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Iain Wilson
  • 5.0 (8)
  • GAMES
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Three middle-aged nerds dive deep into the golden age of tabletop RPGs, covering the classics from the 80s and 90s that shaped the hobby we love today. Iain and Jason banter their way through gaming history while Steve desperately tries to keep them on topic—and occasionally succeeds. Whether you're a grognard who lived through THAC0 or a newcomer curious about what to do with all those lovely polyhederal dice you've aquired, we've got you covered with historical deep-dives, roundtable discussions fueled by questionable nostalgia, and actual play episodes where our players' competence is... variable.  All of this released on a schedule that can charitably be called "flexible" at best. Grab some dice and join us for a trip down memory lane—just don't ask us to commit to when the next episode will drop.

  1. Clay, Cards, and Character Deaths - an Interview with Jon Cohen from Tale of the Manticore

    OCT 8

    Clay, Cards, and Character Deaths - an Interview with Jon Cohen from Tale of the Manticore

    Get in touch with us! Stakes make stories breathe. We sit down with Jon Cohen - writer, host, and designer behind Tale of the Manticore and One Shot in the Dark - to explore why consequence beats comfort, how a hybrid format turns solo play into gripping audio drama, and what it takes to build a one-shot that actually ends in one sitting. Jon walks us through the creative risks, the craft, and the quiet discipline that keeps a polished episode shipping every 10 days without losing the sting in its tail. We also talk about One Shot in the Dark, John’s rules ultra-light dungeon crawl where cards prompt the map you draw, four hapless adventurers push forward through three levels, and a final boss waits at the end. It’s emergent narrative with real replay value and a surprisingly welcoming on-ramp for kids and new players. If you're interested in checking out One Shot in the Dark it can be found here: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/366526/one-shot-in-the-dark Likewise, Tale of the Manticore is here: https://www.taleofthemanticore.com/ Contact us at: EMAIL: roll.to.save.pod@gmail.com FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/rolltosavepod WEBSITE: https://rolltosave.blog HOSTS: Iain Wilson, Steve McGarrity, Jason Downey BACKGROUND MUSIC: David Renada (Find him at: davidrendamusic@gmail.com or on his web page). TITLE, BREAK & CLOSEOUT MUSIC: Xylo-Ziko (Find them on their web page).

    57 min
  2. Ordinary People, Unseen War -A History of Hunter: The Reckoning

    OCT 2

    Ordinary People, Unseen War -A History of Hunter: The Reckoning

    Get in touch with us! To: hunterlist@hunter-net.org From: witness1 Fellow imbued, I must report a disturbing incident. Our latest transmission regarding the Mission was compromised. The audio files were corrupted - the music loud, blaring, almost as if something didn't want this information shared. You know what I'm talking about. They got to it. But the Messengers work in mysterious ways. The tainted files have been purged. A clean recording has been restored and is being redistributed as we speak. The truth will be heard. The mission continues. Stay vigilant. Check your audio equipment. They're always watching... and apparently, now they're listening too. Inherit the earth -- Witness1 EDIT: yes, the sound gremlins did their thing again so we had to upload a new recording - sorry! --- The cover promised chainsaws and gun-fu; the text delivered conscience, fear, and the price of seeing too much. We dive deep into Hunter: The Reckoning as it was meant to be experienced: a grounded horror RPG about ordinary people who wake up to a world that doesn’t want to be seen, and the fragile choices that follow. From edges and second sight to conviction and creeds, we trace how the mechanics hardwire moral perspective into play, and why that makes every victory feel earned and every misstep costly. If this kind of human-centred horror speaks to you, hit follow, drop us a rating, and share the episode with a friend who still thinks Hunter is a superhero game.  Contact us at: EMAIL: roll.to.save.pod@gmail.com FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/rolltosavepod WEBSITE: https://rolltosave.blog HOSTS: Iain Wilson, Steve McGarrity, Jason Downey BACKGROUND MUSIC: David Renada (Find him at: davidrendamusic@gmail.com or on his web page). TITLE, BREAK & CLOSEOUT MUSIC: Xylo-Ziko (Find them on their web page).

    49 min
  3. Pendragon Roundtable: Virtues, Passions, and Winter's Embrace

    SEP 23

    Pendragon Roundtable: Virtues, Passions, and Winter's Embrace

    Get in touch with us! Step into the world of Arthurian legend through Pendragon, the RPG that masterfully captures the essence of knightly virtue, tragedy, and legacy spanning generations. Unlike traditional fantasy games, Pendragon isn't about magical powers or ever-increasing abilities—it's about creating meaningful stories where your knight's personality traits, passions, and family lineage take center stage. We talk about what makes Pendragon unique: its revolutionary personality trait system, it's  approach to mortality and legacy, and the infamous "Winter Phase". Join us as we reminise about this wonderful game, and Jason laments the sad tale of his poor knight who never found love. Contact us at: EMAIL: roll.to.save.pod@gmail.com FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/rolltosavepod WEBSITE: https://rolltosave.blog HOSTS: Iain Wilson, Steve McGarrity, Jason Downey BACKGROUND MUSIC: David Renada (Find him at: davidrendamusic@gmail.com or on his web page). TITLE, BREAK & CLOSEOUT MUSIC: Xylo-Ziko (Find them on their web page).

    1h 14m
  4. Games That Could Have Been Great: Nephilim

    SEP 14

    Games That Could Have Been Great: Nephilim

    Get in touch with us! The golden age of darker, more mature RPGs in the mid-1990s saw numerous games trying to capture the same audience that Vampire: The Masquerade had tapped into. Among these ambitious titles, Nephilim stands out as a fascinating "what could have been" story – a game bursting with revolutionary ideas that never quite delivered on its enormous potential. The question is, did it deliver on that potential?  Tune in to find out. Contact us at: EMAIL: roll.to.save.pod@gmail.com FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/rolltosavepod WEBSITE: https://rolltosave.blog HOSTS: Iain Wilson, Steve McGarrity, Jason Downey BACKGROUND MUSIC: David Renada (Find him at: davidrendamusic@gmail.com or on his web page). TITLE, BREAK & CLOSEOUT MUSIC: Xylo-Ziko (Find them on their web page).

    23 min
  5. Talisman: The Magical Quest Game

    SEP 8

    Talisman: The Magical Quest Game

    Get in touch with us! Embark on a magical journey through gaming history as we explore Talisman, the fantasy board game that's kept players rolling dice and chanting "Toad! Toad! Toad!" for over four decades. Whether you're a veteran who spent nights battling friends for the Crown of Command or a newcomer curious about this legendary game, join us for a deep dive into a magical quest that refuses to take itself too seriously—reminding us that even if you get turned into a toad, you'll have a brilliant time getting there. Contact us at: EMAIL: roll.to.save.pod@gmail.com FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/rolltosavepod WEBSITE: https://rolltosave.blog HOSTS: Iain Wilson, Steve McGarrity, Jason Downey BACKGROUND MUSIC: David Renada (Find him at: davidrendamusic@gmail.com or on his web page). TITLE, BREAK & CLOSEOUT MUSIC: Xylo-Ziko (Find them on their web page).

    37 min
  6. The Perfect Game That Almost Vanished: Pendragon

    SEP 5

    The Perfect Game That Almost Vanished: Pendragon

    Get in touch with us! What makes a tabletop RPG truly perfect? Not just popular or commercially successful, but flawlessly designed where every element fits together so seamlessly you can't imagine it any other way? Greg Stafford's King Arthur Pendragon stands as one of those rare masterpieces – a game that transcended traditional RPG design to create something genuinely literary and transformative. Ready to experience the holy grail of RPGs? Join us as we explore how this revolutionary game changed what roleplaying could achieve and why, decades later, it remains utterly transformative for those who discover it. Contact us at: EMAIL: roll.to.save.pod@gmail.com FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/rolltosavepod WEBSITE: https://rolltosave.blog HOSTS: Iain Wilson, Steve McGarrity, Jason Downey BACKGROUND MUSIC: David Renada (Find him at: davidrendamusic@gmail.com or on his web page). TITLE, BREAK & CLOSEOUT MUSIC: Xylo-Ziko (Find them on their web page).

    29 min
  7. Unveiling the Eldritch Lore: The Impact and Evolution of Call of Cthulhu

    SEP 5

    Unveiling the Eldritch Lore: The Impact and Evolution of Call of Cthulhu

    Get in touch with us! Step into the shadows of the unknown with us as we unearth the fascinating history behind the Call of Cthulhu RPG, a game that turned tabletop horror on its head.  We'll trail the game's evolution, from Sandy Peterson's early work to the atmospheric depths of the 1920s setting, and delve into the ingenious Sanity Score.  Prepare to celebrate the game's unique approach to horror as we guide you through its legacy, a journey not just for seasoned investigators but for anyone drawn to the call of the cosmic unknown. Our exploration doesn't stop at the game's inception; rather, it expands into the realms of Call of Cthulhu's thrilling expansions and the 7th edition's Kickstarter odyssey. Discover how this RPG has transcended time with globe-trotting campaigns like "Horror on the Orient Express," and how it has traversed different eras through supplements like "Cthulhu by Gaslight." We'll dig into the logistical labyrinth the creators navigated, revealing how a simple miscalculation in shipping costs almost sunk the company, and how the original masterminds saved the day. Embrace the refined mechanics of the 7th edition, and get a glimpse of the extensive catalogue of supplements that continue to bolster the mystique of Call of Cthulhu, ensuring its place at the pinnacle of horror role-playing games. Join us for an episode dealing with the birth and growth of a game that has captured the imaginations of players for decades. Contact us at: EMAIL: roll.to.save.pod@gmail.com TWITTER: @savepodcast FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/rolltosavepod WEBSITE: https://rolltosave.blog HOSTS: Iain Wilson, Steve McGarrity, Jason Downey VOICEOVER LADY: Keeley Wilson BACKGROUND MUSIC: David Renada (Find him at: davidrendamusic@gmail.com or on his web page). TITLE, BREAK & CLOSEOUT MUSIC: Xylo-Ziko (Find them on their web page).  Contact us at: EMAIL: roll.to.save.pod@gmail.com FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/rolltosavepod WEBSITE: https://rolltosave.blog HOSTS: Iain Wilson, Steve McGarrity, Jason Downey BACKGROUND MUSIC: David Renada (Find him at: davidrendamusic@gmail.com or on his web page). TITLE, BREAK & CLOSEOUT MUSIC: Xylo-Ziko (Find them on their web page).

    32 min
  8. Enemy in Shadows Companion: Review

    AUG 28

    Enemy in Shadows Companion: Review

    Get in touch with us! Join us as we crack open Cubicle 7's supplement for the Enemy Within campaign, The Enemy in Shadows Companion - the essential guide to adventuring in the Reikland (allegedly). Is this a storehouse of useful added extras, or something that trades on nostalgia for nostalgia's sake? Listen along and find out... Contact us at: EMAIL: roll.to.save.pod@gmail.com FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/rolltosavepod WEBSITE: https://rolltosave.blog HOSTS: Iain Wilson, Steve McGarrity, Jason Downey BACKGROUND MUSIC: David Renada (Find him at: davidrendamusic@gmail.com or on his web page). TITLE, BREAK & CLOSEOUT MUSIC: Xylo-Ziko (Find them on their web page).

    26 min
See All (68)

5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

Three middle-aged nerds dive deep into the golden age of tabletop RPGs, covering the classics from the 80s and 90s that shaped the hobby we love today. Iain and Jason banter their way through gaming history while Steve desperately tries to keep them on topic—and occasionally succeeds. Whether you're a grognard who lived through THAC0 or a newcomer curious about what to do with all those lovely polyhederal dice you've aquired, we've got you covered with historical deep-dives, roundtable discussions fueled by questionable nostalgia, and actual play episodes where our players' competence is... variable.  All of this released on a schedule that can charitably be called "flexible" at best. Grab some dice and join us for a trip down memory lane—just don't ask us to commit to when the next episode will drop.

Information

  • Creator
    Iain Wilson
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2025
  • Episodes
    68
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Roll to Save
  • Show Website
    Roll to Save

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