Fallout - the post-apocalyptic game set in an alternate, atomic-powered reality - kicks off our new Campaigns & Coffee short-format podcast.

We talk about the new streaming series on Amazon Prime, the video games that inspired it, and the session zero for our upcoming Fallout RPG campaign.

To start things off, we look at how the gore-filled kill shots of Fallout 4 and the deep story lore of the video games manifest in the streaming series. While avoiding spoilers, we get into what we loved about the new series, including its use of gore for shock value and it's enjoyable storytelling. As mutant hounds howled in the background (no doubt drawn by our semi-maniacal laughter), we transition to talking about Modiphius' Fallout role-playing game.

Using review copies provided by Modiphius, we look at the game's mechanics, the joy of character creation, and how to balance the grit and humor that defines Fallout game play. We get into the specifics of the Fallout 2d20 system, like the use of S.P.E.C.I.A.L stats, perks, and the dice mechanics that make the Fallout RPG a faithful translation of the video game experience into a tabletop format.

Check out our Fallout 2d20 Campaign & RPG Resources

Chapters

0:00 - Intro: Diving Into Fallout's Universe

1:10 - Fallout TV Show Review and Impressions

3:38 - Transition to Fallout RPG Gameplay

7:58 - Deep Dive into RPG Mechanics and Character Creation

14:58 - GM Techniques and Gameplay Strategy

19:48 - Insights and Challenges from Session Zero

24:43 - Building a Formidable and Sustainable Empire

29:12 - Outro

Listen to the Episode

Watch the Episode

Watch the Gore and Lore in Fallout - Campaigns & Coffee on YouTube.

Show Notes

Fallout TV Show Discussion

General impressions and impact on desire to engage with the game

Comparison of violence and gore levels between the TV show, Fallout 4, and other media

How the TV show balances violence with storytelling

Transition to Fallout RPG

Motivations for playing the RPG based on the TV show depiction

Initial reactions and comparisons to video game elements

RPG Mechanics Deep Dive

Detailed exploration of character creation

Discussion on RPG stats and perks

Adjusting from video game mechanics to tabletop RPG mechanics

Game Mastering Techniques

Strategies for introducing combat and maintaining game pacing

Use of radroaches as beginner adversaries

Character Building and Session Insights

Experiences from the group's session zero

Challenges faced and lessons learned during character creation and early game play

Looking Ahead

Introduction of new characters and potential plot developments

Overlord Strategy Discussion

Considerations for building a formidable and sustainable empire in the game world