Tabletop Tune Up

In this episode, Mark and Ben discuss the first and still much loved series of games published by Palladium Games. Their entry point to the system was the comic book-inspired Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Other Strangeness, and that led to titles in other genres that used the same system: Heroes Unlimited, Ninjas and Superspies, Beyond the Supernatural, and Palladium's runaway bestseller, Rifts. This was a series of games with fantastic highs and unfortunate lows, and whether you run any of these games for your group or not, we hope you'll put at least one of their games on your shelf soon.

This week we're talking about one-shots and convention games. With GenCon's schedule release fresh in mind, now's a good moment to talk about why short-form RPGs are special, offering unique opportunities to test new games, build communities around your favorite games, and explore exciting alternatives to your regular campaigns. You'll get practical tips on designing pre-generated characters, crafting a complete and engaging short story, and expertly managing your game’s timing to ensure everyone has a great experience. We'll also talk about the unique challenges of running games at conventions, from preparing effectively to handling a table full of strangers. Tune in for strategies to create unforgettable short adventures that players will remember, whether it’s a spontaneous off-week session with friends or a packed table at your favorite game convention.

In this episode, we saddle up and ride into the wide-open world of Western RPGs. The Western genre continues to captivate players, and we'll explore classic tropes like morally grey heroes, high-stakes showdowns, exploration, redemption, and the struggle against nature. You can create memorable campaigns from the stuff of history, or you can mashup the Western genre with gritty supernatural horror, inventive steampunk technology, or the familiar comforts of Sci-Fi Westerns like Firefly. Learn how to capture the unique feel of Western settings, from the loyalty of a cowboy’s horse to the elemental motivations of frontier life. Tune in to discover how to harness the spirit of the West for your next tabletop adventure!

Whether it’s a fortified castle, secret bat-cave, spaceship, or even a humble basement office, the right lair can give players a secure home, strategic advantages, and powerful story opportunities. We'll discuss how to introduce lairs meaningfully—through conquest, inheritance, or rewards—and explore the narrative and gameplay possibilities they open up. From maintenance headaches to hidden vulnerabilities, discover how lairs can enhance your game’s depth and provide unique challenges. Tune in for ideas on designing memorable player lairs that feel like home, enhance storytelling, and enrich your RPG adventures.

In this episode, Mark and Ben discuss the power and pitfalls of dice in tabletop RPGs. Dice introduce suspense and uncertainty,  becoming the "third storyteller" at your table. Dive into Dice 101, and discover how probability affects the stories you tell at your table. We discuss the implications of averages on test rolls and effect rolls, and share storytelling tips for handling skill checks, group rolls, and damage calculations. Different dice mechanics can shape narratives in different ways, so we talk about techniques for adjusting rolls—static modifiers, advantage, exploding dice, and meta-currencies—to keep the suspense high and the story engaging. Tune in and get ready to master dice probability, balance your gameplay, and discover how you can let the dice help you tell your story.

In this episode, we dive into a crucial topic for every GM—how to handle and resolve conflicts within the group. From differing expectations about the game to personality clashes and in-game character disputes, conflicts can arise in many forms. We'll explore common sources of tension, like combat-focused players vs. storytellers, rules disagreements, and even external life stressors that spill into the game. Learn how to manage conflicts as the GM, from listening to players' concerns and helping them reach a consensus, to knowing when it’s time to make a hard decision to preserve the group. By the end of the episode, you'll have strategies for de-escalating conflicts, rebuilding group dynamics, and ensuring that your sessions remain enjoyable and inclusive for everyone involved.

In this episode, Mark and Ben explore the exciting and collaborative world of co-GMing—trading off gamemastering duties with a friend. Co-GMing offers a way to prevent burnout, combine creative strengths, and make storytelling even more fun. We'll discuss the importance of working with the right creative partner, dividing things up, and tips for how to kindle that creative synergy. With a good Co-GM, you can work on big, ambitious campaigns and do things together that would be difficult as a solo act. Tune in for practical advice on how to co-GM successfully, with ideas for building a dynamic partnership and creating a memorable campaign that benefits from two brains, two perspectives, and a whole lot of creativity.

In this episode Mark and Ben tackle an often-overlooked but emotionally rich aspect of tabletop RPGs—romance! While romance in games can feel intimidating, especially with its potential for awkwardness, this episode breaks down how to handle it with care. From setting boundaries and ensuring player consent to avoiding cringe-worthy moments, they discuss strategies for making romance an engaging and respectful part of your storytelling.

Learn how to approach romance with NPCs and fellow players, balancing humor and sincerity to create meaningful character development without derailing the plot. Mark and Ben also dive into the potential pitfalls, like unwanted advances or overshadowing the main story, and offer tips on maintaining clear communication at the table.

Tune in for a thoughtful conversation on how romance can enhance your RPGs and add depth to your campaigns while keeping things fun and respectful for everyone at the table!

In this episode of Tabletop Tune Up, learn how to borrow the key elements of pulp storytelling to add thrills and chills to your games. Pulp is a style of storytelling distinct from the 1930's time period it is often associated with. Pulp stories tend to feature powerful, virtuous heroes, dastardly villains, exotic locales, and high octane over the top action. As a storytelling approach, pulp influences go beyond the 1930's adventure and detective fiction to include the science fiction of Flash Gordon (which inspired Star Wars) and the fantasy adventures of Conan the Barbarian. So try a little pulp in your next game and let us know how it turns out! You can reach us with Tune Up ideas at [email protected]. To learn more about the Lester Dent Storytelling formula, click here.

In this episode, Mark and Ben dive into the art of trash talking in tabletop RPGs—without crossing the line. They explore how to effectively use banter to create excitement, foster camaraderie, and raise the stakes during gameplay. Learn how trash talk can engage players between sessions and heighten drama during key moments in the game. Learn how to keep the fun light-hearted, respectful, and engaging, ensuring it boosts everyone’s experience. Tune in for tips on using trash talk to fuel your sessions and keep your players on their toes.