Eidolon Playtest is two different actual-play RPG campaigns, releasing every Monday on alternating weeks! The goal of this podcast is to playtest EIDOLON: Become Your Best Self, an RPG inspired by Persona and Jojo's Bizarre Adventure, created by Luke Varner and Molly Rhinebeck! EIDOLON POP is a story of a group of college students uncovering the secret, surreal past of their professor, while EIDOLON ROCK is a story of a gang of low-level Las Vegas criminals who stumble up on a drug that grants you superpowers. Check out our Patreon at patreon.com/eidolonplaytest for early episodes, GM notes, behind-the-scenes game design episodes, and early access to the gamebook!
The Eidolon Playtest podcast is an absolute delight for fans of tabletop role-playing games and the franchises that inspired it, such as JoJo's Bizarre Adventure and Persona. From the very beginning, the game captivates its listeners with an engaging storyline that only gets better over time. The players are a joy to listen to, bringing their unique personalities and creating a fun and dynamic group dynamic. It is evident that they care about each other and have a genuine connection, which translates into their interactions within the game.
One of the best aspects of this podcast is how it creates complex and interesting scenarios for the characters to navigate through. The game master does an excellent job of crafting challenges that push the characters to their limits, while also allowing them opportunities for growth and self-expression. The logic of myth and tall tales permeate throughout the game, resulting in outlandish actions that reveal universal and personal truths. This aspect truly captures the essence of franchises like JoJo's Bizarre Adventure and Persona, where weird rules and ever-growing lore create a playground of challenge and self-expression.
Another highlight of The Eidolon Playtest podcast is the use of music references by the game master through his characters. These references add a layer of nostalgia and humor to the game, making it even more enjoyable for fans of rock music. Whether intentional or not, these song title references bring a smile to your face as you connect them with their respective scenes or character moments.
As with any podcast, there may be some aspects that don't resonate with everyone. For some listeners, it might be challenging to keep up with all the intricacies of the game's mechanics or lore if they are not familiar with tabletop role-playing games or franchises like JoJo's Bizarre Adventure or Persona. However, this minor drawback should not deter anyone from giving this podcast a try since it delivers on so many other fronts.
In conclusion, The Eidolon Playtest podcast is a must-listen for fans of actual play podcasts, tabletop role-playing games, and franchises like JoJo's Bizarre Adventure and Persona. The podcast offers a fantastic blend of quality storytelling, hilarious moments, and bizarre fights that will keep you entertained from start to finish. It's like hanging out with a group of friends who share your love for these franchises and are never afraid to throw in jokes and memes to keep things light-hearted. If you're looking for an engaging and fun podcast experience, definitely give The Eidolon Playtest podcast a try.
Kierra and Oxley try to make their new relationship work, despite the pressures of the Christmas season. Andy consults Kierra for gender advice, and D.G. struggles to protect her daughter while staying ahead of the law.
Kierra and Natalie each suffer a terrible misfortune that diminishes their spirits. To cheer them up, Oxley and D.G. take them to Sarah's Hanukkah celebration, where everybody learns what it truly means to be in a relationship.
Mitt Broccoli hosts a Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day concert in the park, counter-programmed by Natalie Arugula's concert. Kierra and Oxley must decide where their true loyalties lie, while D.G. discovers the inadequacies of the Parks Department.
A physical version of EIDOLON is available now through Indie Press Revolution!D.G. organizes a Cyber Monday event for Thr33 Laws, the bar and hockey rink she manages. Kierra plays live music and Oxley cheers for the local hockey team, but their evening turns unexpectedly political after Andy meets his hero.
D.G. organizes a Cyber Monday event for Thr33 Laws, the bar and hockey rink she manages. Kierra plays live music and Oxley cheers for the local hockey team, but their evening turns unexpectedly political after Andy meets his hero.
A physical version of EIDOLON is available now through Indie Press Revolution!Kierra Tight hosts a Thanksgiving dinner, hoping to impress Sarah Grape, the woman who raised her. Sarah brings a surprise that will change everything for Kierra's best friend D.G., while their mooching neighbor Oxley might have finally bit off more than he can chew.
It's been a busy autumn for both Luke and Molly, but they've finally found some time to sit down and do some more Threadspinnin'! This month, they talk about some of the ideas they've been working on off-mic, and also get into more depth on the "Threading Ritual," which is what we're calling session 0 in this game because it's fun to make every aspect of Threadspinner as extra as possible!
A physical version of EIDOLON is available now through Indie Press Revolution!"Penny Lane is in my ear, and in my eyes..." CREDITS: Mike Painter as Rudy SmithIris Christianson as Ylva Blom Luke Varner as Abigail Rhodan Max Knightley as The GM MUSIC BY MAX KNIGHTLEY EDITED BY LUKE VARNERCONTENT WARNING: This episode contains body horror, dismemberment, cannibalism, and other various forms of violence.Buy our book!Support us on Patreon!Join the Discord!
Kierra Tight hosts a Thanksgiving dinner, hoping to impress Sarah Grape, the woman who raised her. Sarah brings a surprise that will change everything for Kierra's best friend D.G., while their mooching neighbor Oxley might have finally bit off more than he can chew.
Buy the EIDOLON 2E book here!Join our Discord!"Penny Lane is in my ear, and in my eyes..."CREDITS:Mike Painter as Rudy SmithIris Christianson as Ylva BlomLuke Varner as Abigail RhodanMax Knightley as The GMMUSIC BY MAX KNIGHTLEYEDITED BY LUKE VARNERCONTENT WARNING: This episode contains body horror, dismemberment, cannibalism, and other various forms of violence.
A physical version of EIDOLON is available now through Indie Press Revolution!"Some people say a man is made outta mud A poor man's made outta muscle and blood" CREDITS: Iris Christianson as Ylva Blom Mike Painter as Rudy Smith Luke Varner as Abigail Rhodan Max Knightley as The GM MUSIC BY MAX KNIGHTLEY EDITED BY CRYSTAL ZASLAVCHIK CONTENT WARNING: This episode contains suffocation and poisoning.Buy our book!Support us on Patreon!Join the Discord!
A physical version of EIDOLON is available now through Indie Press Revolution![Instrumental]CREDITS:Luke Varner as Abigail RhodanMike Painter as Rudy SmithIris Christianson as Ylva BlomMax Knightley as The GMMUSIC BY MAX KNIGHTLEYEDITED BY LUKE VARNERCONTENT WARNING: This episode contains knife and gun violence, including against an infant.Buy our book!Support us on Patreon!Join the Discord!
A physical version of EIDOLON is available now through Indie Press Revolution!"Some people say a man is made outta mud; a poor man's made outta muscle and blood"CREDITS:Iris Christianson as Ylva BlomMike Painter as Rudy SmithLuke Varner as Abigail RhodanMax Knightley as The GMMUSIC BY MAX KNIGHTLEYEDITED BY CRYSTAL ZASLAVCHIKCONTENT WARNING: This episode contains suffocation and poisoning.
[Instrumental]CREDITS:Luke Varner as Abigail RhodanIris Christianson as Ylva BlomMike Painter as Rudy SmithMax Knightley as The GMMUSIC BY MAX KNIGHTLEYEDITED BY LUKE VARNERCONTENT WARNING: This episode contains knife and gun violence, including against an infant.
A physical version of EIDOLON is available now through Indie Press Revolution!"But I shot a man in Reno just to watch him dieWhen I hear that whistle blowing, I hang my head and cry"CREDITS:Iris Christianson as Ylva BlomMike Painter as Rudy SmithLuke Varner as Abigail RhodanMax Knightley as The GMMUSIC BY MAX KNIGHTLEYEDITED BY CRYSTAL ZASLAVCHIKCONTENT WARNING: This episode contains gun and knife violence.Buy our book!Support us on Patreon!Join the Discord!
A physical version of EIDOLON is available now through Indie Press Revolution!"But I shot a man in Reno, just to watch him die... When I hear that whistle blowing, I hang my head and cry..."CREDITS:Iris Christianson as Ylva BlomMike Painter as Rudy SmithLuke Varner as Abigail RhodanMax Knightley as The GMMUSIC BY MAX KNIGHTLEYEDITED BY CRYSTAL ZASLAVCHIKCONTENT WARNING: This episode contains gun and knife violence.
A physical version of EIDOLON is available now through Indie Press Revolution!"Sometimes I get the feelin' she's watchin' over me, and other times I feel like I should go. When through it all, the rise and fall, the bodies in the streetsl, and when you're gone, we want you all to know we'll carry on!We'll carry on!"CREDITS:Lexi Waltner as Jacqueline "Jack" SparksIris Christianson as Hope PatrolMolly Rhinebeck as HereafterZoe Tunnell as The GMMUSIC BY MAX KNIGHTLEYEDITED BY LUKE VARNERBuy our book!Support us on Patreon!Join the Discord!
Zoe is super busy this month, so we've had to delay the MCR Playlist! Luckily, our friend Morgan from the excellent Cartoon Buffoons podcast was willing to come on and talk about music with us!Stay tuned to the end to hear a special announcement about the Next Great Miniseries From Eidolon Playtest!YouTube link to the playlist
"Sometimes I get the feelin' she's watchin' over me, and other times I feel like I should go. When through it all, the rise and fall, the bodies in the streetsl, and when you're gone, we want you all to know we'll carry on!We'll carry on!"CREDITS:Lexi Waltner as Jacqueline "Jack" SparksIris Christianson as Hope PatrolMolly Rhinebeck as HereafterZoe Tunnell as The GMMUSIC BY MAX KNIGHTLEYEDITED BY LUKE VARNER
A physical version EIDOLON is available now through Indie Press Revolution!"Would you be the savior of the broken, the beaten and the damned?"CREDITS:Lexi Waltner as Jacqueline "Jack" SparksMolly Rhinebeck as HereafterIris Christianson as Hope PatrolZoe Tunnell as The GMMUSIC BY MAX KNIGHTLEYEDITED BY LUKE VARNERBuy our book!Support us on Patreon!Join the Discord!
Maxie and Luke both got the true ending in Silksong and wanted an excuse to talk about it! It's got a bunch of thematic and aesthetic resonance with Threadspinner, so that sounds like a good enough reason for a grab bag episode to me!Also, Crystal is here, cuz why not?We spoil the entirety of Silksong in this podcast, so consider yourself warned!
We've done a lot to flesh out the broad concepts of Threadspinner and laid the foundations for the new mapmaking systems that are going to most heavily distinguish the game from Eidolon mechanically. What we haven't done is give a hard think to the basic verbs that player characters can use to act upon the world. That's what we've sat down to focus on this month!
A physical version EIDOLON is available now through Indie Press Revolution!"Would you be the savior of the broken, the beaten and the damned?"CREDITS:Lexi Waltner as Jacqueline "Jack" SparksMolly Rhinebeck as HereafterIris Christianson as Hope PatrolZoe Tunnell as The GMMUSIC BY MAX KNIGHTLEYEDITED BY LUKE VARNER
"You are never coming home, never coming home, never coming home, never coming home."CREDITS:Iris Christianson as Hope PatrolLexi Waltner as Jackqueline "Jack" SparksMolly Rhinebeck as HereafterZoe Tunnell as The GMMUSIC BY MAX KNIGHTLEYEDITED BY LUKE VARNERCONTENT WARNING: This episode contains several descriptions of people eating rotten food.
"You are never coming home, never coming home, never coming home, never coming home."CREDITS:Iris Christianson as Hope PatrolLexi Waltner as Jackqueline "Jack" SparksMolly Rhinebeck as HereafterZoe Tunnell as The GMMUSIC BY MAX KNIGHTLEYEDITED BY LUKE VARNERCONTENT WARNING: This episode contains several descriptions of people eating rotten food.
"Сердце, тебе не хочется покоя,Сердце, как хорошо на свете жить.Сердце, как хорошо, что ты такое!"CREDITS:Iris Christianson as Ylva BlomMike Painter as Rudy SmithLuke Varner as Abigail RhodanMax Knightley as The GMMUSIC BY MAX KNIGHTLEYEDITED BY CRYSTAL ZASLAVCHIKCONTENT WARNING: This episode contains gun violence and death by fire.Buy our book!Support us on Patreon!Join the Discord!
Eidolon ISLAND #4 contains background audio that several listeners have requested isolated versions of, so here they are! I recommend listening to Eidolon ISLAND #4 before listening to this, as it contains spoilers!
Сердце, тебе не хочется покоя,Сердце, как хорошо на свете жить.Сердце, как хорошо, что ты такое!CREDITS:Iris Christianson as Ylva BlomMike Painter as Rudy SmithLuke Varner as Abigail RhodanMax Knightley as The GMMUSIC BY MAX KNIGHTLEYEDITED BY CRYSTAL ZASLAVCHIKCONTENT WARNING: This episode contains gun violence and death by fire.
"The kind of dirty where the water never cleans off the clothes."CREDITS:Molly Rhinebeck as HereafterIris Christianson as Hope PatrolLexi Waltner as Jacqueline "Jack" SparksZoe Tunnell as The GMMUSIC BY MAX KNIGHTLEYEDITED BY LUKE VARNERCONTENT WARNING: This episode contains gun violence and body horror.Buy our book!Support us on Patreon!Join the Discord!
Ty isn't on any of the currently-releasing miniseries, so Crystal gave him free reign to pick this month's Playlist theme. His choice? WIZARD JAMS.What are Wizard Jams? Hell if I know dude!YouTube link to playlist
"The kind of dirty where the water never cleans off the clothes."CREDITS:Molly Rhinebeck as HereafterIris Christianson as Hope PatrolLexi Waltner as Jacqueline "Jack" SparksZoe Tunnell as The GMMUSIC BY MAX KNIGHTLEYEDITED BY LUKE VARNERCONTENT WARNING: This episode contains gun violence and body horror.
"All your hugs and kisses, and your money too."CREDITS:Iris Christianson as Ylva BlomLuke Varner as Abigail RhodanMike Painter as Rudy SmithMax Knightley as The GMMUSIC BY MAX KNIGHTLEYEDITED BY LUKE VARNERBuy our book!Support us on Patreon!Join the Discord!
Ace Wizards Arroai the Pragmatic and Nerev'ine Livolias, in their quest to restore the tower of Xalatan the Triumphant, must negotiate with the local mystical creatures to create a thriving dungeon ecosystem!CREDITS:Max Knightley as Arroai the PragmaticIris Christianson as Nerev'ine LivoliasZoe Tunnell as TermiteMike Painter as Sparklehoof Starlight, aka "Sparky" MUSIC BY MAX KNIGHTLEYEDITED BY MAX KNIGHTLEY AND CRYSTAL ZASLAVCHIK
"All your hugs and kisses, and your money too."CREDITS:Iris Christianson as Ylva BlomLuke Varner as Abigail RhodanMike Painter as Rudy SmithMax Knightley as The GMMUSIC BY MAX KNIGHTLEYEDITED BY LUKE VARNER
"He dreams of all the battles won, but fate had left its scars upon his face."CREDITS:Iris Christianson as Hope PatrolMolly Rhinebeck as HereafterLexi Waltner as Jacqueline "Jack" SparksZoe Tunnell as The GMMUSIC BY MAX KNIGHTLEYEDITED BY LUKE VARNERCONTENT WARNING: This episode contains gun violence, body horror, violence toward animals, and references to radiation poisoning.Buy our book!Support us on Patreon!Join the Discord!
"He dreams of all the battles won, but fate had left its scars upon his face."CREDITS:Iris Christianson as Hope PatrolMolly Rhinebeck as HereafterLexi Waltner as Jacqueline "Jack" SparksZoe Tunnell as The GMMUSIC BY MAX KNIGHTLEYEDITED BY LUKE VARNERCONTENT WARNING: This episode contains gun violence, body horror, violence toward animals, and references to radiation poisoning.
I'm heading home, all my homies at home plate Are waiting on me, so you know I gotta do something great CREDITS: Zoe Tunnell as Sally Blather Max Knightley as Governor Thou-Shalt-Not-Bear-False-Witness van Bosse Tyberius Wilson as Duke Shipmann Molly Rhinebeck as Frannie Pensdotter Crystal Zaslavchik as the GM MUSIC BY MAX KNIGHTLEY EDITED BY CRYSTAL ZASLAVCHIK CONTENT WARNINGS: This episode contains offscreen sex, descriptions of nonhuman genitals, competitive masturbation, drug and alcohol abuse, eating a living creature, death by fire, death by knife, drunk driving, and animal death.
Equipment is a pretty major element of traditional TTRPGs, and something we skipped with EIDOLON. What might equipment look like in a DftU game? Also, how should stats work in Threadspinner? What are the building blocks of a player character? Along the way we also talk a lot about Hollow Knight and Luke makes mortal enemies of everyone who likes classic Tolkein-inspired fantasy races.
I'm heading home, all my homies at home plateAre waiting on me, so you know I gotta do something greatCREDITS:Zoe Tunnell as Sally BlatherMax Knightley as Governor Thou-Shalt-Not-Bear-False-Witness van BosseTyberius Wilson as Duke ShipmannMolly Rhinebeck as Frannie PensdotterCrystal Zaslavchik as the GMMUSIC BY MAX KNIGHTLEYEDITED BY CRYSTAL ZASLAVCHIKCONTENT WARNINGS: This episode contains offscreen sex, descriptions of nonhuman genitals, competitive masturbation, drug and alcohol abuse, eating a living creature, death by fire, death by knife, drunk driving, and animal death.
The cast of Eidolon ISLAND comes together to discuss 13 songs from The Lonely Island, the band that inspired the campaign! In addition, we announce the two upcoming miniseries after Eidolon ISLAND! Eidolon Playlist is usually a Patreon-exclusive show, but we are releasing this episode for all listeners while we get the schedule back up to full-speed!You can listen to the playlist here!Buy our book!Support us on Patreon!Join the Discord!
The cast of Eidolon ISLAND comes together to discuss 13 songs from The Lonely Island, the band that inspired the campaign! In addition, we announce the two upcoming miniseries after Eidolon ISLAND! Eidolon Playlist is usually a Patreon-exclusive show, but we are releasing this episode for all listeners while we get the schedule back up to full-speed! You can listen to the playlist here!
All the smoke and debris led straight to the basement Yo, what the hell is that? CREDITS: Tyberius Wilson as Duke Shipmann Zoe Tunnell as Sally Blather Molly Rhinebeck as Frannie Pensdotter Max Knightley as Governor Thou-Shalt-Not-Bear-False-Witness van Bosse Crystal Zaslavchik as the GM MUSIC BY MAX KNIGHTLEY EDITED BY CRYSTAL ZASLAVCHIK
All the smoke and debris led straight to the basement Yo, what the hell is that?CREDITS:Tyberius Wilson as Duke ShipmannZoe Tunnell as Sally BlatherMolly Rhinebeck as Frannie PensdotterMax Knightley as Governor Thou-Shalt-Not-Bear-False-Witness van BosseCrystal Zaslavchik as the GMMUSIC BY MAX KNIGHTLEYEDITED BY CRYSTAL ZASLAVCHIK
Ace Wizards Arroai the Pragmatic and N'erevine Livolias travel the country to find old, neglected dungeons and restore them to their former glory! Today, they arrive in Lake Town, home to the wizard tower of Xalatan the Triumphant. But before they can start renovating, they need to embark on the greatest adventure of all: getting buy-in from local stakeholders!! CREDITS: Max Knightley as Arroai the Pragmatic Iris Christianson as N'erevine Livolias Molly Rhinebeck as Sevette Passan Lexi Waltner as Olin Bootman MUSIC BY MAX KNIGHTLEY EDITED BY MAX KNIGHTLEY AND CRYSTAL ZASLAVCHIK CONTENT WARNING: This episode contains fireworks sounds.
Ace Wizards Arroai the Pragmatic and N'erevine Livolias travel the country to find old, neglected dungeons and restore them to their former glory! Today, they arrive in Lake Town, home to the wizard tower of Xalatan the Triumphant. But before they can start renovating, they need to embark on the greatest adventure of all: getting buy-in from local stakeholders!!CREDITS: Max Knightley as Arroai the Pragmatic Iris Christianson as N'erevine Livolias Molly Rhinebeck as Sevette Passan Lexi Waltner as Olin BootmanMUSIC BY MAX KNIGHTLEY EDITED BY MAX KNIGHTLEY AND CRYSTAL ZASLAVCHIKCONTENT WARNING: This episode contains fireworks sounds.Status of The Great Tower of Xalatan: 1F: Smallfolk Apartments2F: Tallfolk Apartments; Biohazard Zone; Healing Fountain 3F: Gnolls? 4F: Empty 5F: Empty 6F: Healing Fountain 7F: Sungrates?Status of The Town of Lake Town: Population: 13,004 Key Industries: Soy; Horse + Phoenix Ranching Former Key Industries: Orichalcum Refining; Typewriters Plans: Send ghouls to woods; Purify air with spring
I'm not a hero (I'm just a person) So don't call me a hero (Not some kind of world leader) CREDITS: Molly Rhinebeck as Frannie Pensdotter Zoe Tunnell as Sally Blather Tyberius Wilson as Duke Shipmann Max Knightley as Governor Thou-Shalt-Not-Bear-False-Witness van Bosse Crystal Zaslavchik as the GM MUSIC BY MAX KNIGHTLEY EDITED BY CRYSTAL ZASLAVCHIK CONTENT WARNINGS: This episode contains alcohol abuse, gun violence, profuse bleeding, and animal death.
I'm not a hero (I'm just a person)So don't call me a hero (Not some kind of world leader)CREDITS:Molly Rhinebeck as Frannie PensdotterZoe Tunnell as Sally BlatherTyberius Wilson as Duke ShipmannMax Knightley as Governor Thou-Shalt-Not-Bear-False-Witness van BosseCrystal Zaslavchik as the GMMUSIC BY MAX KNIGHTLEYEDITED BY CRYSTAL ZASLAVCHIKCONTENT WARNINGS: This episode contains alcohol abuse, gun violence, profuse bleeding, and animal death.
One of our big ideas in trying to capture the vibe of FromSoft RPGs in a tabletop setting is to incorporate map-making mechanics, to look at games like The Quiet Year or Microscope and tie them directly into more conventional RPG gameplay, so that you are creating a world as you explore it, in order to reproduce that feeling of cautiously feeling out a big, mysterious world full of tantalizing stray threads of a larger story. This is a very different mode of gameplay than anything we did in EIDOLON, so it makes sense for us to start here and make sure we can build out a strong foundation into these mechanics, so that once we start developing the more familiar facets of the game, we understand how they integrate into these newer concepts.
Last time, we laid out some solid groundwork for how our exploration and map-making mechanics can work. But we need to provide more definition for what you actually do during this part of the game. What are the goals you're pursuing? Why are you exploring, beyond whatever intrinsic fun it might have?
Lonely Island, we got the whole family here Time to meet the crew, y'all CREDITS: Max Knightley as Governor Thou-Shalt-Not-Bear-False-Witness van Bosse Molly Rhinebeck as Frannie Pensdotter Tyberius Wilson as Duke Shipmann Zoe Tunnell as Sally Blather Crystal Zaslavchik as the GM MUSIC BY MAX KNIGHTLEY EDITED BY CRYSTAL ZASLAVCHIK CONTENT WARNING: This episode features forced closeting, alcohol use, and dead baby jokes.
One of our big ideas in trying to capture the vibe of FromSoft RPGs in a tabletop setting is to incorporate map-making mechanics, to look at games like The Quiet Year or Microscope and tie them direclty into more conventional RPG gameplay, so that you are creating a world as you explore it, in order to reproduce that feeling of cautiously feeling out a big, mysterious world full of tantalizing stray threads of a larger story. This is a very different mode of gameplay than anything we did in EIDOLON, so it makes sense for us to start here and make sure we can build out a strong foundation into these mechanics, so that once we start developing the more familiar facets of the game, we understand how they integrate into these newer concepts.
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