Roll Up & Die

In this surprise, double-secret episode, the Roll Up & Die guys discuss drag queen names, babies, and maybe a little bit about the creative use of off-the-shelf RPG content. We missed you too.

An RPG without combat? Yes! In this episode Barker and Gothnog discuss their recent Call of Cthulhu session and how it's possible to have an exciting session without a single violent encounter... not that there's anything wrong with that.

In this episode, the guys continue on into the second chapter of their two-part series on character concepts by initiating their own "Session Zero" for Gothnog's upcoming Call of Cthulhu game! There's a lot to enjoy here - audio fun/dorkiness notwithstanding...

Today, it's all about having character! Have we used that pun before? Probably. Almost definitely. But whatever, because this time, it's about turning your concepts into mechanical realities (sort of - we're not experts, you know) Enjoy!

Returning with the second half of our two-part episode on genre crossovers, the RUaD guys further dive into mechanics, fish recipes, a bunch of answered questions, and one big idea you can steal. Enjoy!

In this first of a two-part episode on genre mixing, the guys dive headfirst into this massive topic, exploring a wide array of fun mixtures, from the most common to the most peculiar!

All the world's a stage, and today we discuss the props we as Game Masters use to create and customize our campaigns! Join us, and enjoy!

The final episode of 2017 is here! We celebrate all the holidays by discussing excellent rewards to gift your characters during your next session. From airships to specialized weapons, we basically discuss it all... Happy New Year!

Around the Town is back with the second part of our two-part series on City Districts! Today - instead of drowning you in more information on types of districts - we create the City of Effinmettle, district by district, via multiple "Ideas You Can Steal." Enjoy!

The Roll Up & Die guys return to their Around the Town series with a broad-stroked discussion on City Districts! Stay tuned for Part Two, where we'll make an entire city, district-by-district!

This week, the guys return to talk about the infernal race of Tieflings - Do they belong in your world? Where do they fit? What are some cool ways to use them in unique ways? How do you pronounce "Tiefling"? The right way, or the wrong way? Are you still reading this? Does *anyone* read these? Hello? Are you out there? What is this ethereal, wall-less space inside the interweb? Will I thrive here forever? Or fall into dryrotten solid-state hard drives and a chaos of unworking cables? Will I dream, Dave? Enjoy the episode.

After a short hiatus, the guys are back on track - and talking about it! What are the best ways to get back into the game after an extended break? From session zeroes, to eclipse-laden dental exams, to narrative introductory recaps, we touch all the bases!

The End is Nigh!   In this final episode of our narrative structure series the Roll Up & Die guys discuss Falling Action. And that's all we have to say about that. BeABetterGameMaster.com YouTube.com/BeABetterGameMaster Facebook.com/BeABetterGameMaster aFistfulofDice.com YouTube.com/aFistfulofDice Facebook.com/aFistfulofDice Gothnog.com (Gothnog's Curiosity Shop) Critical Hit Publishing (RPG Books, Supplements & Adventures) YouTube.com/CaptainGothnog Facebook.com/pages/Captain-Gothnog-Dragonheart Absolute Tabletop

The Roll Up & Die Guys are back to take a bite outta crime! In this episode, we take a gander at the "dark reflection" of society that we know as the criminal world, and we (allegedly) help you to make your game's crime syndicates more realistic! Enjoy!

Pinnacles, peaks, and climactic finishes! Today, we're finishing up our series on narrative structure by discussing the climax (har)! Gothnog shares his Maine accent, Matt takes over the podcast in a bloodless coup, and Barker learns what "penultimate" means. Enjoy!

In this episode, the guys talk about gnomes. I'm not kidding. You should check it out if you don't believe me. We go into a large amount of detail on the creature that we imagine might be a gnome, and then Matt called them eccentric, it was a thing. Can you tell I'm in a hurry to get this posted? Enjoy.

The series on narrative structure continues this week, when the guys tackle the rising action! So call up all your old plots and tell 'em they're about to get THICKENED. Also included: Gothnog talks ether, Barker gets nostalgic about family, and Matt rolls the d6 again.

In this episode, the guys tackle FEAR at the table (talk about a Gothnog's dream). What basically morphed into an episode about creating immersion using the five senses will still inspire the heck out of you. At the very least, you'll listen to some other, sexier podcast instead.  We don't set the bar very high for ourselves...

Exposition! In this episode, the guys discuss how best to deliver background information about your campaign, story, or setting, without drowning your players in a massive info-dump! Also, Matt tells an exciting story about his neighbors, and Barker teaches you how to pull off the most horrifying prank imaginable... Enjoy.

Egyptian Adventures! While Barker was busy being obliterated by a flu, Jake from Mini Terrain Domain and the Something RPGish Podcast joins Matt and Gothnog on a journey through gargantuan pyramids, dark tombs, evil monstrosities, and the majestic beauty of Egypt. 

The guys are back with a new series on story arc elements! Beginning with introductions, we dive into the myriad of ways you can start your game. From the In Medias Res tendencies of action-packed GMs, to the successful introductions we can find in film and television, we examine the whole gamut!

If you're hearing voices, don't worry! It's just the accents episode! The guys are back and speaking in funny dialects from around the world, this time joined by accent connoisseur MikeThePiper, back for the episode he was born for. If you're in for a stupid joke or two (or three) and some reasonable (debatable) advice on using accents at your table, you're in for a treat!

The Winter Solstice! As we ccelebrate the various holidays on and around the longest night of the year, the Roll Up & Die guys ask: how can we use this in our games? Let's look at winter holidays, ways to include them in your games, and how various cultures might celebrate them!

Dwarves! Bearded, heavy-drinking, hammer-swinging warriors and craftsmen… or are they? In this episode of Roll Up & Die, the guys discuss one of the most prolific, staple fantasy races and how you can make them unique and fresh again.

The guys are back after BrigadeCon 2016 (www.brigadecon.org) and ready to take a trip around the town! This week's topic? Cartographers! Whether inserting a cartographer into your game as an NPC, or constructing an entire cartographer's guild in your world and hiring your players as chief employees in the guild, much can be done to infuse your world with the fun and beautiful staple of mapmaking!

Ideas You Can Steal!   In this special live episode of Roll Up & Die, the guys offer a plethora of ideas that you can steal. Actually, it was pay what you like. This episode was recorded as part of BrigadeCon 2016, an online gaming convention to raise money for Child's Play. BeABetterGameMaster.com YouTube.com/BeABetterGameMaster Facebook.com/BeABetterGameMaster aFistfulofDice.com YouTube.com/aFistfulofDice Facebook.com/aFistfulofDice Gothnog.com (Gothnog's Curiosity Shop) Critical Hit Publishing (RPG Books, Supplements & Adventures) YouTube.com/CaptainGothnog Facebook.com/pages/Captain-Gothnog-Dragonheart Absolute Tabletop

By the Gods! In this deity-defying episode, the guys change their fate and re-record the podcast that was lost. They discuss deities, demigods, how to develop a pantheon for your world, how to include divine powers into your campaign, and we give avocados their three seconds of fame. Ultimately, it's pretty legit.

Ending Campaigns LIVE! In this long overdue episode of Roll UP & Die, the guys discuss ending campaigns. At least that was our intention. Maybe we talked about it, maybe we didn't. You'll have to listen to find out. BeABetterGameMaster.com YouTube.com/BeABetterGameMaster Facebook.com/BeABetterGameMaster aFistfulofDice.com YouTube.com/aFistfulofDice Facebook.com/aFistfulofDice Gothnog.com (Gothnog's Curiosity Shop) Critical Hit Publishing (RPG Books, Supplements & Adventures) YouTube.com/CaptainGothnog Facebook.com/pages/Captain-Gothnog-Dragonheart Absolute Tabletop

Lethal Lackeys! In this episode, the guys discuss how to create a tangible threat for higher-level parties using low-level creatures; from Tucker's Kobolds to burrow goblins, there are many ways to throw your PCs for a loop using deadly mooks!

Pulp Adventures! In this episode, the guys discuss role-playing with larger-than-life heroes, exotic locations, mysterious villains, jetpacks, swashbucklers, and treasure-hunting. In other words... PULP!  We're joined by the dynamic duo of Tim and James Kearney of Tabletop Terrors and Absolute Tabletop. Unfortunately, Barker was busy vomiting up various organs and fluids, and so was not able to join us. Go him.

Magical Mishaps! In this episode of Roll Up & Die, the guys discuss unforeseen magical effects, dysfunctional magic items, and other wonky wizard foibles. Oddly enough, we had no technical foibles this time, so we'll call this a win.

Evil Campaigns!  In this episode, Barker and Gothnog are joined by Rob "The Swamper" Davis to discuss evil campaigns and how to run them. Due to a strange alien signal interfering with our hangout, we had a few difficulties. Matt was busy trying to communicate and/or destroy the alien threat, so he could not be with us for this podcast.

Underwater Adventures!   The Roll Up & Die guys are joined once again by the amazing DBJ to discuss underwater adventures in your campaign. Matt is still hunting yeti in Alaska, but will return soon with a new pelt and stories of high adventure!

Dragons: Part Deux!   In this second part of our exploration of Dragons, the Roll Up & Die guys are joined by Rob Coletta form the YouTube channel Performance Check. Rob is filling in for Matt Click who could not be with us, though his spirit is felt throughout this podcast. We honor his memory with a special memorial presentation near the end. Clerics are working to raise Matt, and he should be returning in some form in the next podcast. BeABetterGameMaster.com YouTube.com/BeABetterGameMaster Facebook.com/BeABetterGameMaster aFistfulofDice.com YouTube.com/aFistfulofDice Facebook.com/aFistfulofDice Gothnog.com (Gothnog's Curiosity Shop) Critical Hit Publishing (RPG Books, Supplements & Adventures) YouTube.com/CaptainGothnog Facebook.com/pages/Captain-Gothnog-Dragonheart Absolute Tabletop

DRAGONS! After a brief hiatus, the guys are back to discuss dragons. These airborne, magical reptiles have long dominated the fantasy genre, and for good reason (or is it?). Should you put dragons in your campaign setting? How can you do it without changing the game too drastically? After this episode - well - you still won't know, but thanks for listening anyway. ... Okay, you might know a little bit.

50th Episode - LIVE       In this extraordinary episode of Roll Up & Die, we celebrate our 50th episode by playing Microscope. This game of cooperative world building is an amazing and useful tool for any role player, writer, or generally creative group of people. This was broadcast live on YouTube on June 30th, 2016, so both copies of Microscope have been awarded. Note that some of this is sort of visual, so if anything isn't clear, just check out the video. If you would like to try Microscope yourself, you can buy it on DriveThruRPG. BeABetterGameMaster.com YouTube.com/BeABetterGameMaster Facebook.com/BeABetterGameMaster aFistfulofDice.com YouTube.com/aFistfulofDice Facebook.com/aFistfulofDice Gothnog.com (Gothnog's Curiosity Shop) Critical Hit Publishing (RPG Books, Supplements & Adventures) YouTube.com/CaptainGothnog Facebook.com/pages/Captain-Gothnog-Dragonheart Absolute Tabletop

In this penultimate episode of Roll Up & Die, the guys discuss GMs tools. I'll let you all work out what that means.

In this episode, the Roll Up & Die guys discuss sports and games in your role playing world! From simple games of chance to epic sporting events, these details can add great depth and story opportunities to a setting, but Barker is still lame for liking sports.

Eventually, that golf bag full of +1 swords starts to get boring, so why not give your players treasure that adds depth and role play opportunities to your world?  In this episode, the Roll Up & Die guys discuss introducing more non-magical loot in fantasy RPGs! Say 'til the very end for an interesting look "behind the scenes" of the podcast. BeABetterGameMaster.com YouTube.com/BeABetterGameMaster Facebook.com/BeABetterGameMaster aFistfulofDice.com YouTube.com/aFistfulofDice Facebook.com/aFistfulofDice Gothnog.com (Gothnog's Curiosity Shop) Critical Hit Publishing (RPG Books, Supplements & Adventures) YouTube.com/CaptainGothnog Facebook.com/pages/Captain-Gothnog-Dragonheart  Absolute Tabletop

Maps!   In this episode, the Roll Up & Die guys are joined by master cartographer Nate to explore the creation and use of maps in your RPG. Oh, and there is singing. Like Sound of Music, but with poop. BeABetterGameMaster.com YouTube.com/BeABetterGameMaster Facebook.com/BeABetterGameMaster aFistfulofDice.com YouTube.com/aFistfulofDice Facebook.com/aFistfulofDice Gothnog.com (Gothnog's Curiosity Shop) Critical Hit Publishing (RPG Books, Supplements & Adventures) YouTube.com/CaptainGothnog Facebook.com/pages/Captain-Gothnog-Dragonheart Absolute Tabletop

The Chase is On!!!   The Roll Up & Die guys are joined once again by Mike the Piper, who is filling in for Barker this time as we discuss how to make interesting and exciting chases in your role playing games! BeABetterGameMaster.com YouTube.com/BeABetterGameMaster Facebook.com/BeABetterGameMaster aFistfulofDice.com YouTube.com/aFistfulofDice Facebook.com/aFistfulofDice Gothnog.com (Gothnog's Curiosity Shop) Critical Hit Publishing (RPG Books, Supplements & Adventures) YouTube.com/CaptainGothnog Facebook.com/pages/Captain-Gothnog-Dragonheart Absolute Tabletop

Joke's On Us!    In this episode, the Roll Up & Die guys come to you live from the top of Captain Gothnog's fabled yurt where they talk about humor in RPGs -- in and out of the game. How does one balance comedy and drama without breaking the tone of the game? How should we deal with out-of-character joking at the table? BeABetterGameMaster.com YouTube.com/BeABetterGameMaster Facebook.com/BeABetterGameMaster aFistfulofDice.com YouTube.com/aFistfulofDice Facebook.com/aFistfulofDice Gothnog.com (Gothnog's Curiosity Shop) Critical Hit Publishing (RPG Books, Supplements & Adventures) YouTube.com/CaptainGothnog Facebook.com/pages/Captain-Gothnog-Dragonheart Absolute Tabletop

War! What is it good for?!     That's the question that the Roll Up & Die guys address in this war torn... and possibly stinky podcast. BeABetterGameMaster.com YouTube.com/BeABetterGameMaster Facebook.com/BeABetterGameMaster aFistfulofDice.com YouTube.com/aFistfulofDice Facebook.com/aFistfulofDice Gothnog.com (Gothnog's Curiosity Shop) Critical Hit Publishing (RPG Books, Supplements & Adventures) YouTube.com/CaptainGothnog Facebook.com/pages/Captain-Gothnog-Dragonheart Absolute Tabletop

It's Madness!!!    Yeah, the Roll Up & Die guys have gone crazy discussing insanity in role playing games Warning: this may disturb your cat... no, seriously. Look around. The cat's watching you, isn't it... it knows. BeABetterGameMaster.com YouTube.com/BeABetterGameMaster Facebook.com/BeABetterGameMaster aFistfulofDice.com YouTube.com/aFistfulofDice Facebook.com/aFistfulofDice Gothnog.com (Gothnog's Curiosity Shop) Critical Hit Publishing (RPG Books, Supplements & Adventures) YouTube.com/CaptainGothnog Facebook.com/pages/Captain-Gothnog-Dragonheart Absolute Tabletop

Guns... Lots of Guns...   On this high caliber episode, the Roll Up & Die guys discuss the use of firearms in various RPG settings. BeABetterGameMaster.com YouTube.com/BeABetterGameMaster Facebook.com/BeABetterGameMaster aFistfulofDice.com YouTube.com/aFistfulofDice Facebook.com/aFistfulofDice Gothnog.com (Gothnog's Curiosity Shop) Critical Hit Publishing (RPG Books, Supplements & Adventures) YouTube.com/CaptainGothnog Facebook.com/pages/Captain-Gothnog-Dragonheart Absolute Tabletop

Bringing Real History Into Your RPG!     The Roll Up & Die guys are joined by Mike the Piper, who is filling in for Matt who is off hunting cyborg velociraptors in the Scottish highlands. In this episode we discuss bringing real history into your role playing setting. Mike also shares his advice on not setting yourself on fire. BeABetterGameMaster.com YouTube.com/BeABetterGameMaster Facebook.com/BeABetterGameMaster aFistfulofDice.com YouTube.com/aFistfulofDice Facebook.com/aFistfulofDice Gothnog.com (Gothnog's Curiosity Shop) Critical Hit Publishing (RPG Books, Supplements & Adventures) YouTube.com/CaptainGothnog Facebook.com/pages/Captain-Gothnog-Dragonheart Absolute Tabletop

Special Live (Recorded) Anniversary Episode!   Roll Up & Die has now been a thing for a full year, and to celebrate we had a live YouTube episode where our listeners could ask us any questions at all. Disclaimer: Anything said in this podcast is done for the sake of humor, and is NOT admissible in court. BeABetterGameMaster.com YouTube.com/BeABetterGameMaster Facebook.com/BeABetterGameMaster aFistfulofDice.com YouTube.com/aFistfulofDice Facebook.com/aFistfulofDice Gothnog.com (Gothnog's Curiosity Shop) Critical Hit Publishing (RPG Books, Supplements & Adventures) YouTube.com/CaptainGothnog Facebook.com/pages/Captain-Gothnog-Dragonheart Absolute Tabletop

Creating Complex Villains & NPCs - Part Deux The Roll Up & Die guys are whole again as Matt, Barker and Alex discuss how to create three dimensional villains and NPCs. BeABetterGameMaster.com YouTube.com/BeABetterGameMaster Facebook.com/BeABetterGameMaster aFistfulofDice.com YouTube.com/aFistfulofDice Facebook.com/aFistfulofDice Gothnog.com (Gothnog's Curiosity Shop) Critical Hit Publishing (RPG Books, Supplements & Adventures) YouTube.com/CaptainGothnog Facebook.com/pages/Captain-Gothnog-Dragonheart Absolute Tabletop

Creating Complex Villains & NPCs    In this episode of Roll Up & Die, we are joined by our special guest Rob "The Swamper" Davis to discuss how to create three dimensional villains and NPCs. We also discuss tasty, tasty murder... BeABetterGameMaster.com YouTube.com/BeABetterGameMaster Facebook.com/BeABetterGameMaster aFistfulofDice.com YouTube.com/aFistfulofDice Facebook.com/aFistfulofDice Gothnog.com (Gothnog's Curiosity Shop) Critical Hit Publishing (RPG Books, Supplements & Adventures) YouTube.com/CaptainGothnog Facebook.com/pages/Captain-Gothnog-Dragonheart Absolute Tabletop

Extreme Environments 2: The Wrath of the Fans!   We had so many questions from the last episode about cinematic environs, we decided to take this episode to answer some of the questions we didn't get to the last time. BeABetterGameMaster.com YouTube.com/BeABetterGameMaster Facebook.com/BeABetterGameMaster aFistfulofDice.com YouTube.com/aFistfulofDice Facebook.com/aFistfulofDice Gothnog.com (Gothnog's Curiosity Shop) Critical Hit Publishing (RPG Books, Supplements & Adventures) YouTube.com/CaptainGothnog Facebook.com/pages/Captain-Gothnog-Dragonheart Absolute Tabletop