Why do we go into the basement? ep. 280

Why do we go into the basement? ep. 280

Author: Craig Shipman June 22, 2026 Duration: 1:10:45

Anthony “Runeslinger” (Casting Shadows) and I discuss what makes “good players” buy into horror roleplaying and, specifically, why characters would investigate terrifying situations and keep returning after trauma. They explore common answers, such as belonging to an organization (e.g., Delta Green), and why that only starts the conversation, contrasting player motivation (“otherwise we don’t play the game”) with believable character motivation. Anthony emphasizes building motivations through bonds, community ties, and mirrored player/character connections—what he calls “unity of perspective”—rather than removing agency by trapping characters. Using examples from their long Call of Cthulhu and Trail of Cthulhu campaigns, they examine active versus passive buy-in, GM/player collaboration, table communication, and how differing play styles and feedback help sustain engaging horror play.

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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
Podcast Episodes
Tim Denee (Blades '68) ep. 272 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:17:57
One of the great beauties of art is how different creators build upon their influences and contemporaries, creating layers that work together. We see it a lot in the TTRPG space, from shared mechanics, an influx of hacks…
Kickin’ The Tires with Sean Nittner (Evil Hat Productions) ep. 271 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:08:47
Sean is the Director of Projects at Evil Hat Productions, a game developer and TTRPG enthusiast who has played more games than almost anyone we know. He’s been part of the design team for great titles like Agon, Apocalyp…
Marc Majcher (The Empire Never Ended, Grackle Teeth) ep. 270 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:31:43
Craig and Marc discuss Marc's process for developing two of his games.Dragon MagazineTop SecretStar FrontierCall of CthuluParanoiaApocalypse WorldBlades in the DarkZombie WorldRiftsShadowrunDelicious in Dungeon**********…
Keith Ammann (Monsters Know What They’re Doing) ep. 268 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:22:13
Craig spoke with Keith, author of several books on making enemies, places, and combats in your games feel more real.Check out Keith's extensive libraryShadowrunGURPSCypher SystemLeague of Extraordinary GentlemenKnaveCour…
Dean (Trenchcoat Raccoons, OneShotTPK) ep. 267 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:56
Craig sat down with Dean and discussed their newest game, Trenchcoat Raccoons!⁠Trenchcoat Raccoons Preorder⁠⁠Trenchcoat Raccoons Free Quickstart⁠⁠Terry Pratchett⁠⁠Risus⁠⁠Lady Blackbird⁠⁠Dungeon Crawl Carl⁠⁠Penny Dreadful…
Steven Alexander (Huckleberry: a Wyrd West RPG) ep. 266 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:36
Craig talked with Steven about the RPG he is crowdfunding in a week. A discussion about Westerns as a genre and how his game came to be.Huckelberry on BackerkitHuckleberry websiteFree League PublishingAlienForbidden Land…
Federico Sohns (Nibiru, Zephyr) ep. 265 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:06:55
Craig spoke with Federico about two of their provocative TTRPGs, where they originated, and the process of bringing them from idea to a game that can be played.************************************NibiruZephyrWarhammerWor…
Takuma Okada (Stewpot) ep. 264 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:03:27
Craig talked with Takuma about their big indie hit Stewpot: Tales from a Fantasy Tavern. They discuss the origins of the idea and the process from concept to release.************************************⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠…
Cam Banks (Dragonlance, Cortex Prime) ep. 263 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:44:57
Craig sat down with Cam Banks, a prolific RPG creator who has worked on many of the games on your RPG shelf.************************************⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Support the show for as little as $…