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Andy and Chris talk about the lives our PCs lead outside of the adventuring life. They also inadvertently pitch a very fun sounding game where you play a bunch of teachers.

Explore the intricate impact of character aging on storytelling in tabletop games. Discover how age differences can enrich narratives and gameplay, leading to more engaging dynamics. Delve into the complexities of social interactions in RPGs, and the need for robust mechanics that go beyond combat. Learn about the challenges of orchestrating a grand ball scenario, complete with strategic choices and unexpected twists. Finally, hear the call for greater representation of diverse age groups in games, reflecting players' real-life experiences.

What do you do when one of your players comes to the table with a PC that has a horse, mount, or another game feature that radically changes tactical situations? Chris and Andy discuss ways you can approach mounts in a way that doesn’t cheat the player of their mount, but which also doesn’t hurt … Continue reading "Episode 164 – How Do You Handle Player Mounts and Horses?"

Dive into a lively discussion about the sci-fi novel 'Ancillary Justice,' where listeners explore the subjective nature of literature. Nostalgia for standalone stories sparks a reflection on the shift toward sequels in storytelling. Personal gaming interests evolve as speakers share their journeys away from former hobbies. The pod also highlights the thrill of backing Kickstarter projects in tabletop gaming, focusing on the creative use of in-game materials to boost player immersion. Discover how simple interactive elements can enhance storytelling and engagement.

What makes a wilderness survival game captivating? The hosts dive deep into balancing engaging gameplay with the grind of survival, discussing map-drawing and resource management. Their exploration of Stephen King's Dark Tower series reveals intriguing links to RPG concepts, while a nod to the Wizard of Oz adaptation keeps creativity alive. They also share insights on enhancing character dynamics, making companions more meaningful in gameplay. Join them for an adventure in both stories and survival strategies!

What does religious faith look like in your games? Do you encourage your players to make religious faith a key part of their PCs, whether or not their character class is mechanically built around it? Andy and Chris discuss–but not before a few detours into the Dune setting, Tolkien (again), and more.

Is tabletop roleplaying “just” an escapist diversion? How and why do we approach a hobby like gaming when news and politics and life in general are so heavy and overwhelming? Chris and Andy talk about the value of creative action in times of stress.

The hosts dive into their recent festive gaming adventure where they crafted a dungeon to save Christmas. They discuss the delicate balance between player engagement and structured gameplay in tabletop RPGs. The conversation turns to the complexities of managing long-term campaigns, including a challenging experience with Band of Blades. They also reflect on adult tabletop gaming, tackling mental health challenges, and the need for tailored resources. Lastly, they share their passion for creating unique campaigns and the collaborative storytelling that brings their games to life.

It’s our annual holiday tradition–a TTRPG actual play in which we run the roleplaying scenario that we designed in the last episode! Join Chris and he GMs a motley band of heroes try to save Christmas. The game system we’re using is Caltrop Core (https://caltropcore.com/), adapted for this holiday-cheer-filled scenario!

It’s that time of year again! Join Chris and Andy with special guests, John Corey and Kyle Latino, as they build a dungeon live on air! This is part 1 of 2. In the next episode Chris will run the dungeon for a bunch of lovely folks.