The RPG Rundown

Seth and Jeff wrap up their Critical Review series by breaking down the final letter: Learning Curve. In this episode of The RPG Rundown, they discuss how a TTRPG’s learning curve affects both players and GMs, from rules density and character creation to onboarding tools, terminology, combat complexity, and long-term campaign play. Using examples like Traveler, Daggerheart, Draw Steel, City of Mis...

On this episode of The RPG Rundown , Seth & Jeff take a close look at how artwork and design shape the tabletop RPG experience long before the dice start rolling. From cover art and visual identity to layout, typography, maps, and production quality, they explore how great design can improve readability, support worldbuilding, reduce cognitive load, and keep gameplay flowing smoothly at the ta...

Seth and Jeff are back with The RPG Rundown—and this time they’re taking an Inside PEAK at Temeraire RPG, the new Kickstarter project from Magpie Games based on Naomi Novik’s Temeraire novels. Even if you’ve never read the books, they kick things off with a quick elevator pitch before breaking down the game using their crowdfunding preview framework: PEAK (Premise, Engine, Atmosphere, Key Features...

Combat systems shape how danger feels, how fast sessions move, and whether play turns tactical, cinematic, gritty, or heroic. On this episode of The RPG Rundown , Jeff & Seth break down combat as a conflict engine, pacing regulator, and tone setter—then explore complexity, tactical depth, lethality, action economy, initiative, and how mechanics can make fights feel like story beats instead of...

Season 6 begins! Seth & Jeff return on The RPG Rundown to explore in-game mechanics as the physics of fiction —the invisible rules that shape player choices, narrative momentum, and system identity in tabletop RPGs. This episode breaks down resolution systems, resource management, progression, non-combat mechanics, and subsystems, examining how each influences storytelling, tone, and player ps...

In Episode 36 of The RPG Rundown , hosts Seth and Jeff explore one of their core review points: the Tabletop Experience. After a quick round of hobby updates—including Jeff’s time with Daggerheart—they break down practical ways for both players and GMs to elevate their sessions. From roleplay habits and table etiquette to narrative pacing, flexible prep, sensory detail, and props, this episode off...

Every GM has been there—you’ve built an incredible world full of history, legends, and deep lore… and your players still skip straight to the combat. In this episode, Seth and Jeff explore how to make your lore matter . Learn how to weave story elements into gameplay, give your players ownership of the world, and build deeper emotional connections to your setting. Plus, we talk BattleTech Hallowee...

Seth and Jeff review Splattered Ink’s Tome of Beasts I Acrylic Tokens —a massive collection of durable, full-color monster tokens pulled straight from Kobold Press ’s iconic bestiary. For DMs tired of managing endless mini bins or expensive terrain, these tokens offer a simple, travel-ready way to bring your encounters to life. The hosts break down how the system works, what makes it stand out, an...

In this episode of The RPG Rundown , Seth and Jeff break down practical tips to help you become a better roleplayer at the table. From character creation and speaking in character to mastering your abilities and practicing with friends, you’ll learn how to bring your adventurers to life and make every session more immersive. Website: https://lovethynerd.com/podcastnetwork/the-rpg-rundown/

Creating great player characters isn’t always easy. In this episode of The RPG Rundown , Seth & Jeff share six tips to help you move beyond min/max builds and craft characters that are fun, memorable, and exciting to play. Perfect for both new and experienced TTRPG players! Website: https://lovethynerd.com/podcastnetwork/the-rpg-rundown/

Seth kicks off Season 5 of The RPG Rundown with a solo episode, diving into Drakonym , the brand-new dragonbonding TTRPG from Crossed Paths. Known for their charming Brambletrek: Tales from the Hundred Acre Woods , the team is back with a game that lets you live out your dream of befriending a dragon. From Dragonheart to How to Train Your Dragon , dragon companionship has inspired countless storie...

Welcome to season five of The RPG Rundown with Jeff & Seth! They’re back and ready to dive into a packed episode covering what they’ve been up to over the summer, the latest TTRPG releases, exciting new crowdfunding projects, and their Top 10 most thrilling announcements from Gen Con. It’s the perfect kickoff to a brand-new season of tabletop adventures! X(Twitter) - https://twitter.com/TheRPG...

On this episode of The RPG Rundown , Jeff & Seth dive into the official release of Daggerheart ! After extensive playtesting and exploration of the system, they’re bringing you their full C.R.I.T.I.C.A.L review. From bold mechanics to big questions around balance and storytelling, they break down what works, what doesn’t, and whether Daggerheart earns a spot at your table. 

In this solo episode of The RPG Rundown , Seth takes the mic to share 7 compelling reasons why you should play Dungeons & Dragons—or any TTRPG—with the kids in your life. Whether it’s your children, grandkids, nieces, nephews, siblings, or family friends, Seth breaks down how tabletop roleplaying games can build stronger relationships, teach life skills, and create lasting memories across gene...

In this episode of The RPG Rundown , Jeff & Seth dive into the exciting world of Virtual Tabletops (VTTs)! Whether you're playing across the country or prefer a digital experience, VTTs have changed the way we enjoy TTRPGs. They’ll review 10 different platforms, highlight what makes each one unique, and help you find the perfect fit for your next game night!

In this episode of The RPG Rundown , Jeff & Seth set course for adventure as they dive into their playtest of Traveller by Mongoose Games. Join them as they break down their hands-on experience and deliver their detailed C.R.I.T.I.C.A.L review of this classic sci-fi RPG system. Is Traveller your ticket to interstellar fun? Tune in and find out!

Imagine stepping into the heart of the Hundred Acre Woods, where rustling leaves whisper secrets and a gentle breeze carries hints of honey and adventure. Yet today, something is off—an eerie silence replaces familiar laughter, and the once cozy paths seem mysterious. Jeff & Seth got early access to Brambletrek: Tales In The Hundred Acre Wood, a new GM-less RPG from Crossed Paths currently on...

 In this episode of The RPG Rundown with Jeff & Seth, we’re covering the latest TTRPG news, rolling the dice to pick our next system for playtesting, and unraveling the secrets of crafting memorable NPCs. Need a quick-fix shopkeeper? A complex rival with real depth? Or a quirky recurring character your players won’t forget? We’ve got all the tips and tricks in this jam-packed episode. 

The RPG Rundown is here, with your hosts Jeff and Seth! In this off-season recap, we’re diving into our tabletop (and real-life) highlights, plus revealing the systems we’ll be playing—and taking a C.R.I.T.I.C.A.L. look at—this season. Buckle up for a new wave of adventures and insights on The RPG Rundown!

Join Seth for a thrilling conversation with Darryl Jones from Splattered Ink Games about their latest Kickstarter, A Time Traveler’s Guide to Dinosaur Hunting! Discover the inspiration behind this prehistoric adventure, the creative process of bringing dinosaurs to the tabletop, and what backers can look forward to in this time-hopping game. Plus, don’t miss an exclusive reveal of a brand-new add-...

With a full "Draw Steel" playthrough under their belts, Jeff & Seth give a detailed review of the TTRPG. Plus, a look back at Season 3!

Today, Seth & Jeff are diving into the art of world-building, but they’re not just talking theory—they’re giving you real tools to make it happen! They’ll be breaking down 7 essential tool categories, covering everything from random tables, to organizational tools, map creators and much more.

Jeff & Seth have played over 15 different TTRPGs, and today they will break down their absolute favorite mechanics from all across those systems. Plus, D&D is returning to Greyhawk!

In this episode, Kickstarter comes through with a set of Pixels Dice! Pixels Dice have the same look and feel of standard dice but include all new features, like a Bluetooth connection, roll tracking, and customizable LED lights. Are they worth the hype? Check them out for yourself at gamewithpixels.com

Jeff & Seth take a deeper look at Draw Steel's playtest packet. Matt Coleville and the team at MCDM have released their in-development TTRPG system’s 1st Playtest Packet. Draw Steel was revealed as the name of their custom system and backers received an email with links to the packet for creating a level one character, with only 5 classes to start, but with enough to get playing!