This is a Re-aired episode from 2024:

Have you ever wondered, "Am I running my horror TTRPG (Tabletop Role-Playing Game) correctly?" or "Should my players feel more scared?" If these questions sound familiar, you’re in the right place!

In today’s episode, we dive deep into the purpose of running a horror game, discussing how to effectively create tension, fear, and atmosphere in your TTRPG sessions. Whether you're a new Game Master or a seasoned pro, these expert insights will help you take your horror campaigns to the next level.

Joining us are our experienced panel of GMs: Nick, Franco, Rio, and Shade. With over 50 years of combined Game Mastering experience, we explore the art of running immersive horror games, covering everything from pacing to player psychology.

LINKS!

→ ⁠Tabletopped's website⁠

→ ⁠Patreon⁠

→ ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠

→ ⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠

Check us out on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! We have a new monthly pod as well as behind the scenes clips that you can get on a secret Spotify feed! We will also be dropping some more treats from time to time!

Theme music by ⁠Michelle Poulin⁠

Support and Subscribe to the Podcast!

In this episode, we sit down and try and figure out the best way to roleplay at table. Who best to join in on this talk? Why not the man who teaches a class on the subject: John Serpico!

Whether you're a seasoned GM who's a grizzled describer or a newer Game Master wondering how to weave your story without losing your players, this episode delivers practical insights with the kind of hard-won wisdom that only comes from years of spinning stories around the table.

We dive deep into the world of storytelling and explore how narratives, descriptions, and plot structures can enhance rather than complicate the gaming experience.

Topics Covered:

• How to get into character
• How to change your character in realistic ways
• Tips and tricks on how to feel more comfortable storytelling at the table

So grab your dice, your favorite beverage, and maybe dust off that campaign notebook with all those interconnected plot threads—we're diving into every reason why stories within stories deserve more love at your gaming table!

Join host Nick Perron as he draws from his expertise in the TTRPG space to explore the cutting edge of game design with creators who are pushing boundaries and making magic happen one dice roll at a time.

Tabletopped's Stuff:

→ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tabletopped's website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

→ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

→ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Check us out on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! We have a new monthly pod as well as behind the scenes clips that you can get on a secret Spotify feed! We will also be dropping some more treats from time to time!

Theme music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mitch Poulin⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this episode, we sit down and try and figure out the best way to narrate a game. Should you prepare? Use Box Text? Improvise? How often/long should you narrate?

Whether you're a seasoned GM who's a grizzled describer or a newer Game Master wondering how to weave your story without losing your players, this episode delivers practical insights with the kind of hard-won wisdom that only comes from years of spinning stories around the table.

We dive deep into the world of storytelling and explore how narratives, descriptions, and plot structures can enhance rather than complicate the gaming experience.

Topics Covered:

• How to describe scenes
• Box Text
• Do's and Don'ts

So grab your dice, your favorite beverage, and maybe dust off that campaign notebook with all those interconnected plot threads—we're diving into every reason why stories within stories deserve more love at your gaming table!

Join host Nick Perron as he draws from his expertise in the TTRPG space to explore the cutting edge of game design with creators who are pushing boundaries and making magic happen one dice roll at a time.

Tabletopped's Stuff:

→ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tabletopped's website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

→ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Check us out on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! We have a new monthly pod as well as behind the scenes clips that you can get on a secret Spotify feed! We will also be dropping some more treats from time to time!

Theme music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mitch Poulin⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this episode, we're tackling one of the most overlooked aspects of tabletop gaming—and no, we're not talking about "min-maxing" or "rules lawyer debates." The hosts explore the art and mindset of playing your home game like you're recording for thousands of listeners, diving into why adopting actual play techniques isn't performative theater but rather a powerful approach for creating more engaging and memorable sessions.

Whether you're a seasoned GM who's noticed your players scrolling phones during combat or a newer Game Master wondering why your epic campaign moments fall flat at the table, this episode delivers practical techniques with the kind of hard-won wisdom that only comes from years of watching what works in both intimate kitchen table games and streamed actual plays.

Special guest @lexgetspizza is interviewed as we dive deep into the psychology of engagement and explore how narrative pacing, character voice work, and cinematic description can transform even the most mundane dungeon crawl into appointment gaming.

Topics Covered:

• What "actual play energy" really means and why it's not about being performative
• The psychology of engagement: how attention and investment create better stories
• Character voice and physicality as tools for deeper roleplay immersion
• Sessions that nail the vibe: Critical Role techniques for home tables
• Debunking "actual play is fake" and other common misconceptions about performance
• The social contract of engagement: when to dial up the energy and when to keep it casual
• Teaching cinematic description to players without making them feel like actors
• How structure and intentional pacing fuel memorable moments rather than restrict natural flow
• Managing the "highlight reel effect" and dealing with comparison to professional shows

So grab your dice, your favorite beverage, and maybe dust off that character voice you've been too shy to use—we're diving into every reason why bringing actual play techniques to your home game will make everyone more excited to show up!

Join host Nick Perron as he draws from his expertise in the TTRPG space to explore what makes games truly captivating with creators and players who are elevating the hobby one session at a time.

→ Tabletopped's Stuff:

→ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tabletopped's website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

→ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

→ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

→ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Check us out on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! We have a new monthly pod as well as behind the scenes clips that you can get on a secret Spotify feed! We will also be dropping some more treats from time to time!

Theme music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mitch Poulin⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this episode of Tabletopped, we dive deep into the shadowy world of "Delta Green," the Lovecraftian horror TTRPG that's been keeping our conspiracy theories alive and our sanity scores dangerously low! Join our seasoned panel of GMs—Nick, Franco, Rio, and Shade—as we investigate whether this game deserves a permanent place in your tabletop arsenal.

• The unique percentile-based mechanics that blend modern conspiracy thriller with cosmic horror
• Our personal experiences running and playing through Delta Green operations
• A deep dive into the game's sanity system, bonds mechanics, and character degradation over time

• Breaking down the game's innovative investigation and violence systems
• Sharing our most memorable (and soul-crushing) moments from Delta Green operations
• Analyzing the delicate balance between player agency and inevitable cosmic insignificance

Whether you're a TTRPG enthusiast looking for your next descent into madness or a GM seeking to expand your horror storytelling toolkit, this episode offers candid insights into whether "Delta Green" deserves a classified file in your game collection.

Key Topics Discussed:Join us as we explore:

In this episode of Tabletopped, the gang is back to talk with our boots on the ground reporter, Franco, as we discuss his experience at this year's Gen Con.

• Winners and losers of Gen Con 2025
• What new TTRPGs caught Franco's attention
• What to do if you want to go to a con

LINKS!

→ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tabletopped's website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

→ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

→ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

→ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Check us out on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! We have a new monthly pod as well as behind the scenes clips that you can get on a secret Spotify feed! We will also be dropping some more treats from time to time!

Theme music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Michelle Poulin⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this episode, we're tackling one of the most fascinating storytelling techniques in tabletop gaming—and no, we're not talking about "flashback mechanics" or "framing devices." The hosts explore the art and craft of nested narratives, diving into why stories within stories aren't just narrative flourish but rather a powerful tool for creating immersive, multi-layered gaming experiences.

Whether you're a seasoned GM who's experimented with tales-within-tales or a newer Game Master wondering how to weave multiple narrative threads without losing your players, this episode delivers practical insights with the kind of hard-won wisdom that only comes from years of spinning interconnected stories around the table.

We dive deep into the world of layered storytelling and explore how nested narratives, character backstories, and multi-level plot structures can enhance rather than complicate the gaming experience.

Topics Covered:

• The psychology of stories within stories: how layered tales create depth and engagement
• Character-driven nesting: when PC backstories become adventures themselves
• Systems that support nested storytelling: Blades in the Dark, Burning Wheel, and Chronicles of Darkness
• Managing complexity: keeping multiple narrative threads coherent and compelling
• The social contract of nested stories: when to embrace or simplify your narrative approach

• How constraints and structure in nested stories fuel creativity rather than confuse it

• Player agency in nested narratives: maintaining choice across multiple story layers

So grab your dice, your favorite beverage, and maybe dust off that campaign notebook with all those interconnected plot threads—we're diving into every reason why stories within stories deserve more love at your gaming table!

Join host Nick Perron as he draws from his expertise in the TTRPG space to explore the cutting edge of game design with creators who are pushing boundaries and making magic happen one dice roll at a time.

→ Tabletopped's Stuff:

→ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tabletopped's website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

→ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

→ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

→ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Check us out on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! We have a new monthly pod as well as behind the scenes clips that you can get on a secret Spotify feed! We will also be dropping some more treats from time to time!

Theme music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mitch Poulin⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this episode, we're tackling one of the most controversial topics in tabletop gaming—and no, we're not talking about "edition wars" or "alignment arguments." The hosts explore the art and science of crunchy game mechanics, diving into why complex systems aren't the enemy of good storytelling but rather a powerful tool for creating memorable narratives.

Whether you're a seasoned GM who's embraced the mathematical beauty of detailed systems or a newer Game Master wondering if all those modifiers and subsystems are worth the effort, this episode delivers passionate defense with the kind of hard-won wisdom that only comes from years of rolling dice and crunching numbers.

Special guest Derek Kane-Gervais is interviewed as we dive deep into the world of rules-heavy RPGs and explore how probability curves, character optimization, and mechanical complexity can enhance rather than hinder the storytelling experience.

Topics Covered:

• What "crunch" really means and why it's not a dirty word in TTRPG design
• The mathematics of drama: how probability creates tension and uncertainty
• Character building as creative expression and problem-solving artistry
• Systems that do crunch right: Pathfinder 2e, GURPS, and Shadowrun
• Debunking "crunch kills roleplay" and other common misconceptions
• The social contract of complexity: when to embrace or avoid crunchy games
• Teaching complex systems to new players without overwhelming them
• How constraints and rules fuel creativity rather than restrict it

So grab your dice, your favorite beverage, and maybe dust off that character optimizer spreadsheet—we're diving into every reason why mathematical storytelling deserves more love!

Join host Nick Perron as he draws from his expertise in the TTRPG space to explore the cutting edge of game design with creators who are pushing boundaries and making magic happen one dice roll at a time.

→ Tabletopped's Stuff:

→ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tabletopped's website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

→ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

→ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Check us out on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! We have a new monthly pod as well as behind the scenes clips that you can get on a secret Spotify feed! We will also be dropping some more treats from time to time!

Theme music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mitch Poulin⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this episode, we're tackling one of the most dreaded phrases in tabletop gaming—and no, we're not talking about "rocks fall, everyone dies." The hosts explore the art and science of managing party splits outside of combat scenarios, diving into practical strategies that keep everyone engaged when your adventuring party decides to scatter to the four winds.

Whether you're a seasoned GM who's watched party splits derail entire sessions or a newer Game Master wondering how to handle your first "wait, we're splitting up?" moment, this episode delivers actionable advice with the kind of hard-won wisdom that only comes from managing countless scattered adventuring parties.

Topics Covered:

• Why party splits happen and when they're actually beneficial to your story
• Time management techniques that keep all players engaged during split scenarios
• The spotlight system: ensuring every player gets meaningful screen time
• Creative solutions for handling multiple simultaneous conversations and investigations
• When to say no to a party split and how to redirect without railroading
• Tools and techniques for tracking multiple party threads without losing your mind

So grab your dice, your favorite beverage, and maybe practice your pickup lines—we're diving into every way you can deal with a split party!

Join host Nick Perron as he draws from his expertise in the TTRPG space to explore the cutting edge of indie game design with creators who are pushing boundaries and making magic happen one dice roll at a time.

→ Tabletopped's Stuff:

→ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tabletopped's website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

→ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

→ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

→ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Check us out on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! We have a new monthly pod as well as behind the scenes clips that you can get on a secret Spotify feed! We will also be dropping some more treats from time to time!

Theme music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mitch Poulin⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this episode, we're getting up close and personal with romance mechanics—and no, we're not talking about your last Tinder disaster. Host Nick Perron sits down with Mat from the Role Play Chat podcast to dive deep into his brand new TTRPG creation: First Date Update. From nervous small talk mechanics to butterfly-inducing connection systems, this indie game is redefining what it means to roll for romance at the tabletop.

Whether you're a forever GM looking for something fresh or just curious about how indie designers tackle the trickiest emotions to gamify, Mat breaks down everything from core mechanics to his design philosophy with the kind of passion that only comes from someone who's been there, done that, and rolled the dice to prove it.

Topics Covered:

• What First Date Update is really about (spoiler: it's deeper than you think)
• How the core mechanics capture those first-date butterflies without being cringe
• Mat's journey from concept to finished game—the playtesting, the pivots, the "aha!" moments

• The design decisions that make this game tick, from mechanic creation to resolution systems

So grab your dice, your favorite beverage, and maybe practice your pickup lines—we're diving into the wonderful world of romantic tabletop gaming!

Join host Nick Perron as he draws from his expertise in the TTRPG space to explore the cutting edge of indie game design with creators who are pushing boundaries and making magic happen one dice roll at a time.

LINKS!→ Mat's Stuff:• Role Play Chat Linktree

• Itch Page: Check out for access to the game in August!

→ Tabletopped's Stuff:

→ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tabletopped's website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

→ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

→ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

→ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Check us out on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! We have a new monthly pod as well as behind the scenes clips that you can get on a secret Spotify feed! We will also be dropping some more treats from time to time!

Theme music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mitch Poulin⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this episode, we’re diving into the things that have been living rent-free in our heads lately—from dice-rolling daydreams to late-night reading binges. We’re talking cyberpunk aesthetics, revisiting Neuromancer and what it means for TTRPG worldbuilding, plus some of the coolest new D&D monsters we've come across and how they could shake up your next encounter.

Whether you’re looking for campaign inspiration or just want to hear what kinds of media are fueling our creativity, this one’s for you.

Topics Covered:

• The legacy of Neuromancer and how cyberpunk still hacks our imaginations

• New and weird D&D monsters that could derail your whole party (in a good way)

• Books that are shaping the way we think about storytelling

• Indie game discoveries and TTRPG ideas we can’t stop noodling on

So grab your dice, your favorite beverage, and come hang out with us!

Join our seasoned panel of GMs—Nick, Franco, Rio, and Shade—as we draw from over 50 years of Game Mastering experience to help you find the next perfect obsession.

LINKS!

→ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tabletopped's website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

→ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

→ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

→ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Check us out on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! We have a new monthly pod as well as behind the scenes clips that you can get on a secret Spotify feed! We will also be dropping some more treats from time to time!

Theme music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mitch Poulin⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this episode, Rio, Franco, Shade, and Nick dive deep into the wild and wonderful world of Wilderfeast, the TTRPG where culinary adventure meets dangerous exploration. We explore how to craft memorable campaigns in this unique setting that blends cooking, monster hunting, and community building into one delicious experience. In the episode we also talk about:

• How to balance the cooking mechanics with traditional TTRPG gameplay
• Creating memorable monster encounters that serve both combat and culinary purposes

• The game's innovative approach to downtime and character development through cooking

Join our seasoned panel of GMs—Nick, Franco, Rio, and Shade—as we draw from over 50 years of Game Mastering experience to help you serve up the perfect Wilderfeast campaign.

LINKS!

→ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tabletopped's website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

→ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Check us out on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! We have a new monthly pod as well as behind the scenes clips that you can get on a secret Spotify feed! We will also be dropping some more treats from time to time!

Theme music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mitch Poulin⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this episode, Rio, Stephen, and Nick talk about Cyberpunk's Night City as a setting to place your ttrpg campaign. We talk about it's lore from Cyberpunk 2020, Cyberpunk Red, and Cyberpunk 2077, as well as how to use it's unique blend of capitalist dystopia, technology, and freedom to make an amazing campaign. In the episode we also talk about:

• How we would frame a story in Night City
• Cyberpunks core tenants as put forward by creator Mike Pondsmith
• Power level in Night City and how to challenge your players
• Gangs, Enemies, and potential NPCs

Join our seasoned panel of GMs—Nick, Franco, Rio, and Shade—as we draw from over 50 years of Game Mastering experience to help you navigate the terrors of deep space gaming.

LINKS!

→ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tabletopped's website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Check us out on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! We have a new monthly pod as well as behind the scenes clips that you can get on a secret Spotify feed! We will also be dropping some more treats from time to time!

Theme music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mitch Poulin⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this episode, the hosts examine leveling mechanics in tabletop RPGs, discussing their purpose, various implementations across different systems, and strategies for incorporating character progression into your games effectively.

• The purpose of leveling mechanics: progression, rewards, and maintaining player engagement
• Comparison of different leveling systems (XP-based, milestone, mixed approaches)
• How leveling affects game balance and party dynamics
• Creative alternatives to traditional leveling

Join our seasoned panel of GMs—Nick, Franco, Rio, and Shade—as we draw from over 50 years of Game Mastering experience to help you navigate the terrors of deep space gaming.

LINKS!

→ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tabletopped's website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

→ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Check us out on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! We have a new monthly pod as well as behind the scenes clips that you can get on a secret Spotify feed! We will also be dropping some more treats from time to time!

Theme music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mitch Poulin⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this healing episode of Tabletopped, host Nick brings together our regular panel of tabletop gaming experts to dissect and analyze healing mechanics across various TTRPGs. From traditional hit points to narrative-driven recovery systems, the panel explores what makes healing engaging, balanced, and meaningful in gameplay.

• Comparative analysis of healing systems in D&D, Cairn, and more
• Discussion on the "5-minute adventuring day" problem and how different games address it
• The psychological impact of different healing mechanics on player decision-making

• Debate on resource management vs. narrative recovery approaches
• How healing mechanics reflect a game's tone and intended play experience
• Creative alternatives to traditional healing systems from indie TTRPGs

Join our seasoned panel of GMs—Nick, Franco, Rio, and Shade—as we draw from over 50 years of Game Mastering experience to help you navigate the terrors of deep space gaming.

LINKS!

→ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tabletopped's website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

→ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Check us out on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! We have a new monthly pod as well as behind the scenes clips that you can get on a secret Spotify feed! We will also be dropping some more treats from time to time!

Theme music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mitch Poulin⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this week's exciting episode of Tabletopped, we boldly go where no gaming podcast has gone before! Join us as Nick sits down with game designers Al Spader and Michael Dismuke to discuss their work on the the second edition of Star Trek Adventures!

In the episode:

• Al and Michael share their journey from Star Trek fans to official game designers
• Deep dive into the core mechanics changes in Star Trek Adventures 2.0
• How the team balanced staying true to Star Trek lore while creating engaging gameplay
• The challenges of updating the original system while keeping what fans loved

• Behind-the-scenes stories from playtesting sessions

Today's Guests:

Al Spader: Lead designer for Star Trek Adventures 2.0, Al has been with the project since its inception and previously worked on numerous acclaimed RPG supplements. Find out more about Al HERE

Michael Dismuke: Writer and game designer specializing in narrative development, Michael has contributed to multiple Star Trek Adventures sourcebooks and brings his passion for storytelling to the 2.0 edition. Check out his website HERE

Join our seasoned panel of GMs—Nick, Franco, Rio, and Shade—as we draw from over 50 years of Game Mastering experience to help you navigate the terrors of deep space gaming.

LINKS!

→ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tabletopped's website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

→ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

→ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

→ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Check us out on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! We have a new monthly pod as well as behind the scenes clips that you can get on a secret Spotify feed! We will also be dropping some more treats from time to time!

Theme music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mitch Poulin⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Today we are taking another listener question from the discord! Today's question is all about who can add onto a backstory and how a GM should approach contributing or including backstory elements in the game.

Join our seasoned panel of GMs—Nick, Franco, Rio, and Shade—as we draw from over 50 years of Game Mastering experience to help you navigate the terrors of deep space gaming.

LINKS!

→ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tabletopped's website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

→ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

→ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

→ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Check us out on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! We have a new monthly pod as well as behind the scenes clips that you can get on a secret Spotify feed! We will also be dropping some more treats from time to time!

Theme music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Michelle Poulin⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Today we are taking listener questions from the discord! We answer questions about running horror, what games we have been playing, the longest TTRPG breaks we've taken, and more!

Join our seasoned panel of GMs—Nick, Franco, Rio, and Shade—as we draw from over 50 years of Game Mastering experience to help you navigate the terrors of deep space gaming.

LINKS!

→ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tabletopped's website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

→ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

→ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

→ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Check us out on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! We have a new monthly pod as well as behind the scenes clips that you can get on a secret Spotify feed! We will also be dropping some more treats from time to time!

Theme music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Michelle Poulin⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Happy March! Wild Magic is back! This is a free preview, but if you want the whole thing, head to our patreon!

In this episode we talk about:

Gilmore Guys

Cyberpunk

Magic the Gathering

Head on over to our ⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠ to become a free member today!

Today we have the cast from the upcoming actual play podcast, "Undiscovered Countries: an Unplanned RPG Podcast." We talk about GMing as a group, Ironsworn, how to build a world together and so much more!

Join our seasoned panel of GMs—Nick, Franco, Rio, and Shade—as we draw from over 50 years of Game Mastering experience to help you navigate the terrors of deep space gaming.

LINKS!

→ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tabletopped's website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

→ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

→ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

→ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Check us out on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! We have a new monthly pod as well as behind the scenes clips that you can get on a secret Spotify feed! We will also be dropping some more treats from time to time!

Theme music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Michelle Poulin⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠