The Jaunty Mantis TTRPG Podcast (Matt Herzberg & Jesse Sauer)
Explorez tous les épisodes de The Jaunty Mantis TTRPG Podcast
| Date | Titre | Durée | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 08 Jul 2023 | Introducing The Jaunty Mantis | ||
Jesse and Matty talk about their shared love for TTRPG gaming, how they got into the hobby, and what this podcast is supposed to be about. The boys also do a retrospective on 5e Spelljammer, now that its been out for almost a year.
music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio
logos by Shannon Sipes
https://thedigsy.myportfolio.com/work | |||
| 13 Jul 2023 | S1:E1 - Velvet Generation w/ Rich Ranallo | ||
Velvet Generation is a tabletop roleplaying game of rock and revolution. Players step into the role of an underground band, trying to survive under the Ministry of Music’s bootheel long enough to strike back and topple the regime from below. The first official episode of The Jaunty Mantis kicks off with an interview. Just in time for Independent TTRPG month, Matty and Jesse interview, friend of the show Rich Ranallo about Velvet Generation Check out Velvet Generation at velvetgeneration.com Music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio Logos by Shannon Sipes thedigsy.myportfolio.com/work | |||
| 20 Jul 2023 | S1:E2 - Creating Sci-Fi Spaces | ||
Grab your graph paper and sharpen your pencils for this design episode! As part two of their 5e Spelljammer retrospective, Matty and Jesse delve deep into how they prefer to create sci-fi spaces for any TTRPG with minimal effort and maximum efficiency. Whether it’s a cosmic campaign location, a strange site for a space adventure, or a single event of screwball sci-fi shenanigans - the boys got you covered! Music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio Logos by Shannon Sipes thedigsy.myportfolio.com/work | |||
| 27 Jul 2023 | S1:E3 - World Building With A Light Touch | ||
How do you convey an established setting without assigning homework? How do you get your players invested without suffocating them with lore? How much prep is too much? The boys talk about world building in this episode and Matty gets some help with his Eberron game. Music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio Logos by Shannon Sipes thedigsy.myportfolio.com/work | |||
| 03 Aug 2023 | S1:E4 - Challenging Characters | ||
What are the costs of playing a challenging character? In this episode the boys break down the benefits and drawbacks of exploring backstory, alignment, personality and real world societal norms when playing a fantasy make-believe game for fun. Music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio Logos by Shannon Sipes thedigsy.myportfolio.com/work | |||
| 10 Aug 2023 | S1:E5 - Alignment? | ||
Does alignment have any value in modern RPGS? In this episode Jesse and Matty question the point of player character alignment. They cover different alignment systems from different games and how alignment has changed in D&D over the years. The boys also discuss options for evolving alignment into a meaningful GM resource to help challenge the PCs. Music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio Logos by Shannon Sipes thedigsy.myportfolio.com/work | |||
| 17 Aug 2023 | S1:E6 - Asking For Help | ||
When is it appropriate to ask your GM for help for a character concept that isn’t working? Conversely how should a GM ask for help from their players to get the game on track? In this Jaunty Mantis TTRPG Therapy Podcast, the boys do just that for each other. Matty learned about Index Card RPG from the Dungeoncraft YouTube Channel here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MX_8-CcCT2c Music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio Logos by Shannon Sipes thedigsy.myportfolio.com/work | |||
| 24 Aug 2023 | S1:E7 - Can Baldur's Gate 3 Improve D&D? | ||
This episode is all about Baldur’s Gate 3! The boys discuss first impressions and how BG3’s gameplay experience has the potential to change Dungeons & Dragons (as well as TTRPGS in general). Music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio Logos by Shannon Sipes thedigsy.myportfolio.com/work | |||
| 31 Aug 2023 | S1:E8 - Character Death | ||
This episode is all about player character death in RPGs! The boys discuss the deaths of their characters over the years and debate whether or not character death in gaming is a good thing or a bad thing. Music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio Logos by Shannon Sipes thedigsy.myportfolio.com/work | |||
| 07 Sep 2023 | S1:E9 - Why YOU Should GM | ||
Being a Dungeon Master or Game Master is f***ing awesome and more people should give it a shot. Due to the perception of a “DM shortage” the boys make their case for the question, why become a Game Master? They share how they started running games and dial in on best practices for starting out or leveling up your GM skills. Return Of The Lazy Dungeon Master HERE Matty would also like to cite the Dungeon Craft YouTube channel as inspiration for this episode. - FOUND HERE Music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio Logos by Shannon Sipes thedigsy.myportfolio.com/work | |||
| 14 Sep 2023 | S1:E10 - PC Roles | ||
Caller, Mapper, Quartermaster, and Scribe are roles that originated in the early days of D&D groups but are they still relevant? Has gaming and modern players evolved past them or can we redefine them to serve the modern table experience? In this episode the boys recount a little bit of old gaming culture and some TTRPG tropes as they discuss Player Character Roles. Music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio Logos by Shannon Sipes thedigsy.myportfolio.com/work | |||
| 21 Sep 2023 | S1:E11 - Magic Systems | ||
What do you want out of magic in a roleplaying system? Magic is the mechanic that undoes the rules of the game and how the PCs traverse obstacles. The boys explore the relevance of magic in roleplaying games, different scales of magic for a setting, and different magic systems. Music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio Logos by Shannon Sipes thedigsy.myportfolio.com/work | |||
| 28 Sep 2023 | S1:E12 - Does Fantasy Need To Get Weird(er)? | ||
Season 1 concludes with a discussion about European/Western/Tolkien fantasy tropes and the reoccurring desire of TTRPG gamers to expand/diverge/stray away from them. The boys discus the dark weirdness of OSR, the fidelity of different fantasy settings, and conclude with some sources ideal for inspiring more “weirdness” in your own game. Music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio Logos by Shannon Sipes thedigsy.myportfolio.com/work | |||
| 05 Oct 2023 | Bonus - Ahsoka and Modern Star Wars | ||
With Ahsoka concluding this week, the boys discuss the modern state of Star Wars after watching the first four episodes of the series. Music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio Logos by Shannon Sipes thedigsy.myportfolio.com/work | |||
| 12 Oct 2023 | Bonus - The D&D Movie | ||
In this bonus episode, the boys discuss the D&D movie…nearly 200 days after its initial release. Enjoy! Music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio Logos by Shannon Sipes thedigsy.myportfolio.com/work | |||
| 19 Oct 2023 | Bonus - Disruptive Characters | ||
In this bonus episode, the boys lightly banter about the differences
between acceptable and unacceptable disruptive characters in RPGS. | |||
| 26 Oct 2023 | Bonus - Jesse's Re-Obsession With RIFTS | ||
In this bonus episode of TJM we finally get to hear about this RIFTS thing Jesse has been bringing up. Music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio Logos by Shannon Sipes thedigsy.myportfolio.com/work | |||
| 02 Nov 2023 | Bonus - What Is A Murder Hobo? | ||
In this bonus episode the boys discus “Murder Hobos” and if they are as prevalent as the community makes them out to be.
Music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio
Logos by Shannon Sipes thedigsy.myportfolio.com/work | |||
| 09 Nov 2023 | Bonus - Baldur's Gate 3: Murder, Romance, and Disappointment | ||
SPOILERS FOR BALDUR’S GATE 3! In this bonus episode of TJM: Forgotten Realms is actually cool, murdering goblins, stealing the idol, romancing a racist alien from another dimension , and using the Guidance cantrip constantly at the table. Also, Basic Gary. Music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio Logos by Shannon Sipes thedigsy.myportfolio.com/work | |||
| 16 Nov 2023 | S2:E1 - Genre TTRPGs | ||
Season 2 is upon us! Jesse attempts to talk Matty off the ledge as the boys discuss the relevance of genre in table top roleplaying games. Music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio Logos by Shannon Sipes thedigsy.myportfolio.com/work | |||
| 23 Nov 2023 | S2:E2 - Creating A Cyberpunk Setting (part 1) | ||
Season two is devoted to the creative process and genre specific campaign settings. The boys have dedicated the next few episodes to using the tools and tables found in Kevin Crawford’s Citifies Without Number to create a cyberpunk campaign setting from scratch. Disclosure: Matty and Jesse have not received any finical support , influence, or products from Kevin Crawford or Sine Nomine Publishing. They have spent their own money on Cities Without Number because they love the game and support Kevin Crawford (and they think you should to - because he makes awesome gaming books). GET CITIES WITHOUT NUMBER HERE Music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio Logos by Shannon Sipes thedigsy.myportfolio.com/work | |||
| 30 Nov 2023 | S2:E3 - Creating A Cyberpunk Setting (part 2) | ||
Season two continues with part 2 of the TJM cyberpunk setting workshop. Jesse and Matty demonstrate their tried and true creative process with a special twist. Using the tools and tables found in Kevin Crawford’s Citifies Without Number the boys create a setting from scratch. And you can too! Disclosure: Matty and Jesse have not received any finical support, influence, or products from Kevin Crawford or Sine Nomine Publishing. They have spent their own money on Cities Without Number because they love the game and support Kevin Crawford (and they think you should to - because he makes awesome gaming books). GET CITIES WITHOUT NUMBER HERE Music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio Logos by Shannon Sipes thedigsy.myportfolio.com/work | |||
| 07 Dec 2023 | S2:E4 - Creating A Cyberpunk Adventure | ||
In season two the boys finish out the Cyberpunk section by creating an adventure to run for their freshly created setting. Using the tools and tables found in Kevin Crawford’s Citifies Without Number, the boys create an adventure template with myrth and opportunity for PCs. Disclosure: Matty and Jesse have not received any finical support, influence, or products from Kevin Crawford or Sine Nomine Publishing. They have spent their own money on Cities Without Number because they love the game and support Kevin Crawford (and they think you should to - because he makes awesome gaming books). GET CITIES WITHOUT NUMBER HERE Music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio Logos by Shannon Sipes thedigsy.myportfolio.com/work | |||
| 14 Dec 2023 | S2:E5 - Creating A Fantasy Setting (part 1) | ||
The boys set out to create a weird fantasy setting using the tools and tables found in Kevin Crawford’s Worlds Without Number. Disclosure: Matty and Jesse have not received any finical support, influence, or products from Kevin Crawford or Sine Nomine Publishing. They have spent their own money on Worlds Without Number because they love the game and support Kevin Crawford (and they think you should to - because he makes awesome gaming books). GET WORLDS WITHOUT NUMBER HERE Music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio Logos by Shannon Sipes thedigsy.myportfolio.com/work | |||
| 20 Dec 2023 | Bonus - Holiday Grudges and Thanks | ||
Will a new Grudge Apprentice lift the curse of Dwarf Day? Will a confused Stormcast Eternal finally get his wings? Who is Final Thunder and why does he make toys for the children? In this special holiday episode of The Jaunty Mantis, the boys summon forth the holiday spirit to serve up a bounty of gaming cheer! Music by Aaron Kenny, DJ Williams, and Tchaikovsky Logos by Shannon Sipes thedigsy.myportfolio.com/work | |||
| 28 Dec 2023 | S2:E6 - Creating A Fantasy Setting (part 2) | ||
The boys return from the holiday break to create part 2 of their weird fantasy setting using the tools and tables found in Kevin Crawford’s Worlds Without Number. Disclosure: Matty and Jesse have not received any finical support, influence, or products from Kevin Crawford or Sine Nomine Publishing. They have spent their own money on Worlds Without Number because they love the game and support Kevin Crawford (and they think you should to - because he makes awesome gaming books). GET WORLDS WITHOUT NUMBER HERE Music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio Logos by Shannon Sipes thedigsy.myportfolio.com/work | |||
| 04 Jan 2024 | S2:E7 - Creating a 5e D&D Race | ||
The boys round out the weird fantasy block by fleshing out the mechanics for their fantasy race in the Dungeons and Dragons 5e rules set. GET WORLDS WITHOUT NUMBER HERE Music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio Logos by Shannon Sipes thedigsy.myportfolio.com/work | |||
| 10 Jan 2024 | S2:E8 - Creating A Sci Fi Setting (part 1) | ||
The boys set out to create a playable science fiction setting using the tools and tables found in Kevin Crawford’s Stars Without Number. Disclosure: Matty and Jesse have not received any finical support, influence, or products from Kevin Crawford or Sine Nomine Publishing. They have spent their own money on Stars Without Number because they love the game and support Kevin Crawford (and they think you should to - because he makes awesome gaming books). | |||
| 17 Jan 2024 | S2:E9 - Creating A Sci Fi Setting (part 2) | ||
The boys further develop their custom science fiction setting using the tools and tables found in Kevin Crawford’s Stars Without Number. Disclosure: Matty and Jesse have not received any finical support, influence, or products from Kevin Crawford or Sine Nomine Publishing. They have spent their own money on Stars Without Number because they love the game and support Kevin Crawford (and they think you should to - because he makes awesome gaming books). | |||
| 24 Jan 2024 | S2:E10 - Creating A Starship | ||
The boys create a starship for their science fiction setting using the tools and tables found in Kevin Crawford’s Stars Without Number. Disclosure: Matty and Jesse have not received any finical support, influence, or products from Kevin Crawford or Sine Nomine Publishing. They have spent their own money on Stars Without Number because they love the game and support Kevin Crawford (and they think you should to - because he makes awesome gaming books). Music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio Logos by Shannon Sipes thedigsy.myportfolio.com/work | |||
| 31 Jan 2024 | S2:E11 - Creating A Minster | ||
The boys create a Minister using the tools and tables found in Kevin Crawford’s Wolves of God Disclosure: Matty and Jesse have not received any finical support, influence, or products from Kevin Crawford or Sine Nomine Publishing. They have spent their own money on Wolves of God because they love the game and support Kevin Crawford (and they think you should to - because he makes awesome gaming books). Logos by Shannon Sipes thedigsy.myportfolio.com/work | |||
| 07 Feb 2024 | S2:E12 - Creating A Campaign | ||
Season 2 Finale; the boys cover their creative process for creating a campaign. Music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio Logos by Shannon Sipes thedigsy.myportfolio.com/work | |||
| 14 Feb 2024 | Bonus - Would A Survival Crafter TTRPG Be Fun? | ||
In this bonus episode, the boys discuss the Survival Crafter genre of video games and wether or not one would work as a TTRPG. Music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio Logos by Shannon Sipes thedigsy.myportfolio.com/work | |||
| 21 Feb 2024 | Bonus - Are Skills Necessary In RPGs? | ||
The boys debate the general necessity and purpose of skills in table top roleplaying games. Music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio Logos by Shannon Sipes thedigsy.myportfolio.com/work | |||
| 06 Mar 2024 | Bonus - Should Jesse Hack Dark Sun? | ||
Jesse wants to hack the AD&D version of Dark Sun and Matty tries to talk him out of it. The boys discuss the core features and tone of the setting and the mechanics for a supplemental system. Music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio Logos by Shannon Sipes thedigsy.myportfolio.com/work | |||
| 28 Feb 2024 | Bonus - Avatar The Last Airbender, Star Trek, and For All Mankind | ||
In this bonus episode the boys talk about Avatar the Last Airbender, Start Trek, and their corresponding TTRPGs Music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio Logos by Shannon Sipes thedigsy.myportfolio.com/work | |||
| 13 Mar 2024 | Bonus - Exploring Rifts | ||
In this Bonus episode, the boys discuss Rifts and the character creation for their weekly gaming group Music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio Logos by Shannon Sipes thedigsy.myportfolio.com/work | |||
| 20 Mar 2024 | Bonus - Teaching Rules and Gamer Ego | ||
In this bonus episode, the boys discuss best practices for GM’s to teach new gaming systems to their players Music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio Logos by Shannon Sipes thedigsy.myportfolio.com/work | |||
| 27 Mar 2024 | Bonus - Gaming Podcasts We Like | ||
In this bonus episode, the boys discuss their favorite RPG podcasts Music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio Logos by Shannon Sipes thedigsy.myportfolio.com/work | |||
| 03 Apr 2024 | Bonus - Should Mortal Engines Be A Campaign Setting | ||
Jesse and Matty talk about the 2018 movie, Mortal Engines and whether or not it would make for a good TTRPG campaign setting. The boys discuss possible mechanics, player options, and necessary thematics. Music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio Logos by Shannon Sipes thedigsy.myportfolio.com/work | |||
| 10 Apr 2024 | Bonus - Playlists Instead of Paragraphs? | ||
In this bonus episode, the boys have stumbled upon a different (and possibly better) way to create a character backstory. One that involves a playlist of songs instead of paragraphs. Panthro Seabass Dudikoff Playlist https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4TN7s6CgAcWVybux4H7T5V?si=6f006476b1b94c9e Harrow Playlist https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6uQmylpLZozHPiu3BsQoxJ?si=5620f2827127459c Berdine Cleargrain Playlist https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1mRvX6O4JdnYjHpUMIny29?si=76b8fbae65da4f99 Dupt Playlist https://open.spotify.com/playlist/31JXgtDsRnu76Vb9D8wHrG?si=d543027f01024309 Music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio Logos by Shannon Sipes thedigsy.myportfolio.com/work | |||
| 17 Apr 2024 | S3:E1 - What Is Velvet Generation? | ||
The boys are back for Season 3, Matty and Jesse revisit Velvet Generation, by Rich Ranallo and Sky Leaton. Velvet Generation is a tabletop roleplaying game of rock and revolution. Players step into the role of an underground band, trying to survive under the Ministry of Music’s bootheel long enough to strike back and topple the regime from below. Check out more at velvetgeneration.com Music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio Logos by Shannon Sipes thedigsy.myportfolio.com/work | |||
| 24 Apr 2024 | S3:E2 - What Is Index Card RPG? | ||
Season 3 continues as the boys review Index Card RPG by Hankerin Ferinale. Index Card RPG has slowly built a die-hard following of DIY RPG creators and players over the past 5 years. Until now, it has been found in 3 hardcopy books and numerous PDF's published by Runehammer. This huge book combines ICRPG's numerous worlds, streamlined D20 rules and critically acclaimed GM know-how all in one PDF, all revised and updated with its latest playtest data, magic system, LOOT tables and so much more. GET ICRPG HERE: https://www.runehammer.online/online-store/Index-Card-RPG-Master-Edition-PDF-p495157491 Music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio Logos by Shannon Sipes thedigsy.myportfolio.com/work | |||
| 01 May 2024 | S3:E3 - What Is Shadowdark? | ||
Matty and Jesse review Shadowdark by Kelsey Dionne. WHAT IS SHADOWDARK RPG? Classic gaming with elegant execution. Shadowdark RPG is what old-school fantasy gaming would look like after being redesigned with 50 years of innovation. The game is fast, familiar, intuitive, and deadly. It’s built for sword-and-sorcery adventures where fell monsters slither in darkness and frosty gems glint upon forgotten thrones, waiting to be discovered. In Shadowdark RPG, real time comes into play. A torch only holds back the looming darkness for one hour of actual game time! There isn't a moment to spare when your only light source is guttering low... Get ready for old-school gaming in a whole new light! Get Shadowdark here: https://www.thearcanelibrary.com Music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio Logos by Shannon Sipes thedigsy.myportfolio.com/work | |||
| 08 May 2024 | S3:E4 - What Is TROIKA!? | ||
Jesse and Matty discuss the beautifully weird, no barriers, science fantasy indie RPG that is TROIKA! by Daniel Sell. WHAT IS TROIKA? TROIKA! is a science-fantasy role-playing game where you and your cosmopolitan group of fellow travellers explore the ends of the multiverse. You will fly on mystic barges, help dying gods, solve confounding crimes, plunder dead worlds, and meet strange & wonderful people. With just one book and a couple of six-sided dice you'll be able to provide years of adventure for you and your friends. Get TROIKA here: https://www.troikarpg.com Music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio Logos by Shannon Sipes thedigsy.myportfolio.com/work | |||
| 15 May 2024 | S3:E5 - What Is FATE Core? | ||
Jesse and Matty talk about FATE Core, written by Fred Hicks and Rob Donoghue WHAT IS FATE Core? Fate Core is a tabletop roleplaying game about proactive, capable people who lead dramatic lives. Create your characters and develop instant group dynamics with our unique phased char gen system. Use those characters as a springboard to storytelling in our GM worldbuilding chapters. Get FATE Core Here: https://evilhat.com/product/fate-core-system/ Music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio Music by Freedom Trail Studio Logos by Shannon Sipes thedigsy.myportfolio.com/work Fate Core: The Best RPG Everyone Rightfully Hates: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RKa4YhyASmg | |||
| 22 May 2024 | S3:E6 - What Is Ultraviolet Grasslands? | ||
Jesse and Matty review Ultraviolet Grasslands and the Black City by Luka Rejec. WHAT IS ULTRAVIOLET GRASSLANDS AND THE BLACK CITY? PULSE CONFIRMED. ENTITY ENERGIZED. REMEMBER: KEEP YOUR OMNIBATTERIES CHARGED AND YOUR HAZEMETER AT THE READY. Get UVGL&BC2E HERE: https://www.exaltedfuneral.com/products/uvg-2e Music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio Logos by Shannon Sipes thedigsy.myportfolio.com/work | |||
| 29 May 2024 | S3:E7 - What Is Shadowrun Anarchy? | ||
Jesse and Matty discuss Shadown Anarchy. by Jason M. Hardy, Randall N. Bills, and Philip A. Lee WHAT IS SHADOWRUN ANARCHY? Dive into a cyberpunk dystopia and become a shadowrunner, a deniable asset who does the jobs no one else can--or will--do. It's not an easy life, but it beats selling your soul to the megacorps. You'll break into top-secret labs, stand up to gangs bent on destruction and chaos, encounter dark spirits hiding even darker secrets, and come face to face with some of the infinite dangers the Sixth World can throw at you. And you'll come out on top--because if you don't, you don't get paid. Shadowrun: Anarchy is a new way to get into the best cyberpunk/urban fantasy action around. Based upon the rules-light and easy-to-learn Cue System, Shadowrun: Anarchy is a narrative-focused game experience that has everything you need to quickly grab some gear, load up on spells, and get to throwing the dice. With loads of characters and missions, the book makes it simple to get up and running. Immerse yourselves in the Sixth World! Get Shadowrun Anarchy HERE: https://store.catalystgamelabs.com/products/shadowrun-anarchy-pdf Music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio Logos by Shannon Sipes thedigsy.myportfolio.com/work | |||
| 05 Jun 2024 | S3:E8 - What Is Planegea? | ||
Jesse and Matty explore The Star-Shaman’s Song of Planegea by David Somerville Planegea is primal fantasy roleplaying. Whatever you want to explore in 5E—slaying monstrous creatures, navigating political intrigue, exploring ancient ruins, crafting enchanted weapons, infiltrating evil cults, battling, building, casting, carousing—it’s all here. Planegea rises out of our earliest ancestral memory, a world we can barely recognize, which holds all the adventure we can imagine. You won’t find limitations on class or kinship here; rather, the world is filled with ideas and inspiration for running a long and glorious game set before written words, hammered ore, and plowed fields. Get PLANEGEA HERE: https://atlas-games.com/product_tables/AG3720 Music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio Logos by Shannon Sipes thedigsy.myportfolio.com/work | |||
| 12 Jun 2024 | S3:E9 - What Is Trophy Dark? | ||
The boys review Trophy Dark by Jesse Ross, Aaron Burkett, Alexi Sargeant, Blaine Moore, Brian Sago, David Morrison, Gabriel Robinson, Ira Grace, Jim Crocker, Leandro Pondoc, Ludovico Alves, Luiz Paulo Ferraz, Madeleine Ember, Michael Van Vleet, Mike Martens, Noora Rose, and Sabine V. WHAT IS TROPHY DARK? Trophy Dark is a collaborative storytelling game about a group of treasure-hunters on a doomed expedition into a forest that doesn’t want them there. Get Trophy Dark: https://trophyrpg.com Music: Exhale By Jeremy Blake Logos by Shannon Sipes thedigsy.myportfolio.com/work | |||
| 19 Jun 2024 | S3:E10 - What Is Transformers (The RPG)? | ||
The Jaunty Mantis boys discus the Transformers RPG by Ryan Costello, Gabriel Hicks, JF Sambrano, Bryan C.P. Steele, Elisa Teague, Eddy Webb, and Ben Heisler WHAT IS TRANSFORMERS RPG? In the Transformers Roleplaying game, create your own Autobot character and wage your battle to destroy the evil forces of the Decepticons! Whether defending Earth against Megatron’s plans of attack, searching for elusive stores of Energon, or protecting innocent humans and Cybertronians alike, your game is only limited by the stories you create! Get Transformers RPG HERE: https://renegadegamestudios.com/transformers-roleplaying-game/ Music: Future City Funk by Bad Snacks Logos by Shannon Sipes thedigsy.myportfolio.com/work | |||
| 26 Jun 2024 | S3:E11 - What Is Blades In The Dark? | ||
The boys review Blades In The Dark by John Harper. WHAT IS BLADES IN THE DARK? Blades in the Dark is a tabletop role-playing game about a crew of daring scoundrels seeking their fortunes on the haunted streets of an industrial-fantasy city. There are heists, chases, occult mysteries, dangerous bargains, bloody skirmishes, and, above all, riches to be had — if you’re bold enough to seize them. You and your fledgling crew must thrive amidst the threats of rival gangs, powerful noble families, vengeful ghosts, the Bluecoats of the city watch, and the siren song of your scoundrel’s own vices. Will you rise to power in the criminal underworld? What are you willing to do to get to the top? Get Blades In The Dark Here: https://bladesinthedark.com/greetings-scoundrel Music: Fender Bender by Bad Snacks Logos by Shannon Sipes thedigsy.myportfolio.com/work | |||
| 06 Jul 2024 | S3:E12 - What Is Warhammer Age of Sigmar Soulbound? | ||
Jesse and Matty discuss Warhammer Age of Sigmar Soulbound by Emmet Byrne, Zak Dale-Clutterbuck, David Guymer, Elaine Lithgow, TS Luikart, Dominic McDowall, Katrina Ostrander, Josh Reynolds, Clint Werner WHAT IS WARHAMMER AGE OF SIGMAR SOULBOUND? As Sigmar’s Storm broke upon the hordes of Chaos, a flicker of hope was rekindled in the people of the Mortal Realms. The seeds of civilisation were planted and grew into new bastions of Order, and for a moment it almost seemed the endless tide of darkness could be held back. But then came the Necroquake, as the undead legions of Nagash rose up to shatter the cities of Sigmar. Hope dwindles and once more darkness threatens to engulf the Mortal Realms… Explore the Mortal Realms in the first ever tabletop roleplaying game set in the world of Warhammer Age of Sigmar! You are Soulbound: heroes chosen by the gods to stand against the horrors that plague the Mortal Realms, tasked with preventing a new age of Chaos, Death, and Destruction. Forge your group from some of the most powerful heroes in the realms and face down roving bands of cannibals, legions of undead, and hordes of daemons in a desperate struggle for survival. Music: Take It Easy by Bad Snacks Logos by Shannon Sipes thedigsy.myportfolio.com/work | |||
| 10 Jul 2024 | Bonus - We Played Trophy Dark! | ||
Jesse and Matty play Trophy Dark and live to tell the tale! Trophy Dark is a collaborative storytelling game about a group of treasure-hunters on a doomed expedition into a forest that doesn’t want them there. Get Trophy Dark: https://trophyrpg.com Music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio Logos by Shannon Sipes thedigsy.myportfolio.com/work | |||
| 17 Jul 2024 | Bonus - What Is A Roleplaying Game? | ||
They boys take the opportunity to examine what roleplaying games mean to them and how to stylize them to new-gamers. Music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio Logos by Shannon Sipes thedigsy.myportfolio.com/work | |||
| 24 Jul 2024 | Bonus - Do We Need To Be OP? | ||
Jesse and Matty discuss gamer’s compelling desires to play overpowered
characters and exploit mechanics for optimal gain. | |||
| 31 Jul 2024 | Bonus - Should We Get Matching Beard Tattoos? | ||
SEASON 4 IS COMING AND WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! If you have a creative gaming question send it our way at jauntymantis@gmail.com In this bonus episode, the Jaunty Mantis boys discuss Ed Greenwood and The Forgotten Realms. How we as gamers perceive the time honored tropes of fantasy peoples (such as dwarves and orcs). Music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio Logos by Shannon Sipes thedigsy.myportfolio.com/work | |||
| 07 Aug 2024 | Bonus - The One About Lower Decks | ||
Fresh off the SDCC teaser for Stark Trek Lower Decks Season 5, the boys talk about the show and the merits of generational storytelling. Some TTRPG talk happens also! Music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio Logos by Shannon Sipes thedigsy.myportfolio.com/work | |||
| 14 Aug 2024 | Bonus - Is My Game Too Silly? | ||
Is it possible to have too much humor in your TTRPG? Should the GM be the straight man or a cartoonish ringmaster? In this bonus episode, the boys discuss Jesse’s New West Vampire Hunters game and the silly nature of RIFTS. Music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio Music by Nat Keefe & Hot Buttered Rum Logos by Shannon Sipes thedigsy.myportfolio.com/work | |||
| 21 Aug 2024 | Bonus - Mecha Military Style Games | ||
In this bonus episode, Jesse and Matty discuss two genres of gaming that they both have very little experience playing in. Music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio Logos by Shannon Sipes thedigsy.myportfolio.com/work | |||
| 28 Aug 2024 | Bonus - Matty Makes A D&D Rougelike (Part 1) | ||
In this bonus episode, Matty pitches an idea for a D&D rougelike to Jesse…who doesn’t completely hate it. Send us your creative questions for Season 4 to Jauntymantis @gmail.com Please give us a high rating on your pod catcher of choice and leave a comment “All The Mantises!” wherever you found this episode. Music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio Logos by Shannon Sipes thedigsy.myportfolio.com/work | |||
| 11 Sep 2024 | Bonus - Are 'Slice Of Life' Games Fun? | ||
The boys discuss ‘Cozy Fantasy’ and ‘Slice of Life’ style, and also cartoon shows from the late 90’s Send us your creative questions for Season 4 to Jauntymantis@gmail.com Please give us a high rating on your pod catcher of choice and leave a comment “All The Mantises!” wherever you found this episode. Music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio Logos by Shannon Sipes thedigsy.myportfolio.com/work | |||
| 04 Sep 2024 | Bonus - Matty Makes A D&D Roguelike (Part 2) | ||
Matty updates Jesse on how the first run attempt with his latest fantasy heartbreaker Please give us a high rating on your pod catcher of choice and leave a comment “All The Mantises!” wherever you found this episode. Music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio Logos by Shannon Sipes thedigsy.myportfolio.com/work | |||
| 25 Sep 2024 | Bonus - RPG Bucket Lists | ||
Matty experiences a gaming midlife crisis and realizes he’s never attempted a 1 to 20 level D&D campaign. Jesse makes fun of him for reversing his opinions about 5e D&D. The two begin debating the concept of a Gaming Bucket List. Music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio Logos by Shannon Sipes thedigsy.myportfolio.com/work | |||
| 17 Sep 2024 | Bonus - D&D 2024 Player's Handbook First Impressions! | ||
The boys discuss initial thoughts on the new D&D 2024 Player’s Handbook Music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio Logos by Shannon Sipes thedigsy.myportfolio.com/work | |||