Palace of the Vampire Queen: The First Ever D&D Module with Pacesetter Games - Episode 293 - 7/31/2026

Palace of the Vampire Queen: The First Ever D&D Module with Pacesetter Games - Episode 293 - 7/31/2026

Author: Shane Stacks August 1, 2026 Duration: 1:12:31

Bill Barsh of Pacesetter Games holds forth on Pacesetter Games updates and the 50th Anniversary of Palace of the Vampire Queen, the first module ever published for Dungeons & Dragons. Palace of the Vampire Queen isn't just the first published D&D module; it's also the first published megadungeon. What are Pacesetter's plans for the 50th anniversary of Palace of the Vampire Queen? (hint: they're cool). Shane's inner 13-year-old asks the obligatory question that a 13-year-old would ask about the Vampire Queen. Bill gives his definitive answer on whether the Vampire Queen would own Strahd. 
OTHER COOL STUFF IN THIS EPISODE: Bill's market view is that people are playing a lot of 5E but aren't buying a lot of new 5E product. Bill predicts the timeframe for the new version of D&D to come out. A surprising amount of B/X D&D is being played vs "Red Box" and BECMI at cons. The third edition of the BX RPG from Pacesetter is unleashing. Dungeon X is coming… Dungeon X is taking the best of D&D from the last 50 years and molding it into a new game. Choose-Your-Own-Path Stories are a new choice on the market. Solo adventures (one play only, not a duo between DM and player) definitely have a place in the hobby. Pacesetter runs one of the longest-running consecutive D&D tournament series at cons. There was a time when TSR thought publishing adventure modules was a terrible idea with no market. Let's be real, OD&D is super important to the hobby, but it's not the most organized and readable set of rules. What game does Shane declare as THE "D&D" success story of the past couple of years? 

Shane Plays Geek Talk Episode #293 7/31/2026

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SHOW NOTES

Palace of the Vampire Queen at Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palace_of_the_Vampire_Queen 

Pacesetter Games
https://pacesettergames.com/ 

Kickstarter: Adventures from Farrador Keep: Choose-Your-Own-Path Stories!
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/pacesettergames/adventures-from-farrador-keep-choose-your-own-path-stories 

Save For Half Podcast: Original Dungeons & Dragons, Edited by Greyharp
https://saveforhalf.com/2022/08/29/episode-42-original-dungeons-dragons-edited-by-greyharp/ 


Dungeons and Desktops: The History of Computer Role-Playing Games 2nd Edition

Shane's book! Co-authored with Matt Barton of Matt Chat
https://www.amazon.com/Dungeons-Desktops-History-Computer-Role-Playing/dp/1138574643/

 


There's a particular kind of joy found in diving deep into the worlds and hobbies that capture our imagination, and that's the feeling Shane Plays Geek Talk aims to recreate in every episode. Hosted by Shane Stacks, this podcast feels like a comfortable conversation with a friend who's just as passionate about the intricate lore of a Star Trek episode as they are about the latest indie tabletop game. The discussion naturally spans a wide spectrum-from rolling dice in a Dungeons & Dragons campaign and painting miniatures for a wargame to debating the merits of a new sci-fi novel or a classic Doctor Who serial. What you'll hear isn't just a review show, but a genuine celebration of fandom in all its forms. Shane approaches each topic not as a critic, but as an enthusiastic participant, fostering a space that encourages both long-time enthusiasts and the casually curious. Listening feels like pulling up a chair at a friendly local game shop; the talk is specific, informed, and always driven by a shared affection for these creative corners of culture. Whether your personal geekdom is firmly established or you're just beginning to explore, this podcast offers a welcoming, deep-dive into the stuff that makes hobbies so compelling. It’s a consistent reminder of the community and creativity at the heart of what we love, making each episode a perfect companion for a commute, a painting session, or just some downtime.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Shane Plays Geek Talk
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