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.

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

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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!

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

Malcolm Cain, the Muscle who Lost his Face - Facing the Nightmare in the Mundane with Damianoddson (Call of Cthulhu 7e)

Characters Without Stories

10/26/22 • 51 min

Damian brings Malcolm Cain to the table. Malcolm was the muscle of an art-smuggling business who finds his brother slain, leading him to become wrapped up in a shadowy conspiracy.
Damian and I discuss how facing the monstrous within the mundane can change you, how a character's skills can tell you a lot about a person, and what goes in a backstory.
This character is built for Call of Cthulhu 7th Edition.
Damian is a TTRPG malcontent who just wants to tend their garden and tell stories with friends.
Learn more about Meadow (Damian) at:
https://www.characterswithoutstories.com/guests/damian
This episode was recorded on TikTok Live. Follow me on TikTok to see it live next time!

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

Torden Stormborn, Herald of the Apocalypse - Playing Evil Characters with Thisasbstractthought (D&D 5e)

Characters Without Stories

11/07/22 • 28 min

Abstract brings Torden Stormborn to the table. Torden is convinced he is the prophesied herald of the Everstorm, an apocalyptic maelstrom.
Abstract and I discuss playing evil characters, the limitations of the alignment system in D&D, and what happens when a prophecy doesn't come true.
This character is built for D&D 5e.
Abstract is a forever DM and D&D TikToker working towards owning a gaming store and cafe.
Matthew Colville's video mentioned in the episode: https://youtu.be/DgPhiLBW7jo
Learn more about Abstract at:
https://www.characterswithoutstories.com/guests/abstract

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

Janie the Juicer - When Your Character's Strengths Become Liabilities with JimHasFunOnline (Savage Rifts)

Characters Without Stories

12/09/22 • 33 min

Jim S brings Janie to the table. Janie became a chemically-inhanced super soldier to gain the strength to find her missing sister.
Jim and I discuss what you have to give up to gain the power you need, what it means when your character's strengths become their weaknesses, and going out in a blaze of glory.
This character is built for Savage Worlds Rifts.
Content warning: brief mention of child abuse. Skip 1:17-1:56 to avoid this section.
Songs referenced:
"Janie's Got a Gun" by Aerosmith
"The Gnome" by Pink Floyd
Jim S is an office worker in the Buffalo NY area and a TTRPG player and GM spreading the word about Savage Worlds on TikTok.
Learn more about Jim at:
https://www.characterswithoutstories.com/guests/jim-s
Character Art from Hero Forge: https://www.heroforge.com
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

Skips the Silent Bard - Challenging Yourself as a Player with Joseph Speak (D&D 5e)

Characters Without Stories

01/02/23 • 33 min

Joseph Speak brings Skips to the table. Skips is a sheltered monk who took a vow of silence thrust into a noisy world when dragon-induced tragedy strikes. He becomes a mime to find a way to honor his vow while exploring the world.
Joseph and I discuss challenging yourself as a roleplayer, 'voicing' a nonverbal character, and the perfectly legitimate fear of dragons.
This character is built for D&D5e.
Joseph Speak is a chronic DM that desperately wants to play Dungeons and Dragons but is stuck as the storyteller.
You can find Joseph at:
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dungeonsxdragonites
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/josephspeak6366
Twitter: https://twitter.com/_nvzvreth
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

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

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

Farthing, the Accidental Pirate - Being a Badass with Mobility Aids with Wesley Magee-Saxton (D&D 5e)

Characters Without Stories

09/12/22 • 33 min

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-founder of Forge Ahead: a Party to Access.
Learn more about Wesley at:
https://www.characterswithoutstories.com/guests/wesley-magee-saxton

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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 51 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 45 minutes.

How often are episodes of Characters Without Stories released?

Episodes of Characters Without Stories are typically released every 14 days, 4 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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