It’s so refreshing to see a TTRPG podcast that’s not about D&D. This show is a great way to learn about how character building works in different TTRPGs and being walked through it with the game’s creators is fun. Ryan and Amelia are engaging, warm hosts.

Oh my goodness, have I not left a review yet? Well, no time like the present! This podcast is a joy to listen to, and the hosts Amelia and Ryan are such thoughtful and creative individuals that I love it when my podcatcher tells me I've got a new CCC episode to listen to. They've done so many episodes featuring character creation for so many different games, that it would be almost impossible to pick a favorite. So instead I'll just talk about the most recent series, series 64, about the Flabbergasted! RPG. Great choice of a game, a wonderful discussion with designers Fleur and Chelsea that really gave us great insights into the game, and an absolutely delightful world created by Amelia, Ryan, Fleur, and Chelsea featuring rival matchmaking clubs and characters that somehow felt incredibly alive even though no actual game was played. Well done Character Creation Cast, you can print off this review and add it to the Trophy Room in your clubhouse!

Actual plays can be hard to get through if you can’t vibe with the actors. Luckily, I don’t have this problem with Character Creation Cast, and not just because it’s the rare role playing podcast that is not an actual play. Amelia and Ryan have wonderful chemistry. If nerd snark has you down, fear not, because these guys use it as a spice, not the main ingredient. They love role-playing games, and in every episode you can hear them get invested in their characters and the process. Sincerity is how we play games around here. I signed up for the Patreon. You should too! Get their stickers, get more content, and support a podcast that is the best catalogs of role playing mechanics out there!

Thank you so much for this episode! I’m sure a lot of us have had experiences that have been sub- optimal and we did not have a mechanism for putting a halt to it- and as an older player, I remember a time when trying to express that would have been anathema. I’m so glad it’s not anymore. We all have the right to feel safe and no one has a pass to make us feel unsafe(if we don’t agree to them doing so) I would like to point out another great effect of each of us Learning where the lines are and that it’s okay for us to change how an interaction is going- And if we learn to be confident using those skills in an environment with friends- it’s great practice for other conversations in life. I would have LOVED to have had access to things like an X card as a young gamer, to show me it’s okay and RIGHT to stop some conversations, in games an real life. I had to learn that bravery on my own and it was a lot harder without the tools. Another thing I’d like to Yes, And about your episode is- Sometimes when we say “X” then it turns out that one or all of the *other* participants were uncomfortable, too! Humans are subject to peer pressure and may join in to interactions in ways they wouldn’t, in ways they don’t even LIKE, because those around them are doing it. Sometimes whole groups can descend into behavior none of them want to be involved in, but they don’t want to stand up and say “how about no.” This isn’t a judgement- we all get carried away sometimes. RPG can be an emotional experience. So many of us have grown up told not to say no, and maybe the other people in your group are struggling with the same “ick” that you are, but are also nervous to say no. Taking a minute to find the groups’ bearings never hurt anyone. So thank you guys for covering this important topic! You are breaking ground with the first “guide for players” podcast- and you are breaking the right ground.

Good show! Cool games that are interesting

This podcast has two excellent cohosts who have some of the best chemistry in podcasting. It is great to hear them become better and better friends over the course of the show. The discussions are always lively and informative, the guests always offer brilliant insights, and the games they cover show the depth and breadth of the TTRPG hobby. They have so much helpful advice on making your home games as great as possible, and the deep dives into game design and the relationship between mechanics and narrative is fascinating. Character creation is usually the first contact people have with a game but so many actual play shows don’t share their process. This is a niche that definitely needed to be filled and they do a fantastic job!

Prior to finding this show, I assumed I was a bit unusual in thinking that character creation was the best part of RPGs (in fact I made characters for several years before playing my first game). It's nice to find others with the same passion. However, this is not merely a show about describing compelling & entertaining characters (though Amelia & Ryan are certainly skilled at coming up with those) — character creation serves as a lens through which they and their guests break down how a system ticks, and how the fun has been intentionally made. It's been an unexpected education in game design theory. And it comes with the bonus that it's brought to me by fellow Wisconsinites. In recent months I've been rapidly binging my way through the archive, and while I'm starting to run out of material, I've hopefully timed this review such that I can hear it on air by the time I catch up to the present.

I love learning about new games from this show because they take the time to really talk about the character creation process and how it fits in with the game. Amelia and Ryan are a treat to listen to, and have a warm dynamic that’s so inviting to hear.

Even though they had trouble answering my unusual question in their question and answer episode I am impressed that they tried. This is the best podcast to find out about new games and see if the game fits your desires.

Hosts are so wholesome and have great chemistry together. I love their enthusiasm for the games their guests talk about. Listens like a friend podcast for TTRPG nerds. Ps. The Christmas one is my favorite by far

I have bought so many new (and old) systems because of this show. Good insights, very entertaining.

I’ve been playing RPGs since I was 10 and have always loved seeking out new and interesting games. This podcast has introduced me to so many fantastic games and gaming concepts. The hosts are wonderful and it’s a delight every week. Thanks for the show!

Informative

CCC is the in-depth show you need covering the one of the best parts of playing TTRPGs: cooking up the peoples. Where every tired, unedited, tryhard "actual play" skips this wonderful step, CCC goes hard in the other direction to show how players (and the designers who love them) make CharGen simultaneously work as: - setting the foundation for the great story the group will telll - a primer on the rules and setting - a mini-game of its own. Your hosts Amelia and Ryan are compassionate and caring, which I also do not hate. A wish for the show to go from "great" to "greater": let's get some older games in here that also have wild and wonderful character creation systems! Where's the ep on GAMMA WORLD 7e, WFRP 3e, ECLIPSE PHASE, Conan 2d20, INTO THE ODD, et cetera et cetera? Drag in passionate fans as co-hosts if you have to! (I volunteer as tribute.)

Really enjoy this show, the conceit is brilliant and randomly creating characters for systems i may never play is something I do in my own spare time too! The hosts are both extremely enthusiastic which helps carry through some of the duller systems. Hope to see you guys do burning wheel sometime soon!

As a up and coming designer I stumbled across this while checking out various role-play podcasts. I thought at least I could get to see some different systems. But what Amelia and Ryan give is so much more. You learn how developers think and feel, their inspirations and struggles, and why and how they got into developing rpgs. On the flipside you get to hear from players on their favorite games and what they want in games, as well as how to get the most out of your experiences playing games. All the while Ryan and Amelia are genuine and sincere in their interest and positive energy and their instant chemestry. Its a fun and wholesome listen that's become a favorite.

This podcast offers invaluable insite in all kinds of tabletop games. Dms and players alike can learn all kinds of things and gain new ideas from these amazing hosts and guests.

Whenever I’m curious about an RPG, the first thing I do is look up how character creation is handled. Who can I be? What can I do? How do the rules encourage me or hold me back? Character Creation Cast operates on that exact premise, making new characters in a new system every month. Amelia and Ryan have introduced me to some of my all-time favorite games, which I’m grateful for. The tone is extremely positive and the hosts are just nice to listen to. It’s a real uplifting vibe, y’all.

Is character creation. So many cool games I wouldn’t otherwise hear about, and character creation gives you a pretty good idea of what the game is about. The hosts are earnest without being annoying, knowledgeable without being overbearing, and delightful without reservation.

Amelia and Ryan are a delightful combination of earnest excitement and welcoming chill, a fantastic pair for the discussion of a wide variety of systems. The discussion episodes are always thought provoking, and a great source of inspiration for my own TTRPG sessions. I was sucked in by the cheerful, homey fluffiness of the Mouse Guard episodes, and stayed for, well, everything else too.

This lovely show always has surprises for me. Wether it’s L5R or something brand new the hosts and guests seem to stretch their comfort zones without cracking anything but smiles.

I love character creation cast, it’s a loving tribute to the games they make characters for. It’s calming and sweet and they show how much they love the hobby. I’m hooked.

C3 is one of my favorite podcasts to listen to. They have such a diverse number of guests, and it makes you feel like you're one of the team. I learn something every time I listen in, and it always walk away wanting to try out the systerm they are reviewing. Beyond that, I enjoy listening to Amelia and Ryan. They are so knowledgable, and keep the conversations lively and interesting. Keep it up, you everyone!

Learning new rpgs can feel intimidating, and CCC is a great, gentle, introduction to new systems and and games. The whole show is so chill, it’s absolutely soothing to to listen! (Even when it’s fish horror.) It’s also consistently kind and supportive, and that is something I really appreciate sharing with my family.

Character creation was my favorite part of RPGs when I was young. So much so, that I have developed a passion for understanding personalities. I see others as unique characters and we choose who we want to be by how we live our lives. I love your podcast, because it reminds me of my childhood, taps into my passion, and you’re one of the few gaming podcasts I feel comfortable listening to - because you don’t have to use foul language! I don’t have to worry that my kids are listening! Thank you so much for this safe and fun place to hang out!

Character Creation Case and Character Evolution Cast are diving into a part of the RPG world that is crucially underserved right now, helping players grow in their art. GMs have a ton of advice but players need help and advice too and Amelia and Ryan do a fantastic job of showcasing how to build unique, deep characters in a variety of systems, and then how to grow those characters on CEC. THey've covered a WILD range of systems, and talked with some of my favorite designers. Really a great show, if you play RPGs highly recommended.

Character Creation Cast is low-key one of the deepest, most effective, dives into the game design space there is. Creating characters is often the first experience players have with an RPG, yet it’s something that goes overlooked more than it should. This show shines a light directly on this vital aspect in a friendly, fun, and engaging way. Amelia and Ryan’s calming presence, easy rapport, and effortless positivity makes them downright delightful guides! With the addition of a guest (often the game’s creator or long-time player), they show you how the process works (or doesn’t), how characters interact with and support the mechanics, and how you can build a nuanced, three-dimensional character who’s living their best life. The guests, creators, and games Amelia and Ryan showcase are also impeccable. You will learn invaluable design concept like the Eight Kinds of Fun from Jim McClure, learn about wonderful people/podcasts like The Magpies and Play/Test, and learn about amazing games like Descent into Midnight, which I sought out based on their recommendation (I was the sentient feeling of letting go of a regret, we all cried, it was amazing). If you’re a fan of RPGs, Character Creative Cast is a must-listen.

Ever get tired of all the playing games on actual plays? Miss the early honeymoon period of meeting new characters to love? Well do I have the podcast for you! Tune in to what one listener (me) refers to as the "speed dating of actual play podcasts" to meet a constant rotation of new characters made by fun people and learn about some cool games in the process. (but mostly the constant stream of new character energy thing). *slaps hood* This baby can hold SO MANY CHARACTERS!!!

Amelia & Ryan managed to make one of the easiest and most engaging parts of ttrpgs boring. No matter how many times I try to pick it up or where, it's terrible.

I've thoroughly enjoyed listening to the Character Creation Cast since its inception. Every episode introduces me to a new system or actual play podcast I should be checking out: Blades in the Dark and the Magpies being a prime example! I also really appreciate the Character Evolution Casts, where Amelia and Ryan break from their normal format to discuss tips and tricks for Players to improve their gaming experience. Thank you for all you do!

In an ideal world I would play every single RPG out there; but in reality that's impossible. I just don't have that kind of time so I have to be extra judicious in my choice of games. That's why Character Creation Cast has become one of my favorite podcasts. Their informative and in-depth dive into the character creation process of RPGs is a fantastic way to judge whether or not a specific game is for me. I decided to try Traveller and Blades in the Dark just because of them. On the same note, I don't really like the episodes where the creator of the game is also a guest. They can't be objective or critical of the game they're discussing, so it ends up feeling a lot like a promotion. Most episodes are not like that, however, and so most guest are great at pointing both what makes a game great but also what makes it flawed. That makes for the most interesting discussions, imo. I strongly recommend the show.

Character Creation Cast is both extremely chill and listenable and full of useful insights into games and the character creation process. Amelia and Ryan manage to wrangle some of the most interesting guests into deep, meaningful discussions on the games they are passionate about. The process of making characters and their advice on certain aspects of playing rpgs are some of the most useful and actionable advice I’ve ever heard for players. I really love this show.

This really is the best. Character evolution cast can stand on it own. The episode with James D’Amato should be required cited in the introduction of the PHB 6e. I've picked up almost all of the live plays they have had on as a guest. The others I was already listening to.

This is one of those shows whose premise makes you think, “Why didn’t I think of that?” only to reveal that they’re doing it too well to even be imitated. As someone whose made roughly 2000% more characters than I’ve actually played, this podcast is eminently relatable. What’s more, they demonstrate systems I’ve been curious about with helpful and knowledgeable guests who make even the crunchiest of systems understandable.

This show does a fantastic job of showing just how broad the RPG space truly is. They've tackled all kinds of generes as well as all kinds of different game types. On top of that, the wonderful hosts always find a guest that is incredibly passionate about the hobby and the banter back and forth does a great job of highlighting the game in question. Don't like the particular game? Just wait a few episodes and they'll be doing something completely different! So great show format, great info, great host...what's not to like?

A podcast for anyone who’s favorite part of the RPG is making a character- so most of us. The information about the games played that becomes apparent in discussion is more informative then I imagined it could be- Also everyone’s enjoying themselves- Makes for an excellent podcast

A most excellent podcast. It provides fantastic insight into interesting game systems, and provides perspective that is invaluable to anyone at all interested in playing, GMing, or game design. Every episode is entertaining, educational, and inspirational, all while you are being continually serenaded by Amelia and Ryan's dulcet tones. It will be a sad day when I finish their backlog and actually have to wait for new episodes.

An excellent and entertaining way to dive into a system.

Character Creation Cast is a great way to explore character creation in new systems, but the Evolution Cast episodes offer so many tools that can help enrich the campaigns you play in, or run. Josh and Amelia are funny, engaging hosts who clearly care a LOT about roleplaying games. The audio quality and editing is also excellent! I strongly recommend this podcast for anyone who is interested in the hobby, whether new or experienced. As a 35 year RPG veteran, I have been able to use so many of their ideas and tools to bring my campaigns to the next level. Keep up the great work!

Character Creation Cast is an incredible exploration of various rpg systems through the most fundamental of their aspects, character creation. Ryan and Amelia are insightful hosts who go over how each system's character creation process informs players about how the game plays and what they can expect from it. It's also an amazing interview show as Amelia and Ryan talk with their guests about their history with the games they investigate and why they play them. Hearing people discuss games they love and enjoy is a phenomenal way to learn about the best parts of the system, and they're also willing to point out any parts of the game that don't work as well. For the third and final facet of this wonderful show, once a month they have a special Character Evolution Cast episode where they talk to a special guest about ways players of all types can level up their playstyles. These discussions are always fascinating and are a wonderful resource for players of all levels

This show is Great, Awesome, Fantastic, and I love it!!! I really love the systems the show introduces, the hosts are stellar and have a really great dynamic with the guests, and creating characters is one of my favorite things too, so I really love a show that's just about creating characters!!!! It's got really good ideas for creating characters, and I love all the characters and teams and ideas that come out of it!!!! Who I recommend this too: Everyone who loves playing RPGs and creating characters!!!!

The first few episodes take a while for Amelia and Ryan to find their footing, but once they get going it's a great time! By focusing in on what they really enjoy in tabletop gaming, you get to feel their passion and enjoyment in every episode; add to that the fact that you can learn a LOT about a game from its character creation, and this also serves as a good primer for learning about new systems and other movers and shakers in the industry. (P.S. thanks for the intro to Protean City Comics in the Masks episodes!). All in all great fun, and I can't wait to see what this relatively new show grows into.

There is a ton of advice for GMs out there, but not enough information on how to play well. Character Creation Cast, using a wonderful format of building characters and discussing systems, helps bring to light how RPG players can bring out evocative characters and how to interact with games in a delightful, encouraging way. Ryan and Amelia are wonderful, enthusiastic hosts who the RPG community is thankful to have. If you llll

ARE YOU READY FOR AMELIA’S AND RYAN’S GENTLE VOICES TO KICK YOU IN THE HEAD WITH INTERESTING AND NEW CHARACTER CREATING CONCEPTS FROM EQUALY INTERESTING PEOPLE AROUND THE TTRPG COMMUNITY? Than you, my friend, have come to the right podcast! These two are absolute gems and they do an amazing job highlighting the pros and cons of various TTRPG systems and how they build characters!

I did not know how much I would love tabletop games when I first played D&D. In fact, I hated D&D to start out. And once I was coaxed back to the table, I was intimidated by learning the game. And once I learned it, I was intimidated to try other RPGs. Enter this podcast. Because this focuses on character creation, it's offered me unique insights into the mechanics of very diverse TTRPGs. It helped hook my interest and reel me in; now I've tried so many more games than D&D – and loved them all! This podcast helped inspire me to try more and overcome the intimidation I felt. And I’m so grateful for that!!

Ryan & Amelia have bottled the process that should go into Every session zero. It’s a lovely show. The episodes aren't rushed and you really hear everyone and everything develop. I look forward to al the different and various systems they are going to build. Fingers crossed for IK:RPG, Werewolf & D20 Modern(Urban Arcana) Now give it a listen as they create some awesome people.

Amelia and Ryan are right - character creation really is the best part of an RPG! And they're a delightful duo to lead their guests through creating characters in a variety of different systems. They go step by step through the process, relying on their guests (either game designers or fellow podcasters) to lead the way as experts. Lots of fun!

As a comedian, podcaster, and interviewer, I have full comprehension of how exhausting it can be to try and be endlessly charming; especially when working with a guest. Amelia and Ryan make it look effortless with multiple guests. I guess it helps that, like me, that have some of the warmest, most delightful people in the gaming spaces to join them and it’s also probably a big help that the very concept of a podcast about character creation might be the greatest idea of all time. They bring their knowledge, experience, and, as noted, charm to these in-depth discussions about my personal favorite part of playing TRPGs. I can only hope that I one day become well-regarded enough in gaming spaces that they have me on for a GURPS episode, ignorinh the fact that this sincere review is also a subtle plug for my own stuff. Thanks for making this for humans!

None of the rpg podcasts that I listen to get me as hyped to actually play tabletops as Creation Cast. You bring joy to me and many others. You should be proud of what you’ve accomplished with this show.

It's what it says on the tin, and more: a podcast where the hosts get together with folks who are passionate about a particular role-playing game system and create characters in it, but also a look into what the process says about the games as well. If you're looking for discussions about a broad variety of games, analysis of what makes them unique and how the process of creating your character informs the expectations those games have for play, or just a conversation with people who really love the games they've come to talk about, you'll find it here. The audio is good quality, the editing is solid, the guests are great, and each series comes with extras linked in the show notes. It's good stuff top to bottom.