The Jaunty Mantis TTRPG Podcast
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The Jaunty Mantis TTRPG Podcast
creative questions for curious gamers
Jaunty Mantis 116 - How to Make Dinosaur Encounters Feel Different in TTRPGs
Jaunty Mantis 116 - How to Make Dinosaur Encounters Feel Different in TTRPGs

In this episode of The Jaunty Mantis, we riff on mechanical ways to make dinosaurs stand out at the table — beyond simple reskins or bigger HP pools. They cover size & reach, zone-based combat, fear/horror mechanics, animal companions and mounts, pack tactics, and inspiration from other RPG systems (Rifts, Exalted, 4E, Runehammer).

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Matt HerzbergOctober 22, 2025
Jaunty Mantis 115 - Dinosaur Domains & Blood Magic | Designing Prehistoric Horror in D&D 5e
Jaunty Mantis 115 - Dinosaur Domains & Blood Magic | Designing Prehistoric Horror in D&D 5e

What happens when dinosaurs, blood magic, and gothic horror collide?

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Matt HerzbergOctober 15, 2025
Jaunty Mantis 114 - Turning Prehistoric Power into Epic Settings and Characters
Jaunty Mantis 114 - Turning Prehistoric Power into Epic Settings and Characters
Matt HerzbergOctober 8, 2025
Oral History of TTRPGs: Richard Dansky on Wraith & Writing Across Media
Oral History of TTRPGs: Richard Dansky on Wraith & Writing Across Media
Jesse SauerOctober 1, 2025
D&D 4E’s Resurgence: Skill Challenges, Bloodied Condition, and the Dark Sun Connection
D&D 4E’s Resurgence: Skill Challenges, Bloodied Condition, and the Dark Sun Connection
Jesse SauerSeptember 24, 2025
Level Up Your GM Skills: Rolemaster, Vampire 5e & Mastering Game Pacing
Level Up Your GM Skills: Rolemaster, Vampire 5e & Mastering Game Pacing
Jesse SauerSeptember 10, 2025
The Oral History of TTRPGs with Bill White
The Oral History of TTRPGs with Bill White
Jesse SauerAugust 27, 2025
Oral History of TTRPGs with Jared Sorensen – From the Red Box to Indie Innovation
Oral History of TTRPGs with Jared Sorensen – From the Red Box to Indie Innovation

Why make a universal RPG when you can make one that’s about something specific?
Indie legend Jared Sorensen (Inspectres, Lacuna) joins The Jaunty Mantis to share design wisdom, industry takes, and new projects.

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Jesse SauerAugust 20, 2025
Jesse and Chris Talk about Cons, Covid and Credit Card Debt
Jesse and Chris Talk about Cons, Covid and Credit Card Debt
Jesse SauerAugust 12, 2025
Jesse’s Journey Through Tabletop Roleplaying: An Oral History of TTRPG Life and Culture
Jesse’s Journey Through Tabletop Roleplaying: An Oral History of TTRPG Life and Culture
Jesse SauerJuly 30, 2025
Chris' Journey Through Tabletop Roleplaying: An Oral History of TTRPG Life and Culture
Chris' Journey Through Tabletop Roleplaying: An Oral History of TTRPG Life and Culture
Jesse SauerJuly 23, 2025
Rolemaster Unlimited Actual Play – Shadow World: Norek Part 1
Rolemaster Unlimited Actual Play – Shadow World: Norek Part 1
Jesse SauerJuly 23, 2025
Blending Wargaming and Role-Playing Part 2: Warhammer 40k Crusade & Forbidden Psalm
Blending Wargaming and Role-Playing Part 2: Warhammer 40k Crusade & Forbidden Psalm

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.

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Jesse SauerJuly 9, 2025
Rolling with Momentum: Breaking Down Modiphius' 2d20 System
Rolling with Momentum: Breaking Down Modiphius' 2d20 System

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.

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Jesse SauerJuly 2, 2025
This Podcast Could Have Been an Email: Pacing, Recaps, and Player Clarity
This Podcast Could Have Been an Email: Pacing, Recaps, and Player Clarity
Jesse SauerJune 25, 2025
Between Dice and Drybrush: Exploring the Crossover Between Wargaming and TTRPGs
Between Dice and Drybrush: Exploring the Crossover Between Wargaming and TTRPGs
Jesse SauerJune 18, 2025
Killer GM, Master Storyteller: Laurin on Prepping, Pressure, and the One Ring
Killer GM, Master Storyteller: Laurin on Prepping, Pressure, and the One Ring
Jesse SauerJune 11, 2025
Beyond the Battle: Running TTRPGs with Minimal Combat
Beyond the Battle: Running TTRPGs with Minimal Combat
Jesse SauerJune 4, 2025
Maximizing Your Elevator Pitch for a Successful Session Zero
Maximizing Your Elevator Pitch for a Successful Session Zero

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.

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Jesse SauerMay 28, 2025
Improv Meets TTRPGs – How Improvisation Shapes Better Games
Improv Meets TTRPGs – How Improvisation Shapes Better Games
Jesse SauerMay 21, 2025
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