Above Table

Whether cute cub companions or ferociously territorial monstrosities, owlbears are an iconic D&D creature. This week we discuss different sub-species stat blocks, solutions to the Wild Shape problem and a range of different ways to get one of these a feathered fluff balls of fury as a character's companion. Get in touch: hello@abovetable.com Instagram - abovetablepodcast Twitter - abovetablepo...

We're back trope-busting again - this time with a fury (or lack thereof?). In this episode Phil quizzes Josh on why he feels rage at the barbarian's rage feature not making sense. We then discuss everything homebrew, from different types of rage and re-working those abilities to a variety of subclasses that veer away from any barbarian tropes and give a fresh take on such a well known ability. Get...

Bookish character options and enticing tomes explored, but what do the final pages of our book-themed trilogy have in store? We hunt out unique libraries and their distinct librarians. We analyze mechanics and advice for researching and learning from texts in game. All in our final quest to integrate books into campaigns, storylines and downtime for any book-loving party, player or character. The...

Not all spells are written equal. Some are must haves, whilst others you never see cast. In this episode we twist the Weave to shakeup spellcasting for players and GMS alike. From nuanced replacements for under- and over-powered spells to a streamlined system that lets players and NPCs add new aspects to well-known favourites, this episode is sure to spark the imagination of any spellcaster who is...

As Olympic fever gripped the world once more, we dove headfirst into the sports of D&D - 10s across the board! From some barebone rule sets to boardgame visualisations this week's episode explores everything from dodgeball and capture the flag to how to make any type of race exciting. Go Sports! Get in touch: hello@abovetable.com Instagram - abovetablepodcast Twitter - abovetablepod -- Content...

And so our tale continues... We have our cast of intrepid bibliophiles to face every plot twist and cliffhanger. But what are book-lovers without books? This episode dives into the stacks to bring you whole shelves laden with everything from themed spellbooks and spell scroll art to training tomes and magical origami paper. Get in touch: hello@abovetable.com Instagram - abovetablepodcast Twitter -...

You busy? We're busy. We're all busy people. So whether you want a fun one shot for friends and family on a weekend or you need a filler session in your regular campaign but you just plain don't have the time… this episode is for you. Josh and Phil discuss some supplements that you can literally read through and run at very short notice. Get in touch: hello@abovetable.com Instagram - abovetablepod...

In this episode we’re chatting with Rose and Niels aka r-n-w and rpgtoons. Together they create cute and useful tools for D&D, as well as one shots, mini campaigns and settings that are unlike anything else. Their current Kickstarter project, Traveller's Guide to the Seasong Islands , is a 5e tabletop supplement of tropical flora, fauna, food, and potions…which comes with an in world guide you...

Dearest gentle reader... With Bridgerton obsessions recently rekindled, we take a turn around the ton to present the most eligible supplements to bring the Regency to your table. From balls and weddings to intrigue and possessed mansions, this episode is not wanting for titillating scenarios, expressive NPCs and elegant costumes. Get in touch: hello@abovetable.com Instagram - abovetablepodcast Twi...

Every adventurer has been there. Reaching for a chest of hard-earned loot only to be grappled by a sticky pseudopod. Cue eye roll! This week we explore expanded mimic ecology and exciting adaptations to catch even the most experienced player unawares. From coins and mugs to rooms and even people - your players won't trust an innocent room description ever again...  Get in touch: hello@aboveta...

In the beginning, two friends created a podcast. It wasn't long, dear reader, before Josh insisted on not just one book-themed episode - but a trilogy! We start our tale with a catalogue of character options to fully embrace your bibliophile. From scribes and librarians to magical quills and accursed archives - the story has only just begun...  Get in touch: hello@abovetable.com Instagram - a...

We've already established that Josh & Phil's favourite class to play is the ranger. But the class itself gets so much bad press and even underwent a partial redesign in 2020 with Tasha's Cauldron of Everything. So what homebrew can we use to try and make our favourite class more playable? This episode was recorded before the 2024 sourcebook ranger changes were revealed. Get in touch: hello@abo...

On this episode of A Short Rest we chatted with Ben Somers, better known online as Somanyrobots. Ben has created a wealth of great homebrew content from classes to spells and their latest offering, Songs of the Spellbound Sea , promises adventurers an unforgettable journey through uncharted waters. As well as taking a deep dive (pun intended!) into Songs of the Spellbound Sea, we spoke about the f...

So telekinesis, telepathy and psionic energy dice exist. But what if you want to embrace psionic powers beyond just a feat or subclass choice? In part two of our look at psionics, Josh and Phil explore the various homebrew Psion classes out there from whole new power mechanics to simple insertions straight into game. If you've ever wanted to bring Avengers or X-Men to 5e - this episode is for you!...

Psionics! Creatures such as mind flayers and githyanki wield psionic power, both to channel the magic of spells and to create other extraordinary phenomena. But how well are psionic powers defined in 5th edition and how can we wield them as players? In part one of our two part look at psionics, Josh and Phil debate how these powers come to life and what homebrew subclasses allow us to easily bring...

We're back at MCM Comic Con for another A Short Rest interview, this time with Eren Angiolini. Eren is a comic colourist and fantasy artist. Fans of Critical Role will be very familiar with Eren's work and we swooned over their Lunarkin supplement way back in episode three of Above Table. We talk Lunarkin inspiration, working on homebrew for the first time and their Adventuring Guild project. Find...

Venca's back! But how do we run these types of Big Bads? This week Josh and Phil chat about what goes into running a Big Bad and what supplements are out there to help you easily run more interesting and engaging antagonists. Get in touch: hello@abovetable.com Instagram - abovetablepodcast Twitter - abovetablepod -- Content featured on this episode: Waterdeep Dragon Heist Waterdeep Dragon Heist: T...

Welcome to our new interview series - A Short Rest. Kicking things off at MCM Comic Con, we spoke with Fen Inkwright, Director and Lead Author at Crow & Crown. Find out more about Crow & Crown here . Get in touch: hello@abovetable.com Instagram - abovetablepodcast Twitter - abovetablepod -- Music: "The Path of the Goblin King" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons...

Ever wanted to just hit the beach in downtime? In this episode, Josh & Phil discuss the lack of 'beach' in TTRPGs as we tend to go from land to sea via rocky shores and bustling docksides. So whether you want to build sandcastles, play volleyball, hang ten or your character's job is just... beach - this episode has everything you need for a day on the coast. Get in touch: hello@abovetable.com...

Happy Pride Month! In this episode Josh gets emotional as he & Phil discuss the importance of bringing diversity into your games. From practical tips and safety tools, to highlighting some excellent LGBTQIA+ supplements, this episode is made with love.  Get in touch: hello@abovetable.com Instagram - abovetablepodcast Twitter - abovetablepod -- Content featured on this episode: They Came t...

Monster Manual. Tome of Beasts. Why not more? From new oozes and cacti plants, to profiles of the fey lords and a wolf-headed dolphin thing; the worlds we create in TTPRGs contain a myriad of monsters. In this episode, Josh and Phil talk through some of their favourite bestiaries to give any GM a plethora of options for any campaign setting or situation. Get in touch: hello@abovetable.com Instagra...

Who actually uses their character's tools? Tool proficiencies are chronically underused and Josh is on a mission to change that. In this episode we explore supplements that make tool proficiencies useful in combat, exploration, roleplay and downtime! Say hello: hello@abovetable.com Instagram - abovetablepodcast Twitter - abovetablepod -- Content featured on this episode: Tool Craft from Dump Stat...

Silence! Is it possible to do characters with non-verbal communication, in a game that relies on verbal communication? From Kenku to Dabus, in our latest episode we explore the nuance of communication and how we can (maybe) bring silence to the table. Say hello: hello@abovetable.com Instagram - abovetablepodcast Twitter - abovetablepod -- Content featured on this episode: Writing 'Nothing': Storyt...

This week we get to tinkering on the Artificer class! If you've listened to any previous episodes you know Phil has some, shall we say... reservations, about these magical inventors. In this episode Josh and Phil get to work in the lab, exploring a whole host of options to take your Artificer beyond mere "ingenuity and magic". Will Phil be converted by the end? Say hello: Instagram - abovetablepod...

Did your first game start in a tavern? This week, Josh and Phil explore how to reclaim the humble tavern from the realm of dismissed stereotypical cliché. From unique pre-made locations and tools to quickly create fresh watering holes to how a tavern can be the perfect core component for an entire campaign, this week's episode is one for every GM out there. Say hello: Instagram - abovetablepodcast...