Tabletop Tune Up

In this session, Mark and Ben talk about a recent campaign they've just started, and how to start that first session well. Whether it's getting players into the action or setting up the story threads that bring the characters together beyond the initial moments of adventure, we'll discuss how to make the first session one that gets your players interested in a second one after it. Join us and we'l...

This time Mark and Ben take on the touchy topic of cultural appropriation in RPG settings. As a worldbuilder and in the run of your games, you'll draw on real world history, culture, and traditions, and it's likely not all of them will be your own. We discuss how to do so with appreciation and sensitivity rather than stereotypes and exoticism. Tune in for our deep dive into one of our most challen...

In this episode, Mark and Ben seek out the lore of how to create and use strange new worlds in a variety of different science fiction genres. Whether it's hard science fiction focused on the science of the setting, soft science fiction focused dramatic alien encounters, or the science fantasy settings where planets exist to serve high adventure, we cover ideas and examples that will help you bring...

In this episode, Mark and Ben discuss the complaint, issue, and (surprising!) opportunity of railroading your player characters. We'll talk about when to put smart limits on player agency for the benefit of the game and the players. In this week's Tune Up segment, we also talk about how to make travel an interesting gameplay element rather than an obstacle to getting to the next encounter.

In this week's episode, Mark and Ben build a magic item. Yes, it's time to put all our theory to work and actually build something for use at the table. We've attached the description below, and we hope you'll tune in to hear our thinking about how we made the choices that gave this item its history, special features, and thematic connection to our example Paladin. Tune in and learn how easy it ca...

This week Mark and Ben interview Duncan Rhodes, author of the newly released Creative Gamemaster's Guide to Extraordinary Locations . In this episode, we talk about what makes a great map, the ways that maps can enhance story, and set the stage for great encounters of all kinds. Join us to hear Duncan's take on all this and more, and maybe check out his Dragonbowl adventure on the DM's Guild .

A year on, Mark and Ben revisit the evolving discussion around AI for the GM. This episode takes on questions related to people's concerns about creativity, privacy, and IP before moving on to what's changed in the landscape of AI tools since the last time this topic was discussed. Tune in to learn a little more about what these tools can do for your game, and how you can use them responsibly.

In this episode, Mark and Ben talk about the highs and lows of critical results. Whether it's a natural 20, an exploding damage die, or an incredible result on an old school crit chart, these extraordinary results can create extraordinary moments at your table. Join us as we discuss various options for critical success, and some of the pitfalls to watch out for when your dice turn on the players a...

Character death in RPGs can be a gut punch — but it’s also one of the richest storytelling tools in the game. Whether it’s a heroic sacrifice, a tragic misstep, or the fallout of a risky choice, death can add weight, emotion, and legacy to your campaign — if handled well. In this episode, we explore how to turn character death into drama, story, and worldbuilding gold. Learn how to prepare for it,...

Running a game with a large table can feel like wrangling a small army—but it can also be hugely rewarding if you know how to manage the challenges. In this episode, Mark and Ben talk about the hurdles that come with oversized groups: scheduling nightmares, spotlight imbalance, scaling encounters, and keeping everyone engaged. From coaching player discipline to clever encounter design, we’ll share...

This week Mark and Ben talk about mass combat--those great battles that decide the fates of great powers and make great stories memorable. We'll discuss methods to keep your focus on the player characters as well as interesting intersections with war games that let players play out grand strategies at scale. Although mass combat encounters can be complex, you can make it easier by abstracting the...

Join us for our 50th episode! In this episode, Mark and Ben reflect on the lessons and highlights of the Tabletop Tune Up podcast, and look ahead to new topics and games to be covered in upcoming episodes. If you're a new listener, you'll get a sense of what our GMing podcast is about, and if you're a longtime listener, we hope you'll enjoy our reflections on some of the episodes we've created for...

This week it's another RPG review of the Broken Compass and Outgunned games from Two Little Mice. If you're someone who left every great action movie thinking "I want to play that RPG!" then this game is probably for you. Broken Compass and its refined descendent, Outgunned, are cinematic action games that focus on fast-paced, cinematic action. The mechanics are simple, which means they're fast, a...

In this episode of Tabletop Tune Up, Mark and Ben talk about player-crafted items. Crafting is a part of many RPGs, but it's not often discussed in relation to the party's advancement or storytelling. This week we discuss a number of factors to think about when considering what kinds of items your players might craft. We consider the inputs necessary (time and materials) and how that can generate...

What makes a good player character backstory? This week we discuss the ways backstory can open up new story possibilities and begin character journeys through your campaign. Backstories are about balancing the need for hooks that bring characters into the narrative with mysteries that are left open for the GM to build on with new surprises in the length of the campaign. Join us for a helpful discu...

In this episode, Mark and Ben talk about Traveller. Its a system whose origins lie in the fateful summer of 1977 when another huge science fiction release (Star Wars) ensured it would gain instant traction with people hungry to embrace the stars. After several iterations, today's line of books is published by Mongoose publishing with great art, lots of technical details, and a wide range of advent...

This week we conclude our two-part interview with Bob Gerard, GM, player, Storyteller, Pinballer, and Star Wars fan. We talk about all those things and how they contribute to making you a better GM. Whether you're bringing Star Wars to life with the Hero's Journey or you're replenishing your creativity, Bob's got some great ideas to share with you. We hope you'll enjoy this concluding interview ep...

In this interview episode, Mark and Ben welcome their friend Bob Gerard, a podcaster, Star Wars superfan, storyteller, learning expert, and of course, a fellow GM. We ask Bob about his early experiences with role playing games, his thoughts on storytelling, and what it's like to visit Tokyo for the latest Star Wars Celebration. Our conversation with Bob ranged all over and we had to cut it into tw...

This week we interview our friend Brandon Holland, a fellow old school GM who shares with us his insights on the importance of box text, early RPG influences, and the emergent magic of shared storytelling with great players. Join us for a discussion at the GM's table where we're all still learning how to do this unique role well.

In this episode, Mark and Ben discuss the first and still much loved series of games published by Palladium Games. Their entry point to the system was the comic book-inspired Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Other Strangeness, and that led to titles in other genres that used the same system: Heroes Unlimited, Ninjas and Superspies, Beyond the Supernatural, and Palladium's runaway bestseller, Rifts...

This week we're talking about one-shots and convention games. With GenCon's schedule release fresh in mind, now's a good moment to talk about why short-form RPGs are special, offering unique opportunities to test new games, build communities around your favorite games, and explore exciting alternatives to your regular campaigns. You'll get practical tips on designing pre-generated characters, craf...

In this episode, we saddle up and ride into the wide-open world of Western RPGs. The Western genre continues to captivate players, and we'll explore classic tropes like morally grey heroes, high-stakes showdowns, exploration, redemption, and the struggle against nature. You can create memorable campaigns from the stuff of history, or you can mashup the Western genre with gritty supernatural horror...

Whether it’s a fortified castle, secret bat-cave, spaceship, or even a humble basement office, the right lair can give players a secure home, strategic advantages, and powerful story opportunities. We'll discuss how to introduce lairs meaningfully—through conquest, inheritance, or rewards—and explore the narrative and gameplay possibilities they open up. From maintenance headaches to hidden vulner...

In this episode, Mark and Ben discuss the power and pitfalls of dice in tabletop RPGs. Dice introduce suspense and uncertainty,  becoming the "third storyteller" at your table. Dive into Dice 101, and discover how probability affects the stories you tell at your table. We discuss the implications of averages on test rolls and effect rolls, and share storytelling tips for handling skill checks...

In this episode, we dive into a crucial topic for every GM—how to handle and resolve conflicts within the group. From differing expectations about the game to personality clashes and in-game character disputes, conflicts can arise in many forms. We'll explore common sources of tension, like combat-focused players vs. storytellers, rules disagreements, and even external life stressors that spill in...