Speculate
385 episodes - English - Latest episode: 3 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
#287 – Fractal Spire – Session Zero, Pt. 4
February 10, 2022 19:56 - 25 minutes - 35.4 MBThe group reflects on the worldbuilding and character choices they’ve made and discusses some potential names for the series. Names are hard. Brandon reveals the dream tarot they created. The group discusses the missing fifth member of the team, the person that assembled the team and mysteriously disappeared at the end of last season. This series is a joint production with Greg’s Twitch channel, playing Girl by Moonlight by Andrew Gillis, forthcoming from Evil Hat Productions. Brandon O’Bri...
#286 – Fractal Spire – Session Zero, Pt. 3
February 03, 2022 19:58 - 31 minutes - 43.1 MBThe group discusses avatars, perfect expressions of a character’s will that they can summon and have guide their actions in the dreaming. In a world that forbids and represses authenticity, the character’s real selves are revealed in the dreaming world. But the relationship between characters and their avatars are not always cut-and-dry. This series is a joint production with Greg’s Twitch channel, playing Girl by Moonlight by Andrew Gillis, forthcoming from Evil Hat Productions. Brandon O’...
#286 – Fractal Spire – Ep. 0.3
February 03, 2022 11:31 - 31 minutes - 43.1 MBThe group discusses avatars, perfect expressions of a character’s will that they can summon and have guide their actions in the dreaming. In a world that forbids and represses authenticity, the character’s real selves are revealed in the dreaming world. But the relationship between characters and their avatars are not always cut-and-dry. This series […]
#285 – Fractal Spire – Session Zero, Pt. 2
January 26, 2022 19:59 - 52 minutes - 72 MBThe team talks about their characters’ roles and playbooks as we continue our session zero work using the “In a Maze of Dreams” playset. We’ve got a weary caretaker, a time-traveling oracle, an unlikely hero, and more. Then the crew discusses some of the logistics and symbolics of dream travel in the series. “Fractal Spire” is a joint production with Greg’s Twitch channel, playing Girl by Moonlight by Andrew Gillis, forthcoming from Evil Hat Publications. (@therisingtithes) GMs for the crew...
#285 – Fractal Spire – Ep. 0.2
January 26, 2022 11:30 - 52 minutes - 72 MBThe team talks about their characters’ roles and playbooks as we continue our session zero work using the “In a Maze of Dreams” playset. We’ve got a weary caretaker, a time-traveling oracle, an unlikely hero, and more. Then the crew discusses some of the logistics and symbolics of dream travel in the series. “Fractal Spire” […]
#284 – Fractal Spire – Session Zero, Pt. 1
January 20, 2022 20:00 - 42 minutes - 58.5 MBSpeculate! kicks off a new campaign with Session Zero of “Fractal Spire,” playing Girl by Moonlight: a multi-genre RPG of Magical Girls grappling with destiny: hopes thwarted, defended, redeemed, and betrayed. The team talks about their process of deciding on the “In a Maze of Dreams” playset and begin the process of collaborative worldbuilding using the series playsheet provided by the game. The crew decides on a Conspiracy made up of a single dream that plagues the world and a history hau...
#284 – Fractal Spire – Ep. 0.1
January 20, 2022 11:30 - 42 minutes - 58.5 MBSpeculate! kicks off a new campaign with Session Zero of “Fractal Spire,” playing Girl by Moonlight: a multi-genre RPG of Magical Girls grappling with destiny: hopes thwarted, defended, redeemed, and betrayed. The team talks about their process of deciding on the “In a Maze of Dreams” playset and begin the process of collaborative worldbuilding using the […]
Episode 283 of Speculate!–Blades in the Dark–Part Fifty-Seven of The Case of the Cindered Seal!
January 13, 2022 14:37 - 41 minutes - 57.4 MBThis episode carries content warnings for divine magic, ectoplasmic blasts, flashbacks, cursed artifacts, combat, death, ghosts, and food. Ash helps the crew get the drop on Aldo and his Hull. Ring deploys their contingency plans. Skelly deals with Aldo’s reinforcements. Crossroads lets loose. With the case closed, the Strange Friends take care of loose […]
Episode 282 of Speculate!–Blades in the Dark–Part Fifty-Six of The Case of the Cindered Seal!
January 06, 2022 20:40 - 11 minutes - 15.2 MBThis episode carries content warnings for divine magic, cursed artifacts, soulless bodies, and ghosts. The Strange Friends assemble for the big run at Aldo Booker. Skelly scopes out Aldo’s security. Ash leads the group’s infiltration and uses her divine gifts. Crossroads discovers yet more horrors of Aldo’s operation. “The Case of the Cindered Seal” is […]
Episode 281 of Speculate!–Blades in the Dark–Part Fifty-Five of The Case of the Cindered Seal!
January 01, 2022 20:59 - 41 minutes - 56.8 MBA familiar face drops by Ash’s shop for tea and makes an unexpected offer. Ash consults the stones. Melvir doctors aggressively at Skelly. Crossroads gets some upgrades. “The Case of the Cindered Seal” is a joint production with Greg’s Twitch channel, playing Blades in the Dark by John Harper. Brandon O’Brien (@therisingtithes) GMs for the crew of […]
Episode 280 of Speculate!–Blades in the Dark–Part Fifty-Four of The Case of the Cindered Seal!
December 23, 2021 19:02 - 34 minutes - 47.5 MBThis episode carries content warnings for war flashbacks, gunfire, children in peril, dangerous artifacts Ring gets some last-minute intel. Ash and Crossroads realize what they’ve got in their hands (and claws). “The Case of the Cindered Seal” is a joint production with Greg’s Twitch channel, playing Blades in the Dark by John Harper. Brandon O’Brien […]
Episode 279 of Speculate!–Blades in the Dark–Part Fifty-Three of The Case of the Cindered Seal!
November 25, 2021 11:30 - 54 minutes - 75.5 MBThis episode carries content warnings for drowning, leaving a person to die, mention of demons, human remains, The morning after the revelatory “conversation” with Casta, the Strange Friends awake and set about putting things in order. Ring does the rounds with some prodigal Porters. Ash and Crossroads make some dangerous discoveries. “The Case of the […]
Episode 278 of Speculate!–Blades in the Dark–Part Fifty-Two of The Case of the Cindered Seal!
November 18, 2021 21:45 - 34 minutes - 47.8 MBThis episode carries content warnings for facial injuries, trauma, raw meat, blood, troubled sleep, violence against a captive. After a long night with an imprisoned rival, Crossroads tries its hand as being a butler as the other Strange Friends sleep. “The Case of the Cindered Seal” is a joint production with Greg’s Twitch […]
Episode 277 of Speculate!–Blades in the Dark–Part Fifty-One of The Case of the Cindered Seal!
November 04, 2021 13:47 - 39 minutes - 53.9 MBThis episode carries content warnings for child labor, child endangerment, and interrogation. The Strange Friends press Casta for answers, and each new bit of information is more disturbing than the last. Laden with clues and terrifying reality, the still-conscious friends debate what to do with their captive and their trauma-laden companion. “The Case of the […]
Episode 276 of Speculate!–Blades in the Dark–Part Fifty of The Case of the Cindered Seal!
October 28, 2021 16:58 - 7 minutes - 10.9 MBThis episode carries content warnings for description of a black eye, violence against a captive, interrogation, torture, child labor, child endangerment, Ring tags in to interrogate Casta about her relationship to Aldo Booker and what she knows about the tempest of chaos that has descended upon the Strange Friends. Crossroads turns to the ghost field […]
Episode 275 of Speculate!–Blades in the Dark–Part Forty-Nine of The Case of the Cindered Seal!
October 21, 2021 11:30 - 40 minutes - 55.4 MBThis episode carries content warnings for flashbacks to trauma, violence between children, anger blackout, disassociation, violent outburst, and arcane visions The players pick a crew upgrade for the crew, only several months after earning it. The Strange Friends continue to struggle with how to deal with their captive and press her for answers as Skelly […]
Episode 274 of Speculate!–Blades in the Dark–Part Forty-Eight of The Case of the Cindered Seal!
September 23, 2021 11:30 - 34 minutes - 48 MBThis episode carries content warnings for magical explosions, ghosts, contract killing, and dead bodies. Back at Derrn’s hideout, The Strange Friends rest, then face the question of Casta. Ash shows Crossroads how to roll someone for loot. “The Case of the Cindered Seal” is a joint production with Greg’s Twitch channel, playing Blades in the Dark […]
Episode 273 of Speculate!–Blades in the Dark–Part Forty-Seven of The Case of the Cindered Seal!
September 16, 2021 11:30 - 37 minutes - 51.2 MBThis episode carries content warnings for references to traumatic brain injury, childhood trauma, child labor, children in peril, and alcohol. Skelly remembers the bells of the orphanage. Ring tries to grab a ride. The crew regroups and heads back to Derrn’s. “The Case of the Cindered Seal” is a joint production with Greg’s Twitch channel, playing […]
Episode 272 of Speculate!–Blades in the Dark–Part Forty-Six of The Case of the Cindered Seal!
September 09, 2021 16:37 - 36 minutes - 50.8 MBThis episode carries content warnings for children in peril and alcohol. Fresh off a chaotic rescue operation, The Strange Friends scramble to regroup as they make their way out of Dunslough. Ash directs the young porters as a snowstorm kicks up. Skelly and Crossroads figure out how to move some inconvenient cargo. “The Case of […]
Episode 271 of Speculate!–Blades in the Dark–Part Forty-Five of The Case of the Cindered Seal!
September 02, 2021 11:30 - 39 minutes - 54.9 MBThis episode carries content warnings for childhood trauma, flashbacks, children in danger, and divine visitation. While the rest of The Strange Friends escape with the young porters, Skelly faces off against Casta. The fight brings back memories of the bad times Skelly & Casta spent together at the orphanage. Crossroads links up with Skelly as things escalate […]
Episode 270 of Speculate!–Blades in the Dark–Part Forty-Four of The Case of the Cindered Seal!
August 26, 2021 11:30 - 43 minutes - 60.4 MBThis episode carries content warnings for divine magic, children in danger, firearms, arcane weaponry, injuries to limbs, and death. Crossroads flexes its powers to kick off The Strange Friends’ power play in rescuing the porters. Ring uses their Sergeant Voice to evacuate the porters. Ash gets another divine surprise. A fight breaks out in the […]
Episode 269 of Speculate!–Blades in the Dark–Part Forty-Three of The Case of the Cindered Seal!
August 19, 2021 11:30 - 40 minutes - 55.9 MBThis episode carries content warnings for abandonment, childhood trauma, children in danger, violent ambush, magic-induced disorientation. The Strange Friends infiltrate one of Aldo Booker’s warehouses to rescue some young Porters, with Skelly in overwatch position with Crossroads’ larger hull body. The players contemplate the warehouse as a Hitman level. Ash explores her divine gifts. “The Case […]
Episode 268 of Speculate!–Blades in the Dark–Part Forty-Two of The Case of the Cindered Seal!
August 11, 2021 11:30 - 43 minutes - 59.1 MBThis episode carries content warnings for references to childhood trauma and children in peril. The Strange Friends make their way back to Dunslough, moving through the warrens to one of Aldo Booker’s warehouses. Skelly sees an old “friend” during her scouting run. And as they say in Duskwall, you kill two stones with one bird. […]
Episode 267 of Speculate!–Blades in the Dark–Part Forty-One of The Case of the Cindered Seal!
August 05, 2021 20:05 - 34 minutes - 47.5 MBThis episode carries content warnings for children in peril, arcane visions, descriptions of food, and recovery from injury. The Strange Friends assemble to track down a group of missing porters, reviewing the porters’ ledgers. Ring tries to get information from Yara. Crossroads consults the tea leaves and Ash gets a weird tip. “The Case of […]
Episode 266 of Speculate!–Blades in the Dark–Part Forty of The Case of the Cindered Seal!
July 29, 2021 19:33 - 37 minutes - 51.2 MBThis episode carries content warnings for violence against civilians in wartime, destructive magic, children in peril. After a most eventful Porters’ Day, the group wakes to a bright but still snow-laden morning. Ring gets an early morning visit from a panicked Derrn with bad news about the Porters. Skelly is asked to do the exact […]
Episode 265 of Speculate!–Blades in the Dark–Part Thirty-Nine of The Case of the Cindered Seal!
July 22, 2021 20:03 - 26 minutes - 36 MBThis episode carries content warnings for descriptions of blood and medical treatment. Crossroads offers to get Ash some gloves and spars verbally with Melvir. Ring sings a working song as the porters clean up from the party. Yara and Moss wonder if they should have said more. “The Case of the Cindered Seal” is a […]
Episode 264 of Speculate!–Blades in the Dark–Part Thirty-Eight of The Case of the Cindered Seal!
July 15, 2021 16:57 - 31 minutes - 43.1 MBThis episode carries content warnings for labor exploitation of minors, prophetic dreams, and recollection of severe childhood injuries. Crossroads relays its vision of Aldo’s recruitment of the young porters. With a list of delivery locations provided by Kess, Yara, and Moss, the Strange Friends choose where to go next and begin planning a score. Ring […]
Episode 263 of Speculate!–Blades in the Dark–Part Thirty-Seven of The Case of the Cindered Seal!
July 08, 2021 16:48 - 35 minutes - 49.3 MBThis episode carries content warnings for labor exploitation of minors and arcane visions. The players decide on a new crew upgrade (it’d only been sitting there for 3 months). Ring and the other Strange Friends convince reticent young porters to spill the beans about some off-the-books work they’ve been doing for someone already well-known to […]
Episode 262 of Speculate!–Blades in the Dark–Part Thirty-Six of The Case of the Cindered Seal!
July 01, 2021 15:40 - 25 minutes - 34.7 MBThis episode carries content warnings for arcane visions/disassociation. Crossroads takes flight again. Ash has a brief vision of a map and a symbol. Ring recaps the last week and their misadventures, then the crew realizes that they’re being watched by a young Porter who knows more than they’ve let on. “The Case of the Cindered […]
Episode 261 of Speculate!–Blades in the Dark–Part Thirty-Five of The Case of the Cindered Seal!
June 24, 2021 20:04 - 45 minutes - 62.3 MBThis episode carries content warnings for arcane visions/disassociation. Crossroads takes flight again. Ash has a brief vision of a map and a symbol. Ring recaps the last week and their misadventures, then the crew realizes that they’re being watched by a young Porter who knows more than they’ve let on. “The Case of the Cindered […]
Episode 260 of Speculate!–Blades in the Dark–Part Thirty-Four of The Case of the Cindered Seal!
June 17, 2021 11:30 - 34 minutes - 47.9 MBThis episode carries content warnings for recovery from physical injury, memories of childhood trauma, and food anxiety. The Strange Friends try to make merry as best they can. Ash is feeling partially but not all the way better after the day’s ambush and her vision. Melvir asks Skelly about her childhood. “The Case of the […]
Episode 259 of Speculate!–Blades in the Dark–Part Thirty-Three of The Case of the Cindered Seal!
June 10, 2021 16:19 - 34 minutes - 48 MBThis episode carries a content warning for traumatic associations with fictional holidays and trauma about food/eating. The Strange Friends find themselves in the very odd situation of being totally safe and surrounded by friendly faces as Porters’ Day celebrations begin in earnest, but some find it hard to truly relax. The group tries to explain […]
Episode 258 of Speculate!–Blades in the Dark–Part Thirty-Two of The Case of the Cindered Seal!
June 03, 2021 15:12 - 48 minutes - 66.3 MBOne of the Porters tries to get fancy as the group approaches Derrn’s warehouse. The Strange Friends find a few more clues as they take stock. Melvir and Truffle react poorly to the unorthodox manner of Crossroads’ visit, leading to yet more property damage. “The Case of the Cindered Seal” is a joint production with […]
Episode 257 of Speculate!–Blades in the Dark–Part Thirty-One of The Case of the Cindered Seal!
May 27, 2021 20:08 - 29 minutes - 40.8 MBThe Porters escort The Strange Friends to safety. Crossroads discovers more about its existence with a surprising flight to retrieve Melvir, Skelly’s physician friend. “The Case of the Cindered Seal” is a joint production with Greg’s Twitch channel, playing Blades in the Dark by John Harper. Brandon O’Brien GMs for the crew of Valerie Valdes, […]
Episode 256 of Speculate!–Blades in the Dark–Part Thirty of The Case of the Cindered Seal!
May 20, 2021 20:00 - 57 minutes - 79.3 MBAfter some technical difficulties and a special announcement by Greg, the action continues! The gang’s attempt to make a clean getaway falls apart under heavy snow and the chaos of the day. Of the Ash the Flame has an out-of-body experience and finds a new well of strength. “The Case of the Cindered Seal” is […]
Episode 255 of Speculate!–Blades in the Dark–Part Twenty-Nine of The Case of the Cindered Seal!
May 13, 2021 17:18 - 36 minutes - 49.5 MBThis episode carries content warnings for combat and injury from magical attacks. Ring leads the Porters along the rootfops to try to escort Ash and Crossroads away from the fighting. Crossroads unleashes the crickets. “The Case of the Cindered Seal” is a joint production with Greg’s Twitch channel, playing Blades in the Dark by John Harper. Brandon […]
Episode 254 of Speculate!–Blades in the Dark–Part Twenty-Eight of The Case of the Cindered Seal!
May 06, 2021 14:30 - 36 minutes - 49.6 MBThis episode carries content warnings for combat, injury, and a detailed description of a fatal shooting. Skelly and Ring try to turn the tables on an ambush by mysterious assailants while Tall Friend Crossroads attempts to protect an injured Ash. “The Case of the Cindered Seal” is a joint production with Greg’s Twitch channel, playing Blades in […]
Episode 253 of Speculate!–Blades in the Dark–Part Twenty-Seven of The Case of the Cindered Seal!
April 29, 2021 21:18 - 31 minutes - 43.6 MBSkelly and Ring mount a desperate rescue operation and the chaos continues. The Strange Friends’ assailants press in from all sides. Not exactly the Porter’s Day festivities any of them expected. “The Case of the Cindered Seal” is a joint production with Greg’s Twitch channel, playing Blades in the Dark by John Harper. Brandon O’Brien […]
Episode 252 of Speculate!–Blades in the Dark–Part Twenty-Six of The Case of the Cindered Seal!
April 22, 2021 11:30 - 35 minutes - 49.3 MBDespite Crossroad’s explosive counter-attack, the assailants keep coming after The Strange Friends. Ash takes a bad hit during the ambush, prompting Crossroads to call for help as it tries to get the pair away from danger. “The Case of the Cindered Seal” is a joint production with Greg’s Twitch channel, playing Blades in the Dark […]
Episode 251 of Speculate!–Blades in the Dark–Part Twenty-Five of The Case of the Cindered Seal!
April 15, 2021 19:15 - 37 minutes - 51.6 MBOn the way back to the Grave Cave, Ash and Crossroads catch on that they are being tailed by an unknown duo. They duck into a restaurant to try to escape, but things break bad slowly and then all at once. Crossroads takes the lead as a Big Friend. “The Case of the Cindered Seal” […]
Episode 250 of Speculate!–Blades in the Dark–Part Twenty-Four of The Case of the Cindered Seal!
April 01, 2021 14:30 - 36 minutes - 50.2 MBRing does their Porters’ Day shopping as the snowfall begins. Ring uncovers some worrying information about Aldo Booker in a visit with older brother Augus. The Bluecoats pick up the Strange Friends’ trail and rough up Derrn the Quartermaster, causing even more problems for the crew’s mastermind. “The Case of the Cindered Seal” is a […]
Episode 249 of Speculate!–Blades in the Dark–Part Twenty-Three of The Case of the Cindered Seal!
March 26, 2021 02:58 - 43 minutes - 60.1 MBThe Strange Friends’ risky kidnapping score draws some heat for the crew. Skelly struggles with the heavy-handed care provided by her doctor friend. Crossroads debuts its “Gloaming” persona as it and Ash make a visit to Root and his temporary hosts. “The Case of the Cindered Seal” is a joint production with Greg’s Twitch channel, […]
Episode 248 of Speculate!–Blades in the Dark–Part Twenty-Two of The Case of the Cindered Seal!
March 18, 2021 18:22 - 17 minutes - 23.4 MBThe Strange Friends begin their Porters’ Day preparations in the aftermath of kidnapping the junior Bluecoat. Skelly watches her back, and Winter makes itself known. But Winter isn’t the only thing coming for the Strange Friends… “The Case of the Cindered Seal” is a joint production with Greg’s Twitch channel, playing Blades in the Dark […]
Episode 247 of Speculate!–Blades in the Dark–Part Twenty-One of The Case of the Cindered Seal!
March 11, 2021 16:04 - 32 minutes - 44.8 MBThe Case of the Cindered Seal” is a joint production with Greg’s Twitch channel, playing Blades in the Dark by John Harper. Brandon O’Brien GMs for the crew of Valerie Valdes, Iori Kusano, Jeoi Gawain Lin, and our own Michael R. Underwood. Featuring a unique “Fugitives” crew sheet created by Brandon! If you like what […]
Rebel Crown – Series Trailer
March 09, 2021 22:54 - 2 minutes - 3.04 MBTwo years ago, Maedoc Lolaire turned against his own family and threw the kingdom of Crobhan into civil war. Along with the church that named Splendour Ciaran a heretic for their veneration of gods long-forgotten, Maedoc bound the great houses to his will and drove out his own blood. Now Maedoc sits the throne and […]
Episode 246 of Speculate!–Blades in the Dark–Part Eighteen of The Case of the Cindered Seal!
March 04, 2021 17:19 - 34 minutes - 47.9 MBContinuing a new series of Speculate 2.0’s actual play episodes, in this joint production with Greg’s Twitch channel we continue in the city of Duskwall and the Blades in the Dark system as Brandon O’Brien GMs the crew of Mike, Valerie Valdes, Iori Kusano, and Jeoi Gawain Lin continuing to explore Duskwall, deepen their characters’ […]
Episode 246 of Speculate!–Blades in the Dark–Part Twenty of The Case of the Cindered Seal!
March 04, 2021 17:19 - 34 minutes - 47.9 MBContinuing a new series of Speculate 2.0’s actual play episodes, in this joint production with Greg’s Twitch channel we continue in the city of Duskwall and the Blades in the Dark system as Brandon O’Brien GMs the crew of Mike, Valerie Valdes, Iori Kusano, and Jeoi Gawain Lin continuing to explore Duskwall, deepen their characters’ […]
Episode 245 of Speculate!–Blades in the Dark–Part Nineteen of The Case of the Cindered Seal!
February 25, 2021 20:12 - 34 minutes - 47.7 MBContinuing a new series of Speculate 2.0’s actual play episodes, in this joint production with Greg’s Twitch channel we continue in the city of Duskwall and the Blades in the Dark system as Brandon O’Brien GMs the crew of Mike, Valerie Valdes, Iori Kusano, and Jeoi Gawain Lin continuing to explore Duskwall, deepen their characters’ […]
Episode 245 of Speculate!–Blades in the Dark–Part Seventeen of The Case of the Cindered Seal!
February 25, 2021 20:12 - 34 minutes - 47.7 MBContinuing a new series of Speculate 2.0’s actual play episodes, in this joint production with Greg’s Twitch channel we continue in the city of Duskwall and the Blades in the Dark system as Brandon O’Brien GMs the crew of Mike, Valerie Valdes, Iori Kusano, and Jeoi Gawain Lin continuing to explore Duskwall, deepen their characters’ […]
Episode 244 of Speculate!–Blades in the Dark–Part Eighteen of The Case of the Cindered Seal!
January 20, 2021 11:30 - 25 minutes - 34.9 MBContinuing a new series of Speculate 2.0’s actual play episodes, in this joint production with Greg’s Twitch channel we continue in the city of Duskwall and the Blades in the Dark system as Brandon O’Brien GMs the crew of Mike, Valerie Valdes, Iori Kusano, and Jeoi Gawain Lin continuing to explore Duskwall, deepen their characters’ […]