Episodes

  • The Magic Dilemma Part 2
    Mar 30 2023

    Discover the fascinating world of The Magic Dilemma Part 2, a captivating podcast episode that delves into the ethics of summoning and charming creatures in tabletop roleplaying games. Join Bella and Crag Starblessed, a wise druid, as they explore the morality and consequences of these magical practices in various scenarios.


    Throughout their discussion, Crag shares intriguing stories from his experiences, highlighting the complexities of using these powers for noble causes while balancing personal ethics. Bella and Crag also address burning questions from listeners, tackling topics like the ethics of summoning creatures for seemingly harmless tasks and the consequences of charming creatures.


    The Magic Dilemma Part 2 isn't just about the ethical dilemmas surrounding magic – it's a thought-provoking exploration of how the consequences of our actions in fantasy worlds can help us reflect on our own decision-making and moral compass. Learn about the delicate balance between power and responsibility, and how to navigate these moral dilemmas with empathy and care.


    Don't miss this enchanting episode that's sure to spark conversations and inspire critical thinking about the use of magic in tabletop roleplaying games. Tune in and immerse yourself in this compelling discussion on the ethics of magic with Bella and Crag Starblessed.


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    7 mins
  • Rolling for Insight
    Mar 20 2023
    Jane, John, and your host Bella discuss the ethics of playing evil in this first early version of The RPG Refinery podcast!

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    4 mins
  • The Magic Dilemma Part 1
    Mar 13 2023
    In episode 2.01 The Magic Dilemma Part 1 of The RPG Refinery, host Bella and guest Crag Starblessed, a Kobold druid, discuss the ethics of summoning and charming creatures in TTRPGs. Crag shares his perspective as a druid and naturalist, stating that all creatures have the right to live freely and without harm. They explore the moral implications of summoning and charming creatures, considering the consequences of enslaving and manipulating them. They also discuss situations in which summoning or charming may be necessary for self-preservation, but caution against upsetting the balance of nature and creating more problems in the future. The episode ends with a pause for sponsors and a preview of answering listener queries later in the show.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    3 mins
  • Rolling for Diversity Part 3
    Mar 8 2023

    In the first episode of The RPG Refinery podcast titled "Rolling for Diversity," host Bella and experts Dr. Lauren Smith and Dr. Marcus Wu discuss the importance of inclusivity and representation in tabletop roleplaying games (TTRPGs). They address issues of discrimination and suggest ways players and GMs can work together to create a more inclusive and welcoming gaming environment.

    Dr. Wu highlights the importance of representing diverse voices and experiences in TTRPGs, as it leads to more engaging and interesting stories. He suggests that players and GMs should be mindful of their biases and actively work towards combating them. Dr. Smith adds that designers and players should be willing to have difficult conversations and address uncomfortable situations in-game in a respectful manner to ensure a safe and inclusive gaming experience for all players.

    They also discuss how players and GMs can promote inclusivity and diversity in TTRPGs. Dr. Wu suggests actively seeking out and recruiting players from different backgrounds, establishing clear guidelines for respectful behavior, and holding players accountable if they violate those guidelines. Dr. Smith adds that by representing a diverse range of experiences and perspectives in the stories told in-game, a more welcoming and engaging gaming environment can be created for everyone.

    The experts also provide insights on how TTRPGs can be made more inclusive for players with disabilities. They suggest being mindful of any physical limitations or accessibility needs that players may have, adapting the game accordingly, and including characters and storylines that reflect diverse experiences and perspectives, including those of players with disabilities.

    The podcast concludes with a discussion on how players can help educate others about the importance of inclusivity and combatting discrimination in gaming. Dr. Wu suggests modeling positive behavior and speaking up when instances of discrimination or exclusion arise, while Dr. Smith encourages being proactive and intentional in promoting inclusivity in all aspects of the gaming experience.


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    5 mins
  • Rolling for Diversity Part 2
    Mar 8 2023

    In the first episode of The RPG Refinery podcast titled "Rolling for Diversity," host Bella and experts Dr. Lauren Smith and Dr. Marcus Wu discuss the importance of inclusivity and representation in tabletop roleplaying games (TTRPGs). They address issues of discrimination and suggest ways players and GMs can work together to create a more inclusive and welcoming gaming environment.


    Dr. Wu highlights the importance of representing diverse voices and experiences in TTRPGs, as it leads to more engaging and interesting stories. He suggests that players and GMs should be mindful of their biases and actively work towards combating them. Dr. Smith adds that designers and players should be willing to have difficult conversations and address uncomfortable situations in-game in a respectful manner to ensure a safe and inclusive gaming experience for all players.

    They also discuss how players and GMs can promote inclusivity and diversity in TTRPGs. Dr. Wu suggests actively seeking out and recruiting players from different backgrounds, establishing clear guidelines for respectful behavior, and holding players accountable if they violate those guidelines. Dr. Smith adds that by representing a diverse range of experiences and perspectives in the stories told in-game, a more welcoming and engaging gaming environment can be created for everyone.


    The experts also provide insights on how TTRPGs can be made more inclusive for players with disabilities. They suggest being mindful of any physical limitations or accessibility needs that players may have, adapting the game accordingly, and including characters and storylines that reflect diverse experiences and perspectives, including those of players with disabilities.

    The podcast concludes with a discussion on how players can help educate others about the importance of inclusivity and combatting discrimination in gaming. Dr. Wu suggests modeling positive behavior and speaking up when instances of discrimination or exclusion arise, while Dr. Smith encourages being proactive and intentional in promoting inclusivity in all aspects of the gaming experience.


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    3 mins
  • Rolling for Diversity Part 1
    Mar 8 2023

    In the first episode of The RPG Refinery podcast titled "Rolling for Diversity," host Bella and experts Dr. Lauren Smith and Dr. Marcus Wu discuss the importance of inclusivity and representation in tabletop roleplaying games (TTRPGs). They address issues of discrimination and suggest ways players and GMs can work together to create a more inclusive and welcoming gaming environment.


    Dr. Wu highlights the importance of representing diverse voices and experiences in TTRPGs, as it leads to more engaging and interesting stories. He suggests that players and GMs should be mindful of their biases and actively work towards combating them. Dr. Smith adds that designers and players should be willing to have difficult conversations and address uncomfortable situations in-game in a respectful manner to ensure a safe and inclusive gaming experience for all players.

    They also discuss how players and GMs can promote inclusivity and diversity in TTRPGs. Dr. Wu suggests actively seeking out and recruiting players from different backgrounds, establishing clear guidelines for respectful behavior, and holding players accountable if they violate those guidelines. Dr. Smith adds that by representing a diverse range of experiences and perspectives in the stories told in-game, a more welcoming and engaging gaming environment can be created for everyone.


    The experts also provide insights on how TTRPGs can be made more inclusive for players with disabilities. They suggest being mindful of any physical limitations or accessibility needs that players may have, adapting the game accordingly, and including characters and storylines that reflect diverse experiences and perspectives, including those of players with disabilities.


    The podcast concludes with a discussion on how players can help educate others about the importance of inclusivity and combatting discrimination in gaming. Dr. Wu suggests modeling positive behavior and speaking up when instances of discrimination or exclusion arise, while Dr. Smith encourages being proactive and intentional in promoting inclusivity in all aspects of the gaming experience.


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    5 mins