Dillin Apelyan & James D’Amato (One Shot Podcast, The Ultimate RPG Villain Backstory Guide) ep 281

Dillin Apelyan & James D’Amato (One Shot Podcast, The Ultimate RPG Villain Backstory Guide) ep 281

Author: Craig Shipman July 20, 2026 Duration: 1:09:44

I am joined by Dillin Apelyan and James D'Amato. If you listen to the One Shot Podcast, you've probably heard of both of them, and if you're a fan of the actual play scene, you've seen their work all over. And now, they've come on to the show to discuss their brand new book.

Dillin's been featured on Dropout, Critical Role, and podcasts across the space. They've designed a bunch of great games, including the HUNT(er/ed) and Neverland: The Impossible Island. You can find out more about Superdillin here. 

James has been working in both the comedy and TTRPG scene for years. He's the creator of the One Shot Network and the author of the Ultimate RPG book series, which is an absolute masterclass in breaking down the genre for players and Game Masters alike. You can find his books here!

The pair are more than just integral parts of the community today — they're good friends and even better podcast guests. The episode was a blast, breaking down their experiences and talking in depth about their new book, The Ultimate RPG Villain Backstory Guide. They dive deep about gaming culture, their GMing experiences, and provide a lot of insight as to how you can build better NPCs and characters. 

REFERENCES: 

Adams Media

World of Darkness

Dungeons and Dragons

Vampyre: The Masquarade

Hunter/Hunted

James' Favorite Villains: Lex Luthor - Doctor Doom - The Joker

Dillon's Favorite Villains: Charles Vane (Blacksails), Jubal Early (Firefly), Kenneth Marshall (Mickey 17), Erik Northman (True Blood)

Star vs The Forces of Evil

Pokemon

Witch Hat Atelier

Fetch Philips Archives

Microscope

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Ever wonder how the games on your shelf actually came to be? TABLETOP TALK-Third Floor Wars pulls back the curtain on the entire world of tabletop gaming, moving beyond reviews and rules to explore the human stories behind the cardboard and miniatures. Host Craig Shipman invites designers, developers, artists, and writers into a conversation that feels more like a chat between friends than a formal interview. The focus here is on the creative journey itself-the initial spark of an idea, the messy middle of development, and the unique methods each creator uses to bring their vision to life. Each episode digs into the origins of beloved games, uncovering the personal inspirations and problem-solving processes that shape the hobbies we love. You’ll hear about the challenges of balancing a game’s mechanics, the narrative choices behind a compelling world, and the artistic decisions that give a game its distinct personality. This podcast is for anyone who’s ever looked at a beautifully crafted game and wondered about the people who built it from the ground up. Craig’s genuine curiosity drives these discussions, making each conversation a deep and engaging exploration of the passion that fuels the industry. Tune in for a regular dose of insight from the minds that shape your gaming table.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

TABLETOP TALK - Third Floor Wars
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