S5E36 - Johnson Squared
Summary
Hosts Yocha, Brad, and Skullboy welcome guest Amanda P to discuss her upcoming cult-themed Mothership adventure, *Vestal*. The group reviews *Johnson Squared*, a site-based investigation module featuring color-coded clones on a jungle planet, noting its clean layout and Among Us-inspired mystery mechanics. They also address a listener question about the utility of physical crafts and visual aids in TTRPGs, debating whether such tools enhance immersion or add unnecessary prep burden.
Topics discussed
Introduction and welcome back Amanda P
Corn vs. Maize and social media censorship
Zuckerberg, Facebook, and corn maze navigation
Amanda P's background and recent projects
The 'Blog Person' label and design tools
Physical props, 3D printing, and Goodman Games
Terrain, hex maps, and referee prep methods
Miniatures, digital tools, and Kickstarter extras
Johnson Squared: Credits and production details
Plot overview: Clones, mystery, and Among Us vibes
Critique of room naming and layout complexity
Page count, readability, and negative space design
Print vs. digital formats and CMYK color profiles
Art style: Eurocomics, Fallout, and unsettling humor
Amanda P's review: Complexity and lack of danger
Social deduction mechanics and player agency
The missing map: Navigation and spatial awareness
Deep dive: The plot twist and final encounter
NPC interaction and Danganronpa comparisons
Outro: Podcast platforms, shoes, and first CDs
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