FluffNCrunch - Podcast Details

Shows

Fluff N Crunch How to Play Your Best Game - Pt2 - Leave Out Real World PoliticsWhy is it that everything is so politicized these days? Is it possible to play a game without the inclusion of your political positions while at the table, or as a purity test for players? Listen and find out the lab-tested truth of the matter.Get caught up with the first episode in this series here: https://youtu.be/10o8pt2qEY0Join our friendly Discord: https://discord.gg/5AtydRUDjX Subscribe on to our podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fluffncrunchSubscribe to our...

2025-03-0524 min

Fluff N Crunch Dueling in the Dune 2d20 TTRPGHave you read the rules for it? Have you tried it? Dune's five types of conflict utilize the same mechanics, relying on abstract "Assets" and the various things you can do with them to enable one set of rules for widely varying scales of conflict. Dueling, a central story elements from the books and movies, is one of those five and, by far, the most complicated of them. Herein I discuss the system with Steve Zaccardi, freelance writer for the Dune RPG. He was kind enough to create a detailed, helpful PDF that explains the system, too. The link...

2025-02-0534 min

Fluff N Crunch Sentience 2d20 Revised RPG - Creator Interview and Kickstarter NewsI recently sat down with Al Spader, creator and lead writer for the Sentience 2d20 RPG, now on Kickstarter. We talk about the game, the original world in which it's set, and plans for the game's future. Find the Kickstarter here: http://kck.st/4aAKmEn Join our friendly Discord: https://discord.gg/5AtydRUDjX Subscribe on to our podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fluffncrunch Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@fluffncrunchpod Subscribe to our email list: https://forms.gle/VaFtxXjkzRSqwFi39

2025-01-2932 min

Fluff N Crunch Our 2025 Gaming Plans and the Inevitability of ChangeWe've run this show since the summer of 2021, and each January we've released an episode in which we map out our hopes, dreams, and plans for gaming for the coming year. Granted, we're late this time, but here it is - plus a change to the show format that we've decided on in response to the demands of real life. Join our friendly Discord: https://discord.gg/5AtydRUDjX Subscribe on to our podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fluffncrunch Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@fluffncrunchpod Subscribe to our email list: https://forms.gle/VaFtxXjkzRSqwFi39

2025-01-2236 min

Fluff N Crunch GMs: I Give You Permission to Shelve a CampaignThe Forever GM often hits a wall and forcibly ends a campaign that's turned into an energy-draining grind, or tries to soldier on. The truly epic, years-long campaign is a rarity, more often the result of natural, largely uncontrollable factors than deliberate design. When, however, can a GM intentionally shelve a campaign that's going well? That's what I'm about to do, and this is how I'm going to do it... Join our friendly Discord: https://discord.gg/5AtydRUDjX Subscribe on to our podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fluffncrunch Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com...

2025-01-1524 min

Fluff N Crunch Three Things That Should Make You Give Traveller a TryTraveller - the original, classic, and still going strong scifi RPG - is worth your time. You should give it a try, and now that Mongoose Publishing has offered a free starter version, you have no valid excuse. In this short, episode, I present and discuss three groovy things about Traveller that make it worth a look - sure, there are more than three things that make it groovy, but I have chosen these for you today. #travellerrpg @MongoosePublishingLtd Get that FREE starter pack: https://www.mongoosepublishing.com/products/starterpack Join our friendly Discord: https://discord.gg/5AtydRUDjX Subscribe on...

2025-01-1122 min

Fluff N Crunch Opening Moves - A Traveller Adventure ReviewHave you ever wanted to dump a massive space war on your party of characters? If not, you should strongly consider doing so, and using Opening Moves, an adventure and sourcebook from Mongoose for their Traveller 2e RPG. Herein I provide an episode in three parts: an overview of the book and adventure; a more detailed walk-through of the adventure for GMs; and my commentary, review, and suggestions. #TravellerRPG #Mongoose #FifthFrontierWar Get the PDF here: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/494213/opening-moves?src=newest_recent&affiliate_id=40097 Check out the region of space where the story takes place: https...

2025-01-0128 min

Fluff N Crunch Gamemastering - Ignore the Lies and RelaxMerry Christmas, and I hope you're doing something with family and/or friends instead of watching this on the 25th. In response to a post on X, encouraging GMs to relax and enjoy the work instead of thinking they bear all the burdens of the world (and game), I was inspired to talk for a bit on this issue. I'd love to hear your thoughts on this topic: how do we get people to want to be GMs, and to see the role realistically? Join our friendly Discord: https://discord.gg/5AtydRUDjX Subscribe on to our podcast: https://podcasters...

2024-12-2620 min

Fluff N Crunch Achtung! Cthulhu - Rendezvous at Rouen Designer InterviewAchtung! Cthulhu, the great #2d20 #ttrpg from @Modiphius , doesn't get enough love, we think, and so today we have the adventure designer of "Rendezvous at Rouen," a follow-up to the free quickstart, on to talk about the module, adventure design, and some of the challenges of writing for someone else. Get the adventure from DriveThruRPG: https://tinyurl.com/2da7jx2k Get the free quickstart rules and adventure: https://tinyurl.com/2sparyzr Join our friendly Discord: https://discord.gg/5AtydRUDjX Subscribe on to our podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fluffncrunch Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.yo...

2024-12-1831 min

Fluff N Crunch Christmas Gaming IdeasDo you do anything to mark the Christmas season with your gaming group? Consider using it as an opportunity to run something different! Herein we discuss ideas for doing exactly that, and the benefits you and your group can have in doing so. Check out Chris's Christmas Amazon Music Playlist: https://tinyurl.com/44k2b5cj Chris's Outgunned Session Notes: https://tinyurl.com/bddk2thc Chris's Notes for Santa's Helpers: https://tinyurl.com/yeyu9xae Join our friendly Discord: https://discord.gg/5AtydRUDjX Subscribe on to our podcast: https://podcasters...

2024-12-1115 min

Fluff N Crunch Running a Good Convention Game pt2In response to a listener comment about our episode from 28 NOV, about how to run a good #ttrpg convention game, I decided to record this follow-up episode, in which I address three additional points: character sheets, time management, and the always-sticky issue of safety tools, and how to handle other requests and demands from the Gaming HR Dept... Join our friendly Discord: https://discord.gg/5AtydRUDjX Subscribe on to our podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fluffncrunch Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@fluffncrunchpod Subscribe to our email list: https://forms.gle/VaFtxXjkzRSqwFi39

2024-12-0428 min

Fluff N Crunch How to Run a Successful Game Convention SessionNow that you've prepared that #ttrpg convention game, you need to sit down at the table with several strangers and make it work. Here are some tips from a long-time convention GM to help ensure those four hours are well-spent. #gming #gameconvention Join our friendly Discord: https://discord.gg/5AtydRUDjX Subscribe on to our podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fluffncrunch Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@fluffncrunchpod Subscribe to our email list: https://forms.gle/VaFtxXjkzRSqwFi39

2024-11-2740 min

Fluff N Crunch How Do You Prepare to Run a Convention Game?Have you ever run a #TTRPG at a convention? Whether you have or haven't, in this episode we discuss some essential things you need to consider in order to have a successful and fun session, from rules selection to story creation to preparing yourself for a long weekend of gaming. Make sure to listen to our next episode, wherein we'll discuss how to run that convention game - how do you manage the table. Join our friendly Discord: https://discord.gg/5AtydRUDjX Subscribe on to our podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fluffncrunch Subscribe to our YouTube channel...

2024-11-2033 min

Fluff N Crunch Redlines and 'Safety' Warnings in GamesWhere do you draw the line over what kind of content to include in your games? Does the context of play - home, con, online - and makeup of your player group make a difference? Herein we discuss this thorny issue and offer up our excellent advice about how to handle this in your games. #xcards #ttrpg Join our friendly Discord: https://discord.gg/5AtydRUDjX Subscribe on to our podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fluffncrunch Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@fluffncrunchpod Subscribe to our email list: https://forms.gle/VaFtxXjkzRSqwFi39

2024-11-0634 min

Fluff N Crunch Story Ideas and Getting Started with Vampire the MasqueradeWe talked about the merits of #Vampire the Masquerade, especially the 2nd edition, in last week's episode and today we deliver some ideas about where to get started as a GM (sorry - #storyteller) in order to get the best and most out of what VtM can offer. Chris's relationship map: https://tinyurl.com/4rpj4ty6 Relationship map from Chicago By Night: https://tinyurl.com/5f4nv6ua Alien Hunger: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/8/alien-hunger Chicago By Night: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/648/chicago-by-night-2nd-edition DC By Night: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/107/d-c-by-night Los...

2024-10-1638 min

Fluff N Crunch You Should Try Vampire: the Masquerade 2nd EditionVampire: the Masquerade changed the RPG landscape in the mid-90s, offering a new system and unique character and story options, heavy on intrigue and social interactions and, at least in the writing, eschewing the DnD norm that a fight solves every problem. Herein we discuss the basics of the setting and system, and what made VtM so revolutionary - and what should get you to give the classic 2nd edition rules, which are closely updated in the V20 version, a try at your table. #notdnd #WOD #worldofdarkness #vampirethemasquerade #ttrpg

2024-10-0936 min

Fluff N Crunch Alien - A Perfectly Flawed TTRPGWhat's both great about and wrong with the Alien #ttrpg from Free League? After five years, and an upcoming 2nd edition, we're digging into what makes this game great and extremely limited in scope, too. Hint: they're the same thing. And check out Free League's Kickstarter information, page, too: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1192053011/alien-rpg-second-edition-and-rapture-protocol?mc_cid=c08c1ce219 #alien #xenomorph Join our friendly Discord: https://discord.gg/5AtydRUDjX Subscribe on to our podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fluffncrunch Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@fluffncrunchpod Subscribe to our email list: https://forms...

2024-10-0236 min

Fluff N Crunch Mon Dieu Cthulhu: Swashbuckling Supernatural Action in the Age of NapoleonI had the pleasure of talking with John Houlihan, Line Editor for #modiphius Achtung! Cthulhu RPG, about his upcoming novel, Shadow of the Serpent, which combines elements of Lovecraftian #mythos with the Age of Napoleon. We discuss his ideas for the setting, and the story in his upcoming novel. Check out the links below for pre-order information! #cthulhu John's Site: www.john-houlihan.net Innsmouth Literary Festival https://www.innsmouthgold.com/innsmouth-literary-festival Pre-Order the book: https://amzn.eu/d...

2024-09-2535 min

Fluff N Crunch Star Wars Outlaws ReviewWhat's all the controversy? How can you mine Outlaws for #ttrpg ideas? How #Starwars does it feel? Cut through the nonsense with our quick review of this new game.#outlaws #tatooine Join our friendly Discord: https://discord.gg/5AtydRUDjX Subscribe on to our podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fluffncrunch Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@fluffncrunchpod

2024-09-1835 min

Fluff N Crunch Handling Character Death in Tabletop RPGsPlayers can get pretty steamed when their character dies...and it's worse when they die for reasons of the dice alone, or in ways that do not fit within the story. In this episode we discuss the moments when this issue comes up, and how to handle them gracefully. And thanks to Professor Dungeon Master @DUNGEONCRAFT1 for a very clever, simple way of handling this issue. #tabletoprpg #characterdeath Join our friendly Discord: https://discord.gg/5AtydRUDjX Subscribe on to our podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fluffncrunch Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@fluffncrunchpod Subscribe...

2024-08-2140 min

Fluff N Crunch Traveller Session Zero: Character Creation to Kickstart a CampaignSometimes campaigns end; sometimes they're resolved; sometimes they die...quickly. My Castles & Crusades campaign, at about 9 months, died suddenly and we've replaced it, happily, with Traveller...a game no one else at my table has played. In this episode I discuss our Session Zero character creation, which in Traveller presents story and character background possibilities that simply do not come up in most other games. #traveller #travellerrpg #sessionzero #castlesandcrusades C&C Overview episode: https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/HgH1Gizh2Lb Traveller Overview: https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/eTIWYDMh2Lb Join our friendly Discord: https://discord.gg/5AtydRUDjX Subscribe...

2024-08-1436 min

Fluff N Crunch Star Trek Adventures Second Edition Honest ReviewWhat's the new #startrekadventures #rpg like? How are the rules different from the first edition, and are they better? Is it worth the purchase? @Modiphius was kind enough to provide us with PDF copies to review, and here's our honest commentary on the updated version of a great game. #starktrek #finalfrontier #tabletop #hesdeadjim Join our friendly Discord: https://discord.gg/5AtydRUDjX Subscribe on to our podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fluffncrunch Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@fluffncrunchpod Subscribe to our email list: https://forms.gle/VaFtxXjkzRSqwFi39

2024-08-0738 min

Fluff N Crunch Handling Player Failure in TTRPGsWhat do you, as a GM, do when your players fail? How do you handle the story, the game, and the people around you when the dice don't play nicely? We discuss some of the issues with player failure and offer some ideas on how to deal with it both from the table and interpersonal management side of things, and the game/mechanical side. #ttrpg #gamemaster #playerfailure #characterfailure Note: the episode content begins at the 5-minute mark Timestamps 5:00 Episode content begins Join our friendly Discord: https://discord.gg/5AtydRUDjX Subscribe on to our podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod...

2024-07-3138 min

Fluff N Crunch Is This a Workable Fear Mechanic for a Horror RPG?I think so...but it's my game so I could be a little biased. Regardless, Chris and I discuss the fear mechanic - how it works, how it will support a proper horror vibe in a story...and Chris offers a revision that I'm going to try out in my next two playtests. #rpg #tabletop #horror Join our friendly Discord: https://discord.gg/5AtydRUDjX Subscribe on to our podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fluffncrunch Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@fluffncrunchpod Subscribe to our email list: https://forms.gle/VaFtxXjkzRSqwFi39

2024-07-2438 min

Fluff N Crunch Chris's Dice Mechanic Ideas - Novel Stuff!In our ongoing joint project to develop our own #tabletop #rpg games and systems, we discuss here some ideas Chris has for dice mechanics and, to my surprise, I end up liking a dice pool idea that involves different die types in each roll. Tune into hear the details. Join our friendly Discord: https://discord.gg/5AtydRUDjX Subscribe on to our podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fluffncrunch Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@fluffncrunchpod Subscribe to our email list: https://forms.gle/VaFtxXjkzRSqwFi39

2024-07-1738 min

Fluff N Crunch Art in Tabletop RPG Books - How Important is It?Art in TTRPG books is important…but why? How? To whom? Is it a deal-breaker for purchases or a barrier to entry to the hobby? We figure out the answers. RPG art article link: https://www.blackgate.com/2014/02/12/art-of-the-genre-the-top-10-rpg-artists-of-the-past-40-years-2/ Amazon documentary: https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B07Q334KBS/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_r Join our friendly Discord: https://discord.gg/5AtydRUDjX Subscribe on to our podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fluffncrunch Subscribe to...

2024-07-1058 min

Fluff N Crunch Character Creation for the Games We're DevelopingNow that we've discussed norms in character creation systems, we're going to look at some options and ideas for what we're going to use in the #ttrpgs we are each developing. #ttrpgs #characters #chargen RPG art article link: https://www.blackgate.com/2014/02/12/art-of-the-genre-the-top-10-rpg-artists-of-the-past-40-years-2/ Amazon documentary: https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B07Q334KBS/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_r Join our friendly Discord: https://discord.gg/5AtydRUDjX Subscribe on to our podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fluffncrunch Subscribe to our YouTube channel...

2024-07-0340 min

Fluff N Crunch Norms in TTRPG Character CreationHerein we begin our examination of general approaches to character generation in #ttrpgs as part of our work to develop our own games.#ttrpgs #characters #chargen Join our friendly Discord: https://discord.gg/5AtydRUDjX Subscribe on to our podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fluffncrunch Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@fluffncrunchpod Subscribe to our email list: https://forms.gle/VaFtxXjkzRSqwFi39

2024-06-2634 min

Fluff N Crunch Chris Attends UK Games Expo 2024I think the title says it all. Chris attended UK Games Expo, and I went on vacation. He's got some interesting news about the experience, some new games he played, designers with whom he spoke, and we talk about the value of attending game conventions. #ukgamesexpo #gameconventionsThe Mandalorian: Adventures - https://store.asmodee.com/products/the-mandalorian-adventuresAltered CCG: https://www.altered.gg/en-us Join our friendly Discord: https://discord.gg/5AtydRUDjX Subscribe on to our podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fluffncrunch Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@fluffncrunchpod Subscribe to our email list: https://forms...

2024-06-1933 min

Fluff N Crunch Game Building Part 1 - SettingHerein we offer and discuss our ideas for the games we each are going to write, kicking around setting ideas that point toward the sorts of stories the games will help tell and will inform the sorts of system decisions we’ll each have to make. If you’re interested in game design, and what we think is a vital issue - the nexus of system, setting, and story - this episode is for you. Join our friendly Discord: https://discord.gg/5AtydRUDjX Subscribe on to our podcast: https://podcasters.spot...

2024-06-1244 min

Fluff N Crunch Dice Mechanics pt2 - Dice PoolsBeyond just a heap of dice, what is a "dice pool" and what advantages and maybe challenges this type of resolution mechanic offer for #ttrpgs ? We dive into the topic by spotlighting several different games, past and current, that use dice pools, and share our ideas about the possibilities a true dice pool offers players and GMs. #dice #rpgs #tabletoprpg Join our friendly Discord: https://discord.gg/5AtydRUDjX Subscribe on to our podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fluffncrunch Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@fluffncrunchpod Subscribe to our email list: https://forms.gle/VaFtxXjkzRSqwFi39

2024-06-0545 min

Fluff N Crunch Mechanics Discussed pt1 - The Most Basic Dice SystemMechanics…what makes RPGs games, and often a source of either interest or frustration, depending on how they work. In this first part of a series, We look at the most basic type of resolution mechanic: generate a number and compare it against another number. What systems use this? What opportunities and limitations does it present? What form of it do we like best? We ended up surprising ourselves with the answer to that last one. Join our friendly Discord: https://discord.gg/5AtydRUDjX Subscribe on to our podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.co...

2024-05-2944 min

Fluff N Crunch Can DnD 5e Be Fixed? Commentary on System and Settings for the Flagship TTRPGHerein we point out how DnD 5e falls flat in system, settings, and stories, and we offer ideas on how to fix a game that WOTC has done its best in the last few years to ruin. The original TTRPG deserves better than vanilla settings and boring rules, and we have some ideas. #dnd #wotc #ttrpg #fixdnd #eberron #forgottenrealms #greyhawk Join our friendly Discord: https://discord.gg/5AtydRUDjX Subscribe on to our podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fluffncrunch Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@fluffncrunchpod Subscribe to our email list: https://forms.gle/VaFtxXjkzRSqwFi39

2024-05-2255 min

Fluff N Crunch Crunchy Yet Playable - How Much is Too Much?In response to a listener request, we discuss the issue of crunch - of rules complexity and density in #ttrpgs. We talk about a few games that have a reputation for being too crunchy, and discuss in depth five games with which we have experience and believe are both crunchy and playable. #traveller #anima #conan #2d20 #shadowrun Join our friendly Discord: https://discord.gg/5AtydRUDjX Subscribe on to our podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fluffncrunch Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@fluffncrunchpod Subscribe to our email list: https://forms.gle/VaFtxXjkzRSqwFi39

2024-05-1555 min

Fluff N Crunch Warhammer Age of Sigmar Soulbound TTRPG OverviewWhat’s Warhammer Age of Sigmar: Soulbound all about as a #TTRPG? What’s the foundation of the setting, how does the system work, what kinds of stories can be told in it? Herein we discuss this expansive RPG from Cubicle 7, building on our recent discussion of the Warhammer universe. Check out the game at https://cubicle7games.com/our-games/age-of-sigmar-soulbound #warhammer #ageofsigmar #ttrpg #cubicle7 Join our friendly Discord: https://discord.gg/5AtydRUDjX Subscribe on to our podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fluffncrunch Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@fluffncrunchpod Subscribe to our email list...

2024-05-0834 min

Fluff N Crunch Fallout TTRPG Game OverviewWe talk about the Fallout tabletop RPG in this episode - given all the #Fallout related talk of late, with the Amazon show, it was high time we hit this title. We talk about how it differs from other #2d20 games, how well it models the video game property, and point out one glaring issues with the core rules. Join our friendly Discord: https://discord.gg/5AtydRUDjX Subscribe on to our podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fluffncrunch Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@fluffncrunchpod Subscribe to our email list: https://forms.gle/VaFtxXjkzRSqwFi39

2024-05-0149 min

Fluff N Crunch Really Rapid Reaction - Star Trek Adventures 2e Quickstart#Modiphius released free quickstart rules and adventure PDF for Star Trek Adventures 2e today...and we made time to react to it! We discuss what's in the document, some of the most salient rules changes from 1e, and what we think players and GMs can expect from this new version of a great game. #startrek #startrekgaming #startrekadventures Download the PDF: https://www.startrekttrpg.com/ Read this exclusive overview of the rules changes (dropped after we recorded and includes some things we didn't mention): https://comicbook.com/startrek/news/star-trek-adventures-second-edition-rules-changes-tasks-combat-ships/ Join our friendly Discord: https://discord.gg/5AtydRUDjX Subscribe on...

2024-04-2539 min

Fluff N Crunch 2d20 WorldBuilders Program Year One ReviewHerein we discuss Modiphius’ community publishing program, available on DriveThruRPG, based on our own experiences and survey results from other content creators who’ve published various full games under the license. WB Program Homepage: https://preview.drivethrurpg.com/en/publisher/4329/modiphius/category/44299/2d20-world-builders Join our friendly Discord: https://discord.gg/5AtydRUDjX Subscribe on to our podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fluffncrunch Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@fluffncrunchpod Subscribe to our email list: https://form...

2024-04-2459 min

Fluff N Crunch Debut Special Episode: FnC Does Minis - Age of Sigmar Recent RevealsIn Chris’s debut solo episode, he discusses recent reveals for Warhammer’s Age of Sigmar minis game. We will drop these episodes as regular bonus content, on Saturdays. Join our friendly Discord: https://discord.gg/5AtydRUDjX Subscribe on to our podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fluffncrunch Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@fluffncrunchpod Subscribe to our email list: https://forms.gle/VaFtxXjkzRSqwFi39

2024-04-2029 min

Fluff N Crunch Warhammer 40k Wrath and Glory OverviewWarhammer 40,000 Wrath & Glory RPG offers several tiers of play to help you dial in the type and scope of story you want to play in this massive, iconic world. In this episode we discuss what makes this game unique in the areas we love so much: system, setting, and story. We look into what kinds of stories you can play within the setting, and at how the d6 dice pool system helps to model the proposed vibe and action of the Warhammer 40k world. Join our friendly Discord: https://discord.gg/5AtydRUDjX Subscribe on to our podcast: https://podcasters...

2024-04-1738 min

Fluff N Crunch Frightshow Classics - A Great Source of Horror One-Off AdventuresThis week I interview Richard, the designer of Frightshow Classics, a line of d100-based horror adventures available on DriveThruRPG, and created in the spirit (and system) of Pacesetter’s Chill 1e and the Cryptworld. If you’re looking for easy-to-run stories that offer a great 70s/80s/Kolchak the Night Stalker vibe, look no further… Join our friendly Discord: https://discord.gg/5AtydRUDjX Subscribe on to our podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fluffncrunch Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@fluffncrunchpod Subs...

2024-04-1044 min

Fluff N Crunch Would Mass Effect or Starship Troopers Make a Good TTRPG Setting?Would either of these well-known properties make for a good tabletop RPG setting? If so, is there a system out there already that would fit the mood and themes of the property? We dig into both in this episode and try to answer these questions. And for free, we've thrown in a compelling argument that the 1997 Starship Troopers film is a heaping pile of trash and that you should ignore it as a source of information about that story or setting. Read the book! #masseffect #starshiptroopers #sciencefiction #rpg #ttrpg Join our friendly Discord: https://discord.gg/5AtydRUDjX Subscribe on...

2024-04-0352 min

Fluff N Crunch An Overview of the Gaming Worlds of WarhammerWarhammer is huge - it’s fantasy, it’s an iconic dark future, it’s miniatures, and rpgs. And in this episode we tackle a top-level overview of it so that we can, in future episodes, make sense of the individual rpgs in the line. #warhammer #40k #darkfuture #spacemarines #chaos Join our friendly Discord: https://discord.gg/5AtydRUDjX Subscribe on to our podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fluffncrunch Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@fluffncrunchpod Subscribe to our email list: https://forms.gle/VaFtxXjkzRSqwFi39

2024-03-2736 min

Fluff N Crunch Achtung! Cthulhu Starter Set Unboxing and OverviewI’m joined today by John Houlihan, the Creative Lead for the Achtung! Cthulhu RPG, and we talk about - and unbox - the new Starter Set for the game. This box includes abbreviated rules, a 60-page adventure, six pregenerated characters, maps, tokens, and more, and I think it would be great for someone new to the game or for someone who’s been playing it for years. We also discuss the upcoming D-Day campaign book and how it differs some from existing campaign books like Shadows of Atlantis and The Serpent & the Sands.

2024-03-2051 min

Fluff N Crunch Star Trek Adventures Second Edition Rules - What We Know and Our First ReactionsJust when you thought your collection of Star Trek Adventures books was complete, Modiphius drops the news that they're coming out with a second edition of the rules later this year! The book promises more world content, "streamlined" rules, and compatibility with the current edition. Deftly avoiding baseless conjecture, we offer up our wishlists of what we would like to see in this book...and what we would like to not see in it, too. Sign up for the Star Trek Adventures email update list from Modiphius here: https://tinyurl.com/3s68sjbw Join our friendly Discord: https://discord...

2024-03-1343 min

Fluff N Crunch Star Trek Adventures Federation-Klingon War Tactical Campaign Book InterviewHere i am today with Al Spader, lead writer for Modiphius' upcoming Federation-Klingon Tactical Campaign, to talk about what story content, new rules, character options, and other ideas are in this book and how you can use it in your Star Trek Adventures campaign. We discuss the tactical campaign subsystem in some detail and talk a lot about the story possibilities in this 200+ page volume, available soon from Modiphius and at your FLGS. #STA #startrek #startrekgaming #modiphius #ttrpg #rpg Join our friendly Discord: https://discord.gg/5AtydRUDjX Subscribe on to our podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fluffncrunch ...

2024-03-0651 min

Fluff N Crunch Opportunity and Controversy - AI Usage in TTRPGs10 months after our first discussion of AI usage in and related to TTPRGs, we revisit the subject, reviewing some of the tool available now, and diving into the politics of AI usage. #ttrpg #ai #midjourney #chatgpt Join our friendly Discord: https://discord.gg/5AtydRUDjX Subscribe on to our podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fluffncrunch Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@fluffncrunchpod Subscribe to our email list: https://forms.gle/VaFtxXjkzRSqwFi39

2024-02-2846 min

Fluff N Crunch Castles & Crusades Overview and CommentaryHerein I discuss Castles & Crusades, from Troll Lord Games, and how it differs from 5e mechanically as well as in the feel it seeks to promote at the table and in stories. TLG is so confident in their system that they give away the PDF version of a recent printing of the Players Handbook for free! Links to that and other things are below. As always, get involved in the conversation - what do you think of C&C? What questions do you have about it? Leave a comment below or join our Discord. #castles&crusades #trolllordgames #rpg #ttrpg...

2024-02-2145 min

Fluff N Crunch How to Restart a Campaign After a BreakHerein we discuss a challenge that many (probably most) GMs face: how to restart a campaign after you've had a break for real-world reasons. We have some ideas about how to get ready as GM, how to get your players ready, and how to go about deciding when within the story to pick things up. Maybe you start exactly where you left off...maybe you fast-forward the story...maybe you retcon some things. We discuss all of these, and from a practical perspective as related to Jeremy's restart of his Kingmaker campaign. Join our friendly Discord: https://discord.gg/5...

2024-02-1430 min

Fluff N Crunch How to 2d20 - Zones, Range, and MovementHerein we discuss zones, range, and movement in 2d20 games, and how to embrace the narrative vibe of these...and give up counting gridsquares. Join our friendly Discord: https://discord.gg/5AtydRUDjX Subscribe on to our podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fluffncrunch Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@fluffncrunchpod Subscribe to our email list: https://forms.gle/VaFtxXjkzRSqwFi39 Timestamps :50 Zones are subjective; you don't need to count squares anymore 1:37 Zones are narratively distinct areas, defined by what's in them and their borders far more than their objective size 2:30 Defining distance by understanding adjacent zones 3:30...

2024-02-1010 min

Fluff N Crunch Some Ideas on How to Launch a New CampaignWe all face it at some point or another: the need or want to start a new campaign, possibly with new rules or a different setting, and beyond getting players onboard, there are other things we need to take care of in order to set ourselves up for success. Join our friendly Discord: https://discord.gg/5AtydRUDjX Subscribe on to our podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fluffncrunch Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@fluffncrunchpod Subscribe to our email list: https://forms.gle/VaFtxXjkzRSqwFi39

2024-02-0746 min

Fluff N Crunch How to 2d20: Using Metacurrencies EffectivelyThe Metacurrencies in 2d20 are essential to the gameplay and storytelling experience the system can help produce. However, knowing their mechanical effects and values is only half the issue; you need to use them proficiently (and often!) as a player. This listener suggested episode focuses on how to use Momentum, Threat, and Fortune/Determination effectively as a player - when to use them, when to maybe not, and how to view their availability during a session. Join our friendly Discord: https://discord.gg/5AtydRUDjX Subscribe on to our podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fluffncrunch Subscribe to our...

2024-02-0319 min

Fluff N Crunch Review of Outgunned - Cinematic Action RPGHerein Chris and I review Outgunned, from Two Little Mice, available on DriveThruRPG (link below). We think this is a great, simple system that will enable you to play high action one-shots or short campaigns in the spirit of 80s action movies like Rambo, Missing in Action, Lethal Weapon, Die Hard, and others in the genre. Join our friendly Discord: https://discord.gg/5AtydRUDjX Subscribe to our podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fluffncrunch Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@fluffncrunchpod Subscribe to our email list: https://forms.gle/VaFtxXjkzRSqwFi39Outgunned on DriveThruRPG: https://preview...

2024-01-3148 min

Fluff N Crunch How to 2d20 - Traits and TruthsLots of games present ways to quantify location, character, equipment, and story elements that are otherwise descriptive in nature. 2d20 games utilize a clever and flexible system of "traits" or "truths" (depending on the property you're playing) that serve as a clean and easily comprehensible means of connecting the qualitative to the quantitative, expressing important story elements in game terms. Join our friendly Discord: https://discord.gg/5AtydRUDjX Subscribe on to our podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fluffncrunch Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@fluffncrunchpod

2024-01-2710 min

Fluff N Crunch Ahris Remastered - What's to Come in the Upcoming EditionHerein we discuss the mechanical and setting changes and expansions that will appear in the upcoming release of Ahris Remastered, on DriveThruRPG through the 2d20 WorldBulders program. Join our friendly Discord: https://discord.gg/5AtydRUDjX Subscribe on to our podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fluffncrunch Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@fluffncrunchpod

2024-01-2425 min

Fluff N Crunch How to 2d20 - The Three MetacurrenciesHerein we discuss the three metacurrencies found in most 2d20 games: Momentum, Threat, and Determination/Fortune. We talk about how they work, how to get used to using them at the table, and why they're meant to be spent, not hoarded! Join our friendly Discord: https://discord.gg/5AtydRUDjX Subscribe on to our podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fluffncrunch Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@fluffncrunchpod

2024-01-2015 min

Fluff N Crunch How to: 2d20's Core Mechanic, ExplainedThe first in our series of How To episodes, focusing this time on 2d20’s core mechanic - a resolution system that determines success or failure, as well as accompanying positive or negative (but always interesting) occurrences. Moving forward, these episodes will be published as bonus episodes and collected together on our YouTube channel in a special playlist. Join our friendly Discord: https://discord.gg/5AtydRUDjX Subscribe on to our podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fluffncrunch Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.yo...

2024-01-1723 min

Fluff N Crunch Mining Fiction for Gaming: 1632 and Codex AleraBuilding on our discussion last year about Janissaries and Kipo, herein we discuss two other properties - both from book series - that could be used for new settings, campaigns, or short story arcs. We also discuss which existing game systems we think would be the best fits for each. Check out the links below to find out more about these two properties. 1632 on Amazon: https://a.co/d/euSSko7 1632 Homepage: https://1632.org/ Codex Alera on Amazon: https://a.co/d/3zVea04 Jannisaries and Kipo Episode: https://youtu.be/7CNV2IDyX78 Join our friendly Discord: https://discord.gg/5AtydRUDjX ...

2024-01-1032 min

Fluff N Crunch The Top 5 2d20 RPGs - Ranked & ExplainedHerein we compare notes on what we each believe are the five best 2d20-based RPGs thus far published. We discuss why, we argue a little, and then we invite you tell us that we are wrong. Join our friendly Discord: https://discord.gg/5AtydRUDjX Subscribe on to our podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fluffncrunch Don't forget to subscribe to this YouTube channel! This is where the cool kids hang out, so don't be a square... Timestamps 1:07 Our hellos 2:52 Episode content begins here 3:54 Our #5s6:14 And on to #4 15:29 After a longer segment, we move to #3 21:02 We got...

2024-01-0346 min

Fluff N Crunch Dreams, Goals, and Plans for Fluff n Crunch in 2024As is now our annual tradition, we discuss our dreams, goals, and plans for the show, our gaming, and life in general in our last episode of the calendar year. And this time we're inviting you along for the ride in a far more active manner. Join our friendly Discord: https://discord.gg/5AtydRUDjX Subscribe on to our podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fluffncrunch Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@fluffncrunchpod Find the Ahris Fantasy RPG on DriveThruRPG: https://tinyurl.com/fkhys3u3

2023-12-2737 min

Fluff N Crunch 2023 Fluff n Crunch Year End ReviewAs is now our tradition, we wrap up the year with two episodes: our review of the preceding year, and our forecasts and plans for the one to come - in our gaming, the show, gaming at large, and life. We end 2023 - which we agreed was a good year for us both - discussing how well we met our goals and plans for the show as of a year ago, as well as some specific points that we agreed we'd like to cover, related to gaming and life. We end with some awards we'd hand out of it...

2023-12-2050 min

Fluff N Crunch Time Trackers as Resource Managers for TTRPGsIn this week's episode we initially set out to discuss ways to overtly and covertly track time at the table so as to build tension and drama, give players a sense their progress (or lack thereof) toward accomplishing a goal, and to support focusing players during sessions. We realized that time - and lot of other things within a tabletop game - can be understood as one of many resources GMs can use to shape the story and mechanical action within encounters, scenes, sessions, and longer story arcs. Join our friendly Discord: https://discord.gg/5AtydRUDjX Subscribe on to...

2023-12-1349 min

Fluff N Crunch Game Spotlight - Traveller, the Original Science Fiction RPGIn this episode we discuss the setting and the system in the original science fiction RPG (yeah, we can argue that but we're sticking with our position!), first published in 1977. We also discuss some of the stories you can tell within the vast Traveller universe. Join our friendly Discord: https://discord.gg/5AtydRUDjX Subscribe on to our podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fluffncrunch Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@fluffncrunchpod Other links mentioned and resources for Traveller: A Forbes article about the game - great overview: https://www.forbes.com/sites/robwieland/2021/06/09/now-is-a-great-time-to-get-into-the-legendary-traveller-rpg/?sh=2...

2023-12-0648 min

Fluff N Crunch Kipo and Janissaries: Mining to Fiction Properties for Tabletop GamesWe explore two fiction IPs as potential fodder for game settings and/or adventures. We discuss which existing systems we might use, and why we think these non-gaming properties would be a good fit for the tabletop world. We'd love to hear from you with your suggestions along these same lines. Janissaries on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B087GX9HNS?binding=hardcover&ref=dbs_dp_rwt_sb_pc_thcv Join our friendly Discord: https://discord.gg/5AtydRUDjX Subscribe on to our podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fluffncrunch Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube...

2023-11-2935 min

Fluff N Crunch Using Canon Characters in RPGs pt2 - Fantasy IPsWe finish our discussion of how canon characters from existing fiction properties can be used - and some advice on how to not use them - in tabletop RPGs. Join our friendly Discord: https://discord.gg/5AtydRUDjX Subscribe on to our podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fluffncrunch Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@fluffncrunchpod

2023-11-2243 min

Fluff N Crunch Using Canon Characters in RPGs, pt1: SciFi and ModernHow can you incorporate canon characters into RPGs without marginalizing the PCs or beloved and well-known characters from existing fiction? In this episode we discuss this thorny question, looking at Star Wars, Star Trek, and GI Joe as examples. Subscribe to this channel!Join our friendly Discord: https://discord.gg/5AtydRUDjX Subscribe to our weekly podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fluffncrunch Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@fluffncrunchpod

2023-11-1550 min

Fluff N Crunch Yo Joe! - Using 2d20 to be a Real American HeroHerein we discuss how to modify Achtung! Cthulhu to use for playing 80s-style GI Joe stories. Check out this great Joe reference site for characters and vehicles: https://www.3djoes.com/ Join our friendly Discord: https://discord.gg/5AtydRUDjX Subscribe on to our podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fluffncrunch Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@fluffncrunchpod

2023-11-0846 min

Fluff N Crunch The Essential Elements of GI JoeYes, we are aware that there already is a GI Joe RPG out there...we don't care! This is our latest "Essential Elements" episode, in which we look at what story and character ideas must be present in a TTRPG to properly represent the source material in content and vibe. In our next episode, we'll talk about how to take these elements and, using the 2d20 system (which we think is better than the existing Joe RPG engine), we'll offer some ideas about how to run a GI Joe game at your table. Join our friendly Discord: https://discord...

2023-11-0139 min

Fluff N Crunch Religion in Games - A Lost Opportunity for Story and Characters?We think that religion offers much more story and character potential that we see in many games, and game publications, and so in this episode we discuss the issue - maybe gripe about it some, too, and definitely offer some ideas about how to address religion, faith, and how they can play out in a game for improved stories and characters. Join our friendly Discord: https://discord.gg/5AtydRUDjX Subscribe on to our podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fluffncrunch Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@fluffncrunchpod

2023-10-2549 min

Fluff N Crunch Gumshoe - A System Optimized for InvestigationsLet’s learn about Gumshoe, Pelgrane Press’s house system that has some unique features intended to optimize it for investigation-heavy stories. Check out Pelgrane at the following links: Nights Black Agents: https://pelgranepress.com/product-category/gumshoe/nights-black-agents/ Trail of Cthulhu: https://pelgranepress.com/product-category/gumshoe/trail-of-cthulhu/ TimeWatch: https://pelgranepress.com/product-category/gumshoe/timewatch/ Join our friendly Discord: https://discord.gg/5AtydRUDjX Subscribe on to our podcast: https://podcasters.spot...

2023-10-1854 min

Fluff N Crunch Captain's Log Act - Trouble on Beta Inari VII Act 3 - Will Our Heroes Survive?Join us for Act 3 of "Trouble on Beta Inari VII" as we bring to a close the first episode in our Captain's Log co-op game. Join our friendly Discord here: https://discord.gg/5AtydRUDjX Check out the character sheets and campaign info here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1juZygemCPwd3Tz5ff9Y3VOx_1MU4jps6?usp=sharing Subscribe to our podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fluffncrunch

2023-09-2756 min

Fluff N Crunch Making Monsters in Ahris Fantasy RPGAlthough Ahris comes with around 60 monsters and NPCs ready to use, the flexible monster creation system will enable you to stat out any creature or foe from literature, mythology, your mind, or other properties. In this episode we build two iconic monsters, no prep involved. Listen to our podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fluffncrunch Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/5AtydRUDjX

2023-08-0949 min

Fluff N Crunch Star Trek Adventures Captain's Log with Jim JohnsonJim Johnson, Star Trek Adventures Line Manager, joins us to talk about the newest release for STA: Captain's Log - the solo RPG book. Don't miss this one - this is great content if you want to play solo, play GM-less, or use it as a supplement to your regular STA game. There's a lot to this book! Links mentioned: Continuing Conversations Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/star-trek-adventures-continuing-conversations/id1534755873 Jim's Captain's Log YouTube Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVAnIScalX09TzMS_UUMccyQcGXTTuN3m

2023-07-261h 00

Fluff N Crunch Ahris - Talent Creation, Discussion, and DiscoveriesHerein we discuss how Talents are created in Ahris and create a few...and discover just how flexible the system is. If you want to make really original characters, this is the way to go. Listen to the podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fluffncrunch Join the Discord: https://discord.gg/5AtydRUDjX

2023-07-1952 min

Fluff N Crunch Combat: Problems Solved!The episode in which we respond to our own complaints about combat in RPGs, with suggestions - general and specific - for both players and GMs, to make it all better. Connect with us on Twitter @fluffncrunchpod Listen at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fluffncrunch Find us on our Discord, too: https://discord.gg/5AtydRUDjX

2023-03-2956 min

Fluff N Crunch What We Hate About Combat in RPGsYep, there are plenty of pain points in combat in RPGs. Herein we discuss 11, and promise to offer solutions in our next episode. Find our podcast at https://anchor.fm/fluffncrunch Find us on Twitter @fluffncrunchpod Join us on our Discord: https://discord.gg/5AtydRUDjX

2023-03-2251 min

Fluff N Crunch When, Why, and How to Roll the Dice in Support of the StoryTTRPGs have gone through a lot of development over the last 45+ years, and over that time we've seen different views on when and how to use the dice...when to call for rolls, what those rolls should be used to accomplish, and even when to hide and possibly fudge rolls (by the GM, of course...GMs fudge; players cheat!). In this episode Chris and I talk a little about that evolution, and focus mostly on ideas of how a GM can go about deciding when to call for the dice, when not to, and how to accept their results...

2022-03-0948 min

Fluff N Crunch Published Adventures vs. Home Brew, and Some Unexpected GM TherapyThe episode in which we discuss the comparative merits and challenges in using published vs. homebrew adventures and campaigns, which led us quite organically to some realizations about us as GMs - and probably GMs in general - from which we drew what we believe is solid advice for those of us who spend most of our gaming time 'behind the screen.' Find us on Facebook or email us at fluffncrunch@tutanota.com

2022-02-021h 05

Fluff N Crunch Space, Range, and Distance - in 2d20 and Other GamesThe episode in which we discuss range, space, and distance, and how it's handled through theater of the mind and minis-based games, as well as how 2d20s concept of 'zones' can work well with either. And feel free to contact us directly through our new email: fluffncrunch@tutanota.com

2022-01-2653 min

Fluff N Crunch The Pathfinders: 1st and 2nd Editions ComparedI played a lot of PF 1e when it replaced DnD 4e at our table, and it was great...up to about 6th level. Having moved away from PF when DnD 5e came out, I have to date only give PF 2e a cursory glance. Chris, on the other hand, has played and run it and promises that there are many noteworthy improvements in 2e...and so we took this episode to talk about the newest version of the system.

2021-12-0857 min

Fluff N Crunch Combat in ConanA notional combat encounter between Conan and pirate cultists and their vile leader...

2021-12-0153 min

Fluff N Crunch Personnel Combat in Star Trek AdventuresThe first in a series of 'notional combat encounters' we're going to work through for different 2d20 games, to help nail down how combat flows and what options are available, and also to compare combat between the different games.

2021-11-241h 04

Fluff N Crunch Who Ya Gonna Call? - 2d20 for GhostbustersIn celebration of the release of the new movie, we decided to put our model for hacks & mods to the test by working through the a version of 2d20 to use for a Ghostbusters game. You can read Chris' notes and our combined ideas on his blog right here.

2021-11-171h 00

Fluff N Crunch Achtung Cthulhu GM's Guide: First ThoughtsWe do a deeper dive into this one than the PG...spoiler: it's a good book.

2021-11-101h 01

Fluff N Crunch Achtung Cthulhu Player's Guide: First ThoughtsI think the episode title does the trick. We'll address the GM's Guide in the next episode, and in greater depth.

2021-11-0340 min

Fluff N Crunch Chris' Game System QuandaryChris wanted to select a game system to run a homebrew Supers game with his family, and he wanted it to be simple and streamlined for them, and varied and detailed enough to keep him interested as GM. That's a tough needle to thread, and so we decided to discuss it to try and reach a solution. I think I might have won him over, and in a future episode (this was recorded in July before his vacation) we'll discuss his decision and its outcome.

2021-10-2743 min

Fluff N Crunch Hacks, Mods, and Conversions: Using 2d20 Outside of Published SettingsWe like the properties published for 2d20, but there are plenty of settings and genres that Modiphius doesn't publish for - so we decided to think through how to reskin, hack, modify, or convert to use some version(s) of 2d20 with other settings. You can read the notes, cleaned up, to which we referred in the episode here. We will add more to that page over time as we revisit this topic in future episodes.

2021-10-201h 05

Fluff N Crunch Threat: Essential for the GMThreat, also known as Doom and some other names in different 2d20 properties, is an essential element of the game for the GM and if you're not using it well, you're not going to get the most out of the system. In this episode we discuss three categories of Threat, as we see it, and give some experience-based advice about how to understand and use it. We mentioned a few of the quickstarts, and those are linked below. Acthung! Cthulhu QS Conan Free RPG Day Scenario STA QS STA Klingon QS

2021-10-1354 min

Fluff N Crunch The Shackleton Expanse Campaign Guide: Reactions & ReviewWe discuss the newest book for STA from Modiphius and how GMs (especially) will be able to get a lot of mileage out of it, even if you've no interest in playing in the Expanse.

2021-10-0646 min

Fluff N Crunch Starship Combat in Star Trek AdventuresAlthough the mechanics are still stock 2d20, running starship combat is a lot more involved than that at the personnel level, and requires a more even burden of GM and player knowledge requirements. In this episode Chris and I work through two rounds of starship combat, stopping throughout to comment on how the rules work and how they evoke the right feel at the table. We recommend that, to get the most out of this, you re-read, or at least scan, the starship operations and combat rules in whichever STA rulebook you have (and if you've a choice, use...

2021-09-291h 10

Fluff N Crunch A Review of the Star Trek Adventures Quadrant Books, and Expert Star Trek CommentaryWe decided to treat all four Quadrant books in one review, discussing what is and isn't in each and how each can fit into different types of Star Trek Adventures games. And then I tried to convince Chris that Voyager is pretty good, and we agreed and provided clear evidence that Wesley Crushed is annoying.

2021-09-2235 min

Fluff N Crunch Short Episode: Change in Publishing ScheduleHere's a brief update on our change to our publishing schedule - we're going weekly!

2021-09-1606 min

Fluff N Crunch A Review: Star Trek Adventures Command Division SourcebookHerein we discuss what's in and what's good about the Command Division book for Star Trek Adventures, with commentary aimed at both players and GMs.

2021-09-1548 min

Fluff N Crunch The Different Types of Conflict in the Dune RPGIn addition to a generic conflict resolution system - the basic 2d20 mechanic with a few tweaks - Dune offers five different versions of that system, intended for use in story-specific situation: dueling, skirmish combat, espionage (break-ins and sabotage and such), intrigue (social conflicts), and warfare ("send the horse! full attack!"). Herein we discuss what we like, don't like, and are confused by in these systems.

2021-09-0150 min

Fluff N Crunch Our First Thought on the New Dune RPGChris has a physical copy and I have the PDF...so what do we think of Modiphius' 2d20 version of Dune? This is a highly narrative implementation of the rules, closer to John Carter of Mars than Star Trek, so we're going to see a different kind of feel expressed...or so we assume.

2021-08-1846 min

Fluff N Crunch Some Settings and Genres are Tough to Model in TTRPGsHerein we discuss why it's tough to model some settings and genres in TTRPGs.

2021-08-0448 min

Fluff N Crunch Combat in the 2d20 SystemHerein we discuss how combat works across the 2d20 games, building on our discussion of the metacurrencies - Momentum and Threat, in particular - and how central they are to gameplay.

2021-07-2147 min

Fluff N Crunch The Metacurrencies of 2d20Herein we discuss Momentum, Threat, and Determination, player and GM metacurrencies that appear in all 2d20 games, albeit sometimes with different names. These currencies are what give 2d20 it's cinematic dimension, through which players and GM can shape situations in ways that are mechanically coherent and make sense for the story.

2021-07-0743 min

Fluff N Crunch 2d20's Novel Core MechanicWe've both run a lot of 2d20 games and confusion always comes up around the core mechanic for players new to the system. Herein we discuss how it works, what it does, and give some indication as to why these are all good (really good!) things.

2021-07-0250 min

Fluff N Crunch Introductions and Our Gaming BackgroundsChris and Jeremy introduce themselves in this first episode and discuss their gaming backgrounds, interests, and current work.

2021-07-0259 min