Speculate! show

Speculate!

Summary: Speculate! is an actual play TTRPG show starring science fiction & fantasy authors, editors, and more. Co-hosted by authors Gregory A. Wilson, Brandon O'Brien, and Michael R. Underwood, the show explores the overlap between different forms of storytelling from prose to games and beyond. They've played Blades in the Dark, Rebel Crown, D&D, Girl by Moonlight, and more. In addition to the podcast episodes, you can find video-only shows at https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTBKdAD6ibG9kUpFVqjuvSxOTLLdXq3hJ NOTE: In 2018, Speculate transitioned from its original literary criticism format to the current actual play. All of the old episodes are still available.

Podcasts:

 Episode 230 of Speculate!–Blades in the Dark–Part Four of The Case of the Cindered Seal! | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 35:41

Continuing a new series of Speculate 2.0’s actual play episodes, in this joint production with Greg’s Twitch channel we return to the city of Duskwall and the Blades in the Dark system as GM Brandon O’Brien GMs a new crew of Mike, Valerie Valdes, Iori Kusano, and Jeoi Gawain Lin continuing an exploration of a mystery, ratcheting up the tension (and the role-playing!) with every passing second. If you like what you hear, please tune in soon for Part Five of the adventure, and please spread the word about the show…and support our Patreon to get even more content (including special episodes, access to behind the scenes videos, and more!). This episode was edited by the amazing Rudy Basso–find him at https://twitter.com/RudyBasso , and thanks as always for listening!

 Episode 229 of Speculate!–Star Wars: Scum and Villainy–Part Three of After Alderaan! | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 1:03:45

Continuing a new series of Speculate 2.0’s actual play episodes, in this joint production with Greg’s Twitch channel we return again to the Star Wars universe and Scum and Villainy system, as Mike moves into the GM role while Greg shifts back into player mode along with Marie Bilodeau, Joyce Chng, and DongWon Song. In this episode, we talk about our ship, what we need on it, and whether we’re a small freedom force or the vanguard of an army–and why. If you like what you hear, please tune in soon for more of this adventure and our concurrently running Blades in the Dark campaign, and please spread the word about the show…and support our Patreon to get even more content (including special episodes, access to behind the scenes videos, and more!). This episode was edited by the amazing Rudy Basso–find him at https://twitter.com/RudyBasso , and thanks as always for listening!

 Episode 228 of Speculate!–Star Wars: Scum and Villainy–Part Two of After Alderaan! | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 36:42

Continuing a new series of Speculate 2.0’s actual play episodes, in this joint production with Greg’s Twitch channel we return again to the Star Wars universe and Scum and Villainy system, as Mike moves into the GM role while Greg shifts back into player mode along with Marie Bilodeau, Joyce Chng, and DongWon Song. In this episode, we continue our character introductions, learning more about the system we’re playing–and ourselves. If you like what you hear, please tune in next week for Part Three of the adventure, and please spread the word about the show…and support our Patreon to get even more content (including special episodes, access to behind the scenes videos, and more!). This episode was edited by the amazing Rudy Basso–find him at https://twitter.com/RudyBasso , and thanks as always for listening!

 Episode 227 of Speculate!–Star Wars: Scum and Villainy–After Alderaan! | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 29:50

Beginning a new series of Speculate 2.0’s actual play episodes, in this joint production with Greg’s Twitch channel we return again to the Star Wars universe and Scum and Villainy system, as Mike moves into the GM role while Greg shifts back into player mode along with Marie Bilodeau, Joyce Chng, and DongWon Song. In this episode, we introduce the system and begin to learn about the characters–and what has brought them together in the aftermath of Alderaan’s destruction. If you like what you hear, please tune in next week for Part Two of the adventure, and please spread the word about the show…and support our Patreon to get even more content (including special episodes, access to behind the scenes videos, and more!). This episode was edited by the amazing Rudy Basso–find him at https://twitter.com/RudyBasso , and thanks as always for listening!”

 Episode 226.3 of Speculate!-Blades in the Dark-Part Three.3 of The Case of the Cindered Seal! | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 34:24

fThis episode carries content notes for uncontrolled falling, panic, electroplasmic chaos, and crying.   Ring and Ash talk in private while moving a chest, then Crossroads and Skelly take a short walk that leads them to some curious birds. Crossroads finds an unexpected letter. “The Case of the Cindered Seal” is a joint production with Greg’s Twitch channel, playing Blades in the Dark by John Harper. Brandon O’Brien (@therisingtithes) GMs for the crew of Valerie Valdes (@valerievaldes), Iori Kusano (@iorikusano), Jeoi Gawain Lin (@thisismydasein), and our own Michael R. Underwood (@mikerunderwood). Featuring a unique “Fugitives” crew sheet created by Brandon! (Available at https://therisingtithes.itch.io/) If you like what you hear, please tune in soon for more actual play content, and please spread the word about the show! Become a subscriber to our Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/speculate to get even more content (including special episodes, access to behind-the-scenes videos like GM streams and session zero recordings, plus other bonus episodes!). This episode was edited by the amazing Rudy Basso (find him at https://twitter.com/RudyBasso). As always, thanks for listening!

 Episode 226.2 of Speculate!-Blades in the Dark-Part Three.2 of The Case of the Cindered Seal! | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 37:52

This episode carries content warnings for punching through a wall and food. Ash gets a strange trio of visitors when Skelly, Crossroads, and Ring come calling to ask about the seal. The four try to talk through the possible connections between Runa, Crossroads, the seal, and why the Bluecoats are involved. Crossroads says it needs privacy. “The Case of the Cindered Seal” is a joint production with Greg’s Twitch channel, playing Blades in the Dark by John Harper. Brandon O’Brien (@therisingtithes) GMs for the crew of Valerie Valdes (@valerievaldes), Iori Kusano (@iorikusano), Jeoi Gawain Lin (@thisismydasein), and our own Michael R. Underwood (@mikerunderwood). Featuring a unique “Fugitives” crew sheet created by Brandon! (Available at https://therisingtithes.itch.io/) If you like what you hear, please tune in soon for more actual play content, and please spread the word about the show! Become a subscriber to our Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/speculate to get even more content (including special episodes, access to behind-the-scenes videos like GM streams and session zero recordings, plus other bonus episodes!). This episode was edited by the amazing Rudy Basso (find him at https://twitter.com/RudyBasso). As always, thanks for listening!

 Episode 226.1 of Speculate!-Blades in the Dark-Part Three.1 of The Case of the Cindered Seal! | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 52:34

This episode carries content warnings for war trauma, death in combat, trauma flashbacks, alcohol. Ring helps a neighbor before trying to catch up with a sprinting Crossroads. Skelly investigates Crossroads’ apartment for clues after the Bluecoats’ attack. “The Case of the Cindered Seal” is a joint production with Greg’s Twitch channel, playing Blades in the Dark by John Harper. Brandon O’Brien (@therisingtithes) GMs for the crew of Valerie Valdes (@valerievaldes), Iori Kusano (@iorikusano), Jeoi Gawain Lin (@thisismydasein), and our own Michael R. Underwood (@mikerunderwood). Featuring a unique “Fugitives” crew sheet created by Brandon! (Available at https://therisingtithes.itch.io/) If you like what you hear, please tune in soon for more actual play content, and please spread the word about the show! Become a subscriber to our Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/speculate to get even more content (including special episodes, access to behind-the-scenes videos like GM streams and session zero recordings, plus other bonus episodes!).This episode was edited by the amazing Rudy Basso (find him at https://twitter.com/RudyBasso). As always, thanks for listening!

 Episode 226 of Speculate!–Blades in the Dark–Part Three of The Case of the Cindered Seal! | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 48:24

Continuing a new series of Speculate 2.0’s actual play episodes, in this joint production with Greg’s Twitch channel we return to the city of Duskwall and the Blades in the Dark system as GM Brandon O’Brien GMs a new crew of Mike, Valerie Valdes, Iori Kusano, and Jeoi Gawain Lin continuing an exploration of a mystery, ratcheting up the tension (and the role-playing!) with every passing second. If you like what you hear, please tune in soon for Part Four of the adventure, and please spread the word about the show…and support our Patreon to get even more content (including special episodes, access to behind the scenes videos, and more!). This episode was edited by the amazing Rudy Basso–find him at https://twitter.com/RudyBasso , and thanks as always for listening!

 Episode 225 of Speculate!–Blades in the Dark–Part Two of The Case of the Cindered Seal! | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 48:37

Continuing a new series of Speculate 2.0’s actual play episodes, in this joint production with Greg’s Twitch channel we return to the city of Duskwall as GM Brandon O’Brien GMs a new crew of Mike, Valerie Valdes, Iori Kusano, and Jeoi Gawain Lin continuing an exploration of a mystery–about themselves and others–using the Blades in the Dark system. If you like what you hear, please tune in next week for Part Three of the adventure, and please spread the word about the show…and support our Patreon to get even more content (including special episodes, access to behind the scenes videos, and more!). This episode was edited by the amazing Rudy Basso–find him at https://twitter.com/RudyBasso , and thanks as always for listening!

 Episode 224 of Speculate!–Blades in the Dark–The Case of the Cindered Seal! | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 40:30

Beginning a new series of Speculate 2.0’s actual play episodes, in this joint production with Greg’s Twitch channel we again return to the city of Duskwall as GM Brandon O’Brien GMs a new crew of Mike, Valerie Valdes, Iori Kusano, and Jeoi Gawain Lin through a funeral–and a mystery–using the Blades in the Dark system. If you like what you hear, please tune in next week for Part Two of the adventure, and please spread the word about the show…and support our Patreon to get even more content (including special episodes, access to behind the scenes videos, and more!). This episode was edited by the amazing Rudy Basso–find him at https://twitter.com/RudyBasso , and thanks as always for listening!

 Episode 223 of Speculate!–Special State of the Field Episode, Live From Farpoint, Part Two | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 28:22

In this episode recorded live at the Farpoint Convention in Baltimore, Greg and Mike continue their conversation about the state of TTRPGs, looking at indie games, distribution methods, game jams, zine quests, and more. If you like what you hear, make sure to tune in soon for more actual play episodes and discussions of story, narrative, and games, and please spread the word about the show…and support our Patreon to get even more content (including special episodes, access to behind the scenes videos, and more!). This episode was edited by the amazing Rudy Basso–find him at https://twitter.com/RudyBasso , and thanks as always for listening!

 Episode 222 of Speculate!–Special State of the Field Episode, Live From Farpoint | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 29:35

In this episode recorded live at the Farpoint Convention in Baltimore, Greg and Mike chat a bit about personal projects and the state of Speculate before moving into a conversation about the changing landscape of tabletop role-playing and how the stories they tell (and the people who are now being encouraged to tell them) are deepening and shifting over time. We always enjoy getting a chance to chat in person, and we hope you enjoyed it just as much as we did! If so, make sure to tune in next week for the second half of this conversation, and please spread the word about the show… and support our Patreon to get even more content (including special episodes, access to behind the scenes videos, and more!). This episode was edited by the amazing Rudy Basso–find him at https://twitter.com/RudyBasso , and thanks as always for listening!

 Episode 221 of Speculate!–Scum and Villainy, Star Wars Edition: A Hidden Hope, Part Three! | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 48:28

Concluding a new series of Speculate 2.0’s actual play episodes, in this joint production with Greg’s Twitch channel we once again return to the land of Star Wars via Scum and Villainy. GM Mike Underwood brings four new players (though two of them have appeared on Speculate or on Twitch before)–Joseph Brassey, Joyce Chng, Valerie Valdes, and Alex White–and their characters into a desperate escort mission, where a small group of officers and secret allies must escort the last Republic senators to safety if the new Republic is to have any chance of survival. This was a lot of fun, and we hope you enjoyed listening to the adventure as much as we enjoyed bringing it to you! If you did enjoy it, make sure to tune in soon for more actual play episodes and discussions of story, narrative, and games, and please spread the word about the show…and support our Patreon to get even more content (including special episodes, access to behind the scenes videos, and more!). This episode was edited by the amazing Rudy Basso–find him at https://twitter.com/RudyBasso , and thanks as always for listening

 Episode 220 of Speculate!–Scum and Villainy, Star Wars Edition: A Hidden Hope, Part Two! | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 49:27

Continuing a new series of Speculate 2.0’s actual play episodes, in this joint production with Greg’s Twitch channel we once again return to the land of Star Wars via Scum and Villainy. GM Mike Underwood brings four new players (though two of them have appeared on Speculate or on Twitch before)–Joseph Brassey, Joyce Chng, Valerie Valdes, and Alex White–and their characters into a desperate escort mission, where a small group of officers and secret allies must escort the last Republic senators to safety if the new Republic is to have any chance of survival. If you like what you hear, please tune in next week for Part Three of the adventure, and please spread the word about the show…and support our Patreon to get even more content (including special episodes, access to behind the scenes videos, and more!). This episode was edited by the amazing Rudy Basso–find him at https://twitter.com/RudyBasso , and thanks as always for listening!

 Episode 219 of Speculate!–Scum and Villainy, Star Wars Edition: A Hidden Hope! | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 40:57

Beginning a new series of Speculate 2.0’s actual play episodes, in this joint production with Greg’s Twitch channel we once again return to the land of Star Wars via Scum and Villainy. GM Mike Underwood brings four new players (though two of them have appeared on Speculate or on Twitch before)–Joseph Brassey, Joyce Chng, Valerie Valdes, and Alex White–and their characters into a desperate escort mission, where a small group of officers and secret allies must escort the last Republic senators to safety if the new Republic is to have any chance of survival. If you like what you hear, please tune in next week for Part Two of the adventure, and please spread the word about the show…and support our Patreon to get even more content (including special episodes, access to behind the scenes videos, and more!). This episode was edited by the amazing Rudy Basso–find him at https://twitter.com/RudyBasso , and thanks as always for listening!

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