3RPG Podcast

Some stats are so commonly used that they almost feel like a requirement, but this leads to the entire group jumping to make the same roll. In this episode, the 3RPG hosts discuss ways to make common checks more interesting and impactful. Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 8:45 - Perception vs. Insight 15:15 - Is perception too powerful? 19:47 - Risk of locking information behind a roll 23:23 - Solutions to...

Some gaming nights are pure magic, while others can feel like herding cats with all the sudden breaks, interruptions, and immersion breaking habits. Join the 3RPG hosts as they discuss ideas for keeping your table both fun and orderly. Comments: We spent a stupid amount of time looking for the 'Snakes and Fire' PSA video mentioned in the intro, but the internet failed us. On the plus side, we now...

Though fantasy is the most common entry point for new TTRPG players, it is far from the only genre represented at the table. Join the 3RPG hosts as the grill TTRPG designer Seiya Kubota on his biopunk title: Synesthesia Synthetica. Comments: For more about Synesthesia Synthetica or Seiya's upcoming projects, please visit: https://synesthesiasynthetica.com/ https://bsky.app/profile/kubotaproduction...

Description: Leveling is a common feature of most types of gaming, but is it necessary and are there more innovative ways to grow a character beyond experience points and gated abilities? Hosts Jay, Chris, and Sandra explore why we love leveling, and how innovation can lead to better storytelling. Comments: Intermission book suggestion: Moldoror by Isidore Ducasse https://www.goodreads.com/book/sh...

Description: All storytellers dream of creating 'the big reveal', but how do you fool your players without fumbling the ball? On today's episode, the 3RPG team discusses how to plan, execute and delivery on a proper twist. Comments: The Happening - awesome drunk movie night pick. The clip being quoted: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O1PK4qYzNkI Timestamps: 00:00 Intro - Ball movers 6:51 - Types o...

There are many reasons to celebrate holidays and festivals, so why don't we use them more often in our campaigns? In this episode, the 3RPG hosts kick back, relax, and discuss how to add some seasonal spice to your world (pumpkin or otherwise). Comments: ** The game Jay mentions in the intro is not Sunderland, it's Sunderfolk: https://www.dreamhaven.com/games/sunderfolk ** For more on Sema and the...

Description: Say the word 'spring' and most conjure thoughts of warmer days, renewal, and hope, but what if the equinox offered horrors beyond imagining? Join the 3RPG hosts as they ruin yet another beloved holiday season for your next campaign! Comments: ** Sandra stands corrected, Sbarro pizza lives! https://sbarro.com/ ** Nyaight of the Living Cat - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4REA4evnf5M T...

GMs and players often put their heart and souls into their campaigns, which can make it hard to move on to new ideas. In this episode the 3RPG hosts explore the reasons why ending beloved elements can lead to better storytelling, and how to do so while keeping the game fun. Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 3:55 - The source of 'kill your darlings' 6:13 - Story ownership around the table 8:01 - Creative chu...

Why settle for boring ol'goblins when you could be killing your party with something truly horrifying? Join the 3RPG team as they crack open their favorite monster lore in search of baddies worthy of your intrepid (and tasty) adventuring party. Comments: ** PNW brown squirrel - https://wdfw.wa.gov/species-habitats/species/tamiasciurus-douglasii ** for the 'campaign charades' transcript excerpt, sc...

Voice acting isn't required to play a great character, but it can be a lot of fun. In today's episode, learn the tips and tricks to transforming your vocal persona for better immersion and better drama. Comments: Because the 'Perfect Strangers' theme is, well, perfect... here you go: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uz29uticRHQ Taking20 - My Rules for D&D Voices - https://www.youtube.com/watch?...

Description: Two DMs, two very different worlds. Join the 3RPG hosts as they give a guided tour and explain what keeps their tables full, year after year. Comments: Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 7:05 - Welcome to Nyestrya (Chris's world) 13:11 - Scariest thing in Chris's world 16:55 - Why visit Nyestrya? 19:37 - 'Sponsor' Barbag 23:18 - Struggle Meals! 29:55 - The Balance of Aksio (Jay's TTRPG) 32:10 -...

History is full of amazing events that can be reimagined for your next campaign, so why the hesitation? In this episode, the 3RPG team tackles the most common reasons why GMs shy away from history, and why you don't need to be a professor to run an outstanding era game. Comments: Ken and Robin Talk About Stuff: https://www.kenandrobintalkaboutstuff.com/ Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 05:45 - 4 types of h...

Grab a drink and cozy up to the fire as 3RPG shares the tales of their favorite (mis)adventures! Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 3:58 - Where did you come from, where did you go? 5:58 - Character sheets (Jay) 7:07 - Writing and D&D amalgamation (Sandra) 11:31 - Combo moves (Chris) 14:55 - Ambiance level up (Sandra) 19:10 - All wizards (Jay) 20:33 - Story reveals (Chris) 23:18 - Puritans in a sex shop...

Labeled 'M' for mature, join the 3RPG hosts as they explore love in TTRPG, and how to (safely) turn up the heat on your next campaign. Comments: 21:34 - Episode 20: Uppies for Downtime 25:20 - Slaanesh - https://warhammer40k.fandom.com/wiki/Slaanesh Timestamps: 00:00 Intro - What is love (baby don't hurt me!) 5:01 - History of love 10:30 - Romance in campaigns (should you & getting buy-in) 17:...

Description: Play or DM long enough and you'll amass a bag of holding's worth of bad decisions. Join the 3RPG team as they spin a cautionary tale of woe and ruin. Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 4:20 - Too many NPCs 8:31 - Matching stakes to your table 11:11 - Blanking in the moment 18:13 - Micromanaging 22:16 - Players playing like a GM 26:49 - "Sponsor": B.A.R.D.S Underpants 29:40 - Messing up your lore...

Conditionals are for more than just ruining your players' day (or week, or month)! Join the 3RPG team as they explore the deeper narrative effects of inflicting your party with curses, plagues, insanity, and so much more! Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 4:24 - What are conditionals? 8:34 - The big list of common conditionals 12:57 - Favorite conditions 19:35 - Avoiding 'lose-a-turn' mechanics 22:38 - Nove...

Next level stories need next level methods to keep the narrative fresh and unpredictable. In this episode, the 3RPG crew shares their favorite non-conventional storytelling tips, and also how to avoid the dreaded lore dump. Comments: Tanuki Games - Tapestry - https://www.drawyourownadventure.fun/ See Chris's Tavern Menu below Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 1:38 - What is non-conventional storytelling? 6:...

You asked for it, so here it is! Another round of obscure folklore to inspire your next one-off, campaign, or to impart crippling anxiety just before bed! Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 4:40 - El Silbón (the whistler) - Venezuela 12:21 - Benjamin Franklin & the Jersey Devil 21:34 - 'Sponsor' - Hera Strayer Chariot 23:21 - McDonald-Land mythos 31:10 - Soucouyant (Ole-haig) - Belize & Caribbean 35:...

So you wanna be a chronolord but all that talk about time dilation, anomalies, and paradoxes has your head spinning? Fear not! The 3RPG hosts crack the code this week on all things timey-wimey. Timestamps: 00:00 Intro - Primal water balloons 5:05 - Defining the passage of time 7:10 - Avoiding the sins of backstory and prologue 18:06 - Time travel 22:48 - Sponsor - Vroosman's Time Ale 25:39 - Comba...

Ring in the new year with the 3RPG hosts' favorite moments, because let's face it, 2025 was kind of a joke. Timestamps: 00:00 Intro - Worst gifts ever 06:29 - Chris is a Little Curious (Episode 14) 09:13 - The Out of Towners (Episode 18) 10:51 - Three-Legged Horse (Episode 18) 13:00 - Jay's Street Name (Episode 17) 15:15 - A Strange Hot Open (Episode 17) 17:28 - Flavor Discrepancies (Episode 17) 2...

Whether you've been naughty, nice, or RPing a character somewhere in between, join the 3RPG team as they share what it takes to get on a Yuletide fae's gift-giving list. Comment: For more about the Yule Lads, see Ep 18: Barnacle Geese & Other Wild Folklore https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dD4MBB03EKs&t=1322s Timestamps: 00:00 Intro - A Very Twisted Christmas 6:03 - Reimagining Christmas/Sol...

For every great beginning there must be an equally amazing ending, but how do you decide when its the right time to say goodbye to your campaign? Join the 3RPG team as they explore the when, why, and how of writing 'the end' Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 3:30 - Deciding when to end a campaign 9:30 - Predetermined session count vs. inciting incident 13:00 - Wayward storylines 20:18 - Favorite types of en...

Building a character is an essential part of TTRPG, and sometimes the hardest. Whether you're new to RPG or an old hat at conjuring personas, see how the 3RPG team create characters you love to hate and hate to love. Comments: ♦ (花見) Hanami - Traditional Japanese cherry blossom "flower viewing", usually in March and April. ♦ Xal'atath is a character in World of Warcraft who levitates and has an...

Sometimes the bard really has it coming, but should you? On today's episode, the 3RPG team explores character vs character combat and how to make sure it doesn't turn into player vs. player. Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 6:00 - Difference between CvC and PvP 11:27 - Emotional burden of CvC 14:46 - When CvC turns into bullying 19:17 - Establishing combat consent 23:35 - Sponsor - UHoard 25:35 - CvC inspi...

Everyone dreams of the mythical, magic RPG group that meets on the regular, but what if was real? Join the 3RPG hosts as they reveal the magic incantation to summoning committed players for a long-term campaign. Comments: ♦The Borellus Connection (Module) - Kenneth Hite & Gareth Ryder-Hanrahan: https://pelgranepress.com/product/the-borellus-connection/ ♦Ginny Di - I ran a $5k D&D game (and...