Characters Without Stories

Star

Characters Without Stories is a tabletop role playing game podcast about the roads not yet traveled.
Every episode I bring in a friend to tell me about their unplayed character and their approach to creating characters. I cover all kinds of RPGs - from indies to D&D.
I've had some fascinating conversations about how our characters intersect with and reveal our identities and how play is a gateway to understanding ourselves. I hope you'll give it a listen.
Thank you and may all your characters find their stories.

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Top 10 Characters Without Stories Episodes

Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Characters Without Stories episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Characters Without Stories for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Characters Without Stories episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

Why I'm still talking about D&D - A Response to the Hadozee Controversy

Characters Without Stories

09/30/22 • 3 min

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 explored this controversy with clarity and depth. Please check out their work:
@KendoMakesFilms on Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/KendoMakesFilms/status/1564446392428515328
@tallnerdapollo on Twitter: https://twitter.com/tallnerdapollo/status/1564710344190304256
@scholasticdragn on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/scholasticdragn/status/1564467310030618624
@OhYikesMorgan on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/OhYikesMorgan/status/1564664727338471424
VJ Harris on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@vjhcreations/video/7137728964826500394
cosmic ibe on TikTok:
https://www.tiktok.com/@cosmic_ibe/video/7137705911950282027

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Cover art by The Curiographer
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecuriographer

Sign up for my Newsletter to stay up-to-date on the podcast:
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Support the Podcast
You can find Star at:
Website: http://www.characterswithoutstories.com
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@starmamac
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@characterswithoutstories
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@characterswithoutstories
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/characterswithoutstories
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/characterswithoutstories.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/characterswithoutstories
Thanks for listening, and may all your characters find their stories!

What is Characters Without Stories?

Characters Without Stories

09/30/22 • 1 min

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

Requiem, the Reluctant Tiefling - Searching for Found Family with Neineyes (D&D 5e)

Characters Without Stories

08/29/22 • 30 min

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 counselor and enjoys DMing and playing D&D and Pathfinder.
Learn more about Stevie at:
https://www.characterswithoutstories.com/guests/stevie

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Cover art by The Curiographer
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecuriographer

Qurr the Birbarian - Building Better Backstories with Jay (D&D 5e)

Characters Without Stories

08/15/22 • 23 min

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 English Teacher, and the creator of Better Backstories. She is also a D&D Dungeon Master, a cosplayer, and she identifies as a non-binary femizenter.
Learn more about Jay at:
https://www.characterswithoutstories.com/guests/jay
Character Artwork by Blazbaros
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blazbaros/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/blazbaros
DeviantArt: https://www.deviantart.com/blazbaros

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Cover art by The Curiographer
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecuriographer

Bart Biggityburg, Tortle Marathon Runner - Playing Against Type with Mxlpxl (D&D 5e)

Characters Without Stories

07/26/22 • 29 min

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 hundreds of players to the game and specializes in introductory games that show off virtual tabletop magic. The focus in his games is inclusivity and having fun. When not playing D&D he enjoys making content on TikTok, hanging out with his toddler, and playing video games.
Learn more about Andrew at:
https://www.characterswithoutstories.com/guests/andrew-rahman
Character Art from Hero Forge: https://www.heroforge.com

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Cover art by The Curiographer
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecuriographer

Jurdgel Sharptooth, Goblin Customs Official - Gender Identity and Character Voices with Caroline Vahrenkamp (D&D 5e)

Characters Without Stories

01/17/23 • 39 min

Caroline Vahrenkamp brings Jurdgel Sharptooth to the table. Jurdgel is a goblin customs official who would like nothing more than staying home with a cup of tea and a romance novel.
Caroline and I discuss the challenge of voicing a male character as a trans woman, discovering something about yourself playing TTRPGs, and what neutrality means.
This character is built for D&D5e.
Caroline Vahrenkamp is a suburban parent of two who does silly D&D character voices on TikTok from time to time. Caroline’s podcast, Wonders of the World, is about all of the amazing places on Earth and the cultures that created them.
Learn more about Caroline at:
https://www.characterswithoutstories.com/guests/caroline-vahrenkamp

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Cover art by The Curiographer
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecuriographer

Capitalism is the BBEG - A Response to Dungeons and Dragons' New Open Gaming License

Characters Without Stories

01/17/23 • 3 min

Once again, I’m mad at something I love – or rather, I’m mad at the company that owns it. Once again, it’s Dungeons and Dragons.

About a week ago, a draft copy of the new D&D Open Game License was leaked. Much more restrictive than the Open Game License that currently stands, these changes would hurt the independent third-party creators that built the community that Hasbro is trying to further exploit.

We shouldn’t be surprised.
Submit a character for the podcast: http://characterswithoutstories.com/
For more information:
Dungeons & Dragons’ New License Tightens Its Grip on Competition:
https://gizmodo.com/dnd-wizards-of-the-coast-ogl-1-1-open-gaming-license-1849950634
D&D maker backs off new licensing rules that led to fan revolt: https://www.polygon.com/23553669/dungeons-dragons-dnd-ogl-wizards-of-the-coast-licensing
Music by Ryan Muns, Eyes On The Moon Studios: https://ryanmuns.bandcamp.com
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@EyesOnTheMoonStudios
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5lkBYvF9wlQPgcwHfvFMZt

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Cover art by The Curiographer
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecuriographer

Montgomery Whitlow, a Hunter on a Fool's Errand - Downward Arcs with Gamesinabunker (Vaesen)

Characters Without Stories

01/30/23 • 52 min

Glenn Buettner brings Montgomery Whitlow to the table. Monty is a Vaesen hunter on a fool's errand to join his wife and daughter in the selkie world.
Glenn and I discuss sending your character on a fool's errand, creating characters from your own writing, and making the table a safe space for exploring trauma.
This character is built for Vaesen.
Glenn mentioned The Lost Mountain and Other Sagas podcast, which you can find here: https://lostmountainsaga.com/
Glenn Buettner has been a tabletop gamer since the 70's and an almost always forever GM. He has been working on the retail side of the gaming industry for the last 16 years and has a self-published rpg, Mistrunner.
You can find Glenn at:
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gamesinabunker
Twitter: https://twitter.com/GamesInABunker
itch.io: https://gamesinabunker.itch.io/
Music by Ryan Muns, Eyes On The Moon Studios: https://ryanmuns.bandcamp.com
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@EyesOnTheMoonStudios
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5lkBYvF9wlQPgcwHfvFMZt

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Cover art by The Curiographer
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecuriographer

Dreams of a Light Reborn, Anti-War Storyteller - Changing the World with a Story with PlotDoc (Exalted 2e)

Characters Without Stories

02/14/23 • 73 min

PlotDoc brings Dreams of a Light Reborn to the table. Dreams is a storyteller who seeks to end a bloody war.
PlotDoc and I discuss growing yourself before growing a character, telling stories that change the world, and kicking gods in the nuts.
This character is built for Exalted 2nd Edition.
PlotDoc is a 34 year old stay-at-home dad and TTRPG TikToker, writer, and enthusiast. They focus on narrative heavy, emotionally compelling stories. They are an ADHD gender-fluid "disaster bi" with far too little filter.
You can find PlotDoc at:
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theplotdoctor
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/theplotdoctor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/PlotDoctor
Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/theplotdoctor
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBdW00yCoLX_EXeLoVV3IuQ
Music by Ryan Muns, Eyes On The Moon Studios: https://ryanmuns.bandcamp.com
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@EyesOnTheMoonStudios
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5lkBYvF9wlQPgcwHfvFMZt

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Cover art by The Curiographer
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecuriographer

Looking Back on Two Years - Diversity Report and Giveaway Announcement

Characters Without Stories

08/10/24 • 11 min

I've been bringing characters without stories and the creators who made them to the table for TWO YEARS! It felt like a good time to get reflective and talk about something I've been working on - diversifying my guests and the games we talk about.
I also did a two year anniversary giveaway - tune in to find out who won!

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Cover art by The Curiographer
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecuriographer

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FAQ

How many episodes does Characters Without Stories have?

Characters Without Stories currently has 55 episodes available.

What topics does Characters Without Stories cover?

The podcast is about Dnd, Leisure, Hobbies, Dnd 5E, Games, Dungeons And Dragons, D&D 5E, Podcasts, D&D and Ttrpg.

What is the most popular episode on Characters Without Stories?

The episode title 'What is Characters Without Stories?' is the most popular.

What is the average episode length on Characters Without Stories?

The average episode length on Characters Without Stories is 47 minutes.

How often are episodes of Characters Without Stories released?

Episodes of Characters Without Stories are typically released every 14 days, 6 hours.

When was the first episode of Characters Without Stories?

The first episode of Characters Without Stories was released on Jul 26, 2022.

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Characters Without Stories

Star

Top 10 Characters Without Stories Episodes

FAQ

How many episodes does Characters Without Stories have?

What topics does Characters Without Stories cover?

What is the most popular episode on Characters Without Stories?

What is the average episode length on Characters Without Stories?

How often are episodes of Characters Without Stories released?

When was the first episode of Characters Without Stories?

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