Shownotes for Episode 38

Theme           Enchiridion https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a8NkG3bhIxU

Welcome       148 Barovian Castle https://tabletopaudio.com/

LTO               Scott Buckley Legionnaire https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NwW0vFUCz

Some  FX      https://www.zapsplat.com

Shownotes for Episode 37

Theme          Enchiridion https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a8NkG3bhIxU

Welcome     148 Barovian Castle https://tabletopaudio.com/

LTO             Scott Buckley Legionnaire https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NwW0vFUCz

Dramatis a    RPG SOUNDS #1506 “Realization”

Dramatis b    Tunetank Epic Cinematic Battle Action Free Music No Copyright

                    https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=Ps2MoFJ_BW8&t=0s

Combat        Fearless Final Boss Battle Epic 274997

                    https://pixabay.com/music/main-title-fearless-final-boss-battle-epic-274997/

Some  FX     https://www.zapsplat.com

Wandering Encounter Table for Episode 36

I might have already posted this one... but since I said I would put it here on the show, here it is (again?):

Wandering Encounters in the Lands North of Doroth

On a d6

1 Sketchbook Event

2 Giant Animals/Insects

3 Fey

4-5 Exotic, dangerous creature

6 Some kind of minor boon such as found equipment, supplies or information.

Shownotes for Episode 36 (S3E36)

Theme          Enchiridion https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a8NkG3bhIxU

Welcome      148 Barovian Castle https://tabletopaudio.com/

LTO              Scott Buckley Legionnaire https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NwW0vFUCz

Some  FX     https://www.zapsplat.com

Yet More Amazing Art!

Here's another beautiful piece by Tobias Neal. This is Fairwind carrying the wounded Flicker, post battle.

More Wonderful Artwork

 These pieces, by Milo, are of Season 2 characters Yellowfly and Catsbane. I think they are both extremely evocative!

Why I Don't Do Video Podcasting

 Video forward pods are all the rage, but as you can see from the image below - which was taken at the start of the Giant Forest Troll battle - my show is better left in the audio-only world!

Shownotes for Episode 35

Theme           Enchiridion https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a8NkG3bhIxU

Welcome       148 Barovian Castle https://tabletopaudio.com/

LTO               Scott Buckley Legionnaire https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NwW0vFUCz

Pt 2c              SoundImage.org Misty Bog https://soundimage.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Misty-Bog_remixed.mp3

Some  FX      https://www.zapsplat.com

Shownotes for Episodes 33 & 34

EP33

Theme            Enchiridion https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a8NkG3bhIxU

Welcome       148 Barovian Castle https://tabletopaudio.com/

LTO                Scott Buckley Legionnaire https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NwW0vFUCz

Combat          Epic Intense Battle Music_Battle for the Future AHOAMI https://tunetank.com/track/755-battle-for-the-future/

Some FX        https://www.zapsplat.com

EP34

Theme           Enchiridion https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a8NkG3bhIxU

Welcome       148 Barovian Castle https://tabletopaudio.com/

LTO                Scott Buckley Legionnaire https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NwW0vFUCz

Dramatis        RPG SOUNDS #1506 “Realization”

Some              FX https://www.zapsplat.com

Summer of Art, Continued

 More gorgeous work by Simon Williams of Legend of the Bones. Tentir and Fairwind are looking like they were plucked right out of my imagination. Thanks, Simon!

The Summer of Art

 I feel so blessed to have what feels like a torrent of incredible artwork coming my way this summer.  Here's the latest - it's a portrait of D'Reni by the creator of Legend of the Bones, the wonderful Simon Williams.

FanExpo 2025

 I really enjoyed FanExpo this year - even more than last year. Great to meet so many people and have the chance to promote the show. My thanks to the Canadian Podcast Awards for giving me that opportunity :)

                                        

                                        

                         

Custom Creature: the Giant Forest Troll

 

Giant Forest Troll

Climate/Terrain:      Any forest

Frequency:             Very rare

Organization:         Solitary

Activity Cycle:        Night

Diet:                       Carnivore

Intelligence:           Low

Alignment:             Chaotic evil

No. Appearing:       1

Armor Class:         16

Hit Dice:                 8

No. of Attacks:       1

Morale:                   11

A Giant Forest Troll is a mix of regular troll and hill giant. They are truly gigantic, standing 13' tall. In appearance they more closely resemble their troll parentage but take their enormous size from the giant.  A Giant Forest Troll is both evil and stupid. It is extremely tough, with an armor class of 16, 8 hit dice and the ability to regenerate 2 lost hit points each round. They can reattach severed limbs, even after falling below 0 hit points. Fire or acid is needed to destroy them permanently. All Giant Forest Trolls have infravision and acute senses.

A Giant Forest Troll does not typically use a weapon.  Instead, it has a variety of attacks that follow a particular order. The Giant Forest Troll will always cycle through the following, making just one attack per round: 1) stomp – or - grab and then smash an enemy on the ground or nearby tree; 2) grab and bite the enemy; 3) grab and throw enemies of human size or smaller a distance of 20’. The first type of attack is rolled at random and from then on the cycle simply loops.

The stomp/smash attack does 2d6 +7 points of damage; the bite does 2d8 +4; the throw does a mere 1d6, but the thrown enemy will miss their next turn due to being stunned and from having to run back into melee.

Shownotes for Episode 32 (S3E32)

Theme           Enchiridion https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a8NkG3bhIxU

Welcome       148 Barovian Castle https://tabletopaudio.com/

LTO               Scott Buckley Legionnaire https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NwW0vFUCz

Pt 2b             10 In the Shadows https://tabletopaudio.com/

Some  FX      https://www.zapsplat.com

More Crazy Good Art by Tobias Neal

 Man, this artist is just awesome!!

One Shot in the Dark is Now Available in Portuguese!

Through the generosity of DailyHeroForge (João Luiz Guimarães), OSitD is now available translated into Portuguese. Thanks, DailyHeroForge, for helping me reach a new audience!!

Get it right here.

Shownotes for Episode 31 (S3E31)

Theme         Enchiridion https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a8NkG3bhIxU

Welcome     148 Barovian Castle https://tabletopaudio.com/

LTO             Scott Buckley Legionnaire https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NwW0vFUCz

Some FX     https://www.zapsplat.com

The Owl Symbol

The condo where I live has this fairly ugly carpet with all these abstract swirls in it.  One day when I looked at it, my pattern-detecting brain noticed something that looked like a stylized owl.  I thought it was kinda cool and took a picture, figuring it might fit into the show at some point.  Well, that was 2 years ago. 

Here's the design I made, inspired by ... my carpet.

Shownotes for Episode 30 (S3E30)

Theme          Enchiridion https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a8NkG3bhIxU

Welcome      148 Barovian Castle https://tabletopaudio.com/

LTO              Scott Buckley Legionnaire https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NwW0vFUCz

Pt 1               Intense Action Background Music – Argsound https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VMziMXYkVS0

Part 1            Odin https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1XddzQIaRIU

Some  FX     https://www.zapsplat.com

More Beautiful Work by Tobias Neal: Harl from Season 1!

 Tobias Neal does some incredible work - you need to check out his instagram and drop him a follow!

Updated Character Sheets up to S3E29 (Spoilers)

These character sheets are accurate up to the end of chapter 29.  I'll obscure the text so that you'll need to highlight it in order to read it easily, to prevent any accidental spoilers. 

PC Character Sheet Snapshots (updated to end of S3E29)

Achillea: (MU 3. S 11, I 15, W 11, D 14, C 11, Ch 9. AC 11. 9hp) pack, daggers, waterskin, blank scroll, tinderbox, infinity milk cap mushroom, spell book, sketchbook, potion of gaseous form, wand of enhancement. Shrink/Enlarge, Message, Glitterdust.

Cord: (Dr 4. AC 14. hp:18) Battle axe. Entangle, Locate Plant & Animals, Slow Poison & Create Water.  

D'Reni: (F3. S 10, I 10, W 11, D 15, C 9, Ch 13. AC 15. 12hp) Chain Mail, short sword, short bow, pack, flint & steel, 30' rope, sewing kit, waterskin, 4 needles, spool of thread, 2 fish hooks, spice, bottle of Zacean sour wine, 75gp, 95sp

Tentir: (F3. S 10, I 11, W 6, D 15, C 12, Ch 14. AC 15. 15hp) Chain Mail, Lyrhain's Blade, short bow, pack, 1 flask of oil, 25gp, 45sp.   

Fairwind: (C3. S 11, I 13, W 11, D 8, C 18, Ch 15. AC 10. 18hp) Cudgel, Sling, pack, waterskin, flint & steel, holy symbol, reedlights, quills, book of prayers.

Shownotes for Episode 29 (S3E29)

Theme Enchiridion https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a8NkG3bhIxU

Welcome 148 Barovian Castle https://tabletopaudio.com/

LTO         Scott Buckley Legionnaire https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NwW0vFUCz

Part 1 Odin https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1XddzQIaRIU

Some  FX: https://www.zapsplat.com

Gorgeous new art by Amanda T (Wicked Loving Lies)

This movie-style poster for S3 gets better and better every time I look at it. The expressions are truly nuanced. I just adore this piece!

Thanks so much to Amanda T (Wicked Loving Lies)

Check out her art here.

Imaginary Turtles' Have Re-Imagined the Manticore

Check out this blog post from Imaginary Turtles, who have gone back to the drawing board with the classic monster:  Click Here

New Monster: The Cursed Wraith (Spoiler for S3E20)

Cursed Wraith*

Armor Class: 17

Hit Dice: 4

Move: stationary

Attacks: special

Damage: n/a

No. Appearing: 1

Save As: Fighter: 4

Morale: 12 (and see below)

Alignment: Chaotic Evil

A cursed wraith is an undead monster created by a deity out of a person who committed a blasphemy or sacrilege while alive. It has no physical body and looks like a pale green, translucent figure composed of thick mist. It is immune to sleep, charm, and hold spells. A cursed wraith can only be hit by silver or magical weapons.

A cursed wraith cannot move; it is bound it its grave. It also cannot attack its enemies directly. Instead, it can, once per day, animate a number of undead minions, providing their are corpses or skeletons nearby to do so. The cursed wraith may create up to its own hit dice of such minions (therefore, it could create four 1 hit die skeletons, two 2-hit die zombies, a single 4 hit die champion, or some other combination adding up to 4. Defeating its minions will banish the cursed wraith from the material plane for one day.

*The artwork for this monster was custom-made by the immensely talented Friendly Mike. THANK YOU, Friendly Mike. You are a marvel!

Shownotes for Episodes 27 & 28 (S3E27 & S3E28)

EP27

Theme Enchiridion https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a8NkG3bhIxU

Welcome 148 Barovian Castle https://tabletopaudio.com/

LTO Scott Buckley Legionnaire https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NwW0vFUCz

Some  FX: https://www.zapsplat.com

EP28

Theme Enchiridion https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a8NkG3bhIxU

Welcome 148 Barovian Castle https://tabletopaudio.com/

LTO Scott Buckley Legionnaire https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NwW0vFUCz

Some  FX: https://www.zapsplat.com

Shownotes for Episodes 25 & 26 (S3E25 & S3E26)

 

EP25

Theme Enchiridion https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a8NkG3bhIxU

Welcome 148 Barovian Castle https://tabletopaudio.com/

LTO Scott Buckley Legionnaire https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NwW0vFUCz

Part 1 Odin https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1XddzQIaRIU

Dramatis RPG SOUNDS #1506 “Realization”

Some  FX: https://www.zapsplat.com

EP26

Theme Enchiridion https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a8NkG3bhIxU

Welcome 148 Barovian Castle https://tabletopaudio.com/

LTO Scott Buckley Legionnaire https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NwW0vFUCz

Some  FX: https://www.zapsplat.com

One Shot in the Dark Module Maker Kit on Undercommon Taste

 The boys over at Undercommon Taste take on the challenge of making a OSitD expansion using the free Maker Kit (available here if you want to check it out).

They go with a post-apocalyptic/alien invasion theme and - although I admit that I am biased - their imagination is infectious & I loved it! Have a listen right here.

Fun at the Toronto Prop Expo

Yesterday I volunteered at the Toronto Prop Expo, run by Jon and Jennifer - two extremely dedicated, hard-working and generous promoters of Canadian talent.  I got to attend a puppet making session, met R2D2 and escaped the Stay Puff Marshmallow Man.

3 Minutes Sketch Challenge: Odok's Sketchbook

 Calling all artists of all skill levels: I'm looking to collect a bunch of sketches of natural landscapes to use as 'Odok's Sketchbook' in the current season of TOTM. Got 3 minutes? Like to draw? Why not submit your sketch and be part of the story? Sketches should be done in pencil, should feature mountains in the background, show no sign of civilization, and ideally have some subtly interesting feature that I can translate into script for the show.

New Wandering Encounter Table for Episode 25

First roll on this table, then on the subtable suggested in parentheses.

On a 1, the party will find some kind of larger game animal (elk, deer, etc).

On a 2, it will be a dangerous animal or insect (boar, wolf, wasp, toad) .

On a 3, it will be a humanoid (troll, bugbear, orc, ogre, gnoll, hobgob).

On a 4, an exotic dangerous creature (inc water/swamp monsters).

On a 5, an exotic neutral creature (centaur, dryad, blink dog, treent).

On a 6, the party will find some kind of settlement, or lair complex, possibly active, possibly in ruins (elf, human, hill dwarf, gnome, monstrous etc).

An Epic Gift

A very generous and thoughtful gift from Epic Jim who lives up to his name by being 100% EPIC! It was great hanging out with you and the fellowship last weekend at AardCON, Jim! Thanks for everything :)

Gorgeous Art by Friendly Mike

 It was a real pleasure to hang with Friendly Mike at Aardcon - and, friendly guy that he is - he presented me with this banger of an original.  Isn't it glorious?!  Thanks Mike - this means a lot!

Back from AardCON!

I attended AardCON III in Calgary last weekend and got the chance to meet a number of cyberfriends I had known through Instagram for a few years - and I am so happy I went. Highlights included: a game of Dark/Light run by Friendly Mike (super fun game, super fun GM), a speech I gave about solo roleplaying, a BBQ at Sean (the organizer)'s place, & a whole lot of hanging out with some truly lovely people.  The con is a real grassroots operation, but it drew nearly 300 people, so it looks like it could grow into something big in the coming years.  Hopefully not too big though :)

We also took a day after the con to visit Banff, Lake Louise & Mirror Lake - all so spectacularly gorgeous that I decided right there to use both lakes as settings in the podcast in the future.  I will spare you pics of the day trip (for now) but here's some shots from the con.

Sean, the organizer.

It's a mimic!

Epic Jim, Friendly Mike, & me.

Epic Jim and Old Crow DM

DM Chris

Swag!

Art by Amanda T

This portrait of  Faylin Orla (AKA Catsbane) from S2 was created by the wonderfully talented Amanda T.  I think she got it just right.

Thanks very much, Amanda!!

Beautiful Art by Del Teigeler

This one really knocked my socks off - even moreso when the artist offered to send it to me.  

Well, the piece arrived today - and tonight it goes in a frame :)

If you're interested in seeing how the picture was made, Del also put up a timelaps YouTube video showing the process from start to finish.  

You can watch the video here.

Thanks, Del!

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Shownotes for Episode 24 (S3E24)

Theme Enchiridion https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a8NkG3bhIxU

Welcome 148 Barovian Castle https://tabletopaudio.com/

LTO Scott Buckley Legionnaire https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NwW0vFUCz

Dramatis         RPG SOUNDS #1506 “Realization”

Some  FX: https://www.zapsplat.com

Welcome to the Deathtrap: Review of OSitD Expansion Module: Return to Duervar

 My good friend Brian over at DeathTrap Games and producer of Swords v Madness did a review of my latest expansion.  Brian also did some playtesting and is due credit for helping Return to Duervar to achieve its full potential for fun and style.  

Here's a link to the full review.

Here's an excerpt:

Everything I loved about the original OSitD is still true about OSitD: Return to Duervar: it is an excellent Rules-Light game, lightning Fast, it is very Flexible, and  Jon's writing and dungeon design is powerfully Evocative.

A Review for the Original One Shot in the Dark

I don't know how I came across this so late, but there we are.  It's a review for the core OSitD game, and I can't think of a better time to share than right now, since I have just put out the expansion:

Thanks to The Gaming Table!

Watch the video here.

ANNOUNCING: The New One Shot in the Dark Expansion and Module Maker Kit!

In celebration of my fifth year doing Manticore, I have just put out an expansion module for One Shot in the Dark - and I took the story from Season 1.  In this expansion, you play as a party of dwarves, sent from Thangar to investigate the hold of another clan - one that has fallen under a terrible curse.  You'll explore and fight your way to a final battle with  Barok Ironskin, one of TOTM's most popular antagonists.

Of course, you don't need to know about that story, or have listened to season 1 in order to enjoy the adventure.  It's available on DTRPG now for 99 cents.  Just follow this link.

While making this expansion, I realized that the design of the game was itself like a game - or a puzzle - and so I decided to also make the Expansion Module Maker Kit, which is free.  Get a copy here if you are interested in that.

Finally, you can pick up a new and improved game sheet designed and generously made available for free by Carl Green.

Here's the link for the game sheet.

I hope that these expansion materials can extend your fun if you have previously enjoyed the Core Rules of One Shot in the Dark.  I should mention that these are expansion materials and do not come bundled with the core rules.

Map of the Muroch Family Crypt (SPOILER)

If you have not listened to the most recent episode (S3E23) then you might not wish to look at this map (Spoiler).

Shownotes for Episode 23 (S3E23)

Theme    Enchiridion https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a8NkG3bhIxU

Welcome    148 Barovian Castle https://tabletopaudio.com/

LTO    Scott Buckley Legionnaire https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NwW0vFUCz

Dramatis            RPG SOUNDS #1506 “Realization”

Some  FX:    https://www.zapsplat.com

New T-Shirt Design Now Available

 A few people asked if there could be a 'less bloody T-shirt design' and so we made one.  Here's the link if you're interested.

"Achillea" by Tobias Neal

 Check out this extremely evocative image of Achillea by the talented Tobias Neal!

Soloroleplayersnetwork.com is live!

A project several months in the works is ready to go!  

Hats off to Brian & PJ for spearheading this initiative!

Soloroleplayersnetwork.com

Links for Solo Podsters' Round Table 1

Featured in this Roundtable:

Steve Morrison of:  
Errant Adventures.

Brian Rideout of:  

Swords Against Madness


Dungeon Mister Ty of:

Chronicles of Nephes


Nephalos Silvermoon of: 

Reflections in the Darksome Mirror

When it Rains...

 Number 13 on Goodpods under Indie Games.

Goodpods Top 100 Games Indie Podcasts Listen now to Designated Quizzers Podcast

I made ... Number One?!

Today I was contacted by the of MillionPodcasts.com, who told me I had made their top 100 list.  Of course, I had to take a look and ... holy smokes! I'm number one!?

Thanks very much, MillionPodcasts.com! I am super honoured.

Check it out here.

And there's a bunch of other lists to browse as well:

https://www.millionpodcasts.com/role-playing-games-podcasts/

https://www.millionpodcasts.com/tabletop-rpg-podcasts/

https://www.millionpodcasts.com/solo-rpg-podcasts/

https://www.millionpodcasts.com/audio-drama-podcasts/

https://www.millionpodcasts.com/dark-fantasy-podcasts/

https://www.millionpodcasts.com/fantasy-audio-drama-podcasts/

https://www.millionpodcasts.com/sword-and-sorcery-podcasts/

https://www.millionpodcasts.com/adventure-game-podcasts/

https://www.millionpodcasts.com/dungeon-master-podcasts/

https://www.millionpodcasts.com/high-fantasy-podcasts/

Inspiration for Ep22?

At this point, I can't remember if I went searching for images with symbols used as makers' marks after coming up with the idea to use them in the description of Lyrhain's sword, or if I came up with the idea for the sword after coming across this image.  

Either way, this photo informed the scene in the Armor Room.  

Most of all: swords are cool.

Shownotes for Episode 22 (S3E22)

Theme Enchiridion https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a8NkG3bhIxU

Welcome 148 Barovian Castle https://tabletopaudio.com/

LTO         Scott Buckley Legionnaire https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NwW0vFUCz

Dramatis RPG SOUNDS #1506 “Realization”

Some  FX: https://www.zapsplat.com

5 Years in the Biz

 Insane, crazy, and wild... can I really have been doing this for 5 freakin' years?  Well, I count myself extremely lucky to have listeners and collaborators who care.  I'm sure that, without all of you, I never would have gotten anywhere near this far.  Thanks very much and here's to five more.

(Artwork by the superfantabulous Hodagrpg)

Shownotes for Episode 21 (S3E21)

Theme Enchiridion https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a8NkG3bhIxU

Welcome 148 Barovian Castle https://tabletopaudio.com/

LTO Scott Buckley Legionnaire https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NwW0vFUCz

Combat Tunetank Epic Cinematic Battle Action Free Music No Copyright

  https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=Ps2MoFJ_BW8&t=0s

Some  FX: https://www.zapsplat.com

2nd Level Magic User Spell List for S3

These are the spells I selected for possible appearance this season:

2nd Level Spells (Zacea)

1 Continual Light

2 Detect Evil

3 ESP

4 Phantasmal Force

5 Web

6 Wizard Lock

7 Forget

8 Melf's Acid Arrow

9 Glitterdust

10 Alter Self

Shownotes for Episode 20 (S3E20)

Theme Enchiridion https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a8NkG3bhIxU

Welcome 148 Barovian Castle https://tabletopaudio.com/

LTO         Scott Buckley Legionnaire https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NwW0vFUCz

Part 2b Darren Curtis Music, The Devil's Cell: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jOSf4f523Bg

Dramatis RPG SOUNDS #1506 “Realization”

Some  FX: https://www.zapsplat.com

Shownotes for Episode 19

Theme Enchiridion https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a8NkG3bhIxU

Welcome 148 Barovian Castle https://tabletopaudio.com/

LTO      Scott Buckley Legionnaire https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NwW0vFUCz

Part 2c 125 Existential Dread https://tabletopaudio.com/

Some  FX: https://www.zapsplat.com

Shownotes for Episodes 18* & 18b

Theme Enchiridion https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a8NkG3bhIxU

Welcome 148 Barovian Castle https://tabletopaudio.com/

LTO Scott Buckley Legionnaire https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NwW0vFUCz

Some FX: https://www.zapsplat.com

* Episode 18 contains an interpolation of  Never Gonna Give You Up by Stock Aitken Waterman

Interview With Rand Roll

 Check out this recent interview right here!