The Black Notebook Podcast

5.0 (4)
Games
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Welcome to The Black Notebook, where we take a fresh look at Dungeons & Dragons through the pages of the classic D&D books. Every episode explores monsters, rules, adventures, and forgotten ideas to see what still works, what doesn’t, and what today’s gamers can learn from the games that started it all.

3d ago

The Dungeon Never Waited for You

In this episode, we look at why Gary Gygax designed dungeons as living environments, how wandering monsters, torchlight, spell durations, and exploration all worked together, and why this old-school philosophy can make any dungeon feel more dangerous and believable, no matter what edition you play. Whether you’re an AD&D veteran or a 5E Dungeon Master looking for new ideas, this is one classic design philosophy worth stealing.
Jul 31

Gen Con 2026: Games, Good Times & a Few Surprises

I’m at Gen Con 2026! In this special episode of The Black Notebook, I talk about the games I played, including HARP and Rolemaster Unified, what I picked up from Palladium, Catalyst and others, and what the convention looks like for an old-school gamer in 2026. I also talk about the surprising lack of classic RPG material, meeting listeners who recognized me, and a very unexpected moment with the folks at Palladium Books. This one is just me, my notebook, and a few days at Gen Con.
Jul 30

Why AD&D Trolls Were Nightmare Fuel

In this episode, I look at what made the AD&D 1st Edition troll such an unforgettable monster. We’ll dig into its frightening regeneration, surprising speed, brutal attacks, and the psychology behind why experienced players feared them. We’ll also compare how trolls have changed over the years and why the original version still deserves its reputation as one of fantasy gaming’s greatest nightmares. If you’ve ever watched your party panic as a troll’s wounds closed before your eyes, this episode is for you.
Jul 23

Why D&D Gave Gods Hit Points (Almost Everyone Gets It Wrong)

That’s one of the most common claims you’ll hear, but it’s not what Gary Gygax actually wrote. In this video, we go back to the original AD&D books to see what Deities & Demigods really says about divine beings, their avatars, and why so many people have misunderstood these rules for decades. We’ll look at why gods were given game statistics, what an avatar actually is, and why those hit points were never meant to represent a true deity. If you’ve only heard the internet’s version of this debate, you may be surprised by what the original books actually say.
Trailer

The Black Notebook Trailer

Welcome to the Black Notebook Podcast, enjoy the ride! New Trailer for 2026 and going forward! Website: https://TheEvilDM.com & https://blacknotebook.orgSupport: https://Patreon.com/TheEvilDMTwitter/X: @TheEvilDMEmail: AsktheDM(@)TheEvilDM.comFacebook: https://FB.com/TheEvilDungeonMaster
Jul 16

D&D Wants You to Play a Death Knight. AD&D Didn’t.

The Knight is one of the most iconic images in fantasy, but in AD&D First Edition, it was never a player class. So why do so many people remember it that way? In this episode, I look at where that idea came from, how the Cavalier and Paladin filled that role, and why the classic armored knight existed more as an ideal than a character class. We’ll also talk about chivalry, mounted combat, and how the rules expected you to become a knight through your actions, not by checking a box on your character sheet. What are your thoughts? Did your group ever use Cavaliers, or did your Fighters become knights through roleplaying?
Jul 9

Why Every D&D Party Needed Hirelings...

Hirelings were never just background characters in AD&D 1st Edition. They carried torches, guarded the camp, hauled treasure, and sometimes saved the entire party from disaster. In this episode of The Black Notebook, I look at why hirelings were an expected part of the game, how they changed the way adventures played, and why so many modern groups have left them behind. If you've ever wondered why old school parties seemed so much larger than today's adventuring groups, this episode explains why.Keep up with me: theevildm.com/p/links.html
Jul 2

Hook Horrors: The Monster You Hear Before You See

In this episode of The Black Notebook Podcast, we explore one of the oldest tricks in AD&D, using sound to build tension. From scratching behind a stone wall, to distant footsteps, strange whispers, and something breathing just beyond the torchlight, sound can create fear long before initiative is rolled.

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Trailer

The Black Notebook Trailer

Welcome to the Black Notebook Podcast, enjoy the ride! New Trailer for 2026 and going forward! Website: https://TheEvilDM.com & https://blacknotebook.orgSupport: https://Patreon.com/TheEvilDMTwitter/X: @TheEvilDMEmail: AsktheDM(@)TheEvilDM.comFacebook: https://FB.com/TheEvilDungeonMaster

5

out of 5

4 Ratings

Trolls

Jul 30

Dragonsoul28

Trolls are fun. You’re right, they certainly strike fear into younger characters even in experienced players. My group is now a respectable level but I still throw trolls at them and they still go into “troll mode” and bring the fire. I like to mix it up and individualize my trolls too so they aren’t always predictable and that keeps players on their toes. Thanks as always for your perspective.
1:1 time.

Apr 8

KentuckyRobert

Excellent essay on 1:1 time, well reasoned and argued. Keep ‘em coming!

Welcome to The Black Notebook, where we take a fresh look at Dungeons & Dragons through the pages of the classic D&D books. Every episode explores monsters, rules, adventures, and forgotten ideas to see what still works, what doesn’t, and what today’s gamers can learn from the games that started it all.