STA Engage

Continuing Conversations: Starfleet in the 23rd Century! Announcing the newest supplement to the Star Trek Adventures 2e universe! Join writers  Aaron Pollyea, Al Spader, Sarah Kennedy, Chris McCarver, Bill Barbato, Michael Dismuke, and Jim Johnson as we get hype over all the goodness that came from the TOS, TAS, DIS, SNW, and Movie-era of Trek! https://linktr.ee/studiotembo 00:00:20 - Introductions of Michael, Jim, and Aaron 00:06:13 - Reimagining the Gorn in Star Trek 00:12:51 - Revisiting the original Star Trek series 00:15:56 - Speaker loves Discovery and Klingon redesigns 00:18:47 - Condensing Star Trek lore challenges 00:25:06 - Genesis project's political powder keg 00:30:45 - Distilling Star Trek's Century for RPGs 00:37:58 - Klingon and Romulan psychology across time 00:43:57 - Book focuses on entire century of Trek 00:49:40 - Gratitude to Peter David, Star Trek writer

AJ Fox joins Jim and Michael as we break down the character of Kira Nerys: her relevance, her strengths, her dynamics. Then we talk about how to create a similar-type character for your STA campaign: the dangers, the perks! https://linktr.ee/studiotembo 00:00:20 - Introductions: Michael, Jim, and guest AJ 00:01:46 - Kira character analysis and RPG modeling 00:06:53 - Deep Space Nine's political commentary 00:10:29 - Kira, Opaka, and Bajoran perspectives 00:16:44 - Kira's character arc and relationships 00:23:23 - Bajor, Federation, and wormhole control 00:26:29 - RPG session zero: Kira and safety tools 00:33:10 - Building contrasting characters for role-playing 00:39:43 - Discovery rewatch reveals nuances 00:42:38 - AJ's projects: TTRPG talk show, editing

Yep, back to weekly) AJ FOX is back to talk about the stupendously amazing 5-4-3-2-1 system for character development! Listen in and prepare to flesh out your PCs in new and imaginative ways. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1jNyH7-7gpK61q1z0FiDoBONjhDfulP_C/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=107248546059831663146&rtpof=true&sd=true https://linktr.ee/studiotembo Chapters 00:00:16 - Introductions of Michael, Jim, and AJ Fox 00:03:11 - Developmental, integral concepts for characters 00:05:57 - Character development as a writing tool 00:08:40 - Player versus character goals in RPGs 00:11:29 - Failing forward and character development 00:13:18 - Important NPCs: friends and foes 00:14:24 - Players creating character backstories 00:17:07 - Character secrets and Rutherford's implant 00:19:56 - Kirk's son reveal and motivations 00:22:43 - Motivations beyond Starfleet Academy graduation

Continuing Conversations w/ Peter Norton of Hollowponds Solo Sagas.  This week on the show, we sit down with Peter Norton, the creative force behind Hollowponds Solo Sagas, to talk about his bold leap into full-time storytelling. We dive into his upcoming projects, his vision for building a vibrant solo RPG community, and his creative ventures into Star Trek Adventures Captain's Log. From passion to profession, from the depths of original worlds to the final frontier—this is an episode packed with inspiration, insight, and the art of going boldly… alone. https://linktr.ee/studiotembo 00:00:20 - Meeting Michael, Jim, and Peter 00:06:35 - Solo role-playing and creative freedom 00:12:46 - Solo game design and imagination 00:15:26 - Star Trek, gaming, and show genres 00:20:53 - Captain encounters sentient lichen species 00:25:17 - Captain's Log as role-playing tool 00:29:36 - Capping stories and building arcs 00:35:27 - Writing requires constant practice 00:40:13 - Sign off: Live long and prosper

Guest Aaron Pollyea comes on to talk about his latest project: Saucer Squadron. Then we dive into sectors and star systems in Star Trek Adventures Exploration Guide! https://linktr.ee/studiotembo This podcast features Jim Johnson, Michael Dismuke, and Aaron Pallier discussing Aaron's recent projects. The conversation centers around Saucer Squadron, a 1950s-themed tactical wargame about a Roswell-inspired alien conspiracy, available as a PDF and print-on-demand, with future STL miniatures planned. They also delve into the Star Trek Adventures Exploration Guide, releasing October 3rd, which boasts detailed astronomical accuracy, facilitating in-depth exploration gameplay and world-building. The guide's scientific rigor, layered approach to exploration (sector, system, planet), and compatibility with tools like Starforged are highlighted. The discussion expands on potential uses for the guide in various game formats, including large-scale fleet battles and integrating it with other RPG systems like Captain's Log. Finally, the podcast touches upon Aaron's extensive science fiction movie podcast (covering 270+ films) and the team's future projects, including a new game, "redacted," co-created with Al Spader. 00:21:44 - Intro: Aaron Pallier's Sci-Fi Project 03:28 - Saucer Squadron Game Design 07:00 - Saucer Squadron: Pulp Sci-Fi 10:29:27 - Sci-Fi Movie & Future Plans 13:18 - Star Trek Adventures Guide 16:30 - Scientific Accuracy in Games 20:00 - Star Trek Adventure Design 23:02:22 - Sector Creation in RPGs 25:35 - Expanding Star Trek Systems 29:08 - Detailed Space Battles in Star Trek 37:38 - Closing Thoughts on Guide 40:30 - Childhood & Cosmic Inspiration 46:01 - Farewell

BC Holmes is back with the latest and greatest with the Star Trek Adventures Character and Ship Creator app!!!!!   https://linktr.ee/StudioTembo

Integrating the Technical Guide, the Exploration Guide, and Captain's Log to Create Memorable Missions. BC Holmes and Eric Campbell join Jim and Michael for an ultimate riff session where dice rolls become the foundation of dramatic stories. Watch and learn! https://linktr.ee/StudioTembo

Star Trek Adventures 2e Exploration Guide! More Talents, Secret Values, probability matrixes galore!!!! Join Jim and Michael as they sit with writers AJ Fox, Aaron Pollyea, and Al Spader to riff about their favorite parts of this handy new tool that promises to make your games even better! https://linktr.ee/StudioTembo

Let's Talk Politics and Factions. The outstanding Aaron Harvey and super-fan Will Parker join Jim and Michael to dive deep into the intrigue, ideology, and interstellar influence that shape the Star Trek universe. From power struggles within the Klingon Empire to the covert maneuverings of Section 31, this episode explores how GMs and players can use factions and political dynamics to build richer, more nuanced Star Trek Adventures campaigns. Whether you're crafting diplomatic showdowns, navigating moral gray zones, or plotting your own version of galactic détente, this episode is packed with ideas to energize your game. https://linktr.ee/studiotembo

In Part 2 of their RPG storytelling series, Michael Dismuke and Josh Allen dive into raising the stakes, designing Act Two's pivotal low point, resolving major conflicts, and using foreshadowing to set up future adventures. They also share bonus tips for refining your RPG narratives. https://linktr.ee/studiotembo

Michael Dismuke and writer Josh Allen open the writers' room to explore how to design dramatic stories for RPGs. In Part 1, they cover defining your story's end goal, structuring a three-act arc, crafting inciting incidents, and building meaningful conflicts that keep players engaged. https://linktr.ee/studiotembo

Jim and Michael welcome back Al Spader to show you how to build character arcs into your episodic Star Trek Adventure games. Drive drama. Encourage character growth. Create stories that you and your crew will remember forever. WARNING: We make it look easy. https://linktr.ee/studiotembo

Jim and Michael invite Al Spader to talk about integrating the new Technical Guide into your Star Trek Adventures and Captain's Log RPG games. Time to riff! https://linktr.ee/studiotembo

Massive Star Trek and media tie-in writer Keith R.A. DeCandido graces us with his presence this week. From how he got started in his amazing career to his methodology for writing, we cover it all plus some! Keith R.A. DeCandido has been writing about popular culture for this site since 2011, primarily but not exclusively writing about Star Trek and screen adaptations of superhero comics. He is also the author of more than 60 novels, more than 100 short stories, and more than 70 comic books, both in a variety of licensed universes from Alien to Zorro, as well as in worlds of his own creation, most notably the new Supernatural Crimes Unit series debuting in the fall of 2025. Read his blog, or follow him all over the Internet: Facebook, The Site Formerly Known As Twitter, Instagram, Threads, Blue Sky, YouTube, Patreon, and TikTok.   https://Linktr.ee/StudioTembo   To preorder Supernatural Crimes Unit: NYPD Book 1: The Thin Blue Ley-Line, this blog post has all the links: https://decandido.wordpress.com/2025/02/11/cover-reveal-and-preorder-link-for-supernatural-crimes-unit-nypd-book-1-the-thin-blue-ley-line/ Other links: Website: http://decandido.net/ Blog: http://decandido.wordpress.com/ Facebook: http://facebook.com/kradec and http://facebook.com/KeithRADeCandido Twitter: http://x.com/kradec Instagram: http://instagram.com/krad418 Threads: http://threads.net/@krad418 Patreon: http://patreon.com/krad YouTube: http://youtube.com/c/KRADCOVIDreadings Blue Sky: http://bsky.app/profile/kradec.bsky.social My writing for Reactor Magazine: https://reactormag.com/author/keith-decandido/

We have a very special announcement about the future of Continuing Conversations. 

Lou Anders is the author of the novel Once Upon a Unicorn, as well as the Thrones & Bones trilogy of fantasy adventure novels (Frostborn, Nightborn, and Skyborn), and the novel Star Wars: Pirate's Price. Listen in as Lou talks about his years of experience as a sci-fi reporter pumping out hundreds of articles about Babylon 5, Star Trek DS9, Voyager and more!!! https://linktr.ee/StudioTembo Fury of the Forsaken, Kickstarter (launching end of April) https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/louanders/fury-of-the-forsaken   Lazy Wolf Studios on DriveThruRPG: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/publisher/17859/lazy-wolf-studios   Thrones & Bones Discord: https://discord.gg/9TCw4XMh6p   Newsletter: https://lazy-wolves.ghost.io/ew

Lou Anders is the author of the novel Once Upon a Unicorn, as well as the Thrones & Bones trilogy of fantasy adventure novels (Frostborn, Nightborn, and Skyborn), and the novel Star Wars: Pirate's Price. Listen in as Lou talks about his years of experience as a sci-fi reporter pumping out hundreds of articles about Babylon 5, Star Trek DS9, Voyager and more!!! https://linktr.ee/StudioTembo Fury of the Forsaken, Kickstarter (launching end of April) https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/louanders/fury-of-the-forsaken   Lazy Wolf Studios on DriveThruRPG: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/publisher/17859/lazy-wolf-studios   Thrones & Bones Discord: https://discord.gg/9TCw4XMh6p   Newsletter: https://lazy-wolves.ghost.io/ew    

Romulans!!!!! Join Troy Mepyans and Alex Boer as we discuss those green-bloodied secret-keepers that some people love to hate and others love to love. How can you get the most out of your Romulan characters if you choose to play them in Star Trek Adventures RPG? Check this out!   htttps://linktr.ee/StudioTembo

Let's celebrate the artists! Ariel Orea, Star Trek Adventures art director, and Aurea Freniere, freelance STA artist extraordinaire, call in from Mexico City to share their experiences developing as artists and working for Modiphius. Take this creative journey with us and learn some behind-the-scenes goodness about the art process. https://linktr.ee/StudioTembo

Let's discuss the new Technical Manual. Join Aaron Pollyea, Al Spader, Jim Johnson, and Michael Dismuke as we shout out our favorite highlights from the newest Star Trek Adventures release. Get ready to strap on your hyposprays and tricorders. This is going to be fun! https://linktr.ee/studiotembo

The crew of the USS Challenger is back. Join Al Spader, BC Holmes, Meric Moir, Jim Johnson, and Michael Dismuke as we show of Supporting Characters in Star Trek Adventures RPG Second Edition. The story "Bedlam on Baham" is pulled from the FREE Trade Ledgers Mission Brief Pack. https://linktr.ee/studiotembo

The crew of the USS Challenger is back. Join Al Spader, BC Holmes, Meric Moir, Jim Johnson, and Michael Dismuke as we show of Supporting Characters in Star Trek Adventures RPG Second Edition. The story "Bedlam on Baham" is pulled from the FREE Trade Ledgers Mission Brief Pack. https://linktr.ee/studiotembo

The crew of the USS Challenger is back. Join Al Spader, BC Holmes, Meric Moir, Jim Johnson, and Michael Dismuke as we show of Supporting Characters in Star Trek Adventures RPG Second Edition. The story "Bedlam on Baham" is pulled from the FREE Trade Ledgers Mission Brief Pack. https://linktr.ee/studiotembo

We roll out the red carpet for Guy Sclanders, famous Game Master for Off My Bridge (formerly How to be a Great GM), to come and discuss this illustrious career, guidance on storytelling, and so many more massively impactful tidbits about how to get the most out of gaming. He also gushes about Captain's Log Solo RPG and Star Trek Adventures 2e (blushing). https://linktr.ee/studiotembo

Let's talk about Trills!!! Time for another deep dive on the intriguing, multifaceted species known as the Trills. Listen in and learn why Trills can be one of the most interesting aliens to play.

BC Holmes is back with amazing updates to the Star Trek Adventures Character and Ship Creator!! Hang on tight! It gets better every year. https://linktr.ee/studiotembo

AMA with Kelli Fitzpatrick. Kelli Fitzpatrick is an author, editor, and teacher from Michigan. Her Star Trek story “The Sunwalkers” was selected as a winner of the Star Trek: Strange New Worlds contest and is published by Simon and Schuster. She has written and edited for the Star Trek Adventures tabletop role-playing game from Modiphius Entertainment, for NASA's Hubble Space Telescope outreach team, and for Arizona State University's Interplanetary Institute. We also discuss her latest achievement (due March 2025), Captain Marvel: Carol Danvers Declassified for Marvel! https://linktr.ee/studiotembo

Jason Kaufman and Brad Browne Interview Part 2: Creating Stories and the Creative Process. Tune in to synch with experienced writers and help inspire your next writing project. https://linktr.ee/studiotembo

Jason Kaufman and Brad Browne Interview Part 1: Leadership in Star Trek and how to go about tackling writing projects! Here are some early previews of the next great Trek book on leadership and other tasty tidbits about writing. https://linktr.ee/studiotembo

Cardassians among us! Meric Moir, Al Spader, Jim Johnson and Michael Dismuke march into the melodrama that is Cardassians to give GMs and players food for thought when selecting these characters to play. https://linktr.ee/studiotembo

Let's Talk Nausicaans! Meric Moir, Al Spader, Jim Johnson and Michael Dismuke go down the Nausicaan rabbit-hole to see what amazing gaming options we can concoct with this mandible-mouthed species! https://linktr.ee/studiotembo

The writers behind the Star Trek Adventures Second Edition Starter set to convene to talk about the inspiration behind this year's epic campaign release. Join Meric Moir, Al Spader, Michael Dismuke, and project manager Jim Johnson as we whet your appetite for this great gaming resource! https://linktr.ee/studiotembo

Jim and Michael talk Fan Expos and amazing blog posts. Oh! Michael met Kate Mulgrew (a.k.a. Captain Janeway). Hear all about it! https://linktr.ee/studiotembo

Star Trek Adventures 2024 YEAR IN REVIEW!! Join Jim and Michael as they review all the mind-blowing releases of 2024, including such hits as the Federation-Klingon War Tactical Campaign, mission briefs and modules, and the amazing Star Trek Adventures Second Edition! https://linktr.ee/studiotembo

Continuing Conversations is delighted to welcome writer/poet/podcaster Mike O'dah Ziibing Ashkewe (Heart of the River) to the show. We will discuss his background, art, inspiration, and anything else we can fit into the space. Mike is one of the founders of ThisWeekInGeek, which is called "the best place geeks, gamers, and nerds of every type to gather and listen in to the news, reviews, interviews, and topic shows for everything nerd culture!" https://linktr.ee/studiotembo

From RPGs to fan films!!!! Get ready to be wowed with a behind-the-scenes look at "Farragut Forward," Kaotica Studios 2024 Star Trek fan film release! Jump in as we travel with Johnny K into the heart of imagination and fan love! Kaotica Studios journeyed to the Final Frontier in partnership with Farragut Films with “Farragut Forward” the continuation of the long-running Star Trek fan series Starship Farragut. One of the most ambitious Star Trek fan films in history, the Farragut Forward prologue premiered in 2022 with festival wins for Best Cinematography, Best Editing, and more. Favoring real set construction over a green screen, as well as the use of practical ship models, the full episode of Farragut Forward was released in October 2024. https://linktr.ee/studiotembo

Continuing Conversations welcomes Ben Heisler, ENNIE-Award winning Associate Producer of RPGs for Renegade Game Studios, to chat about breaking into the RPG writing world. He works on some amazing IPs like Transformers, GI Joe, My Little Pony, and more! Gamer, writer, con planner and overall adventurer, come listen to his great insights. https://linktr.ee/studiotembo

What happens when a Star Trek Adventures writer embarks on his own continuing mission by creating his own IP---Sentience the RPG? Join us as we interview Al Spader, the creator of Sentience. Learn how to incorporate aspects of this groundbreaking game (along with others) with your STA campaign. https://linktr.ee/studiotembo

In this episode, Joseph Harney and Alex Boer join Jim Johnson and Michael Dismuke for a deep dive into empaths and telepaths in Star Trek! They'll explore how these powerful abilities shape characters, stories, and gameplay in Star Trek Adventures. Don't miss this mind-expanding discussion! https://linktr.ee/studiotembo

We're excited to welcome Alex Boer, a veteran GM who has been running games for over a decade. He joins Jim Johnson and Michael Dismuke to explore the pros and cons of using online platforms to connect players with professional GMs. Start your online Star Trek adventure with Alex at startplaying.games/gm/gmalex! https://linktr.ee/studiotembo

Aaron Pollyea joins Jim and Michael to expound on ways GMs and players can make the most out of the icy antenna-bearers in your Star Trek Adventures games. (And Aenar too!) https://linktr.ee/studiotembo

Let's Talk About Tellarites! Aaron Pollyea joins Jim and Michael to expound on ways GMs and players can make the most out of the argumentative aliens in your Star Trek Adventures games. https://linktr.ee/studiotembo

Curious to see Star Trek Adventures RPG 2e in action! Join 2e writers Jim Johnson, Michael Dismuke, Meric Moir, Al Spader and the maintainer of the STA Character and Ship Creator, BC Holmes as we play Act THREE of “Test of Honor” from the Political Actions mission brief pack. This time we dive into operating the U.S.S. Challenger and pushing the ship and its crew to their limits.

Curious to see Star Trek Adventures RPG 2e in action! Join 2e writers Jim Johnson, Michael Dismuke, Meric Moir, Al Spader and the maintainer of the STA Character and Ship Creator, BC Holmes as we play Act TWO of “Test of Honor” from the Political Actions mission brief pack. This time we dive into operating the U.S.S. Challenger and pushing the ship and its crew to their limits.   https://linktr.ee/studiotembo

Curious to see Star Trek Adventures RPG 2e in action! Join 2e writers Jim Johnson, Michael Dismuke, Meric Moir, Al Spader and the maintainer of the STA Character and Ship Creator, BC Holmes as we play Act ONE of “Test of Honor” from the Political Actions mission brief pack. This time we dive into operating the U.S.S. Challenger and pushing the ship and its crew to their limits. https://linktr.ee/studiotembo

Ultimate Crossover Event: Dune Meets Star Trek! Dune RPG Project Manager Andrew Peregrine joins forces with Klingon Core Rulebook writers Kelly Fitzpatrick (2016 Strange New Worlds contest winner; Captain Marvel: Carol Danvers Declassified) and Derek Tyler Attico (The Autobiography of Benjamin Sisko) to riff about when Dune Houses and Klingon Houses collide! Get ready for out-of-this-world ideas and Jim and Michael ask: What if we modified the Dune: The Great Game: Houses of the Landsraad ruleset to construct Klingon Houses?

The Star Trek Adventures Game Toolkit provides a wealth of materials to expand your game beyond the core rulebook. It provides players and gamemasters with additional options and rules references to aid your group in exploring the final frontier. STA game designer Nathan Dowdell sits down with Jim and Michael to break down this valuable toolset section by section and piece by piece. https://linktr.ee/studiotembo

Nathan Dowdell, 2d20 System Designers, joins Jim and Michael as we continue our chapter-by-chapter breakdown of Star Trek Adventures 2E. Let's dive into Chapters 5-9 as we explore the streamlined updates in Modiphius' latest Trek release! We will explore ships, tech & weapons, operations, conflict and more! https://linktr.ee/studiotembo

Nathan Dowdell, 2d20 System Designers, joins Jim and Michael as we continue our chapter-by-chapter breakdown of Star Trek Adventures 2E. Let's dive into Chapter 4: Reporting for Duty and explore insights and factoids regarding the new, streamlined character creation! https://linktr.ee/studiotembo

It's time to break down the Star Trek Adventures 2e core rulebook! Get ready for cool Easter Eggs and dynamic insights focusing on the introduction, chapters 1-3, and the "Gorgon's Gaze" mission module with writers Al Spader, Aaron Pollyea, and Chris McCarver! https://linktr.ee/studiotembo

Converting Characters and Ships Between 1e and 2e: Quick Tips on Updating your Star Trek Adventures to 2e. Listen in as Aaron Pollyea, Al Spader, Jim Johnson and Michael Dismuke discuss the new, streamline edition of STA! Minor changes make for major improvements as we show you how to make easy adjustments to PCs, NPCs, and ships so that you can warp back into the action! https://linktr.ee/studiotembo