The Roleplaying Exchange Podcast

Note: Wow it really did take a while to get back to this campaign. This is the first episode of our continuation of the Two Headed Serpent. You can find all the previous episodes here. Upon returning to Caduceus headquarters from Bolivia (see season 1 of The Two Headed Serpent), the investigators are quickly whisked away to North Borneo to investigate a strange outbreak. As their flight nears its end, they encounter what might be their final descent. Geoff - Keeper Adam – Eustace Hardin – Former Pentecostal missionary still doing the good Lord’s work. Cam – Rudolph Paul Brady – Parapsychologist with the gift of clairvoyance. D – Roderick Heath – Hard-boiled detective with prior experience with the explainable. Laura – Irene "Hunter" Alexandria Hallott – Cultural anthropology professor at NYU on sabbatical ..with her guns.

(I’ve Got) Something Against You In the final confrontation between StopLoss and Full House, sometimes violence is the answer. Chris - The Market Jesse - Bird - Bird loves that his adopted dad got him into Yale, and he’s ready to reconnect with his bio dad. The DHQS, though… Brownie - Grey Beard - Father and son bonding is great, especially when it comes to app games! Nick - Legs - The Latent Cyborg. Poor guy wants to help everyone, but he’s become a Taker due to “spooking the livestock” Adam - Boots - He was boots on the ground for the crash, but not for his kid. Now they’re catching up on lost time

Wave of Mutilation. Upon getting a StopLoss server of suspected immunes in the Conda region, Full House has decided it’s time to figure out where Scrape is and raise a posse. Will Bird’s newly outed status as a spy prove to be useful, or will it be what finally drives a wedge between him and Greybeard? Chris - The Market Jesse - Bird - Bird loves that his adopted dad got him into Yale, and he’s ready to reconnect with his bio dad. The DHQS, though… Brownie - Grey Beard - Father and son bonding is great, especially when it comes to app games! Nick - Legs - The Latent Cyborg. Poor guy wants to help everyone, but he’s become a Taker due to “spooking the livestock” Adam - Boots - He was boots on the ground for the crash, but not for his kid. Now they’re catching up on lost time

In a change of pace, Full House decides to investigate a murder in the Conda instead of heading out of the enclave. Family and governmental ties are tested. Chris - The Market Jesse - Bird - Bird loves that his adopted dad got him into Yale, and he’s ready to reconnect with his bio dad. The DHQS, though… Brownie - Grey Beard - Father and son bonding is great, especially when it comes to app games! Nick - Legs - The Latent Cyborg. Poor guy wants to help everyone, but he’s become a Taker due to “spooking the livestock” Adam - Boots - He was boots on the ground for the crash, but not for his kid. Now they’re catching up on lost time

When the supply lines from a neighboring Mennonite farm are interrupted, it is up to Full House to reestablish communication and ensure that trade resumes between the two enclaves. While investigating the farm, Full House will learn of a much bigger threat that threatens The Conda. Chris - The Market Jesse - Bird - Bird loves that his adopted dad got him into Yale, and he’s ready to reconnect with his bio dad. The DHQS, though… Brownie - Grey Beard - Father and son bonding is great, especially when it comes to app games! Nick - Legs - The Latent Cyborg. Poor guy wants to help everyone, but he’s become a Taker due to “spooking the livestock” Adam - Boots - He was boots on the ground for the crash, but not for his kid. Now they’re catching up on lost time

The stakes keep getting higher for agents Faust and Noory. As more boneless yet still living bodies keep getting discovered, Noory’s medical expertise will be put to the test as he attempts to excise bizarre plant growths from his partner. Can Faust be saved? Will the agents have enough time to stop this supernatural threat before more innocents are exposed? Tune in for this and more in the exciting conclusion to “Driftbone” Crazon – GM Adam – Officer Ben Faust Chris – Paramedic Art Noory Music Break : Casa Bossa Nova by Kevin MacLeod

An unlikely… family… of Takers comes together to find out where an unaffiliated Taker has gone. There’s more to the story, though, and not just with the client. Chris - The Market Jesse Bird - Bird - loves that his adopted dad got him into Yale, and he’s ready to reconnect with his bio dad. The DHQS, though… Brownie - Grey Beard - father and son bonding is great, especially when it comes to app games! Nick - Legs - The Latent Cyborg. Poor guy wants to help everyone, but he’s become a Taker due to “spooking the livestock” Adam - Boots - He was boots on the ground for the crash, but not for his kid. Now they’re catching up on lost time

A series of bone-less, yet living human bodies are discovered across various parks in Portland, Maine. Crazon – GM Adam – Officer Ben Faust Chris – Paramedic Art Norie Technical Difficulties (not the podcast) Music Break : Casa Bossa Nova by Kevin MacLeod

After defeating the evil forces of King Kroc, the inhabitants of Cusinica finally know peace. In an effort keep its citizens from becoming too complacent, the Council of the Nations started a contest in search of a new age of champions. Having seen enough bloodshed, it was determined that this generations champions would be culinary masters. Welcome to Orichalcum Chef. Greg - GM Chris – Hefeweizen – The Chef de Cuisine Noah - Saison – The Butcher Patrick – Stout – The Sous Chef Vince - Prairie – The Presenter Note: Orichalcum Chef is a game by Technical Difficulties Greg. As of the date of this posting, Orichalcum Chef is currently in the alpha phase of development. For more Orichalcum Chef, be sure to check out our friends over at the Technical Difficulties Gaming Podcast.

In the distant future, three mech pilots find themselves entangled in political intrigue. The Adamic Symphony, a border system to the hegemonic Union, is embroiled in civil war over the prospect of becoming a Union client-state. The Union's ambassador attaches three members of her security detail to a Symphonic squadron to build relationships - but is there more going on under the surface? Patrick – GM Ben – Apex Ian – Medusa Will – Jericho

Having recently acquired the rights to a now defunct medical research facility, Stop Loss hires the taker group The Eclectics to explore the building and determine what researchers were working on prior to the Crash. Nick – Market Adam – Parole – Ex Raider Brownie – Mongo – Mountain of a man Chris – Casual – Ex- Black Math Crazon –Ecclesiarch - Black Math Sean – Fixit – Mechanic with an exosuit

The Federation is not faring well. With the Commodore dead, what remains Seventh Fleet is being called back to help participate in a counterstrike against the Dominion. Unfortunately, Seventh Fleet has cut off from Federation forces. It is up to the crew of the Tigris help the severely damaged Seventh Fleet make it back to their allies. Joe – GM Birk- Lenara Maro – Trill medical officer Sean –Thashiv ch’Tharat – Andorian chief of security Aaron Carsten –Lieutenant Platt – Denobulan engineer.

Behind enemy lines and separated from the Seventh Fleet, the Tigris finds itself adrift in the remnants of an ancient alien war. Hiding amongst the wreckage and inactive starships, the crew of the Tigris have got to figure out a way to distract the enemy forces long enough to escape. Joe – GM Birk- Lenara Maro – Trill medical officer Sean –Thashiv ch’Tharat – Andorian chief of security Aaron Carsten –Lieutenant Platt – Denobulan engineer.

When a chief security officer looking into a possible changeling infiltration is severely injured in what appears to be an assassination attempt, it is up to the crew of the Tigris to solve the mystery. Joe – GM Birk- Lenara Maro – Trill medical officer Sean –Thashiv ch’Tharat – Andorian chief of security Aaron Carsten –Lieutenant Platt – Denobulan engineer.

Star Trek Double Header While returning to Federation space the Tigris receives a distress message in an outdated Star Fleet code. Is it a trap? Tune in to find out. ******* Upon returning to Federation space, it becomes abundantly clear that a great battle has taken place and the allies have lost. While scanning the location for survivors, the Tigris receives ghostly transmissions from a battle that had already taken place. Joe – GM Birk- Lenara Maro – Trill medical officer Sean –Thashiv ch’Tharat – Andorian chief of security Aaron Carsten –Lieutenant Platt – Denobulan engineer.

As the Tigris continues on its mission behind enemy lines, a distress call from a Cardassian planet draws the crew into a rebellion and viral epidemic. Joe – GM Birk- Lenara Maro – Trill medical officer Sean –Thashiv ch’Tharat – Andorian chief of security Aaron Carsten –Lieutenant Platt – Denobulan engineer.

As the Federation wages war with the Dominion, the newly christened USS Tigris finds itself deep behind enemy lines. To undermine the Dominion’s ability to make war, the crew of the Tigris are tasked with destroying a Cardassian shipyard. However, upon arrival it becomes obvious that something foul is afoot. Joe – GM Birk- Lenara Maro – Trill medical officer Sean –Thashiv ch’Tharat – Andorian chief of security Aaron Carsten –Lieutenant Platt – Denobulan engineer.

The crew of the Mercury has received some good news and some bad news. The good news, war with the Klingon Empire has officially end. The bad news, the Dominion has invaded Federation space. The good news, the Klingon Empire is all onboard with helping the Federation fighter the Dominion. The bad news, the Mercury has been deemed a failed experiment and is in the process of being decommissioned. Birk- Lenara Maro – Trill medical officer Sean –Thashiv ch’Tharat – Andorian chief of security Aaron Carsten – Ensign Platt – Denobulan engineer.

After returning from the mirror universe, the Mercury is immediately docked at star base. As specialists examine to warp core to ensure that such an accident never occurs again, Ensign Platt is given leave to attend his aunt’s third marriage. Intrigued with the opportunity to experience Andorian culture, Dr. Maro tags along to partake of the festivities and perhaps solve a murder. Joe - GM Birk- Lenara Maro – Trill medical officer Aaron Carsten – Ensign Platt – Denobulan engineer.

Note: Reposting this episode due to the original being cut short due to technical difficulties. Consider this the Synder Cut. If you have listened to the previous version please feel free to skip ahead to the 3hr and 27 minute mark to continue where the recording cut out. With that said, this was a super fun game to play. I think the best description of the session was from Crazon, who said it like Sailor Moon meets Doom. Also in this follow-up scenario, we are using Delta Green rules to portray a shadowy organization covering up the existence of magical girls. Following the tragedy at the Sakura Festival, Project Twilight is activated to keep the public ignorant. As four agents attempt to cover-up the events that happened at the theater, they discover that although one battle may have ended, another one is just beginning. Ian – GM Aaron S – Jeral M – Analyst Adam – Fred W. – Federal Agent Chris – Michael S – City Worker Darth – Cmd. Kenji Y. – Soldier

While is important for a game master to have clear objectives when plotting out a campaign, it is also equally important to allow players the opportunity to fill in the gaps with content based on their decisions. In what could be called an ‘organic’ episode (we started talking till a topic developed) Adam, Crazon, David and Rob discuss how to establish player buy-in. Note: Contrary to what the background noise might suggest, we did not record this episode in a Chuck E. Cheese. Music: Ketsa - Love Heart

Forces from the Kingdom of Gehenna have infiltrated the city of San Franoyoko. As the annual Cherry Blossom festival draws near, it is up to the magical girl group The Champions of The Emotional Prism to uncover their nefarious plans and save the city. Ian - GM Aaron – Samantha/Twilight Legend Morrigan Adam - Sarah/ Lovely Princess Googly Crazon _Renae/ Luminous Power Maiden Kijo

When the Chieftain’s son does not return from his rite of passage quest in the Devil’s Marsh, brothers Baldun and Tag are tasked with uncovering the youth’s fate. Joe - GM Adam – Tagh – Hunter Ethan – Baldun – Warrior

Recently, game designer Jeff Barber, creator of Blue Plant and Upwind, stopped by to discuss his latest project currently Kickstarting, Blue Planet: Recontact. During this interview Jeff talks about changes to the Blue Planet world and system, as well as the current Kickstarter campaign. Blue Planet: Recontact's Kickstarter campaign is currently underway. The Blue Planet: Recontact free quickstart guide is available on DriveThru.

The crew of Red Sky Charters have recently been hired by Biogene executive Everett Whitegate III to lead him and his team on a weeklong survival/team building retreat in the outback of Poseidon. A thousand klicks away from civilization, everything appeared to be going fine, that is until the sabotage began. Adam – Drew Latamir – Ex-Geo Pilot turned Poseidon pilot. Brownie – Digger Jones – Mechanic, local guide Chris – Maggie Merriweather – Geo Warden, Sylva hybrid Joe – Phillip Sanchez – Local Guide, Insurgent Sympathizer Blue Planet: Recontact is currently being Kickstarted (4/6/21 -5/6/21) . We had a blast playing this game and you will too. Head on over and back it today!

Following the advice of the Ghoul That Was Guillaume, the investigators sacrificed one of their own for a chance to strike down Citizen Rigault. At the moment of the condemned investigator’s death at the guillotine, the madman will be vulnerable. As the crowds gather about to witness the executions, the remaining investigators stage one final desperate act to save Paris. Ian – Keeper Adam – Michel Beaumains – Soldier Ethan – Thierry Renault – Sergeant Joe – Etienne Babin – Soldier Vince – Joseph Hugel – Provisioner

Pitted against an even greater threat to Paris and all of France in the form of Doctor now Citizen Rigault, the investigators decide to take the initiative. If they hope to uncover some means to Rigault's undoing, they must first venture into the lair of the madman. Ian – Keeper Adam – Michel Beaumains – Soldier Ethan – Thierry Renault – Sergeant Joe – Christophe Pressi – Soldier Vince – Joseph Hugel – Provisioner

Paris, 1794. It has been five years since the raid on Comte Fenalik’s manor, and a lot has changed in France. The investigators find themselves once again working in the Paris catacombs where they will meet an even greater threat and an otherworldly ally. Ian – Keeper Adam – Michel Beaumains – Soldier Ethan – Thierry Renault – Sergeant Joe – Christophe Pressi – Soldier Vince – Joseph Hugel – Provisioner

In the summer of 2020, Dungeons and Dragons announced that along with removing past racially insensitive material from its books and adding more diverse writers and game designers, that they were also removing the well-used trope of “evil races” from their game. Since it has been nearly a calendar year since that announcement, we here at the Roleplaying Exchange decide to weigh in on this topic. If you have listened to us for any amount of time, you can probably guess where we are going to land on the matter. Joining in on this conversation is Adam, Chris, Laura May, Rob, and special guests/honorary RPXers David from RPPR and Crazon from Al Dente Rigamortis and One Less Die. Music:– Fire Style and Dream Sound Effect by David Fesliyan

Despite a mistake or two being made, the investigators have acquired enough information to condemn the Comte Fenalik. With orders direct from Captain Malon, the soldiers are to raid Comte Fenalik’s manor on the night of one of his infamous parties. Ian – Keeper Adam – Michel Beaumains – Soldier Ethan – Thierry Renault – Sergeant Joe – Christophe Pressi – Soldier Vince – Joseph Hugel – Provisioner

It is believed that the enigmatic Comte Fenalik presents a danger to the crown. With no other options available, Captain Malon tasks the soldiers with infiltrating the nobleman’s estate in neighboring Poissy and finding hard evidence to link Comte Fenalik to the grisly murders of the printers. Ian – Keeper Adam – Michel Beaumains – Soldier Ethan – Thierry Renault – Sergeant Joe – Christophe Pressi – Soldier Vince – Joseph Hugel – Provisioner

It looks like we finally made it to 2021. While we are certainly hoping for a brighter future, we can’t help but be a tad bit nostalgic about distant past of our childhoods. In this episode, Adam, Chris, Crazon, David, and Ian discuss how to bring nostalgia into your games. Talking Points: Nostalgia, Monsters and Other Childish Things, Little Fears, Kids on Bikes Music: Unconscious by selfpity

June 2nd, 1789. As the stirrings of revolution take hold in Paris, a group of soldiers overseeing transportation of human remains from Paris cemeteries to the catacombs are called away from their duty to investigate a murder. Ian - Keeper Adam – Michel Beaumains – Soldier Ethan – Thierry Renault – Sergeant Joe – Christophe Pressi – Soldier Vince – Joseph Hugel – Provisioner

Note: The following game is a spin-off game from our Ectozoic Park campaign. Late Spring 1999/ Cave Run Lake, Kentucky. Following leads from an old company Project and it’s researcher’s notes, a Team was sent to investigate the national park. However, a week into their survey, the Team went missing. Now Cloutmann Chemicals and their Department of Environmental Concerns and Surveys have assembled another team to uncover what transpired near this artificial lake. Adam - Brad Thompson - EPA Agent Ian - Estevan Demon - Anthropologist / Ufologist. Crazon - GM

Friend of the show Korie Khanyers invited me to join his group's for a game of Delta Green Blacksat. I'd played this scenario before, but Korie definitely brought something new to the table. I've been looking forward to posting this game for a while. To learn more about Korie be sure to check out his Twitter @KorieKhanyers and on Instagram @Shaokhanyers. Five astronauts and two specialist head up into space on a classified military operation to repair a secret spy satellite code-named BLACKSAT. What first appeared to be a chance of a lifetime quickly escalates into introduction to otherworldly horror. Korie - GM Adam - Captain. Daniel Hamlet Nick - Major Dirk McMillian Sarah - Doctor Deidra Turner Red - Lt. Commander Lucy Belton

In this climatic finale to our first arc, the Kids must contend with Peter and his shadowy "friends". How will Oskar and Olaf face off against these terrifying entities and will the others be able to keep themselves out of trouble enough to help them? Only one way to find out! Adam – Aiden – Computer Geek. Chris - Oscar –Weirdo. Aiden’s first cousin. Ethan - Kip - Tech savvy hick. Patrick – Olaf – Jock. Swedish exchange student Vince – Zelda – Rocker and dreamer

Note: As you may have noticed, the game I posted last month and the copy text didn't match. This series of games was a continuation of an early Loops game that I meant to post. Since it is too late to fix that, I'll make the original game a prequel. - Adam Our crack team of bumbling misfits has found a possible suspect for the strange happenings around town. Peter, a school dropout, has set himself up at a local store known as the Dream Shop. In order to get to the bottom of this mystery, the kids come up with a plan to sneak into shop and figure out if Peter's behind everything. Hilarity ensues Adam – Aiden – Computer Geek. Chris - Oscar –Weirdo. Aiden’s first cousin. Ethan - Kip - Tech savvy hick. Patrick – Olaf – Jock. Swedish exchange student Vince – Zelda – Rocker and dreamer David – Frankie – Troublemaker with a heart of gold

In preparation for an upcoming Band of Blades campaign, Joe and Patrick join Adam to discuss how to run a Forged in The Dark game. In our discussion we explore the mechanical differences between Blades in The Dark and Band of Blades. Music: Augmentations by Kai Engel

Note: Apparently mislabeled this actual play. Sorry about the confusion. In a 1987 that never was, strange things are happening in Boulder City, home to the US Loop. Odd dreams plaguing students and adults, strange power outages, and a unique new pen pal all crop up as a group of kids try to survive school long enough to make it to Summer Break. Will they have what it takes in order to solve the mystery without getting grounded? Probably not, but hey, that's part of the fun! Adam – Aiden – Computer wiz Chris - Oscar – Rebel, Aiden’s first cousin Patrick – Olaf – Swedish exchange student Vince – Zelda – Musician and dreamer David – Frankie – Troublemaker with a heart of gold

A chance encounter with a wealthy miner sets a group of adventurers off to make their own fortunes. However, while riches await them, they must first make it there. Birk – Hoarse Osborne – The Homesteader Vince – Bones – The Lone Rider Crazon – Damian Devens – The Junker Chris – Billy Dodge – The Gambler We ran this game using the Powered by the Apocalypse hack, Apocalypse West.

After four years of running an actual play podcast, we finally got around to playing Dungeons and Dragons. Since October has unofficially turned into D&D month for RPX, cast members Aaron, Ethan, and Nick regale us with their experiences both playing and running Dungeons & Dragons. Music: Distant Stars - 01 Total Eclipse by Nathaniel Wyvern

The great Fenrith bakeoff occurs every year during the town’s summer festival and showcases the talents of some of the area’s best bakers. As a party of adventurers enter the town on the eve of the competition, they soon learn that all is not right in small town of Fenrith. Nick – DM Adam – Ayas Yindove II, Elven Cleric of the Trickery Domain Chris – Welgrace High-Hill, Halfing Rogue Ethan – Wilhelm, Warforged Cleric of the Forge Ian – Damakos “Leaf, Tiefling Druid

After a botched burglary attempt, Mordid Hightrap escaped from authorities stowing away ship anchored in the harbor – which then immediately set sail. With a member of the local authority onboard, Mordid attempts to pass himself off as a simple sailor – and then the storm hits… Adam - Mordid Hightrap - Thief Ethan - Dungeon Master

The game is over, and all the ghost dinosaurs have been put to rest (for the time being), but that doesn’t mean the party has to stop there. Join Adam, Terra and Review Cultist as we reflect on our experiences playing in One Less Die’s Little Fears mini-campaign, Ectozoic Park. Want some cool swag? Head over to Crazon Studios Red Bubble page and pick up a Thibodeaux Heritage Fossil Camp Badge t-shirt, sticker, or shower curtain. Music - Children Of The Son by P C III

Note: The audio quality is a bit rough on this recording. Also, if you enjoyed the scenario you can find it here. Statements from the Usher Foundation, an offshoot of their British analogue, the Magnus Archives. Statements recorded: Case # 113237 - Statement of Madeline Tyne, concerning a surgical procedure and an impossible labyrinth. Statement given June 27th, 1997. Statement recorded by Christopher Vandermeer, archival assistant Many thanks to Dr. Jim Naples from Beth Israel deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical Center, for his input and access to some of his articles. Case # 930822 Statement of Michael Staine, concerning a road trip and a long road. Statement given January 9. Statement taken by Patrick Ligotti, Archivist

Trigger warning: Spire deals with themes of racial inequality and fighting against social injustice. Brother Knife’s identity has revealed to authorities. Already, he has been arrested and executed. Since no one else from the crew has been picked up, it is safe to assume that Brother Knife didn’t break. Given the nature of their work, the crew has reason to believe that it was a fellow drow that revealed their companion’s identity. Loose ends have got to get tied up one way or another. GM - Patrick Adam – Opel – Bound Chris – Pander – Firebrand Ethan – Naro – Midwife Vince – Scythe – Masked 1 Like

Spring 1999/Drumheller, Alberta. A revelation brings the mystery man into the spotlight and more. A creepy estate merits an investigation when you’re a kid, for it’s likely haunted… undoubtedly so given the circumstances. But what ghostly creatures from prehistoria lurk in the shadows of this manor. How deep did the awakening dig in the strata of deep time. Chris - GM Terra - Jolencia Miller (10) Adam - Timmy Jones (8)

Winter 1999/Drumheller, Alberta. The New Year has brought with it a new torrent of frigid cold weather. January in the plains provinces are never fun, but in Drumheller the kids make do. The Red Deer River Valley has an abundance of slopes for sledding and fun in the snow to stem against the mid-winter blues. If only those pesky things from beyond the prehistoric grave would stop popping up, causing a fuss. Chris – GM Travis – Jolencia Miller (9) Adam – Timmy Jones (8)

The Three Ankylos (Little Fears) Part 2 Fall 1998/Drumheller, Alberta. The kids struggle to find and stop the golem-like ankylosaurs causing trouble around their neighborhoods.With friends new and old, can they keep their loved ones safe? What will they do if things escalate? Find out! Chris - GM Travis - Jolencia Miller (9) Adam - Timmy Jones (8)

(This is cross-podcast series between One Less Die and The Roleplaying Exchange! Please enjoy this Rad Saturday Morning Spooktacular!) Fall 1998/Drumheller, Alberta. It’s the September Country Fair out by River Grove Park. All manner of activity is a bustle, in the view of Drumheller’s “World’s Largest Dinosaur” statue, just across the Red Deer (River). But, the big T-Rex isn’t the only earthy sentinel lingering about. The strange outages carrying on from the Summer and forces beyond have enraged something ancient, incited by great pain. These now threaten the world of the living, ever closer to home. Chris - GM Travis - Jolencia Miller (9) Adam - Timmy Jones (8)