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Around the Hearth: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Open Hearth Gaming Community
Around the Hearth features discussion on a wide range of topics relevant to tabletop roleplaying games (TTRPGs) featuring members of the Open Hearth Gaming Community. We talk games, gameplay, design, and the games being played at the Open Hearth Gaming Calendar.
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- 1 weeks ago1h 19m
A Different Kind of Hex Ep. 11 - Headless
In this especially unusual Hex, José & Ian sit down with Open Hearth stalwart Tea-amat to discuss games with no particular GM. Some of these games have strict procedures to keep play on track; others are almost like tone poems, eschewing structure for pure vibes; what they have in common is an emphasis on gamer-motivated play. This comes with a new set of pitfalls to navigate, and opportunities to shine.Find out more about the Open Hearth Gaming CommunityOur websiteSupport us on Patreon!Our actual play podcast can be found hereFollow us on Tumblr: https://www.tumblr.com/blog/open-hearth-rpgBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/openhearthrpgMastodon: @openhearthrpg@dice.campOur info:Email: adifferenthex@gmail.comMusic: https://lloydeaves.bandcamp.com/album/a-different-kind-of-hex"IMAGINE" by Boko Yout: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HtjOiRrpYagHelp Rae Recover Links Support or donate at https://patreon.com/swordqueengames or https://ko-fi.com/matthewarcillaTimecodes00:04:01 - Introduction/Pick yr poison00:11:54 - No gods, no GMs... no direction???00:22:44 - GM-less Games Lab: Mobile Frame Zero: Firebrands00:35:39 - What's a GM good for, anyway?00:42:56 - What is only possible without a GM?00:58:10 - "Nicies"01:06:24 - Pearls of Wisdom
- 2 weeks ago59 min
Known Territory: Ep 3 The Between
Welcome to another episode of our new series on the Around the Hearth podcast feed: Known Territory: GMs Talk Games. Each episode we sit down with an experienced game facilitator who has played a specific TTRPG extensively. They will discuss how they pitch the game, best practices for running, useful tools, potential pitfalls, and more.This time we have designer and facilitator Mads aka madelancholy. They're here to talk about the classic Carved from Brindlewood TTRPG for Victorian horror and mystery: The Between. We talk about how to pitch the game, handling the different phases, the power of the Unscene, and much more.The BetweenMads on itch.ioSprigs and KindlingIf you dig this series, please rate, review, and subscribe.This episode's host is Lowell Francis, designer and co-author of Hearts of Wulin. He's the ENnie-winning creator of the Age of Ravens blog and community manager for the Open Hearth Gaming Community. He's the co-author of the Transverse Noir series of Shadowrun novellas. You can find Lowell's work on YouTube, on Itch.io, and on DriveThruRPG.Help Rae Recover LinksSupport or donate at https://patreon.com/swordqueengames or https://ko-fi.com/matthewarcillaMusic: ‘Mission Control’ by Karl Casey @ White Bat AudioFind out more about the Open Hearth Gaming CommunitySupport us on Patreon!Our actual play podcast can be found hereFollow us on Tumblr: https://www.tumblr.com/blog/open-hearth-rpgBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/openhearthrpgMastodon: @openhearthrpg@dice.camp
- Sep 24, 202643 min
Known Territory: Ep 2 Good Society
Welcome to another episode of our new series on the Around the Hearth podcast feed: Known Territory: GMs Talk Games. Each episode we sit down with an experienced game facilitator who has played a specific TTRPG extensively. They will discuss how they pitch the game, best practices for running, useful tools, potential pitfalls, and more.This time we have designer, consultant, and co-creator of Asians Represent!, Agatha Cheng. She's here to talk about the amazing game Good Society, a diceless TTRPG of romance, passion, and drama. We talk about a lot, including the Kickstarter for Good Society 2nd Edition.Good Society 2nd Edition Kickstarter"2 Good 2 Society: Storybrewers do a lot with small changes in the new edition of the beloved Austen-like" (Rascal, Thomas Manuel)Games MentionedGood SocietyPasión de las PasionesWoolf Society: PercivalTake the UniverseGothic SocietyThinly VeiledAgatha on itch.ioCheck Open Hearth's free online gaming event: Shared Hearth happening Oct. 1st- Oct. 4th, 2026If you dig this series, please rate, review, and subscribe.This episode's host is Lowell Francis, designer and co-author of Hearts of Wulin. He's the ENnie-winning creator of the Age of Ravens blog and community manager for the Open Hearth Gaming Community. He's the co-author of the Transverse Noir series of Shadowrun novellas. You can find Lowell's work on YouTube, on Itch.io, and on DriveThruRPG.Help Rae Recover LinksSupport or donate at https://patreon.com/swordqueengames or https://ko-fi.com/matthewarcillaMusic: ‘Mission Control’ by Karl Casey @ White Bat AudioFind out more about the Open Hearth Gaming CommunitySupport us on Patreon!Our actual play podcast can be found hereFollow us on Tumblr: https://www.tumblr.com/blog/open-hearth-rpgBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/openhearthrpgMastodon: @openhearthrpg@dice.camp
- Sep 17, 202642 min
Open Hearth Podcast Ep 24: Trespasser, The One Ring 2e, Slugblaster
In this episode of the Open Hearth Podcast, host Dominik talks with a couple of community members about their gaming. This time Guy and Anders discuss things they recently played, cover three RPGs in more depth (Trespasser, The One Ring 2e, and Slugblaster), and then the group finishes up with some things they've been digging recently.Games Discussed:TrespasserThe One Ring 2eSlugblasterShared HearthRegistration is now open for the Shared Hearth free open gaming event October 1st - October 4th, 2026! More information at https://openhearthgaming.com/shared-hearthHelp Rae Recover Links Support or donate at https://patreon.com/swordqueengames or https://ko-fi.com/matthewarcillaFind out more about the Open Hearth Gaming CommunitySupport us on Patreon!Our actual play podcast can be found hereFollow us on Tumblr: https://www.tumblr.com/blog/open-hearth-rpgBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/openhearthrpgMastodon: @openhearthrpg@dice.camp 00:00 Introduction01:16 Anders & Trespasser 09:43 Guy & The One Ring 2e22:08 Dominik & Slugblaster34:07 Giving Me Life
- Sep 3, 202639 min
Open Hearth Podcast Ep 23: Talking Arium
In this episode, Gwen talks with community member & layout/designer David MK and game designer Will Munn about Arium the Worldbuilding RPG. They cover the game's core concepts, adaptability, and new elements added by Arium: Evolve. The Kickstarter for the new boxed edition of Arium, which includes the new supplement, runs through Wed, Sept 16th, 2026. The Arium KickstarterArium's HomepageAquavertigo (David MK) Shared Hearth free open gaming event is coming October 1st - October 4th, 2026Help Rae Recover Links Support or donate at https://patreon.com/swordqueengames or https://ko-fi.com/matthewarcillaFind out more about the Open Hearth Gaming CommunitySupport us on Patreon!Our actual play podcast can be found hereFollow us on Tumblr: https://www.tumblr.com/blog/open-hearth-rpgBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/openhearthrpgMastodon: @openhearthrpg@dice.camp
- Aug 27, 202637 min
Open Hearth Podcast Ep 22: Basic Fantasy RPG, Fearful Symmetries, Void Technicians
In this episode of the Open Hearth Podcast, host Tea talks with a couple of community members about their gaming. This time Moria and Shane discuss things they recently played, cover three RPGs in more depth (Basic Fantasy RPG, Fearful Symmetries, and Void Technicians), and then the group finishes up with some things they've been digging recently.Links:MoriaHobby blog: https://trashpile.blog/Carrd: https://the-trashpile.carrd.co/ShaneYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Shane-Marble/videosGames Discussed:Basic Fantasy Role-Playing Game - https://www.basicfantasy.org/Fearful Symmetries by Steve Dempsey for Trail of Cthulhu - https://pelgranepress.com/product/fearful-symmetries/Void Technicians - https://thecastlebuilder.itch.io/void-techniciansOther Games & Misc Mentioned:Basic Fantasy RPG is not to be confused with Basic RoleplayingShadowdarkLancerMothershipStrange Towns for Cortex PrimeGood SocietyUnder Hollow HillsFor The QueenBeach Blanket Body Bag (Carved from Brindlewood)Rune Seekers of Glorantha (in development)Rosewood AbbeyBiophageWith Fire Thy Affections Hold A WingHarvestGhosts of El Paso for The BetweenGoblin ErrandsArmor Astir: AdventOcean TidesD&DOh Captain, My Captain!StonetopTurnip 28Other Mentions:Fearful Symmetries session videosRune Seekers of Glorantha session videosShared Hearth free open gaming event is coming October 1st - October 4th, 2026The xkcd "Average Familiarity" comicPlayingcards.ioHelp Rae Recover Links Support or donate at https://patreon.com/swordqueengames or https://ko-fi.com/matthewarcillaFind out more about the Open Hearth Gaming CommunitySupport us on Patreon!Our actual play podcast can be found hereFollow us on Tumblr: https://www.tumblr.com/blog/open-hearth-rpgBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/openhearthrpgMastodon: @openhearthrpg@dice.camp 00:00 Introduction01:50 Moria & Basic Fantasy RPG09:48 Shane & Fearful Symmetries17:38 Tea & Void Technicians27:58 Giving Me Life
- Aug 20, 20261h 0m
A Different Kind of Hex Ep. 10 - White Whales
...to the last, I prattle with thee; from a studio apartment, I yap at thee; for the game's sake I pod my last cast at thee!!In the first-ever live studio recording of the show, José & Ian spend a (very warm) summer evening bouncing off of each other about games & gaming. We discuss bringing newcomers into the hobby, embracing (and even aiming for) imperfection, and our forever-implausible "ideal" games.Find out more about the Open Hearth Gaming CommunityOur website - Check out the Shared Hearth event!Support us on Patreon!Our actual play podcast can be found hereFollow us on Tumblr: https://www.tumblr.com/blog/open-hearth-rpgBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/openhearthrpgMastodon: @openhearthrpg@dice.campOur info:Email: adifferenthex@gmail.comMusic: https://lloydeaves.bandcamp.com/album/a-different-kind-of-hexJack de Quidt's Music - https://notquitereal.bandcamp.com/Help Rae Recover Links Support or donate at https://patreon.com/swordqueengames or https://ko-fi.com/matthewarcilla01:05 - Intro02:53 - José's Poison, the "Pied Piper"14:00 - Ian's Poison, the "Need for Speed"23:47 - White Whales; or, the "ideal" game45:56 - Pearls of Wisdom55:27 - Outro
- Aug 13, 202646 min
Open Hearth Podcast Ep 21: Blades '68, Firebrands System, Dungeon World 2
In this episode of the Open Hearth Podcast, host Gwen talks with a couple of community members about their gaming. This time Jex (Bump in the Dark) and Mads discuss things they recently played, cover three RPGs in more depth (Blades '68, Firebrands and Dungeon World 2), and then the group finishes up with some things they've been digging recently.Links:JexBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/lastpinepress.comItch: https://jexjthomas.itch.io/RPG Trader: https://rpg-trader.com/creator/197/last-pine-pressMadsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MadelancholyBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/madelancholy.bsky.socialItch: https://madelancholy.itch.io/GwenBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/drgwenmarshall.bsky.socialItch: https://drgwenmarshall.itch.io/Games & Misc Discussed:Going for Broke seriesBlades '68More about Good Society 2E playtestingZealZaddy on TwitchMobile Frame Zero: FirebrandsIn Dreaming AvalonYou Can Check Out Any Time You Like, But You Can Never LeaveHearts of Magic: Threads EntangledOnce More Into the VoidThe King is DeadWinter's DaughterCantripLichcraftDungeon World 2 BetaTeenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma (2026)Camp (2026)Help Rae Recover Links Support or donate at https://patreon.com/swordqueengames or https://ko-fi.com/matthewarcillaFind out more about the Open Hearth Gaming CommunitySupport us on Patreon!Our actual play podcast can be found hereFollow us on Tumblr: https://www.tumblr.com/blog/open-hearth-rpgBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/openhearthrpgMastodon: @openhearthrpg@dice.camp 00:00 Introduction02:06 Jex & Blades '6809:36 Mads & The Firebrand System24:05 Gwen & Dungeon World 235:47 Giving Me Life
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About Around the Hearth
Around the Hearth features discussion on a wide range of topics relevant to tabletop roleplaying games (TTRPGs) featuring members of the Open Hearth Gaming Community. We talk games, gameplay, design, and the games being played at the Open Hearth Gaming Calendar.
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