Tabletop by Night

In this episode, join GreyDM and Owen as they delve into the fascinating history of Paizo, the company behind the popular RPGs Pathfinder and Starfinder. They explore how Paizo rose from humble beginnings in 2002 to become the major competitor to Dungeons & Dragons, with innovations like the Adventure Path model transforming the tabletop RPG landscape. Learn about the challenges Paizo faced, from looming financial crises to competing with industry giants, and how their commitment to storytelling and community engagement led to remarkable success. Discover the impact of the Open Game License, Paizo’s foray into the digital realm, and their role in industry-wide movements towards unionization and open licensing. Whether you're a veteran gamer or new to tabletop RPGs, this narrative will provide insights into one of the most influential companies in the hobby.

In this episode, hosts GreyDMs and Owen dive into the world of GURPS, the Generic Universal Role-Playing System, which offers an expansive toolkit for creating characters and campaigns across any genre. They explore its history, mechanics, and the unexpected controversy it sparked with the Secret Service. Owen and Gray share personal anecdotes and frustrations, highlighting the complex and flexible nature of the game. Whether you're a fan of simulation games or prefer a more narrative-driven experience, this episode provides a candid discussion on the merits and challenges of GURPS.

Join your host GreyDM and co-host Owen in this episode as they humorously delve into the fascinating history of tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs). You'll explore the quirky origins of these beloved games, from the first iterations like Braunstein to the creation of Dungeons & Dragons. Discover how these games evolved, including tales of unexpected duels, early experiments with game mechanics, and the colorful characters that laid the foundation for modern RPGs.
Learn about the pioneers of role-playing games, the evolution of the Dungeon Master concept, and the pivotal role of early enthusiasts in shaping the world of TTRPGs. Along the way, you'll encounter amusing anecdotes about the development process, character names, and rulebook quirks that defined the genre's formative years.
With wit and humor, GreyDM and Owen provide a light-hearted look into how these games have progressed and influenced countless players over the years. Whether you're a seasoned RPG enthusiast or new to the hobby, this episode is sure to entertain and enlighten.

Join hosts GreyDMs and Owen as they delve into the eerie world of cosmic horror, exploring the life of H.P. Lovecraft and the lasting impact of his work on the horror genre. Discover how Lovecraft's troubled youth and fascination with the unknown laid the foundation for the iconic Call of Cthulhu RPG. Throughout the episode, the hosts discuss the mechanics of cosmic horror, differences from traditional RPGs, and the unique challenges players face in confronting incomprehensible cosmic entities.
Learn about the history and evolution of Chaosium, the company behind Call of Cthulhu, and its eventual revival in the RPG world. Engage with discussions on other media influenced by Lovecraftian horror, including movies, video games, and more. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the genre, this episode offers a deep dive into a world where sanity and survival hang by a thread. Tune in for insights into how horror can be both thrilling and mentally taxing in role-playing games, and explore the rich lore that continues to fascinate generations of gamers and horror enthusiasts alike.

Join GreyDM and Owen as they explore the intricate world of 'Werewolf: The Apocalypse', a game rooted in themes of environmental defense, spiritual warfare, and the raging internal battle of its werewolves. Discover how this fifth edition offers a refreshing yet controversial take with its blend of narrative changes and vivid storytelling.
Delve into the interplay of primal forces—The Wyld, Weaver, and Wyrm—and understand the role of the Garou as nature’s fierce protectors. This episode unpacks the game's evolution since 1992, addressing updates to lore and mechanics aimed at aligning with contemporary sensibilities.
With discussions on tribal diversity and the roles within the Garou society, this episode invites listeners to reflect on the ecological and societal themes that make 'Werewolf: The Apocalypse' a provocative storytelling medium. Whether you're a newcomer or a returning player, get ready for an engaging deep dive into what makes this game a must-explore adventure.

In this episode, GreyDM and Owen take a nostalgic journey back to their World of Warcraft days, reflecting on the lessons this iconic game offers to tabletop RPG enthusiasts. Drawing from their decade-long experience in Azeroth, they delve into how elements of WoW's storytelling, character progression, and community dynamics can enhance role-playing games. Unravel the importance of journey over destination, the pitfalls of giving players everything they ask for, and why sometimes it's better to let a story come to a natural end. Join the discussion to explore how WoW's early design choices can make your tabletop sessions more immersive and meaningful.

In this episode, GreyDMs and his ever-reliable co-host Owen embark on a journey into the realms of tabletop RPGs with a spotlight on the game "Shadowrun." Owen becomes the impromptu teacher, leading the listeners through the cyberpunk fantasy's origins and notable features. Starting from the late 80s, they discuss the game's innovative mix of futuristic technology with magic and mythical creatures.
Listeners get to explore the history of two influential figures in the gaming industry, Jordan Wiseman and L. Ross Babcock III, and how their diverse backgrounds and ideas forged the path for the creation of "Shadowrun." The duo navigates through intriguing narratives and themes, examining the cultural and technological influences that fueled this unique game.
Focusing on key elements such as the game's setting in a corporate-controlled future where humans coexist with elves, trolls, and magic, this episode is an essential listen for both Shadowrun novices and enthusiasts. As they unpack the layers of this cyberpunk masterpiece, GreyDMs and Owen share laughs and insights that transport listeners into the vibrant world of RPG adventures.

Welcome to the exciting premiere of Season 2 of Tabletop by Night! Join GreyDMs and Owen as they delve into the intriguing origins of Vampire: The Masquerade. This episode takes you on a journey through the fascinating backstory of Mark Rein•Hagen his early influences, and his pivotal role in the tabletop RPG world. Discover the significance of Gary, Indiana, the creative spark from The Lost Boys, and how real-world events in the 80s influenced game design.
Experience the dynamic conversation around the innovative mechanics and storytelling elements that set Vampire: The Masquerade apart in the gaming world. Listen as they share insights into Mark’s collaborations, the impact of Ars Magica, and the evolution of the World of Darkness. This engaging discussion sets the tone for an exciting new season, packed with deep dives into gaming history and character development tips.

Welcome to the final 2024 episode of "Tabletop by Night," hosted by GreyDMs and co-host Owen, where we delve deep into the realm of vampire clashes in an epic "Vampire Fight Club." With guests Jason and Max, we explore iconic vampires from across fiction, including fan favorites like Edward Cullen from "Twilight," Selene from "Underworld," Blade from Marvel, and even the legendary Alucard from "Hellsing." We dive into their abilities and speculate their chances against others in a hypothetical battle arena spanning six urban blocks.
Beyond the fascinating debates, we also reflect on the year's journey and share a heartfelt thank you to our listeners for their support and engagement. While this marks the end of our episodes for 2023, we promise a thrilling return next year after some content evolution and a chance for our audience to provide feedback via a survey linked in the episode's description.
As a token of gratitude, a special peek into our version of the "World of Darkness" will be released soon as a holiday bonus. Until then, enjoy the captivating clash of supernatural titans in our "Vampire Fight Club" discussion, as we count down the days to our exciting 2025 return.Survey link:
https://forms.gle/sDhpbi3CCxuDE9258

Join us at The Table with GreyDMs and co-host Owen as we delve into the dark and captivating world of Vampire the Masquerade in our weekly podcast, Tabletop by Night. This episode, we explore the question, "How does the night change you?" with our returning guest Max and newcomer Jason.
Our discussion centers around two characters, Keith and Jason, whose stories have been unfolding across multiple campaigns. We dive into the intricacies of character development, exploring how to keep a character evolving and living through long-form storytelling. Keith, a powerful CEO turned Tremere, grapples with his mortality and the consequences of his choices, while Jason, a young and aimless loner, struggles to find belonging in a world that constantly pushes him away.
The conversation touches on the importance of character choices, the impact of unexpected in-game events, and how to balance character consistency with growth. We also discuss the challenges and rewards of role-playing in Vampire the Masquerade, offering advice to new players on creating and evolving their characters.
Finally, we introduce an intriguing NPC, a seemingly unassuming harpy who plays a pivotal role in the power dynamics of Jacksonville, offering a fresh perspective on the game’s political landscape. Tune in for a deep dive into character evolution and the art of storytelling in the world of darkness.