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Finding Atoria episodes
- Opening the Vault At the Table: Patreon Outtakes Unlocked
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Welcome Back to the Table! Well, it was bound to happen. Malcolm’s plan to record B Reel, Outtakes, Shenanigans & Bloopers and put the best of them together for an episode…has happened!! From behind our Patreon wall and deep in the dusty audio files that no one that would make the main feed…we proudly offer Arcadia, Tori, Malcolm and Jess in doing what they do when they aren’t doing…what you hear! Enjoy, make fun, call us out and most importantly, laugh along with the Finding Atoria crew and some of their best moments that didn’t make into episodes. If you love this…and we tell that you do, please consider supporting the show on Patreon to Find More Atoria!
https://licensebuttons.net/l/by-nc/4.0/88x31.pngRise (Epic, Inspirational, Cinematic) by Artur Aravidi is licensed under a Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
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Rise (Epic, Inspirational, Cinematic) by Artur Aravidi is licensed under a Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
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A production of WordLeaf Media
25 min - White Wolf’s Next Bite: D&D, Gen Con, and the Future of VTM
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Welcome Back to the Table! Vampire: The Masquerade is having a moment, and this week we’re looking at two very different signs of where the game might be headed. Arcadia moderates while Tori and Malcolm join the discussion as we explore what happens when the World of Darkness crosses over into Dungeons & Dragons, then turn our attention to White Wolf’s Gen Con 2026 playtest and the early conversation surrounding the future of Vampire. From familiar ideas in unfamiliar places to changes that already have fans talking, we dig into what’s new, what’s still uncertain, and why the next chapter of VTM is worth watching.
https://licensebuttons.net/l/by-nc/4.0/88x31.pngRise (Epic, Inspirational, Cinematic) by Artur Aravidi is licensed under a Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
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Rise (Epic, Inspirational, Cinematic) by Artur Aravidi is licensed under a Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
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A production of WordLeaf Media
57 min - Finding a Table at GenCon: It’s as Easy as you Think
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Welcome Back to the Table! On this episode,What does it really mean to "find your table?" This week, Malcolm and Arcadia return from Gen Con 2026 with a fresh perspective on the world's largest tabletop gaming convention—and it has very little to do with dice, demo halls, or shopping bags. Instead, they reflect on a weekend spent discovering that the best experiences often happen away from the scheduled events: behind Booth 720 with the incredible team at Oddfish Games, watching Dr. Christina Stiso's vision for Leviathan Rising come to life as players experienced the game for the very first time, reconnecting with old friends, making new ones, and witnessing firsthand the passion that fuels independent tabletop publishing.
The conversation explores Gen Con from a side most attendees never see. Malcolm and Arcadia share what it was like stepping behind the booth instead of standing in front of it, becoming part of the convention rather than simply attending it. From introducing players to new worlds, to seeing strangers become excited over a game's possibilities, to working alongside creators who have invested years into bringing their ideas to life, they discuss how conventions are built on far more than products—they're built on people. Along the way, they revisit highlights from the weekend, including an unforgettable evening with the Glass Cannon Network's live Call of Cthulhu performance, wandering the endless Exhibit Hall, and even the memorable weather that briefly reminded everyone that not every encounter at Gen Con is on the event schedule.
As the convention halls emptied each evening, a different tradition emerged. Every night became a search—not for exclusive games or celebrity designers—but for an open table somewhere among the crowded restaurants and overflowing hotel lobbies of downtown Indianapolis. Those late-night meals became the backdrop for some of the weekend's most meaningful conversations, where friendships were strengthened, collaborations were born, and the idea behind Finding Atoria revealed itself in the most literal way possible. Sometimes finding your table isn't about where you play; it's about who pulls up a chair beside you.
Join us as we look back on a weekend that reminded us why this hobby continues to grow—not because of blockbuster releases or sold-out events, but because of the people who create, share, teach, and welcome others into the community. Whether you've attended Gen Con for decades or dream of making your first trip, this episode is a celebration of the friendships, stories, and unexpected moments that make tabletop gaming more than a pastime. It's a reminder that every great adventure begins with a simple invitation: "Is this seat taken?"
https://licensebuttons.net/l/by-nc/4.0/88x31.pngRise (Epic, Inspirational, Cinematic) by Artur Aravidi is licensed under a Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
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A production of WordLeaf Media
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Rise (Epic, Inspirational, Cinematic) by Artur Aravidi is licensed under a Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
Contact Us on Our Socials:
A production of WordLeaf Media
49 min - Nights At a Round Table: Discussing Pendragon and It’s Influence
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Welcome Back to the Table! On this episode, Malcolm solo-dives into one of tabletop gaming's true hidden masterpieces by exploring the remarkable parallels between Pendragon and the Crusader Kings video game series. While they appear to belong to different genres, both games share a common design philosophy centered on dynasty, legacy, honor, and the passage of time rather than individual heroics. Malcolm examines how Pendragon pioneered mechanics decades ahead of their time, from personality traits and emotional motivations to inheritance, marriage, estate management, and multi-generational storytelling. By comparing Pendragon's Winter Phase to Crusader Kings' realm management, Glory to Prestige, and knightly lineages to dynastic succession, he makes the case that Pendragon is effectively "Crusader Kings at tabletop scale"—trading kingdom management for deeply personal roleplaying. The discussion highlights why both games resonate with players who value character-driven stories, political intrigue, and the enduring question of what kind of legacy a person leaves behind, making a compelling argument that Greg Stafford's masterpiece helped lay the conceptual groundwork for one of the most beloved grand strategy franchises in gaming.
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Rise (Epic, Inspirational, Cinematic) by Artur Aravidi is licensed under a Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
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A production of WordLeaf Media
38 min - Vampire: the Masquerade–A Beginner’s Guide to Clans: Thin-Bloods & Caitiff
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Welcome Back to the Table!! Not every Kindred fits neatly into one of the great clans. In the final installment of our Vampire: The Masquerade – A Beginner's Guide to Clans series, Malcolm and Arcadia explore two of the most misunderstood groups in the World of Darkness: Thin-Bloods and Caitiff. What does it mean to be clanless? How are Caitiff different from Thin-Bloods? Why do so many Kindred fear or reject them? We discuss the lore, mechanics, and storytelling opportunities behind these outcasts, separating common misconceptions from established canon and examining why these vampires can make some of the most compelling player characters in the game. Whether you're new to Vampire: The Masquerade or looking for a deeper understanding of Kindred society, this episode closes out our beginner's guide with a look at those who exist on the fringes of vampiric society. Thank you for joining us throughout this journey through the clans of Vampire: The Masquerade. While this chapter comes to an end, our exploration of the World of Darkness is just beginning. Stay tuned as we announce the next series in our continuing VTM coverage.
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Rise (Epic, Inspirational, Cinematic) by Artur Aravidi is licensed under a Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
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42 min - Leviathan Rising: Our First Look at Gen Con 2026's Newest TTRPG
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Welcome Back to the Table! In this episode, Malcolm, Tori, and Arcadia sit down to talk about our pre-debut sneak peek at Leviathan Rising, the brand-new TTRPG debuting at Gen Con 2026 from OddFish Games. We had the opportunity to play the game alongside our friend Chuck in a session run by its creator, Dr. Christina Stisso, and we couldn't wait to share our thoughts. We discuss what makes Leviathan Rising stand out, how its narrative-first design blends with unique, easy-to-understand mechanics, and why the game left such a strong impression on all of us. If you're curious about innovative TTRPG design, love story-driven games, or want a sneak peek at one of Gen Con's newest releases, this episode is for you.
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Rise (Epic, Inspirational, Cinematic) by Artur Aravidi is licensed under a Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
Contact Us on Our Socials:
A production of WordLeaf Media
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Rise (Epic, Inspirational, Cinematic) by Artur Aravidi is licensed under a Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
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A production of WordLeaf Media
53 min - We’re Getting Our Con On! – Convention Visits and BIG NEWS!!
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Welcome Back to the Table! This week Arcadia and Malcolm sit down for some Convention talk. We share a discussion about Arcadia’s recent attendance at the ALA (American Library Association) Annual Conference & Exhibition in Chicago IL. Arcadia got a wonderful look into some of the people and initiatives that are leveraging TTRPG tools, strategy and access to bring value to libraries and their patrons across the world. She introduces me to Lex Lower of Common Quest Creative whose work in TTRPG inclusion, reformatting and education is truly inspiring. Arcadia also gives time to the National Games and Libraries Project, a national research initiative dedicated to exploration and quantification of the benefits of access to games in library settings. After the break, Malcolm gets the fun job…the big announcement. Malcolm and Arcadia will be working the Odd Fish Games booth 720 at this year’s GenCon. We are extremely grateful for the opportunity to help bring some of the amazing products and games this business will have on display to convention goers. He also can’t help the shameless plug of the new game premiering at GenCon by Dr. Christina Stiso and Odd Fish Games, Leviathan Rising. Make sure you find “Welcome to Leviathan” on your Gen Con schedule and witness this exciting new game yourself. Then GET RIGHT BACK to Booth 720 and say hi to us! Tell us your thoughts and drop an address for a free FA sticker or few! Support the show.
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Rise (Epic, Inspirational, Cinematic) by Artur Aravidi is licensed under a Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
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A production of WordLeaf Media
40 min - The World Around Your Table: Travel Inspiration for TTRPGs
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Welcome Back to the Table! This week Jess joins Arcadia and Malcolm for a discussion about travel. The crew shares stories of how getting out and seeing the world can bring huge inspiration to the games at your table. Arcadia discusses the beauty and history of Bordeaux where on a recent trips she found inspiration in all places for her games. From the people to wine culture and the ancient architecture, she found a fountain of sights, steps and tastes to add flavor to characters, game play and world building. After the break Jess discusses the surprising places she found inspiration through travel. She digs into the mixes of ages of architecture in modern cities and regales with a tale of a Roman basement with a shitty history leaving a pristine historical site. From exotic locales to road trips across your own state, getting out and seeing the world, can have great effects at your table. Tell us your thoughts and drop an address for a free FA sticker or few! Support the show.
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Rise (Epic, Inspirational, Cinematic) by Artur Aravidi is licensed under a Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
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A production of WordLeaf Media
36 min - Mental Health through TTRPG’s & GenCon’s Trade Day
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Welcome Back to the Table! This week Tori leads Arcadia and Malcolm through a conversation on the emerging data and discussions on mental health applications for TTRPG’s. More research and study in using these games as vessels for skill building, alternative social redirection, therapeutic exploration is happening now than ever before and the FA team brings some of the stories and numbers that support our belief in the potential of our community and hobby in serious healing. After a break, we take a look at a less lauded but no less important day of the annual GenCon event. Since 2023 the Wednesday before the Exhibit halls open for GenCon, a Trade Day bring together professionals, educators, retailers, speakers and more in the adjacent industries that TTRPG’s flourish. A stage of B2B building as well as educational and therapeutic innovations to be brought to market, we shine light on the power of this part of GenCon. Tell us your thoughts and drop an address for a free FA sticker or few! Support the show.
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Rise (Epic, Inspirational, Cinematic) by Artur Aravidi is licensed under a Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
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A production of WordLeaf Media
35 min - Finding Relationships and Health at the Table: Benefits of TTRPGs Revisited
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Welcome Back to the Table! This week FA gets back into the conversation about how the TTRPG community and hobby space are being used by many, including adults to find, form and grow meaningful relationships. The unique setting, collaborative and repetitive interactions of playing at the table reveal strong, safe and lasting friendships for many gamers. The newest generation also finds the hobby a safe and preferable alternative to traditional dating circles and methods. After the break, Arcadia drills down to some of the specific work being done in showing social and behavioral impacts of using TTRPGs in therapeutic manners. Science has stepped forward with an agreement that there are measurable benefits, and now the work of anchoring those measurables and pinpointing applications is beginning. Tell us your thoughts and drop an address for a free FA sticker or few! Support the show.
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Rise (Epic, Inspirational, Cinematic) by Artur Aravidi is licensed under a Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
Contact Us on Our Socials:
A production of WordLeaf Media
34 min
About Finding Atoria
From the publisher's feed
Three friends, each with 30+ years playing and running TTRPGs sit down weekly to tell stories about the games, community and topics surrounding the Table Top Role Playing world.