Two best friends decided to record their conversations about role playing games, in case one of them died (prematurely). Now this delve into the oddities of creative gaming is available to all (for better or worse). Yes, another podcast about dumb gaming nerd garbage …but that’s okay we promise it’s different and worth a try. Matty and Jesse aspire to delve deep into the very essence of what makes gaming uniquely great. With tips and tricks, esoteric philosophy, and meaningful examinations of weird mechanics. This RPG podcast is the, needle in a stack of needles, you didn’t know you were looking for!
Jesse and Karl explore how improv techniques influence tabletop roleplaying, from “yes, and” to scene framing. Discover how spontaneous storytelling skills can level up your game.
Chris, Will, and Jesse roll up characters in Rolemaster Unified, a modern take on the crunchy simulationist RPG from the 80s. Dive into stat-heavy builds, brutal crits, and old-school charm!
Join us for a deep dive into horror in tabletop RPGs with special guest Karl, a masterful Call of Cthulhu Keeper. We explore what makes horror storytelling work at the table, how to craft unsettling settings, and how game mechanics can enhance fear, tension, and dread. Karl also shares his personal journey as a gamemaster and the biggest skill upgrades that transformed his approach to horror. A must-listen for GMs, players, and fans of horror in RPGs.
Special guest Mark joins the Mantis to talk about his gaming origin story. Why he loves Sci-fi games and some of the best ones out there.
Special guest Chris joins Jesse to chew the TTRPG cud while Matty takes a well deserved break.
Ready to bring prehistoric power into your campaign? In this episode, we explore how to incorporate dinosaurs into your tabletop RPG—whether you're running a classic fantasy setting, a pulpy jungle adventure, or a time-traveling twist. From riding raptors to surviving a tyrannosaur stampede, we'll share creative ways to use dinosaurs as mounts, monsters, plot hooks, and even NPCs. Plus, tips on balancing them mechanically and making them feel epic, mysterious, or terrifying at the table. If your players think they've seen it all... it's time to show them what 65 million years of extinction rage looks like.
Bring the thunder of prehistoric beasts to your tabletop! In this episode, we explore the best resources for running dinosaur-themed TTRPGs. From rulebooks and supplements to setting ideas, encounters, and miniatures, we'll guide you through everything you need to craft epic adventures in the age of dinosaurs. Whether you're running a lost world expedition, time-traveling escapades, or a land untouched by time, these resources will help your game truly roar!
What happens when you combine the awe of dinosaurs with the storytelling magic of tabletop RPGs? In this episode, we dive into how to bring these prehistoric beasts to life in your games—whether it's a lost world setting, time travel adventure, or dino-riding fantasy epic!
In this episode, we dive into the often-debated world of roleplaying game fiction. From Dragonlance to Forgotten Realms, RPG tie-in novels have carved out a unique niche in speculative fiction—but are they genuinely compelling reads or just glorified game manuals?Music: A Stranger Thing, by Bruno E.Logos by Shannon Sipes thedigsy.myportfolio.com/work
As a new year begins, it's the perfect time to reflect on past campaigns and set fresh goals for your tabletop adventures. In this episode, we discuss TTRPG gaming goals for 2025—whether it's mastering a new system, becoming a better GM, creating richer characters, or finally finishing that long-running campaign.Music: A Stranger Thing, by Bruno E.Logos by Shannon Sipes thedigsy.myportfolio.com/work
Tired of recapping every TTRPG session? You're not alone. In this episode, we explore the growing desire to ditch traditional session summaries and why they might be more of a burden than a benefit.Music: A Stranger Thing, by Bruno E.Logos by Shannon Sipes thedigsy.myportfolio.com/work
Thinking about running an evil D&D campaign but not sure if it's the right move? In this episode, we dive into the allure and challenges of embracing the dark side. We'll discuss what makes an evil campaign work, potential pitfalls to avoid, and how to keep the story engaging without descending into chaos. From moral dilemmas to party dynamics, we explore whether running an evil campaign can be as fun (and meaningful) as it sounds—or if it's a recipe for disaster.Music: A Stranger Thing, by Bruno E.Logos by Shannon Sipes thedigsy.myportfolio.com/work
Running a D&D one-shot can be a thrilling challenge—condensing epic storytelling, memorable characters, and satisfying gameplay into just a few hours. In this episode, we break down how to design and run effective one-shots, from crafting tight plots and dynamic encounters to managing pacing and player expectations. Whether you're prepping for a convention, introducing new players, or just looking for a low-commitment game night, we've got tips and tricks to help you deliver an unforgettable adventure in a single session.Music: A Stranger Thing, by Bruno E.Logos by Shannon Sipes thedigsy.myportfolio.com/work
Buckle up, because we're diving headfirst into the full season of Star Wars: Skeleton Crew—and we've got opinions. In this episode, we deliver our unfiltered, controversial review of the series, breaking down what worked, what didn't, and why it's sparking so much debate among fans. From character arcs and pacing to its place in the larger Star Wars universe, we're not holding back. Whether you loved it, hated it, or are still on the fence, join us for a deep dive that's sure to ruffle a few feathers in the galaxy far, far away.Music: A Stranger Thing, by Bruno E.Logos by Shannon Sipes thedigsy.myportfolio.com/work
In this bonus episode, Jesse falls in love with Galveston Texas and becomes inspired to plan a Vampire game.
In this bonus episode, the boys discuss the awkward proposal of asking for feedback for both GMs and players. Follow Jesse: @JingoistfettFollow Matty: @MattherzbergTVFollow The Mantis: @Jauntymantis or @JUANTYMANTIS (on x/twitter)Music: A Stranger Thing, by Bruno E.Logos by Shannon Sipes thedigsy.myportfolio.com/work
Whether you are tired of D&D or inspired by an exciting new purchase , it can sometimes be difficult to introduce a new game to your group. In the season 4 finale of The Jaunty Mantis, the boys discuss how to identify player boredom and burnout with your current game. Get tips and tools to build interest, learn how to teach the rules, as well as getting maximum buy-in from your group.Follow Jesse: @JingoistfettFollow Matty: @MattherzbergTVFollow The Mantis: @Jauntymantis or @JUANTYMANTIS (on x/twitter)Music: A Stranger Thing, by Bruno E.Logos by Shannon Sipes thedigsy.myportfolio.com/work
Looking to spice up your pirate or thieves guild D&D campaign.? Why not use roles in addition to classes! In this episode, Jesse and Matty discuss new thoughts on PC roles - unnecessary complication or assets for your players?
Jesse and Matty discuss the types of players you might find at your gaming table. How to identify them, how to tailor your game for them, how to deal with disruptions and challenges.Music: A Stranger Thing, by Bruno E.Logos by Shannon Sipes thedigsy.myportfolio.com/work
In a very special holiday bonus episode of The Jaunty Mantis. The boys uncover an old recording about LARPing with Rich Ranallo (Velvet Generation)Music: "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlmen" - DJ Williams "Dance Of The Sugar Plum Fairies (by Tchaikovsky)" - Tchaikovsky "Home for the Holidays" - Chris HaugenLogos by Shannon Sipes thedigsy.myportfolio.com/work
The boys discuss some tips for taking a lighter approach to encounter design for combatsMusic: A Stranger Thing, by Bruno E.Logos by Shannon Sipes thedigsy.myportfolio.com/work
The boys discuss some tips for building up the world of your setting with player involvement and minimal homework.Music: A Stranger Thing, by Bruno E.Logos by Shannon Sipes thedigsy.myportfolio.com/work
When running a role playing game, it's important for Dungeon Masters to empower the players characters But are there situations when the opposite is needed? The boys discuss scenarios and best practices for Game Masters to recognize and address situations when they should say “No-but” instead of “Yes-and”.Music: A Stranger Thing, by Bruno E.Logos by Shannon Sipes thedigsy.myportfolio.com/work
Have you ever wanted to make aliens that are more than just ridges on a forehead and a self destructive warrior culture? The boys explore ideas and methods for designing truly alien lifeforms for your science fiction and fantasy games.Music: A Stranger Thing, by Bruno E.Logos by Shannon Sipes thedigsy.myportfolio.com/work
Jesse and Matty explore the appeal and pitfalls of gaming in established intellectual properties.Music: A Stranger Thing, by Bruno E.Logos by Shannon Sipes thedigsy.myportfolio.com/work
The boys discuss the circumstances around player boredom and how GMs should assess and handle it.Music: A Stranger Thing, by Bruno E.Logos by Shannon Sipes thedigsy.myportfolio.com/work
The boys discuss ending long running campaignsMusic: A Stranger Thing, by Bruno E.Logos by Shannon Sipes thedigsy.myportfolio.com/work
The boys discuss the media that inspires their GMing styleMusic: A Stranger Thing, by Bruno E.Logos by Shannon Sipes thedigsy.myportfolio.com/workMatty's Shadowrun Playlisthttps://open.spotify.com/playlist/4DxfGHBLJTZTtLAsLIN6NO?si=6c1b9984fcf449f9Matty's Spelljammer Playlisthttps://open.spotify.com/playlist/4DxfGHBLJTZTtLAsLIN6NO?si=6c1b9984fcf449f9
The boys discuss games, mechanics, and GMing resources that helped them level up.Music: A Stranger Thing, by Bruno E.Logos by Shannon Sipes thedigsy.myportfolio.com/work
What happens when your PCs bypass critical encounters of your game? Jesse's RIFTs game ends with just such an event when his PC's burned down a vampire safe-house. The boys discuss how to handle clever players when they completely nullify your encounters.Music by Karl Casey @ White Bat AudioLogos by Shannon Sipes thedigsy.myportfolio.com/work
Here is an example of how we workshop a character concept for the DM's campaign. Music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio Logos by Shannon Sipes thedigsy.myportfolio.com/work
The boys discuss the merits of D&D Beyond as a platform and its value add to the overall D&D franchise.Music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio Logos by Shannon Sipes thedigsy.myportfolio.com/work
Matty experiences a gaming midlife crisis and realizes he's never attempted a 1 to 20 level D&D campaign. Jesse makes fun of him for reversing his opinions about 5e D&D. The two begin debating the concept of a Gaming Bucket List.Music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio Logos by Shannon Sipes thedigsy.myportfolio.com/work
The boys discuss initial thoughts on the new D&D 2024 Player's HandbookMusic by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio Logos by Shannon Sipes thedigsy.myportfolio.com/work
The boys discuss ‘Cozy Fantasy' and ‘Slice of Life' style, and also cartoon shows from the late 90'sSend us your creative questions for Season 4 to Jauntymantis@gmail.comPlease give us a high rating on your pod catcher of choice and leave a comment “All The Mantises!” wherever you found this episode.Music by Karl Casey @ White Bat AudioLogos by Shannon Sipes thedigsy.myportfolio.com/work
Matty updates Jesse on how the first run attempt with his latest fantasy heartbreakerPlease give us a high rating on your pod catcher of choice and leave a comment “All The Mantises!” wherever you found this episode. Music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio Logos by Shannon Sipes thedigsy.myportfolio.com/work
In this bonus episode, Matty pitches an idea for a D&D rougelike to Jesse…who doesn't completely hate it.Send us your creative questions for Season 4 to Jauntymantis @gmail.comPlease give us a high rating on your pod catcher of choice and leave a comment “All The Mantises!” wherever you found this episode. Music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio Logos by Shannon Sipes thedigsy.myportfolio.com/work
In this bonus episode, Jesse and Matty discuss two genres of gaming that they both have very little experience playing in. Music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio Logos by Shannon Sipes thedigsy.myportfolio.com/work
Is it possible to have too much humor in your TTRPG? Should the GM be the straight man or a cartoonish ringmaster? In this bonus episode, the boys discuss Jesse's New West Vampire Hunters game and the silly nature of RIFTS.Music by Karl Casey @ White Bat AudioMusic by Nat Keefe & Hot Buttered RumLogos by Shannon Sipes thedigsy.myportfolio.com/work
Fresh off the SDCC teaser for Stark Trek Lower Decks Season 5, the boys talk about the show and the merits of generational storytelling. Some TTRPG talk happens also!Music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio Logos by Shannon Sipes thedigsy.myportfolio.com/work
SEASON 4 IS COMING AND WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! If you have a creative gaming question send it our way at jauntymantis@gmail.comIn this bonus episode, the Jaunty Mantis boys discuss Ed Greenwood and The Forgotten Realms. How we as gamers perceive the time honored tropes of fantasy peoples (such as dwarves and orcs). Music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio Logos by Shannon Sipes thedigsy.myportfolio.com/work
Jesse and Matty discuss gamer's compelling desires to play overpowered characters and exploit mechanics for optimal gain.
They boys take the opportunity to examine what roleplaying games mean to them and how to stylize them to new-gamers.Music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio Logos by Shannon Sipes thedigsy.myportfolio.com/work
Jesse and Matty play Trophy Dark and live to tell the tale! Trophy Dark is a collaborative storytelling game about a group of treasure-hunters on a doomed expedition into a forest that doesn't want them there.Get Trophy Dark: https://trophyrpg.comMusic by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio Logos by Shannon Sipes thedigsy.myportfolio.com/work
Jesse and Matty discuss Warhammer Age of Sigmar Soulbound by Emmet Byrne, Zak Dale-Clutterbuck, David Guymer, Elaine Lithgow, TS Luikart, Dominic McDowall, Katrina Ostrander, Josh Reynolds, Clint WernerWHAT IS WARHAMMER AGE OF SIGMAR SOULBOUND?As Sigmar's Storm broke upon the hordes of Chaos, a flicker of hope was rekindled in the people of the Mortal Realms. The seeds of civilisation were planted and grew into new bastions of Order, and for a moment it almost seemed the endless tide of darkness could be held back. But then came the Necroquake, as the undead legions of Nagash rose up to shatter the cities of Sigmar. Hope dwindles and once more darkness threatens to engulf the Mortal Realms… Explore the Mortal Realms in the first ever tabletop roleplaying game set in the world of Warhammer Age of Sigmar! You are Soulbound: heroes chosen by the gods to stand against the horrors that plague the Mortal Realms, tasked with preventing a new age of Chaos, Death, and Destruction. Forge your group from some of the most powerful heroes in the realms and face down roving bands of cannibals, legions of undead, and hordes of daemons in a desperate struggle for survival.Get Warhammer Age of Sigmar Soulbound HERE https://cubicle7games.com/our-games/age-of-sigmar-soulboundMusic: Take It Easy by Bad SnacksLogos by Shannon Sipes thedigsy.myportfolio.com/work
The boys review Blades In The Dark by John Harper.WHAT IS BLADES IN THE DARK?Blades in the Dark is a tabletop role-playing game about a crew of daring scoundrels seeking their fortunes on the haunted streets of an industrial-fantasy city. There are heists, chases, occult mysteries, dangerous bargains, bloody skirmishes, and, above all, riches to be had — if you're bold enough to seize them.You and your fledgling crew must thrive amidst the threats of rival gangs, powerful noble families, vengeful ghosts, the Bluecoats of the city watch, and the siren song of your scoundrel's own vices. Will you rise to power in the criminal underworld? What are you willing to do to get to the top?Get Blades In The Dark Here: https://bladesinthedark.com/greetings-scoundrelMusic: Fender Bender by Bad SnacksLogos by Shannon Sipes thedigsy.myportfolio.com/work
The Jaunty Mantis boys discus the Transformers RPG by Ryan Costello, Gabriel Hicks, JF Sambrano, Bryan C.P. Steele, Elisa Teague, Eddy Webb, and Ben HeislerWHAT IS TRANSFORMERS RPG?In the Transformers Roleplaying game, create your own Autobot character and wage your battle to destroy the evil forces of the Decepticons! Whether defending Earth against Megatron's plans of attack, searching for elusive stores of Energon, or protecting innocent humans and Cybertronians alike, your game is only limited by the stories you create!Get Transformers RPG HERE: https://renegadegamestudios.com/transformers-roleplaying-game/Music: Future City Funk by Bad SnacksLogos by Shannon Sipes thedigsy.myportfolio.com/work
The boys review Trophy Dark by Jesse Ross, Aaron Burkett, Alexi Sargeant, Blaine Moore, Brian Sago, David Morrison, Gabriel Robinson, Ira Grace, Jim Crocker, Leandro Pondoc, Ludovico Alves, Luiz Paulo Ferraz, Madeleine Ember, Michael Van Vleet, Mike Martens, Noora Rose, and Sabine V.WHAT IS TROPHY DARK?Trophy Dark is a collaborative storytelling game about a group of treasure-hunters on a doomed expedition into a forest that doesn't want them there.Get Trophy Dark: https://trophyrpg.comMusic: Exhale By Jeremy BlakeLogos by Shannon Sipes thedigsy.myportfolio.com/work
Jesse and Matty explore The Star-Shaman's Song of Planegea by David SomervillePlanegea is primal fantasy roleplaying. Whatever you want to explore in 5E—slaying monstrous creatures, navigating political intrigue, exploring ancient ruins, crafting enchanted weapons, infiltrating evil cults, battling, building, casting, carousing—it's all here. Planegea rises out of our earliest ancestral memory, a world we can barely recognize, which holds all the adventure we can imagine. You won't find limitations on class or kinship here; rather, the world is filled with ideas and inspiration for running a long and glorious game set before written words, hammered ore, and plowed fields.Get PLANEGEA HERE: https://atlas-games.com/product_tables/AG3720Music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio Logos by Shannon Sipes thedigsy.myportfolio.com/work
Jesse and Matty discuss Shadown Anarchy. by Jason M. Hardy, Randall N. Bills, and Philip A. LeeWHAT IS SHADOWRUN ANARCHY?Dive into a cyberpunk dystopia and become a shadowrunner, a deniable asset who does the jobs no one else can--or will--do. It's not an easy life, but it beats selling your soul to the megacorps. You'll break into top-secret labs, stand up to gangs bent on destruction and chaos, encounter dark spirits hiding even darker secrets, and come face to face with some of the infinite dangers the Sixth World can throw at you. And you'll come out on top--because if you don't, you don't get paid.Shadowrun: Anarchy is a new way to get into the best cyberpunk/urban fantasy action around. Based upon the rules-light and easy-to-learn Cue System, Shadowrun: Anarchy is a narrative-focused game experience that has everything you need to quickly grab some gear, load up on spells, and get to throwing the dice. With loads of characters and missions, the book makes it simple to get up and running. Immerse yourselves in the Sixth World!Get Shadowrun Anarchy HERE: https://store.catalystgamelabs.com/products/shadowrun-anarchy-pdfMusic by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio Logos by Shannon Sipes thedigsy.myportfolio.com/work
Jesse and Matty review Ultraviolet Grasslands and the Black City by Luka Rejec.WHAT IS ULTRAVIOLET GRASSLANDS AND THE BLACK CITY?PULSE CONFIRMED. ENTITY ENERGIZED. REMEMBER: KEEP YOUR OMNIBATTERIES CHARGED AND YOUR HAZEMETER AT THE READY.Get UVGL&BC2E HERE: https://www.exaltedfuneral.com/products/uvg-2eMusic by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio Logos by Shannon Sipes thedigsy.myportfolio.com/work
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