Explore every episode of the podcast Masters of Pen and Paper
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Episode 42: Searchers of the Unknown – One Page, Infinite Hacks | 17 avr. 2026 | 00:58:11 | |
What if your whole RPG fit on a single page? In Episode 42 of Masters of Pen and Paper, we dig into Searchers of the Unknown, Nicolas Dessaux’s ultralight fantasy RPG that strips old-school dungeon crawling down to its bare essentials. No bloated rulebook. No sprawling character sheet. Just a tiny stat block, some dice, and enough danger to make every delve feel deadly. We break down the game’s minimalist character creation, roll-under combat, simple adventuring rules, and old-school design philosophy. Then we go beyond the base game and check out some of the wild variations packed into the collection, including sci-fi hacks, pirates, kung fu, and the gloriously chaotic Mutant Got Gunz. Is Searchers of the Unknown a clever one-page distillation of classic D&D? A nostalgia tool? A fast, flexible gateway into OSR-style play? We dig into what works, who it’s for, and why this tiny game still has bite. Grab your weapon, scribble down your heroic name, and try not to get captured by monsters. Want to grab a copy? Grab one here: https://modiphius.net/products/dreams-and-machines-rpg-core-rulebook Get yourself a FREE copy of the rules here: https://docslib.org/doc/9235247/the-searchers-of-the-unknown-rpg-collection-2012-edition 📬 Questions, scenarios, or shoutouts? Email us at: mastersofpenandpaper@gmail.com Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/zcKaVHttWe | |||
| Episode 41: Dreams and Machines – Hopeful Sci-Fi, Rogue AI, and the 2d20 System | 20 mars 2026 | 01:04:29 | |
Cut off from Earth, living in the shadow of sleeping machines… and the fear of those that wake. In Episode 41 of Masters of Pen and Paper, we explore Dreams and Machines, Modiphius Entertainment’s hopeful post-apocalyptic sci-fi RPG set on Evera Prime. Created by Chris Birch and powered by Nathan Dowdell’s 2d20 system, this game blends rich worldbuilding, narrative-first mechanics, and a unique take on survival after the fall of advanced technology. We break down the expansive lore, the rise and fall of the Builder AI, and the fascinating tone that leans toward hope instead of despair. Then we dig into the mechanics: roll-under 2d20 tests, Momentum vs Threat, scene-based storytelling, Truths, and character creation through Origins, Archetypes, and Temperaments. Is this the perfect mix of narrative and crunch? Does the 2d20 system deliver something truly different? And is Evera Prime a world worth fighting for? Power up your gear. Watch the machines. And decide what you believe. Want to grab a copy? Grab one here: https://modiphius.net/products/dreams-and-machines-rpg-core-rulebook Get yourself a FREE copy of the quickstart rules here: https://modiphius.net/pages/dreams-and-machines 📬 Questions, scenarios, or shoutouts? Email us at: mastersofpenandpaper@gmail.com Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/zcKaVHttWe | |||
| Episode 40: BTS – Low Prep GMing (Work Less, Run Better Games) | 06 mars 2026 | 01:11:10 | |
Being the GM is work… a LOT of work. Between building encounters, writing NPCs, prepping maps, and organizing story beats, it can start to feel like you’re managing a project instead of playing a game. But what if you could cut down that prep time and still run an amazing session? In this Behind the Screens episode of Masters of Pen and Paper, we break down the tools, habits, and mindsets that help Game Masters prep smarter—not harder. From random tables and encounter builders to note-taking systems and map generators, we talk about the resources we use to reduce stress and keep game night focused on what really matters: playing the game with your friends. We also dive into the importance of organization, knowing your system, letting players help drive the story, and why experience is one of the best “prep tools” a GM can develop. Low prep doesn’t mean no prep—but with the right approach, you can spend less time crunching before the session and more time enjoying the game at the table. Relevant links we talked about in the episode: Donjon random generators Kobold+ Fight Club encounter builder Pendulum – Worldbuilding Assistant Dungeon Alchemist map generator Campaign Cartographer mapping software Obsidian note-taking tool Questions, scenarios, or shoutouts? Email us at: mastersofpenandpaper@gmail.com Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/zcKaVHttWe | |||
| Episode 39: The Devil's Dandy Dogs | 20 févr. 2026 | 01:05:08 | |
All games ask a question. The Devil’s Dandy Dogs asks: What makes the best story? In Episode 39 of Masters of Pen and Paper, we fetch souls for the Devil—one story at a time. Written by Shanna Germain of Monte Cook Games, this narrative-first TTRPG puts players in the paws of shadowy hounds sent to retrieve souls… but it’s the story of the hunt that truly matters. We break down the unique structure of the game, from Hearth & Home to Dark Night of the Soul, the tarot-inspired Soul’s Arrow, and the call-and-response dice pool system. We dig into Roles like The Vermillion and The Faithful, Temptation dice, Shadow Rends, Fate’s Folly, and what happens when the Devil decides to step into the scene. Is this a perfect one-shot between heavier campaigns? A gateway TTRPG for new players? Or a storytelling experiment best suited for bold tables? Grab your pack. The Devil is listening. Want to grab a copy? Grab one here: https://www.montecookgames.com/store/product/the-devils-dandy-dogs/Links we mentioned this episode:Printable handouts and character sheets: https://montecookgames.app.box.com/s/5s2s9bxp2nkzw4f4glc0da0cupp31azdOfficial Devil’s Dandy Dogs site and lore: https://devilsdandydogs.montecookgames.com/📬 Questions, scenarios, or shoutouts? Email us at: mastersofpenandpaper@gmail.comJoin our Discord: https://discord.gg/YkhAQtDDRz | |||
| Episode 38: Rhapsody of Blood – Gothic Action, Bloodlines, and the Price of Victory | 06 févr. 2026 | 01:09:34 | |
There’s a wound in the world—and it bleeds gothic horror. In this episode of Masters of Pen and Paper, we dive deep into Rhapsody of Blood, the Powered by the Apocalypse gothic action RPG with themes like Castlevania, tragic heroes, and generational storytelling. We explore Minerva McJanda’s haunting design, the ever-shifting transdimensional castle, bloodlines bound by fate, and the brutal choices that decide whether the world is saved… or damned. We break down the system’s narrative-first mechanics, clock-based pressure, character creation, covenants, corruption, and cinematic boss fights. From building explorers and bloodlines to confronting the Regent and choosing who pays the final price, this episode covers what makes Rhapsody of Blood sing. Is the Apocalypse Engine a good fit for gothic action? How deadly should heroism be? And would you claim the Grail if it meant becoming the next monster? Grab your relics. The castle awaits. Want a copy? Grab one here: https://rowanrookanddecard.com/product/rhapsody-of-blood/📬 Questions, scenarios, or shoutouts? Email us at: mastersofpenandpaper@gmail.comJoin our Discord: https://discord.gg/YkhAQtDDRz | |||
| Episode 37: Goblin Quest | 23 janv. 2026 | 01:11:43 | |
Welcome to Goblin Quest, a wildly absurd one-shot TTRPG where you play not one but five doomed goblins trying to complete a ridiculous quest before you're inevitably launched from a catapult or stepped on by an orc. Written by Grant Howitt, this chaotic romp is perfect for anyone who loves slapstick, improv-heavy games, and D6-powered madness. What’s in this episode:
Whether you're new to RPGs or just want to run your very own squishy party of cannon fodder , Goblin Quest has something for you! Want to grab a copy? Grab one here: https://rowanrookanddecard.com/product/goblin-quest/ 📬 Questions, scenarios, or shoutouts? Email us at: mastersofpenandpaper@gmail.com Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/YkhAQtDDRz | |||
| Episode 36: Fear Itself (2e) - The GUMSHOE of Horror RPGs | 09 janv. 2026 | 01:06:44 | |
Fear Itself (2e) is a horror RPG that asks you to step into the shoes of regular people caught in terrifying, supernatural circumstances. Powered by the investigative GUMSHOE system from Robin D. Laws and Gareth Ryder-Hanrahan, this system flips traditional gameplay by removing barriers to key clues, encouraging paranoia-fueled storytelling, and inviting players to risk their sanity for the truth. In Episode 36, DG and Finny explore:
Will you face the darkness or be consumed by it? Want to grab a copy? Learn more about the game: https://site.pelgranepress.com/index.php/fear-itself-2nd-edition/ Check out "Why Heroquest is so great" by BardicBroadcasts here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cx8sl2uC46A 📬 Questions, scenarios, or shoutouts? Email us at: mastersofpenandpaper@gmail.com Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/YkhAQtDDRz | |||
| Episode 35: Behind the Screens: The Power of the Pause | 26 déc. 2025 | 01:14:33 | |
Sometimes campaigns stall. Burnout creeps in, players start to disengage, and game nights feel like a chore. It happens! In this episode of Behind the Screens, we’re exploring the power of pausing your campaign and how a well-timed break can actually reinvigorate your table. We talk about:
Whether you're a forever GM or a first-time player, this episode is packed with strategies for keeping your TTRPGs fun, healthy, and sustainable. 💬 Let us know in the comments how you’ve handled campaign breaks in the past — and what worked (or didn’t)! | |||
| Episode 34: Be Like a Cat – Whiskers, Territory, and TTRPG Zoomies | 12 déc. 2025 | 00:50:28 | |
What if your next solo RPG campaign wasn’t about saving the world—but about exploring the alley behind your house? In this episode of Masters of Pen and Paper, Mike and Finny pounce into Be Like a Cat; a whimsical solo/duet tabletop RPG that turns the everyday life of a cat into a full-blown adventure. From urban rooftops to cyberpunk networks and ancient myth, Be Like a Cat is a sandbox of imagination, self-expression, and claws-first storytelling. We break down:
Whether you’re a TTRPG solo gamer, a fan of cozy systems, or just really love cats, this game might be your next favorite discovery. Play it. Journal it. Rule your backyard kingdom. | |||
| Episode 33: Time Force – Chrononauts, Ripples, and Timeline Mayhem | 28 nov. 2025 | 00:54:29 | |
Time is breaking down, the apocalypse looms, and only a handful of time-traveling agents can fix it. Enter: the Chrononauts. In this episode, DG and Finny dive into Time Force, a one-shot Blades in the Dark hack where players leap through time, make chaotic changes to the past, and deal with wild ripple effects in the present. We cover:
Designed by Vincenzo Ferriero & Ray Chou and published by Mythworks + Nobile Press, Time Force delivers high-energy story-driven gameplay with minimal prep and maximum chaos. 🌀 Want to grab a copy? 📬 Questions, scenarios, or shoutouts? | |||
| Episode 32: Slugblaster – Multiverse Mayhem, Hoverboard Tricks & Teenage Drama | 14 nov. 2025 | 01:07:24 | |
What do you get when you mix Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater, interdimensional portals, DIY rayguns, and high school angst? Slugblaster. This week on Masters of Pen and Paper, @Finny and Mike gear up and blast through one of the wildest indie TTRPGs around. Slugblaster is a high-octane, narrative-driven game where teens with homemade tech and bold dreams shred across alternate dimensions, battling corporate baddies and existential dread with equal flair. We break down the system’s Blades-in-the-Dark roots, the no-stats approach to character building, the creative beat system, and why this game might be one of the most exciting tools for storytelling-first groups. If you've ever wanted your TTRPG to feel like a season of a rebellious coming-of-age anime... this one's for you. Whether you're the Grit, the Chill, or the Heart of your crew, it’s time to slap on some stickers and CHECK IT! Want to get your hands on a copy of it? head over to https://mikeyhamm.itch.io/slugblaster Want to send in a question or scenario? Email us at mastersofpenandpaper@gmail.com Join the Discord: https://discord.gg/YkhAQtDDRz | |||
| Episode 31: Blades in the Dark – Scoundrels, Scores, and Shadows in Doskvol | 31 oct. 2025 | 01:02:29 | |
What do you get when you mix a gritty industrial fantasy city, demonic leviathan blood-powered tech, and a crew of criminal scoundrels with nothing to lose? You get Blades in the Dark; one of the most iconic indie TTRPGs of the last decade. In this episode of Masters of Pen and Paper, Mike and Finny slip into the haunted streets of Doskvol to talk all things heist, horror, and heat. We dive into the unique mechanics behind John Harper’s genre-defining system: from devil’s bargains and action rolls to emergent storytelling and the game's innovative “crew” mechanics. You’ll hear:
Whether you're a Cutter, a Whisper, or just curious about how a crew of criminals can challenge the system (or die trying), this one’s for you. 💀 Score big or go down in a blaze of dice-fueled glory. Want to check out a copy for yourself? Head over to https://bladesinthedark.com/ to check it out! Also check out more from John Harper https://johnharper.itch.io (where you can find more of John Harper’s excellent TTRPG work, including Lady Blackbird)
Want to send in a question or scenario? Email us at mastersofpenandpaper@gmail.com Join the Discord: https://discord.gg/YkhAQtDDRz | |||
| Episode 30: Behind the Screens: The Magic Circle | 17 oct. 2025 | 01:04:52 | |
What makes a TTRPG truly work? In this Behind the Screens episode, Mike and Finny dive into the concept of the Magic Circle — a foundational idea that shapes how we play, why we play, and what it means to build a shared space of imagination, immersion, and safety around the table. From the philosophical roots of Johan Huizinga’s Homo Ludens to practical tools like Session 0, tone checks, and "table ceremonies", we explore how groups create the unspoken rules that make TTRPGs thrive. We also unpack the invisible (but powerful) boundaries that separate game time from real life, and how you can reinforce that boundary to tell better stories together. Whether you're a seasoned GM or just learning the ropes, this is a must-listen for anyone who cares about crafting a table where players feel safe, seen, and excited to roleplay. Want to send in a question or scenario? Email us at mastersofpenandpaper@gmail.com Join the Discord: https://discord.gg/YkhAQtDDRz | |||
| Episode 29: Mythic Game Master Emulator 2e - The Ultimate Solo & Co-GM RPG Tool | 03 oct. 2025 | 00:34:42 | |
No players? No problem. In this episode of Masters of Pen and Paper, DG takes the wheel solo and explores Mythic Game Master Emulator 2nd Edition—one of the most powerful tools for solo RPG play, co-GMing, and improvisational story building. 📚 Learn about the origin of the Mythic system Whether you're stranded without a group or just want to inject a little chaos into your campaign, this $15 toolkit delivers storytelling gold. Want to check out a copy for yourself? Head over to https://www.wordmillgames.com/page/mythic-gme.html to check it out! Also check out Tale of the Manticore podcast (which uses this system in the latest season!) https://taleofthemanticore.podbean.com/ Want to send in a question or scenario? Email us at mastersofpenandpaper@gmail.com Join the Discord: https://discord.gg/YkhAQtDDRz | |||
| Episode 28: Kobolds ate my Baby! | 19 sept. 2025 | 00:58:06 | |
You’re not a brave hero. You’re not a cunning rogue. You’re a kobold—and your job is simple: DON’T DIE. This week, Finny and I dive headfirst into Kobolds Ate My Baby!, the riotous beer-and-pretzels TTRPG that flips traditional adventuring on its head. We’re talking:
You might explode. You might get eaten by a chicken. But you’re gonna have fun doing it. ALL HAIL KING TORG! (ALL HAIL KING TORG!) Grab the orange book edition here: https://9thlevel.com/products/kobolds-ate-my-baby-orange Choose "Free Downloads" on this page to get the character sheets! Want to send in a question or scenario? Email us at mastersofpenandpaper@gmail.com Join the Discord: https://discord.gg/YkhAQtDDRz | |||
| Episode 27: 7th Sea – Swashbuckling, Sorcery & Storytelling | 05 sept. 2025 | 01:05:03 | |
Episode 27 – 7th Sea: Swashbuckling, Sorcery & Storytelling Ready to duel villains, dodge cannonballs, and romance royalty? This week, Masters of Pen and Paper dives into 7th Sea 2nd Edition — a cinematic tabletop RPG where storytelling takes center stage and dice rolls fuel high adventure. We break down the history of the game, its unique d10 risk system, and what makes it perfect for players who love narrative-first gameplay. From daring escapes to magical duels, this game captures the spirit of The Three Musketeers meets Pirates of the Caribbean. Great for new players, storytellers, and anyone who’s ever wanted to swing from a chandelier while yelling “En garde!” Try the FREE quickstart rules from Chaosium: Want to send in a question or scenario? Email us at mastersofpenandpaper@gmail.com Join the Discord: https://discord.gg/YkhAQtDDRz | |||
| Episode 26 - 1983 D&D Basic (Mentzer's Red Box!) | 22 août 2025 | 01:00:17 | |
Break out the dice, grab your crayon, and step into the dungeon of nostalgia. In this episode of Masters of Pen and Paper, we’re celebrating ONE YEAR of the podcast by cracking open the legendary 1983 Red Box edition of Dungeons & Dragons—the version that taught a generation how to adventure. We explore:
From humble beginnings to a year of dice rolls, laughter, and deep dives—we want to say a huge thank you to everyone who’s listened, shared, and adventured with us along the way. Here’s to many more! Want to send in a question or scenario? Email us at mastersofpenandpaper@gmail.com Join the Discord: https://discord.gg/YkhAQtDDRz | |||
| Episode 25: BTS - Dungeon Building 101 (Tools, Maps & GM Tips) | 08 août 2025 | 00:59:50 | |
What makes a great dungeon? In this episode of Masters of Pen and Paper, DG and Finny go Behind the Screens to guide you through how to build your first dungeon—whether you need a sprawling mega-crawl or a quick map to save game night: 🗝️ Defining your dungeon’s purpose and theme Check out the tools we mentioned: Want to send in a question or scenario? Email us at mastersofpenandpaper@gmail.com Now—let’s get building! | |||
| Episode 24: Lady Blackbird // Shutdown (Micro Ruleslight TTRPGs 3) | 25 juil. 2025 | 00:55:31 | |
What do a runaway sky-pirate bride and a glitching mech pilot have in common? In this episode of Masters of Pen and Paper, DG and Finny dive into two ultra-lightweight RPGs with serious storytelling punch: Lady Blackbird – a sky-fantasy escape drama with pre-gen characters, lightning sorcery, and one of the best one-shot setups in indie RPG history Whether you’re running from an empire or gunning down enemy mechs, this episode has something for every one-shot warrior. Get yourselves a copy of each of these games FOR FREE! Lady Blackbird: https://johnharper.itch.io/lady-blackbird Shutdown: https://geok.itch.io/shutdown If you want to send a question or scenario in send us an email! mastersofpenandpaper@gmail.com Let us know what you think by leaving a rating and/or comments! Want to join our discord? You can find us here: https://discord.gg/YkhAQtDDRz Now - On with the show! | |||
| Episode 23: Mythic Bastionland | 11 juil. 2025 | 01:00:52 | |
What if your knight’s greatest battle wasn’t a sword duel—but surviving the story itself? In this episode of Masters of Pen and Paper, DG and Finny delve into Mythic Bastionland, the rules-light, lore-rich Arthurian hexcrawl from Into the Odd creator Chris McDowall. With just 16 pages of core rules and over 140 pages of evocative myths, seers, and knightly trials, this game is as much a storytelling engine as it is a TTRPG. Mythic Bastionland is a tabletop RPG set in the imagined past of Into the Odd and Electric Bastionland , built on the same lightning fast, ultra-streamlined rules system. Designed by Chris McDowall and illustrated by Alec Sorensen. Want to check out a copy for yourself? Head over here: https://chrismcdee.itch.io/mythic-bastionland If you want to send a question or scenario in send us an email! mastersofpenandpaper@gmail.com Let us know what you think by leaving a rating and/or comments! Want to join our discord? You can find us here: https://discord.gg/YkhAQtDDRz Now - On with the show! | |||
| Episode 22: Monster of the Week | 27 juin 2025 | 01:04:11 | |
What if your supernatural detective story could fit into a single game night? Maybe you want to change up the BBEG every time you sit down with your group, or maybe you just need to break free from your hum drum run of the mill fantasy TTRPG In this episode of Masters of Pen and Paper, DG and Finny dig into Monster of the Week, Powered by the Apocalypse TTRPG system, where every session is a monster-hunting TV episode in disguise. Inspired by Buffy, Supernatural, and The X-Files, this narrative-first system is all about dramatic choices, cinematic failures, and building tension through play. We're going to let you know everything you need to know to play this one and give you our thoughts on this episode! Want to check it out yourself? Head over to https://evilhat.com/product/monster-of-the-week/ and grab yourself a copy! If you want to send a question or scenario in send us an email! mastersofpenandpaper@gmail.com Let us know what you think by leaving a rating and/or comments! Want to join our discord? You can find us here: https://discord.gg/YkhAQtDDRz Now - On with the show! | |||
| Episode 21: Mutant Crawl Classics (MCC) | 13 juin 2025 | 01:10:51 | |
What if your D20 rolls could mutate you into a radioactive plant-person with laser claws? In this episode of Masters of Pen and Paper, DG and Finny explore the gloriously gonzo world of Mutant Crawl Classics, a post-apocalyptic TTRPG that blends ancient tech, deadly mutations, and Zocchi dice chaos into one beautifully mutated ruleset.If you love DCC, Gamma World, or anything that combines dice tables with apocalyptic wastelands—this one’s for you. If you want to send a question or scenario in send us an email! mastersofpenandpaper@gmail.com Let us know what you think by leaving a rating and/or comments! Want to join our discord? You can find us here: https://discord.gg/YkhAQtDDRz Now - On with the show! | |||
| Episode 20: What is Player Agency and how do I protect it? | 30 mai 2025 | 01:02:17 | |
What if your choices didn’t matter—and the game still expected you to care? In this episode of Masters of Pen and Paper, DG and Finny go Behind the Screens to explore one of the most essential pillars of tabletop roleplaying: player agency. Whether you’re running a gritty heist, a high fantasy saga, or a chaotic one-shot, agency is what turns a script into a story—and your players into protagonists. We're diving into: Whether you’re a new DM or a veteran storyteller, this episode will help you build trust at the table, avoid burnout, and craft stories that feel alive. | |||
| Episode 19: CY_Borg | 16 mai 2025 | 01:06:43 | |
What if the price of survival was your last sliver of humanity? In this episode, DG and Finny jack into the glitchy, brutal world of CY_Borg, a cyberpunk TTRPG where style, violence, and anti-corporate rage collide in a data-drenched dystopia. This MÖRK BORG spin-off throws you into a decaying city of slums, corrupted tech, and rules meant to be broken. If you love neon grit, random tables, and flipping off the megacorps—this one’s for you. Want to get in touch? Send us an email at: mastersofpenandpaper@gmail.com Let us know what you think by leaving a rating and/or comments! Want to join our discord? You can find us here: https://discord.gg/YkhAQtDDRz Now - On with the show! | |||
| Episode 18: Vampire: The Masquerade (5e) | 02 mai 2025 | 01:13:28 | |
What if the monsters weren’t lurking in the shadows—but seated right at your gaming table? In this episode, DG and Finny delve into Vampire: The Masquerade 5e, the gothic-punk TTRPG where you don’t play the heroes—you play the vampires. This deep dive explores the blood-soaked lore, intricate rules, and storytelling potential behind one of the most iconic games in the World of Darkness. Curious if this TTRPG is your next dark obsession—or an unreadable nightmare? Tune in and find out. Want to get in touch? Send us an email at: mastersofpenandpaper@gmail.com Let us know what you think by leaving a rating and/or comments! Want to join our discord? You can find us here: https://discord.gg/YkhAQtDDRz Now - On with the show! | |||
| Episode 17: Ironsworn | 18 avr. 2025 | 01:05:48 | |
What if you could embark on an epic TTRPG adventure… without a group? In this episode, DG and Finny explore Ironsworn, the award-winning solo RPG that lets you take on quests, forge bonds, and shape your own fate in a harsh, Nordic-inspired world. We cover: The unique mechanics behind its d6 vs 2d10 “moves” system Plus, our honest takes on the design, mechanics, and art style. Want a copy for yourself? head on over to https://tomkinpress.com/pages/ironsworn and download it completely for free! Want to get in touch? Send us an email at: mastersofpenandpaper@gmail.com Let us know what you think by leaving a rating and/or comments! Want to join our discord? You can find us here: https://discord.gg/YkhAQtDDRz Now - On with the show! | |||
| Episode 16: One-Page Wonders: Exploring It Is Said & Newtype (Micro Ruleslight TTRPGs 2) | 04 avr. 2025 | 00:56:40 | |
This week on Masters of Pen and Paper, we're back with Part 2 of our Rules-Lite TTRPG spotlight, featuring two radically different but equally creative one-page RPGs. It Is Said – A haunting, folklore-based story game where you’re lost in a mysterious forest filled with spirits, myths, and strange creatures from Lithuanian legend. Armed only with hope and old stories, will you find your way home? Newtype – A mech-based skirmish RPG inspired by Gundam and Evangelion, where your vocabulary and wordplay literally build your pilot and mech. One part narrative, one part tactical—this one’s made for imaginative brawlers. We cover: How these micro-games handle storytelling, mechanics, and worldbuilding What works (and what’s missing) Who they’re best suited for Our honest opinions on both Want to get a copy of these FREE games for yourself? You can do exactly that by checking these links: It is said: https://soupofthenight.substack.com/p/it-is-said-a-one-page-rpg Newtype: https://imgur.com/Te0fbMn (https://www.reddit.com/r/rpg/comments/7u6u23/newtype_a_free_1page_mecha_rpg/) Want to get in touch? Send us an email at: mastersofpenandpaper@gmail.com Let us know what you think by leaving a rating and/or comments! Want to join our discord? You can find us here: https://discord.gg/YkhAQtDDRz Now - On with the show! | |||
| Episode 15: How exactly can I become a GM? | 21 mars 2025 | 01:12:00 | |
Want to run a tabletop RPG but don’t know where to start? In this episode of Masters of Pen and Paper, we break down the fundamentals of being a Game Master (GM)—whether you're running Dungeons & Dragons (D&D), Pathfinder, or any other TTRPG. Hosts DG and Finny cover how to start as a GM, tips for running your first session, avoiding common pitfalls like railroading, and keeping your players engaged. Plus, we share must-have resources and our best advice from over 20 years of experience! If you've ever thought about running a game, this episode is your guide to building worlds, telling great stories, and leading an unforgettable adventure. (This is a "Behind the Screens" episode where we discuss different TTRPG topics and not specific game rulesets like normal episodes!) Want to get in touch? Send us an email at: mastersofpenandpaper@gmail.com Let us know what you think by leaving a rating and/or comments! Want to join our discord? You can find us here: https://discord.gg/YkhAQtDDRz Now - On with the show! | |||
| Episode 14: Micro Ruleslights! | 07 mars 2025 | 01:06:43 | |
What's better than one super rules light TTRPG? TWO super rules light TTRPG's of course! Finny and I are going through World of Dungeons and Lasers and Feelings today, both of which are COMPLETELY FREE and only a single page. What do you have to lose? Let's have a chat about some quick to table and easy to learn games! World of Dungeons is a simple, quick-play, dungeon crawling game, using one of the core mechanics from the Powered by the Apocalypse rules system. It's compatible with Old School Renaissance and original D&D monsters, dungeons, and adventure modules. Lasers & Feelings is a quick-play role playing game, based on the songs of The Doubleclicks. You are the crew of the interstellar scout ship Raptor. Your mission is to explore uncharted regions of space, deal with aliens both friendly and deadly, and defend the Consortium worlds against space dangers. Captain Darcy has been overcome by the strange psychic entity known as Something Else, leaving you to fend for yourselves while he recovers in a medical pod. Want a copy for yourself? Check out World of Dungeons here: https://johnharper.itch.io/world-of-dungeons and Lasers and Feelings here: https://johnharper.itch.io/lasers-feelings If you want to send a question or scenario in send us an email! mastersofpenandpaper@gmail.com Let us know what you think by leaving a rating and/or comments! Want to join our discord? You can find us here: https://discord.gg/YkhAQtDDRz Now - On with the show! | |||
| Episode 13: Into the Odd | 21 févr. 2025 | 01:15:04 | |
A rules-light, flavour-heavy roleplaying game of industrial horror and cosmic strangeness Bastion is the only city that matters. In its industrial age, it sits as the smoke-shrouded hub of mankind, surrounded by a world of lurking horrors and cosmic interference. The Underground spreads beneath our feet and the stars loom above. You are an Explorer, braving places too far for maps and too old for records. Your expeditions touch the bizarre, wondrous, and horrific. You search for riches, but also Arcana, mysterious devices with unnatural powers. This remastered version of the classic indie RPG revisits Industrial Bastionland, giving the original Into the Odd a lavish hardback, full-colour restoration with expanded content. The book is written by Chris McDowall (Electric Bastionland) with graphic design by Johan Nohr (MÖRK BORG) and printed and distributed by Free League Publishing. Want to buy a copy of the game? Check it out here: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/399483/into-the-odd-remastered Get a hardcopy version here: https://freeleaguepublishing.com/shop/into-the-odd/ If you want to send a question or scenario in send us an email! mastersofpenandpaper@gmail.com Let us know what you think by leaving a rating and/or comments! Want to join our discord? You can find us here: https://discord.gg/YkhAQtDDRz Now - On with the show! | |||
| Episode 12: Pirate Borg | 07 févr. 2025 | 01:10:49 | |
A scurvy-ridden, rules light, art heavy tabletop RPG. Inspired by history, fantasy, horror and rum. Your cutlass & flintlock won’t save you from the hordes of skeletons, the Kraken, or even your own crew.PIRATE BORG is a complete game based on and compatible with the award -winningMÖRK BORGRPG. But it’s also a tool kit. Most of the tables can be hacked and used with any tabletop RPG. This game is about being a greedy, filthy, scoundrel. Find a ship. Recruit some crew. Raid, pillage, plunder, and otherwise pilfer your weasley black guts out. Get a bigger ship. Kill some things. Upgrade your ship. Sneak into a fort. Raid a port. Acquire treasure. Bury said treasure. Become infamous. Search for someone else’s treasure. Flee in terror from unfathomable creatures from the deep. Drink all of the rum. Die on the high seas. Roll a new character and do it all again. Included in the 166-page book are eight character classes, easy-to-learn naval combat rules, stats for 18 vessels, 80+ NPCs & monsters, 90+ system agnostic tables, andThe Curse of Skeleton Point, a sandbox style adventure with 11 pirate-themed locations. Want to buy a copy of the game? Check it out here: https://www.limithron.com/pirateborg If you want to send a question or scenario in send us an email! mastersofpenandpaper@gmail.com Let us know what you think by leaving a rating and/or comments! Want to join our discord? You can find us here: https://discord.gg/YkhAQtDDRz Now - On with the show! | |||
| Episode 11: Heroes Against Darkness | 24 janv. 2025 | 01:08:39 | |
Heroes Against Darkness is a free, fast, flexible, and
fully-featured fantasy d20 RPG system. The game is quick to learn and play, while offering progressively greater options and flexibility as players develop their characters and explore the breadth and depth of the system. If you want to send a question or scenario in send us an email! mastersofpenandpaper@gmail.com Let us know what you think by leaving a rating and/or comments! Want to join our discord? You can find us here: https://discord.gg/YkhAQtDDRz Now - On with the show! | |||
| Episode 10: What exactly is a Session 0? | 10 janv. 2025 | 01:09:02 | |
TTRPG's are complex and complicated games that have different rules and every player comes to the table with a slightly different expectation of what they're about to recieve with a night of playing. With a Sesson 0 you're setting out to make sure everyone's on the same page but doing it in an interactive way that promotes good group cohesiveness and discussion to ensure everyone's getting exactly what they need from it! Join DG and Finny while they have a quick chat about how a Session 0 works and why it's important! (This is a "Behind the Screens" episode where we discuss different TTRPG topics and not specific game rulesets like normal episodes!) Want to get in touch? Send us an email at: mastersofpenandpaper@gmail.com Let us know what you think by leaving a rating and/or comments! Want to join our discord? You can find us here: https://discord.gg/YkhAQtDDRz Now - On with the show! | |||
| Episode 9: Call of Cthulhu | 27 déc. 2024 | 01:07:39 | |
Call of Cthulhu is a horror fiction role-playing game based on H.P. Lovecraft's story of the same name and the associated Cthulhu Mythos. The game, often abbreviated as CoC, is published by Chaosium; it was first released in 1981 and is in its seventh edition, with licensed foreign language editions available as well. Its game system is based on Chaosium's Basic Role-Playing (BRP) with additions for the horror genre. These include special rules for sanity and luck. If you want to send a question or scenario in send us an email! mastersofpenandpaper@gmail.com Let us know what you think by leaving a rating and/or comments! Want to join our discord? You can find us here: https://discord.gg/YkhAQtDDRz Now - On with the show! | |||
| Episode 8: Paranoia | 13 déc. 2024 | 01:11:03 | |
Paranoia is a humorous role-playing game set in a dystopian future along the lines of Nineteen Eighty-Four, Brave New World, Logan's Run, and THX 1138; however, the tone of the game is rife with dark humor, frequently tongue-in-cheek rather than dark and heavy. Most of the game's humor is derived from the players' (usually futile) attempts to complete their assignment while simultaneously adhering to the Computer's arbitrary, contradictory and often nonsensical security directives. It is notable among tabletop games for being more competitive than co-operative, with players encouraged to betray one another for their own interests, as well as for keeping a light-hearted, tongue in cheek tone despite its dystopian setting. If you want to send a question or scenario in send us an email! mastersofpenandpaper@gmail.com Let us know what you think by leaving a rating and/or comments! Want to join our discord? You can find us here: https://discord.gg/YkhAQtDDRz Now - On with the show! | |||
| Episode 7: Dragonbane | 29 nov. 2024 | 01:11:12 | |
Dragonbane is a classic fantasy tabletop roleplaying game full of magic, mystery, and adventure. It is designed from the ground up to facilitate fast and furious play, with very little prep time and adventures that are a breeze to run. This is a game with room for laughs at the table, while still offering brutal challenges for the adventurers. Straight out of Sweden with a focus on strategy and a dash of wargaming, what's not to love here? If you want to send a question or scenario in send us an email! mastersofpenandpaper@gmail.com Let us know what you think by leaving a rating and/or comments! Want to join our discord? You can find us here: https://discord.gg/YkhAQtDDRz Now - On with the show! | |||
| Episode 6: Dungeon Crawl Classics | 15 nov. 2024 | 01:04:26 | |
Fast paced, fantasy themed, old school D&D with some funky dice. This will scratch that grognard feeling from yesteryear. Take a handful of commoners and run them through the funnel to determine which one will be your hero for Dungeon Crawl Classics! If you want to send a question or scenario in send us an email! mastersofpenandpaper@gmail.com Let us know what you think by leaving a rating and/or comments! Want to join our discord? You can find us here: https://discord.gg/YkhAQtDDRz Now - On with the show! | |||
| Episode 5: Behind the Screens #1 | 01 nov. 2024 | 01:04:59 | |
We're opening up the mailbag and answering your questions and giving DM advice! We're going to run through a few scenarios and let you know what the DM's are thinking behind the screens! If you want to send a question or scenario in send us an email! mastersofpenandpaper@gmail.com Let us know what you think by leaving a rating and/or comments! Want to join our discord? You can find us here: https://discord.gg/YkhAQtDDRz Now - On with the show! | |||
| Episode 4: Traveller | 21 oct. 2024 | 01:21:12 | |
Are you someone who dreams of being a space explorer? Maybe you just watched Firefly and wanted to live out a life in space! The guys are running through one of the very first Sci-Fi based tabletop RPG in Traveller! More specifically, we're talking about Mongoose's 2016 "second edition" Pathfinder! Let us know what you think by leaving a rating and/or comments! Want to join our discord? You can find us here: https://discord.gg/YkhAQtDDRz Now - On with the show! | |||
| Episode 3: Mörk Borg | 04 oct. 2024 | 01:06:15 | |
In this episode, Finny and DG are busting out their heavy metal outfits and instruments to run through Mörk Borg! Created by Swedish game designers Pelle Nilsson and Johan Nohr and published by Free League Publishing in February 2020 this game not only boasts absolutely stunning art, but packs it away in a really compact rules light format! Let us know what you think by leaving a rating and/or comments! Want to join our discord? You can find us here: https://discord.gg/YkhAQtDDRz Now - On with the show! | |||
| Episode 2: Pathfinder 2e | 20 sept. 2024 | 01:13:28 | |
Welcome to Masters of Pen and Paper! This podcast centers around the discussion of various Tabletop RPG game systems, along with various conversations of all related topics! In this episode, Finny and DG are showing you how you can stick pretty close to that really popular D20 system while not purchasing from certain magic users of the edge of a sea. Is Pathfinder something you want to learn about? Check this one out! Let us know what you think by leaving a rating and/or comments! Want to join our discord? You can find us here: https://discord.gg/YkhAQtDDRz Now - On with the show! | |||
| Episode 1: Dungeons and Dragons 5e | 06 sept. 2024 | 00:57:20 | |
Welcome to Masters of Pen and Paper! This podcast centers around the discussion of various Tabletop RPG game systems, along with various conversations of all related topics! In this episode, Finny and DG are discussing the ins and outs of Dungeons and Dragons 5e. Ever wanted to learn what it's all about? No better time than now! Let us know what you think by leaving a rating and/or comments! Want to join our discord? You can find us here: https://discord.gg/YkhAQtDDRz Now - On with the show! | |||