RPG XRAY The RPG XRAY Team

In this episode of RPG Ex-Ray, hosts Brendan Power, Jason Beaumont, and Erik Saltwell dive deep into the art and science of railroading in tabletop role-playing games.Our main discussion in the episode is railroading—when and how it's appropriate, the balance between player agency and narrative structure, and how to avoid the pitfalls that can make players feel their choices are meaningless. Key Ideas Discussed include:Railroading vs. Player Agency: How to balance structured narratives w...

This episode’s topic is props. From maps to sound effects, miniatures to background music, props evoke tone, immerse players, and clarify what is going on in your game’s fiction. Join us as we discuss what makes props work, and when they fail.HOSTS:Erik Saltwell Ethan Schoonover Jason BeaumontAPPENDIX X:Godzilla Movies (Film, Jason) Alan Wake 2 (Video Game, Brendan) The Expanse (TV, Ethan)GAMES MENTIONED:Blade Runner RPG Thousand Year Old Vampire Apollo 47 Technical Manual Red Markets Call of...

This episode’s topic is Creative Agendas. Whether we aspire to overcome challenges, embody characters, or simply socialize with friends, our high-level goals determine many of our choices and define what we are proud about in our roleplaying sessions.HOSTS:Erik SaltwellBrendan PowerEthan SchoonoverAPPENDIX X:Marvel's What If (TV, Erik) The Guns of August (Book, Ethan) Routledge Atlas of the First World War (Book, Ethan) Slow Horses (TV, Brendan) GAMES MEN...

This episode’s topic is Rulings. The use of at-the-table decision making is one of the defining features of tabletop roleplaying games that allows for unlimited player creativity. Relying on other humans, though, can leave your table open to bad behavior and interpersonal conflict. Join us as we discuss the differences between rules and rulings in RPGHOSTS:Erik SaltwellEthan SchoonoverJason BeaumontAPPENDIX X:Loki Season 2 (TV, Erik)Ham Radio (Activity, Ethan) Funk and ...

This episode’s topic is Licensed IP, which provides RPG gamers the promise of being a hero in stories they already love, while utilizing their knowledge of a property’s setting and tropes to improve the tabletop role playing experience. Join us, to learn how licensed IP can enhance, or break, your gameplay.HOSTS:Erik SaltwellEthan SchoonoverBrendan PowerAPPENDIX X:A Murder at the End of the World (TV, Brendan) Warlock (Book, Ethan) Blood Meridian (Book, Ethan) GAMES MENTI...

This episode’s topic is Authorities. Who can say what, and when can they say it, in an RPG? Authorities determine this, and have, since the foundation of tabletop role playing.Small changes to the authorities in your game can have huge, sometimes unexpected impact on the gameplay experience.HOSTS:Erik SaltwellEthan SchoonoverJason BeaumontAPPENDIX X:City of Darkness: Life in Kowloon Walled City (Book, Ethan) Old Army Firearm Training Films (Video, Erik) SCP (Website, Erik) Alan...