. Finally, I wrap up with a simple truth: kits are just creative springboards, not rules set in stone. They’re tools to inspire, adapt, and make your own.#TabletopRPG #DNDKits #CharacterCustomization #RPGTools #TTRPGHomebrew #FightersHandbook #RPGInspiration #FantasyGaming #DungeonMasterTips #RPGCreativity

Today, Rob is peeling back the layers of myth and legend surrounding one of Dungeons & Dragons’ most iconic monsters—the Medusa. We’re talking first edition versus second edition, the evolution of this petrifying nightmare, and the deep-cut lore that most players (and even some DMs) don’t know. First, let’s get into the classic Medusa—the terrifying, snake-haired horror that could freeze a man solid with a single gaze. But she’s more than just a one-trick monster. We’ll break down her appearance, her hidden dangers, and how she thrives in dark, forgotten places—or even right under society’s nose. Then we’ll turn our attention to the Greater Medusa, a far rarer and even more terrifying version with a serpentine body, deadlier venom, and a presence that commands sheer horror. But the real hidden gem of this discussion? The Maedar. Most people don’t even know about these guys, but they’re the male counterpart to the Medusa, immune to her deadly stare and boasting their own terrifying abilities. They can literally walk through stone, turn petrified victims back into flesh, and if you think that’s wild, wait until you hear about what happens when they die. Ever heard of a Glyptar? We’ll break down how these cursed spirits get trapped in gemstones, animating weapons and statues, turning them into living weapons of vengeance. We’ll also talk about tactical encounters—how to use Medusas right in a campaign, how to surprise your players, and how to make these creatures more than just a random monster in a cave. Medusas work just as well in urban settings as they do in dungeons, and we’ll discuss exactly how to make them into compelling villains (or reluctant allies). So get ready for a deep dive into petrifying lore, forgotten monsters, and some stone-cold horror that’ll change the way you see these creatures forever. #DNDLore #Medusa #OldSchoolDND

In this episode, Rob talks about one of the more overlooked but fascinating aspects of Advanced Dungeons & Dragons 2e: non-lethal combat. Pulled straight from the Player’s Handbook (pages 128–130), we’re breaking down the four distinct forms of subduing your foes without leaving a pile of bodies in your wake: punching, wrestling, overbearing, and using the flat of your blade. Here’s a taste of what we’ll cover: Punching: Fists, gauntlets, and brass knuckles take the stage. Learn how a solid strike can lead to damage—or even a knockout—based on the attack roll. We’ll explain the unique mechanics that combine raw strength and strategy, including the infamous haymaker roll. Wrestling: Grapples, holds, and counters come into play here. Whether it’s a leg twist or a crushing bear hug, this section highlights how strength modifiers, armor penalties, and persistence can turn a single hold into a devastating sequence. Overbearing: Size matters! We’ll unpack the rules for overwhelming opponents with sheer numbers or brute force, from knocking them prone to the ongoing battle of pins and counters. And of course, we’ll tweak the book’s mechanics to add some practical logic (because really, does a pixie in the mix matter when there’s an ogre on top of you?). Weapons for Subduing: Bladed weapons can still play a role in non-lethal combat if you’re careful—or cunning. We’ll cover how to flip that blade, deal calculated damage, and leave your enemies stunned instead of slain. We’ll also touch on the quirks, fixes, and homebrew tweaks to streamline these mechanics and make them flow better at your table. Whether you’re looking to add more depth to combat or just want to throw in a bar fight without a body count, this episode has you covered. Ready to take your AD&D combat game to a whole new level? Listen in and learn how to punch, grapple, and pin your way to victory—all without drawing blood (well, not too much, anyway). Got questions or thoughts to share? Email: askthedm@theevildm.com Support and bonus content: youtube.com/@theevildm/join Roll initiative and let’s get into it!

In this episode of the podcast, Rob explores the concept of saving throws and how they compare to using attributes as saving throws in tabletop games. He delves into what saving throws represent, examining their role as a reactive mechanic, and contrasts them with the proactive nature of attributes. Rob also discusses the broader implications of each approach, offering insights into how these mechanics shape gameplay, storytelling, and player experience. It's a thoughtful discussion that sheds light on a fundamental aspect of game design, making this episode a must-listen for tabletop enthusiasts. Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/thaco-thoughts-with-rob/id1784135285 Spotify Podcasts - https://open.spotify.com/show/52ncGdRc0ONP8npv4TK5dD