Author: upturnedtable

Video: Blackmoor Interview: From Wargaming to the First Player Character

Posted on by upturnedtable

The first part of our interview with one of the filmmakers for Secrets of Blackmoor: The Secret History of Dungeons & Dragons. We went into it thinking we would be learning about David Arneson’s contributions to Dungeons & Dragons. We were wrong. The documentary isn’t just a history of the origins of D&D; it’s the history of the origins of roleplaying games. It tells the story of how a group of people created the hobby we enjoy today. In short, all roleplaying games owe their existence to the Twin City gamers.

In this excerpt, Griff quickly takes us from a post-Civil War wargame to the first player-created character.

To get a copy of Secrets of Blackmoor on DVD or Blu-ray go to:
http://www.secretsofblackmoor.com/

Pregaming: Hot Water Fix

Posted on by upturnedtable

Have pre-assembled miniatures (especially from all those Kickstarter boardgames) that are warped or bent and just plain ridiculous looking? Here is a quick tutorial using an electric kettle, a glass of cold water and a glass for hot water to straighten them out. Most of the time it is a miracle worker and will have your minis looking like they did coming out of their molds. Just don’t burn your fingers! Have a look and please give us any comments or questions based on your experience.

This is an excerpt from a livestream archived on our YouTube channel and on Twitch:
https://www.twitch.tv/videos/372764288

Video: Unboxing Star Trek Adventures Starter Set

Posted on by upturnedtable

We take a look at the Star Trek Adventures Starter Set by Modiphius. It includes pre-generated character sheets, a ship sheet, dice, tokens, maps, and a starting adventure campaign. It uses the 2d20 system with threat and momentum as currency mechanics for both players and the gamemaster. This is a much more accessible option for trying the game and will get you playing right out of the box.

Video: Unboxing D&D 5E Starter Set

Posted on by upturnedtable

Have a look inside the starter box for Dungeons and Dragons 5th Edition. A great place to start for players new to the hobby. It includes a starter rules booklet, pre-generated characters, a campaign booklet and quite nice dice. All in a mysteriously spacious box!

Download: Forbidden Lands Reference Sheet

Posted on by upturnedtable

Here is a two-sided PDF reference sheet to help new (or forgetful) players with combat and other conditions that affect characters in the Forbidden Lands RPG by Free League

Forbidden Lands Reference SheetDownload
Forbidden Lands Reference Sheet HORIZONTALDownload

Printer-Friendly Black & White Only Versions (no grayscale):

Printer-Friendly Forbidden Lands Reference VerticalDownload
Printer-Friendly Forbidden Lands Reference HorizontalDownload

Episode 218: Forbidden Lands

Posted on by upturnedtable

Following our character creation and first gaming session, we have a long-form review of Forbidden Lands, the fantasy TTRPG from Free League. We discuss the system, setting, and mechanics of the game with a final comment on the value of the components themselves. The boxed set feels very premium and is a truly wonderful product. It captures the old school feel very well. But is it worth the price? Find out in our long review of Forbidden Lands!

For a more concise review look for our short version: http://www.idleredhands.com/2019/01/25/video-short-review-of-forbidden-lands-rpg/

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:50:26 — 116.2MB) | Embed

Subscribe to Upturned Table RSS | More

Video: Short Review of Forbidden Lands

Posted on by upturnedtable

A short review to help you decide if the Forbidden Lands RPG by Free League is for you. We discuss the major features and mechanics and also talk about how it differs from other systems and RPGs. We love this game but wanted to present a balanced look at it to help you make your own decision.

BGM – Veil of the Blood Mist by ALVE – Forbidden Lands OST

Episode 217: Warriors: Pirates

Posted on by upturnedtable

“The Code is more what you call guidelines than actual rules.”
–Pirates of the Caribbean

In our latest installment in our Warriors series, we give you guidelines on how to play pirates or give your non-pirate characters a dash of piracy. Our discussion focuses on the Golden Age of Piracy in the Caribbean, including privateers, survival and injuries, the pirate’s code, and punishment.

The subject of pirate ships was too much to cram into this episode, so we cover it in our next one.

 

All of these topics can apply to any RPG setting, whether you are sailing the sevens seas or your ships battle among the stars. So get inspired for your next tabletop session and try to avoid scurvy. Or space scurvy, if that is a thing.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 47:53 — 66.2MB) | Embed

Subscribe to Upturned Table RSS | More

Video: Unboxing Village Attacks

Posted on by upturnedtable

We unbox Village Attacks, the latest game from Grimlord Games, makers of channel favorite, Endure the Stars. This tower defense style, cooperative, miniatures boardgame pits you the “monsters” against waves of angry villagers supported by their town heroes, which take the form of RPG character classes of humans. See what they did there?

What do you get in the standard core game box? What extras did their Kickstarter deliver? You know you need to find out!