
In a special episode of Speculate 2.0, Mike and Greg chat about taking an existing world from fantasy or science fiction and combining it with a pre-existing system, as Mike recently did in a previous set of episodes combining Scum and Villainy and Star Wars, looking at how game mechanics can and should support good narrative, how to keep the world from overwhelming the system or vice versa, and how to make the resulting experience feel as if it’s truly part of the world rather than just window dressing. If you like what you hear, please tune in soon as we begin a new set of episodes in the actual play space, and please spread the word about the show…and support our Patreon to get even more content (including special episodes, access to behind the scenes videos, and more!). This episode was edited by the amazing Rudy Basso–find him at https://twitter.com/RudyBasso , and thanks as always for listening!

Episode 218 of Speculate!–Tabletop Talk–Combining Worlds and Systems

Speculate is an award-winning actual play TTRPG show starring science fiction &amp; 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 &amp; Feelings, D&amp;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

Arts

Literature

Performing Arts

Design

Food

Fashion & Beauty

Visual Arts

Games

Science Fiction

Fiction

Leisure

Content 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 members deal with Division bureaucracy, and keep building bonds with each other. 

“Dystopian Guitars B” and “Dystopian Guitar A” by Monument Studios, used with permission.

Subscribers at patreon.com/speculate get early access to Speculate videos, along with other exclusive extras from our series, bonus episodes, access to behind-the-scenes material like GM streams and session zero recordings, and more!

This episode was edited by the amazing Rudy Basso (find him at https://twitter.com/RudyBasso). As always, thanks for listening!

#376 - The Pitman Sculpture: An Apocalypse Keys Mini-Series, Pt. 13

Content 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, Ciarra Tân is pushed to an epic confrontation with The Harbinger. 

“Dystopian Guitars B” and “Dystopian Guitar A” by Monument Studios, used with permission.

Subscribers at patreon.com/speculate get early access to Speculate videos, along with other exclusive extras from our series, bonus episodes, access to behind-the-scenes material like GM streams and session zero recordings, and more!

This episode was edited by the amazing Rudy Basso (find him at https://twitter.com/RudyBasso). As always, thanks for listening!

#375 - The Pitman Sculpture: An Apocalypse Keys Mini-Series, Pt. 12

Content 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 waitress from a cocoon, but things don’t go as planned.

“Dystopian Guitars B” and “Dystopian Guitar A” by Monument Studios, used with permission.

Subscribers at patreon.com/speculate get early access to Speculate videos, along with other exclusive extras from our series, bonus episodes, access to behind-the-scenes material like GM streams and session zero recordings, and more!

This episode was edited by the amazing Rudy Basso (find him at https://twitter.com/RudyBasso). As always, thanks for listening!

#374 - The Pitman Sculpture: An Apocalypse Keys Mini-Series, Pt. 11

Content 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 grips with some shattering revelations.

“Dystopian Guitars B” and “Dystopian Guitar A” by Monument Studios, used with permission.

Subscribers at patreon.com/speculate get early access to Speculate videos, along with other exclusive extras from our series, bonus episodes, access to behind-the-scenes material like GM streams and session zero recordings, and more!

This episode was edited by the amazing Rudy Basso (find him at https://twitter.com/RudyBasso). As always, thanks for listening!

#373 - The Pitman Sculpture: An Apocalypse Keys Mini-Series, Pt. 10

Content 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 of one of the Beatograph cult leaders, but it turns out that actually, a diner waitress is more crucial. 

“Dystopian Guitars B” and “Dystopian Guitar A” by Monument Studios, used with permission.

Subscribers at patreon.com/speculate get early access to Speculate videos, along with other exclusive extras from our series, bonus episodes, access to behind-the-scenes material like GM streams and session zero recordings, and more!

This episode was edited by the amazing Rudy Basso (find him at https://twitter.com/RudyBasso). As always, thanks for listening!

Episode 218 of Speculate!–Tabletop Talk–Combining Worlds and Systems

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