story, system, and what makes RPGs tick…
As game masters and writers, we want to expose how narratives and mechanics influence each other, shaping the outcomes of our games. Sometimes we will include one shot Actual-Plays to demonstrate different systems or methods of play, and have various guests join in the discussion.
Ep.25: Cypher Systems
In Episode 25 we explore the Cypher System through a fantasy lens with guest SJ McKean, covering universal RPG design, narrative mechanics, and flexible storytelling.
Ep.24: Setting & System
Explore how setting, and mechanics interact in tabletop RPGs—and how the assumptions following from setting and game systems shape player behavior, narrative momentum, and play at the table.
Ep.23: Burning Wheel
Modern Mythology Ep. 23 examines Burning Wheel, the indie fantasy RPG by Luke Crane. In a two-hour session, we dig into lifepath character creation, Beliefs-driven goals, organic advancement, and dangerous combat, and why those tools create memorable character arcs.
Ep.7: Zhenya’s wonder tales, interview and actual play
This is an auxiliary episode highlighting an exciting new story game from Bully Pulpit Games, Zhenya's Wonder Tales, a GMless rpg driven by cards to tell grim slavic-inspired fairy tales. We do our first interview with the game designer, Jason Morningstar - prolific designer of Fiasco, Shab-al-hiri Roach, and Gray Ranks, among others.