Slaying the Dragon: A Secret History of Dungeons and Dragons with Ben Riggs (Interview)

Slaying the Dragon: A Secret History of Dungeons and Dragons with Ben Riggs (Interview)

Author: Matt Davids December 7, 2022 Duration: 56:41

Writer and long-time role-player, Ben Riggs, joins me on the podcast today. We discuss Ben's new book Slaying the Dragon: A Secret History of Dungeons and Dragons. We open the conversation by talking about Ben's role-playing history. However, we quickly turn to his book about the history of Dungeons and Dragons. Ben fills us in on how DnD was created and how it became a household name in the early 80s. Then trouble creeps into fantasy land as the company switches hands. We move to the mid-90s when once again it seems like Dungeons and Dragons may die. Then the knight in shining armor appears in the form of Wizards of the Coast. The story is a rollercoaster and is sure to fascinate any fan of DnD and role-playing games in general.


Hosted by Matt Davids, the Dicegeeks.com Tabletop RPG Show is a deep dive into the craft and inspiration behind role-playing games. This isn't just a series of play sessions; it's a conversation about the tools that make those sessions memorable. We explore how understanding film history can shape a campaign's pacing, how myths from around the world offer templates for epic villains and heroes, and how archaeological discoveries can flesh out the ruins your players will explore. The goal is to arm you, whether you're a seasoned Game Master or a curious player, with a richer well of ideas to draw from. Each episode pulls from literature, game design, and broader storytelling traditions to help you build more compelling worlds and characters. Think of this podcast as a friendly workshop where the discussion might start with a Dungeons & Dragons rule but quickly travel to the roots of an ancient legend or the structure of a classic novel, all with the practical aim of leveling up your game. You'll come away from each conversation with actionable insights and a new perspective on how to weave knowledge into your storytelling, making every roll of the dice part of a more meaningful narrative.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 100

Dicegeeks.com Tabletop RPG Show
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