Get in the Trunk

Tabletop Hot Takes is a podcast about Tabletop Role Playing Games, the host's thoughts and feelings on them, and, of course, hot takes. Professors Aria and Funky explore TTRPG history, indie RPGs, advice, recommendations, and all kinds of other great things. Professor Aria was raised in the fire of TTRPGs having run and played Shadowrun, D&D 5E, Ryuutama, and several indie RPGs. They have Game Mastered for almost ten years. They are trying to make their own system, an exploration of fantasy and how even small actions can result in lasting change for the world. Professor Funky has run TTRPGs for over 20 years and for far too many systems to count, though he will try. He is in the process of making his own system (Expedition Protocol) and publishing various adventures as well. Links feeds.cativate.fm - Podcast feed patreon.com - Patreon page itch.io - itch.io page

Released in 2014 by Chaosium, Call of Cthulhu 7th Edition is the latest version of the cult-classic cosmic eldritch horror role-playing system originally launched in 1981. The story is based off of the  literary works of H.P. Lovecraft and lovecraftian works. Instead of setting the players up as heroes, the characters are regular investigators who are exploring cults, forbidden knowledge and various eldritch-cosmic entitites and threats. Description Occupations in the game for the characters include academics, reporters, and private investigators. The gameplay loop revolves around uncovering information, analyzing clues, and evading dangers. As the supernatural elements in the game are considered more powerful than the investigators, they have are not expected to actually confront most of the threats head on. Instead they usually have to resort to avoiding or escaping any situation that may arise. Combat is lethal and usually leads to characters getting permanently killed or pushed to insanity (which eventually is the same).  System Overview & Key Features Percentile Framework (d100) Every action is resolved by rolling two ten-sided (d10) dice to get a result from 1 to 100. If you roll is equal to or under your skill rating, the action is deemed a success. This approach simplifies the mechanical process of the game, as there are no complex tables to keep track of and compare to decypher whether it is a success or failure. Pushed Rolls If a character fails a skill check, they may attempt to "push" the roll, allowing for a second attempt. This requires the player to come up with a new, more desperate approach to performing the task. If this subsequent pushed roll also fails, the Keeper describes a severe and immediate negative consequence. Sanity and Madness A core mechanic of the system is the tracking of mental stability. Investigators lose points from their Sanity gauge when exposed to anomalous creatures or disturbing truths. Drops in Sanity result in the character experiencing temporary or permanent forms of madness, which can manifest as new phobias, delusions, or a temporary loss of player agency over the character. Bonus and Penalty Dice To account for situational advantages or disadvantages, the game employs a system of bonus and penalty dice. If a character possesses a distinct advantage when performing a task, an extra d10 is rolled and taking the higher result. A disadvantage means rolling an extra d10 and taking the lower result. Combat Lethality Physical altercations are inherently dangerous by design. Investigators possess limited hit points, and the damage output of both conventional firearms and anomalous entities is high. Recovery mechanics are slow, simulating realistic healing times. This structural lethality serves to discourage combat and incentivize stealth and investigation. Expendable Luck Players can spend points from their character's Luck pool to retroactively lower a dice roll. The points are subtracted on a one-to-one basis until the dice result qualifies as a success. This ensures that the Luck pool is a limited resource which should be used and utilized in the most critical situations. Additional links chaosium.com - Official publisher website and digital storefront drivethrurpg.com - Digital repository for official scenarios and sourcebooks

Tabletop Gold is an actual play podcast for people who love the game as much as the story. Our cast of actors, musicians, writers, and lifelong nerds digs deep and keeps things moving: crunchy rules, real drama, and genuine laughs. We've got multiple campaigns (Pathfinder 2E and Starfinder 2E so far!), fully edited video, consistent releases, and a community that keeps growing. Actual play that takes the rules seriously without taking itself too seriously. Campaigns Roughnexx Join our adventures in space as a group of (more or less) normal folks run afoul of the major powers that run the show in the Pact Worlds. Roughnexx is an anthology actual play set across Starfinder Second Edition's published setting, where every adventure is a new mess, and the stakes are always bigger than they should be. The Band of Gold A wide network of adventurers explores the mysteries of Golarion with the Pathfinder Society. Pathfinder 2E actual play. Exclusively on Patreon! The Gold Mine The companion series for TTG's actual play shows. Behind the scenes talk, GM and player advice, and a deep dive into why we play games. Exclusively on Patreon! The Roots of Ruin Our production of the Abomination Vaults adventure path for Pathfinder 2E. A mysterious lighthouse holds secrets from long ago, and a band of adventurers is the only thing that can dig them out. Free for everyone, on our main feed! Links tabletopgold.com - Official website youtube.com - Youtube channel spotify.com - Spotify feed podcasts.apple.com - Apple Podcasts feed patreon.com - Patreon page