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In this episode of Anatomy of a Campaign, Daryl, Nick, and Robert go behind the scenes of The Walking Dead Universe RPG: Muerto Las Vegas. They explore building an immersive post-apocalyptic setting, developing memorable characters and factions, and letting player creativity shape the story. From moral dilemmas and unexpected twists to the dangers posed by both the living and the dead, discover how a campaign becomes a collaborative story of survival. Homepagehttps://howwerollgaming.com Merch Store!https://merch.howwerollgaming.com Patreonhttps://www.patreon.com/HowWeRollGaming DriveThru RPG affiliate linkhttps://legacy.drivethrurpg.com/index.php?affiliate_id=4933263 Eberron Renewed - An Actual Play Podcasthttps://zencastr.com/Eberron-Renewed

Sometimes a campaign needs a break—but when is a break a hiatus, and when is it actually the end? This episode, we talk about the reasons campaigns get put on hold, from scheduling problems and life changes to GM burnout, and how to communicate clearly with your group when a campaign needs to pause. We also discuss how to build planned hiatuses into a campaign, keeping good notes while you're away, and what it takes to successfully return after a long break. And, of course, we ask the important question: how long can a campaign be on hiatus before everyone just assumes it's over? Join us for a conversation about putting campaigns on hold without necessarily putting them to rest. Homepagehttps://howwerollgaming.com Merch Store!https://merch.howwerollgaming.com Patreonhttps://www.patreon.com/HowWeRollGaming DriveThru RPG affiliate linkhttps://legacy.drivethrurpg.com/index.php?affiliate_id=4933263 We Fix Gameshttps://glitterfoxmedia.com/we-fix-games-2/

What makes a memorable RPG villain? We explore how Game Masters can create compelling tabletop RPG villains with clear goals, distinct personalities, meaningful weaknesses, and motivations beyond simply “being evil.” We discuss memorable villains from Star Wars, Star Trek, Marvel, Buffy, and our own campaigns—and how to keep antagonists active and engaging throughout an RPG campaign. And the one foolproof way to make an unstoppable villain? Make them a squirrel. 00:00 Introduction02:26 I Should Roll promo03:14 What Makes a Villain Memorable?05:28 Make Them a Character, Not a Caricature07:47 Give Your Villain Layers27:35 Keep the Villain Active36:22 Don't Forget the Minor Antagonists43:16 Sometimes the Villain Is Funny44:39 Give Them a Weakness45:26 Make Players Want to Face Them1:00:08 Make Them Dynamic1:02:32 They Don't Have to Start as the Villain1:08:22 Make Them a Squirrel Homepagehttps://howwerollgaming.com Merch Store!https://merch.howwerollgaming.com Patreonhttps://www.patreon.com/HowWeRollGaming DriveThru RPG affiliate linkhttps://legacy.drivethrurpg.com/index.php?affiliate_id=4933263 I Should Roll Podcasthttps://ishouldroll.com/

This episode, we’re joined by Alex Damon of Star Wars Explained and Hyperdice to talk about taking a familiar galaxy in a new direction. From choosing and customizing a non-Star Wars RPG system to becoming a first-time GM and bringing a filmed actual play to life, Alex takes us behind the scenes of Hyperdice—including player-driven campaign creation, adapting Teens in Space, learning to prep less, and embracing the unexpected chaos of the table. 00:00 Introduction01:58 The Story Told Podcast02:48 Alex Damon joins us08:37 What is Hyperdice?14:55 What Alex wanted from the game27:08 Why Teens in Space?33:28 Adapting Teens in Space for Star Wars35:59 Tweaking the system—or not40:19 How GMing and filming changed Alex's perspective47:04 Lessons from doing vs planning52:22 How Hyperdice changed Alex's perspective56:11 Inspiring creativity and making people laugh1:12:21 A little news about our own actual plays1:13:59 Closing Homepagehttps://howwerollgaming.com Merch Store!https://merch.howwerollgaming.com Patreonhttps://www.patreon.com/HowWeRollGaming DriveThru RPG affiliate linkhttps://legacy.drivethrurpg.com/index.php?affiliate_id=4933263 The Story Told Podcasthttps://www.thestorytoldpodcast.com/ Hyperdicehttps://www.youtube.com/@hyperdicerpg Star Wars Explainedhttps://youtube.com/@StarWarsExplained

Roleplaying doesn’t require a great voice, a dramatic performance, or a background in theater. It’s about finding a way into your character and feeling comfortable enough to play them. In this episode, we talk about how players and GMs can encourage more roleplaying at the table—from using pre-generated characters and familiar archetypes to finding inspiration in other media, embracing little character quirks, and simply asking, “What would your character do?” We also share some of the memorable character moments from our own games and how small bits can grow into defining parts of a character. 00:00 Introduction13:54 Roleplaying Doesn’t Require an Oscar-Worthy Performance17:19 Creating a Safe Space for Roleplaying28:14 Using Pregenerated Characters to Encourage Roleplaying30:55 “Casting” an Actor for Your Character33:15 Playing Against Type43:29 Moving Beyond the Character You Had Planned1:04:41 When a Bit Becomes Part of the Character1:11:37 Find Your Way Into the Character and Lean Into It Homepagehttps://howwerollgaming.com Merch Store!https://merch.howwerollgaming.com Patreonhttps://www.patreon.com/HowWeRollGaming DriveThru RPG affiliate linkhttps://legacy.drivethrurpg.com/index.php?affiliate_id=4933263 Me and Steve Talk RPGshttps://meandsteverpg.podbean.com Lasers & Feelingshttp://www.onesevendesign.com/laserfeelings/

Daryl, Nick, & Robert kick off with a recap of the GenCon 2026 D&D/Wizards of the Coast announcement that sparked confusion over whether Edge Studios still holds the Star Wars RPG license (they do), which leads into a deep-dive history of the license's rocky journey from Fantasy Flight Games to Edge Studio. From there, the crew shifts to the main topic: five practical frameworks GMs can use to make a well-trodden IP like Star Wars feel personal at the table — from putting players in the shoes of background characters, to mining different eras and legacy material, to breaking canon outright. 00:00 Cold Open & Banter01:40 GenCon News & the History of the Star Wars RPG License22:27 Order 66 Podcast Shoutout & Running Bits26:56 Main Topic: How Do You Make Star Wars Your Own?29:36 "From a Certain Point of View" — Playing background characters instead of the movie heroes36:54 Eras — Using the High Republic and other under-explored timeframes46:38 Legends — Mining decanonized material (Warlord Era, Yuuzhan Vong, etc.)57:14 Sequels & Legacy — Post-Skywalker Saga settings, including Order 66's Fractured Republic and the hosts' own campaigns1:15:50 Breaking Canon — When and how to deviate from established continuity1:27:56 Mixing Approaches, Final Thoughts & Sign-off Homepagehttps://howwerollgaming.com Merch Store!https://merch.howwerollgaming.com Patreonhttps://www.patreon.com/HowWeRollGaming DriveThru RPG affiliate linkhttps://legacy.drivethrurpg.com/index.php?affiliate_id=4933263 The Order 66 Podcasthttps://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/order-66-podcast-38220

Every great RPG campaign has a villain the players never forget. In this RPG Glory Stories episode, Daryl, Nick, and Robert share stories about the masterminds, monsters, rivals, and Big Bads they loved to hate. Tune in for memorable villains, epic showdowns, and the lessons that made these antagonists unforgettable. Homepagehttps://howwerollgaming.com Merch Store!https://merch.howwerollgaming.com Patreonhttps://www.patreon.com/HowWeRollGaming DriveThru RPG affiliate linkhttps://legacy.drivethrurpg.com/index.php?affiliate_id=4933263 Eberron Renewed - An Actual Play Podcasthttps://zencastr.com/Eberron-Renewed

Anatomy of a Campaign begins with one of our most ambitious RPG experiences: Delta Green: Impossible Landscapes. Nick shares what it was like running this acclaimed published campaign, while Daryl, Nick, and Robert discuss the unique approach that made it our own. Between the campaign's major acts, each of us run original "interlude" adventures set during the years- and decades-long gaps in the story, expanding the lives of the agents beyond the published material. Join us as we explore the inspiration, preparation, challenges, and lessons behind weaving three Game Masters' ideas into one unforgettable campaign. Homepagehttps://howwerollgaming.com Merch Store!https://merch.howwerollgaming.com Patreonhttps://www.patreon.com/HowWeRollGaming DriveThru RPG affiliate linkhttps://legacy.drivethrurpg.com/index.php?affiliate_id=4933263 We Fix Gameshttps://glitterfoxmedia.com/we-fix-games-2/

This episode, Daryl and Nick welcome Betsy and Lauren to discuss LGBTQ+ representation and inclusion in tabletop gaming. Betsy talks about building welcoming tables where everyone can feel comfortable being themselves, while Lauren shares stories from the games she runs and the creative ways her players express identity through roleplaying. It's a thoughtful conversation about community, storytelling, and why gaming is at its best when everyone has a seat at the table. Homepagehttps://howwerollgaming.com Merch Store!https://merch.howwerollgaming.com Patreonhttps://www.patreon.com/HowWeRollGaming DriveThru RPG affiliate linkhttps://legacy.drivethrurpg.com/index.php?affiliate_id=4933263 I Should Roll Podcasthttps://ishouldroll.com/

Robert is away, so Daryl and Nick are left unsupervised for another installment of Let's Stat an Overpowered Adversary! This time, they're diving into a galaxy far, far away to build RPG stats for Din Djarin (The Mandalorian), Grogu, and Rotta the Hutt. From beskar armor and Force powers to Hutt-sized ambitions, the hosts break down what makes these characters so formidable—and how to bring them to your tabletop. Homepagehttps://howwerollgaming.com Merch Store!https://merch.howwerollgaming.com Patreonhttps://www.patreon.com/HowWeRollGaming DriveThru RPG affiliate linkhttps://legacy.drivethrurpg.com/index.php?affiliate_id=4933263 The Story Told Podcasthttps://www.thestorytoldpodcast.com/ Adventures in Babysitting (fan-made Mandalorian season 1 & 2 sourcebook) https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hSbEmKWgk7GSNXuTPLR9o5g-3laRJp9b/view

This time out, the crew talks about one of the most important GM skills: reading the room. Knowing when players are engaged, when they’re checking out, and when it’s time to pivot before the campaign stalls out completely. Daryl & Nick also share the story of a Star Wars campaign where the GM missed the warning signs, leaving the party stuck in one location for way longer than anyone at the table wanted. Homepagehttps://howwerollgaming.com Merch Store!https://merch.howwerollgaming.com Patreonhttps://www.patreon.com/HowWeRollGaming DriveThru RPG affiliate linkhttps://legacy.drivethrurpg.com/index.php?affiliate_id=4933263 Me and Steve Talk RPGshttps://meandsteverpg.podbean.com

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

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

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

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