Characters Without Stories

Characters Without Stories

Star

Characters Without Stories is a tabletop role playing game podcast about the roads not yet traveled.Every episode I bring in a friend to tell me about their unplayed character and their approach to creating characters. I cover all kinds of RPGs - from indies to D&D.I've had some fascinating conversations about how our characters intersect with and reveal our identities and how play is a gateway to understanding ourselves. I hope you'll give it a listen.Thank you and may all your characters find their stories.

Petty Dreadful, a Survivor - Breaking the Game with Rowan Zeoli (Deathmatch Island)

Petty Dreadful, a Survivor - Breaking the Game with Rowan Zeoli (Deathmatch Island)

Rowan Zeoli brings Petty Dreadful to the table. Petty is a rage-fueled, attention-seeking drag queen Playing to Win.Rowan and I discuss gender performance, radical imagination, and the parallels between reality television and actual plays.Petty Dreadful is built for Deathmatch Island by Tim Denee.Rowan Zeoli is a journalist covering the intersection of progressive thought and niche cultural movements. She is co-founder of Rascal News, a worker-owned, reader-supported, tabletop journalism outlet.

Feb 15, • 1:02:28

Sarge, Norma, and Harmony - Troupe Style Play with Andrew Beauman (Out of Orbit)

Sarge, Norma, and Harmony - Troupe Style Play with Andrew Beauman (Out of Orbit)

Andrew Beauman brings Sarge and Norma to the table, and we create Harmony together. Sarge, Norma, and Harmony are survivors of a spaceship crash hoping to make it back out of orbit.Andrew and I discuss troupe-style mechanics and playing multiple characters - and how that changes the way we create characters. We discuss finding empathy through TTRPGs and learning that not everything is made for our perspective.These characters are built for Out of Orbit, currently Kickstarting as part of Zine Mon

Feb 1, • 1:18:27

Aria Godey, Pirate Captain - Embodying Your Character with SpunkyTaylor (Thirsty Sword Lesbians)

Aria Godey, Pirate Captain - Embodying Your Character with SpunkyTaylor (Thirsty Sword Lesbians)

Taylor brings Captain Aria Godey to the table. Captain Aria is a pirate who touched a gold piece that is slowly consuming her and turning her into gold.Taylor and I discuss belonging as a Black creator in the TTRPG space, learning to accept that plus size bodies can be desired, and how cosplay informs character building.This character is built for Thirsty Sword Lesbians by April Kit Walsh.Taylor is a Black variety content creator and TTRPG performer located on the east coast. She loves to cospla

Jan 18, • 1:01:14

Chase Cameron, aka Showtime - Alternate Futures with Will Malkus (Masks: a New Generation)

Chase Cameron, aka Showtime - Alternate Futures with Will Malkus (Masks: a New Generation)

WIll Malkus brings Chase Cameron, aka Showtime, to the table. Chase is a teenager who recently became a superhero when he found a watch that can stop time.Will and I nerd out on comics, deconstruct the women in refrigerators trope, and discuss how TTRPGs let us play out better futures.This character is built for Masks: a New Generation by Brendan Conway.Will Malkus is an ex librarian, ex music journalist, ex photographer, and current streamer, producer, and editor, mostly for the not-for-profit

Oct 14, 2024 • 1:04:14

Jessica Jeroux, Drow Archeologist - Transition and Leveling Up with Justin Gagliani (D&D 5e)

Jessica Jeroux, Drow Archeologist - Transition and Leveling Up with Justin Gagliani (D&D 5e)

Justin Gagliani brings Jessica Jeroux to the table. Jessica is a drow trans woman pursuing knowledge of lost civilizations.Justin and I discuss what it means to be a trans woman in gender-segregated drow society, learning to explore and express your gender, and the narrative implications of D&D mechanics. This character is built for D&D 5e.Justin Gagliani is a co host of the So You Want to Be a Dungeon Master podcast, a TTRPG content creator, and a published writer.You can learn more abo

Sep 29, 2024 • 1:18:14

Chris Strausman, Socially Isolated Streamer - Growing Up and Showing Up with Blerdy Disposition (Call of Cthulhu)

Chris Strausman, Socially Isolated Streamer - Growing Up and Showing Up with Blerdy Disposition (Call of Cthulhu)

Blerdy Disposition brings Chris Strausman to the table. Chris is a Twitch streamer with a lot of growing up to do, searching Reddit and relying on his followers to find his missing sister.Blerdy and I compare Lovecraftian horrors to YouTube comments, discuss the importance of being there for your community, both in and out of character, and talk about growing up in a landscape of social isolation and internet-only friendships.This character is built for Call of Cthulhu 7e.Blerdy Disposition is a

Sep 14, 2024 • 1:00:21

Everett Nichols, a Protector Who Defends What Matters - Healing from the Past with DJ BeeZee (Old Gods of Appalachia)

Everett Nichols, a Protector Who Defends What Matters - Healing from the Past with DJ BeeZee (Old Gods of Appalachia)

Content Warning this episode for brief mentions of forced sterilization (49:03-49:53) and death of a child (57:40-57:48).DJ BeeZee brings Everett Nichols to the table. Everett is a union man, through and through, who defends those closest to him.DJ and I discuss healing from generational trauma, the union history of Appalachia, and how finding player agency in TTRPGs can be cathartic when we lack agency in our lives.This character is built for Old Gods of Appalachia, a Cypher System game by Mont

Sep 7, 2024 • 1:18:47

Don Rigals, Communist Clark Kent - Representation and Speaking Out with AC Lawrence (Call of Cthulhu)

Don Rigals, Communist Clark Kent - Representation and Speaking Out with AC Lawrence (Call of Cthulhu)

Adrian Lawrence brings Don Rigals to the table. Don is a fur-obsessed secret communist delving into New York's underground to find his brother.Adrian and I discuss being outspoken about your political values, the power of representation, and not being "Mexican enough."This character is built for Call of Cthulhu.AC Lawrence is a Mexican-American DM who co-hosts a podcast named Dungeons & Degrees, where he interviews individuals in the TTRPG space to show that the path to creati

Aug 17, 2024 • 52:10

Looking Back on Two Years - Diversity Report and Giveaway Announcement

Looking Back on Two Years - Diversity Report and Giveaway Announcement

I've been bringing characters without stories and the creators who made them to the table for TWO YEARS! It felt like a good time to get reflective and talk about something I've been working on - diversifying my guests and the games we talk about.I also did a two year anniversary giveaway - tune in to find out who won!Send us a textCover art by The CuriographerInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecuriographer Sign up for my Newsletter to stay up-to-date on the podcast:https://dashbo

Aug 10, 2024 • 11:31

Reyna the Lion - Being a Woman Online with Alejandra Wilhelm (D&D5e)

Reyna the Lion - Being a Woman Online with Alejandra Wilhelm (D&D5e)

Content warning this episode for discussions of sexual assault and sexual harassment. We don’t go into any detail, but if this topic is a trigger for you, I recommend you skip it.Alejandra Wilhelm brings Reyna to the table. Reyna is a fierce and loyal barbarian hiding her identity from the archfey her father sold her to.Alejandra and I discuss parasociality, bad behavior on Discord, and roleplay on TikTok. We also talk about self-insert characters - from physical appearance to emotional trauma.T

Jul 20, 2024 • 1:00:47

Grammarye Praise-God Winthrop, Teenage Witch - Acting Out with Juicy Garland (Monsterhearts 2e)

Grammarye Praise-God Winthrop, Teenage Witch - Acting Out with Juicy Garland (Monsterhearts 2e)

Juicy Garland brings Grammarye Praise-God Winthrop to the table. Grammarye is a teenage witch and the black sheep of a family with a 400 year vendetta against the Salem Witch Trial judges who killed their ancestor.Juicy and I share our love for witchy touchstones like The Craft and The Witch (or as we say The VVitch), sympathize with Grammarye's desperate attempts at validation, and discuss how roleplaying in actual plays is different from home games.This character is built for Monsterheart

Jul 6, 2024 • 1:01:15

Kit, the Sea Witch - Friendship is Magic with Savannah Rayne (D&D5e)

Kit, the Sea Witch - Friendship is Magic with Savannah Rayne (D&D5e)

Savannah Rayne brings Kit to the table. Kit is a con woman on the run in disguise as a man, who finds family and the confidence to harness her innate magic on a pirate ship. Savannah and I discuss roleplaying away from a table in private chat and public cosplay. We also talk about Savannah's two favorite tropes - found family and the sorcerer gaining the confidence to wield her magic.This character is built for D&D5e.Savannah Rayne is an RP enthusiast, art witch, and podcaster. While re

Jun 22, 2024 • 45:12

Oba Manu, Family Guy - Parent Tropes and Pastoral Hopes with Navaar Seik-Jackson (Pathfinder 2e)

Oba Manu, Family Guy - Parent Tropes and Pastoral Hopes with Navaar Seik-Jackson (Pathfinder 2e)

Navaar Seik-Jackson brings Oba Manu to the table. Oba is a dad who wants nothing more than to live the simple life, but is pulled back into adventuring for "one last job." Navaar and I discuss having a family both at and away from the table, needing to protect your family while avoiding violence - and how scary that can be as a Black father, and power fantasies. Navaar also convinces me to play Pathfinder.This character is built for Pathfinder 2e by Paizo.Navaar Seik-Jackson is a narra

Jun 8, 2024 • 48:22

Lancelot, Blind Fighter - Testing Your Limits with Stephan Kelly (Coven and Crucible)

Lancelot, Blind Fighter - Testing Your Limits with Stephan Kelly (Coven and Crucible)

Stephan Kelly brings Lancelot to the table. Lance is a blind martial artist in a coven of witches, doing his best to leave the world a little bit better than when he found it.Stephan and I discuss building a character while you're building the system, testing the limits of system mastery, and an unfortunate jousting accident.This character is built for Coven and Crucible, a game created by Stephan, his wife roach, and his daughter Charlotte.https://13thmoongames.comStephan Kelly is a retire

May 28, 2024 • 56:48

Orco the Magnificent, Sh*tty Wizard - Religious Rebellion with Grant Nordine (D&D5e)

Orco the Magnificent, Sh*tty Wizard - Religious Rebellion with Grant Nordine (D&D5e)

Grant brings Orco the Magnificent to the table. Orco is not a very good wizard, but he gives it his best shot.Grant and I discuss religious trauma, high school theater, and the opposite of min-maxing.This character is built for D&D5e.Grant Nordine is the titular game master of Game Master Monday and the guide for Bella's Comet. Grant is an award-winning actor and writer with stage, film, music, and podcasting credits. As the GM of Game Master Monday, he runs a new one-shot in a new syst

May 11, 2024 • 1:01:02

Tendertwig, Sweet Summer Child - Childlike Wonder with Tori Fica (Pathfinder 2e)

Tendertwig, Sweet Summer Child - Childlike Wonder with Tori Fica (Pathfinder 2e)

Tori Fica brings Tendertwig to the table. Tendertwig is a Leshy Oracle who moves through life with the confidence of a child - because they are actually only 1 year old.Tori and I discuss the freedom of playing a character utterly devoid of imposter syndrome, how being cute is a special ability, and playing a literal baby.This character is built for Pathfinder 2e.Tori Fica is a TTRPG enthusiast, actual-play performer, and GM. She is one of the creators of Level 1 Geek, a TTRPG education and ente

Apr 27, 2024 • 41:34

Rhan Halvard, Paladin of Fate - Death and Destiny with Chriss Knight (D&D 5e)

Rhan Halvard, Paladin of Fate - Death and Destiny with Chriss Knight (D&D 5e)

Chriss brings Rhan Halvard to the table. Rhan was a wizard who became a revenant in the service of Istus when her attempt to change her fate had unexpectedly dire results.Chriss and I discuss death, grief, and catharsis, the role of fate in a fantasy story where gods are real, and how much backstory you truly need.This character is built for D&D5e.Chriss Knight is a life long creative who found her calling with D&D in college where she earned a degree in theatre. After a winding road of

Apr 6, 2024 • 47:18

Exit, the Outsider - Character Building is Worldbuilding with Sam Dunnewold (Apocalypse World)

Exit, the Outsider - Character Building is Worldbuilding with Sam Dunnewold (Apocalypse World)

Sam Dunnewold brings Exit to the table. Exit is a scavenger living on the edges of a dangerous psychic mist and a society that demands they conform.Sam and I discuss building a character within the context of a post apocalyptic world, being brave because you have to be, and transparency in gaming.This character is built for Apocalypse World by D. Vincent and Maguey Baker.http://apocalypse-world.comSam Dunnewold is a Minnesotan game designer, screenwriter, and podcaster living in Hollywood like a

Mar 9, 2024 • 1:00:24

Riley and Jean-Pierre, a Masked Vampire - Code-Switching and Authenticity with Aetherius Bordeaux (Vampire the Masquerade 5e)

Riley and Jean-Pierre, a Masked Vampire - Code-Switching and Authenticity with Aetherius Bordeaux (Vampire the Masquerade 5e)

Aetherius brings Riley Howard/Jean Pierre Baptiste to the table. Riley is a Ministry kindred masquerading as Jean-Pierre, a Toreador in the Camarilla.Aetherius and I discuss being your authentic self, being the only Black player at the table, and writing strong yet flawed Black women.This character is built for Vampire the Masquerade 5e published by Renegade Game Studios.Aetherius Bordeaux is your new favorite Vampire Himbo. He is a mystery/thriller/horror content creator and lifelong answerer o

Feb 24, 2024 • 1:36:41

Otto Von Kurtzel, Mecha Grandpa - Family Ties with Joseph Byler (D&D5e)

Otto Von Kurtzel, Mecha Grandpa - Family Ties with Joseph Byler (D&D5e)

Joseph brings Otto Von Kurtzel to the table. Otto is a family man who built a mech suit to help him live with a degenerative disease.Joseph and I discuss punching dragons, having people worth fighting for, and tinkering for good.This character is built for D&D5e.Joseph Byler, an aspiring TTRPG writer and nurse. They're also a proud redneck and leftist.You can learn more about Joseph at:https://www.characterswithoutstories.com/guests/joseph-bylerThis episode, I recommend the podcast Blad

Feb 10, 2024 • 38:41

Nix, a Children's Party Magician - Quirks and Quests with Alex (Quest)

Nix, a Children's Party Magician - Quirks and Quests with Alex (Quest)

Alex brings Nix to the table. Alex is a traveling magician who cheerfully becomes a hero.Alex and I discuss mad libs character creation, the nature of magic, and being inspired by a hat.This character is built for Quest.Alex, also known as Apples_n_Cinnamon, a ttrpg enthusiast and a blooming forever GM. They make TTRPG content somewhat sporadically but play in a variety of games in as many systems as possible!You can learn more about Alex at:https://www.characterswithoutstories.com/guests/alexSe

Jan 27, 2024 • 44:09

Alehat, a Sly Slide - Playing Dangerous Games with Rook (Blades in the Dark)

Alehat, a Sly Slide - Playing Dangerous Games with Rook (Blades in the Dark)

Rook brings Dale Dorries, AKA Alehat to the table. Alehat is a greedy, rotten scoundrel feeding his retirement fund with ill-gotten gains.Rook and I discuss filling a role in a party, using characters to try out game mechanics, and being out for yourself.This character is built for Blades in the Dark.Roger Peters, who also goes by Rook, is the owner of Epic Sages, a multi-TTRPG focused hosting site. He’s played and/or ran various TTRPGs for over 15 years.You can learn more about Rook at:https://

Jan 13, 2024 • 38:48

An Unnamed Soldier – Coping with Fictional Trauma in Character and Out with Jeffrey Baker (D&D5e)

An Unnamed Soldier – Coping with Fictional Trauma in Character and Out with Jeffrey Baker (D&D5e)

Jeffrey Baker brings an unnamed soldier to the table. The unnamed soldier is a grizzled drill sergeant who motivates his party through tough love and (bardic) inspirational speeches.Jeffrey and I discuss playing older characters with life experience, roleplay bleed and after care, and being the party dad.This character is built for D&D5e.Jeffrey Baker is a dad, LARPer, and game designer; Jeffrey has been playing TTRPGs ever since his older brothers would allow him to join. His creative well

Dec 30, 2023 • 45:55

Tryp, a Newborn Hive Mind - Containing Multitudes with Wes Ascolese (The Wildsea)

Tryp, a Newborn Hive Mind - Containing Multitudes with Wes Ascolese (The Wildsea)

Wes Ascolese brings Trypoxylus "Tryp" to the table. Tryp is a newborn hive mind formed from a group of Japanese stag beetles looking to learn about the world they are seeing with new eyes.Wes and I discuss how bugs think, trying to build a unified identity, and discovering yourself through your characters.This character is built for The Wildsea by Felix Isaacs: https://myth.works/collections/the-wildsea-homepageWes Ascolese is a leftist TTRPG collector and enthusiast, amateur bookbinde

Dec 16, 2023 • 58:20

Ed'varay Fiero, a Restless Ranger - Tributes and Transcendentalism with Beardic Inspiration (System Agnostic)

Ed'varay Fiero, a Restless Ranger - Tributes and Transcendentalism with Beardic Inspiration (System Agnostic)

Nate (Beardic Inspiration) brings Ed'varay Fiero to the table. Ed'varay is a noble ranger, restlessly wandering in search of transcendental experiences.Nate and I discuss creating random characters for real people, being shaped by your environment, and the controversy surrounding Wizards of the Coast's attempt to withdraw the Open Gaming License (OGL).This character is system agnostic.Nate grew up in the small town of Seward, Alaska as a theatre kid who grew up working on boats. H

Dec 1, 2023 • 58:10

Characters With Stories - an interview with The Moonstone Matriarchy

Characters With Stories - an interview with The Moonstone Matriarchy

In this very special episode, I interview my costars on DnDenial's The Moonstone Matriarchy actual play stream, an all-women D&D game set in the home brew world of Solandria.I Sneeze Stars is the DMGM of Reven is AnemoneJuniper is CloverMamaicailleach is DelphraDungeon Mistress Katie is RosalindScxrlet is SynThese characters are built for D&D5e. View the previous mini-campaign  and watch the full campaign of The Moonstone Matriarchy on Twitch Saturdays at 5:30PM PST starting Novembe

Nov 11, 2023 • 1:36:00

Dagamot the Hermit - Tarot and Tropes with Jordan Peacock (Coyote and Crow)

Dagamot the Hermit - Tarot and Tropes with Jordan Peacock (Coyote and Crow)

Jordan Peacock brings his tarot deck to the table. In this episode, Jordan and I collaborate to build three characters using tarot spreads. Dagamot, inspired by the Hermit card, is a reclusive healer with a painful past reevaluating his life on the road.Content warning: brief mention of suicide at 7:00.Jordan and I discuss going beyond tropes, building latent potential into characters, and Canadian TV.This character is built for Coyote and Crow.Jordan Peacock is an independent game designer, fou

Aug 18, 2023 • 45:49

Rhadamanthus the Ratkiller - Wrestling Angels with Owen Kerr (Dark Heresy)

Rhadamanthus the Ratkiller - Wrestling Angels with Owen Kerr (Dark Heresy)

Owen Kerr brings Asher Novaak, aka Rhadamanthus Lehrer, to the table. Rhadamanthus is an inquisitor hiding in plain sight as his own throne agent, trying to find the small victories in a world full of insurmountable odds.Owen and I discuss pitting underdogs against empires, wrestling with angels, and finding joy in the struggle nevertheless.This character is built for Dark Heresy.Owen Kerr is a writer, teacher, indie game designer, voice actor, professional game master, TikTok enthusiast, LGBTQ+

Aug 3, 2023 • 50:10

Niko de Cielo, a Better Jedi - Fandoms and Fixes with Natasha Ticotin (D&D5e)

Niko de Cielo, a Better Jedi - Fandoms and Fixes with Natasha Ticotin (D&D5e)

Natasha Ticotin brings Niko de Cielo to the table. Niko is an Oath of Conquest paladin who will soon find out he's not the main character he thinks he is.Natasha and I discuss "fixing" characters from pop culture, finding community in fandoms, and how characters' self-perceptions might not live up to their level 2 realities.This character is built for D&D5e.Natasha is an artist, corgi mom, and Princess of Genovia.You can find Natasha at:Website: https://natashagalya.comTi

Jul 18, 2023 • 47:57

Gaming with Pride - How Playing TTRPGs Gives Us Space to Explore Identity

Gaming with Pride - How Playing TTRPGs Gives Us Space to Explore Identity

It’s Pride Month! While we can and should joyfully celebrate LGBTQIA+ people every day of the year, we come together in June to devote special attention - to pay respects for those who have fought for liberation, and to continue the struggle in the face of increasing hostility and repression.This episode I’m honoring my trans, non-binary, and queer guests by sharing their unique perspectives on how playing TTRPGs have shaped their identities.Jay is featured in S1E2, "Qurr the Birbarian - Bu

Jun 21, 2023 • 23:28

Shasta and Alistair, a Girl and her Mask - The Masks We Wear with Jack (Pathfinder 2e)

Shasta and Alistair, a Girl and her Mask - The Masks We Wear with Jack (Pathfinder 2e)

Jack brings Shasta and Alistair to the table. Shasta is a young Aasimar monk traveling the world and Alistair is the god within the mask she wears.Jack and I discuss the masks we and our characters wear, player agency and GM input into characters, and what might make you put on a mysterious mask.This character is built for Pathfinder 2e.Jack is a Jewish trans man just trying to play and learn as many different games as he can so that he can write his own adventures and games.Titterpig Academy is

Jun 6, 2023 • 34:23

Aya Bailey, the Rebellious Scion - Decolonizing TTRPGs with Quinn (Scion 2e)

Aya Bailey, the Rebellious Scion - Decolonizing TTRPGs with Quinn (Scion 2e)

Quinn brings Aya Bailey to the table. Aya has been called by the gods to serve, but chooses instead to serve the people through activism and direct action.Quinn and I discuss using TTRPGs as a way to learn about other cultures and identities including your own, growing beyond others' expectations of you, and decolonizing TTRPG spaces.This character is built for Scion 2e.Quinn is a 41-year-old trans woman who is decolonizing their TTRPG tables one at a time. They are using TTRPGs to explore

May 23, 2023 • 50:09

Dewey Aberforth, a Handsome Fraud - Playing Selfish and Taking up Space with Natalie Marley (D&D5e)

Dewey Aberforth, a Handsome Fraud - Playing Selfish and Taking up Space with Natalie Marley (D&D5e)

Natalie Marley brings Dewey Aberforth to the table. Dewey is an accidental folk hero and a selfish jerk who happens to have a wonderful aquiline nose.Natalie and I discuss playing a selfish character without making your friends hate you IRL, how to play a man, and developing the confidence to take up space at the table and in the story.This character is built for D&D5e.Natalie is a behavior therapist who primarily works with children under the age of 10, teaching social communication, self-h

Apr 24, 2023 • 31:44

Dex the Gnome Revolutionary - Representing Neurodiversity with Simon (Shadowrun)

Dex the Gnome Revolutionary - Representing Neurodiversity with Simon (Shadowrun)

Simon brings Dex to the table. Dex is a gnome hacker slowly becoming a revolutionary.Simon and I discuss finding the bravery to be who you are, building characters that embody neurodiversity, and the intersection of masculinity and fantasy races.This character is built for Shadowrun.Simon is a queer, non-binary, autistic, and ADHD STEM educator that builds TTRPG characters to appease his brain spiders.You can find Simon at:TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@simonthetinkerSt Pete by Night: https://w

Apr 12, 2023 • 37:10

Luz Lozano, a Wizard and a Mess - Finding Comfort in Community with Morgan Nuncio (Urban Shadows 2e)

Luz Lozano, a Wizard and a Mess - Finding Comfort in Community with Morgan Nuncio (Urban Shadows 2e)

Morgan Nuncio brings Lucia “Luz” Guadalupe Lozano to the table. Luz is a young Latina wizard learning to control her magic and setting some fires in the process.Morgan and I discuss finding the comfort in community to play your own race, who's left out when we default to the old white man wizard tropes, and how sometimes you have to make a lot of mistakes on your way to adulthood.This character is built for Urban Shadows 2e from Magpie Games: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/magpiegames

Mar 28, 2023 • 46:03

Catalina and Esperanza, Twins at Odds - Drama and Romance with Character Creation Cast (Pasión de las Pasiones)

Catalina and Esperanza, Twins at Odds - Drama and Romance with Character Creation Cast (Pasión de las Pasiones)

Ryan and Amelia bring Catalina and Esperanza to the table. Catalina and Esperanza are twins conniving to upstage one another.Ryan, Amelia, and I discuss how to create character drama and conflict at character creation, sex and romance in roleplaying games, and the tropes we return to again and again when creating characters.These characters are built for Pasións de las Pasiones by Brandon Leon-Gambetta: https://magpiegames.com/pages/pasionAmelia and Ryan are the two hosts of the Character Creati

Feb 27, 2023 • 47:18

Dreams of a Light Reborn, Anti-War Storyteller - Changing the World with a Story with PlotDoc (Exalted 2e)

Dreams of a Light Reborn, Anti-War Storyteller - Changing the World with a Story with PlotDoc (Exalted 2e)

PlotDoc brings Dreams of a Light Reborn to the table. Dreams is a storyteller who seeks to end a bloody war.PlotDoc and I discuss growing yourself before growing a character, telling stories that change the world, and kicking gods in the nuts.This character is built for Exalted 2nd Edition.PlotDoc is a 34 year old stay-at-home dad and TTRPG TikToker, writer, and enthusiast. They focus on narrative heavy, emotionally compelling stories. They are an ADHD gender-fluid "disaster bi" with f

Feb 14, 2023 • 1:13:28

Montgomery Whitlow, a Hunter on a Fool's Errand - Downward Arcs with Gamesinabunker (Vaesen)

Montgomery Whitlow, a Hunter on a Fool's Errand - Downward Arcs with Gamesinabunker (Vaesen)

Glenn Buettner brings Montgomery Whitlow to the table. Monty is a Vaesen hunter on a fool's errand to join his wife and daughter in the selkie world.Glenn and I discuss sending your character on a fool's errand, creating characters from your own writing, and making the table a safe space for exploring trauma.This character is built for Vaesen.Glenn mentioned The Lost Mountain and Other Sagas podcast, which you can find here:  https://lostmountainsaga.com/Glenn Buettner has been a table

Jan 30, 2023 • 52:32

Jurdgel Sharptooth, Goblin Customs Official - Gender Identity and Character Voices with Caroline Vahrenkamp (D&D 5e)

Jurdgel Sharptooth, Goblin Customs Official - Gender Identity and Character Voices with Caroline Vahrenkamp (D&D 5e)

Caroline Vahrenkamp brings Jurdgel Sharptooth to the table. Jurdgel is a goblin customs official who would like nothing more than staying home with a cup of tea and a romance novel. Caroline and I discuss the challenge of voicing a male character as a trans woman, discovering something about yourself playing TTRPGs, and what neutrality means.This character is built for D&D5e.Caroline Vahrenkamp is a suburban parent of two who does silly D&D character voices on TikTok from time to time. C

Jan 17, 2023 • 39:35

Capitalism is the BBEG - A Response to Dungeons and Dragons' New Open Gaming License

Capitalism is the BBEG - A Response to Dungeons and Dragons' New Open Gaming License

Once again, I’m mad at something I love – or rather, I’m mad at the company that owns it. Once again, it’s Dungeons and Dragons.About a week ago, a draft copy of the new D&D Open Game License was leaked. Much more restrictive than the Open Game License that currently stands, these changes would hurt the independent third-party creators that built the community that Hasbro is trying to further exploit.We shouldn’t be surprised.Submit a character for the podcast: http://characterswithoutstorie

Jan 17, 2023 • 3:17

Skips the Silent Bard - Challenging Yourself as a Player with Joseph Speak (D&D 5e)

Skips the Silent Bard - Challenging Yourself as a Player with Joseph Speak (D&D 5e)

Joseph Speak brings Skips to the table. Skips is a sheltered monk who took a vow of silence thrust into a noisy world when dragon-induced tragedy strikes. He becomes a mime to find a way to honor his vow while exploring the world.Joseph and I discuss challenging yourself as a roleplayer, 'voicing' a nonverbal character, and the perfectly legitimate fear of dragons.This character is built for D&D5e.Joseph Speak is a chronic DM that desperately wants to play Dungeons and Dragons but

Jan 2, 2023 • 34:11

Ekra the Bird Bard Dad - Finding Your Own Language with Sophie Katz (D&D 5e)

Ekra the Bird Bard Dad - Finding Your Own Language with Sophie Katz (D&D 5e)

Sophie Katz brings Ekra to the table. Ekra is a dad on a mission, a Kenku finding his own way to communicate in a world that considers him less than human.Sophie and I discuss how we create and learn language, the trauma of having to speak in your oppressor's language, and other ways that bards can inspire.This character is built for D&D5e.Sophie Katz is a Jewish, aromantic/asexual writer, storyteller, and all-around nerd! She is the host of the podcast "I Love This Thing So Freaki

Dec 19, 2022 • 42:04

Janie the Juicer - When Your Character's Strengths Become Liabilities with JimHasFunOnline (Savage Rifts)

Janie the Juicer - When Your Character's Strengths Become Liabilities with JimHasFunOnline (Savage Rifts)

Jim S brings Janie to the table. Janie became a chemically-inhanced super soldier to gain the strength to find her missing sister.Jim and I discuss what you have to give up to gain the power you need, what it means when your character's strengths become their weaknesses, and going out in a blaze of glory.This character is built for Savage Worlds Rifts.Content warning: brief mention of child abuse. Skip 1:17-1:56 to avoid this section.Songs referenced:"Janie's Got a Gun" by Ae

Dec 9, 2022 • 33:26

Varqoor, the Mind Flayer Losing Control - The Problems with Races in D&D with VJ Harris (D&D5e)

Varqoor, the Mind Flayer Losing Control - The Problems with Races in D&D with VJ Harris (D&D5e)

VJ Harris brings Varqoor to the table. Varqoor is a mind flayer losing their hold on their host and finding their own path away from the Elder Brain as a spore druid.VJ and I discuss how their supplement, An Elf and an Orc Had a Little Baby, takes on the problems with race in D&D, what it's like to play a monster, and what mind flayers sound like.This character is built for D&D 5e.V.J. Harris is a professional TTRPG designer and pro game master. They're most well known for thei

Nov 21, 2022 • 45:20

Torden Stormborn, Herald of the Apocalypse - Playing Evil Characters with Thisasbstractthought (D&D 5e)

Torden Stormborn, Herald of the Apocalypse - Playing Evil Characters with Thisasbstractthought (D&D 5e)

Abstract brings Torden Stormborn to the table. Torden is convinced he is the prophesied herald of the Everstorm, an apocalyptic maelstrom.Abstract and I discuss playing evil characters, the limitations of the alignment system in D&D, and what happens when a prophecy doesn't come true.This character is built for D&D 5e.Abstract is a forever DM and D&D TikToker working towards owning a gaming store and cafe.Matthew Colville's video mentioned in the episode: https://youtu.be/D

Nov 7, 2022 • 28:51

Malcolm Cain, the Muscle who Lost his Face - Facing the Nightmare in the Mundane with Damianoddson (Call of Cthulhu 7e)

Malcolm Cain, the Muscle who Lost his Face - Facing the Nightmare in the Mundane with Damianoddson (Call of Cthulhu 7e)

Damian brings Malcolm Cain to the table. Malcolm was the muscle of an art-smuggling business who finds his brother slain, leading him to become wrapped up in a shadowy conspiracy.Damian and I discuss how facing the monstrous within the mundane can change you, how a character's skills can tell you a lot about a person, and what goes in a backstory.This character is built for Call of Cthulhu 7th Edition.Damian is a TTRPG malcontent who just wants to tend their garden and tell stories with fri

Oct 26, 2022 • 51:32

Altabella, a Diver Losing Her Humanity - Telling Sad Stories with Kurt Refling (Thousand Year Old Vampire)

Altabella, a Diver Losing Her Humanity - Telling Sad Stories with Kurt Refling (Thousand Year Old Vampire)

Kurt Refling brings Altabella to the table. Altabella is a sea silk diver who is turned into a vampire, slowly losing her memory and becoming a predator in the process.Kurt and I discuss how a good prompt leads to creative storytelling, what it means to become a vampire, and why we tell sad stories in TTRPGs.This character is built for Thousand Year Old Vampire, a game by Tim Hutchings.https://thousandyearoldvampire.com/products/thousand-year-old-vampireKurt Refling is a designer, writer, and ar

Oct 10, 2022 • 41:09

Why I'm still talking about D&D - A Response to the Hadozee Controversy

Why I'm still talking about D&D - A Response to the Hadozee Controversy

This podcast is about characters. And when it comes to characters in Dungeons and Dragons, there have been problems with how the game defines race from the very beginning. You may have heard about the most recent example, and oh boy it’s a doozy.The latest Wizards of the Coast release, Spelljammer, contains a character race called the Hadozee. The way the race is characterized and depicted in the book is, to be straightforward, racist.For more information, here are some creators who have explore

Sep 30, 2022 • 3:03

What is Characters Without Stories?

What is Characters Without Stories?

Characters without stories is a TTRPG podcast about the roads not yet traveled.If you play tabletop roleplaying games you probably have some back pocket characters, characters who are just waiting for the right story. Every episode, I’ll bring in a friend to tell me about their character and their approach to creating characters.Send us a textCover art by The CuriographerInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecuriographer Sign up for my Newsletter to stay up-to-date on the podcast:https://dashb

Sep 30, 2022 • 1:00

Madame Azlu, Sailor of the Sea of Stars - Confronting Ableism with Rachel Voss (D&D 5e)

Madame Azlu, Sailor of the Sea of Stars - Confronting Ableism with Rachel Voss (D&D 5e)

Rachel Voss brings Madame Azlu to the table. Madame Azlu sails across the Sea of Stars, chasing constellations in a crystal ship.Rachel and I discuss how our characters are influenced by our lives and the media we consume, including disabled characters in D&D, and how TTRPGs have given her the opportunity to confront the ableism she deals with in the real world.This character is built for D&D 5e.Rachel Voss, a retired wheelchair athlete who uses her more than 20 years of disability exper

Sep 26, 2022 • 32:23

Farthing, the Accidental Pirate - Being a Badass with Mobility Aids with Wesley Magee-Saxton (D&D 5e)

Farthing, the Accidental Pirate - Being a Badass with Mobility Aids with Wesley Magee-Saxton (D&D 5e)

Wesley Magee-Saxton brings Farthing to the table. Farthing is a disabled high elf who became an accidental stowaway and an accidental pirate.Wesley and I discuss finding inspiration in historical research, creating magical items that help bring disabled characters to life in D&D, and how characters who need mobility aids can still be badass.This character is built for D&D 5e.Wesley is a disabled, queer performance artist and disability advocate based in Tkaronto Canada. They are the co-f

Sep 12, 2022 • 33:25

Requiem, the Reluctant Tiefling - Searching for Found Family with Neineyes (D&D 5e)

Requiem, the Reluctant Tiefling - Searching for Found Family with Neineyes (D&D 5e)

Stevie brings Requiem to the table. Requiem is a Tiefling Warlock who pledged her service to Asmodeus to save her girlfriend, losing everything in the process.Stevie and I discuss the unique origins of the tiefling race, finding inspiration in unusual places, living your authentic self in TTRPGs, and how the idea of found family is central both to D&D and to the queer community. This character is built for D&D 5e.Stevie is currently a grad student studying to become a mental health couns

Aug 29, 2022 • 30:57

Qurr the Birbarian - Building Better Backstories with Jay (D&D 5e)

Qurr the Birbarian - Building Better Backstories with Jay (D&D 5e)

Jay brings Qurr to the table. Qurr is an Aarakocra Barbarian on a mission to prove herself to the goddess Syranita.Jay and I discuss how introducing randomness into character building can help bring characters to life, creating detailed backstories that leave room for growth, how an aarakocra might adjust to a city built for non-flying characters, and how even a pun can inspire a character.This character is built for D&D 5e.Jay is a retired U.S. Navy Broadcast Journalist, a High School Engli

Aug 15, 2022 • 23:00

Bart Biggityburg, Tortle Marathon Runner - Playing Against Type with Mxlpxl (D&D 5e)

Bart Biggityburg, Tortle Marathon Runner - Playing Against Type with Mxlpxl (D&D 5e)

Andrew Rahman brings Bart Biggityburg to the table. Bart is a Tortle Drakewarden Ranger who has trained to be a championship marathon runner.Andrew and I discuss turning the tables on common misconceptions about what a character can do, finding inspiration in myth and fable, and using game mechanics to tell a story.This character is built for D&D 5e.Andrew Rahman has been playing D&D for 10 years in his home, at local game stores, gaming conventions, and now online. He's introduced

Jul 26, 2022 • 29:40

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