How We Roll Gaming

Anatomy of a Campaign begins with one of our most ambitious RPG experiences: Delta Green: Impossible Landscapes. Nick shares what it was like running this acclaimed published campaign, while Daryl, Nick, and Robert discuss the unique approach that made it our own. Between the campaign's major acts, each of us run original "interlude" adventures set during the years- and decades-long gaps in the st...

This episode, Daryl and Nick welcome Betsy and Lauren to discuss LGBTQ+ representation and inclusion in tabletop gaming. Betsy talks about building welcoming tables where everyone can feel comfortable being themselves, while Lauren shares stories from the games she runs and the creative ways her players express identity through roleplaying. It's a thoughtful conversation about community, storytell...

Robert is away, so Daryl and Nick are left unsupervised for another installment of Let's Stat an Overpowered Adversary! This time, they're diving into a galaxy far, far away to build RPG stats for Din Djarin (The Mandalorian), Grogu, and Rotta the Hutt. From beskar armor and Force powers to Hutt-sized ambitions, the hosts break down what makes these characters so formidable—and how to bring them t...

This time out, the crew talks about one of the most important GM skills: reading the room. Knowing when players are engaged, when they’re checking out, and when it’s time to pivot before the campaign stalls out completely. Daryl & Nick also share the story of a Star Wars campaign where the GM missed the warning signs, leaving the party stuck in one location for way longer than anyone at the ta...

Sometimes players leave campaigns—life changes, schedules shift, or interests move on. In this episode of How We Roll Gaming, we discuss practical and creative ways to handle player departures without losing the momentum of the story. From character exits and party dynamics to keeping the table engaged, we explore how to turn an awkward challenge into an opportunity for stronger storytelling and b...

Character death doesn’t have to end the story—it can elevate it. In this episode of How We Roll Gaming, we explore how to handle player character death in ways that respect players, enrich the narrative, and turn loss into powerful, memorable moments at the table. Homepage https://howwerollgaming.com Merch Store! https://merch.howwerollgaming.com Patreon https://www.patreon.com/HowWeRollGaming Dri...

Social encounters shouldn’t hinge on a single die roll—and in this episode, we break down how to make them dynamic, player-driven, and memorable. With richer NPCs, meaningful choices, and real consequences, because talking your way through trouble should be just as thrilling as fighting your way out. Homepage https://howwerollgaming.com Merch Store! https://merch.howwerollgaming.com Patreon https:...

We’re diving into Star Trek Adventures 2e—as new players and a rookie GM! Join us as we fumble, learn, and explore starship combat, alien encounters, and storytelling on the fly. Come along as we boldly go where no dice have gone before! Homepage https://howwerollgaming.com Merch Store! https://merch.howwerollgaming.com Patreon https://www.patreon.com/HowWeRollGaming DriveThru RPG affiliate link h...

This time on How We Roll Gaming, we dive into the art of embracing chaos, rolling with the unexpected, and turning total derailment into unforgettable storytelling. Because sometimes the best adventures are the ones you never planned.  Homepage https://howwerollgaming.com  Merch Store! https://merch.howwerollgaming.com  Patreon https://www.patreon.com/HowWeRollGaming  DriveThru...

In this episode, we compare Evolved Edition to first edition—breaking down rules refinements, stress mechanics, campaign play tweaks, and whether the updates make it deadlier, smoother, or just different. Is this a true evolution…or just a fresh coat of Weyland-Yutani paint? Homepage https://howwerollgaming.com Merch Store! https://merch.howwerollgaming.com Patreon https://www.patreon.com/HowWeRol...

On this episode, Daryl is joined by guest co-host Lauren to talk about RPGs adapted from movies, TV, books, and more. What do they expect when a favorite franchise becomes a tabletop game? They break down what makes these adaptations succeed—or fall flat—and what designers need to capture to make them truly shine at the table. Homepage https://howwerollgaming.com  Merch Store! https://merch.h...

The tables turn this episode as we talk about how players can help the GM keep the game running smoothly. We dig into practical examples like tracking initiative, taking session notes, and even rolling for NPCs—small assists that can make a big difference and keep the game moving for everyone at the table. Homepage https://howwerollgaming.com Merch Store! https://merch.howwerollgaming.com Patreon...

In this episode, Daryl, Nick, & Robert explore when - or if - adversaries should go for the kill against player characters. We discuss balancing tension, fun, and expectations, and how lethal choices shape the story and table trust. Homepage https://howwerollgaming.com   Merch Store! https://merch.howwerollgaming.com Patreon https://www.patreon.com/HowWeRollGaming DriveThru RPG affiliate...

Daryl, Nick, & Robert are back with an updated take on our Session Zero Manifesto. After another year at the table, we talk about setting expectations, aligning playstyles, and making sure everyone’s on the same page before the dice start rolling. A quick, practical chat on why Session Zero still matters—and how it can make your whole campaign better. Homepage https://howwerollgaming.com Merch...

In this episode, Daryl, Nick, & Robert explore how to create and use religions in roleplaying games to add depth, conflict, and story hooks. They share tips on building believable belief systems, integrating faith into characters and cultures, and using religion as a narrative tool without turning your table into a theology lecture. A concise, practical guide for GMs and players looking to mak...

Daryl, Nick, and Robert go full festive as they break down how to turn holiday vibes into RPG gold. Perfect for GMs who want to make their next session merry, weird, and unforgettable. Homepage https://howwerollgaming.com Merch Store! https://merch.howwerollgaming.com Patreon https://www.patreon.com/HowWeRollGaming Do They Know It's Life Day? Star Wars RPG holiday adventure https://myswrpg.com/do-...

As we go into the gift-giving holiday season, Daryl, Nick, & Robert give you some gift ideas for the tabletop gamer in your life. Links below. Our DriveThru RPG affiliate links help support the show. Daggerheart https://daggerheart.com https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/508832/daggerheart-corebook?src=hottest_small&affiliate_id=4933263 Everyone Is John https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/...

All these games we talk about need characters to inhabit them. We take a system-agnostic look at different ways to approach character creation, from inspiration to implementation. Homepage https://howwerollgaming.com Merch Store! https://merch.howwerollgaming.com Patreon https://www.patreon.com/HowWeRollGaming We Fix Games https://glitterfoxmedia.com/ Extra Life https://extra-life.org https://extr...

Average people working with a shadowy government agency to stem the tide of the cosmic horrors, the supernatural, & ancient gods. This is the world of Delta Green. Daryl, Nick, & Robert discuss one of their favorite horror systems, just in time for Halloween. Homepage https://howwerollgaming.com Merch Store! https://merch.howwerollgaming.com Patreon https://www.patreon.com/HowWeRollGaming...

Ever see a new movie or TV show that your RPG is based on and want to add something new & cool from it that's not in the books? Of course you have. So have we. Inspired by the recent TV series Alien: Earth, Daryl & Nick talk about ways to do that. As the title suggests, there WILL be spoilers! Homepage https://howwerollgaming.com Merch Store! https://merch.howwerollgaming.com Patreon https...

Most RPGs, licensed or original, have rich settings & lore. What happens when players don't know that information though? Daryl, Robert, & Casual Nerdity: Clone Watch co-host Lauren talk about ways to handle newcomers to settings. Homepage https://howwerollgaming.com Merch Store! https://merch.howwerollgaming.com Patreon https://www.patreon.com/HowWeRollGaming The Story Told Podcast https:...

From maps to minis, music to props, & other useful tools, there are many ways to enhance your game. Join Daryl, Nick, & Robert as they discuss ways to integrate them at your table. Homepage https://howwerollgaming.com Merch Store! https://merch.howwerollgaming.com Patreon https://www.patreon.com/HowWeRollGaming Me & Steve Talk RPGs https://meandsteverpg.podbean.com/

Pre-written adventures. Use 'em as-is, tweak 'em, strip 'em for parts, or don't bother with 'em? There's lots of opinions on them, and that's what we're talking about this time. Homepage https://howwerollgaming.com Merch Store! https://merch.howwerollgaming.com Patreon https://www.patreon.com/HowWeRollGaming I Should Roll https://ishouldroll.com/

Oh...is it time for another episode? We don't have anything planned! Well, yeah...we do. Daryl, Nick, & Robert discuss running sessions with little or no prep and just letting the story go where it goes. Homepage https://howwerollgaming.com Merch Store! https://merch.howwerollgaming.com Patreon https://www.patreon.com/HowWeRollGaming We Fix Games https://glitterfoxmedia.com/

Robert's back! He, Daryl, & Nick sit down and chat about the ins and outs of introducing homebrew materials into your game. Homepage https://howwerollgaming.com Merch Store! https://merch.howwerollgaming.com Patreon https://www.patreon.com/HowWeRollGaming Eberron Renewed - An Actual Play Podcast https://zencastr.com/Eberron-Renewed