On this episode of The RPG Rundown, Seth & Jeff take a close look at how artwork and design shape the tabletop RPG experience long before the dice start rolling.

From cover art and visual identity to layout, typography, maps, and production quality, they explore how great design can improve readability, support worldbuilding, reduce cognitive load, and keep gameplay flowing smoothly at the table. They also discuss common design pitfalls, including cluttered pages, inconsistent art styles, poor contrast, and layouts that prioritize style over usability.

Using the CRITICAL Framework, Seth & Jeff evaluate what makes TTRPG artwork and design truly effective in both print and digital formats.

Website: https://lovethynerd.com/podcastnetwork/the-rpg-rundown/

Seth and Jeff are back with The RPG Rundown—and this time they’re taking an Inside PEAK at Temeraire RPG, the new Kickstarter project from Magpie Games based on Naomi Novik’s Temeraire novels. Even if you’ve never read the books, they kick things off with a quick elevator pitch before breaking down the game using their crowdfunding preview framework: PEAK (Premise, Engine, Atmosphere, Key Features). Expect sentient dragon partners, Napoleonic-era aerial corps drama, tactical sky engagements, and an engine built to balance emotional stakes with cinematic action.

Website: https://lovethynerd.com/podcastnetwork/the-rpg-rundown/

Combat systems shape how danger feels, how fast sessions move, and whether play turns tactical, cinematic, gritty, or heroic. On this episode of The RPG Rundown, Jeff & Seth break down combat as a conflict engine, pacing regulator, and tone setter—then explore complexity, tactical depth, lethality, action economy, initiative, and how mechanics can make fights feel like story beats instead of math puzzles.

Website: https://lovethynerd.com/podcastnetwork/the-rpg-rundown/