This episode we’re cracking open the classic B/X and BECMI editions of Dungeons & Dragons, the boxed sets that taught millions how to play. We’ll break down how Moldvay’s Basic rules streamlined OD&D into a clean, accessible framework, why Cook & Marsh’s Expert set expanded the game into wilderness and domain play, and how Mentzer’s BECMI line pushed advancement all the way to level 36 and beyond into Immortal status. From the simplicity of six ability scores and race-as-class, to the structured progression of dungeon → wilderness → dominion → planar → divine play, these editions show D&D at its most modular and pedagogical. We’ll also talk about how combat, spellcasting, and saving throws worked in practice, how the mechanics diverged from AD&D, and why the Rules Cyclopedia remains one of the most complete RPG rulebooks ever made. If you’ve ever wondered how “Basic” D&D built its own identity apart from Advanced, this episode puts the rules under the microscope.
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1:00:46
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1:00:46
BtB: Gaming Groups
In this episode of Tales and Tactics: Beyond the Book, we take a step off the battlefield and into the community halls, hobby stores, and living rooms where great games begin: the world of gaming groups, RPG parties, leagues, and tournament scenes. We dive into what makes a thriving tabletop group—how to find one, how to join with success, and what it takes to start your own. Whether you’re looking to build a regular RPG night, host a skirmish campaign, or organize a narrative league or tournament, we share practical advice, personal experiences, and a few cautionary tales. From Discord meetups to friendly local game stores, from kitchen tables to cons, this episode is about forging the connections that make the hobby sustainable—and memorable.
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55:40
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55:40
RaW: Midgard Heroic Battles
In this episode of Tales and Tactics, we charge into the mist-shrouded clash of myth and history with a discussion on Midgard Heroic Battles, the ancients and fantasy wargame by James Morris. Designed for epic-scale conflicts with a heroic twist, Midgard blends large unit warfare with streamlined mechanics that encourage sweeping flanks, last stands, and battlefield legend. We explore what makes this game stand out in the world of big battle systems from its clean core rules and mythic overlays to the ways it invites narrative play without sacrificing tactical depth. Whether you’re drawn to Bronze Age spears, Norse sagas, or fantastical twists on ancient warfare, this episode highlights why Midgard deserves a place on your tabletop.
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59:57
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59:57
BtB: Character Traits
In this Beyond the Book, we tackle one of the most enduring design debates in tabletop gaming: traits, talents, feats, edges, advantages—whatever a system calls them, do they add real depth or just make things unbalanced and confusing? We’ll look at how different games implement them, from the granular feat chains of D&D to the broad strokes of narrative systems, and ask whether these mechanics empower creativity or simply trap players in optimization puzzles. Are they the spice that defines a hero, or a patchwork fix for bigger design gaps? Join us as we break down the validity and impact of these character-defining mechanics across the hobby.
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1:01:51
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1:01:51
RaW: MechWarrior 1st Edition
In this episode of Tales & Tactics: Rules as Written, we strap into the cockpit and dive into MechWarrior 1st Edition—the gritty 1986 RPG that brought life outside the 'Mech to the BattleTech universe. We explore its 2d6-based skill system, point-buy character creation, and how it bridges personal-scale action with hex-based warfare. From dueling noble houses to back-alley firefights, this episode examines how the game captures a galaxy at war—one contract, and one overheating reactor at a time.
Welcome to Tales & Tactics, where we dive into the fascinating world of tabletop games. From well-known classics to the more obscure and bizarre, we explore their rules and delve into their rich histories. Join us on this journey as we approach each game with the enthusiasm of a book club, unraveling their stories and strategies.
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