I plan to run a series of occasional, episodic RPG games online. The hope is to record them and publish them as actual play podcasts, though that depends on the game and sound quality and the momentum we build across several games. These games will complement the prior actual play games we have podcast (which you can see here).

Here are some details on the games.

West Marches Structure

The games will use a ‘West Marches’ game structure.  The key elements of this that will guide these games are:

  • There is No Regular Scheduled Play Time — I’ll aim mostly for occasional Saturdays (Noon to 4pm) but will add other days and times as I have availability.
  • There Is No Regular Party — Each session will draw from a larger pool players than we can accomodate in any one given game. Space will be limited (usually capped at GM plus 4 players), so first come, first served. Any additional players who RSVP will be placed on a waiting list).
  • Episodic Gameplay — Due to the revolving cast of characters, each game will be episodic with the adventure being self-contained.
  • Only Group Scheduling — Once we have a game or two, we’ll move to GroupMe. Future game announcements and invites will be on a private group on GroupMe.

Initial Setting: Ronin

You play roaming Ronin, honor-bound samurai whose previous daimyo (lord) was assassinated and his province was subsumed by an evil rival. Now you wander trying to stay alive and restore honor to yourself and your fallen lord who was falsely accused. Each adventure you arrive at a location beset with strife and you fight to thwart ills and restore your former glory.

This game will be pseudo historical. If you want to play a female character, we can find a backstory to make that work (whether a Mulan approach, a fierce daughter of samurai, or something else).

Ronin Game System

Currently, we play to use the Ronin playset. Ronin uses the Paragon system, which is a generic version of the Agon RPG. I’ve run Agon (which has play examples). The Paragon SRD is very cleanly written (and more clear on a few points) but lacks the examples of Agon. Anyway, I’ll teach all the rules in-game so no prep work is strictly required, but if you want to read up on anything, I’ll give you the links.

Podcasting

All games will be recorded using Zencastr, a Zoom-like online video tool that allows high quality recording and real-time music mixing. By attending, you agree to be part of the podcast (although you certainly can remain anonymous on the show, just using your first name; it is an audio-only podcast). You also agree to be on the podcast without renumeration. If I ever do monetize the podcast, any meager earnings will go to defray the expenses like Zencastr.

Players on the podcast should agree to the Dicehaven Podcast Guidelines. In a nutshell, be kind and keep it family-friendly.

Because of the nature of podcasting, we will require the following:

  • On Time and Full Participation — You must attend on time, or run no more than 20 minutes late (notify me if you’re running late). Please attend the entire game session.
  • Decent Mic, Earbuds or Headset — Use the best headset, earbuds, or mic you have available.  One affordable option is the Razer Kraken V3 headset is amazing quality and lightweight and runs about $40.
  • Reasonably Noise and Distraction Free Atmosphere — I’ll have someone take note of any timestamps that need editing (a horrible sneeze, etc.), but if you anticipate having something like loud barking dogs as a constant drone on your side, then it’s best if you bow out that game. Note that a headset like the one mentioned above can solve most of these background noise issues.
  • Mute Yourself if Needed — Do you need to sneeze, or take a quick emergency call? Just mute yourself, and ideally leave a note in the group chat about your temporary distraction.

The Bottom Line: Having Fun

Despite a lot of guidelines to set expectations and get aligned on tone, if you know me well, you know me to be kind and flexible. We’re just in this to have fun! And if you are on a show, and have cold feet afterwards about us airing that game, just contact me privately and I’ll make adjustments to what we air. And if you try it and don’t want to continue, that’s fine too! We assuredly will roll dice together another time, off-air.

 

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