RPG Blokes

Get ready to head into Sherwood Forest! In this episode, we dive into The Hooded Man, a fantastic Robin Hood role-playing game by Graham Rose and published by Osprey Games. We are huge fans of the genre and couldn't wait to take this one for a spin before we chat with the designer. Instead of jumping straight into an adventure, we spend this session getting our hands dirty with character crea...

In this episode, we discuss a miniature painting competition we set up for our RPG Blokes characters, with each of us painting a figure based on our alter ego and sending it to Little Mark for judging. We go through how each model was chosen and painted, including the different materials, sizes, and challenges we faced during the process. We also talk about the mistakes and problems we ran into, f...

The second part of out two part Session Zero, with Lore By Night.  The transition from regular blokes to blood-drinking fledglings is almost complete, and now we have our fully created characters.  Next stage is to fish out our backgrounds, hone our personalities, and establish how we all know each other, and what motivates us to stay together. Cue the dark, gritty music scene of Chicago, where Ed...

In this episode of RPG Blokes, we discuss the essential concept of player agency and its role in enriching role-playing games. Mark, along with hosts Steven, Jon, and Barry, explore how meaningful choices drive player engagement and narrative depth. We tackle the fluctuations of agency in campaigns, the illusion of choice, and the balance DMs must maintain between narrative direction and player in...

Little Mark is back from Milwaukee! He survived the customs drama, the flight, and the white-knuckle terror of transporting painted minis across the Atlantic in a Tupperware box. We’re dissecting his Golden Demon journey—from the high-stakes judging sifts to the crushing reality of tiny paint flaws that can knock you out of the running. Whether you're a seasoned display painter or just a blok...

Time for an origin story. Our origin story!  Gamebooks and the Fighting Fantasy Series in particular were very much responsible for our discovery of RPGs, and in today's episode we're incredibly pleased to have welcomed Jonathan Green joining us. One of the true titans of the Game Book industry. Jonathan discusses what defines a gamebook, distinguishing branching stories with a problem t...

Masks of Nyarlathotep the Peru Prologue. Following a morning spent exploring the markets of Lima on Augustus Larkin's tab to purchase local attire and supplies, the investigators visit the University of San Marcos to consult Professor Nemesio Sanchez. Sanchez reveals that Larkin rejected his help for the expedition, dismissing the wealthy backer as a greedy grave robber. When Sanchez's a...

In this episode of RPG Blokes, we explore the various traits and behaviors of 'bad DMs' that can negatively influence the tabletop role-playing experience. We define archetypes such as the "Tyrant DM," who stifles player agency; the "Storyteller DM," who enforces a rigid narrative; and the "Rules Lawyer DM," whose strict adherence to rules disrupts the game&...

In this episode we discuss AI and its effect on role-playing games, looking at where it can be useful and where it becomes problematic. We talk about using AI as a factual assistant for rules and reference material, as well as for solo play, teaching new systems, and helping players get into the hobby. We also raise concerns about AI in creating encounters and scenarios, and about its impact on cr...

This week we’re diving into the finer points of gaming and tackling those pesky cheats! We’ve witnessed it all over the years so you won’t fool us. If you’re keen to stay informed and spot rule-breakers like we do, join us. You might even learn something about your fellow gamers – if you can ever believe another word of what they say that is! Support the show Sign up to RPG Blokes Plus and gain ac...

In this episode of RPG Blokes, we sit down with Little Mark for a crucial check-in before he boards a British Airways flight with a Tupperware box full of custom-painted miniatures destined for the world-famous Golden Demon competition. Having clocked over 300 hours on a single centerpiece model alone—the legendary Knights Panther—Mark gives us the direct low-down on the intense strain of high-lev...

In this episode of the RPG Blokes podcast, we tackle the timeless debate of battle mapping versus theatre of the mind in tabletop gaming. We examine whether using physical maps and miniatures enhances the combat experience or if relying on imagination fosters deeper engagement. Our discussions include insights from John, Stephen, and Barry as we navigate how each method influences player experienc...

Fifteen years have passed since the necromancer Heinrich Kemmler was trapped and defeated. But his evil is about to begin anew. High in the Grey Mountains, chance - or fate - brings the meeting of a madman and a Chaos Daemon. And thanks to that chance, an Undead Army masses among the high peaks, preparing to roll down on the settlements below. In the isolated monastery of La Maisontaal, one senior...

Anyone who knows the RPG Blokes knows that Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay is the big one for us. It’s the game that traded shiny armour and high magic for mud, disease, and a healthy dose of Chaos. This week, we are beyond chuffed to be joined by absolute RPG royalty: Graeme Davis , one of the original creators of WFRP and the architect behind the re-release of the legendary The Enemy Within campaign....

In this episode of RPG Blokes, we discuss essential survival tips for Dungeons & Dragons characters. We emphasize the importance of party cohesion, checking for traps, and engaging in role play to avoid reckless actions. Strategic positioning in combat and effective communication among players are highlighted as keys to success. Through anecdotes, we illustrate how diplomacy can avert danger a...

Today, we’ve got a bonus episode for you all, and we’re going to cut our teeth on a new RPG. We’ve invited a true heavyweight from the World of Darkness—the one and only Lore By Night—to guide us through a Session Zero for Vampire: The Masquerade. If you’ve ever wondered how a group of “seasoned” (alright, middle-aged) blokes handles a game built on political intrigue and personal horror rather th...

In this episode, we chat with Little Mark, a miniature painting expert, about the impact of miniatures in tabletop RPGs and the therapeutic benefits of painting. He shares his personal journey, evolving from a novice to a competition-level painter, while emphasizing the joy of the process over perfection. We discuss essential techniques and tools for beginners and highlight the supportive communit...

Grab your dice and light a candle for the misunderstood bards of the past. In this episode, Mark, Jon, Stephen, and Barry tackle the big one: The Redemption of D&D. We look back at the 80s when the media linked our hobby to the occult and suicide, and compare it to the modern era of celebrity DMs and Wembley Arena sell-outs. It gets a bit spicy as the blokes discuss how modern politics and &qu...

Join our Discord to see photos of the work in progress. In this episode of RPG Blokes, Little Mark discusses his preparations for the Golden Demon competition in Milwaukee, reflecting on the challenges of the UK painting scene and is hopes for fresh judging perspectives in the U.S. He shares his thoughts on his competition entries—a Blood Bowl scene and a model inspired by classic artwork—along wi...

In this episode of RPG Blokes, we explore the fascinating world of dice superstitions with fellow gaming enthusiasts. We each share our unique relationships with our dice, revealing a mix of methodical approaches and casual attitudes. Our discussion unveils a variety of die-related superstitions, including the “no-touch” rule and the idea of dice jails as a punishment for underperforming dice.  We...

In advance of our Interview with Dragon Warriors Co-Creator Dave Morris we are pleased to release the first episode of our live-play session of Dragon Warriors.  With DW old timer Jon as GM, Mark, Barry, and Stephen create unique characters, including a noble knight, a dubious warlock, and a comically named assassin. We arrive in the town of Overdale and encounter a mysterious lady called Galadria...

In this episode, we explore the nostalgic impact of Dragon Warriors, a cornerstone in role-playing games that has shaped our gaming journeys for 40 years. Joining us is Dave Morris, co-creator of Dragon Warriors, who shares stories from its inception, including the groundbreaking choice to serialize the game into accessible booklets. We discuss the game’s distinct features, like its limited charac...

Welcome back to RPG Blokes ! It’s Season 2, and we’re diving into what really happens after your first few games — when “trying D&D” turns into “I think I’ve got a new hobby.” We talk about what comes next: the growing time commitment, the emotional rollercoaster of your first character, and the new worlds that open up beyond the table. From painting miniatures and buying dice sets you definit...

This episode’s short and sweet — we lift the lid on RPG Blokes Plus , our subscriber service. For just $3 a month, you’ll get additional episodes throughout the year, and the chance to help us keep the dice rolling. We explain how it works, what you get, and why we’ve launched it. If you’ve enjoyed the show so far, this is how you get more of it , particularly live plays — more laughs, more games,...

In this season finale of RPG Blokes, hosts Mark, Jon, Stephen, and Barry look back on their journey through Season 1 with humour, honesty, and a healthy dose of self-deprecation. They revisit standout episodes, share behind-the-scenes anecdotes, and reflect on the show’s aim to welcome new players while still offering insight for veterans. The conversation ranges from personal highlights—like the...