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Welcome back to the table! This week Arcadia, Malcolm, and Jess talk about Star Wars! These folks tried the Star Wars TTRPG on for size. There is just something about that universe that calls to us. Jess’s nickname comes out…CP-3O! Our folks of course dove in and as usual, homebrew came into play. The character creation bit was tricky but when learning a new system there are always hiccups. Using the quickstart guide hooked our intrepid adventurers with some of those mechanics. The mechanics do play to the cinematic speed of the SW universe. Learning on the fly seems to be our MO as well. Our forever GM did divert from the module because reasons. Knowing this universe was helpful for the narrative through the game, yet still leaves space for new lore. The dice pool resolution was a bit clunky to learn but it may be a thing with familiarity. And of course whoopity s@#$, back to Star Wars.

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Rise (Epic, Inspirational, Cinematic) by Artur Aravidi is licensed under a Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.

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XP Is XP: The Many Faces of Role-Playing

Arcadia, Malcolm, and Jess are in the studio this week while Tori is off gaming at her other table—because let’s be honest, every table needs their rogue.

This episode dives into a conversation that’s close to many gamers’ hearts: video games versus tabletop RPGs. The crew explores what makes each experience unique, starting with one of the biggest differences—the human element. Around a physical table, you can see your friends laugh, react, and connect. Video games, on the other hand, sometimes take that face-to-face energy away… but they bring their own kind of magic.

Jess admits she’s our resident video gamer, while Arcadia and Malcolm explore how both kinds of gaming can serve different needs. Whether it’s stress relief, immersion in another world, or just a healthy bit of dissociation, digital games offer plenty of benefits. And yet, as we’ve discussed in past episodes, TTRPGs offer something deeply personal: connection, creativity, and those small rituals that make every session feel special (snacks included).

The group also talks about safety in online anonymity—how it can let you try on different versions of yourself or make choices you might hesitate to make in person. But there’s also something to be said for the freedom of the tabletop sandbox, where imagination sets the limits and the dice decide the rest.

In the end, both experiences can offer community, catharsis, and that little serotonin hit we all chase. So why not both?

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Rise (Epic, Inspirational, Cinematic) by Artur Aravidi is licensed under a Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.

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How Local Game Shops Became the Heart of Our Hobby

This week, Malcolm, Arcadia, and Jess dive into a topic close to every gamer’s heart — local game shops! These hometown heroes are the backbone of every local gaming scene.

Back in the day, hobby shops weren’t solely focused on gaming. Model kits and crafting supplies dominated the shelves, while games were often tucked into a small corner with maybe one lonely bookshelf of rulebooks. Jess’s introduction to local game stores came a little later, when they had grown into more well-rounded spaces — places where you could find everything from dice and minis to the latest adventures and accessories.

Game stores have always been essential hubs for discovering new games, meeting fellow players, and finding your community. Over time, they’ve evolved from simple retail spaces into true gathering places — where you can learn, play, and connect with like-minded folks.

While many shops faded for a while due to the rise of digital content, the past decade has brought a renaissance of local gaming. Where once there were only one or two stores in a city, now there might be eight or ten thriving spaces! This resurgence reflects the growing appreciation for in-person play, community, and shared storytelling.

Games have never been just for kids — they’ve always been for anyone ready to imagine, laugh, and roll the dice together.

Welcome to the table, friends — there’s room for all!

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Rise (Epic, Inspirational, Cinematic) by Artur Aravidi is licensed under a Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.

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A production of WordLeaf Media