Best FluffNCrunch Podcasts (2024)

1
Art in Tabletop RPG Books - How Important is It? 58:06

2d ago58:06

58:06

Art in TTRPG books is important…but why? How? To whom? Is it a deal-breaker for purchases or a barrier to entry to the hobby? We figure out the answers. RPG art article link: https://www.blackgate.com/2014/02/12/art-of-the-genre-the-top-10-rpg-artists-of-the-past-40-years-2/ Amazon documentary: https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B07Q334KBS/ref=…

1
Character Creation for the Games We're Developing 40:56

9d ago40:56

40:56

Now that we've discussed norms in character creation systems, we're going to look at some options and ideas for what we're going to use in the #ttrpgs we are each developing.#ttrpgs #characters #chargen RPG art article link: https://www.blackgate.com/2014/02/12/art-of-the-genre-the-top-10-rpg-artists-of-the-past-40-years-2/ Amazon documentary: http…

1
Norms in TTRPG Character Creation 34:57

16d ago34:57

34:57

Herein we begin our examination of general approaches to character generation in #ttrpgs as part of our work to develop our own games.#ttrpgs #characters #chargen Join our friendly Discord: https://discord.gg/5AtydRUDjX Subscribe on to our podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fluffncrunchSubscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.you…

1
Chris Attends UK Games Expo 2024 33:00

23d ago33:00

33:00

I think the title says it all. Chris attended UK Games Expo, and I went on vacation. He's got some interesting news about the experience, some new games he played, designers with whom he spoke, and we talk about the value of attending game conventions.#ukgamesexpo #gameconventionsThe Mandalorian: Adventures - https://store.asmodee.com/products/the-…

1
Game Building Part 1 - Setting 44:14

1M ago44:14

44:14

Herein we offer and discuss our ideas for the games we each are going to write, kicking around setting ideas that point toward the sorts of stories the games will help tell and will inform the sorts of system decisions we’ll each have to make. If you’re interested in game design, and what we think is a vital issue - the nexus of system, setting, an…

1
Dice Mechanics pt2 - Dice Pools 45:10

1M ago45:10

45:10

Beyond just a heap of dice, what is a "dice pool" and what advantages and maybe challenges this type of resolution mechanic offer for #ttrpgs ? We dive into the topic by spotlighting several different games, past and current, that use dice pools, and share our ideas about the possibilities a true dice pool offers players and GMs.#dice #rpgs #tablet…

1
Mechanics Discussed pt1 - The Most Basic Dice System 44:24

1M ago44:24

44:24

Mechanics…what makes RPGs games, and often a source of either interest or frustration, depending on how they work. In this first part of a series, We look at the most basic type of resolution mechanic: generate a number and compare it against another number. What systems use this? What opportunities and limitations does it present? What form of it …

1
Can DnD 5e Be Fixed? Commentary on System and Settings for the Flagship TTRPG 55:06

2M ago55:06

55:06

Herein we point out how DnD 5e falls flat in system, settings, and stories, and we offer ideas on how to fix a game that WOTC has done its best in the last few years to ruin. The original TTRPG deserves better than vanilla settings and boring rules, and we have some ideas.#dnd #wotc #ttrpg #fixdnd #eberron #forgottenrealms #greyhawkJoin our friendl…

1
Crunchy Yet Playable - How Much is Too Much? 55:53

2M ago55:53

55:53

In response to a listener request, we discuss the issue of crunch - of rules complexity and density in #ttrpgs. We talk about a few games that have a reputation for being too crunchy, and discuss in depth five games with which we have experience and believe are both crunchy and playable.#traveller #anima #conan #2d20 #shadowrun Join our friendly Di…

1
Warhammer Age of Sigmar Soulbound TTRPG Overview 34:39

2M ago34:39

34:39

What’s Warhammer Age of Sigmar: Soulbound all about as a #TTRPG? What’s the foundation of the setting, how does the system work, what kinds of stories can be told in it? Herein we discuss this expansive RPG from Cubicle 7, building on our recent discussion of the Warhammer universe.Check out the game at https://cubicle7games.com/our-games/age-of-si…

1
Fallout TTRPG Game Overview 49:29

2M ago49:29

49:29

We talk about the Fallout tabletop RPG in this episode - given all the #Fallout related talk of late, with the Amazon show, it was high time we hit this title. We talk about how it differs from other #2d20 games, how well it models the video game property, and point out one glaring issues with the core rules.Join our friendly Discord: https://disco…

1
Really Rapid Reaction - Star Trek Adventures 2e Quickstart 39:58

3M ago39:58

39:58

#Modiphius released free quickstart rules and adventure PDF for Star Trek Adventures 2e today...and we made time to react to it! We discuss what's in the document, some of the most salient rules changes from 1e, and what we think players and GMs can expect from this new version of a great game.#startrek #startrekgaming #startrekadventures Download …

1
2d20 WorldBuilders Program Year One Review 59:59

3M ago59:59

59:59

Herein we discuss Modiphius’ community publishing program, available on DriveThruRPG, based on our own experiences and survey results from other content creators who’ve published various full games under the license. WB Program Homepage: https://preview.drivethrurpg.com/en/publisher/4329/modiphius/category/44299/2d20-world-builders Join our friendl…

1
Debut Special Episode: FnC Does Minis - Age of Sigmar Recent Reveals 29:03

3M ago29:03

29:03

In Chris’s debut solo episode, he discusses recent reveals for Warhammer’s Age of Sigmar minis game. We will drop these episodes as regular bonus content, on Saturdays. Join our friendly Discord: https://discord.gg/5AtydRUDjX Subscribe on to our podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fluffncrunch Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://…

1
Warhammer 40k Wrath and Glory Overview 38:28

3M ago38:28

38:28

Warhammer 40,000 Wrath & Glory RPG offers several tiers of play to help you dial in the type and scope of story you want to play in this massive, iconic world. In this episode we discuss what makes this game unique in the areas we love so much: system, setting, and story.We look into what kinds of stories you can play within the setting, and at how…

1
Frightshow Classics - A Great Source of Horror One-Off Adventures 44:11

3M ago44:11

44:11

This week I interview Richard, the designer of Frightshow Classics, a line of d100-based horror adventures available on DriveThruRPG, and created in the spirit (and system) of Pacesetter’s Chill 1e and the Cryptworld. If you’re looking for easy-to-run stories that offer a great 70s/80s/Kolchak the Night Stalker vibe, look no further… Join our frien…

1
Would Mass Effect or Starship Troopers Make a Good TTRPG Setting? 52:34

3M ago52:34

52:34

Would either of these well-known properties make for a good tabletop RPG setting? If so, is there a system out there already that would fit the mood and themes of the property? We dig into both in this episode and try to answer these questions.And for free, we've thrown in a compelling argument that the 1997 Starship Troopers film is a heaping pile…

1
An Overview of the Gaming Worlds of Warhammer 36:23

4M ago36:23

36:23

Warhammer is huge - it’s fantasy, it’s an iconic dark future, it’s miniatures, and rpgs. And in this episode we tackle a top-level overview of it so that we can, in future episodes, make sense of the individual rpgs in the line.#warhammer #40k #darkfuture #spacemarines #chaosJoin our friendly Discord: https://discord.gg/5AtydRUDjX Subscribe on to o…

1
Achtung! Cthulhu Starter Set Unboxing and Overview 51:05

4M ago51:05

51:05

I’m joined today by John Houlihan, the Creative Lead for the Achtung! Cthulhu RPG, and we talk about - and unbox - the new Starter Set for the game. This box includes abbreviated rules, a 60-page adventure, six pregenerated characters, maps, tokens, and more, and I think it would be great for someone new to the game or for someone who’s been playin…

1
Star Trek Adventures Second Edition Rules - What We Know and Our First Reactions 43:09

4M ago43:09

43:09

Just when you thought your collection of Star Trek Adventures books was complete, Modiphius drops the news that they're coming out with a second edition of the rules later this year! The book promises more world content, "streamlined" rules, and compatibility with the current edition.Deftly avoiding baseless conjecture, we offer up our wishlists of…

1
Star Trek Adventures Federation-Klingon War Tactical Campaign Book Interview 51:29

4M ago51:29

51:29

Here i am today with Al Spader, lead writer for Modiphius' upcoming Federation-Klingon Tactical Campaign, to talk about what story content, new rules, character options, and other ideas are in this book and how you can use it in your Star Trek Adventures campaign. We discuss the tactical campaign subsystem in some detail and talk a lot about the st…

1
Opportunity and Controversy - AI Usage in TTRPGs 46:22

5M ago46:22

46:22

10 months after our first discussion of AI usage in and related to TTPRGs, we revisit the subject, reviewing some of the tool available now, and diving into the politics of AI usage.#ttrpg #ai #midjourney #chatgpt Join our friendly Discord: https://discord.gg/5AtydRUDjX Subscribe on to our podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fluffncrun…

1
Castles & Crusades Overview and Commentary 45:53

5M ago45:53

45:53

Herein I discuss Castles & Crusades, from Troll Lord Games, and how it differs from 5e mechanically as well as in the feel it seeks to promote at the table and in stories. TLG is so confident in their system that they give away the PDF version of a recent printing of the Players Handbook for free! Links to that and other things are below.As always,…

1
How to Restart a Campaign After a Break 30:16

5M ago30:16

30:16

Herein we discuss a challenge that many (probably most) GMs face: how to restart a campaign after you've had a break for real-world reasons. We have some ideas about how to get ready as GM, how to get your players ready, and how to go about deciding when within the story to pick things up. Maybe you start exactly where you left off...maybe you fast…

1
How to 2d20 - Zones, Range, and Movement 10:02

5M ago10:02

10:02

Herein we discuss zones, range, and movement in 2d20 games, and how to embrace the narrative vibe of these...and give up counting gridsquares.Join our friendly Discord: https://discord.gg/5AtydRUDjX Subscribe on to our podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fluffncrunchSubscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@fluffncrunc…

1
Some Ideas on How to Launch a New Campaign 46:25

5M ago46:25

46:25

We all face it at some point or another: the need or want to start a new campaign, possibly with new rules or a different setting, and beyond getting players onboard, there are other things we need to take care of in order to set ourselves up for success.Join our friendly Discord: https://discord.gg/5AtydRUDjX Subscribe on to our podcast: https://p…

1
How to 2d20: Using Metacurrencies Effectively 19:26

5M ago19:26

19:26

The Metacurrencies in 2d20 are essential to the gameplay and storytelling experience the system can help produce. However, knowing their mechanical effects and values is only half the issue; you need to use them proficiently (and often!) as a player.This listener suggested episode focuses on how to use Momentum, Threat, and Fortune/Determination ef…

1
Review of Outgunned - Cinematic Action RPG 48:29

5M ago48:29

48:29

Herein Chris and I review Outgunned, from Two Little Mice, available on DriveThruRPG (link below). We think this is a great, simple system that will enable you to play high action one-shots or short campaigns in the spirit of 80s action movies like Rambo, Missing in Action, Lethal Weapon, Die Hard, and others in the genre.Join our friendly Discord:…

1
How to 2d20 - Traits and Truths 10:12

6M ago10:12

10:12

Lots of games present ways to quantify location, character, equipment, and story elements that are otherwise descriptive in nature. 2d20 games utilize a clever and flexible system of "traits" or "truths" (depending on the property you're playing) that serve as a clean and easily comprehensible means of connecting the qualitative to the quantitative…

1
Ahris Remastered - What's to Come in the Upcoming Edition 25:19

6M ago25:19

25:19

Herein we discuss the mechanical and setting changes and expansions that will appear in the upcoming release of Ahris Remastered, on DriveThruRPG through the 2d20 WorldBulders program. Join our friendly Discord: https://discord.gg/5AtydRUDjX Subscribe on to our podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fluffncrunch Subscribe to our YouTube c…

1
How to 2d20 - The Three Metacurrencies 15:36

6M ago15:36

15:36

Herein we discuss the three metacurrencies found in most 2d20 games: Momentum, Threat, and Determination/Fortune. We talk about how they work, how to get used to using them at the table, and why they're meant to be spent, not hoarded!Join our friendly Discord: https://discord.gg/5AtydRUDjX Subscribe on to our podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com…

1
How to: 2d20's Core Mechanic, Explained 23:33

6M ago23:33

23:33

The first in our series of How To episodes, focusing this time on 2d20’s core mechanic - a resolution system that determines success or failure, as well as accompanying positive or negative (but always interesting) occurrences. Moving forward, these episodes will be published as bonus episodes and collected together on our YouTube channel in a spec…

1
Mining Fiction for Gaming: 1632 and Codex Alera 32:22

6M ago32:22

32:22

Building on our discussion last year about Janissaries and Kipo, herein we discuss two other properties - both from book series - that could be used for new settings, campaigns, or short story arcs. We also discuss which existing game systems we think would be the best fits for each. Check out the links below to find out more about these two proper…

1
The Top 5 2d20 RPGs - Ranked & Explained 46:08

6M ago46:08

46:08

Herein we compare notes on what we each believe are the five best 2d20-based RPGs thus far published. We discuss why, we argue a little, and then we invite you tell us that we are wrong.Join our friendly Discord: https://discord.gg/5AtydRUDjX Subscribe on to our podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fluffncrunchDon't forget to subscribe …

1
Dreams, Goals, and Plans for Fluff n Crunch in 2024 37:46

7M ago37:46

37:46

As is now our annual tradition, we discuss our dreams, goals, and plans for the show, our gaming, and life in general in our last episode of the calendar year. And this time we're inviting you along for the ride in a far more active manner.Join our friendly Discord: https://discord.gg/5AtydRUDjX Subscribe on to our podcast: https://podcasters.spoti…

1
2023 Fluff n Crunch Year End Review 50:51

7M ago50:51

50:51

As is now our tradition, we wrap up the year with two episodes: our review of the preceding year, and our forecasts and plans for the one to come - in our gaming, the show, gaming at large, and life.We end 2023 - which we agreed was a good year for us both - discussing how well we met our goals and plans for the show as of a year ago, as well as so…

1
Time Trackers as Resource Managers for TTRPGs 49:59

7M ago49:59

49:59

In this week's episode we initially set out to discuss ways to overtly and covertly track time at the table so as to build tension and drama, give players a sense their progress (or lack thereof) toward accomplishing a goal, and to support focusing players during sessions.We realized that time - and lot of other things within a tabletop game - can …

1
Game Spotlight - Traveller, the Original Science Fiction RPG 48:26

7M ago48:26

48:26

In this episode we discuss the setting and the system in the original science fiction RPG (yeah, we can argue that but we're sticking with our position!), first published in 1977. We also discuss some of the stories you can tell within the vast Traveller universe.Join our friendly Discord: https://discord.gg/5AtydRUDjX Subscribe on to our podcast: …

1
Kipo and Janissaries: Mining to Fiction Properties for Tabletop Games 35:01

8M ago35:01

35:01

We explore two fiction IPs as potential fodder for game settings and/or adventures. We discuss which existing systems we might use, and why we think these non-gaming properties would be a good fit for the tabletop world.We'd love to hear from you with your suggestions along these same lines.Janissaries on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B087GX9HN…

1
Using Canon Characters in RPGs pt2 - Fantasy IPs 43:17

8M ago43:17

43:17

We finish our discussion of how canon characters from existing fiction properties can be used - and some advice on how to not use them - in tabletop RPGs.Join our friendly Discord: https://discord.gg/5AtydRUDjX Subscribe on to our podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fluffncrunchSubscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/…

1
Using Canon Characters in RPGs, pt1: SciFi and Modern 50:53

8M ago50:53

50:53

How can you incorporate canon characters into RPGs without marginalizing the PCs or beloved and well-known characters from existing fiction? In this episode we discuss this thorny question, looking at Star Wars, Star Trek, and GI Joe as examples.Subscribe to this channel!Join our friendly Discord: https://discord.gg/5AtydRUDjXSubscribe to our weekl…

1
Yo Joe! - Using 2d20 to be a Real American Hero 46:13

8M ago46:13

46:13

Herein we discuss how to modify Achtung! Cthulhu to use for playing 80s-style GI Joe stories. Check out this great Joe reference site for characters and vehicles: https://www.3djoes.com/ Join our friendly Discord: https://discord.gg/5AtydRUDjX Subscribe on to our podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fluffncrunch Subscribe to our YouTube…

1
The Essential Elements of GI Joe 39:09

8M ago39:09

39:09

Yes, we are aware that there already is a GI Joe RPG out there...we don't care! This is our latest "Essential Elements" episode, in which we look at what story and character ideas must be present in a TTRPG to properly represent the source material in content and vibe.In our next episode, we'll talk about how to take these elements and, using the 2…

1
Religion in Games - A Lost Opportunity for Story and Characters? 49:23

9M ago49:23

49:23

We think that religion offers much more story and character potential that we see in many games, and game publications, and so in this episode we discuss the issue - maybe gripe about it some, too, and definitely offer some ideas about how to address religion, faith, and how they can play out in a game for improved stories and characters. Join our …

1
Gumshoe - A System Optimized for Investigations 54:33

9M ago54:33

54:33

Let’s learn about Gumshoe, Pelgrane Press’s house system that has some unique features intended to optimize it for investigation-heavy stories. Check out Pelgrane at the following links: Nights Black Agents: https://pelgranepress.com/product-category/gumshoe/nights-black-agents/ Trail of Cthulhu: https://pelgranepress.com/product-category/gumshoe/t…

1
New Marvel Super Heroes RPG Overview pt2 26:24

9M ago26:24

26:24

It looks like the designers went back to the woodshed and greatly improved on the beta version released a while ago, and this 320+ page book has a lot to offer the supers fan. Part 2 of 2.Join our friendly Discord: https://discord.gg/5AtydRUDjXSubscribe on to our podcast on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@fluffncrunchpod…

1
New Marvel Super Heroes RPG Overview pt1 39:00

9M ago39:00

39:00

It looks like the designers went back to the woodshed and greatly improved on the beta version released a while ago, and this 320+ page book has a lot to offer the supers fan. Part 1 of 2.Join our friendly Discord: https://discord.gg/5AtydRUDjXSubscribe on to our podcast on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@fluffncrunchpod…

1
Captain's Log Act - Trouble on Beta Inari VII Act 3 - Will Our Heroes Survive? 56:56

10M ago56:56

56:56

Join us for Act 3 of "Trouble on Beta Inari VII" as we bring to a close the first episode in our Captain's Log co-op game.Join our friendly Discord here: https://discord.gg/5AtydRUDjXCheck out the character sheets and campaign info here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1juZygemCPwd3Tz5ff9Y3VOx_1MU4jps6?usp=sharingSubscribe to our podcast: ht…

1
Captain's Log - Trouble on Beta Inari VII, Act 2 (Actual Play) 49:45

10M ago49:45

49:45

Part 2 of our Captain's Log actual play, following the investigation of a missing survey team on a remote alien world...herein our heroes get into more trouble, discover something about the current status and whereabouts of the missing team, and realize that the clock is working against them. Join our friendly Discord here: https://discord.gg/5Atyd…

1
Captain's Log - Trouble on Beta Inari VII, Act 1 (Actual Play) 43:32

10M ago43:32

43:32

USS Tracy responds to a distress call from a small team surveying an alien world. Attached to a deep space exploration task force Tracy is an Oberth-class ship refitted with an improved hull, high-resolution sensors, and rapid-fire torpedo launches. Join our friendly Discord: https://discord.gg/5AtydRUDjX Watch us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.co…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

FluffNCrunch Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide