The Jaunty Mantis TTRPG Podcast

Jesse and Chris continue exploring the fusion of wargaming and role-playing with Warhammer 40k Crusade campaign ideas and a dive into Forbidden Psalm. They share narrative strategies, hobby enthusiasm, and lessons from chaotic skirmishes.

Join us for a roundtable deep dive into Modiphius' 2d20 system. We unpack mechanics like Momentum, and Threat across games like Dune, Fallout, and Star Trek Adventures—with plenty of hot takes and irreverent laughs. Perfect for players and GMs curious about what makes 2d20 tick.

Jesse and Chris talk long-term TTRPG pacing, messy player recaps, and setting clear stakes. From crafting downtime to handling high-impact choices, it’s a practical dive into running smoother, more memorable games—without needing a dedicated scribe.

Jesse and Chris talk about the shared space between wargaming and tabletop RPGs. They dig into player psychology, the joys of painting minis, and what happens when your army starts to feel like a party of adventurers.

Chris and Jesse explore how to craft engaging TTRPG encounters, sessions, and campaigns that skip the swords and spells. Discover tools, tips, and ideas for building non-combat adventures that captivate players and deepen storytelling.

Learn how to craft a compelling elevator pitch that sets the tone for your TTRPG campaign. This quick guide helps you hook your players, align expectations, and build excitement from your very first Session Zero. Perfect for GMs who want to start strong and keep players engaged.

Jesse and Karl explore how improv techniques influence tabletop roleplaying, from “yes, and” to scene framing. Discover how spontaneous storytelling skills can level up your game.

Chris, Will, and Jesse roll up characters in Rolemaster Unified, a modern take on the crunchy simulationist RPG from the 80s. Dive into stat-heavy builds, brutal crits, and old-school charm!

Join us for a deep dive into horror in tabletop RPGs with special guest Karl, a masterful Call of Cthulhu Keeper. We explore what makes horror storytelling work at the table, how to craft unsettling settings, and how game mechanics can enhance fear, tension, and dread. Karl also shares his personal journey as a gamemaster and the biggest skill upgrades that transformed his approach to horror. A must-listen for GMs, players, and fans of horror in RPGs.

Special guest Mark joins the Mantis to talk about his gaming origin story. Why he loves Sci-fi games and some of the best ones out there.

Special guest Chris joins Jesse to chew the TTRPG cud while Matty takes a well deserved break.

Ready to bring prehistoric power into your campaign? In this episode, we explore how to incorporate dinosaurs into your tabletop RPG—whether you're running a classic fantasy setting, a pulpy jungle adventure, or a time-traveling twist. From riding raptors to surviving a tyrannosaur stampede, we’ll share creative ways to use dinosaurs as mounts, monsters, plot hooks, and even NPCs. Plus, tips on balancing them mechanically and making them feel epic, mysterious, or terrifying at the table. If your players think they've seen it all... it’s time to show them what 65 million years of extinction rage looks like.

Bring the thunder of prehistoric beasts to your tabletop! In this episode, we explore the best resources for running dinosaur-themed TTRPGs. From rulebooks and supplements to setting ideas, encounters, and miniatures, we’ll guide you through everything you need to craft epic adventures in the age of dinosaurs. Whether you're running a lost world expedition, time-traveling escapades, or a land untouched by time, these resources will help your game truly roar!

What happens when you combine the awe of dinosaurs with the storytelling magic of tabletop RPGs? In this episode, we dive into how to bring these prehistoric beasts to life in your games—whether it’s a lost world setting, time travel adventure, or dino-riding fantasy epic!

In this episode, we dive into the often-debated world of roleplaying game fiction. From Dragonlance to Forgotten Realms, RPG tie-in novels have carved out a unique niche in speculative fiction—but are they genuinely compelling reads or just glorified game manuals?

Music: A Stranger Thing, by Bruno E.

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As a new year begins, it’s the perfect time to reflect on past campaigns and set fresh goals for your tabletop adventures. In this episode, we discuss TTRPG gaming goals for 2025—whether it’s mastering a new system, becoming a better GM, creating richer characters, or finally finishing that long-running campaign.

Music: A Stranger Thing, by Bruno E.

Logos by Shannon Sipes thedigsy.myportfolio.com/work

Tired of recapping every TTRPG session? You’re not alone. In this episode, we explore the growing desire to ditch traditional session summaries and why they might be more of a burden than a benefit.

Music: A Stranger Thing, by Bruno E.

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Thinking about running an evil D&D campaign but not sure if it’s the right move? In this episode, we dive into the allure and challenges of embracing the dark side. We’ll discuss what makes an evil campaign work, potential pitfalls to avoid, and how to keep the story engaging without descending into chaos. From moral dilemmas to party dynamics, we explore whether running an evil campaign can be as fun (and meaningful) as it sounds—or if it’s a recipe for disaster.

Music: A Stranger Thing, by Bruno E.

Logos by Shannon...

Running a D&D one-shot can be a thrilling challenge—condensing epic storytelling, memorable characters, and satisfying gameplay into just a few hours. In this episode, we break down how to design and run effective one-shots, from crafting tight plots and dynamic encounters to managing pacing and player expectations. Whether you’re prepping for a convention, introducing new players, or just looking for a low-commitment game night, we’ve got tips and tricks to help you deliver an unforgettable adventure in a single session.

Music: A Stranger Thing, by Bruno E.

Logos by Shannon Sipes thedig...

Buckle up, because we’re diving headfirst into the full season of Star Wars: Skeleton Crew—and we’ve got opinions. In this episode, we deliver our unfiltered, controversial review of the series, breaking down what worked, what didn’t, and why it’s sparking so much debate among fans. From character arcs and pacing to its place in the larger Star Wars universe, we’re not holding back. Whether you loved it, hated it, or are still on the fence, join us for a deep dive that’s sure to ruffle a few feathers in the galaxy far, far away.

In this bonus episode, Jesse falls in love with Galveston Texas and becomes inspired to plan a Vampire game.

In this bonus episode, the boys discuss the awkward proposal of asking for feedback for both GMs and players.

Follow Jesse: @Jingoistfett

Follow Matty: @MattherzbergTV

Follow The Mantis: @Jauntymantis or @JUANTYMANTIS (on x/twitter)

Music: A Stranger Thing, by Bruno E.

Logos by Shannon Sipes thedigsy.myportfolio.com/work

Whether you are tired of D&D or inspired by an exciting new purchase , it can sometimes be difficult to introduce a new game to your group. In the season 4 finale of The Jaunty Mantis, the boys discuss how to identify player boredom and burnout with your current game. Get tips and tools to build interest, learn how to teach the rules, as well as getting maximum buy-in from your group.

Follow Jesse: @Jingoistfett

Follow Matty: @MattherzbergTV

Follow The Mantis: @Jauntymantis or @JUANTYMANTIS (on x/twitter)

Music: A Stranger Thing, by...

Looking to spice up your pirate or thieves guild D&D campaign.? Why not use roles in addition to classes! In this episode, Jesse and Matty discuss new thoughts on PC roles - unnecessary complication or assets for your players?

Jesse and Matty discuss the types of players you might find at your gaming table. How to identify them, how to tailor your game for them, how to deal with disruptions and challenges.

Music: A Stranger Thing, by Bruno E.

Logos by Shannon Sipes thedigsy.myportfolio.com/work

In a very special holiday bonus episode of The Jaunty Mantis. The boys uncover an old recording about LARPing with Rich Ranallo (Velvet Generation)

Music:

"God Rest Ye Merry Gentlmen" - DJ Williams "Dance Of The Sugar Plum Fairies (by Tchaikovsky)" - Tchaikovsky "Home for the Holidays" - Chris Haugen

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The boys discuss some tips for taking a lighter approach to encounter design for combats

Music: A Stranger Thing, by Bruno E.

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The boys discuss some tips for building up the world of your setting with player involvement and minimal homework.

Music: A Stranger Thing, by Bruno E.

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When running a role playing game, it’s important for Dungeon Masters to empower the players characters But are there situations when the opposite is needed? The boys discuss scenarios and best practices for Game Masters to recognize and address situations when they should say “No-but” instead of “Yes-and”.

Music: A Stranger Thing, by Bruno E.

Logos by Shannon Sipes thedigsy.myportfolio.com/work

Have you ever wanted to make aliens that are more than just ridges on a forehead and a self destructive warrior culture? The boys explore ideas and methods for designing truly alien lifeforms for your science fiction and fantasy games.

Music: A Stranger Thing, by Bruno E.

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Jesse and Matty explore the appeal and pitfalls of gaming in established intellectual properties.

Music: A Stranger Thing, by Bruno E.

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The boys discuss the circumstances around player boredom and how GMs should assess and handle it.

Music: A Stranger Thing, by Bruno E.

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The boys discuss ending long running campaigns

Music: A Stranger Thing, by Bruno E.

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The boys discuss the media that inspires their GMing style

Music: A Stranger Thing, by Bruno E.

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Matty’s Shadowrun Playlist

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4DxfGHBLJTZTtLAsLIN6NO?si=6c1b9984fcf449f9

Matty’s Spelljammer Playlist

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4DxfGHBLJTZTtLAsLIN6NO?si=6c1b9984fcf449f9

The boys discuss games, mechanics, and GMing resources that helped them level up.

Music: A Stranger Thing, by Bruno E.

Logos by Shannon Sipes thedigsy.myportfolio.com/work

What happens when your PCs bypass critical encounters of your game? Jesse’s RIFTs game ends with just such an event when his PC's burned down a vampire safe-house. The boys discuss how to handle clever players when they completely nullify your encounters.

Music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio

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Here is an example of how we workshop a character concept for the DM’s campaign.

Music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio

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The boys discuss the merits of D&D Beyond as a platform and its value add to the overall D&D franchise.

Music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio

Logos by Shannon Sipes thedigsy.myportfolio.com/work

Matty experiences a gaming midlife crisis and realizes he’s never attempted a 1 to 20 level D&D campaign. Jesse makes fun of him for reversing his opinions about 5e D&D. The two begin debating the concept of a Gaming Bucket List.

Music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio

Logos by Shannon Sipes thedigsy.myportfolio.com/work