Miskatonic University Podcast

This episode, we continue with Part II of our Miskatonic Media Club! This is where the hosts explore how to pull game design inspiration from movies, books, TV, and other arts! This episode, we’re joined again by game designer Quinn Murphy to discuss Sinners. The Discord Plug That’s right! We invite all of our listeners to come and enjoy the community of horror gaming and cute pet pics. Link in the show notes: MU Discord server invite link: https://discord.gg/vNjEv9D  And thank you to our editor Equinox for editing this episode.  Main Topic Last time we got into a great conversation with Quinn about aome elements of Sinners that we want to use in our gaming, and we’re going to pick up where we left off. Evan, where did we leave off? Well last time we talked about story development elements, incorporating music into a setting and game, and some great tricks and tools for representation of cultures and people.  So let’s dive into the next element! Horror rooted in specific culture, with cultural responses (e.g. Hoodoo performed by a main character) Survival horror; how to do that well in a scenario? Integrating sexiness into your horror game?

This episode, Keepers Bridgett and Evan welcome bestselling creator, Mav Haenze, back onto the show to explore ways that mental health, sanity and madness are used and misused in horror gaming, and ways that Keepers, players and writers can use them in the future to maximize the fun and the horror! Patreon Plug & Update Dear listeners! We have a patreon. Our patreon is how we pay our editors, our hosts, our editing software, the podcast hosting service, the podcast recording service, spam filters, and more. I know that we don’t like to discuss money, but it costs money to keep this show alive.  Our Patreons literally keep the lights on and make this show possible. So if you love this content, and you want to keep it alive, we ask that you visit patreon.com/MUP and subscribe to be a backer.  And if financial support isn’t in the cards right now, you can spread the good word of MUP in your communities by sharing a link and heaping glowing praise upon us where others can see. And furthermore, you can hang out with us on Discord! The Discord Plug Our MUP Discord and we are all there! We invite all of our listeners to come and enjoy the community of horror gaming and cute pet pics. Link in the show notes: MU Discord server invite link: https://discord.gg/vNjEv9D  And thank you to our editor NATE for editing this episode. Main Topic Tonight, we bring you PART TWO of March Madness, which is legally and ontologically distinct from any kind of sporting event you may be aware of. What did we do in Part 1? In Part 1, we talked about ways that mental health, illness and trauma can be used and misused in horror gaming, with some expert advice from our friend Perry Clark. Now that we’ve set a baseline on the role mental health and sanity in general can play in gaming, it’s time to get into the game mechanics! And as we mentioned, we are joined today by the extra-fantastic Maverick Haenze, beloved friend of the show. Can you tell folks where they may know you from, and what expertise you’re bringing to the conversation? So: Let’s dive in to our discussion. Where have mental health and sanity mechanics been, where are they now, and where might they be going in the glorious future? Bridgett, can you kick us off? Do you have a favorite sanity or sanity-adjacent mechanic right now? {For reference or review, some notable games with sanity/madness/mental health mechanics: Call of Cthulhu, 1981, seems to have introduced the Sanity mechanic Experiencing horrors leads to a “bout of madness” and then, potentially, long-term effects such as phobias/manias More recently – players/Keepers can select long-term effects, and writers like Mav are introducing custom bout of madness tables in line with the story Unknown Armies – get hardened by violence/horror, at a cost Stress mechanics Delta Green’s Sanity; can burn connections to people (“bonds”) to cut down on stress; fight/flee/freeze as temp effects Trail of Cthulhu/Fall of Delta Green splits up into two tracks, Stability and Sanity – Stability is more like stress/mundane effects Alien has stress dice/panic rolls Blades in the Dark – vices which burn off your stress points Note that these systems all represent a particular narrative worldview about how to deal with your stress and trauma! Madness (more operatic/literary, less representative of real-world issues) Trail of Cthulhu’s Sanity – affected mostly by exposure to mythos/unnatural Vampire’s humanity/hunger Metafictional effects: Fear Itself (secret instructions to GM/players) Keeper tricks at the table (describing mundane humans as horrible monsters)} Topics: Favorite current mechanics What supports realistic play? What is more fantastic/genre-leaning? Things to be avoided (e.g. some people don’t like the old-school random sanity effects) Things you recommend – what are effective, fun, supportive for Keepers/players? Connect with Mav! Name: Mav Haenze Pronouns: They/Them Mav is a prolific writer, Storyteller, and verbal purveyor of horror. Their AP work and scenarios can be found at https://linktr.ee/mavhaenze Homework What new mechanics or approaches will you try in your upcoming games? Do you mix and match approaches from different games at your table?

This episode, Keepers Bridgett & Evan are joined by special guest, Pippa Walton, intimacy choreographer and coach! Tonight we’re going to discuss sex in horror gaming. We’ll unpack topics such as why people may want to engage with sex in gaming, why sex and horror compliment each other so well, how to handle consent, what the experience may look like and more! Recent Gaming Recent Gaming is where we talk about the games we’re playing. This episode was recorded 2/25/2026. So whatcha been playing? Patreon Plug & Update Dear listeners! We have patreon. Our patreon is how we pay our editors, our hosts, our editing software, the podcast hosting service, the podcast recording service, spam filters, and more. I know that we don’t like to discuss money, but it costs money to keep this show alive.  Our Patreons literally keep the lights on and make this show possible. So if you love this content, and you want to keep it alive, we ask that you visit patreon.com/MUP and subscribe to be a backer.  And if financial support isn’t in the cards right now, you can spread the good word of MUP in your communities by sharing a link and heaping glowing praise upon us where others can see. And furthermore, you can hang out with us on Discord! The Discord Plug Our MUP Discord and we are all there! We invite all of our listeners to come and enjoy the community of horror gaming and cute pet pics. Link in the show notes: MU Discord server invite link: https://discord.gg/vNjEv9D  And thank you to our editor Ben for editing this episode. Main Topic Welcome to the Main Topic everyone! Tonight, we’re going to discuss sex in horror roleplaying games. We’re going to approach this topic with respect, curiosity, awareness, and sensitivity. That being said, we’re about to discuss how to introduce and navigate sex in gaming spaces. This content will not be explicit in nature, but we’re not going to run from it. So if this content isn’t your cup of tea, there are 343 other episodes to enjoy, and more incoming! Questions: Why would people want to explore sex in gaming?  Why does sex and horror go so well together? What does sex in role-playing games look like?  Personal experiences  How can it be handled safely and respectfully? Tools and perspectives to be mindful of.  Ways to introduce sex and have fun with it!  What role can sex have, any particular advantages/disadvantages, thematic elements that are fun to explore, things like that? Resources, books, games, workshops, etc., to review for homework. Special Guest Spotlight Pippa Walton (she/her) has been involved in live performance through theatre since her first stage management job in 2015, and her work in the scene has spread into multiple mediums and expanded to include directing and intimacy coordination. Live action role play has become a treasured space where she uses her background in intimacy and fight work to help tell higher stakes stories with different kinds of emotional investment, and has been one of the most rewarding applications of her work. Her passions include gender-based analysis of theatrical practice, adapting her intimacy and consent practices for Live Action Role Play, being entirely too enthusiastic about musicals, and doing everything in her power to make theatre an equitable, comfortable, and uplifting space for the people around her. Her favourite video game to play is Stardew Valley, which can be considered horror media if you check how many hours she’s logged. Homework Does sex have a place in your tabletop roleplaying? Yes, no, maybe?

This episode, Keepers Bridgett and Evan tackle gaming topics in our Miskatonic Debate Club (booth)! Part 2/2. Patreon Plug & Update Hey guys! Here is your friendly and loving reminder that MUP has a Patreon! To back us you can click the button on the sidebar of our website, mu-podcast.com or head over to Patreon directly at www.patreon.com/mup! Thank you to everyone has chosen to back and support us! You guys keep the lights on around here and we’re so thankful for all of you.  Backers helped cultivate this very episode. The Discord Plug That’s right! We invite all of our listeners to come and enjoy the community of horror gaming and cute pet pics. Link in the show notes: MU Discord server invite link: https://discord.gg/vNjEv9D  And thank you to our editor Nate for editing this episode. Main Topic Welcome everyone to our reoccurring segment, the Miskatonic University Debate Club! During this segment, we’ve polled our patreon backers for topics that the hosts will argue to the best of our ability. The goal here is to demonstrate healthy argumentation, to have fun, to stretch our own debate skills, and most importantly to share valid perspectives to opposing topics in our industry! Classic versus Original Monsters Roll mitigations Dice verus gimmicks

This episode, Keeper Bridgett welcomes Keeper Evan Perlman as new host on MUP! Let’s introduce Evan and explore some of this favorite things to discuss in gaming and inform our listeners of future content! Recent Gaming Recent Gaming is where we talk about the games we’re playing. So whatcha been playing? Patreon Plug & Update Hey listeners! Did you know that money can be exchanged for goods and services? And one of those goods… or services… is this very podcast?  This podcast is not just a good service, it’s a great service to the horror gaming community, and I have been a Patreon backer for a long, long time. The best way to get more of something you love is to support it, so guys, head over to patreon.com/MUP or click the patreon icon on the sidebar of our website. If you’re able to support us, we’d appreciate it! Patreon, we offer everything from exclusive backer only bonus content, Patreon only episodes, backer only hangouts, access to our backer only portal on Discord, and more! And if financial support isn’t in the cards right now, you can spread the good word of MUP in your communities by sharing a link and heaping glowing praise upon us where others can see. And furthermore, you can hang out with us on Discord! The Discord Plug We invite all of our listeners to come and enjoy the community of horror gaming and cute pet pics. Link in the show notes: MU Discord server invite link: https://discord.gg/vNjEv9D  And thank you to our editor Ben for editing this episode.  Now it’s time for! Main Topic From Evan– Friends, fellow horror roleplaying gamers, it is an honor and a pleasure to join this podcast. I’d like to humbly introduce myself to you by talking with Bridgett about some of the horror gaming topics that I’m really interested in, or things that I find myself thinking about a lot. I have a lot of interests and I think all of these could probably be longer topics, maybe shows of their own, but let’s do some quick hits and just skim the surface of them now. Call it an Evan Perlman Sampler Platter. Getting Inspiration from Media Aiming for specific emotional beats at the table Trying new things in scenarios Making friends and collaborative partners Eat the Reich Actual Play as mentioned in Recent Gaming https://youtu.be/qJrfTdVS-w4?si=_la3QIh18-3YT16P https://youtu.be/a25yb7eQEJ0?si=iluLd__qyJqDjdoS

This episode, Keepers Dave and Bridgett interview Gregory Geiger to discuss accessibility in game design. Recent Gaming – Patreon Plug & Update If you would like to support the podcast and engage with other backers, please consider backing.  So yes – please back us on Patreon! To back us you can click the button on the sidebar of our website, mu-podcast.com or head over to Patreon directly at www.patreon.com/mup! Thank you to everyone who backed us and contributed to our longevity. We’re so thankful for all of you. Who we regularly see on… The Discord Plug Our MUP Discord and we are all there! We invite all of our listeners to come and enjoy the community of horror gaming and cute pet pics. Link in the show notes: MU Discord server invite link: https://discord.gg/vNjEv9D  And thank you to our editor Nate for editing this episode. Bridgett’s Pet Pick Shout Out The Pet Pic channel is a community onto itself. On this channel, we post our beloved pets, fosters, pets of family members, and even wildlife shouting “go pods.” These animals, these pets, are members of our collective community. So when we lose a member of this community, one of our precious pets, we often grieve as a community. I’ve seen the recent pet loss guys. I just want you, and everyone who has ever lost, and will someday lose a pet to know, we’re here for you. We’re here for each other. Main Topic Links and stuff GregoryGeiger.com  TryingToDoBetter.com  https://papress.com/products/extra-bold https://www.bispublishers.com/type-tricks-user-design.html https://www.uxdesigninstitute.com/blog/accessible_design-inclusive_design/

This episode on MUP, Keepers Dave & Bridgett discuss Systemless Horror Game with creator Sarah Cole! Patreon Plug & Update If you would like to support the podcast and engage with other backers, please consider backing.  So yes – please back us on Patreon! To back us you can click the button on the sidebar of our website, mu-podcast.com or head over to Patreon directly at www.patreon.com/mup! Oh! We have a new backer! Jason Wiebe! Thank you to everyone who backed us and contributed to our longevity. We’re so thankful for all of you. Who we regularly see on… The Discord Plug Our MUP Discord and we are all there! We invite all of our listeners to come and enjoy the community of horror gaming and cute pet pics. Link in the show notes: MU Discord server invite link: https://discord.gg/vNjEv9D  And thank you to our editor Ben for editing this episode. Bridgett’s Pet Pick Shout Out Tonight I’d like to shout out … from JZ! Cowboy is the biggest of my cats and all muscle but such a sweet softie. They often have to run water at the vet to distract him from purring so they can listen to his heart and lungs. Main Topic Welcome to Sarah Cole. For those who don’t know you, please introduce yourself. How we got here Dave has opinions on systemless horror – we should do it more Dave backed Terminus and bought and consumed DH&D quickly Welcome! Let’s start with the most important question: https://www.patchworkfez.games/

This episode on MUP, Keepers Dave & Bridgett interview Justin Alexander on the Three Clue Rule and designing mysteries in gaming! Patreon Plug & Update We have a Patreon that is directly used to keep our podcast going, pays the bills, the hosts, the editors, and everything else needed to run a podcast. If you would like to support the podcast and engage with other backers, please consider backing.  So yes – please back us on Patreon! To back us you can click the button on the sidebar of our website, mu-podcast.com or head over to Patreon directly at www.patreon.com/mup! Thank you!!! MJ Liz-Play Thank you to everyone who has updated their levels and is engaging with our new tiers. We’re so thankful for all of you. Who we regularly see on… The Discord Plug Our MUP Discord and we are all there! We invite all of our listeners to come and enjoy the community of horror gaming and cute pet pics. Link in the show notes: MU Discord server invite link: https://discord.gg/vNjEv9D And thank you to our editor Gene for editing this episode. Main Topic 3 Clue Rule What is the 3 clue rule? How did you figure it out? What are the best applications of it? From backer CD: How can a keeper “translate” a published scenario into a node-based scenario Advice for modifying or “shoring up” existing scenarios using the 3 clue rule, node-based design https://thealexandrian.net/

This episode, Keepers Bridgett & Dave discuss mindful online gaming. Patreon Plug & Update We have new and updated Patreon tiers and benefits. If you would like to support the podcast and engage with other backers, please consider backing.  So yes – please back us on Patreon! To back us you can click the button on the sidebar of our website, mu-podcast.com or head over to Patreon directly at www.patreon.com/mup! Thank you to everyone who has updated their levels and is engaging with our new tiers. We’re so thankful for all of you. Who we regularly see on… The Discord Plug Our MUP Discord and we are all there! We invite all of our listeners to come and enjoy the community of horror gaming and cute pet pics. Link in the show notes: MU Discord server invite link: https://discord.gg/vNjEv9D  And thank you to our editor Equinox for editing this episode. Main Topic Let’s discuss mindful online gaming habits, perspectives, approaches.

This episode, Keeper Bridgett and Guest Keeper Evan Perlman discuss…wait for it…wait for it…waaaaaaait for iiiit… Tension in Storytelling. PART II! We’ll discuss what tension is, why it’s important, how to deploy it, and how to keep your players on the edge of their seat! We’ll also probably confuse “tension” and “suspense” because we’re professionals like that. Patreon Plug & Update Dear listeners– do you know that we have a Patreon? That’s right! We have a Patreon! How else do you think that we keep the lights on around here? Here at MUP we pay our editors, we pay our hosts, and we also pay plenty of hosting fees, site fees, software fees, fees, fees, fees, you get it! Patreon earnings help support our efforts and keep the showing running. What do you get? Over on our Patreon, we offer everything from exclusive backer only bonus content, Patreon only episodes, backer only hangouts, access to our backer only portal on Discord, and more!  If you would like to support the podcast and engage with other backers, please consider backing. If you’re already a backer, please take a look at the new levels and consider moving to the next level up.  Please back us on Patreon! To back us you can click the button on the sidebar of our website, mu-podcast.com or head over to Patreon directly at www.patreon.com/mup! The Discord Plug Our MUP Discord and we are all there! We invite all of our listeners to come and enjoy the community of horror gaming and cute pet pics. Link in the show notes: MU Discord server invite link: https://discord.gg/vNjEv9D  And thank you to our editor Nate for editing this episode. Main Topic Tension in storytelling Part II!

This episode, we return to our new segment titled, “Miskatonic University Debate Booth.” During these segments, the hosts will poll debatable gaming topics from our backers and then argue them! Our personal beliefs don’t actually have to align with our defense, but we climb these hills to die upon! Guest Host: Keeper Evan Perlman Patreon Plug & Update We have new and updated Patreon tiers and benefits. If you would like to support the podcast and engage with other backers, please consider backing.  So yes – please back us on Patreon! To back us you can click the button on the sidebar of our website, mu-podcast.com or head over to Patreon directly at www.patreon.com/mup! Thank you Rob Wilson!!! Thank you to everyone who has updated their levels and is engaging with our new tiers. We’re so thankful for all of you. Who we regularly see on… The Discord Plug Our MUP Discord and we are all there! We invite all of our listeners to come and enjoy the community of horror gaming and cute pet pics. Link in the show notes: MU Discord server invite link: https://discord.gg/vNjEv9D  And thank you to our editor Equinox for editing this episode.  Evan’s Pet Pick Shout Out I have recently learned that beloved friend of the show IPwned has a chameleon! Named Perceval! As a pet! Head over to the Pet Pick channel to see this little dude wielding a lightsaber and being incredible. What a good reptile. Main Topic Welcome back everyone to a new segment that we’ve titled the Miskatonic University Debate Club! During this segment, we’ve polled our patreon backers for topics that Evan I will argue to the best of our ability. The goal here is to demonstrate healthy argumentation, to have fun, to stretch our own debate skills, and most importantly to share valid perspectives to opposing topics in our industry!  Evan, are you ready to jump back in? Let’s go!

This episode, Keepers Dave & Bridgett rant about their favorite horror tropes in storytelling and compose our list of: Live Trope Live! Patreon Plug & Update We have new and updated Patreon tiers and benefits. If you would like to support the podcast and engage with other backers, please consider backing.  So yes – please back us on Patreon! To back us you can click the button on the sidebar of our website, mu-podcast.com or head over to Patreon directly at www.patreon.com/mup! Thank you to everyone who has updated their levels and is engaging with our new tiers. We’re so thankful for all of you. Who we regularly see on… The Discord Plug Our MUP Discord and we are all there! We invite all of our listeners to come and enjoy the community of horror gaming and cute pet pics. Link in the show notes: MU Discord server invite link: https://discord.gg/vNjEv9D  And thank you to our editor Nate for editing this episode. Bridgett’s Pet Pick Shout Out Tonight I’d like to shout out Goose, who is part cat, part bunny, part feral, and possibly just came off of a bender! Thanks for sharing, Rach! Main Topic We did this last time, so we hope you listened to 325, but if you need a refresher, here are some definitions of trope: a figurative or metaphorical use of a word or expression. A trope is a word used in a nonliteral sense to create a powerful image. Shorthand narrative device It was way easier to think about stuff I love than the stuff I hate. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t ever want to see stupid kids in movies again. But I have a whole list of stuff I love.