Ep.23: Burning Wheel
Burning Wheel has stayed Scott’s favorite RPG for a reason, and this two-hour episode digs into the specifics. We look at how the game’s tools reinforce each other at the table: lifepath character creation, goal-driven play, organic advancement, and combat with real risk. In combination, those systems tend to produce strong characterization and narrative momentum without forcing outcomes.
Burning Wheel is an fantasy RPG designed by Luke Crane that pretty consistently shows up in many of the top lists of Indie RPG’s. It uses a d6 dice-pool engine and centers play on character beliefs and consequential choices. The current core book, Burning Wheel Gold Revised, is presented by the publisher as the definitive revised edition.
Even in this short session, the interplay of these mechanics creates standout moments—scenes shaped by player intent, and tension that comes from pressure rather than pre-scripted plot. If you’re interested in how system and story lock together in practice, this episode works as a clear case study. Hope you enjoy as much as we did.
For more on the discussion of System and Style check out our written articles and Scott’s additional thoughts on specific systems on our YouTube channel.
Topics discussed:
00:00:30 Introduce Characters
00:16:45 Scene One - The Arrival
00:28:10 Scene Two - The Prodigal Child Returns
00:37:00 Scene Three - The Race to the Throne
00:48:25 Scene Four - Slip Away
00:56:00 Scene Five - Involving the Etharch
01:05:00 Scene Six - The Receiving Room
01:08:50 Scene Seven - Sibling Reunion
01:23:00 Scene Eight- Gathering Storm
01:37:00 Scene Nine - Now We Hunt Orc
01:59:30 Debrief - Song of Unraveling
