Here we go! Welcome to Havoc Brigade!, a game written by Grant Howitt, and available here -- https://gshowitt.itch.io/havoc-brigade Admittedly, this game does seem to feel a bit more lively and fun when played around an actual table, and it one continuous session. That said, we all had fun playing it, and I hope you all enjoy listening to our madness! It's also worth noting that we did take this rather "cartoony" quite quickly, and it certainly does not have to be played that way. However, as mu...
Nov 26, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 217
We are 2 Steves once more! this week Steve asks Steve for advice about how to find more players for an in-person game. Now, some of the specifics mentioned won't apply to everyone, but we're hoping that the concepts can help some of you who find yourselves in the same boat! d20 Network Spotlight: Court Games -- https://court-games.pinecast.co/ Crimson Gold Agonies -- https://cgapodcast.com/ Game of the Week: Steve G: Watchdogs of Killcade -- https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/501507/watchdo...
Nov 19, 2024•44 min•Ep. 216
Here we go! Welcome to Havoc Brigade!, a game written by Grant Howitt, and available here -- https://gshowitt.itch.io/havoc-brigade Admittedly, this game does seem to feel a bit more lively and fun when played around an actual table, and it one continuous session. That said, we all had fun playing it, and I hope you all enjoy listening to our madness! It's also worth noting that we did take this rather "cartoony" quite quickly, and it certainly does not have to be played that way. However, as mu...
Nov 12, 2024•1 hr 17 min•Ep. 215
This week I'm joined by "Honorary Steve" Brett Bowen, of Studio 404 to have a bit of a chat about how much, and also why the system can matter when we're playing games. Find more about Studio 404 here -- https://www.studio404games.com/ For more info about TotalCon, and to sign up for games, and cool stuff, go here --> https://www.totalcon.com/index.php d20 Network spotlight: The Order 66 -- https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/order-66-podcast-38220? Game of the Week: Brett B: Xcrawl Classics -...
Nov 05, 2024•1 hr 21 min•Ep. 214
Welcome to the final session of our Genesys-powered Oblivion War arc! As we wrap this up, (at least for now), I hope you all have enjoyed it. I know we all enjoyed playing it a lot. I would like to thank all involved for their participation, and I wish you all happy listening! The Cast: Ben -- GM (and wrangler of cats) Eric -- Prangalar (catfolk scout) Hagan -- Groth (orcish primalist) Terry C -- Barnelby (gnome bard) Steve (New) -- Kulweg (gnome alchemist) Steve (Old) -- Karlax (crystal-based b...
Oct 29, 2024•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 213
This week we have a long time listener, and frequent contributor to our Acutal-Play content fill in for an unavailable Steve! A chat is had about the labels we use to describe games, with an eye on ways to perhaps better communicate what we're looking for as both players and GMs! d20 Network Spotlight: The Genesys Archives -- https://anchor.fm/thegenesysarchives Game of the Week: Steve S: SLA Industries (2e) -- https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/340909/sla-industries-2nd-edition?affiliate_i...
Oct 22, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 212
We're back after our week off to recover from PGX! This week we've got a nice long session of our Genesys-powered Oblivion War AP series! The Cast: Ben -- GM (and wrangler of cats) Eric -- Prangalar (catfolk scout) Hagan -- Groth (orcish primalist) Terry C -- Barnelby (gnome bard) Steve (New) -- Kulweg (gnome alchemist) Steve (Old) -- Karlax (crystal-based bioroid tech) The setting is one of Ben's creation, and we'll let you discover it through the course of our story. Of course, feel free to as...
Oct 15, 2024•1 hr 44 min•Ep. 211
This week we bring you a conversation about just how seriously we take lore (and a couple other aspects) in gaming. If you have thoughts, please feel free to leave a comment, or come to the Discord, and tell us there! (See link below!) d20 Network Spotlight: The Story Told -- https://thestorytold.libsyn.com/ Game of the Week: Steve G: Spectral Exterminators -- https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/472859/spectral-exterminators?affiliate_id=2018399 Steve S: Ghost Ops -- https://www.drivethrurpg...
Oct 01, 2024•38 min•Ep. 210
Y'all get a double-up on the actual-play this week, due to schedules, time, and the like! We find our party winding deeper into the ruins of Old Barquat, and some secrets of items they acquired long ago are revealed! The Cast: Ben -- GM (and wrangler of cats) Eric -- Prangalar (catfolk scout) Hagan -- Groth (orcish primalist) Terry C -- Barnelby (gnome bard) Steve (New) -- Kulweg (gnome alchemist) Steve (Old) -- Karlax (crystal-based bioroid tech) The setting is one of Ben's creation, and we'll ...
Sep 24, 2024•1 hr 19 min•Ep. 209
We're back to our Genesys-powered actual-play! This week we find the crew picking up the pieces after the attack by the shark, and moving deeper into the debris-field of Old Barquat! What strange things might await? The Cast: Ben -- GM (and wrangler of cats) Eric -- Prangalar (catfolk scout) Hagan -- Groth (orcish primalist) Terry C -- Barnelby (gnome bard) Steve (New) -- Kulweg (gnome alchemist) Steve (Old) -- Karlax (crystal-based bioroid tech) The setting is one of Ben's creation, and we'll l...
Sep 17, 2024•1 hr 17 min•Ep. 208
Both Steves are back this week! We're chatting with Brian Colin of Vast Grimm about his game, creative process, and such, as well as another local (to us) event called "Wurmbrew". Brian's website: https://briancolin.com/ Wurmbrew eventbrite page: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/wurmbrew-2024-tickets-1010504404877?aff=oddtdtcreator d20Network spotlight: Wondrous Atlas of Creation's Destiny -- https://wondrousatlas.wordpress.com/ Game of the Week: Steve G: Korg -- https://dungeonhavoc.itch.io/korg-pd...
Sep 10, 2024•46 min•Ep. 207
On this installment of our little saga, the crew gets up to their usual antics as they prepare to set off on a task to win the favor of some acquaintances made in New Barquat! ( And maybe sky-sharks???) The Cast: Ben -- GM (and wrangler of cats) Eric -- Prangalar (catfolk scout) Hagan -- Groth (orcish primalist) Terry C -- Barnelby (gnome bard) Steve (New) -- Kulweg (gnome alchemist) Steve (Old) -- Karlax (crystal-based bioroid tech) The setting is one of Ben's creation, and we'll let you discov...
Sep 03, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 206
It's that time of year again! The 2024 edition of the Pittsburgh Gaming Expo (PGX) is happening October 4-6 at the Monroeville Convention Center in Monroeville PA! We're joined by Wizz, one of the organizers to chat about the show, and what was a particularly challenging behind-the-scenes to make this year's show happen. We can tell you from personal experience that this show is a helluva lot of fun, and a great time! At least one of us will be there (quite possibly both) and we'd love to meet, ...
Aug 27, 2024•1 hr 13 min•Ep. 205
This week we're back in our Genesys actual-play series, and we bring you the results of a bit of a world-building session that unfortunately did not get recorded. But, y'all do get to hear a bit of what was created, that being the site "New Barquat". This one's a little shorter, as several of us were in various stages of getting over illnesses, and frankly, the energy levels just weren't there. But I hope you enjoy it regardless! The Cast: Ben -- GM (and wrangler of cats) Eric -- Prangalar (catf...
Aug 20, 2024•47 min•Ep. 204
This week I got to sit down with Luka Rejec, the man behind Ultraviolet Grasslands and the (currently on Backerkit) Our Golden Age. It's a really fun conversation around playstyle, design theories, and just some cool gamer conversation! (Oh, yeah, and by the time you're readign this, I did buy the bundle!) If you're interested in the Bundle of Holding of Luka's offerings, check it out here! -- https://bundleofholding.com/presents/UVGrasslands Check out Our Golden Age on Backerkit -- https://www....
Aug 13, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 203
Having successfully made contact with the intel division of the Isles of Antillis, our party finds themselves being debriefed, and sorting out where they need to head next! The Cast: Ben -- GM (and wrangler of cats) Eric -- Prangalar (catfolk scout) Hagan -- Groth (orcish primalist) Terry C -- Barnelby (gnome bard) Steve (New) -- Kulweg (gnome alchemist) Steve (Old) -- Karlax (crystal-based bioroid tech) The setting is one of Ben's creation, and we'll let you discover it through the course of ou...
Aug 06, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 202
This week it's a little more of a ramble around things that we do "between" games, low-level prep and inspiration sources/techniques, and a little just kinda nerdy conversation! d20 Network Spotlight: Fortune & Strife -- https://courtgamespod.notion.site/Fortune-and-Strife-28a0bb0b38ba4bdf859e9b011290b4ed Game of the Week: Steve G: Aviary: a Murder Most Fowl -- https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/488614/aviary-a-murder-most-fowl?affiliate_id=2018399 Steve S: Panic at the Dojo -- https://...
Jul 30, 2024•42 min•Ep. 201
We're back in the Celestree with the crew of the Comet's Tail! Having made contact with the Signals & Flares division, the crew are being taken to give their information in a more secure setting, however they're waylaid by Kolaris forces! Apologies that the audio isn't quite up to normal standards on this one, as our GM wasn't at home, and was joining the voice call via phone! The Cast: Ben -- GM (and wrangler of cats) Eric -- Prangalar (catfolk scout) Hagan -- Groth (orcish primalist) Terry...
Jul 23, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 200
This week we borrow some inspiration from a Neal Litherland video -- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a2n-Z2mD510 and have a talk about treating your setting as a character! d20 Network Spotlight: OP Cast -- https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/opcast Game of the Week: Steve G: Apocalypse Frame -- https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/485431/apocalypse-frame?affiliate_id=2018399 Steve S: Kuroi -- https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/475488/kuroi?affiliate_id=2018399 Also check out: I want...
Jul 16, 2024•47 min•Ep. 199
We return after our short midsummer break with another episode of Oblivion War! This time, the crew of the Comet's Tail find themselves actually in the bar they sat out for, and contacting the Signals & Flares Division! But all does not go as planned! The Cast: Ben -- GM (and wrangler of cats) Eric -- Prangalar (catfolk scout) Hagan -- Groth (orcish primalist) Terry C -- Barnelby (gnome bard) Steve (New) -- Kulweg (gnome alchemist) Steve (Old) -- Karlax (crystal-based bioroid tech) The setti...
Jul 04, 2024•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 198
This week we bring you a discussion around knowing when to end a campaign, partially brought on by (younger) Steve preparing to do just that! d20 Network Spotlight: The Story Told -- https://thestorytold.libsyn.com/ Game of the Week: Steve G: Craving -- https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/479625/craving?affiliate_id=2018399 Steve S: Skyjackers -- https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/475326/skyjackers?affiliate_id=2018399 *Warpland KS -- https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/allrolledup/war...
Jun 25, 2024•43 min•Ep. 197
This week we return to our Genesys-powered actual-play series of our Oblivion War game! This time some RP prompts send us down a bit of a side-track, but it was a very fun time! The Cast: Ben -- GM (and wrangler of cats) Eric -- Prangalar (catfolk scout) Hagan -- Groth (orcish primalist) Terry C -- Barnelby (gnome bard) Steve (New) -- Kulweg (gnome alchemist) Steve (Old) -- Karlax (crystal-based bioroid tech) The setting is one of Ben's creation, and we'll let you discover it through the course ...
Jun 18, 2024•1 hr 18 min•Ep. 196
This week we're actually talking about a novel, not a gaming book, but it's one written by none other than one of the founders of the d20 Network, "GM Dave" Villegas! Dave has written a novel called "The Circadian Anomaly" and is currently in the midst of a Kickstarter to help get it published in both print, and audio-book form. The book has deep rpg roots, being based off a project of Jay Little's, and also draws inspiration from the d20 Network community. It's a bit "thriller", a little "sci-f...
Jun 11, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 195
Welcome back to the Celestree, where we join our little band as they return to their own ship, and sort out the details of what has happened! Keep in mind, we're not trying to do a highly produced actual-play, we're aiming more to show what you can get just having fun with your friends around a table. That said, this was a lot of fun to play, and I hope you all enjoy listening as much as we did playing! The Cast: Ben -- GM (and wrangler of cats) Eric -- Prangalar (catfolk scout) Hagan -- Groth (...
Jun 04, 2024•53 min•Ep. 194
Fueled by listener request, we Steves further discuss action and intrigue in the context of gaming! This time we're focusing around techniques, or at least examples of how to transition between the 2 to help have more enjoyable games! d20 Network Spotlight: The Order 66 -- https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/order-66-podcast-38220? Game of the Week: Steve G: M.I.S.C -- https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/481331/m-i-s-c-rpg-played-with-cards?affiliate_id=2018399 Steve S: Deathmatch Island -- h...
May 28, 2024•34 min•Ep. 193
Welcome back to the Celestree, where we join our little band mid (mid-air) assault! Everyone's finally on the right ship, and we do things! Keep in mind, we're not trying to do a highly produced actual-play, we're aiming more to show what you can get just having fun with your friends around a table. That said, this was a lot of fun to play, and I hope you all enjoy listening as much as we did playing! The Cast: Ben -- GM (and wrangler of cats) Eric -- Prangalar (catfolk scout) Hagan -- Groth (or...
May 21, 2024•53 min•Ep. 192
This week we bring you a discussion about dungeons, and why the seem to be so popularly produced, and yet also create so much complaining amongst segments of the gaming community. d20 Network Spotlight: Eberron Renewed -- https://zencastr.com/Eberron-Renewed Game of the Week Steve G: Phantasmagoria -- https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/479211/phantasmagoria?affiliate_id=2018399 Steve S: The Eternal Grind Cafe -- https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/473753/the-eternal-grind-cafe?affiliate...
May 14, 2024•40 min•Ep. 191
Ok folks, here you have the first session of our Genesys "Oblivion War" game. Keep in mind, we're not trying to do a highly produced actual-play, we're aiming more to show what you can get just having fun with your friends around a table. That said, this was a lot of fun to play, and I hope you all enjoy listening as much as we did playing! The Cast: Ben -- GM (and wrangler of cats) Eric -- Prangalar (catfolk scout) Hagan -- Groth (orcish primalist) Terry C -- Barnelby (gnome bard) Steve (New) -...
May 07, 2024•1 hr 20 min•Ep. 190
So, I kinda hate the click-bait use of the term "hot take", but none the less, here we are! I put forth a statement regarding what I think of "Rules Light", and how it fits in this hobby we all love. Of course, this is Me and Steve, so tangents are followed, but I think we have a pretty thought-provoking discussion! I hope y'all enjoy it! d20 Network Spotlight: The Order 66 -- https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/order-66-podcast-38220? Game of the Week: Steve G: Vatborn to Kill -- https://www.dri...
Apr 30, 2024•42 min•Ep. 189
This week we're returning to some actual play content! Join our motley crew (semi-formally known as "Those Guys") for the final conversation leading up to a (fairly) short campaign using the Genesys engine for a game that our GM Ben called "Oblivion War". It's worth noting that we did have at least one more formal "session 0" before this, along with a good deal of online discussion amongst us all. What you hear today is sort of the capstone on all of our pre-campaign discussion The Cast: Ben -- ...
Apr 23, 2024•34 min•Ep. 188
