Why We Like Nazis

Why We Like Nazis

Author: Josh Varty and Kristoffer Hansen March 6, 2026 Duration: 50:20

Why do Nazis make the ultimate antagonists for your tabletop campaigns? In this episode of No Plot, Only Lore, Josh and Kris break down the mechanics of using fascist-coded villains to create high-stakes, morally clear, and narratively complex stories without falling into the "both-sides" trap.

We discuss why fascist structures provide perfect hierarchical challenges for players, how to use anti-intellectualism and bureaucratic evil to build tension, and the essential "do’s and don’ts" for maintaining a meaningful narrative. From creating identifiable symbols and scapegoats to portraying joyful resistance, learn how to build villains your players will love to hate—and why it’s always okay to throw them off a train.

Key Topics Covered:

  1. Why the "banality of evil" works in fantasy settings.
  2. Distinguishing between lawful, chaotic, and bureaucratic villainy.
  3. How to handle Nazi-coded antagonists without letting your table "empathize" with them.
  4. Building a resistance movement that feels like a real, joyful counterforce.
  5. The dangers of making your D&D world feel too similar to real-world rhetoric.

If you enjoy deep dives into game design theory, one-page RPGs, and the tables we play them at, subscribe to No Plot, Only Lore.

Visit us at noplotonlore.com for more episodes and resources. Please rate, review, and share this episode with your party!


In No Plot, Only Lore, hosts Josh Varty and Kristoffer Hansen settle in for a conversation that feels like pulling up a chair at a familiar table. Their focus is the intricate, often messy, and deeply rewarding world of collaborative storytelling games, examining them not as rulebooks to be won but as frameworks for shared imagination. Each episode digs into the craft behind these experiences-how a setting’s history shapes a character’s decision, why a particular game mechanic fosters better stories, or what it means to build a narrative together without a predetermined endpoint. You’ll hear two seasoned practitioners reflect on the subtle art of being a player and a guide, discussing the tools and philosophies that transform a simple game night into a memorable saga. This podcast is for anyone who has ever gotten lost in a character’s backstory or spent more time discussing a campaign’s lore than actually rolling dice. It’s a thoughtful, meandering, and personal look at the stories we tell when we play, offering insights that resonate long after the session ends. Join Josh and Kristoffer for a deep, comfortable dive into the heart of why we gather to imagine together.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 93

No Plot, Only Lore
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