Start A Quest! cover art

Start A Quest!

Start A Quest!

Written by: Matthew Perkins & Sidney Icarus
Listen for free

About this listen

SAQ is a fortnightly D&D and TTRPG podcast. Hosted by Matt (bald) and Sidney (they/them), based in Melbourne, Australia. Join the newsletter at www.start-a-quest.com :)

Matthew Perkins
Episodes
  • Fair combat does not exist in D&D
    Feb 22 2026

    Is D&D combat ever fair? We break down what “fair combat” actually means, how Dungeon Masters decide what monsters do on their turn, and why contest, challenge, and narrative lead to very different encounters. If you’ve ever wondered how monsters should behave in combat, this episode is for you.

    Watch the video version on YouTube: https://youtu.be/v9aPDlvKVfk

    And sign up for the newsletter: https://www.start-a-quest.com

    ▼▼ SOURCES MENTIONED ▼▼

    1. Kingdom Death https://kingdomdeath.com/

    2. The Monsters Know What They’re Doing by Keith Ammann https://www.themonstersknow.com/

    3. StarCraft (there's a wargame now!?) https://starcraft-tmg.com/

    4. Grimwilds TTRPG by Oddity Press https://linktr.ee/odditypress

    5. Kayfabe in wrestling https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kayfabe

    6. Gloomhaven https://cephalofair.com/pages/gloomhaven

    7. Gates of Krtstallia JTTRPG https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/gatesofkrystalia-rpg/gates-of-krystalia-lumina-the-card-based-anime-ttjrpg?ref=profile_created&category_id=34

    Show More Show Less
    44 mins
  • Why doesn't D&D have a timer?
    Feb 8 2026

    Compared to other TTRPGs, like Blades in the Dark, Shadowdark, or 13th Age, D&D does not have an integrated timer mechanic. Why not? This podcast discusses how it could be implemented.

    Watch the video version on YouTube: https://youtu.be/n6zOtD4c0lc

    And sign up for the newsletter: https://www.start-a-quest.com

    ▼▼ SOURCES MENTIONED ▼▼

    1. Dungeon World https://www.dungeon-world.com/

    2. 13th Age https://pelgranepress.com/13th-age/

    3. The beep test https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multi-stage_fitness_test

    4. Universal Paperclips https://www.decisionproblem.com/paperclips/

    5. Blades in the Dark https://bladesinthedark.com/progress-clocks

    6. Shadowdark https://www.thearcanelibrary.com

    7. Index Card RPG https://www.runehammer.online/index-card-rpg

    Show More Show Less
    45 mins
  • Destroy your Monster Manual.
    Jan 25 2026

    Imagine there is only ONE Beholder in your D&D setting, and when it is defeated, you award XP and loot, you place your Monster Manual on the table and invite the player who slew the beast to ritualistically tear the Beholder page out of the book. I think this would be a peak moment.

    Watch the video version on YouTube: https://youtu.be/zXWIUfgkxSc

    📧 Join the newsletter: https://www.start-a-quest.com

    Available in all podcast apps too! ▶ RSS https://media.rss.com/start-a-quest/feed.xml

    ▼▼ SPONSOR▼▼

    ❤️ Arkenforge: http://arkenforge.link/MattyP2

    This episode's sponsor is Arkenforge, a virtual-tabletop program designed for in-person games. They've just released a HUGE software update, which you can try for free with their 30-day free trial by following this link.

    ▼▼ SOURCES MENTIONED ▼▼

    1. The Power of Moments https://heathbrothers.com/books/the-power-of-moments/

    2. Gloomhaven https://cephalofair.com/pages/gloomhaven

    3. Dungeon World https://www.dungeon-world.com/

    4. Mork Borg https://morkborg.com/

    5. Wreck This Journal https://kerismith.squarespace.com/books

    6. Ten Candles https://cavalrygames.com/ten-candles-info

    Show More Show Less
    39 mins
No reviews yet