Continuing Conversations w/ Peter Norton of Hollowponds Solo Sagas.  This week on the show, we sit down with Peter Norton, the creative force behind Hollowponds Solo Sagas, to talk about his bold leap into full-time storytelling. We dive into his upcoming projects, his vision for building a vibrant solo RPG community, and his creative ventures into Star Trek Adventures Captain’s Log. From passion to profession, from the depths of original worlds to the final frontier—this is an episode packed with inspiration, insight, and the art of going boldly… alone.

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00:00:20 - Meeting Michael, Jim, and Peter

Guest Aaron Pollyea comes on to talk about his latest project: Saucer Squadron. Then we dive into sectors and star systems in Star Trek Adventures Exploration Guide!

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This podcast features Jim Johnson, Michael Dismuke, and Aaron Pallier discussing Aaron's recent projects. The conversation centers around Saucer Squadron, a 1950s-themed tactical wargame about a Roswell-inspired alien conspiracy, available as a PDF and print-on-demand, with future STL miniatures planned. They also delve into the Star Trek Adventures Exploration Guide, releasing October 3rd, which boasts detailed astronomical accuracy, facilitating in-depth exploration gameplay and world-building. The guide's scientific rigor, layered approach to exploration (sector, system, planet), and compatibility with tools like Starforged are highlighted. The discussion expands on potential uses for the guide in various game formats, including large-scale fleet battles and integrating it with other RPG systems like Captain's Log. Finally, the podcast touches upon Aaron's extensive science fiction movie podcast (covering 270+ films) and the team's future projects, including a new game, "redacted," co-created with Al Spader.

00:21:44 - Intro: Aaron Pallier's Sci-Fi Project

Integrating the Technical Guide, the Exploration Guide, and Captain's Log to Create Memorable Missions. BC Holmes and Eric Campbell join Jim and Michael for an ultimate riff session where dice rolls become the foundation of dramatic stories. Watch and learn!

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Star Trek Adventures 2e Exploration Guide! More Talents, Secret Values, probability matrixes galore!!!! Join Jim and Michael as they sit with writers AJ Fox, Aaron Pollyea, and Al Spader to riff about their favorite parts of this handy new tool that promises to make your games even better!

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Let's Talk Politics and Factions. The outstanding Aaron Harvey and super-fan Will Parker join Jim and Michael to dive deep into the intrigue, ideology, and interstellar influence that shape the Star Trek universe. From power struggles within the Klingon Empire to the covert maneuverings of Section 31, this episode explores how GMs and players can use factions and political dynamics to build richer, more nuanced Star Trek Adventures campaigns. Whether you're crafting diplomatic showdowns, navigating moral gray zones, or plotting your own version of galactic détente, this episode is packed with ideas to energize your game.

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In Part 2 of their RPG storytelling series, Michael Dismuke and Josh Allen dive into raising the stakes, designing Act Two’s pivotal low point, resolving major conflicts, and using foreshadowing to set up future adventures. They also share bonus tips for refining your RPG narratives.

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Michael Dismuke and writer Josh Allen open the writers' room to explore how to design dramatic stories for RPGs. In Part 1, they cover defining your story’s end goal, structuring a three-act arc, crafting inciting incidents, and building meaningful conflicts that keep players engaged.

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Jim and Michael welcome back Al Spader to show you how to build character arcs into your episodic Star Trek Adventure games. Drive drama. Encourage character growth. Create stories that you and your crew will remember forever. WARNING: We make it look easy.

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Jim and Michael invite Al Spader to talk about integrating the new Technical Guide into your Star Trek Adventures and Captain's Log RPG games. Time to riff!