Tabletopped

Nick Perron
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  • GAMES
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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!

  1. 6 OCT

    How To Roleplay Better at the Table w/ John Serpico!

    In this episode, we sit down and try and figure out the best way to roleplay at table. Who best to join in on this talk? Why not the man who teaches a class on the subject: John Serpico! Whether you're a seasoned GM who's a grizzled describer or a newer Game Master wondering how to weave your story without losing your players, this episode delivers practical insights with the kind of hard-won wisdom that only comes from years of spinning stories around the table. We dive deep into the world of storytelling and explore how narratives, descriptions, and plot structures can enhance rather than complicate the gaming experience. Topics Covered: How to get into characterHow to change your character in realistic waysTips and tricks on how to feel more comfortable storytelling at the table So grab your dice, your favorite beverage, and maybe dust off that campaign notebook with all those interconnected plot threads—we're diving into every reason why stories within stories deserve more love at your gaming table! Join host Nick Perron as he draws from his expertise in the TTRPG space to explore the cutting edge of game design with creators who are pushing boundaries and making magic happen one dice roll at a time. Tabletopped's Stuff: → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tabletopped's website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Check us out on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! We have a new monthly pod as well as behind the scenes clips that you can get on a secret Spotify feed! We will also be dropping some more treats from time to time! Theme music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mitch Poulin⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    1h 1m

  2. 22 SEPT

    Is There a Better Way to Describe Your World?

    In this episode, we sit down and try and figure out the best way to narrate a game. Should you prepare? Use Box Text? Improvise? How often/long should you narrate? Whether you're a seasoned GM who's a grizzled describer or a newer Game Master wondering how to weave your story without losing your players, this episode delivers practical insights with the kind of hard-won wisdom that only comes from years of spinning stories around the table. We dive deep into the world of storytelling and explore how narratives, descriptions, and plot structures can enhance rather than complicate the gaming experience. Topics Covered: How to describe scenesBox TextDo's and Don'ts So grab your dice, your favorite beverage, and maybe dust off that campaign notebook with all those interconnected plot threads—we're diving into every reason why stories within stories deserve more love at your gaming table! Join host Nick Perron as he draws from his expertise in the TTRPG space to explore the cutting edge of game design with creators who are pushing boundaries and making magic happen one dice roll at a time. Tabletopped's Stuff: → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tabletopped's website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Check us out on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! We have a new monthly pod as well as behind the scenes clips that you can get on a secret Spotify feed! We will also be dropping some more treats from time to time! Theme music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mitch Poulin⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    43 min

  3. 8 SEPT

    Why Your TTRPG Should Feel Like an Actual Play (Even When It's Not)w/ Lex

    In this episode, we're tackling one of the most overlooked aspects of tabletop gaming—and no, we're not talking about "min-maxing" or "rules lawyer debates." The hosts explore the art and mindset of playing your home game like you're recording for thousands of listeners, diving into why adopting actual play techniques isn't performative theater but rather a powerful approach for creating more engaging and memorable sessions. Whether you're a seasoned GM who's noticed your players scrolling phones during combat or a newer Game Master wondering why your epic campaign moments fall flat at the table, this episode delivers practical techniques with the kind of hard-won wisdom that only comes from years of watching what works in both intimate kitchen table games and streamed actual plays. Special guest @lexgetspizza is interviewed as we dive deep into the psychology of engagement and explore how narrative pacing, character voice work, and cinematic description can transform even the most mundane dungeon crawl into appointment gaming. Topics Covered: What "actual play energy" really means and why it's not about being performativeThe psychology of engagement: how attention and investment create better storiesCharacter voice and physicality as tools for deeper roleplay immersionSessions that nail the vibe: Critical Role techniques for home tablesDebunking "actual play is fake" and other common misconceptions about performanceThe social contract of engagement: when to dial up the energy and when to keep it casualTeaching cinematic description to players without making them feel like actorsHow structure and intentional pacing fuel memorable moments rather than restrict natural flowManaging the "highlight reel effect" and dealing with comparison to professional showsSo grab your dice, your favorite beverage, and maybe dust off that character voice you've been too shy to use—we're diving into every reason why bringing actual play techniques to your home game will make everyone more excited to show up! Join host Nick Perron as he draws from his expertise in the TTRPG space to explore what makes games truly captivating with creators and players who are elevating the hobby one session at a time. → Tabletopped's Stuff: → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tabletopped's website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Check us out on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! We have a new monthly pod as well as behind the scenes clips that you can get on a secret Spotify feed! We will also be dropping some more treats from time to time! Theme music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mitch Poulin⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    45 min

  4. 25 AUG

    We Uncover [REDACTED] in Delta Green: System Review

    In this episode of Tabletopped, we dive deep into the shadowy world of "Delta Green," the Lovecraftian horror TTRPG that's been keeping our conspiracy theories alive and our sanity scores dangerously low! Join our seasoned panel of GMs—Nick, Franco, Rio, and Shade—as we investigate whether this game deserves a permanent place in your tabletop arsenal. The unique percentile-based mechanics that blend modern conspiracy thriller with cosmic horrorOur personal experiences running and playing through Delta Green operationsA deep dive into the game's sanity system, bonds mechanics, and character degradation over timeBreaking down the game's innovative investigation and violence systemsSharing our most memorable (and soul-crushing) moments from Delta Green operationsAnalyzing the delicate balance between player agency and inevitable cosmic insignificanceWhether you're a TTRPG enthusiast looking for your next descent into madness or a GM seeking to expand your horror storytelling toolkit, this episode offers candid insights into whether "Delta Green" deserves a classified file in your game collection. Key Topics Discussed:Join us as we explore:

    58 min

  5. 11 AUG

    Franco's Guide to Gen Con

    In this episode of Tabletopped, the gang is back to talk with our boots on the ground reporter, Franco, as we discuss his experience at this year's Gen Con. Winners and losers of Gen Con 2025What new TTRPGs caught Franco's attentionWhat to do if you want to go to a con LINKS! → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tabletopped's website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Check us out on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! We have a new monthly pod as well as behind the scenes clips that you can get on a secret Spotify feed! We will also be dropping some more treats from time to time! Theme music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Michelle Poulin⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    50 min

  6. 28 JUL

    Nested Narratives and You

    In this episode, we're tackling one of the most fascinating storytelling techniques in tabletop gaming—and no, we're not talking about "flashback mechanics" or "framing devices." The hosts explore the art and craft of nested narratives, diving into why stories within stories aren't just narrative flourish but rather a powerful tool for creating immersive, multi-layered gaming experiences. Whether you're a seasoned GM who's experimented with tales-within-tales or a newer Game Master wondering how to weave multiple narrative threads without losing your players, this episode delivers practical insights with the kind of hard-won wisdom that only comes from years of spinning interconnected stories around the table. We dive deep into the world of layered storytelling and explore how nested narratives, character backstories, and multi-level plot structures can enhance rather than complicate the gaming experience. Topics Covered: The psychology of stories within stories: how layered tales create depth and engagementCharacter-driven nesting: when PC backstories become adventures themselvesSystems that support nested storytelling: Blades in the Dark, Burning Wheel, and Chronicles of DarknessManaging complexity: keeping multiple narrative threads coherent and compellingThe social contract of nested stories: when to embrace or simplify your narrative approachHow constraints and structure in nested stories fuel creativity rather than confuse itPlayer agency in nested narratives: maintaining choice across multiple story layersSo grab your dice, your favorite beverage, and maybe dust off that campaign notebook with all those interconnected plot threads—we're diving into every reason why stories within stories deserve more love at your gaming table! Join host Nick Perron as he draws from his expertise in the TTRPG space to explore the cutting edge of game design with creators who are pushing boundaries and making magic happen one dice roll at a time. → Tabletopped's Stuff: → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tabletopped's website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Check us out on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! We have a new monthly pod as well as behind the scenes clips that you can get on a secret Spotify feed! We will also be dropping some more treats from time to time! Theme music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mitch Poulin⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    55 min

  7. 14 JUL

    An Ode to Crunch: A Defense of Mathematical Storytelling

    In this episode, we're tackling one of the most controversial topics in tabletop gaming—and no, we're not talking about "edition wars" or "alignment arguments." The hosts explore the art and science of crunchy game mechanics, diving into why complex systems aren't the enemy of good storytelling but rather a powerful tool for creating memorable narratives. Whether you're a seasoned GM who's embraced the mathematical beauty of detailed systems or a newer Game Master wondering if all those modifiers and subsystems are worth the effort, this episode delivers passionate defense with the kind of hard-won wisdom that only comes from years of rolling dice and crunching numbers. 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 designThe mathematics of drama: how probability creates tension and uncertaintyCharacter building as creative expression and problem-solving artistrySystems that do crunch right: Pathfinder 2e, GURPS, and ShadowrunDebunking "crunch kills roleplay" and other common misconceptionsThe social contract of complexity: when to embrace or avoid crunchy gamesTeaching complex systems to new players without overwhelming themHow constraints and rules fuel creativity rather than restrict itSo grab your dice, your favorite beverage, and maybe dust off that character optimizer spreadsheet—we're diving into every reason why mathematical storytelling deserves more love! Join host Nick Perron as he draws from his expertise in the TTRPG space to explore the cutting edge of game design with creators who are pushing boundaries and making magic happen one dice roll at a time. → Tabletopped's Stuff: → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tabletopped's website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Check us out on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! We have a new monthly pod as well as behind the scenes clips that you can get on a secret Spotify feed! We will also be dropping some more treats from time to time! Theme music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mitch Poulin⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    1h 5m

  8. 30 JUN

    Splitting the Party: Out of Combat

    In this episode, we're tackling one of the most dreaded phrases in tabletop gaming—and no, we're not talking about "rocks fall, everyone dies." The hosts explore the art and science of managing party splits outside of combat scenarios, diving into practical strategies that keep everyone engaged when your adventuring party decides to scatter to the four winds. Whether you're a seasoned GM who's watched party splits derail entire sessions or a newer Game Master wondering how to handle your first "wait, we're splitting up?" moment, this episode delivers actionable advice with the kind of hard-won wisdom that only comes from managing countless scattered adventuring parties. Topics Covered: Why party splits happen and when they're actually beneficial to your storyTime management techniques that keep all players engaged during split scenariosThe spotlight system: ensuring every player gets meaningful screen timeCreative solutions for handling multiple simultaneous conversations and investigationsWhen to say no to a party split and how to redirect without railroadingTools and techniques for tracking multiple party threads without losing your mind So grab your dice, your favorite beverage, and maybe practice your pickup lines—we're diving into every way you can deal with a split party! Join host Nick Perron as he draws from his expertise in the TTRPG space to explore the cutting edge of indie game design with creators who are pushing boundaries and making magic happen one dice roll at a time. → Tabletopped's Stuff: → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tabletopped's website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Check us out on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! We have a new monthly pod as well as behind the scenes clips that you can get on a secret Spotify feed! We will also be dropping some more treats from time to time! Theme music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mitch Poulin⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    45 min
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About

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!

Information

  • Creator
    Nick Perron
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2025
  • Episodes
    211
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Nick Perron

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