Tales & Tactics

In this episode, we draw initiative on Fights of Fantasy, a sprawling fantasy miniatures wargame by Christopher Reichenbach. After a deep dive into the rulebook and our first playtest, we break down what makes this system tick. From the character creation options to the highly modular army-building process, we explore how Fights of Fantasy balances crunch with creative freedom.

When a tabletop game hits the table, who's really in control? The company that published it, the designer who wrote it, or the players who bring it to life? In this episode of Beyond the Book , we explore the tangled question of authorship and authority in tabletop games. From infamous licensing controversies like the OGL 1.1 fallout, to the rise of house rules, fan hacks, and open licenses, we br...

This Rules as Written, we strap in for a high-octane dive into Games Workshop’s 1988 cult classic, Dark Future—the dystopian car combat game where law is a freelance contract and the highway is a warzone. We break down the game’s unique gear-phase movement system, its streamlined (but deadly) D6-based combat, and its flair for cinematic chaos through modular track design and passive weapons like o...

Before fantasy was a billion-dollar franchise, it was weird, wild, and wonderfully unhinged. In this debut Tales of Lore episode, we journey back to the 1970s—the decade that shattered old molds and gave rise to a new generation of genre storytelling. From the mythic echoes of Tolkien and the sword-swinging grit of Conan to the surreal horrors of Clark Ashton Smith, we trace the three great precur...

Grab your bicornes and brush up on your battlefield drills—this week on Tales & Tactics: Rules as Written , we’re marching into Lasalle 2nd Edition , the elegant Napoleonic wargame from Honour Games. Designed by Sam Mustafa, Lasalle 2E trades simulation sprawl for razor-sharp tactical flow, putting you in charge of a division where every formation, volley, and momentum point counts. We break d...

In this episode, we get grounded—literally—as we explore the art and practicality of setting up the perfect tabletop for miniature wargaming. From the compact intensity of a 3x3 to the sweeping battlefields of the classic 6x4, we break down how table size shapes gameplay. We also dive into the role of terrain: how to place it, how different game systems interact with it, and how it influences tact...

This week on Tales & Tactics: Rules as Written , we take a deep dive into Over the Edge , the boundary-breaking RPG where conspiracies are real, and character creation is only limited by your imagination. We explore both the original 1990s edition and its radical 2019 reboot—examining how the rules evolved from the loose, player-driven WaRP system to a sleek, narrative-focused engine powered b...

In this episode, we explore the evolving relationship between tabletop games and their digital counterparts. From character progression in pen-and-paper RPGs to loot-driven gameplay in action RPGs like Diablo, we examine how different formats shape the player experience. What does it mean to grow a character in a narrative-driven TTRPG versus a stat-heavy video game? How do wargames and strategy t...

In this episode, we dive into Fabula Ultima, the tabletop JRPG that blends classic video game tropes with modern storytelling mechanics. Inspired by titles like Final Fantasy and Chrono Trigger, this system invites players to co-create a world of magical ruins, noble heroes, and looming darkness—then set out on an epic journey of discovery, teamwork, and growth. We break down its flexible multi-cl...

In this episode we discuss the concept of action economy in tabletop games, focusing on how it determines the number and types of actions players can take during their turns. Join us as we explore various systems, such as D20's standard move actions, free actions, and reactions, and compare them to games like Warhammer Fantasy, Fiasco and Mothership, examining how action mechanics influence strate...

In this Rules as Written deep dive, we unpack Mutant Chronicles: Warzone —the gritty, skirmish-level wargame born from the techno-fantasy universe of Mutant Chronicles . From its 1995 debut by Target Games to its modern-day revival attempts, Warzone has carved a unique path through the miniatures battlefield. We explore its alternating activation system, faction-specific strategies, action point e...

In this episode, we dive deep into the art and science of army list writing and unit construction across a variety of wargames. From the streamlined formats of Warhammer 40K and Age of Sigmar to the meticulous detail of The Horus Heresy and The Old World, we explore how different games approach points values, upgrades, and balance. We also break down the structured Orders of Battle in BattleTech a...

In this episode, we dive deep into LaserStorm 2nd Edition, the fast-paced, large-scale sci-fi wargame designed for 6mm to 10mm mass battles. We break down its dynamic initiative system, streamlined combat mechanics, and deep unit customization, exploring what makes it one of the best options for epic tabletop warfare. Whether you’re a veteran of classic Epic-scale wargames or new to the genre, we...

In this episode, we dive into the wild, unpredictable world of magic in tabletop RPGs, exploring everything from classic Vancian spellcasting and magic points to other innovative systems. We even touch on psionics and super powers. Breaking down how traditional games like Dungeons & Dragons have shaped the art of casting—with mechanics that range from rolling on unique spell tables with critic...

In this episode, we dive into Mage: The Ascension 20th Anniversary Edition , a game where belief shapes reality and the struggle for control is as dangerous as the magic itself. We break down its freeform magic system, the Ascension War between the Traditions and the Technocracy, and the ever-present risk of Paradox when pushing reality too far. From themes of power and rebellion to the personal j...

In this episode, we explore the art of adapting fiction and history into tabletop war games and RPGs. From faithfully recreating historical battles, to reimagining sci-fi and fantasy literature as a gameable setting, we break down the challenges and creative choices involved. How do designers balance accuracy with playability? What makes an adaptation feel authentic while keeping it engaging at th...

In this episode, we dive into War of the Ring: Second Edition , the epic strategy board game that brings the struggle for Middle-earth to life. We explore its origins, tracing its lineage back to the original SPI game and how designers Roberto Di Meglio, Marco Maggi, and Francesco Nepitello refined the concept into a rich, asymmetric experience. From the Free Peoples' desperate defense to the Shad...

In this episode of Tales & Tactics , we’re exploring the vital role of weapons, armor, and equipment in tabletop games. From crafting and durability to range, damage, and special qualities, we’ll break down how these elements influence gameplay and storytelling. We’ll also examine survival mechanics, consumables, and how tools like torches or rope add immersion and problem-solving opportunitie...

Explore the origins of Metamorphosis Alpha , the groundbreaking 1976 RPG by James M. Ward that launched science fiction into tabletop gaming. Set aboard the derelict starship Warden , players navigate a post-apocalyptic world of radiation, mutations, and forgotten technology inspired by classic sci-fi novels like Non-Stop and Orphans of the Sky . We'll dive into its innovative mechanics, from muta...

In this episode, we explore the fascinating world of miniature agnostic gaming — where your creativity with miniatures knows no bounds. From historical games that transcend specific manufacturers to the art of kitbashing and the philosophy of WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get), we discuss how players breathe new life into orphaned games like Mordheim and Warzone . We cover standout examples of...

In this episode, we delve into Hobgoblin , the brutal fantasy wargame designed by Mike Hutchinson, the mind behind Gaslands and A Billion Suns . Inspired by classic large-scale fantasy battles, Hobgoblin embraces fast-paced, high-stakes combat where miniatures meet quick and bloody ends. We explore the game’s innovative keyword-based system that promotes creative army building, the striking visual...

In this episode, we explore the fascinating world of meta-currencies – those in-game resources managed outside the narrative that empower players to wield a fragment of the Game Master’s authority. From Fate ’s Compels to Call of Cthulhu ’s Pushed rolls, meta-currencies give players agency, encourage roleplay, and add tension through risk and reward. We break down how different systems like Numene...

In this episode, we dive into the strange and exotic world of Numenera , the award-winning tabletop RPG by Monte Cook Games. Set a billion years in the future on Earth, after the rise and fall of eight advanced civilizations, Numenera blurs the lines between science and magic with its mysterious artifacts, bizarre technology, and themes of discovery and survival. We’ll explore its origins, influen...

In this episode we explore the essential tools that bring tabletop games to life: dice, miniatures, maps, and more. From the iconic d20 to more exotic narrative dice, we break down how different materials and mechanics shape gameplay. We also touch on the role of miniatures, maps, and tokens in enhancing immersion, and highlight how various systems like D&D, BRP, and Genesys use these tools to...

Explore the captivating world of Legend of the Five Rings (L5R), a franchise that began as a collectible card game in 1995 and evolved into a beloved tabletop RPG blending samurai drama and fantasy intrigue. We delve into its dynamic "Roll and Keep" mechanics, elemental gameplay, and unique systems like Honor, Glory, and Status, which bring Rokugan’s rigid social hierarchies to life while challeng...