How We Roll Gaming

Sometimes players leave campaigns—life changes, schedules shift, or interests move on. In this episode of How We Roll Gaming, we discuss practical and creative ways to handle player departures without losing the momentum of the story. From character exits and party dynamics to keeping the table engaged, we explore how to turn an awkward challenge into an opportunity for stronger storytelling and better games.Homepagehttps://howwerollgaming.comMerch Store!https://merch.howwerollgaming.comPatreonhttps://www.patreon.com/HowWeRollGamingDriveThru RPG affiliate linkhttps://legacy.drivethrurpg.com/index.php?affiliate_id=4933263Eberron Renewed - An Actual Play Podcasthttps://zencastr.com/Eberron-Renewed

Character death doesn’t have to end the story—it can elevate it. In this episode of How We Roll Gaming, we explore how to handle player character death in ways that respect players, enrich the narrative, and turn loss into powerful, memorable moments at the table.Homepagehttps://howwerollgaming.comMerch Store!https://merch.howwerollgaming.comPatreonhttps://www.patreon.com/HowWeRollGamingDriveThru RPG affiliate linkhttps://legacy.drivethrurpg.com/index.php?affiliate_id=4933263We Fix Gameshttps://glitterfoxmedia.com/

Social encounters shouldn’t hinge on a single die roll—and in this episode, we break down how to make them dynamic, player-driven, and memorable. With richer NPCs, meaningful choices, and real consequences, because talking your way through trouble should be just as thrilling as fighting your way out.Homepagehttps://howwerollgaming.comMerch Store!https://merch.howwerollgaming.comPatreonhttps://www.patreon.com/HowWeRollGamingDriveThru RPG affiliate linkhttps://legacy.drivethrurpg.com/index.php?affiliate_id=4933263I Should Roll Podcasthttps://ishouldroll.com/

We’re diving into Star Trek Adventures 2e—as new players and a rookie GM! Join us as we fumble, learn, and explore starship combat, alien encounters, and storytelling on the fly. Come along as we boldly go where no dice have gone before!Homepage https://howwerollgaming.comMerch Store! https://merch.howwerollgaming.comPatreon https://www.patreon.com/HowWeRollGamingDriveThru RPG affiliate link https://legacy.drivethrurpg.com/index.php?affiliate_id=4933263Wondrous Atlas of Creation's Destiny: An Exalted Podcast https://wondrousatlas.wordpress.com/

This time on How We Roll Gaming, we dive into the art of embracing chaos, rolling with the unexpected, and turning total derailment into unforgettable storytelling. Because sometimes the best adventures are the ones you never planned. Homepagehttps://howwerollgaming.com Merch Store!https://merch.howwerollgaming.com Patreonhttps://www.patreon.com/HowWeRollGaming DriveThru RPG affiliate linkhttps://legacy.drivethrurpg.com/index.php?affiliate_id=4933263 The Story Told Podcasthttps://www.thestorytoldpodcast.com/

In this episode, we compare Evolved Edition to first edition—breaking down rules refinements, stress mechanics, campaign play tweaks, and whether the updates make it deadlier, smoother, or just different. Is this a true evolution…or just a fresh coat of Weyland-Yutani paint?Homepagehttps://howwerollgaming.comMerch Store!https://merch.howwerollgaming.comPatreonhttps://www.patreon.com/HowWeRollGamingDriveThru RPG affiliate linkhttps://legacy.drivethrurpg.com/index.php?affiliate_id=4933263Me and Steve Talk RPGshttps://meandsteverpg.podbean.com

On this episode, Daryl is joined by guest co-host Lauren to talk about RPGs adapted from movies, TV, books, and more. What do they expect when a favorite franchise becomes a tabletop game? They break down what makes these adaptations succeed—or fall flat—and what designers need to capture to make them truly shine at the table.Homepagehttps://howwerollgaming.com Merch Store!https://merch.howwerollgaming.com Patreonhttps://www.patreon.com/HowWeRollGaming DriveThru RPG affiliate linkhttps://legacy.drivethrurpg.com/index.php?affiliate_id=4933263 Eberron Renewed - An Actual Play Podcasthttps://zencastr.com/Eberron-Renewed

The tables turn this episode as we talk about how players can help the GM keep the game running smoothly. We dig into practical examples like tracking initiative, taking session notes, and even rolling for NPCs—small assists that can make a big difference and keep the game moving for everyone at the table.Homepagehttps://howwerollgaming.comMerch Store!https://merch.howwerollgaming.comPatreonhttps://www.patreon.com/HowWeRollGamingDriveThru RPG affiliate linkhttps://legacy.drivethrurpg.com/index.php?affiliate_id=4933263Daryl on Me and Steve Talk RPGshttps://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-x9aef-1a2b26cWe Fix Gameshttps://glitterfoxmedia.com/

In this episode, Daryl, Nick, & Robert explore when - or if - adversaries should go for the kill against player characters. We discuss balancing tension, fun, and expectations, and how lethal choices shape the story and table trust.Homepage https://howwerollgaming.com  Merch Store! https://merch.howwerollgaming.com Patreon https://www.patreon.com/HowWeRollGaming DriveThru RPG affiliate link https://legacy.drivethrurpg.com/index.php?affiliate_id=4933263 I Should Roll https://ishouldroll.com/

Daryl, Nick, & Robert are back with an updated take on our Session Zero Manifesto. After another year at the table, we talk about setting expectations, aligning playstyles, and making sure everyone’s on the same page before the dice start rolling. A quick, practical chat on why Session Zero still matters—and how it can make your whole campaign better.Homepagehttps://howwerollgaming.comMerch Store!https://merch.howwerollgaming.comPatreonhttps://www.patreon.com/HowWeRollGamingDriveThru RPG affiliate linkhttps://legacy.drivethrurpg.com/index.php?affiliate_id=4933263Wondrous Atlas of Creation's Destiny: An Exalted Podcasthttps://wondrousatlas.wordpress.com/

In this episode, Daryl, Nick, & Robert explore how to create and use religions in roleplaying games to add depth, conflict, and story hooks. They share tips on building believable belief systems, integrating faith into characters and cultures, and using religion as a narrative tool without turning your table into a theology lecture. A concise, practical guide for GMs and players looking to make belief matter in their games.Homepagehttps://howwerollgaming.com Merch Store!https://merch.howwerollgaming.com Patreonhttps://www.patreon.com/HowWeRollGaming The Story Told Podcasthttps://www.thestorytoldpodcast.com/

Daryl, Nick, and Robert go full festive as they break down how to turn holiday vibes into RPG gold. Perfect for GMs who want to make their next session merry, weird, and unforgettable.Homepagehttps://howwerollgaming.comMerch Store!https://merch.howwerollgaming.comPatreonhttps://www.patreon.com/HowWeRollGamingDo They Know It's Life Day? Star Wars RPG holiday adventurehttps://myswrpg.com/do-they-know-its-life-day/Me & Steve Talk RPGshttps://meandsteverpg.podbean.com

As we go into the gift-giving holiday season, Daryl, Nick, & Robert give you some gift ideas for the tabletop gamer in your life.Links below.Our DriveThru RPG affiliate links help support the show. Daggerhearthttps://daggerheart.comhttps://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/508832/daggerheart-corebook?src=hottest_small&affiliate_id=4933263 Everyone Is Johnhttps://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/271276/everyone-is-john?affiliate_id=4933263 Alien - Evolved Editionhttps://freeleaguepublishing.com/games/alien/https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/520969/alien-rpg-evolved-edition-core-rulebook?affiliate_id=4933263 Arkham Horror - Terra Antarcticahttps://www.edge-studio.net/games/arkham-horror-terra-antarctica/ The Game Master's Book of Non-Player Charactershttps://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/366538/the-game-master-s-book-of-non-player-characters?affiliate_id=4933263 The Game Master's Book of Villains, Minions, and Their Tacticshttps://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/463022/the-game-master-s-book-of-villains-minions-and-their-tactics?src=also_purchased&affiliate_id=4933263 My Little Pony Roleplaying Gamehttps://renegadegamestudios.com/my-little-pony-roleplaying-game-core-rulebook/https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/479696/my-little-pony-roleplaying-game-core-rulebook?affiliate_id=4933263 Mothershiphttps://www.tuesdayknightgames.com/pages/mothership-rpg?srsltid=AfmBOoo16HmCPIhvg2_AnfDfzqfZ6N6sIK1lECH5vsBn49P14EXNq7-bhttps://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/484476/mothership-core-set-bundle?affiliate_id=4933263 Cyberpunk: Edgerunner's Mission Kithttps://rtalsoriangames.com/cyberpunk-edgerunners-mission-kit/https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/482282/cyberpunk-edgerunners-mission-kit?affiliate_id=4933263Homepagehttps://howwerollgaming.comMerch Store!https://merch.howwerollgaming.comPatreonhttps://www.patreon.com/HowWeRollGamingEberron Renewed - An Actual Play Podcasthttps://zencastr.com/Eberron-Renewed

All these games we talk about need characters to inhabit them. We take a system-agnostic look at different ways to approach character creation, from inspiration to implementation.Homepagehttps://howwerollgaming.comMerch Store!https://merch.howwerollgaming.comPatreonhttps://www.patreon.com/HowWeRollGamingWe Fix Gameshttps://glitterfoxmedia.com/Extra Lifehttps://extra-life.orghttps://extra-life.org/participants/wefixgames

Average people working with a shadowy government agency to stem the tide of the cosmic horrors, the supernatural, & ancient gods. This is the world of Delta Green. Daryl, Nick, & Robert discuss one of their favorite horror systems, just in time for Halloween.Homepagehttps://howwerollgaming.comMerch Store!https://merch.howwerollgaming.comPatreonhttps://www.patreon.com/HowWeRollGamingI Should Roll Podcasthttps://ishouldroll.com/

Ever see a new movie or TV show that your RPG is based on and want to add something new & cool from it that's not in the books? Of course you have. So have we. Inspired by the recent TV series Alien: Earth, Daryl & Nick talk about ways to do that. As the title suggests, there WILL be spoilers!Homepagehttps://howwerollgaming.comMerch Store!https://merch.howwerollgaming.comPatreonhttps://www.patreon.com/HowWeRollGamingWondrous Atlas of Creation's Destiny: An Exalted Podcasthttps://wondrousatlas.wordpress.com/

Most RPGs, licensed or original, have rich settings & lore. What happens when players don't know that information though? Daryl, Robert, & Casual Nerdity: Clone Watch co-host Lauren talk about ways to handle newcomers to settings.Homepagehttps://howwerollgaming.comMerch Store!https://merch.howwerollgaming.comPatreonhttps://www.patreon.com/HowWeRollGamingThe Story Told Podcasthttps://www.thestorytoldpodcast.com/

From maps to minis, music to props, & other useful tools, there are many ways to enhance your game. Join Daryl, Nick, & Robert as they discuss ways to integrate them at your table.Homepagehttps://howwerollgaming.comMerch Store!https://merch.howwerollgaming.comPatreonhttps://www.patreon.com/HowWeRollGamingMe & Steve Talk RPGshttps://meandsteverpg.podbean.com/

Pre-written adventures. Use 'em as-is, tweak 'em, strip 'em for parts, or don't bother with 'em? There's lots of opinions on them, and that's what we're talking about this time.Homepagehttps://howwerollgaming.comMerch Store!https://merch.howwerollgaming.comPatreonhttps://www.patreon.com/HowWeRollGamingI Should Rollhttps://ishouldroll.com/

Oh...is it time for another episode? We don't have anything planned! Well, yeah...we do. Daryl, Nick, & Robert discuss running sessions with little or no prep and just letting the story go where it goes.Homepagehttps://howwerollgaming.comMerch Store!https://merch.howwerollgaming.comPatreonhttps://www.patreon.com/HowWeRollGamingWe Fix Gameshttps://glitterfoxmedia.com/

Robert's back! He, Daryl, & Nick sit down and chat about the ins and outs of introducing homebrew materials into your game.Homepagehttps://howwerollgaming.comMerch Store!https://merch.howwerollgaming.comPatreonhttps://www.patreon.com/HowWeRollGamingEberron Renewed - An Actual Play Podcasthttps://zencastr.com/Eberron-Renewed

Daryl and Nick take a look at ideas to help make the online gaming experience smoother, with an assist from Nate, the host of the Tabletop Empire YouTube channel.Homepagehttps://howwerollgaming.comNew Merch Store!https://merch.howwerollgaming.comPatreonhttps://www.patreon.com/HowWeRollGamingMe & Steve Talk RPGshttps://meandsteverpg.podbean.com/Tabletop Empirehttps://www.youtube.com/@TheTabletopEmpire

Daryl and Nick are joined by three of their players - Betsy, Bryan, and Stephanie - who share some of their favorite moments at the table in our second installment of RPG Glory Stories! 00:00 Introduction 07:41 The Terrifying Tale of Trimble Grimbol (with Betsy) 30:26 The Surprising Story of the Stalking Smuggler (with Bryan) 55:03 The Ballad of the Badass Mandalorian (with Stephanie)Homepagehttps://howwerollgaming.comNew Merch Store!https://merch.howwerollgaming.comPatreonhttps://www.patreon.com/HowWeRollGamingI Should Roll Podcasthttps://ishouldroll.com/

Vehicles don't just get your characters from place to place, they can be storytelling resources of their own, settings, even the characters' home. Daryl, Nick, & Robert throw around some ideas for using vehicles in your games to drive the story (pun intended).Homepagehttps://howwerollgaming.comNew Merch Store!https://merch.howwerollgaming.comPatreonhttps://www.patreon.com/HowWeRollGamingThe Story Told Podcasthttps://www.thestorytoldpodcast.com/

Lots of characters inhabit your game world other than the player characters. Daryl, Nick, & Robert give their thoughts on making and managing the NPCs who end up coming along for the ride alongside the PCs. And Daryl may get a little too stuck on using Stuart from The Big Bang Theory as an example.Homepagehttps://howwerollgaming.comNew Merch Store!https://merch.howwerollgaming.comPatreonhttps://www.patreon.com/HowWeRollGamingWe Fix Gameshttps://glitterfoxmedia.com/

Players respond to rewards, but how do you make sure the rewards aren't too much? That's what we're talking about this time. Join us as we discuss ways to reward your players without going overboard.Homepagehttps://howwerollgaming.comPatreonhttps://www.patreon.com/HowWeRollGamingThe Order 66 Podcasthttps://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/order-66-podcast-38220

Daryl, Nick, & Robert continue with the convention theme, as we discuss some important things to consider when putting together a game session to run at a convention. Time limits, creating pregenerated characters, testing your adventure...all of this and more.Homepagehttps://howwerollgaming.comPatreonhttps://www.patreon.com/HowWeRollGamingEberron Renewed - An Actual Play Podcasthttps://zencastr.com/Eberron-Renewed

Daryl, Nick, & Robert continue with the convention theme, as we discuss some important things to consider when putting together a game session to run at a convention. Time limits, creating pregenerated characters, testing your adventure...all of this and more.https://howwerollgaming.comPatreonhttps://www.patreon.com/HowWeRollGamingThe Story Told Podcasthttps://www.thestorytoldpodcast.com/

Now part of the d20 Radio Network! As we all recover from GamerNation Con X, Daryl, Robert, & Nick are joined by GM Chris - GamerNation Con Director and host of the Order 66 Podcast. Together, we discuss our favorite parts of the con, its origins, and what's in store for next year's 4 Days of Gaming Goodness. And, maybe there's some impromptu brainstorming for game ideas along the way.https://howwerollgaming.comPatreonhttps://www.patreon.com/HowWeRollGaminghttps://d20radio.comd20 Radio Discordhttps://discord.gg/dThuz7SYaZMe and Steve Talk RPGshttps://meandsteverpg.podbean.com/Tabletop Empirehttps://www.youtube.com/@TheTabletopEmpire...in Spaaace!https://www.gregstolze.com/space.html

How do you get players interested in joining your campaign? You come up with a way to pique their interest - you hook them. Daryl, Nick, & Robert discuss memorable hooks and different ideas on how to come up with them.https://howwerollgaming.com GM Chris' Familiar setting for Genesys https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/284397/familiar-setting-sourcebook

With Robert unavailable, Daryl & Nick indulge in a fun creative exercise - statting out a ridiculously over-powered adversary for the Star Wars RPG system - Starkiller, the protagonist of the video game Star Wars: The Force Unleashed.https://howwerollgaming.com  Starkiller stat block  https://myswrpg.com/starkiller/

Session Zero may not be the most memorable part of a campaign, but it's vital to setting the stage so that everyone has a great time. Daryl, Robert, & Nick discuss the elements that make up a successful Session Zero.https://howwerollgaming.comGamerNation Con Xhttps://tabletop.events/conventions/gamer-nation-con-x

The best feeling a GM can have is when a player makes them proud. This episode marks the first of our RPG Glory Story episodes, Daryl, Nick, and Robert share stories highlighting moments when players made us proud as GMs.https://howwerollgaming.comGamerNation Con Xhttps://tabletop.events/conventions/gamer-nation-con-xMe & Steve Talk RPGs, episode 185: In Defence of Movie Thievery w/ Brev Tannerhttps://meandsteverpg.podbean.com/e/185-in-defence-of-movie-thievery-w-brev-tanner/

What's more exciting - and daunting - than a group of friends coming together to dive into the world of RPGs together? Daryl, Nick, & Robert discuss helpful tips and steps for new players seeking to start a game group. And, along the way, they also come up with an idea for a challenge within the How We Roll Gaming group.  Sorry...Daryl couldn't find his copy of the "session zero questionnaire" he mentioned, let alone the link to it.  https://howwerollgaming.com

Adding new players to an existing group brings its own set of challenges. Daryl, Nick, and Robert discuss methods of finding new players and how to help them find their place in an existing group.https://howwerollgaming.com

Many GMs start out as players. What's that transition like? What sort of things should a new GM keep in mind? And what should they do when the players inevitably do something unexpected? Daryl, Nick, and How We Roll's newest GM, Robert, discuss their paths to being GMs, plus tips & tricks they've learned along the way. https://howwerollgaming.com

For our first episode, we're taking a look at one of our favorite RPG systems, the Fantasy Flight Games/Edge Studio Star Wars RPG.https://howwerollgaming.com