The Dark Times: A Sci-Fi RPG Podcast - podcast cover

The Dark Times: A Sci-Fi RPG Podcast

The Dark Times Podcastshows.acast.com
Join Sam and Stephen as they discuss Starfinder 2nd Edition and the myriad of other games that help keep the science fiction genre of tabletop roleplaying alive.

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Episodes

Episode 21: Immersion Excursion

Shout out to the Starfinder from the Lone Star State for sending us a Build Challenge this week! This episode, Stephen talks about how to keep players immersed and caring about your world/homebase/ship or wherever you send player characters to after killing space goblins in space caves. Don't forget, our Smooth Operative builds are due by July 2nd 12am PST. These must have 1 level in Operative, be level 4, and contain either an Ancestry, Archetype, Background, or Faction from the newly released ...

Jun 25, 20251 hr 7 minSeason 2Ep. 21

Episode 20: Operative (Can You Help Me Kill This Guy)

Anyone like Jim Croce? Just me? Alright. Apologies for the late episode, Stephen is moving! This episode, Sam and Stephen talk about the Operative. Also thanks to Alex K for sending in Jchk, the Shirren Mechanic! Check their build out at the link below. Don't forget, our Smooth Operative builds are due by July 2nd 12am PST. These must have 1 level in Operative, be level 4, and contain either an Ancestry, Archetype, Background, or Faction from the newly released Galaxy Guide. Send a PDF with a br...

Jun 12, 20251 hr 8 minSeason 2Ep. 20

Episode 19: A Galaxy Guide Far Far Away...

The Galaxy Guide is here! Sam and Stephen sink their fangs and other appendages into the Xenowardens and Astrazoans this episode! It's an incredible book with lots to enjoy. Support your favorite system by purchasing a pdf below or a physical at your friendly local game store! The Starfinder 2nd Edition Galaxy Guide Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/DarkTimesSWSE Want to ask something/submit a build? Email us at: thedarktimespod@gmail.com Logo designed by: @MothPunk Buy The Starfinder 2nd Editio...

May 22, 20251 hrSeason 2Ep. 19

Episode 18: Technomancer Ex Mechanic

Holy Blorp! The Technomancer and Mechanic playtest dropped by Paizo! Sam and Stephen give you a meaty yet surface level look at these incredible classes, and how they change the game so far. Keep in mind this is a playtest, so they may change in the future. Also, Sam erroneously thought the feedback survey closed on April 30th, but in reality it closes on MAY 30th. Starfinder Tech Class Playtest Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/DarkTimesSWSE Want to ask something/submit a build? Email us at: th...

May 08, 20251 hr 6 minSeason 2Ep. 18

Episode 17: Pirates of the Nebullean

Pronounced like Nebula and Caribbean... Get it? Whatever. This episode Sam and Stephen talk about the Galaxy Guide preview of the Space Pirate Archetype! Finally some good podcast food! Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/DarkTimesSWSE Want to ask something/submit a build? Email us at: thedarktimespod@gmail.com Logo designed by: @MothPunk Buy The Starfinder 2nd Edition Playtest Starfinder 2E Subreddit Support the show Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

Apr 23, 202553 minSeason 2Ep. 17

Episode 16: Go Pace Yourself!

Special thanks to u/WatersLethe for their Reddit post that inspired this episode. This week, Sam and Stephen talk about how genres may make gamemasters feel they have to pace their campaigns a certain way and why that's not the case. WatersLethe's Reddit Post Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/DarkTimesSWSE Want to ask something/submit a build? Email us at: thedarktimespod@gmail.com Logo designed by: @MothPunk Buy The Starfinder 2nd Edition Playtest Starfinder 2E Subreddit Support the show Hosted...

Apr 10, 202544 minSeason 2Ep. 16

Episode 15: The Superb NOVA

This week, Sam and Stephen talk about their experience with NOVA! NOVA is a game about being badass mech pilots in a world where the sun exploded and shards pierced the earth. They also talk about WHY you should play more RPGs, and how that makes you a better storyteller AND gamemaster. NOVA by Gila RPGs Lumen Jam 2 Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/DarkTimesSWSE Want to ask something/submit a build? Email us at: thedarktimespod@gmail.com Logo designed by: @MothPunk Buy The Starfinder 2nd Editio...

Mar 28, 202548 minSeason 2Ep. 15

Episode 14: A Galaxy's Amount of Guidance

This week, Sam and Stephen talk about Paizo Live! More specifically, the preview at the upcoming Galaxy Guide, and how it provides insights on themes/genres for play, as oppose to fictional locations. Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/DarkTimesSWSE Want to ask something/submit a build? Email us at: thedarktimespod@gmail.com Logo designed by: @MothPunk Buy The Starfinder 2nd Edition Playtest Starfinder 2E Subreddit Support the show Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

Mar 12, 20251 hr 4 minSeason 2Ep. 14

Episode 13: Time Stop, Drop, and Scroll

Secrets of Magic gave us many things, but it especially gave us Time Mages. Sam and Stephen talk about the when and why of Timius Magius, aka the Time Mage. Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/DarkTimesSWSE Want to ask something/submit a build? Email us at: thedarktimespod@gmail.com Logo designed by: @MothPunk Buy The Starfinder 2nd Edition Playtest Starfinder 2E Subreddit Support the show Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

Feb 27, 202541 minSeason 2Ep. 13

Episode 12: Which Way, Witchy Warper?

Witchwarpers! Truly the despised stepchildren of fate. This episode Sam and Stephen make sure you know all the cool perks of being the universe's plaything. Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/DarkTimesSWSE Want to ask something/submit a build? Email us at: thedarktimespod@gmail.com Logo designed by: @MothPunk Buy The Starfinder 2nd Edition Playtest Starfinder 2E Subreddit Support the show Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

Feb 12, 202548 minSeason 2Ep. 12

Episode 11: Totally Killer Party

TPKs! The Boogeymen of the TTRPG world. This week, Sam and Stephen discuss these potential outcomes of games and how gamemasters can equip themselves with all the tools to mitigate or avoid these nasty things entirely! Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/DarkTimesSWSE Want to ask something/submit a build? Email us at: thedarktimespod@gmail.com Logo designed by: @MothPunk Buy The Starfinder 2nd Edition Playtest Starfinder 2E Subreddit Support the show Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more...

Jan 29, 202553 minSeason 2Ep. 11

Episode 10: Craftin' Planets

Happy New Year Dark Timers! We hope you had a good holiday season. This episode, Stephen goes into details on planets and how we can generate them, and what they really represent. In less impressive news, Sam brought a build! donjon SciFi World Generator atomfullerene's Planet Generator Stars Without Number & Sectors Without Number Microscope Tsching (The Sound of a Blade Being Drawn) Shirren Borai Operator Also Tsching PDF Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/DarkTimesSWSE Want to ask somethin...

Jan 16, 202549 minSeason 2Ep. 10

Episode 9: We Wish You a Versatile Heritage

Ho Ho Ho! Have you been a good listener? The Dark Times Podcast has brought you two new bundles of joy: Versatile Heritages! This week we talk about the Borai and the Prismeni, and what sets them apart from the average Vesk or Ysoki. Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/DarkTimesSWSE Want to ask something/submit a build? Email us at: thedarktimespod@gmail.com Logo designed by: @MothPunk Buy The Starfinder 2nd Edition Playtest Starfinder 2E Subreddit Support the show Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/p...

Dec 26, 202445 minSeason 2Ep. 9

Episode 8: Campaign Genesis

This episode, we talk about HOW TO WRITE A CAMPAIGN! A question proposed by Lombarda on the Starfinder 2nd Edition subreddit. Thank you Lombarda! Stephen breaks down his Game Bible process, and goes into detail about how no campaign survives first contact with the players. Lombarda's Reddit Post Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/DarkTimesSWSE Want to ask something/submit a build? Email us at: thedarktimespod@gmail.com Logo designed by: @MothPunk Buy The Starfinder 2nd Edition Playtest Starfinder...

Dec 11, 202454 minSeason 2Ep. 8

Episode 7: He Who Pathfinds First, Starfinds Second

This episode, we get some mail from longtime listener Zloy Krolik! Zloy asked us to cover the basics of the Paizo Ecosystem. This is that episode! We talk about Paizo's three modes of play, and the three action system. Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/DarkTimesSWSE Want to ask something/submit a build? Email us at: thedarktimespod@gmail.com Logo designed by: @MothPunk Buy The Starfinder 2nd Edition Playtest Starfinder 2E Subreddit Support the show Additional Music This Episode: Title: There It ...

Nov 28, 202459 minSeason 2Ep. 7

Episode 6: Do Not Pass Session Zero, Do Not Collect Four Players

This episode, Sam and Stephen talk about Session Zero. Again. But this time it's important! It was important the first time too. Sam also brought a build! Raat Raseer, Ysoki Driver Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/DarkTimesSWSE Want to ask something/submit a build? Email us at: thedarktimespod@gmail.com Logo designed by: @MothPunk Buy The Starfinder 2nd Edition Playtest Starfinder 2E Subreddit Support the show Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

Nov 13, 202448 minSeason 2Ep. 6

Episode 5: Flight or Err... Flight

Pilots, start your Drift Drives! Set course for sick tricks. This episode Sam and Stephen cover all things piloting, and despite its lack of starships, this playtest includes a lot of info about the Pilot skill! Also this episode, we talk about a cool piloting-related hazard. Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/DarkTimesSWSE Want to ask something/submit a build? Email us at: thedarktimespod@gmail.com Logo designed by: @MothPunk Buy The Starfinder 2nd Edition Playtest Starfinder 2E Subreddit Suppor...

Oct 30, 202448 minSeason 2Ep. 5

Episode 4: Upgradable Arsenal

Weapon Upgrades! What are they and how do you add them to your repertoire of blasters and blades? No downtime required! I GUESS we can cover the Solarian crystals as well, as well as how cool and mystical they are. Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/DarkTimesSWSE Email us at: thedarktimespod@gmail.com Logo designed by: @MothPunk Buy The Starfinder 2nd Edition Playtest Starfinder 2E Subreddit Support the show Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

Oct 16, 202448 minSeason 2Ep. 4

Season 2 Trailer

Join Sam and Stephen as they dive into Paizo's newest Starfinder 2nd Edition Playtest! We discuss rules, builds, campaign ideas, and cover listener content! Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/DarkTimesSWSE Want to ask something/submit a build? Email us at: thedarktimespod@gmail.com Logo designed by: @MothPunk Buy The Starfinder 2nd Edition Playtest Starfinder 2E Subreddit Support the show Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

Oct 16, 20241 min

Episode 3: Traits & Tables

This week we begin the arduous (how's that for an SAT word?) task of breaking down the trait system and how it works to everyone's benefit in Starfinder 2nd Edition! Also we look at the weapon and armor tables in the rulebook, and really get bogged down in the column details. Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/DarkTimesSWSE Want to ask something/submit a build? Email us at: thedarktimespod@gmail.com Logo designed by: @MothPunk Buy The Starfinder 2nd Edition Playtest Starfinder 2E Subreddit Suppor...

Oct 04, 202447 minSeason 2Ep. 3

Episode 2: Journey To (Sub)Level One

Sam and Stephen make their first ever Starfinder 2nd Edition Characters LIVE* for your enjoyment! *Greatly edited for your listening pleasure Our Starfinder 2E First Level Characters Form-Fillable character sheet courtesy of u/alcahuetasanon Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/DarkTimesSWSE Want to ask something/submit a build? Email us at: thedarktimespod@gmail.com Logo designed by: @MothPunk Buy The Starfinder 2nd Edition Playtest Starfinder 2E Subreddit Support the show Hosted on Acast. See aca...

Sep 17, 20241 hr 8 minSeason 2Ep. 2

Episode 1: Classic Ancestries

Welcome to the world of Starfinder! A new playtest is upon us, so leave it to those Dark Times Boyz to bring you the weirdest and wondrous! This week, we cover Humans, Skittermanders, Operatives and Envoys! Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/DarkTimesSWSE Want to ask something/submit a build? Email us at: thedarktimespod@gmail.com Logo designed by: @MothPunk Buy The Starfinder 2nd Edition Playtest Starfinder 2E Subreddit Support the show Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information...

Sep 05, 202453 minSeason 2Ep. 1

Episode C: The End of a Saga

It's finally here. Thanks for joining us on the ride of a lifetime. The Dark Times: A Saga Edition Podcast is produced and edited by Sam and hosted by Sam and Stephen. Follow us on socials and join us on Patreon for more info regarding the Darkest Summer 2. We don't know when season 2 is going to start, but we'll keep you in the know. Special thanks to the Patrons, and to everyone who has ever written in or contributed to the Saga Edition community. Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/DarkTimesSWS...

Jun 06, 202453 minSeason 1Ep. 100

Episode XCIX: A Few Maneuvers

We could've sworn we covered these, but behind one of the old busted R2 units (you know, the one with the bad motivator) we found a few Starship Maneuvers we thought you might enjoy! Also this episode, an exclusive interview with an even more exclusive gamemaster. Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/DarkTimesSWSE Email us at: DarkTimesSWSE@Gmail.com Logo designed by: @MothPunk Helpful SWSE Links The SWSE Wiki r/SagaEdition on Reddit Join link for the Saga Edition Wiki Discord Support the show Host...

May 23, 20241 hr 9 minSeason 1Ep. 99

Episode XCVIII: Role Credits

Campaign endings! Are they quick and sudden like death itself? Or are they finely wrapped in a bow like a present for your party? Send us your ending stories, how you like to GM them, and what you think works best! Also this episode, Sam made a memorable Clone Wars Villain in SWSE! Admiral Trench, CL 12 Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/DarkTimesSWSE Email us at: DarkTimesSWSE@Gmail.com Logo designed by: @MothPunk Helpful SWSE Links The SWSE Wiki r/SagaEdition on Reddit Join link for the Saga Ed...

May 09, 20241 hr 2 minSeason 1Ep. 98

Episode XCVII: How To Alienate Your Players

Not like that. We mean in the fun way, through roleplaying as an alien. How do you do that? Listen to the episode and find out! Owen KC Stephens' gofundme Owen KC Stephens is RAD! [Bundle] Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/DarkTimesSWSE Email us at: DarkTimesSWSE@Gmail.com Logo designed by: @MothPunk Helpful SWSE Links The SWSE Wiki r/SagaEdition on Reddit Join link for the Saga Edition Wiki Discord Support the show Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

Apr 25, 202458 minSeason 1Ep. 97

Episode XCVI: The Farce to Strike

The Dawn of Defiance returns! Via a disgruntled Saga Edition community member, Sam and Stephen tear down this renovation of a module and find some good bones to build their new campaign domicile upon. Also, Sam turns a gunslinger into a true blue bounty hunter! Vril Vrakth, No Longer a Fraud Owen KC Stephens' gofundme Owen KC Stephens is RAD! [Bundle] Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/DarkTimesSWSE Email us at: DarkTimesSWSE@Gmail.com Logo designed by: @MothPunk Helpful SWSE Links The SWSE Wiki ...

Apr 18, 202447 minSeason 1Ep. 96

Episode XCV: Recommended Regimens

This episode, we cover Force Regimens! We'll be honest, we thought we covered these already. Also, this episode contains spoilers for part of the Bad Batch season 3. As well as a cool build by Sam inspired by it! Bounty Builders! Your CL 12 Bad Batch Character build is due April 14th at 11:59pm PST. Happy Building! CX-0004 OH BTW There's a new RPG bundle for Owen KC Stephens on Drivethru RPG! We've linked it below. Owen KC Stephens' gofundme Owen KC Stephens is RAD! [Bundle] Follow us on Twitter...

Apr 04, 20241 hr 2 minSeason 1Ep. 95

Episode XCIV: We Built This Encounter on Rock and Roll

Get it? Because the band's named Starship. This episode, we cover some of those cosmic roadsters called starfighters. Also this week, we get into the nitty gritty at starship scale. Gentle reminder, proceeds from the months of March and April from the Dark Times Patreon will be going to support Owen KC Stephen's fight against cancer, as well as be matched by our own Stephen! Owen KC Stephen's gofundme OwenKCStephens.com Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/DarkTimesSWSE Email us at: DarkTimesSWSE@G...

Mar 14, 20241 hr 5 minSeason 1Ep. 94

Episode XCIII: Grand Armory of the Republic

This episode Stephen shows off some of his favorite weapons! A little secret sauce you can add to your home games for players and enemy combatants alike. Also this episode, Sam and Stephen whip up an encounter that's challenging and the perfect opportunity to bring some Clone Wars nostalgia to your non Clone Wars campaign. Don't forget, proceeds from the months of March and April from the Dark Times Patreon will be going to support Owen KC Stephen's fight against cancer, as well as be matched by...

Feb 29, 20241 hr 6 minSeason 1Ep. 93
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