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 als…

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: H…

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 lev…

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…

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 D…

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 …

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 gami…

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 t…

In this episode of Tabletopped, Franco's putting our crew through the ultimate D&D knowledge gauntlet! Can Nick, Rio, and Shade survive the brutal interrogation about every edition of our favorite tabletop RPG? 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…

Today the gang talk through if there are any differences in TTRPGs. Does it matter what ttrpg system you use to tell a story? This and more in this week's episode of Tabletopped! 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 gamin…

Today the gang answer a question sent to Nick by a player at their table. How does a GM avoid overpowering player narrative control? 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…

Happy Febuary! 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 TV New games Head on over to our ⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠ to become a free member today!

Rio got Nick to sit down and have a long interview about whatever Rio wanted. The rest is history. Tabletopped's birthday tradition of interviewing Nick returns in this episode! We reflect on the year that was and talk about where we hope to go in the next year! Join our seasoned panel of GMs—Nick, Franco, Rio, and Shade—as we draw from over 50 yea…

Today the gang talk about whether players should be expected to know the rules of the TTRPG they are playing. Should GM's be expected to coach them through their turn? How long should people be given to take their turn? 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…

In this episode of Tabletopped, game master Franco is back to put our crew through the ultimate D&D knowledge gauntlet... Again! Can Nick, Rio, and Shade survive the brutal interrogation about every edition of our favorite tabletop RPG? Join our seasoned panel of GMs—Nick, Franco, Rio, and Shade—as we draw from over 50 years of Game Mastering exper…

In this episode of Tabletopped, we have a guest come on to chat about how to approach running romance and intimacy in TTRPGs! Join us as we explore:• Safety Tools• Getting comfortable with romance in TTRPGs• Insights from an intamacy coordinator Whether you're a TTRPG enthusiast looking for your next adventure or a GM seeking to expand your storyte…

Happy January! 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: Dropout Nosferatu Gilmore Guys Head on over to our ⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠ to become a free member today!

In this episode of Tabletopped, we have a guest come on to chat about all the new TTRPGs we want to try out in the new year. Join us as we explore:• Romcom TTRPGs• Games to ween your 5e group off D&D with• Punk Rock games Whether you're a TTRPG enthusiast looking for your next adventure or a GM seeking to expand your storytelling toolkit, this epis…

In this episode of Tabletopped, we talk how to run low and no prep games as we all could use a bit more time in our lives. Join us as we explore:• Using your players to inspire story beats• Prepping to your weaknesses• Callbacks and when to use them Whether you're a TTRPG enthusiast looking for your next adventure or a GM seeking to expand your sto…

In this episode of Tabletopped, we make our ttrpg New Year's resolutions! Key Topics Discussed: Never Going Home Retuning from TTRPG absences Making stuff for our tables Join us as we explore: What TTRPG's we are looking to try How we are gonna run our games How we do resolution LINKS! → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tabletopped's website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ →…

Today we are talking about crafting delicious story hooks to catch those pesky players and bring them into the story. Who better to talk about this stuff than Matteo Copelli, the Host, Editor & Producer of Role Play Chat! We talk about how to start quests, seeding story hooks in a campaign, and inviting players to be a part of the story. Say hi to …

Happy end of the year everyone! We are making this episode of Wild Magic free to everybody as a little treat, but you all should sign up for the patreon to get all the other epsiodes and other amazing content! In this episode we talk about: Medications College Resolutions Head on over to our ⁠Patreon⁠ to become a free member today!…

In this episode of Tabletopped, Mac is back to talk board games as we discuss his take on this year's PAX Unplugged convention. Key Topics Discussed: Winners and losers of PAX Unplugged What TTRPGs are under development Our takes on the state of the board game industry Join us as we explore: Why the game Firetower has been at PAX 3 years in a row D…

In this episode of Tabletopped, we delve into the haunting world of "Our Haunt," the atmospheric indie TTRPG that's been sending shivers down our spines! Join our seasoned panel of GMs—Nick, Franco, Rio, and Shade—as we dissect whether this game is worth adding to your tabletop collection. Key Topics Discussed: The unique narrative mechanics that m…

In this episode of Tabletopped, our hosts talk about running factions in ttrpgs! Can Nick, Rio, and Shadecome up with a unified theory of factions? Or will they split on the best ways to do it? 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 d…

In this episode of Tabletopped, Franco's putting our crew through the ultimate D&D knowledge gauntlet! Can Nick, Rio, and Shade survive the brutal interrogation about every edition of our favorite tabletop RPG? 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…

Happy Thanksgiving week everyone! Here is a little something to put on to get away from family: November's episode of Wild Magic! It's a good one so buckle up. In this episode we talk about: Our Greatest Enemies Actors Franco's open table And so much more! Head on over to our Patreon to become a free member today!…

In this episode of Tabletopped, we open the phone lines and chat through some questions we have been talking about! In it we: Discuss alternate timeline settings Talk through the point of leveling Ask ourselves, "What does a GM owe their table?" Join our seasoned panel of GMs—Nick, Franco, Rio, and Shade—as we draw from over 50 years of Game Master…

In this episode of Tabletopped, we venture into the dark corridors of sci-fi horror with MOTHERSHIP, the critically acclaimed indie TTRPG! In it we: Break down the innovative stress and panic system Share our experiences running horrifying space scenarios Discuss how to create the perfect atmosphere of cosmic dread Join our seasoned panel of GMs—Ni…

In this episode of Tabletopped, we get philosophical about story structure! In it we: Talk about different story structures Get into railroading Discuss what kind of stories WE run Join our seasoned panel of GMs—Nick, Franco, Rio, and Shade—as we draw from over 50 years of Game Mastering experience to demonstrate how you can build your own TTRPG mo…

In this episode of Tabletopped, we take the new D&D rules to court! In it we: Talk about the biggest changes in the new rules Predict future directions WoTC may take D&D Debate whether the new rules are worth using Join our seasoned panel of GMs—Nick, Franco, Rio, and Shade—as we draw from over 50 years of Game Mastering experience to demonstrate h…

In this episode of Tabletopped, we get bear-y deep into one of the sweetest TTRPG's out there: HONEY HEIST! In it we: Talk about running this one page system Review our own experience playing the game Go over the best ways to get your friends to play this silly, fun, and crazy ttrpg Join our seasoned panel of GMs—Nick, Franco, Rio, and Shade—as we …

Here we go! October's free preview of Wild Magic! It's a good one so buckle up. If you want to hear the whole thing, head to patreon.com/tabletopped. While you are there check out the module we dropped on Wednesday for EVERYONE! In this episode we talk about: Hip hop Small town events Going to war with emus... And so much more! Go sign up, today!…

Here it is! The Last Hunting of the Boar - Ashcan Edition is out and playable. Head to our patreon and sign in as a free member and it's yours! I can't stress how free this module is. Franco and I are excited to hear all of your feedback so if you run it please send us feedback to [email protected] We will be looking to release a final v…

In this episode of Tabletopped, we follow last week's episode on Fairy Tale Horror in TTRPGs with building our own Faerie themed adventure "The Last Hunting of the Boar." In it we: Talk about what is essential for a Fae themed game Build motivations for factions and NPCs Create a system agnostic adventure that will be available this Wednesday on ou…

In this episode of Tabletopped, we journey into the eerie world of Fairy Tale Horror in TTRPGs (Tabletop Role-Playing Games). We answer big questions like: Why should you use fairy tale horror in your game? What are the essential tropes of this genre? Can the Fae actually be terrifying? Join our seasoned panel of GMs—Nick, Franco, Rio, and Shade—as…

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 T…

Today we talk about how an editor approaches a TTRPG during the creation process with Dell Toro of Eerie Games. Founded by friends Scott Falzone, Del Toro, and Dacia Pennington, Eerie Games is a innovative game company making LARPs and TTRPG's. "Note from Eerie games: Our upcoming tabletop rpg, Fatebound is a dice-less, Tarot driven TTRPG where you…

This is a FREE PREVIEW of a patreon only episode. We talk about Movies, Big Digs, and the 2024 D&D Rules! Get ready, this one is a doozy Want to hear the rest? The rest of this episode is available on our SECRET SPOTIFY FEED for Patreon subscribers. Check us out on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! We have a new monthly pod as well as behi…

Tabletopped returns with new episodes NEXT WEEK! Get ready y'all!

In this rerelease, join our seasoned Game Masters as they delve deep into the art of designing compelling social quests in tabletop role-playing games. From intricate political intrigue to heart-pounding negotiations, our hosts share invaluable insights on how to create immersive social encounters that captivate players and drive the narrative forw…

Today we go to the vault to re-release a talk to friend of the pod Mac about designing a ttrpg system from the ground up! You might be saying, "Tabletopped! I'm just a player and GM! How am I supposed to design a whole freaking system?" Well listen to today's podcast and find out! Check us out on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! We have a new monthly pod…

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!⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Theme music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Michelle Poulin⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Also check out champagne pool's album: ⁠⁠h…

Today we talk with friend of the pod Mac about the miniatures skirmish game, Stargrave! 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!⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Theme…

Today we have a wonderful Tabletopped community member on to talk about his module: The Red Mask Inn. Check it out today! HERE and HERE are links to the modules mentioned in the pod. Go check them out today! If you want to check out the kickstarter I mentioned at the top, head HERE Check us out on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! We have a new monthly po…

Time to bust out the evil twirling mustache character you have, because we are talking all about evil campaigns in todays episode. We talk about how to run one, how to avoid pitfalls of evilness, and how to make an evil character that works. Check us out on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! We have a new monthly pod as well as behind the scenes clips that…

Today we talk about everything dungeon. EVERYTHING. Just listen, you'll see what I mean. 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…

We are doing it, we are jumping back into the inventory conversation. This time Franco is here to drop knowledge on us. What do you think about inventory in D&D? 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…

Want to hear the rest? The rest of this episode is available on our SECRET SPOTIFY FEED for Patreon subscribers. 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!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagra…