Around the Hearth

Roll for Origin: Supers TTRPG History looks at two closely linked licensed supers games: Smallville and Marvel Heroic. To dig into this pair, Lowell and Jay bring on Rich Rogers (Hit the Streets: Defend the Block; +1 Forward) to give his perspectives as a GM and player. We talk about the system mechanics of the two games, including the big differences, the publication history of MWP, the media touchstones for these properties, and then give our general thoughts-- including wondering where our Smallville retroclones are...If you dig this series, please rate, review, and subscribe.Jay's the author of By Aecer’s Light, The Clockwinders for Fate, Cortex Prime's Supers, and a contributing author on Pathfinder’s Mwangi Expanse, Trophy Gold, Hit the Streets: Defend the Block, and the upcoming Lifted: Indomitable RPG, a supers game about everyday folks with extraordinary powers in a tech-aggressive world.Check out Mad Jay's work at Play.Fearless and at the Diceology Podcast.You can find Rich's game, Hit the Streets here. Lowell is the designer and co-author of Hearts of Wulin. He's the ENnie-winning creator of the Age of Ravens blog and community manager for the Open Hearth Gaming Community. You can find Lowell's work on YouTube, on Itch.io, and on DriveThruRPG.Find out more about the Open Hearth Gaming CommunitySupport us on Patreon!Our actual play podcast can be found hereFollow us on Tumblr: https://www.tumblr.com/blog/open-hearth-rpgBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/openhearthrpgMastodon: @[email protected]:00 Intro01:48 Pitch and Mechanics12:11 Publication History17:46 Where these Licenses Were23:28 Thoughts

In this episode of the Open Hearth Podcast, host Lowell Francis (edige23) once again talks with a couple of community members about their recent gaming. This time we have veteran community couple Tyler and Patrick. We talk preparations for an upcoming Ars Magica campaign and how it fits with past campaigns, the challenges and joys of long-running story campaigns, and the intersection of current events and modern superhero gaming. We finish up with some of the things we've been digging recently. May the Fourth: Star Wars Minicon 2026Ars Magica Manager Tyler's YouTubeFind out more about the Open Hearth Gaming CommunitySupport us on Patreon!Our actual play podcast can be found hereFollow us on Tumblr: https://www.tumblr.com/blog/open-hearth-rpgBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/openhearthrpgMastodon: @[email protected] 00:00 Introduction01:40 Patrick & Ars Magica16:22 Tyler & long-running story campaigns29:33 Lowell & the challenges of modern supers games40:52 Giving Me Life

This episode presents a community talk from back in 2022. It features Rae Nedjadi, David MK, and myself talking about managing and working with playtests. It seemed like a useful thing to get back into the feed, so I've cleaned up the audio for posting. We talk about planning playtests, setting expectations, dealing with feedback, and filtering input. Rae Nedjadi on itch.ioRae Nedjadi on PatreonDavid MK on itch.ioDavid MK on PatreonFind out more about the Open Hearth Gaming CommunitySupport us on Patreon!Our actual play podcast can be found hereFollow us on Tumblr: https://www.tumblr.com/blog/open-hearth-rpgBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/openhearthrpgMastodon: @[email protected]

In our fifth episode of Roll for Mutation, we look at two different licensed post-apocalyptic TTRPGs from the 1990s. First, World of Tank Girl, part of West End Games Masterbook series which apparently launched even before the film it was based on hit the theaters. Then we cover Ralph Bakshi's Wizards, based on the eponymous wild animated movie from the 1970s. We talk about what both games do, the source materials, their specific apocalypses, and how both games showcase 1990's game design tendencies: for better or worse (Lowell says worse).References Designers and Dragons: The 1980s Designers and Dragons: The 1990sTank Girl on WikipediaWizards on WikipediaFor other shows like this, check out Roll for Origin: Supers TTRPG History. Marc Majcher is an award-winning game designer, performer, educator, director, woodworker, writer, and all-around goblin-man recently relocated from Austin, Texas to East Lansing, Michigan. You can find their RPGs and LARPs inspired by the works of Philip K. Dick, a bird apocalypse, eldritch startup cults, viral videos, and much, much more at https://majcher.itch.io/ and everything else at https://majcher.com/. Lowell Francis is the designer and co-author of Hearts of Wulin. He's the ENnie-winning creator of the Age of Ravens blog and community manager for the Open Hearth Gaming Community. You can find Lowell's work on YouTube, on Itch.io, and on DriveThruRPG.Find out more about the Open Hearth Gaming CommunitySupport us on Patreon!Our actual play podcast can be found hereFollow us on Tumblr: https://www.tumblr.com/blog/open-hearth-rpgBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/openhearthrpgMastodon: @[email protected]: Here Comes the Night Karl Casey @White Bat Audio00:00 Introduction: Licensed Apocalypses02:02 Tank Girl24:41 Ralph Bakshi's Wizards

While the Open Hearth Community has often focused on one-shots, two-shots, and monthly short campaigns, there's always the siren call of running a longer series: a quarterly or beyond. In this community talk we're going to talk about "long" campaign best practices, planning, dealing with burnout, and more. Lowell has ideas and he'll be leading this discussion group– relying mostly on the participation of folks who join us and desperately filling dead air in between points. This is part of our Open Hearth series of community RPG talks. LinksMicroscope Microscope with 13th AgeArium Talking World Building (OH Podcast Episode)Age of Ravens Campaign Builder Decks Trinity Game Prep Sheet World Ending Game Find out more about the Open Hearth Gaming CommunitySupport us on Patreon!Our actual play podcast can be found hereFollow us on Tumblr: https://www.tumblr.com/blog/open-hearth-rpgBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/openhearthrpgMastodon: @[email protected]

Ian, José, and special guest Shane explore the space between direct exposition and embodied demonstration during play. How are these two approaches different? What are their best use cases? And how can they, when used well, support each other, the player, and the entire table?Jason Morningstar's great essay, "How to End" - https://www.patreon.com/posts/how-to-end-116645883Find out more about the Open Hearth Gaming CommunityOur website - it's 🤖 Mecha March 🤖Support us on Patreon!Our actual play podcast can be found hereFollow us on Tumblr: https://www.tumblr.com/blog/open-hearth-rpgBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/openhearthrpgMastodon: @[email protected] info:Email: [email protected]: https://lloydeaves.bandcamp.com/album/a-different-kind-of-hex

Roll for Origin: Supers TTRPG History looks all four editions of one of the most important modern supers TTRPGs, Mutants & Masterminds. Jay and Lowell talk about the core elements of the game-- what has remained the same and how the powers system has shifted over time. They then cover the publication history of the game and how each edition rolled out, followed by talk about how M&M has dealt with media, genres, and a few IPs. The episode then wraps up with a general discussion, where *spoilers* Lowell talks about why this has become his favorite trad-leaning supers game and his most embarrassing convention story.Mutants & Masterminds 4e Kickstarter (running through March 5, 2026)The Play Fearless Greatest Crits Zine Kickstarter (Jay's project running through March 1, 2026)Muses of Play (Mad Jay and Sarah Doom's new podcast project)Mutants & Masterminds System Guide for 3eRPGs I Like: Mutants & Masterminds, 2e (Part One)RPGs I Like: Mutants & Masterminds, 2e (Part Two)If you dig this series, please rate, review, and subscribe.Jay's the author of By Aecer’s Light, The Clockwinders for Fate, Cortex Prime's Supers, and a contributing author on Pathfinder’s Mwangi Expanse, Trophy Gold, Hit the Streets: Defend the Block, and the upcoming Lifted: Indomitable RPG, a supers game about everyday folks with extraordinary powers in a tech-aggressive world.Check out Mad Jay's work at Play.Fearless and at the Diceology Podcast.Lowell is the designer and co-author of Hearts of Wulin. He's the ENnie-winning creator of the Age of Ravens blog and community manager for the Open Hearth Gaming Community. You can find Lowell's work on YouTube, on Itch.io, and on DriveThruRPG.Find out more about the Open Hearth Gaming CommunitySupport us on Patreon!Our actual play podcast can be found hereFollow us on Tumblr: https://www.tumblr.com/blog/open-hearth-rpgBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/openhearthrpgMastodon: @[email protected]:00 Intro01:13 The Pitch09:34 Gaming History17:53 Comics & Media History25:53 Thoughts

Since almost the beginning, game publishers have supplemented games with pre-generated dungeons, scenarios, and campaigns. Some of these have becomes touchstones among players: Isle of Dread, The Enemy Within, Masks of Nyarlathotep, and beyond. But sometimes you don't want to run that system; would like to swap the scenario over to another genre or setting, or don't want to commit to a two-year campaign outline. Rich Rogers- veteran of many Star Wars adaptations and beyond- and Lowell Francis talk about some tactics for adapting these stories and along with questions, comments, and input from community members. This is part of our Open Hearth series of community RPG talks. Against the Dark ConspiracyAuspicious BeginningsStrangers in PraxFear of a Black DragonFind out more about the Open Hearth Gaming CommunitySupport us on Patreon!Our actual play podcast can be found hereFollow us on Tumblr: https://www.tumblr.com/blog/open-hearth-rpgBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/openhearthrpgMastodon: @[email protected]

In our fourth episode of Roll for Mutation, we look at one of the most important post-apocalyptic games, Apocalypse World. We consider both the impact of PbtA and the depiction of "the Apocalypse" in AW-- and how it differs from other contemporary games. Hosts Lowell Francis and Marc Majcher cover the short but rich history of AW and its long tail. We talk about what Apocalypse World is, where it fits in gaming history, our experiences playing it, and our general thoughts about the game.ReferencesTabletop RPG Design in Theory and Practice at the Forge, 2001–2012: Designs and DiscussionsDesigners & Dragons Volume 4 The 2000sApocalypse World: Burned Over is kinder and much angrierThe Daily Apocalypse+1 Forward: A Podcast Powered by the ApocalypseApocalypse World Burned Over KickstarterRascal Interview with Macolm CraigFor other shows like this, check out Roll for Origin: Supers TTRPG History. Marc Majcher is an award-winning game designer, performer, educator, director, woodworker, writer, and all-around goblin-man recently relocated from Austin, Texas to East Lansing, Michigan. You can find their RPGs and LARPs inspired by the works of Philip K. Dick, a bird apocalypse, eldritch startup cults, viral videos, and much, much more at https://majcher.itch.io/ and everything else at https://majcher.com/. Lowell Francis is the designer and co-author of Hearts of Wulin. He's the ENnie-winning creator of the Age of Ravens blog and community manager for the Open Hearth Gaming Community. You can find Lowell's work on YouTube, on Itch.io, and on DriveThruRPG.Find out more about the Open Hearth Gaming CommunitySupport us on Patreon!Our actual play podcast can be found hereFollow us on Tumblr: https://www.tumblr.com/blog/open-hearth-rpgBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/openhearthrpgMastodon: @[email protected]: Here Comes the Night Karl Casey @White Bat Audio00:00 Introduction: Apocalypse World03:30 What It Is13:26 Publication/Gaming History25:19 Media Context/Influences32:23 General Thoughts

What makes a good city in a role-playing game? People, places, factions, rumors? We're going to be talking about that and bringing together your insights. This community discussion ranges widely but includes: tools for building cities, techniques for making cities feel alive, mapping, citybook resources, and more. While we don't follow my outline, you can see my planning doc here. Find out more about the Open Hearth Gaming CommunitySupport us on Patreon!Our actual play podcast can be found hereFollow us on Tumblr: https://www.tumblr.com/blog/open-hearth-rpgBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/openhearthrpgMastodon: @[email protected]

As the first installment in a series of episodes on improv tools at the gaming table, Ian & José are joined by Karen Twelves, the author of Improv for Gamers, to discuss how players can make and receive meaningful offers in TTRPGs.Timecodes0:04:37 Pick your Poison0:24:25 What's an Offer?0:31:17 Creating Offers and Listening for Them0:36:53 Formal and Informal Ways to Offer0:46:30 Offers that Endow Others0:51:02 Nuancing Improv's Rules of Thumb0:57:15 Prepping for Spontaneity1:01:09 Ending Scenes1:06:57 The Pressure to Make Something Happen1:13:50 Pearl of Wisdom1:16:10 OutroKaren's Workhttps://karentwelves.com/Improv for GamersFind out more about the Open Hearth Gaming CommunitySupport us on Patreon!Our actual play podcast can be found hereFollow us on Tumblr: https://www.tumblr.com/blog/open-hearth-rpgBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/openhearthrpgMastodon: @[email protected] info:Email: [email protected]: https://lloydeaves.bandcamp.com/album/a-different-kind-of-hex

Roll for Origin: Supers TTRPG History looks at two related RPG systems. First Godlike, the World War II supers game that leans into realism and consistency. Second Wild Talents, the evolution of the systems from Godlike which can follow that history or be recast into a generic supers RPG. The hosts look at what both games do, their place in the history of gaming, and the influence of related comics media. They wrap that up general discussion, including what what's weird and what they dug.If you dig this series, please rate, review, and subscribe.Jay's the author of By Aecer’s Light, The Clockwinders for Fate, Cortex Prime's Supers, and a contributing author on Pathfinder’s Mwangi Expanse, Trophy Gold, Hit the Streets: Defend the Block, and the upcoming Lifted: Indomitable RPG, a supers game about everyday folks with extraordinary powers in a tech-aggressive world.Check out Mad Jay's work at Play.Fearless and at the Diceology Podcast.Lowell is the designer and co-author of Hearts of Wulin. He's the ENnie-winning creator of the Age of Ravens blog and community manager for the Open Hearth Gaming Community. You can find Lowell's work on YouTube, on Itch.io, and on DriveThruRPG.Thanks to Rich Rogers for the edit of this episode.Find out more about the Open Hearth Gaming CommunitySupport us on Patreon!Our actual play podcast can be found hereFollow us on Tumblr: https://www.tumblr.com/blog/open-hearth-rpgBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/openhearthrpgMastodon: @[email protected]:00 Intro01:10 The Pitch09:34 Gaming History17:00 Comics & Media History21:44 Thoughts

In this episode host Lowell Francis is joined by Kieron Gillen and Cat Rambo to talk about recent games, plans for future games, current writing projects, and more.Kieron GillenNewsletter: buttondown.email/KieronGillen/ Comics: bindings.app/shelf/1FLv6kLb Website: [email protected] on BlueSky Cat Rambohttps://www.catrambo.com/Wayward Wormhole Workshop @catrambo.bsky.social on BlueSkyFind out more about the Open Hearth Gaming CommunitySupport us on Patreon!Our actual play podcast can be found hereFollow us on Tumblr: https://www.tumblr.com/blog/open-hearth-rpgBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/openhearthrpgMastodon: @[email protected]:00 Introduction​01:52 Kieron Gillen & Mythic Bastionland11:42 Cat Rambo & Villa Encantata (still in design)19:53 Lowell & Rapscallion30:31 Upcoming Publications & Giving Me Life

A collection of favorite tabletop RPGs of 2025 from our community members. It's split into three sections, with host picks in-between.Find out more about the Open Hearth Gaming CommunitySupport us on Patreon!Our actual play podcast can be found hereFollow us on Tumblr: https://www.tumblr.com/blog/open-hearth-rpgBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/openhearthrpgMastodon: @[email protected] | Apocalypse KeysRae Nedjadi | HarvestAlexander Marchant | Last Train to BremenHorst | Mystic BastionlandMarc Majcher | Triangle Agency / Ultraviolet GrasslandsMads | Trophy DarkAnders | Sentinel Comics RPGKieron Gillan | Seven Part PactMike Minutillo | The WatchJim Crocker | Band of BladesSean Smith | OD&DTea | Sundered IslesFerret | PrometheanSherri | DIEJesse Ableman | HarvestWill | Mystic BastionlandWyllora | Triangle AgencyCasey | Yazeba's Bed and BreakfastMike Ferdinando | Ultraviolet GrasslandsAlun Rees | GrimwildJex Thomas | ExileNat Knight | Blood FeudGerrit Reninghaus | Pizza BoxLloyd Gyan | DaggerheartMichele | AnamnesisGuy Milner | You Must Leave This Party AloneRich Rogers | SmallvilleLowell | Writers' RoomSina | Apocalypse KeysThomas Manuel | Last Train to Bremen, Impossible Landscapes, HarvestGabe | Mystic BastionlandWill S | Triangle AgencyMichael D | Yazeba's Bed and BreakfastDom | Cats of CthulhuShane | OddfolkAmanda Mullins | NumbskullsDonogh McCarthy | Star Trek Adventures 2nd edCat | Triangle AgencyDavid MK | Stonetop, AWBO, Ex-CapesBez | Chapter Dungeon CrawlerJosé | Girl by Moonlight

In this episode host Lowell Francis is joined by Michael D. and Alun R. to talk about the ups and downs of "funny" game mechanics, a modern approach to traditional fantasy, and facing down what feels like inescapable doom. They examine light rules for sitcoms, new rules with an old feel, and a game that puts you on the losing side of a war.Please note that we will not be releasing any more episodes in December, but look for our upcoming annual Games of the Year episode dropping at the start of 2026!Going for BrokeGrimwildBand of BladesPanda's Talking GamesViva La QueerBar (English)Viva La QueerBar (Deutsch)Lowell's Dumb Honkai Star Rail Returning Player CodeMichaelhttps://kpopandrpgs.itch.io/KPOPandRPGs on social media or @kpopandrpgs or Michael D on Discord.Alunhttps://gallusgames.itch.io/@gallusgames or Alun R on [email protected] on BlueSkyFind out more about the Open Hearth Gaming CommunitySupport us on Patreon!Our actual play podcast can be found hereFollow us on Tumblr: https://www.tumblr.com/blog/open-hearth-rpgBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/openhearthrpgMastodon: @[email protected]:00 Introduction01:55 Michael & Going For Broke16:10 Alun & Grimwild29:24 Lowell & Band of Blades49:19 Giving Me Life

Note: we had some audio issues with this recording (apologies)! In our third episode of Roll for Mutation, a look at the history of Post-Apocalyptic TTRPGs, we bow in abject obeisance Friend Computer and the incomparably perfect TTRPG Paranoia from West End Games and then Mongoose. We consider the different editions and how we live in a phenomenal time which sometimes necessitates updating. But of course it never actually changed, since the Computer tells us that it has always been that way. Hosts Lowell Francis and Marc Majcher cover the extended history of the game and how it desperately raced to keep itself contemporary. We talk about what Paranoia is, where it fits in gaming history, our split experience playing it, and our general thoughts about the game.ReferencesParanoia on WikipediaParanoia on RPG GeekRPGNet Interview with James Wallis, Grant Howitt & Paul DeanThe Toothpaste DisasterDesigners & Dragons Volume 2 The 1980s For other shows like this, check out Roll for Origin: Supers TTRPG History. Marc Majcher is an award-winning game designer, performer, educator, director, woodworker, writer, and all-around goblin-man recently relocated from Austin, Texas to East Lansing, Michigan. You can find their RPGs and LARPs inspired by the works of Philip K. Dick, a bird apocalypse, eldritch startup cults, viral videos, and much, much more at https://majcher.itch.io/ and everything else at https://majcher.com/. Lowell Francis is the designer and co-author of Hearts of Wulin. He's the ENnie-winning creator of the Age of Ravens blog and community manager for the Open Hearth Gaming Community. You can find Lowell's work on YouTube, on Itch.io, and on DriveThruRPG.Find out more about the Open Hearth Gaming CommunitySupport us on Patreon!Our actual play podcast can be found hereFollow us on Tumblr: https://www.tumblr.com/blog/open-hearth-rpgBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/openhearthrpgMastodon: @[email protected]: Here Comes the Night Karl Casey @White Bat Audio00:00 Introduction: Paranoia00:45 What is it?09:28 Gaming History21:10 The Media Context28:47 Our Thoughts

Content Advisory: character death, ritual sacrificeIan & José are joined by Wyllora to explore what it means to fail in an RPG, and why we might want to do it on purpose. How do we define "success" in games, and what are the ways we can step outside that limit with agency?Wyllora’s Work: Art - https://www.artstation.com/wylloraGame Design - https://wyllora.itch.io/Triangle Agency Holiday-themed Game Jam! - https://itch.io/jam/time-and-a-halfFind out more about the Open Hearth Gaming CommunitySupport us on Patreon!Our actual play podcast can be found here Follow us on Tumblr: https://www.tumblr.com/blog/open-hearth-rpgBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/openhearthrpgMastodon: @[email protected] Our info:email: [email protected]: https://lloydeaves.bandcamp.com/album/a-different-kind-of-hex

Lets talk widescreen, big idea sci-fi. Games of space fleets, interstellar empires, sometimes aliens-- big ideas and lasers. Games like Star Trek Adventures, Traveller, Fading Suns, Space Wyrm vs Moonicorn, Dune, Coriolis, Scum & Villainy, Ashen Stars, Star Wars, Last Fleet, and the like. Talking Space Opera is another in our series of community discussions. It looks at sci-fi gaming and this tent-pole sub-genre. Our discussion ranges widely but includes: What is Space Opera, Space Combat, Aliens, Space Travel, Making Characters Not Feel Small in a Big Universe, Collaborative Building, and more. Selected Games MentionedOnce More into the Void Cluster Rust Hulks Fellowship Starscape Storm Furies Rebel Few Tachyon Squadron Superbandit Stars Without Number Golgotha Through the Void Uncharted Worlds Recommended Reading: Colonialism and the Emergence of Science FictionFind out more about the Open Hearth Gaming CommunitySupport us on Patreon!Our actual play podcast can be found hereFollow us on Tumblr: https://www.tumblr.com/blog/open-hearth-rpgBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/openhearthrpgMastodon: @[email protected]

Roll for Origin: Supers TTRPG History jumps forward significantly in time to just after the d20 boom/bust cycle. Today's focus is Ross Payton's independently produced and Kickstarted Base Raiders. They go over what the game is, its place in the history of gaming, and what was going on in comics media at the time. They then move to general discussion, including what what's weird and what they dug. We talk a little about how you might adapt this elsewhere and its place in the history of Fate.If you dig this series, please rate, review, and subscribe. Jay's the author of By Aecer’s Light, The Clockwinders for Fate, Cortex Prime's Supers, and a contributing author on Pathfinder’s Mwangi Expanse, Trophy Gold, Hit the Streets: Defend the Block, and the upcoming Lifted: Indomitable RPG, a supers game about everyday folks with extraordinary powers in a tech-aggressive world.Check out Mad Jay's work at Play.Fearless and at the Diceology Podcast.Lowell is the designer and co-author of Hearts of Wulin. He's the ENnie-winning creator of the Age of Ravens blog and community manager for the Open Hearth Gaming Community. You can find Lowell's work on YouTube, on Itch.io, and on DriveThruRPG. Find out more about the Open Hearth Gaming CommunitySupport us on Patreon!Our actual play podcast can be found here Follow us on Tumblr: https://www.tumblr.com/blog/open-hearth-rpgBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/openhearthrpgMastodon: @[email protected] 00:00 Intro00:58 The Pitch05:11 Gaming History08:12 Comics & Media History12:09 Thoughts

In our second episode of Roll for Mutation, a look at the history of Post-Apocalyptic TTRPGs, we tackle Twilight 2000 from GDW, focusing on those original editions but with some discussion of Twilight 2013 and Twilight 2K. Hosts Lowell Francis and Marc Majcher cover the extended history of the game and how it desperately raced to keep itself contemporary. We talk about what Twilight 2000 is, where it fits in gaming history, why there used to be a "Men's Adventure" section in bookstores, and our general thoughts about the game. ReferencesTwilight 2000 on WikipediaTwilight 2000 on RPG Geek Grognardia on Twilight 2000, Merc 2000 RPGNet Review of Twilight 2013 Designers & Dragons Volume 1 The 1970s For other shows like this, check out Roll for Origin: Supers TTRPG History. Marc Majcher is an award-winning game designer, performer, educator, director, woodworker, writer, and all-around goblin-man recently relocated from Austin, Texas to East Lansing, Michigan. You can find their RPGs and larps inspired by the works of Philip K Dick, a bird apocalypse, eldritch startup cults, viral videos, and much, much more at https://majcher.itch.io/ and everything else at https://majcher.com/. Lowell is the designer and co-author of Hearts of Wulin. He's the ENnie-winning creator of the Age of Ravens blog and community manager for the Open Hearth Gaming Community. You can find Lowell's work on YouTube, on Itch.io, and on DriveThruRPG. Find out more about the Open Hearth Gaming CommunitySupport us on Patreon!Our actual play podcast can be found here Follow us on Tumblr: https://www.tumblr.com/blog/open-hearth-rpgBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/openhearthrpgMastodon: @[email protected] Music: Here Comes the Night Karl Casey @White Bat Audio00:00 Introduction: Twilight 200001:43 What is it?08:34 Gaming History16:46 The Media Context21:44 Our Thoughts

What's the game you've wanted to get to the table but haven't been able to? What's the campaign premise you've considered but don't know how to make it work? What's the rpg that just couldn't actually function if you tried to run it online? What's the wild concept that you know would crash-out but it amuses you just the same?In this group chat for our Shared Hearth Open Gaming Con, community members talk about the ones that got away and the ones they're fearful of pursuing. We talk about a ton of different games including: Mage, Hearts of Wulin, Slugblaster, Good Society, Legacy: Life Among the Ruins, Scarred Lands, Mountain Home, and many more. A great discussion thread on our Discord inspired this conversation.Find out more about the Open Hearth Gaming CommunitySupport us on Patreon!Our actual play podcast can be found hereFollow us on Tumblr: https://www.tumblr.com/blog/open-hearth-rpgBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/openhearthrpgMastodon: @[email protected]

This week we present a bonus episode for both Roll for Origin & Roll for Mutation. Lowell chats with Pedro Barrenechea, lead designer for Rotted Capes 2nd Edition, a post-apocalyptic game of superheroes. They chat early game experiences, how the first edition came about, revising the rules, and more. Rotted Capes 2e Backerkit Sign Up Rotted Capes 1e on DTRPGPedro aka StatMonkey on BlueskyFind out more about the Open Hearth Gaming CommunitySupport us on Patreon!Our actual play podcast can be found here Follow us on Tumblr: https://www.tumblr.com/blog/open-hearth-rpgBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/openhearthrpgMastodon: @[email protected]

For this episode we've cleaned up the audio from an older community seminar on running one-shots. Like several of our other "Talking" episodes, this has Lowell Francis giving a talk, mixed in with questions from the chat and a Q&A at the end. We cover pacing, set up, safety, problem players, structure, and more. You can check out the outline for the talk here. Other Resources:Burn After Running: RPG One-Shots (probably the best resource for this out there)Running One Shots from Age of Ravens One Shot Podcast Network Keith Stetson on Running Itras By as a one-shotFind out more about the Open Hearth Gaming CommunitySupport us on Patreon!Our actual play podcast can be found here Follow us on Tumblr: https://www.tumblr.com/blog/open-hearth-rpgBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/openhearthrpgMastodon: @[email protected]

In this episode Host Lowell Francis talks with Becky Annison and Josh Fox of Black Armada games about what they've been playing, herbal witches, the final frontier, their Kickstarter for Ex Tenebris, and much more. The Ex Tenebris Kickstarter Black Armada GamesBlack Armada on itchJosh Bluesky: @armadajosh.bsky.socialBecky Bluesky: @beckyannison.bsky.socialWise WomenRapscallionStar Trek Adventures 2eSecrets of the Silent WitchFind out more about the Open Hearth Gaming CommunitySupport us on Patreon!Our actual play podcast can be found here Follow us on Tumblr: https://www.tumblr.com/blog/open-hearth-rpgBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/openhearthrpgMastodon: @[email protected] 00:00 Introduction​01:45 Josh & Ex Tenebris16:25 Becky & Wise Women25:02 Lowell & Star Trek Adventures 2e36:26 Giving Me Life

Content Advisory: colonialism & imperialism; sexual violence in a horror/vampire context; death of loved ones, including miscarriage; excessive immersion; grief & bleakness.Mads joins Ian & José to talk about the relationship between player & character, the Magic Circle that divides them, and how experience can Bleed through from one to the other. Along the way we discuss some of the pitfalls of immersive gameplay, how to dial up or down that immersion, ways to stem the Bleed once it’s already started - and, of course, vampires!Mads’ Work!!Youtube ItchSprigs & Kindling Vol. 2Find out more about the Open Hearth Gaming CommunitySupport us on Patreon!Our actual play podcast can be found here Follow us on Tumblr: https://www.tumblr.com/blog/open-hearth-rpgBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/openhearthrpgMastodon: @[email protected] Our info:email: [email protected]: https://lloydeaves.bandcamp.com/album/a-different-kind-of-hex

Roll for Origin: Supers TTRPG History returns to one of the earliest and most important superhero ttrpgs: Champions. Hosts Jay Brown and Lowell Francis talk about a game which is near and dear to their hearts-- both having played these editions extensively. They go over what the game is, its place in the history of gaming, and what was going on in comics media at the time. They then move to general discussion, including what what's weird and what they dug. This episode focuses just on the earliest editions-- prior to the release of the Champions 4th Edition, the "Big Blue Book."If you dig this series, please rate, review, and subscribe. Jay's the author of By Aecer’s Light, The Clockwinders for Fate, Cortex Prime's Supers, and a contributing author on Pathfinder’s Mwangi Expanse, Trophy Gold, Hit the Streets: Defend the Block, and the upcoming Lifted: Indomitable RPG, a supers game about everyday folks with extraordinary powers in a tech-aggressive world.Check out Mad Jay's work at Play.Fearless and at the Diceology Podcast.Lowell is the designer and co-author of Hearts of Wulin. He's the ENnie-winning creator of the Age of Ravens blog and community manager for the Open Hearth Gaming Community. You can find Lowell's work on YouTube, on Itch.io, and on DriveThruRPG. Find out more about the Open Hearth Gaming CommunitySupport us on Patreon!Our actual play podcast can be found here Follow us on Tumblr: https://www.tumblr.com/blog/open-hearth-rpgBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/openhearthrpgMastodon: @[email protected] 00:00 Intro00:58 The Pitch07:00 Gaming History17:46 Comics & Media History20:00 Thoughts

In this episode Host Rae Nedjadi (Apocalypse Keys, Once More into the Void) talks with Sebastian Yūe and Matthew Arcilla about games, superheroes, villainy, gender, and much more. They look at Evil Hat's forthcoming ttrpg, a classic from White Wolf, and a more modern take on heroism (which is apparently getting a second edition). Content warning for second segment: mention of sexual assault in a short story.Rangers of a Broken World (aka Heroic Chord)AberrantMasks: A New GenerationNever Whistle at NightBurn It Down: Power, Complicity, and a Call for Change in HollywoodRules, retcons, and rightsholders: The tough road for superhero RPGs Sebastian can be found at: sebastianyue.ca, sebastianyue @itch and bsky.socialSign up for SHIFT here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/shiftrpg/shift-rpgHit Point Press: https://hitpointpress.com/Matthew can be found here: experimentego.bsky.social Find out more about the Open Hearth Gaming CommunitySupport us on Patreon!Our actual play podcast can be found here Follow us on Tumblr: https://www.tumblr.com/blog/open-hearth-rpgBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/openhearthrpgMastodon: @[email protected] 00:00 Introduction02:55 Rangers of a Broken World14:58 Aberrant26:35 Masks: A New Generation46:50 Giving Me Life

In this "bonusode*" for Roll for Mutation: Post-Apocalyptic TTRPG History, we talk with Wil Hutton aka Rivetgeek, lead developer for Tribes in the Dark. TitD reworks and re-imagines Tribe 8, Dream Pod 9's fantastical post-apocalyptic rpg from the late 1990s. This new version adapts the Forged in the Dark mechanics to this game of tribes, outcasts, and prophecy. Tribes in the Dark is Kickstarting through September 14 2025. Tribe 8 on WikipediaTribe 8 on DTRPGTribe 8 on RPGGeekWil on Bluesky @rivetgeek.aggregatecognizance.com‬ *term borrowed from the Ranged Touch podcast...Find out more about the Open Hearth Gaming CommunitySupport us on Patreon!Our actual play podcast can be found here Follow us on Tumblr: https://www.tumblr.com/blog/open-hearth-rpgBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/openhearthrpgMastodon: @[email protected] Music: Here Comes the Night Karl Casey @White Bat Audio

First episode of Roll for Mutation, a new series looking at the history of Post-Apocalyptic TTRPGs. In this one hosts Lowell Francis and Marc Majcher cover the extended history of Gamma World, with a focus on the first two editions (of many). We talk about what Gamma World is, where it fits in gaming history, what the media context is like, and our general thoughts about the game. Roll for Mutation won't be covering things chronologically, but we do hope to hit the "tentpole" games in the genre early. ReferencesGamma World on WikipediaGamma World on RPG Geek Grognardia on Gamma World Grognardia on Gamma World 2e Designers & Dragons Volume 1 The 1970sGame Wizards For other shows like this, check out Roll for Origin: Supers TTRPG History. Marc Majcher is an award-winning game designer, performer, educator, director, woodworker, writer, and all-around goblin-man recently relocated from Austin, Texas to East Lansing, Michigan. You can find their RPGs and larps inspired by the works of Philip K Dick, a bird apocalypse, eldritch startup cults, viral videos, and much, much more at https://majcher.itch.io/ and everything else at https://majcher.com/. Lowell is the designer and co-author of Hearts of Wulin. He's the ENnie-winning creator of the Age of Ravens blog and community manager for the Open Hearth Gaming Community. You can find Lowell's work on YouTube, on Itch.io, and on DriveThruRPG. Find out more about the Open Hearth Gaming CommunitySupport us on Patreon!Our actual play podcast can be found here Follow us on Tumblr: https://www.tumblr.com/blog/open-hearth-rpgBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/openhearthrpgMastodon: @[email protected] Music: Here Comes the Night Karl Casey @White Bat Audio00:00 Introduction: Gamma World02:05 What is it?10:10 Gaming History19:12 The Media Context25:30 Our Thoughts

Lowell Francis provides a short introduction to the Open Hearth Gaming Community: what we are, what we do, how you can join, and how you can support what we do. WebsiteDiscord InvitePatreonPlayablShared HearthCommunity Code of ConductOnline Play ResourcesAround the HearthPlaying at the HearthYouTubePlay IssuesGamewayContact Us: [email protected] us on Tumblr: https://www.tumblr.com/blog/open-hearth-rpgBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/openhearthrpgMastodon: @[email protected] 00:00 Introduction00:52 What is Open Hearth04:07 Joining Us07:36 Signing Up For Games14:20 What Happens When You Sign Up17:03 What to Expect from Play19:38 Getting Into Sessions21:37 Running Games23:25 Play Issues26:53 Open Hearth Projects and Events 34:06 How to Support Us

This is the edited version of an older seminar by Lowell Francis talking about planning and running TTRPG mysteries. It's about 50 minutes of talk followed by a Q&A. Lowell talks about his approach and best practices for running mysteries in rpgs. Topics include: Kinds of mysteries (set, set variable, improv) Plotting mysteries The power of the timeline Information handling Keeping player involvement Table management ...and more. See here for an outline of the talk Lowell is the designer and co-author of Hearts of Wulin. He's the ENnie-winning creator of the Age of Ravens blog and community manager for the Open Hearth Gaming Community. You can find Lowell's work on YouTube, on Itch.io, and on DriveThruRPG. Find out more about the Open Hearth Gaming CommunitySupport us on Patreon!Our actual play podcast can be found here Follow us on Tumblr: https://www.tumblr.com/blog/open-hearth-rpgBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/openhearthrpgMastodon: @[email protected]

This time Roll for Origin: Supers TTRPG History jumps forward in time to the mid-1990s. Hosts Jay Brown and Lowell Francis look at Underground (1993), Mayfair's attempt to build on the DC Heroes system with a dystopian, cyberpunk supers setting. Content warning: cannibalism, PTSD, transphobia, regressive treatment of disabilities and mental illness. We go over what the game is, its place in the history of gaming, and what was going on in comics media at the time. We then move to general discussion, including what we found weird and what we dug.If you dig this series, please rate, review, and subscribe.Jay's the author of By Aecer’s Light, The Clockwinders for Fate, Cortex Prime's Supers, and a contributing author on Pathfinder’s Mwangi Expanse, Trophy Gold, Hit the Streets: Defend the Block, and the upcoming Lifted: Indomitable RPG, a supers game about everyday folks with extraordinary powers in a tech-aggressive world.Check out Mad Jay's work at Play.Fearless and at the Diceology Podcast.Lowell is the designer and co-author of Hearts of Wulin. He's the ENnie-winning creator of the Age of Ravens blog and community manager for the Open Hearth Gaming Community. You can find Lowell's work on YouTube, on Itch.io, and on DriveThruRPG. Find out more about the Open Hearth Gaming CommunitySupport us on Patreon!Our actual play podcast can be found here Follow us on Tumblr: https://www.tumblr.com/blog/open-hearth-rpgBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/openhearthrpgMastodon: @[email protected] 00:00 Intro00:25 The Pitch03:35 Gaming History11:40 Comics & Media History15:42 Thoughts

In the inaugural episode of Fireside Chat with Agatha, Agatha is joined by Lowell Francis, Community Manager for the Open Hearth and designer of Hearts of Wulin, to talk game design. Listen as Agatha pushes Lowell for more stuff for HoW and beyond!Agatha Cheng is the Co-Creator and Co-Host of the Asians Represent! and The Game Design Game Show podcastsShe works as a Cultural Consultant for content on Chinese history and mythology + the Chinese diaspora and TaiwanShe is the designer of Deadly SocietyLowell Francis is the designer and co-author of Hearts of Wulin. He's the ENnie-winning creator of the Age of Ravens blog and community manager for the Open Hearth Gaming Community. You can check out all of Lowell's actual plays on YouTube. You can find Hearts of Wulin and more on Itch.io, and on DriveThruRPG. Find out more about the Open Hearth Gaming CommunitySupport us on Patreon!Our actual play podcast can be found here Follow us on Tumblr: https://www.tumblr.com/blog/open-hearth-rpgBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/openhearthrpgMastodon: @[email protected]

In this episode we cover a wide range of games old and new. Host Lowell Francis is joined by Rich Rogers (+1 Forward, Hit the Streets) and Jay Brown (Diceology, Life: Indomitable).Smallville Flying Circus Blackout Mythomorphosis Spooky Asian ClubJust King ThingsFind Rich Rogers' Hit the Streets here +1 Forward Podcast Archives Jay's the author of By Aecer’s Light, The Clockwinders for Fate, Cortex Prime's Supers, and a contributing author on Pathfinder’s Mwangi Expanse, Trophy Gold, Hit the Streets: Defend the Block, and the upcoming Lifted: Indomitable RPG, a supers game about everyday folks with extraordinary powers in a tech-aggressive world.Check out Mad Jay's work at Play.Fearless and at the Diceology Podcast.Lowell is the designer and co-author of Hearts of Wulin. He's the ENnie-winning creator of the Age of Ravens blog and community manager for the Open Hearth Gaming Community. You can check out all of Lowell's actual plays on YouTube. You can find Hearts of Wulin and more on Itch.io, and on DriveThruRPG. Find out more about the Open Hearth Gaming CommunitySupport us on Patreon!Our actual play podcast can be found here Follow us on Tumblr: https://www.tumblr.com/blog/open-hearth-rpgBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/openhearthrpgMastodon: @[email protected] 00:00 Introduction 01:15 Rich and Smallville16:14 Jay and Flying Circus32:45 Lowell and Mythomorphosis44:45 Giving Me Life

Be sure to check out the Hearts of Wulin Bundle of Holding running through Wednesday July 23rd, 2025. This is an edited and cleaned up version of a talk Lowell Francis, designer and co-writer on Hearts of Wulin, gave talking about moves, NPCs, set ups, and other topics in this game of wuxia melodrama. It is split between presentation and audience Q&A. This is part of the Open Hearth series of seminars, discussions, and workshops. Find out more about the Open Hearth Gaming CommunitySupport us on Patreon!Our actual play podcast can be found here Follow us on Tumblr: https://www.tumblr.com/blog/open-hearth-rpgBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/openhearthrpgMastodon: @[email protected]

Horror as a genre can be a great tool to use in your ventures in GMing horror games, but horror movies aren’t the only place to pull from. You can pull from many forms of media including books and real life situations. Sit down with us folks and let’s see how we each approach running horror ttrpgs! This panel talk is part of the Open Hearth series of seminars, discussions, and workshops. Host Jellyfishlines moderates a panel with Mads, Vixie, and David Robles. The panel wraps with some audience Q&A. Jellyfishlineshttps://jellyfishlines.carrd.co/https://bsky.app/profile/jellyfishlines.itch.iohttps://jellyfishlines.itch.io/MadsMadelancholy on YouTube and Discordhttps://bsky.app/profile/madelancholy.bsky.socialhttps://madelancholy.itch.io/Vixiehttps://linktr.ee/thepocketdragonpubhttps://ko-fi.com/pocketdragonpubIndie Game Designer Month in September! The PDP is accepting submissions! Email [email protected] Robleshttps://linktr.ee/streamingrainbowYou can see how David GMs for horror in Mythos of War Journey through the Pyrenees and SS Sophia available on YouTube and wherever you listen to podcastsFind out more about the Open Hearth Gaming CommunitySupport us on Patreon!Our actual play podcast can be found here Follow us on Tumblr: https://www.tumblr.com/blog/open-hearth-rpgBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/openhearthrpgMastodon: @[email protected]

In this second episode of Roll for Origin: Supers TTRPG History, hosts Jay Brown and Lowell Francis look at Villains & Vigilantes, the superhero rpg that broke the genre open. We go over what the game is, its place in the history of gaming, and what was going on in comics media at the time. We then move to general discussion, including what we found weird and what we dug.If you dig this series, please rate, review, and subscribe.Jay's the author of By Aecer’s Light, The Clockwinders for Fate, Cortex Prime's Supers, and a contributing author on Pathfinder’s Mwangi Expanse, Trophy Gold, Hit the Streets: Defend the Block, and the upcoming Lifted: Indomitable RPG, a supers game about everyday folks with extraordinary powers in a tech-aggressive world.Check out Mad Jay's work at Play.Fearless and at the Diceology Podcast.Lowell is the designer and co-author of Hearts of Wulin. He's the ENnie-winning creator of the Age of Ravens blog and community manager for the Open Hearth Gaming Community. You can find Lowell's work on YouTube, on Itch.io, and on DriveThruRPG. Find out more about the Open Hearth Gaming CommunitySupport us on Patreon!Our actual play podcast can be found here Follow us on Tumblr: https://www.tumblr.com/blog/open-hearth-rpgBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/openhearthrpgMastodon: @[email protected] 00:00 Intro02:50 The Pitch09:20 Gaming History13:52 Comics & Media History17:20 Thoughts

In this episode we talk recent gaming and look at some really interesting and intense games. Host Mike Minutillo is joined community members Gwen Marshall and Ethan Harvey. Night Witches: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/146173/night-witchesFathom: https://sulcata.itch.io/fathomImpossible Landscapes: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/344408/delta-green-impossible-landscapesGwenhttps://bsky.app/profile/drgwenmarshall.bsky.socialhttps://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/browse?keyword=gwendolyn%20marshallhttps://drgwenmarshall.itch.ioEthanhttps://ethanharvey.itch.iohttps://bsky.app/profile/cavedueller.bsky.socialFind out more about the Open Hearth Gaming CommunitySupport us on Patreon!Our actual play podcast can be found here Follow us on Tumblr: https://www.tumblr.com/blog/open-hearth-rpgBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/openhearthrpgMastodon: @[email protected]

A recording of a talk by Lowell Francis about handling world building and collaborative elements. This session was part of Shared Hearth, the Open Hearth Gaming Community free ttrpg weekend. In this talk/discussion we hit on Reasons for a shared approach How existing games handle this Online tools and techniques Managing collaborative building ...and more. Talk Outline and NotesThis was a mixed discussion and Q&A. We talked about adapting a more fixed setting, like Duskvol from Blades in the Dark, and make it into one with even more interesting player input and creation. Find out more about the Open Hearth Gaming CommunitySupport us on Patreon!Our actual play podcast can be found here Follow us on Tumblr: https://www.tumblr.com/blog/open-hearth-rpgBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/openhearthrpgMastodon: @[email protected]

In this first episode of Roll for Origin: Supers TTRPG History, hosts Jay Brown and Lowell Francis look at Superhero 2044, arguably the first supers role-playing game. We go over what the game is, its place in the history of gaming, and what was going on in comics media at the time. We then move to general discussion, including what we found weird and what we dug.If you dig this series, please rate, review, and subscribe.Jay's the author of By Aecer’s Light, The Clockwinders for Fate, Cortex Prime's Supers, and a contributing author on Pathfinder’s Mwangi Expanse, Trophy Gold, Hit the Streets: Defend the Block, and the upcoming Lifted: Indomitable RPG, a supers game about everyday folks with extraordinary powers in a tech-aggressive world.Check out Mad Jay's work at Play.Fearless and at the Diceology Podcast.Lowell is the designer and co-author of Hearts of Wulin. He's the ENnie-winning creator of the Age of Ravens blog and community manager for the Open Hearth Gaming Community. You can find Lowell's work on YouTube, on Itch.io, and on DriveThruRPG. Find out more about the Open Hearth Gaming CommunitySupport us on Patreon!Our actual play podcast can be found here Follow us on Tumblr: https://www.tumblr.com/blog/open-hearth-rpgBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/openhearthrpgMastodon: @[email protected] 00:00 Intro01:30 The Pitch05:23 Gaming History08:55 Comics & Media History12:45 Thoughts

Ian & José are joined by Marc Majcher to discuss how we develop & pursue both in- and out-of-character aspirations. What makes a goal, and how can having one drive play? Along the way we talk about how closely we identify with our PC’s, and peer briefly into using techniques from improv theatre to improve our gaming.Timecodes:0:01:30 Pick Your Poison0:09:55 Setting character goals0:18:55 Goals & Plot0:25:44 How do games help us form goals?0:36:37 Instrumental play & balancing goals between PC's0:42:08 Finding goals through improv & PC embodiment0:48:52 Unconscious PC motivation0:52:24 Generic systems & stock tropes0:59:33 Pearls of Wisdom1:03:13 OutroMarc’s Work: majcher.com, Twitch.tv/mmajcherFind out more about the Open Hearth Gaming CommunitySupport us on Patreon!Our actual play podcast can be found here Follow us on Tumblr: https://www.tumblr.com/blog/open-hearth-rpgBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/openhearthrpgMastodon: @[email protected] Our info:email: [email protected]: https://lloydeaves.bandcamp.com/album/a-different-kind-of-hex

In this episode we talk recent gaming and look at two really interesting projects. Host Lowell Francis (edige23) is joined community members Amanda Mullins (iamatrex) and Chrys Sellers (Hectic Electron). We talk Sprigs and Kindling, Defy the Gods, and a hack of Microscope for a Star Wars writers' room. LINKSSprigs and KindlingAmanda's website The Between: Unsinkable on the Critshow's youtube The Defy the Gods KickstarterThe Defy the Gods QuickstartChrys's websiteThe Ugly Stepsister Amplitudes anthologyStar Wars Alternate New HistoryFind out more about the Open Hearth Gaming CommunitySupport us on Patreon!Our actual play podcasts can be found hereFollow us on Tumblr: https://www.tumblr.com/blog/open-hearth-rpgBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/openhearthrpgMastodon: @[email protected]:00 Introduction01:37 Amanda: Sprigs and Kindling21:28 Chrys: Defy the Gods37:08 Lowell: 44:17 Giving Me Life

Part of the Open Hearth series of seminars, discussions, and workshops. Rich Rogers (Hit the Streets, +1 Forward) and Lowell Francis (Hearts of Wulin, Gauntlet Podcast, Open Hearth Podcast) talk all things superhero rpgs: challenges, combat, world-building, villainy, solo gaming, and beyond. We’re joined by a group of community members for this discussion/round-table (Jim C, Anders, Rod Santos, Sabine and Jolene). Hosts Show NotesSelected Games MentionedAnti-HeroesBetter AngelsCapes in the DarkEx-CapesGalaxies in PerilHearts of WulinHit the StreetsIn This WorldMasksMicroscopeSignal Light (Protean City Comics)Sword OperaUnionAge of Ravens GeneratorsSuperhero B-Plots100 Supers City EventsSupervillain Plot GeneratorSolo GamingSuperswornHeroswornFriendly Neighborhood SuperheroAnyone Can Wear the MaskFor more information about Open Hearth, check out openhearthgaming.com.

In this podcast, community members join us to talk about their recent gaming and discuss one in depth that they really enjoyed. Host Andrea Rick (https://plotbunnygames.itch.io/) is joined today by Agatha (https://mightyyshrimp.itch.io/) and Wyllora (https://wyllora.itch.io/).Games DiscussedTake the UniverseTriangle AgencyApocalypse KeysAndrea Rickhttps://plotbunnygames.com/https://plotbunnygames.itch.io/https://curiouscat.carrd.com/Agathahttps://mightyyshrimp.itch.io/https://bsky.app/profile/mightyshrimp.bsky.socialWyllorahttps://www.artstation.com/wyllorahttps://wyllora.itch.io/https://bsky.app/profile/wyllora.bsky.socialhttps://artfight.net/~wylloraFind out more about the Open Hearth Gaming CommunitySupport us on Patreon!Our actual play podcast can be found here Follow us on Tumblr: https://www.tumblr.com/blog/open-hearth-rpgBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/openhearthrpgMastodon: @[email protected] Chapters00:00 Introduction01:30 Agatha & Take the Universe17:52 Wyllora & Triangle Agency29:00 Andrea & Apocalypse Keys48:06 Giving Me Life

Ian and José chat with Agatha Cheng about how we develop narrative arcs for our PCs and the art of calling scenes to illustrate those arcs. Along the way, we indulge in bad boy tropes and the joys of PC/PC fandom.Agatha’s Work:Game Design + Consultancy: https://agathacheng.carrd.co/ Asians Represent!Find out more about the Open Hearth Gaming CommunitySupport us on Patreon!Our actual play podcast can be found here Follow us on Tumblr: https://www.tumblr.com/blog/open-hearth-rpgBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/openhearthrpgMastodon: @[email protected] Our info:email: [email protected]: https://lloydeaves.bandcamp.com/album/a-different-kind-of-hex

In this podcast community members join us to talk about their recent gaming and discuss one in depth that they really enjoyed. Host Rae Nedjadi (https://temporalhiccup.itch.io/) is joined today by Mint (https://mint-rabbit.itch.io/) and Casey.Games DiscussedProtect the ChildYazeba’s Bed & BreakfastBlades '68 (in Playtest)Also MentionedThere's a RPG for that!The Righteous GemstonesSouth of MidnightFind out more about the Open Hearth Gaming CommunitySupport us on Patreon!Our actual play podcast can be found here Follow us on Tumblr: https://www.tumblr.com/blog/open-hearth-rpgBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/openhearthrpgMastodon: @[email protected] Chapters01:05 Introduction​03:07 Mint & Protect the Child15:52 Casey & Yazebas Bed & Breakfast32:52 Rae & Blades '68 (open playtest version)43:41 Giving Me Life

Another in our series of Open Hearth Community talks, this time discussing hacking Powered by the Apocalypse and Forged in the Dark: approaches, challenges, best practices. Host Lowell Francis is joined by Anders, Puckett, Bryan L, Brushman, Amaze, Ethan, Dom, and Cinna.Selected Games MentionedAdventures on Dungeon PlanetArs Magica Blades in the Dark Girl by Moonlight Good Society Hearts of WulinImpulse Drive Monster of the Week Mountain Home Pasión de las Pasiones Slugblaster The Veil Veil: Iterations TTRPG Hacks and Getting Games to the Table