

RPG Reanimators
RPG Reanimators
A discussion-based podcast for GMs where we break down horror ttrpg scenarios for systems like Call of Cthulhu and Delta Green, discuss what worked for us, what didn't, what changes we made while running them, and how it all turned out for the table. Additional special topics include general game philosophies, advice, and occasional actual plays.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 29, 2025 • 59min
S1:E44 – TTRPG Scenario Editing and Formatting - Consultation with XPLovecat
Leslie "XPLovecat" Horn, a book coach and developmental editor, brings her expertise to the table, discussing how to transform chaotic writing into structured RPG scenarios. She shares strategies for fostering player agency and overcoming creative blocks in narrative crafting. The conversation delves into the importance of collaboration with editors and best practices for effective scenario organization. Leslie also highlights tools for creating engaging sandbox environments and the balance between rich descriptions and concise writing for maximum player engagement.

Jul 8, 2025 • 1h 1min
S1:E43 – Good Player Habits - Consultation
Explore essential player habits that elevate the gaming experience for both players and Game Masters. Learn the art of communication and its impact on group dynamics and scheduling. Discover strategies for crafting player characters that foster collaboration and respect boundaries. Balance story and strategy in narrative horror RPGs for a richer experience. Emphasize the importance of note-taking and player engagement while mastering RPG etiquette. Dive into community resources for deeper interaction and support!

Jun 24, 2025 • 51min
S1:E42 – Call of Cthulhu Scenario Inspiration Across the Decades (Chaosium Con 2025 Live Panel)
Episode Notes
Listen to a live recording of our nearly sold-out panel at Chaosium Con 2025 where we discuss sources of inspiration for new Call of Cthulhu scenarios in underused decades between the traditional 20s-30s settings and modern day! We cover different ideas and themes for mythos horror scenarios in the 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s, and early 2000s.
You can also tell this is a live recording by the sounds of a door repeatedly slamming as folks moved in and out of the talk, and definitely not from a tentacled creature breaking the barriers of our reality to return our call.
All music and sound effects are sourced under attribution free creative commons licensing.
This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

Jun 10, 2025 • 2h 3min
S1:E41 – Queer Horror - Consultation with Hailey Piper
Episode Notes
In this episode, we meet with horror author Hailey Piper to discuss queer horror as a genre and how we might apply some of her expertise from novel writing to emphasize queer themes, characters, and narratives in horror TTRPGs.
We also discuss lots of queer media recommendations and TTRPG systems, as well as a mildly concerning amount of Shrek - possibly due to some cross-contamination between Beth of the David Behaviour podcast and Fiona of the What am I Rolling podcast (mostly Beth though...)
Links:
You can find Hailey at her website, Bluesky, and IG and check out A Game in Yellow releasing in August and Teenage Girls Can Be Demons in September!
The Gender as Body Horror YouTube video referenced
You can find us on Discord, YouTube, and Bluesky, and support us on Patreon if you would like.
All music and sound effects are sourced under attribution-free creative commons licensing.
This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

May 27, 2025 • 1h 41min
S1:E40 – Manifesting Personal Horrors on the Page - Consultation with Todd Keisling
Todd Keisling, a horror author renowned for his thought-provoking works like Scanlines and Devil's Creek, dives deep into the art of crafting personal horrors in storytelling. He discusses the nuances of character evolution and the importance of motivations in relatable characters. The conversation also highlights how to create compelling antagonists and the therapeutic aspects of writing to confront personal fears. Additionally, Keisling shares insights on overcoming creative blocks and the balance of mood and spontaneity in writing.

May 13, 2025 • 2h 11min
S1:E39 – Teaching RPGs and Safety Tools - Consultation with Fiona
Episode Notes
In this episode, we ask our consulting expert Fiona of the What am I Rolling? podcast (and many other podcasts) about a variety of topics, including techniques to help teach new RPGs to players new and old, some best-practice methods to promote accessibility and using safety tools in RPGs, as well as improv techniques which can help players and GMs.
You can find a link to Fiona's awesome lines and veils spreadsheet in our lab's google drive here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1b2HEKM7Qi88rgFJpNfwjwPvqHfExw0B6IN6NKY9xih4/edit?usp=sharing so you can make a copy for yourself
You can find more of Fiona's stuff via the WAIR podcast website and YouTube channel
All music and sound effects are sourced under attribution-free creative commons licensing.
This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

Apr 8, 2025 • 2h 1min
S1:E38 – The Code - Dissection with Jon Hook
Episode Notes
In this episode, we dissect and reanimate The Code written by Christopher Lackey with Lynne Hardy for Call of Cthulhu 7e, and available as part of the Mansions of Madness vol. 1 collection from Chaosium (links below). We're also joined by special guest Jon Hook from the Modern Mythos podcast! Jon has been a huge fan of this scenario for some time, and shares his plans to transplant this scenario to the Gaslight setting, which he plans to run at Chaosium Con 2025!
Reanimation starts around 1:10:55
Links:
Mansions of Madness:
Physical: https://www.chaosium.com/mansions-of-madness-vol-1-behind-closed-doors-hardcover/?srsltid=AfmBOorzGWHzhApBWS8kGoTrhN2In7lwsCvndJxsc9d1xeZKJRhHqVa-
PDF: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/310791/mansions-of-madness-vol-1-behind-closed-doors
Plaintext handout resources: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1d3YyDVeiN3w6oXs-mw93q7DtXOUWr38i?usp=drive_link
Choice Cuts 2, as mentioned during this episode: https://pnc.st/s/rpg-reanimators/63fcaee1/lights-out-spilsbury-9485-the-mummy-of-pemberley-grange-wreck-this-deck-choice-cuts-2
Jon's previous run of the code with Into the Darkness: https://youtu.be/weNoovb2AJc?si=gFOe8yqiEzhYgFXb
RPG Reanimators Discord invite: https://discord.gg/R8Q6aeyVk8
All music and sound effects are sourced under attribution free creative commons licensing.
This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

Mar 18, 2025 • 1h 56min
S1:E37 – Unland - Dissection with Scott Dorward
Episode Notes
In this episode, we dissect and reanimate the Call of Cthulhu scenario UNLAND written by Scott Dorward, with the author himself! We dissect the creepy amusement park rides and talk about Silent Hill 2 more than a bit, while Scott shares how he runs this scenario very differently than written, as the scenario that made it to print became quite different than he'd originally envisioned it to be!
The scenario is in the Fear's Sharp Little Needles collection, which is available here: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/245289/fear-s-sharp-little-needles-26-modern-day-call-of-cthulhu-scenarios
Additionally, our Beating Heart-tier Intern Zander made some awesome custom handouts and gave us permission to share them, available in our Google Drive: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1JT-mFFRhNrfkHJjC5VCVgx2aMi-4z12x?usp=sharing
If you'd like to join our Discord: https://discord.gg/R8Q6aeyVk8
All music and sound effects are sourced under attribution free creative commons licensing
This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

Mar 4, 2025 • 1h 38min
S1:E36 – The Burning Stars - Dissection with Matt Sanderson
Episode Notes
In this episode, we meet with Good Friend Matt Sanderson to talk about his favorite Call of Cthulhu scenario The Burning Stars, written by David Conyers for Call of Cthulhu 6th edition. I describe this as "the most Call of Cthulhu-y-est scenario I have ever played" and for the first time, I'll recommend to anyone who has not already read or played this scenario to carefully consider if they want to spoil themselves on it by listening here, as it has a really fantastic twist that needs to come through at the table.
You can purchase a PDF of the Terrors from Beyond collection which contains this scenario from Chaosium here: https://www.chaosium.com/terrors-from-beyond-pdf/
After this recording, we also got permission from Thom Raley of Into the Darkness to share the fantastic updated handouts that he hasmade for this scenario, which you can find in our Google Drive here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1IRMWBjHWd0ISXjiywCPKcca3fPpdEafP?usp=sharing
All music and sound effects were made using attribution-free creative commons resources.
This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

Feb 4, 2025 • 1h 6min
S1:E35 – Realism, Verisimilitude, and Pulp in TTRPGs - Consultation
The hosts dive into the clash between realism and explosive pulpiness in RPGs. They explore how tone and humor can shape player experiences, emphasizing the need for flexibility. Discussions revolve around the balance of mechanics and narrative, particularly with firearms and resource management. They also tackle the challenges of running games like Delta Green, where bureaucratic gameplay can clash with gritty realism. Communication and feedback emerge as vital tools for enhancing group dynamics and ensuring an enjoyable experience.