Best Mage Hand High Five Productions Podcasts (2025)

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The Badlands - Ep. 42: Watcher of the Wind 1:01:03

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5d ago1:01:03

1:01:03

The Twin River Trio meet the secret ruler of Echo and uncover a threatening conspiracy. Salome forges an uneasy alliance. Wyatt's faith is questioned. Hayden disarms an opponent. CW: references to war and military occupation, amputation, burning flesh, gunshots, vomit Join us on Patreon and get early access to future merch drops as well as our afte…

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WWR 55 ☉ Echoes of the Veil w. Raffi Marhaba 1:09:22

11d ago1:09:22

1:09:22

Jack in and hack the system with us as we sit down to both play and discuss Echoes of the Veil—the newest cyberpunk game from Reverie Rebels—with designer Raffi Marhaba (they / them)! We cover a wide range of subjects including playing the cyberpunk genre politically, magic systems in sci-fi, and designing around social justice. Make sure to tune i…

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The Badlands - Ep. 41: All In 1:06:54

20d ago1:06:54

1:06:54

Our heroes lay their cards on the table in a high-stakes poker game where secrets and favors spend better than gold. Salome embraces her married name. Wyatt gets his first convert. Hayden finds a card up their sleeve. CW: Classism, gunshot sounds, brief blood and body horror, references to war and military occupation. Find the poker mechanics used …

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WWR 54 ☉ Mage Hand High Five w. Rowan McStay and Casey Papas 1:18:45

22d ago1:18:45

1:18:45

Saddle up, partner! On this episode of WWR, Wythe and Chris are fixin' to get into the western genre with Rowan McStay and Casey Papas of the wonderful actual play podcast, Mage Hand High Five! We chat about MHH5's history, gaming Western tropes, breaking away from colonial narratives, and—of course—the narrative versatility of trains. This episode…

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The Badlands - Ep. 40: Dawnstar 1:27:31

1M ago1:27:31

1:27:31

The Twin River Trio meet with a friend of a friend and gain some valuable information about Echo. Wyatt learns poker. Hayden gets a one-way ticket. Salome makes another blood pact. CW: References to war and military occupation, overt classism, blood/shallow palm cutting Join us on Patreon and get early access to future merch drops as well as our af…

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WWR 53 ☉ Narrative Design w. Claire Carré 1:22:33

1M ago1:22:33

1:22:33

Join us as we sit down to chat with filmmaker, screenwriter, and video game narrative designer ⁠Claire Carré⁠ (⁠Lovesick w. Rose City Games, ⁠Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet w. Naughty Dog Games⁠). In this unique episode, we discuss narrative design, Claire's history with TTRPGs, and the intersection of tabletop and visual media—make sure to tun…

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Announcement: MHH5 Joins the Many Sided Network! 0:39

1M ago0:39

0:39

Howdy, folks! We're thrilled to share that Mage Hand High Five has officially joined the Many Sided Network, a podcast network dedicated to spotlighting innovative and exciting TTRPG and nerdy podcasts. We're so excited to join this incredible community of creators, and we hope you'll check out our fellow network affiliate shows: Dice Exploder Maia…

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WWR 52 ☉ Wandering Blades w. Daniel Kwan 1:27:15

2M ago1:27:15

1:27:15

Join us as we sit down to chat with award-winning TTRPG designer and podcaster Daniel Kwan about his new game, Wandering Blades—backing on Kickstarter until May 30th 2025 at wanderingblades.com! We talk wuxia genre fiction, representation, designing beautiful—yet deadly—combat, cinema, and more so make sure to tune in! If you enjoy Why We Roll, con…

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The Badlands - Ep. 39: Echo 1:44:25

2M ago1:44:25

1:44:25

Our heroes finally reach Echo, where secrets spill like blood. Hayden finds foes among friends. Salome gets the drop on an unsuspecting artist. Wyatt practices spreading the good word. CW: School bullying and threats of violence; references to war, military occupation, child murder, and church-related violence; parental rejection of a trans child (…

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WWR Bonus ☉ Left of the Projector x Why We Roll 1:44:08

2M ago1:44:08

1:44:08

Join us as we discuss the 1997 sci fi film GATTACA with our pal Evan on Left of the Projector! From LoP: 'In this episode, we analyze the 1997 sci-fi film Gattaca, directed by Andrew Niccol, alongside Wythe Marshall and Chris Pickett from the "Why We Roll" podcast. We examine the film's portrayal of a future shaped by genetic engineering and social…

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WWR 51 ☉ Rascal News w. Rowan Zeoli 1:05:40

2M ago1:05:40

1:05:40

Join us as we chat with Rowan Zeoli – indy journalist extraodinaire and co-founder of the independent TTRPG news site, Rascal News – about the state of the industry, how Rascal got started, why independent TTRPG journalism matters (spoiler – it really matters). If you're enjoying Why We Roll, consider joining the Stillfleet Patreon! For as little a…

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WWR 50 ☉ Transgender Deathmatch Legend II w. Kayla Dice 1:57:30

2M ago1:57:30

1:57:30

On this episode of WWR, we are so excited to welcome back TTRPG designer, comedian, and WRESTLER, Kayla Dice of Ratwave Game House! Get into the kayfabe with us as we play and discuss Kayla's newest game, Transgender Deathmatch legend II (available on Itch)! Transgender Deathmatch Legend II is a TTRPG beat-em-up designed for two players, using a de…

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The Threed Daily Herald Presents: Twin River Tussle (Inter-Arc Recap) 6:07

2M ago6:07

6:07

The story continues! Our reporters here at the Threed Daily Herald are working tirelessly to bring you the most up-to-date news on what's happening in the wastes. In today's broadcast, you'll discover the answer to such intriguing questions as: What really happened at the Battle of Twin River? Do Badlanders just hate trains? And is there a brand ne…

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WWR 49 ☉ The Sometimes Kingdom w. Ethan Gouldini 1:16:57

2M ago1:16:57

1:16:57

On this episode of Why We Roll, we chat with Ethan Gouldini about their game, THE SOMETIMES KINGDOM, a topsy-turvy portal fantasy RPG. Join in as we discuss building magical systems and worlds, GMing a living house, and everything seasonal. If you're enjoying Why We Roll, consider supporting us over at patreon.com/stillfleet – for a few bucks a mon…

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The Badlands - Ep. 38: Skullduggery (feat. Jasmin Malave) 1:52:51

3M ago1:52:51

1:52:51

The people of Thunder Pass make their final stand against Preacher Cassidy and the Skullduggers. Wyatt catches a glimpse of the Flame. Hayden calls out to the moon. Salome duels a dangerous dance partner. Clementine seeks her revenge. Featuring guest player Jasmin Malave of Off-Broadway's Dungeons & Dragons The Twenty-Sided Tavern. CW: Explosion an…

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WWR 48 ☉ Model Our Nations w. Eric Silver 1:43:46

3M ago1:43:46

1:43:46

On this episode of Why We Roll, we sit down with the elder statesman himself, Eric Silver of Multitude Productions and Join the Party to both play and discuss his new game, Model Our Nations: A TTRPG about words standing in the way of action! Pick up a copy of Model Our Nations from the Join the Party merch store HERE! If you're enjoying Why We Rol…

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The Badlands - Ep. 37: Dearly Departed (feat. Jasmin Malave) 1:32:08

3M ago1:32:08

1:32:08

On the road between Twin River and Echo, our heroes encounter a stranger attempting to free a desperate town from a deadly trio of outlaws. Featuring guest player Jasmin Malave of Off-Broadway's Dungeons & Dragons The Twenty-Sided Tavern. CW: Explosion/gun sound effects, poverty and community exploitation, mention of war, corpse desecration, undead…

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This Is Play Right Here: An Interview With Kendo Smith 1:09:18

3M ago1:09:18

1:09:18

Max sits down with Kendrick "Kendo" Smith, creator and producer of Tales Yet Told, to chat about the many-sided medium of actual play. Do you prefer heavily produced actual plays or ones that feel more like home games? Max and Kendo discuss this question and more on this special interview episode of Mage Hand High Five. CW: mention of spiders, sugg…

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WWR Bonus ☉ Perfect Ten x Why We Roll 2:22:37

3M ago2:22:37

2:22:37

!!! Last chance to back Enter the Nostalgitron, the new play-to-learn Stillfleet quick start! Make sure to back before April 3rd! As a special treat, here is Nostalgitron writer and illustrator, Michael J. Cohen chatting with Wythe about Alien: Romulus on his podcast, Perfect Ten! ———— On this episode we're joined by Wythe Marschall, creator of the…

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Art Heist! A Vydal City Legend 1:48:25

3M ago1:48:25

1:48:25

INCOMING ALERT: Grand Theft reported at Vydal City's Vibran Art Gallery! Game designer and guest GM Evan Noone of Imp Games guides the crew through a cyberpunk, neon-filled haze to fulfill a contract for their corporate overlords. CW: Gunshots, references to murder, explosions, car crash sounds/descriptions Back the Vydal City Campaign Setting on K…

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WWR 47 ☉ Blackthorn and Pocketopia Collabs w. Marco Serrano and Michael J. Cohen 1:10:26

4M ago1:10:26

1:10:26

We are joined by not one, but two extraordinary guests this week—Marco Serrano of Spicy Tuna RPG, and welcoming back Michael J. Cohen! The gang chats about Blackthorn, Spicy Tuna's Pocketopia 2025 entry, as well as writing pulp horror, camp, and intentionality with art... all culminating in a discussion of PUDDY MADNESS—the Blackthorn x Nostalgitro…

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WWR 46 ☉ Enter the NOSTALGITRON w. Michael J. Cohen 1:39:03

4M ago1:39:03

1:39:03

Two episodes in one week? In this economy?! Wythe sits down to chat with illustrator, graphic designer, and TTRPG writer Michael J. Cohen to discuss their latest collaboration, Enter the NOSTALGITRON—now live on Backerkit as a part of Pocketopia 2025! Enter the NOSTALGITRON is a new 64-page quick start venture for Stillfleet, blending the dark corp…

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The Badlands - Ep. 36: Blood for Blood 1:39:45

4M ago1:39:45

1:39:45

Our heroes prepare to journey eastward as the people of Twin River brace for all-out war with Threed. Hayden confronts Rat. Wyatt reaches out to his predecessor. Salome makes an oath. CW: mention of war and child death, blood Join us on Patreon and get early access to future merch drops as well as our after-show talkback, Mage Hand Down Low. Merch …

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WWR 45 ☉ Mega Corp Games w. Logan Dean 1:19:51

4M ago1:19:51

1:19:51

Wythe and Chris sit down to chat with designer, consultant, comrade, and collaborator—the inimitable Logan Dean. Tune in to listen in on Logan's insights around the politics and genre of corporate horror, inter-player tension, and practical advice on starting and administering an indie game business. Enjoying Why We Roll? Consider supporting the sh…

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The Badlands - Ep. 35: Fatespun 1:43:19

4M ago1:43:19

1:43:19

In the aftermath of a devastating battle, the people of Twin River begin to pick up the pieces and count their casualties. Wyatt has a crisis of faith. Salome forges a shifty alliance. Hayden hears the tale of the Fatespun Players. CW: War sounds and descriptions, gunshots, depression/anxiety, suggestive humor Check out our friends on Rolling With …

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WWR 44 ☉ Nostos & Translation in TTRPGs w. Dr. Erica Bridges 1:35:37

4M ago1:35:37

1:35:37

Wythe and Chris chat with Dr. Erica Bridges, scholar of ancient Greek and Latin, about language and crafting narratives. Erica shares insights about her upcoming TTRPG titled Nostos, as well as the use of ancient and medieval languages in fantasy gaming. If you enjoy Why We Roll, consider signing up for the Stillfleet Patreon at patreon.com/stillfl…

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WWR 43 ☉ Mappa Mundi w. George Bickers of Three Sails Studio 1:37:32

5M ago1:37:32

1:37:32

Wythe and Chris chat with George Bickers of Three Sails Studios about their upcoming release, MAPPA MUNDI (now funding on Kickstarter!). Imagine your favorite monster hunting game, but without fighting or hunting, replaced by a deep reverence for nature! Topics range from radical ecology and revolutionary imaginaries to practical advice on starting…

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The Badlands - Ep. 34: The Battle of Twin River (Part 2) 1:01:40

5M ago1:01:40

1:01:40

The Battle of Twin River comes to a decisive end. Salome reaches out through the Riverbank. Hayden and the Briars make a final attempt to save Rat. Wyatt takes on the Peacemaker. CW: Military occupation/invasion, heavy gunfire and explosive sounds, descriptions of blood/death, attempted child murder Join us on Patreon and get early access to future…

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WWR 42 ☉ Bad House RPG w. Fabian Lelay & Josephine Kim 1:30:42

5M ago1:30:42

1:30:42

This week on Why We Roll, Wythe and Chris are joined by TTRPG actual play and multimedia creators Fabian Lelay and Josephine Kim from Bad House RPG. The gang chats about post-colonial storytelling, adapting existing systems for actual play, and even some sound advice on how to get started in the AP space. If you enjoy Why We Roll and would like to …

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The Badlands - Ep. 33: The Battle of Twin River (Part 1) 1:37:08

5M ago1:37:08

1:37:08

The fight for Twin River rages on as the Peacemaker pushes steadily onward into the city. Hayden delves deeper into the mire of memory. Salome battles the Jameson Bastion. Wyatt gets fired up. CW: Military occupation/invasion, heavy gunfire and explosive sounds, descriptions of blood/death, attempted child murder, hopelessness/depression, religious…

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WWR 41 ☉ May You Fish in Interesting Times w. WH Arthur 1:29:45

5M ago1:29:45

1:29:45

Join Wythe and Chris as they chat with indie TTRPG creator WH Arthur about revolutionary politics in TTRPGS through his game May You Fish in Interesting Times which asks the pertinent question of what happens if the revolution fails? If you enjoy Why We Roll, consider joining us on Patreon at patreon.com/stillfleet – for just $3 a month, you gain a…

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WWR 40 ☉ The Griffon's Saddlebag & SKELLIES w. Griffin Macaulay 1:21:17

6M ago1:21:17

1:21:17

WWR 40 ☉ The Griffon's Saddlebag & SKELLIES w. Griffin Macaulay On this episode of Why We Roll, Wythe and Chris chat with the man who put the Griff in The Griffon's Saddlebag... Griffin Macaulay! Tune in to hear about Griff's design process and philosophy for The Griffon's Saddlebag (with books available from Hit Point Press) as well as his new gam…

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The Badlands - Ep. 32: Peacemaker 1:46:56

6M ago1:46:56

1:46:56

Still reeling from a major loss, our heroes receive an urgent message from Twin River. Hayden tries on a new shape. Salome prepares for a rematch. Wyatt Forsythe is having a very bad day. CW: Military occupation/invasion, war sounds, automatic weapons, heavy gunfire and artillery sounds, child endangerment/attempted child murder Check out our frien…

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The Threed Daily Herald Presents: Blackthorn Blunder! (Arc 3 Recap) 8:34

6M ago8:34

8:34

News from the front! Our team of dauntless investigators follows the Twin River Trio deeper into the Badlands, risking life and limb to bring you the latest from behind enemy lines. Stay tuned for the answers to such intriguing questions as: What really caused the labor shortage in Blackthorn Hollow? What fates await those who practice demonic deal…

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WWR 39 ☉ Danse Macabre: Prima Mors 1:17:18

6M ago1:17:18

1:17:18

WWR 39 ☉ Danse Macabre: Prima Mors On this episode of Why We Roll, Wythe and Chris check in about the many mutations of Danse Macabre: Prima Mors, and the future of Danse Macabre! If you enjoy Why We Roll, consider supporting us at Patreon.com/stillfleet – for as little as $3 a month, you gain access to the Stillfleet community discord as well as t…

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WWR 38 ☉ PAX Unplugged '24 w. Tony Grasso 25:51

7M ago25:51

25:51

WWR 38 ☉ PAX Unplugged '24 w. Tony Grasso On this episode of Why We Roll, Wythe and Chris hit the floor at PAX Unplugged '24 and are reunited with TTRPG auteur and illustrator, Tony Grasso! Join in as they chat conventions, play testing, mutant animals, the future of Blister Critters, and so much more. Enjoying Why We Roll? Consider becoming a Stil…

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The Badlands - Ep. 31: The Law of Equivalent Exchange 1:41:29

7M ago1:41:29

1:41:29

Our heroes meet with Jack, and both deals and blows are struck. Salome makes a friend. Hayden takes off their hat. Stuhmp picks out a house. CW: gunshots, decapitation, supernatural possession, suggestive humor Join us on Patreon and get early access to future merch drops as well as our after-show talkback, Mage Hand Down Low. Merch is now availabl…

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WWR 37 ☉ Under the Autumn Strangely w. Graham Gentz 1:41:04

7M ago1:41:04

1:41:04

WWR 37 ☉ Under the Autumn Strangely w. Graham Gentz On this episode of Why We Roll, we chat with Graham Gentz, author of Under the Autumn Strangely (as well as many others) and vocal proponent of GM-less TTRPGs! We talk supportive design and what that means, genres as buckets, and the power of community and cons! Learn more about Stillfleet Studio …

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The Badlands - Ep. 30: You Don’t Know Jack 1:04:23

7M ago1:04:23

1:04:23

The Twin River Trio journey deeper into Bone-Dry Gulch, where things get a little Wild. Hayden gets the bone-tingles. Salome takes a shot in the dark. Stuhmp finds a cool sword. CW: near-dismemberment, suggestive humor Merch is now available now at magehandhighfive.com/store! Join us on Patreon and get early access to future merch drops as well as …

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The Badlands - Ep. 29: In Like Flint 1:23:45

8M ago1:23:45

1:23:45

The Twin River Trio get some one-on-one bonding experience before setting out to find Jack, a trickster spirit with a penchant for mischief. Hayden practices their Elvish. Salome is roped into a conflict. Stuhmp encounters an old rival. CW: mind control/possession, suggestive humor Merch is now available now at magehandhighfive.com/store! Join us o…

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WWR 36 ☉ Shadow Scar w. Cody Pondsmith 1:23:39

8M ago1:23:39

1:23:39

WWR 36 ☉ Shadow Scar w. Cody Pondsmith Wythe and Chris chat with Cody Pondsmith of R. Talsorian Games (Cyberpunk Red, The Witcher TRPG) about his newest original title, Shadow Scar. Ninjas, mythos, and table top nerdom collide on this episode of Why We Roll! If you enjoy what you hear, consider becoming a patron of Stillfleet Studio over at patreon…

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The Badlands - Ep. 28: Family Secrets 1:10:09

8M ago1:10:09

1:10:09

Our heroes resurface after days underground, but not before taking a dangerous call from Threed. Hayden makes Tiberius a counteroffer. Salome discovers a new piece of family history. Stuhmp plays a precarious game of telephone. Join us on Patreon and get early access to merch on Friday, Nov. 8, 2024! Merch will be available to the public on Nov. 15…

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Carnival of Craven - Part 2 1:41:17

9M ago1:41:17

1:41:17

Enjoy the thrilling conclusion to the second chapter of the Cravenverse! As violent threats pop up all across the park, our team of campers must unravel the mystery of who — or what — they’re up against. Unlikely allies arise, dark bargains are made, and one camper draws what may be their final breath… Featuring returning guest player Imani Russell…

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WWR 35 ☉ World Champ Game Co. w. Adam Vass 1:21:31

9M ago1:21:31

1:21:31

WWR 35 ☉ World Champ Game Co. w. Adam Vass Join Wythe and Chris as they chat with musician and ttrpg designer Adam Vass about punk ethos and visual design in ttrpgs, iteration through and with genre, and the sinister appeal of writing for horror games! If you enjoy Why We Roll, consider becoming a patron of the Stillfleet Studio on Patreon! For as …

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Carnival of Craven - Part 1 1:27:47

9M ago1:27:47

1:27:47

On the anniversary of their ill-fated trip to Camp Craven, our favorite juvenile delinquents are invited to a mysterious indoor amusement park. One year older (and a little better prepared), our troubled teens head to the park to find out if lightning ever strikes the same kids twice. Featuring returning guest player Imani Russell as Zora Lee Copel…

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WWR 34 ☉ TTRPGs v. Board Games w. Sarah Shah and Aaron Hill 1:38:10

9M ago1:38:10

1:38:10

WWR 33 Board Games v. RPGs w. Sarah Shah and Aaron Hill Join Wythe on this episode of WWR as he chats with board game reviewer Sarah Shah and game designer Aaron Hill, discussing designing board games, what we love about them, and how they differ from the TTRPGs we usually talk about! Like what you hear? Consider becoming a patron of Stillfleet Stu…

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The Badlands - Ep. 27: Gather at the River 1:13:00

10M ago1:13:00

1:13:00

Our trio recovers from the fight and their encounters with other worlds than these. Stuhmp gets a new piercing. Hayden meets a stranger on the Riverbank. Salome and Lilah break their silence. CW: gunshot Join us on Patreon! Leave us a review! If you do, we may shout you out on the show! DM: Casey Papas Salome: Rowan McStay Hayden: Robin Langenhop S…

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WWR 33 ☉ Adventure Writing w. Luke Gearing 1:26:41

10M ago1:26:41

1:26:41

WWR 33 ☉ Adventure Writing w. Luke Gearing Join us as we chat with prolific adventure module auteur Luke Gearing about writing across systems, structuring adventures for publication, and Luke's approach with advice! Like what you hear? To support Why We Roll (as well as all of Stillfleet Studio's stable of amazing ttrpgs) then head over to patreon.…

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WWR 32 ☉ Gila RPGs w. Spencer Campbell Pt. 2 1:19:59

10M ago1:19:59

1:19:59

WWR 32 ☉ Gila RPGs w. Spencer Campbell Pt. 2 Join us as we are re-joined by the delightful and prolific Spencer Campbell of Gila RPGs – the designer (and psych professor!) so nice, we interviewed him twice. We chat with Spencer about designing iteratively, the intersection of psychology and game design, and Spencer's newest game, LOOT (funding on K…

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The Badlands - Ep. 26: Rockland Rumble 1:16:42

10M ago1:16:42

1:16:42

Split between two planes of existence, our heroes resolve a ruthless battle for the souls of Blackthorn Hollow. Hayden bites off more than they can chew. Salome meets the Riverbank vultures up-close. Stuhmp gets an offer he can't refuse. CW: corpses, gunshots Join us on Patreon! Leave us a review! If you do, we may shout you out on the show! DM: Ca…