How We Roll Gaming

What makes a horror RPG truly terrifying? Daryl, Nick, and Robert dig into the ingredients of effective tabletop horror, from helplessness and creeping dread to character death, player paranoia, and the fear of the unknown. Along the way, they explore different flavors of horror, discuss how games like Alien and Delta Green create tension, and explain why a good Session Zero is essential when thin...

In this episode of Anatomy of a Campaign, Daryl, Nick, and Robert go behind the scenes of The Walking Dead Universe RPG: Muerto Las Vegas. They explore building an immersive post-apocalyptic setting, developing memorable characters and factions, and letting player creativity shape the story. From moral dilemmas and unexpected twists to the dangers posed by both the living and the dead, discover ho...

Sometimes a campaign needs a break—but when is a break a hiatus, and when is it actually the end? This episode, we talk about the reasons campaigns get put on hold, from scheduling problems and life changes to GM burnout, and how to communicate clearly with your group when a campaign needs to pause. We also discuss how to build planned hiatuses into a campaign, keeping good notes while you're away...

What makes a memorable RPG villain? We explore how Game Masters can create compelling tabletop RPG villains with clear goals, distinct personalities, meaningful weaknesses, and motivations beyond simply “being evil.” We discuss memorable villains from Star Wars, Star Trek, Marvel, Buffy, and our own campaigns—and how to keep antagonists active and engaging throughout an RPG campaign. And the one f...

This episode, we’re joined by Alex Damon of Star Wars Explained and Hyperdice to talk about taking a familiar galaxy in a new direction. From choosing and customizing a non-Star Wars RPG system to becoming a first-time GM and bringing a filmed actual play to life, Alex takes us behind the scenes of Hyperdice—including player-driven campaign creation, adapting Teens in Space, learning to prep less,...

Roleplaying doesn’t require a great voice, a dramatic performance, or a background in theater. It’s about finding a way into your character and feeling comfortable enough to play them. In this episode, we talk about how players and GMs can encourage more roleplaying at the table—from using pre-generated characters and familiar archetypes to finding inspiration in other media, embracing little char...

Daryl, Nick, & Robert kick off with a recap of the GenCon 2026 D&D/Wizards of the Coast announcement that sparked confusion over whether Edge Studios still holds the Star Wars RPG license (they do), which leads into a deep-dive history of the license's rocky journey from Fantasy Flight Games to Edge Studio. From there, the crew shifts to the main topic: five practical frameworks GMs can us...

Every great RPG campaign has a villain the players never forget. In this RPG Glory Stories episode, Daryl, Nick, and Robert share stories about the masterminds, monsters, rivals, and Big Bads they loved to hate. Tune in for memorable villains, epic showdowns, and the lessons that made these antagonists unforgettable. Homepage https://howwerollgaming.com Merch Store! https://merch.howwerollgaming.c...

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/...