Gaining Advantage 031: Improving Racial Representation in TTRPGs with Aaron Trammell

September 8, 2023
Gaining Advantage: Making Lives Better through tabletop role-playing games; Wyrmworks Publishing Logo; Disability symbol with wheelchair wheel replaced by d20; Brain with embedded d20; Image of Aaron Trammell

This month, we open discussing the new canon autistic character being introduced in D&D, and how meaningful representation is for traditionally marginalized groups. ​​https://www.polygon.com/23850698/dnd-dungeons-dragons-autistic-character-asteria 

Then Dale talks with Aaron Trammell, Associate Professor of Informatics at UC Irvine, about improving representation for people of color in tabletop RPGs like Dungeons & Dragons.

Key topics covered:

  • How fantasy RPGs have historically lacked racial diversity and inclusion
  • Racial stereotypes associated with classic fantasy races like orcs
  • Colonialist attitudes reflected in fantasy language use
  • Steps publishers and designers can take to improve racial representation in RPG products
  • Making your gaming table welcoming for new and diverse players
  • Aaron provides insight into issues around race in RPGs, and offers suggestions for how the hobby can become more inclusive. This is an important discussion about seeing diversity reflected in the games we play.

0:00 Introduction: Asteria, the first canon autistic D&D character
6:10 Interview: Aaron Trammell, Associate Professor of Informatics at UC Irvine
54:21 Patreon Showcase & closing

Manually captioned. Transcript available at our website.

Aaron Trammell Links

Wyrmworks Publishing



Gaining Advantage 030: Interview with the Blind Paladin: Portraying Disabled Characters in DnD

September 8, 2023
Gaining Advantage: Making Lives Better through tabletop role-playing games; Wyrmworks Publishing Logo; Disability symbol with wheelchair wheel replaced by d20; Brain with embedded d20; Images of blind paladin art and gray miniature

Dale welcomes George McDermith, a talented gamer and the creative mind behind the character Orrelius from the Limitless Champions campaign. George’s perspective as a blind gamer offers valuable insights into inclusive gaming and the portrayal of disabled characters in Dungeons and Dragons. Discover the importance of authenticity, representation, and accessible gameplay in this enlightening conversation.

0:00 Introduction: Wyrm’s Workshop & Limitless Champions
06:27 Interview: George McDermith
29:10 Patreon Showcase & Closing

Manually captioned. Transcript available at our website.

George McDermith Links

Wyrmworks Publishing



Gaining Advantage 029: Finding Healing and Fun through TTRPGs: A Journey of Transformation with Bill Lemmond

September 8, 2023
Gaining Advantage: Making Lives Better through tabletop role-playing games; Wyrmworks Publishing Logo; Disability symbol with wheelchair wheel replaced by d20; Brain with embedded d20; The cartoon goat dressed & goat ready for college

Dale interviews Bill Lemmond, a passionate gamer and comic artist. Bill shares his personal story of how tabletop roleplaying games (TTRPGs) have played a pivotal role in transforming his life, from finding joy and relaxation to overcoming depression and pursuing education. Discover the power of gaming to create a supportive community, foster creativity, and provide a much-needed escape. Join us as we explore the impact of TTRPGs on mental well-being and the importance of inclusivity and fun in gaming.

0:00 Introduction: Limitless Champions Update
01:35 Interview: Bill Lemmond
51:30 Patreon Showcase & Closing

Manually captioned. Transcript available at our website.

Bill Lemmond Links

Wyrmworks Publishing



Gaining Advantage 028: Vulnerability and Chronic Illness in Tabletop Roleplaying Games

September 8, 2023
Gaining Advantage: Making Lives Better through tabletop role-playing games; Wyrmworks Publishing Logo; Disability symbol with wheelchair wheel replaced by d20; Brain with embedded d20; Dretelia Campaign Setting

Dale interviews Drew Wale about the Dretelia campaign setting, which is based on his chronic illness,  and the importance of vulnerability and authenticity in creating meaningful and resonant tabletop roleplaying games. We discuss how drawing on personal experiences and emotions can help to create more engaging and immersive worlds, and how being open and honest about our own struggles can help to create a more welcoming and inclusive gaming community. 

0:00 Introduction: Help caption the D&D cartoon
03:51 Interview: Drew Wale and Dretelia Campaign Setting
50:07 Patreon Showcase & closing

Manually captioned. Transcript available at our website.

Drew Wale Links

Wyrmworks Publishing



Gaining Advantage 027: Empowering Kids Through D&D

September 8, 2023
Gaining Advantage: Making Lives Better through tabletop role-playing games; Wyrmworks Publishing Logo; Disability symbol with wheelchair wheel replaced by d20; Brain with embedded d20; Mercury Adventure Club Logo

Dale interviews Hunter Goetzman, the creator of Mercury Adventure Club, a TTRPG club and summer day camp that uses tabletop roleplaying games like Dungeons and Dragons to empower kids. The camp aims to provide a low-cost and accessible way for children to learn and enjoy the game while building a supportive community. Hunter discusses the benefits of introducing kids to gaming, the structure of the camp, and the positive impact it can have on their lives. The episode also highlights the Limitless Champions Kickstarter campaign, which aims to create a diverse collection of disabled fantasy game miniatures to promote inclusion in the gaming industry. 

0:00 Introduction: Limitless Champions Update
05:21 Interview: Hunter Goetzman of Mercury Adventure Club
35:09 Patreon Showcase & closing

Manually captioned. Transcript available at our website.

Hunter Goetzman Links

Wyrmworks Publishing



Gaining Advantage 026: Accessibility in Tabletop Gaming: Tips and Strategies for Inclusion with @tahina_andale

September 8, 2023
Gaining Advantage: Making Lives Better through tabletop role-playing games; Wyrmworks Publishing Logo; Disability symbol with wheelchair wheel replaced by d20; Brain with embedded d20; Dicecourse logo

This month, we talk to Tahina Andale, co-host of Dicecourse, about accessibility and avoiding ableism in tabletop roleplaying games. Tahina shares her experience as a disabled woman and provides tips on accommodating different accessibility needs. She emphasizes the importance of representation and encourages listeners to be more empathetic and respectful of others’ needs.

0:00 Introduction: Limitless Champions Preview
10:50 Interview: Tahina Andale, co-host of Dicecourse
39:22 Patreon Showcase & closing

Manually captioned. Transcript available at our website.

Tahina Andale Links

Wyrmworks Publishing



Gaining Advantage 025: Outrage Fatigue: Taking a Short Rest

September 8, 2023
Gaining Advantage: Making Lives Better through tabletop role-playing games; Wyrmworks Publishing Logo; Disability symbol with wheelchair wheel replaced by d20; Brain with embedded d20; Hero's Journey Counseling logo

This week, we welcome Simone Arnold, owner of Hero’s Journey Counseling in Vermont, who discusses outrage fatigue, which can lead to burnout and empathy fatigue, how to balance the desire to make the world better with our own limitations, and prioritize rest.

0:00 Introduction

8:59 Interview: Simone Arnold, owner of Hero’s Journey Counseling

31:15 Wrap-up

Manually captioned. Transcript available at our website.

Simone Arnold Links

Wyrmworks Publishing

Wyrmworks Publishing: http://wyrmworkspublishing.com



Gaining Advantage 024: Inherently Beneficial, then Intentional

September 8, 2023
Gaining Advantage: Making Lives Better through tabletop role-playing games; Wyrmworks Publishing Logo; Disability symbol with wheelchair wheel replaced by d20; Brain with embedded d20; The Bodhana Group logo

Roleplaying games are already great, but what happens when they’re intentionally used to improve lives? We welcome Jack Berkenstock Jr., MHS, Executive Director, The Bodhana Group to talk about therapeutic RPG.

0:00 Introduction
3:54 Interview: Jack Berkenstock Jr., MHS, Executive Director, The Bodhana Group
44:43 Wrap-up

Manually captioned. Transcript available at our website.

Script Change: http://briebeau.com/scriptchange 

The Bodhana Group Links

Wyrmworks Publishing

Wyrmworks Publishing: http://wyrmworkspublishing.com



Gaining Advantage 023: Gaming and Inclusive Design

September 8, 2023
Gaining Advantage: Making Lives Better through tabletop role-playing games; Wyrmworks Publishing Logo; Disability symbol with wheelchair wheel replaced by d20; Brain with embedded d20; Caleb Valorozo-Jones headshot

What happens when a bunch of neurodivergent people sit down to play D&D together and connect through the game? Things get awesome. And our guest, Caleb Valorozo-Jones, wrote a Master’s Thesis on it!

But before that, Dale takes an honest look at what it takes to get started in the TTRPG industry, especially in light of the changes at Twitter. It’s not as difficult as many would lead you to believe.

0:00 Introduction
0:22 Getting started in the TTRPG Industry without Twitter
17:51 Announcements
22:18 Interview: Caleb Valorozo-Jones
56:37 Wrap-up

Manually captioned. Transcript available at our website.

Writing Your First Adventure (Storytelling Collective)

Caleb Valorozo-Jones Links

Wyrmworks Publishing



Gaining Advantage 022: Forging a New Path

September 8, 2023
Gaining Advantage: Making Lives Better through tabletop role-playing games; Wyrmworks Publishing Logo; Disability symbol with wheelchair wheel replaced by d20; Brain with embedded d20; Forge Ahead a Party to Access logo with a green D20

Disabled people are among the most resourceful on the planet. They have to be. We welcome kindred spirits, Rachel Voss & Wesley Magee-Saxton at Forge Ahead: A Party To Access, who are creating amazing D&D 5e resources for disability inclusion. Next, we welcome Alexander Grinton on our Playing the Other segment to talk about his experience with Autism and ADHD, and how it connects with tabletop gaming.

  • 0:00 Introduction
  • 4:19 Interview: Rachel Voss & Wesley Magee-Saxton at Forge Ahead: A Party To Access
  • 48:55 Playing the Other: Alexander Grinton
  • 1:12:58 Wrap-up

Manually captioned. Transcript available at our website.

Forge Ahead: A Party To Access Links

Wyrmworks Publishing