Home Podcasts Bastionland Podcast - Tabletop Roleplaying Game Design

Bastionland Podcast - Tabletop Roleplaying Game Design

Chris McDowall 33 Episodes Jul 22, 2026

A podcast dedicated to the Bastionland tabletop roleplaying game, covering game design, mechanics, and world-building. Hosted by Chris McDowall, the creator of the game, it offers insights into indie RPG development. Episodes discuss rules, scenarios, and the philosophy behind the game's design.

Episodes

d6 Paltry Monarchs of the Stoker Counties Jul 22, 2026 00:09:46 The Bastionland Readings revisit blogposts from bastionland.com written and read by Chris McDowall.d6 Paltry Monarchs of the Stoker Counties, original post found here: https://www.bastionland.com/2021/08/d6-paltry-monarchs-of-stoker-counties.html

Born to Play, Doomed to Die Jul 21, 2026 00:04:08 The Bastionland Readings revisit blogposts from bastionland.com written and read by Chris McDowall.Born to Play, Doomed to Die, original post found here: https://www.bastionland.com/2021/09/born-to-play-doomed-to-die.html

Difficulty in Bastionland Jul 20, 2026 00:08:19 The Bastionland Readings revisit blogposts from bastionland.com written and read by Chris McDowall.Difficulty in Bastionland, original post found here: https://www.bastionland.com/2020/03/difficulty-in-bastionland.html

Porcine Bastionland (or d12 Deep Country Pigs) Jul 17, 2026 00:08:01 The Bastionland Readings revisit blogposts from bastionland.com written and read by Chris McDowall.Porcine Bastionland, original post found here: https://www.bastionland.com/2021/07/porcine-bastionland-or-d12-deep-country.html

ICI Doctrine: Information, Choice, Impact Jul 16, 2026 00:04:06 The Bastionland Readings revisit blogposts from bastionland.com written and read by Chris McDowall.ICI Doctrine, original post found here: https://www.bastionland.com/2018/09/the-ici-doctrine-information-choice.html

To Baztium Jul 15, 2026 00:02:02 The Bastionland Readings revisit blogposts from bastionland.com written and read by Chris McDowall.To Baztium, original post found here: https://www.bastionland.com/2021/11/to-baztium.html

Mark Diaz Truman's Rule of Three Dec 9, 2025 00:50:51 This week I'm joined by Mark Diaz Truman to talk about what it means to be reduced to your monetary value, your gender, or the size of a mouse.You can find out more about Bastionland at ⁠⁠⁠⁠bastionland.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ and support this podcast on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠.⁠Edited by Matt Keppler.

Brad Kerr's Rule of Three Dec 2, 2025 00:49:12 This week I'm joined by Brad Kerr to talk about three games that are So Hot and hear him SLAM some games that are So Not.You can find out more about Bastionland at ⁠⁠⁠bastionland.com⁠⁠⁠ and support this podcast on ⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠.⁠Edited by Matt Keppler.

George Bickers' Rule of Three Nov 25, 2025 00:56:40 This week I'm joined by George Bickers to discuss vicious dogs, hollyhock gods, and the evils of gambling-driven save points.You can find out more about Bastionland at ⁠⁠bastionland.com⁠⁠ and support this podcast on ⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠.⁠Edited by Matt Keppler.

Cole Wehrle's Rule of Three Nov 18, 2025 01:01:26 This week I'm joined by Cole Wehle to discuss titans, hacendados, and knights. You can find out more about Bastionland at ⁠⁠bastionland.com⁠⁠ and support this podcast on ⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠.⁠Edited by Matt Keppler.

Amanda Lee Franck's Rule of Three Nov 11, 2025 00:46:35 This week I'm joined by Amanda Lee Franck to discuss a bunch of things that are probably games? You can find out more about Bastionland at ⁠bastionland.com⁠ and support this podcast on ⁠Patreon⁠.⁠Edited by Matt Keppler.

Luke Stratton's Rule of Three Nov 4, 2025 00:52:14 This week I'm joined by Luke Stratton to discuss Brigs, Borgs, and Bagginses. You can find out more about Bastionland at bastionland.com and support this podcast on Patreon.⁠

Spencer Campbell's Rule of Three May 27, 2024 00:51:32 This week I'm joined by Spencer Campbell to discuss adventurous raccoons, semi-domesticated hyenas, and more. This Podcast was made possible by Patreon supporters at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.patreon.com/bastionland⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ As always you can find out more about Bastionland at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.bastionland.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Music Attribution: Dragon and Toast by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By

Andy Chambers' Rule of Three May 20, 2024 01:00:51 This week I'm joined by the legendary Andy Chambers to talk about deadly viruses, space bugs, and flying with your eyes closed. This Podcast was made possible by Patreon supporters at ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.patreon.com/bastionland⁠⁠⁠⁠ As always you can find out more about Bastionland at ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.bastionland.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ Music Attribution: Dragon and Toast by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creati

Kelsey Dionne's Rule of Three May 6, 2024 00:54:59 This week I'm joined by ⁠Kelsey Dionne to talk about stacky-pully, CD-ROM character builders, and one of the best books of GM advice ever written. This Podcast was made possible by Patreon supporters at ⁠⁠⁠www.patreon.com/bastionland⁠⁠⁠ As always you can find out more about Bastionland at ⁠⁠⁠www.bastionland.com⁠⁠⁠ Music Attribution: Dragon and Toast by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licen

Mike Hutchinson's Rule of Three Apr 29, 2024 01:00:06 This week I'm joined by Mike Hutchinson to talk about nostalgia for the party you just missed, being lured away from pitched battles, and the most frustrating board game experience of my life. This Podcast was made possible by Patreon supporters at ⁠⁠www.patreon.com/bastionland⁠⁠ As always you can find out more about Bastionland at ⁠⁠www.bastionland.com⁠⁠ Music Attribution: Dragon and Toas

Laurie O'Connel's Rule of Three Apr 22, 2024 00:48:52 This week I'm joined by Laurie O'Connel to talk about a game where you're forced to sit out, another where you all play the same character, and an RPG that wound up as a divorce court drama. This Podcast was made possible by Patreon supporters at ⁠www.patreon.com/bastionland⁠ As always you can find out more about Bastionland at ⁠www.bastionland.com⁠ Music Attribution: Dragon and To

Quintin Smith's Rule of Three Apr 15, 2024 01:18:05 This week I'm joined by Quintin Smith of Quinns' Quest to talk about horrible caves, sleazy deals, and the most popular RPG in the world (not that one). This Podcast was made possible by Patreon supporters at www.patreon.com/bastionland As always you can find out more about Bastionland at www.bastionland.com Music Attribution: Dragon and Toast by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) License

Into the Odd: Jason Tocci Mar 2, 2022 00:55:19 Welcome to the Into the Odd Remastered Audio Commentary. Each week a new guest will join me to talk about Into the Odd and the games in its extended family. This week I'm joined by Jason Tocci of Pretendo Games As always you can find out more about Bastionland at bastionland.com You can support future series on Patreon at www.patreon.com/bastionland Music Attribution Dragon and Toast by Kevin MacL

Into the Odd: Sam Doebler Feb 22, 2022 00:46:01 Welcome to the Into the Odd Remastered Audio Commentary. Each week a new guest will join me to talk about Into the Odd and the games in its extended family. This week I'm joined by Sam Doebler of Dreaming Dragonslayer As always you can find out more about Bastionland at bastionland.com You can support future series on Patreon at www.patreon.com/bastionland Music Attribution Dragon and Toast by Kev

Into the Odd: Isaac Williams Feb 15, 2022 00:41:37 Welcome to the Into the Odd Remastered Audio Commentary. Each week a new guest will join me to talk about Into the Odd and the games in its extended family. This week I'm joined by Isaac Williams, creator of Mausritter. As always you can find out more about Bastionland at bastionland.com You can support future series on Patreon at www.patreon.com/bastionland Music Attribution Dragon and Toast by K

Into the Odd: Yochai Gal Feb 8, 2022 01:01:38 Welcome to the Into the Odd Remastered Audio Commentary. Each week a new guest will join me to talk about Into the Odd and the games in its extended family. This week I'm joined by Yochai Gal, creator of the Cairn RPG. As always you can find out more about Bastionland at bastionland.com You can support future series on Patreon at www.patreon.com/bastionland Music Attribution Dragon and Toast by Ke

Into the Odd: Ava Islam Feb 1, 2022 00:45:54 Welcome to the Into the Odd Remastered Audio Commentary. Each week a new guest will join me to talk about Into the Odd and the games in its extended family. This week I'm joined by Ava Islam of Kill Jester, creator of the upcoming Errant RPG. As always you can find out more about Bastionland at bastionland.com You can support future series on Patreon at www.patreon.com/bastionland Music Attributio

Into the Odd: Johan Nohr Jan 25, 2022 00:45:16 Welcome to the Into the Odd Remastered Audio Commentary, here forth known as ITORAC. Each week a new guest will join me to talk about Into the Odd and the games in its extended family. This week I'm joined by Johan Nohr, who's visual flair brought this book to life. As always you can find out more about Bastionland at bastionland.com You can support future series on Patreon at www.patreon.com/bast

Rule of Three - Alan Gerding Apr 26, 2021 01:21:12 Continue our journey into the Rule of Three, where each week a guest chooses their three most important games to talk about. This week I'm joined by Alan Gerding of Tuesday Knight Games. This Podcast was made possible by Patreon supporters at www.patreon.com/bastionland As always you can find out more about Bastionland at bastionland.com Music Attribution Dragon and Toast by Kevin MacLeod (incompe

Rule of Three - Brendan S Apr 19, 2021 01:15:04 Continue our journey into the Rule of Three, where each week a guest chooses their three most important games to talk about. This week I'm joined by one of my favourite RPG writers, Brendan S of Necropraxis. This Podcast was made possible by Patreon supporters at www.patreon.com/bastionland As always you can find out more about Bastionland at bastionland.com Music Attribution Dragon and Toast by K

Rule of Three - Ana Polanscak Apr 12, 2021 00:47:17 Continue our journey into the Rule of Three, where each week a guest chooses their three most important games to talk about. This week I'm joined by one of the most exciting creators in the world of miniature modelling, Ana Polanscak of Gardens of Hecate. This Podcast was made possible by Patreon supporters at www.patreon.com/bastionland As always you can find out more about Bastionland at bastion

Rule of Three - Chris Bissette Apr 5, 2021 00:58:09 Continue our journey into the Rule of Three, where each week a guest chooses their three most important games to talk about. This week, we journey back through the era of of pound shops, peer pressure, and finding forbidden publications in bins. I'm joined by the game designer behind Loot the Room, Chris Bissette. This Podcast was made possible by Patreon supporters at www.patreon.com/bastionland

Rule of Three - Reynaldo Madriñan Mar 30, 2021 01:46:08 Continue our journey into the Rule of Three, where each week a guest chooses their three most important games to talk about. This week I'm joined the game designer behind the upcoming BREAK!! RPG, Reynaldo Madriñan, talking about the three games that are most important to him. This Podcast was made possible by Patreon supporters at www.patreon.com/bastionland As always you can find out more about

Rule of Three - Philippa Mort Mar 22, 2021 00:49:47 Continue our journey into the Rule of Three, where each week a guest chooses their three most important games to talk about. This week I'm joined by game designer and historian Philippa Mort, talking about the three games that are most important to her.  Correction: In this episode we discussed 'keepsake games' and made a crediting mistake. Jeeyon Shim and Shing Yin Khor are the creators of F

Niche Explorer Episode 5 - Zachary Cox & Horror Games Sep 21, 2020 01:06:10 This week I'm joined by Zachary Cox to discuss horror elements in gaming. Find out more about Zach's work at https://www.soulmuppet.co.uk/ including the new Best Left Buried Kickstarter. This Podcast was made possible by Patreon supporters at www.patreon.com/bastionland As always you can find out more about Bastionland at bastionland.com Music Attribution Dragon and Toast by Kevin MacLeod (incompe

Niche Explorer Episode 4 - Emmy Allen & Narrative Wargaming Sep 14, 2020 00:56:19 This week I'm joined by Emmy Allen to discuss a lesser-known corner of miniature gaming. Find out more about Emmy's work at http://cavegirlgames.blogspot.com/ This Podcast was made possible by Patreon supporters at www.patreon.com/bastionland As always you can find out more about Bastionland at bastionland.com Music Attribution Dragon and Toast by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Cre

Niche Explorer Episode 3 - Zedeck Siew & Worldbuilding Sep 7, 2020 00:48:17 This week I'm joined by Zedeck Siew to discuss how he creates evocative worlds, and how you can do the same. Find out more about the Thousand Thousand islands at https://athousandthousandislands.itch.io/ This Podcast was made possible by my Patreon supporters at www.patreon.com/bastionland As always you can find out more about Bastionland at bastionland.com Music Attribution Dragon and Toast by Ke

Niche Explorer Episode 2 - Johan Nohr and Pelle Nilsson & Tone in Games Aug 31, 2020 00:54:43 Today I'm joined by Mork Borg creators Johan Nohr and Pelle Nilsson to discuss how they created a game with such a vibrant tone, and why. Find out more at https://www.stockholmkartell.com/ This Podcast was made possible by my Patreon supporters at www.patreon.com/bastionland As always you can find out more about Bastionland at bastionland.com Music Attribution Dragon and Toast by Kevin MacLeod (in

Niche Explorer Episode 1 - Joseph McCullough & Miniature Wargames Aug 24, 2020 00:55:00 The first episode of the Bastionland Podcast's new Niche Explorer series. Today I'm joined by Frostgrave creator Joseph McCullough to discuss the boundaries and shared ground between Roleplaying Games and Miniature Wargames Read more of Joseph's thoughts at http://therenaissancetroll.blogspot.com/ This Podcast was made possible by my Patreon supporters at www.patreon.com/bastionland As always you

EB Actual Play - The Droner House Jun 8, 2020 01:36:02 The first attempt at an Electric Bastionland Actual Play. Originally broadcast on Twitch. I'm joined by Sean McCoy and Alan Gerding from Tuesday Knight Games, who will be braving the Droner House to seek their legally sanctioned loot. As always you can find out more about Bastionland at bastionland.com Music Attribution Dragon and Toast by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Co

EB Commentary #5: Running the Game with Ben Milton Apr 29, 2020 00:41:45 The fifth episode of the audio commentaries to accompany the Electric Bastionland tabletop RPG. Today I'm joined by Ben Milton, designer of Maze Rats, Knave, and the voice behind Questing Beast. Together we'll discuss how Electric Bastionland handles advice for the Conductor. As always you can find out more about Bastionland at bastionland.com Music Attribution Dragon and Toast by Kevin MacLeod (i

EB Commentary #4: Rules with John Harper Apr 22, 2020 01:14:37 The fourth episode of the audio commentaries to accompany the Electric Bastionland tabletop RPG. Today I'm joined by John Harper, designer of Blades in the Dark, Lasers & Feelings, and Lady Blackbird. Together we'll discuss the Rules of Electric Bastionland and whether simpler always means better. As always you can find out more about Bastionland at bastionland.com Music Attribution Dragon and

EB Commentary #2: Art with Alec Sorensen Apr 8, 2020 00:43:23 The second episode of the audio commentaries to accompany the Electric Bastionland tabletop RPG. Today I'm joined by artist Alec Sorensen, a familiar name to anybody that's been reading the book already. Together we'll discuss how he brought the world of Bastionland to life with a distinct visual style, and go into more detail on a few favourite pieces. Find more of Alec's art here. As always you

Bastionland Podcast - Tabletop Roleplaying Game Design

Episodes

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