In today's episode, we sit down with game designer and writer Nat Mesnard, co-founder of Scryptid Games and Unquiet Games. We dive deep into the creation of Assemblage, a GM-less roleplaying game where players collaboratively build strange science-fiction ecosystems and face the heartbreaking decision of which species will go extinct. Whether you're interested in innovative game design or looking to explore alternatives to traditional hierarchical play, this conversation will transform how you think about collaborative storytelling.
In this episode, you'll discover:
Joining us is host Nick Perron in conversation with Nat Mesnard. Together, they explore the intersection of queer survival, ecological thinking, and tabletop game design, covering everything from matsutake mushrooms and Anna Lowenhaupt Tsing's work to the linage of DMs as "referees."
Links to what we talked about in todays episode:
MORE LINKS!
→ Tabletopped's website
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 Mitch Poulin
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In today's episode, we sit down with dungeon master and blogger Jason Campbell, of Shadomain.com. We dive deep into the debate around premade versus improvised content for campaigns, how to collaborate on story with players, and creating memorable experiences for your players. Whether you're a brand new DM or looking to refine your approach, these expert insights will help you take your campaigns to the next level.
In this episode, you'll discover:
Joining us is host Nick Perron in conversation with Jason Campbell. Together, they explore the art of learning to run immersive TTRPG games, covering everything from adventure preparation to developing your craft as a game master.
LINKS!
→ Tabletopped's website
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 Mitch Poulin
Support and Subscribe to the Podcast!
Have you ever wondered, "Should I start with a premade adventure or create my own?" or "What's the best way to learn dungeon mastering?" If these questions sound familiar, you're in the right place!
In today's episode, we sit down with dungeon master and podcaster Vahid Qualls, host of the Dungeon Mastering is Easy podcast. We dive deep into the debate around premade versus homebrew content for new DMs, discussing how to build confidence behind the screen, develop your unique style, and create memorable experiences for your players. Whether you're a brand new DM or looking to refine your approach, these expert insights will help you take your campaigns to the next level.
In this episode, you'll discover:
Joining us is host Nick Perron in conversation with Vahid Qualls. Together, they explore the art of learning to run immersive TTRPG games, covering everything from adventure preparation to developing your craft as a game master.
LINKS!
→ Tabletopped's website
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 Mitch Poulin
Support and Subscribe to the Podcast!
Have you ever wondered, "How do I kill my player character in a way that feels fun?" or "What makes a balanced consequence for a character?" If these questions sound familiar, you're in the right place!
In today's episode, we sit down with dungeon master and improvisor, Danny Belel. We dive deep into the inspiration behind this haunting adventure, discussing how to effectively weave consequences, dread, and player agency into TTRPG campaigns. Whether you're planning to run a deadly ttrpg game or simply want to elevate your DMing, these expert insights will help you take your campaigns to the next level.
In this episode, you'll discover:
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 TTRPG games, covering everything from pacing to player psychology.
LINKS!
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 Mitch Poulin
Support and Subscribe to the Podcast!
Have you ever wondered, "How do I bring a Souls-like Lovecraftian horror game to life at my D&D table?" or "What makes a truly unforgettable horror module?" If these questions sound familiar, you're in the right place!
In today's episode, we sit down with Leroy Benson, the mastermind behind Chaplewick—the upcoming D&D module that's redefining Lovecraftian horror for 5th Edition. We dive deep into the inspiration behind this haunting adventure, discussing how to effectively weave mystery, dread, and player agency into a pre-written campaign. Whether you're planning to run Chaplewick or simply want to elevate your horror DMing, these expert insights will help you take your dark fantasy campaigns to the next level.
In this episode, you'll discover:
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 TTRPG games, covering everything from pacing to player psychology.
LINKS!
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 Mitch Poulin
Support and Subscribe to the Podcast!
This is a Re-aired episode from 2024:
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!
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!
In this episode, we sit down and try and figure out the best way to roleplay at table. Who best to join in on this talk? Why not the man who teaches a class on the subject: John Serpico!
Whether you're a seasoned GM who's a grizzled describer or a newer Game Master wondering how to weave your story without losing your players, this episode delivers practical insights with the kind of hard-won wisdom that only comes from years of spinning stories around the table.
We dive deep into the world of storytelling and explore how narratives, descriptions, and plot structures can enhance rather than complicate the gaming experience.
Topics Covered:
So grab your dice, your favorite beverage, and maybe dust off that campaign notebook with all those interconnected plot threads—we're diving into every reason why stories within stories deserve more love at your gaming table!
Join host Nick Perron as he draws from his expertise in the TTRPG space to explore the cutting edge of game design with creators who are pushing boundaries and making magic happen one dice roll at a time.
Tabletopped's Stuff:
→ 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 Mitch Poulin
In this episode, we sit down and try and figure out the best way to narrate a game. Should you prepare? Use Box Text? Improvise? How often/long should you narrate?
Whether you're a seasoned GM who's a grizzled describer or a newer Game Master wondering how to weave your story without losing your players, this episode delivers practical insights with the kind of hard-won wisdom that only comes from years of spinning stories around the table.
We dive deep into the world of storytelling and explore how narratives, descriptions, and plot structures can enhance rather than complicate the gaming experience.
Topics Covered:
So grab your dice, your favorite beverage, and maybe dust off that campaign notebook with all those interconnected plot threads—we're diving into every reason why stories within stories deserve more love at your gaming table!
Join host Nick Perron as he draws from his expertise in the TTRPG space to explore the cutting edge of game design with creators who are pushing boundaries and making magic happen one dice roll at a time.
Tabletopped's Stuff:
→ 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 Mitch Poulin
In this episode, we're tackling one of the most overlooked aspects of tabletop gaming—and no, we're not talking about "min-maxing" or "rules lawyer debates." The hosts explore the art and mindset of playing your home game like you're recording for thousands of listeners, diving into why adopting actual play techniques isn't performative theater but rather a powerful approach for creating more engaging and memorable sessions.
Whether you're a seasoned GM who's noticed your players scrolling phones during combat or a newer Game Master wondering why your epic campaign moments fall flat at the table, this episode delivers practical techniques with the kind of hard-won wisdom that only comes from years of watching what works in both intimate kitchen table games and streamed actual plays.
Special guest @lexgetspizza is interviewed as we dive deep into the psychology of engagement and explore how narrative pacing, character voice work, and cinematic description can transform even the most mundane dungeon crawl into appointment gaming.
Topics Covered:
So grab your dice, your favorite beverage, and maybe dust off that character voice you've been too shy to use—we're diving into every reason why bringing actual play techniques to your home game will make everyone more excited to show up!
Join host Nick Perron as he draws from his expertise in the TTRPG space to explore what makes games truly captivating with creators and players who are elevating the hobby one session at a time.
→ Tabletopped's Stuff:
→ 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 Mitch Poulin
In this episode of Tabletopped, we dive deep into the shadowy world of "Delta Green," the Lovecraftian horror TTRPG that's been keeping our conspiracy theories alive and our sanity scores dangerously low! Join our seasoned panel of GMs—Nick, Franco, Rio, and Shade—as we investigate whether this game deserves a permanent place in your tabletop arsenal.
Whether you're a TTRPG enthusiast looking for your next descent into madness or a GM seeking to expand your horror storytelling toolkit, this episode offers candid insights into whether "Delta Green" deserves a classified file in your game collection.
Key Topics Discussed:Join us as we explore:
In this episode of Tabletopped, the gang is back to talk with our boots on the ground reporter, Franco, as we discuss his experience at this year's Gen Con.
LINKS!
→ Tabletopped's website
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, we're tackling one of the most fascinating storytelling techniques in tabletop gaming—and no, we're not talking about "flashback mechanics" or "framing devices." The hosts explore the art and craft of nested narratives, diving into why stories within stories aren't just narrative flourish but rather a powerful tool for creating immersive, multi-layered gaming experiences.
Whether you're a seasoned GM who's experimented with tales-within-tales or a newer Game Master wondering how to weave multiple narrative threads without losing your players, this episode delivers practical insights with the kind of hard-won wisdom that only comes from years of spinning interconnected stories around the table.
We dive deep into the world of layered storytelling and explore how nested narratives, character backstories, and multi-level plot structures can enhance rather than complicate the gaming experience.
Topics Covered:
So grab your dice, your favorite beverage, and maybe dust off that campaign notebook with all those interconnected plot threads—we're diving into every reason why stories within stories deserve more love at your gaming table!
Join host Nick Perron as he draws from his expertise in the TTRPG space to explore the cutting edge of game design with creators who are pushing boundaries and making magic happen one dice roll at a time.
→ Tabletopped's Stuff:
→ 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 Mitch Poulin
In this episode, we're tackling one of the most controversial topics in tabletop gaming—and no, we're not talking about "edition wars" or "alignment arguments." The hosts explore the art and science of crunchy game mechanics, diving into why complex systems aren't the enemy of good storytelling but rather a powerful tool for creating memorable narratives.
Whether you're a seasoned GM who's embraced the mathematical beauty of detailed systems or a newer Game Master wondering if all those modifiers and subsystems are worth the effort, this episode delivers passionate defense with the kind of hard-won wisdom that only comes from years of rolling dice and crunching numbers.
Special guest Derek Kane-Gervais is interviewed as we dive deep into the world of rules-heavy RPGs and explore how probability curves, character optimization, and mechanical complexity can enhance rather than hinder the storytelling experience.
Topics Covered:
So grab your dice, your favorite beverage, and maybe dust off that character optimizer spreadsheet—we're diving into every reason why mathematical storytelling deserves more love!
Join host Nick Perron as he draws from his expertise in the TTRPG space to explore the cutting edge of game design with creators who are pushing boundaries and making magic happen one dice roll at a time.
→ Tabletopped's Stuff:
→ 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 Mitch Poulin
In this episode, we're tackling one of the most dreaded phrases in tabletop gaming—and no, we're not talking about "rocks fall, everyone dies." The hosts explore the art and science of managing party splits outside of combat scenarios, diving into practical strategies that keep everyone engaged when your adventuring party decides to scatter to the four winds.
Whether you're a seasoned GM who's watched party splits derail entire sessions or a newer Game Master wondering how to handle your first "wait, we're splitting up?" moment, this episode delivers actionable advice with the kind of hard-won wisdom that only comes from managing countless scattered adventuring parties.
Topics Covered:
So grab your dice, your favorite beverage, and maybe practice your pickup lines—we're diving into every way you can deal with a split party!
Join host Nick Perron as he draws from his expertise in the TTRPG space to explore the cutting edge of indie game design with creators who are pushing boundaries and making magic happen one dice roll at a time.
→ Tabletopped's Stuff:
→ 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 Mitch Poulin
In this episode, we're getting up close and personal with romance mechanics—and no, we're not talking about your last Tinder disaster. Host Nick Perron sits down with Mat from the Role Play Chat podcast to dive deep into his brand new TTRPG creation: First Date Update. From nervous small talk mechanics to butterfly-inducing connection systems, this indie game is redefining what it means to roll for romance at the tabletop.
Whether you're a forever GM looking for something fresh or just curious about how indie designers tackle the trickiest emotions to gamify, Mat breaks down everything from core mechanics to his design philosophy with the kind of passion that only comes from someone who's been there, done that, and rolled the dice to prove it.
Topics Covered:
So grab your dice, your favorite beverage, and maybe practice your pickup lines—we're diving into the wonderful world of romantic tabletop gaming!
Join host Nick Perron as he draws from his expertise in the TTRPG space to explore the cutting edge of indie game design with creators who are pushing boundaries and making magic happen one dice roll at a time.
LINKS!→ Mat's Stuff:• Role Play Chat Linktree
• Itch Page: Check out for access to the game in August!
→ Tabletopped's Stuff:
→ 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 Mitch Poulin
In this episode, we’re diving into the things that have been living rent-free in our heads lately—from dice-rolling daydreams to late-night reading binges. We’re talking cyberpunk aesthetics, revisiting Neuromancer and what it means for TTRPG worldbuilding, plus some of the coolest new D&D monsters we've come across and how they could shake up your next encounter.
Whether you’re looking for campaign inspiration or just want to hear what kinds of media are fueling our creativity, this one’s for you.
Topics Covered:
The legacy of Neuromancer and how cyberpunk still hacks our imaginations
New and weird D&D monsters that could derail your whole party (in a good way)
Books that are shaping the way we think about storytelling
Indie game discoveries and TTRPG ideas we can’t stop noodling on
So grab your dice, your favorite beverage, and come hang out with us!
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 find the next perfect obsession.
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 Mitch Poulin
In this episode, Rio, Franco, Shade, and Nick dive deep into the wild and wonderful world of Wilderfeast, the TTRPG where culinary adventure meets dangerous exploration. We explore how to craft memorable campaigns in this unique setting that blends cooking, monster hunting, and community building into one delicious experience. In the episode we also talk about:
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 serve up the perfect Wilderfeast campaign.
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 Mitch Poulin
In this episode, Rio, Stephen, and Nick talk about Cyberpunk's Night City as a setting to place your ttrpg campaign. We talk about it's lore from Cyberpunk 2020, Cyberpunk Red, and Cyberpunk 2077, as well as how to use it's unique blend of capitalist dystopia, technology, and freedom to make an amazing campaign. In the episode we also talk about:
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 Mitch Poulin
In this episode, the hosts examine leveling mechanics in tabletop RPGs, discussing their purpose, various implementations across different systems, and strategies for incorporating character progression into your games effectively.
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 Mitch Poulin
In this healing episode of Tabletopped, host Nick brings together our regular panel of tabletop gaming experts to dissect and analyze healing mechanics across various TTRPGs. From traditional hit points to narrative-driven recovery systems, the panel explores what makes healing engaging, balanced, and meaningful in gameplay.
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 Mitch Poulin