The Secret Cabal Gaming Podcast

Hey now, and happy Wednesday, Cabalists! Today we kick things off with a full rundown and review of Untold: Chess Mates, the documentary exploring the controversy between Magnus Carlsen and Hans Niemann. Then we dive into the games we've been playing, including Spooktacular, Shackleton Base, Sniper Elite, For All Mankind, Druids of Edora, and a feature review of Feya’s Swamp from Helge and Anselm Ostertag. After Tony T’s new segment, we wrap things up with “The Best Part,” where each of us picks a game, breaks down our favorite aspect, and explains what makes it truly special. Spooktacular: 00.12.36, Shackleton Base: 00.19.32, Sniper Elite: The Board Game: 00.32.20, For All Mankind: 00.40.34, Druids of Edora: 00.52.19, Feya’s Swamp Review: 01.03.57, News with Tony T: 01.42.15, The Best Part: 02.40.02. Check out our sponsors Restoration Games at https://restorationgames.com/, Game Toppers at https://www.gametoppersllc.com/ and Prester's Painting at https://www.presterspainting.com/

I’ve got a special treat for you The Cabal today: one of the most respected board game designers working today, and a true OG Cabalist, David Thompson! You know Dave from his work on the Undaunted series, War Chest, Sniper Elite: The Board Game, Resist!, The Valiant Defense series, and many others. Today, Dave and I talked about his origin story as a gamer, tabletop role-playing games, how he got his start in board game design, his design process, his collaborations with other designers, and much, much more. It’s a great conversation, and I hope you all enjoy it!

In episode 317 of The Secret Cabal Gaming Podcast, Don, Chris, and Jamie dive into a discussion about components in board games. They talk about components from the early years of the hobby and how they’ve evolved over time. The fellas also discuss how their taste for lavish components has changed throughout their years in the hobby. They gush about the stuff they love and bitch about the shit they hate in... The Component Show!

Hey now, Cabalists! Today’s episode opens with the most inane conversation you’re ever going to hear in your entire lives—bar none. Then we dive into board games, including A Gest of Robin Hood, Take Time, Ark Nova: Marine Worlds Expansion, The Vale of Eternity, and French Toast, and feature Anunnaki: Dawn of the Gods by Simone Luciani and Danilo Sabia. After Tony T’s News segment, we tackle some listener questions, including ornamental games, movies and video games that should be board games, and how we feel about fan-made board game expansions. A Gest of Robin Hood: 00:04:51, Take Time: 00:18:56, Ark Nova Marine Worlds Expansion: 00:31:52, Vale of Eternity: 00:43:48, French Toast: 00:51:10, Anunnaki Dawn of the Gods Review: 1:02:12, News with Tony T: 01:45:45, Short Topic Extravaganza: 02:56:53. Check out our sponsors Restoration Games at https://restorationgames.com/, Game Toppers at https://www.gametoppersllc.com/ and Prester's Painting at https://www.presterspainting.com/

Good morrow, esteemed Cabalists. On this day, the Lords of the Dungeon convene in earnest discourse upon the noble Art of designing encounters within the realm of role-playing. They shall expound upon the intricacies of social dealings, the perils and stratagems of martial combat, and the treacherous trials imposed by the very environment itself, each bearing its own hazards and the promise of worthy reward. By what methods, then, might one craft encounters most fitting and memorable for their grand adventures? Attend closely, and let the inquiry be joined with vigor. Huzzah!