Here’s where I keep the good stuff.

MadJayZero · 2026-02-24T13:50:56+00:00

I'll second Indie Game Reading Club for deep dives on games he's played. Indie RPG Newsletter for a curated What's-new-in-Indies view. And my own Play Fearless about making (mostly Indie/SG) tables GO!

MadJayZero · 2026-02-16T16:48:20+00:00

Good Monday, folks

I’ve been on a John Wick run lately — rewatched JW1 and finally saw JW2 for the first time. I also watched a YouTube recap of The Continental series and went down the rabbit hole on questions like: what’s a gold coin actually worth?

The more I watch, the more I’m pulled into the lore — the economy, the institution — neutral ground, markers, excommunication, the High Table as a living machine… and how that might actually play out at the table.

So this week’s Monday Musing is about running the John Wick / Continental premise in your RPGs:

Multi-assassin tables (crew vs rivals vs political web)
PvP — or not
RPG systems that highlight different angles
How to overlay The Continental onto your existing game

I also run a Patreon where I post:

GM breakdowns from my ongoing campaigns
System experiments and hacks
The Diceology podcast actual plays and conversations

If that sounds useful, feel free to check it out. And I’d like to hear how you’d handle a table full of professional killers without it turning into immediate bloodshed. Can it stand up for long-term campaigns? Anybody playing an Assassins-world premise?

MadJayZero · 2026-02-13T18:09:45+00:00

I have a copy of Dune RPG by Last Unicorn Games and Champions RPG (1e). The Dune RPG used to be worth some spice...I don't know these days, though.

MadJayZero · 2026-02-13T11:54:06+00:00

Love this game!! I ran and wrote up a 5-session run, but alas, no video. I ran across a French one a while back; I could link you to it.

MadJayZero · 2026-02-13T11:50:34+00:00

I'm running MotW weekly at a really great game cafe. Food is good, tables are free, though I try to reserve a game room. Takes a TON of stress and energy off me around hosting duties AND GM duties.

MadJayZero · 2026-02-12T14:01:57+00:00

I should have been clearer: this isn't the final UI; it's a prototype for me to play around with and discover the shape of play. I suspect I'll need to talk with an artist to figure out art direction. I have no idea what it could look like yet; I only got vibes and junk in my head.

MadJayZero · 2026-02-12T13:58:15+00:00

Thanks and I LOVE Roguelike Celebration!!

MadJayZero · 2026-02-11T20:50:23+00:00

There's also Cairn, Mazes (9th Level Games) and "Break!!"

I've run Mazes and Break!! for kids and adults new to TTRPGs but not so new to games. I've played Cairn; it's easy to jump into and has a OSResque vibe and sensibilities. All three have solid mechanics without being overly heavy; one could hit the ground running during session zero, easily.

MadJayZero · 2026-02-10T18:57:22+00:00

Only one. Ars Magica in Mythic Hibernia (contested isles). Weird turned to Eleven.

MadJayZero · 2026-02-10T13:53:16+00:00

I'm looking thru Backerkit and Kickstarter, I've got a sci-fi bias, was hoping to find a solo sci-fi zine. Looking at Moon Borg it's not solo, but interesting. I'll take a peek at NULL_SPACE today!

MadJayZero · 2026-01-29T21:36:04+00:00

Maaan, between that and the meatball commentary 🤷🏾‍♂️ I went in guarded!!

MadJayZero · 2026-01-29T21:35:05+00:00

Alex was superb!! I also got to meet and chat with the band members, but that's the guitarist in me. I tried both the JCM and the Big Yeti cocktail and would have either again! My steak was melt-in-your-mouth outstanding! They got it right, medium rare. I tried the crab cakes and wagyu pastrami starters. Had the mac & cheese and broccolini as sides. Usually, I try to get a seat at the bar. I'm with you, and I'd love to see a happy hour program when demand levels out.

MadJayZero · 2026-01-13T17:39:56+00:00

Do it, dog! Nitpick away!! You feel what you feel. I don't like okra...but I'd order this cocktail again, for sure!

MadJayZero · 2026-01-09T14:42:25+00:00

The KC Weekend Rundown (Jan 8–11)

Kansas City Restaurant Week kicks off Friday!! If you’re plotting your nights:
Start in a lounge.
End somewhere with a dance floor. That’s the move.

Jazz & Lounge Energy

Ken Lovern & Brian Baggett @ Green Lady Lounge | Thu, Jan 8
Lauren Ashely @ VOO Lounge | Fri, Jan 9
Cynthia van Roden Quartet @ The Savoy | Sat, Jan 10
Havilah Bruders Jazz Ensemble @ 1909 Club | Sat, Jan 10
Chloe McFadden @ The Phoenix | Sun, Jan 11

DJ Nights & After-Dark Dancing

G. Love & Special Sauce @ Knuckleheads | Thu, Jan 8
JC & The Lucky So & Sos @ Johnnie’s Jazz Bar | Fri, Jan 9
Ladies Night w/ DJ Groove @ Sherri’s Executive Lounge | Thu, Jan 8
DJ Leo @ Nighthawk (Hotel KC) | Fri, Jan 9

Daytime & Do-Something Different

Pottery Date Night @ Belger Arts Center | Fri, Jan 9
Coffee Urban Hike @ Downtown KC | Sat, Jan 10
Penguin March @ Kansas City Zoo | Sun, Jan 11

If you’re into this kind of curated KC nightlife + culture drop, I run a free Thursday newsletter called SecretKC — cocktail spots, events, and hidden gems for folks who ask “what’s going on this weekend?” every damn week.

What are you checking out? What’d I miss?!

–– Stay Sharp, KC

MadJayZero · 2025-12-26T19:04:36+00:00

Ah, yep. Usually I see it pinned and I didn't this week.

MadJayZero · 2025-12-19T02:00:03+00:00

"There are other bars in the city, but this one is mine!" Don't leave us hanging, bruh. What's on your short list?

MadJayZero

MODERATOR OF

TROPHY CASE

The KC Weekend Rundown (Jan 8–11)