The party finds themselves needing to question surrounding citizens for a lead regarding the undead sightings. Will they be able to obtain the information required in order to help the missing adventurers? Find out on this episode of T&C! Join us as our DM Rhyan (HaphazardDM) tries to kill our beloved characters – Damien/Desiree (Blaze_NBK), Isundr…

The quest to seek out the Elixir of Life has just begun for Nomu and his new ally, Yelar! Having crossed into Strider Valley, the two come across an odd woman and a group of Hill Giants. Will they ignore their current situation and find another way around? Or will they push through the challenge ahead of them? Find out on this episode of T&C! Join …

After partying with Thaddeus Faust the 3rd and Alaric Silverwind, the party seeks to find more information on the missing adventurers. Will the party gain further insight at the docks? Or will their search prove fruitless? Find out on this episode of T&C! Join us as our DM Rhyan (HaphazardDM) tries to kill our beloved characters – Damien/Desiree (B…

Welcome to Season 3 Path B of Taverns & Caverns! We now join Nomu on his quest to find the elixer of life in the nation of Osia! Before stepping foot into unknown territory, he'll need to find some reliable allies. Will he be able to find new ride or die friends? Or will he be traveling alone? Find out on this episode of T&C! Join us as our DM Rhya…

Welcome to Season 3 of Taverns & Caverns! Cat & Co. returns for another adventure in the fascinating world of Reverie! After the events of Season 1, the party finds themselves having to split up to accomplish multiple tasks. What will become of Cat & Co. now? Find out on this episode of T&C! Join us as our DM Rhyan (HaphazardDM) tries to kill our b…

After defeating their fallen ally, Wedge Brewthane, the purifiers make their way to the 7th floor. Standing before them is Zaba, the Kholdarian soldier with the bracelet they seek. Will the party be able to avenge their fallen comrade and deliver the bracelet to Lord Oshiro? Or will they fail trying? Find out on this episode of T&C! Join us as our …

After discovering the truth behind the Yaksha before them, the party makes the battle against it a personal one. Will the party be able to strike down the Yaksha? Or will they find themselves being cut down instead? Find out on this episode of T&C! Join us as our DM Rhyan (HaphazardDM) tries to kill our beloved characters – Stella Bogenheim (Blaze_…

The party received the blessings of the Omnikami during their stay on the 5th floor of the pagoda. With only 2 floors to go, the Purest-Fires run into Zaba and an enlarged Yaksha. Prior to battling with their foes, Yome notices something the others do not... Will the party survive this terrifying encounter? Find out on this episode of T&C! Join us …

The party was able to defeat the keen bladed yaksha without any loss, but they must continue pushing further into the pagoda. With 4 more floors to explore, what other corrupted creatures await them? Find out on this episode of T&C! Join us as our DM Rhyan (HaphazardDM) tries to kill our beloved characters – Stella Bogenheim (Blaze_NBK), Yome (dagg…

After traversing the first two floors of the pagoda, the Purest-Fires come across a room filled with a new type of yaksha. Will our party be able to ascend further into the pagoda or will their journey end here? Find out on this episode of T&C! Join us as our DM Rhyan (HaphazardDM) tries to kill our beloved characters – Stella Bogenheim (Blaze_NBK)…

After battling more transformed Yaksha, the party finds their way to the 7 floored pagoda. Will they find the one named Zaba inside? Or will they find death instead? Find out on this episode of T&C! Join us as our DM Rhyan (HaphazardDM) tries to kill our beloved characters – Stella Bogenheim (Blaze_NBK), Yome (daggertribal), Houta Liu-bei (Robert),…

Back at the Amiwa Ruins, the party finds themselves seeking out a Kholdarian soldier by the name of Zaba. He supposedly possesses a bracelet that may help the Alliance fight back against the Kholdarian Yaksha. Will the party succeed in their mission or die trying? Find out on this episode of T&C! Join us as our DM Rhyan (HaphazardDM) tries to kill …

The Purest Fires finally return to Kaori Shrine to speak with Mizuno Amari. Before doing so though, they are met by their good friend Omug. Despite their short break between missions, Omug informs them that they'll be leaving again soon on yet another one. What will their next mission be? Find out on this episode of T&C! Join us as our DM Rhyan (Ha…

Now that Miazu is safe from Rassler's grasp, the party must travel back to Kaori Shrine to report back to Mizuno Amari. But first, they must travel south towards a fortress known as Satohira Keep. Will their journey be a safe one? Find out on this episode of T&C! Join us as our DM Rhyan (HaphazardDM) tries to kill our beloved characters – Stella Bo…

This episode is dedicated to Rick Byrne. Please consider sending a gift to support Leukemia research at UCSF: UCSF Foundation, PO Box 45339, San Francisco, CA 94145 or make a gift online at makeagift.ucsf.edu. Please be sure to note that the gift is in memory of Rick Byrne to support the Leukemia research of Dr. Neil Dunivan.…

Now that Miazu is safe from Rassler's grasp, the party must now travel back to Kaori Shrine to report back to Mizuno Amari. But first, they must travel south towards a fortress known as Satohira Keep. Will their journey be a safe one? Find out on this episode of T&C! Join us as our DM Rhyan (HaphazardDM) tries to kill our beloved characters – Stell…

Our Patron Book Club joins us to discuss Michael Moorcock's "The Mad God's Amulet, Michael Moorcock's love of arcane texts, action scenes, hyperviolence and gore, following expectations, whimsical supporting characters, battles over land and sea, reskinning monsters for science-fantasy, a device that can unlock any lock, the Devil's Rejects, our fr…

The party began their interrogation of Rassler Payne, but midway through it, they began feeling off. Is Rassler truly speaking with the God of Pride? Or has he completely lost his marbles? Find out on this episode of T&C! Join us as our DM Rhyan (HaphazardDM) tries to kill our beloved characters – Stella Bogenheim (Blaze_NBK), Yome (daggertribal), …

Robert Poyton joins us to discuss Gustave Flaubert's "Salammbô”, October horror films, the etymology of Hygaxian words, Howardian prose, varied treasures, the French "oh là là", the literary influences of Clark Ashton Smith, the diversity of intersecting cultures in North Africa, African nations, horse nomads, cult generators, unearthly treasure ho…

Having defeated Rassler Payne and his acolytes, the party finds themselves grouping with Tsurumi Haruna and the reinforcements. Interrogating Rassler is the next step for the party, but will he be cooperative? Find out on this episode of T&C! Join us as our DM Rhyan (HaphazardDM) tries to kill our beloved characters – Stella Bogenheim (Blaze_NBK), …

Tim Mendees joins us to discuss Susanna Clarke's "Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell”, the dangers of massive hardbacks, literary rabbit holes, the Dorset dialect, cursing those who have wronged us, classist hypocrits, the couragousness that comes with conviction, interdimensional travel through reflective surfaces, interesting and flavorful spells, fa…

Mizuno Amari has sent reinforcements to support the players and Toraki with reclaiming Miazu . The party must now track down Rassler Payne to stop him from escaping into Moritae's Maelstrom. Will our party be able to stop him before he escapes? Find out on this episode of T&C! Join us as our DM Rhyan (HaphazardDM) tries to kill our beloved characte…

The Purifiers and Toraki defeat Brother Faust in an unavoidable battle. However, with Brother Faust's defeat, it's only a matter of time until the party is discovered by Rassler's followers. Will the Purest Fires find a way out of this situation? Find out on this episode of T&C! Join us as our DM Rhyan (HaphazardDM) tries to kill our beloved charac…

Having discovered more of Rassler's secrets, the party finds themselves looking to retreat without being discovered. However, during their escape, they come across a familiar face. A particular paladin stands before them, lying in wait. Will he allow them to escape? Find out on this episode of T&C! Join us as our DM Rhyan (HaphazardDM) tries to kil…

The Purest Fires stumbled across a hidden doorway that allowed them to eavesdrop on Rassler speaking to a mysterious individual by the name of Fire-Bringer. It seems that Rassler's plans contain much more than the party originally anticipated. What other information will the party come across at the shrine? Find out on this episode of T&C! Join us …

The Purest Fires made their way through the dark underpass beneath the shrine. But before they could reach the lower levels of the shrine, they came across something lurking in the darkness... Has the party come across friend or foe? Find out on this episode of T&C! Join us as our DM Rhyan (HaphazardDM) tries to kill our beloved characters – Stella…

The Purest Fire meet Toraki at the hidden cove to discuss their next steps in Miazu. However, before they can continue, Toraki wishes to interrogate the acolyte he captured. Will the party gain additional knowledge from the captive or will they have to step deeper into Miazu? Find out on this episode of T&C! Join us as our DM Rhyan (HaphazardDM) tr…

Deciding to help the Tiger Yieki, Toraki, the party find themselves preparing to infiltrate three areas inside of Miazu. The food storage, water supply, and garden are three areas of interest for their investigation. Will the party find what they need? Or will they find themselves getting into more trouble than they can handle? Find out on this epi…

The party had just finished investigating parts of Miazu, only to find themselves leaving the town to seek out a Yieki by the name of Toraki. However, upon finding him, the party has found themselves having to decide to either help the acolytes of Rasslerism or the Yieki. What choice will the party ultimately make? Find out on this episode of T&C! …

Brian Yaksha joins us to discuss Robert Asprin's "Thieves' World", the give and take of what you're going to give to the audience, fantasy shared worlds, Dungeon Crawl Classics Lankhmar, Aragorn's tax plan, Machiavelli, passing off as older for added credibility, rotating GMs, bespoke stat blocks, power levels, player character points of entry, ran…

After meeting with Rassler Payne for a second time, the party continues to investigate the town of Miazu. The town seems friendly... a bit too friendly. Has Rassler truly brought peace to Miazu? Or is there perhaps a nefarious plot taking place behind the scenes? Find out on this episode of T&C! Join us as our DM Rhyan (HaphazardDM) tries to kill o…

The Purifiers have met up with their pal Omug, joining him for a delicious meal before going to meeting with Mizuno Amari. Now that the party has a new mission at hand, they find themselves teleported to a northern town known as Miazu. They are to investigate the rumors revolving around a man by the name of Rassler Payne. What will the party find t…

Goran Gligovic joins us to discuss Edgar Rice Burroughs's "A Princess of Mars", Asterix and Obelix, the Library of Wonder, Tarzan, being 30 for as long as you can remember, main characters as blank canvases, Robert E. Howard, the Fighting Man class in OD&D, when to embrace realism and when to eschew it, Frank Frazetta's action scenes, gargoyles tak…

Having restocked on supplies and speaking with Lord Oshira at Hinagata Keep, the Purest Fire must now seek out Mizuno Amari. However, before doing so, the party finds themselves running into their old friend Omug. What does Mizuno Amari have in store for the party this time? Find out on this episode of T&C! Join us as our DM Rhyan (HaphazardDM) tri…

After almost suffering a defeat from Renak, the party now finds themselves back in friendly territory surrounded by allies. The defeat has left members of the party feeling discouraged and weak, but they must press on. What does fate have in store for them next? Find out on this episode of T&C! Join us as our DM Rhyan (HaphazardDM) tries to kill ou…

Becky Annison joins us to discuss Lloyd Alexander's "The Book of Three", the Dungeons and Dragons movie, dwarven guides, Welsh myth, characters with firm personality hooks, spaghetti westerns, the Black Cauldron, clear linear mission paths, giving each character their moment, changing the stakes of successes, horror mechanics, destroying books or c…

With the defeat of the transformed Kholdarian soldier, the party finds themselves still needing to escape the ruins before they step foot into Shimaran territory. Will they be able to escape the land of Aloria before running into any more enemies? Find out on this episode of T&C! Join us as our DM Rhyan (HaphazardDM) tries to kill our beloved chara…

After having a comfortable and peaceful evening within the hidden grove, the Purest Fire must continue their journey to Shimara. Before making it back to friendly territory, they must first traverse through an old ruins along the border. Will the party get back home in peace or will they run into more bad luck? Find out on this episode of T&C! Join…

Brad Kerr joins us to discuss Jack Vance's "Cugel's Saga", virtual tabletops, Brom, pompous vocabulary, whimsical characters, world-class worldbuilding, being nickel-and-dimed by the boss, moving from one grift to the next, interesting mounts, making monsters more mysterious, D&D 4E, being your own boss, and much more!…

The party finds themselves being taken to an underground grove led by Alorian refugees. Surrounded by what seems to be allies, the party now has an opportunity to rest both mind and body. Will the one known as Ekiras be able to aid the party any further or will things not go as planned? Find out on this episode of T&C! Join us as our DM Rhyan (Haph…

After pulling off a surprise attack on a group of Kholdarian soldiers, the party finds themselves questioning Ashina Ruri's current state of mind. With yet another obstacle defeated, the players will soon find themselves coming across more conflicts in Hirai Forest. What will it be this time? Find out on this episode of T&C! Join us as our DM Rhyan…

Conner Habib joins us to discuss George MacDonald's "Phantastes", D&D's influence on a young person's imagination, Irish mythology, the art of Gervasio Gallardo, a focus on environment over character, main characters as blank slates, living in a perpetual state of wonder, how people are changed by their history of trauma, readers seeking the conseq…

After experiencing an honorable life changing moment of meeting one of the Omnikami, the players continue their path with a sense of pride. They must continue traversing Hirai Forest before reaching their destination. What other dangers await them in this forest? Find out on this episode of T&C! Join us as our DM Rhyan (HaphazardDM) tries to kill o…

Upon waking from their full night's rest, the party unfortunately discovers the passing of their new found ally, Teppei. After paying their respects to him, the Purest Fires press on eastwards towards Shimara. What kind of nonsense will they come across in the Hirai Forest? Find out on this episode of T&C! Join us as our DM Rhyan (HaphazardDM) trie…

Our Patron Book Club joins us to discuss William Gibson's "Neuromancer", hypnogogic images, heists with scifi crap on top, retrofuturism, slow-moving death, the Velvet Underground, Dan Brown novels, splitting the party, simstims, genetic engineering in RPGs, cyperpunk RPGs, sentient AIs, and much more!…

The party now finds themselves inside of an underground cavern beneath the prison cells of Tawni Fortress. Unfortunately, they also find that they are not alone. The one known as Garo awaits them and prepares to strike from the darkness. What will happen to the Purest Fire? Find out on this episode of T&C! Join us as our DM Rhyan (HaphazardDM) trie…

Nathaniel Webb joins us to discuss William Gibson's "Neuromancer", D&D Next playtests, self-contained cities in a building, people writing fiction written by Chat-GPT, action/heist stories, ninjas and Rastafarians, getting the heist team together, the hacker's role in a cyberpunk game, Tom Clancy novels, quick dramatic actions, player-facing tools,…

The party continues their escape from Tawni Fortress. Dressing themselves up as Kholdarian soldiers, the party attempts to fool the guards in the dungeon in order to help free the prisoners... However, the party doesn't exactly find what they expected. What will happen to the Purest Fire? Find out on this episode of T&C! Join us as our DM Rhyan (Ha…

Yochai Gal joins us to discuss Philip K. Dick's "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?", Ursula K. LeGuin, Cairn's influences, Book of the New Sun, the Blade Runner movie, androids and empathy, what makes a belief system valid, Philip K. Dick's less approachable works, sex as a survival strategy, current concerns about AI, cyberpunk LARPs, Jack Vanc…

Welcome back to the one shot adventures of Taverns & Caverns Side Stories! HaphazardDM is joined by 4 guests for this tale. Sit back, relax, and enjoy Esqa's journey into the lands of Tirastir! Esqa is a Sorceress from the continent of Ashae and has traveled to Tirastir in search of the legendary Azurian Brotherhood. Will she be able to find them o…