The Jaunty Mantis TTRPG Podcast

Ending a tabletop RPG session can feel awkward, rushed, or flat—even when the rest of the game was great. So how should a session end? In this episode of Jaunty Mantis, the hosts unpack why session endings matter, why Game Masters are often overly self-critical, and how to end sessions in ways that build momentum instead of killing it. From cliffhangers and cutaways to ending mid-combat (on purpose), we explore practical techniques you can use immediately—without burning yourself out trying to be “cinematic” every time.

Why do we play tabletop roleplaying games? In this episode of Jaunty Mantis, we dive deep into the philosophy of RPGs—exploring power fantasy, collaborative storytelling, violence as conversation, rules vs. narrative, and why dice-driven games feel so different from novels, improv, or video games. Funny, thoughtful, occasionally unhinged, and deeply personal - heres what we cover: Whether RPGs are about story or process How power and agency evolve from adolescence to adulthood Why violence is baked into many RPG systems RPGs as ritual, catharsis, and even modern church The lessons roleplaying games teach us without permission Music by Karl Ca...

What happens when a player can’t make it—and the story needs them? In this episode of Jaunty Mantis, Jesse, Matty, and Chris tackle one of tabletop gaming’s most frustrating problems: last-minute absences. From running flashbacks and side games to stealing scenes, leaning into OSR one-shots, and even letting story beats happen without the missing player, the crew shares hard-earned advice, devilish ideas, and genuinely practical GM techniques.

Music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio

Can a tabletop RPG ever be fully serious — or is humor baked into the DNA of playing with your friends?

In this episode of Jaunty Mantis, Jesse, Matty, and Chris dive into a surprisingly complex question: Is humor an unavoidable part of tabletop role-playing games — or can you truly run a serious, emotionally resonant campaign?

Drawing from decades of combined experience, the hosts explore how laughter, tension, character backstories, emotional beats, and even absurd emergent moments all blend together at the table. From Vampire: The Masquerade’s deadly-serious in-character drama to D&D’s natural sillines...

Cybernetic heartbreak, social disasters, noble nepo babies, improvised space romance, mishaps that should have been fatal, and the wild joy of letting dice determine your fate. The Jaunty Mantis crew spirals into utter chaos building Traveller RPG characters. Buckle up — it gets weird

Welcome back to The Jaunty Mantis, the podcast with creative questions for curious gamers! In this episode, Jesse, Matty, and Chris dive into the art (and anxiety) of doing NPC voices — when they work, when they fall apart, and when they accidentally turn every character into an unhinged space gremlin.

The crew open...

Can an open table completely change the way you run RPGs? The Jaunty Mantis crew dives into The Alexandrian’s Open Table Manifesto to explore how it reshapes campaigns, players, and prep.

In this episode of the Jaunty Mantis podcast, Jesse, Matty, and Chris unite to explore The Open Table Manifesto from thealexandrian.net , and how it can revolutionize the way we run tabletop RPGs.

From rotating player pools to emergent sandbox storytelling, the gang talks character creation challenges, scheduling nightmares, mega-dungeons, Shadowrun woes, and how to design sessions that end cleanly—even if you're lost...

Jaunty Mantis here — and today we’re tackling a massive 96 oz steak of an RPG. We read the entire Draw Steel book so you don’t have to. Is it genius? Is it too much? Let’s find out.

Welcome back to The Jaunty Mantis — the show where insectoid fantasy creatures dissect tabletop RPGs with ungoverned cylinders and way too many analogies. In this episode, Jesse and Matty review MCDM’s Draw Steel, a massive tactical heroic fantasy RPG that does a lot — sometimes maybe too much.

We walk through ancestries, classes, kits, perks, complications, and the cinema...

What if I told you your tabletop RPG doesn’t need skills… or stats… or even weapon proficiencies? Today we commit a little RPG heresy—and ungovern the cylinder. The Jaunty Mantis returns with another episode of chaotic brilliance, high-level RPG design debate, and extremely questionable metaphors.

Today, Jesse and Matty tackle a deceptively simple question: Do tabletop RPGs actually need their core features? Ability scores, skill systems, weapon proficiencies—are they essential, or are they just D&D legacy baggage we keep carrying around? Along the way we detour into Rifts (of course), Pendragon, Cypher System, Dungeon Wo...

Ever wonder what happens when your Nosferatu fashion designer fails a feeding roll? The Jaunty Mantis dives deep into the blood-soaked streets of Galveston and the creative chaos of running Vampire: The Masquerade. In this episode, Jesse and Chris get into the weird and wonderful mechanics of running Vampire: The Masquerade in Galveston, Texas — from ghostly visions after the 1900 hurricane to Nosferatu feeding fails that end with a glass of water for the kid.

What if your TTRPG character suddenly told you they were more than you ever imagined—and what if your RPG's combat and social rules were holding you back?

Matty returns to the podcast and things get spicy fast as we dive into the evolving craft of tabletop RPGs. From character-changing playlists to Vampire: The Masquerade’s approach to social mechanics—and the eternal question of how much combat a game really needs—we explore creativity, game design, and the hidden rules shaping our favorite TTRPGs.

The conversation spans everything from Rifts Chaos Earth, session-zero hype for Vamp...

What happens when you mix time travel, cybernetics, and dinosaurs — and then get stuck 90 million years in the past? We’re diving into Predation, the wildest RPG you’ve never played. Strap in, game mothers, dungeon masters, and dice goblins — this episode we’re reviewing Predation, the dinosaur-heavy RPG from Monte Cook Games built on the Cypher System! We unpack what makes Predation such a unique blend of science fiction, time anomalies, and genetically modified dinosaurs. From player-driven companion mechanics to the game’s faction conflicts, we dig into what works, and what’s missing.

In this episode of The Jaunty Mantis, we riff on mechanical ways to make dinosaurs stand out at the table — beyond simple reskins or bigger HP pools. They cover size & reach, zone-based combat, fear/horror mechanics, animal companions and mounts, pack tactics, and inspiration from other RPG systems (Rifts, Exalted, 4E, Runehammer).

What happens when dinosaurs, blood magic, and gothic horror collide?

In this episode of The Jaunty Mantis, hosts Jesse and Matty dive deep into Dungeons & Dragons design, building new 5e subclasses and settings inspired by the theme of prehistoric dread.

Matty introduces a new Blood Hunter Order of the Sauran, blending primal instincts and dinosaur fury into a playable subclass for D&D. Meanwhile, Jesse unveils a terrifying new Domain of Dread ruled by a sentient Allosaurus who devours minds in pursuit of a voice.

What if your next D&D campaign was ruled by dinosaurs? From cursed velociraptor gods to underground triceratops kingdoms, Jesse and Matty explore the wildest ways to bring prehistoric power into your tabletop worlds. What happens when you mix dinosaurs with tabletop roleplaying games? In this episode of The Jaunty Mantis, Jesse and Matty dive headfirst into the prehistoric—exploring how to bring dinosaurs into your RPG worlds through settings, characters, and pure creative chaos. From Ravenloft’s “Curse of the Velociraptor” to underground dinosaur kingdoms and divine T-Rex gods, this episode is packed with wild ideas you’ll actually w...

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 and Chris dive into how tackling challenging RPG systems can sharpen your GM skills. Chris shares insights from running a Rolemaster campaign, where teaching complex mechanics has leveled up his GMing. Jesse talks about preparing for a Vampire: The Masquerade 5e game and using directive scenes to guide play. Together, they explore why clear player goals drive better stories, how learning multiple systems expands a GM’s toolkit, and techniques for improving pacing and engagement at the table.

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.

Bring the thunder of prehistoric beasts to your tabletop! In this episode, we explore the best resources for running dinosaur-themed TTRPGs. From rulebooks and supplements to setting ideas, encounters, and miniatures, we’ll guide you through everything you need to craft epic adventures in the age of dinosaurs. Whether you're running a lost world expedition, time-traveling escapades, or a land untouched by time, these resources will help your game truly roar!

What happens when you combine the awe of dinosaurs with the storytelling magic of tabletop RPGs? In this episode, we dive into how to bring these prehistoric beasts to life in your games—whether it’s a lost world setting, time travel adventure, or dino-riding fantasy epic!

In this episode, we dive into the often-debated world of roleplaying game fiction. From Dragonlance to Forgotten Realms, RPG tie-in novels have carved out a unique niche in speculative fiction—but are they genuinely compelling reads or just glorified game manuals?

Music: A Stranger Thing, by Bruno E.

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As a new year begins, it’s the perfect time to reflect on past campaigns and set fresh goals for your tabletop adventures. In this episode, we discuss TTRPG gaming goals for 2025—whether it’s mastering a new system, becoming a better GM, creating richer characters, or finally finishing that long-running campaign.

Music: A Stranger Thing, by Bruno E.

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Tired of recapping every TTRPG session? You’re not alone. In this episode, we explore the growing desire to ditch traditional session summaries and why they might be more of a burden than a benefit.

Music: A Stranger Thing, by Bruno E.

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Thinking about running an evil D&D campaign but not sure if it’s the right move? In this episode, we dive into the allure and challenges of embracing the dark side. We’ll discuss what makes an evil campaign work, potential pitfalls to avoid, and how to keep the story engaging without descending into chaos. From moral dilemmas to party dynamics, we explore whether running an evil campaign can be as fun (and meaningful) as it sounds—or if it’s a recipe for disaster.

Music: A Stranger Thing, by Bruno E.

Logos by Shannon...

Running a D&D one-shot can be a thrilling challenge—condensing epic storytelling, memorable characters, and satisfying gameplay into just a few hours. In this episode, we break down how to design and run effective one-shots, from crafting tight plots and dynamic encounters to managing pacing and player expectations. Whether you’re prepping for a convention, introducing new players, or just looking for a low-commitment game night, we’ve got tips and tricks to help you deliver an unforgettable adventure in a single session.

Music: A Stranger Thing, by Bruno E.

Logos by Shannon Sipes thedig...

Buckle up, because we’re diving headfirst into the full season of Star Wars: Skeleton Crew—and we’ve got opinions. In this episode, we deliver our unfiltered, controversial review of the series, breaking down what worked, what didn’t, and why it’s sparking so much debate among fans. From character arcs and pacing to its place in the larger Star Wars universe, we’re not holding back. Whether you loved it, hated it, or are still on the fence, join us for a deep dive that’s sure to ruffle a few feathers in the galaxy far, far away.

In this bonus episode, Jesse falls in love with Galveston Texas and becomes inspired to plan a Vampire game.

In this bonus episode, the boys discuss the awkward proposal of asking for feedback for both GMs and players.

Follow Jesse: @Jingoistfett

Follow Matty: @MattherzbergTV

Follow The Mantis: @Jauntymantis or @JUANTYMANTIS (on x/twitter)

Music: A Stranger Thing, by Bruno E.

Logos by Shannon Sipes thedigsy.myportfolio.com/work

Whether you are tired of D&D or inspired by an exciting new purchase , it can sometimes be difficult to introduce a new game to your group. In the season 4 finale of The Jaunty Mantis, the boys discuss how to identify player boredom and burnout with your current game. Get tips and tools to build interest, learn how to teach the rules, as well as getting maximum buy-in from your group.

Follow Jesse: @Jingoistfett

Follow Matty: @MattherzbergTV

Follow The Mantis: @Jauntymantis or @JUANTYMANTIS (on x/twitter)

Music: A Stranger Thing, by...

Looking to spice up your pirate or thieves guild D&D campaign.? Why not use roles in addition to classes! In this episode, Jesse and Matty discuss new thoughts on PC roles - unnecessary complication or assets for your players?

Jesse and Matty discuss the types of players you might find at your gaming table. How to identify them, how to tailor your game for them, how to deal with disruptions and challenges.

Music: A Stranger Thing, by Bruno E.

Logos by Shannon Sipes thedigsy.myportfolio.com/work

In a very special holiday bonus episode of The Jaunty Mantis. The boys uncover an old recording about LARPing with Rich Ranallo (Velvet Generation)

Music:

"God Rest Ye Merry Gentlmen" - DJ Williams "Dance Of The Sugar Plum Fairies (by Tchaikovsky)" - Tchaikovsky "Home for the Holidays" - Chris Haugen

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The boys discuss some tips for taking a lighter approach to encounter design for combats

Music: A Stranger Thing, by Bruno E.

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The boys discuss some tips for building up the world of your setting with player involvement and minimal homework.

Music: A Stranger Thing, by Bruno E.

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When running a role playing game, it’s important for Dungeon Masters to empower the players characters But are there situations when the opposite is needed? The boys discuss scenarios and best practices for Game Masters to recognize and address situations when they should say “No-but” instead of “Yes-and”.

Music: A Stranger Thing, by Bruno E.

Logos by Shannon Sipes thedigsy.myportfolio.com/work

Have you ever wanted to make aliens that are more than just ridges on a forehead and a self destructive warrior culture? The boys explore ideas and methods for designing truly alien lifeforms for your science fiction and fantasy games.

Music: A Stranger Thing, by Bruno E.

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Jesse and Matty explore the appeal and pitfalls of gaming in established intellectual properties.

Music: A Stranger Thing, by Bruno E.

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The boys discuss the circumstances around player boredom and how GMs should assess and handle it.

Music: A Stranger Thing, by Bruno E.

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The boys discuss ending long running campaigns

Music: A Stranger Thing, by Bruno E.

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The boys discuss the media that inspires their GMing style

Music: A Stranger Thing, by Bruno E.

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Matty’s Shadowrun Playlist

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4DxfGHBLJTZTtLAsLIN6NO?si=6c1b9984fcf449f9

Matty’s Spelljammer Playlist

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4DxfGHBLJTZTtLAsLIN6NO?si=6c1b9984fcf449f9

The boys discuss games, mechanics, and GMing resources that helped them level up.

Music: A Stranger Thing, by Bruno E.

Logos by Shannon Sipes thedigsy.myportfolio.com/work

What happens when your PCs bypass critical encounters of your game? Jesse’s RIFTs game ends with just such an event when his PC's burned down a vampire safe-house. The boys discuss how to handle clever players when they completely nullify your encounters.

Music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio

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Here is an example of how we workshop a character concept for the DM’s campaign.

Music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio

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The boys discuss the merits of D&D Beyond as a platform and its value add to the overall D&D franchise.

Music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio

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Matty experiences a gaming midlife crisis and realizes he’s never attempted a 1 to 20 level D&D campaign. Jesse makes fun of him for reversing his opinions about 5e D&D. The two begin debating the concept of a Gaming Bucket List.

Music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio

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The boys discuss initial thoughts on the new D&D 2024 Player’s Handbook

Music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio

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The boys discuss ‘Cozy Fantasy’ and ‘Slice of Life’ style, and also cartoon shows from the late 90’s

Send us your creative questions for Season 4 to Jauntymantis@gmail.com

Please give us a high rating on your pod catcher of choice and leave a comment “All The Mantises!” wherever you found this episode.

Music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio

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Matty updates Jesse on how the first run attempt with his latest fantasy heartbreaker

Please give us a high rating on your pod catcher of choice and leave a comment “All The Mantises!” wherever you found this episode.

Music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio

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In this bonus episode, Matty pitches an idea for a D&D rougelike to Jesse…who doesn’t completely hate it.

Send us your creative questions for Season 4 to Jauntymantis @gmail.com

Please give us a high rating on your pod catcher of choice and leave a comment “All The Mantises!” wherever you found this episode.

Music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio

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In this bonus episode, Jesse and Matty discuss two genres of gaming that they both have very little experience playing in.

Music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio

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Is it possible to have too much humor in your TTRPG? Should the GM be the straight man or a cartoonish ringmaster? In this bonus episode, the boys discuss Jesse’s New West Vampire Hunters game and the silly nature of RIFTS.

Music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio

Music by Nat Keefe & Hot Buttered Rum

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Fresh off the SDCC teaser for Stark Trek Lower Decks Season 5, the boys talk about the show and the merits of generational storytelling. Some TTRPG talk happens also!

Music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio

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SEASON 4 IS COMING AND WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! If you have a creative gaming question send it our way at jauntymantis@gmail.com

In this bonus episode, the Jaunty Mantis boys discuss Ed Greenwood and The Forgotten Realms. How we as gamers perceive the time honored tropes of fantasy peoples (such as dwarves and orcs).

Music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio

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Jesse and Matty discuss gamer’s compelling desires to play overpowered characters and exploit mechanics for optimal gain.

They boys take the opportunity to examine what roleplaying games mean to them and how to stylize them to new-gamers.

Music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio

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Jesse and Matty play Trophy Dark and live to tell the tale! Trophy Dark is a collaborative storytelling game about a group of treasure-hunters on a doomed expedition into a forest that doesn’t want them there.

Get Trophy Dark: https://trophyrpg.com

Music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio

Logos by Shannon Sipes thedigsy.myportfolio.com/work

Jesse and Matty discuss Warhammer Age of Sigmar Soulbound by Emmet Byrne, Zak Dale-Clutterbuck, David Guymer, Elaine Lithgow, TS Luikart, Dominic McDowall, Katrina Ostrander, Josh Reynolds, Clint Werner

WHAT IS WARHAMMER AGE OF SIGMAR SOULBOUND?

As Sigmar’s Storm broke upon the hordes of Chaos, a flicker of hope was rekindled in the people of the Mortal Realms. The seeds of civilisation were planted and grew into new bastions of Order, and for a moment it almost seemed the endless tide of darkness could be held back. 

But then came the Necroquake, as the...

The boys review Blades In The Dark by John Harper.

WHAT IS BLADES IN THE DARK?

Blades in the Dark is a tabletop role-playing game about a crew of daring scoundrels seeking their fortunes on the haunted streets of an industrial-fantasy city. There are heists, chases, occult mysteries, dangerous bargains, bloody skirmishes, and, above all, riches to be had — if you’re bold enough to seize them.

You and your fledgling crew must thrive amidst the threats of rival gangs, powerful noble families, vengeful ghosts, the Bluecoats of the city watch, and the siren...

The Jaunty Mantis boys discus the Transformers RPG by Ryan Costello, Gabriel Hicks, JF Sambrano, Bryan C.P. Steele, Elisa Teague, Eddy Webb, and Ben Heisler

WHAT IS TRANSFORMERS RPG?

In the Transformers Roleplaying game, create your own Autobot character and wage your battle to destroy the evil forces of the Decepticons! Whether defending Earth against Megatron’s plans of attack, searching for elusive stores of Energon, or protecting innocent humans and Cybertronians alike, your game is only limited by the stories you create!

Get Transformers RPG HERE: https://renegadegamestudios.com/transformers-roleplaying-game/

...

The boys review Trophy Dark by Jesse Ross, Aaron Burkett, Alexi Sargeant, Blaine Moore, Brian Sago, David Morrison, Gabriel Robinson, Ira Grace, Jim Crocker, Leandro Pondoc, Ludovico Alves, Luiz Paulo Ferraz, Madeleine Ember, Michael Van Vleet, Mike Martens, Noora Rose, and Sabine V.

WHAT IS TROPHY DARK?

Trophy Dark is a collaborative storytelling game about a group of treasure-hunters on a doomed expedition into a forest that doesn’t want them there.

Get Trophy Dark: https://trophyrpg.com

Music: Exhale By Jeremy Blake

Logos by Shannon Sipes thedigsy.myportfolio.co...

Jesse and Matty explore The Star-Shaman’s Song of Planegea by David Somerville

Planegea is primal fantasy roleplaying. Whatever you want to explore in 5E—slaying monstrous creatures, navigating political intrigue, exploring ancient ruins, crafting enchanted weapons, infiltrating evil cults, battling, building, casting, carousing—it’s all here. Planegea rises out of our earliest ancestral memory, a world we can barely recognize, which holds all the adventure we can imagine. You won’t find limitations on class or kinship here; rather, the world is filled with ideas and inspiration for running a long and glorious game set before wri...

Jesse and Matty discuss Shadown Anarchy. by Jason M. Hardy, Randall N. Bills, and Philip A. Lee

WHAT IS SHADOWRUN ANARCHY?

Dive into a cyberpunk dystopia and become a shadowrunner, a deniable asset who does the jobs no one else can--or will--do. It's not an easy life, but it beats selling your soul to the megacorps. You'll break into top-secret labs, stand up to gangs bent on destruction and chaos, encounter dark spirits hiding even darker secrets, and come face to face with some of the infinite dangers the Sixth World can throw at you...

Jesse and Matty review Ultraviolet Grasslands and the Black City by Luka Rejec.

WHAT IS ULTRAVIOLET GRASSLANDS AND THE BLACK CITY?

PULSE CONFIRMED. ENTITY ENERGIZED. REMEMBER: KEEP YOUR OMNIBATTERIES CHARGED AND YOUR HAZEMETER AT THE READY.

Get UVGL&BC2E HERE: https://www.exaltedfuneral.com/products/uvg-2e

Music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio

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Jesse and Matty talk about FATE Core, written by Fred Hicks and Rob Donoghue

WHAT IS FATE Core?

Fate Core is a tabletop roleplaying game about proactive, capable people who lead dramatic lives. Create your characters and develop instant group dynamics with our unique phased char gen system. Use those characters as a springboard to storytelling in our GM worldbuilding chapters.

Get FATE Core Here: https://evilhat.com/product/fate-core-system/

Music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio

Music by Freedom Trail Studio

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Jesse and Matty discuss the beautifully weird, no barriers, science fantasy indie RPG that is TROIKA! by Daniel Sell.

WHAT IS TROIKA?

TROIKA! is a science-fantasy role-playing game where you and your cosmopolitan group of fellow travellers explore the ends of the multiverse. You will fly on mystic barges, help dying gods, solve confounding crimes, plunder dead worlds, and meet strange & wonderful people. 

With just one book and a couple of six-sided dice you'll be able to provide years of adventure for you and your friends.

Get TROIKA here: https://www.t...

Matty and Jesse review Shadowdark by Kelsey Dionne.

WHAT IS SHADOWDARK RPG?

Classic gaming with elegant execution.

Shadowdark RPG is what old-school fantasy gaming would look like after being redesigned with 50 years of innovation. 

The game is fast, familiar, intuitive, and deadly. It’s built for sword-and-sorcery adventures where fell monsters slither in darkness and frosty gems glint upon forgotten thrones, waiting to be discovered.

In Shadowdark RPG, real time comes into play. A torch only holds back the looming darkness for one hour of actual game time! There isn't a...

Season 3 continues as the boys review Index Card RPG by Hankerin Ferinale.

Index Card RPG has slowly built a die-hard following of DIY RPG creators and players over the past 5 years. Until now, it has been found in 3 hardcopy books and numerous PDF's published by Runehammer.

This huge book combines ICRPG's numerous worlds, streamlined D20 rules and critically acclaimed GM know-how all in one PDF, all revised and updated with its latest playtest data, magic system, LOOT tables and so much more.

GET ICRPG HERE:

https://www.runehammer.online/online-store/Index-Card-RPG-Master-Edition-PDF-p495157491 <...

The boys are back for Season 3, Matty and Jesse revisit Velvet Generation, by Rich Ranallo and Sky Leaton.

Velvet Generation is a tabletop roleplaying game of rock and revolution. Players step into the role of an underground band, trying to survive under the Ministry of Music’s bootheel long enough to strike back and topple the regime from below.

Check out more at velvetgeneration.com

Music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio

Logos by Shannon Sipes thedigsy.myportfolio.com/work

In this bonus episode, the boys have stumbled upon a different (and possibly better) way to create a character backstory. One that involves a playlist of songs instead of paragraphs.

Panthro Seabass Dudikoff Playlist

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4TN7s6CgAcWVybux4H7T5V?si=6f006476b1b94c9e

Harrow Playlist

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6uQmylpLZozHPiu3BsQoxJ?si=5620f2827127459c

Berdine Cleargrain Playlist

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1mRvX6O4JdnYjHpUMIny29?si=76b8fbae65da4f99

Dupt Playlist

https://open...

Jesse and Matty talk about the 2018 movie, Mortal Engines and whether or not it would make for a good TTRPG campaign setting. The boys discuss possible mechanics, player options, and necessary thematics.

Music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio

Logos by Shannon Sipes thedigsy.myportfolio.com/work

In this bonus episode, the boys discuss their favorite RPG podcasts

Music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio

Logos by Shannon Sipes thedigsy.myportfolio.com/work

In this bonus episode, the boys discuss best practices for GM’s to teach new gaming systems to their players

Music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio

Logos by Shannon Sipes thedigsy.myportfolio.com/work

In this Bonus episode, the boys discuss Rifts and the character creation for their weekly gaming group

Music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio

Logos by Shannon Sipes thedigsy.myportfolio.com/work

Jesse wants to hack the AD&D version of Dark Sun and Matty tries to talk him out of it. The boys discuss the core features and tone of the setting and the mechanics for a supplemental system.

Music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio

Logos by Shannon Sipes thedigsy.myportfolio.com/work

In this bonus episode the boys talk about Avatar the Last Airbender, Start Trek, and their corresponding TTRPGs

Music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio

Logos by Shannon Sipes thedigsy.myportfolio.com/work

The boys debate the general necessity and purpose of skills in table top roleplaying games.

Music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio

Logos by Shannon Sipes thedigsy.myportfolio.com/work

In this bonus episode, the boys discuss the Survival Crafter genre of video games and wether or not one would work as a TTRPG.

Music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio

Logos by Shannon Sipes thedigsy.myportfolio.com/work

Season 2 Finale; the boys cover their creative process for creating a campaign.

Music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio

Logos by Shannon Sipes thedigsy.myportfolio.com/work

The boys create a Minister using the tools and tables found in Kevin Crawford’s Wolves of God

Disclosure: Matty and Jesse have not received any finical support, influence, or products from Kevin Crawford or Sine Nomine Publishing. They have spent their own money on Wolves of God because they love the game and support Kevin Crawford (and they think you should to - because he makes awesome gaming books).

GET WOLVES OF GOD HERE

Music by OB-LIX

Logos by Shannon Sipes thedigsy.myportfolio.com/work

The boys create a starship for their science fiction setting using the tools and tables found in Kevin Crawford’s Stars Without Number.

Disclosure: Matty and Jesse have not received any finical support, influence, or products from Kevin Crawford or Sine Nomine Publishing. They have spent their own money on Stars Without Number because they love the game and support Kevin Crawford (and they think you should to - because he makes awesome gaming books).

GET STARS WITHOUT NUMBER HERE

Music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio

Logos by Shannon Sipes th...

The boys further develop their custom science fiction setting using the tools and tables found in Kevin Crawford’s Stars Without Number.

Disclosure: Matty and Jesse have not received any finical support, influence, or products from Kevin Crawford or Sine Nomine Publishing. They have spent their own money on Stars Without Number because they love the game and support Kevin Crawford (and they think you should to - because he makes awesome gaming books).

The boys set out to create a playable science fiction setting using the tools and tables found in Kevin Crawford’s Stars Without Number.

Disclosure: Matty and Jesse have not received any finical support, influence, or products from Kevin Crawford or Sine Nomine Publishing. They have spent their own money on Stars Without Number because they love the game and support Kevin Crawford (and they think you should to - because he makes awesome gaming books).