RPG Blokes

In this episode, we chat with Little Mark, a miniature painting expert, about the impact of miniatures in tabletop RPGs and the therapeutic benefits of painting. He shares his personal journey, evolving from a novice to a competition-level painter, while emphasizing the joy of the process over perfection. We discuss essential techniques and tools for beginners and highlight the supportive community surrounding miniature painting. T...

Grab your dice and light a candle for the misunderstood bards of the past. In this episode, Mark, Jon, Stephen, and Barry tackle the big one: The Redemption of D&D. We look back at the 80s when the media linked our hobby to the occult and suicide, and compare it to the modern era of celebrity DMs and Wembley Arena sell-outs. It gets a bit spicy as the blokes discuss how modern politics and "woke" culture are rubbing u...

In this episode of RPG Blokes, we explore the fascinating world of dice superstitions with fellow gaming enthusiasts. We each share our unique relationships with our dice, revealing a mix of methodical approaches and casual attitudes. Our discussion unveils a variety of die-related superstitions, including the “no-touch” rule and the idea of dice jails as a punishment for underperforming dice. 
We delve into the psychology behi...

In this episode, we explore the nostalgic impact of Dragon Warriors, a cornerstone in role-playing games that has shaped our gaming journeys for 40 years. Joining us is Dave Morris, co-creator of Dragon Warriors, who shares stories from its inception, including the groundbreaking choice to serialize the game into accessible booklets. We discuss the game’s distinct features, like its limited character races that enhance narrative de...

Welcome back to RPG Blokes! It’s Season 2, and we’re diving into what really happens after your first few games — when “trying D&D” turns into “I think I’ve got a new hobby.”

We talk about what comes next: the growing time commitment, the emotional rollercoaster of your first character, and the new worlds that open up beyond the table. From painting miniatures and buying dice sets you definitely don’t need, to joining clubs, con...

This episode’s short and sweet — the Blokes lift the lid on RPG Blokes +, our new subscriber service. For just £3 a month, you’ll get weekly episodes, meaning an additional 35 Episodes through the year. Including exclusive live plays, behind-the-scenes extras, and the chance to help us keep the dice rolling.

We explain how it works, what you get, and why we’ve launched it. There’s banter, bad ad slogans, and the usual ribbing — plus...

The journey through Session Zero reaches its conclusion.

In this episode, the party arrive at La Mason Taal — where they learn about the job ahead and what’s really at stake. It’s a chance to set the stage, bring the characters together with purpose, and prepare for the campaign to properly begin.

For newcomers, this shows how Session Zero naturally moves from building characters and backstory into the adventure itself. By the end, o...

The road out of the mountains is anything but simple.

In this episode, the party face the last of their mountain trials — finishing their fight with Shaven, overcoming encounters along the way, and finally descending into the valley where the monastery awaits.

It’s a mix of combat, travel, and discovery, leading us to the gates of safety at last. For new players, this is a glimpse of how journeys unfold at the table — danger, challen...

The journey continues — and danger is never far away.

In this episode, our newly formed party face their first real challenge together: a perilous climb, a 100ft drop, and the risks that come with pushing forward. It’s a tense mix of problem-solving, roleplay, and teamwork, all playing out as naturally as it would at any real in-person table.

For new players, it’s a glimpse of how the game shifts from character setup into high-stakes...

With backstories now in place, our characters take their first steps into the world — together.

In this episode, we shift from individual origins to shared purpose, as the group begins their journey in earnest. The roleplay is still low-pressure and grounded, just like a real first session, but we’re moving into party dynamics, character interplay, and setting the tone for the game ahead.

If you’ve been following along, this is where...

In this episode, we move from character creation into something a little more narrative. The ideas that started taking shape during character generation — backgrounds, motivations, relationships — are now being brought to life through a short roleplaying session. We’re stepping into the past. What you’re hearing is the backstory — played out as a scene — to help us discover who these characters really are before the campaign begins...

In Episode 4 of our Session Zero series, we finish building our characters from the ground up. Careers are locked in, skills and talents are finalised, and equipment is sorted — but the real fun is just beginning.

With the mechanics in place, we start to explore who these characters really are. Where do they come from? What drives them? What secrets are they hiding? It’s the moment where stat blocks begin to breathe, and backstories...

In this episode, we’re continuing character generation — getting into the finer details that bring each character to life. We’re choosing star signs, picking out talents, and assigning skills. It’s the nuts and bolts of the character sheet, but still full of laughs and light conversation.

This is what it really sounds like to build your first RPG character around the table — no pressure, no jargon, just a bunch of people figuring it...

In this episode, we’re continuing our character generation. Last time, we laid the groundwork — and the rough shape of who these people are. This time, we’re diving a bit deeper.

It’s still casual and unfiltered — the sort of conversation you’d have round the table at your first proper session.

If you’re new to the hobby, this is a chance to hear how characters evolve from a few lines on a sheet into something with a bit of life to i...

Thinking of trying out tabletop roleplaying games but not sure where to start? This episode kicks off our Session Zero — a relaxed, real-time walkthrough of what it’s like to sit down for your first ever game night.

We begin with character creation: building our alter egos from scratch, chatting through choices, and setting the scene for the adventure ahead. It’s unscripted, down-to-earth, and designed for anyone new to the hobby.

If...

In this season finale of RPG Blokes, hosts Mark, Jon, Stephen, and Barry look back on their journey through Season 1 with humour, honesty, and a healthy dose of self-deprecation. They revisit standout episodes, share behind-the-scenes anecdotes, and reflect on the show’s aim to welcome new players while still offering insight for veterans.

The conversation ranges from personal highlights—like the unexpectedly popular First Session E...

In this episode of RPG Blokes, hosts Mark, Jon, Stephen, and Barry explore the often-overlooked topic of age in tabletop gaming, challenging the idea that Dungeons & Dragons is just for the young. They share their own stories of entering or re-entering the hobby later in life and celebrate the richness older players bring to the table.

The conversation highlights the camaraderie, creativity, and connection found in RPGs—regardle...

In this episode of RPG Blokes, hosts Mark, Jon, Stephen, and Barry tackle one of Dungeons & Dragons’ most iconic (and often misunderstood) mechanics: the alignment system. From lawful good to chaotic evil, the team breaks down each of the nine alignments, sharing how they influence gameplay, storytelling, and party dynamics.

The conversation highlights common pitfalls and player experiences—like the rigidity of lawful good in mo...

In this episode of RPG Blokes, hosts Mark, Jon, Stephen, and Barry explore the world of tabletop RPGs beyond Dungeons & Dragons, offering insights for middle-aged newcomers eager to expand their gaming horizons. The discussion covers standout indie titles like The One Ring, Earthdawn, and Call of Cthulhu, emphasizing fresh mechanics, immersive lore, and alternative genre experiences.

They delve into horror and survival games whe...