The Splatbook

In which John, Jess, Ben, and their guest, James Pozenel, hack into Netcrawl, a cyberdungeon crawl in the style of Dungeon Crawl Classics. Here the whole party enters the digital fray, not just the netrunner or cybermancer. Using a flexible skill system that gives every character a chance to make an impact, our intrepid hosts dive into a server to encounter techno-spiders and the Core Queen dragon. Along the way they discuss the differences between Netcrawl and Dungeon Crawl Classics, and celebrate how Netcrawl re-imagines cyberspace as a shared, perilous frontier.Horseshark GamesOrder Netcrawl Now!Check out John's new podcast: Zombie StrainsContact Us!splatbookpod@gmail.comThe Splatphone!Roll For Topic

In this special episode John is joined by Amber, Hailee, and Matt from the RPG collective, Cloud Curio. We discuss their new project, Book of Wyrms as well as growing up in RPGs, and learning how to get support as a GM when designing new adventures Book of Wyrms on KickstarterCheck out John's new podcast: Zombie StrainsContact Us!splatbookpod@gmail.comThe Splatphone!Roll For Topic

Join the hosts as they roll up characters for three unique OSR systems, each reflecting different design aesthetics. The whimsical side of character creation shines through as they craft an Elven Sage while balancing silly traits with mechanics. Meet Hrenic Shankwold, the hilariously clumsy fighter with his awkward low dexterity. With a focus on minimalism in character sheets, they discuss how design impacts new players' experiences. Tune in for a light-hearted exploration of the joys and quirks of tabletop RPGs!

In which John, Jess, and their guest, Stephen Dewey, discuss the design his game To Serve Her Wintry Hunger. Together they dive into the magic of games built around evocative questions and emotional pacing. Stephen shares how he uses rules to do the heavy lifting and reinforce the emotional weight of the story. Along the way, they explore emotional cadence, the reliability of tightly written rules, and how mechanics can echo dread, wonder, and everything in between.Check out John's new podcast: Zombie StrainsContact Us!splatbookpod@gmail.comThe Splatphone!Roll For TopicFollow Stephen:Calvary Gamestwitch.tvpatreon.combluesky

In which John, Jess, and Ben explore the many flavors of chaos a player can bring. We discuss the role of emotional intelligence at the table, the energizing and disrupting impact of unruly players, and how Chaos Goblins—love them or not—might actually be the secret teachers of the TTRPG world.Check out John's new podcast: Zombie StrainsContact Us!splatbookpod@gmail.comThe Splatphone!Roll For Topic

John and Ben dive into the emotional connection we have with physical RPG books. They explore the tactile joys that come from tabletop gaming and discuss how these physical items shape our identities. The conversation touches on the balance between owning books and the digital world's allure. Personal stories highlight the passionate yet practical side of collecting. With a dash of humor, they reflect on planning versus spontaneity in gaming sessions, showcasing the delightful chaos that makes tabletop adventures memorable.

In which John, Jess, and Ben explore how games become vessels that hold our friendships, memories, and the people we've loved. We share the stories of how we met through games and the powerful farewell of a friend whose story ended both in-game and in life. We discuss how through games, we are not just individuals but part of a vast, interconnected web of relationships held by the stories we tell each other.Check out John's new podcast: Zombie StrainsContact Us!splatbookpod@gmail.comThe Splatphone!Roll For Topic

Gareth Hanrahan, lead writer for The One Ring – Moria: Through the Doors of Durin, brings his deep knowledge of Tolkien’s world to this engaging conversation. They delve into the challenges of designing gameplay in Moria, blending lore with adventure. Gareth discusses the haunting presence of the Balrog and the intricacies of monster encounters. The impact of shadow mechanics on character choices adds depth, while the evocative artwork and maps enhance the exploration of this legendary setting.

In which we play Fängelsehåla and chat with its designer, Garry, about his elegantly interconnected rules and old-school aesthetic. As Runnen, Kallax, and Klippan, we battle through a dungeon’s entrance, ride a bat, and uncover a secret tunnel. Along the way, we discuss the tactile joy of the Doom Stack, the balance between fairness and flexibility in game design, and what makes Fängelsehåla feel like the RPG you found at your granny’s house. Dieku GamesBug Buster Pre-launchGarry's Podcast/YouTubeCheck out John's new podcast: Zombie StrainsContact Us!splatbookpod@gmail.comThe Splatphone!Roll For Topic 

In which Tony Vasinda and JP Coovert join John for a quick chat about RPG  Zine Month!FukuzatsuPlus One ExpDevelopment Hell!Midnight MarathonJP CoovertTourist HoleSilver Age Quickstarthttps://zombiestrainspodcast.com/Contact Us!splatbookpod@gmail.comThe Splatphone!Roll For Topic