Tabletopped

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 UnpluggedWhat TTRPGs are under developmentOur 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 rowDiscussing the most popular game at PAX: UnpileAnalyzing the mid tier board game and new trends 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 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 make "Our Haunt" stand out from traditional ghost story RPGsOur personal experiences running and playing through a one shotA deep dive into the game's core relationship-building mechanisms and storytelling approach Join us as we explore: Breaking down the game's innovative paranormal investigation systemSharing our most memorable (and terrifying) moments at the tableAnalyzing the delicate balance between player agency and supernatural dread Whether you're a TTRPG enthusiast looking for your next adventure or a GM seeking to expand your storytelling toolkit, this episode offers candid insights into whether "Our Haunt" deserves a place in your game collection. 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 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 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

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 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 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 settingsTalk through the point of levelingAsk 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 Mastering experience to help you navigate the terrors of deep space gaming. Key Topics Discussed: Character creation and the four classic archetypes (Teamster, Scientist, Android, Marine) Creating tension through environmental storytelling and resource management How to balance horror and player agency in your campaigns Whether you're a veteran GM, or a new listener trying to escape your family on Thanksgiving, this episode offers valuable insights. 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 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 systemShare our experiences running horrifying space scenariosDiscuss how to create the perfect atmosphere of cosmic dread 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. Key Topics Discussed: Character creation and the four classic archetypes (Teamster, Scientist, Android, Marine) Creating tension through environmental storytelling and resource management How to balance horror and player agency in your campaigns Whether you're a veteran GM looking to add some horror to your sci-fi, or a new Warden hoping to run your first deadly space mission, this episode offers valuable insights to help your crew survive... or die trying. 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 of Tabletopped, we get philosophical about story structure! In it we: Talk about different story structuresGet into railroadingDiscuss 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 modules and campaigns. Key Topics Discussed: Railroading in D&DStory structuresWhat stories we have run Whether you're a veteran GM or just starting out, this episode offers valuable insights to enhance your adventure building and elevate your games. 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 of Tabletopped, we take the new D&D rules to court! In it we: Talk about the biggest changes in the new rulesPredict future directions WoTC may take D&DDebate 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 how you can build your own TTRPG modules and campaigns. Key Topics Discussed: The biggest changes in the rulesD&D 2024's combat systemOur hopes and fears for the future of D&D Whether you're a veteran GM or just starting out, this episode offers valuable insights to enhance your adventure building and elevate your games. 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 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 systemReview our own experience playing the gameGo 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 draw from over 50 years of Game Mastering experience to demonstrate how you can build your own TTRPG modules and campaigns. Key Topics Discussed: How to build characters in Honey HeistTechniques to make playing a one shot cohesiveAdvice on how to lean into the craziness of this game Whether you're a veteran GM or just starting out, this episode offers valuable insights to enhance your adventure building and elevate your games. 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

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 tabletoppedpodcast@gmail.com We will be looking to release a final version with art and everything by the end of November for sale as well! See you next Monday and as always, Thank you so much for listening to this weird little TTRPG podcast.

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 gameBuild motivations for factions and NPCsCreate a system agnostic adventure that will be available this Wednesday on our Patreon⁠⁠⁠ for all members (even free ones!) 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 modules and campaigns. Key Topics Discussed: How to hook playersWhat tropes to use in the adventureTechniques for making a compelling adventure Whether you're a veteran GM or just starting out, this episode offers valuable insights to enhance your adventure building and elevate your games. 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 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 we draw from over 50 years of Game Mastering experience to unpack the unique elements that make fairy tale horror a chilling addition to any campaign. Key Topics Discussed: Why fairy tale horror works in TTRPGsClassic tropes of the genre: trickster Fae, dark forests, and cursed wishesTechniques for making Fae creatures genuinely scaryHow to weave folklore and fairy tales into horror campaigns Whether you're a veteran GM or just starting out, this episode offers valuable insights to enhance your storytelling and elevate your horror games. 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

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!

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 step into the dark academia world of young witches at a military academy, training to become elite guardians of Witchdom. Our campaign launches on Oct 15th but you can catch gameplay on our Twitch channel every other Thursday until launch." Eerie's Website Fatebound kickstarter Go join Eerie's Twitch for weekly streams Check Tabletopped 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

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 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 | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠

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 forward. Discover practical tips, engaging story hooks, and adaptable frameworks that will elevate your game mastering skills to the next level. Whether you're a seasoned GM looking to refine your techniques or a novice eager to master the art of social quests, this episode promises a wealth of inspiration and actionable advice. Tune in now and unlock the secrets to crafting unforgettable TTRPG experiences! Say hi to us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠tabletoppedpod.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or tabletoppedpod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠! Also, check us out on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! Theme music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Michelle Poulin⁠⁠

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 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: ⁠⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/album/4o0TJ5ePSImA0wYXxihSt4