Tabletop Tune Up

How good were the good old days? In this week's episode, Mark and Ben talk about the Old School Renaissance, a trend in modern games to return to themes and styles of play popular in the early days of role-playing games like Dungeons and Dragons. We'll talk about some of those themes and styles, and what makes them a refreshing alternative to modern gameplay today. Was it all great? Probably not, but tune in this week and learn more about a whole category of games that will inspire you to consider traveling the hobby's ancient roads in your next game.

In this session, Mark and Ben talk about a recent campaign they've just started, and how to start that first session well. Whether it's getting players into the action or setting up the story threads that bring the characters together beyond the initial moments of adventure, we'll discuss how to make the first session one that gets your players interested in a second one after it. Join us and we'll help you start your next game well!

This time Mark and Ben take on the touchy topic of cultural appropriation in RPG settings. As a worldbuilder and in the run of your games, you'll draw on real world history, culture, and traditions, and it's likely not all of them will be your own. We discuss how to do so with appreciation and sensitivity rather than stereotypes and exoticism. Tune in for our deep dive into one of our most challenging topics!

In this episode, Mark and Ben seek out the lore of how to create and use strange new worlds in a variety of different science fiction genres. Whether it's hard science fiction focused on the science of the setting, soft science fiction focused dramatic alien encounters, or the science fantasy settings where planets exist to serve high adventure, we cover ideas and examples that will help you bring alien worlds to life in your next campaign.

In this episode, Mark and Ben discuss the complaint, issue, and (surprising!) opportunity of railroading your player characters. We'll talk about when to put smart limits on player agency for the benefit of the game and the players. In this week's Tune Up segment, we also talk about how to make travel an interesting gameplay element rather than an obstacle to getting to the next encounter.

In this week's episode, Mark and Ben build a magic item. Yes, it's time to put all our theory to work and actually build something for use at the table. We've attached the description below, and we hope you'll tune in to hear our thinking about how we made the choices that gave this item its history, special features, and thematic connection to our example Paladin. Tune in and learn how easy it can be to craft special items for your game.

Shield of St. Artivan
Intended Character: 3rd Level Paladin
Item Role: Fix party balance, add religious lore
Item Features: Wielder gains Advantage on checks to resist involuntary movement. Allows another friendly character within 5 feet of the shield's bearer to use their reaction to move five feet in any direction without provoking opportunity attacks. The character may use this ability a number of times equal to their proficiency bonus per long rest.
Item Level Range: 3+
Item History: The Shield of St. Artivan belonged to a Paladin renowned for his courage. He gave his life guarding a bridge, protecting the fleeing citizens of a town fallen to marauding monsters. They eventually overtook him, but all who fled from the town of Vilstad remembered his heroic sacrifice. The shield is a standard heater shield with the insignia of the Order of Ilye. Although its edges are battered and scarred, its escutcheon remains unblemished.

This week Mark and Ben interview Duncan Rhodes, author of the newly released Creative Gamemaster's Guide to Extraordinary Locations. In this episode, we talk about what makes a great map, the ways that maps can enhance story, and set the stage for great encounters of all kinds. Join us to hear Duncan's take on all this and more, and maybe check out his Dragonbowl adventure on the DM's Guild.

A year on, Mark and Ben revisit the evolving discussion around AI for the GM. This episode takes on questions related to people's concerns about creativity, privacy, and IP before moving on to what's changed in the landscape of AI tools since the last time this topic was discussed. Tune in to learn a little more about what these tools can do for your game, and how you can use them responsibly.

In this episode, Mark and Ben talk about the highs and lows of critical results. Whether it's a natural 20, an exploding damage die, or an incredible result on an old school crit chart, these extraordinary results can create extraordinary moments at your table. Join us as we discuss various options for critical success, and some of the pitfalls to watch out for when your dice turn on the players as well.

Character death in RPGs can be a gut punch — but it’s also one of the richest storytelling tools in the game. Whether it’s a heroic sacrifice, a tragic misstep, or the fallout of a risky choice, death can add weight, emotion, and legacy to your campaign — if handled well. In this episode, we explore how to turn character death into drama, story, and worldbuilding gold. Learn how to prepare for it, frame it with narrative power, and let it echo long after the final breath.