<![CDATA[Tabletop Hot Takes]]>38d7c0ae-597e-547d-89eb-aaeabc479516Mon, 20 Apr 2026 10:00:48 +0000Captivate.fmAria Davis & Professor Funky Productionshttps://artwork.captivate.fm/106d44f9-814f-418d-b682-aa5f41b5d14e/lo7RHtQ3wWGwN1fcwFviQUV2.jpegTabletop Hot TakesAria Davis & Professor Funky ProductionsAria Davis & Professor Funky ProductionsA Podcast about Tabletop Role Playing Games (TTRPGs), our thoughts and feeling on them, and, of course, hot takes. We 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 cyberpunk fantasy in an approachable, customizable system. 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 and publishing a fantasy adventure, The Plot of Conquerors, as well. Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TabletopHotTakeshttps://tabletop-hot-takes.captivate.fmtrueepisodicnopodcastUGNET (Part 4)UGNET (Part 4)FINALE of the Ultimate Gamerunner Name Elimination Tournament. (4-Part Series)

The highest effort shitpost imaginable. We kinda went ham on this one, honestly!

Link for Games Involved - full download and review links for all as much as possible!

Bracket - The full bracket to see the whole thing if ya want.

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Our Patreon

Funky's itch.io

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What to reach out to us? Got a question? Want to share a hot take you can't put anywhere else?

Email us at:

tabletop.hot.takes@gmail.com

]]>FINALE of the Ultimate Gamerunner Name Elimination Tournament. (4-Part Series)

The highest effort shitpost imaginable. We kinda went ham on this one, honestly!

Link for Games Involved - full download and review links for all as much as possible!

Bracket - The full bracket to see the whole thing if ya want.

-----------------------------------------

Our Patreon

Funky's itch.io

-----------------------------------------

What to reach out to us? Got a question? Want to share a hot take you can't put anywhere else?

Email us at:

tabletop.hot.takes@gmail.com

]]>d3d0a6df-6aaa-4597-8052-42f12c9dae13Mon, 20 Apr 2026 03:00:00 -070001:17:10truefull3232UGNET (Part 3)UGNET (Part 3)Want to vote on Bracket placements for the final round? Go Here and fill out the form. Rank your faves and least faves!

Part 3 of the Ultimate Gamerunner Name Elimination Tournament. (4-Part Series)

The highest effort shitpost imaginable. We kinda went ham on this one, honestly!

Link for Games Involved - full download and review links for all as much as possible!

-----------------------------------------

Our Patreon

Funky's itch.io

-----------------------------------------

What to reach out to us? Got a question? Want to share a hot take you can't put anywhere else?

Email us at:

tabletop.hot.takes@gmail.com

]]>Want to vote on Bracket placements for the final round? Go Here and fill out the form. Rank your faves and least faves!

Part 3 of the Ultimate Gamerunner Name Elimination Tournament. (4-Part Series)

The highest effort shitpost imaginable. We kinda went ham on this one, honestly!

Link for Games Involved - full download and review links for all as much as possible!

-----------------------------------------

Our Patreon

Funky's itch.io

-----------------------------------------

What to reach out to us? Got a question? Want to share a hot take you can't put anywhere else?

Email us at:

tabletop.hot.takes@gmail.com

]]>4a1ecb57-ba76-4fde-b4eb-55f48644efceMon, 06 Apr 2026 09:00:00 -070002:03:01truefull3131UGNET (Part 2)UGNET (Part 2)Part 2 of the Ultimate Gamerunner Name Elimination Tournament. (4-Part Series)

The highest effort shitpost imaginable. We kinda went ham on this one, honestly!

Link for Games Involved

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Our Patreon

Funky's itch.io

-----------------------------------------

What to reach out to us? Got a question? Want to share a hot take you can't put anywhere else?

Email us at:

tabletop.hot.takes@gmail.com

]]>Part 2 of the Ultimate Gamerunner Name Elimination Tournament. (4-Part Series)

The highest effort shitpost imaginable. We kinda went ham on this one, honestly!

Link for Games Involved

-----------------------------------------

Our Patreon

Funky's itch.io

-----------------------------------------

What to reach out to us? Got a question? Want to share a hot take you can't put anywhere else?

Email us at:

tabletop.hot.takes@gmail.com

]]>cbbfbda0-0c32-4b80-afcd-33c7dc349f76Mon, 23 Mar 2026 09:00:00 -070001:28:18truefull3030UGNET (Part 1)UGNET (Part 1)Part 1 of the Ultimate Gamerunner Name Elimination Tournament. (4-Part Series)

The highest effort shitpost imaginable. We kinda went ham on this one, honestly!

Link for Games Involved

-----------------------------------------

Our Patreon

Funky's itch.io

-----------------------------------------

What to reach out to us? Got a question? Want to share a hot take you can't put anywhere else?

Email us at:

tabletop.hot.takes@gmail.com

]]>Part 1 of the Ultimate Gamerunner Name Elimination Tournament. (4-Part Series)

The highest effort shitpost imaginable. We kinda went ham on this one, honestly!

Link for Games Involved

-----------------------------------------

Our Patreon

Funky's itch.io

-----------------------------------------

What to reach out to us? Got a question? Want to share a hot take you can't put anywhere else?

Email us at:

tabletop.hot.takes@gmail.com

]]>192da519-6c59-4939-b205-8645b24e92feMon, 09 Mar 2026 08:00:00 -070001:19:34truefull2929Scum & Villainy: ReviewScum & Villainy: ReviewAria and Funky discuss Scum & Villainy, a game system they are both quite familiar with and played/ran in a years-long campaign. They have a lot of thoughts on this one. So settle down for a long conversation about a pretty good system for doing stuff in space.

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Our Patreon

Funky's itch.io

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What to reach out to us? Got a question? Want to share a hot take you can't put anywhere else?

Email us at:

tabletop.hot.takes@gmail.com

]]>Aria and Funky discuss Scum & Villainy, a game system they are both quite familiar with and played/ran in a years-long campaign. They have a lot of thoughts on this one. So settle down for a long conversation about a pretty good system for doing stuff in space.

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Our Patreon

Funky's itch.io

-----------------------------------------

What to reach out to us? Got a question? Want to share a hot take you can't put anywhere else?

Email us at:

tabletop.hot.takes@gmail.com

]]>ae4b5388-c1b6-4510-bf41-87ba32ac8e22Mon, 23 Feb 2026 09:00:00 -070001:13:26truefull2828KPop Demon HuntersKPop Demon HuntersFunky watched the movie, Aria didn't. They talk about it, and one reason why it's so great. They get into theme, classic boy band arrangements, and Caramell Dansen.

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Our Patreon

Funky's itch.io

-----------------------------------------

What to reach out to us? Got a question? Want to share a hot take you can't put anywhere else?

Email us at:

tabletop.hot.takes@gmail.com

]]>Funky watched the movie, Aria didn't. They talk about it, and one reason why it's so great. They get into theme, classic boy band arrangements, and Caramell Dansen.

-----------------------------------------

Our Patreon

Funky's itch.io

-----------------------------------------

What to reach out to us? Got a question? Want to share a hot take you can't put anywhere else?

Email us at:

tabletop.hot.takes@gmail.com

]]>24102024-0946-42d8-8bc3-41df6fd72d8aMon, 09 Feb 2026 09:00:00 -070043:48truefull2727The Funky MethodThe Funky MethodMany moons ago, Professor Funky stumbled upon his signature way to start a campaign. He shares it now with the world at large.

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Our Patreon

Funky's itch.io

-----------------------------------------

What to reach out to us? Got a question? Want to share a hot take you can't put anywhere else?

Email us at:

tabletop.hot.takes@gmail.com

]]>Many moons ago, Professor Funky stumbled upon his signature way to start a campaign. He shares it now with the world at large.

-----------------------------------------

Our Patreon

Funky's itch.io

-----------------------------------------

What to reach out to us? Got a question? Want to share a hot take you can't put anywhere else?

Email us at:

tabletop.hot.takes@gmail.com

]]>68924fb8-ce40-4eb0-97b1-62c6973b94c9Mon, 26 Jan 2026 09:00:00 -070044:58truefull2626Session 0 (Zero)Session 0 (Zero)Aria and Funky discuss session zeroes, how prevalent they are, what sorts of things to include in them, and taco bell.

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We guested on another podcast!

Go listen to Moviestruck with Sophia Ricciaridi at https://moviestruck.transistor.fm/episodes/moviestruck-episode-123-the-fifth-element-1997-feat-tabletop-hot-takes

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Our Patreon

Funky's itch.io

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What to reach out to us?

tabletop.hot.takes@gmail.com

]]>Aria and Funky discuss session zeroes, how prevalent they are, what sorts of things to include in them, and taco bell.

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We guested on another podcast!

Go listen to Moviestruck with Sophia Ricciaridi at https://moviestruck.transistor.fm/episodes/moviestruck-episode-123-the-fifth-element-1997-feat-tabletop-hot-takes

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Our Patreon

Funky's itch.io

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What to reach out to us?

tabletop.hot.takes@gmail.com

]]>82963e6b-6555-4090-bf3e-acc229682f71Mon, 29 Dec 2025 09:00:00 -070056:56truefull2525Better Roleplaying Through ScienceBetter Roleplaying Through ScienceAria has an early christmas present for y'all. A lesson on better role playing!

Do YOU want to be a better role player? Of course you do!

Lucky for you, Aria has some classic tips and tricks.

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We guested on another podcast!

Go listen to Moviestruck with Sophia Ricciaridi at https://moviestruck.transistor.fm/episodes/moviestruck-episode-123-the-fifth-element-1997-feat-tabletop-hot-takes

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Our Patreon

Funky's itch.io

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What to reach out to us?

tabletop.hot.takes@gmail.com

]]>Aria has an early christmas present for y'all. A lesson on better role playing!

Do YOU want to be a better role player? Of course you do!

Lucky for you, Aria has some classic tips and tricks.

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We guested on another podcast!

Go listen to Moviestruck with Sophia Ricciaridi at https://moviestruck.transistor.fm/episodes/moviestruck-episode-123-the-fifth-element-1997-feat-tabletop-hot-takes

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Our Patreon

Funky's itch.io

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What to reach out to us?

tabletop.hot.takes@gmail.com

]]>826a210a-0c47-4054-af0e-2ea40f9a0ee0Mon, 15 Dec 2025 09:00:00 -070037:13truefull2424Genre: Space OperaGenre: Space OperaWhat even IS a space opera? Aria and Funky attempt to find out. Along the way they discover the truth about Sandy Cheeks, and Horse Opera.

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We guested on another podcast!

Go listen to Moviestruck with Sophia Ricciaridi at https://moviestruck.transistor.fm/episodes/moviestruck-episode-123-the-fifth-element-1997-feat-tabletop-hot-takes

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Our Patreon

Funky's itch.io

-----------------------------------------

What to reach out to us?

tabletop.hot.takes@gmail.com

]]>What even IS a space opera? Aria and Funky attempt to find out. Along the way they discover the truth about Sandy Cheeks, and Horse Opera.

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We guested on another podcast!

Go listen to Moviestruck with Sophia Ricciaridi at https://moviestruck.transistor.fm/episodes/moviestruck-episode-123-the-fifth-element-1997-feat-tabletop-hot-takes

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Our Patreon

Funky's itch.io

-----------------------------------------

What to reach out to us?

tabletop.hot.takes@gmail.com

]]>32d517be-1865-4a4b-ae77-80e4e95834c4Mon, 01 Dec 2025 09:00:00 -070041:05truefull2323SuperintelligencesSuperintelligencesFunky and Aria discuss their feelings on playing Superintelligences. Make sure to listen all the way to the end. This episode has an extended blooper section. We get into 1960's Batman, Sandy Cheeks, and being the smartest person in the room.

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Our Patreon

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]]>Funky and Aria discuss their feelings on playing Superintelligences. Make sure to listen all the way to the end. This episode has an extended blooper section. We get into 1960's Batman, Sandy Cheeks, and being the smartest person in the room.

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Our Patreon

Funky's itch.io

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]]>45d42068-1230-4af6-bd0a-b42853365993Mon, 17 Nov 2025 09:00:00 -070051:16truefull2222Favorite Stories in Gaming™Favorite Stories in Gaming™Funky and Aria discuss their Favorite Stories in Gaming™. Funky gets too emotional, and Aria gets too right.

This was a really fun episode for us, and we may continue it in the future as a series.

Y'all should share your Favorite Stories in Gaming™ too. This is a really fun concept we found from Matt Colville at https://youtu.be/T9jxVbg_RWQ?si=8ZWMjjn18h77slUq.

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Our Patreon

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]]>Funky and Aria discuss their Favorite Stories in Gaming™. Funky gets too emotional, and Aria gets too right.

This was a really fun episode for us, and we may continue it in the future as a series.

Y'all should share your Favorite Stories in Gaming™ too. This is a really fun concept we found from Matt Colville at https://youtu.be/T9jxVbg_RWQ?si=8ZWMjjn18h77slUq.

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Our Patreon

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]]>ebac01db-b200-452d-9e8c-abc31479841bMon, 03 Nov 2025 09:00:00 -070047:03truefull2121Creating GalaxiesCreating GalaxiesSPAAACE GHOOOSTS!!

Aria and Funky talk about using random tables to create settings, specifically galaxies of explorable planets and solar systems. They talk about knowing where the river is in New Orleans, wombats, and how perfect is the enemy of done.

You can follow the link here for a LOT of reference material from Funky that he used for all this. If you are curious about any further details, or just wanna ask questions, feel free to reach out to us at tabletop.hot.takes@gmail.com

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Our Patreon

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]]>SPAAACE GHOOOSTS!!

Aria and Funky talk about using random tables to create settings, specifically galaxies of explorable planets and solar systems. They talk about knowing where the river is in New Orleans, wombats, and how perfect is the enemy of done.

You can follow the link here for a LOT of reference material from Funky that he used for all this. If you are curious about any further details, or just wanna ask questions, feel free to reach out to us at tabletop.hot.takes@gmail.com

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Our Patreon

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]]>7ca6d67c-87d3-4f61-80d4-45b1cde9ae2bMon, 20 Oct 2025 09:00:00 -070058:16truefull2020Get That Pathos off My Table!Get That Pathos off My Table!Funky and Aria discuss Pathos. Why does it not belong on Funky's table? Is Pathos a cat?

They get into equity in the spotlight, Trotskyists, and cool warrior-poets.

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Our Patreon

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]]>Funky and Aria discuss Pathos. Why does it not belong on Funky's table? Is Pathos a cat?

They get into equity in the spotlight, Trotskyists, and cool warrior-poets.

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Our Patreon

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]]>e2e231f7-2d8d-4da8-b47a-260e9f96d083Mon, 06 Oct 2025 09:00:00 -070037:02truefull1919Noodle IncidentsNoodle IncidentsFunky and Aria discuss Noodle Incidents. What they are, how to use them for fun and profit, and being in silly moods.

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Our Patreon

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]]>Funky and Aria discuss Noodle Incidents. What they are, how to use them for fun and profit, and being in silly moods.

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Our Patreon

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]]>4363f036-d8aa-40cd-bd3b-c49a03c614acMon, 22 Sep 2025 09:00:00 -070034:49truefull1818HeroismHeroismFunky and Aria discuss Heroism. What it really means, sleep-deprived writing, and Funky's awesome grandmother are all brought up.

Funky's audio was pretty messed up for this episode as he tried to figure out a new system. Many apologies are given for this.

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Our Patreon

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Stuff Referenced in this Episode:

Behind the Bastards

]]>Funky and Aria discuss Heroism. What it really means, sleep-deprived writing, and Funky's awesome grandmother are all brought up.

Funky's audio was pretty messed up for this episode as he tried to figure out a new system. Many apologies are given for this.

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Our Patreon

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Stuff Referenced in this Episode:

Behind the Bastards

]]>52d70d3d-08cc-47f7-87e0-7b1052047300Mon, 08 Sep 2025 09:00:00 -070042:07truefull1717A Unified Theory of DesignA Unified Theory of DesignFunky and Aria discuss Aria's Unified Theory of Cohesive Game Designtm. They get into hackable systems, generic systems, and the hopeful first sponsor of the podcast.

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Our Patreon

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Systems Referenced in this Episode:

Cortex Prime

Hack! The RPG

Apocalypse World

GURPS

Forged in the Dark

FATE

Draw Steel!

Battle Systems

]]>Funky and Aria discuss Aria's Unified Theory of Cohesive Game Designtm. They get into hackable systems, generic systems, and the hopeful first sponsor of the podcast.

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Our Patreon

-----------------------------------------

Systems Referenced in this Episode:

Cortex Prime

Hack! The RPG

Apocalypse World

GURPS

Forged in the Dark

FATE

Draw Steel!

Battle Systems

]]>373ddbd6-82a5-4e3e-8b2d-26a176f7b053Mon, 25 Aug 2025 08:00:00 -070058:24truefull1616ExploitsExploitsFunky and Aria discuss exploiting game writing for fun, not-fun, and profit. We explore the world of why numbers are stupid, the Greater Seattle Polycule™, and carrying hundreds of ceramic plates around.

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Our Patreon

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]]>Funky and Aria discuss exploiting game writing for fun, not-fun, and profit. We explore the world of why numbers are stupid, the Greater Seattle Polycule™, and carrying hundreds of ceramic plates around.

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Our Patreon

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]]>e1f79416-28b4-4b5b-9ea6-c7bb272d4a03Mon, 11 Aug 2025 08:00:00 -070001:18:59truefull1515Plagiarism: It's Good Actually!Plagiarism: It's Good Actually!Clickbait title aside... Funky and Aria discuss what plagiarism really is, and why you should maybe do it actually. All kinds of niche media abound.

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Our Patreon


]]>Clickbait title aside... Funky and Aria discuss what plagiarism really is, and why you should maybe do it actually. All kinds of niche media abound.

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Our Patreon


]]>807ce4fb-faf6-432b-bc6f-821d31bdb6c1Mon, 28 Jul 2025 08:00:00 -070051:28truefull1414Learning Good Lessons from Bad GamesLearning Good Lessons from Bad GamesFunky and Aria discuss bad games they know with good lessons to learn from them. This delves into pandas in World of Warcraft, 17th century england, and the eponymous classic movie Equilibrium

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Our Patreon

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Systems Referenced in this Episode:

Clockwork & Chivalry 2nd Edition

Tails of Equestria

Hackmaster

Shadowrun

]]>Funky and Aria discuss bad games they know with good lessons to learn from them. This delves into pandas in World of Warcraft, 17th century england, and the eponymous classic movie Equilibrium

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Our Patreon

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Systems Referenced in this Episode:

Clockwork & Chivalry 2nd Edition

Tails of Equestria

Hackmaster

Shadowrun

]]>e2db1bac-5d94-49a8-930e-edd3c0f9c4a2Mon, 14 Jul 2025 08:00:00 -070001:04:03truefull1313Make Your Aliens WEIRDER!!Make Your Aliens WEIRDER!!MAKE YOUR ALIENS WEIRDER!! JUST DO IT!

Funky and Aria discuss weird alien people and why they should be weirder. This includes Tolkien, The Doctor, elves, and planets miniaturized into people.

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Our Patreon - patreon.com/TabletopHotTakes

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]]>MAKE YOUR ALIENS WEIRDER!! JUST DO IT!

Funky and Aria discuss weird alien people and why they should be weirder. This includes Tolkien, The Doctor, elves, and planets miniaturized into people.

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Our Patreon - patreon.com/TabletopHotTakes

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]]>943ec299-7c68-4798-ae37-1b8864ec6487Mon, 30 Jun 2025 08:00:00 -070052:56truefull1212Genre: MysteryGenre: MysteryThe second in our series about Genres. We pick right up with mysteries. We explore the required baseline for mysteries and how they can and can very much NOT work in TTRPGs.

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Our Patreon - patreon.com/TabletopHotTakes

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Links for the systems mentioned:

Brindlewood Bay - Miss Marple style mysteries

Apocalypse Keys - BPRD style mysteries

Scion 2e - Game about the children of old gods adventuring

Promethean: The Created - Call of Darkness game about created lifeforms

Firefly: The RPG - long out-of-print game for running games in the Firefly universe

Leverage: The RPG - long-out-of-print game for running games in the Leverage world

Blades in the Dark - modern heist game for running crews in the world of Duskvol

]]>The second in our series about Genres. We pick right up with mysteries. We explore the required baseline for mysteries and how they can and can very much NOT work in TTRPGs.

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Our Patreon - patreon.com/TabletopHotTakes

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Links for the systems mentioned:

Brindlewood Bay - Miss Marple style mysteries

Apocalypse Keys - BPRD style mysteries

Scion 2e - Game about the children of old gods adventuring

Promethean: The Created - Call of Darkness game about created lifeforms

Firefly: The RPG - long out-of-print game for running games in the Firefly universe

Leverage: The RPG - long-out-of-print game for running games in the Leverage world

Blades in the Dark - modern heist game for running crews in the world of Duskvol

]]>744dcecb-b26f-4558-b97c-8075c786ef40Mon, 16 Jun 2025 08:00:00 -070053:02truefull1111TTRPGs & GenderTTRPGs & GenderFunky and Aria discuss Gender, Sexuality, and TTRPG history. They chronicle changes to approach of gender in society and games alike.

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Our Patreon - patreon.com/TabletopHotTakes

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]]>Funky and Aria discuss Gender, Sexuality, and TTRPG history. They chronicle changes to approach of gender in society and games alike.

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Our Patreon - patreon.com/TabletopHotTakes

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]]>7e8feab0-eed6-40d7-b81e-70bd1076f88cMon, 02 Jun 2025 08:00:00 -070001:03:50truefull1010Taxonomy of PlayersTaxonomy of PlayersFunky and Aria discuss one way to categorize players. They cover the difficulty of ungendered words to describe mean people, Funky having a bit of a breakdown, and trying to not break Shadowrun.

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Our Patreon - patreon.com/TabletopHotTakes

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]]>Funky and Aria discuss one way to categorize players. They cover the difficulty of ungendered words to describe mean people, Funky having a bit of a breakdown, and trying to not break Shadowrun.

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Our Patreon - patreon.com/TabletopHotTakes

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]]>395278d2-c68d-4cb7-8137-8a2ca48b734cFri, 13 Dec 2024 09:00:00 -070051:52truefull99Eras of TTRPGs, Part 1: Gygax and MichiganEras of TTRPGs, Part 1: Gygax and MichiganProfessors Funky and Aria begin their series on the Eras of Role Playing. They discuss Gary Gygax, Dave Arneson, their epic friendship, and eventual rivalry They even mention writing on napkins, and promise not to sue each other.

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Our Patreon - patreon.com/TabletopHotTakes

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  • The Ambush at Sheridan Springs - The article by Jon Peterson on the corporate machinations at play in Sheridan Springs.
  • Arneson V. Gygax Lawsuit Filings - The best link we could find for info on this lawsuit.
  • Advanced D&D - Rulebook for Advanced D&D on DriveThruRPG
  • D&D Basic - Rulebook for D&D Basic Set on DriveThruRPG
  • Playing at the World - Jon Peterson's Blog. I couldn't find the Internet Archive link for the book. Many apologies. I believe in our listener's abilities more than mine...
  • Chainmail - Full rules of Chainmail available on DriveThruRPG
  • Kriegsspiel - The International Kriegsspiel Society. Great resource to play it and learn more about the modern play of an ancient game.
  • Ironsides - The Ironsides page on BoardGameGeek. I couldn't find an official link.

]]>Professors Funky and Aria begin their series on the Eras of Role Playing. They discuss Gary Gygax, Dave Arneson, their epic friendship, and eventual rivalry They even mention writing on napkins, and promise not to sue each other.

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Our Patreon - patreon.com/TabletopHotTakes

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  • The Ambush at Sheridan Springs - The article by Jon Peterson on the corporate machinations at play in Sheridan Springs.
  • Arneson V. Gygax Lawsuit Filings - The best link we could find for info on this lawsuit.
  • Advanced D&D - Rulebook for Advanced D&D on DriveThruRPG
  • D&D Basic - Rulebook for D&D Basic Set on DriveThruRPG
  • Playing at the World - Jon Peterson's Blog. I couldn't find the Internet Archive link for the book. Many apologies. I believe in our listener's abilities more than mine...
  • Chainmail - Full rules of Chainmail available on DriveThruRPG
  • Kriegsspiel - The International Kriegsspiel Society. Great resource to play it and learn more about the modern play of an ancient game.
  • Ironsides - The Ironsides page on BoardGameGeek. I couldn't find an official link.

]]>256618d7-0d10-479d-971c-fe50b255cac8Fri, 18 Oct 2024 09:00:00 -070001:04:10truefull88Let's Rob RJ McIlhenney and Steal Her Golden QuillLet's Rob RJ McIlhenney and Steal Her Golden QuillWe review the small, and very accessible, TTRPG Let's Rob RJ McIlhenney and Steal Her Golden Quill. We cover why it's great, how we could play it with our coworkers at Starbucks, and get bleeped a LOT!

Our Patreon - patreon.com/TabletopHotTakes

Link for the system:

Let's Rob RJ McIlhenney and Steal Her Golden Quill

Links for systems mentioned:

Tails of Equestria


]]>We review the small, and very accessible, TTRPG Let's Rob RJ McIlhenney and Steal Her Golden Quill. We cover why it's great, how we could play it with our coworkers at Starbucks, and get bleeped a LOT!

Our Patreon - patreon.com/TabletopHotTakes

Link for the system:

Let's Rob RJ McIlhenney and Steal Her Golden Quill

Links for systems mentioned:

Tails of Equestria


]]>f5cd4ab0-1f68-4b8f-b7f7-c6830297c267Fri, 04 Oct 2024 09:00:00 -070040:15truefull77Genre: Intro & HorrorGenre: Intro & HorrorThe beginning of a series exploring genres. We begin with a 101 course into the term of genre. We then explore the Horror genre, how it can work, how it can fail, and some spooky hot takes. We talk about some favorite horror movies and systems, and chat about amish playing TTRPGs.

Our Patreon - patreon.com/TabletopHotTakes

Sources:


Links for the systems mentioned:

  • Ten Candles - A one-shot game meant strictly for horror games
  • Dread - A Horror game played with a Jenga tower. When the tower falls, so does your character.
  • Little Fears - Children know the truth, and the adults never will. The monsters under the bed are real, and they are terrifying.

]]>The beginning of a series exploring genres. We begin with a 101 course into the term of genre. We then explore the Horror genre, how it can work, how it can fail, and some spooky hot takes. We talk about some favorite horror movies and systems, and chat about amish playing TTRPGs.

Our Patreon - patreon.com/TabletopHotTakes

Sources:


Links for the systems mentioned:

  • Ten Candles - A one-shot game meant strictly for horror games
  • Dread - A Horror game played with a Jenga tower. When the tower falls, so does your character.
  • Little Fears - Children know the truth, and the adults never will. The monsters under the bed are real, and they are terrifying.

]]>529afde9-91b7-46f3-b7b8-10139e1b58abFri, 20 Sep 2024 08:00:00 -070059:16truefull66Resolution SystemsResolution SystemsAfter last episode, we decided we needed to talk about one of the most polarizing and essential systems in a TTRPG: The resolution system

Our Patreon - patreon.com/TabletopHotTakes

Links for the systems mentioned:

  • Or8cle - A GM-less TTRPG played with a Magic 8-Ball. Short and easy to run.
  • Dread - A Horror TTRPG played with a Jenga tower. When the tower falls, so does your character.
  • Lasers & Feelings - Mostly a discussion piece for the power of a simple system and how it can define the system as a whole.
  • Camp Kingdom Come - A GM-less card-based TTRPG with very different from normal subject matter. A good exploration of how GM-less play can work.
  • ImproVeto - More of an exercise for improv people, but can be a great tool for learning and growing as roleplayers.
  • Let's Rob RJ McElhenny and Steal Her Golden Quill - Another GM-less game utilizing cards. Explored further in a next episode.

]]>After last episode, we decided we needed to talk about one of the most polarizing and essential systems in a TTRPG: The resolution system

Our Patreon - patreon.com/TabletopHotTakes

Links for the systems mentioned:

  • Or8cle - A GM-less TTRPG played with a Magic 8-Ball. Short and easy to run.
  • Dread - A Horror TTRPG played with a Jenga tower. When the tower falls, so does your character.
  • Lasers & Feelings - Mostly a discussion piece for the power of a simple system and how it can define the system as a whole.
  • Camp Kingdom Come - A GM-less card-based TTRPG with very different from normal subject matter. A good exploration of how GM-less play can work.
  • ImproVeto - More of an exercise for improv people, but can be a great tool for learning and growing as roleplayers.
  • Let's Rob RJ McElhenny and Steal Her Golden Quill - Another GM-less game utilizing cards. Explored further in a next episode.

]]>5d738bd7-07fa-4c9f-9504-02d785399cc0Mon, 16 Oct 2023 09:00:00 -070042:49truefull55Strangest TTRPGs We Have Found (Pt. 1)Strangest TTRPGs We Have Found (Pt. 1)Some of the most unique TTRPGs we have found in our travels. This only scratches the surface of the good, weird stuff out there. There will be a part 2 and onward in the future.

Our Patreon - patreon.com/TabletopHotTakes

Links for the systems mentioned:

Terror Thirteen: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/63498/Terror-Thirteen?term=terror+thirteen

Totally Real Human Adults: https://crlegge.itch.io/totally-real-human-adults

Visigoths Vs. Mall Goths: https://necromancy.itch.io/goths

Rod, Reel, and Fist: https://kumada1.itch.io/rod-reel-fist

Adeptus Evangelion: https://www.mediafire.com/download/o69miv64p6ifc0i/Adeptus+Evangelion+Beta+Draft+005.rar

]]>Some of the most unique TTRPGs we have found in our travels. This only scratches the surface of the good, weird stuff out there. There will be a part 2 and onward in the future.

Our Patreon - patreon.com/TabletopHotTakes

Links for the systems mentioned:

Terror Thirteen: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/63498/Terror-Thirteen?term=terror+thirteen

Totally Real Human Adults: https://crlegge.itch.io/totally-real-human-adults

Visigoths Vs. Mall Goths: https://necromancy.itch.io/goths

Rod, Reel, and Fist: https://kumada1.itch.io/rod-reel-fist

Adeptus Evangelion: https://www.mediafire.com/download/o69miv64p6ifc0i/Adeptus+Evangelion+Beta+Draft+005.rar

]]>80b4dbda-2826-4c7c-a7d3-011d91c38015Mon, 02 Oct 2023 09:00:00 -070039:51truefull44Ryuutama - Natural Fantasy RPGRyuutama - Natural Fantasy RPGWe discuss a favorite game of Aria's (and soon to be Funky's too), Ryuutama. It's a fabulous exploration of exploration and pastoral fantasy.

Our Patreon - patreon.com/TabletopHotTakes

DriveThruRPG link for Ryuutama - https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/151366/Ryuutama--Natural-Fantasy-Roleplay

]]>We discuss a favorite game of Aria's (and soon to be Funky's too), Ryuutama. It's a fabulous exploration of exploration and pastoral fantasy.

Our Patreon - patreon.com/TabletopHotTakes

DriveThruRPG link for Ryuutama - https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/151366/Ryuutama--Natural-Fantasy-Roleplay

]]>37168337-e75b-495b-902c-788601e1cfa7Mon, 18 Sep 2023 09:00:00 -070038:36truefull33Is the Game Master a Player?Is the Game Master a Player?We talk perspectives on one of the oldest discourses in TTRPGs

Our Patreon - patreon.com/TabletopHotTakes

Bibliography:

Keep on the Borderlands - https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/17158/B2-The-Keep-on-the-Borderlands-Basic

Gamedeveloper - https://www.gamedeveloper.com/disciplines/the-dungeon-master-an-interview-with-gary-gygax

Bleak Spirit - https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/296546/Bleak-Spirit

Matt colville video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n-fM9UQIaLE&list=PLlUk42GiU2guNzWBzxn7hs8MaV7ELLCP_&index=91

]]>We talk perspectives on one of the oldest discourses in TTRPGs

Our Patreon - patreon.com/TabletopHotTakes

Bibliography:

Keep on the Borderlands - https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/17158/B2-The-Keep-on-the-Borderlands-Basic

Gamedeveloper - https://www.gamedeveloper.com/disciplines/the-dungeon-master-an-interview-with-gary-gygax

Bleak Spirit - https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/296546/Bleak-Spirit

Matt colville video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n-fM9UQIaLE&list=PLlUk42GiU2guNzWBzxn7hs8MaV7ELLCP_&index=91

]]>adc6b147-ffa9-4c30-841f-f31939d00a6bMon, 04 Sep 2023 09:00:00 -070031:10truefull22Fave & Least Fave MechanicsFave & Least Fave MechanicsWe talk about or favorite and least favorite mechanics or ideas from any TTRPG for an easy first episode.

Our Patreon - https://patreon.com/TabletopHotTakes?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_link


Links to DriveThruRPG for all the games we mention:

Shadowrun - https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse.php?filters=1700_0_0_0_0&src=fid1700

Scion 1e - https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/25833/Scion-Hero

Scion 2e - https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/246765/Scion-Second-Edition-Book-One-Origin

]]>We talk about or favorite and least favorite mechanics or ideas from any TTRPG for an easy first episode.

Our Patreon - https://patreon.com/TabletopHotTakes?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_link


Links to DriveThruRPG for all the games we mention:

Shadowrun - https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse.php?filters=1700_0_0_0_0&src=fid1700

Scion 1e - https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/25833/Scion-Hero

Scion 2e - https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/246765/Scion-Second-Edition-Book-One-Origin

]]>de465e01-28ac-48a2-9086-2fd6d6cdc2f0Mon, 21 Aug 2023 09:00:00 -070039:08truefull11