Roleplay Rescue

For a long time, I thought the friction in my hobby was a personal failure. I used to record my GM's Journal while running, wind hitting the mic, breathless and fumbling, calling myself the "world's flakiest GM." I saw my diagnoses of ADHD, Generalised Anxiety Disorder, and Social Anxiety as bugs in the system—things I had to "overcome" just to run an RPG session.This season, we’re stopping the drift. I’m moving away from viewing my mental differences as pathology and towards creating an Architecture for Play that fits the way my mind prefers to work. I have stopped trying to 'fix' my brain. I’ve realised my brain isn't broken; it's just a different kind of receiver to the one some people have. I’ve stopped fighting the symptoms that troubled me and started seeing them as features rather than bugs. I call this 'High-Fidelity' play. The invocation of the Otherworld with as little distortion as possible. Aiming for an experience that feels like something original and real. A true secondary world created with and for my players.Game on!Roleplay Rescue Details:Voice Message:speakpipe.com/roleplayrescuePatreon:patreon.com/rpgrescue Email:roleplayrescue@pm.meBlogroleplayrescue.com Bluesky Social:https://bsky.app/profile/ubiquitousrat.bsky.socialRoleplay Rescue Theme by Jon Cohen from Tale of the Manticore:https://taleofthemanticore.podbean.com/Logo and artwork by MJ Hiblen:https://www.patreon.com/MJHiblenART/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This one's responding to a question about what you tell the players about the Otherworld before they use a Bio Sheet to create a character concept. Answer: give them an Otherworld Skeleton.Based on Jamison's methodology and drawing on my own approaches to running RPGs, this one gives an example drawing on current work to establish an Open Table fantasy game at the school club.Thanks to UberGrog for the call-in.Game on!Roleplay Rescue Details:Voice Message:speakpipe.com/roleplayrescuePatreon:patreon.com/rpgrescue Email:roleplayrescue@pm.meBlogroleplayrescue.com Bluesky Social:https://bsky.app/profile/ubiquitousrat.bsky.socialRoleplay Rescue Theme by Jon Cohen from Tale of the Manticore:https://taleofthemanticore.podbean.com/Logo and artwork by MJ Hiblen:https://www.patreon.com/MJHiblenART/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode I lay out where Roleplay Rescue stands after the whirlwind of twenty episodes in Season 16. I dive into my “dark sorcery” experiments with AI—how tools like Lumo, Gemini and Notebook LM have become useful sidekicks for prep, NPC stats, and campaign organisation. Finally, I give listeners a quick roundup of the various tabletop groups you’re shepherding, from GURPS sci‑fi to D&D 5e, and thank the Patreon supporters who keep the hobby alive at the School RPG Club.Thanks to Alex for the call-in.Game on!Roleplay Rescue Details:Voice Message:speakpipe.com/roleplayrescuePatreon:patreon.com/rpgrescue Email:roleplayrescue@pm.meBlogroleplayrescue.com Bluesky Social:https://bsky.app/profile/ubiquitousrat.bsky.socialRoleplay Rescue Theme by Jon Cohen from Tale of the Manticore:https://taleofthemanticore.podbean.com/Logo and artwork by MJ Hiblen:https://www.patreon.com/MJHiblenART/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This one arose from the Karameikos recap last week and explores the way in which in-character as-character roleplay drives the emergent story in the Otherworld.Included is a reflection on what roleplay is, the approaches to play I've adapted from a couple of major sources, and the practical impact these approaches have on play. I also reflect on how much the player's input to the game is driving the play.Thanks to my players - Pat, Ryan, Chris, Matt, Derek, and Josh - for the awesome campaign we're enjoying!Game on!Roleplay Rescue Details:Voice Message:speakpipe.com/roleplayrescuePatreon:patreon.com/rpgrescue Email:roleplayrescue@pm.meBlogroleplayrescue.com Bluesky Social:https://bsky.app/profile/ubiquitousrat.bsky.socialRoleplay Rescue Theme by Jon Cohen from Tale of the Manticore:https://taleofthemanticore.podbean.com/Logo and artwork by MJ Hiblen:https://www.patreon.com/MJHiblenART/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This one's a bit of an indulgence... responding to Alex's recent call-in asking to hear the story so far in Karameikos, I've cobbled together some words and shared the tale.It's impossible to do justice to the experience at the table after the fact. I hope it's worth the listen.Thanks to Alex for the request.Thanks to my players - Pat, Ryan, Chris, Matt, Derek, and Josh - for the awesome campaign we're enjoying!Game on!Roleplay Rescue Details:Voice Message:speakpipe.com/roleplayrescuePatreon:patreon.com/rpgrescue Email:roleplayrescue@pm.meBlogroleplayrescue.com Bluesky Social:https://bsky.app/profile/ubiquitousrat.bsky.socialRoleplay Rescue Theme by Jon Cohen from Tale of the Manticore:https://taleofthemanticore.podbean.com/Logo and artwork by MJ Hiblen:https://www.patreon.com/MJHiblenART/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What's the power of pretend and the power of the imaginary? Of inhabiting a different Otherworld, of inhabiting a different person within an emergent tale? What is it about that which is so compelling?Thanks to Pat and Alex for the call-ins.Game on!Roleplay Rescue Details:Voice Message:speakpipe.com/roleplayrescuePatreon:patreon.com/rpgrescue Email:roleplayrescue@pm.meBlogroleplayrescue.com Bluesky Social:https://bsky.app/profile/ubiquitousrat.bsky.socialRoleplay Rescue Theme by Jon Cohen from Tale of the Manticore:https://taleofthemanticore.podbean.com/Logo and artwork by MJ Hiblen:https://www.patreon.com/MJHiblenART/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What do you do when it's game night and you're sleep-deprived or sick? You've got six players waiting and you don't want to let everyone down.What do you do?Big thanks to UberGrog for the call-in!Pat's "Processing GURPS" blog, including examples for the Bio Sheet:The Process – Processing GURPSORhttps://processinggurps.com/2025/12/04/the-process/Game on!Roleplay Rescue Details:Voice Message:speakpipe.com/roleplayrescuePatreon:patreon.com/rpgrescue Email:roleplayrescue@pm.meBlogroleplayrescue.com Bluesky Social:https://bsky.app/profile/ubiquitousrat.bsky.socialRoleplay Rescue Theme by Jon Cohen from Tale of the Manticore:https://taleofthemanticore.podbean.com/Logo and artwork by MJ Hiblen:https://www.patreon.com/MJHiblenART/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode is an interview with someone whom I never expected to meet but am hugely grateful for the opportunity to talk to about RPGs, comics, characters, and story. Andrew Kafoury is a writer, creator, and the publisher and head of story at Battle Quest Comics, hailing from Portland, Oregon in the USA. He founded the company in 2020 to be a home for like-minded story creatives and artists with a passion for compelling characters and exciting adventures. He oversees the publication of original, creator-driven comic projects while also contributing his own works. Andrew is the writer and creator of No'madd: The Unconquerable, The Young Nomads, Elatari, and Steel Siege, titles that blend action, mythology, and character-driven narratives.More of his work can be found at www.BattleQuestComics.com.Big thanks to Andrew for coming on the show!Game on!Roleplay Rescue Details:Voice Message:speakpipe.com/roleplayrescuePatreon:patreon.com/rpgrescue Email:roleplayrescue@pm.meBlogroleplayrescue.com Bluesky Social:https://bsky.app/profile/ubiquitousrat.bsky.socialRoleplay Rescue Theme by Jon Cohen from Tale of the Manticore:https://taleofthemanticore.podbean.com/Logo and artwork by MJ Hiblen:https://www.patreon.com/MJHiblenART/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This one's inspired by Anthony from the Casting Shadows realm of podcasting, YouTube, and blogging. He has some thoughts about Episode 11, Master and Emissary, and this then sparks my own sharing of three preferences that have emerged in my own play in recent months.Big thanks to Anthony for calling-in!Thanks to everyone for your ongoing support.Game on!Roleplay Rescue Details:Voice Message:speakpipe.com/roleplayrescuePatreon:patreon.com/rpgrescue Email:roleplayrescue@pm.meBlogroleplayrescue.com Bluesky Social:https://bsky.app/profile/ubiquitousrat.bsky.socialRoleplay Rescue Theme by Jon Cohen from Tale of the Manticore:https://taleofthemanticore.podbean.com/Logo and artwork by MJ Hiblen:https://www.patreon.com/MJHiblenART/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the spirit of turning up, this one's a bit more ad hoc and GM Journal in style, but it's relevant and heartfelt.I talk about getting back to Ariadne's Thread (powered by Cypher) and report on the Monster Hunters (powered by GURPS). The over-arching theme is the power of choosing to turn up to play. Improvisation around the tools and notes you've got can help you overcome the fear and play.Thanks to everyone for your ongoing support.Game on!Roleplay Rescue Details:Voice Message:speakpipe.com/roleplayrescuePatreon:patreon.com/rpgrescue Email:roleplayrescue@pm.meBlogroleplayrescue.com Bluesky Social:https://bsky.app/profile/ubiquitousrat.bsky.socialRoleplay Rescue Theme by Jon Cohen from Tale of the Manticore:https://taleofthemanticore.podbean.com/Logo and artwork by MJ Hiblen:https://www.patreon.com/MJHiblenART/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How do you overcome the sense of inertia where you don't want to play or prep anything?After weeks of holiday disruption, how do you get yourself moving as a GM and rediscover some enjoyment.Thanks to Frank T and Pat M for the call-ins.Game on!Roleplay Rescue Details:Voice Message:speakpipe.com/roleplayrescuePatreon:patreon.com/rpgrescue Email:roleplayrescue@pm.meBlogroleplayrescue.com Bluesky Social:https://bsky.app/profile/ubiquitousrat.bsky.socialRoleplay Rescue Theme by Jon Cohen from Tale of the Manticore:https://taleofthemanticore.podbean.com/Logo and artwork by MJ Hiblen:https://www.patreon.com/MJHiblenART/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What is it about slipping fully into a character and exploring a living, open‑ended world that makes us feel so drawn into the fantasy and have fun? What part of our human make-up is refreshed and excited by these imaginary adventures we experience during roleplay? Is there a way to understand this specific preference for slipping into a imaginary persona and exploring a living, open-ended world?This one’s sharing a more experimental theory that’s emerged in my mind over recent days. It’s rooted back in my first conversations with friends of the show Daniel Jones from Primaeval Fantasy, Runeslinger Anthony from Casting Shadows, and my co-host Patrick Mullen from GURPStalk. It’s also rooted in the psychology and philosophy of Dr Iain McGilchrist and several other authors that I’ve read or heard over recent years.Game on!Roleplay Rescue Details:Voice Message:speakpipe.com/roleplayrescuePatreon:patreon.com/rpgrescue Email:roleplayrescue@pm.meBlogroleplayrescue.com Bluesky Social:https://bsky.app/profile/ubiquitousrat.bsky.socialRoleplay Rescue Theme by Jon Cohen from Tale of the Manticore:https://taleofthemanticore.podbean.com/Logo and artwork by MJ Hiblen:https://www.patreon.com/MJHiblenART/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After a break of nearly 11 weeks between August and the tail end of October 2025, Roleplay Rescue was reborn with an experimental mindset and a specific pact to record one short episode per week for 10 weeks, focusing solely on actions and experiences as a GM.This is the tenth episode of that pact. How have things worked out and what has been learned?And what about the other pacts I made for my hobby?This is an opportunity to reflect and, hopefully, through that reflection to discern the next steps on the journey as we enter 2026...Game on!Roleplay Rescue Details:Voice Message:speakpipe.com/roleplayrescuePatreon:patreon.com/rpgrescue Email:roleplayrescue@pm.meBlogroleplayrescue.com Bluesky Social:https://bsky.app/profile/ubiquitousrat.bsky.socialLogo and artwork by MJ Hiblen:https://www.patreon.com/MJHiblenART/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I've been shifting my focus towards preparing a new school-based game designed to engage the students in roleplay but also to be light, fun, and open to newbies as much as possible. For me, the trick is to get started: my confidence in the game, in my ability to deliver the game and run it, and in engaging the students begins with the first steps. This time, I’m taking a modified approach and running an experiment in providing a mission-based game in a grounded Otherworld with the potential to offer the players a sandbox to explore and mysteries to uncover. This episodes introduces my first steps towards a Monster Hunters game.Game on!Roleplay Rescue Details:Voice Message:speakpipe.com/roleplayrescuePatreon:patreon.com/rpgrescue Email:roleplayrescue@pm.meBlogroleplayrescue.com Bluesky Social:https://bsky.app/profile/ubiquitousrat.bsky.socialLogo and artwork by MJ Hiblen:https://www.patreon.com/MJHiblenART/Additional music thanks to Tabletop Audio:Tabletop Audio - Ambiences and Music for Tabletop Role Playing Games Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What’s the point of solo roleplaying games? Why do it? And, frankly, how do you keep the game moving?If you’ve ever tried to play a role‑playing game solo, you know the feeling: the excitement of stepping into a new world, followed by the nagging question, ‘How do I keep the game moving when there’s no one else at the table?’This past week, I built a tiny experiment to solve that tension and today I’m sharing it with you.Game on!Roleplay Rescue Details:Voice Message:speakpipe.com/roleplayrescuePatreon:patreon.com/rpgrescue Email:roleplayrescue@pm.meBlogroleplayrescue.com Bluesky Social:https://bsky.app/profile/ubiquitousrat.bsky.socialLogo and artwork by MJ Hiblen:https://www.patreon.com/MJHiblenART/Additional ambient sound thanks to Tabletop Audio:Tabletop Audio - Ambiences and Music for Tabletop Role Playing Games Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This one's a reflection on the mental health side of my journey wherein I talk about the reflection that hitting 7 years of the show coincides with 5 years of healing since the mental health breakdown that I experienced in 2020.Here at the tail end of 2025, I’ve been reminded of the "Scanner" concept – because I had forgotten about it in all the hustle of the past couple of years – and it’s refreshed my sense of acceptance for the way my mind functions. That led me into thinking about some of the things that I do (or am returning to doing) that lean into the realities of being designed to move from interest to interest, soaking up everything I can. This is a breathless, wild-minded blast of ideas. Take it for what it is: the way my mind works.Thanks to Carl D, Wiebe, and Evil Jeff for the call-ins!Game on!Roleplay Rescue Details:Voice Message:speakpipe.com/roleplayrescuePatreon:patreon.com/rpgrescue Email:roleplayrescue@pm.meBlogroleplayrescue.com Bluesky Social:https://bsky.app/profile/ubiquitousrat.bsky.socialLogo and artwork by MJ Hiblen:https://www.patreon.com/MJHiblenART/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On the 28th of November 2018, the 8 minute and 14 second Episode Zero of Roleplay Rescue was aired. Seven years of striving, failing, starting over, and asking: How can I run a game that is creatively engaging for my friends and myself, while managing the crippling anxiety and self-doubt that plagued my identity as the "world's flakiest GM"?This episode we dive into the manifesto that emerged from that struggle. Thanks to Anthony and Thorsten for the call-ins!Music by Jon from Tale of the Manticore.Game on!Roleplay Rescue Details:Voice Message:speakpipe.com/roleplayrescuePatreon:patreon.com/rpgrescue Email:roleplayrescue@pm.meBlogroleplayrescue.com Bluesky Social:https://bsky.app/profile/ubiquitousrat.bsky.socialLogo and artwork by MJ Hiblen:https://www.patreon.com/MJHiblenART/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week patron and regular listener, Alex from the UK, called in with a question about my approach of what he calls, "Player-Directed Goal-Driven Play". His specific issue is around whether this approach can work with shorter periods of play that are designed to be time-bound to fewer sessions than my own aspiration for 1-year plus long-form play. This episode is my answer to the question.Thanks Alex for the call-in question!Hope this is useful to others too.Game on!Roleplay Rescue Details:Voice Message:speakpipe.com/roleplayrescuePatreon:patreon.com/rpgrescue Email:roleplayrescue@pm.meBlogroleplayrescue.com Bluesky Social:https://bsky.app/profile/ubiquitousrat.bsky.socialLogo and artwork by MJ Hiblen:https://www.patreon.com/MJHiblenART/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week I found myself wandering back to Traveller - specifically, the current edition of the game published by Mongoose.Wandering is an inevitability in my hobby. My mind is constantly scanning for interesting things. I am curious by nature. This is the way I am.This week, Pioneer caught my attention again. It's a game about exploring the solar system. For me, the idea of a "For All Mankind" type of space exploration game in the near future sounds great. I downloaded the free book that's on the Kickstarter page:The Pioneer RPG: Explore the Solar System by Mongoose Publishing — KickstarterBut then I wanted to re-read Traveller Core Rules. My head was spinning about the Companion, which has points-build rules for characters. And then, just this morning, I landed upon The Borderland:The BorderlandWONDERING is part of my character. It's the most natural thing in the world to wonder.WANDERING is also part of my character. I find myself wandering, both physically and intellectually, most days.And so I wonder and wander.Cute.Roleplay Rescue Details:Voice Message:speakpipe.com/roleplayrescuePatreon:patreon.com/rpgrescue Email:roleplayrescue@pm.meBlogroleplayrescue.com Bluesky Social:https://bsky.app/profile/ubiquitousrat.bsky.socialLogo and artwork by MJ Hiblen:https://www.patreon.com/MJHiblenART/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Starting with a seemingly random quote from "Tiny Experiments" by Anne-Loure Le Cunff, I riff off the idea of non-linear paths through RPG adventures. I draw on Jamison's idea about the Obstacle and its three stages.Overall, this is me animatedly talking about how I prep for my games right now.Thanks to everyone who is supporting the show on Patreon!Thanks to Anthony for calling in (even if I didn't use it yet)!Game on!Jamison's "Gamemastering": Gamemastering: Amazon.co.uk: Jamison, Brian: 9781448675432: BooksOR amazon.co.uk/Gamemastering-Brian-Jamison/dp/144867543XRoleplay Rescue Details:Voice Message:speakpipe.com/roleplayrescuePatreon:patreon.com/rpgrescue Email:roleplayrescue@pm.meBlogroleplayrescue.com Bluesky Social:https://bsky.app/profile/ubiquitousrat.bsky.socialLogo and artwork by MJ Hiblen:https://www.patreon.com/MJHiblenART/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.