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Why We Roll

The Stillfleet Studio

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Why We Roll is a streaming show and podcast about designing tabletop roleplaying games, hosted by Chris Pickett (Danse Macabre) and Wythe Marschall (Stillfleet). Chris and Wythe host in-depth conversations with professional game designers with a focus on contemporary indie TTRPGs. They also occasionally run actual-play sessions and offer behind-the-scenes looks at the games they’re developing. Topics covered to date include game-design inspirations and best practices, the politics of games, ...
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The Maniculum Podcast

The Maniculum Podcast

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Maniculum: little hand, pointing finger; often found in manuscript marginalia. Hi! We’re Mac and Zoe, a professional medievalist and triple AAA game developer, and together, we use modern game design techniques to uncover the origins of your favorite tropes and adventures from medieval manuscripts. ​ In each episode, we explore a new medieval manuscript, its connections to modern TTRPGs, and teach you how to adapt these tales into compelling campaigns and amazing adventures. Whether you’re l ...
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In this episode, we're joined by Chris and Wythe, the creators of Danse Macabre, to discuss their medieval horror TTRPG and how to create historical settings that feel both real and reasonable to a modern gamer. We discuss the concept of the "novum" in worldbuilding, medievalism, and why TTRPGs feel so set upon the Medieval Fantasy in this fantasti…
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On this episode of Why We Roll, we sit down (in the same room, no less!) to announce the upcoming Kickstarter campaign for Stillfleet Studio's latest game, DANSE MACABRE: Medieval Horror Roleplaying. We chat about changes, the development process, and all the fun, creepy events we've got planned to support the launch! Danse Macabre goes live on Kic…
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When sovereignty myth declares that anyone who kills the White Stag can be king, stakes are high in King Arthur's Court. We're exploring the Welsh origins of Eric and Enide in the Mabinogion, and how two different versions of a text can bring to light important context in mythmaking and worldbuilding. Join our discord community!Check out our Tumblr…
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On this episode of Why We Roll, we sit down (in person!) with author-editors Lauren Belski, Brian Russ, and David Greenwood of Under the BQE – a collective small press publishing high quality fiction novels. Don't worry though, we still find a way to talk about indy games publishing! Tune in to listen to a great conversation about the founding and …
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Friends, we have a special treat for you today! Our buds—and former WWR guests—Dungeons + Drama Nerds have just kicked off an exciting new season of actual play, delving into the super-future political sci fi game, Stillfleet, in a series titled Start the Steal . Today, we're sharing the very first episode of the series, 'Take Me Offworld, Hotboy!'…
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This week, we're joined by author M.T. Anderson as we dive into the thrilling tale of Nicked, the true story of a medieval heist to steal the holy body of Saint Nicholas and save Bari from plague. We take a step-by step approach to the heist and use it as an example for how you can adapt real relic thieves and heists into your TTRPGS & stories. Che…
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Come on in and join us as we chat with the extraordinary Wes Franks about their new game... COME ON IN! We talk with Wes about exploring social classes in a game setting, handling police procedural content with care, 'copaganda,' and navigating tariffs. Oh, and vampires too! Check out Wes' fantastic work: https://www.carrion-comfort.com/ https://ca…
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We're getting into astrology this week! In part two of our final episode of necromancy, we explore the finer points of astrology and its importance in spell casting - so that you know exactly what moon phase is best to curse your enemies, conjure birds, or rout an army. Open Question to the Listeners: What should the metaphysically-significant inse…
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We're back with more lovely actual play friends! On this episode, we're joined by Percy Hornak, Nicholas Orvis, and Ben Ferber of Dungeons + Drama Nerds! Join us and this bevy of dramaturges as we discuss the intersection of stage plays and games, improv, tiered authorship in TTRPGs and more. Make sure to check out Stillfleet Studio's newest game, …
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The stars have aligned, but are you ready to conjure? In part one of our final episode of necromancy, we explore the nature of magic circles and how to ensure you're drawing the correct type for the demon you want to conjure. Join our discord community!Check out our Tumblr for even more!Support us on patreon! Get your copy of Marginal Worlds, a dec…
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On this episode of Why We Roll, we sit down with Rachel Kordell and Casey Reardon of the actual play podcast RP Jesters! We chat about the process of making AP, the Jesters' expansive (and excellent) catalogue of series, and adapting to genre. Last but not least, we also discuss their newest campaign, LOST REQUIEM featuring Stillfleet Studio's Dans…
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Long live the new flesh! Wythe and Chris are back with Evan on Left of the Projector for another film discussion. This time we dissect David Cronenberg's 1983 body horror / tech and sex anxiety classic, VIDEODROME! From Left of the Projector – In this episode, I join Chris and Wythe from the Why We Roll Podcast to analyze David Cronenberg's cult cl…
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Romantasy has been all the rage of late, but its roots go further back than a TikTok trend. Join us this week as we dive into Eric and Enide, a medieval fantasy romance adventure perfect for those who love the genre, or who just want a new idea for their story or TTRPG campaign. Welcome to our summer series! Join our discord community! Check out ou…
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On this episode of Why We Roll we're joined by TTRPG advice power couple Alyssa and Adam Johns of The Next Session Podcast to discuss GM advice, the intersection of therapy and TTRPGs, and more! How can we use aesthetic distance in our games to help players grow? How do GMs overcome imposter syndrome? And how the HECK do animated skeletons even sta…
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Looking to craft your next dungeon delve for your campaign? Want a few puzzles your player have never seen before? We've found a few medieval tales with tantalizing puzzles and twisting dungeons, ready to be used in your next TTRPG. Sit back as we do the work to show you how to adapt these dungeons into your game. Join our discord community! Check …
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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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What does a goodly knight do when he's taken prisoner and asked to collect his own ransom? Comply, of course! Join us on another dive into medieval literature and pull out a few puzzles and dilemmas for your next TTRPG! Join our discord community!Check out our Tumblr for even more!Support us on patreon! Get your copy of Marginal Worlds, a deck of 5…
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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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In our final episode about Irish werewolves, we compare medieval Arthurian romance tales to this Irish Arthurian tale from the 1700s. How has the genre changed, and what werewolf adventures can you bring to your table? Join our discord community! Check out our Tumblr for even more!Support us on patreon!Get your copy of Marginal Worlds, a deck of 50…
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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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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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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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This week, we dive into two examples of Irish werewolf tales that you can adapt into your TTRPG! Learn a different story about the werewolf than the 21st century beast, and bring a few new traditions - and twists - to your table. Join our discord community! Check out our Tumblr for even more!Support us on patreon!Get your copy of Marginal Worlds, a…
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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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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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A cheating wife plots with a her lover, a necromancer, to kill her husband, a knight on pilgrimage... what could possibly happen when another necromancer decides to protect the knight? We're breaking down tales in the Gesta Romanorum to learn more about medieval law and necromancy! Join our discord community!Check out our Tumblr for even more!Suppo…
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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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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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Sometimes, internet lore takes on a life of its own. Join us this week as we debunk the popular internet myth of the Irish faoladh, and dive into the true history of the Irish werewolf and its medieval origins! Join our discord community! Check out our Tumblr for even more!Support us on patreon!Get your copy of Marginal Worlds, a deck of 50 magic i…
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!!! 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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Can you think like a medieval philosopher? In this episode, we're challenging our guests -- medievalists and non-medievalists alike -- to answer the riddlesome questions presented in the medieval philosophy dialogue of Sidrak and Bokkus! Can you divine the reasoning behind why birds fly, or why some people are short? Join us this episode for weird …
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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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What do postal service routes have to do with the national spy network, and how can it improve your worldbuidling? Find out this week as we conclude the Secret History of Byzantium! We conclude this epic text with a few final tales of vice, corruption, and an epic heist that you can set up for your players, too. Join our discord community! Check ou…
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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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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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What happens when a wandering knight fails in his quest to get the girl? He needs a therapist, of course! Join us in this guest episode with Georgian lit scholar James Baillie as we walk through the Georgian poetic epic "The Knight in Panther's Skin" and come away with a thousand new ideas for your next TTRPG. Check out James' work here: The Exile …
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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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A lot of you want to bring medieval necromancy to life in your D&D and TTRPG games, so we delivered! In this ep, we break down the formulae for medieval exorcisms and conjurations, and provide some tips on how you can conjure safely at home - in your game or otherwise. Join our discord community!Check out our Tumblr for even more!Support us on patr…
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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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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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We're back with part two of the history of cards! As we delve into the sheer variety of cards that blossomed throughout Europe, we begin to see the ripple effects that they had -- both impacting and reflecting world cultures. Why not use cards similarly in your TTRPGs? We'll show you how! Images and list of suits here. Join our discord community!Ch…
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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 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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We all like TTRPGs, but what about integrating other games into your tabletop play? This week, we're exploring the history of playing cards, their many variations and occult practices, and how you can utilize their unique history for your worldbuilding and campaigns. Images and list of suits here. Join our discord community!Check out our Tumblr for…
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Sick of the same old "evil monarchy" in your TTRPGs? Looking to create a corrupt government for your players to dismantle? Look no further - we're adapting byzantine bureaucracy and it's finest villains into BBEGs for your next tabletop game. Join our discord community!Check out our Tumblr for even more!Support us on patreon! Get your copy of Margi…
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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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When Grendel decides to steal Christmas from all the Whos down in Heorot... who else comes to save them but Cindy-Lou Who? Join us for our Christmas special as we do a unique retelling of Beowulf, and how Grendel and the Grinch may be more alike than you think. Read along here! Join our discord community!Check out our Tumblr for even more!Support u…
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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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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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Curious about how to conjure a demon on-the-go? Never fear, your thumbnails will do! We're back this episode with our medieval necromancy series where we delve into divination spells using crystals, nails, and the power of virginity. Join our discord community!Check out our Tumblr for even more!Support us on patreon!Get your copy of Marginal Worlds…
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