Sep 252013
 
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A group of world-travelling aristocrats and socialites convene in a tavern by night to share some wine, insult each other’s honor, and perhaps–if the libations can loosen their tongues enough–tell the most fantastic tales you’ve ever heard. In this Actual Play, Chris, Meyer, Alex, Erik and Ryan take on the roles of five such noblemen, and attempt to outdo each other by recounting some of the most outrageous, over-the-top stories, with no preparation, based on silly prompts from the other players. Which one of them can spin the most incredible yarn, and what can the others do to turn their threads of fancy into a hangman’s noose? Listen to find out!

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Sep 192013
 
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One of the most intriguing aspects of science fiction and fantasy is their ability to transport us to other worlds, often incredibly detailed fictional places with their own elaborate histories. In this episode, we discuss some examples of works in these genres that spark our imaginations, as well as what makes them so evocative. From tenacious, resourceful characters to highly advanced technological toys, each element contributes something unique to these worlds, helping us to share in their creators’ vision. After the break, we recommend some of our favorite sci-fi and fantasy media for your future enjoyment, and Meyer puts our knowledge of obscure sci-fi titles to the test. So grab your ray guns, deely boppers and rings of true power, and prepare yourselves for another thought-provoking discussion with The Rag-NERD-rok Crew!

(Show notes after the break.)

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Sep 112013
 
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The God-Machine has agents everywhere; angels walk among us, horrific biomechanical constructs with no free will that carry out its instructions without question. Sometimes, however, there are bugs in the program, and an angel will become self-aware, second guessing her purpose and reconsidering her orders from on high. She becomes a demon, disconnected from her creator, with only her human cover to protect her from its loyal pawns.

When four Unchained meet by happenstance on a ferry from Seattle to Port Angeles, they begin to suspect that the God-Machine is manipulating them somehow. They catch sight of a mysterious figure with a cell phone who seems to be tracking them, but for what purpose? Have they stumbled onto part of the God-Machine’s Infrastructure, or are they being led into a trap? In order to find out, they’ll have to risk their cover and their lives, and count on one another for support. Can they trust each other enough to survive their encounter, or will they be captured and put to new use in their former master’s service? Listen to find out!

Sep 042013
 
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Winter, 1610: The settlers at the Virginia Company’s Jamestown colony are dying. Unable to grow their own food, they counted on the goodwill of the Native Americans and resupply missions from England to see them through the frigid winter months. However, trade negotiations with the Powhatan Confederacy have broken down and their last shipment of supplies from home never arrived, leading to a season of famine known as The Starving Time. When the members of a hunting party are found viciously murdered and dismembered outside the fort’s timber walls, a trio of colonists must set out into the wilderness to find out who–or what–killed them. They soon learn that there are more dangerous things in the New World than wild animals and Native raiding parties. Now, in order to survive the night and ensure they safety of the colony, they’ll have to face off with a creature that has an insatiable hunger for human flesh. Can they defeat it, or will they become its next meal? Listen to find out!