Step behind the screen with Ed for a candid tour of how believable worlds get made. I sat down with Ed Greenwood—prolific author, longtime library worker, and creator of the Forgotten Realms—for foray into worlds and words, from TSR to modern day. Here I thought I knew what a Librarian was. That's the first word. I stand corrected - Ed practically grew up in libraries, but he is not a librarian. Along the way, we get TSR art‑department antics, last‑minute page‑to‑press rescues, and stories from his youth.

Ed gives us a tour of some his work, past and present. He shares his time-defying schedule and project list, including the D&D 50th anniversary convention circuit. He takes us back in time with personal stories from his youth, and firsthand stories from his trips to TSR. These are wrapped in the history of the evolution of game production. From art, to layout, to sending to print – which meant something different back then!

Words change, and worlds evolve. We explore world building and how simple logistics—food, waste, water, and roads—quietly shape settlements and the stories of their creation. Ed also gives examples of words that might have fit a setting, but with modern context , the original meaning has been lost.

If you’re a Forgotten Realms fan, are interested in RPG design, fantasy writing, D&D lore, or just want to make your homebrew world feel like a place with morning markets and midnight sewers, this conversation will give you tools grist for the mill.

Subscribe for more RPG community talks, share this episode with your worldbuilding crew, and leave a review. Tell me what you do to make your setting come alive!

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A Role to Play is an Untamed Dandelion production - Make a wish. Dream it true.

Unlock the secrets to transform cybersecurity training with Glen Sorensen, a seasoned cybersecurity expert and virtual Chief Information Security Officer. Glen combines his cyber expertise and passion for role-playing games into innovative tabletop exercises. Through Hackback Gaming, these exercises turn mundane simulations into immersive learning experiences, promising to revolutionize how leaders perceive and engage with this incident response planning tool.

Journey with us as we explore how gamification can enhance teamwork and problem-solving skills in corporate environments. By stepping into roles outside their professional comfort zones, participants gain fresh perspectives and foster empathy, transforming incident response exercises from stressful drills into fun learning sessions. Listen as we reveal how this creative approach not only boosts engagement but also deepens understanding of cybersecurity dynamics, turning a routine task into a highly anticipated event.

This episode doesn't stop at gamification; it delves into the broader landscape of cybersecurity, addressing crucial issues like the communication gap during incidents and the industry's skills gap. Discover how the gaming community's creative problem-solving can bridge these divides and learn practical strategies for tackling modern cyber threats. As we wrap up, we invite you to visit hackbackgaming.com for more insights and to connect with Glen Sorensen for an engaging exploration into the fusion of play and incident response in cybersecurity.

Hackbackgaming.com

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A Role to Play is an Untamed Dandelion production - Make a wish. Dream it true.

What if you could transform your decision-making skills through the power of play? In this episode, I chat with Dr. Dan Epstein from The Long Game Project on how tabletop role-playing games can revolutionize the way organizations learn and make decisions. The Long Game Project provides innovative ways to simulate complex real-world scenarios using dynamic tabletop exercises.

Are you a Game Master? Take your skills to work! The Long Game Project offers a sophisticated free course on tabletop exercises. We delve into the importance of understanding your unique game master style, the iterative process of self-improvement through playtesting, and the creation of a safe, creative space for learning and feedback, all of which can translate into tangible benefits for your organization - and for you!

We explore broader themes of creativity and game design, and also touch on the magic of D&D and the evolution of tabletop gaming. Join us as we explore how imaginative worlds can connect people and enhance problem-solving skills.

Links from this episode:

• About Dr Dan and The Long Game Project
• Upskill Your GM Skills - The Long Game Project Course
• Favourite Game System: D&D 5e
• Dr Dan Epstein on LinkedIn

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A Role to Play is an Untamed Dandelion production - Make a wish. Dream it true.