Start A Quest! cover art

Start A Quest!

Start A Quest!

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
  • 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
  • Your D&D setting needs fewer swords with better names.
    Jan 11 2026

    Less is more in worldbuilding, because TOO MUCH completely sucks. If you want to make your items, locations and creatures really pop, you need to make them scarce and give them a super cool name.

    Watch the video version here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L7M_d7UXMyc

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

    ▼▼ SOURCES MENTIONED ▼▼

    1. Wanderhome https://possumcreekgames.com/pages/wanderhome

    2. Wildsea TTRPG https://www.myth.works/collections/the-wildsea-homepage

    3. John Harper talking about the line and narrative authority https://mightyatom.blogspot.com/2010/10/apocalypse-world-crossing-line.html?m=1

    Show More Show Less
    41 mins
No reviews yet
In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.