Tony Spengler/February 2023
The vast majority of ttrpgs are played with one person running the game and the world (known as GMs, DMs, Referees, Controllers, etc) and one or more players who play inside the world. While I’ve been in the ttrpg community, I found out that there have been creative games made, of which include games that require no GM of any kind. This first came to my attention when I found Roll & Tell. Not only was the concept of the game compelling, but this AP was also crisp and had a good following. I needed to learn more, and reached out to Jeffery for more information.
Christian Pollak Jeffrey Allen Sneed
Origin: Originally from Parma, Ohio but am now in the Washington DC area.
Name: Jeffrey Allen Sneed.
Experience: Been dungeon mastering/game mastering for about 8 years now and playing TTRPGS for about 15 years.
Favored Class/Race: My favorite class is absolutely rogues and I’ve always been partial to half-elves.
Q) I haven’t gotten a chance to listen to your podcast, but it's on my list! Could you give an elevator pitch for your podcast for our readers to know what you’re about?
A) Roll & Tell is an actual play podcast with two players and no game master. Our adventures - everything from characters to the story itself - are completely improvised based on random dice rolls.
Q) What system do you guys use?
A) The core game system is Dungeon World but the star of the show is Mythic Game Master Emulator. Mythic is our primary source for oracles and chaos.
Q) How long have you been running your AP?
A) A little over a year now. Started in November 2021.
Q) Do you operate in campaigns, or do your adventures end up becoming one-shots and you make new characters frequently?
A) So far we are on an extended campaign. In the future we are planning for maybe mini campaigns and one shots.
Q) Do you have a recommended episode for someone who wanted to "taste test" your AP?
A) I think Into the “Wilderheath 1: Parting Gifts” would be my recommendation.
Q) I'll check it out! Do you guys air new episodes every week?
A) Every other week on Mondays.
Q) You have been running an extended campaign, with how random things get...have you been really nervous about possible TPKs?
A) We have had a couple close calls and it is definitely something we have been worried about! Ultimately, though, we do our best to just see what happens. So if a character dies (or all of them!) that is another piece of randomness and inspiration we will have to deal with if it happens!
Q) In all the randomness, have you ever come upon something that just didn't flow well with the story? Something that felt awkward and shoehorned into the tale?
A) We’ve had some real stumpers in terms of random inspiration. Strange combos of things like “Ruin People” as a subject and action suggestion for a positive situation for a very kind 5 year old girl!
However, the systems we use are perfect for avoiding anything feeling shoehorned. The suggestions are prompts, inspirations, and challenges - rarely anything super specific. That’s where interpretation, creativity, and thinking on our feet come in. We take the inspirations and twist it around until we find something that fits the current context. I’m always surprised how quick we are able to do it, too. For instance, the subject action above wound up being interpreted as the leader of the city the girl lives in had been exposed for the evil person she is - the little girl would obviously benefit from that and she doesn’t need to personally ruin anyone!
Q) Who does your music for the show?
A) We use several sound libraries and then Christian, co-host and editor, picks music and edits stems to fit the show.
Q) Your audio is amazing, you guys sound crisp and clear. What hardware/software do you use for recording?
A) Thank you! We both use Rode NT1-A microphones and record in Adobe Audition.
Q) Have you ever had guests on your show?
A) We have [had a guest] for a one-shot at a test and are planning on having more on! We actually are working on a guest show now called WiddleQuest.
Q) Oh my, tell us more! When is this to release?
A) We are in pre-production of the first episode now and don’t have a firm release date for episode 1 yet. We are really excited about it though! We are pulling guest from other shows and having them play a one shot (different game every time) with us using a completely randomized character!
Q) Can you tell us what game will be played in episode 1, or is that a surprise as well?
A) I’d love to share but I think we are going to keep it under wraps for now 🤐
Q) For recording, what's your room setup look like? Do you have a padded studio, record in your kitchen, hold up in your closet with your mic (like I do when I record) or something else?
A) I also record in my closet! I have a large closet that I’ve sound treated. Christian records in his room that has also been sound treated
Q) For readers who are just starting out with podcasting, could you elaborate on how the rooms were "treated"?
A) We use soundproofing panels and soundproofing blankets to help prevent sound reflection and quiet other noise.
Q) If someone wanted to join you as a guest or invite you to BE a guest, is it possible and where can they reach you at?
A) Absolutely! We are looking for guests with actual play and improv experience for our WiddleQuest show. We can be contacted through Twitter or at Roll.N.Tell@gmail.com
Q) Any final thoughts for our readers as we wrap this up?
A) I say everyone should give playing without preparation a try. It can be stressful at first but I firmly believe you will surprise yourself with the stories you can tell and the characters you can create. Try game masterless games, try solo play! It’s all a creatively satisfying challenge that is a blast with or without friends!
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