Darker Days Radio

Every February, we wait with bated breath for the anthropomorphic divination of a hibernating mammal to tell us if winter will end soon. Why the fascination with this form of weather prognostication? Is there any science behind it? And why does it always feel like the damn Groundhog sees its shadow? Crystal and Chigg explore some of the history behind this yearly ritual, the science and magic surrounding it, and how to use this in your games. We swear you won't end in a time loop....

Chris is joined by Mat Hart (Steamforged Games Co-Founder and Creative Director) and Sherwin Matthews (Iron Kingdoms Narrative Lead and Games Writer) In this episode, they discuss; Warmachine, the upcoming casual and narrative games pack. This episode is sponsored by Baron of Dice Music by Muzaproduction from Pixabay

In this episode Mike, Chris, David, and Chigg join forces to hear about Crystal's ghost hunting experience at the historic Trans Allegheny Lunatic Asylum in West Virginia. They go over the history, the different experiences during the ghost hunt, and debunk some of the things that Crystal experienced. Discussions Within This Episode: History of Site - Official Site Here Ghost Hunting Debunking Ghost Hunting Equipment Comparison of Actual Hunts vs. Youtube Hunts Be sure to check us out on Facebook or through our Discord server https://discord.gg/GGuRKAn. To stay up to date, subscribe through iTunes or Spotify! Links For This Episode: Darker Days Linktree: https://linktr.ee/DarkerDaysRadio Darker Days Discord: https://discord.gg/GGuRKAn Full Metal RPG: https://fullmetalrpg.podbean.com/ Want more spooky stories and sinister plot hooks? Check out Secret Frequency Files 2:

Kenneth Hite moderates this panel with Crystal Mazur, Rick Meints, and Chris Spivey. We talk about how to introduce weirdness and horror into game settings. We talk about how to game design weird and examples of what that looks like for different RPGs.

Chris is joined by Mike In this episode, they discuss; Warmachine, 40k, Warlord Games more. Music by Muzaproduction from Pixabay

Kenneth Hite moderates this panel with Crystal Mazur, Rick Meints, and Elisa Teague. We talk about how to approach investigations and mysteries within an RPG and how to keep it focused in those areas so as not to wander into horror. We talk about our favorite ways to put some urgency on players to keep the plot moving forward, and how not to completely stall progress.

Crystal moderates this panel with guests Teos Abadia, Sarah Babe, Jefferson Dunlap, and Nancy Hutchins. We talk about what we do to help kids learn game systems, stay focused at the table, and how to introduce complex rules in simple ways. Each panelist brings a different approach, so everyone is sure to find something informative.

Chigg and Crystal recap their GenCon experience. We talk about the panels we hosted, games we played, events we attended, and our thoughts on all of it.

Crystal is joined by special guests Sarah Kennedy, Jason Peercy, Meg Jaffe, and Sean Jaffe as we talk through why horror music is so evocative. We get into some music theory behind it, examples of horror music and composers to follow, and try to make sure the audience understands what we are saying.

Crystal and Chigg are joined by special guests BW Holland and Noxwieller Burf (Westley) to talk about the historic horror genre. We discuss Victorian-era vampires, Cthulhu, and many other historical settings and inspirations. As always, our panels with BW and Nox are always intriguing and engaging.

Crystal and Chigg host a live panel at the illustrious GenCon! We talk about cyber horror and what that looks like with different subgenres. Our audience asked many outstanding questions about the genre, including what we thought it would look like and how we would approach it from a writing and GM standpoint.

Crystal moderates a world-building in Horror panel at Gamehole Con 2024. Special guests include Jess Geyer, Rick Heinz, Jason Keech, and Matthew Orr, all writers in the area of horror. We talk about safety tools, how horror affects our storytelling, and how to approach horror with different types of players.

Chigg, Mike, and Crystal are joined by guest panelists B.W. Holland, Rick Heinz, and Westley (Noxwieler) Berf to talk about the gothic horror genre and why we all love it. We also celebrate B.W. Holland's ENnie win the night before. We discuss different aspects of the genre, games we love that fit into it, and what we do to help enhance gameplay within the genre.

Mike, Crystal, and Chigg discuss Nostalgic Horror at our live panel at GenCon. We discuss how nostalgia is used within the horror genre and how effective it is at pulling audiences into the story. We also talk about different RPGs that use nostalgia as a vessel for storytelling and world-building.

Chris is joined by Hamilton In this episode, they discuss; Warmachine, 40k, Old World, Age of Sigmar, Trench Crusade, Gundam, Necromunda and more. Music by Muzaproduction from Pixabay

Chris, Crystal, and Mike are joined by Chris Caesar, one of the great minds behind Doomsong! Join the crew as we explore this sophisticated roleplaying game of magic, heresy, and doom. Chris also discusses the upcoming Doomsong: Thou Shalt Not Suffer The Wycce kickstarter, where players can travel the land of Painyme as witchfinders in a dying world. Check it out. Check us out on Facebook or through our Discord server . To stay up to date, subscribe through iTunes or Spotify! Links For This Episode: Darker Days Linktree: https://linktr.ee/DarkerDaysRadio Darker Days Discord: https://discord.gg/GGuRKAn Full Metal RPG: https://fullmetalrpg.podbean.com/ Doomsong Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/caesarink/doomsong2 Want more spooky stories and sinister plot hooks? Check out Secret Frequency Files 2:

Chris is joined by Tim Linward In this episode, they discuss; Warmachine, 40k, Old World, Gundam, Necromunda. Music by Muzaproduction from Pixabay

Chris is joined by Marc In this episode, they discuss; Horus Heresy, Old World, and Warmachine. Music by Muzaproduction from Pixabay

Chris is joined by rpg writer and Black Library writer, Chris Allen In this episode, they discuss; Writing game fiction, Warmachine, Warhammer AoS, and enjoying painted armies. Find Chris' work here DriveThruRPG DriveThruRPG Black Library Music by Muzaproduction from Pixabay

An episode that was not meant to be. Crystal, Chigg, and Mike discuss the North American cryptid and it's many spooky cousins. Can they figure out any good ways to use Bigfoot in games? Listen and find out! Systems Discussed This Episode: Call of Cthulhu Deviant the Renegades Werewolf the Apocalypse Werewolf the Forsaken Call of Cthulhu Be sure to check us out on Facebook or through our Discord server https://discord.gg/GGuRKAn. To stay up to date, subscribe through iTunes or Spotify! Links For This Episode: Darker Days Linktree: https://linktr.ee/DarkerDaysRadio Darker Days Discord: https://discord.gg/GGuRKAn Full Metal RPG: https://fullmetalrpg.podbean.com/ Want more spooky stories and sinister plot hooks? Check out Secret Frequency Files 2:

It's April 1st and time to review another heartbreaker! This year Chigg and Mike discuss an offering from the GURPS line, The Madness Dossier, written by some no name. Is this book a knock off World of Darkness conspiracy or an outstanding Call of Cthulhu adventure hidden in the book's history section? Listen to find out! Check us out on Facebook or through our Discord server . To stay up to date, subscribe through iTunes or Spotify! Links For This Episode: Darker Days Linktree: https://linktr.ee/DarkerDaysRadio Darker Days Discord: https://discord.gg/GGuRKAn Full Metal RPG: https://fullmetalrpg.podbean.com/ Want more spooky stories and sinister plot hooks? Check out Secret Frequency Files 2:

Chris is joined by Marc In this episode, they discuss; Chillcon, Lead and Steel, GW Adepticon reveals, Warmachine Adepticon reveals, and more. Music by Muzaproduction from Pixabay

Chris and Mike discuss the Gundam anime—all the different series, approaches to politics and technology, and why some series are great and others are a bit rubbish. Be sure to check us out on Facebook or through our Discord server https://discord.gg/GGuRKAn. To stay up to date, subscribe through iTunes or Spotify! Links For This Episode: Darker Days Linktree: https://linktr.ee/DarkerDaysRadio Darker Days Discord: https://discord.gg/GGuRKAn Full Metal RPG: https://fullmetalrpg.podbean.com/ Want more spooky stories and sinister plot hooks? Check out Secret Frequency Files 2:

Chris is joined by James, continuing this series focusing on SteamForged Games' (formerly Privateer Press') Iron Kingdoms RPG setting for Dungeons and Dragons 5e game. In this episode, they look at the Nightmare Empire of Cryx, and its history and necromantic technology, and how Cryx may feature in your games. Music is provided by Nicolas Jeudy and DARK FANTASY STUDIO.

Chris is joined by Brendan In this episode, they discuss; Warhammer 40k, The Old World, Warmachine, Blackout, Trench Crusade, and why L-shaped terrain kills the vibe of wargames. Music by Muzaproduction from Pixabay

Chris is joined by Mike In this episode, they discuss; The Old World, Warmachine, Rackham, and why Golden Demon painting styles and skills are more related to tech changes over the decades and what other companies were doing at the time. Music by Muzaproduction from Pixabay

Chris, David, chigg and Crystal reflect on how 2024 was. The highs, the lows, and what we want to get done next year. Be sure to check us out on Facebook or through our Discord server https://discord.gg/GGuRKAn. To stay up to date, subscribe through iTunes or Spotify! Links For This Episode: Darker Days Linktree: https://linktr.ee/DarkerDaysRadio Darker Days Discord: https://discord.gg/GGuRKAn Full Metal RPG: https://fullmetalrpg.podbean.com/ Want more spooky stories and sinister plot hooks? Check out Secret Frequency Files 2:

Chris is joined by Mike In this episode, they discuss; The Old World, Warmachine, Trench Crusade, Warcry, Necromunda and Gundam. Music by Muzaproduction from Pixabay

Chris is joined by James, continuing this series focusing on SteamForged Games' (formerly Privateer Press') Iron Kingdoms RPG setting for Dungeons and Dragons 5e game. In this episode, they look at the Kingdom of Llael and its unstable history, occupation, and legacy with the arcane and alchemical orders and how Llael may feature in your games. Music is provided by Nicolas Jeudy and DARK FANTASY STUDIO.

Chris, Dave, Chigg, and Mike play Old Gods of Appalachia Roleplaying Game, based off the popular podcast fiction series. Our Appalachian locals are invited to the sleepy town of Barrow, once a thriving mining town and now one of ill whispers. Will our characters survive the experience or end up sacrifices to the Old Gods? After a quick actual play the team gives their overall thoughts on the game. Check us out on Facebook or through our Discord server . To stay up to date, subscribe through iTunes or Spotify! Links For This Episode: Darker Days Linktree: https://linktr.ee/DarkerDaysRadio Darker Days Discord: https://discord.gg/GGuRKAn Full Metal RPG: https://fullmetalrpg.podbean.com/ Want more spooky stories and sinister plot hooks? Check out Secret Frequency Files 2:

Crystal, Chigg, and Mike talk about the games they played at Gencon 2024 including such RPGs as: Legend of the Five Rings Through the Breach 1879 G.I. Joe Advanced Dimensional Green Ninja-Educational Preparatory Super-Elementary Fortress 555 Check us out on Facebook or through our Discord server . To stay up to date, subscribe through iTunes or Spotify! Links For This Episode: Darker Days Linktree: https://linktr.ee/DarkerDaysRadio Darker Days Discord: https://discord.gg/GGuRKAn Full Metal RPG: https://fullmetalrpg.podbean.com/ Want more spooky stories and sinister plot hooks? Check out Secret Frequency Files 2:

Episode 268 - Crystal talks with Carol Darnell and Eloy Lasanta about advice for anyone looking into freelancing in the gaming industry, newer freelancers who might need some advice, or anyone else curious about the industry. Moderator - Crystal Mazur (she/her/mx) Panelist- Eloy Lasanta (He/him), Carol Darnell (She/Her) Guest Social Media Carol Darnell Email: [email protected] https://caroldarnell.wordpress.com Eloy Lasanta https://www.cmich.edu/academics/colleges/liberal-arts-social-sciences/centers-institutes/center-for-learning-through-games-and-simulations/certificate-in-applied-game-design Resources for Freelancers Evernote Grammar https://www.the-efa.org/resources-for-new-freelance-editors Grammar Girl podcast Be sure to check us out on Facebook or through our Discord server https://discord.gg/GGuRKAn. To stay up to date, subscribe through iTunes or Spotify! Links For This Episode: Darker Days Linktree: https://linktr.ee/DarkerDaysRadio Darker Days Discord: https://discord.gg/GGuRKAn

Our guests, Nox, Peercy, and Will Uhl talk with Crystal about how music can create a backdrop of tension and act as a storyteller. Building the perfect soundscape can help immerse players into your game quickly, creating tension and even providing a break after intense scenes. So, how do you put together a soundtrack? What are your favorite songs to add to your lists? Where do you find your music? Soundtrack of Horror Playlist on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLHeWgL7xJvAR0TTuZv8D3TzKp0aPchKer&si=bc_-P8Qwp7CRomh5 Moderator - Crystal Mazur (she/her/mx) Panelist- Will Uhl (They/Them), Wesley "Nox" Crowe (He/They), Jason M. Peercy (any) Guest Social Media Wesley “Nox” Crowe @eatenbypotchky on all socials Kids on Bikes 2nd Edition main stage panel at noon on Saturday at Gen Con The Business of TTRPGS panel at Gen Con - Friday at noon Movie Recs Rosemary’s Baby (1968) The Exorcist (1973) Tromeo and Juliet (1996) Technical Recs Alchemy RPG Foreteller Games SyrinScape Envato Elements Jason M. Peercy Portfolio Accidental Cyclops Curious Alien Productions Synthas Room 101 Will Uhl willuhl.itch.io The Walls Will Swallow You Mystic Lilies Use DJ software in your tabletop RPGs! Be sure to check us out on Facebook or through our Discord server https://discord.gg/GGuRKAn. To stay up to date, subscribe through iTunes or Spotify! Links For This Episode: Darker Days Linktree: https://linktr.ee/DarkerDaysRadio Darker Days Discord: https://discord.gg/GGuRKAn

Want to use horror in a way that is appropriate for younger gamers? Looking to find RPGs that use horror within their setting? Our guests, Sarah Kennedy, Wesley "Nox" Crowe, and Sarah Babe discuss ways to use horror with young players in a way that will not give them nightmares! Note: Sarah Babe dropped out about 30 minutes into the recording. We continued conversation and then paused to let her log back in to finish the episode. Bonus: LaTia Jacquise was mentioned in this episode. If you are unsure who she is, she is an amazing individual within the tabletop industry who is the community manager for Wizards of the Coast. You can go find her here:https://x.com/LaTiaJacquise Moderator - Crystal Mazur (she/her/mx) Panelist- Sarah Kennedy (She/They), Wesley "Nox" Crowe (He/They), Sarah Babe (She/They) Guest Social Media Wesley “Nox” Crowe @eatenbypotchky on all socials Kids on Bikes 2nd Edition main stage panel at noon on Saturday at Gen Con The Business of TTRPGS panel at Gen Con - Friday at noon Sarah Babe @SJBabeMKE for most things, well, the blue birdy app and the Instas I’ll be part of the Roast of Mordenkainen charity event at GenCon run by Rob Wieland https://www.encounterparty.com/watch https://www.youtube.com/@theatreofthemindplayers3458 Sarah Kennedy Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/triceratops.bsky.social X: https://x.com/SarahStone83 Star Trek Adventures 2nd Edition just released! https://modiphius.net/en-us/products/star-trek-adventures-the-roleplaying-game-second-edition-core-rulebook Be sure to check us out on Facebook or through our Discord server https://discord.gg/GGuRKAn. To stay up to date, subscribe through iTunes or Spotify! Links For This Episode: Darker Days Linktree: https://linktr.ee/DarkerDaysRadio Darker Days Discord: https://discord.gg/GGuRKAn

Moderator - Crystal Mazur (she/her/mx) Panelist- Bryan CP Steele (he/him) and James Lowder (he/him) Crystal, Bryan, and James discuss the use of humor within the horror genre, why it can be very effective as a storytelling tool, and some examples within media where it works very well Guest Social Media Bryan CP Steele YouTube: (1) Tales From a Professional Nerd - YouTube Gamefound: The Armory: The Ultimate Modern Weapons Guide by Evil Genius Games - Gamefound James Lowder Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/james.lowder Be sure to check us out on Facebook or through our Discord server https://discord.gg/GGuRKAn. To stay up to date, subscribe through iTunes or Spotify! Links For This Episode: Darker Days Linktree: https://linktr.ee/DarkerDaysRadio Darker Days Discord: https://discord.gg/GGuRKAn

Chris is joined by Sian In this episode, they discuss; Trench Crusade. Ages of Sigmar 4, Necromunda: Hive Secundus, and preamble about GenAI Music by Muzaproduction from Pixabay

Chris, Crystal, Dave, Chigg, and Mike continue covering the Old Gods of Appalachia Roleplaying Game, based off the popular podcast fiction series. They begin creating characters, including a herbalist working green magick, a mine engineer and prospector, a former bouncer (long story), and an old man walking the rails. What will they bring to the adventure and will their Cyphers be enough? Listen to find out! Check us out on Facebook or through our Discord server . To stay up to date, subscribe through iTunes or Spotify! Links For This Episode: Darker Days Linktree: https://linktr.ee/DarkerDaysRadio Darker Days Discord: https://discord.gg/GGuRKAn Full Metal RPG: https://fullmetalrpg.podbean.com/ Want more spooky stories and sinister plot hooks? Check out Secret Frequency Files 2:

Chris is joined by Mike, continuing this series focusing on SteamForged Games' (formerly Privateer Press') Iron Kingdoms RPG setting for Dungeons and Dragons 5e game. In this episode, they look at the sea raiders, the Orgoth, and how it may feature in your games. Music is provided by Nicolas Jeudy and DARK FANTASY STUDIO.

Chris is joined by Brendan. In this episode, they discuss; Warmachine, Necromunda, Age of Sigmar and making a game fun. Music by Muzaproduction from Pixabay

Chris and Dave explore the science and mythology surrounding the Aurora Borealis Chris's own photo of the Aurora Borealis seen over Sheffield. Systems Discussed This Episode: Chronicles of Darkness Warhammer 40,000 Dark Heresy and Imperium Maledictum Kult Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay Tales From the Loop Be sure to check us out on Facebook or through our Discord server https://discord.gg/GGuRKAn. To stay up to date, subscribe through iTunes or Spotify! Links For This Episode: Darker Days Linktree: https://linktr.ee/DarkerDaysRadio Darker Days Discord: https://discord.gg/GGuRKAn Full Metal RPG: https://fullmetalrpg.podbean.com/ Gnosticism on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ockwMVE7PgM&ab_channel=Let%27sTalkReligion Gnosticism on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEiwmhQdPPA&list=TLPQMjExMTIwMjOVtxQgocqBbA Gnosticism on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wXmOpQ8sq1M&ab_channel=ESOTERICA Gnosticism in Antiquity: https://gnosis.study/library/%D0%93%D0%BD%D0%BE%D0%B7%D0%B8%D1%81/%D0%98%D1%81%D1%81%D0%BB%D0%B5%D0%B4%D0%BE%D0%B2%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%B8%D1%8F/ENG/van%20den%20Broek%20R.%20-%20Gnostic%20religion%20in%20antiquity.pdf Want more spooky stories and sinister plot hooks? Check out Secret Frequency Files 2:

Chris, Crystal, Dave, and Mike begin a new deep dive series covering the Old Gods of Appalachia Roleplaying Game, based off the popular podcast fiction series. The gang covers the mortal setting and history of Appalachia, the lingering darkness the dwells beneath, and the Green magic that stands against it. The team also discusses in depth how to present the horror of Old Gods while also balancing it with the mortal and mundane. BE WARNED: This episode does contain spoilers about the podcast story. Check us out on Facebook or through our Discord server . To stay up to date, subscribe through iTunes or Spotify! Links For This Episode: Darker Days Linktree: https://linktr.ee/DarkerDaysRadio Darker Days Discord: https://discord.gg/GGuRKAn Full Metal RPG: https://fullmetalrpg.podbean.com/ Want more spooky stories and sinister plot hooks? Check out Secret Frequency Files 2:

Chris is joined by Sian. In this episode, they discuss; Warcry, Trench Crusade, Dune, More Dune, Even More Dune, and why Female Custodes in Warhammer 40k are fine, and people need to grow the fuck up and stop whining. Patreon.com/room207press insta: @sianfromatlantis Bluesky: parthenoid.bsky.social Sian's old blog: room207press.com "We Don't Go Back" is available here Music by Muzaproduction from Pixabay

Chigg meets up with Cubicle 7's Dave Chapman to discuss the new edition of The Laundry RPG. This roleplaying game mixes cosmic horror with bureaucratic humor all packaged with the shiny new C7d6 roleplaying system. The Laundry 2nd Edition is currently on Kickstarter until May 1st, so be sure to check it out now or later on Backerkit! Check us out on Facebook or through our Discord server . To stay up to date, subscribe through iTunes or Spotify! Links For This Episode: The Laundry 2nd Edition Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/cubicle-7-games/the-laundry-roleplaying-game-second-edition Darker Days Linktree: https://linktr.ee/DarkerDaysRadio Darker Days Discord: https://discord.gg/GGuRKAn Full Metal RPG: https://fullmetalrpg.podbean.com/ Want more spooky stories and sinister plot hooks? Check out Secret Frequency Files 2:

It's April Fool's again, so it's time for a Horror Heartbreaker! Only the joke's on Chigg and Mike this time - C.J. Carella's Witchcraft is a cool RPG with a lot going for it in terms of system and setting. The team reviews the 2nd editon corebook this episode, and sprinkles in some other research into sourcebooks and the production history. Get your pentagram's ready and enjoy the ride into 90s nostalgia. Be sure to check us out on Facebook or through our Discord server https://discord.gg/GGuRKAn. To stay up to date, subscribe through iTunes or Spotify! Links For This Episode: Darker Days Linktree: https://linktr.ee/DarkerDaysRadio Darker Days Discord: https://discord.gg/GGuRKAn Full Metal RPG: https://fullmetalrpg.podbean.com/ Want more spooky stories and sinister plot hooks? Check out Secret Frequency Files 2:

Chris leads Mike, Crystal, David, and Chigg through half of the scenario "Chemical Burn" for Cubicle 7's Warhammer 40,000 RPG, Imperium Maledictum. shoutyourabortion.com - a campaign to normalize abortion https://www.bustle.com/politics/abortion-funds-states-trigger-bans-donate - a list of abortion funds in states where it is no longer protected https://secure.actblue.com/donate/supportabortionfunds - where you can donate money to be split between 80+ abortion funds Links For This Episode: Darker Days Linktree: https://linktr.ee/DarkerDaysRadio Darker Days Discord: https://discord.gg/GGuRKAn Full Metal RPG: https://fullmetalrpg.podbean.com/ Want more spooky stories and sinister plot hooks? Check out Secret Frequency Files 2:

Chris leads Mike, Crystal, David, and Chigg through the setting of Cubicle 7's Warhammer 40,000 RPG, Imperium Maledictum. In this episode, we look at character creation. shoutyourabortion.com - a campaign to normalize abortion https://www.bustle.com/politics/abortion-funds-states-trigger-bans-donate - a list of abortion funds in states where it is no longer protected https://secure.actblue.com/donate/supportabortionfunds - where you can donate money to be split between 80+ abortion funds Links For This Episode: Darker Days Linktree: https://linktr.ee/DarkerDaysRadio Darker Days Discord: https://discord.gg/GGuRKAn Full Metal RPG: https://fullmetalrpg.podbean.com/ Want more spooky stories and sinister plot hooks? Check out Secret Frequency Files 2:

Chris leads Mike, Crystal, David and Chigg through the setting of Cubicle 7's Warhammer 40,000 RPG, Imperium Maledictum. In this episode we look at setting material and also create the party's patron. shoutyourabortion.com - a campaign to normalize abortion https://www.bustle.com/politics/abortion-funds-states-trigger-bans-donate - a list of abortion funds in states where it is no longer protected https://secure.actblue.com/donate/supportabortionfunds - where you can donate money to be split between 80+ abortion funds Links For This Episode: Darker Days Linktree: https://linktr.ee/DarkerDaysRadio Darker Days Discord: https://discord.gg/GGuRKAn Full Metal RPG: https://fullmetalrpg.podbean.com/ Want more spooky stories and sinister plot hooks? Check out Secret Frequency Files 2: