Best Essential NPCs Podcasts (2025)

1
"The Essential Guide to NPCs: Dungeons & Dragons Storytelling" 26:30

1M ago26:30

26:30

The Essential Guide to NPCs: Dungeons & Dragons Storytelling" In this episode of Tavern Talks Podcast, hosts Adam and Zack delve into the art of world-building and character crafting, specifically focusing on Non-Player Characters (NPCs) in Dungeons & Dragons. They discuss the importance of well-developed NPCs in enriching campaigns, offering pract…

1
"From Zero to Hero: First Session Essentials" 43:13

2M ago43:13

43:13

Embarking on Your First D&D Session: Tips and Insights In this episode of the Tavern Talks Podcast, hosts Adam and Zach delve into the significance and intricacies of the inaugural D&D session. They discuss the excitement and challenges faced by both new and experienced Dungeon Masters, sharing personal stories and valuable tips for setting the sta…

1
Masters of Influence: The Major Factions of D&D 27:38

3M ago27:38

27:38

In this episode of Tavern Talks Podcast, hosts Adam and Zach delve into the five major factions within the Forgotten Realms of Dungeons & Dragons: the Harpers, the Zhentarim, the Lord's Alliance, the Order of the Gauntlet, and the Emerald Enclave. They discuss the philosophies, ranks, and roles each faction plays in campaigns, as well as how these …

1
Fantasy Foundations: Your First Quest in D&D 33:13

5M ago33:13

33:13

In this episode of the Tavern Talks Podcast, hosts Adam and Zach delve into the importance of the first quest within Dungeons & Dragons campaigns. They discuss various strategies for dungeon masters to craft engaging initial adventures, including the role of NPCs, balancing challenges, and incorporating rewarding elements. They share personal anecd…

1
The Art of Crafting the Big Bad Evil Guy (BBEG) 43:32

6M ago43:32

43:32

Introduction "Well met, weary travelers!" Adam welcomes listeners back to the Tavern Talks Podcast. Zac, the ever-watchful co-host, stands ready for today's epic discussion. Set in a virtual tavern filled with anticipation, today's episode celebrates the most iconic antagonists of D&D campaigns—the Big Bad Evil Guys (BBEGs). Main Discussion: Crafti…

1
Battle Ready: Unleashing the Secrets of D&D Combat Mechanics 38:30

6M ago38:30

38:30

In this episode of Tavern Talks, Zach and Adam take a deep dive into the essentials of D&D combat, focusing on three main aspects: initiative, actions & movement, and combat mechanics. Whether you're a new DM or a seasoned player, you'll learn how to streamline your combat sessions and master these critical elements. What You'll Learn: Initiative &…

1
Session Zero - Crafting the Perfect Start 46:11

6M ago46:11

46:11

In this inaugural episode of Tavern Talks Podcast, hosts Adam and Zac dive deep into 'Session Zero,' the crucial foundation for any Dungeons & Dragons campaign. They discuss the importance of setting expectations, character creation, world-building, and establishing communication and boundaries between Dungeon Masters and players. The episode offer…

1
Divine Pantheons and Deity Dynamics: An Introduction to D&D Gods 28:19

7M ago28:19

28:19

In this episode of the Tavern Talks podcast, hosts Adam and Zac explore the intricate world of Dungeons & Dragons divine pantheons. Delve into the celestial and mystical realms as they discuss the roles of greater gods, lesser gods, and demigods in shaping the fabric of existence within the game. Learn how to incorporate these deities into your cam…

1
150 - Election Day 4:37:43

2+ y ago4:37:43

4:37:43

In the finale of Campaign 1, Kinsey, Pax, and Roland have to decide what to do with their newly earned future...Manifest Actual Play streams live on Twitch every Wednesday: www.twitch.tv/waypointliveFollow Manifest the RPG on Twitter: twitter.com/ManifestRpgCombat Music Attribution:Hot Pursuit by Kevin MacLeodLink: incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/388…

1
149 - Cloak And Dagger 3:29:50

2+ y ago3:29:50

3:29:50

Kinsey, Pax, and Roland try to make sense of things in the aftermath of their biggest fight yet...Manifest Actual Play streams live on Twitch every Wednesday: www.twitch.tv/waypointliveFollow Manifest the RPG on Twitter: twitter.com/ManifestRpgCombat Music Attribution:Hot Pursuit by Kevin MacLeodLink: incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3884-hot-pursuitL…

1
148 - Nail In The Coffin 3:28:57

2+ y ago3:28:57

3:28:57

Kinsey, Pax, and Roland rely on the aid of unexpected allies...Manifest Actual Play streams live on Twitch every Wednesday: www.twitch.tv/waypointliveFollow Manifest the RPG on Twitter: twitter.com/ManifestRpgCombat Music Attribution:Hot Pursuit by Kevin MacLeodLink: incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3884-hot-pursuitLicense: creativecommons.org/license…

1
147 - Assault On The Hangar 3:19:16

2+ y ago3:19:16

3:19:16

Kinsey, Pax, and Roland press their advantage...Manifest Actual Play streams live on Twitch every Wednesday: www.twitch.tv/waypointliveFollow Manifest the RPG on Twitter: twitter.com/ManifestRpgCombat Music Attribution:Hot Pursuit by Kevin MacLeodLink: incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3884-hot-pursuitLicense: creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/…

1
146 - Viva La Revolution 2:45:38

2+ y ago2:45:38

2:45:38

With Pax's life on the line, it's time to end this thing...Manifest Actual Play streams live on Twitch every Wednesday at 8pm Central: www.twitch.tv/waypointliveFollow Manifest the RPG on Twitter: twitter.com/ManifestRpgCombat Music Attribution:Hot Pursuit by Kevin MacLeodLink: incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3884-hot-pursuitLicense: creativecommons.…

1
145 - A Lesson In Trust 2:47:30

2+ y ago2:47:30

2:47:30

Kinsey, Pax, and Roland attempt to coordinate their efforts in a final move against Captain Moralis.Manifest Actual Play streams live on Twitch every Wednesday at 8pm Central: https://www.twitch.tv/waypointlive Follow Manifest the RPG on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ManifestRpgCombat Music Attribution:Hot Pursuit by Kevin MacLeodLink: https://incom…

1
144 - The Curious Case Of Carver Barkley 2:51:59

2+ y ago2:51:59

2:51:59

How can three Drifters hope to overthrow a connected and corrupt security chief?Manifest Actual Play streams live on Twitch every Wednesday at 8pm Central: https://www.twitch.tv/waypointlive Follow Manifest the RPG on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ManifestRpgCombat Music Attribution:Hot Pursuit by Kevin MacLeodLink: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/…

1
143 - The Captain's Counter 3:07:51

2+ y ago3:07:51

3:07:51

Having been provoked by the drifters, Captain Moralis makes a dramatic move...Manifest Actual Play streams live on Twitch every Wednesday at 8pm Central: https://www.twitch.tv/waypointlive Follow Manifest the RPG on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ManifestRpgCombat Music Attribution:Hot Pursuit by Kevin MacLeodLink: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/so…

1
142 - The First Move 2:59:15

2+ y ago2:59:15

2:59:15

Pax takes a huge risk to gain an advantage over Moralis...Manifest Actual Play streams live on Twitch every Wednesday at 8pm Central: https://www.twitch.tv/waypointlive Follow Manifest the RPG on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ManifestRpgCombat Music Attribution:Hot Pursuit by Kevin MacLeodLink: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3884-hot-pursuitL…

1
141 - The Board Is Set 2:29:13

2+ y ago2:29:13

2:29:13

Our three drifters begin to set the stage for their revolution in Tobias Station...Manifest Actual Play streams live on Twitch every Wednesday at 8pm Central: https://www.twitch.tv/waypointlive Follow Manifest the RPG on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ManifestRpgCombat Music Attribution:Hot Pursuit by Kevin MacLeodLink: https://incompetech.filmmusic.…

1
140 - Friends And Frenemies 2:35:21

2+ y ago2:35:21

2:35:21

Dealing with their past may have put Kinsey, Pax, and Roland in a precarious position...Manifest Actual Play streams live on Twitch every Wednesday at 8pm Central: https://www.twitch.tv/waypointlive Follow Manifest the RPG on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ManifestRpgCombat Music Attribution:Hot Pursuit by Kevin MacLeodLink: https://incompetech.filmm…

1
139 - The Other Shoe 3:23:29

2+ y ago3:23:29

3:23:29

You can never truly outrun your past...Manifest Actual Play streams live on Twitch every Wednesday at 8pm Central: https://www.twitch.tv/waypointlive Follow Manifest the RPG on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ManifestRpgCombat Music Attribution:Hot Pursuit by Kevin MacLeodLink: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3884-hot-pursuitLicense: https://cre…

1
138 - Bahara 2:31:55

3y ago2:31:55

2:31:55

Kinsey, Pax, and Roland attempt to prepare for an important guest...Manifest Actual Play streams live on Twitch every Tuesday at 8pm Central: https://www.twitch.tv/waypointlive Follow Manifest the RPG on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ManifestRpgCombat Music Attribution:Hot Pursuit by Kevin MacLeodLink: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3884-hot-…

1
137 - Clearing The Air 3:05:37

3y ago3:05:37

3:05:37

Pax continues a long term project only to discover something unexpected...Manifest Actual Play streams live on Twitch every Tuesday at 8pm Central: https://www.twitch.tv/waypointlive Follow Manifest the RPG on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ManifestRpgCombat Music Attribution:Hot Pursuit by Kevin MacLeodLink: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/388…

1
136 - Open For Business 3:13:36

3y ago3:13:36

3:13:36

Swing on down to the lower levels and bend your elbow a Umbra's...Manifest Actual Play streams live on Twitch every Tuesday at 8pm Central: https://www.twitch.tv/waypointlive Follow Manifest the RPG on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ManifestRpgCombat Music Attribution:Hot Pursuit by Kevin MacLeodLink: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3884-hot-pu…

1
135 - Renovations 3:08:08

3y ago3:08:08

3:08:08

Drifters turned Saloon owners! That is, of course, if they can make the neglected lot presentable...Manifest Actual Play streams live on Twitch every Tuesday at 8pm Central: https://www.twitch.tv/waypointlive Follow Manifest the RPG on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ManifestRpgCombat Music Attribution:Hot Pursuit by Kevin MacLeodLink: https://incompe…

1
134 - Setting Roots 2:31:34

3y ago2:31:34

2:31:34

Kinsey, Pax and Roland move (very) quickly to complete their new task...Manifest Actual Play streams live on Twitch every Tuesday at 8pm Central: https://www.twitch.tv/waypointlive Follow Manifest the RPG on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ManifestRpgCombat Music Attribution:Hot Pursuit by Kevin MacLeodLink: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3884-…

1
133 - Odd Jobs 2:52:14

3y ago2:52:14

2:52:14

Kinsey, Pax, and Roland do some work on the side while they consider a big investment...Manifest Actual Play streams live on Twitch every Tuesday at 8pm Central: https://www.twitch.tv/waypointlive Follow Manifest the RPG on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ManifestRpgCombat Music Attribution:Hot Pursuit by Kevin MacLeodLink: https://incompetech.filmmus…

1
132 - A Change Of Pace 2:41:16

3y ago2:41:16

2:41:16

Three Drifters with some downtime in Tobias Station, what is there to do?Manifest Actual Play streams live on Twitch every Tuesday at 8pm Central: https://www.twitch.tv/waypointlive Follow Manifest the RPG on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ManifestRpgCombat Music Attribution:Hot Pursuit by Kevin MacLeodLink: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3884…

1
131 - A Day In Tobias Station 2:33:28

3y ago2:33:28

2:33:28

Our drifters close in on their next destination, the trade hub known as Tobias Station...Manifest Actual Play streams live on Twitch every Tuesday at 8pm Central: https://www.twitch.tv/waypointlive Follow Manifest the RPG on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ManifestRpgCombat Music Attribution:Hot Pursuit by Kevin MacLeodLink: https://incompetech.filmmu…

1
130 - Nightfall 2:51:11

3y ago2:51:11

2:51:11

Kinsey, Pax, and Roland face a new danger in the middle of the Badlands...Manifest Actual Play streams live on Twitch every Tuesday at 8pm Central: https://www.twitch.tv/waypointlive Follow Manifest the RPG on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ManifestRpgCombat Music Attribution:Hot Pursuit by Kevin MacLeodLink: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/388…

1
129 - Strange Discoveries 2:48:34

3y ago2:48:34

2:48:34

Kinsey, Pax, and Roland set a new course and start drifting...Manifest Actual Play streams live on Twitch every Tuesday at 8pm Central: https://www.twitch.tv/waypointlive Follow Manifest the RPG on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ManifestRpgCombat Music Attribution:Hot Pursuit by Kevin MacLeodLink: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3884-hot-pursui…

1
127 & 128 - The Cavern 1:47:54

3y ago1:47:54

1:47:54

Kinsey, Pax, and Roland travel north with the newly formed Riveteers...Manifest Actual Play streams live on Twitch every Tuesday at 8pm Central: https://www.twitch.tv/waypointlive Follow Manifest the RPG on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ManifestRpgCombat Music Attribution:Hot Pursuit by Kevin MacLeodLink: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3884-h…

1
126 - Zimballis 2:44:43

3y ago2:44:43

2:44:43

Kinsey puts it all on the line in the Split Boot Canyon while Pax and Roland work behind the scenes...Manifest Actual Play streams live on Twitch every Tuesday at 8pm Central: https://www.twitch.tv/waypointlive Follow Manifest the RPG on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ManifestRpgCombat Music Attribution:Hot Pursuit by Kevin MacLeodLink: https://incom…

1
125 - Prodigal Son 2:56:50

3y ago2:56:50

2:56:50

The drama in the Cloud Cutter camp continues to rise while Kinsey finds himself a new friend...Manifest Actual Play streams live on Twitch every Tuesday at 8pm Central: https://www.twitch.tv/waypointlive Follow Manifest the RPG on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ManifestRpgCombat Music Attribution:Hot Pursuit by Kevin MacLeodLink: https://incompetech.…

1
124 - Roadkin 2:55:42

3y ago2:55:42

2:55:42

Kinsey, Pax, and Roland work at fixing their current predicament from a few different angles...Manifest Actual Play streams live on Twitch every Tuesday at 8pm Central: https://www.twitch.tv/waypointlive Follow Manifest the RPG on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ManifestRpgCombat Music Attribution:Hot Pursuit by Kevin MacLeodLink: https://incompetech.…

1
123 - New Boss In Town 2:56:36

3y ago2:56:36

2:56:36

After a devastating turn of events, it's unclear how the drifters will be able to achieve their goals...Manifest Actual Play streams live on Twitch every Tuesday at 8pm Central: https://www.twitch.tv/waypointlive Follow Manifest the RPG on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ManifestRpgCombat Music Attribution:Hot Pursuit by Kevin MacLeodLink: https://inc…

1
122 - Canyon Run 3:01:16

3y ago3:01:16

3:01:16

The Riveteers are down but not out, can the drifters help them reclaim their territory?Manifest Actual Play streams live on Twitch every Tuesday at 8pm Central: https://www.twitch.tv/waypointlive Follow Manifest the RPG on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ManifestRpgCombat Music Attribution:Hot Pursuit by Kevin MacLeodLink: https://incompetech.filmmusi…

1
121 - Behind The Mask 2:55:54

3y ago2:55:54

2:55:54

Kinsey, Pax, and Roland continue their journey south and come across some interesting characters!Manifest Actual Play streams live on Twitch every Tuesday at 8pm Central: https://www.twitch.tv/waypointlive Follow Manifest the RPG on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ManifestRpgCombat Music Attribution:Hot Pursuit by Kevin MacLeodLink: https://incompetec…

1
120 - A Place To Rest 2:59:03

3y ago2:59:03

2:59:03

On the road south, our three drifters come across an interesting locale in the BadlandsManifest Actual Play streams live on Twitch every Tuesday at 8pm Central: https://www.twitch.tv/waypointlive Follow Manifest the RPG on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ManifestRpgCombat Music Attribution:Hot Pursuit by Kevin MacLeodLink: https://incompetech.filmmusi…

1
119 - A Matter Of Time 2:52:26

3y ago2:52:26

2:52:26

Following an altercation in town, our drifters realize they have to hit the road quick to avoid catastrophe...Manifest Actual Play streams live on Twitch every Tuesday at 8pm Central: https://www.twitch.tv/waypointlive Follow Manifest the RPG on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ManifestRpgCombat Music Attribution:Hot Pursuit by Kevin MacLeodLink: https…

1
118 - The Cloudcutters 3:58:21

3y ago3:58:21

3:58:21

In their search for the missing Riveteers, the Drifters find out not all is as it seems.Manifest Actual Play streams live on Twitch every Tuesday at 8pm Central: https://www.twitch.tv/waypointlive Follow Manifest the RPG on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ManifestRpgCombat Music Attribution:Hot Pursuit by Kevin MacLeodLink: https://incompetech.filmmus…

1
117 - Riveteers Lost 3:14:34

3y ago3:14:34

3:14:34

The remote Badlands settlement known as Soldina seems in need of some help, fortunately there are three drifters in town looking for work.Manifest Actual Play streams live on Twitch every Tuesday at 8pm Central: https://www.twitch.tv/waypointlive Follow Manifest the RPG on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ManifestRpgFollow Addie Gia on Twitter: https:/…

1
116 - Welcome To The Badlands 3:02:28

3y ago3:02:28

3:02:28

Kinsey, Pax, and Roland travel into the arid Badlands that make up most of Manifest's surface. How will they adapt to this harsh new enviornment?Manifest Actual Play streams live on Twitch every Tuesday at 8pm Central: https://www.twitch.tv/waypointlive Follow Manifest the RPG on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ManifestRpgFollow Addie Gia on Twitter: …

1
115 - Loose Ends 2:21:58

3y ago2:21:58

2:21:58

The drifters are so close to freeing themselves of the Dead Man's Gang! But will they ever truly be free?Manifest Actual Play streams live on Twitch every Tuesday at 8pm Central: https://www.twitch.tv/waypointlive Follow Manifest the RPG on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ManifestRpgFollow Addie Gia on Twitter: https://twitter.com/AddieGiaCombat Music…

1
114 - Rising Tensions 2:58:03

3y ago2:58:03

2:58:03

As our drifters close in on their goal, the stress of their situation begins to shorten tempers!Manifest Actual Play streams live on Twitch every Tuesday at 8pm Central: https://www.twitch.tv/waypointlive Follow Manifest the RPG on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ManifestRpgFollow Addie Gia on Twitter: https://twitter.com/AddieGiaCombat Music Attribut…

1
112 & 113 - Marshall Yen's Fate 2:18:47

3y ago2:18:47

2:18:47

Marshal Yen has escaped! Can the drifters help him survive?Manifest Actual Play streams live on Twitch every Tuesday at 8pm Central: https://www.twitch.tv/waypointlive Follow Manifest the RPG on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ManifestRpgFollow Addie Gia on Twitter: https://twitter.com/AddieGiaCombat Music Attribution:Hot Pursuit by Kevin MacLeodLink:…

1
111 - Best Laid Plans 2:25:04

3y ago2:25:04

2:25:04

Beneath the Gatii estate, bullets fly and fates are sealed!Manifest Actual Play streams live on Twitch every Tuesday at 8pm Central: https://www.twitch.tv/waypointlive Follow Manifest the RPG on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ManifestRpgFollow Addie Gia on Twitter: https://twitter.com/AddieGiaCombat Music Attribution:Hot Pursuit by Kevin MacLeodLink:…

1
110 - Pulling The Trigger 2:22:22

3+ y ago2:22:22

2:22:22

Our three drifters lead some members of the Dead Man's Gang into the tunnels below the Gatii Estate...Manifest Actual Play streams live on Twitch every Tuesday at 8pm Central: https://www.twitch.tv/waypointlive Follow Manifest the RPG on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ManifestRpgFollow Addie Gia on Twitter: https://twitter.com/AddieGia…

1
109 - Laying Low 2:15:36

3+ y ago2:15:36

2:15:36

Roland decides to take a large risk with the hopes of an equally large reward.Manifest Actual Play streams live on Twitch every Tuesday at 8pm Central: https://www.twitch.tv/waypointlive Follow Manifest the RPG on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ManifestRpgFollow Addie Gia on Twitter: https://twitter.com/AddieGia…

1
108 - Laying Low 2:11:26

3+ y ago2:11:26

2:11:26

The three drifters take in the new scenery as they attempt to formulate a new plan.Manifest Actual Play streams live on Twitch every Tuesday at 8pm Central: https://www.twitch.tv/waypointlive Follow Manifest the RPG on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ManifestRpgFollow Addie Gia on Twitter: https://twitter.com/AddieGia…

1
107 - Stuck In The Middle 2:21:32

3+ y ago2:21:32

2:21:32

The three drifters take in the new scenery as they attempt to formulate a new plan.Manifest Actual Play streams live on Twitch every Tuesday at 8pm Central: https://www.twitch.tv/waypointlive Follow Manifest the RPG on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ManifestRpgFollow Addie Gia on Twitter: https://twitter.com/AddieGia…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Essential NPCs Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide