Midnight Express

Midnight Express

By Midnight ExpressLeisureGames
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Midnight Express episodes

  • Episode 42 - Designing a Changeling Chronicle
    BK is joined by Rachel who has worked with By Night Studios and is the author behind Rose City By Night (among other Storyteller Vault titles) in an experimental episode.
    Over the course of the episode, they design and develop a Changeling: the Dreaming chronicle set in the 'happiest place on earth' exploring the urban myths, and seedier side of a once-magical place.  Topics such as giving characters choice, designing antagonists, placing meaningful NPCs, cross-over potential, and developing engaging locations are all covered as the free-flowing conversation applies a World of Darkness lens to the theme park.  The universal need for Storytellers to be given 'a hug and a cup of tea' is also discussed.  We also mentioned Veil of Night (for Vampire), and the website Behind the Name.
    Make sure that you check out Rachel's work; she can also be found on Twitter via @Stolen_Fire
    In Episode 43, BK will draw an interview episode from the archives, bringing it under the Midnight Express banner, and Episode 44 features Darling_Rose as we discuss approaches to the World of Darkness worldview.
    Note that Midnight Express Productions continues to offer titles through the Storytellers Vault, currently covering Vampire, Werewolf, and Mage - with new titles slated for release across October.
    Hosts: BK and Rachel.
    1 hr 23 min
  • Episode 41 - Dreaming of Oblivion: Guildbook Sandmen [Reader's Companion]
    Rose and BK descend into the underworld to explore an much-underestimated Guild and draw the secrets of Phantasm from the Dream Union. They explore the role of the Sandmen, the promise they offer to the Restless, and the strange but compelling relationships of trust they need to survive. Also included is a discussion on the nature of Sandmen Ferrymen, and how Fetters can add depth to your game. There's lots of crossover with Changeling: the Dreaming (and a little Mage) that shows the potential of this book.
    You can pick up your copy of Guildbook: Sandmen hereThe journals we mentioned are at the RedBubble Store,and Wraith 20 is now available digitally and via print-on-demand.
    Join us next time as Rachel joins the team to co-construct a Changeling: the Dreaming chronicle.
    Hosts: BK, and Rose.
    The thunderstorm used in the podcast is HD Thunder Storm Sound Effect from SharpSwordSounds and is used under a Creative Commons Attribution Licence.
    1 hr 28 min
  • Episode 40 - Art, Life, and Changeling [Interview with Wendell_Burke]
    Welcome back classic World of Darkness fans!  The Midnight express releases the fortieth episode in style, kicking back with long-time listener and co-host Wendell_Burke.  In this Cafe Car, we get to know Wendell a little better, and spend the bulk of the episode discussing the effect that producing art has on Wendell's interpretation of Changeling, and his style.  We discuss ideas for integrating the creation of art, the cultivation of Dreamers, and the role of Glamour in Changeling chronicles and introduce some of the 'big questions' that can be tackled in your game.
    At the beginning of the episode I mention the V20 Hardback Notebooks available from the Red Bubble store.  Since the time of recording a number of new notebooks have been added including some of the Bloodlines.
    Most importantly, I wanted to thank Nate from 25 Years of Vampire: the Masquerade.  You'll have heard us mention this podcast in glowing terms (you need to check it out - right now, go on).  We had a lot of audio issues in this episode after my laptop ran a number of updates, Skype did the same (for both Wendell and I), and then Skype MP3 recorder played up a little.  Wendell and I did three tests before the episode (all turned out great) and then something went wrong in final version.  When I put out the call, Nate stepped in to help and rescue the episode.  This is what community is all about, so make sure you go and listen to their podcast too.
    Hosts: BK and Wendell_Burke
    1 hr 9 min
  • Episode 39 - The Risen [Reader's Companion]
    Hey now, what’s that sound? Wraiths are rising from the ground?
    BK and Pete return to the show to discuss wombats, ashtrays, Stygian Black Ops, Batman, Ghost Rider, and The Risen (well, mostly the Risen – all the others are incidental). After covering the obvious similarities between this book and a Corvid-themed movie, they tackle the difficult questions about running chronicles with Risen, and how to use them at the table. They also pick up a few of the smaller threads in the book and develop these into more fulsome ideas.
    The duo also discuss the links between Risen, and Geist: the Sin Eaters, reflecting that perhaps osme of the aspects of Risen are addressed in the new World of Darkness, especially those relating to societies of, and for, Risen.
    From the Bookshelf:
    The Risen 
    Pentex Indoctrination Handbook
    White Wolf Magazine 
    Mage Tarot Deck (currently only available for Awakening) 
    Mind’s Eye Theatre Prop Deck 
    World of darkness documentary on Vimeo 
    Join us soon for the big four-oh!
    Hosts: BK & Pete.
    1 hr 45 min
  • Episode 39 - The Risen [Reader’s Companion]


    Hey now, what’s that sound? Wraiths are rising from the ground?


    BK and Pete return to the show to discuss wombats, ashtrays, Stygian Black Ops, Batman, Ghost Rider, and The Risen (well, mostly the Risen – all the others are incidental). After covering the obvious similarities between this book and a Corvid-themed movie, they tackle the difficult questions about running chronicles with Risen, and how to use them at the table. They also pick up a few of the smaller threads in the book and develop these into more fulsome ideas.


    The duo also discuss the links between Risen, and Geist: the Sin Eaters, reflecting that perhaps osme of the aspects of Risen are addressed in the new World of Darkness, especially those relating to societies of, and for, Risen.


    From the Bookshelf:


    The Risen 


    Pentex Indoctrination Handbook


    White Wolf Magazine 


    Mage Tarot Deck (currently only available for Awakening) 


    Mind’s Eye Theatre Prop Deck 


    World of darkness documentary on Vimeo 


    Join us soon for the big four-oh!


    Hosts: BK & Pete.

    1 hr 45 min
  • Episode 38 - Subsidiaries: A Guide to Pentex [Reader's Comapnion]
    Josh Heath of High Level Games joins the show to find out if the Red Talons are right, and humanity needs to be purged.  Refining their resumes, Josh and BK start hunting around the business world of Pentex and the subsidiaries from the book of the same name.
    From King Breweries, to Magadon, to Avalon Toys, the duo not only disassemble the business practices that make these companies so effective, but also pose potential story ideas for your chronicles.  Whilst the phrase 'the Litany says I get to kill everyone' is used at least once, most of the ideas are pitched at creating tension and deeper exploration of corruption in Werewolf: the Apocalypse.
    We also discuss Josh's contributions to The Storyteller's Vault (check them out and support a fellow listener), and revisit some of the price point discussions from a previous episode.  If you want to see a group playing one of his modules, look no further.
    Lastly, check out the High Levels Games Convention that will be happening later this year.
    You can support the show by picking up your copies of Drivethrurpg books using our affiliate links (below), providing some feedback or a rating via iTunes, and joining a broader community of oWoD fans over the forum.
    Subsidiaries: A Guide to Pentex
    See you soon, we have at least one Wraith episode, and a few on Storytelling, and Chronicle Design in the works!
    Hosts: BK & Josh
    1 hr 30 min
  • Episode 38 - Subsidiaries: A Guide to Pentex [Reader’s Comapnion]


    Josh Heath of High Level Games joins the show to find out if the Red Talons are right, and humanity needs to be purged.  Refining their resumes, Josh and BK start hunting around the business world of Pentex and the subsidiaries from the book of the same name.


    From King Breweries, to Magadon, to Avalon Toys, the duo not only disassemble the business practices that make these companies so effective, but also pose potential story ideas for your chronicles.  Whilst the phrase 'the Litany says I get to kill everyone' is used at least once, most of the ideas are pitched at creating tension and deeper exploration of corruption in Werewolf: the Apocalypse.


    We also discuss Josh's contributions to The Storyteller's Vault (check them out and support a fellow listener), and revisit some of the price point discussions from a previous episode.  If you want to see a group playing one of his modules, look no further.


    Lastly, check out the High Levels Games Convention that will be happening later this year.


    You can support the show by picking up your copies of Drivethrurpg books using our affiliate links (below), providing some feedback or a rating via iTunes, and joining a broader community of oWoD fans over the forum.


    Subsidiaries: A Guide to Pentex


    See you soon, we have at least one Wraith episode, and a few on Storytelling, and Chronicle Design in the works!


    Hosts: BK & Josh 


     

    1 hr 30 min
  • Episode 37 - Hem-ka-Sobk, or Against the Cult of the Crocodile God [Shard of Darkness]
    By Crom!
    No, it’s not a long-lost Conan story, but rather BK and Wendell-Burke’s foray into the Hem-ka-Sobk.  Donning their fedoras, the pair delve into the darkest secrets and archaeological past of those who would eat your liver (without fava beans and a nice chianti), exploring the themes of redemption, whilst circling back to the question ‘how dark is your World of Darkness?’
    First covered in The Book of Crafts, these sinners-turned-cultists seem like a disconnected and odd addition to your oWoD games – until your hosts start connecting the dots across sourcebooks such as Rage Across Egypt, Chaining the Beast, Mummy Second Edition, and Bastet, and adding a dash of real-world history.  The episode rounds out with some plot ideas including the Hem-ka-Sobk, an maybe even alternate methods for PC members of the crocodile cult.
    You can get your own copy of The Book of Crafts from our friends at Drivethrurpg, and support the show. 
    Hosts: BK and Wendell_Burke
    1 hr 24 min
  • Episode 36 - Caution: Story frequently sideways [Storyteller Advice]
    Returning for a second episode, Frozen Fallout gets comfy onboard the Midnight Express to share insights gleaned from the recent successful GenCon event 'Madison Under Siege'. As BK enjoys a cup of Earl Grey, Josh provides advice covering:
    Secrets as part of a character's 'beginning equipment' 
    Motivating players to stay 'in character' at the table (and in the LARP)
    Pacing your story and planning for low energy or player fatigue
    The qualities of a good Storyteller (for both LARP, and table-top), and
    What to do if your game should be labelled 'CAUTION: Story frequently sideways'
    The duo then turn their collective attention on the Storyteller's Vault, discussing considerations for new authors (especially relating to price points, and how we value free content), and then finish up with a brief overview of the latest titles for release at Drivethrurpg.
    Drop by the forum, the Facebook page, or send an email to [email protected] to contact the hosts.
    Josh has shared the Madison Under Seige Wrap-Up Video, Madison Under Seige Facebook Community, and the Public Game Files.  He can be contacted directly via [email protected]. 
    The titles mentioned in Episode 36 (and available from Drivethrurpg via the affiliate links below) were:
    Changeling:Changeling: 20th Anniversary Edition 
    Yours to keep (C20 Jump start) 
    Dark AgesLegacy of Lies (V20 Dark Ages Jump Start) 
    M20M20: the art of Mage
    M20 Cookbook 
    Now in Print! Wraith: the Oblivion First Edition (in hardcover), and Mage: the Ascension Second Edition.
     
    If you haven't already listened to 25 Years of Vampire: the Masquerade: A Retrospective then you need to follow the link and start (once you've finished our episode of course).
    See you very soon for an episode that pits our hosts Against the Cult of the Crocodile God! By Crom!
    Hosts: BK & Frozen Fallout
    1 hr 8 min
  • Episode 35 - In the blood [White Wolf Magazine]
    Whilst a new episode has been long overdue, illness has stalked some of the Midnight Express crew.  What better way to head back into a release schedule than an episode looking at vampire health?  
    Casting back to 1994, this episode draws on two White Wolf Magazine articles; from issues 39 and 44 (you'll find some links below if you'd like to purchase copies through Drivethrurpg).  The first covers a condition known as Schere's Disease and the possibilities for your chronicle, whilst the second complementary article explores the C-Factor, that mysterious serum at the heart of vampiric vitae.
    Make sure that you drop by our Facebook page, the forum, or send an email (via [email protected]) with your ideas, or to suggest other sources of inspiration for this episode.
    In the meantime, you can purchase Issue 39, and Issue 44 from Drivethrurpg (these are affiliate links that help out the podcast).  Stay tuned for new episodes in the very near future.
    Host: BK
    39 min

About Midnight Express

From the publisher's feed

Shining a light into the darkest corners of the Old World of Darkness