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Andy and Chris talk about Stranger Things and then an issue that Andy had at the table with players and their pregen characters.

Every year, we host a game convention in Ann Arbor. And every year, a highlight of the con is our obscure RPG trivia contest! This is the live recording of RfT Con 2025’s trivia segment. How does your RPG trivia knowledge stack up?

Chris and Andy are busy planning RfT Con, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t brainstorming new campaigns they want to run. In this short pre-convention episode, they chat about the campaigns they’re gearing up to run this autumn/winter.

Garrett Douglas, creator of Wayne Scotting’s Guide to the Very Small Folk, shares his expertise on running fast-paced tabletop sessions. He dives into the intricacies of managing a game in just two hours, offering valuable tips like hard scene framing to keep players engaged. The conversation also highlights unique game designs, the Kickstarter journey, and nostalgic stories from local game stores. Listeners will enjoy Garrett's insights on balancing mechanics and creativity to create memorable, quick gaming experiences.

Chris is joined by guest GM Andy Jones to talk about the intersection between gaming and theater and how good kids these days have it with being able to talk openly about their hobbies.

Toby’s going to run a game at RfT Con 2025 about mechs! He comes on to talk through some design ideas and Andy and Chris get very excited about mechs!

The hosts share a heartfelt tale of a beach trip filled with spontaneous D&D fun. They discuss the joys of playing role-playing games in unconventional settings and introducing younger players to D&D. Mixed feelings about fireworks displays provide a lively backdrop for their stories. Nostalgia hits as they reminisce about the 'Blueprints' game, exploring its unique mechanics. A deep dive into 'The Gunslinger' examines anti-hero traits and moral complexities, sparking a passionate conversation about character dynamics in gaming.

Chris shares the experience of watching his young daughter and her friends play D&D for the first time. What can jaded adult GMs learn from watching kids hack their way through a D&D adventure? And in what is becoming our regular book discussion segment, Chris and Andy discuss the gaming appeal of Stephen King’s The … Continue reading "Episode 171 – The Kids Are Alright"

Andy seeks advice about an upcoming game for a group of newbie players. But not before our hosts talk books, Andy excitedly describes his first trip to a swamp, and Chris reveals that his young daughter is about to make her first foray into TTRPGs.

Discover the excitement of navigating referral-based experiences, likened to thrilling side quests. Dive into the joy of trusting others in unfamiliar situations, enriching storytelling. Explore quirky economies in gaming, from prom attire to unusual character needs like a katana salesman. Learn how local economies enhance narrative depth and shape player choices. Finally, hear insights on adapting tabletop systems, focusing on player agency and innovative mechanics that elevate the gaming experience.