Tabletop Journeys

🎲 What happens when you combine The Golden Girls, Stephen King, Riker in Frame of Mind, and Buffy the Vampire Slayer?

That's the brilliant premise behind Gray Guardians, a TTRPG unlike anything you've seen at your table. This week, the crew sits down with designer Roland Drewelow (Thethiyan Games) for a deep dive into one of the most creative, accessible, and laugh-out-loud fun indie RPGs to hit the scene.
Whether you're a seasoned dungeon delver or picking up your first set of dice, Gray Guardians is built to meet you where you are, and that's exactly what makes it special.

🏠 In this episode:
The wildly inspired premise behind Gray Guardians and the films that sparked it (Bubba Hotep, anyone?)
How Roland's Difficulty Dials let you tune the crunch level for ANY table, from total newbies to hardcore tacticians
Why the words on your character sheet matter more than you think
Senior Moments on a nat 1: because sometimes you can open the door... but your shirt gets caught in it 👴
The Gossip Points economy, the only currency that truly matters
A denture-dropping bestiary
How Gray Guardians could work as a one-shot inside your existing campaign
Roland's upcoming projects: Blackwater Creek (moonshine, time travel, trailer parks) and Hurly Burly (a nonviolent summer camp RPG with a magic VCR and the most unsettling clown in gaming)

This one's got heart, humor, and the kind of game design philosophy we love here at Tabletop Journeys. Story-first, player-friendly, and dripping with thematic flavor. Don't miss it. 🎙️

🔗 Links & Resources Mentioned in the Episode
🎮 Gray Guardians by Thethiyan Games:
itch.io: https://thethiyan-games.itch.io/gray-guardians
DriveThruRPG: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/publisher/34045/thethiyan-games

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#DnD #TTRPG #DnD2024 #TabletopJourneys #DrHomebrew #IndieRPG #GrayGuardians #TabletopGaming #PodcastInterview #GameDesign #OneShot #NursingHome #RulesLight #AccessibleGaming #TabletopRPG

A Preservations Season 3 Bonus EpisodeTalking Trek with Ensign Inara Osho | Star Trek: Preservations (S3 Bonus Episode)Join us in the ready room as we introduce Ensign Inara Osho, the newest member of the Dilamus Christian crew. In this bonus episode, we build a Star Trek Adventures 2E character live, TTJ style, blending mechanics with narrative intent.From Orion traits to command track decisions and helm specialization, this episode shows how character, story, and system come together at the table. We also highlight the BC Holmes builder and how it supports fast, narrative-focused play.If you are a GM, player, or fan of Preservations, this is your look at how the new crew joins the shared TTJ continuity. This is where the next chapter begins.----------------Star Trek Adventures RPG is published by Modiphius Entertainment🎲 2d20 System Designer: Nathan Dowdell📊 Project Manager: Jim Johnson👏 Special Shout Out: BC Holmes (https://www.patreon.com/c/bcholmes/posts)Our Latest Kickstarter was funded in under 6 hours; join the fun by checking out the link below:🌐https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ttjourneys/make-100-the-bridgedwell-chronicles-part-1-------------🖖 STA ResourcesModiphius Downloads:🌐 https://modiphius.net/en-us/pages/star-trek-adventures-downloadsSTA Character Builder (BC Holmes):🌐 https://sta.bcholmes.orgSupport BC Holmes:🌐 https://www.patreon.com/bcholmes-------------Credits: Hosted, & edited by Lewanika MillerTabletop Journeys is hosted by Josh Newton and Lewanika Miller, with Michael Ross.🎧 Listen & watch: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/tabletopjourneysYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ttjourneys-------------Check our Library of Content:🌐On DriveThruRPG: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/publisher/28665/tabletop-journeys-llc🌐On DM's Guild: https://www.dmsguild.com/en/browse?keyword=tabletop%20journeys%20llcSupport the channel by subscribing to the Patreon. Join the conversation and comment below; share the episode with your friends.And remember:✅ Like✅ Subscribe✅ Ring the Bell to never miss an episode.✅ Leave a comment if you would like to explore the galaxy alongside the Dilamus Christian and those serving aboard Asselin Station. or check out our Patreon at https://tr.ee/WqccYf4COR🖖🚀🌌🎲#TTRPG #2D20 #StarTrekAdventuresRPG2E #callyourboysttj #TabletopJourneys

Prep Less, Teach Better: Convention D&D for New PlayersRunning D&D for new players does not require hours of prep.At Rising Phoenix Game Con 2026, I put the TTJ approach to the test with a mixed table of new and experienced players, proving that the right adventure and the right mindset can carry the entire table.This is your Convention Diary + GM Breakdown.Six players.Three experienced.Three brand new.One goal: keep the game moving and make sure everyone is having fun.If you have ever wondered how to run games for new players without over-prepping or over-complicating things… this is the episode for you.#OnTheRightPath #TTRPG #DND #DungeonMaster #GameMaster #RoleplayersWanted #CallYourBoysTTJ #TTRPGCommunity #LearnDND--------------------🎲 WHAT YOU’LL LEARN - How to choose the right starter adventure for new players - Why “less prep” leads to better teaching at the table - How to read player cues and guide decisions without railroading - When to use maps, minis, and tools, and when to keep it simple - How to run fast, engaging convention games for mixed tables --------------------🧠 THE TTJ WAYStart with a strong, simple adventure.Prep what matters.Teach through play, not lectures.When you combine that with patience and enthusiasm, you get:👉 New players who get it👉 Tables that stay engaged👉 Games that actually move--------------------🎥 FEATURED ADVENTURE: Borderlands Quest: Goblin TroublePublished by Wizards of the Coast (Available on D&D Beyond)Credits: - Designer: Shawn Merwin - Additional Writing: Chris Tulach - Editor: Sadie Lowry - Cover Illustrator: Robson Michel - Cartographer: Dyson Logos - Illustrators: John Grello, Alejandro Pacheco, Taras Susak, Matias Tapia--------------------🔥 Rising Phoenix Game Con🔥One of our favorite conventions, run by an incredible team and community.Event Info:🌐 https://tabletop.events/conventions/rising-phoenix-gamecon-2026Join the Community:🌐 https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1H7nDRZ8qQ/--------------------🎙️ MORE FROM TABLETOP JOURNEYS- Star Trek Preservations – STA Actual Play- Tabletop Cafe – TTRPG conversations & community- Dr. Homebrew – Build it, test it, run it at your table- On the Right Path – Bite-sized GM advice--------------------🎙️ TTJ CREDITSWritten, Hosted, & Edited by Lewanika MillerTheme: “The Lewanika Jam” by David HerreraOpening and Closing sequences produced and edited by David Herrera at Bow Tie StudiosTabletop Journeys is hosted by Josh Newton and Lewanika Miller, with Michael Ross🎧 Listen & Watch:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/tabletopjourneysYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ttjourneysJoin our games on Patreon:🌐 https://www.patreon.com/tabletopjourneysDriveThruRPG:🌐 https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse/pub/21022/Tabletop-Journeys-LLCDM’s Guild:🌐 https://www.dmsguild.com/browse/pub/21022/Tabletop-Journeys-LLC----------If this helped you rethink how you prep or teach at the table:👍 Like the video💬 Drop your biggest challenge teaching new players🔔 Subscribe for more GM tools and convention insights

This is your STA Convention Diary + GM Breakdown. What does it actually take to run Star Trek Adventures at a convention and make it hit?Episode Highlights:⚡Running STA the TTJ Way⚡Sour Deals breakdown (STA 2E Starter Set)⚡Mission Briefs vs full adventures⚡Real table energy from Rising Phoenix 2026⚡Why STA needs more GMsIn this episode of On the Right Path, we break down the TTJ Way. From syncing timelines across Preservations, Expeditions, and A.E.G.I.S., to integrating published adventures like Sour Deals into a living campaign, this is about running games that connect, land, and stick.We cover:🧩 Why mission briefs dominate convention play🧩 How to prep less and still deliver big moments🧩 Building a reliable pre-gen pipeline🧩 Creating tables full of energy, momentum, and buy-inAnd here is the real takeaway:We need more STA GMs at the table. If you have ever thought about running STA at a con, this is your starting point.-----------------📣 Call to ActionThinking about running STA?Drop a comment and tell us what you need to get started.#StarTrekAdventures #OnTheRightPath #TTRPG #GameMaster #ActualPlay #TTRPGCommunity #RoleplayersWanted #GMsWanted #CallYourBoysTTJ-----------------🔥 Rising Phoenix Game ConOne of our favorite conventions, run by an incredible team and community.Event Info:🌐 https://tabletop.events/conventions/rising-phoenix-gamecon-2026Join the Community:🌐 https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1H7nDRZ8qQ/-----------------🖖 STA ResourcesModiphius Downloads:🌐 https://modiphius.net/en-us/pages/star-trek-adventures-downloadsSTA Character Builder (BC Holmes):🌐 https://sta.bcholmes.orgSupport BC Holmes:🌐 https://www.patreon.com/bcholmes-----------------Credits: Written, Hosted, & edited by Lewanika MillerTheme: “The Lewanika Jam” by David Herrera.Opening and Closing sequences produced and edited by David Herrera at Bow Tie Studios.Tabletop Journeys is hosted by Josh Newton and Lewanika Miller, with Michael Ross.🎧 Listen & watch: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/tabletopjourneysYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ttjourneysJoin our games on Patreon:🌐 https://www.patreon.com/tabletopjourneysDriveThruRPG:🌐 https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse/pub/21022/Tabletop-Journeys-LLCDM’s Guild:🌐 https://www.dmsguild.com/browse/pub/21022/Tabletop-Journeys-LLC

Grim, gritty, and unapologetically dark… today we crack open one of the most atmospheric 5E-compatible settings on the market.In this episode of Tabletop Journeys Presents: On the Right Path, we dive into Grim Hollow: Transformed by Ghostfire Gaming with a full unboxing and first impressions. From premium components to deeply evocative worldbuilding, this set delivers a tone that leans hard into horror, consequence, and meaningful challenge.If you’ve been looking for a way to bring true danger, lasting wounds, and narrative weight to your table, this is a product worth your attention.This is not just about what’s in the box; it’s about what it enables at the table.👉 Gritty play👉 Meaningful stakes👉 Horror that actually landsWhether you run convention games, home campaigns, or one-shots during spooky season, this breakdown will give you a clear sense of what Grim Hollow brings to your toolkit.#OnTheRightPath #TTRPG #DND #GrimHollow #GhostfireGaming #CallYourBoysTTJ ⏱️ CHAPTERS0:00 Cold Open0:30 Intro & Tone1:15 Why Grim Hollow2:30 What’s in the Box8:00 Campaign Guide & Setting10:30 Maps & Adventures15:45 GM Screen & Mechanics19:30 Player Journal21:30 Final ThoughtsAnd remember:✅ Like✅ Subscribe✅ Ring the Bell to never miss an EpisodeTabletop Journeys Links: 🎥 YouTube: https://youtube.com/@ttjourneys 🎲 DriveThruRPG: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse/pub/17948/Tabletop-Journeys-LLC 📚 DMs Guild: https://www.dmsguild.com/browse/pub/17948/Tabletop-Journeys-LLC🔗 CONNECT WITH TABLETOP JOURNEYSPatreon: patreon.com/ttjourneysBluesky: @ttjourneys.bsky.socialFacebook: www.facebook.com/ttjourneysYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ttjourneysWebsite: https://ttjourneys.com/Email: [email protected]