Episode notes
In today's episode, Nick and the crew talk about how to build liminal spaces in your TTRPG campaign In this episode, you'll discover: What are liminal spaces? Ideas on how to run them. What is Franco's favorite Kurt Vonnegut Novel!? Joining us is host Nick Perron in conversation with Shade, Franco, and Rio. Together, they bring their combined 75 years of ttrpg hobby experience to bear to answer your questions and talk about this hobby we love. LINKS! → Tabletopped's website → Patreon →…
Podcast
Tabletopped
Nick Perron · Leisure & Travel · English
Welcome game masters! Each week Nick Perron dives deep into the art of running role-playing games with guests experts to get tips for everyone from first-time players to seasoned veterans. Join us to find out what makes a great story and an even greater campaign!
More from Tabletopped All episodes →
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S4 · E9 · 24 Aug 2026 · 1 hr 5 min
From the Vault: An Ode to Crunch - A Defense of Mathematical Storytelling
In this episode, we are pulling a favorite interview from the archives to talk crunch. Special guest Derek Kane-Gervais is interviewed as we dive deep into the world of rules-heavy RPGs and explore how probability curves, character optimization, and mechanical complexity can enhance rather than hinder the storytelling experience. Topics Covered: What "crunch" really means and why it's not a dirty word in TTRPG design The mathematics of drama: how probability creates tension and uncertainty Character building as creative expression and problem-solving artistry Systems that do crunch right:…
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S4 · E8 · 10 Aug 2026 · 36 min
TOO HOT TO HANDLE: Tabletop Hot Takes
In today's episode, Nick and the crew talk about their hot takes on the hobby.... and a movie review? In this episode, you'll discover: What Nick Thinks ALL players should do Shade's Anti-Rule Rhetoric Whether Franco likes the Cohen Brothers Joining us is host Nick Perron in conversation with Shade, Franco, and Rio. Together, they bring their combined 75 years of ttrpg hobby experience to bear to answer your questions and talk about this hobby we love. LINKS! → Tabletopped's website → Patreon →…
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S4 · E7 · 29 Jul 2026 · 50 min
Practical Magic Systems: What Rules Matter?
In today's episode, Nick and the crew talk about making magic systems and enforcing "the rules" of "the world" and then pivot to talk about how this effects all decision making at the table. In this episode, you'll discover: What's important in a magic system What is a "hard" decision as a GM What happens when the tabletopped crew dont have a strict topic to follow Joining us is host Nick Perron in conversation with Shade, Franco, and Rio. Together, they bring their combined 75 years of ttrpg hobby experience to bear to answer your questions and talk about this hobby we love. LINKS! →…
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S4 · E6 · 13 Jul 2026 · 1 hr 17 min
System Review: Daggerheart
In today's episode, Nick and the crew talk about Daggerheart! In this episode, you'll discover: How is Daggerheart different than other TTRPGs? Is it a good replacement for D&D? What makes this system great? Check out the Echoes of memory Discord HERE Joining us is host Nick Perron in conversation with Shade, Franco, and Rio. Together, they bring their combined 75 years of ttrpg hobby experience to bear to answer your questions and talk about this hobby we love. LINKS! → Tabletopped's website → Patreon →…
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S4 · E5 · 29 Jun 2026 · 52 min
Be True to Yourself: How to Be a Consistant Roleplayer
In today's episode, Nick and the crew talk about how to drop into your character in a comfortable way. In this episode, you'll discover: Why Nick has been having trouble with Roleplaying What to use as a character compass Are characters just whatever decisions you make? Joining us is host Nick Perron in conversation with Shade, Franco, and Rio. Together, they bring their combined 75 years of ttrpg hobby experience to bear to answer your questions and talk about this hobby we love. LINKS! → Tabletopped's website → Patreon…
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S4 · E3 · 1 Jun 2026 · 57 min
This Is Important: How To Create Buy-In
In today's episode, Nick and the crew talk about how to get your players to take game events seriously. In this episode, you'll discover: How to create buy in Early vs late game tactics How can we as players help? Joining us is host Nick Perron in conversation with Shade, Franco, and Rio. Together, they bring their combined 75 years of ttrpg hobby experience to bear to answer your questions and talk about this hobby we love. LINKS! → Tabletopped's website → Patreon → Instagram →…
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S4 · E2 · 18 May 2026 · 57 min
Nature Versus Nurture... But Gnomes: Creating Fantasy Species
In today's episode, Nick and the crew talk about what is important to do when putting your own spin on ttrpg species. In this episode, you'll discover: How to think about deterministic species Pitfalls to avoid when making your own lore for species GNOMES Joining us is host Nick Perron in conversation with Shade, Franco, and Rio. Together, they bring their combined 75 years of ttrpg hobby experience to bear to answer your questions and talk about this hobby we love. LINKS! → Tabletopped's website → Patreon →…
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S4 · E1 · 4 May 2026 · 43 min
Sorry Guys, Can't Make It: What to do when players cancel
In today's episode, Nick and Shade talk about what to do when people bail, flake, and just generally can't make a session. In this episode, you'll discover: Strategies to continue stories when players are abscent Improv as a essential skill Discussing when you need to even care Joining us is host Nick Perron in conversation with Shade, Franco, and Rio. Together, they bring their combined 75 years of ttrpg hobby experience to bear to answer your questions and talk about this hobby we love. LINKS! → Tabletopped's website → Patreon →…
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S4 · E1 · 20 Apr 2026 · 36 min
Tabletopped Turns 4 Years Old: Nick interviews..... Nick?
In today's episode, Nick talks about the Tabletopped that was, and will be in celebration of the pod turning 4 years old! In this episode, you'll discover: If Nick can do a monologue for 40 minutes Joining us is host Nick Perron in conversation with Shade, Franco, and Rio. Together, they bring their combined 75 years of ttrpg hobby experience to bear to answer your questions and talk about this hobby we love. LINKS! → Tabletopped's website → Patreon → Instagram → Twitter Check us out…
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S3 · E34 · 6 Apr 2026 · 1 hr 7 min
System Review: Arkham Horror
In today's episode, Nick and friends of the pod Mac and Danny talk about the Arkham Horror Roleplaying game. In this episode, you'll discover: Our thoughts on what This system does RIGHT Our thoughts on the utility of the Arkham Horror TCG Should you buy, read, or skip this ttrpg! Joining us is host Nick Perron in conversation with Shade, Franco, and Rio. Together, they bring their combined 75 years of ttrpg hobby experience to bear to answer your questions and talk about this hobby we love. LINKS! → Tabletopped's website → Patreon →…
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