Playing Games with Strangers

There’s a whole lot of sheet involved here, and very little is understood. But that’s the feywild for you. Between a cat, a crabbit, and a big beetle, we might be able to get to the bottom of it… but probably not. Featuring the vocal talents of: Amanda Clements, Ben Avery, Celeste Mora, Dave Clements, John Harju, John-Michel Bilezikian, Josiah Crandall, and Katherine Bilezikian Theme song by: AC the Bard, Amanda Clements, and Haryu-Shi Editors note: this episode unfortunately lacks the bells and whistles of sfx & mixing, but the cleaned up and edited audio is here for you. Please be sure to listen to the beginning of this episode for an important announcement. You can find more information on our Patreon.

009 – In The Air Tonight Can you feel it? The feywild remains as mysterious as ever, but there’s nothing that a snack and a cup of tea can’t fix! Unless the problem is a friend missing their skin and other members of your party wandering off alone. In that case, the party isn’t sure of the cure. Featuring the vocal talents of: Amanda Clements, Ben Avery, Celeste Mora, Dave Clements, John Harju, John-Michel Bilezikian, Josiah Crandall, and Katherine Bilezikian Theme song by: AC the Bard, Amanda Clements, and Haryu-Shi Edit by: Katherine Bilezikian SFX & Music from Epidemic Sound.

008 – You’re Lion to Me The ground is purple, time is distance, and things might be getting back into order. At least for an inch (minute?). Until we learn about even bigger problems that are coming after the party and show no signs of stopping. Featuring the vocal talents of: Amanda Clements, Ben Avery, Celeste Mora, Dave Clements, John Harju, John-Michel Bilezikian, Josiah Crandall, and Katherine Bilezikian Theme song by: AC the Bard, Amanda Clements, and Haryu-Shi Edit by: Katherine Bilezikian SFX & Music from Epidemic Sound.

007 – Into the Feywild And we’re off on an adventure! After successfully making it into the Feywild, the party encounters some unique situations as they continue on their quest to find poor Skellene’s skin. Maybe the local town will hold the answers they seek. Featuring the vocal talents of: Amanda Clements, Ben Avery, Celeste Mora, Dave Clements, John Harju, John-Michel Bilezikian, Josiah Crandall, and Katherine Bilezikian Theme song by: AC the Bard, Amanda Clements, and Haryu-Shi Edit by: Katherine Bilezikian SFX & Music from Epidemic Sound.

006 – Are You My Mother? Nothing like a trip to the necromancer to really lighten the mood and lift the spirits… literally! Things don’t exactly go as planned when returning to Nick, but the party takes it all in stride. Featuring the vocal talents of: Amanda Clements, Ben Avery, Celeste Mora, Dave Clements, John Harju, John-Michel Bilezikian, Josiah Crandall, and Katherine Bilezikian Theme song by: AC the Bard, Amanda Clements, and Haryu-Shi Edit by: Katherine Bilezikian SFX & Music from Epidemic Sound.

005 – There, But Not There The party chases after Zellene, who wakes from a deep sleep convinced that she has to return home. Reality, time, and everyone’s understanding of the arcane might be challenged by the time it’s all over. Featuring the vocal talents of: Amanda Clements, Ben Avery, Celeste Mora, Dave Clements, John Harju, John-Michel Bilezikian, Josiah Crandall, and Katherine Bilezikian Theme song by: AC the Bard, Amanda Clements, and Haryu-Shi Edit by: Katherine Bilezikian SFX & Music from Epidemic Sound.

004 – Foot Inn Mouth The party can’t help but pick up new strays where ever they go, and lose money at the same time it seems. With time to kill before returning to Dr. Nick, there’s no telling how much trouble they can get into. Featuring the vocal talents of: Amanda Clements, Ben Avery, Celeste Mora, Dave Clements, John Harju, John-Michel Bilezikian, Josiah Crandall, and Katherine Bilezikian Theme song by: AC the Bard, Amanda Clements, and Haryu-Shi Edit by: Katherine Bilezikian SFX & Music from Epidemic Sound.

003 – A Bakers Dozen Seven friends and too many pieces of recovered rat head off to see Dr. Nick in hopes of finding a fix for Zellene’s new cosmetic problem. Results may vary. Featuring the vocal talents of: Amanda Clements, Ben Avery, Celeste Mora, Dave Clements, John Harju, John-Michel Bilezikian, Josiah Crandall, and Katherine Bilezikian Theme song by: AC the Bard, Amanda Clements, and Haryu-Shi Edit by: Katherine Bilezikian SFX & Music from Epidemic Sound.

002 – I Found It! Bringing new meaning to ‘Don’t lose your head!’, Zellene’s gone and lost her skin instead. While Fenwyck and Ebb take an interesting approach to solving the problem, the crew decides to seek outside help. Featuring the vocal talents of: Amanda Clements, Ben Avery, Celeste Mora, Dave Clements, John Harju, John-Michel Bilezikian, Josiah Crandall, and Katherine Bilezikian Theme song by: AC the Bard, Amanda Clements, and Haryu-Shi Edit by: Katherine Bilezikian SFX & Music from Epidemic Sound.

The time has finally arrived… the first release of Playing Games with Strangers second campaign, Nightmares & Dreamscapes! 001 – The Story Begins Unpleasant nightmares, chance encounters, and perhaps some proof that mice really are smarter than all of us. Meet some of the newest adventurers in Fandiria as they make their way to the festival in Para’Va. Unfortunately, enjoying the party may have to wait until more pressing matters get handled. Featuring the vocal talents of:Amanda Clements, Ben Avery, Celeste Mora, Dave Clements, John Harju, John-Michel Bilezikian, Josiah Crandall, and Katherine Bilezikian Theme song by: AC the Bard, Amanda Clements, and Haryu-Shi Edit by: Katherine Bilezikian SFX & Music from Epidemic Sound.

The fourth and final part of The Pine Springs Chronicles preview is here! We hope you enjoy the prelude episodes and head over to our Patreon page to continue listening and find some other exclusive content you might enjoy. Cast Credits Katherine Czerwinski as The Keeper John Harju as Harvey Dave Clements as Nico JM Bilezikian as Weston Amanda Clements as Chelsea Josiah Crandall as Victor Celeste Mora as Kenzie Edited by Katherine Czerwinski

It’s the third part of The Pine Springs Chronicles! This will be an ongoing Sidequest that Squid is running using the Monster of the Week RPG system. The first few episodes will be released here and on our Patreon, as this Sidequest will become a Patreon exclusive. We hope you enjoy the prelude episodes and head over to our Patreon page to continue listening and find some other exclusive content you might enjoy. Cast Credits Katherine Czerwinski as The Keeper John Harju as Harvey Dave Clements as Nico JM Bilezikian as Weston Amanda Clements as Chelsea Josiah Crandall as Victor Celeste Mora as Kenzie Edited by Katherine Czerwinski

It’s the second preview episode of The Pine Springs Chronicles! This will be an ongoing Sidequest that Squid is running using the Monster of the Week RPG system. The first few episodes will be released here and on our Patreon, as this Sidequest will become a Patreon exclusive. We hope you enjoy the prelude episodes and head over to our Patreon page to continue listening and find some other exclusive content you might enjoy. Cast Credits Katherine Czerwinski as The Keeper John Harju as Harvey Dave Clements as Nico JM Bilezikian as Weston Amanda Clements as Chelsea Josiah Crandall as Victor Celeste Mora as Kenzie Edited by Katherine Czerwinski

Join us for the premiere of The Pine Springs Chronicles! Our Monster of the Week Sidequest kicks off as old friends reunite in a small Colorado town. Don’t miss the prelude episodes here, and continue the adventure on our Patreon for exclusive content! Featuring the voices of… Katherine Czerwinski as The Keeper John Harju as Harvey Dave Clements as Nico JM Bilezikian as Weston Amanda Clements as Chelsea Josiah Crandall as Victor Celeste Mora as Kenzie Edited by Katherine Czerwinski Support the show Become a Patron today and get unedited session audio, exclusive one-shot episodes, behind-the-scenes updates,

Kerrek has arrived… which means the party must face their largest enemy as the campaign comes to a close. Episode Credits John Harju as The Game Master JS Earls as Orbog Katherine Czerwinski as Callum / Emrine Josiah Crandall as Pough Celeste Mora as Aelin Dave Clements as Wilder Amanda Clements as Meira Edited by Dave Clements Music by Epidemic Sound Playing Games with Strangers Theme by Steven Arthur

The end draws near as the party assembles an army against Kerrek. Callum casts Sanctuary and it seems all Hell has broken loose in the penultimate episode of Campaign One. Episode Engineer: Dave “Uuuuugh” Clements Music by Epidemic Sound Playing Games with Strangers Theme (Club Remix) by Steven Arthur & JS Earls

There’s a cat in this episode. The runtime’s longer, too, but we need to catch up! Episode Engineer: John “Cthulhu’s Brother” Harju Music by [Something in the public domain?] Playing Games with Strangers Theme (Club Remix) by Steven Arthur & JS Earls

Josiah takes the DM chair for this special episode and takes some of the crew on a weird ride with our special guest, Ben Avery, from Strangers & Aliens. Episode Engineer: Josiah Crandall

The team pushes forward, investigating a house within Waterdeep that takes them back to a familiar area. Pough has a bit of a breakdown and Callum resurrects a body to get answers. Episode Engineer: Dave Clements Music by Epidemic Sound Playing Games with Strangers Theme (Club Remix) by Steven Arthur & JS Earls

Parents have been saved, a daughter has been found, and Callum’s ready to cross Kerrek off the list… but there’s still more to learn before that can happen. Episode Engineer: Dave Clements Music & SFX by Epidemic Sound Playing Games with Strangers (Club Remix) by Steven Arthur & JS Earls

The search for more information regarding Kerrek and his whereabouts ensues. Episode Engineer: Dave Clements Music by Epidemic Sound

After the kurfuffle at Lenny’s and the revelation that Aelin’s parents are, in fact, alive, the party decides to search out another familiar face to suss out more information about Kerrek. Meanwhile, Emrine and Meira form a most reluctant partnership. We recorded this as part of the Geek Devotions livestream event, Operation 501, which assisted in raising money for them to become a non-profit organization. We’re so incredibly happy to be involved with them. If you don’t already, please check out the great work they’re doing at https://geekdevotions.com.

Zaos reveals everything is Wilder’s fault, Aelin sets the party back toward finding her parents, and The Keeper explains the reality of Orbog being the Aspect of Taxes. (Spoiler: He’s not!) Episode Engineer: John “Waiting on Dave Again” Harju & Dave “Pro-crastinator” Clements

The party comes face to face with Zaos in the cathedral and things don’t go quite as planned. Episode Engineer: John “I Wear A Cape” Harju & Dave “It’s Late Again?!” Clements

Preparations continue… for better or worse. Episode Engineer: Katherine “Squid” Czerwinsky

Having had enough of… just about everything, the party decides to time to take action. But first: shopping. (But it’s not really a shopping episode. Only a little.) Episode Engineer: Katherine “Squid” Czerwinski Music & Sound Effects: Epidemic Sound Become a Patron to hear unedited audio, exclusive episodes, access to live sessions and join our Discord!

Wilder awakens very confused from a nightmare, Meira is flummoxed by their lack of plans, Aelin binds her first soul as the Aspect of Death, and a friend sacrifices themselves. Episode Engineer: Dave Clements Music & Sound Effects: Source Audio | Zapsplat | Tabletop Audio Become a Patron to hear unedited audio, exclusive episodes, access to live sessions and join our Discord!

A disagreement over the soul stone breaks out and Aelin takes charge. Editor’s Note: The initial release has no additional music or sound effects, but will be updated in the very near future, as we’re just a bit behind in the production schedule. Episode Engineer: Dave Clements Music & Sound Effects: Source Audio | Zapsplat | Tabletop Audio Become a Patron to hear unedited audio, exclusive episodes, access to live sessions and join our Discord!

This one is just tough for Emrine, folks. The upside is that she’s back with Wilder and Pough, but – woof – she has quite the conversation with Aelin’s assistance. Content Warning Conversation regarding self-harm, suicide, physical abuse and sexual assault: 59:42 through 1:04:48 Episode Engineer: Dave Clements Music & Sound Effects: Source Audio | Zapsplat | Tabletop Audio Become a Patron to hear unedited audio, exclusive episodes, access to live sessions and join our Discord!

As Towerfall continues to be ravaged, Pough deftly makes his way back to Castle Sterkur in an attempt to reunite with the party. Meanwhile, Emrine has an unexpected reunion. Content Warning Graphic Violence: 37:02 – 37:27Implications of Domestic Abuse: 47:45 – 47:52 Episode Engineer: Dave Clements Music & Sound Effects: Source Audio | Zapsplat | Tabletop Audio Become a Patron to hear unedited audio, exclusive episodes, access to live sessions and join our Discord!

Emrine chases Rhoda’s essence, which is being carried by Meira. Wilder panics about his encounter with Zaos and Aelin’s current state. In short, chaos has come to Towerfall and the no one is safe. Special Guest (and Blade Supporter): Amanda Clements Episode Engineer: Katherine “Squid” Czerwinski Music & Sound Effects: Epidemic Sound | Zapsplat Become a Patron to hear unedited audio, exclusive episodes, access to live sessions and join our Discord!

The man in yellow, Zaos, arrives after being summoned by an incredibly desperate Wilder, therein increasing pandemonium among an already tumultuous Towerfall. Episode Engineer: Katherine “Squid” Czerwinski Music & Sound Effects: Epidemic Sound | Zapsplat Become a Patron to hear unedited audio, exclusive episodes, access to live sessions and join our Discord!

The pursuit of Lars continues as the apocalypse literally erupts in Towerfall and hard conversations (and decisions) begin. Episode Engineer: Dave Clements Music by PodcastMusic.com, Tabletop Audio, and Dark Fantasy Studio Become a Patron to hear unedited audio, exclusive episodes, access to live sessions and join our Discord!

Emrine encounters an unexpected aftermath and Callum is reminded of an agreement he made in the past. Episode Engineer: Dave Clements Music by PodcastMusic.com and Tabletop Audio Become a Patron to hear unedited audio, exclusive episodes, access to live sessions and join our Discord!

Bastite’s assassins continue their duties after infiltrating their first target.

In another part of Towerfall, three mercenaries – Meira, Coil, and S.E.A.N. – are hired to help Bastite tie up some loose ends. Episode Engineers: John Harju & Dave Clements Music by Tabletop Audio & PodcastMusic.com Thanks to Amanda and Oliver for lending their voices to this episode. Join our Patreon to be considered future special episodes!

With a confused Aelin now back with them, the gang heads to the Thieves’ Guild to check in with Kai. Episode Engineer(s): JS “Chilli Pot Pie” Earls & Dave “Late To All Parties” Clements Music by PodcastMusic.com Additional Music by Slip.stream – “Simplicity”, “Dismal”

Awaking in Ultha Orthead, the party makes a plan to kill Lars Towerfall for the Drow and reunites with Aelin in a most unexpected way. Episode Engineer(s): JS “Chilli Pot Pie” Earls & Dave “Late To All Parties” Clements

With Aelin missing, the remainder of the party – Callum, Orbog, Wilder, Pough, and Gheroth – head to Ultha Orthead to warn the Drow of Lars Towerfall’s impending attack. A farewell is made and a clearer vision of the finish line might just be in sight. Episode Engineer: Dave Clements Music & Sound Effects: Source Audio Become a Patron to hear unedited audio, exclusive episodes, access to live sessions and join our Discord!

The gang runs into some weirdness at Felix’s house, Callum finds a new magic item, and Emrine has a heart-to-heart with two of her own. Episode Engineer: Dave “Hey” Clements Music by PodcastMusic.com

We return from our short break and dive back into Arc 4! The Party, having just witnessed a archer’s assault on Pough, face a familiar foe who has taken a new shape. Episode Engineer: Dave “How Do We Play This Again” Clements Music by Podcast Music

We ended the main story of the campaign, but there’s no way we could walk away from the party without letting you know where they ended up after saving the world. Episode Credits John Harju as The Game Master Edited by John Harju

As we close out the 2022 season, Josiah takes the DM seat and leads Steve (Wow), John (Tawnka), and Dave (Pepper) into a winter wonderland… of death! Or something like that. We hope you’ve enjoyed all of the episodes we released this year. We’ll be back at the beginning of February 2023 to dive deeper into our Arc 4 narrative, revealing new secrets and gearing up for the end of the campaign! Episode Engineer: Josiah “Marley’s Ghost” Crandall Music by Epidemic Sound

C1-084: Mm-hm, Mm-hm, Mm-mm

Pough wakes to find himself reunited with his brother and the party attempts to locate Jadis in order to return Orbog back to his former self. Episode Engineer: Dave “Mildly Tired” Clements Music by PodcastMusic.com and Tabletop Audio Thanks to Julie Earls, Aaron Peckham, Amanda Clements, Branson Boykin, Matthew Cosby, and Debbie Roth – our Blade-level patrons! Become a patron for as little as $1 for uncut sessions, exclusive content, and more! Maybe even the chance to play in a Patreon-exclusive miniseries with some of the cast! Ways to support the podcast Get new click-clacks for your own sessions from Sage’s Portal! Rep some PGwS merch Energize yourself and be better with Dubby, a clean energy drink that is made to give you focus with no crash, jitters, or angst like other energy drinks.

Emrine rescues Pough, Orbog has to come to terms with his encounter with Jadis, and Callum gets all of Arc 3 summed up for him.

Gheroth continues proselytizing in the Underdark as a familiar Aasimar makes his way to Towerfall. Episode Engineer: Dave “The Procrastinator” Clements Playing Games with Strangers Theme – Club Mix by JS Earls and Steve Arthur Music by Podcast Music and Tabletop Audio Thanks to Julie Earls, Aaron Peckham, Amanda Clements, Branson Boykin, Matthew Cosby, and Debbie Roth – our Blade-level patrons! Become a patron for as little as $1 for uncut sessions, exclusive content, and more! Maybe even the chance to play in a Patreon-exclusive miniseries with some of the cast! Ways to support the podcast Get new click-clacks for your own sessions from Sage’s Portal! Rep some PGwS merch Energize yourself and be better with Dubby, a clean energy drink that is made to give you focus with no crash, jitters, or angst like other energy drinks.

A conversation with Jadis changes Orbog permanently, Emrine has unexpected interactions with Leona and Bastite, and Felix makes a wild discovery. Episode Engineer: Dave “Coffee Tastes Great” Clements Music by PodcastMusic.com and Tabletop Audio Thanks to Julie Earls, Aaron Peckham, Amanda Clements, Branson Boykin, Matthew Cosby, and Debbie Roth – our Blade-level patrons! Become a patron for as little as $1 for uncut sessions, exclusive content, and more! Maybe even the chance to play in a Patreon-exclusive miniseries with some of the cast! Ways to support the podcast Get new click-clacks for your own sessions from Sage’s Portal! Rep some PGwS merch Energize yourself and be better with Dubby, a clean energy drink that is made to give you focus with no crash, jitters, or angst like other energy drinks.

Three children head out into the woods to find a missing boy but end up stumbling upon something supernatural. We used the Kids On Bikes system for this bonus episode, as we have with a couple of others. We really like the simplicity of it and how it facilitates more immersive roleplay. You can learn more about Kids On Bikes on the Hunters Entertainment website. Episode Engineers: John Harju & Dave Clements Music by PodcastMusic.com and Tabletop Audio Thanks to Julie Earls, Aaron Peckham, Amanda Clements, Branson Boykin, Matthew Cosby, and Debbie Roth – our Blade-level patrons! Become a patron for as little as $1 for uncut sessions, exclusive content, and more! Maybe even the chance to play in a Patreon-exclusive miniseries with some of the cast! Ways to support the podcast Get new click-clacks for your own sessions from Sage’s Portal! Rep some PGwS merch Energize yourself and be better with Dubby, a clean energy drink that is made to give you focus with no crash, jitters, or angst like other energy drinks.

Returning to Castle Mannlegur from the drow city, Orbog decides to venture north, while Emrine gets caught up in more personal drama. Aelin gets visited by someone she met in Dis, and Felix wakes to a couple of cold ones in his arms and has to determine what to do with them. Episode Engineer: Dave “Isn’t He Fired Yet?” Clements Episode Music: Podcast Music Playing Games with Strangers (Club Mix) by JS Earls and Steven Arthur Thanks to Julie Earls, Aaron Peckham, Amanda Clements, Branson Boykin, Matthew Cosby, and Debbie Roth – our Blade-level patrons! Become a patron for as little as $1 for uncut sessions, exclusive content, and more! Maybe even the chance to play in a Patreon-exclusive miniseries with some of the cast! Ways to support the podcast Get new click-clacks for your own sessions from Sage’s Portal! Rep some PGwS merch Energize yourself and be better with Dubby, a clean energy drink that is made to give you focus with no crash, jitters, or angst like other energy drinks.