Roll to Save

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

Roll to Save is a monthly(ish!)podcast dedicated to RPGs from yester-year. Episodes will cover the history of old roleplaying games, their backgrounds and their systems, as well as round table discussions where we prattle on about our fondest memories.  We also do a variety of actual play episodes and occasionally interview authors.

  1. Enemy in Shadows Companion: Review

    8H AGO

    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
  2. Dark Conspiracy Roundtable

    3D AGO

    Dark Conspiracy Roundtable

    Get in touch with us! The dark minions may have tried to sabotage our first episode, but we're back with a deep dive into the fascinating world of Dark Conspiracy, GDW's dystopian monster-hunting RPG from 1991. Dark Conspiracy occupies a unique place in roleplaying history – a game that bridges old-school wargaming crunch with forward-thinking character development systems. We explore how this game, with its eerily prescient setting of corporate overreach and societal collapse, created some of the most detailed and mismatched parties in gaming. Where else could you play a heavily-armed scooby gang featuring a Navy SEAL, a paramedic, and a homeless guy with sunglasses? The game's mechanical complexity is both its blessing and curse. We marvel at the obsessive detail – magazine tracking sheets for individual bullets, eight pages of space travel rules in a monster-hunting game, and vehicle stats for everything from military hardware to Winnebagos. Yet beneath this crunch lies innovative systems for character development, NPC generation, and adventure design that were ahead of their time. We also connect Dark Conspiracy to GDW's broader legacy, from Traveller to Twilight 2000, examining how these games influenced an entire generation of players. Our discussion ranges from character optimization (cyborg escapees with strength 18, anyone?) to the evolution of game design, from pure simulation to narrative focus. Whether you're a longtime fan of GDW games or simply curious about this fascinating chapter in RPG history, join us for this exploration of a game that tried to have rules for everything – including how many tons of cargo your spacecraft could deliver to the moon. What was your experience with Dark Conspiracy or other GDW games? Did you track every bullet, or handwave the crunch in favor of the story? Let us know at roll.to.save.pod@gmail.com or find us on Instagram! 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 39m
  3. [SOUND REMASTERED] Dark Conspiracy - Problematic Aliens? Grab Your Storm Rifle!

    5D AGO

    [SOUND REMASTERED] Dark Conspiracy - Problematic Aliens? Grab Your Storm Rifle!

    Get in touch with us! PRODUCTION NOTE - INCIDENT REPORT #DC-001 Subject: Anomalous Audio Interference During Initial Recording Classification: Empathic Incursion (Suspected) Status: RESOLVED Fellow Minion Hunters, We regret to inform you that our initial release of this episode experienced what can only be described as supernatural audio interference. During the original recording session, our carefully balanced audio levels were mysteriously altered, causing the background music to surge in volume and completely drown out the primary discussion track. Our technical analysis revealed no equipment malfunctions, no human error, and no logical explanation for the phenomenon. The audio signatures show patterns consistent with Class-3 empathic interference, specifically targeting frequencies in the vocal range while amplifying ambient sound elements. Possible explanations include: •Dark Minions attempting to suppress information about their 1991 operational plans •Residual dimensional energy from discussing proto-dimensional travel rules •The ghost of Lester W. Smith protecting his space combat mechanics from ridicule •Standard equipment failure (least likely explanation) After consulting with our empathic technical specialist and performing the appropriate protective rituals, we have successfully remastered this episode. The dark forces have been contained, the audio has been properly balanced, and you can now hear our full discussion of Game Designers’ Workshop’s prescient masterpiece of dystopian horror. We apologize for any inconvenience caused by these otherworldly interruptions. As any Dark Conspiracy veteran knows, the conspiracy never sleeps—and apparently, it really doesn’t want you to hear us making fun of the space travel rules. Stay vigilant. Trust no one. Check your audio levels. 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).

    41 min
  4. Enemy in Shadows: A Critical Review

    6D AGO

    Enemy in Shadows: A Critical Review

    Get in touch with us! What happens when a beloved classic gets reimagined three decades later? That's the question at the heart of my deep dive into Enemy in Shadows, Cubicle 7's director's cut of the legendary Enemy Within campaign for Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay. As someone who first attempted to run this campaign as a 12-year-old back in 1988, this review comes from a place of both nostalgia and critical analysis. The original Shadows Over Bugenhaven was brilliant but chaotically organized – I spent half my time frantically flipping through pages, hunting for crucial information while my players waited. This new edition promises to maintain the brilliance while fixing those organizational nightmares. The production values are gorgeous, with artwork that perfectly captures the grim darkness of the Warhammer world. The adventure structure has been significantly improved, and the story is refreshingly honest and properly Warhammer. However, the book isn't without flaws. The "Grognard boxes" are problematic and the lack of a clear campaign vision is concerning. So, how does the book fare?  Tune in to find out! Have you experienced The Enemy Within? We'd love to hear your thoughts on how this classic shaped your gaming experience! 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

  5. 05/07/2024

    Unboxing the Terrors of Space: A Deep Dive into Mothership RPG Kickstarter

    Get in touch with us! Discover sci-fi horror as we unwrap the Mothership RPG Kickstarter rewards and share our candid reactions. Picture the tense corridors of "Alien" and the haunting void of "Dead Space" as we analyze the game's system, designed for hair-raising one-shot adventures. Our friend Ryan hops aboard for this interstellar discussion, comparing editions and debating the impact of components from GM screens to cardstock figures on your gameplay experience. We also delve into the community's response to the game's delays and additional costs, highlighting the patience-testing journey from pledge to play. Navigating the oft-overlooked seas of shipping costs, we recount the tales of European backers grappling with exorbitant fees and the logistic loopholes that inflated delivery prices.  Wrapping up with a look under the hood of Mothership RPG's gameplay, we discuss the stress mechanic's ability to ratchet up tension and the strategic decisions it imposes. The rulebook's approachability for rookies and richness for veterans receives its due praise, along with GM advice on creating an enthralling atmosphere.  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

  6. 05/06/2024

    Call of Cthulhu Roundtable Part 2: Tabletop Terror and the Gamble of Crowdfunding Ventures

    Get in touch with us! Prepare to be immersed in the spine-tingling realm of Cthulhu board games as we continue to recount our harrowing yet delightful experiences from the comfort of our tabletops. From the sudden demise of the Mythos card game that left us in academic nostalgia to the complex machinations of Arkham Horror, our tales are fraught with the kind of player interaction that only eldritch horror can inspire. And let's not forget our own Matt Sanderson's confession of his seemingly bottomless pit of investments in Kickstarter campaigns. We navigate these treacherous waters, with Steve chiming in on the hack-and-slash frenzy of Death May Die, and together, we all tackle the eternal collector's conundrum—should these rare gaming wonders be played or sold? The episode takes a darker turn as we peel back the curtain on the challenges of Kickstarter endeavors, sharing the shock and awe of miscommunication and the financial nightmares of overambition. We swap war stories of the waiting game, punctuated by the Monster Apocalypse board game's infamous delays, before veering into a lighter comparison—the outrageous costs of RPGs versus the world's more nefarious indulgences. To top it off, we grapple with the new reality of post-Brexit collectible hunting and conclude with a sentimental roundtable: If we could each save just one Call of Cthulhu supplement from oblivion, which would it be? Join us and find out—we promise it's worth more than a dragon's hoard. 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).

    34 min

  7. 05/05/2024

    An Odyssey into Cosmic Dread: A Roundtable Discussion on Call of Cthulhu

    Get in touch with us! Step into the shadows with us and special guest Matt Sanderson, a distinguished author of the eldritch horror RPG Call of Cthulhu, as we convene for a spine-tingling, two-part roundtable discussion. Our personal forays into the game's chilling depths provide a backdrop to our broader conversation, which spans the intellectual challenges and invigorating horrors that have gripped players for over four decades. While we revel in the Lovecraftian lore, we also share tales from our latest gaming adventures across diverse realms from the neon-lit streets of Cyberpunk 2077 to the mythical lands of Theros. With Matt's insider knowledge, we dissect the evolution of Call of Cthulhu, reminiscing about our initial brushes with its dreamscapes and the transition to tales infused with fatalistic dread. The discussion turns to the artistry of running such a game, where creating connection and atmosphere is as crucial as the haunting narrative itself. We reflect on the exceptional scenarios that have kept us riveted, like 'Grace Under Pressure', 'The Walker in the Wastes' and 'The Burning Stars,' and the guidance that the rulebooks offer for weaving a tale that's equal parts horror and intrigue. Our conversation rounds off with a probe into the nuances of the Seventh Edition, comparing it to its antecedents and lauding the streamlined combat and character creation systems that enrich the storytelling experience. We then broach the delicate balance of fear and player agency, contemplating strategies and emotional considerations unique to horror RPGs. As our eerie journey concludes, we cast a glance at the versatility of Lovecraftian settings, from the Dreamlands to visions of 'Cthulhu in space,' showcasing the mythos' boundless potential to terrorize and enthrall. Join us, if you dare, for an odyssey into the heart of cosmic dread. 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 10m

  8. 04/13/2024

    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
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5
out of 5
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About

Roll to Save is a monthly(ish!)podcast dedicated to RPGs from yester-year. Episodes will cover the history of old roleplaying games, their backgrounds and their systems, as well as round table discussions where we prattle on about our fondest memories.  We also do a variety of actual play episodes and occasionally interview authors.

Information

  • Creator
    Iain Wilson
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2025
  • Episodes
    70
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Roll to Save
  • Show Website
    Roll to Save

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