Tabletop Tune Up

Here's a podcast for you, the rpg gamemaster (or dungeonmaster). Join your hosts and GMs Ben Dyer and Mark Lehman as they give you the short-form tips and tricks on how to make your rpg adventures easier for you and more fun for everyone.Theme music by Suno, cover image by Dall-E.

Tabletop Tune Up is a leisure podcast hosted by Ben Dyer and Mark Lehman, with 62 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80.

Ben Dyer and Mark Lehman hosts Tabletop Tune Up, a leisure show with 62 episodes published.

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  Episode #62

  The Old School Renaissance

  Sep 20, 202636 minS1

  How good were the good old days? In this week's episode, Mark and Ben talk about the Old School Renaissance, a trend in modern games to return to themes and styles of play popular in the early days of role-playing games like Dungeons and Dragons. We'll talk about some of those themes and styles, and what makes them a refreshing alternative to modern gameplay today. Was it all great? Probably not, but tune in this week and learn more about a whole category of games that will inspire you to consider traveling the hobby's ancient roads in your next game.

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  Episode #61

  Running the First Session

  Jun 30, 202629 minS1

  In this session, Mark and Ben talk about a recent campaign they've just started, and how to start that first session well. Whether it's getting players into the action or setting up the story threads that bring the characters together beyond the initial moments of adventure, we'll discuss how to make the first session one that gets your players interested in a second one after it. Join us and we'll help you start your next game well!

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  Episode #60

  Cultural Appreciation

  May 6, 202630 minS1

  <p>This time Mark and Ben take on the touchy topic of cultural appropriation in RPG settings. As a worldbuilder and in the run of your games, you'll draw on real world history, culture, and traditions, and it's likely not all of them will be your own. We discuss how to do so with appreciation and sensitivity rather than stereotypes and exoticism. Tune in for our deep dive into one of our most challenging topics!</p>

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  Episode #59

  Planetcrafting

  Apr 7, 202637 minS1

  <p>In this episode, Mark and Ben seek out the lore of how to create and use strange new worlds in a variety of different science fiction genres. Whether it's hard science fiction focused on the science of the setting, soft science fiction focused dramatic alien encounters, or the science fantasy settings where planets exist to serve high adventure, we cover ideas and examples that will help you bring alien worlds to life in your next campaign.</p>

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  Episode #58

  Railroading, All Aboard!

  Mar 21, 202632 minS1

  <p>In this episode, Mark and Ben discuss the complaint, issue, and (surprising!) opportunity of railroading your player characters. We'll talk about when to put smart limits on player agency for the benefit of the game and the players. In this week's Tune Up segment, we also talk about how to make travel an interesting gameplay element rather than an obstacle to getting to the next encounter.</p>

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