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Start A Quest!

Matthew Perkins & Sidney Icarus

SAQ is a fortnightly D&D and TTRPG podcast. Hosted by Matt (bald) and Sidney (they/them), based in Melbourne, Australia. Join the newsletter at www.start-a-quest.com :)

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24 episodes
fortnightly
Avg 37 min
English

Episodes 24

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S1 · E41
November 1 · 36 min
Your D&D game should steal numbers from real life
In this episode, we explore stealing numbers from real life, translating them into D&D mechanics, and using unexpected real-world objects and situations to create drama. We even consider a rule where every time you roll a 1, you give the Dungeon Master twenty bucks (for charity!). Watch the video version on YouTube: https://youtu.be/-iztlPiXMUA And sign up for the newsletter: https://www.start-a-quest.com ▼▼ SOURCES MENTIONED ▼▼ 1. The XCOM problem https://waxwings.com.au/ludosophy/some-models-are-useful 2. Dread TTRPG https://www.tiltingatwindmills.net/games/dread/ 3. Star-Crossed TTRPG https://bullypulpitgames.itch.io/star-crossed 4. Geek & Sundry's Dread actual play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H3YWMXjfFA0&list=PL7atuZxmT954X1GShT_jOY98YgS04FA3B&index=3 5. Don't Say Vecna https://www.dndbeyond.com/posts/1264-free-level-20-d-d-adventure-face-off-against-vecna 6. Best Friends TTRPG https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/20630/best-friends 7. Masks TTRPG https://magpiegames.com/collections/masks
S1 · E40
October 18 · 29 min
When should the DM give advantage, a bonus, or change the DC?
DC is for the world. Bonuses are for the character. Advantage and disadvantage are for the Dungeon Master. In this episode, we explore the “walled garden” of difficulty in Dungeons & Dragons. Watch the video version on YouTube: https://youtu.be/2O6VxSFFlKw And sign up for the newsletter: https://www.start-a-quest.com ▼▼ SOURCES MENTIONED ▼▼ 1. Night Witches https://bullypulpitgames.com/products/night-witches 2. Deep Cuts https://bladesinthedark.com/node/ 3. Index Card RPG https://www.runehammer.online/index-card-rpg 4. Matrix games https://www.bastionland.com/2021/04/matrix-games-from-rpg-perspective.html
S1 · E39
October 5 · 32 min
This sheet is not your D&D character; it's just a stat block
D&D character sheets are supposed to help us play the game — but what if we’ve been designing them backwards? We look at D&D character sheet design, playtesting, and what games like Pendragon, Fate, and Zombie World can teach us about making character sheets actually matter at the table. Watch the video version on YouTube: https://youtu.be/PSUL2YJe6EU And sign up for the newsletter: https://www.start-a-quest.com ▼▼ SOURCES MENTIONED ▼▼ 1. Zombie World https://magpiegames.com/collections/zombie-world 2. Fate Core https://fate-srd.com/fate-core 3. Dungeon World https://www.dungeon-world.com/ 4. XCOM 2 https://2k.com/games/xcom/xcom-2/ 5. Pendragon https://www.chaosium.com/pendragon-rpg/
S1 · E38
September 20 · 35 min
Can we please argue about The Blue Prince for 35 minutes
Spoilers start early in this one — it's all about The Blue Prince. We talk dead runs, red herrings, the lack of a journal, Room 46, and why this is somehow both a 10/10 game filled with 2/10 decisions. If you’ve been driven slightly insane by this game, you’re among friends. Watch the video version on YouTube: https://youtu.be/A18H2vfN8Ew And sign up for the newsletter: https://www.start-a-quest.com ▼▼ SOURCES MENTIONED ▼▼ 1. The Blue Prince: https://www.blueprincegame.com/ 2. The video spoiling every puzzle https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5Lgag0FDBLUnrpQhky5ikTd4NQQLYUcX
S1 · E37
September 6 · 39 min
What should D&D learn from Japanese RPGs?
What if a tabletop RPG captured the best parts of JRPGs — big damage numbers, trivial random encounters, grinding— without just reskinning D&D as Final Fantasy? Watch the video version on YouTube: https://youtu.be/T2xCGUU05nE And sign up for the newsletter: https://www.start-a-quest.com ▼▼ SOURCES MENTIONED ▼▼ 1. Phantasy Star TTRPG https://skydawngames.com/phantasystar/ 2. Fabula Ultima TTRPG https://need.games/fabula-ultima/ 3. Gates of Krystalia TTRPG https://www.gatesofkrystalia.com/en Full disclosure: Phantasy Star and Gates of Krystalia were given to me by the publishers, without any agreements or promises for content.
S1 · E36
August 23 · 34 min
D&D expects every player to contribute (even if they don't want to)
How should TTRPGs decide whose turn it is? From fixed D&D initiative to Daggerheart’s conversational spotlight, we dig into player agency, spotlight sharing, and why some players just don’t want to contribute. Watch the video version on YouTube: https://youtu.be/oeLbFyJC38Y And sign up for the newsletter: https://www.start-a-quest.com ▼▼ SOURCES MENTIONED ▼▼ 1. Apocalypse World "The Conversation" https://writeups.letsyouandhimfight.com/evil-mastermind/apocalypse-world/ 2. Index Card RPG https://www.runehammer.online/index-card-rpg 3. Swords Without Master https://unwrittenearths.itch.io/swords-without-master 4. Dungeon Crawler Carl https://mattdinniman.com/books/dungeon-crawler-carl/
S1 · E35
August 9 · 39 min
Free Parking proves homebrewing sometimes makes D&D worse
Why did everyone ignore D&D's potion rules? What can Monopoly's Free Parking house rule teach us about homebrew? We explore game design, player behavior, and why the rules that feel right aren't always the ones that make the best game. Watch the video version on YouTube: https://youtu.be/6HY4kKbsN70 And sign up for the newsletter: https://www.start-a-quest.com ▼▼ SOURCES MENTIONED ▼▼ 1. Soren Johnson ("Players will optimise the fun out of a game") https://www.designer-notes.com/game-developer-column-17-water-finds-a-crack/ 2. When We Cease to Understand the World https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/676260/when-we-cease-to-understand-the-world-by-benjamin-labatut-translated-from-the-spanish-by-adrian-nathan-west/
S1 · E8
July 26 · 33 min
Why does D&D need the Common language?
We're exploring language in TTRPGs. Why D&D uses Common, what breaks when characters can’t understand each other, and how weird ideas like “gibberish” handouts or translation puzzles could make your game more fun (or completely unbearable). Watch the video version on YouTube: https://youtu.be/6-UERnOsXDM And sign up for the newsletter: https://www.start-a-quest.com ▼▼ SOURCES MENTIONED ▼▼ 1. Dialect https://thornygames.com/pages/dialect 2. Signs https://thornygames.com/pages/sign 3. Xenolanguage https://thornygames.com/pages/xenolanguage-a-game-about-alien-language-and-human-memory 4. OG: Unearthed https://www.indiepressrevolution.com/xcart/Og-Unearthed-Edition-PDF.html 5. Decaying Orbit https://storybrewersroleplaying.com/decaying-orbit/?v=8bcc25c96aa5 6. Alice Is Missing https://www.huntersentertainment.com/alice-is-missing 7. The Wildsea https://www.myth.works/collections/the-wildsea-homepage 8. His Dark Materials books https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/His_Dark_Materials
S1 · E34
July 12 · 34 min
Why does modern D&D still use boxed text?
If the format of D&D modules were reconstructed from first principles, there's NO WAY boxed text would survive. Why does modern D&D still use boxed text? It's an unskippable cutscene which only exists as a misapplication of show-don't-tell. Watch the video version on YouTube: https://youtu.be/2K65ftUK-po And sign up for the newsletter: https://www.start-a-quest.com ▼▼ SOURCES MENTIONED ▼▼ 1. The Gazebo story https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eric_and_the_Dread_Gazebo 2. FATE Core https://fate-srd.com/fate-core 3. Numenera https://numenera.com/ 4. Mothership “Another Bug Hunt” https://www.tuesdayknightgames.com/products/another-bug-hunt 5. Luca Rejec’s Holy Mountain Shaker https://www.exaltedfuneral.com/products/holy-mountain-shaker 6. Paramedic triage frameworks (page 6) https://members.stjohn.org.au/docs/FRA%20Topic%205%20Background.pdf 7. Wargaming intent statement https://youtu.be/5h4ChTl0gN4?t=1822&si=Qy3e-2a8NQHsUwN2
S1 · E33
June 28 · 46 min
Quantum ogres? Meet the quantum SECRET
In this episode, we have a genuine argument about whether Dumbledore is actually gay. Because if a character's secret isn't revealed, was it ever true? Or is it a kind of quantum secret? But I promise this is still about TTRPGs. Watch the video version on YouTube: https://youtu.be/YvDIP_YankY And sign up for the newsletter: https://www.start-a-quest.com ▼▼ SOURCES MENTIONED ▼▼ 1. Dogs in the Vineyard https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dogs_in_the_Vineyard 2. Playing to life https://www.nordiclarp.org/2018/02/21/play-lift-not-just-lose/ 3. Alien TTRPG https://freeleaguepublishing.com/games/alien/ 4. Dumbledore is gay announcement https://www.reuters.com/article/world/us/jk-rowling-says-dumbledore-is-gay-idUSN20520040/
S1 · E32
June 14 · 38 min
Missed a session? Your GM should send you a love letter
What do you do when a player misses a session? We talk session zero, love letters from Apocalypse World, and how Blades in the Dark solves RPG scheduling by rethinking the adventuring party. Watch the video version on YouTube: https://youtu.be/5h4ChTl0gN4 And sign up for the newsletter: https://www.start-a-quest.com ▼▼ SOURCES MENTIONED ▼▼ 1. Love Letters PbtA https://community.openlegendrpg.com/t/gm-tech-love-letters-informing-absent-players/1921 2. Old School Essentials https://oldschoolessentials.necroticgnome.com/srd/index.php/Main_Page 3. Blades in the Dark https://bladesinthedark.com/greetings-scoundrel 4. Band of Blades https://evilhat.com/product/band-of-blades/ 5. Stonetop https://plusoneexp.com/collections/stonetop
S1 · E31
May 31 · 42 min
Rory's Story Cubes are better than any random table
Rory Story Cubes are more than random tables — they’re RPG tools for asking better questions, building character backstory, and creating shared fiction in session zero. This episode is about better GM prep, better DM tools, and how fiction-first prompts can make your D&D and TTRPG games stronger. Watch the video version on YouTube: https://youtu.be/gjbxeRG_7oY And sign up for the newsletter: https://www.start-a-quest.com ▼▼ SOURCES MENTIONED ▼▼ 1. Rory Story Cubes https://www.storycubes.com/en/ 2. Blades in the Dark https://bladesinthedark.com/greetings-scoundrel 3. John Harper’s article about The Line https://mightyatom.blogspot.com/2010/10/apocalypse-world-crossing-line.html?m=1 4. Dixit https://www.libellud.com/en/our-games/dixit/ 5. The digital tools episode https://youtu.be/3FlPfMzNX60 6. Monster of the Week https://evilhat.com/product/monster-of-the-week/ 7. Mothership https://www.tuesdayknightgames.com/pages/mothership-rpg 8. Tim Denee's blog post about low gear and high gear mechanics https://blog.olddog.games/posts/gears-of-system-gears-of-lore 9. Decaying Orbit https://storybrewersroleplaying.com/decaying-orbit/?v=8bcc25c96aa5
S1 · E30
May 17 · 18 min
Leveling up is great, but it can be BETTER.
What does levelling up actually mean in D&D? Let’s talk XP, classes, fictional weight, Skyrim crabs, Warhammer careers, and how to make character progression feel better at the table. Watch the video version on YouTube: https://youtu.be/6NcsGTfbyic And sign up for the newsletter: https://www.start-a-quest.com ▼▼ SOURCES MENTIONED ▼▼ 1. Monte Cook / Ivory Tower Game Design https://minmaxforum.com/index.php?topic=13812.0 2. Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay https://writeups.letsyouandhimfight.com/night10194/warhammer-fantasy-roleplay-1st-edition/ 3. Apocalypse World http://apocalypse-world.com/ 4. Blades in the Dark https://bladesinthedark.com 5. Through the Breach https://www.wyrd-games.net/through-the-breach 6. Malifaux https://www.wyrd-games.net/malifaux-fourth-edition 7. Zombie World https://magpiegames.com/collections/zombie-world
S1 · E29
May 3 · 39 min
Why was the D20 invented?
Dice aren’t just about luck—they’re about uncertainty. In this episode of the Start a Quest podcast, we explore why the d20 exists, why the humble d6 still shines, and how weird or custom dice can transform your tabletop RPG. Watch the video version on YouTube: https://youtu.be/2B6GleNlrUc And sign up for the newsletter: https://www.start-a-quest.com ▼▼ SOURCES MENTIONED ▼▼ 1. Chainmail https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chainmail_(game) 2. Psi*Run https://lumpley.itch.io/psirun 3. 13th Age https://pelgranepress.com/13th-age/ 4. Dungeon Crawl Classics https://goodman-games.com/dungeon-crawl-classics-rpg/ 5. How to play Scattergories https://www.scouts.org.uk/activities/play-scattergories/ 6. Guile’s theme https://youtu.be/Z4G9MU4wvTo?si=szcXqG2TjVq-ynUP&t=26 7. Mouse Guard https://www.mouseguard.net/rpg 8. Robert Worldert Buildert (Mr. Worldwide) @BobWorldBuilder 9. Genesys https://www.fantasyflightgames.com/en/products/genesys/ 10. Fate Core https://evilhat.com/product/fate-core-system/
S1 · E28
April 19 · 34 min
Some game's tools STOP you from actually playing.
Are digital tools making your Dungeons & Dragons game better… or worse? We're looking at Foundry VTT, D&D Beyond, and smaller tools for specific TTRPGs, What's the REAL difference between a digital tool and an analog tool? Watch the video version on YouTube: https://youtu.be/3FlPfMzNX60 And sign up for the newsletter: https://www.start-a-quest.com ▼▼ SOURCES MENTIONED ▼▼ 1. Foundry VTT https://foundryvtt.com/ 2. Slay the Spire: The Board Game (I promise it's good!) https://contentiongames.com/games/slay/ 3. Alice Is Missing special timer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ysOOFIOAy7A&list=RDysOOFIOAy7A&start_radio=1 4. D&D First Quest https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Quest 5. D&D Beyond's development roadmap https://www.dndbeyond.com/posts/2132-d-d-beyonds-2026-development-roadmap 6. Bob World Builder's Fire Bolt skit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TtAo9uA90Ts 7. Mythic Game Master Emulator https://www.wordmillgames.com/page/mythic-gme.html 8. Genesys Roleplaying System's dice roller https://dddice.com/genesys-dice-roller 9. Shadowdark torch tool https://torchlighttimer.com/ 10. Cards Against Humanity https://www.cardsagainsthumanity.com/ 11. Snake Oil https://www.snakeoilgame.com/
S1 · E27
April 5 · 40 min
D&D spell cards should be more like UNO
We break down TTRPG card mechanics through real examples. From Daggerheart and Zombie World to UNO and Index Card RPG. But why do most D&D spell cards miss the point? Watch the video version on YouTube: https://youtu.be/u3OA0dOsYog And sign up for the newsletter: https://www.start-a-quest.com ▼▼ SOURCES MENTIONED ▼▼ 1. Matt's spell cards https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/173582/d-d-5th-edition-spell-cards 2. UNO Draw 4 https://www.unorules.com/http://unorules.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Uno-Action-Cards.jpg 3. Rock Paper Wizard https://www.unorules.com/http://unorules.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Uno-Action-Cards.jpg 4. Zombie World https://magpiegames.com/collections/zombie-world 5. Curse of Strahd https://www.dndbeyond.com/sources/dnd/cos 6. Through the Breach https://www.wyrd-games.net/through-the-breach 7. Daggerheart https://www.daggerheart.com/ 8. Index Card RPG https://www.runehammer.online/index-card-rpg 9. Decaying Orbit (Sidney's Game) https://storybrewersroleplaying.com/decaying-orbit/?v=8bcc25c96aa5
S1 · E26
March 22 · 38 min
Which RPG has the BEST chase rules?
Why do most RPG chase scenes feel tedious? Because they focus on speed and distance instead of obstacles. In this episode we break down the difference between a chase and a chase scene, and why every great chase needs a swan. Watch the video version on YouTube: https://youtu.be/oD4YYSzkD0c And sign up for the newsletter: https://www.start-a-quest.com ▼▼ SOURCES MENTIONED ▼▼ 1. Hot Fuzz chase scene https://youtu.be/cKt4YhasfBI?si=u-AF_OGk-zji8K5T&t=427 2. Dogs in the Bark TTRPG https://www.olddog.games/Dogs-in-the-Bark 3. Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay 4E https://cubicle7games.com/our-games/warhammer-fantasy-roleplay 4. Blade Runner TTRPG https://freeleaguepublishing.com/games/blade-runner-rpg/ 5. Alien TTRPG https://freeleaguepublishing.com/games/alien/ 6. Band of Blades https://evilhat.com/product/band-of-blades/
S1 · E1
March 9 · 45 min
Should characters die more in D&D?
When your D&D character hits 0 hit points, something strange happens. The game takes control away from you. Death saves kick in, and suddenly the most dramatic moment in the story becomes… rolling a D20 and waiting. Watch the video version on YouTube: https://youtu.be/XuCdM-PErhc And sign up for the newsletter: https://www.start-a-quest.com ▼▼ SOURCES MENTIONED ▼▼ 1. Mothership https://www.tuesdayknightgames.com/pages/mothership-rpg 2. Ink https://www.snowbrightstudio.com/ink 3. Night Witches https://bullypulpitgames.com/products/night-witches 4. Treacherous Play https://direct.mit.edu/books/oa-monograph/5255/Treacherous-Play
S1 · E25
February 22 · 44 min
Fair combat does not exist in D&D
Is D&D combat ever fair? We break down what “fair combat” actually means, how Dungeon Masters decide what monsters do on their turn, and why contest, challenge, and narrative lead to very different encounters. If you’ve ever wondered how monsters should behave in combat, this episode is for you. Watch the video version on YouTube: https://youtu.be/v9aPDlvKVfk And sign up for the newsletter: https://www.start-a-quest.com ▼▼ SOURCES MENTIONED ▼▼ 1. Kingdom Death https://kingdomdeath.com/ 2. The Monsters Know What They’re Doing by Keith Ammann https://www.themonstersknow.com/ 3. StarCraft (there's a wargame now!?) https://starcraft-tmg.com/ 4. Grimwilds TTRPG by Oddity Press https://linktr.ee/odditypress 5. Kayfabe in wrestling https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kayfabe 6. Gloomhaven https://cephalofair.com/pages/gloomhaven 7. Gates of Krtstallia JTTRPG https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/gatesofkrystalia-rpg/gates-of-krystalia-lumina-the-card-based-anime-ttjrpg?ref=profile_created&category_id=34
S1 · E24
February 8 · 44 min
Why doesn't D&D have a timer?
Compared to other TTRPGs, like Blades in the Dark, Shadowdark, or 13th Age, D&D does not have an integrated timer mechanic. Why not? This podcast discusses how it could be implemented. Watch the video version on YouTube: https://youtu.be/n6zOtD4c0lc And sign up for the newsletter: https://www.start-a-quest.com ▼▼ SOURCES MENTIONED ▼▼ 1. Dungeon World https://www.dungeon-world.com/ 2. 13th Age https://pelgranepress.com/13th-age/ 3. The beep test https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multi-stage_fitness_test 4. Universal Paperclips https://www.decisionproblem.com/paperclips/ 5. Blades in the Dark https://bladesinthedark.com/progress-clocks 6. Shadowdark https://www.thearcanelibrary.com 7. Index Card RPG https://www.runehammer.online/index-card-rpg

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