Were you aware that we have an RPG Discord Server?
If you’re interested in playing role playing games, running them, just click that link and you’ll be joining a group of folks who are also interested in the same things! We’ve got at least a couple of games running every week but we could have more! We need GMs as well as players. The more the merrier!
Why not come and join in?
If you are reading this, then you are probably aware of the mismanagement of the Dungeons and Dragons brand by Wizards of the Coast (and by extension, Hasbro). There isn’t going to be a lot of going over what happened but I do need to set the stage for this article by stating that everything discussed here is because of that horrible mismanagement.
Role playing game fans all know that Dungeons and Dragons started the whole industry, for all intents and purposes. We all also know that Wizards of the Coast has done some pretty heinous things with their stewardship of the intellectual property, too, which has led to many organizing boycotts of certain aspects of the IP or other such organized protests.
I argue that the only way to effectively protest is to not play.
DnD is arguably the most popular RPG in the world. I would argue that there are other games that would be well within that conversation at this point, but for the purposes of this article we’re just going to stop at DnD being the top. Since they are the number one in the world, there is a responsibility to maintain a certain level of understanding towards the fanbase regarding how they treat the IP in general.
Wizards of the Coast have failed in that stewardship at almost every turn.
When boycotts of products or services are organized, there is always an understanding that some will not participate. Having 100% participation in a boycott would be phenomenal in sending a message but there are always some who think they have no chance at affecting change, believe their part will be too small to make a difference, or just don’t care enough to participate to make things better. Wizards of the Coast want to make as much money as possible at the expense of the consumer, regardless of the quality of the product and that is why boycott talk started appearing. As soon as the small capitulation of Wizards giving in to the OGL controversy and making them walk back a terrible decision, most of that protest talk stopped. It shouldn’t have, though.
Protesting Properly
The last time I played Dungeons and Dragons was in 1996 in Okinawa, Japan with some friends in the Navy about three months before I detached from Naval service. I wasn’t pleased with the situation way back then but the only game I could get anyone to organize to play was DnD, so I joined their game. My participation ended about 3 sessions in, when the group and I made the mutual decision to part ways. The DM ran the game like a payroll department and I couldn’t have hated it more than I did, so I stopped playing.
I haven’t even looked at a DnD book since.
There are innumerable game companies that took the OGL license and built games off of what DnD originally established, which personally boggles my mind. Why would you build an entire role playing game off of someone else’s work? There are far more companies, however, that went out and built brand new systems and created so many more new ways to role play that the “crunch heavy” DnD looks cumbersome by comparison. I personally branched out along with these new companies and left DnD behind, expanding my RPG experiences 100-fold while others I asked to play with me often sat in their DnD rut and refused to leave.
All the while complaining about the same problems.
On this website, I have been trying to build a place for people to come and role play. Just like websites like the Glass Cannon Network, Happy Jacks RPG Network, and other places that host actual plays, I would love to host a variety of actual play podcasts done in a style that is befitting a professional gameplay style. The one game that I won’t participate in, nor allow on this website in an actual play, is DnD… at least until the stewardship of the IP changes hands to a much better steward.
I am against participating in Dungeons in Dragons, personally. I am also against participating in Dungeons and Dragons for others who have the same problems I do, as well. Their arguments usually end up being “but I’m not buying any new books” or “I’m pirating anything new I need.” That doesn’t send a message to Wizards of the Coast, though, because you are still participating in their intellectual property.
You and your normal game group get together to play DnD, even though all of you hate Wizards of the Coast. One of your friends brings along their girlfriend to lurk for the night because she’s curious about how the game is played. The game is played and the girlfriend loves what is going on and is into joining the group for the future. She doesn’t understand the hate for Wizards (she doesn’t even know who Wizards are) and goes out and buys her own copy of the DnD core book.
Protest failed.
Not only has your group produced a new follower of a game that has problematic stewardship, not only has that new follower purchased the products that are overpriced and ruining the brand, and not only has that group gotten someone new excited about their favorite game without the proper context surrounding the property but now she’s going to tell others about this and get more new followers into the hobby.
I do not play DnD. I do not purchase their books. I do not encourage others to play. I do not encourage others to pirate their books. I do not encourage others to encourage others to do anything I would not do. I do this because I want to affect change. I do this because not doing it is being a “rebel without a cause,” meaning I would be complaining about something that I actively participate in. If you like to box but you don’t like getting punched in the face, yet you still box, then you have no right to complain. Nothing is going to change that way.
If you want to make change, you have to do something different.
What Else You Can Do
If I’m not playing DnD, what else is there?
This is the one question I get after my argument that makes me the most angry. What else is there? Are you joking?
Without leaving the fantasy genre, I can name FantasyAGE, Pathfinder, GURPs, and Savage Worlds. If we expand to other genres we can expand to FATE, Genesys, and Burning Wheel. How about specific IP games like the Expanse RPG, Doctor Who RPG, Alien RPG, Dragon AGE, or the Marvel Universe RPG? There’s different genres like Legend of the Five Rings, Vampire the Masquerade, Call of Cthulhu, Blades in the Dark, and Traveler. These are just the games that I could think of off of the top of my head!
So, if I say to stand up and stop playing DnD and you respond by asking what else is there? It’s time to read a book because you’ve been living in a bubble. There are so many different systems out there to try, ones that are worlds easier than DnD to learn, ones that range from fantasy all the way through futuristic space operas, and ones that tell stories in entirely unique ways from DnD… so why would you want to limit yourself to only playing one system?
I do not play DnD. I do not purchase their books. I do not encourage others to play or purchase their books. I have taken a stand and now you understand what that actually means.
DJ
Join Kunousagi, Enkaga, Kamahiko, Tamanosato and DJ Kaitetsu on an in-depth look at RTY mechanics as we talk about Prestige Perks, Injury Rolls, Career Longevity and much more on Dohyo Download!
Hosts: Kaitetsu, Tamanosato, Kamahiko, Enkaga, and Kunousagi
The DOHYO DOWNLOAD hosts a “Champ/Chump” competition that uses the basho cycle as seasons for anyone interested to participate in picking their own champs and chumps to compete against others for fun and bragging rights! For more information, contact Genbu on the RTY server and join in!
This is the Official Podcast of the Road to Yokozuna Discord game at https://discord.gg/Z4xdG5fy6s . This is the best sumo game around! We have a great community and we’re always ready to welcome new players! Join us! You can find us by email at emeraldspecter.com@gmail.com and more can be found at EmeraldSpecter.com!
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Join Tamanosato, Kunousagi and DJ Kaitetsu on going over the confirmed new juryo wreslters for Aki, have tachiai become softer nowadays? What do career records say about young wrestlers? And why IS Kotozakura loosing? That and much more on Dohyo Download!
Hosts: Kaitetsu, Tamanosato, and Kunousagi
The DOHYO DOWNLOAD hosts a “Champ/Chump” competition that uses the basho cycle as seasons for anyone interested to participate in picking their own champs and chumps to compete against others for fun and bragging rights! For more information, contact Genbu on the RTY server and join in!
This is the Official Podcast of the Road to Yokozuna Discord game at https://discord.gg/Z4xdG5fy6s . This is the best sumo game around! We have a great community and we’re always ready to welcome new players! Join us! You can find us by email at emeraldspecter.com@gmail.com and more can be found at EmeraldSpecter.com!
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Join Tamanosato, Asanosato, a silent Kamahiko and still-learning-the-ropes DJ Kaitetsu on this Dohyo Download episode where we talk about the finale to Nagoya 2025! We banter about if Tamawashi may be a demi-god, the expected Juryo promotions for September, and we also check the scores of our Champ/Chump series IRL version and where the Dohyo Download Belt is in the banzuke.
Hosts: Kaitetsu, Tamanosato, Asanosato, and Kamahiko by chat
The DOHYO DOWNLOAD hosts a “Champ/Chump” competition that uses the basho cycle as seasons for anyone interested to participate in picking their own champs and chumps to compete against others for fun and bragging rights! For more information, contact Genbu on the RTY server and join in!
This is the Official Podcast of the Road to Yokozuna Discord game at https://discord.gg/Z4xdG5fy6s . This is the best sumo game around! We have a great community and we’re always ready to welcome new players! Join us! You can find us by email at emeraldspecter.com@gmail.com and more can be found at EmeraldSpecter.com!
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Podcast (dohyo): Play in new window | Download
The clash occurred and an explosion of energy rocks the entire ruins, hurling everyone inside back several feet. When the dust clears, neither Genbu nor the Dragon Yokozuna has moved from their initial impact in the center of the dohyo… this means that there is hope for the entire group to overcome the odds that the legend said could never be overcome. The match continues…
Hosts: Kaitetsu, Tamanosato, Asanosato, and Shitayama
The DOHYO DOWNLOAD hosts a “Champ/Chump” competition that uses the basho cycle as seasons for anyone interested to participate in picking their own champs and chumps to compete against others for fun and bragging rights! For more information, contact Genbu on the RTY server and join in!
This is the Official Podcast of the Road to Yokozuna Discord game at https://discord.gg/Z4xdG5fy6s . This is the best sumo game around! We have a great community and we’re always ready to welcome new players! Join us! You can find us by email at emeraldspecter.com@gmail.com and more can be found at EmeraldSpecter.com!
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Genbu stepped forward in challenge to the Dragon Yokozuna. The stare down was epic as neither of them could look away. That is when Genbu noticed there seemed to be a crowd around them. In fact, all of them noticed that the previously empty ruins were filled to the top with spectators ready to watch this greatest bout in time…
Hosts: Genbu, Shitayama and Kunousagi
The DOHYO DOWNLOAD hosts a “Champ/Chump” competition that uses the basho cycle as seasons for anyone interested to participate in picking their own champs and chumps to compete against others for fun and bragging rights! For more information, contact Genbu on the RTY server and join in!
This is the Official Podcast of the Road to Yokozuna Discord game at https://discord.gg/Z4xdG5fy6s . This is the best sumo game around! We have a great community and we’re always ready to welcome new players! Join us! You can find us by email at emeraldspecter.com@gmail.com and more can be found at EmeraldSpecter.com!
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The bang was the large stone door opening for the entering of the dragon man entering the arena. His scales and tail imposing but even more imposing is that he wears the rope of a Yokozuna. “I think he’s the reigning Dragon Yokozuna of this ancient dohyo,” Tamanosato exclaims as the group prepares themselves for the greatest fight of their lives against a legendary being they never thought they’d meet…
Hosts: Genbu, Kaitetsu, Tamanosato, Asanosato, and Kunousagi
The DOHYO DOWNLOAD hosts a “Champ/Chump” competition that uses the basho cycle as seasons for anyone interested to participate in picking their own champs and chumps to compete against others for fun and bragging rights! For more information, contact Genbu on the RTY server and join in!
This is the Official Podcast of the Road to Yokozuna Discord game at https://discord.gg/Z4xdG5fy6s . This is the best sumo game around! We have a great community and we’re always ready to welcome new players! Join us! You can find us by email at emeraldspecter.com@gmail.com and more can be found at EmeraldSpecter.com!
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Podcast (dohyo): Play in new window | Download
Investigating the dohyo in the ruins, Tamanosato and Genbu discover that there is still salt in the ancient baskets in the corners. When they each tough this ancient salt they are transported into the past where they are greeted by the warriors of the past: Kaitetsu, Asanosato, Shitayama, and Enkaga. There they must join forces as the Grand Tournament of Champions is soon to begin as hand woven banners of past champions Kunousagi, Ono, and Ryukaze adorn the walls. Just then, a loud bang causes all of them to turn as the competition enters…
Hosts: Genbu, Kaitetsu, Tamanosato, Asanosato, Shitayama, Enkaga, Kunousagi, Ono, and Ryukaze
The DOHYO DOWNLOAD hosts a “Champ/Chump” competition that uses the basho cycle as seasons for anyone interested to participate in picking their own champs and chumps to compete against others for fun and bragging rights! For more information, contact Genbu on the RTY server and join in! We are holding our live draft next week with the IRL banzuke for the first time! Join us!
This is the Official Podcast of the Road to Yokozuna Discord game at https://discord.gg/Z4xdG5fy6s . This is the best sumo game around! We have a great community and we’re always ready to welcome new players! Join us! You can find us by email at emeraldspecter.com@gmail.com and more can be found at EmeraldSpecter.com!
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Podcast (dohyo): Play in new window | Download
Bolting upright in the jungles of Colombia, Tamanosato wakes up to discover he’s all alone and unable to speak the local language. While wandering around, he does come across some ancient ruins and his best friend, Genbu. Inside the ruins is a giant arena, with a dohyo perfectly sitting in the center lit by a perfectly carved hole in the roof. The two of them look at each other in amazement as they make their way down the stone steps…
Hosts: Genbu and Tamanosato
The DOHYO DOWNLOAD hosts a “Champ/Chump” competition that uses the basho cycle as seasons for anyone interested to participate in picking their own champs and chumps to compete against others for fun and bragging rights! For more information, contact Genbu on the RTY server and join in!
This is the Official Podcast of the Road to Yokozuna Discord game at https://discord.gg/Z4xdG5fy6s . This is the best sumo game around! We have a great community and we’re always ready to welcome new players! Join us! You can find us by email at emeraldspecter.com@gmail.com and more can be found at EmeraldSpecter.com!
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An epic 150th Epiversary tournament, the 2nd Dohyo Download Open Tournament, happens LIVE on the show seeing the top three finishers receive prizes in an epic throw down of proportions that cannot be measured against anything except food… like a buffet (and a big one at that). Genbu, Kaitetsu, and Tamanosato host a bevy of others to include, but not limited to: Asanosato, Kunousagi, Shitayama, Chousanrishi, Ryukaze, Haregato, Ono, Kamahiko, Aoiyamayama, Hitouki, Akumazan, Kanikama, Ittomaro, Enkaze, Kotowazasato, Takakuragawa-oyakata, Inazaru, Daisashoryu, and Yoshinochin (I’m sorry if I left anyone out, but there was so much going on I couldn’t catch everyone). With all of that, we didn’t even get to the Champ/Chump finale (we will do that NEXT week) and there is so much more to come in the future as we start to try working towards a cleaner and more professional format moving forward.
The Champ/Chump season 8 is coming to a close, which means now is the time to start thinking about SEASON 9! There is talk we will start using the IRL banzuke and IRL rikishi, so if you’re interested in THAT being the Champ/Chump for you, then let Genbu know ASAP because we don’t necessarily have to do a LIVE draft for that one and can include MORE folks in the process! Yep, more fun for all.
This is the Official Podcast of the Road to Yokozuna Discord game at https://discord.gg/Z4xdG5fy6s . This is the best sumo game around! We have a great community and we’re always ready to welcome new players! Join us! You can find us by email at emeraldspecter.com@gmail.com and more can be found at
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Podcast (dohyo): Play in new window | Download
Genbu is embarking on a trip to the dohyo when he experiences a premonition — he sees the Kokugikan explode moments after the basho begins. Genbu insists that everyone get out of the building and 3 people (Shitayama, Tamanosato, and Kunousagi) including Genbu, are forced to leave. All watch as the Kokugikan actually explodes in a fireball. He and the other survivors have briefly cheated death, but will not be able to evade their fate for very long. One by one, these fugitives from fate fall victim to the banzuke committee.
The Champ/Chump season 8 is coming to a close, which means now is the time to start thinking about SEASON 9! There is talk we will start using the IRL banzuke and IRL rikishi, so if you’re interested in THAT being the Champ/Chump for you, then let Genbu know ASAP because we don’t necessarily have to do a LIVE draft for that one and can include MORE folks in the process! Yep, more fun for all.
This is the Official Podcast of the Road to Yokozuna Discord game at https://discord.gg/Z4xdG5fy6s . This is the best sumo game around! We have a great community and we’re always ready to welcome new players! Join us! You can find us by email at emeraldspecter.com@gmail.com and more can be found at EmeraldSpecter.com!
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Podcast (dohyo): Play in new window | Download
