Jesse interviews Richard Dansky, writer and line developer for Wraith: The Oblivion. They discuss his gaming roots, LARP experiences, professional work with White Wolf, and current projects including Nightmare Logic, Bridgewater, and the Video Game Writer’s Survival Guide.
Jesse and Chris dive into the renewed interest in D&D 4th Edition, reflecting on its tactical combat, iconic mechanics like skill challenges and the bloodied condition, and how its DNA lives on in modern RPGs like Lancer and Draw Steel. Plus, Jesse shares plans for a brutal Dark Sun 4E campaign. music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio
Jesse is joined by Bill White, author of Tabletop RPG Design in Theory and Practice at the Forge, 2001–2012, for a discussion Historical RPGS, the magic of game mothering and a wide variety of other topics. music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio
Jared Sorensen is the designer of innovative indie RPGs like Inspectres, Lacuna, octaNe, and the Parsley series. With over two decades in the hobby, he has consistently pushed the boundaries of tabletop storytelling, focusing on unique, tightly defined play experiences. Learn more at Memento Mori Theatricks.music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio
Join Jesse as he shares his personal history with tabletop roleplaying games—how it all began, the characters who shaped his play, and how the hobby has influenced his identity, creativity, and community. A heartfelt oral history of a gamer’s evolving world.music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio
Discover Chris’s lifelong connection to tabletop roleplaying games in this deep-dive oral history. From early adventures and evolving play styles to gaming community bonds and cultural influences, Chris reflects on decades of TTRPG storytelling and the meaning behind the dice. music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio
Join Jesse, Chris, Kawika, and Alan as they set forth from the Port City of Norek in this Rolemaster Unlimited actual play. Based on the 1990 Iron Crown adventure from the Shadow World setting, the party begins their journey into a land of intrigue, danger, and high fantasy. music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio
Jesse and Chris continue exploring the fusion of wargaming and role-playing with Warhammer 40k Crusade campaign ideas and a dive into Forbidden Psalm. They share narrative strategies, hobby enthusiasm, and lessons from chaotic skirmishes. music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio
Join us for a roundtable deep dive into Modiphius' 2d20 system. We unpack mechanics like Momentum, and Threat across games like Dune, Fallout, and Star Trek Adventures—with plenty of hot takes and irreverent laughs. Perfect for players and GMs curious about what makes 2d20 tick. music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio
Jesse and Chris talk long-term TTRPG pacing, messy player recaps, and setting clear stakes. From crafting downtime to handling high-impact choices, it’s a practical dive into running smoother, more memorable games—without needing a dedicated scribe. music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio
Jesse and Chris talk about the shared space between wargaming and tabletop RPGs. They dig into player psychology, the joys of painting minis, and what happens when your army starts to feel like a party of adventurers. music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio
music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio
Chris and Jesse explore how to craft engaging TTRPG encounters, sessions, and campaigns that skip the swords and spells. Discover tools, tips, and ideas for building non-combat adventures that captivate players and deepen storytelling. music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio
Learn how to craft a compelling elevator pitch that sets the tone for your TTRPG campaign. This quick guide helps you hook your players, align expectations, and build excitement from your very first Session Zero. Perfect for GMs who want to start strong and keep players engaged. music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio
Jesse and Karl explore how improv techniques influence tabletop roleplaying, from “yes, and” to scene framing. Discover how spontaneous storytelling skills can level up your game. music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio
Chris, Will, and Jesse roll up characters in Rolemaster Unified, a modern take on the crunchy simulationist RPG from the 80s. Dive into stat-heavy builds, brutal crits, and old-school charm! music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio
Join us for a deep dive into horror in tabletop RPGs with special guest Karl, a masterful Call of Cthulhu Keeper. We explore what makes horror storytelling work at the table, how to craft unsettling settings, and how game mechanics can enhance fear, tension, and dread. Karl also shares his personal journey as a gamemaster and the biggest skill upgrades that transformed his approach to horror. A must-listen for GMs, players, and fans of horror in RPGs.
Special guest Mark joins the Mantis to talk about his gaming origin story. Why he loves Sci-fi games and some of the best ones out there. music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio
Special guest Chris joins Jesse to chew the TTRPG cud while Matty takes a well deserved break. music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio
Ready to bring prehistoric power into your campaign? In this episode, we explore how to incorporate dinosaurs into your tabletop RPG—whether you're running a classic fantasy setting, a pulpy jungle adventure, or a time-traveling twist. From riding raptors to surviving a tyrannosaur stampede, we’ll share creative ways to use dinosaurs as mounts, monsters, plot hooks, and even NPCs. Plus, tips on balancing them mechanically and making them feel epic, mysterious, or terrifying at the table. If your players think they've seen it all... it’s time to show them what 65 million years of extinction rage looks like.