Hacked in the Dark

 Today we bring you another episode of DICE EXPLODER, the show where host Sam Dunnewold breaks down one ttrpg mechanic with a friend.On this episode, Sam talks with Thomas Manuel of the Yes Indie'd podcast and the Indie RPG Newsletter about Secondary Missions, a mechanic from Band of Blades by Off Guard Games.This mechanic has a deceptively big impact on the mouthfeel of Band of Blades. It's just a masterpiece of design. We get into how it supports the genre and themes of the game, all the tough choices it puts in front of players, and how mechanics like this one that couldn't exist in any other game are often our favorites. It's classic Dice Exploder this week, a deep dive at it's best.And if you enjoy this episode, check out the third season of Dice Exploder on Kickstarter now through October 6th! https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/sdunnewold/dice-exploder-a-tabletop-rpg-design-podcast

Today we've got sneak peak of the first episode of DICE EXPLODER, a new show on the fiction first network.Each week on Dice Exploder, Sam will have on a new cohost, and they'll bring one RPG mechanic that we'll break down as far as we can. It's gonna be a real nuts and bolts show about design and getting the most out of games. The first season premieres on May 25th.Subscribe to Dice Exploder on your favorite podcast app for future episodes!This week, Sam talks with Ray Chou about "rolling the dice," the core mechanic from John Harper's game Lasers and Feelings. Some topics covered include: MinimalismUnderlining genre through mechanicsCows and BoysHoney HeistEpisodic vs serialized storiesWhen you should roll diceRandomness and fate in real lifeBeer & pretzels gaming You can find Ray's publishing company at myth.works You can find Sam @sdunnewold on Twitter, dice.camp, and itch.io.

We're back with another episode before Sam takes over for a bit. Today, Ted joins us to talk about his upcoming game, The Last Caravan, kickstarting very soon! Ted and Ray discuss travel mechanics and converting the phase structure of Blades while running away from aliens.Bookmark the kickstarter here! https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/theodoreinthevalley/the-last-caravan-a-cars-and-aliens-tabletop-rpgAnd download the quickstart here; https://tedbushman.itch.io/the-last-caravan-quickstart

We're finally back with a hilarious episode! Long-time Fiction First Network contributor Sam hosts Healed and Skelpie to talk about their games, Most Trusted Advisors and That's Right, I Did It!We talk about how to allow the players to create humor in their games, what goes into a humorous setting, and what purpose mechanics serve in comedic games, with plenty of laughs along the way!You can find Most Trusted Advisors here: https://thehorizonmachine.itch.io/most-trusted-advisorsYou can follow Healed and her cowriter on twitter https://twitter.com/horizon_machineThat's Right, I Did It isn't fully released just yet, but stay tuned to the Blades in the Dark discord for updates.We'll be pausing Fine Blueprints after this episode to do more recordings, but in its place, Sam will be hosting a new series deep-diving into some of the game design community's favorite TTRPG mechanics. Stay tuned  Dice Exploder! We plan to be back with Fine Blueprints after that.

Today, we talk with members of the Desperate Attune actual play podcast about their adaptation of the U'Dudasha setting, an aspect of the Special Edition of Blades in the Dark. Tree and Prince talk about setting aspects they've added, excitement and critiques of the setting as written, and so on, as well as how they develop the limited setting into greater detail for their show.You can find the show's twitter, with a link to the show, at https://mobile.twitter.com/desperateattune, or listen to it where you listen to your favorite podcasts!You can also find Tree's game at https://mobile.twitter.com/desperateattune

We're joined today by Jex to talk about their game, Bump in the Dark, and how using the cinematic techniques of film and TV can help add vibrancy to your game and bring players into the writer's room of story telling. We talk about some of the tools and terms of this style of story telling, including some of the downsides as well.You can find Bump in the Dark here: https://jexjthomas.itch.io/bump-in-the-darkYou can follow Jex on twitter (if you're still there) here: https://twitter.com/jexjthomas Or on Mastodon here: https://dice.camp/@jexjthomas

Today we're joined by Ray of Mythopoeia to talk about TTRPG publishing, including the risks brought about by the pandemic and economy. Ray also talks about how he teamed up with TTRPG author Fenix to publish The Wildsea, and where he's going next with Mythopoeia.You can find Mythopoeia's games and comics at https://www.mythopoeia.us/store/c1/myth-storeRay's Tiktok is @mythopoeians: https://www.tiktok.com/@myth.works

Continuing off last episode's discussion of Blades modules, we invite some of our most experienced Blades in the Dark GMs for a roundtable discussion about GMing and creating community content.We're trying out a new way to do an intro, so let us know what you think!

Today, Sam joins us to talk about his Blades in the Dark supplement, Doskvol Breaths, a series of vignettes to replace downtime actions. We also talk about designing Downtime in your game, even if your game doesn't formalize it like Blades does, as well as how to incorporate Firebrands-style vignettes into your game (for downtime or otherwise). Sam also turns the tables on hosts Justin and Adam to ask how Adam's game, Enter the Survival Horror, was inspired by Doskvol Breathes, and how Justin's game, At Death's Door, uses and customizes vignettes more broadly.You can find Doskvol Breathes here: https://sdunnewold.itch.io/doskvol-breathesYou can also follow Sam on twitter at https://twitter.com/sdunnewoldOur spooky game jam, Are You Afraid In The Dark, is over, but you can buy a bundle with all of the jam's games right now! Check them out at https://itch.io/b/1571/are-you-afraid-in-the-dark-a-fitd-horror-bundle, complete with an entry by Sam, Adam, and many more! Hurry, the bundle ends soon!

We are joined today by none other than one of the Fiction First network's members, Riley, to talk about their game, As The Sun Forever Sets, a game of survival against Martian invaders in Victorian England, inspired by War of the Worlds. We also talk about the themes of Survival and how Riley's changes to the rules emphasize the tone. It's a game with a lot of hype on the discord, so give it a look!Also, Riley does all of the awesome icons, banners, and overlays for the network, and we talk about how the book's art style also inspired the game's design! Thanks Riley!You can find As The Sun Forever Sets here: https://rileydaniels.itch.io/as-the-sun-forever-setsYou can also follow Riley on twitter here: https://twitter.com/msmcnevertweetStay tuned for the Are You Afraid In The Dark spooky game bundle that Riley is hosting later this month!

Today, Justin and Nychelle are joined by Danielle to talk about their Animorphs game, Idiot Teenagers With A Deathwish. She talks about what inspired her to make a game based on the Animorphs series, and how she shapes the core themes and powers into the Forged in the Dark system. We also discuss adapting your favorite media property to RPGs with some great tips and anecdotes.You can find the game on itch here: https://redtailedhawk90.itch.io/idiot-teenagers-with-a-death-wishYou can also find Danielle's actual play podcast of the game at https://dumb-kids-playing-hero.pinecast.co/ or wherever you listen to your podcasts!You can follow Danielle and her projects and shows on Twitter at https://twitter.com/redtailedhawk90

Today, Oliver joins us to discuss his games Minutes to Midnight and Intergalactic Kammerjager. We talk about the mechanics that make IGK a comedy TV-show game, and the spy-thriller side of Minutes to Midnight. We also talk about games of alternate history with some very helpful advice for designing them!You can find Oliver's games at https://soliver.itch.io/And on Twitter at https://twitter.com/Oli_writes

We're back, with a new name and a new network!Welcome to Fine Blueprints, a part of the Fiction First network. We all wanted to re-introduce ourselves!Follow our new Twitter! https://twitter.com/FictionfirstNetNychelle: https://mistletoe-kiss.itch.io/ | https://www.voidalspace.com/Adam: https://boocherry.itch.io/ | https://twitter.com/AdamBucceriJustin: https://moth-lands.itch.io/ | https://twitter.com/MothLandsRiley: https://rileydaniels.itch.io/ | https://twitter.com/msmcnevertweetJacob: https://jacobalso.itch.io/ | https://twitter.com/JacobAlsoMichael (Eskur): https://eskur.itch.io/ | https://eskur.dev/As always, join the Blades in the Dark discord to hang out with us! https://discord.gg/NGPVKab3cN

In the first episode of Fine Blueprints, we change things up already!Today, host Justin is joined by two designers: Cass of Undead Awakening and Yuri of Glamour of our Youth. Both are very different games about the similar themes of monstrous and chaotic protagonists: Zombies and Teens. We talk about how similar inspirations and goals can cause two unique games.Undead Awakening is kickstarting now! Check them out: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/banditcamp/wo-ua-hardcoverGlamour of our Youth is right here: https://yurir.itch.io/glamour-playtestAnd special shout out to Lo! Thy Dread Empire, which is also kickstarting, ending very soon! We wanted to get an episode in before the kickstarter ended, but we couldn't make it work. Give them all your support anyway! https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/floaker/lo-thy-dread-empireFollow our new Twitter! https://twitter.com/FictionfirstNetAs always, join the Blades in the Dark discord to hang out with us! https://discord.gg/NGPVKab3cN

We're back! Today, we talk with Em Acosta about the stretch goals rapidly approaching for Exiles, a new dark fantasy TTRPG, funded in 48 hours and live now on Kickstarter!The Kickstarter ends in under 24 hours, so swing by right now: ttrpg.link/exilesksYou can find Crescent Moon here: https://pocketcompass.itch.io/crescentmoonYou can find Em at @spookymeals on twitter!

Today, Mark and  new host Erik are joined by Karl, author of Mountain Home, a forged in the dark game about dwarves establishing a new home in the mountains. We talk about how emergent narrative in the inspiration, Dwarf Fortress, evokes the narrative EXPLORATION of TTRPGs, and what it means to get into character as a dwarf. We also DELVE into how entanglements drive the narrative tone and challenges, and DIG deep into a number of adjusted mechanics.You can find Mountain Home at turtlehat.itch.io/mountain-home, and you can follow Carl on twitter at @TheTurtleHat.Podcast episodes will be slower to come out until the end of January, as we are preparing for Con in the Dark 2022! Stay tuned to our twitter @HackedintheDark for more information!

Today, Nychelle is joined by Michael Low from Luck of Legends, an educational creative writing and story game camp, about the first chapters of his new game project, Stories RPG. We talk about running and designing games for kids, and how they can be amazing educational tools for topics ranging from conflict resolution to science! Michael describes some of the game design aspects inspired by his students, as well as his methods for making the game approachable for a parent unfamiliar with TTRPGs to pick up and play with their kids. This is a great episode if you're thinking of designing an all-ages game of your own!For the young person in your life, you can find Luck of Legends at www.luckoflegends.com, and the first two chapters of Starsworn at storiesrpg.comYou can also find Michael on Twitter @LuckLegends

Today, Justin returns as a guest to talk about his current project, CHEW, an official spinoff forged in the dark game based on the best-selling CHEW comics by Image. Justin and Mark talk about incorporating humor into the typically more gritty forged in the dark system, as well as how he has incorporated the established world and, especially, the tone of the comics into a game.The CHEW Kickstarter is ending in 3 days! Check it out here and help them get more stretch goals! www.kickstarter.com/projects/peteyp/chew-the-roleplaying-gameYou can find Justin's other content on his new website mothlands.com, or on his twitter @MothLands.

Today, we're trying something new! We recently ran an Actual Play stream of External Containment Bureau (ECB), and we brought on the cast of the stream to talk about how it went, their favorite parts, and some insights into the game!Please let us know if you enjoy this format, and we can keep doing it with our future streams!Follow us on Twitch to catch our future streams at twitch.tv/hackedinthedarkYou can watch the ECB stream on our Youtube page at youtube.com/c/HackedintheDarkYou can find the game at mythicgazetteer.itch.io/external-containment-bureauAs always, you can join our Discord to let us know what you think, or to request future topics or have your own game featured! discord.com/invite/qzb2y98

Today, Mark is joined by Cohan and Garrett of Poor Students to talk about their one-page  game Subconscious_Routine, submitted as part of the Applied Hope game jam. They discuss how they limit both the overall rules and the players' available actions to convey the tone and setting of robots searching for free will, as well as their use of other media to convey the hopeful post-post-apocalyptic setting.Stick around to the end of the episode for a trailer for their game!Special thanks to Cohan for updating our intro and outro songs a few episodes back!You can download Subconscious_Routine and follow along at poorstudents.itch.io/subconscious-routine.You can follow the Poor Students on twitter at @poorstudentsRPG.You can find other entries of the Applied Hope Jam here: itch.io/jam/applied-hopeAs always, you can join our discord here: discord.com/invite/BDZckBB

Today, Umbra joins hosts Jacob and Nychelle to talk about his game Future.Shock, as well as how resolution mechanics (dice, cards, etc.) affect the tone and fantasy of your game. He describes his transhumanist game, but also discusses how to tell if your dice mechanics will work out, and gives examples of when the dice mechanics accidentally told a different story than what the designer intended.You can follow Umbra on twitter at @DealerUmbra.You can find Future.Shock and Umbra's other games on itch at dealerumbra.itch.io

Today, Mark is joined by Michael, author of a number of forged in the dark games, to talk about A Torch in the Dark, his single-player dungeon-delving/revolution game. We talk about how "the conversation" which usually happens between players and GM still happens in a solo game. He also talks about his influences and what drew him to make a solo game.You can find Michael on twitter @notwritinggames.You can find A Torch in the Dark, as well as Michael's other games and his hugely helpful "An Amateur's Guide to Hacking Blades in the Dark", on his itch page, notwriting.itch.io.You can also get his games, as well as early previews and such, on his patreon: www.patreon.com/notwritingAnd lastly, you can find the collaborative project, featuring Michael and a bunch of other designers from the discord, External Containment Bureau, at mythicgazetteer.itch.io/external-containment-bureau.

Today, Stefan joins hosts Nychelle and Mark to talk about his game Fistful of Darkness, the impact of the touchstones you give on defining how your game plays, and also the effect of the hellish economy of the system. Last year, Nychelle ran a game of Fistful for our twitch channel with Stefan and Mark as players, so we reminisce about and highlight the parts of the game that shined.You can check out the game on itch here: monkeyecho.itch.io/a-fistful-of-darknessYou can find Stefan on Twitter @MonkeyEcho.If you missed our stream, and want to see how Fistful of Darkness plays, you can find it all on our youtube page here: www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLi7V0TnXlMfuIq6FGylx5TQTMDydE4ResEditor's note: At the end, Mark shouts out the awesome Blades in the Dark forum (community.bladesinthedark.com), but describes the similarly awesome and more active discord (discord.com/invite/qzb2y98). Check both out!

Today, Justin is joined once again by Laurie to talk about his game, Hieronymous, a FitD hex-crawl game through the artwork of Hieronymus Bosch. He talks about what inspired the idea, and how to get inspiration from art. We also talk about Lichcraft, Laurie's  kickstarted game about trans necromancers, which he also discussed on our Zinequest 2021 episode!You can find Laurie on twitter @Laurie_eee, and you can find his games on itch at laurieoconnel.itch.io. If you want a physical copy of Hieronymous (who wouldn't?), you can get one from floatingchair.club/collections/zines/products/hieronymous in the US or www.rookspress.com/products/hieronymous?_pos=1&_sid=90d08699e&_ss=r in the UK.

Today, Jacob and Ian are joined by Adam Bucceri to talk about his new, setting-agnostic game, Enter the Survival Horror! We discuss how the Doom Clock and related mechanics set the survival horror tone, and how to enable the players to take on the narrative authority normally associated with a GM by making them choose between difficult options.You can check out Adam on twitter @AdamBucceri, and you can find Enter the Survival Horror on itch.io at adam-bucceri.itch.io/enter-the-survival-horror.You can find Jacob @Jacobalso and Ian @antifinity on twitter.Miss Justin? You can find him GMing his game Moth-light on our twitch channel at twitch.tv/hackedinthedark every Wednesday, with vods on youtube at www.youtube.com/c/HackedintheDarkAs always, you can join the amazing and welcoming Blades discord server where we help each other build hacks at https://discord.com/invite/qzb2y98

Today, our host Mark is joined by Dustin and Michael to talk about Synthicide: Sharpers in the Dark, their new Forged in the Dark adaptation of Dustin's original trad-game. We discuss why Dustin wanted to bring his game to FitD, and how they maintained the tone and content of the original, as well as how more content was added to fit into FitD.Synthicide: Sharpers in the Dark is kickstarting now! You can check it out here!You can follow Dustin on twitter here, and Michael here.

In this very special episode, Justin is interviewed by three guest hosts: Ema, Eli, and Nychelle! Our hosts get a bit silly, then we talk about Justin's highly anticipated post-fall sci-fi game, Mothlight, and the process of iterating on your designs through playtests, feedback, and experience. We talk about what to change, what to keep, and how to take feedback, as well as the huge changes that Justin has made to Mothlight over its development.You can hear Justin as our usual host on most of our prior episodes, and you can find him on twitter here! You can also find Mothlight on itch.io here!We're currently doing an actual play stream of Mothlight on our twitch page. Come watch Wednesdays at twitch.tv/hackedinthedark! Episodes will also be posted soon to our youtube page here.You can find Ema on twitter here, and her current game Crescent Moon here.You can find Eli on twitter here, and his current game Errant Deeds here.You can find Nychelle on twitter here, and her website here.

Today, Justin is joined by a member of the team, Mark, to talk about Science Fiction adaptations of Blades in the Dark through his Sci-Fi/ Fantasy game Runners in the Shadows. We talk about how to accomplish the tones and themes of science fiction, as well as how Mark balances and blends futurism with magic. Mark also teases his future game, Voyagers in the Dark, a military sci fi game inspired by Star Trek, and we contrast Runners with Justin's sci-fi game, Mothlight.Mark has been a huge part of building Hacked in the Dark and helping us thrive, so check out his game on itch.io here!You can also follow Mark on twitter here. You can watch Mark GM Runners in the Shadows on our youtube channel here!

Today, Justin is joined by Ben Roswell and Caro Asercion to talk about Rearguard, their supplement for Beam Saber. They talk about what drove them to make a supplement, how their supply drop is more than just new playbooks, and why make a supplement instead of a hack.You can find Rearguard here!You can check out Ben's twitter @roswellwrites and Caro's @seaexcursion.If you want to hear more about Beam Saber, check out our podcast episode 4, where we talk to the developer, Austin Ramsay!

Today, Justin and Mark are joined by Emanoel to talk about his new game, CBR-PNK. We also discuss what sacrifices had to be made to fit the game into a one-page trifold, what advantages were gained, and how a fiction-first approach allowed it to stay small. We also talk about the TTRPG scene in Brazil, and FitD influences on OSR.You can find Emanoel on twitter here.You can check out CBR-PNK here.For another cyberpunk take, check out our actual-play series of Mark's game Runners in the Shadows here!

Today, Justin and Ian are joined by Briar Sovereign to talk about their game, The Brightest Things We Know, a Destiny- and Warframe-inspired forged in the dark game. We also talk about making a forged in the dark game from a blank slate, cutting mechanics, and pulling inspiration from established games. We also talk about bringing the game to a new power level and tone-balancing.You can find Briar Sovereign on twitter here.Check out The Brightest Things We Know on itch.io here.Our new intro is curtsey of Cohan. Thanks a lot!

Today, Justin and Ray are joined by Pammu to talk about Gameable Lore, as well as some of her past and future FitD projects, including a Philippines-inspired Dagger Isles supplement. She also talks about the Filipino RPG scene and the struggles of decolonizing game design. We also define gameable lore and microsettings, with examples of how they are expressed in Blades, and how Pammu uses it in her own work, as well as how you can introduce it into yours!You can follow Pammu on twitter @TheDovetailor, and find her games on itch.

In this episode, Justin interviews ME, your editor, Jacob, about my game Asphalt & Trouble, a game of biker gangs in a corporate-fueled climate apocalypse! We talk about difference between complications and consequences, and the adjustments Asphalt & Trouble makes to the core FitD list of consequences, including a revamp of Harm, and the new Slights and Grudges system. We talk about all the sources of trouble that players find themselves in, from Devil's Bargains to Entanglements, and how customizing those define the tone of your game.You can find Asphalt and Trouble here, and you can find me at @JacobAlso on twitter. You can find Justin at @MothLands.You can also watch me GM my custom crewbook for Blades in the Dark, the Drowners, on the Hacked in the Dark YouTube page here!

In this special episode, Ray interviews a few designers submitting Forged in the Dark games to Zinequest 3, a Kickstarter program to promote small (zine) ttrpg games and modules. All of these games are kickstarting now, and some are ending soon, so check them out now!Ema (@Spookymeal) talks about her game of childhood dreamscapes, Crescent Moon. Laurie (@Laurie_eee) talks about his game of trans people becoming liches to get healthcare, Lichcraft. Tom (@TomMecredy) talks about his solo journaling game of reflections in war, High Speed Low Drag.Eli (@ZapDynamic) talks about his collaboration with others from the discord about paranormal investigations, External Containment Bureau.There are a ton of awesome games, including FitD games, that are kickstarting for Zinequest, so check out Kickstarter for more!

In this unique and instructive episode, we talk with Ray and Vince from Mythopoeia about how, as a game designer, to work with artists, including how and when to approach them, how to budget for art, what to do if you have a small or unsure budget, and more. We also talk about Mythopoeia's comic production background, and some of the overlap between skills.You can find out more about Mythopoeia at www.mythopoeia.us, and you can find their games at mythopoeia.itch.io.

Today, Justin is joined by a new cohost, Drake, to discuss Vergence with the author David. We talk about the vast, even infinite scope of the interdimensional setting of Vergence, and how he keeps the story rooted and human. We also discuss how to consider what mechanics to keep and what to toss from the core Forged in the Dark rules in order to match a dramatically different setting from Doskvol.This episode was recorded while our actual play series of Vergence was still running. You can watch the series, starring David and Drake here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLi7V0TnXlMfvoSs1Z6YxARRr7H1C6S4f6You can get Vergence at smallcoolgames.itch.ioYou can find the cast on twitter:Justin @MothLandsDrake @DrakeandDiceDavid @SmallCoolGames1

Today, Justin and Ray are joined by Dan and Kali of Gem Room Games (@GemRoomGames) to talk about Subway Runners and online generated content. We talk about designing a one-shot version of FitD, and how they used the customizable online random generator, Perchance, to make their game fresh and easy. We also discuss embracing the chaos, and we generate some characters and adventures live!You can find Subway Runners and Gem Room Games' other games at gemroomgames.itch.io, or if you caught the itch.io Bundle for Racial Equality.If you make any character generators of your own, let us know!

Following the highly successful Unusual Suspects Playbook Jam on itch.io, Justin and Jacob attempted something new: a live, call-in episode of the podcast with you the fans as the guests, talking about your own and your favorite playbooks! After some delay, to give your wallets a rest after all the Kickstarters lately, we're uploading the edited audio of that stream!Since this was done live, it's a bit rougher than our usual episodes, but also more casual and friendly.You can read all the playbooks we discuss on the Jam page here: https://itch.io/jam/unusual-suspects-a-playbook-jamYou can find the video archive of our stream on our youtube page: https://www.youtube.com/c/HackedintheDarkThe episode was streamed on our twitch page. Follow and stay tuned for future chats, hangouts, and gameplay: https://www.twitch.tv/hackedinthedarkFollow Justin @Mothlands on twitter and Jacob @Jacobalso.

Today, Mikey joins Justin and Mark to talk about his game Slugblaster, kickstarting now! We explore themes of popularity and teenage rebellion, and how to branch away from the typical grim and gritty tones of Blades in the Dark. We also talk about some more ideas for light-hearted games for you to make!You can check out the Slugblaster kickstarter here: www.kickstarter.com/projects/mikeyhamm/slugblasterOn twitter:Mikey @mikeymaybeJustin @MothLandsMark @Savemejebu5You can catch Mark on our current actual play series, Fistful of Darkness on our Youtube page: www.youtube.com/channel/UCxRlX18AE2f1Sp3hBBexJ0w

Today, Justin is joined by Felix to talk about The Wildsea, a fantasy game set on a world with overflowing vegetation. We talk about the games, media, and actual play series that made him want to write a game, and what it's like having an indie publisher publish your first game.The Wildsea kickstarter is ending soon! Check it out here: www.kickstarter.com/projects/mythopoeia/the-wildseaFor more info on The Wildsea, check out their website: thewildsea.co.ukTwitter:Felix @isaacs_felixJustin @MothlandsListen to an actual play series going on now of The Wildsea here: dfytpodcast.podbean.com/e/the-wildsea-the-star-serpent-part-1

In this special episode, Justin and Mark are joined by Nychelle aka She Who Ships in Darkness aka Mistletoe_Kiss, one of the mods on the BitD discord, to talk about the impact of Lore in a game, both explicitly from the book and determined by the table and community. We also talk about the discord and community that brought this podcast together! Check out Justin at @mothlands and Mark at @savemejebu5 on twitter.Join our discord to say high to Nychelle and all of us here: discord.gg/qzb2y98Follow our twitter @Hackedinthedark for updates and new episodes!

Today, Justin (@mothlands) interviews Jason Pitre (@Genesisoflegend) about his new game, Sig, City of Blades, Kickstarting now! He talks about the urban setting of Sig, and what makes for interesting urban adventures. He also talks about the faction game that inspired him to merge his setting into Forged in the Dark mechanics.The Kickstarter for Sig, City of Blades is ending soon, so check it out now: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/Jagash/sig-city-of-blades?kickstarter.gamesWant to join our community? Join us on the official Blades discord: discord.gg/qzb2y98We also had our first live podcast episode on twitch, so follow us there for more, and our actual plays as well: Twitch.tv/hackedinthedark

Today, Erik (@ErikTheBearik) joins us to talk about Brinkwood, a castlepunk game of rebellion. We talk about his take on playbooks - masks - and more generally how playbooks affect players' perceptions of their characters. Erik also talks about the vampires of Brinkwood, and what it means to be a rebel.Brinkwood is being Kickstarted right now and ending soon! You can check it out here: www.kickstarter.com/projects/erikthebearik/brinkwood-the-blood-of-tyrantsYou can also check out our hosts, Justin and Ian at @Mothlands and @Antifinity.Want to join our community? Join us on the official Blades discord: discord.gg/qzb2y98

A Pair of Drakes (@DrakeandDice, @NaviMusing) join Justin and Mark (@Mothlands and @Savemejebu5) to talk about their game Court of Blades. We also dive into factions and the Faction Turn and Social Season mechanics of Court of Blades, and how they evoke intrigue.You can find the Drakes' games here, with more to come soon: itch.io/profile/a-couple-of-drakesYou can also watch the Drakes (along with me, your editor @Jacobalso) play Vergence live on Wednesdays at 6:30 EST at twitch.tv/hackedinthedark, and you can catch past episodes at youtube.com/channel/UCxRlX18AE2f1Sp3hBBexJ0w.Want to join our community? Join us on the official Blades discord: discord.gg/qzb2y98

Today, Mark (@savemejebu5) and Justin (@mothlands) interview Austin Ramsay (@notaninn) about Beam Saber and the Cut Loose replacement for reducing stress. We also answer questions asked on twitter (@hackedinthedark) from listeners! What is the best Gundam?You can find Beam Saber here: https://austin-ramsay.itch.io/beamsaberWant to join our community? Join us on the official Blades discord: discord.gg/qzb2y98

In this episode, Justin (@MothLands) and Ian (@Antifinity) talk with Stras (@strasa), co-author of Scum and Villainy and Band of Blades, announcing his upcoming new game, Spell and Blade. We discuss how far you can take a hack and keep it Forged in the Dark, and some general design tips (spoiler: coauthors help a ton). We also dip into how Stras plans to handle magic and spellcasters in Spell and Blade.If you're interested in joining the Forged in the Dark community, check out the official Blades discord here and say hi: discord.gg/qzb2y98

This week, Justin (@MothLands) and Ray (@mythopoeians) interview Ian Hart (@antifinity) about his game Deathwish, currently running on the Hacked in the Dark actual-play stream! We get into Position and Effect, what how they shape Ian's approach to Deathwish, and how they might be implemented in your game! You can check out Deathwish, or talk to our cast and community on the official Blades Discord: discord.gg/qzb2y98

Our first episode, where we interview Justin Ford about his Blades playbook, The Sleuth, and discuss building playbooks to use with Blades in the Dark. The Sleuth is available to download here: moth-lands.itch.io/the-sleuth-playbookCome join the Blades and Forged in the Dark community discord and chat with us!discord.com/invite/r9wDkZy And check out our twitter for updates and information on our streamed games! twitter.com/hackedinthedark