RPG Designer Merle M. Rasmussen - Episode 278 - 8/14/2024

RPG Designer Merle M. Rasmussen - Episode 278 - 8/14/2024

Author: Shane Stacks August 15, 2024 Duration: 1:47:24

Merle M. Rasmussen, the man in the tux himself, joins to talk about the Top Secret RPG and his game design career. What was his first (mistaken) understanding of what D&D was? Memories of working at TSR. A no-nonsense discussion about the financials of his agreement with TSR for Top Secret. Financial lessons he has learned in his career. The perils of lead poisoning in making miniatures (and accidental improvised bombs). Jon Peterson's Quagmire! D&D module article and Merle's involvement in making it happen. Top Secret set multiple RPG precedents. What existing RPG was used for Top Secret's firearms rules? The FBI visited TSR because of Top Secret's playtest. You're not just paranoid, the HackNoia RPG is coming. I Choose To RISE, Merle's card game that helps teach about Black heroes. Merle's wife Jackie has often been his writing partner and sounding board. Moments of fan feedback Merle has had that will get you right in the feels (including, I kid you not, being asked to bless a gamer's ashes). Bad James Bond jokes. 

Shane Plays Geek Talk Episode #278 - 8/14/2024

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SHOW NOTES

Merle M. Rasmussen on Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Merle_M._Rasmussen 

Merle M. Rasmussen on RPG Geek
https://rpggeek.com/rpgdesigner/3875/merle-m-rasmussen 

Top Secret RPG on Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Top_Secret_(role-playing_game) 

Quagmire! The Making of a 1980s D&D Module by Jon Peterson
https://medium.com/@increment/quagmire-the-making-of-a-1980s-d-d-module-c30e788ea5f2 

Sqwurm Card Game
https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/12328/sqwurm 

Planting People Growing Justice Leadership Institute
https://www.ppgjli.org/ 


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