What makes a "HEROIC" TTRPG? | S2E5

Can story beats save your TTRPG sessions? On this episode of the Quantum Ogre Cast I chat with Dave of @grimwoodgames about pacing, setbacks, player driven games, and his superhero TTRPG Masked Paws inspired by Darkwing Duck, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and saturday morning cartoons!Check out Masked Paws here:https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/grimwoodgames/masked-pawsOr try the Quickstart version here:https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/587095/quickstart-masked-paws-betaLive masked paws game:https://www.youtube.com/live/VOWisG3wvBs?is=uchSrQToBmQmcqN4~~~~~~~~~GOBLINS LINKS~~~~~~~~~Join my email list here:https://substack.com/@eldergoblingames ORFollow wherever you prefer:https://linktr.ee/Eldergoblingamesand check out my other channelhttps://www.youtube.com/@eldergoblinbard #ttrpg #dnd #tabletopgames #dungeonsanddragons #quantumogrecast #tabletopgaming This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit eldergoblingames.substack.com/subscribe

On this Quantum Ogre Cast, I talk with Peter of Tales From Elsewhere about what exactly classifies a TTRPG as "Heroic"? Join us as we discuss everything from moral ambiguity, philosophy, Lord of the Rings, and of course, Dungeons & Dragons on another wildly meandering episode of the topical TTRPG podcast you were destined to encounter.Logo art: Jeff Witty ArtJoin my email list here:https://substack.com/@eldergoblingames ORFollow wherever you prefer:https://linktr.ee/Eldergoblingamesand check out my other channelhttps://www.youtube.com/@eldergoblinbard This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit eldergoblingames.substack.com/subscribe

On today's Quantum Ogre Cast, I talk with Peter @TalesFromElsewhereGames about the dogmatic nature of the TTRPG hobby, lessons we can learn from camps such as modern D&D and the OSR, and how we should be trying games outside our wheelhouse to become more rounded game masters and designers. Join us as we delve deep into the dungeon in search of more productive topical ttrpg conversations.Mentioned videos:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uJgl4Bf4Bnk&https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qCE5KTnfiaI&t=1964solder episode mentioned by Peter:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XviWFeg42ws&list=PL30Wnig33y-Sw9AhmT7R7JuZxhyK1QvOC&index=3&t=1835svideo I mentioned on making your games more about your crew:https://youtu.be/s0cydbrfAr4?si=5lwUSrvHV7nUjkf9Join my email list here:https://substack.com/@eldergoblingamesORFollow wherever you prefer:https://linktr.ee/Eldergoblingamesand check out my other channelhttps://www.youtube.com/@eldergoblinbard#ttrpg #trpg #dnd #dungeonsanddragons #quantumogrecast This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit eldergoblingames.substack.com/subscribe

Join Peter (Tales From Elsewhere) and I for a GenCon 2026 debrief as we recap convention highlights, tabletop RPG experiences, indie game discoveries, designer meetups, open gaming, and other memorable moments. We'll share some practical con tips on scheduling, food, transportation, running games, networking, and making the most of unexpected opportunities.Quinns Quest Stonetop review:Join my email list here:https://substack.com/@eldergoblingames ORFollow wherever you prefer:https://linktr.ee/Eldergoblingamesand check out my other channelhttps://www.youtube.com/@eldergoblinbard Get 10% off any exalted funeral game using my code:https://www.exaltedfuneral.com/ELDERGOBLINor code: ELDERGOBLIN at checkout This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit eldergoblingames.substack.com/subscribe

Today Will (Runeforged Games) and I discuss the ways darkvision ruins tension, we talk cognitive load for Game Masters, layout-driven adventure design, and why easy systems like ShadowDark, Nimble, and OSE make prep easier. Plus: a deep dive into Will’s gothic one-shot Tragedy of Raven Manor. Perfect for GMs, Shadow Dark players, and anyone interested in better adventure layout, darkvision design, and one-shot planning. Join us on this inevitable episode of the Quantum Ogre Cast!~Check out Runeforged games Youtube channel:https://www.youtube.com/@RuneforgedTabletopGaming~Tragedy of Ravenmere Manor (affiliate link):https://www.drivethrurpg.com//product/572860/the-tragedy-of-ravenmere-manor?affiliate_id=1332869~Join my email list here:https://substack.com/@eldergoblingames OR~Follow wherever you prefer:https://linktr.ee/Eldergoblingames~and check out my other channelhttps://www.youtube.com/@eldergoblinbard #shadowdark #ttrpg #dnd #osr #nsr This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit eldergoblingames.substack.com/subscribe

I talk with Gavin Norman (Necrotic Gnome) and we dive into Dolmenwood — the folklore‑rich TTRPG setting, its 10+ year creation, Wormskin zine news, how Dolmenwood stands apart from Old School Essentials and much more!And if you love Dolmenwood, don’t forget to vote in the Ennies!https://vote.ennie-awards.com/vote/2026/Get 10% off Dolmenwood and more using my code:https://www.exaltedfuneral.com/ELDERGOBLINor any Exalted Funeral product when you use code:ELDERGOBLINJoin my email list here:https://substack.com/@eldergoblingames ORFollow wherever you prefer:https://linktr.ee/Eldergoblingamesand check out my other channelhttps://www.youtube.com/@eldergoblinbard#Dolmenwood #NecroticGnome #TTRPG #OldSchoolEssentials This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit eldergoblingames.substack.com/subscribe

I talk with Zac Goins of Limithron on todays Quantum Ogrecast. We attempt to break down the “age of the fantasy heartbreaker” — why so many indie TTRPGs are popping up, what makes a heartbreaker succeed, and a few publishing insights (OGL, crowdfunding, community). As well as a teaser for the new kickstarter event Zine SideQuest, and some Pirateborg news!Daggerheart: A New Cycle (affiliate link):https://www.drivethrurpg.com//product/571473/a-new-cycle-9-new-classes?affiliate_id=1332869Pirate Borg Bookmarks (and early look at SideQuest)https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/snapback/pirate-borg-bookmarksNew Pirate Map Collectionhttps://www.kickstarter.com/projects/limithron/pirate-map-collection?ref=profile_created&category_id=399Stay Tuned for 7 Delving Sinshttps://www.kickstarter.com/projects/eldergoblingames/7-delving-sinsJoin my email list here:https://substack.com/@eldergoblingamesand hit SUBSCRIBEORFollow wherever you prefer:https://linktr.ee/Eldergoblingames#ttrpg #fantasyheartbreaker #dnd #pirateborg #shadowdark This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit eldergoblingames.substack.com/subscribe

Join Peter (Tales From Elsewhere) and I (Jorbin) as we discuss adventure design for TTRPGs on this episode of the Quantum Ogre Cast. Everything from OSR style situations and trifold/zines to one-shots and sandboxes, campaign tools, spark tables, and other adventure models. We also talk GM-friendly tips for writing usable tools, and ways to entice players to try new systems. And of course, meander into many other topics!the Fun of OSR games:Check out Tales From Elsewhere:https://www.youtube.com/@TalesFromElsewhereGamesOther channels mentioned: @StephaniePlaysGames & @EruditeDM Delta green affiliate link:https://www.drivethrurpg.com//product/236576/delta-green-the-role-playing-game?affiliate_id=1332869Quins Quest delta green vidGet 10% off Land of Eem, Dolmenwood, and more using my code:https://www.exaltedfuneral.com/ELDERGOBLINor any Exalted Funeral product when you use code: ELDERGOBLINJoseph R Lewis adventure design playlist:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLW3Y9p-0r_NLA-b00wVod0mHrXUgbL4tQJP Coovert Zines:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5fdL6qHiXFOsNImCH4ROyxQ6DyH-6r2iMy Island Prep:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL30Wnig33y-TEf2auVfCShxiIVOP1oa7gDragontown link:https://jpcoovert.com/products/dragon-town-and-the-darkness-belowElder Goblin Bard:www.youtube.com/@eldergoblinbard ​ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit eldergoblingames.substack.com/subscribe

On todays Quantum Ogre Cast, the joy of trying new TTRPGs with Jorbin, Zakary (Peasantry TTRPG) and Wes (DM Tales) as we discuss fresh systems like Tales of Argosa, Seven Delving Sins, Blades in the Dark, Land of Eem and more, plus tips for online play and the free CRIT con. We talk about our recent game recs, playtest stories, convention plans (Gen Con, PAGE) and design insights to spark ideas. Comment with your favorite games and cons and join the conversation! Try something new at your next table (or online)!Sign up for games at:www.gameatcrit.comorhttps://tabletop.events/conventions/crit-2026Get 10% off Land of Eem, Dolmenwood, and more using my code:https://www.exaltedfuneral.com/ELDERGOBLINor any Exalted Funeral product when you use code: ELDERGOBLINIf you're going to buy Tales of Argosaconsider using my affiliate link while you shop there so I can get it too! 😅https://www.drivethrurpg.com//product/479871/tales-of-argosa?affiliate_id=1332869and check out @PeasantryTTRPGhttps://peasantryttrpg.com/and @DMTalesTTRPG Stay tuned for more news about 7 Delving Sins here:https://substack.com/@eldergoblingamesand https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/eldergoblingames/7-delving-sinsCheck out Masks Pawed RPG:https://grimwood.games/maskedpawsrpgWant to play PIRATE BORG with me at GenCon?sign up for any of the "Trapped in the Tropics" games onThurs: 1pm /4pm or Sat: 1pm#TTRPG #tabletoprpg #TalesofArgosa #SevenDelvingSins #Peasantry #GameAtCrit #onlinecon #GenCon #BladesintheDark #LandOfEem #pirateborg #dragonbane This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit eldergoblingames.substack.com/subscribe

Today on the Quantum Og... err.. movie cast, I talk with frank of @WhatisTabletop and Peter of @TalesFromElsewhereGames about our island 5 movies, movies that broke our hearts, and movies that are so bad they're actually good! Join us on the topical cinema podcast, I am your density... I mean.. destiny!Follow me wherever you prefer:https://linktr.ee/EldergoblingamesMore podcasts here:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL30Wnig33y-Sw9AhmT7R7JuZxhyK1QvOCAnd TTRPG reviews:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL30Wnig33y-R0rY2vWHGJ_SiSghCVU2YZ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit eldergoblingames.substack.com/subscribe