Heroic Round | Actual Play TTRPG Podcast

Heroic Round Podcast presents our Christmas Special Dungeons and Dragons 5th Edition One-shot for this holiday season! We put away our Pathfinder 1E and Dungeons and Dragons 3.5 books to pick up and try out D&D 5th Edition (2014) for the first time! Spoilers - we all kinda loved it.

Zach takes the Dungeon Master seat and Chad joins the other players Jon and Brandon for this Holiday and snowy adventure in the far north.

It's a very Merry Christmas special, and for the first time ever, Heroic Round is diving into the world of Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition!

Join us as a group of retired veterans, the legendary "Kringle's Claws"—Loen "Hustle" Hulsehoffen (Warlock), Boreas Hearthkin (Barbarian), and Cadmus "The Chain" Krantz (Paladin)—are pulled from their peaceful retirement at Lantern's Rest to face a dire, winter-shattering threat.

The Grand Kringle, Aethelgrad, has gone missing after a surprise attack from with malicious Maloruk, The Frost-Wrought. The Warmth of Winter a powerful relic is the aim of Maloruk is being corrupted. If the heroes fail, the Endless Winter will be unleashed on the North.

They must infiltrate the frozen, overrun town of Tannenholm, find a spy, and traverse a secret route into the occupied Evergleam Citadel. To help Aethelgrad and the North from a future of cold and endless frozen winter.

Can the Kringle's Claws save the spirit of Winter Night before all hope is frozen over? Tune in for high-stakes combat, festive cheer, and a new 5th Edition adventure for the Heroic Round crew!

Please enjoy this original 5th Edition D&D one-shot!

🎲 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!

If you want to start the main quest and jump back to the fantasy Pathfinder actual play, check out Episode 1 Thorn and Folly https://open.spotify.com/episode/3JjOIqxrOhwb8C3DuYIset?si=2uKIsDLkSlylXLcI8-QwIQ&nd=1&dlsi=a3a8f676ec814b35

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Follow Heroic Round for updates

IG ⚔️ heroicroundpodcast - / heroicroundpodcast

TikTok ⚔️ Heroic Round - / heroicround

Spotify ⚔️ Heroic Round Podcast

What to Expect from Heroic Round Main Quest actual play podcast:

A captivating introduction to our homebrew world.

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

Unforgettable characters, unexpected twists, and the camaraderie that fuels every Heroic Round adventure.

🎧 Listen on:

YouTube ⚔️ / https://www.youtube.com/@HeroicRound

Apple Podcast / https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/heroic-round-podcast/id1786062589

Spotify ⚔️ Heroic Round Podcast / https://open.spotify.com/show/1KoIg6iqPjQaZD3zqPmwqr

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

If you want to start the Heroic Round adventure check out episode 1 Faith and Folly https://open.spotify.com/episode/3JjOIqxrOhwb8C3DuYIset?si=iAqg0-T6T_6EvkjP3D2-kg

This week, the conversation gets spicy as the players and Game Master tackle one of the most polarizing topics in the TTRPG community: narrative control vs. the dice.

Join us at the Heroic Roundtable with Brandon, Chad, Jon and Zach.

🔥 What Surprised Us Most? (0:17)

The guys revisit the shocking moment from the last session where LS (Brandon) got ambushed! Was it a fair fight, or a sneaky DM move? We discuss:

- How LS's "impulsive" playstyle (outside of rolling checks) led him straight into danger.

- The rare use of Passive Perception and how the Game Master avoided tipping off the players.

- Brandon's philosophy: "If I never roll a dice in a session, it's a good session!" and the joy of pure roleplay.

🎭 Roleplay vs. Rollplay in TTRPGs (2:09)

We break down the fundamental difference between "Rollplay" (relying on mechanics and dice) and "Roleplay" (narrative and character embodiment), and how our group balances the two.

- Chad explains the "Rule of Cool" and when the DM should prioritize a great story moment over a strict rules outcome.

- Brandon, Jon and Zach (the players) perspectives on Jon's consistent character work and how it earns narrative influence.

❓ Fan Questions for the Main TTRPG Actual Play (7:27)

We answer your questions from social media!

- For LS/Brandon: What went through your mind when you realized who had ambushed you?

- For Flavius/Zach: What's your first impression of Orsik of Urol? (Hint: It involves condescension and a hilarious comparison to a "tattered robes" villain). We also theorize what "ultimate answer" Orsik might hold.

- For Mac/Jon: Do you regret not choosing Bard as your class? (The singing has to come from somewhere!)

🚨 The Ultimate TTRPG Community Debate: DM vs. Dice (13:34)

We jump into the hot-button issue dividing the TTRPG community: How much should a Game Master shape the story vs. letting the dice decide?

- The player experience of being "railroaded" and why it feels "deflating."

- Is fudging dice ever okay? The GMs give their honest (and differing) opinions on when they might secretly change a roll.

- The electrifying excitement of a High-Stakes, Open Roll—where everyone is on the edge of their seat!

Don't forget to like, subscribe, and leave a review! It helps the show grow and eventually lets us afford more pickle-flavored snacks for Zach! (Send your dill our way!)

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.

IG ⚔️ heroicroundpodcast - / heroicroundpodcast

TikTok ⚔️ Heroic Round - / heroicround

🎄🎅 It is the most caffeinated time of the year! The Wizards of the Caffeine keep try two limited release energy drinks from Alani Nu and Red Bull!

Red Bull Winter Edition: Fuji Apple & Ginger

Alani Nu Winter Wonderland

We'll review, rank, and decide which of these seasonal energy drinks will give you the Holiday energy boost you need to finish all your shopping and parties. Also, will either of these drinks end up on the Naught List?

Subscribe to join the Caffeine Keep⚡🏰 where we get ready to roll before we record our Main Quest Actual Play TTRPG, Heroic Round.

~Juice Wizards, a Heroic Round Podcast side quest show. If you want the full TTRPG actual play podcast check us out!~

Follow Heroic Round for updates on all their podcasts.

IG ⚔️ heroicroundpodcast - ⁠ / heroicroundpodcast ⁠

TikTok ⚔️ Heroic Round - ⁠ / heroicround ⁠

Spotify ⚔️ Heroic Round Podcast - ⁠https://open.spotify.com/episode/3JjOIqxrOhwb8C3DuYIset?si=EB4O-SkhQniz0JgtnexQwg

YouTube ⚔️ Heroic Round - ⁠ / @heroicround ⁠

Main Quest - Episode 22 “Inn Trouble" continues the first season of Heroic Round's actual play TTRPG podcast "A Wizard's Folly" Pathfinder 1E campaign.

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Welcome! If you are just joining us, start with Episode 1 --- https://open.spotify.com/episode/3JjOIqxrOhwb8C3DuYIset?si=2uKIsDLkSlylXLcI8-QwIQ&nd=1&dlsi=1741860966444cce

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At the heart of Briarberry lies the Inn on the Green—serving food, lodging… and danger.

L.S. finds himself among fellow rogues who speak his language—but a wink and a word quickly spiral into something far more deadly.

Meanwhile, Flavius and Mac share drinks with a soot-covered stranger who offers a cryptic prophecy: “An answer is coming.”

As L.S. fights for his life in the shadows, Mac brings the common room to life with a show-stopping (and slightly toxic) performance.

Will L.S. escape his latest tangle with fate?

Will Mac embrace his inner bard?

And will Flavius be ready for the answer on its way?

Find out now, on Heroic Round.

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#ttrpg #actualplay #pathfinderrpg #dndpodcast #friendship

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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

Bollsch Music: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0Ni0pDimedGrY3TJ64JG3y?si=Xb8NXPCFQFWbQhHnEv_aVQ

Join the Heroic Roundtable, a TTRPG recap show Side Quest where we dive into the deeper side of tabletop storytelling and table top role playing games! In this episode, we go beyond the latest actual play episode to discuss what truly makes a D&D campaign memorable and how to improve your roleplaying.

In this Heroic Round Sidequest Episode we talk about...

⚔ TTRPG Advice: Learn key strategies for improving your D&D sessions and character motivations with 30 year veterans of the game

⚔ D&D Campaign Management: How to handle the high and lows of a long running D&D or Pathfinder campaign, where we talk about our two most controversial episodes 9 "Treasure, Treasure, Treasure" https://open.spotify.com/episode/4AMzfejHZZhpPCp80jMOMT?si=3NR059AWRkC-PVvMYZDBOQ and 10 "Curse, Curse, Curse" https://open.spotify.com/episode/7rPVszIwP4c1PreDyDzJND?si=gKYFhoCYQRqxyLt5seL6Jw

⚔ Player Dynamics & Communication: Highlighting the importance of in-game communication and overcoming issues like being a "Murder Hobo" (or "Murder Table" as Zach mistakenly calls it!).

⚔ Other Actual Play Comparisons: A candid discussion on the expectations set by popular TTRPG shows like Critical Role and Dimension 20 versus the reality of home games and what makes Heroic Round different

Hidden Curriculum: Unpacking the unspoken rules and essential skills for tabletop gaming success. Communications and scheduling.

The how to handle the highs and lows points in a long-running D&D campaign, what constitutes a low moment and how Critical Role and Dimension 20 set expectations for TTRPG live play. We also dive into the concept of "Hidden Curriculum" in tabletop gaming, the player-DM dynamic, the challenges of group communication and session expectations, and why you should live heroic and die historic!

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New to Heroic Round? Get started with Episode 1 .. https://open.spotify.com/episode/3JjOIqxrOhwb8C3DuYIset?si=2uKIsDLkSlylXLcI8-QwIQ&nd=1&dlsi=951b055286ed4e38

Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you don't miss our next episode on improving your tabletop RPG skills and group dynamics.

#dungeonsanddragons #D&D #TabletopRPG #TTRPG #Roleplaying #DungeonMaster #CharacterCreation #DnDtips #Gaming #Fantasy

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 Juice Wizards of Heroic Round are not crying over Spylt Milk! In this Side Quest Podcast. We are getting ready for our actual play tabletop podcast of Pathfinder 1E as we try and review all of the current flavors of Spylt Milk. They said they were going to send us some, but they didn't, so we went and bought them to give an honest and always impartial rating.

⁨@spyltmilk⁩ is a mix of protein and milk and even one with caffeine. Check how we rate these for our spell book 0-9th levels. This is not an ad and we take magic very seriously.

Chocolate Spylt, Vanilla Spylt, Strawberry Spylt, Cookies & Cream Spylt, and Peanut Butter Chocolate Spylt. Also there was an energy one in there as well.

If you are looking for the Main Quest Actual Play TTRPG, check out the first episode here https://open.spotify.com/episode/3JjOIqxrOhwb8C3DuYIset?si=2uKIsDLkSlylXLcI8-QwIQ

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Subscribe to join the Caffeine Keep⚡🏰 where we get ready to roll

#ttrpgpodcast #dndpodcast #dungeonanddragons #dnd #ttrpg #dungeonsanddragons #energydrinks #redbull #monsterenergy #rockstarenergy

~Juice Wizards, a Heroic Round Podcast side quest show~

Follow Heroic Round for updates on all their podcasts.

IG ⚔️ heroicroundpodcast - / heroicroundpodcast

TikTok ⚔️ Heroic Round - / heroicround

Spotify ⚔️ Heroic Round Podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/1KoIg6i...

YouTube ⚔️ Heroic Round - / @heroicround

Main Quest - Episode 21 “ One for the Tree" continues the first season of Heroic Round's actual play TTRPG podcast "A Wizard's Folly"---The Manticore strikes again—and this time, it plays dirty.Another victim is carried off and left as a grisly trophy, while the beast sets Sir Cedric’s forward camp ablaze.As Virgil and Elaria vanish down the road with the carriage, Flavius and Mac scramble to recover the villager… only to find something far more disturbing: a severed ear, dangling from the trees—listening.Meanwhile, L.S. honors his bargain with Callista, offering one for the tree. But the ancient fey’s power runs deeper than he imagined—perhaps even binding him to her will.Will our heroes save the latest victim from the manticore’s maw?And will Callista accept L.S.’s sacrifice—or demand more?Find out in this episode of Heroic Round—#ttrpg #actualplay #pathfinderrpg #dndpodcast #friendship ----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 - / heroicroundBollsch Music: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0Ni0pDimedGrY3TJ64JG3y?si=Xb8NXPCFQFWbQhHnEv_aVQ

Join the Heroic Roundtable crew as we break down the most controversial topic in tabletop gaming right now: The use of AI at your TTRPG table.

We tackle the ethical debate, creative concerns, and why a "bad take" on a new technology shouldn't keep people from playing. Whether you're a DM who loves to streamline prep or a player who prioritizes pure creative freedom, we’re unpacking this complex issue that affects every TTRPG player.

In this episode of the Heroic Roundtable, we dive into:

🟩 The Great AI Debate (31:55): Is consulting an AI for character builds, encounter ideas, or art a creative "slop" or a vital new tool? We discuss the ethics, the future of TTRPGs, and why gatekeeping has no place in our community.

🟩 The Power of Risk (13:50): How a player's choice to abandon "playing it safe" leads to the most memorable and chaotic moments in a campaign.

🟩 Creating Engaging NPCs (23:03): We talk about the characters that stick with you—from the surprisingly complex Landen Thorn to the hilariously memorable Grandpa—and what DMs can do to make them feel truly dynamic.

🟩 Character Motivation & Play Style (10:37): How a player's core motivation and inherent "flaws" can guide their in-game choices and deepen roleplaying.

🟩 D&D Memories & Milestones (18:27): Sharing our first unforgettable TTRPG moments that got us all hooked.

🔥 Join the conversation! What is your ultimate ruling on AI at the table? Let us know in the comments!

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Check out the Main Quest with the first episode "Faith and Folly" | https://open.spotify.com/episode/3JjOIqxrOhwb8C3DuYIset?si=EB4O-SkhQniz0JgtnexQwg

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

Forget heroics this week—it's time to scream! For our Halloween Special, the Heroic Round crew is trading high fantasy for the terrifying isolation of deep space in a Mothership Sci-Fi Horror TTRPG one-shot!

Our ill-equipped spacing crew gets sent to a planet going through a terraforming process and life finds a way to throw a wrench into things. What they find is a nightmare of biological horror and mounting paranoia. With every failed Fear and Panic check, the darkness—and the Stress—closes in. Will anyone survive this deadly job, or is this the last broadcast from the black?

If you love TTRPG Actual Play podcasts, Cosmic Horror, or the pure terror of Mothership RPG, strap in. This is our scariest episode yet!

Why You Should Watch/Listen

For TTRPG Fans: See the Mothership system in action! Experience a fast-paced, high-stakes one-shot that perfectly captures the "space horror" movie vibe.

For Mothership RPG Players & Wardens: We're diving into an intense one-shot scenario. See how the mechanics of Stress, Saves, and terrifying combat play out in a cinematic, single session.

🎲 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!

If you want to start the main quest and jump back to the fantasy Pathfinder actual play, check out Episode 1 "Thorn and Folly" https://open.spotify.com/episode/3JjOIqxrOhwb8C3DuYIset?si=EB4O-SkhQniz0JgtnexQwg

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Follow Heroic Round for updates

IG ⚔️ heroicroundpodcast - / heroicroundpodcast

TikTok ⚔️ Heroic Round - / heroicround

Spotify ⚔️ Heroic Round Podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/1KoIg6i...

What to Expect from Heroic Round Main Quest actual play podcast:

A captivating introduction to our homebrew world.

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

Unforgettable characters, unexpected twists, and the camaraderie that fuels every Heroic Round adventure.

🎧 Listen on:

YouTube ⚔️ / https://www.youtube.com/@HeroicRound

Apple Podcast / https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/heroic-round-podcast/id1786062589

Spotify ⚔️ Heroic Round Podcast / https://open.spotify.com/show/1KoIg6iqPjQaZD3zqPmwqr

🎃 Alani Nu Halloween Taste Test: Witches Brew & Pumpkin Crème Ranked! One of these flavors leave the Juice Wizards with a treat and one of them leaves us with nasty trick.

In this special Halloween episode of Juice Wizards, we're swapping out the monsters for a spooky showdown of Alani Nu energy drinks!

Get ready for a double feature review as we dive into two limited-edition flavors: Witches Brew (a crisp caramel apple flavor) and Pumpkin Crème (the perfect fall treat).

We'll review, rank, and decide which of these seasonal sips is the ultimate Halloween energy boost—and which one should be banished back to the pumpkin patch. Stock up your fridge with the best, and leave the rest on the shelf!

Subscribe to join the Caffeine Keep⚡🏰 where we get ready to roll~Juice Wizards, a Heroic Round Podcast side quest show. If you want the full TTRPG actual play podcast check us out!~Follow Heroic Round for updates on all their podcasts. IG ⚔️ heroicroundpodcast -   / heroicroundpodcast  TikTok ⚔️ Heroic Round -   / heroicround  Spotify ⚔️ Heroic Round Podcast - S1E1 YouTube ⚔️ Heroic Round -    / @heroicround