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Rating
★★★★★
5
from
8 reviews
This podcast has
73 episodes
Language
English
Publisher
Iain Wilson
Explicit
No
Date created
2020/02/02
Latest episode
2025/12/03
Average duration
46 min.
Release period
8 days

Description

Three middle-aged nerds dive deep into the golden age of tabletop RPGs, covering the classics from the 80s and 90s that shaped the hobby we love today. Iain and Jason banter their way through gaming history while Steve desperately tries to keep them on topic—and occasionally succeeds. Whether you're a grognard who lived through THAC0 or a newcomer curious about what to do with all those lovely polyhederal dice you've aquired, we've got you covered with historical deep-dives, roundtable discussions fueled by questionable nostalgia, and actual play episodes where our players' competence is... variable.  All of this released on a schedule that can charitably be called "flexible" at best. Grab some dice and join us for a trip down memory lane—just don't ask us to commit to when the next episode will drop.

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Check latest episodes from Roll to Save podcast


Demon: The Fallen - Angels, Faith and a Truncated Release Schedule
2025/12/03
Get in touch with us! What if rebellion began as an act of love?  Demon: the Fallen was the final game in the original World of Darkness line, and we chart it's - painfully - short history.  Was it fun to play fallen angels from the dawn of time, or was this just more angst hiding under a different colour of trenchcoat?   Join us to find out! Contact us at: EMAIL: [email protected] FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/rolltosavepod WEBSITE: https://rolltosave.blog HOSTS: Iain Wilson, Steve McGarrity, Jason Downey BACKGROUND MUSIC: David Renada (Find him at: [email protected] or on his web page). TITLE, BREAK & CLOSEOUT MUSIC: Xylo-Ziko (Find them on their web page).
The Hollow Men - Episode 1
2025/12/01
Get in touch with us! Welcome to the Hollow Men - a Hunter: the Reckoning dramatised solo actual play. In this episode, we meet our protagonist, Courtney Webster, whose meeting at a bar with a contact doesn't go exactly as planned. All music and soud effects from Epidemic Sound. Thanks to the following for lending their wonderful voice talent to this episode: Karen Pope, Heather Haneman, Troy Coady and Havliah Coady. Contact us at: EMAIL: [email protected] FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/rolltosavepod WEBSITE: https://rolltosave.blog HOSTS: Iain Wilson, Steve McGarrity, Jason Downey BACKGROUND MUSIC: David Renada (Find him at: [email protected] or on his web page). TITLE, BREAK & CLOSEOUT MUSIC: Xylo-Ziko (Find them on their web page).
The Hollow Men - Episode 2
2025/12/01
Get in touch with us! Welcome to the Hollow Men - a dramatised Hunter: The Reckoning solo actual play.   Courtney deals with the fall out from the fight at the Depot, and the fact that the police officer helping her appears wrong to her Second Sight. All music and sound effects from Epidemic Sound. Thanks to our voice actors Karen Pope, Heather Haneman, Havilah Coady, Melissa Andres, Jon Cohen and Anna Chapman.  Contact us at: EMAIL: [email protected] FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/rolltosavepod WEBSITE: https://rolltosave.blog HOSTS: Iain Wilson, Steve McGarrity, Jason Downey BACKGROUND MUSIC: David Renada (Find him at: [email protected] or on his web page). TITLE, BREAK & CLOSEOUT MUSIC: Xylo-Ziko (Find them on their web page).
The Hollow Men - Session 0
2025/12/01
Get in touch with us! Welcome to the Hollow Men - our Hunter: The Reckoning solo actual play.  In this episode we interoduce you to the world of the Hollow Men as well as providing a walk through of character creation.  If you want to skip the boring rulesy bits just listen to the first twenty minutes or so and then you can bounce to episode 1! Thanks to Heather Haneman for voicing The Messengers in this episode! All messages and sound effects from Epidemic Sound. Contact us at: EMAIL: [email protected] FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/rolltosavepod WEBSITE: https://rolltosave.blog HOSTS: Iain Wilson, Steve McGarrity, Jason Downey BACKGROUND MUSIC: David Renada (Find him at: [email protected] or on his web page). TITLE, BREAK & CLOSEOUT MUSIC: Xylo-Ziko (Find them on their web page).
Wraith: The Oblvion - What if That Voice in Your Head Answered Back?
2025/10/24
Get in touch with us! What happens when an RPG asks you to play the dead, feed on emotion, and also hand over your own inner critic to another player? We go deep on Wraith: The Oblivion, the most haunting corner of the World of Darkness, unpacking why its ideas still feel daring: fetters that tether you to the living, pathos that turns feelings into fuel, and Shadows that weaponise doubt. From first edition’s glow-in-the-dark cover to the 20th Anniversary’s colossal compendium, we map the rise, fall, and quiet return of a cult classic. If you'd like to purchase Wraith, it's currently available at 40% off (at time of release) on DriveThru RPG Contact us at: EMAIL: [email protected] FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/rolltosavepod WEBSITE: https://rolltosave.blog HOSTS: Iain Wilson, Steve McGarrity, Jason Downey BACKGROUND MUSIC: David Renada (Find him at: [email protected] or on his web page). TITLE, BREAK & CLOSEOUT MUSIC: Xylo-Ziko (Find them on their web page).
Clay, Cards, and Character Deaths - an Interview with Jon Cohen from Tale of the Manticore
2025/10/08
Get in touch with us! Stakes make stories breathe. We sit down with Jon Cohen - writer, host, and designer behind Tale of the Manticore and One Shot in the Dark - to explore why consequence beats comfort, how a hybrid format turns solo play into gripping audio drama, and what it takes to build a one-shot that actually ends in one sitting. Jon walks us through the creative risks, the craft, and the quiet discipline that keeps a polished episode shipping every 10 days without losing the sting in its tail. We also talk about One Shot in the Dark, John’s rules ultra-light dungeon crawl where cards prompt the map you draw, four hapless adventurers push forward through three levels, and a final boss waits at the end. It’s emergent narrative with real replay value and a surprisingly welcoming on-ramp for kids and new players. If you're interested in checking out One Shot in the Dark it can be found here: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/366526/one-shot-in-the-dark Likewise, Tale of the Manticore is here: https://www.taleofthemanticore.com/ Contact us at: EMAIL: [email protected] FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/rolltosavepod WEBSITE: https://rolltosave.blog HOSTS: Iain Wilson, Steve McGarrity, Jason Downey BACKGROUND MUSIC: David Renada (Find him at: [email protected] or on his web page). TITLE, BREAK & CLOSEOUT MUSIC: Xylo-Ziko (Find them on their web page).
Ordinary People, Unseen War -A History of Hunter: The Reckoning
2025/10/02
Get in touch with us! To: [email protected] From: witness1 Fellow imbued, I must report a disturbing incident. Our latest transmission regarding the Mission was compromised. The audio files were corrupted - the music loud, blaring, almost as if something didn't want this information shared. You know what I'm talking about. They got to it. But the Messengers work in mysterious ways. The tainted files have been purged. A clean recording has been restored and is being redistributed as we speak. The truth will be heard. The mission continues. Stay vigilant. Check your audio equipment. They're always watching... and apparently, now they're listening too. Inherit the earth -- Witness1 EDIT: yes, the sound gremlins did their thing again so we had to upload a new recording - sorry! --- The cover promised chainsaws and gun-fu; the text delivered conscience, fear, and the price of seeing too much. We dive deep into Hunter: The Reckoning as it was meant to be experienced: a grounded horror RPG about ordinary people who wake up to a world that doesn’t want to be seen, and the fragile choices that follow. From edges and second sight to conviction and creeds, we trace how the mechanics hardwire moral perspective into play, and why that makes every victory feel earned and every misstep costly. If this kind of human-centred horror speaks to you, hit follow, drop us a rating, and share the episode with a friend who still thinks Hunter is a superhero game.  Contact us at: EMAIL: [email protected] FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/rolltosavepod WEBSITE: https://rolltosave.blog HOSTS: Iain Wilson, Steve McGarrity, Jason Downey BACKGROUND MUSIC: David Renada (Find him at: [email protected] or on his web page). TITLE, BREAK & CLOSEOUT MUSIC: Xylo-Ziko (Find them on their web page).
Pendragon Roundtable: Virtues, Passions, and Winter's Embrace
2025/09/23
Get in touch with us! Step into the world of Arthurian legend through Pendragon, the RPG that masterfully captures the essence of knightly virtue, tragedy, and legacy spanning generations. Unlike traditional fantasy games, Pendragon isn't about magical powers or ever-increasing abilities—it's about creating meaningful stories where your knight's personality traits, passions, and family lineage take center stage. We talk about what makes Pendragon unique: its revolutionary personality trait system, it's  approach to mortality and legacy, and the infamous "Winter Phase". Join us as we reminise about this wonderful game, and Jason laments the sad tale of his poor knight who never found love. Contact us at: EMAIL: [email protected] FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/rolltosavepod WEBSITE: https://rolltosave.blog HOSTS: Iain Wilson, Steve McGarrity, Jason Downey BACKGROUND MUSIC: David Renada (Find him at: [email protected] or on his web page). TITLE, BREAK & CLOSEOUT MUSIC: Xylo-Ziko (Find them on their web page).
Games That Could Have Been Great: Nephilim
2025/09/14
Get in touch with us! The golden age of darker, more mature RPGs in the mid-1990s saw numerous games trying to capture the same audience that Vampire: The Masquerade had tapped into. Among these ambitious titles, Nephilim stands out as a fascinating "what could have been" story – a game bursting with revolutionary ideas that never quite delivered on its enormous potential. The question is, did it deliver on that potential?  Tune in to find out. Contact us at: EMAIL: [email protected] FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/rolltosavepod WEBSITE: https://rolltosave.blog HOSTS: Iain Wilson, Steve McGarrity, Jason Downey BACKGROUND MUSIC: David Renada (Find him at: [email protected] or on his web page). TITLE, BREAK & CLOSEOUT MUSIC: Xylo-Ziko (Find them on their web page).
Talisman: The Magical Quest Game
2025/09/08
Get in touch with us! Embark on a magical journey through gaming history as we explore Talisman, the fantasy board game that's kept players rolling dice and chanting "Toad! Toad! Toad!" for over four decades. Whether you're a veteran who spent nights battling friends for the Crown of Command or a newcomer curious about this legendary game, join us for a deep dive into a magical quest that refuses to take itself too seriously—reminding us that even if you get turned into a toad, you'll have a brilliant time getting there. Contact us at: EMAIL: [email protected] FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/rolltosavepod WEBSITE: https://rolltosave.blog HOSTS: Iain Wilson, Steve McGarrity, Jason Downey BACKGROUND MUSIC: David Renada (Find him at: [email protected] or on his web page). TITLE, BREAK & CLOSEOUT MUSIC: Xylo-Ziko (Find them on their web page).
The Perfect Game That Almost Vanished: Pendragon
2025/09/05
Get in touch with us! What makes a tabletop RPG truly perfect? Not just popular or commercially successful, but flawlessly designed where every element fits together so seamlessly you can't imagine it any other way? Greg Stafford's King Arthur Pendragon stands as one of those rare masterpieces – a game that transcended traditional RPG design to create something genuinely literary and transformative. Ready to experience the holy grail of RPGs? Join us as we explore how this revolutionary game changed what roleplaying could achieve and why, decades later, it remains utterly transformative for those who discover it. Contact us at: EMAIL: [email protected] FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/rolltosavepod WEBSITE: https://rolltosave.blog HOSTS: Iain Wilson, Steve McGarrity, Jason Downey BACKGROUND MUSIC: David Renada (Find him at: [email protected] or on his web page). TITLE, BREAK & CLOSEOUT MUSIC: Xylo-Ziko (Find them on their web page).
Unveiling the Eldritch Lore: The Impact and Evolution of Call of Cthulhu
2025/09/05
Get in touch with us! Step into the shadows of the unknown with us as we unearth the fascinating history behind the Call of Cthulhu RPG, a game that turned tabletop horror on its head.  We'll trail the game's evolution, from Sandy Peterson's early work to the atmospheric depths of the 1920s setting, and delve into the ingenious Sanity Score.  Prepare to celebrate the game's unique approach to horror as we guide you through its legacy, a journey not just for seasoned investigators but for anyone drawn to the call of the cosmic unknown. Our exploration doesn't stop at the game's inception; rather, it expands into the realms of Call of Cthulhu's thrilling expansions and the 7th edition's Kickstarter odyssey. Discover how this RPG has transcended time with globe-trotting campaigns like "Horror on the Orient Express," and how it has traversed different eras through supplements like "Cthulhu by Gaslight." We'll dig into the logistical labyrinth the creators navigated, revealing how a simple miscalculation in shipping costs almost sunk the company, and how the original masterminds saved the day. Embrace the refined mechanics of the 7th edition, and get a glimpse of the extensive catalogue of supplements that continue to bolster the mystique of Call of Cthulhu, ensuring its place at the pinnacle of horror role-playing games. Join us for an episode dealing with the birth and growth of a game that has captured the imaginations of players for decades. Contact us at: EMAIL: [email protected] TWITTER: @savepodcast FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/rolltosavepod WEBSITE: https://rolltosave.blog HOSTS: Iain Wilson, Steve McGarrity, Jason Downey VOICEOVER LADY: Keeley Wilson BACKGROUND MUSIC: David Renada (Find him at: [email protected] or on his web page). TITLE, BREAK & CLOSEOUT MUSIC: Xylo-Ziko (Find them on their web page).  Contact us at: EMAIL: [email protected] FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/rolltosavepod WEBSITE: https://rolltosave.blog HOSTS: Iain Wilson, Steve McGarrity, Jason Downey BACKGROUND MUSIC: David Renada (Find him at: [email protected] or on his web page). TITLE, BREAK & CLOSEOUT MUSIC: Xylo-Ziko (Find them on their web page).
Enemy in Shadows Companion: Review
2025/08/28
Get in touch with us! Join us as we crack open Cubicle 7's supplement for the Enemy Within campaign, The Enemy in Shadows Companion - the essential guide to adventuring in the Reikland (allegedly). Is this a storehouse of useful added extras, or something that trades on nostalgia for nostalgia's sake? Listen along and find out... Contact us at: EMAIL: [email protected] FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/rolltosavepod WEBSITE: https://rolltosave.blog HOSTS: Iain Wilson, Steve McGarrity, Jason Downey BACKGROUND MUSIC: David Renada (Find him at: [email protected] or on his web page). TITLE, BREAK & CLOSEOUT MUSIC: Xylo-Ziko (Find them on their web page).
Dark Conspiracy Roundtable
2025/08/25
Get in touch with us! The dark minions may have tried to sabotage our first episode, but we're back with a deep dive into the fascinating world of Dark Conspiracy, GDW's dystopian monster-hunting RPG from 1991. Dark Conspiracy occupies a unique place in roleplaying history – a game that bridges old-school wargaming crunch with forward-thinking character development systems. We explore how this game, with its eerily prescient setting of corporate overreach and societal collapse, created some of the most detailed and mismatched parties in gaming. Where else could you play a heavily-armed scooby gang featuring a Navy SEAL, a paramedic, and a homeless guy with sunglasses? The game's mechanical complexity is both its blessing and curse. We marvel at the obsessive detail – magazine tracking sheets for individual bullets, eight pages of space travel rules in a monster-hunting game, and vehicle stats for everything from military hardware to Winnebagos. Yet beneath this crunch lies innovative systems for character development, NPC generation, and adventure design that were ahead of their time. We also connect Dark Conspiracy to GDW's broader legacy, from Traveller to Twilight 2000, examining how these games influenced an entire generation of players. Our discussion ranges from character optimization (cyborg escapees with strength 18, anyone?) to the evolution of game design, from pure simulation to narrative focus. Whether you're a longtime fan of GDW games or simply curious about this fascinating chapter in RPG history, join us for this exploration of a game that tried to have rules for everything – including how many tons of cargo your spacecraft could deliver to the moon. What was your experience with Dark Conspiracy or other GDW games? Did you track every bullet, or handwave the crunch in favor of the story? Let us know at [email protected] or find us on Instagram! Contact us at: EMAIL: [email protected] FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/rolltosavepod WEBSITE: https://rolltosave.blog HOSTS: Iain Wilson, Steve McGarrity, Jason Downey BACKGROUND MUSIC: David Renada (Find him at: [email protected] or on his web page). TITLE, BREAK & CLOSEOUT MUSIC: Xylo-Ziko (Find them on their web page).
[SOUND REMASTERED] Dark Conspiracy - Problematic Aliens? Grab Your Storm Rifle!
2025/08/23
Get in touch with us! PRODUCTION NOTE - INCIDENT REPORT #DC-001 Subject: Anomalous Audio Interference During Initial Recording Classification: Empathic Incursion (Suspected) Status: RESOLVED Fellow Minion Hunters, We regret to inform you that our initial release of this episode experienced what can only be described as supernatural audio interference. During the original recording session, our carefully balanced audio levels were mysteriously altered, causing the background music to surge in volume and completely drown out the primary discussion track. Our technical analysis revealed no equipment malfunctions, no human error, and no logical explanation for the phenomenon. The audio signatures show patterns consistent with Class-3 empathic interference, specifically targeting frequencies in the vocal range while amplifying ambient sound elements. Possible explanations include: •Dark Minions attempting to suppress information about their 1991 operational plans •Residual dimensional energy from discussing proto-dimensional travel rules •The ghost of Lester W. Smith protecting his space combat mechanics from ridicule •Standard equipment failure (least likely explanation) After consulting with our empathic technical specialist and performing the appropriate protective rituals, we have successfully remastered this episode. The dark forces have been contained, the audio has been properly balanced, and you can now hear our full discussion of Game Designers’ Workshop’s prescient masterpiece of dystopian horror. We apologize for any inconvenience caused by these otherworldly interruptions. As any Dark Conspiracy veteran knows, the conspiracy never sleeps—and apparently, it really doesn’t want you to hear us making fun of the space travel rules. Stay vigilant. Trust no one. Check your audio levels. Contact us at: EMAIL: [email protected] FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/rolltosavepod WEBSITE: https://rolltosave.blog HOSTS: Iain Wilson, Steve McGarrity, Jason Downey BACKGROUND MUSIC: David Renada (Find him at: [email protected] or on his web page). TITLE, BREAK & CLOSEOUT MUSIC: Xylo-Ziko (Find them on their web page).

Podcast reviews

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5 out of 5
8 reviews
★★★★★
Gary the Goblin 2021/11/19
Best podcast!
Highly recommended.
★★★★★
4CornersGames 2020/08/26
Lore, History and Tabletops!
My love for tabletops is pretty boundless and I love to be introduced to new systems and stories all the time. This podcast does such a great job of e...
★★★★★
drewktc 2020/08/05
EVERYTHING I WANTED IN A PODCAST!
I LOVE this podcast. Each episode is so informational and wonderful listening when I’m a little tired of actual play and want to just expand my knowle...
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