Episodes

This podcast is about characters. And when it comes to characters in Dungeons and Dragons, there have been problems with how the game defines race from the very beginning. You may have heard about the most recent example, and oh boy it’s a doozy. The latest Wizards of the Coast release, Spelljammer, contains a character race called the Hadozee. The way the race is characterized and depicted in the book is, to be straightforward, racist. For more information, here are some creators who have exp...

Characters without stories is a TTRPG podcast about the roads not yet traveled. If you play tabletop roleplaying games you probably have some back pocket characters, characters who are just waiting for the right story. Every episode, I’ll bring in a friend to tell me about their character and their approach to creating characters. Send us a text Cover art by The Curiographer Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecuriographer Sign up for my Newsletter to stay up-to-date on the podcast: https:...

Rachel Voss brings Madame Azlu to the table. Madame Azlu sails across the Sea of Stars, chasing constellations in a crystal ship. Rachel and I discuss how our characters are influenced by our lives and the media we consume, including disabled characters in D&D, and how TTRPGs have given her the opportunity to confront the ableism she deals with in the real world. This character is built for D&D 5e. Rachel Voss, a retired wheelchair athlete who uses her more than 20 years of disability experie...

Wesley Magee-Saxton brings Farthing to the table. Farthing is a disabled high elf who became an accidental stowaway and an accidental pirate. Wesley and I discuss finding inspiration in historical research, creating magical items that help bring disabled characters to life in D&D, and how characters who need mobility aids can still be badass. This character is built for D&D 5e. Wesley is a disabled, queer performance artist and disability advocate based in Tkaronto Canada. They are the co-fou...

Stevie brings Requiem to the table. Requiem is a Tiefling Warlock who pledged her service to Asmodeus to save her girlfriend, losing everything in the process. Stevie and I discuss the unique origins of the tiefling race, finding inspiration in unusual places, living your authentic self in TTRPGs, and how the idea of found family is central both to D&D and to the queer community. This character is built for D&D 5e. Stevie is currently a grad student studying to become a mental health counselo...

Jay brings Qurr to the table. Qurr is an Aarakocra Barbarian on a mission to prove herself to the goddess Syranita. Jay and I discuss how introducing randomness into character building can help bring characters to life, creating detailed backstories that leave room for growth, how an aarakocra might adjust to a city built for non-flying characters, and how even a pun can inspire a character. This character is built for D&D 5e. Jay is a retired U.S. Navy Broadcast Journalist, a High School Eng...

Andrew Rahman brings Bart Biggityburg to the table. Bart is a Tortle Drakewarden Ranger who has trained to be a championship marathon runner. Andrew and I discuss turning the tables on common misconceptions about what a character can do, finding inspiration in myth and fable, and using game mechanics to tell a story. This character is built for D&D 5e. Andrew Rahman has been playing D&D for 10 years in his home, at local game stores, gaming conventions, and now online. He's introduced hundred...