Speculate
385 episodes - English - Latest episode: 2 months ago - ★★★★★ - 17 ratingsSpeculate is an award-winning actual play TTRPG show starring science fiction & fantasy authors, editors, and more.
Hosted by authors Gregory A. Wilson, Brandon O’Brien, and Michael R. Underwood, the show explores the overlap between different forms of storytelling from prose to games and beyond. They’ve played Blades in the Dark, Girl by Moonlight, Lasers & Feelings, D&D, and more.
In addition to the podcast episodes, you can find video-only shows at speculatesf.com/shows
NOTE: In 2018, Speculate transitioned from its original literary criticism format to the current actual play show. All of the old episdoes are still available.
Speculate is supported by listeners like you at patreon.com/speculate
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Episodes
#376 - The Pitman Sculpture: An Apocalypse Keys Mini-Series, Pt. 13
March 08, 2024 05:45 - 31 minutes - 43 MBContent notes: questionable mandatory therapy, and Rum Raisin ice cream Starring: Brandon O’Brien — @therisingtithes — as The Keeper Michael R. Underwood — @MikeRUnderwood — as Tempo: The Last Jeoi Gawain Lin — @thisismyDasein — as Hamaliel: The Summoned Aubrey Knotts — @MadQueenCosplay — as Ciarra Tân: The Surge Aaron Hammonds — @aaroninwords — as John/Jane: The Found Brandon leads an exciting and emotional game of Apocalypse Keys from Evil Hat Productions. In this episode, team me...
#375 - The Pitman Sculpture: An Apocalypse Keys Mini-Series, Pt. 12
February 29, 2024 22:50 - 25 minutes - 35.3 MBContent notes: Mental and emotional manipulation, and physical/psychic destruction. Starring: Brandon O’Brien — @therisingtithes — as The Keeper Michael R. Underwood — @MikeRUnderwood — as Tempo: The Last Jeoi Gawain Lin — @thisismyDasein — as Hamaliel: The Summoned Aubrey Knotts — @MadQueenCosplay — as Ciarra Tân: The Surge Aaron Hammonds — @aaroninwords — as John/Jane: The Found Brandon leads an exciting and emotional game of Apocalypse Keys from Evil Hat Productions. In this episode...
#374 - The Pitman Sculpture: An Apocalypse Keys Mini-Series, Pt. 11
February 22, 2024 23:05 - 36 minutes - 50.6 MBContent notes: Mental and emotional manipulations Starring: Brandon O’Brien — @therisingtithes — as The Keeper Michael R. Underwood — @MikeRUnderwood — as Tempo: The Last Jeoi Gawain Lin — @thisismyDasein — as Hamaliel: The Summoned Aubrey Knotts — @MadQueenCosplay — as Ciarra Tân: The Surge Aaron Hammonds — @aaroninwords — as John/Jane: The Found Brandon leads an exciting and emotional game of Apocalypse Keys from Evil Hat Productions. In this episode, Hamaliel tries to rescue a waitr...
#373 - The Pitman Sculpture: An Apocalypse Keys Mini-Series, Pt. 10
February 16, 2024 01:19 - 37 minutes - 51.2 MBContent notes: Emotional trauma and identity issues Starring: Brandon O’Brien — @therisingtithes — as The Keeper Michael R. Underwood — @MikeRUnderwood — as Tempo: The Last Jeoi Gawain Lin — @thisismyDasein — as Hamaliel: The Summoned Aubrey Knotts — @MadQueenCosplay — as Ciarra Tân: The Surge Aaron Hammonds — @aaroninwords — as John/Jane: The Found Brandon leads an exciting and emotional game of Apocalypse Keys from Evil Hat Productions. In this episode, Tempo helps John/Jane come to ...
#372 - The Pitman Sculpture: An Apocalypse Keys Mini-Series, Pt. 9
February 09, 2024 05:41 - 39 minutes - 53.7 MBContent notes: Emotional trauma and identity issues Starring: Brandon O’Brien — @therisingtithes — as The Keeper Michael R. Underwood — @MikeRUnderwood — as Tempo: The Last Jeoi Gawain Lin — @thisismyDasein — as Hamaliel: The Summoned Aubrey Knotts — @MadQueenCosplay — as Ciarra Tân: The Surge Aaron Hammonds — @aaroninwords — as John/Jane: The Found Brandon leads an exciting and emotional game of Apocalypse Keys from Evil Hat Productions. In this episode, John/Jane can tap the memories...
#371 - The Pitman Sculpture: An Apocalypse Keys Mini-Series, Pt. 8
February 02, 2024 00:46 - 46.4 MBContent notes: References to war, destruction, involuntary transformations, and death. Starring: Brandon O’Brien — @therisingtithes — as The Keeper Michael R. Underwood — @MikeRUnderwood — as Tempo: The Last Jeoi Gawain Lin — @thisismyDasein — as Hamaliel: The Summoned Aubrey Knotts — @MadQueenCosplay — as Ciarra Tân: The Surge Aaron Hammonds — @aaroninwords — as John/Jane: The Found Brandon leads an exciting and emotional game of Apocalypse Keys from Evil Hat Productions. In this epis...
#370 - The Pitman Sculpture: An Apocalypse Keys Mini-Series, Pt. 7
January 25, 2024 21:46 - 44 minutes - 61.7 MBContent notes: Violence, and mental/emotional/physical manipulations. Starring: Brandon O’Brien — @therisingtithes — as The Keeper Michael R. Underwood — @MikeRUnderwood — as Tempo: The Last Jeoi Gawain Lin — @thisismyDasein — as Hamaliel: The Summoned Aubrey Knotts — @MadQueenCosplay — as Ciarra Tân: The Surge Aaron Hammonds — @aaroninwords — as John/Jane: The Found Brandon leads an exciting and emotional game of Apocalypse Keys from Evil Hat Productions. In this episode, the crew fig...
#369 - The Pitman Sculpture: An Apocalypse Keys Mini-Series, Pt. 6
January 18, 2024 15:37 - 42 minutes - 58.8 MBContent notes: Interrogation after violence, more threatened violence, and mental/emotional/physical/temporal manipulations. Starring: Brandon O’Brien — @therisingtithes — as The Keeper Michael R. Underwood — @MikeRUnderwood — as Tempo: The Last Jeoi Gawain Lin — @thisismyDasein — as Hamaliel: The Summoned Aubrey Knotts — @MadQueenCosplay — as Ciarra Tân: The Surge Aaron Hammonds — @aaroninwords — as John/Jane: The Found Brandon leads an exciting and emotional game of Apocalypse Keys f...
#368 - The Pitman Sculpture: An Apocalypse Keys Mini-Series, Pt. 5
January 17, 2024 06:39 - 37 minutes - 52.1 MBContent notes: Mental and temporal manipulations, and physical violence. Starring: Brandon O’Brien — @therisingtithes — as The Keeper Michael R. Underwood — @MikeRUnderwood — as Tempo: The Last Jeoi Gawain Lin — @thisismyDasein — as Hamaliel: The Summoned Aubrey Knotts — @MadQueenCosplay — as Ciarra Tân: The Surge Aaron Hammonds — @aaroninwords — as John/Jane: The Found Brandon leads an exciting and emotional game of Apocalypse Keys from Evil Hat Productions. In this episode, Ciarra T...
#367 - The Pitman Sculpture: An Apocalypse Keys Mini-Series, Pt. 4
January 05, 2024 05:29 - 44 minutes - 60.7 MBContent notes: Mental, physical, and temporal manipulations. Starring: Brandon O’Brien — @therisingtithes — as The Keeper Michael R. Underwood — @MikeRUnderwood — as Tempo: The Last Jeoi Gawain Lin — @thisismyDasein — as Hamaliel: The Summoned Aubrey Knotts — @MadQueenCosplay — as Ciarra Tân: The Surge Aaron Hammonds — @aaroninwords — as John/Jane: The Found Brandon leads an exciting and emotional game of Apocalypse Keys from Evil Hat Productions. In this episode, the situation at the ...
#366 - The Pitman Sculpture: An Apocalypse Keys Mini-Series, Pt. 3
December 28, 2023 19:39 - 41 minutes - 56.9 MBContent notes: Temporal distortion, dysfunctional body images, very mild horror Starring: Brandon O’Brien — @therisingtithes — as The Keeper Michael R. Underwood — @MikeRUnderwood — as Tempo: The Last Jeoi Gawain Lin — @thisismyDasein — as Hamaliel: The Summoned Aubrey Knotts — @MadQueenCosplay — as Ciarra Tân: The Surge Aaron Hammonds — @aaroninwords — as John/Jane: The Found Brandon leads an exciting and emotional game of Apocalypse Keys from Evil Hat Productions. In this episode, te...
#365 - The Pitman Sculpture: An Apocalypse Keys Mini-Series, Pt. 2
December 21, 2023 22:48 - 42 minutes - 59 MBContent notes: Accidental mental invasion, accidental injuries, emotional trauma Starring: Brandon O’Brien — @therisingtithes — as The Keeper Michael R. Underwood — @MikeRUnderwood — as Tempo: The Last Jeoi Gawain Lin — @thisismyDasein — as Hamaliel: The Summoned Aubrey Knotts — @MadQueenCosplay — as Ciarra Tân: The Surge Aaron Hammonds — @aaroninwords — as John/Jane: The Found Brandon leads an exciting and emotional game of Apocalypse Keys from Evil Hat Productions. In this episode, J...
#364 - The Pitman Sculpture: An Apocalypse Keys Mini-Series, Pt. 1
December 14, 2023 20:30 - 1 hour - 87 MBContent notes: Occasional cursing, temporal distortion, references to loss of control Starring: Brandon O’Brien — @therisingtithes — as The Keeper Michael R. Underwood — @MikeRUnderwood — as Tempo: The Last Jeoi Gawain Lin — @thisismyDasein — as Hamaliel: The Summoned Aubrey Knotts — @MadQueenCosplay — as Ciarra Tân: The Surge Aaron Hammonds — @aaroninwords — as John/Jane: The Found Brandon leads an exciting and emotional game of Apocalypse Keys from Evil Hat Productions. In this epis...
#363 - Candela Obscura: Dreams of Oldfaire, Pt. 4
December 07, 2023 19:50 - 36 minutes - 50.3 MBThis product was created using the Darrington Press Community Gaming License. The Illuminated Worlds Standard Resource Document is owned and copyrighted by Darrington Press, LLC. All rights reserved. This product is based on the Adaptive Content created and owned by Darrington Press: Candela Obscura, Darrington Press, LLC, 2023, available at https://darringtonpress.com/.
#362 - Candela Obscura: Dreams of Oldfaire, Pt. 3
November 30, 2023 11:30 - 36 minutes - 50.1 MBThis product was created using the Darrington Press Community Gaming License. The Illuminated Worlds Standard Resource Document is owned and copyrighted by Darrington Press, LLC. All rights reserved. This product is based on the Adaptive Content created and owned by Darrington Press: Candela Obscura, Darrington Press, LLC, 2023, available at https://darringtonpress.com/.
#361 - Candela Obscura: Dreams of Oldfaire, Pt. 2
November 23, 2023 11:30 - 40 minutes - 55.1 MBContent note - death, supernatural contamination, alcohol As part of our 2023 fundraiser, Mike leads a thrilling adventure in a game of Candela Obscura, the upcoming investigative horror RPG using the Illuminated Worlds system. The investigators uncover dangerous truths about a banned book, which turns out to be wanted by more than just Candela Obscura. Starring Darcie Little Badger, Valerie Valdes, Brandon O'Brien, and Gregory A. Wilson, with Lightkeeper (GM) Mike Underwood. Playing Cand...
#360 - Candela Obscura: Dreams of Oldfaire, Pt. 1
November 16, 2023 22:30 - 55.1 MBThis product was created using the Darrington Press Community Gaming License. The Illuminated Worlds Standard Resource Document is owned and copyrighted by Darrington Press, LLC. All rights reserved. This product is based on the Adaptive Content created and owned by Darrington Press: Candela Obscura, Darrington Press, LLC, 2023, available at https://darringtonpress.com/.
#359 - Grasping Nettles: Flapjacks! Pt. 2
November 09, 2023 22:33 - 82.8 MBWe're holding our second annual fundraiser marathon stream on Saturday, November 11th, starting at noon eastern! Read this post on the Patreon for more details: https://www.patreon.com/posts/fundraiser-nov-91826111Content note - profanity, workplace accidents, unsafe labor practices, violence, surveillance, and labor suppression.Valerie, Iori, and Mike continue the story of Unit 77 of the faux-diner chain Flapjacks! Labor action rises in the chain and the workers of Unit 77 get wrapped up in ...
#358 - Grasping Nettles: Flapjacks! Pt. 1
November 02, 2023 11:33 - 39 minutes - 54.4 MBWe're holding our second annual fundraiser marathon stream on Saturday, November 11th, starting at noon eastern! Read this post on the Patreon for more details: https://www.patreon.com/posts/fundraiser-nov-91826111 Content note - profanity, workplace accidents, unsafe labor practices, violence, surveillance, and labor suppression. Valerie, Iori, and Mike tell the story of Unit 77 of the faux-diner chain Flapjacks! They explore the tensions between day shift and night shift, overnight brawl...
#357 - Discussion: Dramatization - How to Make a Scene
October 26, 2023 21:53 - 1 hour - 85 MBNote - We're holding our second annual fundraiser marathon stream on Saturday, November 11th, starting at noon eastern! Stay tuned to the Patreon for more details. Valerie, Brandon, and Mike talk about dramatization in ttrpgs and writing - how and why to dig in with detail and emotion to enhance a scene. They discuss ways of dramatizing, reasons why you would or wouldn't want to spend the time dramatizing, the importance of dramatization in combat scenes, and more! The video for this discu...
#356 - Discussion: New Jersey Web Fest and BigBadCon
October 12, 2023 10:30 - 1 hour - 93.8 MBMike talks about the 2023 New Jersey Web Fest and then Brandon and Mike talk about BigBadCon 2023. Brandon discusses their experiences in 2019 vs. 2023 and the importance of the POC Scholars program. The video for this discussion was available early to subscribers at patreon.com/speculate, along with including exclusive extras from our series, bonus episodes, access to behind-the-scenes material like GM streams and session zero recordings, and more! Check out our Court of Blades series “Val...
#355 - Neon Sundown: The Strange Friends Go to the Mattresses, Pt. 3
October 05, 2023 20:54 - 41 minutes - 56.5 MBA new wrangler appears as the group tries to escape the perilous claw room. The wranglers take a beating, the goose gets mad, and our heroes finally confront the Unsealy King. Playing Neon Sundown by Tracy Barnett - https://theothertracy.itch.io/neon-sundown Starring Jeoi Gawain Lin, Brandon O'Brien, Michael R. Underwood, and Valerie Valdes, with Iori Kusano GMing. Check out our Court of Blades series “Valloward” at https://bit.ly/3yh6Bxh (now an Official Selection for the 2023 New Jersey...
#354 - Neon Sundown: The Strange Friends Go to the Mattresses, Pt. 2
September 28, 2023 10:38 - 35 minutes - 49.2 MBThe wranglers contend with pillow-people guards, questionable slime, and a sentient feather down blob. Pushed to the edge, one of the wranglers moseys into the sunset. Playing Neon Sundown by Tracy Barnett - https://theothertracy.itch.io/neon-sundown Starring Jeoi Gawain Lin, Brandon O'Brien, Michael R. Underwood, and Valerie Valdes, with Iori Kusano GMing. Check out our Court of Blades series “Valloward” at https://bit.ly/3yh6Bxh (now an Official Selection for the 2023 New Jersey, Minnes...
#353 - Neon Sundown: The Strange Friends Go to the Mattresses, Pt. 1
September 21, 2023 10:30 - 41 minutes - 56.4 MBIori leads The Strange Friends in a delightfully wild one-shot of vaporwave action rpg Neon Sundown, where glitzy bounty hunters pursue a cruel mattress mogul in Strip City (which is definitely not Las Vegas). Playing Neon Sundown by Tracy Barnett - https://theothertracy.itch.io/neon-sundown Starring Jeoi Gawain Lin, Brandon O'Brien, Michael R. Underwood, and Valerie Valdes, with Iori Kusano GMing. Check out our Court of Blades series “Valloward” at https://bit.ly/3yh6Bxh (now an Official...
#352 - Discussion: Emergent Theme in TTRPG Campaigns
September 14, 2023 18:41 - 1 hour - 92.7 MBBrandon, Greg, and Mike discuss theme in ttrpgs (home games and actual play), the differences between what you expected from a game as the GM going in and what the game ended up being about, and asking questions about/in your game while making room for others to bring their own questions and answers. They bring examples from Speculate series as well as other games they've run, including Valloward, The Case of the Cindered Seal, Rebel Crown: Splendour & Shadow, and Curse of Strahd. Check out...
#351 - The Strange Friends on Adapting RPG Lessons to Writing, Pt. 2
August 31, 2023 23:18 - 1 hour - 84.6 MBBrandon, Iori, Mike and Valerie talk about ways that they've brought skills and lessons from playing and running TTRPGs over to their writing, from using and talking about touchstones to a question about writing and GMing voice that provokes minor existential crises for Brandon and Mike. Featuring Brandon O'Brien, Iori Kusano, Michael R. Underwood, and Valerie Valdes. Check out our Court of Blades series “Valloward” at https://bit.ly/3yh6Bxh (now an Official Selection for the 2023 New Jerse...
#350 - The Strange Friends on Adapting RPG Lessons to Writing, Pt. 1
August 24, 2023 10:30 - 63.2 MBBrandon, Iori, Mike, and Valerie talk about ways that they've brought skills and lessons from playing and running TTRPGs over to their writing, from specific mechanics to developing characters.Featuring Brandon O'Brien, Iori Kusano, Michael R. Underwood, and Valerie Valdes. Check out our Court of Blades series “Valloward” at https://bit.ly/3yh6Bxh (now an Official Selection for the 2023 New Jersey, Minnesota, and Baltimore Next Media Web Fests!) and watch any of our completed series or one-s...
#349 - Fight With Spirit: Neons vs. Demons, Pt. 3
August 17, 2023 10:30 - 44 minutes - 61.3 MBBrandon leads Valerie and Mike in a one-shot of Fight With Spirit, where the Newcastle Neons take on the Dockside Demons in a team e-sport ala capture the flag plus mechs. Meli and Sam clash with their rivals Hanna and Ryan in the decisive moments of the quarter-finals.Starring Valerie Valdes, Michael R. Underwood, and Brandon O'Brien facilitating.nderwood, "Check out our Court of Blades series “Valloward” at https://bit.ly/3yh6Bxh (now an Official Selection for the 2023 New Jersey and Minnes...
#348 - Fight With Spirit: Neons vs. Demons, Pt. 2
August 10, 2023 10:30 - 1 hour - 83.9 MBBrandon leads Valerie and Mike in a one-shot of Fight With Spirit, where the Newcastle Neons take on the Dockside Demons in a team e-sport ala capture the flag plus mechs. Meli and Sam try to lead the Neons to victory against a powerful Demons offense. Starring Valerie Valdes, Michael R. Underwood, and Brandon O'Brien facilitating.nderwood, " Check out our Court of Blades series “Valloward” at https://bit.ly/3yh6Bxh (now an Official Selection for the 2023 New Jersey and Minnesota Web Fests!...
#347 - Fight With Spirit: Neons vs. Demons, Pt. 1
August 03, 2023 18:04 - 1 hour - 89 MBBrandon leads Valerie and Mike in a one-shot of Fight With Spirit, where the Newcastle Neons take on the Dockside Demons in a team e-sport ala capture the flag plus mechs. The group decides on details for the Neons and creates the main characters and their rivals. Starring Valerie Valdes, Michael R. Underwood, and Brandon O'Brien facilitating.nderwood, " Check out our Court of Blades series “Valloward” at https://bit.ly/3yh6Bxh (now an Official Selection for the 2023 New Jersey and Minneso...
#346 - Oops! All Strange Friends (OOC Chat), Pt. 3
July 20, 2023 17:03 - 62.9 MBThe Strange Friends assemble to discuss just over three years of playing TTRPGs together on stream and off. In this episode, they discuss rpgs as theater, favorite moments and characters, and answer audience questions!Featuring Iori Kusano, Valerie Valdes, Brandon O'Brien, and Michael R. Underwood.Check out our Court of Blades series “Valloward” at https://bit.ly/3yh6Bxh (now an Official Selection for the 2023 Minnesota Web Fest!) and watch any of our completed series or one-shots at speculat...
#345 - Oops! All Strange Friends (OOC Chat), Pt. 2
July 13, 2023 14:00 - 47 minutes - 65.8 MBThe Strange Friends assemble to discuss just over three years of playing TTRPGs together on stream and off. In this episode, they discuss Jeoi's amazing characters and performances, plus crossovers between writing and RPG skills. Featuring Iori Kusano, Valerie Valdes, Brandon O'Brien, and Michael R. Underwood. Check out our Court of Blades series “Valloward” at https://bit.ly/3yh6Bxh (now an Official Selection for the 2023 Minnesota Web Fest!) and watch any of our completed series or one-sh...
#344 - Oops! All Strange Friends (OOC Chat), Pt. 1
July 06, 2023 11:12 - 55 minutes - 76.6 MBThe Strange Friends assemble to discuss just over three years of playing TTRPGs together on stream and off. In this episode, they discuss GMing styles and game prep! Featuring Iori Kusano, Valerie Valdes, Brandon O'Brien, and Michael R. Underwood. Check out our Court of Blades series “Valloward” at https://bit.ly/3yh6Bxh (now an Official Selection for the 2023 Minnesota Web Fest!) and watch any of our completed series or one-shots at speculatesf.com/videos You can help us make the show the...
#343 - In This World - Captive Audience, Pt. 2
June 29, 2023 20:21 - 40 minutes - 56.3 MBMike facilitates a session of the worldbuilding game In This World by Ben Robbins, using the Early Access edition of the game. Brandon pitches a world where there is One True Card Game, and owning cards from that game is a marker of social status. Mike pitches a world where the players of the biggest, most popular game don't know their objectives, and audiences play their own mini-games to provide hints. This session contains content notes for references to gambling and societal coercion....
#342 - In This World - Captive Audience, Pt. 1
June 22, 2023 10:30 - 37 minutes - 51.4 MBMike facilitates a session of the worldbuilding game In This World by Ben Robbins, using the Early Access edition of the game. Iori pitches a world where citizens are compelled to watch games ala Jury Duty. This session contains content notes for references to gambling and societal coercion. Featuring Iori Kusano, Brandon O'Brien, and Michael R. Underwood. Back the campaign for In This World at https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/lamemage/in-this-world/ and find Ben Robbins' other game...
#341 - A Family of Blades - The Fifth Last Job, Pt. 4
June 15, 2023 18:11 - 1 hour - 82.8 MBThis episode carries content notes for violent threats, guns, gunfire, confined spaces, and abuse of governmental power. The thieves infiltrate the Project Lazarus black site, and come face to face with the architect of their misfortune. A Family of Blades is a game by A.C. Luke. Find out more at - https://ac-luke.itch.io/family-of-blades Check out our Court of Blades series “Valloward” at https://bit.ly/3yh6Bxh and watch any of our completed series or one-shots at speculatesf.com/videos ...
#340 - A Family of Blades - The Fifth Last Job, Pt. 3
June 08, 2023 10:30 - 31 minutes - 43.9 MBThis episode carries content notes for discussion of guns, violence, and abuse of governmental power. The thieves receive a surprising welcome. A friend of a friend provides a breadcrumb trail and leads to a surprising reunion. The thieves launch their plan to clear their name and get payback. A Family of Blades is a game by A.C. Luke. Find out more at - https://ac-luke.itch.io/family-of-blades Check out our Court of Blades series “Valloward” at https://bit.ly/3yh6Bxh and watch any of our...
#339 - A Family of Blades - The Fifth Last Job, Pt. 2
June 01, 2023 18:42 - 43 minutes - 59.2 MBThis episode carries content notes for air travel, discussion of violence, abuse of governmental power, and guns. The four thieves re-assemble in Miami to investigate the scene of the crime. Tiny schemes, Odds communes, and Lucy asks about the accommodations. A Family of Blades is a game by A.C. Luke. Find out more at - https://ac-luke.itch.io/family-of-blades Check out our Court of Blades series “Valloward” at https://bit.ly/3yh6Bxh and watch any of our completed series or one-shots at s...
#338 - A Family of Blades - The Fifth Last Job, Pt. 1
May 25, 2023 10:30 - 42 minutes - 58.3 MBThis episode carries content notes for discussion of violence, kidnapping by law enforcement, and extralegal detainment. Brandon leads The Strange Friends in a one-shot of A Family of Blades by A.C. Luke. A quartet of criminals reunites to investigate the mysterious death of their former handler. Pick up A Family of Blades at - https://ac-luke.itch.io/family-of-blades Check out our Court of Blades series “Valloward” at https://bit.ly/3yh6Bxh and watch any of our completed series or one...
#337 - Court of Blades: Valloward Session One (Excerpt)
May 11, 2023 15:42 - 1 hour - 88.8 MBICYMI, our Court of Blades series Valloward has been announced as an Early Selection for the 2023 New Jersey Web Fest, a prominent film/media festival for web series (from fiction podcasts and short films to actual play shows like ours!). We're very proud of the world we've been doing in the series, and it's wonderful to have that work recognized by the NWJF judges. To celebrate, we're releasing this excerpt of our first session to the podcast feed to give podcast-first listeners a sample of ...
#336 - Star Wars RPGs (Bonus Episode Preview)
May 04, 2023 16:05 - 17 minutes - 23.4 MBMike talks about three generations of official Star Wars RPGs as well as four other RPGS that aren't officially Star Wars RPGs but are absolutely great for telling Star Wars stories. Games mentioned: WEG Star Wars (1987, 1992, 1996, 2018 anniversary edition) -- Greg Costikyan Star Wars RPG (WotC) – 2000, 2002 -- Bill Slavicsek, Andy Collins, J.D. Wiker Star Wars Saga Edition (2007) - Owen K.C. Stephens, Rodney Thompson, Chris Perkins FFG/Edge – 2012- Edge of Empire (Jay Little, with Sam...
#335 - A Land Once Magic - Gutterwick, Pt. 3
April 27, 2023 17:57 - 1 hour - 93.6 MBThis episode carries content notes for livestock, animal products, death, necromancy, resource exploitation, capitalism, over-work, bone, decay, magical infestation, and discussion of the COVID-19 pandemic Guests Marianne Kirby (@therotund) and AJ Hackwith (@AJHackwith) join Mike for a game of A Land Once Magic to create a world that is coarse and candle-lit, hallowed and haunted. Starring Marianne Kirby and AJ Hackwith, with Mike Underwood as the facilitator. A Land Once Magic is an rpg ...
#334 - A Land Once Magic - Gutterwick, Pt. 2
April 20, 2023 10:30 - 59 minutes - 81.5 MBThis episode carries content notes for livestock, animal products, death, necromancy, resource exploitation, capitalism, over-work, bone, decay, and magical infestation Guests Marianne Kirby (@therotund) and AJ Hackwith (@AJHackwith) join Mike for a game of A Land Once Magic to create a world that is coarse and candle-lit, hallowed and haunted. Starring Marianne Kirby and AJ Hackwith, with Mike Underwood as the facilitator. A Land Once Magic is an rpg by Viditya Voleti. Find out more at h...
#333 - A Land Once Magic - Gutterwick, Pt. 1
April 13, 2023 17:08 - 56 minutes - 77.6 MBThis episode carries content notes for livestock, animal products, death, necromancy, resource exploitation, capitalism, over-work, bone, decay, and magical infestation Guests Marianne Kirby (@therotund) and AJ Hackwith (@AJHackwith) join Mike for a game of A Land Once Magic to create a world that is coarse and candle-lit, hallowed and haunted. Starring Marianne Kirby and AJ Hackwith, with Mike Underwood as the facilitator. A Land Once Magic is an rpg by Viditya Voleti. Find out more at h...
#332 - Slugblaster - Pizza Party, Pt. 2
April 06, 2023 19:43 - 1 hour - 100 MBThis episode carries content notes for teleportation, dangerous driving, heights, and falling. Mike leads The Strange Friends through a special Speculate! one-shot of Mikey Hamm's interdimensional teen caper rpg SLUGBLASTER! Greedy Zzkaska's has the best pizza in the multiverse, so when this trio of teens discover that superstar Dorus Kal is throwing a blowout party this Saturday night and has sworn to do a collab with whoever impresses him the most that night, they set out to be the group...
#331 - Slugblaster - Pizza Party, Pt. 1
March 30, 2023 17:34 - 1 hour - 94.4 MBThis episode carries content notes for teleportation and sonic attacks. A daring trio of teens races to be the first to deliver the multiverse's favorite pizza. But first they'll have to contend with gigantic crabs, hover-chariots, and hyper hydras!Starring Brandon O'Brien, Iori Kusano, and Valerie Valdes, with Mike Underwood as the Slugmaster. Slugblaster is an rpg by Mikey Hamm. Find out more at https://wilkies.itch.io/slugblaster Check out our new Court of Blades series “Valloward” at h...
TEASER - Fractal Spire discussion with Andrew Gillis
March 16, 2023 21:52 - 20 minutes - 28 MBThis week we're bringing you a preview of a special recording where the cast of Fractal Spire was joined by Girl by Moonlight designer Andrew Gillis to discuss their game and Speculate's actual play series using Girl by Moonlight's In a Maze of Dreams playset. Listen to or watch the entire conversation by becoming a subscriber at a subscriber at patreon.com/speculate. You'll also get lots of bonus material from GM prep videos to bonus discussion episodes, behind-the-scenes features, and mor...
#330 - Boy Problems - Like a Lighthouse, Pt. 3
March 09, 2023 11:30 - 41 minutes - 57.5 MBThis episode carries content notes for disorientation, obsession, and involuntary teleportation. The thieves find themselves on a strange city block with a lighthouse at its center, and discover the truth of their patron's desires and the secret of the missing star. The Strange Friends play a special Speculate! one-shot of Colin Cummings' Carly Rae Jepsen-themed heist rpg BOY PROBLEMS. https://boyproblems.itch.io/boy-problems. Brandon O’Brien (@therisingtithes) is the Stage Manager for th...
#329 - Boy Problems - Like a Lighthouse, Pt. 2
March 02, 2023 11:30 - 1 hour - 91.8 MBThis episode carries content notes for high-speed transit, vomiting, and spoiled food/beverages The crew meets another artist whose dreams are held in the grasp of Whitney Rider and complete their heist. But the end of the heist is not the end of the story. The Strange Friends play a special Speculate! one-shot of Colin Cummings' Carly Rae Jepsen-themed heist rpg BOY PROBLEMS. https://boyproblems.itch.io/boy-problems. Brandon O’Brien (@therisingtithes) is the Stage Manager for the cast of...
#328 - Boy Problems - Like a Lighthouse, Pt. 1
February 23, 2023 15:12 - 42 minutes - 58 MBThis episode carries a content note for high-speed transit/rapid travel. Several months after the pop sensation's mysterious disappearance, a Carly Rae super-fan assembles a strange team of thieves to recover the legendary vault of 100 unreleased CRJ tracks. The Strange Friends play a special Speculate! one-shot of Colin Cummings' Carly Rae Jepsen-themed heist rpg BOY PROBLEMS. https://boyproblems.itch.io/boy-problems Brandon O’Brien (@therisingtithes) is the Stage Manager for the cast of...