Show Notes

This bonus episode comes from our sibling podcast, ‘What Am I Rolling?’, a twice weekly RPG one-shot podcast where we try new tabletop systems and share interviews with game designers!

Originally released on What Am I Rolling? Podcast on 29th March 2026.

From the episode show notes:

To tide us over til our next one-shot, here's a bonus episode where our host and GM Fiona chats to game designers and podcast hosts ⁠Dillin Apelyan⁠ and ⁠James D’Amato⁠, about their new book ‘⁠The Ultimate RPG Villain Backstory Guide⁠’.

With its step-by-step processes, engaging prompts, and expert insights, ⁠The Ultimate RPG Villain Guide⁠ is an essential tool for game masters and RPG players seeking to craft memorable antagonists and morally complex heroes.

This guide delves into the art of villain creation, offering innovative strategies to develop characters that drive the narrative and captivate players. Whether you’re plotting the downfall of a kingdom or the rise of a conflicted anti-hero, this book has you covered. Check out Dillin's work ⁠here⁠ and One Shot ⁠here⁠!

Check out James' work ⁠here⁠ and Campaign Skyjacks ⁠here⁠!

Timestamps

• Intro: 00:00:10
• Q&A start: 00:02:05
• Outro: 00:49:11

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WAIR Credits

The 'What Am I Rolling?' podcast was created, recorded, and edited by Fiona Howat.

The WAIR logo was created by Fiona Howat.

Q&A guests were ⁠Dillin Apelyan⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠James D’Amato⁠⁠. Check out their new book ‘⁠⁠The Ultimate RPG Villain Backstory Guide⁠⁠’ and grab your copy from all good bookshops.

The additional music in this episode was '⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Aimless Amos⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠' by Rondo Brothers.

If you want to find out more about the podcast, check out the 'What Am I Rolling?' podcast website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.WAIRpodcast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Fancy getting in touch? Email the podcast at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Follow the podcast on social media (@WAIR_Podcast) for the latest news on episodes.

Linktr.ee: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠WAIR Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

#AdventurersNeedNotApply

DMBC Credits

The DM's Book Club is hosted, recorded, edited, and produced by Fiona Howat and Hamilton.

The DM’s Book Club Logo was designed by Sam Robins (@Bobhatstand).

The theme music is 'The Story Unfolds' by Jingle Punks.

Get in touch!

Email: [email protected]

Linktr.ee: DMBC

#DMsBookClub

Show notes

This week, Fiona and Hamilton check out 'Netheril's Fall', a digital-only supplement for the Forgotten Realms setting published by Wizards of the Coast. It released in November 2025 alongside Forgotten Realms: Heroes of Faerûn and Forgotten Realms: Adventures in Faerûn, covering ancient Netheril with historical and time-traveling adventure hooks.

From the 'Netheril's Fall' bio:

'Step through time into the height of Netheril—an empire of flying cities, epic magic, and looming catastrophe. Shape history and claim forbidden power before the Forgotten Realms' greatest civilization collapses.'

Supplement discussed: 'Netheril's Fall' published by Wizards of the Coast, November 2025.

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Credits

The DM's Book Club is hosted, recorded, edited, and produced by Fiona Howat and Hamilton.

The DM’s Book Club Logo was designed by Sam Robins (@Bobhatstand).

The theme music is 'The Story Unfolds' by Jingle Punks.

Get in touch!

Email: [email protected]

Linktr.ee: DMBC

#DMsBookClub

Show notes

This week, Fiona is joined by guest cohost, Matt from The Bad Spot, to talk about Blades '68, an official supplement for Blades in the Dark, moving the timeline forward 100 years to the swinging 60s.

From the Blades '68 backerkit:

'Inspired by Deathloop, powered by Blades in the Dark; dive into the high-voltage technicolor action of Blades '68.

In Doskvol 968, an artificial sun shines down on freshly paved streets. At night, Racers, Radicals and shadowy Operatives work to score thrills and advance their agendas.

The city still holds its secrets. Are you bold enough to exploit them?

This retro-dystopian setting blends one part James Bond and one part The Italian Job, with a heavy dose of paranormal sci-fi to keep you on your toes.

Blades '68. The future is now.'

Welcome to the electroplasmic revolution.

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Credits

The DM's Book Club is hosted, recorded, edited, and produced by Fiona Howat and Hamilton.

The DM’s Book Club Logo was designed by Sam Robins (@Bobhatstand).

The theme music is 'The Story Unfolds' by Jingle Punks.

Get in touch!

Email: [email protected]

Linktr.ee: DMBC

#DMsBookClub

Show notes

This week, Fiona and Hamilton grit their teeth and read over the last 5 adventures in 'Dragon's Delves', an adventure module anthology for the 5th edition of the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game.

From the 'Dragon's Delves' Bio:

'Wonders await heroes with the courage to face a dragon. Dragon Delves presents ten short Dungeons & Dragons® adventures that showcase a variety of dragons ready to challenge any adventuring party.'

Book discussed: 'Dragon's Delves' published by Wizards of the Coast, July 2025.

Consider using our affiliate link when using DM's Guild!

#SupportyourFLGS

Credits

The DM's Book Club is hosted, recorded, edited, and produced by Fiona Howat and Hamilton.

The DM’s Book Club Logo was designed by Sam Robins (@Bobhatstand).

The theme music is 'The Story Unfolds' by Jingle Punks.

Get in touch!

Email: [email protected]

Linktr.ee: DMBC

#DMsBookClub

Show notes

This week, Fiona and Hamilton grit their teeth and read over the first 5 adventures in 'Dragon's Delves', an adventure module anthology for the 5th edition of the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game.

From the 'Dragon's Delves' Bio:

'Wonders await heroes with the courage to face a dragon. Dragon Delves presents ten short Dungeons & Dragons® adventures that showcase a variety of dragons ready to challenge any adventuring party.'

Book discussed: 'Dragon's Delves' published by Wizards of the Coast, July 2025.

Consider using our affiliate link when using DM's Guild!

#SupportyourFLGS

Credits

The DM's Book Club is hosted, recorded, edited, and produced by Fiona Howat and Hamilton.

The DM’s Book Club Logo was designed by Sam Robins (@Bobhatstand).

The theme music is 'The Story Unfolds' by Jingle Punks.

Get in touch!

Email: [email protected]

Linktr.ee: DMBC

#DMsBookClub

Show notes

This week, Fiona and guest cohost Taylor Felicity come together to talk about their love for 'Good Society: A Jane Austen Roleplaying Game' by Storybrewers Roleplaying.

'Good Society is a collaborative roleplaying game that seeks to capture the heart, and the countenance, of Jane Austen’s work. It is a game of balls, estates, sly glances, and turns about the garden. At least on the surface. Underneath this, just as in Austen’s own novels, it is a game of social ambition, family obligation and breathtaking, heart-stopping longing.

In this game, you play the type of characters that captured your imagination in Austen’s books – from a wealthy heir who falls in love with the aloof new arrival, to a charming socialite bent on ruining the reputation of their rivals. Exploit your advantages, connections, and family influence to achieve your secret desire – all while jealously guarding your good name.'

Check out Taylor's work here and find her on StartPlaying here!

Find out more about the upcoming crowdfunding campaign for Good Society (2nd Edition) here!

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Credits

The DM's Book Club is hosted, recorded, edited, and produced by Fiona Howat and Hamilton.

The DM’s Book Club Logo was designed by Sam Robins (@Bobhatstand).

The theme music is 'The Story Unfolds' by Jingle Punks.

Get in touch!

Email: [email protected]

Linktr.ee: DMBC

#DMsBookClub

Show notes

This week, Fiona and Hamilton return to Eberron with 'Eberron: Forge of the Artificer', a sourcebook for the Eberron setting using the 2024 rules. This sourcebook includes an updated Artificer class along with new subclasses, as well as revisits rules related to the lore of Eberron.

Forge of the Artificer acts as a companion book rather than a replacement to Eberron: Rising from the Last War.

From the bio of 'Eberron: Forge of the Artificer':

'Forge and use wondrous creations as you adventure through the magic-fueled city of Eberron. Eberron: Forge of the Artificer introduces the revised Artificer class, now updated for the new Core Rules and with five subclasses—including the new Cartographer subclass—for you to explore. Build your Artificer, choose from over 40 imaginative player options, and fuel your adventures with an inspiring fusion of technology and magic.'

Book discussed: 'Eberron: Forge of the Artificer' published by Wizards of the Coast, December 2025.

Consider using our affiliate link when using DM's Guild!

#SupportyourFLGS

Credits

The DM's Book Club is hosted, recorded, edited, and produced by Fiona Howat and Hamilton.

The DM’s Book Club Logo was designed by Sam Robins (@Bobhatstand).

The theme music is 'The Story Unfolds' by Jingle Punks.

Get in touch!

Email: [email protected]

Linktr.ee: DMBC

#DMsBookClub

Show notes

This week, Fiona and Hamilton return to Eberron with 'Eberron: Forge of the Artificer', a sourcebook for the Eberron setting using the 2024 rules. This sourcebook includes an updated Artificer class along with new subclasses, as well as revisits rules related to the lore of Eberron.

Forge of the Artificer acts as a companion book rather than a replacement to Eberron: Rising from the Last War.

From the bio of 'Eberron: Forge of the Artificer':

'Forge and use wondrous creations as you adventure through the magic-fueled city of Eberron. Eberron: Forge of the Artificer introduces the revised Artificer class, now updated for the new Core Rules and with five subclasses—including the new Cartographer subclass—for you to explore. Build your Artificer, choose from over 40 imaginative player options, and fuel your adventures with an inspiring fusion of technology and magic.'

Check out Trent Holbrook's YouTube Channel

Book discussed: 'Eberron: Forge of the Artificer' published by Wizards of the Coast, December 2025.

Consider using our affiliate link when using DM's Guild!

#SupportyourFLGS

Credits

The DM's Book Club is hosted, recorded, edited, and produced by Fiona Howat and Hamilton.

The DM’s Book Club Logo was designed by Sam Robins (@Bobhatstand).

The theme music is 'The Story Unfolds' by Jingle Punks.

Get in touch!

Email: [email protected]

Linktr.ee: DMBC

#DMsBookClub

Show notes

This week, Fiona and guest cohost Ty from Side Character Quest have a cursory look through The Cosmere RPG - an original system designed for heroic, character-driven stories, based on the best-selling novels by Brandon Sanderson and published by Brotherwise Games.

According to the Brotherwise Games website:

'The Cosmere® RPG is a "living" RPG that will grow as Brandon Sanderson writes new novels and expands his universe. This original system is designed to tell standalone stories in the Stormlight™ or Mistborn® Settings -- or sweeping Worldhopper™ campaigns that move between different worlds and realms!'

Books discussed in this episode:

1. Cosmere RPG | Stormlight Handbook
2. Cosmere RPG | Stonewalkers
3. Cosmere RPG | The First Step
4. Cosmere RPG | Welcome to Roshar

The actual play series that Ty recommends is called 'ICF Stonewalkers (Stormlight Archive)' by I Cast Fireball Podcast

Consider using our affiliate link when using DM's Guild!

#SupportyourFLGS

Credits

The DM's Book Club is hosted, recorded, edited, and produced by Fiona Howat and Hamilton.

The DM’s Book Club Logo was designed by Sam Robins (@Bobhatstand).

The theme music is 'The Story Unfolds' by Jingle Punks.

Get in touch!

Email: [email protected]

Linktr.ee: DMBC

#DMsBookClub

Show notes

This week, hosts Fiona and Hamilton start off the new DMBC series with 'Astarion's Book of Hungers', a digital-only supplement for the Forgotten Realms using the 5th-edition (revised) Dungeons & Dragons® ruleset

From the bio: 'Fight, flirt, or feast your way through the shadows of Baldur's Gate in this digital expansion, complete with new character options, devilish monsters, and tavern-set escapades dripping with blood and intrigue.

Join Astarion in 2 play-ready digital adventures and explore the seductive horrors of vampiric power with new backgrounds, feats, and more.'

Supplement discussed: 'Astarion's Book of Hungers' published by Wizards of the Coast, November 2025

Consider using our affiliate link when using DM's Guild!

#SupportyourFLGS

Credits

The DM's Book Club is hosted, recorded, edited, and produced by Fiona Howat and Hamilton.

The DM’s Book Club Logo was designed by Sam Robins (@Bobhatstand).

The theme music is 'The Story Unfolds' by Jingle Punks.

Get in touch!

Email: [email protected]

Linktr.ee: DMBC

#DMsBookClub