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Why We Roll

The Stillfleet Studio

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Why We Roll is a streaming show and podcast about designing tabletop roleplaying games, hosted by Chris Pickett (Danse Macabre) and Wythe Marschall (Stillfleet). Chris and Wythe host in-depth conversations with professional game designers with a focus on contemporary indie TTRPGs. They also occasionally run actual-play sessions and offer behind-the-scenes looks at the games they’re developing. Topics covered to date include game-design inspirations and best practices, the politics of games, ...
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The Maniculum Podcast

The Maniculum Podcast

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Maniculum: little hand, pointing finger; often found in manuscript marginalia. Hi! We’re Mac and Zoe, a professional medievalist and triple AAA game developer, and together, we use modern game design techniques to uncover the origins of your favorite tropes and adventures from medieval manuscripts. ​ In each episode, we explore a new medieval manuscript, its connections to modern TTRPGs, and teach you how to adapt these tales into compelling campaigns and amazing adventures. Whether you’re l ...
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On this episode of WWR, we chat with higher ed specialist and designer of the S.A.N. (Simple and Narrative) game engine, Anthony Kurza. Join us as we discuss using TTRPGs to foster leadership and identity development, creating systems and adventures for students, teaching TTRPG design, and more! Make sure to check out Anthony's work: Website: kurzp…
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On this very special episode of WWR, we hit the floor of the Philadelphia Convention Center for PAX Unplugged 2025! While at the con, we had the pleasure of chatting with five of our favorite designers and AP performers, which we've stitched together into one episode for your listening convenience. John Boyle of Bright Bard Games (https://brightbar…
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This week, we adapt three more medieval "morality" tales from the Gesta Romanorum, adapting them into unique puzzles, adventures, and scenarios for your tabletop campaign. Would YOUR party help you hide a body? Join our discord community! Support us on patreon! Get your copy of Marginal Worlds, a deck of 50 magic items pulled directly from medieval…
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Get your shopping lists written and your sh*t guns loaded, kids—we're taking a trip to the mall. On this episode of WWR, we're chatting about HYPERMALL: UNLIMITED VIOLENCE with creator and author, JD Clément! We get into late stage capitalism, visceral body horror in games, and tips for learning (and forgetting) graphic design on the fly. Finally, …
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Explore the worlds of weird little guys with us as we chat with game designer Will Jobst of Good Luck Press, creator of Torq, This Discord has Ghosts in It (with Adam Vass), Black Mass, and—recently—Plasmodics! We talk about designing mutant freaks in the weird future, 'demaking' vintage TTRPGs, imagining a better future through gaming, and more! G…
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While we may think of genre trends as a modern thing in fantasy literature, the chivalric romance of Eric & Enide paints another picture. We examine two versions of this tale: one gritty and grim dark, and the other an idealistic romantasy, and examine how we can use these story techniques in our own campaigns to tell the type of story we want to t…
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For our final week of funding Danse Macabre on Kickstarter, we present to you... THE BLOOD THIEVES—a DM actual play with the incredible Jenn de la Vega, Mike Rugnetta, and Bijan Stephen of Fun City! Can our Pilgrims uncover the mysteries behind Zehmet the Witch and the elusive anti-theriac? Listen to find out! • Danse Macabre on Kickstarter: stillf…
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On this special AP episode of Why We Roll, we play a one-shot of Danse Macabre: Medieval Horror Roleplaying with Shubha, Teddy, and Zan from Kickstarter United—the union that supports both KS workers and creators. Tune in for medieval hijinks and labor politics as our Pilgrims uncover a plot to replace the hard working peasants of Constantinople wi…
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Happy Halloween! The demon has become a fantastic villain (or patron) in many TTRPGs, but their legalistic nature can sometimes feel overused. Join us this week as we analyze real accounts of medieval demons, how they behave, and how to get rid of them so that you can spice up your TTRPG this Halloween. MOONSHOT NETWORK CHARITY STREAM: Streaming No…
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On this episode, Wythe sits down to gab with Lauren Bilanko, owner of Twenty Sided in Brooklyn, NY and creator of the Mystic Aether Reverie divination deck (available now!). The two chat about Twenty Sided, Lauren's Mystic Aether setting, and the intersections between divination and TTRPGs. Twenty Sided: https://twentysidedstore.com/ Grab a copy of…
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In this episode, we finish off the Lais of Marie de France and ask - what makes a medieval romance, and how can we apply that to our games and stories in fresh ways? How does medieval romance compare to modern fantasy romance? Join our discord community!Check out our Tumblr for even more!Support us on patreon! Get your copy of Marginal Worlds, a de…
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Hey Why We Rollers, Wythe and Chris here with a BIG announcement: We are LIVE with Danse Macabre: Medieval Horror Roleplaying on Kickstarter, all through October! Make sure to check out the game, spread the word, and back us as we bring the post-apocalyptic medieval world to print! Danse Macabre Kickstarter: https://stillfleet.com/danse/ Check out …
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Back the Scorched Basin Kickstarter campaign, funding until Wednesday, October 8th! www.kickstarter.com/projects/homieandthedude/scorched-basin On this episode of Why We Roll, we sit down for a great conversation with Tom and Bodhi, the father-son duo behind Homie and the Dude, creators of Scorched Basin, now funding on Kickstarter! We get into des…
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In this episode, we're joined by Chris and Wythe, the creators of Danse Macabre, to discuss their medieval horror TTRPG and how to create historical settings that feel both real and reasonable to a modern gamer. We discuss the concept of the "novum" in worldbuilding, medievalism, and why TTRPGs feel so set upon the Medieval Fantasy in this fantasti…
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On this episode of Why We Roll, we sit down (in the same room, no less!) to announce the upcoming Kickstarter campaign for Stillfleet Studio's latest game, DANSE MACABRE: Medieval Horror Roleplaying. We chat about changes, the development process, and all the fun, creepy events we've got planned to support the launch! Danse Macabre goes live on Kic…
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When sovereignty myth declares that anyone who kills the White Stag can be king, stakes are high in King Arthur's Court. We're exploring the Welsh origins of Eric and Enide in the Mabinogion, and how two different versions of a text can bring to light important context in mythmaking and worldbuilding. Join our discord community!Check out our Tumblr…
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On this episode of Why We Roll, we sit down (in person!) with author-editors Lauren Belski, Brian Russ, and David Greenwood of Under the BQE – a collective small press publishing high quality fiction novels. Don't worry though, we still find a way to talk about indy games publishing! Tune in to listen to a great conversation about the founding and …
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Friends, we have a special treat for you today! Our buds—and former WWR guests—Dungeons + Drama Nerds have just kicked off an exciting new season of actual play, delving into the super-future political sci fi game, Stillfleet, in a series titled Start the Steal . Today, we're sharing the very first episode of the series, 'Take Me Offworld, Hotboy!'…
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This week, we're joined by author M.T. Anderson as we dive into the thrilling tale of Nicked, the true story of a medieval heist to steal the holy body of Saint Nicholas and save Bari from plague. We take a step-by step approach to the heist and use it as an example for how you can adapt real relic thieves and heists into your TTRPGS & stories. Che…
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Come on in and join us as we chat with the extraordinary Wes Franks about their new game... COME ON IN! We talk with Wes about exploring social classes in a game setting, handling police procedural content with care, 'copaganda,' and navigating tariffs. Oh, and vampires too! Check out Wes' fantastic work: https://www.carrion-comfort.com/ https://ca…
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We're getting into astrology this week! In part two of our final episode of necromancy, we explore the finer points of astrology and its importance in spell casting - so that you know exactly what moon phase is best to curse your enemies, conjure birds, or rout an army. Open Question to the Listeners: What should the metaphysically-significant inse…
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We're back with more lovely actual play friends! On this episode, we're joined by Percy Hornak, Nicholas Orvis, and Ben Ferber of Dungeons + Drama Nerds! Join us and this bevy of dramaturges as we discuss the intersection of stage plays and games, improv, tiered authorship in TTRPGs and more. Make sure to check out Stillfleet Studio's newest game, …
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The stars have aligned, but are you ready to conjure? In part one of our final episode of necromancy, we explore the nature of magic circles and how to ensure you're drawing the correct type for the demon you want to conjure. Join our discord community!Check out our Tumblr for even more!Support us on patreon! Get your copy of Marginal Worlds, a dec…
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On this episode of Why We Roll, we sit down with Rachel Kordell and Casey Reardon of the actual play podcast RP Jesters! We chat about the process of making AP, the Jesters' expansive (and excellent) catalogue of series, and adapting to genre. Last but not least, we also discuss their newest campaign, LOST REQUIEM featuring Stillfleet Studio's Dans…
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Long live the new flesh! Wythe and Chris are back with Evan on Left of the Projector for another film discussion. This time we dissect David Cronenberg's 1983 body horror / tech and sex anxiety classic, VIDEODROME! From Left of the Projector – In this episode, I join Chris and Wythe from the Why We Roll Podcast to analyze David Cronenberg's cult cl…
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Romantasy has been all the rage of late, but its roots go further back than a TikTok trend. Join us this week as we dive into Eric and Enide, a medieval fantasy romance adventure perfect for those who love the genre, or who just want a new idea for their story or TTRPG campaign. Welcome to our summer series! Join our discord community! Check out ou…
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On this episode of Why We Roll we're joined by TTRPG advice power couple Alyssa and Adam Johns of The Next Session Podcast to discuss GM advice, the intersection of therapy and TTRPGs, and more! How can we use aesthetic distance in our games to help players grow? How do GMs overcome imposter syndrome? And how the HECK do animated skeletons even sta…
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Looking to craft your next dungeon delve for your campaign? Want a few puzzles your player have never seen before? We've found a few medieval tales with tantalizing puzzles and twisting dungeons, ready to be used in your next TTRPG. Sit back as we do the work to show you how to adapt these dungeons into your game. Join our discord community! Check …
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Jack in and hack the system with us as we sit down to both play and discuss Echoes of the Veil—the newest cyberpunk game from Reverie Rebels—with designer Raffi Marhaba (they / them)! We cover a wide range of subjects including playing the cyberpunk genre politically, magic systems in sci-fi, and designing around social justice. Make sure to tune i…
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What does a goodly knight do when he's taken prisoner and asked to collect his own ransom? Comply, of course! Join us on another dive into medieval literature and pull out a few puzzles and dilemmas for your next TTRPG! Join our discord community!Check out our Tumblr for even more!Support us on patreon! Get your copy of Marginal Worlds, a deck of 5…
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Saddle up, partner! On this episode of WWR, Wythe and Chris are fixin' to get into the western genre with Rowan McStay and Casey Papas of the wonderful actual play podcast, Mage Hand High Five! We chat about MHH5's history, gaming Western tropes, breaking away from colonial narratives, and—of course—the narrative versatility of trains. This episode…
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In our final episode about Irish werewolves, we compare medieval Arthurian romance tales to this Irish Arthurian tale from the 1700s. How has the genre changed, and what werewolf adventures can you bring to your table? Join our discord community! Check out our Tumblr for even more!Support us on patreon!Get your copy of Marginal Worlds, a deck of 50…
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Join us as we sit down to chat with filmmaker, screenwriter, and video game narrative designer ⁠Claire Carré⁠ (⁠Lovesick w. Rose City Games, ⁠Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet w. Naughty Dog Games⁠). In this unique episode, we discuss narrative design, Claire's history with TTRPGs, and the intersection of tabletop and visual media—make sure to tun…
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Join us as we sit down to chat with award-winning TTRPG designer and podcaster Daniel Kwan about his new game, Wandering Blades—backing on Kickstarter until May 30th 2025 at wanderingblades.com! We talk wuxia genre fiction, representation, designing beautiful—yet deadly—combat, cinema, and more so make sure to tune in! If you enjoy Why We Roll, con…
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Join us as we discuss the 1997 sci fi film GATTACA with our pal Evan on Left of the Projector! From LoP: 'In this episode, we analyze the 1997 sci-fi film Gattaca, directed by Andrew Niccol, alongside Wythe Marshall and Chris Pickett from the "Why We Roll" podcast. We examine the film's portrayal of a future shaped by genetic engineering and social…
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This week, we dive into two examples of Irish werewolf tales that you can adapt into your TTRPG! Learn a different story about the werewolf than the 21st century beast, and bring a few new traditions - and twists - to your table. Join our discord community! Check out our Tumblr for even more!Support us on patreon!Get your copy of Marginal Worlds, a…
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Join us as we chat with Rowan Zeoli – indy journalist extraodinaire and co-founder of the independent TTRPG news site, Rascal News – about the state of the industry, how Rascal got started, why independent TTRPG journalism matters (spoiler – it really matters). If you're enjoying Why We Roll, consider joining the Stillfleet Patreon! For as little a…
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On this episode of WWR, we are so excited to welcome back TTRPG designer, comedian, and WRESTLER, Kayla Dice of Ratwave Game House! Get into the kayfabe with us as we play and discuss Kayla's newest game, Transgender Deathmatch legend II (available on Itch)! Transgender Deathmatch Legend II is a TTRPG beat-em-up designed for two players, using a de…
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A cheating wife plots with a her lover, a necromancer, to kill her husband, a knight on pilgrimage... what could possibly happen when another necromancer decides to protect the knight? We're breaking down tales in the Gesta Romanorum to learn more about medieval law and necromancy! Join our discord community!Check out our Tumblr for even more!Suppo…
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On this episode of Why We Roll, we chat with Ethan Gouldini about their game, THE SOMETIMES KINGDOM, a topsy-turvy portal fantasy RPG. Join in as we discuss building magical systems and worlds, GMing a living house, and everything seasonal. If you're enjoying Why We Roll, consider supporting us over at patreon.com/stillfleet – for a few bucks a mon…
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On this episode of Why We Roll, we sit down with the elder statesman himself, Eric Silver of Multitude Productions and Join the Party to both play and discuss his new game, Model Our Nations: A TTRPG about words standing in the way of action! Pick up a copy of Model Our Nations from the Join the Party merch store HERE! If you're enjoying Why We Rol…
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Sometimes, internet lore takes on a life of its own. Join us this week as we debunk the popular internet myth of the Irish faoladh, and dive into the true history of the Irish werewolf and its medieval origins! Join our discord community! Check out our Tumblr for even more!Support us on patreon!Get your copy of Marginal Worlds, a deck of 50 magic i…
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!!! Last chance to back Enter the Nostalgitron, the new play-to-learn Stillfleet quick start! Make sure to back before April 3rd! As a special treat, here is Nostalgitron writer and illustrator, Michael J. Cohen chatting with Wythe about Alien: Romulus on his podcast, Perfect Ten! ———— On this episode we're joined by Wythe Marschall, creator of the…
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Can you think like a medieval philosopher? In this episode, we're challenging our guests -- medievalists and non-medievalists alike -- to answer the riddlesome questions presented in the medieval philosophy dialogue of Sidrak and Bokkus! Can you divine the reasoning behind why birds fly, or why some people are short? Join us this episode for weird …
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We are joined by not one, but two extraordinary guests this week—Marco Serrano of Spicy Tuna RPG, and welcoming back Michael J. Cohen! The gang chats about Blackthorn, Spicy Tuna's Pocketopia 2025 entry, as well as writing pulp horror, camp, and intentionality with art... all culminating in a discussion of PUDDY MADNESS—the Blackthorn x Nostalgitro…
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What do postal service routes have to do with the national spy network, and how can it improve your worldbuidling? Find out this week as we conclude the Secret History of Byzantium! We conclude this epic text with a few final tales of vice, corruption, and an epic heist that you can set up for your players, too. Join our discord community! Check ou…
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Two episodes in one week? In this economy?! Wythe sits down to chat with illustrator, graphic designer, and TTRPG writer Michael J. Cohen to discuss their latest collaboration, Enter the NOSTALGITRON—now live on Backerkit as a part of Pocketopia 2025! Enter the NOSTALGITRON is a new 64-page quick start venture for Stillfleet, blending the dark corp…
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Wythe and Chris sit down to chat with designer, consultant, comrade, and collaborator—the inimitable Logan Dean. Tune in to listen in on Logan's insights around the politics and genre of corporate horror, inter-player tension, and practical advice on starting and administering an indie game business. Enjoying Why We Roll? Consider supporting the sh…
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What happens when a wandering knight fails in his quest to get the girl? He needs a therapist, of course! Join us in this guest episode with Georgian lit scholar James Baillie as we walk through the Georgian poetic epic "The Knight in Panther's Skin" and come away with a thousand new ideas for your next TTRPG. Check out James' work here: The Exile …
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