The RPG Rundown

Seth and Jeff are back with The RPG Rundown—and this time they’re taking an Inside PEAK at Temeraire RPG, the new Kickstarter project from Magpie Games based on Naomi Novik’s Temeraire novels. Even if you’ve never read the books, they kick things off with a quick elevator pitch before breaking down the game using their crowdfunding preview framework: PEAK (Premise, Engine, Atmosphere, Key Features). Expect sentient dragon partners, Napoleonic-era aerial corps drama, tactical sky engagements, and an engine built to balance emotional stakes with cinematic action.Website: https://lovethynerd.com/podcastnetwork/the-rpg-rundown/

Combat systems shape how danger feels, how fast sessions move, and whether play turns tactical, cinematic, gritty, or heroic. On this episode of The RPG Rundown, Jeff & Seth break down combat as a conflict engine, pacing regulator, and tone setter—then explore complexity, tactical depth, lethality, action economy, initiative, and how mechanics can make fights feel like story beats instead of math puzzles.Website: https://lovethynerd.com/podcastnetwork/the-rpg-rundown/

Season 6 begins! Seth & Jeff return on The RPG Rundown to explore in-game mechanics as the physics of fiction—the invisible rules that shape player choices, narrative momentum, and system identity in tabletop RPGs.This episode breaks down resolution systems, resource management, progression, non-combat mechanics, and subsystems, examining how each influences storytelling, tone, and player psychology. The conversation also includes hobby updates, current and upcoming RPG projects, and 2026 tabletop goals.Hosts: Seth & Jeff Website: https://lovethynerd.com/podcastnetwork/the-rpg-rundown/

In Episode 36 of The RPG Rundown, hosts Seth and Jeff explore one of their core review points: the Tabletop Experience. After a quick round of hobby updates—including Jeff’s time with Daggerheart—they break down practical ways for both players and GMs to elevate their sessions. From roleplay habits and table etiquette to narrative pacing, flexible prep, sensory detail, and props, this episode offers actionable strategies to make every game night more memorable.Website: https://lovethynerd.com/podcastnetwork/the-rpg-rundown/

Every GM has been there—you’ve built an incredible world full of history, legends, and deep lore… and your players still skip straight to the combat. In this episode, Seth and Jeff explore how to make your lore matter. Learn how to weave story elements into gameplay, give your players ownership of the world, and build deeper emotional connections to your setting.Plus, we talk BattleTech Halloween adventures, Daggerheart, and what’s new in tabletop crowdfunding!Hosted by Seth & Jeff.Website: https://lovethynerd.com/podcastnetwork/the-rpg-rundown/

Seth and Jeff review Splattered Ink’s Tome of Beasts I Acrylic Tokens—a massive collection of durable, full-color monster tokens pulled straight from Kobold Press’s iconic bestiary.For DMs tired of managing endless mini bins or expensive terrain, these tokens offer a simple, travel-ready way to bring your encounters to life. The hosts break down how the system works, what makes it stand out, and whether it’s worth backing for your next campaign.Check them out yourself!Hosted by Seth & JeffWebsite: https://lovethynerd.com/podcastnetwork/the-rpg-rundown/

In this episode of The RPG Rundown, Seth and Jeff break down practical tips to help you become a better roleplayer at the table. From character creation and speaking in character to mastering your abilities and practicing with friends, you’ll learn how to bring your adventurers to life and make every session more immersive.Website: https://lovethynerd.com/podcastnetwork/the-rpg-rundown/

Creating great player characters isn’t always easy. In this episode of The RPG Rundown, Seth & Jeff share six tips to help you move beyond min/max builds and craft characters that are fun, memorable, and exciting to play. Perfect for both new and experienced TTRPG players!Website: https://lovethynerd.com/podcastnetwork/the-rpg-rundown/

Seth kicks off Season 5 of The RPG Rundown with a solo episode, diving into Drakonym, the brand-new dragonbonding TTRPG from Crossed Paths. Known for their charming Brambletrek: Tales from the Hundred Acre Woods, the team is back with a game that lets you live out your dream of befriending a dragon.From Dragonheart to How to Train Your Dragon, dragon companionship has inspired countless stories—and now you can bring that magic to your tabletop. The Drakonym crowdfunding campaign is live now on Backerkit, closing August 28th—so act fast if you want to support it!Drakonym: https://www.backerkit.com/c/projects/crossed-paths/drakonym-a-dragonbonding-fantasy-ttrpgWebsite: https://lovethynerd.com/podcastnetwork/the-rpg-rundown/

Welcome to season five of The RPG Rundown with Jeff & Seth! They’re back and ready to dive into a packed episode covering what they’ve been up to over the summer, the latest TTRPG releases, exciting new crowdfunding projects, and their Top 10 most thrilling announcements from Gen Con. It’s the perfect kickoff to a brand-new season of tabletop adventures!X(Twitter) - https://twitter.com/TheRPGRundownInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/rpgrundown/TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@therpgrundownYT VODs: https://youtube.com/@TheRPGrundownLTN

On this episode of The RPG Rundown, Jeff & Seth dive into the official release of Daggerheart! After extensive playtesting and exploration of the system, they’re bringing you their full C.R.I.T.I.C.A.L review. From bold mechanics to big questions around balance and storytelling, they break down what works, what doesn’t, and whether Daggerheart earns a spot at your table.

In this solo episode of The RPG Rundown, Seth takes the mic to share 7 compelling reasons why you should play Dungeons & Dragons—or any TTRPG—with the kids in your life. Whether it’s your children, grandkids, nieces, nephews, siblings, or family friends, Seth breaks down how tabletop roleplaying games can build stronger relationships, teach life skills, and create lasting memories across generations.

In this episode of The RPG Rundown, Jeff & Seth dive into the exciting world of Virtual Tabletops (VTTs)! Whether you're playing across the country or prefer a digital experience, VTTs have changed the way we enjoy TTRPGs. They’ll review 10 different platforms, highlight what makes each one unique, and help you find the perfect fit for your next game night!

In this episode of The RPG Rundown, Jeff & Seth set course for adventure as they dive into their playtest of Traveller by Mongoose Games. Join them as they break down their hands-on experience and deliver their detailed C.R.I.T.I.C.A.L review of this classic sci-fi RPG system. Is Traveller your ticket to interstellar fun? Tune in and find out!

Imagine stepping into the heart of the Hundred Acre Woods, where rustling leaves whisper secrets and a gentle breeze carries hints of honey and adventure. Yet today, something is off—an eerie silence replaces familiar laughter, and the once cozy paths seem mysterious. Jeff & Seth got early access to Brambletrek: Tales In The Hundred Acre Wood, a new GM-less RPG from Crossed Paths currently on Backerkit. Join them on this episode of The RPG Rundown for their playtest preview of this uniquely intriguing game!Backerkit: https://www.backerkit.com/c/projects/crossed-paths/brambletrek-tales-in-the-Hundred-Acre-WoodsTrailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=giXlnkZ1nUAPlaytest: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QgvslbdrAyQ

In this episode of The RPG Rundown with Jeff & Seth, we’re covering the latest TTRPG news, rolling the dice to pick our next system for playtesting, and unraveling the secrets of crafting memorable NPCs. Need a quick-fix shopkeeper? A complex rival with real depth? Or a quirky recurring character your players won’t forget? We’ve got all the tips and tricks in this jam-packed episode.

The RPG Rundown is here, with your hosts Jeff and Seth! In this off-season recap, we’re diving into our tabletop (and real-life) highlights, plus revealing the systems we’ll be playing—and taking a C.R.I.T.I.C.A.L. look at—this season. Buckle up for a new wave of adventures and insights on The RPG Rundown!

Join Seth for a thrilling conversation with Darryl Jones from Splattered Ink Games about their latest Kickstarter, A Time Traveler’s Guide to Dinosaur Hunting! Discover the inspiration behind this prehistoric adventure, the creative process of bringing dinosaurs to the tabletop, and what backers can look forward to in this time-hopping game. Plus, don’t miss an exclusive reveal of a brand-new add-on scheduled to launch on the 28th—it’s something you won’t want to miss. Whether you’re a lifelong dino fan, a tabletop enthusiast, or just curious about game development, this interview is packed with insights, excitement, and a sneak peek at what’s to come from Splattered Ink Games!

With a full "Draw Steel" playthrough under their belts, Jeff & Seth give a detailed review of the TTRPG. Plus, a look back at Season 3!