The Splatbook

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

In which John, Ben, Jess, and Matt chase the true meaning of a White Whale campaign—is it the time itself or the change it brings? Inspired by a recent Roll for Topic episode, we ask whether long campaigns are a dream worth chasing or a relic of the past, and if one session can deliver catharsis, why play 50? Along the way, we explore shifting gaming priorities, honoring old gaming loves, and what truly makes a game fulfilling.https://zombiestrainspodcast.com/Contact Us!splatbookpod@gmail.comThe Splatphone!Roll For Topic

In which John, Ben, and Jess play as goblins in Grant Howitt’s game Goblin Quest. They become an increasingly chaotic gaggle of goblins, swapping in a new goblin character each time their previous goblin dies. Together they trebuchet to the top of the Wizard’s Tower to become the Belle of the Ball and attempt to fulfill all their Goblinoid hopes and dreams, leaving only a few fallen goblins in their wake. Contact Us!splatbookpod@gmail.comThe Splatphone!Roll For Topichttps://zombiestrainspodcast.com/

This is normally an off week for The Splatbook, so I thought i would share an new podcast project I have been working. Zombies Strains is an attempt to understand how zombie movies came to dominate the horror genre after the year 2000. How did it all start? What makes a good zombie movie? We answer attempt to answer all of these questions and more in... Zombie Strains It’s Andy’s turn to present his baseline zombie film. His choice, The Girl with All the Gifts (2017), is strikingly different than John’s. Fast zombies? Check. Fast transmission? Check. Hordes of children who turn into zombies at the scent of humans? That’s new! Andy and John discuss this thought-provoking movie as they take another step on their zombie journey.https://zombiestrainspodcast.com/Contact Us!splatbookpod@gmail.comThe Splatphone!Roll For Topic

Ben and John dive deep into the evolution of RPGs and the rise of indie games. They discuss whether RPGs are fragmenting into niche play styles and how mainstream popularity might dilute creativity. The conversation explores the exciting intersection of board games and RPGs, highlighting the movement towards co-op experiences. They also ponder the importance of fostering inclusive play spaces across generations, all while navigating the balance between structured story games and the thrill of unpredictable narratives.

Please join the Splatbook Players as game master Jess runs the gang through a delightfully dark session of "To Serve Her Wintry Hunger", a story-telling RPG by Stephen DeweyTo Server Her Wintry HungerStephen Dewey PatreonContact Us!splatbookpod@gmail.comThe Splatphone!Roll For Topic