Kill Every Monster

Hey people, this is Aram.Dylan has been mulling over some thoughts on world building, so we sat down in front of our mics and hashed them out over an hour. We talk about some of the troupes that annoy us and came up with suggestions on how we think our fantasy playgrounds can be made better.We will occasionally revisit this format (and come up with an actual name for it) in the future, but for now...welcome to Dylan Is Mad About A Thing, episode 1: Worldbuilding.CAST⁠Dylan Malenfant⁠: Producer, Host⁠Aram Vartian⁠: Producer, EditorMUSICListen to the ⁠full soundtrack⁠ from the Treant episode on Epidemic Sound.COMMUNITY⁠Bluesky⁠⁠Discord⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠Reddit⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠FacebookSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/kempodcast/exclusive-content

Dylan and Aram run through the monsters from Season 4 and decided whether or not they would "do a murder." Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/kempodcast/exclusive-content

Treants are described in the Monster Manual as "awakened trees that dwell in ancient forests. Although treants prefer to while away the days, months, and years in quiet contemplation, they fiercely protect their woodland demesnes from outside threats." We are joined by Anica. Anica Cihla is the brand director for Hero Forge, a browser-based character creator that lets you create custom minis for tabletop gaming. Outside of her day job, she's also a writer, stand up comedian, and TTRPG designer. Keep up with her on twitter.com/anicacihla. CAST ⁠Dylan Malenfant⁠: Producer, Host ⁠Aram Vartian⁠: Producer, Editor Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/kempodcast/exclusive-content

Perytons are described in the Monster Manual as "bizarre creatures that blend the body and wings of a bird of prey with the head of a stag. Its strangest feature is its shadow, which appears humanoid rather than reflecting the creature’s physical form."We are joined by Puja.Puja is a queer, Indian-American actual play streamer, writer, and most recently, voice actor, who loves using gameplay as a medium to challenge herself as an improviser, performer, and storyteller. You can find her on socials @puja (Bluesky and Twitter), @pujabberwocky (everything else) or at pujavaarta.com.CAST⁠Dylan Malenfant⁠: Producer, Host⁠Aram Vartian⁠: Producer, EditorMUSICListen to the ⁠full soundtrack⁠ from the Peryton episode on Epidemic Sound.COMMUNITY⁠Bluesky⁠⁠Discord⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠Reddit⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠FacebookSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/kempodcast/exclusive-content

The Monster Manual describes the origin of the Oblex as “a slime capable of assaulting the minds of other creatures. These pools of jelly are cunning hunters that feed on thoughts and memories.” We are joined by Diana Fay. Diana (she/her) is a TTRPG content creator who specializes in teaching people how to be better players and DMs by providing lifehacks, shortcuts, and formulas to upgrade their game. She is also a social media consultant, and will be at a ton of cons this year, including GenCon, TwitchCon, PAX West, and PAX Unplugged. You can find her @DianaOfTheRose on all platforms, and as the podcast host for Worlds Apart. CAST Dylan Malenfant: Producer, Host Aram Vartian: Producer, Editor MUSIC Listen to the full soundtrack from the Oblex episode on Epidemic Sound. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/kempodcast/exclusive-content

We are joined by Eric Silver. Eric Silver is an award-winning podcast producer, game designer, and teacher based in the great state of New York. He is recognized widely as the Best Game Master in Podcasting, running the actual play TTRPG show Join the Party since 2017. His most recent game, Model Our Nations, is out now. Find him on bluesky at @ericsilver.bsky.social. CAST Dylan Malenfant: Producer, Host Aram Vartian: Producer, Editor MUSIC “A Truly Powerful Force” by NC Music “Ancient Spells” by Ruiqi Zhao “Shivers in the Shadows” by Victor Lundberg “Demolition Crew” by Hampus Naeselius “Betawaves for Concentration” by Joseph Beg “Falling Up” by DEX 1200 “Mutation” by Harbours & Oceans “Ghost Mission” by Stationary Sign “Brand New Beginning” by Oman “There Is Always Tomorrow” by Staffan Carlen “The Investigator” by Dream Cave “Nemesis” by Alec Slayne “Marching On” by Jon Bjork “Neurosis” by Christoffer Moe “Signs” by Lennon Hutton “Savannah Nights” by Zauana “Majestica” by Edgar Hopp “Capital City – Arcane Academies” by Stephane Lorello Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/kempodcast/exclusive-content

The Monster Manual states that "ancient empires once cast long shadows over a world that quaked beneath the giants’ feet. In those lost days, these towering figures were dragon slayers, dreamers, crafters, and kings, but their kind fell from glory long ago. However, even divided among secluded clans scattered throughout the world, the giants maintain the customs and traditions of old." We are joined by Tracy Barnett Tracy is an award-winning non-binary games designer, podcast and game editor, and project manager from Columbus. They have been making games for almost 10 years. They specialize in games prompted by feelings and deep with story. You can find them online, anywhere @TheOtherTracy. CAST Dylan Malenfant: Producer, Host Aram Vartian: Producer, Editor MUSIC "A Truly Powerful Force" by NC Music "Silent Motion" by Phoenix Tail "The Verdict" by Trevor Kowalski "Lost in the Badlands" by Sam Will "Urban Chant" by Joseph Beg "Epilogue" by Hanna Ekström and DEX 1200 "The Ninth Day" by DEX 1200 and Pawan Krishna "Thirst" by Johan Glössner "This Garden Is Sleeping" by Cora Zea "Ayama" by Van Sandano "To Be Still" by By Lotus "A Second Home" by Laura Platt "REQUIEM" by Binary Echoes and Auxjack "Let It Enfold You" by Johannes Bornlöf "Ardor" by Christoffer Moe Ditlevsen and Karoliina Gabel "Capital City - Arcane Academies" by Stephane Lorello Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/kempodcast/exclusive-content

The Monster Manual states that “tens of thousands of years ago, the elves were divided, with those of benevolent disposition battling those that were selfish and cruel. The war among elvenkind ended when the good elves banished their malevolent kin to the subterranean depths. Here, in the lightless caverns and endless warrens of twisting passages, the dark elves — the drow — found refuge.” We are joined by Liz and Austin. CAST Dylan Malenfant: Producer, Host Aram Vartian: Producer, Editor MUSIC "A Truly Powerful Force" by NC Music "I'm Looking Ahead" by Ebo Krdum "Salamat" by Ebo Krdum "Oh Motherland" by Sight of Wonders "Victims of Regimes" by Ebo Krdum "Abene Funk" by Sillaba "AI" by Lukas Got Lucky "669X" by Lennon Hutton "A Cold Wind" by Savvun "Mongolian Barbecue" by Lennon Hutton "Dark Space" by Ave Air "Horn" by DEX 1200 "Automatic City" by Hampus Naeselius "Shadows Unseen" by DEX 1200 "Time is Up" by Hampus Naeselius "Rapid Surge" by Hampus Naeselius "Choose Your Weapon" by Hampus Naeselius "Hostages in Love" by Hampus Naeselius "Arctic Embers" by Eden Avery "Capital City - Arcane Academies" by Stephane Lorello Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/kempodcast/exclusive-content

We are joined by Glaiza. Glaiza—whose pronouns are they/he—is a person with many hats. They are a podcast host, a writer and an award-winning TTRPG player. They hail from the Philippines, Brunei, Korea, Cambodia, San Diego California and now currently live somewhere in Portland Oregon. They’re currently the guide to the longest running Monster Care Squad Actual Play: From the Library. And not to brag - but the creator of said game called it “The best monster care squad stream”. Dragon Turtle art by Ben Sigas. CAST Dylan Malenfant: Co-producer, Gamemaster Aram Vartian: Co-producer, Editor MUSIC "A Truly Powerful Force" by NC Music "Oceanic Adventure" by Bonnie Grace "From the Dust" by Jon Björk "Pacific Journey" by Edward Karl Hanson "Commence Orbit" by Christoffer Moe Ditlevsen "A World Beyond" by Christoffer Moe Ditlevsen "Harbel" by Rayo Z "Night of the Yakuza" by Sight of Wonders "Not Today" by Hampus Naeselius "To Pirate Cove" by Adriel Fair "They Sold Their Souls" by Bonnie Grace "Final Target in Sight" by Trailer Worx "Cataclysm" by Dream Cave "This Is Our Land" by Bonnie Grace "Rise" by Hampus Naeselius "Alpha Squad" by Hampus Naeselius Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/kempodcast/exclusive-content

We are joined by Noordin Ali Kadir. "Noordin, whose pronouns are he/him, is based out of Toronto and is a prolific tabletop game writer, performer and consultant. You may of read his words in Jiangshi, Blood on the Banquet Hall, Mnemonic: A Weaver's Almanac, and the upcoming Into the Mother Lands. You may have seen him in Actual Play productions like GUDIYA, The Atomless, My First Dungeon's Wildsea and many, many more. Find him online @WerewolfFeels because yes, he is an actual werewolf." CAST Dylan Malenfant: Co-producer, Gamemaster Aram Vartian: Co-producer, Editor MUSIC "A Truly Powerful Force" by NC Music "Dancing Fingers" by Palace on Wheels "Paris in Spring" by Trabant 33 "The Sands of Time" by Rymdklang Soundtracks "Fadfada" by Ali Sabah "Taoudenni" by Rymdklang Soundtracks "Hanin" by Ali Sabah "Ghawazee" by Yinon Muallem "This Was Fun" by Gavin Luke "Egyptology" by Sight of Wonders "Urban Chant" by Joseph Beg "Desert Winds" by Jon Sumner "Devil's Disgrace" by Deskant "El Khalil" by Rymdklang Soundtracks "Face the Current" by Shekufeh Pariab "Boyant" by Shekufeh Pariab Send us your questions for a future mailbag episode! Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/kempodcast/exclusive-content

For the 2024 ENnie Awards, we have submitted clips from the Beholder and Owlbear episodes from Season 4, staring Zac and Izzy. Kill Every Monster is a 5th Edition Dungeons and Dragons podcast. In each episode, we are joined by a guest to discuss the lore, mechanics, and story potential of classic D&D creatures. We debate tactics for maximizing these creatures in your game, and we ask the ever-important question: are they really a monster? EPISODES Owlbear, March 4 2023 Beholder, March 18, 2023 CAST Dylan Malenfant: Co-producer, Gamemaster Aram Vartian: Co-producer, Editor MUSIC "A Truly Powerful Force" by NC Music "Primitive Traces" by JH Coleman "Last Level Pt. 2" by Heyson "Mysterious Figures" by J.F. Gloss "The Prophecy" by Howard Harper-Barnes "The Protagonist" by Howard Harper-Barnes Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/kempodcast/exclusive-content

We are joined by Neal Powell. Neal—whose pronouns are he/him—is a content creator and podcaster that has rambled on about TTRPGs for years on both the Dungeon Master’s Block and DM-Nastics. He is one mind behind Quantum Ogre Publishing that brought to life the Ultimate Guide to Hair, which you can find on DriveThruRPG. He can sometimes be found on Twitter @joatmoniac. Displacer Beast art by Ben Sigas. MUSIC "A Truly Powerful Force" by  "The Deepest Cave" by Farrell Wooten "Defenders Unite" by Niklas Johansson "Hecatomb" by Jo Wandrini "Hieroglyphs" by Dream Cave "The Hydrograph" by Power Druid "Beneath the Church" by Jo Wandrini "Chain of Events" by Michael Rothery "Austere" by Enigmanic "Splitting" by Farrell Wooten "Saving the Day" by Erik Fernholm "Shaman of Europe" by Joseph Beg "Binaural Overlay" by Joseph Beg "Shapeshifter" by Martin Klem "Lady in Black" by Farrell Wooten "You Are Not Alone" by Luella Gren "Hot Air Balloons" by Erik Fernholm "First Second" by Jay Varton "Skylike" by Christophe Gorman Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/kempodcast/exclusive-content

We are joined by Jeremy Cobb. Jeremy is an actor, writer, and podcast host whom you may know as the cohost and Resident GM of the show 3 Black Halflings! In addition to 3BH, Jeremy has appeared on Not Another D&D Podcast, Dicebreaker, Transplanar, and many more. He recently started a streaming channel, twitch.tv/casualquestlive, in which he plays classic games for the first time, guided by his best friend Tay! You can find him on Twitter and Blue Sky @jeremycobb1 and on Instagram @thecobbmeister. MUSIC "A Truly Powerful Force" by  "The Deepest Cave" by Farrell Wooten "Defenders Unite" by Niklas Johansson "Hecatomb" by Jo Wandrini "Hieroglyphs" by Dream Cave "The Hydrograph" by Power Druid "Beneath the Church" by Jo Wandrini "Chain of Events" by Michael Rothery "Austere" by Enigmanic "Splitting" by Farrell Wooten "Saving the Day" by Erik Fernholm "Shaman of Europe" by Joseph Beg "Binaural Overlay" by Joseph Beg "Shapeshifter" by Martin Klem "Lady in Black" by Farrell Wooten "You Are Not Alone" by Luella Gren "Hot Air Balloons" by Erik Fernholm "First Second" by Jay Varton "Skylike" by Christophe Gorman Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/kempodcast/exclusive-content

We are joined by Zac Naoum. If you've ever found a surprise $5 in your pocket, Zac Speaks Giant put it there (you're welcome). On his YouTube channel, you can find D&D But Real, a one shot replacing every roll with a physical or mental challenge - like D&D meets Taskmaster meets Saw? Kill Every Monster is a 5th Edition Dungeons and Dragons podcast. In each episode, we are joined by a guest to discuss the lore, mechanics, and story potential of classic D&D creatures. We debate tactics for maximizing these creatures in your game, and we ask the ever-important question: are they really a monster? Send us your questions for a future mailbag episode! CAST Dylan Malenfant: Co-producer, Gamemaster Aram Vartian: Co-producer, Editor MUSIC "A Truly Powerful Force" by NC Music "Primitive Traces" by JH Coleman "Forever Beyond" by Luella Gren "Correlation Coefficient" by Guy Copeland "Tow Pt. 2" by Harbours & Oceans "Wrench" by Ethan Sloan "Not My Will" by Ambre Jaune "Eris" by Lennon Hutton "Midnight Tivoli" by Luella Gren "Hecatomb" by Jo Wandrini "Otarefsun" by pär "Correlation Coefficient" by Guy Copeland "The Opening" by Lennon Hutton "I Love You to Death" by Ruiqi Zhao "False Immunity" by DEX 1200 "A Tale of Fortitude" by Christoffer Moe Ditlevsen "I Believe What I Saw" by Christian Andersen "The Deal" by Ruiqi Zhao "Thrust Bearing" by Hawea "The Cost of Fear" by Jon Björk "Type Fast" by Farrell Wooten "Into the Beyond" by Christoffer Moe Ditlevsen "Mellifera" by They Dream By Day "The Hero's Theme" by Hampus Naeselius "Last Level Pt. 2" by Heyson "Olympus Mons" by Def Lev "The Thin Line" by Hampus Naeselius "Capital City" by Stephane Lorello Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/kempodcast/exclusive-content

We are joined by Izzy. Izzy has been in the TTRPG world for a little over three years and still feels like a TTRPG fledgling. She loves collaborative storytelling and cheering on the many friends she's made in this awesome community. In 2024, their goal is to GM a streamed Thirsty Sword Lesbians game - until then, check them out in their weekly Pathfinder 1e podcast, Pod Against the Machine, or the HBCU 5e AP, Strix U. Kill Every Monster is a 5th Edition Dungeons and Dragons podcast. In each episode, we are joined by a guest to discuss the lore, mechanics, and story potential of classic D&D creatures. We debate tactics for maximizing these creatures in your game, and we ask the ever-important question: are they really a monster? CAST Dylan Malenfant: Co-producer, Gamemaster Aram Vartian: Co-producer, Editor MUSIC "A Truly Powerful Force" by NC Music "Oddball" by Jon Björk "Taking the Leap" by Zauana "Mysterious Figures" by J.F. Gloss "Stealing Mushrooms" by The Fly Guy Five "The Prophecy" by Howard Harper-Barnes "The Protagonist" by Howard Harper-Barnes "What Happens in the Park" by Claude Signet "The Answer Lies" by Christoffer Moe Ditlevsen "Bug-A-Boo" by Moss Harman "In Night's Embrace" by Christoffer Moe Ditlevsen "In the Gloom" by Michael Rothery "Analyte" by Michael Rothery "Twist of Faith" by Bill Ferngren "Traces of Absence" by DEX 1200 "Commence Orbit" by Christoffer Moe Ditlevsen Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/kempodcast/exclusive-content

CAST Dylan Malenfant: Co-producer, Gamemaster Aram Vartian: Co-producer, Editor MUSIC "A Truly Powerful Force" by NC Music "Capital City" by Stephane Lorello Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/kempodcast/exclusive-content

As is our tradition with each batch of creatures, Dylan and Aram run through all the monsters from season 3 and debate if they would do a murder.  CAST Dylan Malenfant: Co-producer, Gamemaster Aram Vartian: Co-producer, Editor MUSIC "A Truly Powerful Force" by NC Music "Capital City" by Stephane Lorello Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/kempodcast/exclusive-content

We are joined by Trevor Valle. Trevor is a part-time field paleontologist who specializes in the recovery and preparation of fossils, and making sure construction crews don't accidentally dig up mammoths. You might have seen him on the History Channel, or maybe on NatGeo digging up mammoths in Siberia, or a bunch of other shows talking about dead stuff and different catastrophic ways the world can end. He is a cast member of Negative2Charisma's “A Sinner's Dream”, the paleontology consultant and dinosaur creator for the new primeval D&D 5E campaign setting Planegea from Atlas Games, and the Creative Director of the upcoming Official D&D Hockey Jersey line from GeekyJerseys. He can be found on Twitter @tattoosandbones. CAST Dylan Malenfant: Co-producer, Gamemaster Aram Vartian: Co-producer, Editor MUSIC "A Truly Powerful Force" by NC Music "Capital City" by Stephane Lorello Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/kempodcast/exclusive-content

We are joined by Juni Ruiz. Juni is a Pro GM, content creator, and very nerdy dad. When he's not running after his adorable toddler or co-hosting Warlocks & Waffles, the *only* 8 a.m. TTRPG morning show, he brings characters to life on TTRPG streams and podcasts. Inexplicably, he still finds time to watch too much anime and keep up with his other favorite fandoms/hobbies, such as Pokemon, Power Rangers, more anime, and board games. Kill Every Monster is a 5th Edition Dungeons and Dragons podcast. In each episode, we are joined by a guest to discuss the lore, mechanics, and story potential of classic D&D creatures. We debate tactics for maximizing these creatures in your game, and we ask the ever-important question: are they really a monster? Send us your questions for a future mailbag episode! CAST Dylan Malenfant: Co-producer, Gamemaster Aram Vartian: Co-producer, Editor MUSIC "A Truly Powerful Force" by NC Music "Capital City" by Stephane Lorello Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/kempodcast/exclusive-content

We are joined by Haley Whipjack and Gus Rachels. Haley Whipjack is an educator, podcaster, and passionate fan of making fun things. They are a cohost, GM, and player on TTRPG actual play podcast Unprepared Casters, while also pursuing personal creative projects on her TikTok and YouTube channels. Gus Rachels is a multidisciplinary artist with a fascination for games and game design. He is a co-founder of the TTRPG actual play podcast Unprepared Casters, a motion designer, a rock musician, an occasional Twitch streamer, and a proud cat dad. Kill Every Monster is a 5th Edition Dungeons and Dragons podcast. In each episode, we are joined by a guest to discuss the lore, mechanics, and story potential of classic D&D creatures. We debate tactics for maximizing these creatures in your game, and we ask the ever-important question: are they really a monster? CAST Dylan Malenfant: Co-producer, Gamemaster Aram Vartian: Co-producer, Editor MUSIC "A Truly Powerful Force" by NC Music "Capital City" by Stephane Lorello Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/kempodcast/exclusive-content