3RPG Podcast

Rolling for combat is a given in TTRPG, but are there other areas that can benefit from a bit more randomness? On this week's episode, the 3RPG team explores when to roll the dice and the ethics of fudging results.

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro

2:41 - When to use dice

7:59 - Failed rolls

9:15 - Degrees of success vs. pass/fail

13:14 - Good roleplay bonuses

14:54 - Random encounters, Zig when I zag

19:19 - Rolling for new players

20:29 - Fast and loose combat

23:09 - Quick Fix: Immersion Breaking Names

24:20 - Fudging rolls

30:38 - Fudging death

38:50 - Balancing unfairness and expectations

41:01 - Is fudging railroading?

42:27 - Stuart Shartworth Jr. / The risk of fudge verisimilitude

47:39 - Should players fudge?

49:57 - Dear GM: Our Monk has taken a vow of silence

Want more 3RPG shenanigans?

Find us on these additional platforms:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4zJvM6rd5uEBONxbO275bU?si=81e12a3931de40ab

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/3rpg-podcast/id1834280069

Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/1229bb55-61b3-409b-94cb-e70cd3ad0161/3rpg-podcast

Audible: https://www.audible.com/podcast/3RPG-Podcast/B0FN1QQN6M?source_code=ASSGB149080119000H&share_location=pdp

Our socials:

https://www.instagram.com/threerpgpodcast/

https://bsky.app/profile/threerpg.bsky.social

See more more gaming & release information from Jay Underwood and his co-creators :

https://www.tanukigames.org

Contact Info: [email protected]

#podcastclips #podcastviral #dungeonsanddragons #dnd #gaming #ttrpg #ttrpgcampaign #ttrpgtips #ttrpginspiration #ttrpgcommunity #fantasy #fantasyauthors #fantasyauthor #rpg #rpgaday #femalegamer #femalegamers #girlgamer #3rpg #creativewriting #creativity #writingprocess #homebrew #homebrewgames #homebrewdnd #homebrewcampaign #ttrpgadvice #rpg #podcast #DM #GM

Halloween provides the quintessential horror setting, but what if you want to go beyond pumpkins and candy corn? Join the 3RPG crew as they make a bigger, faster, more diabolically devious Halloween to inspire your next holiday session.

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro - Hallow-comedy

4:00 - Costume confessional

15:04 - Costumes in rpg

22:47 - Trick or treat origins & ideas

28:00 - Jack-o-lantern reimagined

29:55 - Making candy corn, better?

32:02 - Color palate

35:37 - Psychological fear and horror

56:00 - Making death scary in RPG

1:00:57 - Loss of humanity mechanics

1:07:44 - Body snatchers

1:11:22 - Reskinning classic Halloween monsters

1:31:25 - Outro - Favorite candy

Want more 3RPG shenanigans?

Find us on these additional platforms:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4zJvM6rd5uEBONxbO275bU?si=81e12a3931de40ab

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/3rpg-podcast/id1834280069

Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/1229bb55-61b3-409b-94cb-e70cd3ad0161/3rpg-podcast

Audible: https://www.audible.com/podcast/3RPG-Podcast/B0FN1QQN6M?source_code=ASSGB149080119000H&share_location=pdp

Our socials:

https://www.instagram.com/threerpgpodcast/

https://bsky.app/profile/threerpg.bsky.social

See more more gaming & release information from Jay Underwood and his co-creators :

https://www.tanukigames.org

Contact Info: [email protected]

#podcastclips #podcastviral #dungeonsanddragons #dnd #gaming #ttrpg #ttrpgcampaign #ttrpgtips #ttrpginspiration #ttrpgcommunity #fantasy #fantasyauthors #fantasyauthor #rpg #rpgaday #femalegamer #femalegamers #girlgamer #3rpg #creativewriting #creativity #writingprocess #homebrew #homebrewgames #homebrewdnd #homebrewcampaign #ttrpgadvice #rpg #podcast #DM #GM

Description:

TTRPG touts the social aspect of gameplay, but what if characters disagree and want to split the party? Join the 3RPG team as they tackle the how and why of party splits and whether co-DMing could work in your world.

Comments:

In Deep Geek: https://www.youtube.com/indeepgeek

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro

7:10 - Should you split the party?

10:43 - Avoiding boredom for the non-active party

16:01 - Encouraging the split narrative

22:27 - Pitfalls

24:52 - Philly Phil's take on RPGs

28:49 - Quick Fix - making boring monsters fun

29:25 - "Ad": BasilEX Machina

32:00 - Co-DMing

42:42 - Consistency through world style sheets

Want more 3RPG shenanigans?

Find us on these additional platforms:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4zJvM6rd5uEBONxbO275bU?si=81e12a3931de40ab

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/3rpg-podcast/id1834280069

Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/1229bb55-61b3-409b-94cb-e70cd3ad0161/3rpg-podcast

Audible: https://www.audible.com/podcast/3RPG-Podcast/B0FN1QQN6M?source_code=ASSGB149080119000H&share_location=pdp

Our socials:

https://www.instagram.com/threerpgpodcast/

https://bsky.app/profile/threerpg.bsky.social

See more more gaming & release information from Jay Underwood and his co-creators :

https://www.tanukigames.org

Contact Info: [email protected]

#podcastclips #podcastviral #dungeonsanddragons #dnd #gaming #ttrpg #ttrpgcampaign #ttrpgtips #ttrpginspiration #ttrpgcommunity #fantasy #fantasyauthors #fantasyauthor #rpg #rpgaday #femalegamer #femalegamers #girlgamer #3rpg #creativewriting #creativity #writingprocess #homebrew #homebrewgames #homebrewdnd #homebrewcampaign #ttrpgadvice #rpg #podcast #DM #GM

Two of our favorite things at 3RPG are trying new systems and supporting indie creators. In this episode, hosts Jay and Sandra get to sit down with Robby Howell, mastermind of the diceless TTRPG system, Enclave.

Comments:

To learn more and support the upcoming Kickstarter for Enclave Aspirant:

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@robbylavagames

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577601998241

Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/757240159/enclave-aspirant?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaekbmjEh6hyOyWJzFTqylcKEp9-DID2_xmho50ryzCM7IgCOiGPJZT2kZNr0Q_aem_MkHyCEdgRHtuNAv4NZHoiA

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro

2:33 - What is a diceless TTRPG?

4:45 - The world of Enclave

8:04 - Starting a game

11:15 - Character growth (Flavor)

15:15 - The lore of Enclave

22:27 - Pre-cons

25:56 - A sneak peak at the future of Enclave

29:13 - Quick start demo

35:40 - Enclave tips

42:06 - Skills

47:01 - Combat and Luck Pitch demo

58:01 - PvP

1:02:41 - Robby Howell - path to game designer

1:07:05 - Favorite genres to play (and alt-history?)

1:14:03 - Proust questionnaire - Robby edition

1:19:24 - Lightning round

Want more 3RPG shenanigans?

Find us on these additional platforms:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4zJvM6rd5uEBONxbO275bU?si=81e12a3931de40ab

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/3rpg-podcast/id1834280069

Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/1229bb55-61b3-409b-94cb-e70cd3ad0161/3rpg-podcast

Audible: https://www.audible.com/podcast/3RPG-Podcast/B0FN1QQN6M?source_code=ASSGB149080119000H&share_location=pdp

Our socials:

https://www.instagram.com/threerpgpodcast/

https://bsky.app/profile/threerpg.bsky.social

See more more gaming & release information from Jay Underwood and his co-creators :

https://www.tanukigames.org

Contact Info: [email protected]

#podcastclips #podcastviral #dungeonsanddragons #dnd #gaming #ttrpg #ttrpgcampaign #ttrpgtips #ttrpginspiration #ttrpgcommunity #fantasy #fantasyauthors #fantasyauthor #rpg #rpgaday #femalegamer #femalegamers #girlgamer #3rpg #creativewriting #creativity #writingprocess #homebrew #homebrewgames #homebrewdnd #homebrewcampaign #ttrpgadvice #rpg #podcast #DM #GM

Description:

Every character deserves their own unique moments to shine, but how do you ensure each player at your table gets a proper spotlight? Join the 3RPG hosts as they explore both GM and player ways to provide feel-good, memorable moments that everyone can feel great about.

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro

2:43 - Bards then and now

5:52 - Character space does not only mean hero moments

7:41 - Setup vs fudging

12:52 - Reframing failed rolls for storytelling

18:45 - Using NPCs to guide a moment

21:50 - Quick Fix - Handling character death

22:37 - Memorable introductions

26:50 - Breaking initiative

32:50 - Balancing duration

39:14 - Don't hold onto ideas, use them

41:45 - The value of post-session discussion

Want more 3RPG shenanigans?

Find us on these additional platforms:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4zJvM6rd5uEBONxbO275bU?si=81e12a3931de40ab

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/3rpg-podcast/id1834280069

Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/1229bb55-61b3-409b-94cb-e70cd3ad0161/3rpg-podcast

Audible: https://www.audible.com/podcast/3RPG-Podcast/B0FN1QQN6M?source_code=ASSGB149080119000H&share_location=pdp

Our socials:

https://www.instagram.com/threerpgpodcast/

https://bsky.app/profile/threerpg.bsky.social

See more more gaming & release information from Jay Underwood and his co-creators :

https://www.tanukigames.org

See more book release and appearances from Sandra Rosner:

https://www.sandrarosner.com

Contact Info: [email protected]

#podcast #dungeonsanddragons #dnd #gaming #ttrpg #ttrpgcampaign #ttrpgtips #ttrpginspiration #ttrpgcommunity #fantasy #fantasyauthors #fantasyauthor #rpg

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Description: Though faith is a common theme in fantasy TTRPG, deciding exactly when and how to incorporate elements into your story can be daunting. Join the 3RPG hosts as they explore the difference between harmful representation, respectful exploration and inspiration.

Comments:

See where the marshmallow thing all began - Top 10 of 2025 episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5YsoV9MESnw&t=8s

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro

6:50 - When (and why) to introduce religion

11:40 - Defining god(s) in TTRPG

16:45 - Divine game mechanics

(19:07)

Our socials:

https://www.instagram.com/threerpgpodcast/

https://bsky.app/profile/threerpg.bsky.social

See more more gaming & release information from Jay Underwood and his co-creators :

https://www.tanukigames.org

See more book release and appearances from Sandra Rosner:

https://www.sandrarosner.com

https://www.twitch.tv/ladyvonfrost

https://www.instagram.com/sandra.a.rosner/

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/22936146.Sandra_Rosner

https://bsky.app/profile/sandrarosner.bsky.social

World of Warcraft: The Dragonflight Codex - A Definitive Guide to the Dragons of Azeroth: https://insighteditions.com/products/world-of-warcraft-the-dragonflight-codex

RuneScape: The Official Cookbook: https://insighteditions.com/products/runescape-the-official-cookbook

Contact Info: [email protected]

#podcast #dungeonsanddragons #dnd #gaming #ttrpg #ttrpgcampaign #ttrpgtips #ttrpginspiration #ttrpgcommunity #fantasy #fantasyauthors #fantasyauthor #rpg

Description:

Ever get eaten by a mimics disguised as a treasure chest? You may just be a loot goblin! On today's episode, the 3RPG hosts discuss the bounds of what loot is and how to make it both meaningful and memorable without breaking your game.

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro

4:13 - What is loot, exactly?

9:56 - Loot vs lore swag (and how often)

13:26 - Using 'Monkey's paw' items

15:33 - Novel loot ideas

22:44 - Quick fix - fixing a too-powerful loot item

24:01 - Loot ideas for your next game

Want more 3RPG shenanigans?

Find us on these additional platforms:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4zJvM6rd5uEBONxbO275bU?si=81e12a3931de40ab

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/3rpg-podcast/id1834280069

Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/1229bb55-61b3-409b-94cb-e70cd3ad0161/3rpg-podcast

Audible: https://www.audible.com/podcast/3RPG-Podcast/B0FN1QQN6M?source_code=ASSGB149080119000H&share_location=pdp

Our socials:

https://www.instagram.com/threerpgpodcast/

https://bsky.app/profile/threerpg.bsky.social

See more more gaming & release information from Jay Underwood and his co-creators :

https://www.tanukigames.org

See more book release and appearances from Sandra Rosner:

https://www.sandrarosner.com

https://www.twitch.tv/ladyvonfrost

https://www.instagram.com/sandra.a.rosner/

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/22936146.Sandra_Rosner

https://bsky.app/profile/sandrarosner.bsky.social

World of Warcraft: The Dragonflight Codex - A Definitive Guide to the Dragons of Azeroth: https://insighteditions.com/products/world-of-warcraft-the-dragonflight-codex

RuneScape: The Official Cookbook: https://insighteditions.com/products/runescape-the-official-cookbook

Contact Info: [email protected]

#podcast #dungeonsanddragons #dnd #gaming #ttrpg #ttrpgcampaign #ttrpgtips #ttrpginspiration #ttrpgcommunity #fantasy #fantasyauthors #fantasyauthor #rpg

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Onscreen:

Description:

We're told that its not the destination, but the journey, yet the calm spaces between encounters can quickly feel like one long, boring tavern crawl. Join hosts Sandra, Jay, and Chris as they spice up the downtime and also discuss their favorite video game inspirations.

Comments:

The Alexandrian Dragon Heist Remix - https://thealexandrian.net/wordpress/41217/roleplaying-games/dragon-heist-remix-part-1-the-villains

Video game picks-

Sandra (atmosphere and camaraderie):

World of Warcraft

Guild Wars 2

Shadowbane

Jay (experimental):

Elden Ring

Banner Saga

Barrow Trauma

Stanley Parable

Chris (enemy fighting styles):

Final Fantasy XI

Soul Caliber

Street Fighter

Mega Man

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro

1:07 - Why RP the downtime?

4:21 - Difficulties of a downtime open.

7:44 - Using downtime for character development

12:50 - Nodes of interest

18:50 - Downtime for better improv and immersion.

26:30 - Should downtime have a predetermined purpose?

31:57 - Video games and mechanics to inspire your TTRPG

For more games stuff by Jay Underwood and other creators check out: www.tanukigames.org

To see more from Sandra Rosner:

https://www.twitch.tv/ladyvonfrost

https://www.instagram.com/sandra.a.rosner/

https://bsky.app/profile/sandrarosner.bsky.social

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/22936146.Sandra_Rosner

World of Warcraft: The Dragonflight Codex - A Definitive Guide to the Dragons of Azeroth: https://insighteditions.com/products/world-of-warcraft-the-dragonflight-codex

RuneScape: The Official Cookbook: https://insighteditions.com/products/runescape-the-official-cookbook

Contact Info: [email protected]

#podcast #dungeonsanddragons #dnd #gaming #ttrpg #ttrpgcampaign #ttrpgtips #ttrpginspiration #ttrpgcommunity #fantasy #fantasyauthors #fantasyauthor #rpg

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Description:

While TTRPG is no replacement for proper therapy, table top gaming is known to offer benefits to mental health, social skills, and self exploration. Join us on the therapy couch as psychotherapist and author, Z.D. Gladstone explains the science behind why RPGs can be such a boon to our well-being.

Timestamp:

00:00 Intro

1:29 - Introduction of psychotherapist, Z.D. Gladstone

6:08 - Consensus about TTRPGs amongst psychotherapists?

9:13 - Personality types in TTRPG

13:32 - Empathy and social skills

16:37 - Creating a safe space in TTRPG for mental health

22:20 - Setting session zero expectations

25:14 - Navigating a trauma response in game

31:53 - Tension mediation tactics for GMs

34:54 - The scarcity of mental health services and self-help

38:28 - Rapid fire questions for Z.D. Gladstone

Comments:

Games to Grow

https://gametogrow.org/

Why Zebras Don't Get Ulcers by: Robert M. Sapolsky

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/327.Why_Zebras_Don_t_Get_Ulcers

Hidden Brain Podcast

https://hiddenbrain.org/

For more games stuff by Jay Underwood and other creators check out: www.tanukigames.org

To see more from Sandra Rosner:

https://www.twitch.tv/ladyvonfrost

https://www.instagram.com/sandra.a.rosner/

https://bsky.app/profile/sandrarosner.bsky.social

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/22936146.Sandra_Rosner

World of Warcraft: The Dragonflight Codex - A Definitive Guide to the Dragons of Azeroth: https://insighteditions.com/products/world-of-warcraft-the-dragonflight-codex

RuneScape: The Official Cookbook: https://insighteditions.com/products/runescape-the-official-cookbook

Tp see more from Z.D. Gladstone:

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16967262.Z_D_Gladstone

Contact Info: [email protected]

#podcast #dungeonsanddragons #dnd #gaming #ttrpg #ttrpgcampaign #ttrpgtips #ttrpginspiration #ttrpgcommunity #fantasy #fantasyauthors #fantasyauthor #rpg

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Description:

Needing inspiration for your next campaign? The 3RPG hosts dig deep to bring some of the most wild and obscure folklore to liven up your storytelling.

Comments:

Writers commonly question if their use of folklore and mythology is inspiration or cultural appropriation. Learn the difference with this article by author Jeanette Ng: https://medium.com/@nettlefish/cultural-appropriation-for-the-worried-writer-some-practical-advice-ac21710685e3

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro

1:37 - Vegetable Lamb of Tartary

3:55 - Barnacle Geese

7:00 - How wild folklore comes about

7:53 - Kukilialuit

11:33 - Akaname

16:18 - Yule Lads

19:48 - Ijiraq

23:50 - Kasa-obake

25:50 - Helhest and the Pale Horse

29:50 - Mari Lwyd

33:31 - Ashiarai yashiki

35:20 - Mahaha

For more games stuff by Jay Underwood and other creators check out: www.tanukigames.org

To see more from Sandra Rosner:

https://www.twitch.tv/ladyvonfrost

https://www.instagram.com/sandra.a.rosner/

https://bsky.app/profile/sandrarosner.bsky.social

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/22936146.Sandra_Rosner

World of Warcraft: The Dragonflight Codex - A Definitive Guide to the Dragons of Azeroth: https://insighteditions.com/products/world-of-warcraft-the-dragonflight-codex

RuneScape: The Official Cookbook: https://insighteditions.com/products/runescape-the-official-cookbook

Contact Info: [email protected]

#podcast #dungeonsanddragons #dnd #gaming #ttrpg #ttrpgcampaign #ttrpgtips #ttrpginspiration #ttrpgcommunity #fantasy #fantasyauthors #fantasyauthor #rpg

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