Welcome to a world where the end times are always looming, the gods demand your fear, and the nobility become rich, while the peasants toil. In this episode, we take a deep dive into the grim, gothic, and grotesquely hilarious setting of Warhammer Fantasy.From its roots in 1980s British punk satire, folk horror, and post-imperial cynicism, to its unique blend of baroque horror and twisted excess, we explore the cultural DNA that shaped the Old World. We’ll look at what makes Warhammer’s satire hit so hard, why its doom feels so real, and how it became one of the most iconic—and cursed—fantasy settings in gaming history.
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1:01:49
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1:01:49
RaW: Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay 2nd & 4th
In this episode, we dig into two towering editions of Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay — the brutally elegant 2nd Edition and the crunchy, modern 4th. What did each get right? Where do they clash? And how do design choices like Success Levels, career structure, and advancement pacing shape the game’s soul?We explore the shift from flat percentile crunch to narrative granularity, debate the infamous d100 vs. d20 argument, and ask: does slower progression make for a better game? Whether you're a grognard or a new cult initiate, this is your guide to WFRP’s evolving engine of doom.
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1:02:10
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1:02:10
BtB: Gameplay & Campaign Aides
In this episode of Beyond the Book, we take a deep dive into the resources that support your tabletop battles and campaign storytelling—the behind-the-scenes tools that keep the game world running smoothly. From physical notebooks and battle maps to digital dashboards and worldbuilding apps, we share our favorite play aids for both game night efficiency and long-form narrative depth.
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58:35
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58:35
DiY: Fights of Fantasy
In this episode, we draw initiative on Fights of Fantasy, a sprawling fantasy miniatures wargame by Christopher Reichenbach. After a deep dive into the rulebook and our first playtest, we break down what makes this system tick. From the character creation options to the highly modular army-building process, we explore how Fights of Fantasy balances crunch with creative freedom.
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55:33
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55:33
BtB: Who's Game Is This Anyway?
When a tabletop game hits the table, who's really in control? The company that published it, the designer who wrote it, or the players who bring it to life? In this episode of Beyond the Book, we explore the tangled question of authorship and authority in tabletop games. From infamous licensing controversies like the OGL 1.1 fallout, to the rise of house rules, fan hacks, and open licenses, we break down the complex relationship between legal rights, creative intent, and table culture. Why can’t you copyright rules? What happens when fan creators outshine official products? And is Rule Zero just a loophole or the heart of the hobby? Whether you’re a game master, designer, or player, this episode challenges you to ask: who’s really in charge once the dice start rolling?
Welcome to Tales & Tactics, where we dive into the fascinating world of tabletop games. From well-known classics to the more obscure and bizarre, we explore their rules and delve into their rich histories. Join us on this journey as we approach each game with the enthusiasm of a book club, unraveling their stories and strategies.
New Zealand