Heroic Round | Actual Play TTRPG Podcast

The secrets beneath Damon’s Retreat have finally come to light.

The battle beneath Damon’s Retreat is over... but surviving it may prove to be an even greater challenge.

As the last servant of the Drowned Queen falls, the ancient temple begins to awaken. Black waters freeze, forgotten magic stirs, and the old watchtower above starts to tear itself apart from the inside.

With precious treasure left behind, Burdette trapped within the crumbling tower, and every passing second bringing the entire structure closer to collapse, our heroes must make impossible choices while racing for their lives.

But the greatest question remains unanswered.

L.S. lies motionless.

Can he be saved... or has the party already suffered its greatest loss?

Find out now, on Heroic Round.

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What to Expect from Heroic Round TTRPG Podcast:

🗺️ A captivating return to our homebrew world.

⚔️ High-stakes mystery, moral dilemmas, and plenty of dice rolls.

🧙‍♂️ Unforgettable characters, unsettling choices, and the bonds that hold it all together.

🎲 Ready to roll the dice? Catch every thrilling moment by subscribing now. Don’t forget to like, share, and leave a comment with your favorite moment!

IG ⚔️ heroicroundpodcast - / heroicroundpodcast

TikTok ⚔️ Heroic Round - / heroicround

Welcome to another Heroic Roundtable! In this side quest episode from our main actual play campaign, we step behind the DM screen and explore fails, fumbles and how your take handles when mistakes about rules occur

Does one fumble completely kill the momentum of your session? If you play a rule wrong as a mistake do you stop the session to fix it?

A fumble isn’t always falling on your face, sometimes it is a success with a serious complication.

We Chat About...

Mistakes on how the rules are handling at your TTRPG table? Do you stop and talk through the rules or save it for after the session? Is it fair to constantly make mistakes

Fumbles. You are just as likely to fumble as you are to rolling a critical hit. How does a DM manage fumbles so the session doesn't get derailed. Chad the Heroic Round DM talks about his way of playing "success with consequences." As a player how to keep the good feeling going when you keep fumbling with those natural 1's/

Failure at the table. How do players manage failures? Does characterizing make the failure easier?

Listen to the Heroic Roundtable and let us know your thoughts in the comments.

Live Heroic, Die Historic.

#HeroicRound #TTRPG #DnD5e #Pathfinder #TabletopGaming #DungeonsAndDragons #HeroicRoundtable

Check out the Main Quest: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l-KHP18j3IA

What to Expect from Heroic Round TTRPG Podcast:

🗺️ A captivating return to our homebrew world.

⚔️ High-stakes mystery, moral dilemmas, and plenty of dice rolls.

🧙‍♂️ Unforgettable characters, unsettling choices, and the bonds that hold it all together.

🎲 Ready to roll the dice? Catch every thrilling moment by subscribing now. Don’t forget to like, share, and leave a comment with your favorite moment!

IG ⚔️ heroicroundpodcast - / heroicroundpodcast

TikTok ⚔️ Heroic Round - / heroicround

The secrets beneath Damon’s Retreat have finally come to light.

Deep beneath the old watchtower, our heroes descend into the flooded temple of Brax, where the truth behind Thornhaven's curse is guarded by the drowned dead... and something far more ancient.

As undead sentinels rise from the depths and a horrifying avatar of the Drowned Queen bursts from an ancient cradle, the party must fight for their lives in a desperate underwater battle unlike anything they've faced before.

But surviving the temple may prove easier than surviving its aftermath.

One impossible decision at the very end of the session leaves the entire party stunned... and raises a single heartbreaking question:

Can L.S. be saved?…

Find out now, on Heroic Round!

Our heroes awaken to startling new revelations after their conversation with Markus Foxtail and Heimer the He-Witch . An old friend appears in Mac's dreams with a warning: another of Verda's Seven Seeds lies hidden somewhere within Thornhaven... and the answers they seek are buried beneath Damon’s Retreat itself.Descending below the old watchtower, the party uncovers a forgotten temple dedicated to Brax, the Drowned Queen. There, beneath freezing black waters, they discover an ancient altar, a powerful relic, and a terrible truth about the origins of Thornhaven's thorny borders.But some secrets were never meant to be disturbed.As an ancient oath is read aloud, the waters awaken... and the dead rise to defend the shrine.Will our heroes rise to the challenge? Or will they choke on black waters?Find out now on Heroic Round.-----What to Expect from Heroic Round TTRPG Podcast:🗺️ A captivating return to our homebrew world.⚔️ High-stakes mystery, moral dilemmas, and plenty of dice rolls.🧙‍♂️ Unforgettable characters, unsettling choices, and the bonds that hold it all together.🎲 Ready to roll the dice? Catch every thrilling moment by subscribing now. Don’t forget to like, share, and leave a comment with your favorite moment!IG ⚔️ heroicroundpodcast - / heroicroundpodcastTikTok ⚔️ Heroic Round - / heroicround

Welcome to another Heroic Roundtable! In this side quest from our main actual play campaign, we step behind the DM screen and dive deep into the guts and gears of TTRPG design, mechanics, and table dynamics.

In this episode, we break down what "crunch" really means for player immersion, how over-indexing on shopping trips can derail a session's momentum, and whether every campaign truly needs to end in a massive, set-piece boss battle. From secret DM confessions about using loot tables to save prep time, to the legendary backstory of the "Battle Maxster" and character death, we cover it all.

Are you a rules lawyer, a casual roleplayer, or a total loot goblin? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

We Chat About...

What is TTRPG Crunch? Is a rules-heavy system like Pathfinder or D&D 3.5 actually more fun, or do streamlined systems like 5e give players better narrative control?

The Loot Mini-Game: How rolling on randomized tables can turn standard treasure hunting into a high-stakes casino game.

Combat vs. Conversation: Does every major campaign milestone require a massive boss fight, or can a high-stakes conversation carry the same weight?

Rolling with the Punches: A look back at the chaotic Alpha Manticore fight, player reactions to character death, and leaning into the narrative when the dice don't go your way.

Live Heroic, Die Historic.

00:00 – Intro to the Heroic Roundtable

00:54 – Breaking Down TTRPG "Crunch" & System Complexity

04:02 – Does Heavy Mechanics Kill Character Immersion?

05:43 – Defining a "Good Roleplayer" (It’s All About Effort)

07:55 – The Dice as the Third Author

09:49 – Turning Loot and Treasure into a Mini-Game

11:46 – DM Confessions: Using Loot Tables to Save Prep Time

13:12 – The Legendary "Bender-Eever" Set & Memorable Magic Items

14:44 – The Alpha Manticore Fight: Did the "Battle Maxster" Target Us?

16:11 – Handling Character Death and Flipping to Undead

19:05 – Do All Campaigns Need a Set-Piece Boss Battle?

21:03 – Outro & Where to Follow Us

#HeroicRound #TTRPG #DnD5e #Pathfinder #TabletopGaming #DungeonsAndDragons #HeroicRoundtable

Check out the Main Quest: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l-KHP18j3IA

What to Expect from Heroic Round TTRPG Podcast:

🗺️ A captivating return to our homebrew world.

⚔️ High-stakes mystery, moral dilemmas, and plenty of dice rolls.

🧙‍♂️ Unforgettable characters, unsettling choices, and the bonds that hold it all together.

🎲 Ready to roll the dice? Catch every thrilling moment by subscribing now. Don’t forget to like, share, and leave a comment with your favorite moment!

IG ⚔️ heroicroundpodcast - / heroicroundpodcast

TikTok ⚔️ Heroic Round - / heroicround

Main Quest - Episode 33 "With A Vow" continues the first season of Heroic Round's actual play TTRPG podcast!

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Fresh from their battle with Grumpa the ettin, our heroes encounter an unexpected face from their past: Burdette "Birdie," the gnomish historian they unknowingly drove away from the ruins of House Corbeau. Birdie has not forgotten their last meeting... nor has she forgiven them for making off with her research.

But old grudges quickly give way to darker matters when the sound of approaching hoofbeats announces the arrival of Markus Foxtail. Using the body of the fallen Torv, Markus performs a profane ritual that summons a figure from the greenfaiwth: Heimer the He-Witch.

The apparition's presence is unsettling enough, but the counsel he offers may prove even more dangerous. Elaria has once again fallen under the influence of Lord Galen Thornhaven, and if Markus truly intends to claim the throne, Heimer believes there is only one path forward: a bargain with Callista Fey.

As ancient powers stir and impossible choices loom, our heroes are forced to consider just how much they are willing to sacrifice in the fight for Thornhaven's future.

Find out now, on Heroic Round!

Until next time, remember to Live Heroic, and if you must Die... Die Historic! 🤘

#dungeonsanddragons #D&D #TabletopRPG #TTRPG #Roleplaying #DungeonMaster #CharacterCreation #DnDtips #Gaming #howtoplayd&d #pathfinderrpg

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What to Expect from Heroic Round TTRPG Podcast:

🗺️ A captivating return to our homebrew world.

⚔️ High-stakes mystery, moral dilemmas, and plenty of dice rolls.

🧙‍♂️ Unforgettable characters, unsettling choices, and the bonds that hold it all together.

🎲 Ready to roll the dice? Catch every thrilling moment by subscribing now. Don’t forget to like, share, and leave a comment with your favorite moment!

IG ⚔️ heroicroundpodcast - / heroicroundpodcast

TikTok ⚔️ Heroic Round - / heroicround

Welcome to the Heroic Roundtable Side Quest! In this recap show, we explore the deeper side of tabletop storytelling and do some some deep dives into burning questions about the latest episode of our actual play ttrpg podcast "A Wizards Folly."

First, we break down our latest level-up! From Mac's explosive new 4th-level spells to LS finally unlocking his 2nd-level spell slots, we're exploring exactly how character progression shapes our tactical options. Plus, we dive into a massive debate on leveling philosophy: Is milestone leveling better than tracking individual XP, and how do shorter, media-focused play sessions change the pacing of a classic campaign?

Whether you're a min-maxer or a flavor-first roleplayer, there’s plenty of table talk here for every Game Master and player.

🎲 Support the Show & Unlock Exclusive Episodes:

Join our Patreon for bonus content, behind-the-scenes goofs, and the infamous "diaper up" outtakes: [Insert Patreon Link]

✨ Listen to the Actual Play Podcast:

Catch the main campaign episodes of Heroic Round on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your feeds!

💬 Join the Conversation:

What's your preferred leveling cadence at your table? Do you like fast-paced level-ups or a long, earned slow burn? Let us know in the comments below!

Until next time, remember to Live Heroic, and if you must Die... Die Historic! 🤘

#dungeonsanddragons #D&D #TabletopRPG #TTRPG #Roleplaying #DungeonMaster #CharacterCreation #DnDtips #Gaming #howtoplayd&d #pathfinderrpg

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What to Expect from Heroic Round TTRPG Podcast:

🗺️ A captivating return to our homebrew world.

⚔️ High-stakes mystery, moral dilemmas, and plenty of dice rolls.

🧙‍♂️ Unforgettable characters, unsettling choices, and the bonds that hold it all together.

🎲 Ready to roll the dice? Catch every thrilling moment by subscribing now. Don’t forget to like, share, and leave a comment with your favorite moment!

IG ⚔️ heroicroundpodcast - / heroicroundpodcast

TikTok ⚔️ Heroic Round - / heroicround

Main Quest - Episode 32 "Don't Wake Grumpa" continues the first season of Heroic Round's actual play TTRPG podcast!

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With Rowan delivered to Callista Fey and their dangerous bargain seemingly fulfilled, our heroes set their sights on a new goal: gathering the rare ingredients needed to cure the growing curses afflicting their companions.

Armed with Mama Vell's recipe and haunted by the consequences of their recent choices, the party leaves Briarberry behind and journeys toward Damon’s Retreat, where an old tower and a tranquil pond conceal new dangers.

There, they find Grumpa, the violent half of the two-headed ettin known as Granny and Grumpa. Unfortunately for everyone involved, Grumpa isn't interested in conversation.

As steel clashes with club and magic lights the waterside, the party must survive a brutal battle while continuing their search for the missing Foxtails. Meanwhile, questions linger: Has Callista truly released her hold on L.S.? Where have the Foxtails gone? And is Lola the dwarf still hiding somewhere in Briarberry?

Join us for giant-sized combat, questionable decisions, and another step deeper into the mysteries of Thornhaven Forest.

Find out now, on Heroic Round!

Find out now, on Heroic Round.

Until next time, remember to Live Heroic, and if you must Die... Die Historic! 🤘

#dungeonsanddragons #D&D #TabletopRPG #TTRPG #Roleplaying #DungeonMaster #CharacterCreation #DnDtips #Gaming #howtoplayd&d #pathfinderrpg

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What to Expect from Heroic Round TTRPG Podcast:

🗺️ A captivating return to our homebrew world.

⚔️ High-stakes mystery, moral dilemmas, and plenty of dice rolls.

🧙‍♂️ Unforgettable characters, unsettling choices, and the bonds that hold it all together.

🎲 Ready to roll the dice? Catch every thrilling moment by subscribing now. Don’t forget to like, share, and leave a comment with your favorite moment!

IG ⚔️ heroicroundpodcast - / heroicroundpodcast

TikTok ⚔️ Heroic Round - / heroicround

Main Quest - Episode 31 "Out of the Bag" continues the first season of Heroic Round's actual play TTRPG podcast "A Wizard's Folly"

Welcome!

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After discovering the escaped messenger Rowan sneaking through Briarberry, our heroes uncover a chilling message from Lord Galen Thornhaven himself: all loyal soldiers are to return to the Thornfort immediately… and anyone suspected of treason is to be separated and captured.

With Sir Landon and the party now branded enemies of the realm, tensions rise across the village as fear and paranoia begin to spread.

But Rowan’s capture presents a dangerous problem. Determined to keep the message from reaching its destination, L.S. proposes a risky and deeply questionable solution involving a Bag of Holding… and the Fey goddess Callista’s sacred tree.

Meanwhile, somewhere in Briarberry, Lola the dwarf has mysteriously vanished yet again.

What exactly does L.S. have planned? And how long can the party avoid the wrath of the Greenman?

Find out now, on Heroic Round.

Until next time, remember to Live Heroic, and if you must Die... Die Historic! 🤘

#dungeonsanddragons #D&D #TabletopRPG #TTRPG #Roleplaying #DungeonMaster #CharacterCreation #DnDtips #Gaming #howtoplayd&d #pathfinderrpg

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What to Expect from Heroic Round TTRPG Podcast:

🗺️ A captivating return to our homebrew world.

⚔️ High-stakes mystery, moral dilemmas, and plenty of dice rolls.

🧙‍♂️ Unforgettable characters, unsettling choices, and the bonds that hold it all together.

🎲 Ready to roll the dice? Catch every thrilling moment by subscribing now. Don’t forget to like, share, and leave a comment with your favorite moment!

IG ⚔️ heroicroundpodcast - / heroicroundpodcast

TikTok ⚔️ Heroic Round - / heroicround

Welcome back! The group struggles with what to do with the messenger boy from the Thornfort. Do they keep him alive as a prisoner, or offer him as a critical sacrifice to Callista's cauldron?

Find out now on the latest episode of the Heroic Round Podcast, our main quest Pathfinder 1E actual play campaign: "A Wizard's Folly"!

🎲 SUBSCRIBE to Heroic Round for weekly TTRPG adventures: https://www.youtube.com/@HeroicRound

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📖 THIS EPISODE

The group is feeling more like true heroes after saving wounded soldiers from the misguided clergy of the Church of Regret. However, those heroics are immediately called into question when Rowan, a messenger from the Thornfort, arrives.

All the frayed ends are starting to unravel for LS, Mac, and Flavius. Rowan’s letter reveals a shocking truth: in the eyes of the king, our heroes are wanted usurpers and spies.

* Will the heroes cave and take the easy way out with Rowan?

* Will they satisfy LS's dark deal with Callista?

* Will Briarberry turn on the group once they learn the "truth" coming from Lord Galen and the Thornfort?

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🍿 CATCH UP ON THE CAMPAIGN

Missed the last episode? Catch up on "Chapel of Regret" here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/39OFTHZjn8ODOgtUub1CyL?si=8j_SowhtQ_OTbP_K8rexEw

New to the channel? Start your journey with Episode 1 here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3JjOIqxrOhwb8C3DuYIset?si=bgaGu1KTTNm-iQTWgi8aPQ

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🛡️ WHAT IS THE HEROIC ROUND PODCAST?

Welcome to **Heroic Round**, an actual-play tabletop RPG podcast! We aren’t actors or professionals; we’re just a group of longtime friends who have been playing TTRPGs at the same table since 1997. Our brand of play is built around our favorite house rule: The Heroic Round. When your character dies, you get one free bonus round with all your abilities restored to go out swinging, save the day, and do something truly heroic.

💻Meet the Party:

Chad: Our Dungeon Master who lives for running the game.

Brandon: Our resident "rules goblin" keeping us honest.

Jon: The group’s memory, tracker of lore, and spotter of twists.

Zach: Our engine who charges headfirst into action and loves to bully NPCs.

Expect original, multi-year homebrew stories, dynamic NPCs, high-stakes mystery, and choices with lasting consequences.

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📱 JOIN THE TABLE & FOLLOW US

If you love high-stakes tabletop gaming, hit that notification bell so you never miss our weekly episode drops! Like, comment, and share your favorite moments below.

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/heroicroundpodcast]

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@heroicround

Until next time, remember to Live Heroic, and if you must die... Die Historic! 🤘

#Pathfinder1E #TabletopRPG #TTRPG #ActualPlay #PathfinderRPG #DungeonsAndDragons #DnD #DungeonMaster #RPG #FantasyPodcast #HeroicRound