
Cantrips and Coffee
By Ruin Ortega

Cantrips and CoffeeDec 05, 2023

139. Rivers of London: Actual Play (2/4)
A tale of flying books? A suspicious narrative of poltergeists? While our members of the Folly may be skeptical about the book shop employee's story, they can't quite pin down why it doesn't add up. Join us for the conclusion of The Bookshop, the beginner adventure included in Rivers of London, the new TTRPG by Chaosium. Well known for their Call of Cthulhu, just how well does an adaptation of the novels by Ben Aaronovitch work? Listen and find out!
Welcome to Cantrips and Coffee, where each episode we roasst up a fresh batch of episodes on different tabletop roleplaying games. In our "anything but D&D" format, we explore different systems and review them to help you decide if they're worth your time and money. Plus, we have plenty of coffee talk along the way.
Coffee of the batch: Burgundy, by Birdy Coffee Co., rated 2/5 Good Ghost Doggies.
Questions, comments, or crippling criticism? Email us at cantripsandcoffee@gmail.com, or find us on Instagram.
Join the Natural 20 Cafe discord! https://discord.com/invite/2M8ehkWKWd

138. Rivers of London: Actual Play (1/4)

137. The Society, Ep. 4: ...Often Go Awry (Call of Cthulhu)

136. The Society, Ep. 3: The Best Laid Plans... (Call of Cthulhu)
After rescuing their friend Charles, our investigators realize that they have a larger problem: stopping the creatures under the Winscott home from escaping. The time has come for our players to forge a new path, but first they have to bury the past.
Listen now to our live play of Call of Cthulhu, by Chaosium. Want to watch live? Join us on Twitch every second Wednesday at 7:00pm MST. https://www.twitch.tv/cantripsandcoffee
Our players:
- James Harrington II, played by DM Jeremy of Old Men Rolling Dice https://www.instagram.com/oldmenrollingdice/
- Dr. Dottie Hamilton, played by DM Aphi of the Vaktare https://www.instagram.com/vaktarettv/
- Emma Reynolds, played by Artemis of the Vaktare
- Wiley, played by Sly
- Charles, played by Cade of Cantrips and Coffee and Ravencroft Guitars https://www.instagram.com/ravencroftguitars/
- Keeper of Arcane Lore, Ruin
Welcome to Cantrips and Coffee, where each month we roast up a fresh batch of episodes on different tabletop roleplaying games. In our "anything but D&D" format, we explore different systems and review them to help you decide if they're worth your time and money. Plus, we have plenty of coffee talk along the way.
Questions, comments, or crippling criticism? Visit www.cantripsandcoffee.wordpress.com, email cantripsandcoffee@gmail.com, or find us on all major social media platforms.
Join the Natural 20 Café discord sever! https://discord.com/invite/2M8ehkWKWd
Cantrips and Coffee is proudly part of the 49th Parallel Podcasts network. Visit www.49thparallelpodcasts.com for more info.

135. The Society, Episode 2: Goodbye (Call of Cthulhu)
Our investigators, not yet formally associated as The Society, have arrived at Joshua Winscott's home to hear of mysterious tunnels being uncovered. In the middle of the night, they hear the cries of Josh being ripped from his bed and drug into the depths below the house. We begin as they stare into the dark, wondering if they dare follow.
Listen now to our live play of Call of Cthulhu, by Chaosium. Want to watch live? Join us on Twitch every second Wednesday at 7:00pm MST. https://www.twitch.tv/cantripsandcoffee
Our players:
- James Harrington II, played by DM Jeremy of Old Men Rolling Dice https://www.instagram.com/oldmenrollingdice/
- Dr. Dottie Hamilton, played by DM Aphi of the Vaktare https://www.instagram.com/vaktarettv/
- Emma Reynolds, played by Artemis of the Vaktare
- Wiley, played by Sly
- Charles, played by Cade of Cantrips and Coffee and Ravencroft Guitars https://www.instagram.com/ravencroftguitars/
- Keeper of Arcane Lore, Ruin
Welcome to Cantrips and Coffee, where each month we roast up a fresh batch of episodes on different tabletop roleplaying games. In our "anything but D&D" format, we explore different systems and review them to help you decide if they're worth your time and money. Plus, we have plenty of coffee talk along the way.
Questions, comments, or crippling criticism? Visit www.cantripsandcoffee.wordpress.com, email cantripsandcoffee@gmail.com, or find us on all major social media platforms.
Join the Natural 20 Café discord sever! https://discord.com/invite/2M8ehkWKWd
Cantrips and Coffee is proudly part of the 49th Parallel Podcasts network. Visit www.49thparallelpodcasts.com for more info.

134. The Society, Ep. 1: Hello (Call of Cthulhu)
The Society for Transcendental Sciences is an elitist club for the academics, the wealthy, and the socially advanced. Touting itself as a gathering for those who wish to see "mysticism and discipline coalesce", many assume the society seeks a grander vision of the world and are funded by the ultra rich. It doesn't help that the club seems to have a plethora of "anonymous donors" that allow it to afford whatever its heart desires. Newspapers swirl with rumours of their seedy dealings and control of the world economy but the truth is even more alarming. The Society is a ruse.
Listen now to our live play of Call of Cthulhu, by Chaosium. Want to watch live? Join us on Twitch every second Wednesday at 7:00pm MST. https://www.twitch.tv/cantripsandcoffee
Welcome to Cantrips and Coffee, where each month we roast up a fresh batch of episodes on different tabletop roleplaying games. In our "anything but D&D" format, we explore different systems and review them to help you decide if they're worth your time and money. Plus, we have plenty of coffee talk along the way.
Questions, comments, or crippling criticism? Visit www.cantripsandcoffee.wordpress.com, email cantripsandcoffee@gmail.com, or find us on all major social media platforms.
Join the Natural 20 Café discord sever! https://discord.com/invite/2M8ehkWKWd
Cantrips and Coffee is proudly part of the 49th Parallel Podcasts network. Visit www.49thparallelpodcasts.com for more info.

133. Blades in the Dark: Review

132. Blades in the Dark: Actual Play (4/4)
Welcome to Cantrips and Coffee, where each month we roast up a fresh batch of episodes on different tabletop roleplaying games. In our "anything but D&D" format, we explore different systems and review them to help you decide if they're worth your time and money. Plus, we have plenty of coffee talk along the way.
Coffee of the batch: Adrenaline Junkie, by Twisted Goat Coffee Roasters, rated 3.75/5 Near Drownings.
Questions, comments, or crippling criticism? Visit www.cantripsandcoffee.wordpress.com, email cantripsandcoffee@gmail.com, or find us on all major social media platforms.
Join the Natural 20 Café discord sever! https://discord.com/invite/2M8ehkWKWd
Cantrips and Coffee is proudly part of the 49th Parallel Podcasts network. Visit www.49thparallelpodcasts.com for more info.

131. Blades in the Dark: Actual Play (3/4)
Welcome to Cantrips and Coffee, where each month we roast up a fresh batch of episodes on different tabletop roleplaying games. In our "anything but D&D" format, we explore different systems and review them to help you decide if they're worth your time and money. Plus, we have plenty of coffee talk along the way.
Coffee of the batch: Adrenaline Junkie, by Twisted Goat Coffee Roasters, rated 3.75/5 Near Drownings.
Questions, comments, or crippling criticism? Visit www.cantripsandcoffee.wordpress.com, email cantripsandcoffee@gmail.com, or find us on all major social media platforms.
Join the Natural 20 Café discord sever! https://discord.com/invite/2M8ehkWKWd
Cantrips and Coffee is proudly part of the 49th Parallel Podcasts network. Visit www.49thparallelpodcasts.com for more info.

130. Side Table #14

129. Blades in the Dark: Actual Play (2/4)

128. Blades in the Dark: Espresso
Welcome to Cantrips and Coffee, where each month we roast up a fresh batch of episodes on different tabletop roleplaying games. In our "anything but D&D" format, we explore different systems and review them to help you decide if they're worth your time and money. Plus, we have plenty of coffee talk along the way. Join us next week for a new espresso episode where we talk about lore and related media for this batch!
Coffee of the batch: Adrenaline Junkie, by Twisted Goat Coffee Roasters, rated 3.75/5 Near Drownings.
Questions, comments, or crippling criticism? Visit www.cantripsandcoffee.wordpress.com, email cantripsandcoffee@gmail.com, or find us on all major social media platforms. Join the Natural 20 Café discord sever! https://discord.com/invite/2M8ehkWKWd
Cantrips and Coffee is proudly part of the 49th Parallel Podcasts network. Visit www.49thparallelpodcasts.com for more info.

127. Blades in the Dark: Actual Play (1/4)
Welcome to Cantrips and Coffee, where each month we roast up a fresh batch of episodes on different tabletop roleplaying games. In our "anything but D&D" format, we explore different systems and review them to help you decide if they're worth your time and money. Plus, we have plenty of coffee talk along the way. Join us next week for a new espresso episode where we talk about lore and related media for this batch!
Coffee of the batch: Adrenaline Junkie, by Twisted Goat Coffee Roasters, rated 3.75/5 Near Drownings.
Questions, comments, or crippling criticism? Visit www.cantripsandcoffee.wordpress.com, email cantripsandcoffee@gmail.com, or find us on all major social media platforms. Join the Natural 20 Café discord sever! https://discord.com/invite/2M8ehkWKWd

126. 6083: Actual Play (3/3)

125. 6083: Actual Play (2/3)
We're back with part 2 of our 6083 play! Join Ruin, Jodi, and Cade as the play three Caledonians working for CAPSOG, or Mission Control as it's colloquially named, on their journey to explore a mysterious derelict. After barely escaping a harrowing dogfight they race to recover the crew before it's game over for everyone.
Welcome to Cantrips and Coffee, where each month we roast up a fresh batch of episodes on different tabletop roleplaying games. In our "anything but D&D" format, we explore different systems and review them to help you decide if they're worth your time and money. Plus, we have plenty of coffee talk along the way. We have a brand new batch of review episodes coming soon but we've made a pitstop for this small series on 6083. Join us next week for episode 2 of our actual play!
Want more 6083? Check out: https://www.missioncontrol6083.com/
https://www.instagram.com/6083_the_ttrpg/
Questions, comments, or crippling criticism? Visit www.cantripsandcoffee.wordpress.com, email cantripsandcoffee@gmail.com, or find us on all major social media platforms. Join the Natural 20 Café discord sever! https://discord.com/invite/2M8ehkWKWd

124. 6083: Actual Play (1/3)

123. Crawl of Cthulhu- Ft. Potions and Potpourri and Hammer of the Gods (4/4)
Just who has been making the infernal racket all night, and just what do they hope to summon? Whatever the answer is, it better be solved soon, or else we will have a bunch of cranky babies in the morning! Welcome back to the finale of our Crawl of Cthulhu actual play, the latest module for Babies and Broadswords, by Even Footing Games.
Special thanks to our friends at Even Footing Games for sending us this review copy. You can find our first impressions video all the way back at episode 104. Visit our friends!
https://www.instagram.com/potionsandpotpourri/
https://www.instagram.com/hammpod/
https://www.instagram.com/evenfootinggames/

122. Crawl of Cthulhu- Ft. Potions and Potpourri and Hammer of the Gods (3/4)
We are back for part 3 of our Crawl of Cthulhu actual play. Things get... socialist? in this episode as the murmurings of dark cultists are replaced momentarily with a boiler who longs for the downfall of the proletariat-- or something like that, he honestly droned on and on. Anyways, enjoy this foray into the exciting new supplement for Babies and Broadswords, one of our favourite rules light games! Special thanks to our friends at Even Footing Games for sending us this review copy. You can find our first impressions video all the way back at episode 104. Visit our friends!
https://www.instagram.com/potionsandpotpourri/
https://www.instagram.com/hammpod/
https://www.instagram.com/evenfootinggames/

121. Crawl of Cthulhu- Ft. Potions and Potpourri and Hammer of the Gods (2/4)
Visit our friends!
www.instagram.com/potionsandpotpourri/
www.instagram.com/hammpod/
www.instagram.com/evenfootinggames/

120. Crawl of Cthulhu- Ft. Potions and Potpourri and Hammer of the Gods (1/4)
Crawl of Cthulhu is the latest module for Babies and Broadswords and we got a crew together to explore Rugrats meet Lovecraft! Join us on this four part, actual play series featuring our friends Kala and Keisha of Potions and Potpourri, and Rick from Hammer of the Gods. Special thanks to our friends at Even Footing Games for sending us this review copy. You can find our first impressions video all the way back at episode 104.
Visit our friends!
https://www.instagram.com/potionsandpotpourri/
https://www.instagram.com/hammpod/
https://www.instagram.com/evenfootinggames/

119. GODS: Review
We anxiously awaited GODS for two years, and we have been vocal about how much we have been enjoying our time with this dark fantasy game by Arkhane Asylum. But does it stand up to a critical eye, or does it crumble under the weight of its tome sized page count? Join us now for a critical discussion of GODS.
Welcome to Cantrips and Coffee, where each month we roast up a fresh batch of episodes on different tabletop roleplaying games. In our "anything but D&D" format, we explore different systems and review them to help you decide if they're worth your time and money. Plus, we have plenty of coffee talk along the way.
Coffee of the batch: Grease, by Gothrider. Rated 3/5 Lost Stars.
Questions, comments, or crippling criticism? Visit www.cantripsandcoffee.wordpress.com, email cantripsandcoffee@gmail.com, or find us on all major social media platforms.
Join the Natural 20 Café discord sever! https://discord.com/invite/2M8ehkWKWd

118. GODS: Actual Play (4/4)
GODS is a dark fantasy that harkens back to Conan and Beast Master. The twist? Each character can imbue themselves with powers from their gods by creating their own custom one. If you've been with us for awhile, you know we've been excited for this since season 1, and Arkhane Asylum did not disappoint.
Welcome to Cantrips and Coffee, where each month we roast up a fresh batch of episodes on different tabletop roleplaying games. In our "anything but D&D" format, we explore different systems and review them to help you decide if they're worth your time and money. Plus, we have plenty of coffee talk along the way.
Coffee of the batch: Grease, by Gothrider. Rated 3/5 Lost Stars.
Questions, comments, or crippling criticism? Visit www.cantripsandcoffee.wordpress.com, email cantripsandcoffee@gmail.com, or find us on all major social media platforms.
Join the Natural 20 Café discord sever! https://discord.com/invite/2M8ehkWKWd

117. GODS: Actual Play (3/4)

116. Side Table #13

115. GODS: Actual Play (2/4)

114. GODS: Espresso

113. GODS: Actual Play (1/4)

112. ENI: Review
ENI is a dice pool system that focuses on rules light, narratively driven tabletop experiences. But does it pull off creating a compelling game with what basically amounts to a one pager? Find out our final thoughts in this review episode! Download ENI for free: https://www.ex1st.com/games/
Welcome to Cantrips and Coffee, where each month we roast up a fresh batch of episodes on different tabletop roleplaying games. In our "anything but D&D" format, we explore different systems and review them to help you decide if they're worth your time and money. Plus, we have plenty of coffee talk along the way.
Coffee of the batch: Eggnog. Just Eggnog. It's delicious--try it!
Questions, comments, or crippling criticism? Visit www.cantripsandcoffee.wordpress.com, email cantripsandcoffee@gmail.com, or find us on all major social media platforms.
Join the Natural 20 Cafe discord sever! https://discord.com/invite/2M8ehkWKWd

111. Jingle Hard: An ENI Christmas (2/2)
What began as a simple plan to break into a mall and steal the year's hottest toy has taken a turn. Surrounded by German terrorists with no way out, three dads have doubled down: they'll get the Super Turbo Pageant Princess Unicorn doll (with realistic daddy issues in 5 languages) if it costs them their lives. Here's part two of our 2022 holiday special/
ENI is a dice pool system that focuses on rules light, narratively driven tabletop experiences. But does it pull off creating a compelling game with what basically amounts to a one pager? Find out in the 2022 Christmas Special! Download ENI for free: https://www.ex1st.com/games/
Welcome to Cantrips and Coffee, where each month we roast up a fresh batch of episodes on different tabletop roleplaying games. In our "anything but D&D" format, we explore different systems and review them to help you decide if they're worth your time and money. Plus, we have plenty of coffee talk along the way.
Coffee of the batch: Eggnog. Just Eggnog. It's delicious--try it!
Questions, comments, or crippling criticism? Visit www.cantripsandcoffee.wordpress.com, email cantripsandcoffee@gmail.com, or find us on all major social media platforms.
Join the Natural 20 Cafe discord sever! https://discord.com/invite/2M8ehkWKWd

110: Jingle Hard: An ENI Christmas (1/2)

109. Side Table #12

108. Power Rangers: Roleplaying Game: Review

107. Power Rangers: Roleplaying Game: Actual Play (4/4)

106. Power Rangers: Roleplaying Game: Espresso

105. Power Rangers: Roleplaying Game: Actual Play (3/4)

104. Crawl of Cthulhu: First Impressions

103. Random Encounters #1
We had too much planned for our 100 Episode Celebration, so here's a segment that got cut! Join us as we unbox random miniatures and create a three act scenario for them. Special shoutout to Old Men Rolling Dice for the inspiration based on their show Prep or Die. You can find them on the Goodman Games official Twitch Channel every other Wednesday, where contestants create a one shot scenario based on classic art for tabletop games https://www.twitch.tv/goodmangamesofficial
Welcome to Cantrips and Coffee, where each month we roast up a fresh batch of episodes on different tabletop roleplaying games. In our "anything but D&D" format, we explore different systems and review them to help you decide if they're worth your time and money. Plus, we have plenty of coffee talk along the way.
Coffee of the batch: Dark Elf's Brew, by Homebrew Coffee & Co., rated 4.5 Ivans and Ritas. https://www.thehomebrewcoffeehouse.com/
Check out our friends at Death by 1,000 Crits! https://allmylinks.com/deathbyathousandcrits
Questions, comments, or crippling criticism? Visit www.cantripsandcoffee.wordpress.com, email cantripsandcoffee@gmail.com, or find us on all major social media platforms. Join the Natural 20 Cafe discord sever! https://discord.com/invite/2M8ehkWKWd

102. Power Rangers: Roleplaying Game: Actual Play (2/4)

101. Celebrating 100 Episodes

100. Power Rangers: Roleplaying Game: Actual Play (1/4)

99. DMs and Dark Roast (Patreon Preview)
We're brewing up a fresh season of episodes, so here is one last episode of season 2 to hold you off-- a free patreon episode! Like what you hear? Go here for more: https://linktr.ee/cantripsandcoffee

98. Summer of D&D 2: The Nameless Cult (4/4)

97. Summer of D&D 2: The Nameless Cult (3/4)
Welcome to Cantrips and Coffee, where each month we roast up a fresh batch of episodes on different tabletop roleplaying games. In our "anything but D&D" format, we explore different systems and review them to help you decide if they're worth your time and money. We're on on summer vacation to sip those cold brews and soak in the sun (we're pasty from staying inside to play games all the time). We'll be back soon with more summer content! Questions, comments, or crippling criticism? Visit www.cantripsandcoffee.wordpress.com, email cantripsandcoffee@gmail.com, or find us on all major social media platforms. Join the Natural 20 Cafe discord sever! https://discord.com/invite/2M8ehkWKWd

96. Summer of D&D 2: The Nameless Cult (2/4)

95. Summer of D&D 2: The Nameless Cullt (1/4)

94. Cold Brew with Jeremy from Old Men Rolling Dice (Patreon Preview)
Welcome to Cantrips and Coffee, where each month we roast up a fresh batch of episodes on different tabletop roleplaying games. In our "anything but D&D" format, we explore different systems and review them to help you decide if they're worth your time and money. We're on on summer vacation to sip those cold brews and soak in the sun (we're pasty from staying inside to play games all the time). We'll be back soon with more summer content!
Check out our friends at Heroes for CF and Old Men Rolling Dice:
https://www.instagram.com/heroesforcf/
https://www.instagram.com/oldmenrollingdice/
https://open.spotify.com/show/0zce4gM5xcEx3YDWrMAjxg
Questions, comments, or crippling criticism? Visit www.cantripsandcoffee.wordpress.com, email cantripsandcoffee@gmail.com, or find us on all major social media platforms.

93. Lamentations of the Flame Princess with Old Men Rolling Dice-Review (Summer Content 2022)
CONTENT WARNING: this episode contains dark themes that may present challenges for some audiences. Listener discretion is advised. Welcome to Cantrips and Coffee, where each month we roast up a fresh batch of episodes on different tabletop roleplaying games. In our "anything but D&D" format, we explore different systems and review them to help you decide if they're worth your time and money. We're on on summer vacation to sip those cold brews and soak in the sun (we're pasty from staying inside to play games all the time). We'll be back soon with more summer content! Check out our friends at Old Men Rolling Dice: https://www.instagram.com/oldmenrollingdice/ https://open.spotify.com/show/0zce4gM5xcEx3YDWrMAjxg Questions, comments, or crippling criticism? Visit www.cantripsandcoffee.wordpress.com, email cantripsandcoffee@gmail.com, or find us on all major social media platforms.

92. Lamentations of the Flame Princess with Old Men Rolling Dice-AP 4 (Summer Content 2022)
CONTENT WARNING: this episode contains dark themes that may present challenges for some audiences. Listener discretion is advised. Welcome to Cantrips and Coffee, where each month we roast up a fresh batch of episodes on different tabletop roleplaying games. In our "anything but D&D" format, we explore different systems and review them to help you decide if they're worth your time and money. We're on on summer vacation to sip those cold brews and soak in the sun (we're pasty from staying inside to play games all the time). We'll be back soon with more summer content! Check out our friends at Old Men Rolling Dice: https://www.instagram.com/oldmenrollingdice/ https://open.spotify.com/show/0zce4gM5xcEx3YDWrMAjxg Questions, comments, or crippling criticism? Visit www.cantripsandcoffee.wordpress.com, email cantripsandcoffee@gmail.com, or find us on all major social media platforms.

91. Lamentations of the Flame Princess with Old Men Rolling Dice-AP 3 (Summer Content 2022)
CONTENT WARNING: this episode contains dark themes that may present challenges for some audiences. Listener discretion is advised. Welcome to Cantrips and Coffee, where each month we roast up a fresh batch of episodes on different tabletop roleplaying games. In our "anything but D&D" format, we explore different systems and review them to help you decide if they're worth your time and money. We're on on summer vacation to sip those cold brews and soak in the sun (we're pasty from staying inside to play games all the time). We'll be back soon with more summer content! Check out our friends at Old Men Rolling Dice: https://www.instagram.com/oldmenrollingdice/ https://open.spotify.com/show/0zce4gM5xcEx3YDWrMAjxg Questions, comments, or crippling criticism? Visit www.cantripsandcoffee.wordpress.com, email cantripsandcoffee@gmail.com, or find us on all major social media platforms.

90. Lamentations of the Flame Princess with Old Men Rolling Dice-AP 2 (Summer Content 2022)
CONTENT WARNING: this episode contains dark themes that may present challenges for some audiences. Listener discretion is advised. Welcome to Cantrips and Coffee, where each month we roast up a fresh batch of episodes on different tabletop roleplaying games. In our "anything but D&D" format, we explore different systems and review them to help you decide if they're worth your time and money. We're on on summer vacation to sip those cold brews and soak in the sun (we're pasty from staying inside to play games all the time). We'll be back soon with more summer content!
Check out our friends at Old Men Rolling Dice: https://www.instagram.com/oldmenrollingdice/ https://open.spotify.com/show/0zce4gM5xcEx3YDWrMAjxg
Questions, comments, or crippling criticism? Visit www.cantripsandcoffee.wordpress.com, email cantripsandcoffee@gmail.com, or find us on all major social media platforms.