Tales & Tactics

In this episode, we delve into the iconic Advanced Dungeons & Dragons 1st Edition Players Handbook, a cornerstone of tabletop role-playing games. We'll explore its groundbreaking impact on the RPG community, highlighting its detailed rules, rich character classes, and intricate magic systems. Join us as we discuss the book's historical significance, key features, and enduring legacy that conti...

In this episode, we dive into Avalon Hill's Starship Troopers board game, inspired by Robert A. Heinlein's classic novel. We'll explore the game's unique asymmetrical gameplay, and strategic depth that pits the Mobile Infantry against the Arachnids and their humanoid alien allies. Join us as we discuss the scenarios, the game's components, and its lasting impact on the sci-fi and tabletop gaming w...

This episode, we explore Advance Fighting Fantasy (AFF), a tabletop RPG system evolving from the popular Fighting Fantasy gamebooks by Steve Jackson and Ian Livingstone. AFF combines simple, original mechanics with expanded rules for character creation, magic, and combat. Set in the rich fantasy world of Titan, it features detailed settings like Allansia, along with a comprehensive bestiary and sp...

This classic tabletop skirmish game created by Bryan Ansell in the early 1980s, features fast-paced, tactical battles with small squads of characters. Known for its depth and flexibility, Laserburn gives a wide range of scenarios and creative gameplay. Despite its age, this game is still appreciated by enthusiasts for its detailed mechanics, offering a unique insight into the roots of sci-fi table...

In this episode, we delve into the lesser-known Chaosium classic, Stormbringer, inspired by the psychedelic fantasy epic Elric novels by Michael Moorcock. This game thrusts larger-than-life characters into deadly conflicts between the cosmic forces of Law and Chaos. Heroes must make arcane pacts to gain otherworldly powers, adding a thrilling dimension to their adventures.

In this episode, we delve into the origins of the BattleTech franchise and explore the foundations that have sustained the game to this day. Join us as we rediscover the original giant fighting mech game and its enduring legacy.

This episode we dive into the second edition of the much beloved Lovecraftian role-playing game, Call of Cthulhu. Joined by our guest host and Keeper, Darren, we explore the other worldly madness that is the first horror role-playing game.

An early British entry into modern miniature wargaming and significant influence on subsequent UK developers. We look back to this game of the late 60's, first published in the humble pages of Meccano Magazine.

One of the first licensed properties to be made into a roleplaying game, base on the hit Mega- Soap, Dallas. With its simple mechanics and evocative modern setting, this game is a delightful, if somewhat dated inclusion to the roleplaying hobby.

This B-side we talk about the fun and sometimes necessity of modifying your games. For those most familiar with a game system, this is often where the magic happens.

This episode we delve into the HeroQuest board game, which for many severed as an introduction into both RPGs and Wargames. We look into how this game introduces various tabletop gaming concepts to the uninitiated.

This episode we explore the early origins of the Warhammer setting, in its first role-playing game. We explore the history, rules and mechanics that have since made this a tabletop classic.

In this B-Side we discuss the distinction between roleplaying games from other table-top games. While only scratching the surface of this topic, it establishes a beginning to answering this question.

One of the earliest man-to-man cowboy shootout games, that is both a miniature battle game and roleplaying experience in one. Saddle-up and bring your six-gun as we explore the range that is Boot Hill.

Here we have an informal discussion about the nature of dungeon survival games.

This episode is all about the second fantasy roleplaying game, the dedicated work of one committed gamer to make his own path. To be sure, this ain't no fantasy heartbreaker.

In this episode we explore Games Workshop's first foray into fantasy wargaming and game that set the stage for their Grimdark legacy to come.

We get into mother of all roleplaying games and attempt to establish our credibility as role-players.

A casual conversation about scale and overall scope as it applies to war games. What is the difference viewpoint between clashing armies and skirmishing gangs?

This episode we explore Chainmail, the precursor to many wargames and the entirety of roleplaying games as we know them. Join us as we explore the beginnings of a many thing to come.

A brief explainer of the show and its aims.